Mercedes returns to Korean LG as European battery ambitions stall

December 11, 2025

Mercedes has inked a significant new supply deal with South Korea’s LG Energy Solutions. On paper, the agreement appears to be a routine procurement for the carmaker’s next wave of electric models. But in practice, it exposes the deepening malaise within Europe’s battery ambitions, as one of the continent’s flagship manufacturing projects continues to miss […]

Ricardo report: ‘Charging stations in Europe to triple by 2030’

December 08, 2025

The charging infrastructure in Europe will increase from approximately 12.2 million charging points to around 35.4 million by 2030. That means almost a threefold increase over five years. This is according to a recent report compiled by the consulting firm Ricardo on behalf of the European division of the International Automobile Federation (FIA). A large […]

RESourceEU: EU Commission wants to reduce dependence on Chinese raw materials

December 04, 2025

The European Commission wants to make Europe less dependent on rare materials and other critical raw materials. It is allocating a budget of €3 billion for this purpose. Among other things, the program includes restricting the export of waste that can be recycled for valuable materials essential to the green transition, such as rare-earth metals […]

China introduces stricter battery certification for e-bikes

December 02, 2025

Since December 1st, China has introduced new, stricter regulations to improve the safety and quality of e-bikes, particularly their batteries. With more than 350 million e-bikes, the country has the world’s largest fleet. The stricter safety requirements govern battery safety and are intended to prevent illegal modifications that could reduce the risk of fire. The […]

How credible is EV Clinic’s warning on Tesla’s China-built NMC batteries?

December 02, 2025

When the Croatian repair network EV Clinic posted an unusually blunt warning on X about ‘catastrophic’ failure rates in Tesla Model 3 and Model Y NMC battery packs built by LG Energy Solution in Nanjing (China), the message rippled quickly across the EV community, picked up by sites like Electrek, ArenaEV, and others. But it […]

CATL and Stellantis break ground on Spanish battery factory

November 27, 2025

CATL, the world’s largest manufacturer of automotive batteries, and automotive giant Stellantis have started construction of a battery factory in Figueruelas, near Zaragoza. The expected capacity of the LFP battery factory is up to 50 kWh, enough to supply tens of thousands of EVs with batteries each year. For CATL, this is the third battery […]

Renault Trucks debuts E-Tech long-hauler with a 600 km range

November 26, 2025

At last week’s Solutrans trade show in Lyon, Renault Trucks finally pulled the wraps off what it had promised earlier as its spearhead for long-distance electric freight. The new E-Tech T 780 and its payload-focused sibling, the E-Tech T 585, build upon the architecture developed by Volvo Trucks. The new trucks aim at convincing logistics […]

ACC battery factory in Italy to close for good

November 17, 2025

The Automotive Cells Company (ACC), the battery cell joint venture between Stellantis, Mercedes-Benz, and TotalEnergies, appears to be on the verge of permanently closing its factory in Termoli, Italy. An announcement could be made in a matter of weeks. The decision is imminent and could be officially announced by the end of this year or […]

Belgian Solar Team heads for American Challenge

November 14, 2025

In July 2026, the students of the Innoptus Solar Team (KU Leuven) will travel to the United States to participate in the American Solar Challenge. After a strong performance and third place in Australia in August 2025, the Belgian team wants to showcase Belgian innovation in America. For the first time, the Belgians are participating in […]

Clea Martinet, Renault: ‘EV manufacturing costs will fall significantly’

November 05, 2025

Cléa Martinet, Renault’s Director of Sustainability, says that “by 2028, manufacturing costs are expected to fall by around 40% compared with the first generation of the electric Megane.” In an interview with the German magazine Autoflotte.de, she explained that the most significant levers are the switch to LFP battery cells, more efficient electric drives, and […]

Ampere and Stratus Materials to develop cobalt-free cathode technology

November 04, 2025

Renault’s electric Ampere division and Stratus Materials have closed a Joint Development Agreement (JDA). The aim is to use cobalt-free battery technology in the next generation of electric vehicles. This so-called LXMO technology offers an energy density comparable to that of NMC (Nickel-Manganese-Cobalt) batteries at a lower price, similar to that of LFP (Lithium-Iron-Phosphate) batteries. […]

Can a ‘charging mandate’ keep plug-in hybrids alive after 2035?

October 28, 2025

The German car lobby is pushing an unusual idea to boost sales of plug-in hybrids as the EU seeks to measure their real-life emissions more accurately. The proposal? A legal obligation for plug-in hybrid drivers to charge their cars regularly. The punishment for not abiding by that obligation is reduced power. A creative solution, but […]

France tests live highway with induction charging near Paris

October 27, 2025

France has launched its first highway capable of charging electric vehicles while they drive. On a 1.5-kilometer stretch of the A10, near Angervilliers, southwest of Paris, VINCI Autoroutes and a consortium of partners have begun real-world tests of an inductive charging system touted as an innovation that should complement the charging infrastructure landscape. Developed in […]

US cuts back on e-trucks, but smaller initiatives remain

October 13, 2025

With the current US administration under President Trump waging war on EV mandates, a nationwide rollout of e-trucks seems unlikely. But the road transport sector is still looking to cut emissions through initiatives that don’t compromise. The second Trump administration has been battling the advancement of electric vehicles of all sizes across the US. EV […]

Renault’s Ampere inaugurates Battery Cell Innovation Laboratory

October 08, 2025

Ampere, Renault’s electric subsidiary, inaugurates its Battery Cell Innovation Laboratory, a center of excellence designed to anticipate technological breakthroughs and strengthen Renault Group’s competitiveness in the electric vehicle sector. Operational since September 30, 2025, in the Lardy Technical Center, this cutting-edge laboratory is fully dedicated to battery cell prototyping and evaluation. It will play a […]

Tesla upgrades Model 3 and Y with more range and signal stalk

October 07, 2025

After months of sliding deliveries and growing unease about Elon Musk’s political antics, Tesla is crawling back. The American carmaker has not only retooled its two best-selling models, the Model 3 sedan and Model Y crossover, but also recorded a sales recovery during the third quarter of the year. Even in Europe, sales are partly […]

Most EV drivers complete journeys without recharging en route

October 02, 2025

A Dutch survey analyzing the habits and pain points of EV drivers has successfully separated some facts from fiction about electric driving. It appears that more than half never need to charge their cars while underway, and that the overwhelming majority charge their cars using solar panels. If you’re looking for the real needs of […]

Porsche turns electric Cayenne interior into a digital lounge

October 01, 2025

During a workshop for selected media, Porsche has unveiled both the interior and some preliminary technical details of its upcoming all-electric Cayenne. As the picture shows, the SUV relies heavily on digital displays that cover the full length of the dashboard. But there’s also news from under the seats where engineers claim the redesigned battery […]

Volvo launches long-range electric coach with diesel-like range

September 30, 2025

Swedish bus maker Volvo Buses has unveiled a new coach chassis capable of travelling up to 700 kilometers on a single charge. The BZR Electric platform, already used in its intercity buses, has been reconfigured with an expanded battery system that surpasses much of the competition. The new milestone bus is ready for Scandinavian and […]

Engie’s Vilvoorde-based BESS starts as one of Europe’s largest battery parks

September 29, 2025

After the construction of a large gas-fired power plant encountered permitting issues, Engie developed the country’s largest Battery Energy Storage System (BESS) on its historic site in Vilvoorde, on the outskirts of Brussels. The 320 battery modules each contain dozens of battery packs, storing large amounts of electricity. Located north of Brussels, the Vilvoorde site has […]

Can this upgraded Volvo EX90 fix its damaged reputation?

September 24, 2025

Volvo Cars is pressing reset on its digital platform after a rocky start for its flagship battery-powered SUV EX90. The Swedish automaker has unveiled sweeping upgrades to the 2026 model year, including a jump to 800 V architecture. It also outlined plans to build extended-range electric vehicles (EREVs) in the US, as it seeks to rebuild […]

Von der Leyen stands firm on 2035 ICE ban but moves up formal review

September 15, 2025

At last Friday’s highly anticipated meeting of European carmakers with the EU Commission, President Ursula von der Leyen didn’t give in to the pressure to question the 2035 phase-out date of CO2-emitting cars and vans. Still, it was agreed to forward the formal review of the 2035 rules from 2026 to the end of 2025. […]

GAC officially enters Europe with Aion V

September 11, 2025

Chinese state-owned automaker Guangzhou Automobile Group (GAC) has officially entered the European market with the launch of its first global model, the Aion V electric SUV. The debut took place at the IAA Mobility show in Munich, where the company presented five models. The Aion V had previously been unveiled at the Paris Motor Show […]

Driving the BYD Seal 6 DM-i Touring: the brand’s new bestseller?

September 10, 2025

BYD is reputed as an electric vehicle brand. However, in Belgium, its best-selling model features a plug-in hybrid driveline. After the Seal U DM-i, the Chinese carmaker is now doubling down with the Seal 6 DM-i, available as a sedan or an estate. Both come with some striking numbers, but is the ride just as […]

Volkswagen showcases solid-state breakthrough with Ducati prototype

September 09, 2025

Volkswagen has offered a glimpse of what could be the next big leap in battery technology, unveiling a Ducati motorcycle powered by solid-state cells at the IAA Mobility show in Munich. The demonstration, featuring a modified MotoE racer, marked the first time QuantumScape’s lithium-metal batteries have been shown working in a real vehicle. The cells, […]

Up to €800 million in renewable energy projects on hold in Wallonia

September 08, 2025

The operation of EWATe, a government instrument set up to accelerate the energy transition in Wallonia, has been suspended. This is reported by the business newspaper L’Echo. As a result, several new projects, including battery parks and solar installations, representing investments of €600 to €800 million, have been put on hold for the time being. […]

Volkswagen pictures affordable EV future with trio of concepts

September 08, 2025

Volkswagen and its sister brands, Cupra and Škoda, have unveiled three interpretations of the previously announced ID.Polo, designed to move the group’s EV strategy into the mainstream. Shown on the eve of the IAA Mobility show, the Volkswagen ID. Cross, Cupra Rava,l and Škoda Epiq preview a family of affordable, small EVs that will enter […]

Suzuki starts global shipments of its first electric Indian-built eVitara

August 28, 2025

Suzuki Motor Corporation has begun shipping its first battery-electric vehicle, the eVitara, worldwide. The company hosted a dispatch ceremony at its Gujarat facility in India, where the compact SUV is produced. The event drew high-level participation, underscoring the importance of the launch for both Suzuki and India. Prime Minister Narendra Modi and Gujarat Chief Minister […]

Germany and Canada forge rare earth metals agreement, essential for EVs

August 27, 2025

Germany and Canada will collaborate more closely in the field of rare earth metals, such as cobalt, lithium, tungsten, and nickel. These raw materials are essential components for EV batteries, electric motors, and other applications. Both countries will finance projects in Canada for the extraction of these materials in the future. This was agreed by […]

Mercedes-AMG GT XX ‘around the world in eight days’ smashing EV records

August 26, 2025

Mercedes-AMG has pushed the limits of zero-emission performance with its GT XX concept, the forerunner of the brand’s first purely electric sports car. The futuristic four-door saloon has effectively driven the circumference of the Earth, without ever leaving southern Italy. Over the course of just over a week, two prototypes of the GT XX circled […]

Hyundai & Kia unite with South-Korean battery makers to counter China

August 25, 2025

Hyundai and sister brand Kia have forged an unprecedented alliance with South Korea’s three largest battery producers in a bid to strengthen electric vehicle safety and restore the nation’s competitive edge against China’s growing dominance. At Hyundai’s Namyang R&D Center, both automakers signed a memorandum of understanding with LG Energy Solution, Samsung SDI, and SK […]

Is Porsche fading out Cellforce? (Update)

August 22, 2025

Porsche reportedly plans to shut down its battery unit, Cellforce, nearly. According to a media report from the German magazine Der Spiegel, all that will remain at the Cellforce site in Kirchentellinsfurt, Swabia, is “at best a small unit for research and development.” Porsche itself has declined to comment. Meanwhile, the sports car manufacturer seems […]

Is Ford going to sell batteries?

August 21, 2025

Ford is promising more affordable electric vehicles, but it’s still looking to make a profit with EVs. After kicking off production at its new EV battery plant in Kentucky, Ford seems to be looking for customers other than itself and selling batteries to whoever wants them. According to a new report from Bloomberg, Ford’s battery […]

UCLA measures double polluting particles around EV fast-chargers

August 18, 2025

A recent UCLA study discovered that the air around EV fast chargers in use had twice the amount of harmful fine particles typically found in an urban environment. Plugging an EV into a DC fast charger kicks up fine particles that pollute the air. Electric vehicles may be completely tailpipe emissions-free, but they still pollute […]

Polestar 3’s Guinness World Record: 935 kilometers on a single charge

August 14, 2025

Polestar has etched its name into the record books, with a standard version of the 3 covering 935.44 kilometers on a single charge, claiming the Guinness World Record for the longest distance driven by an electric SUV without recharging. Sedans like the Lucid Air or the Mercedes EQS covered even more distance in the past. […]

Game-changer: CATL repairs EV battery at 10-20% of replacement costs

August 13, 2025

The world’s largest battery maker, CATL, has launched CTP-battery repairs in China through its Ning Service independent aftermarket brand, costing only a fraction – typically 10 to 20% – of a complete battery pack replacement. Affordable battery repair can be a Total Cost of Ownership (TCO) game-changer for electric cars, reducing depreciation, preventing catastrophic repair […]

Lithium prices soar after CATL suspending major Chinese mine

August 12, 2025

Global lithium markets are surging after the world’s largest battery manufacturer, China’s Contemporary Amperex Technology (CATL), suspended operations at one of the country’s biggest mines. The shutdown followed after the Beijing administration blocked the mine’s permit to curb industrial overcapacity. The Jianxiawo mine is no small working field. It accounts for an estimated 5-6% of […]

BYD’s 3,000 hp Yangwang U9 Track Edition shatters horsepower record

August 11, 2025

BYD’s luxury performance brand Yangwang is preparing to unleash one of the most powerful electric cars ever built. New regulatory filings in China reveal a Track Edition of its U9 supercar boasting more than 3,000 hp. Lotus Evija and Rimac Nevera: beware! China’s Ministry of Industry and Information Technology (MIIT) regularly discloses models ahead of […]

Lyten buys Northvolt and resurrects European battery dream

August 08, 2025

Lyten, a US-based battery start-up backed by Stellantis, has agreed to acquire the remaining assets of the collapsed Swedish battery maker Northvolt. The company stated that it aims to continue the plans already in place by previous management. The buy-in restores Europe’s faltering ambitions of building a homegrown battery industry, although under American wings. The […]

VW Group sees one-third profit drop in Q2 due to tariffs

July 28, 2025

In the second quarter of 2025, Volkswagen Group recorded a profit of €2.3 billion, a 36.3% drop compared to April-June 2024. It has obliged the group to revise its forecasts, and Europe’s number one cr manufacturer now foresees a profit margin between 4 and 5% instead of the 5.5-6.5% margin previewed earlier. Turnover for 2025 […]

Stellantis stops production of combustion engines in Douvrin

July 25, 2025

Car manufacturer Stellantis, with brands such as Peugeot, Citroën, Opel, Jeep, and Fiat, will cease production of combustion engines at its Douvrin facility in the northern French department of Pas-de-Calais. The approximately 350 employees at the site will be transferred to the nearby ACC gigafactory, a joint venture for battery production, or to other sites […]

Electra raises another €433 million to expand European charging network

July 24, 2025

Electra, operator of charging stations for electric vehicles, is taking out a green loan of up to €433 million to finance its future growth. The funding will be used to accelerate the rollout of high-quality infrastructure further. This transaction brings the total financing raised by Electra since its inception to over €1 billion. Electra’s network currently includes […]

New MG4 debuts semi-solid state batteries but don’t expect miracles

July 22, 2025

The all-new MG4, the Chinese brand’s new budget electric hatchback, will debut a new type of battery technology that bridges the gap between current technology and the highly anticipated solid-state batteries. However, the numbers of the MG4’s ‘semi-solid’ state batteries aren’t as impressive as you might think. MG promised last year that it would debut […]

ADAC test proves VW ID.3 battery health still 91% after 160,000 km

July 17, 2025

A recent long-term test by Germany’s largest automobile club, ADAC, provides a reassuring answer on the long-term health of a popular fully electric car, the Volkswagen ID.3. After putting the electric hatchback through a four-year, 160,000 km endurance test, the results look very promising. The key finding was remarkable: the high-voltage battery still had a […]

EV Belgium: ‘Europe will have 1 million charging points this summer’

July 15, 2025

Good news, EV Belgium, the sector federation for electromobility, heralds: Europe will officially have more than one million public charging points this summer. This also means that traveling with an electric car has never been easier.  According to the European Alternative Fuels Observatory, every EV driver can enjoy a carefree holiday this summer with their […]

Political party MR wants to relaunch mining in Belgium

July 02, 2025

The French-speaking liberal party MR wants to relaunch mining in Belgium. They advocate rebuilding a full value chain, from mine to recycling. After all, the energy transition is driving up demand for metals, and Europe needs to reduce its dependence on China in particular, according to the party’s study center. “If we have an idea […]

Ford revives LFP battery tech initially ‘made in the US’

June 25, 2025

Ford is moving forward with the construction of its battery plant near Detroit, aiming to produce lithium-iron-phosphate (LFP) battery cells on a domestic scale. The project represents not only a strategic leap toward more affordable electric vehicles but also a symbolic homecoming for a battery technology that was born in the US and later perfected […]

90.000 Spanish enclave residents get grid backup with Leaf batteries

June 23, 2025

Empty batteries from Nissan EVs’ Leaf will provide power for some 90,000 residents in the Spanish enclave of Melilla in Morocco. The Japanese automaker is teaming up with European energy company Enel for the groundbreaking project. The project was already announced two years ago, but is now being finally launched. It fits into Nissan’s ‘Ambition […]

Huawei’s bet on 3000 km range solid state battery

June 18, 2025

A sulfide-based solid-state battery that promises a range of over 3,000 kilometers and can be charged in as little as five minutes? It’s hard to believe, given that we’ve been hearing for years that solid-state batteries are still a decade away, but when a giant like Huawei files a patent for it, there’s no smoke […]

Mitsubishi and Ample team up for battery swapping in Tokyo

June 16, 2025

Ample, a California-based battery swapping company, is launching the ‘Japan Commercial EV Battery Swapping Project’ in Tokyo together with Mitsubishi and Yamato Transport. A fleet of 150 electric trucks and vans will be deployed for daily commercial operations, powered by 14 battery swapping stations located throughout the city. Ample was founded in 2014 and aims […]

No app, no card, no hassle: Allego launches seamless EV charging

June 16, 2025

Dutch charging provider Allego has fulfilled its promise and is now offering Plug&Charge technology across its ultra-fast charging network in Europe. The convenience eliminates the need for apps and cards, providing a seamless charging experience. Following in the footsteps of charging point operators like Ionity, Allego has an edge. It pioneers the latest communication protocol. […]

Another car carrier fire raises alarm over EV safety at sea

June 05, 2025

A large car carrier packed with thousands of vehicles, including several hundred electric and hybrid models, is drifting and still smouldering in the Pacific Ocean. A blaze broke out on board – an incident that once again puts the spotlight on the growing safety concerns around transporting electrified vehicles by sea. The Morning Midas, a […]

BYD supercharges Europe with EV network: as fast as refueling

June 04, 2025

Chinese carmaker BYD has unveiled plans to deploy a sweeping network of ultra-fast electric vehicle chargers across Europe — and not in some distant future, but within the next 12 months. The bold move forms part of the company’s strategy to become a dominant force in the European car market by the end of the […]

NIO rolls into Belgium with Hedin in the driver’s seat

June 04, 2025

Are Belgian EV drivers ready for battery swapping? Chinese electric vehicle manufacturer NIO is gearing up to make its debut in Belgium and Luxembourg this September, as part of a wider push across Europe. The move is part of a strategic partnership with Swedish dealer group Hedin Mobility, which will oversee distribution, retail, and aftersales […]

Electric car batteries get cheaper, unless you’re in the West

June 03, 2025

Electric car batteries are getting considerably cheaper, but not everywhere, and not for everyone. The conclusion is based on the latest report by the International Energy Agency (IEA), which notes that battery prices experienced their steepest decline in eight years last year. The effect of scaling is materializing, but there are global differences to be […]

EU urged to abandon battery independence dream and partner with China

June 02, 2025

The crumbling of Europe’s once-ambitious battery industry has prompted a strong warning from two of the continent’s most senior industrial leaders: forget going for it alone, partner with China, or risk falling further behind. The fall of battery maker Northvolt has left a vacuum in Europe, as it seeks to align itself with major Chinese […]

Hyundai tests charging robots at Incheon airport

May 26, 2025

Hyundai Motor Group and Incheon International Airport Corporation will deploy AI-powered automatic EV charging robots in South Korea to demonstrate the next stage in automated electric mobility infrastructure. The partners have signed a Memorandum of Understanding. The company aims to commercialize its automatic charging robot (ACR) for electric vehicles through a strategic collaboration with Incheon International […]

Northvolt discontinues production at its main plant (Update)

May 26, 2025

Northvolt, an insolvent battery cell manufacturer, is discontinuing production at its main plant in Skellefteå, Sweden. Most recently, the factory only served a single customer, truck manufacturer Scania. The doors will shut by June 30 at the latest, and 900 people could lose their jobs. However, the company insists that work on the German Heide […]

Volvo FH Aero Electric aims to rival diesel trucks 

May 21, 2025

Volvo Trucks has released more details on its new FH Aero Electric, its most ambitious battery-electric truck yet. The long-distance hauler will debut with an extended driving range, fast-charging capabilities, and payload capacity on par with diesel-powered models. But some patience is required, as the electric flagship model is slated to hit the market in […]

BMW and Solid Power test drive an i7 with solid-state batteries

May 21, 2025

The BMW Group has integrated large-format solid-state battery cells from partner Solid Power into a test vehicle, a BMW i7. The aim is to test how the solid-state cells behave in everyday road operation. BMW and Solid Power have been working together on solid-state batteries for years. The partnership dates back to 2016. Things turned […]