Research project Efferest focuses on user-oriented EV development

October 20, 2025

The EU-funded research project ‘Efferest’ aims to make electric vehicles more efficient, focusing specifically on the interaction between systems and components that manage interior comfort and powertrain performance. The project targets significant improvements in cabin comfort and drivetrain systems by the end of 2026. Considering both together ensures a holistic approach, allowing technical compromises to […]

Belgium’s Doel 4 nuclear reactor connected to the grid again

October 16, 2025

Following Tihange 3 in July, the nuclear plant Doel 4 has now also been reconnected to the electricity grid. Operator Engie announced this on Wednesday. Both nuclear reactors are now operating at full capacity, together producing 2 gigawatts. At the end of 2023, the previous federal government reached an agreement with Engie to extend the lifespans […]

Stellantis invests more than €11 billion in the U.S.

October 16, 2025

The multi-brand car manufacturer Stellantis will invest $13 billion (€11.2 billion) to expand its U.S. operations and boost domestic production over the next four years. It will focus primarily on new combustion-engine (ICE) models. New Stellantis CEO Antonio Filosa described the plan as the most significant single investment in the company’s 100-year history. With the […]

The new Nissan Leaf will start soon at €37,000

October 16, 2025

Following its world premiere in June, Nissan has released further details about the third-generation Leaf. Orders are expected to be possible before the end of this year at prices just below €37,000. There is also specific information about the version with the large battery. Following the start of orders before the end of the year, […]

Longest Scheldt microtunnel completed to reuse heat from waste incineration

October 15, 2025

Work on extending the Ecluse steam network from the left to the right bank of the Scheldt has reached a significant milestone. On Tuesday, October 14th, Flemish Minister for Energy and Climate Melissa Depraetere visited the site to inaugurate this technical achievement. The Ecluse tunnel under the Scheldt River, the longest microtunnel in Belgium, transports […]

Flemish renewable energy plans cost households and businesses €11.2 billion

October 15, 2025

The Court of Audit, responsible for external control of the budgetary, accounting, and financial transactions of Belgian governments, has reviewed the Flemish plans for renewable energy. The institution also examined the financial support for renewable energy. Between 2014 and 2023, almost 13 billion euros in support for renewable energy were granted in Flanders. And 11.2 […]

Markus Haupt confirmed as CEO of Seat and Cupra

October 15, 2025

The Supervisory Board has appointed Markus Haupt as the new Chief Executive Officer of Seat and Cupra with immediate effect. Haupt has served as interim CEO since 1 April and will now take on the role permanently. When Wayne Griffiths unexpectedly left the Seat CEO position in spring, the Supervisory Board of Seat and Cupra […]

Flemish energy watchdog rejects cheaper afternoon grid tariff

October 14, 2025

The Flemish Utility Regulator (Vlaamse Nutsregulator, formerly VREG) currently sees no reason to introduce time-dependent network tariffs — i.e., cheaper grid fees when solar energy is abundant. The energy watchdog doesn’t want to make things more complicated for consumers. Nearly three years after the so-called ‘capacity tariff’ was introduced (in 2023), which makes households’ grid costs depend […]

DS N°4 is now also available as a BEV

October 13, 2025

With a new name and fresh design, the revamped DS 4 is entering the second half of its life as the DS N°4. For the first time, there is also a pure electric version, the E-Tense, which shares its technology with the Opel Astra Electric and offers a range of 450 kilometers. Built in Rüsselsheim, […]

EnergyVision experiments with small wind turbines for the home

October 10, 2025

The listed energy company EnergyVision wants to invest more in wind turbines to complement its solar panels. EnergyVision is a Belgian energy company that supplies 100% green, locally produced electricity, primarily from solar installations installed for households and businesses in Belgium.  In addition to solar panels and EV charging solutions, EnergyVision is now testing small rooftop wind […]

T&E: ‘Biofuels globally emit more CO2 than the fossil fuels they replace’

October 09, 2025

Global biofuels emit 16% more CO2 than the fossil fuels they replace, due to the indirect impacts of farming and deforestation, a new Cerulogy report on behalf of T&E shows. By 2030, biofuels are projected to emit 70 Mt CO₂e more than the fossil fuels they replace, equivalent to the annual emissions of almost 30 […]

T&E: ‘Demands EU car industry would halve EV sales’

October 09, 2025

The car industry is demanding loopholes in the EU car CO2 law that would halve the bloc’s ambition of selling only zero-emission cars in 2035. That’s according to T&E analysis of a leaked position paper by the European car industry lobby ACEA. Carmakers are demanding more than 10 loopholes, including counting cars that run on alternative […]

IEA: ‘Global renewable growth slows 5% amid US and China policy shifts’

October 08, 2025

According to the latest report from the International Energy Agency (IEA), growth in renewable energy is slowing due to policy changes in the United States and China. In its Renewables 2025 report, the IEA has lowered its projection for global renewable capacity additions in 2025–2030 by approximately 248 GW, or roughly 5%, compared to its 2024 outlook. In the […]

Mercedes EV sales are picking up again

October 08, 2025

Mercedes’ electric car sales have fallen year-on-year for six consecutive quarters. The Stuttgart-based company has now reported growth again for the third quarter of 2025, thanks in part to the new CLA. Things are also looking up for vans. Since the first quarter of 2024, Mercedes-Benz has only seen declining electric car sales. That has […]

Merz ups pressure on EU Commission regarding ICE ban in 2035

October 07, 2025

The German Chancellor, Friedrich Merz, declared yesterday that he wants the EU Commission to abolish the EU ban on the sale of ICE cars after 2035. “I don’t wish Germany to be one of the countries supporting this bad interdiction,” he said on the TV channel NTV. The pressure of big German car companies like […]

Zeekr updates 001 flagship with 900V architecture

October 07, 2025

The Chinese EV brand Zeekr, part of Geely Holding, has announced a new design refresh for its flagship 001 EV model, the second in as many years. This latest upgrade to the 001 features Zeekr’s 900V architecture, enabling better performance and some of the fastest charging speeds we’ve ever seen. The interior also appears quite […]

Hip and (very) affordable: the Dacia Hipster Concept (Update)

October 06, 2025

With the Hipster Concept, Renault’s low-cost brand, Dacia, aims to reinvent the future of electric mobility, making it ‘ultra-affordable’ and ‘ultra-essential’. Or, in short, the Dacia way of thinking. And, after some investigative work, we found that the price of a production version could be around €15,000. “Dacia Hipster Concept breaks with automotive conventions and […]

Nissan cancels EV production plans in the U.S.

October 06, 2025

Nissan Motor has announced it is no longer going ahead with plans to produce two new EVs at its Canton plant in Mississippi from late 2028 / early 2029. It will instead examine the production of hybrid SUVs at the plant from 2028. Nissan’s original plans to produce EVs at the plant in 2028 had […]

Dacia revamps compact range, including a hybrid Sandero

October 06, 2025

Dacia, Renault Group’s budget brand, has given its entire compact range a refresher with technology from the larger Duster and Bigster models. Plus, the cheap electric Spring gets a new battery and far more powerful motors, enhancing its usability. While low prices are still a staple at Dacia, the Romanian manufacturer’s model range has become […]

Voyah launches Courage SUV EV in the Benelux

October 03, 2025

Voyah Benelux has announced that the new Courage electric SUV is available to order. The company is the importer of Chinese brands, including Voyah, Dongfeng, and Mhero, all of which are issued by the Dongfeng Motor Corporation. Dongfeng is one of the oldest and most significant Chinese car manufacturers, producing approximately 3.5 million vehicles annually. […]

BMW Group wants top innovation for its plants

October 03, 2025

Last Tuesday, Oliver Zipse, Chairman of the Board of Management of BMW AG, officially opened the BMW Group plant in Debrecen. The BMW Group’s newest and most innovative production site marks the beginning of a new era for the company. Meanwhile, BMW Group Plant Leipzig is planning a hydrogen pipeline link, paving the way for […]

Fast-charging stations plagued by criminals hunting copper

October 03, 2025

Germany’s growing network of fast-charging stations for electric cars has become an unlikely target for crime. In a worrying trend, thieves are cutting cables for the copper inside. Operators warn of mounting costs and disruption, as the wave of thefts spreads across several regions. With more than 42,000 fast-charging points across Germany, the country boasts […]

Polestar 3 already gets an extensive update with 800V batteries

October 02, 2025

Just over a year after its launch and more than three years after its initial presentation, the Polestar 3 is receiving an extensive update. For the 2026 model year, the electric SUV has become faster in every aspect, from acceleration to charging, and even in terms of processing power. The Polestar 3’s launch, like its […]

Isuzu D-Max EV arrives in Europe (Update)

October 02, 2025

After unveiling the prototype of its electric one-ton truck last year, Isuzu has commenced production of the D-Max EV in Thailand, with the first models scheduled to arrive in key European markets just now. The UK and other right-hand-drive markets are expected to follow in 2026. In Belgium, pricing starts at €71,015, excluding VAT. While […]

Smaller Mercedes eActros 400 gets the long-range 600’s tech

October 02, 2025

The mid-size Mercedes eActros 400 has been updated with technology from the larger eActros 600 long-range heavy e-truck. It gets an integrated e-axle, new LFP batteries, and the latest cockpit experience. It also replaces the eActros 300 as the entry-level electric truck in the range. Daimler Truck calls it the second-generation eActros, which not only […]

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 […]

Kia unveils EV5 for Korea and Europe, to arrive end of 2025 (Update)

October 01, 2025

Kia’s new EV5 mid-sized SUV, built on Hyundai’s E-GMP platform, delivers up to 530 km range, fast charging, V2L/V2G power capabilities, and advanced safety. It is scheduled to launch in Korea and Europe in late 2025; pricing has just been communicated and starts at €45,990. Kia’s EV5 is a fully electric mid-sized SUV built on […]

U.S. tax credit for electric cars has stopped

October 01, 2025

As of today, the tax credit for purchasing electric cars, both new and used, has expired in the US. Some manufacturers are reportedly trying to extend the availability of subsidies through their dealers for a little longer. As U.S. President Trump decided in the summer, the tax credits of $7,500 for the purchase of new […]

Curtain falls on Tihange 1 nuclear power plant

September 30, 2025

Four in a row, because after the Doel 3, Tihange 2, and Doel 1 nuclear reactors were permanently shut down earlier, on Monday night, the plug will also be pulled on Tihange 1. The nuclear reactor has been in service for 50 years, although the Belgian government hopes that this is not the end of […]

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 […]

Belgian flat rate for home charging decreases but becomes permanent

September 29, 2025

Anyone in Belgium who charges their electric company car at home will receive reimbursement from their employer for the charging costs. Since January, a flat-rate amount has been applied because the actual price is virtually impossible to calculate. This flat rate, which reimburses the cost of charging electric company cars at home, will decrease from […]

US takes 3-meter high charging pole idea from European playbook

September 26, 2025

A new type of electric vehicle charger is appearing on the streets of New York, as the metropolis draws inspiration from Europe to enhance its infrastructure. Unlike most of its chargers, these can’t be found at eye level. Instead, the “Voltpost Air” dangles more than three metres above the ground. It’s an unconventional attempt to […]

An electric Renault to keep a mobile mast alive for emergency calls?

September 26, 2025

Today, we all rely heavily on our mobile phones in an emergency. It’s the first thing you reach for to call for help. But what if, in a total blackout, all the cell towers go down as well? Then even a small EV like the Renault R5 E-Tech Electric can be a guardian angel. Austrian […]

TotalEnergies and RWE to build France’s largest offshore wind farm

September 25, 2025

The French government has designated the French company TotalEnergies and the German RWE to build a large wind farm off the Normandy coast – the largest renewable energy project ever in France. RWE and TotalEnergies had been prequalified and are collaborating on the project’s design, development, and execution. TotalEnergies will act as operator.  The project, […]

French EDF examins takeover Belgian Doel 4 and Tihange 3 nuclear plants

September 24, 2025

EDF, Europe’s largest electricity company, is negotiating with Engie and the Belgian government about a potential takeover of the Doel 4 and Tihange 3 nuclear reactors, aimed at keeping both plants operational longer, specifically until 2045. This is according to La Lettre, a French online newspaper that mainly reports on politics, business, and the media […]

Plan Bureau: ‘In optimal scenario, Belgium needs 8 new nuclear power plants’

September 22, 2025

According to a new study by the Federal Planning Bureau, Belgium should build 8 new nuclear power plants by 2050 to make its electricity supply climate-neutral. In the most cost-optimal scenario, both offshore wind and nuclear energy will be fully expanded. Offshore wind capacity will then grow from 2.2 to 8 gigawatts, and new nuclear power […]

Droneport to generate its own energy to fly electrically

September 22, 2025

Droneport in Sint-Truiden, a 30-hectare industry park specifically for aviation, drone, advanced air mobility, and unmanned flight testing, wants to build its own solar park on the nearby site and company buildings. The business park aims to generate its own energy to fly electrically. An agreement in principle has been reached to launch the solar […]

Engie opens door to extending Doel 4 and Tihange 3 to 20 years

September 18, 2025

French energy giant Engie may be willing to extend the lifespan of the Doel 4 and Tihange 3 nuclear reactors by 20 years instead of the planned 10 years. According to the unions, CEO Cédric Osterrieth said this at a works council meeting this week. Furthermore, according to the newspaper Le Soir, Energy Minister Mathieu […]

Fastned’s Belgian flagship charging plaza Gentbrugge opens

September 17, 2025

Dutch fast-charging network Fastned has just opened its 47th charging station in Belgium. Fastned Gentbrugge, along the E17 highway between Ghent and Antwerp, is the largest to date and a ‘flagship’ location. It showcases the company’s aim to deliver a more seamless charging experience, featuring a coffee stop and sanitary facilities throughout its entire network […]

Changan shows Deepal S05 SUV at IAA Mobility

September 10, 2025

Following the Deepal S07, the Chinese car manufacturer Changan is now also introducing the smaller electric SUV Deepal S05 in Europe. The European Deepal S05, which was just unveiled at the IAA trade show in Munich, will start at a list price of €38,990 in Germany. The Deepal S07 was introduced in Europe in March […]

T&E: ‘Real-world CO2 emissions of PHEVs five times higher than official figures’

September 10, 2025

Transport & Environment’s analysis of the 2023 European Environment Agency (EEA) data – covering 806,000 PHEVs – reveals that real-world CO₂ emissions are nearly five times higher than official test figures. This gap is driven by overly optimistic Utility Factors (UFs)—the assumed share of electric driving for plug-in hybrids—in official computations. The gap is widening Since […]

Hyundai’s ‘Concept Three’ forebodes Ioniq 3

September 10, 2025

Hyundai unveiled the Concept Three at the IAA Mobility in Munich, a first glimpse of the upcoming  Ioniq 3. The technology behind this compact model is likely to be familiar to the already shown Kia EV4. Hyundai electric cars have long been a familiar sight on European roads. Yet, the Korean company still has a […]

T&E: Carmakers slow down EV sales efforts thanks to EU flexibility

September 09, 2025

According to the NGO Transport & Environment, European carmakers sold 38% more electric cars in the first seven months of the year, ensuring that all but Mercedes-Benz are on track to comply with the EU’s 2025-27 emission targets, new T&E research finds. However, the two-year extension of the targets allowed carmakers to take the foot […]

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, […]

150 e-mobility companies ask EU not to give in on 2035 ICE ban

September 09, 2025

Some 150 leading companies from the e-mobility sector sent a letter to European Commission President Ursula von der Leyen, asking the EU not to postpone the 2035 ban on combustion engines. The call to stick to the zero-emission target for cars and vans was prompted by a vote in the European Parliament, in which the […]

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. […]

Mercedes’ answer to BMW’s iX3: the new GLC EQ

September 08, 2025

Shortly before the IAA kicked off today, Mercedes unveiled the long-awaited GLC with EQ technology, calling it a “turning point in the midsize segment”. Two days before, arch-rival BMW did the same with a similar-sized, totally new electric newcomer, the iX3. The electric GLC is the first model on the new MB.EA-M platform and promises […]

BMW iX3 inaugurates ‘Neue Klasse’

September 05, 2025

With the slogan ‘the start of a new era’, BMW has just shown the first of an extensive range of models based on an entirely new platform, already known as the ‘Neue Klasse’. First in line is the iX3, the SUV variant (or SAV for ‘Sports Activity Vehicle’ as BMW likes to call it), but […]

Porsche to demo 11 kW wireless home charging for upcoming Cayenne EV

September 05, 2025

Charging your car at home on an inductive charging pad like the one for your smartphone, but somewhat bigger. Porsche will be demoing an 11 kW inductive charging solution next week at the IAA motor show in Munich, to be used with the upcoming full-electric Cayenne in 2026. Porsche claims it will be the first […]

Court of Auditors slams Walloon government’s charging station policy

September 04, 2025

The policy pursued by the previous Walloon government for the rollout of a charging station infrastructure for EVs is inadequate. This is the conclusion of a damning report by the Belgian Court of Auditors. The plan also focuses too much on the number of charging points and, according to the Court of Auditors, lacks a […]

Study: underground CO2 storage capacity much smaller than thought

September 04, 2025

The capacity to store CO2 underground is much lower than initially thought. This is evident from a study published by the International Institute for Applied Systems Analysis and the Grantham Institute at Imperial College London, which appeared in the journal Nature. Underground carbon capture has long been marketed as a climate solution, as a way out […]

VW’s ID.2all Concept will become ID.Polo

September 04, 2025

Just ahead of the IAA, VW unveiled its new naming strategy for electric cars. As expected, it will drop the combination of the ID. prefix and a number, as VW intends to return to the names of its “established bestsellers.” The first model to follow this approach will be the production version of the ID.2all […]

Ayvens and Plugsurfing sign MoU on better charging solutions

September 03, 2025

Mobility and leasing company Ayvens and the charging platform Plugsurfing have signed a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) to collaborate on an all-encompassing charging solution for international and local corporates and for small and midsize companies. Clients of both Ayvens and Plugsurfing now gain access to the biggest EV charging network in Europe, already offering more […]

China installs twice as much solar energy capacity as rest of world combined

September 02, 2025

According to a recent report from energy thin tank Ember, China has installed 256 gigawatts of additional solar capacity in the first half of this year – more than two-thirds of the global total and more than double the amount installed in the first half of 2024. According to the International Energy Agency (IEA), Chinese […]

BMW Group sells 3 millionth electrified vehicle

September 01, 2025

With the handover of a 3 Series plug-in hybrid model from the Munich plant to a customer, BMW has sold its three millionth vehicle with an electrified drive. This milestone for the company was achieved through a significant increase in sales of fully electric models and plug-in hybrid models in the first half of 2025. “With […]

VW’s Chinese subsidiary Jetta to develop EVs

September 01, 2025

The Jetta brand, VW’s brand for China and part of Volkswagen’s joint venture with FAW, wants to launch five new models by 2028, including four New Energy Vehicles. The first model is expected to launch in 2026, reportedly for a price equivalent to less than €12,000. In China, Jetta is no longer the Golf-format sedan […]

Porsche Cayenne EV is in the waiting room

August 29, 2025

Porsche plans to launch its second PPE-based electric SUV, following the Macan, in November. It will not present a production model of this Cayenne EV at the IAA in Munich, but further technical details of the electric Cayenne have now emerged, showing clear differences from the Macan. Porsche has been promoting the next-generation Cayenne for […]

Brunel Solar Team wins World Solar Challenge; Belgians finish third

August 29, 2025

On Thursday, the Innoptus Solar Team finished third in Adelaide at the World Solar Car Racing Championship. Due to the bad weather, the Belgians decided to start half an hour later to store more energy in their battery, but this dropped them from second to third place. They ultimately finished third in Adelaide, after a 3,021 km […]

Car industry asks EU (again) to revise C02 targets

August 27, 2025

In a letter addressed to the President of the European Commission, Ursula von der Leyen, European automotive manufacturers (ACEA) and suppliers (CLEPA) outlined their expectations for the upcoming Strategic Dialogue on the future of the European automotive industry, scheduled for 12 September. The associations ask for a new ‘transformation plan’ to save the European automotive […]

Work has begun on shore power for cruise ships in Zeebrugge

August 27, 2025

On Tuesday, work began to install a shore power installation at the cruise terminal on the Swedish Quay in Zeebrugge (Belgium). In the near future, cruise ships will be able to switch off their polluting diesel generators and fully utilize shore power. Shore power is an environmentally friendly and quiet way for ships to moor. It allows […]