June 30, 2023
Lotus has already revealed the final pricing and specifications of its Eletre electric ‘Hyper-SUV’, and the first all-electric Lotus is now available for configuration in Europe. Lotus is launching sales of the Eletre in parallel in Germany, Great Britain, the Netherlands, Belgium, France, Italy, Norway, Sweden, and Switzerland. In the UK, the electric SUV is […]
June 29, 2023
At the upcoming Festival of Speed in Goodwood, MG will enroll its Cyberster for the famous hill climb. The company also announces that it will show two additional prototypes at the fair. The Cyberster taking its chances at the festival is a confirmation that it will be offered in Europe. When MG lifted the veils […]
June 29, 2023
Following a troubled relationship with its investment and manufacturing partner Foxtron, electric pickup maker Lordstown Motors has filed for protection against debtors. In the eponymous town, the company had the Endurance assembled in a factory that it had sold to the Taiwanese firm. But as the latter allegedly broke the terms of an investment agreement, […]
June 29, 2023
Given the current level of performance of Renault Group, which is above initial expectations, the group upgrades its financial outlook for the full year 2023. It expects an operating margin between 7% and 8% (6% before) and an automotive-operational free cash flow superior to or equal to €2,5 billion (€2 billion previously). “This improvement is […]
June 28, 2023
According to the works council, Volkswagen has temporarily reduced the production of electric cars at its Emden plant. The reason for this is weakening sales. This apparently affects not only the ID.4 but also the production start-up of the new electric sedan ID.7. Demand is almost 30% below the planned initial production figures, it was […]
June 28, 2023
On Tuesday, the BMW Group took a significant step toward building electric vehicles in the United States as it broke ground for a new high-voltage battery assembly plant in Woodruff, South Carolina. The Woodruff plant will produce sixth-generation batteries to supply fully electric vehicles at nearby BMW Manufacturing in Spartanburg. More than 300 jobs will […]
June 28, 2023
Chinese luxury brand Zeekr, daughter of Geely Holding Group and sister brand to Volvo and Lynk & Co, among others, is starting its European offensive by opening preordering for the Zeekr 001 and Zeekr X in the Netherlands and Sweden. The latter is Zeekr’s second ‘homeland’, where the Global Design Center and European R&D are […]
June 28, 2023
As part of Volvo Cars’ aim to be a fully electric carmaker by 2030, Volvo joins Tesla, Ford, and GM in North America using the North American Charging Standard (NACS), recently launched by Tesla. “The company is the first European carmaker to sign an agreement with Tesla, giving current and future electric Volvo car drivers […]
June 28, 2023
Michelin and the French postal services are partnering for a two-year test of airless tires. A European-first, forty yellow ‘La Poste’ vans will be equipped with Michelin Utips tires by the end of 2024 in the Hauts-de-France region. Currently, this is the only airless tire being used on open public roads in Europe. With that, […]
June 27, 2023
With its 5,27-meter length and full two meters width, the Chinese Maxus’ MIFA9 is quite a giant-looking full electric people mover for seven or eight persons. A challenge to test drive on narrow roads in the hinterland of Namur. But that proved surprisingly pleasant: a rather pussyfooting elephant, we would say. The price of its […]
June 27, 2023
Skoda has unveiled some technical details of its next-generation Kodiaq family SUV, which will get a plug-in hybrid drivetrain for the first time. The model is launching before the end of 2023 and should share its technical basis with the future Superb. The second-generation Skoda Kodiaq will build on the practical strengths of its predecessor, […]
June 27, 2023
French sportscar builder, Alpine, has confirmed its electric ambitions for the future. By 2030, the brand will have launched seven fully electric cars, including a future A110 coupé, a roadster, and a new A310 4-seat coupé, to sit on a new dedicated platform. In Formula 1, Alpine Racing Ltd. gets a €200 million investment to […]
June 27, 2023
Prepping for its first battery-powered model in 2025, the British sports carmaker has announced a partnership with American EV start-up Lucid for the supply of batteries and powertrain technology. For Lucid, which gains a 4% stake in Aston Martin in return, it’s the first partnership of this kind. While combustion-engine parts can easily be shared […]
June 26, 2023
Toyota has revealed the production version of its second-generation C-HR, which shares the striking design and plug-in hybrid drivetrain of the recently launched Prius. The development work of this hybrid crossover was done by Toyota’s R&D Center in Zaventem, Belgium, while the production of the model will come from Europe. De design of this new […]
June 23, 2023
The US Department of Energy (DOE) plans to loan $9,2 billion to the joint venture BlueOval SK between Ford Motor and South Korean battery maker SK On for its battery plants in Kentucky and Tennessee. A massive loan that nearly matches the $11,4 billion the companies themselves are investing in the project. It marks the […]
June 23, 2023
At the Goodwood Festival of Speed, British EV start-up McMurtry stunned the crowds breaking the hill climb record. The blistering run has spawned the necessary interest in this 1 000 bhp single-seater so that the Spéirling Pure will go into production. As a supercar for the modern ages, the Spéirling Pure builds its performance upon […]
June 23, 2023
Smart has announced another variant of its Smart #1 electric model. The #1 Pulse is planned to hit German roads still in 2023. This will be the second all-wheel-drive variant next to the Brabus offshoot and top model. Orders can be placed now in the ‘Bundesrepublik’ at prices starting at €46 490. Other European markets […]
June 22, 2023
After a long wait, Opel has finally finished the development of its Astra Electric, which means we got to drive it. Thanks to its new Nidec electric motor, the compact hatchback promises, quite frankly, astonishing efficiency figures. Or is it too good to be true? In the battle between the technically similar e-308 and Astra […]
June 22, 2023
Panasonic and Mazda announced they have agreed to enter into discussions on establishing a medium- to long-term partnership for automotive batteries with round cells. The tentative language suits Mazda’s relatively relaxed approach towards electrification, yet the timeline also fits. Mazda said it would commence “concrete discussions” with a view toward Panasonic Energy supplying the carmaker […]
June 22, 2023
The Volvo FL and FE Electric distribution trucks have received a significant battery upgrade, offering 42% more capacity and increasing the range to 450 km. According to Volvo Trucks, this significantly increases the usability of these electric trucks, making them suitable to “replace our customers’ entire fleet of diesel city trucks”. The FL and FE […]
June 21, 2023
The European Automobile Manufacturers’ Association (ACEA) calls for a three-year postponement to restrictive rules on EU-UK electric vehicle trade, set to come into force in six months. Otherwise, tariffs could total € 4,3 billion, potentially reducing electric vehicle production by some 480 000 units, according to ACEA. Goods exported under EU free-trade agreements must comply […]
June 21, 2023
The ‘tsunami’ of Chinese EVs is reaching European shores with yet another brand, Human Horizon’s flagships HiPhi X and Z, available now in Norway and Germany. With prices above €100 000 euros, these are not your average budget cars, and they’re bluntly targeting the heart of Europe’s premium car market, armed with luxury and high-tech. […]
June 21, 2023
Car manufacturing group Stellantis, the world’s number four, and Taiwanese contract manufacturer Foxconn have announced the formation of SiliconAuto, an equally owned joint venture for developing and selling advanced semiconductors, particularly for electric vehicles. Like Stellantis, SiliconAuto will be headquartered in the Netherlands and is expected to supply the automotive industry, including Stellantis and Foxconn, […]
June 20, 2023
Ark, a London-based EV start-up, has launched its first electric car, a quadricycle called the Ark Zero, claiming it’s the most affordable EV in the United Kingdom, where it is offered exclusively. With a price tag of £5 995 (€7 012), this microcar is a competitor to Citroen’s Ami (£7 695) on the other side […]
June 20, 2023
Porsche looks likely to produce high-performance battery cells on a much larger scale than previously planned. The German carmaker will no longer do so with its partner Customcells but on its own. The Cellforce Group, the battery joint venture between Porsche and Customcells, is said to have been completely overtaken by Porsche in May. 20 […]
June 20, 2023
After launching the Han, Tang, and Atto 3 in Europe late last year, the Chinese EV leader BYD (Build Your Dreams) is expanding its European portfolio with two more models previously launched in China: the Dolphin hatchback and the Seal sedan. The Dolphin, the first to be deliverable from the fourth quarter of 2023, is […]
June 20, 2023
Turkish electric car brand Togg is reversing its sales plans. Available since March in dedicated European markets, the brand is re-focusing on its domestic market only as the brand needs to sort out certain teething problems. “We should first show sustained success in our own market,” told Togg CEO Gürcan Karakas to the German newspaper […]
June 20, 2023
Dacia allegedly wants to offer the next generation of its most popular small car as an electric model from 2027 or 2028. It could even become a BEV-only model, some British media report. The new-generation Sandero is expected to be based on the CMF-BEV platform, which will also be used by the full-electric Renault 5, […]
June 20, 2023
Citroën will be the first to launch a small, affordable EV costing less than €25 000. The ë-C3 will be available in Spring 2024, earlier than already announced competitors like the VW ID.2 and the Renault 5 Electric. The affordability of an EV in the lower segments is a big concern for car manufacturers. Until […]
June 19, 2023
Chinese carmaker BYD eyes one-tenth of the electric vehicle market in Germany. The ambition was made public by its sales director Lars Pauly, who didn’t commit to timing for the target. BYD’s commercial start in dedicated markets in Europe is very fresh. But the brand obviously aims to make its mark. “We want to have […]
June 19, 2023
After reorganizing its C-segment cars with Mégane Electric, Arkana, and Austral, Renault now takes on the D-segment. It just launched the new Espace, and it is now followed by an ultimate flagship, the Rafale. When they hear the name Rafale, some will think of the French jetfighter with the same name, but Rafale is also […]
June 16, 2023
Chinese premium carmaker NIO is pushing two more models – the EL6 and ET5 Touring – to Europe, at least in those countries where it is already present: Norway, Sweden, Denmark, Germany, and the Netherlands. The EL6 – called ES6 in China – is a slightly smaller SUV than its EL7 sibling at a somewhat […]
June 16, 2023
Mercedes-Benz has showcased its new Vision One-Eleven concept car. The low and sleek design arches back to the C111 prototypes of the 60s and 70s, incorporating it into Stuttgart’s recent ‘One-Bow’ shape specific to EVs. The new concept features a new axial flux motor from subsidiary YASA, supposedly lighter, smaller, and more powerful. Mercedes-Benz is […]
June 15, 2023
Rolls-Royce is considering using hydrogen fuel cell technology over conventional batteries for its future electric cars once this technology is mature enough to be commercialized at scale for the high standards Rolls-Royce is claiming. The new Rolls-Royce Spectre made its European debut at the Concours d’Elegance event at Villa d’Este (Como Lake, Italy) last week. […]
June 14, 2023
Created only two years ago, Software République is staging the world premiere of a collaborative concept at the Viva Technology 2023 exhibition. H1st vision ( for ‘Human First vision’) incorporates functional and innovative technologies that illustrate its human-centered visions of future mobility. Software République is an open innovation ecosystem created by six large companies (Atos, […]
June 14, 2023
Daimler Truck has revealed the series production name of its eActros LongHaul battery-electric long-distance heavy truck. It will enter production in 2024 as the eActros 600, referring to its battery capacity and putting it above the eActros 300/400 electric distribution trucks. Daimler Truck unveiled its long-distance electric hauler’s ‘concept prototype’ in September 2022 at the […]
June 14, 2023
Petrolheads will immediately recognize this Nyobolt EV Concept as the contemporary version of the original Lotus Elise. Unsurprisingly, this little battery-powered roadster was designed by Julian Thomson, the same man who styled the original version. But instead of lap times, the promised charging time of six minutes stands out, or half the waiting time of […]
June 14, 2023
The all-electric Renault 5 will be the first Renault vehicle equipped with a bidirectional charger. The associated V2G service will be available from the launch of the Renault 5 in France and Germany in 2024 and in the UK in 2025. Renault is coordinating the introduction of bidirectional charging through its mobility brand Mobilize. In […]
June 13, 2023
After about 3,5 years, the Audi plant in Forest (Brussels) has built its 200 000th electric vehicle: a Soneira Red Q8 Sportback e-tron, the updated version of the original e-tron, which has been in production since late 2018. Later this year, the plant will also start building the smaller Q4 e-tron to meet global demand. […]
June 12, 2023
From 2025, General Motors will rely on Tesla’s charging port in the USA and Canada – exclusively. GM wants to provide adapters so that all cars equipped with the North American Charging Standard (NACS) can also charge at CCS stations. This makes GM the second major US carmaker to commit to Tesla’s charging standard: Ford […]
June 12, 2023
The Zeekr X is the first model from Geely’s young premium brand to journey to the European market soon. In China, the series production has started. The car will be ready for delivery at the end of this week. Later this year, Zeekr’s smallest will be launched in Europe, starting in Sweden and the Netherlands. […]
June 09, 2023
Spanish scooter and micro-mobility EVs manufacturer Silence has officially rolled the first production models out of the assembly line in Barcelona. Built by Acciona in a state-of-the-art, 60 000 m2 factory, the first batch of Silence S04s are heading to customers. Silence is a newcomer to the game of micro-mobility EVs, or so-called ‘nano cars’. […]
June 08, 2023
Volvo just launched its first entry-level electric car, and the Swedish (but now Chinese-owned) car maker surprises with a price setting a benchmark for customers and competitors. In Belgium, prices for this fully electric EV start from € 38 990. In other markets, the starting price can be as low as € 36 590. In […]
June 07, 2023
The new Renault Espace tries to combine the heritage of its name with today’s codes for a family car. Dead is the hyper-modular minivan: the Espace is now reborn as a long-wheelbase SUV with seven seats standard. That’s not the only transformation, as the Espace is now only offered as a full-hybrid. The name ‘Espace’ […]
June 07, 2023
Specter, a Belgian start-up with a production unit in Wondelgem (East Flanders), designs and builds unique, high-end, lightweight, and connected speed pedelecs. On Tuesday, the company introduced a ‘long-range’ version of its Specter 1 speed pedelec, launched end of 2022. The vehicle has an increased driving range of up to 170 kilometers. It is equipped […]
June 07, 2023
Smart Automobile, Geely’s joint venture with Mercedes-Benz, launched last week its second model, the Smart #3, in China at prices ranging from 209 900 to 289 900 yuan. In euros, that would be between 27 560 and 38.060. That highest price tag is for the Brabus Performance version, of which only 1 999 will be […]
June 06, 2023
Dutch industrial group VDL is going to produce bicycle frames for the Dutch manufacturer of electric bicycles Qwic and the Limburg bicycle manufacturer Belgian Cycling Factory (BCF), among others. The latter is known for its Ridley and Eddy Merckx products. VDL will also produce carbon front forks for a new BCF cyclo-cross bike model. The […]
June 05, 2023
Revealing the three-row version of its ID. Buzz is more than adding extra inches of wheelbase and one more bench in the back. The new LWB version also adds an enhanced infotainment system, a new head-up display, a clever configuration, and more range. First, that length. Overall, the wheelbase stretches to 3 239 mm (up […]
June 05, 2023
Automotive supplier Bosch is taking over the production of the S3 fuel cell stack for the Swedish fuel cell specialist PowerCell. Under the new agreement, Bosch will integrate the S3 into its own production facilities in Germany and deliver finished 100 kW stacks to PowerCell’s plant in Gothenburg. According to PowerCell, the outsourcing of production […]
June 05, 2023
To boost its European expansion plans, Lexus is treading where BMW and Mercedes cancel out: the class of small city cross-overs. With a length of 4.1 metres, the new Japan-built LBX is beyond competition from the German premium brands, as Audi has announced the withdrawal of the Q2, its closest rival. In fact, this is […]
June 02, 2023
Sales of electric cars reached 80.7% last May, recuperating from a minor setback in April. It seems Norwegian buyers aren’t turning their backs to battery-powered cars after less generous incentives were introduced at the beginning of the year. The fiscal change of heart is most noticeable among premium cars, which have become less popular. The […]
June 01, 2023
As from the summer, the Toyota Yaris can be ordered with a second hybrid driveline gaining power and a refined drive. In addition, the upgrade includes new digital features, such as an instrument display and an app-based key. But as for the design, everything remains like before. So, Toyota’s minor overhaul of its city car […]
May 31, 2023
The Italian car manufacturer Fiat, part of the Stellantis Group, has unveiled the name and first image of its new ‘sustainable urban mobility solution’: the quadricycle is called Topolino. “The all-electric Fiat Topolino quadricycle is ready to contribute to expanding urban electric mobility and bring all the optimism of its namesake to an accessible, all-electric […]
May 31, 2023
Israeli start-up specializing in wireless charging, Electreon, has set up a new world record. It drove a plug-in hybrid Toyota RAV4 on electricity for 1.943 km over four days without stopping for a charge, thanks to its proprietary in-road charging strips. Between 21 and 25 May, Israeli start-up Electreon conducted a world-first proof-of-concept test for […]
May 31, 2023
The Antwerp University Hospital (UZA) is the first in Belgium to use a fully-electric ‘mobile urgency group’ (MUG) in the shape of a Mercedes EQV, which has been fully equipped to be as efficient as possible to work with and to save lives. The UZA was the first hospital to use a MUG service, where […]
May 31, 2023
Japanese truck builders Hino Motors and Mitsubishi Fuso have announced a merger and intend to become a publicly listed company. Both brands revealed that the union is on equal footing. Though the new truck maker from Japan will operate globally, its prime focus will be on the Southeast Asian market. As Hino Motors is fully […]
May 31, 2023
More than 40 recycled BMW i3 batteries with a combined capacity of 1 680 kWh are currently powering the world tour of the British rock band Coldplay. Replacing diesel generators, the batteries provide power for sound and video systems, lighting, and special effects during concerts. Last week, four corresponding concerts already took place in Barcelona. […]
May 30, 2023
The Comac C919, China’s first domestically manufactured aircraft, made its maiden commercial flight on Sunday. It should mark a turning point for the Chinese aviation industry, which has long wanted to compete with famous Western aircraft such as the Boeing 737 MAX and Airbus A320. The C from Comac forms an ABC for a reason […]
May 30, 2023
In a short press release, Febiac, the car and two-wheeler importers federation for Belgium and Luxembourg, and the Brussels Motor Show (BMS) organizer, states that its board has decided to cancel the January 2024 edition of the show. “The aim of Febiac is always to deliver a qualitative and representative experience to visitors,” says the […]
May 26, 2023
Volkswagen has given its flagship SUV a minor facelift, which brings it stylistically up-to-date with the newer models of the range. The technical improvements remain quite modest, but the model is still available with two plug-in hybrid drivetrains, including the powerful Touareg R. While the big SUV is no longer as popular as it once […]
