Lucid buys Nikola’s factory at bankruptcy auction

April 14, 2025

Californian EV maker Lucid Motors announced last Friday it has “reached an agreement to acquire select facilities and assets in Arizona previously belonging to Nikola Corporation, subject to approval by the U.S. Bankruptcy Court for the District of Delaware.” But that doesn’t mean it takes over the business: “The transaction does not include the acquisition […]

German BfS: ‘Radiation levels in electric cars are harmless’

April 14, 2025

In a radiation protection study commissioned by the German Federal Office for Radiation Protection (BfS) and the German Federal Ministry for the Environment (BMUV), all electric cars analyzed complied with the recommendations for protection against the health effects of magnetic fields. According to the researchers, people are not generally exposed to stronger magnetic fields in […]

Stellantis-Marbel battery: cheaper and more sustainable

April 13, 2025

A European research project has unveiled a new battery design that could help electric vehicles become more sustainable, easier to recycle, and cheaper to repair. The battery, developed under the EU-funded Marbel project and backed by Stellantis, has been created with circular economy principles in mind. As such, it also aims at finding a second […]

VW and Polestar benefitting most from Tesla sales slump?

April 11, 2025

The Volkswagen Group increased its global BEV deliveries by 59% to 216,800 vehicles (commercial vehicles and buses/trucks included) in the first quarter compared to Q1 2024. Polestar’s Q1 sales were up 76% compared to last year. For the Volkswagen Group, things went very well in Europe and the US, but not in China. We can […]

NMBS/SNCB launches flexible parking subscription

April 11, 2025

The Belgian public railroad company NMBS/SNCB is introducing a flexible parking subscription, an initiative that aims to respond mainly to commuters who regularly work from home and thus do not take the train to work every day. With this, NMBS/SNCB wants to capitalize on the success of telecommuting, which is now well established in the […]

EU and China explore price floor deal to replace EV tariffs

April 11, 2025

Will the EU’s punitive tariffs on Chinese EVs soon end? The European Union and China have opened formal talks on setting minimum prices for Chinese electric vehicles sold in Europe as a potential replacement. Both sides confirmed the development in negotiations, signaling a possible escape route from the escalating trade dispute that has shaken the […]

Almost one out of five new cars sold by BMW Group is an EV

April 11, 2025

The BMW Group delivered 109,516 all-electric cars in the first quarter, an increase of 32.4% and an 18.7% share of total deliveries. Electric car sales increased in Europe in particular. And more than one in three vehicles delivered by the Mini brand was purely electric. Across all drive types, the BMW, Mini, and Rolls-Royce brands […]

Renault refreshes Scenic E-Tech Electric, adds one pedal driving

April 11, 2025

Renault is on a winning streak, with good results and increasing brand recognition. The French carmaker is setting a high tempo to keep up the good work. A first update to the Scenic E-Tech Electric, which debuted only one year ago, serves as proof. The electric family SUV receives a raft of minor upgrades, from […]

Stellantis production in Italy lowest in almost 70 years

April 10, 2025

Trade union FIM CISL said Tuesday that Stellantis Group’s production in Italy has worsened and is now at its lowest level since 1956. It said Stellantis production worsened significantly in the first three months of 2025 compared to the same period in 2024, which had already been “a black year.” Minus 36% Some 109,900 units […]

Deme acquires Norwegian offshore wind farm specialist Havfram

April 10, 2025

On Wednesday, Belgian maritime contractor Deme announced that it has agreed to acquire Havfram, a Norwegian company that provides transport and installation services for offshore wind farms. The deal is worth approximately 900 million euros and is expected to be completed by the end of April 2025. Oslo-based Havfram owns and operates vessels for installing […]

EU moves to tighten rules on plastic pellets pollution

April 10, 2025

The EU has new legislation that is ready to reduce plastic pollution in the environment. For example, companies that produce or transport small plastic pellets will face stricter regulations. The rules will apply to all companies that handle more than five tons of plastic pellets annually within the EU. They will also cover companies using […]

VW sends Belgian winners of E-Rallye Ardenne Roads to Monte Carlo

April 10, 2025

The E-Rally Ardenne Roads, a regularity rally for standard series production electric vehicles, is coming up again in May. To incentivize Belgians to participate in the rally, title sponsor Volkswagen offers the best Belgian team the opportunity to enter the E-Rallye Monte Carlo in October. The Belgian Ardennes have a history of hosting regularity rallies, […]

BYD’s megawatt-charging Han L and Tang L get huge price drop

April 10, 2025

BYD’s newest flagship models, the Han L and Tang L, have gone on sale in China for significantly cheaper than initially presumed. Both models are built on the Chinese manufacturer’s latest ‘Super e’ platform, which promises megawatt charging (1,000 kW) to recover up to 400 km of range in just 5 minutes. Even the fastest-charging […]

Survey: Belgian drivers cool on EVs, skepticism grows

April 10, 2025

Belgian private drivers are avoiding electric vehicles. They cite cost, lack of infrastructure, and doubts about sustainability, even as the country embraces broader changes in mobility trends. According to the 2025 Mobility Barometer by insurer Europ Assistance, 62 percent of respondents say their next car won’t be electric, a 10 percent increase from last year. […]

T&E: ‘Renewable diesel’ sold by oil majors can contain fraudulent palm oil’

April 10, 2025

A new study from the NGO Transport & Environment (T&E) shows significant irregularities in the reported consumption of palm residues used in renewable diesel (HVO) being sold by oil majors. A new T&E study shows that a key ingredient in the ‘renewable diesel’ sold in Europe is likely fraudulent. Nearly twice as much palm oil […]

CATL looking at taking control over NIO’s swapping network

April 10, 2025

CATL, the world’s biggest battery maker for the last decade, is looking to take a controlling stake in NIO Power, the battery swapping and fast-charging business of Chinese premium EV maker NIO. CATL will not comment, but Reuters quotes four anonymous sources to back up the story. Last month, news broke that NIO, known for […]

Used battery expert Sortbat Belgium acquires Høyenergi Norway

April 09, 2025

Sortbat, a subsidiary of Bebat, a Belgian non-profit association that processes used batteries, is acquiring the Norwegian Høyenergi. Together, they want to strengthen Belgium and Norway’s position in managing large batteries, including those of electric vehicles, maritime applications, and energy storage systems. This acquisition anticipates the increasing amount of end-of-life batteries in Europe. The global […]

Italian Ferrovie dello Stato also wants to compete with Eurostar

April 09, 2025

Not a week goes by now, so to speak, without a new competitor to the Eurostar being announced. Now, the Italian rail group Ferrovie dello Stato also wants to run high-speed trains between London and Paris via the Channel Tunnel by 2029. It has planned an investment of one billion euros for this purpose. It […]

MAN delivers first electric eTGX truck in France

April 09, 2025

The Jacky Perrenot Group, one of the most prominent French transporters with over 10,000 employees, received France’s first electric MAN eTGX. The group has ordered 40 electric trucks from MAN and has the option to expand the fleet to 100 tractor and chassis units. MAN unveiled its long-range electric truck, eTGX, at the end of […]

Auditor Council of State pleads for suspension Belgian rail’s CAF order

April 09, 2025

The Auditor of the Council of State advises to suspend the decision of Belgian public railroad company NMBS/SNCB on the order of new trains. This is what the public broadcaster VRT writes on its website. NMBS/SNCB chose Spanish company CAF as the preferred bidder to build hundreds of new trains, an order worth 3.4 billion […]

Chinese automakers, led by BYD, surge in Europe thanks to PHEVs

April 09, 2025

Chinese automakers posted a significant sales gain in Europe this February, shrugging off mounting trade pressure from the European Union. Leaning into plug-in hybrids has helped them offset the punitive EU tariffs. BYD, in particular, is leading the charge — topping domestic sales, previewing record-breaking profits, and deepening its presence in key European markets. The […]

VAB’s ‘drivetrain choice’ test shows high need for user education

April 09, 2025

What kind of drivetrain will we choose for our next car? Plain-old gasoline, hybrid, or electric? It’s often a question about actual needs, economics, and practicality, which most families wrestle with. In reality, 44% of family drivers have no idea of their mobility profile, and a third don’t even know how much their current car […]

Every fourth Porsche is now electric, but overall sales are slower

April 09, 2025

Porsche significantly increased the proportion of electrified vehicles sold in the first quarter of 2025: 71,470 vehicles (-8%) were handed over to customers worldwide between January and March, 38.5 percent of which were electrified, and more than 25 percent fully electric. Porsche states these electrified vehicles are divided into 25.9% battery-electric cars and 12.6% plug-in […]

eArocs 400: first electric construction truck from Mercedes

April 08, 2025

Mercedes-Benz Trucks’ long-running construction truck, the Arocs, has been electrified for the first time. The Mercedes eArocs 400 debuted at Bauma 2025, the largest construction trade fair in the world, in Munich from April 7th to 15th this year. The Mercedes Arocs was first introduced in 2013 as a heavy-duty construction truck, succeeding the Axor. […]

UK softens EV mandate, extends hybrid sales to 2035

April 08, 2025

Prime Minister Keir Starmer’s government has confirmed that hybrid vehicles will remain on sale in the UK until 2035 to mitigate the Trump tariffs and shield British automakers from their ripple effects. This is an extension of the previous 2030 ban, which Starmer reinforced as he took office. The ban on new gasoline and diesel […]

IEA: ‘Traffic emissions are major hurdle to Germany’s climate goals’

April 08, 2025

According to the International Energy Agency’s latest report, transport in Germany is a significant obstacle to the country’s green energy transition, still accounting for 95% of all transport emissions. IEA experts identified transport as “the largest emitting sector in Germany” and thus a key area for additional focus. The IEA report highlights how Germany has […]

KG Motors from Japan bets big on a tiny EV

April 08, 2025

Urban focus, one seat, and no emissions from a battery driveline are the main features of the Mibot from KG Motors. This Japanese start-up wants to reinvent electric mobility by lifting the kei car into a new era. The dimensions are so small that the vehicle fits into a panel van. Japan must cope with […]

Doubling number of complaints to Belgian Ombudsrail

April 08, 2025

Ombudsrail, the Belgian ombudsman service for rail passengers, was contacted 4,154 times last year, up 7.6% from 2023. On that basis, 1,089 files were opened, accounting for 2,344 complaints – one file can contain several complaints. Seven out of ten complaints in this regard were filed in Dutch. Together with even older complaints, just over […]

Volvo now sells a 500 kWh battery box for construction and… festivals?

April 08, 2025

Volvo Construction Equipment, a sister brand of Volvo Trucks, has started selling the improved PU500, a 500 kWh mobile charging unit for electric construction sites without grid access. The giant battery bank can also be used for festivals, disaster sites, or as a buffer battery to profit from off-peak energy prices. While battery banks with […]

Limburg cycle route network celebrates its 30th anniversary

April 07, 2025

This year, Limburg celebrates the 30th anniversary of the cycle route network—one of the province’s main attractions. Recent research by Visit Limburg confirms that cycling in Limburg is popular not only with the Limburgers themselves but also with cyclists from far beyond the provincial borders. Visit Limburg’s study shows that 90% of cyclists are delighted […]

Alstom invests in new TGVs and hires at least 1,000 in France

April 07, 2025

French train builder Alstom is planning a significant expansion in France. The company plans to invest 150 million euros and recruit at least 1,000 people this year. The investments and hiring are coming to meet the increased demand for high-speed trains. The plan is to start a new production line at Alstom’s Valenciennes plant. At […]

Kia and LG join forces to create ‘Spielraum’ concepts

April 07, 2025

Kia Corporation and LG Electronics announced a partnership to collaborate on implementing mobility space solutions based on the PBV (Platform Beyond Vehicle) technology. The companies signed a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) at the Kia pavilion at the 2025 Seoul Mobility Show. They unveiled concept models for mobile work and recreational spaces incorporating advanced home appliances […]

Tesla Semi still facing delays and price hikes, says customer

April 07, 2025

Ryder, a Florida-based transportation and truck rental company with around 260,000 vehicles in its fleet, has asked California’s Mobile Source Air Pollution Reduction Review Committee (MSRC) for another extension regarding the subsidies for its fleet of Tesla Semis. The reason? Tesla is still unable to deliver the trucks and is charging much more than promised. […]

Belgian high-voltage grid operator warns for surplus solar power

April 07, 2025

Belgian high-voltage grid operator Elia is calling for vigilance over solar overproduction. Due to the sunny spring and the large number of solar panels installed, an overproduction could lead to negative prices and a frequency increase, threatening blackouts. Unlike last year, when this phenomenon occurred mainly in the summer, Elia notes that the risk is […]

Leadership exodus at Tesla continues as software chief leaves

April 07, 2025

Tesla’s executive ranks continue to thin as David Lau, Vice President of Software Engineering and a key figure behind the company’s vehicle software platform, cloud services, and manufacturing systems, is stepping down. He served nearly 13 years with the automaker.  Lau’s departure, first reported by Bloomberg, adds to a growing list of long-tenured leaders leaving […]

MobilityPlus: ‘26% of employees hardly charge at home’

April 07, 2025

According to charging station operator MobilityPlus, a quarter of all employees with an electric car hardly ever charge their company car at home. Nevertheless, employees with electric company cars usually have a charging station at home. But most fear that charging at home will drive up their energy bill. MobilityPlus discovered that 26 percent of […]

Traxio: ‘Belgian second-hand car market stable in Q1 2025’

April 07, 2025

In March 2025, 40,184 new passenger cars were registered –10% fewer than in the same month last year. The decline continued throughout the first quarter, from -13% in January to -8.1% in February. It is striking that the share of private buyers in the first quarter was approximately 10% higher than last year, possibly due […]

Mazda’s China-built 6e begins export production amid tariff headwinds

April 07, 2025

Mazda has officially launched export production of the Mazda 6e, its China-built electric sedan aimed at global markets, including Europe and Southeast Asia. The first units rolled off the production line at the Changan Mazda plant in Nanjing last week. It signals the company’s renewed push into the international EV market, as the carmaker hasn’t […]

Belgium next on wish list Geely’s premium brand Zeekr

April 07, 2025

Two years after introducing the brand in its homeland, Sweden, and EV forerunner The Netherlands, and one year later in Norway, Chinese-Swedish Zeekr is targeting Belgium as the next European country for its expansion. In summer, together with the official launch of its luxury SUV 7X in Europe, the third model to come to the […]

There will be a Brussels Motor Show in January 2026

April 07, 2025

Sector federation Febiac, the organizer of the Brussels Motor Show (BMS), has officially announced that the 2026 edition (the 102nd) will be held next January from the 9th to the 18th at the Brussels Expo premises. “We are happy to announce today that Febiac will organize the 102nd Motor Show,” says Freddy De Mulder, Febiac’s […]

Flandria organizes ‘Oosterweel Cruises’ in Antwerp

April 04, 2025

The Antwerp shipping company, Flandria, has a new attraction: the Oosterweel Cruise. From April 12th, the Easter holidays, tourists can register for a boat trip along the Oosterweel works, often called “the largest road project of the century.” The tour lasts three hours, and visitors are guided via the Asiadok and the Royersluis to the […]

New e-motor from Ricardo aims to redefine EV powertrain sustainability

April 04, 2025

Engineering consultancy Ricardo has taken a big step in rethinking electric propulsion with the unveiling of Alumotor, a high-efficiency, rare earth-free electric motor. Their solution could help reshape how automakers approach sustainability and cost in EV design. Presented at the UKRI Materials and Manufacturing Showcase 2025 in London, Alumotor is the product of a consortium […]

Soon mandatory bicycle helmet for all in Belgium?

April 04, 2025

Rehabilitation physicians at UZ Ghent want a bicycle helmet to become mandatory in Belgium. After all, less than a third of Belgians (29%) wear a bicycle helmet, but out of the nearly four in ten victims of injury accidents involving bicycles and speed pedelecs who ended up in a Belgian hospital in 2023 had a […]

Skoda unwraps fastest production model yet: Elroq RS

April 04, 2025

Skoda has officially launched its fastest production car ever — and it’s not a sedan or a hot hatch. It’s the Elroq RS, a beefed up version of its compact electric crossover that combines everyday practicality with a big shot of performance. Unveiled at Milan Design Week, the Elroq RS builds on the recently introduced […]

Hyundai gives Ioniq 6 a sleek overhaul and teases high-performance N

April 03, 2025

At the 2025 Seoul Mobility Show, Hyundai unveiled a significantly redesigned Ioniq 6. The new look is even sleeker, resulting in a more aggressive version of its all-electric sedan. The refresh comes just two years after the model’s original debut and marks a bold design rethink to boost sales, which have been lagging behind its […]

Record year for Ryanair with over 200 million passengers

April 03, 2025

Irish airline Ryanair ended its fiscal year with a record: for the first time in its history, it rounded the 200 million passenger mark. The airline says it is the first time a European airline has done so. Based on passenger figures, Lufthansa, which includes Brussels Airlines, is the number two airline in Europe. That […]

‘Quasi-free’ public transport not an unqualified success in Wallonia

April 03, 2025

The almost free subscriptions the previous Walloon government introduced for public transport were not an unqualified success. More season tickets were sold, but validation on the buses and trams decreased. “If this price reduction does not encourage the use of public transport, where is the problem?” Minister of Mobility, François Desquesnes (Les Engagés), wonders. The […]

Renault introduces Mobilize Duo in its Belux network

April 03, 2025

Mobilize Duo, the electric four-wheel from Renault’s Mobilize subsidiary, will be available in the Belgian and Luxembourg markets from April 7th onward through Renault’s dealer network. Three versions target young drivers without a driver’s license, as well as adults and professional drivers with a license. Mobilize Duo aims to be practical and agile in an […]

Hyundai presents new Nexo FCEV

April 03, 2025

Today, Hyundai Motor Company introduced the all-new Nexo fuel cell electric vehicle (FCEV) at its global launch event at the Seoul Mobility Show in Korea. Hyundai targets more than 700 km of range from a five-minute ‘charge’ and top-tier safety ratings thanks to the comprehensive safety features. The second-generation Nexo reflects 27 years of fuel […]

Ionity, Fastned, Atlante, and Electra form charging giant Spark Alliance

April 03, 2025

As a symbol for Europe’s rapidly evolving EV infrastructure, four of the continent’s leading charging operators—Fastned, Electra, Atlante, and IONITY—have joined forces to create Spark Alliance. This strategic partnership must leverage the seamlessness, reliability, and user-friendliness of charging experiences across 25 European countries. However, it also tightens the space for smaller or new competitors. Spark […]

€485 million EU fine for 15 car brands and ACEA for recycling cartel

April 02, 2025

The European Commission has fined 15 major automakers 485 million euros for participating in a cartel involving the recycling of end-of-life vehicles. The fines apply to BMW, Ford, Volkswagen, Volvo, and the European automobile trade association ACEA, among others. All companies admitted involvement in the cartel and agreed to the settlement. Mercedes-Benz escaped a fine […]

Bstor to build third and largest battery park in Aubange

April 02, 2025

After Bstor launched a new battery park in La Louvière at the beginning of this year, the battery project developer has started constructing its third and largest battery park, ‘Estor-Lux II,’ in Aubange, in the Belgian province of Luxembourg. Bstor is 40 percent owned by the listed Antwerp holding company Ackermans & van Haaren. In […]

T&E report: ‘Number of business flights down 34%’

April 02, 2025

Between 2019 and 2023, business flights fell by 34%. That’s according to a new report by the NGO Transport & Environment. However, 44% of the 326 companies in the Travel Smart ranking still have no target applying to business travel, putting overall progress at risk. Especially the disproportionate flying of private jets by large companies […]

Franco-German experts call on EU to prioritize battery-electric trucks

April 02, 2025

The French Conseil d’analyse économique (CAE) and the Franco-German Council of Economic Experts (GCEE) have published a joint statement calling on the EU to focus on decarbonizing road freight transport by abandoning support for hydrogen trucks. They urge to prioritize battery-electric trucks, which are considered the most viable solution. Nine experts from the CAE and […]

Renault and Nissan realign their Alliance partnership

April 02, 2025

Nissan and Renault realigned their partnership in an  ‘Amendment to the New Alliance Agreement’. Nissan will be released from its obligation to invest in Renault’s electric car division, Ampere, and Renault will take complete control of the Indian manufacturing joint venture. Both moves are part of a new agreement signed by both carmakers. It essentially […]

Belgian car glass manufacturer Soliver acquired by international group

April 02, 2025

An international group is acquiring Belgian auto glass group Soliver, also known as AGP. It is not known which international player is involved or how high the bid is. The new owner wants to continue operations in Belgium under a new name and would take over most of the approximately 1,000 employees. Soliver makes auto […]

From star to scandal: Tesla sales freefall all over Europe

April 02, 2025

Tesla is facing a deepening crisis across Europe. Its sales keep plummeting, and the brand is experiencing increased politicized action. Once the undisputed leader of the electric revolution, Tesla is now struggling to hold its ground in key European markets. Sales have fallen to their lowest in four years in countries like France, Sweden, and […]

China’s battle of the megawatt chargers: do we need that?

April 02, 2025

More or less a week after BYD lashed out with the news of its ts new electric car platform, called ‘Super e,’ which promises charging at one megawatt, Chinese-Swedish Geely daughter Zeekr parries with the announcement of a 1.2-megawatt charger. Just to be overtaken by Huawei bragging about a 1.5-megawatt charger. This battle of the […]

NMBS/SNCB says ‘no’ to sorry pass for railway strikes (update)

April 02, 2025

National railway company NMBS/SNCB is not responding to the request from traveler interest group TreinTramBus to compensate season ticket holders for the many strikes of the past weeks with a ‘Sorry Pass.’ TreinTramBus had requested railway company NMBS/SNCB to compensate season ticket holders for February and March with a Sorry Pass for all the recent […]

Belux registrations down 10.2% in March 2025

April 02, 2025

According to data from the Federal Public Service Mobility and Transport and the sector federation Febiac, car registrations in March 2025 fell by 10.2%. The market for individual buyers has almost returned to the same level as the professional market. In March, 40,185 new cars were registered, and this regress is due to the decrease […]

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