December 20, 2024
According to a Chinese media outlet, Tesla will begin mass production of its refreshed Model Y at its Giga Shanghai factory next month. The updated Model Y, codenamed ‘Juniper,’ is the world’s best-selling car. It will feature a range of design and performance enhancements aimed at keeping the popular SUV ahead of the competition. The […]
December 20, 2024
The European Commission announced on Thursday that the European Union will launch a strategic dialogue on the future of its automotive industry in January. The initiative aims to develop rapid support measures for the auto sector as it grapples with the accelerated shift toward electric cars and the regulatory standards on average fleet emissions. The […]
December 19, 2024
As President Biden’s last days in office approach, his administration has granted California and eleven other states permission to ban the sale of new gasoline-powered cars by 2035. This marks one of the most ambitious climate policies in the US, but President-elect Donald Trump has vowed to lift the ban. This has now been made […]
December 19, 2024
Alfa Romeo is bringing a world premiere to the Brussels Motor Show next January. The Italian brand will unveil the four-wheel driven version of its small SUV Junior, based on the hybrid driveline. It seems Stellantis is keen on making a grand entrance in the capital of Europe. With the demise of motor shows worldwide, […]
December 17, 2024
MG Motor, a Chinese state-owned SAIC Motor subsidiary, has announced plans to launch an electric vehicle in 2025 powered by a semi-solid state battery. This move comes after earlier statements suggested MG would be the first to deploy a fully solid-state battery. The hybrid solution implies the car brand is backtracking on its earlier full […]
December 17, 2024
Electric vehicles are widely regarded as a cost-effective alternative to gasoline-powered cars, but that trend has officially reversed in the Netherlands. According to the latest Elektrisch Rijden Monitor by the Dutch motorists’ association ANWB, it’s now more expensive to drive an EV than a combustion-engined car. The report highlights growing concerns over rising operating costs, […]
December 16, 2024
Embattled hydrogen truck maker Nikola is grappling with severe financial strain as it scrambles to secure funds and stave off bankruptcy. The company has confirmed another round of layoffs this month while warning in filings with the US Securities and Exchange Commission (SEC) that it does not have enough cash to sustain operations through the […]
December 13, 2024
The introduction of an annual road tax for new electric cars in Flanders, initially set to take effect on January 1st, 2025, has been postponed. This was confirmed by the cabinet of Flemish Finance Minister Ben Weyts (N-VA) to Het Laatste Nieuws. The delay is attributed to the ongoing development of a taxation formula and […]
December 12, 2024
The facelifted version of the popular BYD Dolphin hatchback has leaked. According to registration details from China’s Ministry of Industry and Information Technology (MIIT), the design introduces minor tweaks, but there will be a new powertrain option. Three motor configurations, including a new 130 kW (174 hp) variant, are slated for commercialization. These changes will […]
December 10, 2024
Toyota’s GAC joint venture has officially opened orders in China for its highly anticipated “new force pure electric SUV,” the bZ3X. While Toyota is slowing down on its global EV plans, the bZ3X plays a pivotal role in the company’s success in the Chinese marketplace—and it might end up in Europe. Toyota has unveiled the […]
December 10, 2024
BYD aims to stay ahead in the fierce EV battery price war with a new generation of its Blade battery that promises higher energy density, faster charging, and reduced costs. As the world’s second-largest EV battery manufacturer, BYD is gearing up to launch its second-generation Blade battery in the first half of 2025. The new […]
December 09, 2024
Lucid Motors has announced another vital leadership change with the departure of Alexander Lutz, its Managing Director for Europe. His departure adds to a growing list of executive exits from Lucid, marking the ninth senior departure in just 14 months. Lutz took on the role only in December last year after leading Polestar’s operations in Italy. He […]
December 06, 2024
Paraclete Energy, a U.S.-based innovator in battery materials, has unveiled a breakthrough in silicon-based anode technology. This technology offers unprecedented cost and performance advantages for electric vehicle batteries. The company’s proprietary silicon anode material reduces costs by almost 35% compared to traditional graphite anodes used in lithium iron phosphate batteries. Paraclete’s solution is called SILO […]
December 06, 2024
Recaro Automotive GmbH, the renowned German manufacturer of car seats, has been acquired by Italy’s Proma Group, signaling a major shake-up for the company. As part of the acquisition, production will cease in Germany and move to the Turin region, permanently closing the current site and leaving more than 170 employees without jobs. Proma Group […]
December 05, 2024
Pope Francis has introduced a fully electric ‘Popemobile’, a pristine white, battery-powered, and unique G-Class created in close partnership with Mercedes-Benz. This exceptional vehicle is the first emission-free Popemobile and must reflect the Vatican’s dedication to sustainability and efforts in climate change. The new Popemobile, based on the electric Mercedes-Benz G580 with EG Technology, is […]
December 04, 2024
California-based start-up Aptera Motors is once again turning to crowdfunding in its mission to bring its solar-powered, three-wheeled electric vehicle to the assembly halls. This renewed effort aims to secure the additional $60 million necessary to transition its prototype to a production-ready car. The new crowdfunding campaign follows Aptera’s previous one, which concluded in May […]
December 04, 2024
Hyundai and Kia achieved record US sales in November, fueled by surging demand for electrified vehicles and strong performance in the crossover segment. Hyundai’s sales rose 8% year-over-year to 76,008 units, while Kia’s deliveries soared 20% to 70,107, marking a standout month for both automakers. The momentum is expected to continue as Hyundai launches its […]
December 02, 2024
Nissan has announced plans to launch affordable vehicle-to-grid (V2G) technology on select electric vehicles in Europe starting in 2026. Developed in collaboration with Belgian technology firm Enovates, the carmaker promises a price not higher than current charging systems. The rollout will commence in the United Kingdom, followed by other European markets at a later stage. […]
December 02, 2024
Stockholm’s ambition to establish the world’s first urban zero-emission vehicle zone in its upscale shopping district has hit a roadblock. Originally slated to take effect by the end of the year, the initiative is now on hold as Sweden’s County Administrative Board examines appeals filed by five companies opposing the measure. In a surprise move, […]
November 29, 2024
Nissan is navigating turbulent waters as it faces a strong revenue drop and has switched to ‘emergency mode,’ according to its boss, Makoto Uchida. The Japanese car maker seeks a critical anchor investor to ensure its survival and readies for 2025, a “make-or-break” year. Honda is rumored to step in as a savior and supply […]
November 27, 2024
California’s Governor Gavin Newsom has unveiled a proposal to revive the state’s electric vehicle rebate program in response to former President Donald Trump’s pledge to eliminate the federal EV tax credit. However, the proposed plan includes a controversial exclusion of Tesla models, the state’s leading EV manufacturer. Elon Musk labeled the move as “insane.” As […]
November 27, 2024
As Donald Trump prepares for his second term as US president, his campaign rhetoric quickly transforms into aggressive trade policies. The president-elect has reignited fears of wide-ranging trade wars, confirming his plans to impose substantial tariffs on imports from Mexico and Canada. Cars and automotive parts assembled in this region could face excess duties of […]
November 26, 2024
General Motors has announced its entry into Formula 1, with the Cadillac brand set to join the grid as the 11th team starting in 2026. The decision, approved in principle, marks a watershed moment for the American automaker as it ventures into the pinnacle of motorsport. Former F1 driver and US’s last F1 champion Mario […]
November 25, 2024
Renault Trucks has achieved its first-ever approval in France for an electric retrofit truck. This pioneering vehicle, a 12-ton Renault Truck D, previously powered by a diesel engine, has been converted into a battery-electric truck. The retrofit truck will be leased for several years to Extime, the operator of duty-free stores at Paris Airport. Retrofitting […]
November 22, 2024
Honda is joining the pioneering car group that takes solid-state battery technology from the lab to a demonstration production line. Verification production will begin in January next year at a Sakura facility just north of Tokyo. Honda’s pilot line will test and refine production procedures for this next-generation battery type, often hailed as a potential […]
November 21, 2024
During the Guangzhou Auto Show, Toyota revealed its latest electric car, the bZ7 concept. Slated for production in 2025, this sleek electric sedan underscores Toyota’s growing commitment to the Chinese market and its strategy to challenge domestic players. While Toyota’s global fully electric offerings remain limited to the bZ4X SUV, the brand has rapidly expanded […]
November 21, 2024
Hyundai has officially revealed its latest electric vehicle, the Ioniq 9, ahead of the Los Angeles Auto Show. The three-row SUV is the equivalent of the Kia EV9 and is slated to hit the market in 2025. As the brand’s flagship model, the SUV must draw in more premium-oriented buyers and rival the Volvo EX90. […]
November 20, 2024
Second time lucky? Jaguar is setting the stage for a dramatic reinvention aimed at the higher end of the luxury market. Ahead of the reveal of its first battery-powered model of its reinvented era, planned for the beginning of December, the brand has presented the new visual identity that goes along with its rebirth. The […]
November 20, 2024
Tesla shares soared by over 7% following reports that U.S. President-Elect Donald Trump’s administration plans to prioritize federal regulations for self-driving vehicles. Bloomberg reported that Trump’s transition team has identified autonomous vehicle policy as a critical focus for the Department of Transportation. In a single trading session, Tesla’s market value was boosted by $70 billion […]
November 18, 2024
Toyota plans to expand its electric vehicle production capabilities with ‘Area 35’. This global initiative aims to increase manufacturing capacity and embrace the production of 3.5 million EVs annually by the decade’s end. With an emphasis on optimizing existing resources and reducing production complexities, the Japanese giant hopes to compete with Tesla and the Chinese […]
November 18, 2024
Mercedes-Benz has revealed the highly anticipated electric CLA’s powertrain technology, showcasing a blend of innovative EV advancements and design flexibility. Positioned as a trailblazer for Mercedes’ future entry-level vehicles, the CLA will debut on the new Mercedes-Benz Modular Architecture (MMA) platform, promising unparalleled efficiency. Though Mercedes-Benz keeps the A-Class lineage longer than initially anticipated, the […]
November 15, 2024
Cadillac is in a hurry to deploy a full-grown EV line-up. Its latest electric vehicle, the Vistiq, slots between the massive Escalade iQ and more compact Lyriq, lifting the number of announced battery-powered models to five (next to the Celestiq and Optiq). The Vistiq promises ample range and top-notch charging technology and is positioned as […]
November 15, 2024
Volvo Cars has announced the sale of its entire stake in Lynk & Co to Geely-owned Zeekr in a deal worth approximately €710 million. This move is part of a larger strategy by parent company Geely to streamline its electric vehicle operations and shift away from an acquisition strategy to boosting synergies across its brands. […]
November 14, 2024
Audi is enhancing its A3 offering with the introduction of the earlier announced new plug-in hybrid models, the 40 TFSI e and 45 TFSI e. These models boast more power and double the battery capacity over their predecessors. A3 enthusiasts can also look forward to the 40 TFSI e in the rugged Allstreet trim, designed […]
November 13, 2024
Volkswagen and Rivian have officially launched their joint venture, “Rivian and VW Group Technology, LLC,” which aims to accelerate the development of battery-powered vehicles and boost software architectures. The collaboration, valued at €5.8 billion, marks a significant increase from the €5 billion investment initially announced in June. The venture begins operations today. Speaking at the […]
November 13, 2024
Hertz reported a staggering €1.2 billion net loss in the third quarter, driven mainly by the write-down on its fleet of electric vehicles (€0.9 billion). The results, which fell significantly short of analyst expectations, highlighted the mounting challenges of the ambitious shift towards electrification for rental and leasing companies. Hertz’s losses stem primarily from a […]
November 12, 2024
Belgium welcomes the arrival of three new Chinese electric car brands in the same automotive group. After their debut in the Netherlands, Voyah, Dongfeng, and Mhero are officially available today through the Ghistelinck group network. The first brand store has opened in Eke, Ghent. When the Dongfeng Group entered the Dutch market with three brands […]
November 11, 2024
Tensions are rising over next year’s new EU CO2 emission targets for the auto industry. Backed by Germany, France is pushing the European Commission to postpone the targets by one year. However, the Brussels administration maintains a firm stance. Without delay, car makers will need a significant uptick in electric car sales next year. However, […]
November 08, 2024
Naming policies are sometimes a quirky business in the auto industry. Audi hasn’t been shy of confusing with the namesakes of their models and has now turned that reputation one notch up by launching a new Chinese brand called – well – AUDI. Yes, you spell it in capitals; no, there are no rings anymore. […]
November 07, 2024
Unplugged Performance, a leading Tesla tuner, has introduced the UP.FIT Tesla Model S Plaid Pursuit at SEMA 2024, claiming the title of the world’s fastest police patrol car. This vehicle is more than a concept. It is ready for ordering and will join the police forces in Los Angeles. Villains and thieves have one more […]
November 07, 2024
Alpine has officially launched the A290, an electric hot hatch that ventures into more practical territory. In many respects, this car can be regarded as the modern successor to the famous Renault R5 Turbo. It is also in an emission-free guise, which is a first for the brand. Alpine unveiled its fully electric hot hatch […]
November 06, 2024
Another indicator of the automotive industry’s struggle was that German automotive supplier Schaeffler announced plans to cut 4,700 jobs across Europe. The layoffs, primarily targeting ten sites in Germany and five additional European locations, will unfold between 2025 and 2027, with two site closures also confirmed. Schaeffler joins the ranks of automotive companies turning to […]
November 05, 2024
Suzuki has officially unveiled its first battery electric vehicle, the e Vitara, in Milan, Italy. Building on the concept model ‘eVX’, the model will also appear as a rebadged Toyota in global markets. The newcomer is expected to hit European markets by the summer of 2025. As the Vitara has been a long-time bestseller for […]
November 04, 2024
As part of a significant update for the 2025 model year, Chevrolet has added the Sidewinder mode to its Silverado EV. This feature enables the truck to move diagonally by turning all four wheels in the same direction, enhancing maneuverability in tight spots or challenging off-road terrain. It’s a further example of how car makers […]
November 04, 2024
Toyota has confirmed launching a new electric SUV based on Suzuki’s upcoming EV model. This SUV, set to be built in India starting next spring, is a variant of the Suzuki eVX, which was unveiled initially at the Auto Expo in Delhi last year. The collaboration makes it easier for both car makers to enter […]
November 01, 2024
Norway is revising its climate targets for vans, with a proposed delay of the deadline for all new van sales to be zero-emission from 2025 to 2027. The shift seems necessary as adoption moves much slower than the high sales penetration of battery-electric cars. Even in zero-emission Walhalla, vans stick to burning fossil fuels. The […]
October 31, 2024
For the first time, Chinese automaker BYD has surpassed Tesla in quarterly revenue. The leap is driven by strong domestic sales, helped by government incentives, and BYD’s relentless focus on expanding its international footprint. In China, where over half of vehicle sales now consist of electric or hybrid models, BYD continues to dominate. BYD reported […]
October 28, 2024
As tensions escalate over European Union tariffs on electric vehicles, Bloomberg reports that China is pressing its automakers from the backroom to halt their expansion plans into Europe. Beijing allegedly advises Chinese car manufacturers to stop pursuing new production sites in the EU and avoid signing further agreements while negotiations with Brussels are ongoing. In […]
October 28, 2024
Hyundai Rotem, the South Korean defense contractor and a branch of the Hyundai Group, is pioneering the development of hydrogen fuel cell-powered battle tanks. This ambitious project, part of a collaboration with the National Defense Research Institute and other defense technology organizations, aims to create a tank that achieves stealth battlefield supremacy and aligns with […]
October 25, 2024
Hyundai is pushing the envelope of high-performance EVs with its newly unveiled RN24 concept, a radical reimagining of the electric rally car. Showcased at this year’s N Day, the RN24 borrows the potent dual-motor powertrain from the Ioniq 5 N, now fitted within a rally-inspired chassis that emphasizes agility, power, and then some. This is […]
October 25, 2024
Tesla surprised investors and analysts by posting bigger-than-expected profits for the third quarter of 2024. Though the EV maker boosted deliveries in the past three months, the money comes from unexpected income like CO2 credits, cost cutting, and “services and others.” Interestingly, Elon Musk never favored the latter as an important revenue stream. Tesla exceeded […]
October 21, 2024
Hyundai Mobis, a leading parts supplier for Hyundai, is taking in-car screen technology to the next level with its latest innovation: a full-width holographic windshield display. Developed in partnership with German optical giant Zeiss, this new technology could revolutionize how drivers and passengers interact with their vehicles by transforming the entire windshield into a transparent […]
October 18, 2024
Elon Musk has promoted Omead Afshar, previously seen as his “chief of staff” at Tesla, to a high-ranking executive role, marking a significant leadership change at the automaker. Afshar, who faced controversy in 2022, now assumes the position of Vice President of Operations in North America and Europe, overseeing Tesla’s sales and manufacturing in these […]
October 18, 2024
BMW CEO Oliver Zipse’s latest stance against the sales ban on combustion-engined cars by 2035 might reignite the discussion surrounding a political revision on the EU level. According to the top executive, keeping the combustion engine running is the best remedy for remaining competitive in the face of mounting Chinese competition. President of the European […]
October 17, 2024
Hyundai Mobis, a significant supplier for Hyundai Motor Group, has announced an investment of approximately €235 million to establish new production facilities in Slovakia. The move aims to expand the South Korean partners’ presence in the European electric vehicle (EV) market, the second-largest globally. The new plant will focus on producing key EV components, including […]
October 17, 2024
Geely’s premium electric vehicle brand Zeekr is preparing to officially unveil its new mid-sized MPV, the Zeekr MIX, on October 23. With display models arriving in showrooms around the same time, the MIX is expected to generate significant attention due to its advanced design and family-oriented features. The Zeekr MIX, which is also headed to […]
October 14, 2024
Gigacasting has been touted as the go-to manufacturing innovation for cost-efficient EV production. After Tesla introduced the technique, many carmakers followed its lead or planned to do so. But after doing the math, Stellantis has decided to sidestep the adoption of gig casting in favor of more flexible, quickly implementable solutions. A missed opportunity? Arnaud […]
October 14, 2024
Citroën has introduced a refreshed version of the Ami microcar at the 2024 Paris Motor Show, marking the vehicle’s fourth anniversary with notable design updates and a new buggy concept. The updated Ami, known for its quirky style and high accessibility to youngsters, now boasts a “more sympathetic and mature” front design, restyled to pay […]
October 11, 2024
Renault will publicly unveil the Mobilize Duo or the next-generation Twizy at the Paris Motor Show. Like its spiritual forefather, it’s also available in a cargo version dubbed Bento. As cities worldwide strive for cleaner air and reduced traffic congestion, these two compact yet versatile electric vehicles want to earmark the future of city transportation […]
October 10, 2024
General Motors’ Ultium battery brand name will be discontinued as the company shifts toward incorporating different battery types and chemistries in its electric vehicle (EV) lineup. The move comes as GM aims to cut EV production costs and address the challenges of scaling battery production. Kurt Kelty, GM’s VP of batteries (and a former Tesla […]
