Today, Mercedes is announcing that it’s received approval for the Drive Pilot’s Level 3 95 km/h version in Germany. The sales release in the country is expected to happen in spring 2025, following the approval by the German Federal Motor Transport Authority. Those who are already Drive Pilot customers will receive this as a free update, either over-the-air or during… Read more…
Hercules to be the biggest electrified aircraft
Wright Electric is developing the powertrain for a hybrid version of the C-130 transport aircraft, the Hercules, writes Nick Flaherty.
It would use two conventional turbines and two electric propulsors, with the batteries held in the cargo area, making it the largest aircraft to be electrified.
The project would use the second-generation, MW-class motor, the WM2500, built with support from the US ARPA-E programme and NASA space agency, which is nearly complete. Read more…
Germany: Ford E-Transit with large battery available to order from 64,590 euros
The Ford E-Transit is now available in Germany with the larger 89 kWh battery, which enables a range of up to 402 kilometres – and can charge faster. Prices for the longer-range versions start at 64,590 euros net. Read more…
German SPD party wants to introduce tax incentives for EVs made in Germany
In its election manifesto, the SPD is campaigning for tax incentives to boost electric car sales. The incentives should only benefit electric cars ‘made in Germany’. The Social Democrats are also in favour of better depreciation conditions and changes to company car taxation. Read more…
Zeekr to present 3 models at CES 2025, showcasing its strongest products to US audience
Zeekr is so far the only Chinese EV maker to announce a presence at CES 2025, and it will be its third consecutive appearance at the tech event since 2023. Read more…
BlueOval SK secures US loan to construct battery plants
The US Department of Energy (DOE) has given the green light for a direct loan of up to $9.63 billion to BlueOval SK. The money will be used for the construction of “up to three” battery factories in Tennessee and Kentucky. Read more…
Zeekr 7X goes on sale in first European markets
The Zeekr 7X is now available to order in the Netherlands, Sweden and Norway. That also means the first European prices for the electric mid-range SUV, characterised by its enormously high charging capacity, are now public. Read more…
Lamborghini’s first EV delayed to 2029
Lamborghini has announced yet another setback in its electrification strategy. The first all-electric vehicle from the Italian purveyor of high performance, originally slated for a 2028 launch, has been pushed back to 2029. Lamborghini CEO Stephan Winkelmann, speaking at the company’s headquarters, expressed skepticism about the market’s readiness for electric supercars. “We do not think 2029 is late to have… Read more…
Littelfuse launches RCMP20 Residual Current Monitor
Littelfuse has unveiled the RCMP20 Residual Current Monitor Series for Mode 2 and Mode 3 EV charging stations.
The RCMP20 Series offers the largest current transformer aperture available, supporting higher AC charging currents, which is critical for modern EV chargers that demand high-performance capabilities. It also offers reliable ground-fault detection, improving charger performance and safety. Read more…
Huawei, JAC joint brand Maextro sees 1st factory set up
Huawei unveiled the Maextro S800 on November 26, targeting the luxury executive sedan market with an estimated price tag of RMB 1 million to RMB 1.5 million. Read more…
China EV insurance registrations for week ending Dec 15: Nio 4,400, Tesla 18,500, Xiaomi 5,800, BYD 97,800
Onvo had 1,700 insurance registrations last week, Li Auto 14,100, Xpeng 7,200, Zeekr 5,200, Leapmotor 10,000 and Aito 6,700. Read more…
Cybertruck gets un-founded, Tesla computers fail, a Trump has a plan
On today’s episode of Quick Charge, it’s bad news for Tesla as the nonexistent demand for its Foundation Series Cybertruck models leads Musk to desperate tactics. Meanwhile, the company’s new AI4 computers have major safety concerns, and Trump is moving to kill EV tax credits. Read more…
Chery’s new iCar brand launches 2nd EV model iCar V23 with starting price of $13,700
The iCar V23 is iCar’s second model, after the iCar 03, and is aimed at fashion-conscious young people. Read more…
BYD enters Estonia, local deliveries to start in early 2025
The first two BYD stores opened in Estonia and began pre-sales of four BYD NEV models. Read more…
BYD reportedly sets up new R&D team to ramp up AI investment
BYD has set up an advanced technology research and development center that now has about 500 people, ramping up its investment in AI and large models. Read more…
Wisconsin’s most powerful solar farm just got the go-ahead
The Public Service Commission of Wisconsin (PSCW) has approved Vista Sands Solar Farm, which will become the most powerful solar farm in the state. Read more…
Volvo’s most affordable EV will arrive with up to $9,000 in discounts, but here’s the deal
Volvo’s most affordable EV, the EX30, already has up to $9,000 in discounts with US deliveries just around the corner. However, with some limitations, the Volvo EX30 could face stiff competition with better deals on Tesla, Kia, and Toyota electric models. Read more…
Court rejects challenge to California’s clean air rules trump said he’d kill
The US Supreme Court today rejected a bid by Ohio and other states to stop California from implementing its own clean air rules, a legal right that California has had since the 60s which Donald Trump has repeatedly tried and failed to remove. Read more…
Colorado’s state EV fast charger program adds 33 highway sites
Colorado and ChargePoint have completed the EV Fast-Charging Corridors program, adding DC fast chargers across six highway corridors. Read more…
Mercedes-Benz new CLA EV promises 800 miles of driving range with 20 minutes charging
Mercedes is preparing to reveal what’s expected to be its most important EV in just a few months. The 2026 Mercedes-Benz CLA EV will “set standards” in terms of range, efficiency, and charging. According to the engineers, the new EV can travel nearly 800 miles (1,270 km) with two 10-minute charging stops. Here’s what you can expect from the “one-liter” electric car. Read more…
