Polestar has opened order books for the updated Polestar 4 in the UK. The 2027 model year introduces chassis revisions for both rear-motor and dual-motor variants, a reduced cradle-to-gate carbon footprint and a revised model and trim structure. Prices start at £56,750. Read more…

According to a media report, the Renault 4 and Renault 5 are to receive new electric drives. The new units are said to offer more power and greater efficiency. Additionally, LFP technology is apparently planned for the “Urban Range” versions of both models on the future product roadmap. Read more…

Berlin’s public transport operator BVG has begun test operations of a new fast-charging station for electric buses at Marzahn S-Bahn station. The facility enables pantograph-equipped buses to recharge directly within the operational area and forms part of BVG’s ongoing expansion of charging infrastructure to support the electrification of its bus fleet. Read more…

Volkswagen is reportedly ending its Automated Driving Alliance (ADA) with Bosch. The partnership was established to develop assisted and automated driving systems at SAE Level 2 and Level 3. According to media reports, Volkswagen invested around €1.5 billion in the project but is no longer satisfied with the results achieved by the alliance. Read more…

Electra has expanded its app into a Europe-wide roaming platform. Users can now locate, navigate to and activate around 800,000 public charging points across Europe, including not only Electra’s own fast-charging hubs and ChargeLeague partner networks but also charging infrastructure operated by numerous third-party providers. However, charging prices vary considerably depending on the operator. Read more…

Battery manufacturer CATL has joined forces with leading companies from the battery, technology and automotive sectors to establish the Global Energy Circular Economy Alliance in London. Founding members include CATL, BMW, Renault, Volvo, Google and Xiaomi. The alliance aims to develop common standards for battery designs that are easier to reuse and recycle, with CATL taking a central role as the key battery industry participant. Read more…

Chinese state-owned automaker FAW has brought its luxury brand Hongqi to Thailand and launched the E-HS9 as its first model in the market. It has appointed Metro Group as the official distributor and strategic partner for the brand. Read more…

The French government will open the third funding round of its social leasing scheme for electric cars on 16 July. The programme enables low-income employees to lease an electric vehicle at subsidised rates and forms part of France’s efforts to accelerate the transition to electric mobility. Read more…

Artemis Technologies has unveiled the EF-12 Pilot, which it claims is the world’s first fully electric hydrofoil pilot boat. The vessel is now in the water and currently undergoing trial runs before its planned deployment in regular port operations. Read more…

São Paulo has introduced 500 new battery-electric buses, increasing its zero-emission fleet to 1,759 vehicles, including trolleybuses. More than half of the latest deliveries come from BYD, while the city has confirmed it will no longer procure buses powered exclusively by diesel. Read more…

Porsche is reportedly considering relocating production of all Cayenne variants – including combustion-engine, hybrid and electric models – from Bratislava, Slovakia, to its plant in Leipzig, Germany. According to a newspaper report, the move would depend on employees agreeing to lower labour costs. Read more…