A compact electric car with a 58-kWh battery and a 150 kW powertrain—sounds like the first version of the VW ID.3. But we’re talking about the Kia EV4, which aims to make an impact in the European compact class with very similar specs. This time, however, it’s not the top variant under review, but the absolute base model.
Kia EV4 base model test: What the €37,590 version has to offer
A compact electric car with a 58-kWh battery and a 150 kW powertrain—sounds like the first version of the VW ID.3. But we’re talking about the Kia EV4, which aims to make an impact in the European compact class with very similar specs. This time, however, it’s not the top variant under review, but the absolute base model.
FH Dortmund researches EV powertrains exceeding 1,000 volts
In the ODYSSEV project, various universities and industry partners, including Dortmund University of Applied Sciences, the University of Bremen, and supplier ZF Friedrichshafen, are researching new high-voltage drivetrain systems well above 800 volts. Such solutions could significantly improve charging performance. Read more…
China grants automotive manufacturers some flexibility in EU tariff agreements
China’s Ministry of Commerce is giving electric car manufacturers affected by the EU’s special tariffs more flexibility in negotiating individual tariff agreements with the European Commission. This makes further deals like Cupra’s more likely. Read more…
BYD becomes sponsor of Manchester City FC
Chinese EV manufacturer BYD aims to further increase its visibility in Europe through a prestigious new sponsorship deal. BYD has become the official automotive partner of Manchester City, involving branding, charging points, and vehicles. Read more…
French state invests in Imerys lithium project
The French state is investing 50 million euros in a planned lithium mining project in the central French department of Allier. The funds will support, among other things, a feasibility study initiated by Imerys, which is expected to be completed next year. Read more…
FAW Group to launch Hongqi brand in three ASEAN markets this year
Chinese conglomerate FAW Group on Friday announced plans to launch its Hongqi brand in Thailand. The company also plans to enter Singapore and Malaysia later this year. Read more…
Stagecoach breaks ground on Hull’s new electric bus depot
Stagecoach East Midlands has begun construction on its new Foster Street Depot in Hull city centre. The depot is set to host an initial fleet of 42 electric buses. Read more…
Bavarian startup unveils eVTOL aircraft ‘Romeo’
Following the spectacular failures of flying taxi startups Lilium and Volocopter, it is clear: hope for an electric vertical takeoff aircraft from Germany dies last. The Bavarian startup ERC System has now completed its first public test flight with its ‘Romeo’ prototype. Read more…
GM’s Next-Generation EVs Are A Big Reset. Here’s What We Know
Here’s a breakdown of the next-gen vehicle architecture plans from GM, starting with the 2028 Cadillac Escalade IQ. Lire la suite…
Tesla (TSLA) sales in China crash 45% to lowest level in over three years
Tesla’s domestic sales in China collapsed 45% year-over-year in January, falling to just 18,485 units — the automaker’s lowest monthly retail figure in the country since November 2022. The data, released today by the China Passenger Car Association (CPCA), paints a grim picture of Tesla’s demand in the world’s largest EV market. Read more…
Xiaomi EV delivers 39,002 vehicles in Jan, with YU7 contributing 97%
Xiaomi EV’s January deliveries rose 70.34% year-on-year, though down 22.33% from December.
SU7 deliveries fell to their lowest level since launch, as the sedan is set for an update in April.
Connected Kerb takes over Trojan Energy
UK-based charge point operator Connected Kerb has announced the acquisition of Trojan Energy’s ‘Flat & Flush’ on-street charging technology and network. The sale was implemented immediately. Read more…
Zeekr re-enters Indonesia, confirms local assembly
Chinese automaker Zeekr has announced plans to relaunch its vehicles in Indonesia at the 2026 Indonesia International Motor Show. The company plans to offer two models initially: the 7X and the 009. Read more…
BYD Song ranks as China’s top-selling model by wholesale volume in Jan
Tesla Model Y came in fourth with wholesale sales of 38,916 units.
Among the 17 models exceeding 20,000 wholesale units in January, 13 were NEVs.
Karma Automotive and Factorial partner on solid-state battery production for Kaveya super-coupe
Karma Automotive and solid-state battery developer Factorial have announced what they describe as the first solid-state battery production program in the US for passenger vehicles. Factorial’s FEST (Factorial Electrolyte System Technology) cells will be integrated into Karma’s next-generation vehicle platform, starting with the all-electric Kaveya super-coupe—a 1,000+ hp vehicle with a top speed exceeding 200… Read more…
Repower revolution: How KleanDrive plans to electrify Britain’s buses one subframe at a time
As cities tighten zero-emission mandates and operators balance capex against climate targets, repowering may become a bridge technology with unexpected longevity. If Joe Tighe, CEO and co-founder of the British company KleanDrive is right, modular electrification could evolve from a retrofit niche to mainstream drivetrain strategy – one subframe at a time. We caught up with him to talk about why repowering diesel buses simply makes sense. Read more…
Stranded In -35°F: Here’s How Long A Tesla Model 3 Can Keep You Warm
A 2024 Tesla Model 3 was left outside in one of the world’s coldest places. It still kept the interior temperature comfortable. Lire la suite…
Refreshed Mazda 6e hits the UK with new LFP battery and sub-£40,000 price tag
Mazda seemed to be dragging its feet when it came to EV transition. Other companies were rushing to put out new electric models, and Mazda only had the MX-30 to offer. To make things worse, that car did not sell very well because it simply did not go very far on a single charge. It was a total disaster. But… Read more…
Toyota sells more battery-electric cars in China than VW
Volkswagen Group and Toyota are among the world’s largest automakers. Both companies have struggled with electric vehicles in China so far. Now, it is clear: In 2025, the Japanese sold more EVs in China than VW for the first time – albeit at a low level. Read more…
