Renault 4 and 5 E-Tech Earn Top Green NCAP Rating
Renault’s rebooted 4 E‑Tech and 5 E‑Tech have earned the highest five‑star rating from Green NCAP, reflecting minimal lifecycle emissions and strong real‑world efficiency. The 4 posted a 9.4 Clean Air Index while the 5 recorded 9.1 for clean air and 9.3 for energy efficiency, both achieving maximum scores for greenhouse‑gas impact. Bidirectional charging capability adds value by allowing energy to be fed back into homes or the grid. The results sit alongside hybrid and electric SUVs that are narrowing the environmental gap, underscoring a shifting sustainability landscape in the auto sector.
Nissan Reveals Long-Term “Mobility Intelligence” Vision Focused on AI, EVs and Smarter Mobility
Nissan unveiled its long‑term "Mobility Intelligence for Everyday Life" strategy, centering on AI‑defined vehicles, a broader electrified portfolio, and a slimmer global lineup. The AI Drive platform will eventually equip 90% of models, with the new Elgrand debuting AI features...
BMW M5 Touring Readied as 708bhp PHEV with 43-Mile Range
BMW is set to launch the seventh‑generation M5 Touring this summer as a plug‑in hybrid, delivering 708 bhp from a twin‑turbo 4.4‑litre V8 paired with an electric motor. The powertrain, borrowed from the XM SUV, is supported by an 18.6 kWh battery...
New Nissan X-Trail Revealed with Hybrid Power and Bold New Look
Nissan unveiled a dramatically restyled X‑Trail SUV, branding it with the E‑Power full‑hybrid badge. The new model, built on the existing CMF‑CD platform, features a bold trapezoidal grille, angular LED lights and sharper body creases. Nissan positions the X‑Trail as...
Can Networks Solve Australia’s “Chicken-and-Egg” EV Problem? The Battle for Control of Kerbside Charging
Energy Networks Australia (ENA) has asked the Australian Energy Market Commission to amend ring‑fencing rules so distribution networks can install, own, and maintain kerbside electric‑vehicle chargers on existing poles. The change would reclassify EV chargers from a contestable service to...
Iran War Oil Spike Spurs EV Searches but Near-Term Demand Impact Likely Muted
The Iran‑related conflict pushed crude oil above $120 per barrel, lifting U.S. gasoline to $4.06 per gallon and triggering a noticeable rise in electric‑vehicle (EV) searches. Edmunds and AI‑driven platform CarEdge reported traffic to popular models such as the Tesla...
US Trade Chief Says Tech Restrictions to Block Chinese Carmakers
U.S. Trade Representative Jamieson Greer announced that new restrictions on foreign‑entity connected‑vehicle technology will take effect over the next 12‑18 months, effectively blocking Chinese automakers from entering the U.S. market. The rules target "foreign entities of concern" such as BYD...
Duracell E-Charge Picks Paythru for UK Network Payments
Duracell E‑Charge has appointed Paythru to run payments for its UK ultra‑fast electric‑vehicle charging network. Paythru’s platform will process card, app and terminal transactions and aims for a 99.8% payment success rate, supporting Duracell’s 99% overall uptime target. The network...
Vector Informatik Expands CANoe EV with V2G Security Testing
Vector Informatik has broadened its CANoe Test Package EV to include automated security testing for electric‑vehicle charging communication. The new module covers vehicle‑to‑grid (V2G) fuzzing, TLS 1.2/1.3 protocol checks, and Plug & Charge validation, aligning with ISO 15118‑2 and ISO 15118‑20 standards. By automating...
Volvo Trucks Unveils 700km-Range Electric Long-Haul Truck
Volvo Trucks introduced the FH Aero Electric, a heavy‑duty tractor with a 700 km (435‑mile) range on a single charge, slated for market launch in 2026. The model features a novel e‑axle that combines dual motors and a six‑speed gearbox, freeing...
Geely Launches AI-Driven I-HEV Hybrid with Record Efficiency
Geely Auto unveiled its i‑HEV Intelligent Hybrid, a motor‑led system that leverages Full‑domain AI 2.0 and the i‑CMA architecture to achieve a Guinness‑verified thermal efficiency of 48.41% and fuel consumption of 2.22 L/100 km. The AI Cloud Power module dynamically adjusts the petrol‑electric...
Nissan Reaffirms Infiniti as Luxury Growth Pillar
At its global Vision event in Nashville, Nissan announced a refreshed Infiniti strategy, positioning the luxury brand as a core growth pillar. The rollout includes four new models—a midsize hybrid SUV, a performance‑focused V6 sedan, and two large hybrid SUVs—starting...
China Leads Solid-State Battery Patent Surge in Q1 2026
Over 1,710 solid‑state battery patent applications were published globally in Q1 2026, with China responsible for 1,429 filings. Chinese automakers and battery makers such as FAW, CATL and Gotion posted double‑digit growth, highlighted by FAW’s 800% surge. On the grant side,...
XCharge Opens First European Assembly Plant in Spain
XCharge inaugurated a 3,000 m² assembly plant in Silla, Valencia, Spain, its first European manufacturing hub. The facility will assemble high‑power EV chargers such as the 400 kW C7 and the GridLink battery‑integrated solution, currently sold in North America. By localising production,...
“Screens Are Everywhere. Radio Must Be Visual”
The latest In‑Vehicle Visuals Report from Quu Inc. shows that 68% of the 100 best‑selling new U.S. cars now sport multiple screens, extending beyond the central dash to driver, passenger, and rear‑seat displays. While FM and AM radio remain installed...
EV Charging Network Sees 54 per Cent Leap in Customer Numbers as Electric Interest Surges
Jolt, one of Australia’s largest public EV charging networks, reported a 54.4% month‑on‑month rise in new driver registrations for March, coinciding with a record share of EV sales nationwide. A Jolt survey found that 70% of EV owners are motivated...
Nissan Confirms New Xterra Will Offer Hybrid and Non-Hybrid V6 Options
Nissan confirmed that the next‑generation Xterra will debut in 2028 with two powertrain choices: a traditional V6 and a V6‑based regular hybrid. The hybrid will be non‑plug‑in, designed to meet tightening emissions standards while preserving the V6’s character. Nissan also...
Nissan Teases An All-New Skyline—But Not For America
Nissan has unveiled a teaser for an all‑new Skyline sport sedan that will not be sold under the Nissan badge in the United States. The concept features round taillights, aggressive modern styling and a twin‑turbo 3.0‑liter V6 expected to deliver...
New British-Built Nissan Juke Unveiled as Radically Styled EV
Nissan unveiled the third‑generation Juke as its fourth electric vehicle, built at the Sunderland plant on the CMF‑EV platform and slated for spring 2027 launch. The radical Hyper‑Punk‑inspired design is meant to attract new buyers and differentiate the Juke from...
In Conversation: Xiaomi on Its Shift to the XLA Cognitive Model in Assisted Driving
Xiaomi has unveiled its third‑generation assisted‑driving system, the XLA cognitive large model, marking a shift from rule‑based and data‑driven approaches to AI‑driven cognition. The multimodal XLA model integrates vision, audio, radar and navigation, and leverages Xiaomi’s proprietary MiMo‑Embodied foundation model...
Janus Electric Continues US Expansion with HVIP Vouchers and Energy One MOU
Janus Electric announced it has secured two California Heavy‑Vehicle Incentive Program (HVIP) vouchers, each valued at US$112,500, confirming its conversion system meets CARB standards. The company also signed a non‑binding MOU with Energy One Solutions International to explore battery‑swap and...
“Cheaper to Run:” NSW Targets Charging Gap and Electric Trucks in New EV Strategy
The New South Wales government unveiled a $100 million electric‑vehicle strategy aimed at closing charging gaps and accelerating EV uptake amid rising fuel prices. The plan funds fast‑charging stations in regional and remote areas and adds kerbside chargers for apartment residents...
Surging Petrol Prices Drive Record EV Sales in Europe in March
Record EV registrations in Europe surged to nearly 540,000 units in March, propelling global electric‑vehicle sales up 3% year‑on‑year to over 1.7 million. The spike follows sharply higher petrol prices after the Iran war disrupted a key oil shipping route, prompting...
Philippines to Manufacture Hybrid Vehicles by 2028- #BeltAndRoad #Economy #Infrastructure
Mitsubishi Motors announced it will join the Philippines’ Electric Vehicle Incentive Strategy (EVIS) to produce a new hybrid electric vehicle (HEV) at its local plant by mid‑2028. The move marks the first large‑scale hybrid manufacturing effort in the archipelago, leveraging...
Tesla Launches Spring Update 2026 with ‘Hey Grok,’ New Self-Driving App, and More
Tesla’s Spring Update 2026 introduces a redesigned Self‑Driving subscription app with a $99.99‑per‑month one‑tap sign‑up, the voice‑activated “Hey Grok” assistant, and an auto‑install option for overnight software updates. The rollout also adds playful touches like a Cyberhog character in Pet Mode, custom...
Rivian R2 vs Tesla Model Y Spotted Side-by-Side: Detailed Size Comparison
New side‑by‑side photos of the Rivian R2 and Tesla Model Y reveal that the R2 is slightly shorter but three inches taller, with a boxier silhouette and 60% higher ground clearance. Despite weighing about 370 lb more, the R2 Performance delivers...
Tesla Drivers Must Pass A Quiz To Enable FSD In Europe
Tesla has launched its Full Self‑Driving (Supervised) feature in Europe, beginning with the Netherlands. Before activation, owners must complete an in‑car safety tutorial and pass a two‑question quiz confirming they understand the system’s limits and their responsibility. The quiz satisfies...
More Extended-Range EVs Soon to Hit the Road
Automakers are accelerating the rollout of extended‑range electric vehicles (EREVs) that pair a modest gasoline generator with an electric drivetrain to eliminate range anxiety. Renault’s new RGEV medium 2.0 platform can deliver up to 1,400 km total range, while Volkswagen’s ID. Era 9X...
Toyota’s Electric SUV Was the Third Best-Selling EV in the US in Q1
Toyota’s refreshed bZ electric SUV sold 10,029 units in the United States during Q1 2026, an 80% year‑over‑year jump that lifted the model to the third‑best‑selling EV slot behind Tesla’s Model Y and Model 3. Overall U.S. EV sales slipped 7.8% quarter‑over‑quarter to...
China's Passenger Vehicle Export Overview (Jan.-Feb. 2026): Russia Leads Overall丨Gasgoo Automotive Research Institute
China’s passenger vehicle exports surged in the Jan‑Feb 2026 window, with traditional internal‑combustion models dominated by Russia, the UAE and Brazil, while new‑energy vehicle (NEV) shipments spread across Europe and emerging markets. ICE exports grew on price advantage and expanding...
Simple Bath Readies Lithium-Metal Anodes for Long-Range EVs
A new water‑based etching process stabilizes lithium‑metal anodes, preventing dendrite growth. Soaking lithium foil in a 1 % water‑dimethyl sulfoxide solution for 20 minutes aligns crystal facets to a quasicrystalline (110) orientation, enabling uniform lithium plating. Lab‑scale Li‑FePO4 cells with treated...
Infineon Holds Top Spot in Automotive Semiconductors for Sixth Consecutive Year as Microcontroller Share Rises to 36%
Infineon Technologies retained its position as the world’s largest automotive semiconductor supplier for the sixth year running, according to TechInsights’ 2025 market‑share report. The overall automotive semiconductor market expanded to $74.4 billion in 2025, up from $69.9 billion in 2024, while Infineon’s...
Isle of Wight to Deploy 1,500 EV Chargers
The Isle of Wight Council has awarded char.gy, with installer Joju, a contract to deploy more than 1,500 public curbside electric‑vehicle chargers across the island. The project is backed by roughly $2 million in funding from the UK’s Local Electric Vehicle...
Ekoenergetyka Introduces New Product Brand: Axon Charger
Polish EV‑charging specialist Ekoenergetyka has launched Axon Charger, a new product brand that will serve as the public face of its charging solutions. The brand rollout includes a refreshed visual identity, the AxonConnect knowledge platform, and a dedicated training centre...
Zwitterions Are The Key To New Solid-State Batteries
Oak Ridge National Laboratory scientists have engineered a polymer electrolyte infused with zwitterions that enables ion transport up to 10 billion times faster than conventional solid matrices. By fine‑tuning the zwitterion content to an optimal 80 % blend, the material forms self‑assembled...
Mercedes-Benz Accelerates Factory Automation Using Private Networks
Mercedes‑Benz is deploying dedicated mobile private networks (MPNs) to eliminate latency spikes that plague public 5G in its highly automated factories. The private 5G slices enable real‑time coordination of robotics, automated guided vehicles and edge‑compute quality‑control systems, treating the network...
Sri Lanka Urges Daytime EV Charging to Ease Grid Pressure
Sri Lanka is urging electric‑vehicle owners to shift charging from night to daytime to ease a 300 MW evening load spike. The country’s grid relies heavily on a 900 MW coal plant and about 1,000 MW of diesel capacity at night, while solar...
Pionix’s New Virtual Charger Park Offers EV Charging Infrastructure Testing with True Digital Twins
Pionix has unveiled the Virtual Charger Park (VCP), a cloud‑native platform that creates digital twins of EV chargers and vehicles for load testing and scenario validation. Built on the open‑source EVerest firmware stack, VCP can spin up thousands of virtual...
Toyota bZ Sales Surge To Over 10,000 In First Part Of Year
Toyota reported selling 10,029 units of its bZ crossover in the first quarter, a 79% increase over the same period last year. The surge follows a rebranding from bZ4X to bZ, along with higher range, power output and faster charging....
Here's How Expensive Gas Would Have To Get Before Our Readers Would Buy An EV
A recent poll of the publication's readers asked how high gasoline prices must rise before they would consider buying an electric vehicle (EV). Responses varied widely: some owners say they would stay electric even if gas were free, while others...
Santa Monica Breaks Ground on $56m Zero-Emission Bus and Charging Project
Santa Monica has launched a $56 million zero‑emission bus program, backed by a $53.3 million state grant, to expand its battery‑electric fleet and build overhead gantry chargers. The initiative will support up to 195 electric buses and aims for a fully zero‑emission...
New Rapid Heating Technology Promises Cold Start Emissions Reductions
Bosch unveiled its Rapid Catalyst Heating (RCH) system, a 12‑volt‑powered add‑on that quickly brings catalytic converters to operating temperature during engine start‑up. In tests, the technology slashed cold‑start tailpipe emissions by up to 65% in pickup trucks and 50% in...
Murata Starts Mass Production of High-Capacitance Automotive MLCCs
Murata Manufacturing has begun mass production of seven automotive‑grade multilayer ceramic capacitors (MLCCs) that deliver higher capacitance in smaller footprints. The new parts meet AEC‑Q200 standards, with five low‑voltage devices for ADAS and two 25 V power‑line models. Notably, Murata achieved...
Land Rover Named as Most Profitable Brand for Online Sales
Carwow’s Q1 2026 analysis shows Land Rover delivered the highest dealer profit potential in online auctions, averaging £3,914 (≈$4,970) per vehicle, ahead of Audi (£3,050) and Lexus (£3,028). The Range Rover Sport Dynamic SE topped model profitability with a £6,212 (≈$7,894) margin,...
Qualcomm Expands Strategic Advanced Driver Assistance Systems, Immersive Eyewear Collaborations
Qualcomm Technologies announced expanded collaborations with Bosch and Snap’s Specs Inc to advance advanced driver assistance systems (ADAS) and immersive eyewear using Snapdragon platforms. Bosch has already shipped more than 10 million Snapdragon Cockpit computers and will now integrate Snapdragon Ride Flex SoCs...
China Tech Companies Going Gangbusters in the Gulf
Chinese autonomous‑driving firms Baidu (Apollo Go) and WeRide debuted fully driverless robotaxi services in Dubai in early April, marking the first city outside China with multiple Chinese operators running commercial fleets side‑by‑side. Baidu’s sixth‑generation RT6 vehicles and WeRide’s Geely‑based GXRs use...
Why Chinese 'Knock-Down' Car Kits Could Spell Catastrophe for Canadian Automakers
Chinese electric‑vehicle makers are eyeing the Canadian market, but industry leaders warn that importing cars as complete knock‑down (CKD) kits could devastate local manufacturing. Auto‑parts chief Flavio Volpe estimates a full‑scale assembly plant generates roughly $2.1 billion USD in economic activity...
Kia EV2 Gains Electric Car Grant Eligibility
Kia announced its EV2 First Edition qualifies for the UK Electric Car Grant at the £1,500 (≈$1,900) Band 2 level, reducing the on‑the‑road price from £28,495 (≈$36,200) to £26,995 (≈$34,300). The First Edition is equipped with a 42.2 kWh battery delivering up...
Here's How Much A 2021 Audi E-Tron Has Depreciated In 5 Years
The 2021 Audi e‑tron, Audi’s first mass‑market electric SUV, debuted at over $80,000 but now trades between $20,700 and $25,200, a drop of roughly 63% in just three years. Kelly Blue Book reports a current resale value of $19,450 and a trade‑in...
India Posts Record Wholesale Vehicle Market Volumes
India’s light‑vehicle market posted a record February wholesale volume of 485,000 units, up 12% year‑on‑year, though sales slipped 5% month‑on‑month to an annualized 5.6 million. Passenger‑vehicle shipments rose 11% YoY to 414,000, while light‑commercial‑vehicle output grew 18% YoY to 70,000. Strong...