ABAX to present site-visibility solution at ScotPlant
ABAX has announced it has scheduled demonstrations of its Site Operations platform at ScotPlant, providing real-time tracking of tools, equipment and connected assets across sites and integrating data from multiple connectivity options to support operational decision-making.
Virgin Media O2 selects Nokia for UK 5G RAN upgrade
Virgin Media O2 has selected Nokia for a multi‑year UK 5G Radio Access Network modernisation programme, under which Nokia has been appointed to supply AirScale RAN equipment, Massive MIMO radios and AI‑enabled baseband platforms to improve capacity and efficiency.
Fleet costs rise across lifecycle stages
Fleet operators have faced simultaneous cost increases across acquisition, maintenance, insurance and fuel. Higher repair expenses, component shortages, volatile fuel prices and extended vehicle downtime have constrained cost control and planning.
Volvo to import and distribute Lynk & Co in Europe
Volvo Cars and Geely Auto have signed a non-binding MoU under which Volvo has agreed to become Lynk & Co’s exclusive importer and distributor in Europe and to integrate sales and after-sales systems to scale the brand.
Middle East conflict linked to rising EV demand in Australia
The Middle East conflict has prompted renewed interest in electric vehicles in Australia, and dealers have reported increased enquiries, manufacturers have introduced lower-priced Chinese models, and industry sources have suggested a potential record market share for EVs.
bp pulse chargers added to Chargefox network
Chargefox has integrated more than 270 bp pulse fast chargers into its app, enabling over 300,000 users to locate and access additional charging plugs and strengthening roaming coverage across metropolitan, regional and rural Australia.
BMW reduces Australian prices for iX1 and iX2
BMW has reduced Australian pricing for its fully electric iX1 and iX2, has introduced an iX1 xDrive30 Sport Collection variant and has repositioned entry prices below A$80,000, reflecting discounts of roughly A$7,000.
Chery QQ3 EV launched with 56,879 orders
Chery has launched the QQ3 EV and has recorded 56,879 orders at launch; it has been offered in four variants with prices ranging from 58,900 to 78,900 yuan and has introduced two battery options and driver-assistance features.
Changan unveils BlueCore hybrid with 44.28% efficiency
Changan has unveiled the BlueCore Super Engine, featuring a 500bar direct-injection hybrid architecture and a peak thermal efficiency of 44.28%, and has reported urban fuel consumption as low as 2.98–3.54 L/100km in tests.
ARA coordinates rail response to fuel supply disruption
The Australasian Railway Association has engaged with federal ministers, agencies and industry stakeholders to assess and coordinate rail responses to potential fuel supply disruptions, and has consulted members on operational impacts and capacity to provide additional freight services.
Ballarat Station overpass and accessibility upgrades
The Victorian Government has completed the Ballarat Station upgrade, opening a 28-metre overpass that has provided accessible inter-platform access, upgraded the northern entrance, and has incorporated heritage-informed design to improve accessibility and passenger circulation.
Federal funding for three Melbourne electric truck hubs
ARENA has committed A$25.3m to a A$61m NewVolt project to establish three high‑power charging hubs in Melbourne, delivering 24 fast‑charging bays and capacity for up to 100 heavy and medium electric trucks.
Limits of third-party BMS safety certification
A recent analysis has shown that third-party functional safety certifications for BMSs have often validated controller electronics but have not necessarily ensured cell-level monitoring or protection; firms have been advised to start with an FMEA and verify system architecture.
ChargeUp Accelerator adds 10 battery startups to 2026 cohort
Binghamton University and New Energy New York have selected 10 battery and energy storage startups for the 2026 ChargeUp Accelerator, which has offered funding, technical support and a seven-month programme to advance regional battery innovation.
Ateios and Kodak extend RaiCore electrodes to LFP, NMC, LCO
Ateios and Kodak have expanded the RaiCore electrode platform to LFP, NMC and LCO, have obtained third-party PFAS-free verification and have introduced a fourth-generation formulation compatible with existing battery production lines.
Volkswagen ID. Era 9X EREV SUV begins presales in China
Volkswagen and SAIC have launched presales in China for the ID. Era 9X, a 5.2-metre extended-range SUV priced from 329,800 yuan, which has six seats, dual-motor AWD and a claimed mixed range of 1,611 km.
MAXIMA develops low-impact axial flux motor
The MAXIMA project has applied life cycle assessment, materials innovation and modular design to develop a lower-impact axial flux motor, reducing dependence on rare earths and improving recyclability across vehicle lifecycles.
Ateios and Kodak scale RaiCore after PFAS‑free verification
Ateios Systems has had its RaiCore electrodes independently verified as PFAS‑free and has released a fourth‑generation formulation with over 98% active material loading; pilot programmes, NSF Engine funding and Kodak collaboration have supported scaling and supply‑chain expansion.
Lightfoot introduces plug-and-play driver coaching solution
Lightfoot has engineered its driver coaching device to be plug-and-play, has enabled fleets to self-install via OBD ports, has delivered average fuel savings of up to 15% and has supported remote system setup and connectivity.
Telematics: Connectivity Growth and Data Integration Gap
The telematics industry has connected millions of vehicles and machines, but operators have encountered challenges integrating heterogeneous platforms and converting data into actionable intelligence, and the market has been prompted to shift towards data orchestration and decision-focused analytics.
BYD offers free flash charging for Linghui e7
BYD has offered one year of free flash charging for eligible Linghui e7 flash-charging models, provided via Linghui and Didi stations; some dealers have extended offers and the model has been rolled out in 127 cities.
BMW unveils China-made iX3 Long Wheelbase
BMW has unveiled the China-made iX3 Long Wheelbase, has confirmed its global debut at the 2026 Beijing Auto Show and has specified a 3005mm wheelbase, 108kWh battery, 345kW powertrain and a CLTC range exceeding 900km.
BYD reports 4,990 Flash Charging sites in China
BYD has reported 4,990 Flash Charging sites across 292 Chinese cities, representing about 25% of its 2026 target of 20,000, and has noted the rollout has proceeded, with plans for international deployment.
F-150 Lightning owners advised to use AC charging
Bosscap has been placed into receivership and a recall has been issued for 146 converted F-150 Lightning vehicles. Owners have been advised to avoid DC fast charging, use AC charging and contact Performax for inspection and rectification.
BP Pulse starts 24-bay EV hub at Melbourne Airport
BP Pulse has begun construction of a 24-bay EV charging hub at Melbourne Airport, featuring 150 kW and 300 kW chargers, accessible and drive-through bays, and has been planned to run on 100 per cent on-site solar electricity.
Australia's EV market amid fuel supply crisis
An interview has examined Australia's electric-vehicle market amid a national fuel crisis, has assessed short-term sales prospects and timing of uptake, and has highlighted electric trucks' operational and efficiency advantages compared with diesel models.
Solid-state batteries: 5–10 years to 1% market share
Ouyang Minggao has estimated solid-state batteries may require five to ten years to reach a 1% market share and has projected vehicle installation to begin around 2027 amid technical and manufacturing uncertainties.
Geotab launches OEM telematics integration for Hyundai
Geotab has launched an integrated telematics solution for Hyundai vehicles across Europe, enabling fleet managers to access OEM-embedded data in MyGeotab without retrofit and has delivered near real-time GPS, maintenance and EV operational metrics.
GMV presents connected and safe mobility solutions
GMV has participated in the 26th Spanish ITS Congress (24–26 March), has presented multiple papers on C‑ITS, traffic‑light priority, ticketing and centralised mobility platforms, and has been an event sponsor and exhibitor and has highlighted AI and data‑spaces developments.
GMV to lead ESA ACHILLES contract for Galileo stations
GMV has signed an ESA contract under Horizon Europe to develop ACHILLES, a next‑generation programme for compact, low‑cost Galileo sensor stations; Fraunhofer IIS and Université Côte d’Azur have been appointed as key technical partners.
Australian trucking sector seeks faster electrification
Rising diesel costs have increased uncertainty and have prompted Australian trucking firms and industry groups to urge accelerated electrification, calling for government investment in charging infrastructure, subsidies and retrofit support after trials have shown competitive range and cost savings.
Bruce Highway safety upgrades: 22 contracts awarded
Federal and Queensland governments have released 22 contracts under the $9 billion Bruce Highway Targeted Safety Program, which has funded construction and design packages for centre-line treatments, pavement strengthening, bridge upgrades and other works between Gympie and Cairns.
Victoria develops MMC training to support housing delivery
Victoria has established a Centre of Excellence at Melbourne Polytechnic and has launched micro-credentials and a Certificate III to align vocational training with modern methods of construction to support housing delivery.
Lotus launches Eletre X plug-in hybrid SUV in China
Lotus has launched the Eletre X plug‑in hybrid SUV in China, priced at 508,000 yuan, with a 70 kWh battery, 700 kW combined output and deliveries have been scheduled to begin on 30 March.
First all-electric intercity delivery completed in Australia
Australia has completed its first intercity all-electric freight delivery, and operators have reported 85% lower energy costs and faster transit times; stakeholders have urged investment in charging infrastructure and incentives to enable wider adoption.
BYD opens pre-sales for 2026 Denza D9 with Blade Battery
BYD has opened pre-sales for the 2026 Denza D9, offering six PHEV and BEV variants priced 389,800–489,800 yuan, and has introduced second-generation Blade batteries enabling rapid 10–70% charging in five minutes; deliveries have been scheduled for April.
Pedigree Technologies backs AFSP initiative at CONEXPO 2026
Pedigree Technologies has supported the American Foundation for Suicide Prevention's Hard Hat Courage initiative at CONEXPO 2026 and has donated funds to expand industry-focused suicide prevention education, training and outreach for construction workers, supervisors and employers.
Kempower and Windrose Demonstrate Megawatt Charging
Kempower and Windrose have conducted a real-world MCS charging session at EV Realty's San Bernardino hub, using a 1.2 MW Kempower Power Unit and Mega Satellite dispensers to validate interoperability and sustained high‑power charging for heavy‑duty fleets.
V-Green to invest US$380m in Vietnam EV charging network
V-Green has announced a VND10 trillion (about US$380m) investment to install 99 highway charging hubs nationwide by the end of the year, each with up to 100 ports at 150kW and powered by VinFast-developed battery storage.
Wuling launches 2026 Hongguang Mini EV with 301 km
Wuling has launched the 2026 Hongguang Mini EV in China, has offered four variants priced from 44,800 to 54,800 yuan, and has provided CLTC ranges of 205 km and 301 km with DC fast charging and a 30 kW motor.
BREYER supplies calendering lines to Porsche-VARTA venture
BREYER has supplied calendering lines to the Porsche‑VARTA venture and has integrated them into digitised production at Ellwangen and Nördlingen; a plant‑wide track‑and‑trace system has been implemented to record cell-level manufacturing data.
Ruptela to develop 5G satellite-based global tracker
UAB Ruptela has been implementing the I5GLOSIS project with KTU and Telia Lietuva to develop a 5G satellite NB‑IoT global tracking device integrated with TrustTrack platform, and the EUR 1.674m project has been funded under the Next Generation Lithuania plan.
Enterprise Mobility Solution Providers in India
An overview has been provided of enterprise mobility providers in India, highlighting technology integration, operational models, compliance requirements, cost-control measures and scalability considerations for medium- and large-sized organisations.
Automation in European smartphone refurbishment
The European refurbishment sector has accelerated adoption of flexible automation to scale device preconditioning and testing, with firms such as Wisematic having deployed modular robotic and AI systems, but has faced persistent challenges from device variation and limited standardisation.
Polestar adopts recycled cobalt and refurbished batteries
Polestar has announced that Polestar 2 and Polestar 3 batteries have included at least 50% recycled cobalt and that refurbished high‑voltage batteries have been deployed as replacement units, while it has expanded recycling partnerships.
GMV presents GNSS solutions at Tech.AD Europe 2026
GMV has participated in Tech.AD Europe 2026 in Berlin and has presented GNSS positioning as critical for ADAS and V2X, and has met OEMs and Tier 1 suppliers to discuss validation, sensor integration and AI applications for autonomous mobility.
Infiniti unveils QX65 mid-size luxury SUV
Infiniti has unveiled the QX65, a mid-size luxury SUV with a 268‑hp VC‑Turbo engine and dual 12.3‑inch displays, and has priced it from $53,990 to bolster US volumes after multi‑year declines; production has been slated for Tennessee.
Design begins on Mary Gilmore Way level crossing upgrade
Design work has begun on an upgrade to the Mary Gilmore Way level crossing; interim safety measures have been implemented, and Transport for NSW and ARTC have jointly funded design, which has been scheduled for completion by end of 2025–26.
RSM Australia becomes platinum sponsor of Endeavour Awards
RSM Australia has joined the Endeavour Awards as a platinum sponsor and has promoted its advisory services to manufacturing firms, highlighting connections between supplier innovation, council infrastructure procurement and regional economic development.