Payback of electric neighbourhood vehicles for HOAs
Analyses have shown low-speed electric neighbourhood vehicles have delivered faster payback for homeowners' associations, with nearly half having lower five-year ownership costs and several models having recouped premiums within seven years.
Webinar: CoolSiC Power Devices for xEV Power Conversion
Infineon has presented a webinar at the Virtual Conference on EV Engineering that has outlined new CoolSiC AEC-Q qualified power devices and single-stage onboard charger topologies for xEV power conversion.
BYD Song Ultra EV priced from ¥155,000 in China
BYD has begun presales of the Song Ultra EV in China, has listed a starting price of ¥155,000 and has offered the model with a 270 kW motor, a claimed 710 km range, 70% five‑minute charging and optional LiDAR.
Denza Z9 GT: 1,036 km range and 9‑minute full charge
BYD's Denza has launched the Z9 GT, which has delivered a CLTC range of 1,036 km and has deployed Blade Battery 2.0 for a nine‑minute full charge; the model has been priced at 269,800–369,800 yuan.
BYD sales fall as Chinese EV rivals gain market share
BYD has reported a roughly 36% fall in combined January and February sales, while competitors have recorded significant year-on-year gains; BYD has also seen exports surpass domestic sales as policy changes have reduced domestic demand.
BYD files to export EVs to Canada under 6.1% tariff
Canada has established an import quota permitting Chinese-made electric vehicles to enter at the MFN tariff rate of 6.1%, and BYD has registered Shenzhen and Xi’an-made models for potential export; permits have been announced as first-come, first-served.
Australia meets 2025 NVES target; EV adoption must rise
The Australian car industry has met the 2025 NVES target, but with EVs at 8.3% of sales in 2025, regulators and industry groups have said substantially greater adoption has been needed to meet tighter emissions limits through to 2029.
Omoda Jaecoo agrees novated leasing deal with Smart
Omoda Jaecoo has partnered with listed financier Smart to extend novated leasing across its 50 Australian dealerships; all models have been made eligible and the Jaecoo J5 has been exempted from Fringe Benefit Tax.
Variscite SoM halves EV charger development time
A US-based EV charging manufacturer has halved its development timeline after adopting Variscite's system-on-module platform, according to a company case study, and the platform has provided pin-compatible modules, industrial temperature support, cybersecurity features and extended longevity guarantees.
Sensata launches FaultBreak HV contactor for EVs
Sensata has launched the FaultBreak, a resettable high-voltage contactor that has combined fuse and contactor functions and has been validated to clear faults up to 16 kA at 1 kV, reducing component count and enabling faster recovery.
Ferrari advances EV plans as Lamborghini trims EV ambitions
Luxury carmakers have adjusted EV strategies: Ferrari has proceeded with a scaled-back electric model, while Lamborghini has curtailed pure-EV plans, and both have sought to balance regulatory electrification mandates with customer preference for internal-combustion vehicles.
Kögel launches e-optimised Light Plus trailer
Kögel has launched an e-optimised Light Plus trailer for electric tractor units, shortening wheelbase to reduce drive-axle load by up to 2 tonnes and increasing potential payload by up to 4 tonnes while aligning with EU Directive 96/53/EC.
Volkswagen begins EA211 range‑extender production in China
Volkswagen has started production of its EA211 range‑extender for the ID. Era 9X SUV in China, and Li Auto has publicly criticised the technology while SAIC‑Volkswagen has acknowledged domestic industry contributions.
BYD Yangwang U7 to feature second-generation Blade Battery
BYD has announced the Yangwang U7 as the first vehicle to feature its second-generation Blade Battery and has reported a 1,006 kilometres CLTC range with a quad-motor layout and upgraded charging and thermal management.
Australia Post expands electric vehicle fleet
Australia Post has announced plans to increase electric trucks and motorbikes, double on-site solar capacity, maintain scope-three emissions at 2025 levels and reduce landfill by 30% by 2030, after it has exceeded its 2025 emissions reduction target.
Resettable high-voltage fault protection for EVs
Sensata Technologies has presented a webinar comparing conventional fuse‑contactor designs with a combined resettable protection approach and has provided validation data and a specification framework for high‑voltage EV fault management.
Fleet fuel management strategies to reduce TCO
The piece has outlined strategies that have reduced fleet fuel consumption and lowered total cost of ownership, citing telematics, eco-driving training, preventive maintenance and gradual electrification as effective measures.
Volkswagen, SAIC begin EA211 1.5L production
Volkswagen and SAIC have commenced volume production of the EA211-ERV 1.5-litre range extender for the ID. Era 9X. The engine has been specified to generate electrical power only and has passed cold-weather testing prior to presales.
Aberdeen to sell hydrogen bus fleet after technical faults
Aberdeen City Council has voted to sell 25 hydrogen double-deckers after technical faults and limited refuelling have left them idle, and has agreed to wind down the BP partnership while prioritising a shift to battery-electric buses.
BYD confirms 5 March technology launch and EV range
BYD has announced a 5 March technology launch that has unveiled the Seal 07, has initiated pre-sales for the Song Ultra and updated Denza models, and has introduced second-generation Blade Battery and Flash Charging infrastructure.
AVL webinar on battery design for new safety standards
China has updated EV battery safety standards, and AVL has developed a 'No Flame-Out' pack design using multi-scale simulation, empirical testing and analytics; a webinar has been scheduled for the Virtual Conference on EV Engineering.
Improved EV batteries offset heat-related degradation
Researchers have combined climate projections and degradation models and have found that EV battery advances since 2019 have more than offset projected heat-related lifetime losses across 300 cities, with greatest net improvements having been observed in the warmest locations.
Xpeng launches updated X9 with rear-wheel steering
Xpeng has launched an updated X9 in China, priced at 309,800–369,800 yuan, and has introduced rear-wheel steering, an 800V electrical architecture and 2,250 TOPS AI computing; battery and range options have been disclosed.
Chery QQ3 EV to launch in China on 10 March
Chery has scheduled the QQ3 EV to enter China on 10 March, has received 27,319 pre-orders in three hours, and has disclosed specifications including a 15.6‑inch screen, up to 420 km CLTC range and rear‑axle motor options.
Volkswagen ID. Era 9X interior unveiled in China
SAIC‑Volkswagen has unveiled the ID. Era 9X interior, a six‑seat flagship EREV SUV with multiple screens and extensive ambient lighting. It has been shown ahead of an expected March launch and has been positioned for China’s premium NEV market.
Freelander relaunched as Chery-built NEV brand
The Freelander has been revived as a Chery-built new-energy vehicle brand, with a six-seat E0V PHEV/BEV due in H2 2026; production investment of 3 billion yuan and separate Chery dealer network have been confirmed.
LiCAP solvent-free dry electrode manufacturing process
LiCAP has developed a solvent-free dry electrode process and has reported it can cut energy use by about 40% and battery manufacturing costs by up to 50%. It has licensed the technology and has formed partnerships with Cellforce and Nissan.
Changan subsidiary unveils detachable power turbine generator
Hunan Tyen has activated a detachable power turbine generator that can convert BEVs into EREVs, offering modular range extension with higher power density, improved fuel adaptability and potential reductions in battery capacity and vehicle cost.
Fleet tyre management and connected maintenance
Fleets have adopted connected-tyre programmes that have integrated ECM and telematics, have improved fuel efficiency and uptime, have enabled axle-specific and EV-aware maintenance, and have implemented winter and breakdown-response protocols to reduce costs and operational risk.
Webinar: Measuring shield currents in HV EV cables
Vector has announced a webinar that has described the HV BM 1.2+S, which has measured inner conductor and shield currents at 1 MHz via EtherCAT and has been presented as suited to harsh environments.
GAC Honda cuts Accord e:PHEV price in China
GAC Honda has reduced the Accord e:PHEV price by 100,000 yuan for 1,000 units amid joint‑venture sedan sales that have fallen and NEV competition that has intensified in China's mid‑size segment.
Stellantis posts first annual loss amid EV write-downs
Stellantis has reported a €22.3bn full‑year net loss after €25.4bn of write‑downs and has scaled back its electric‑vehicle strategy. It has suspended the 2026 dividend, has issued up to €5bn of hybrid bonds and has reiterated 2026 forecasts.
Tesla rolls out Grok AI to Australian EVs
Tesla has begun rolling out Grok, an xAI-developed in-car assistant, to Hardware 3 vehicles in Australia and New Zealand, enabling real-time question answering and voice navigation via software version 2025.44.25 or later.
Webinar on resettable circuit protection for EVs
Eaton has announced a March 2026 webinar that has presented Breaktor, a resettable single‑pole high‑voltage circuit protection device that has been designed to reduce disposable components, downtime and total cost of ownership in electric vehicles.
Ampere and Basquevolt to develop lithium-metal EV batteries
Renault's Ampere has signed a joint development agreement with Basquevolt to advance lithium-metal battery prototypes, and both firms have said they have aimed to validate energy-dense polymer electrolyte technology under real-world automotive conditions and assess manufacturing and charging benefits.
Lucid Motors to cut 12% of workforce
Lucid Motors has announced cuts of 12% of its US workforce as part of a restructuring to improve operational effectiveness and profitability, and has offered affected staff severance, continued health benefits and transition support.
Federal tax rebate drives EV uptake and emissions drop
A federal EV tax rebate has increased electric vehicle sales and has contributed to a 0.4% fall in transport emissions in 2025, while electricity-sector emissions have declined as renewables and rooftop solar have expanded.
Local EV assembly from Chinese kits in Nigeria and Kenya
E-mobility firms in Nigeria and Kenya have begun assembling electric vans and taxis from Chinese kits and have introduced local charging and financing measures to scale production for domestic and regional markets.
US rules cap GVWR for GM electric trucks
Automakers have been forced to cap GVWRs under 10,001 lb by FMCSA rules, have prompted GM to derate Silverado EVs and have limited payloads; trade groups have proposed a 2,000‑pound EV weight credit.
Thick-film steel heaters for EV battery thermal management
The paper has reviewed EV battery heating methods and has reported that thick-film heaters on steel (HoS) have offered higher power density, reduced size and faster thermal response than conventional systems, and has examined market drivers and a case study.
Clean Corporate Vehicles Regulation targets for 2030
The European Commission has proposed a Clean Corporate Vehicles Regulation that has set binding electrification targets for large-company car fleets, with critics noting the 2030 zero-emission sub-target is below scenarios in the Commission’s impact assessment and calling for higher ambition.
Nayax to supply card readers to Tritium chargers
Nayax has agreed to supply credit card readers to Tritium, enabling a single card-present payment solution across more than 50 countries. Integration has allowed retrofit via cloud protocols, selection of CPMS partners and simplified installation for operators.
IAA: Union content criteria for batteries
Proposals have advocated using Union content criteria in the Industrial Accelerator Act to condition public support for batteries, outlined component-based design, staged compliance and record-keeping, and have recommended stricter foreign direct investment conditions and enforcement.
Polestar outlines plans for four EV models
Polestar has released detailed schedules for four new electric models (2, 4, 5 and 7), has confirmed European deliveries for the Polestar 5 from mid‑year, and has projected low double‑digit retail volume growth for 2026.
Danisense introduces DN1000ID-CP02 current transducer
Danisense has introduced the DN1000ID-CP02, a DN1000ID-family current transducer with 38 mm creepage, 3,200 V uninsulated cable rating, 41.2 mm aperture and up to 1,500 A measurement capacity, targeted at EV charging and industrial power testing.
Australian carmakers' results under new emissions standard
The New Vehicle Efficiency Standard has produced first‑year results showing 40 of 59 carmakers have met targets, while 19 have not; BYD has accrued over six million credits and several firms have reported multi‑million‑dollar liabilities.
Tesla to Add xAI Grok Chatbot to Cars in Europe
Tesla has announced plans to deploy xAI Grok across the UK and eight European markets; xAI has faced regulatory probes under the Digital Services Act, and Tesla has seen a 27% decline in European EV sales, per ACEA.
Mitigating catastrophic failure risk in EV battery cells
A webinar has been organised by Chroma to outline methods for identifying and removing defective lithium‑ion cells before electrolyte introduction, after reports have indicated Hipot and IR tests have failed to detect latent internal shorts.
KG Motors, Idemitsu partner on MiBot EV rollout
KG Motors has partnered with Idemitsu to provide sales, delivery, insurance and after-sales support for the MiBot, and Idemitsu has initiated pilot e-mobility services at apollostation locations as KG Motors has prepared to begin mass production.