Karas Plating opens silver busbar electroplating line
Karas Plating has commissioned a £1.5m automated silver electroplating line in the UK, which has added 4,500 tonnes per year of busbar capacity, reshored plating capability and has achieved defect rates below five parts per million.
BYD Considers Canadian Manufacturing and Acquisitions
BYD has indicated it has considered building a wholly owned Canadian manufacturing plant and has said it has been open to acquiring struggling legacy manufacturers as part of its international expansion strategy.
Fleet optimisation to reduce TCO and improve efficiency
Analyses have shown telematics-led fleet optimisation has reduced total cost of ownership, improved utilisation and enabled EV integration, while predictive maintenance and driver-behaviour monitoring have lowered downtime and operating expenditure.
ROHM and Suchi Semicon to localise semiconductor packaging
ROHM has formed a partnership with Suchi Semicon to establish local back-end manufacturing for power semiconductor packaging and testing in India, has initiated technical evaluations and has targeted mass production from 2026 to strengthen automotive supply-chain resilience.
Audi E7X: China-focused electric SUV for local market
Audi has been developing a China-focused E7X electric SUV under a Volkswagen Group–SAIC joint strategy and has used a dedicated local platform to shorten development cycles, enhance digital features and improve competitiveness in China’s EV market.
Transition to Software- and AI-Defined Vehicles
Automakers have adopted software-defined architectures, have begun integrating artificial intelligence across vehicle platforms, have implemented centralised computing and over-the-air updates, and have pursued flexible powertrain strategies and cross-regional partnerships and have created new monetisation opportunities.
Uber to invest $1.25bn in Rivian for robotaxi fleet
Uber has agreed to invest up to $1.25bn in Rivian and has arranged to acquire up to 50,000 autonomous R2 vehicles for deployment through 2031, with funding tranches and initial purchases contingent on regulatory approval and performance milestones.
Eve Energy unveils two solid-state battery cells
Eve Energy has begun pilot production in Chengdu of two Longquan solid-state cells; it has positioned Longquan No.3 for low-pressure consumer use and Longquan No.4 as a 60 Ah EV cell, and it has not disclosed commercial timelines.
Global EV fleet cut oil consumption by 1.7m bpd in 2025
A report by Ember has found that the global electric vehicle fleet has avoided 1.7m barrels per day of oil consumption in 2025, equivalent to roughly 70 per cent of Iran's exports through the Strait of Hormuz.
Closed-loop digital maintenance for fleet compliance
Fleets have adopted closed-loop digital maintenance and electronic DVIRs, have integrated telematics to document inspections and trigger work orders, and have reported reduced maintenance costs and improved asset uptime.
Thermal adhesives for EV battery cell-to-pack bonding
Manufacturers have advanced thermally conductive adhesives to improve bonding and thermal management in EV battery cell-to-pack and cell-to-plate architectures, enabling higher bond strength, tailored reworkability, and reduced thermal resistance through thinner bondlines.
Xiid and eVerged partner on EV charging cybersecurity
Xiid and eVerged have announced a partnership to bolster EV charging cybersecurity, using Xiid’s Terniion platform and SealedTunnel technology to protect charging stations, billing systems and data transport across distributed networks for operators, municipalities, fleets and utilities.
Hesai lidar chosen for Niu NXT2 two-wheeler
Hesai has partnered with Niu to supply FTX lidar for the NXT2, has reduced sensor prices sharply and has enabled wider lidar adoption in electric two-wheelers as Niu has launched an AI operating system and new AI-enabled models.
India extends PM E-Drive localisation deadline
The Indian government has extended PM E-Drive localisation deadlines to September 2026, has allowed continued imports of traction motors and has provided manufacturers relief from supply constraints while preserving a phased push for domestic production, including electric buses.
Buick GL8 Encasa electric MPV launched in China
SAIC‑GM has launched the Buick GL8 Encasa electric MPV in China, has priced it at 489,900 yuan, and has fitted it with dual motors producing 646 hp, a 96 kWh battery and a CLTC range of 601 km.
Honda cancels three North American EVs, flags $15.7bn loss
Honda has cancelled development and market launch of three North American EV models, has flagged about $15.7bn in write-downs and has said it will refocus on hybrid vehicles.
Lucid unveils three models on lower-cost Midsize platform
Lucid has announced three models on a new Midsize platform, including two SUVs named Cosmos and Earth, and has outlined the Atlas drive unit and has targeted sub-US$50,000 pricing and efficiency measures while reaffirming its strategic tie-up with Uber.
Ouyang Minggao outlines solid-state battery timeline
Ouyang Minggao has advised that solid‑state batteries will require further development and testing, has outlined a phased industrialisation timeline to 2035, and has stated that current EV battery technology has been adequate for near‑term market needs.
Australia's EV policy choices and fuel security impacts
Policy decisions in Australia and New Zealand have slowed EV adoption, increased reliance on imported petrol and diesel, and have prompted relaxed fuel‑quality rules, thereby heightening exposure to oil‑price shocks compared with early-adopting markets.
Arcfox files S3 model for CATL Choco‑SEB battery swap
Arcfox has filed regulatory documents for an S3 battery‑swap model compatible with CATL’s Choco‑SEB and has disclosed dimensions, powertrain details and battery suppliers; the swap variant has been positioned alongside a pure‑electric S3.
Harbinger launches HC Series Cab electric/hybrid truck
Harbinger has unveiled the HC Series Cab, a medium‑duty low‑cab‑forward chassis offered as electric or plug‑in hybrid, with 26,000 lb GVWR, integrated electric architecture, up to 500‑mile hybrid range and an optional 15 kW inverter.
Control Modules and Fleet Total Cost of Ownership
Fleets have used control module data to reduce total cost of ownership through predictive maintenance, fuel-efficiency optimisation, automated compliance reporting and targeted electrification planning.
BYD considers Canada plant and automaker purchase
BYD has assessed building a wholly owned manufacturing plant in Canada, has signalled openness to acquiring a legacy automaker, and has advanced vertical integration in battery and charging technologies to support overseas growth targets and address recent sales declines.
Lucid outlines robotaxi, mid-size vehicle strategy
Lucid has outlined plans to expand into mid-size vehicles and robotaxis, has projected positive free cash flow late this decade, and has forecast about $1bn annual non-vehicle revenue, and has also reported significant 2025 losses and $5.5bn liquidity.
Moog unveils modular AEMS for construction EVs
Moog has introduced AEMS, a modular electronics system that has consolidated EV components to reduce space, cables and hoses and lower costs; it has enabled standardised modules for multiple construction vehicle classes and has supported on-site maintenance and software updates.
Volkswagen misses 2025 EU fleet CO2 target
Volkswagen has reduced fleet CO2 to 100g/km and has increased BEV deliveries by 32%, but has missed the EU27+2 2025 target of 95g/km; it has avoided penalties under the EU’s three-year compliance mechanism.
AEVA holds EV rally on Greater Blue Mountains route
AEVA has held its first EV rally during Climate Action Week Sydney, attracting nearly 50 vehicles along a 230 km Greater Blue Mountains route and has highlighted charging infrastructure and industry participation.
Ashok Leyland commences construction of EV battery plant
Ashok Leyland has broken ground on a ₹400–500 crore battery-pack facility in Pillaipakkam, Tamil Nadu, to localise EV battery production for commercial vehicles, support supply-chain resilience and align with state and national electrification policies.
India unveils 30kW indigenous EV integrated drive system
The Ministry of Electronics and Information Technology has unveiled a domestically developed 30kW Wide Band Gap integrated drive system, which has been validated and readied for commercialisation to support localisation and scale‑up of India’s EV powertrain supply chain.
Battery recycling to become $6.9bn Australian industry
A report has identified that onshore recycling and processing of end‑of‑life lithium‑ion and lead‑acid batteries has presented a potential $6.9bn-a-year industry in Australia and has projected creation of about 34,650 jobs by 2050.
Samarth E-Mobility develops India-built EV platform
Samarth E-Mobility has developed an India-built EV platform integrating powertrain, battery management and electronics, aimed at reducing dependence on imports and accelerating manufacturers' product development while supporting local supply chain and scalability for two-wheelers.
Residual ICE vehicle sales in Norway, February
Norway's passenger-car market has registered 12 petrol sales in February as battery-electric vehicles have comprised 98% of registrations; data from OFV have shown remaining internal-combustion sales have concentrated in high-end, hybrid and plug-in hybrid models.
BYD Joins IATF AISBL as Voting Member
BYD has joined the IATF AISBL as a voting member and has been granted participation in developing global automotive quality standards; it has secured AIAG recommendation and has mandated IATF 16949 certification for its suppliers.
Zeekr 007 GT to increase price amid chip and battery costs
Automaker Zeekr has announced that the refreshed 007 GT has been slated for a 5,000–8,000 yuan price rise at its Q2 2026 launch and has cited increased semiconductor and lithium battery costs alongside upgraded 900V architecture and Drive Thor‑U integration.
BYD in talks over Formula 1 entry
BYD has held talks to enter Formula 1 to raise global brand awareness and has explored using Yangwang technology; it has ceased ICE-only production, has reportedly eyed the World Endurance Championship, and F1 has introduced 2026 rules increasing electric power.
Mercedes-Benz developing China-led EV platform
Mercedes-Benz has been developing an entry-level EV platform, codenamed Phoenix, in China, has given local R&D lead responsibility and has intended to use Geely's GEEA architecture to underpin compact models for global markets, with production targeted around 2030.
GPRS and Its Role in Fleet Telematics
GPRS has enabled packet-based transmission of vehicle telemetry, has supported real-time monitoring and predictive maintenance, and has contributed to reduced operational costs and automated compliance; migration to 4G/LTE has been recommended as 2G/3G networks have been scheduled for retirement.
Chery opens pre-sales for QQ3 EV compact model
Chery has opened pre-sales for the QQ3 EV and has priced four variants between 68,920 and 89,985 yuan; the model has been offered with 310km or 420km ranges, advanced ADAS, a Snapdragon‑powered cabin and fast-charging capability.
Lotus launches Eletre X presales in China
Lotus has started presales in China for the Eletre X PHEV at 528,000 yuan, offering about 420 km electric range and 700 kW peak power; European deliveries have been scheduled for Q4.
Stellantis adopts Toyota and Bosch hybrid systems
Stellantis has sourced a Toyota-backed Blue Nexus hybrid system for the Cherokee and has integrated Bosch EREV technology for upcoming SUVs and pickups, as the company has shifted investment towards hybrids to improve fuel economy and accelerate market entry.
Tesla Semi factory nears completion in Nevada
Tesla has neared completion of a Nevada factory intended to support mass production of Semi trucks at a 50,000-unit-a-year capacity, with upgraded range, charging and autonomous capabilities.
Mercedes-Benz to develop compact EV platform in China
Mercedes-Benz has initiated development of a compact EV platform in China, has assigned its Chinese R&D centre as global lead, and has adopted Geely's GEEA electrical architecture for the Phoenix platform to replace the MMA and reduce costs.
Lotus to enter Canada under new 6.1% EV tariff
Lotus has announced plans to enter Canada under a 6.1% most-favoured-nation tariff quota, has paused some Middle East exports, has expanded its Canadian dealership network and has unveiled a new engineering standard and super-hybrid model.
Volkswagen Group reaches four million BEV deliveries
Volkswagen Group has delivered four million battery-electric vehicles globally, with three million built on its MEB platform since 2019; about half were Volkswagen-brand cars and deliveries have been concentrated in Europe (68%), China (20%) and the USA (8%).
Lotus Eletre X PHEV to begin China presales on 10 March
Lotus has confirmed presales of the Eletre X plug‑in hybrid in China from 10 March and has scheduled a European launch in June, with global deliveries expected to begin in the fourth quarter of 2026.
Fuel Card Management Systems for Fleet Cost Control
Firms have implemented fuel card management systems that have centralised fuel procurement, integrated telematics, automated invoicing and VAT recovery, and consolidated electric and petrol/diesel data, and have delivered measurable reductions in fuel expenditure and administrative workload.
Strategies to Reduce Fleet TCO and Carbon Emissions
Firms have been advised to reduce fleet TCO by optimising existing vehicles, deploying telematics for route and driver efficiency, and adopting phased electrification, which has been presented as lowering fuel, maintenance and regulatory costs.
Tesla builds integrated EV battery supply chain
Tesla has developed an integrated United States battery supply chain, has commissioned a Texas lithium refinery, cathode and electrode facilities, and has expanded 4680 and LFP cell production while its stationary storage business has reported faster margin growth.
