EU extends tachograph rules to vans from 2026
The EU has extended tachograph requirements to light commercial vehicles between 2.5 and 3.5 tonnes used in international commercial transport, mandating smart tachographs from 1 July 2026 and raising compliance obligations for affected cross‑border fleets.
UK to ease rules for on-street EV charger installations
The UK government has announced measures to simplify on-street EV charging rules, has proposed permitted development rights for cross-pavement charging and has opened consultations on building-regulation changes to increase tenant access and accelerate grid upgrades.
Federal approval for Geelong LNG terminal
Federal environmental approval has been granted for Viva Energy's proposed Geelong liquefied natural gas terminal, subject to conditions; independent studies have found impacts manageable and the project has been positioned to support Victoria and south‑east Australia’s gas security.
China standardises lithium-ion battery recycling policy
China has issued a policy to standardise lithium-ion battery recycling and has expanded collection infrastructure, has encouraged major recyclers and has introduced digital tracking to integrate production, use and recycling data into a centralised lifecycle framework.
FAA finalises special conditions for ZeroAvia 600 kW engine
The FAA has published final special conditions for ZeroAvia’s 600 kW ZA601 electric engine and has defined regulatory requirements the company must meet to certify its ZA600 hydrogen‑electric powertrain for Part 23 commercial aircraft.
US senator proposes ban on Chinese-linked vehicles
A US senator has proposed legislation to bar vehicles linked to Chinese firms, has sought allied alignment to the measure, and has elicited industry support and criticism from the Chinese Embassy.
China launches national power battery traceability platform
China has launched a national power battery traceability platform and has mandated industry integration from 1 April, centralising lifecycle data and requiring manufacturers, vehicle producers, maintenance firms and recyclers to report production, sales, maintenance and recycling information.
Xiaomi Auto faces patent invalidation hearing
Shandong Yanlu has challenged three Xiaomi Auto design patents, and an oral hearing has been scheduled for 26 March; a prior official evaluation has affirmed one patent’s novelty and inventiveness.
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.
UN mandates lifetime vehicle emissions monitoring
The United Nations has introduced a regulation that has required continuous onboard monitoring of vehicle emissions across a vehicle’s operational life, and has sought to strengthen international oversight, improve transparency of real-world emissions data and support regulatory enforcement.
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.
Governments urged to adopt construction culture standard
The Australian Constructors Association has urged governments to embed the Construction Industry Culture Standard in procurement after trials have shown improvements in retention, female participation, productivity and wellbeing without adding time or cost to major projects.
Proposal for V2G-ready label in EU vehicle approvals
Transport & Environment has recommended a voluntary 'V2G-ready' label on EU Certificates of Conformity, specifying interoperability, inverter, charger and data-sharing requirements, and has called for these criteria to be incorporated into mandatory EU type-approval for new EVs by 2032.
EU Industrial Accelerator Act to localise EV batteries
The EU has proposed the Industrial Accelerator Act, which has required from 2027 that almost two‑thirds of EVs sold in the bloc have had batteries produced in the EU and has set component localisation thresholds for 2027 and 2030.
HVNL Amendment Bill 2025: Changes for Heavy Fleets
The HVNL Amendment Bill 2025 has consolidated NHVAS schemes into two accreditations, has introduced evidentiary audit provisions, has expanded 'unfit to drive' obligations to all heavy-vehicle drivers over 4.5 tonnes, and has centralised Codes of Practice under the NHVR.
Vodafone urges clear satellite safety and security rules
Vodafone’s CEO has called for clear safety and security rules for satellite communications and operators have agreed to collaborate across ten European markets on AST SpaceMobile connectivity under the Satellite Connect Europe initiative.
Court Dismisses Claims Against Xiaomi Dealer Over SU7 Hood
The Kaifu District People’s Court in Changsha has dismissed fraud and breach‑of‑contract claims against Xiaomi’s authorised dealer in the first completed trial over the SU7 Ultra hood, while related suits have remained pending and demand has sharply declined.
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.
Queensland fast-tracks Brisbane 2032 infrastructure approvals
The Queensland Government has amended Games infrastructure laws to add priority venues, transport and accommodation projects to a fast‑tracked approvals framework, and has transferred Victoria Park tenure to GIICA to accelerate delivery and protect legacy outcomes.
NTC consults on Rail Safety National Law reforms
The National Transport Commission has released a C-RIS proposing 12 amendments to the Rail Safety National Law to enhance interoperability, transparency and governance, and has sought industry input to refine options ahead of final recommendations to ministers.
US EPA to rescind 2009 endangerment finding
The EPA has moved to rescind the 2009 endangerment finding that has underpinned federal greenhouse-gas regulation, potentially affecting vehicle and power-plant emission standards; the proposal has provoked legal and political opposition.
US to bar Chinese software in connected vehicles
US regulators have announced rules barring Chinese-origin software in internet-connected vehicles from 17 March 2026, and have prompted carmakers and suppliers to audit and replace affected code while hardware limits are scheduled for expansion by 2029.
EU adopts harmonised rail data-sharing technical standard
The Commission has adopted a technical specification (TSI Telematics) that has standardised data formats, access rights, cybersecurity and quality requirements for rail, and has defined agency roles, compliance deadlines, ticketing and capacity-management obligations.
Unified eBike safety standards proposed for Australia
Australian regulators, manufacturers and platforms have allowed inconsistent eBike standards and enforcement, enabling sale of higher‑powered and speed‑modified models and creating safety and regulatory gaps; industry voices have called for a unified compliance mark and clearer rules.
EU proposes revision to car CO2 standards
The European Commission has proposed revisions to EU car CO2 rules, replacing the 2035 zero‑emission mandate with a 90% target and introducing averaging, credits and fuel allowances, which have increased projected emissions and reduced expected BEV market shares.
ABAX publishes 2026 UK business mileage tax guide
ABAX has published a 2026 guide to UK business mileage tax that has explained HMRC recordkeeping and benefit-in-kind rules, has identified common compliance risks, and has provided checklists and guidance on automated mileage reporting for fleet and finance teams.
Austroads publishes nine technical specifications
Austroads has published nine technical specifications to standardise construction and maintenance of road and transport infrastructure, covering earthworks, stormwater, traffic facilities and safety barriers.
Teltonika TachoSync integration with 3Dtracking
3Dtracking has integrated Teltonika’s TachoSync to enable remote tachograph downloads, aiding fleets operating across EU borders to meet upcoming July 2026 regulatory requirements.
2025 Urban Mobility: Policy and Technology Review
A year-end review of 2025 urban mobility policy, funding and technological shifts affecting public transport, active travel, electrification, congestion charging, autonomy and rail reform.
FCC proposes high‑power 6 GHz GVP device rules
The FCC will vote on rules to create geofenced variable‑power devices for high‑power 6 GHz unlicensed use, enabling outdoor Wi‑Fi and IoT while using geographic protections and seeking public comment.
ASA bans Vodafone 'The Nation's Network' adverts
The Advertising Standards Authority banned Vodafone's 'The Nation's Network' campaign after finding the slogan could imply unproven comparative network superiority; Vodafone was instructed to substantiate any comparative claims.
EU 2026 compliance changes for cross-border fleets
New EU rules from 2026 introduce AEB and EDR mandates, smart tachographs for vans, tightened ADR and eFTI requirements, and expanded CO₂ tolls and low‑emission zones affecting cross‑border fleets.
US trucking and transport regulatory developments
Federal agencies and Congress advanced multiple trucking and maritime measures on driver licensing, broker oversight, safety technology, cargo-theft countermeasures and infrastructure funding, with compliance and industry impacts under review.
EU to expand carbon border tax to cars and auto parts
EU plans to extend the carbon border adjustment mechanism to cars and auto parts, fully implemented in 2026 with expansion proposed from 2028; China warned of higher default emissions values.
California advances draft rules for driverless heavy trucks
California's DMV advanced draft regulations propose phased permits for driverless heavy trucks, requiring 500,000 driverless and 1,000,000 cumulative miles before commercial deployment; testing permits may arrive by late 2026.
China urges more recycled materials in auto manufacturing
Plan seeks expanded recycled-material supply, standards and adoption across vehicle production, batteries and recycling chains to improve material recovery and reduce reliance on primary raw inputs.
China mandates no fire, no explosion EV battery safety
China finalised 294 national standards, making EV power-battery no-fire, no-explosion safety requirements mandatory; GB 38031-2025 takes effect 1 July 2026 with transition to 2027.
Delhi finalises electric vehicle policy framework
Delhi's government finalised an EV policy to expand incentives, charging infrastructure and fleet electrification, aiming to increase EV uptake and reduce urban air pollution; draft subject to stakeholder consultation.
China requires after-sales confirmation for car exports
From 1 January 2026 China will require manufacturer-issued after-sales confirmation for vehicles exported within 180 days of registration, raising compliance thresholds for zero-kilometre used-car exports.
US House introduces ADAS Functionality & Integrity Act
The US House introduced the ADAS Functionality & Integrity Act requiring NHTSA to set ADAS calibration standards and test procedures for post-modification vehicles, initially applying to model year 2028.
China drafts mechanical door-handle safety standard
China’s ministry has opened consultation on draft standards requiring mechanically operable door handles after collisions or EV battery incidents, specifying technical requirements, tests and phased implementation timelines.
EU revises automotive CO2 rules and support measures
The European Commission proposed an Automotive Package revising CO2 standards, introducing compliance flexibilities, corporate fleet targets, battery funding and regulatory simplification to support industrial resilience and decarbonisation.
China issues trade‑in financing guidance for automakers
Chinese authorities issued trade‑in financing guidance enabling reduced penalties for early loan repayment; automakers and lenders are directed to enhance credit access, compliance and co‑ordination to support vehicle upgrades.
EU proposes easing 2035 combustion-engine ban
The European Commission proposed replacing the 2035 zero-emissions requirement with a 90% CO2 reduction, permitting limited non-electric sales contingent on offsets and approval by member states and Parliament.
EU provisional agreement on end-of-life vehicle regulation
EU negotiators reached a provisional agreement on a harmonised end-of-life vehicles regulation to improve recycling, set recycled-plastics targets and strengthen domestic material supply chains.
NHTSA modernises safety standards for automated vehicles
NHTSA published final research on adapting 81 FMVSS to accommodate automated driving systems, soliciting public comment to inform rulemaking and facilitate safe deployment of ADS-equipped vehicles.
Chinese automakers respond to new auto pricing guidelines
SAMR's draft pricing guidelines prompt Chinese automakers to strengthen compliance, standardise pricing and enhance oversight, potentially increasing transparency while raising costs for smaller firms.
Courts order content removal and damages for BYD, GWM, Xpeng
Chinese civil courts ordered online creators to delete defamatory content, issue apologies and pay damages to BYD, Great Wall Motor and Xpeng amid regulatory scrutiny of automotive misinformation.
UK proposes leaseholder rights to speed fibre rollout
Government consultation proposes implied leaseholder right to request gigabit connections and a duty on freeholders not to unreasonably refuse, targeting flats and supporting broadband deployment; consultation runs until February 2026.