South Korea has announced plans to increase subsidies for electric vehicles by 20% in 2026 to support the auto industry amid challenges posed by US tariffs. The government statement revealed that passenger EV subsidies will rise to 936 billion won (approximately $658 million) from 780 billion won this year to boost local demand. Additionally, the initiative includes aiding auto parts suppliers by providing policy finance exceeding 15 trillion won, which was provided in 2025. To further suppor...

On Nov. 12, Gabriel India Ltd. announced that its board of directors has approved a revised joint venture agreement with Inalfa Roof Systems Group for the sunroof systems business. Under the revised arrangement, Inalfa will hold a 35% stake in Inalfa Gabriel Sunroof Systems Private Ltd. (IGSSPL), while Gabriel India will maintain 65% ownership and majority control. The revision in shareholding comes after India’s Ministry of Heavy Industries rejected a previous proposal on Au...

The European Commission plans to introduce a new category for affordable small electric vehicles in December, according to an EU commissioner. This initiative aims to counter competition from mainland Chinese manufacturers and bolster the European automotive market. The goal is to create an intermediate category for small EVs that do not require the extensive safety features and technology present in larger cars. This regulatory change has been under discussion, but its timeline was prev...

The Fraunhofer Institute for Material and Beam Technology IWS launched the DRYplatform on Nov. 3 at the Dry Coating Forum. This new infrastructure, funded with €3.7 million by the German Federal Ministry of Education and Research, focuses on battery research and features the DRYtraec process, which replaces traditional wet electrode coating. DRYtraec is a dry-coating method that removes solvents and energy-intensive drying steps, reducing costs and environmental impacts. DRYplatform in...

Altilium Metals has received funding from the UK Department for Energy Security and Net Zero (DESNZ) and Innovate UK to demonstrate the sustainable production of electric vehicle battery cells using recycled anode and cathode materials. The project will utilize Altilium's proprietary recycling technologies, EcoAnode and EcoCathode, along with recently showcased automotive-grade multilayer pouch cells. This initiative aims to showcase both the commercial viability and environmental a...

The Illinois Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) has announced a funding opportunity for the installation of new electric vehicle charging stations under the Climate and Equitable Jobs Act (CEJA). This initiative, part of Gov. Pritzker's Rebuild Illinois capital plan, aims to support the development of publicly accessible charging infrastructure throughout Illinois, US. The funding will cover DC fast-charging (DCFC) stations, known as Level 3, and AC Level 2 charging stations. Applicat...

China has announced exemptions to export controls on Nexperia chips intended for civilian use, according to its Ministry of Commerce. This decision is expected to help relieve supply constraints in the automotive sector. This move indicates an easing of restrictions impacting the global auto industry, following the Dutch government's control over Nexperia, a significant producer of automotive electrical system chips. Nexperia, based in the Netherlands, is owned by Wingtech, a Chinese compan...

The Department of Environment, Great Lakes and Energy, Michigan, announced on November 5 that it has invested more than $1.84 million in 31 multifamily properties across the US state for 201 new electric vehicle (EV) charging stations under the first two rounds of its Clean Fuel and Charging Infrastructure (CFCI) Program. These grants aim to expand EV charging access for residents throughout Michigan and move the state closer to the MI Healthy Climate Plan (MHCP) goal of sufficient infrastruc...

ChargePoint has been awarded a Sourcewell cooperative purchasing contract to provide electric vehicle charging solutions to public agencies across the US and Canada. This marks ChargePoint's third consecutive agreement with Sourcewell, dating back to 2017. The contract allows municipalities, transit authorities and public schools to deploy ChargePoint's EV chargers, software and services through a simplified procurement process with preferred pricing. ChargePoint was awarded th...

The UK government has announced £10 million in funding for new technology aimed at supporting the supply of electric vehicle charge points, allowing them to operate without relying heavily on large grid connections, or even off-grid entirely. This initiative is designed to accelerate the installation of EV charge points on England's motorways and major A-roads, making EVs more accessible as part of efforts to boost the country's charging infrastructure. The deadline for applications fro...

NTT Inc. has announced plans to establish NTT Mobility in December 2025, with the goal of creating a safer, more secure, and sustainable autonomous driving society. This comes as the Japanese Road Traffic Act, amended in 2023, allows for the operation of Level 4 autonomous driving under certain conditions, leading to demonstration experiments progressing across various locations. The government aims to implement autonomous mobility services in about 50 locations by fiscal year 2025, with the int...

Toyota Motor announced a recall of 1.02 million vehicles in the US due to a defect that could cause the rearview camera to malfunction and increase the risk of a crash, Reuters reported Nov. 5. The recall affects certain Toyota and Lexus models from 2022 to 2026, including the Camry, Highlander, RAV4 and Prius, as well as Subaru Solterra vehicles equipped with a Panoramic View Monitor system. The issue stems from a software error that may cause the camera feed to freeze or become blank while ...

Dutch chipmaker Nexperia BV said it welcomes recent announcements by the US and Chinese governments lifting restrictions on the shipment of its chips, marking a potential turning point in the global supply disruption that has alarmed automakers, Reuters reported Nov. 2. The company emphasized that its priority is now ensuring supply stability for customers. The Dutch government, which recently took control of Nexperia citing national security reasons, stated it continues discussions with Chin...

Electreon has achieved a breakthrough in the form of in-motion wireless charging for electric vehicles, including heavy-duty trucks, at highway speeds on one of France's busiest highways, the A10. This advancement allows electric trucks, buses, and cars to charge wirelessly without the need for plugs or cables, and without stopping. The development is part of France's Electric Road System roadmap, representing arguably the first scalable model for on-the-go charging. This universal model accommo...

The European Association of Automotive Suppliers (Comité de Liaison Européen des Fabricants d'Equipements et de Pièces Automobiles [CLEPA]) has expressed concern that the EU Data Act might be diluted by the upcoming Digital Omnibus initiative expected in mid-November. The association emphasized that the Data Act contains essential provisions that promote investments in data-based services by enabling consumers to share data generated from connected products. The Data Act is pivotal to Europe'...

San Francisco has selected Bluedot to help streamline its electric vehicle operations by integrating the city's charging needs into a single platform. This initiative aims at simplifying the management of public fleets that operate across diverse departments and missions, each with different charging contexts throughout the day. Traditionally, managing these fleets separately has resulted in complications with payments, invoicing, oversight and reducing vehicle downtime. With Bluedot's integr...

Mainland China has decided to exclude electric vehicles from its strategic industries list in its latest five-year development plan for 2026–2030, marking the first time in over a decade that EVs have not been prioritized. Previously classified as new-energy vehicles (NEVs), including EVs, plug-in hybrids, and fuel-cell vehicles, these were considered strategic emerging industries in the last three five-year plans, benefiting from significant governmental subsidies to boost industrial compe...

The United States and Japan have signed a framework agreement to secure the supply of rare earths and critical minerals, aiming to reduce dependence on mainland China's dominant role in the global market. This agreement was signed by US President Donald Trump and Japanese Prime Minister Sanae Takaichi during Trump's visit to Tokyo, which was part of his weeklong tour of Asia. The document outlines cooperation in extraction, recycling, stockpiling and investment in mineral supply chains crucia...

Plug-in hybrids, which integrate a combustion engine, an electric motor, and a rechargeable battery, are being scrutinized by EU emission regulators for the frequency of electric propulsion systems used by hybrid car owners in comparison to the usage of combustion engines. The German auto industry is advocating against stricter emissions regulations for hybrids in anticipation of the EU's phaseout of combustion engines. Hildegard Müller, President of the German automotive association VDA, ac...

Europe's automotive industry is bracing for disruptions after a diplomatic and trade dispute over Dutch chipmaker Nexperia escalated, prompting urgent calls from automakers and suppliers for political intervention to avert production halts. The standoff began after the Dutch government placed Nexperia—owned by China's Wingtech Technology- under state control, citing national-security and intellectual-property concerns. In response, Beijing blocked exports of Nexperia's chips from its facili...

Euro NCAP has announced a new safety policy requiring the return of physical buttons in cars by January 2026. This change mandates that vehicle manufacturers include physical controls such as buttons, levers or switches for essential functions like turn signals, hazard lights, horn, windshield wipers and emergency call (eCall). Failure to comply could reduce safety ratings, impacting the reputation of vehicle models that rely solely on touchscreens. The decision comes in response to growing conc...

Volkswagen has warned its workers of potential production stoppages due to ongoing supply chain issues, following a dispute involving Dutch chipmaker Nexperia. The Dutch government took control of Nexperia, which is owned by China, citing intellectual property concerns, while China has placed restrictions on exporting necessary products to European car manufacturers. Although Volkswagen has not yet been directly affected by chip shortages, it acknowledged the possibility of future impacts on pro...

The National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) has initiated a preliminary investigation into approximately 2,000 Waymo self-driving vehicles after reports that its robo-taxis may have violated traffic safety laws concerning a stopped school bus. This scrutiny of the Alphabet unit's vehicles is a part of regulators' broader examination of how driverless technologies interact with pedestrians, cyclists and other road users. The investigation began after a media report highlighted a vi...

Germany's transport ministry (BMV) has developed a draft charging master plan to enhance demand for electric mobility by 2030. The plan outlines measures such as financial support for charging facilities in apartment buildings, improving accessibility of charging stations for disabled individuals, and expanding fast charging points for trucks along highways. It also includes integrating electric mobility with the power grid, urging network operators to respond swiftly to charging operators an...

Chinese authorities are working to standardize the naming of semi-solid-state batteries to avoid public confusion as these concepts gain significant attention. According to a report by local media outlet Yicai, a new regulatory document will uniformly rename semi-solid-state batteries as solid-liquid batteries, based on information from an executive at a major power battery manufacturer. This initiative aims to effectively distinguish between semi-solid-state and solid-state batteries. The...

Niron Magnetics has received a $10 million grant from the Minnesota Forward Fund to support the construction of a pioneering manufacturing facility in Sartell, Minnesota. The facility, named Plant 1, will be a 190,000-square-foot plant dedicated to the full-scale production of iron nitride-based rare-earth-free permanent magnets. This initiative is supported by the Minnesota Forward Fund, which is managed by the Minnesota Department of Employment and Economic Development (DEED), which provide...

The Arizona Transportation Department (ADOT) is advancing its plans to support electric vehicle adoption by soliciting bids for private entities to build, upgrade, operate and maintain 34 EV charging stations. These stations are planned for interstate highways 10 and 40, US routes 60, 89, 93, 160, and state routes 64, 68, 80, 87, 90, 95, 260, and 347. This bid request marks the second phase of a broader initiative to establish a network of rapid-charging stations, following an initial approva...

Tesla is recalling 12,963 vehicles in the US due to a defect in a battery pack component that could lead to a sudden loss of drive power, Reuters reported Oct. 22, citing the US National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA). The recall covers certain 2025 Model 3 and 2026 Model Y vehicles, where the defect could hinder the driver's ability to accelerate, thereby increasing the risk of a crash. As of Oct. 7, Tesla had identified 36 warranty claims and 26 field reports related to ...

Volkswagen will pause the production of the Golf at its Wolfsburg plant in Germany starting Oct. 29 as a result of a new microchip crisis triggered by a trade dispute between the US and China. This announcement follows an internal alert from Volkswagen to its workers about possible production disruptions. Besides the Golf, other models such as the Tiguan, Touran and Tayron, also manufactured at the Wolfsburg facility, are expected to experience production halts, although the duration of the...

The Maryland Department of the Environment has announced over $5 million in grants aimed at supporting the installation of electric vehicle charging stations throughout the US state. These grants are intended to fund the installation of EV charging stations at 23 workplace sites and 12 locations along transportation corridors, thereby facilitating EV use, reducing emissions, supporting green jobs and boosting local economies. Maryland Environment Secretary Serena McIlwain emphasized that the ...

The SDV market is laying the groundwork for vehicles that are not only smarter but more responsive to the demands of today’s consumers. However, this shift is not just about keeping pace with consumer demands, it is also about fundamentally changing how automakers approach vehicle design and functionality, and consequently, their software strategies. SDVs are also rewriting the rules for how automakers and suppliers work together. The old original equipment manufacturer (OEM)-supplier model...

The US Energy Department (DOE) has canceled over $700 million in grants for battery and manufacturing projects as part of the Trump administration's initiative to overturn energy projects from the Biden era. These cancellations, confirmed during the second week of October, represent the first US DOE-confirmed terminations from a circulating list of targeted projects worth more than $20 billion. The canceled grants were awarded to battery companies such as Ascend Elements, American Battery Tec...

The increasing theft and vandalism of high-power charging cables across Europe is posing significant disruptions for electric vehicle users. According to a recent study released by charge-point operator (CPO) Allego, each theft renders an EV charging spot inoperable, leaving drivers unable to charge their vehicles, forcing them to reroute, delay, or abandon journeys. The repeated thefts increase operational costs for CPOs, potentially affecting end users. The International Energy Agency ...

On Oct. 9, 2025, China's Ministry of Commerce announced an expansion of export restrictions on seven rare earth materials and their associated technologies, which are crucial for permanent magnets and AI accelerators. This update includes the addition of five rare-earth metals — holmium, erbium, thulium, europium and ytterbium — to the previously restricted list of samarium, gadolinium, terbium, dysprosium, lutetium, scandium and yttrium. Additionally, restrictions on the export of specializ...

The German coalition committee has announced a new €3 billion incentive package aimed at restarting consumer support for battery-electric vehicles (BEVs), specifically targeting low- and middle-income households. Vice-Chancellor Lars Klingbeil (SPD) revealed that the funds, drawn from the national Climate & Transformation Fund and the EU Social Climate Fund, will be reallocated to help these income groups acquire zero-emission cars without increasing the federal budget deficit, a key consi...

Norway plans to phase out its main subsidy for electric vehicles over the next two years, affecting models such as Tesla's Model Y, the country's top-selling car. In September, fully electric vehicles accounted for 98.3% of new car sales in Norway, achieving the country's goal of ending petrol and diesel vehicle sales by 2025, according to Finance Minister Jens Stoltenberg. This has led the government to propose phasing out EV tax exemptions by 2027. Historically, Norway, an oil-rich nation, ...

China has launched a three-year action plan to enhance its electric vehicle charging infrastructure, aiming to bolster consumer confidence and accelerate the nationwide adoption of EVs. This plan, formulated by the National Development and Reform Commission (NDRC) alongside other government bodies, seeks to broaden the coverage of the EV charging network, improve efficiency and service quality, and encourage industry innovation. By 2027, China intends to establish a comprehensive network o...

The Ireland government announced its plan to build 90 new electric vehicle charging hubs to service EVs across Ireland's national road network. To support this plan, the government's Ministry for Transport has allocated approximately €10 million in fresh grants. These new EV charging locations will provide 192 fast-recharging points, each with a typical capacity of 250 kW, along primary and secondary roads. The government aims to ensure that the distance between the planned EV charg...

Blink Charging, through its subsidiary Blink Charging UK Ltd., has been chosen by Bradford Council to provide 104 electric vehicle charging ports as part of the Local Electric Vehicle Infrastructure (LEVI) program's first phase. This initiative, partly funded by a £282,000 government grant secured by the West Yorkshire Combined Authority, aims to install up to 1,000 new EV chargers at over 230 sites in Bradford, UK, over the next two years. This rollout will focus on places with limited char...

Mainland China has raised the technical eligibility requirements for purchase tax relief on battery-electric vehicles (BEVs) and plug-in hybrid electric vehicles over the next two years, aiming to shift the auto industry toward more efficient and higher-performance models. BEVs must adhere to the energy consumption limits specified in the national standard GB 36980.1-2025, which was published on May 30, 2025, and will come into effect on Jan. 1, 2026, according to a notice from the Ministry...

Ford Motor has decided to halt a program that would have permitted dealers to offer a $7,500 tax credit on electric vehicle leases following the expiration of the federal subsidy on Sept. 30. This decision mirrors a similar action taken by General Motors (GM) recently. While some automakers such as Hyundai and Stellantis have provided cash incentives to alleviate the impact of the expired credits, Ford and GM initially took a different approach. Both companies had intended their financing div...

Toyota has announced its exploration into developing a small drone system to support vehicle operations on unpaved roads and trails. The Japanese automaker detailed the potential system in a filing with the Federal Aviation Administration, suggesting that it aims to enhance situational awareness in areas where exiting the vehicle might be unsafe. The company highlighted that this system could provide drivers with views of their surroundings, including potential hazards around and beneath the veh...

Yamato Transport, Mitsubishi Fuso Truck and Bus Corp. (MFTBC), and Tier IV have been selected for a Japanese government project to test autonomous trucks for long-haul transportation. This initiative will feature a tractor developed by MFTBC and Tier IV, paired with a Yamato Group trailer, to validate the vehicle's performance, safety and operational feasibility under real-world conditions along the Yamato Group's Kanto–Kansai route. The project, overseen by Japan's Ministry of Land, Infras...

Kia Europe is embarking on the first public trial of a battery passport at the cellular level, as part of preliminary research aimed at enhancing transparency in electric vehicle batteries. This innovative approach provides live, detailed health data for each battery cell, supporting live state of health (SoH) tracking, real-time repair diagnostics and comprehensive traceability throughout the battery's life cycle. For EV drivers, this translates to benefits such as prolonged battery life, re...

The Combined Authority's Board has approved a significant expansion of public electric vehicle charging infrastructure across Cambridgeshire and Peterborough in the UK, with the support of £5.4 million in new funds allocated under the UK government's Local Electric Vehicle Infrastructure (LEVI) Capital Fund. This funding will enable the installation of a minimum of 930 new public EV charging points in the region, with the potential for further growth through additional private investment. Th...

China has enforced stricter export controls on rare earth elements and other critical materials necessary for advanced technology manufacturing, as trade negotiations with the US continue. China processes approximately 90% of the world's rare earths, which are utilized in various products such as solar panels and smartphones. This strategic move comes ahead of an expected meeting between Chinese leader, President Xi Jinping, and US President Donald Trump. Beijing had previously restricted ...

The US National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) has initiated an investigation into 2.88 million Tesla vehicles equipped with its Full Self-Driving (FSD) system. This inquiry follows over 50 reports of traffic safety violations and several crashes involving these vehicles. The FSD is an assistance system that requires drivers to remain attentive and intervene when necessary. The NHTSA has noted instances where Tesla vehicles using the FSD ran red lights and changed lanes improperly...

The Wakefield Council has chosen Blink Charging UK Ltd., a subsidiary of Blink Charging Co., to support the development and expansion of electric vehicle charging infrastructure in the Wakefield, UK, district. As part of the region's initiative toward achieving net-zero emissions, Blink will install, own and operate a total of 184 EV chargers, comprised of 54 on-street and 130 off-street units. This project, made possible by a £282,000 investment from the UK government's Local Electric ...

On Oct. 7, the European Commission proposed several measures to protect the struggling EU steel industry from the adverse effects of global overcapacity and ensure its long-term sustainability. The commission proposed to reduce tariff-free import volumes of steel to 18.3 million metric tons per year, a 47% decrease from 2024 quotas, and double the out-of-quota import duty to 50%, up from 25% currently. Additionally, the commission plans to enhance market traceability by introducing a Melt and Po...

The West Yorkshire Combined Authority (WYCA) has partnered with Blink Charging UK Ltd., a subsidiary of Blink Charging Co., to implement a £1,410,000 initiative aimed at delivering the first phase of electric vehicle charging infrastructure across West Yorkshire in the UK. This project, supported by agreements with all five district councils in the region and partially subsidized by the UK government's Local Electric Vehicle Infrastructure Pilot Fund (LEVI), is intended to assist the transit...

BASF has introduced two new recycling processes for polyamide 6, specifically targeting materials from end-of-life vehicles through depolymerization and solvent-based recycling. These initiatives were showcased in pilot projects in collaboration with ZF and Pöppelmann, where components were created for Mercedes-Benz, contributing to a circular economy by converting dismantled parts and complex waste streams such as automotive shredder residue into high-quality plastics. Traditionally, about 200...

Kenya has launched a 6 billion shillings (about $46 million) initiative to establish a nationwide network of electric vehicle charging stations. The initiative aims to boost EV adoption, reduce fuel imports and lower transport emissions. The implementation will occur in phases, with Kenya Power leading the installation effort in key towns and highways. The goal is to have 10,000 public charging points by 2030. Initially, 17 priority towns and major transport routes from Mombasa to Busia ...

The US Energy Department has acquired a 5% stake in Lithium Americas and its Thacker Pass joint venture with General Motors, which is projected to become the largest source of lithium in the Western Hemisphere. This investment aligns with the US government's strategy to enhance industries crucial for national security. Recently, the administration was in talks with Lithium Americas regarding a $2.26 billion loan for the Nevada-based project. The Vancouver-based company has finalized an agreem...

California, US, has enacted SB 371, a law aimed at reducing insurance costs for ride-share drivers, making ride sharing more affordable while preserving protections for riders and drivers. This development follows a compromise involving Gov. Newsom, legislative leaders, ride-share companies and SEIU California. The reforms in SB 371 are related to AB 1340, another bill set to be signed into law. SB 371 addresses high insurance costs stemming from outdated rules, particularly the $1 million Unins...

Chinese authorities have approved reserve reports from two significant lithium producers in Yichun, Jiangxi, including CATL, bringing relief amid concerns around production disruptions. CATL's Jianxiawo mine, which had ceased production in August, has now received reserve approval, moving it closer to obtaining a mining permit and resuming operations. Meanwhile, Gotion High-tech has reported continuous production during this period and has also received approval from the Ministry of Natural R...

Wallbox announced a partnership with SureCharge Corp. to set up a new public charging network in Alberta and British Columbia. Wallbox's Supernova 180-kW DC fast chargers will be installed under this new network. This initiative aims to create up to 24 high-speed charging sites with 96 charging points along major travel routes in the region. SureCharge is managing the deployment, and SureTek Electric & Technologies Ltd., a certified Wallbox partner, will handle installation and maintena...

Zoox, owned by Amazon, plans to begin mapping Washington, DC, as part of its efforts to test its self-driving vehicles in the city, according to a report published by TechCrunch on Sept. 30. The company announced it would initially deploy manually driven Toyota Highlanders equipped with its sensors and self-driving software to map the area. Testing of autonomous vehicles, with human safety operators on board, is expected to start later in 2025. The company chose Washington, DC, for its grow...

Mainland China will introduce an export license management system for pure electric passenger vehicles starting Jan. 1, 2026. This measure, announced by four government departments, including the Ministry of Commerce, aims to regulate and monitor the export of these vehicles more closely, potentially affecting private battery-electric vehicle (BEV) exports. Conditions and procedures for obtaining export licenses will follow guidelines set in a 2012 document, and inspections will adhere to the...

PlusAI has formed a Safety and Policy Advisory Council to guide the company on safety issues, operational strategies and the regulatory landscape as it progresses toward the 2027 commercial launch of factory-built autonomous trucks. Shawn Kerrigan, PlusAI's COO and co-founder, emphasized the need for partnerships with trucking industry leaders and regulators to ensure a safe and scalable deployment of autonomous trucks. The council comprises experts in transportation and logistics and government...

On Sept. 29, the first public Megawatt Charging System (MCS) for battery-electric trucks in Germany was inaugurated at the Lipperland Süd service station. This event was part of the HoLa project, which aims to advance emission-free long-haul trucking and is funded by the German Federal Ministry of Transport and the EU. The project is coordinated by the Fraunhofer Institute for Systems and Innovation Research ISI and the P3 Group, which are installing MCS points at four locations along major ...

Mainland China has proposed new regulations requiring hidden door handles in cars to have a manual opening mechanism for enhanced safety in emergencies, Yicai Global reported Sept. 25. This draft, released by the Ministry of Industry and Information Technology, mandates that each car door possesses internal and external handles with mechanical release functions. The regulations emerged following incidents where hidden door handles in electric vehicles prevented swift egress due to electrical ...

Ford and General Motors (GM) have initiated programs aimed at extending the benefits of the $7,500 US tax credit for electric vehicle leases beyond its expiration date, which is set for the end of September. These programs involve their financing arms purchasing EVs in dealers' inventories by making down payments, enabling them to qualify for the federal tax credit. This approach allows dealers to continue offering leases with the subsidy included in the lease rate for several more months. Th...

The Indian government's Ministry of Heavy Industries has issued operational guidelines for the PM E-Drive scheme, which supports the establishment of electric vehicle public charging infrastructure. The scheme allocates 10 billion rupees (about $1.12 billion), with 20 billion rupees ($225 million) specifically dedicated to subsidizing charging infrastructure, including up to 72,300 new public EV charging stations, battery-swapping stations and battery charging stations. Subsidies primarily...

India's Ministry of Road Transport and Highways (MoRTH) has issued a draft notification to amend the Central Motor Vehicles Rules to require acoustic vehicle alerting systems (AVAS) for new electric vehicles by October 2026. This regulation applies to both private and commercial EVs and aims to alert pedestrians to their presence since they are quieter than traditional internal combustion engine (ICE) vehicles. The notification specifies that from Oct. 1, 2026, for new models, and Oct. 1, 202...

California, US, has achieved a milestone by surpassing 200,000 publicly available and shared electric vehicle charging ports, as announced by Gov. Gavin Newsom. This marks an increase of 22,631 since March, with the current number standing at 201,180, which is 68% more than the gasoline nozzles statewide, according to the California Energy Commission (CEC). These chargers can be found in publicly accessible places such as grocery stores and gas stations, with shared chargers located at places...

The UK government is considering financial assistance for the struggling suppliers of Jaguar Land Rover (JLR) following an extended shutdown due to a cyberattack, which will last until Oct. 1, Reuters reported Sept. 26. JLR, owned by Tata Motors of India, operates three factories in the UK, producing nearly 1,000 cars daily. According to the BBC, the shutdown is reportedly costing the company about £50 million a week, with many of its 33,000 employees instructed to stay home. A parliame...

Stellantis announced that it recently fell victim to a data breach involving its Salesforce instance, resulting in the theft of North American customer information. This incident is part of a series of ongoing assaults on Salesforce instances, where attackers employ social engineering tactics to persuade victims into downloading malicious third-party applications. The hacking group known as shinyHunters claims responsibility for the breach at Stellantis, a name previously associated with at...

The US National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) announced a delay in implementing changes to its five-star safety rating program after automakers requested more time to comply, according to a report published by Reuters on Sept. 19, 2025. In 2024, the NHTSA introduced updates to the New Car Assessment Program (NCAP), incorporating features such as blind-spot warning, lane-keeping assist and pedestrian automatic emergency braking. These updates were initially intended for the 2026 m...

Stellantis plans to temporarily halt production at several European plants due to a decrease in demand for specific models, including the Alfa Romeo Tonale sport utility vehicle, according to a Bloomberg report on Sept. 24. The automaker will stop production of the Tonale and Fiat Panda vehicles at its Pomigliano plant in Italy starting Sept. 29, following discussions with local labor union representatives. Moreover, Stellantis has confirmed a production suspension at its Poissy plant near Pa...

Mikael Kubu, the insolvency administrator in Sweden, confirmed that all necessary approvals for the takeover of Swedish battery manufacturer Northvolt by US battery technology company Lyten have been granted. The transaction is expected to be finalized by the end of October. Separate negotiations will determine whether construction will continue at the Northvolt plant in Heide, Germany. Kubu indicated that the Swedish state authority, ISP, has approved the acquisition, and all required p...

Mainland Chinese electric-car maker BYD has a contingency plan in place should it face restrictions on using NVIDIA chips in its vehicles, according to a report from CNBC on Sept. 23, citing Stella Li, the company's executive vice president. Although the mainland Chinese government has not directed BYD to discontinue using NVIDIA products, Li emphasized the importance of having a backup plan. She refrained from detailing this alternative but mentioned BYD's ability to swiftly navigate supply cha...

The Australian government is allocating A$40 million to support the installation of nationwide public kerbside and fast electric vehicle charging points as part of its Net Zero Plan. This initiative is aimed at encouraging Australians to transition to EVs, thereby reducing transportation costs and emissions in the sector. Significant investments have been made by the Commonwealth, state and territory governments in public charging infrastructure, particularly in the past four years. The gover...

Tesla has received approval from Arizona's Transportation Department to test autonomous robo-taxi vehicles with a safety monitor in the Phoenix Metro area, according to a Reuters report dated Sept. 20. The company applied for this permit in June with the intention of trialing an autonomous vehicle ride-sharing service. While Tesla has not commented on the development, the department did not specify when the tests would commence or their duration. Tesla CEO Elon Musk has indicated a goal ...

Fescaro and TÜV Nord have entered into an agreement to develop a comprehensive solution to aid automakers and suppliers in meeting cybersecurity compliance requirements. This solution will offer consulting for cybersecurity management systems, education and training, provision and validation of security solutions, and ensure regulatory compliance. The collaboration aims to leverage Fescaro's automotive cybersecurity technology and TÜV Nord's certification expertise to provide tailored services...

To commemorate National Drive Electric Month, the New Jersey Department of Environmental Protection (NJDEP) has announced $20 million in grants for electric school buses and public charging stations. This monthlong event, from Sept. 12 to Oct. 12, aims to promote the benefits of electric and plug-in hybrid vehicles. The NJDEP's Electric School Bus Grant Program is offering $10 million to replace diesel school buses with electric ones, addressing harmful emissions from diesel. Similarly, ...

Illinois Gov. JB Pritzker, Illinois Attorney General Kwame Raoul and the Illinois Transportation Department have announced that $18.4 million in grants will be allocated to construct 25 electric vehicle charging stations along interstate corridors in Illinois, US. This funding, arising from the second round of the National Electric Vehicle Infrastructure (NEVI) program, aims to promote community investment and economic development, aligned with Illinois' goal of having 1 million EVs registere...

The Green New Car Assessment Program (Green NCAP), an independent organization that promotes the development of clean and energy-efficient vehicles, has introduced a new Sustainability Ratings system to evaluate the environmental impact of cars throughout their lifetime, taking into account factors such as efficiency, real-world range and charging capabilities. This assessment includes a Life Cycle Assessment (LCA), which evaluates emissions from production to disposal. Among the 12 cars tested,...

Xiaomi EV is recalling 116,887 SU7 electric vehicles due to flaws in the driver assistance software that may not handle extreme scenarios effectively. This recall represents about one-third of the SU7 sedans sold by the company and was prompted by a fatal accident involving the SU7 that occurred earlier in 2025. The vehicles affected were manufactured between Feb. 6, 2024, and Aug. 30, 2025. According to China's State Administration for Market Regulation (SAMR), the issue involves the Level 2 hi...

China's electric vehicle charging infrastructure has experienced significant growth, with a total of nearly 17.35 million units installed by the end of August, marking a 53.5% increase from the previous year, as reported by official data on Sept. 18. Public EV charging facilities reached approximately 4.32 million units, reflecting a 37.8% rise year over year, with a combined rated power of 196 million kW, according to the National Energy Administration. Additionally, private charging facilit...

The California Energy Commission (CEC) has awarded $1.1 million to Brooklyn-based It's electric to develop, certify and commercialize the world's first curbside vehicle-to-grid electric vehicle charger. This initiative is part of the Enabling Electric Vehicles as Distributed Energy Resources grant under California's Electric Program Investment Charge (EPIC) Program, aimed at advancing the state's climate goals through innovative energy technologies. In partnership with the University of ...

Nissan Motor Co. is focusing on reducing traffic congestion through its ProPilot Assist technology, which was showcased in a pilot study conducted in Contra Costa County, California. This initiative, in collaboration with the University of California, Berkeley, and local transportation authorities, aimed at promoting cooperative cruising among vehicles equipped with Nissan's ProPilot system. The system, featured in models such as the Rogue and Altima, facilitates real-time data sharing on speed,...

The US National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) has initiated an investigation into nearly 174,000 Tesla Model Y cars from the 2021 model year following reports of inoperative electronic door handles, Reuters reported Sept. 16. The US federal vehicle safety agency confirmed receiving complaints about the inability to open exterior doors, particularly when parents attempted to exit the vehicle to attend to their child or place their child in the rear seat before starting a journey. ...

Canada has announced a waiver on the mandate requiring 20% of all vehicles sold in 2026 to be emissions-free. This decision is part of a broader aid package aimed at mitigating the adverse effects of US tariffs on various sectors, including steel and aluminum. The target was initially set by the Liberal government under former Prime Minister Justin Trudeau in 2023. Prime Minister Mark Carney, Trudeau's successor, explained that waiving this requirement would provide financial relief to automa...

The Australian Renewable Energy Agency (ARENA), a unit of the Australian government, plans to support the development of a dedicated electric truck charging hub — a first for Australia — in Melbourne, ARENA announced Sept. 11. The energy agency plans to allocate a total of A$12.3 million in funding to Mondo Power, which will develop, construct and operate the planned electric truck charging hub in Melbourne’s west to demonstrate the technical and commercial feasibility for fleets to ele...

The government of Newfoundland and Labrador, in partnership with Newfoundland and Labrador Hydro (NL Hydro) in Canada, has announced an additional investment of C$3.8 million to expand the province’s electric vehicle charging infrastructure, the provincial government said in a press note issued on Aug. 29. NL Hydro has also invested C$463,000 in the said project to support the expansion of EV charging infrastructure in the region. The project will see the construction of four fast-chargi...

Vulcan Energy has secured the permit to build and operate its Central Lithium Plant (CLP) for the phase one Lionheart Project, aimed at producing battery-quality lithium hydroxide monohydrate (LHM) at Industrial Park Höchst in Frankfurt, Germany. This plant is essential to the project's goal of producing carbon-neutral lithium and renewable energy from deep geothermal brine, thereby decarbonizing lithium production and contributing to Europe's independence in critical raw materials. Durin...

France has introduced a new €1,000 grant for individuals purchasing electric vehicles assembled in Europe with European-made batteries. Starting from Oct. 1, buyers of eligible vehicles will automatically receive the discount at the point of sale. This initiative comes in addition to other EV purchase bonuses such as the bonus écologique, allowing modest-income households to benefit from up to €5,200 off a new EV purchase. The €1,000 grant is a fixed amount and does not vary based on h...

Kempower, a Finnish supplier of DC fast-charging solutions, has launched Denmark's first megawatt electric vehicle charging station under the country's new subsidy program for electric trucks. The Danish government's Funding Scheme for the Green Transition of Heavy Transport, which opened Sept. 3, involves a pledge of 352.5 million kroner (approximately $55.26 million) to assist logistics companies in investing in electric trucks and charging infrastructure. This subsidy is fun...

Seeing Machines has unveiled a new feature in its driver monitoring system (DMS) that can detect non-drowsy driver impairment, including alcohol-related impairment. Mike Lenné, chief safety officer of Seeing Machines, said that its technology, already in over 3.7 million cars and 60,000 trucks, has long been able to detect and prevent distracted and drowsy driving. Now, after extensive research and testing, it can also identify alcohol impairment to meet European New Car Assessment Pr...

The Portsmouth City Council in the UK is advancing its electric mobility infrastructure, with new on-street electric vehicle charge points being installed throughout the city. Portsmouth City Council, in collaboration with charge-point operator (CPO) Zest, has already installed over 150 EV chargepoints on lampposts and bollards, marking a significant upgrade to the city's EV infrastructure. This initiative aims to facilitate easier vehicle charging for residents, supported by the government's...

Transportation Secretary Sean P. Duffy on Sept. 4 announced that the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) initiated three rulemaking processes. These processes aim to modernize the Federal Motor Vehicle Safety Standards (FMVSS) for vehicles equipped with automated driving systems. These standards, originally established decades ago, do not accommodate the advancements in automated vehicles. The initiative is part of the agency's Automated Vehicle Framework, aligning with Secret...

The US National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) has begun investigating nearly 287,000 Chrysler minivans over reports of steering malfunctions that could potentially lead to crashes. The probe, announced Sept. 8, covers Chrysler Pacifica minivans from model years 2017 to 2018 and Chrysler Pacifica Plug-in Hybrid minivans from model year 2017. The investigation focuses on issues with the vehicles' electric power steering. The federal vehicle safety agency initiated the investigat...

Hyundai Motor has halted construction work at its electric vehicle battery plant in Ellabell, Georgia, after a raid by US Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) officials resulted in the arrest of hundreds of workers, according to a report by The Independent on Sept. 6. About 475 workers, mostly South Korean nationals, were detained by the immigration officials, marking the largest single-site enforcement by the US Department of Homeland Security. The report mentioned that Homeland Se...

Stellantis has joined GlobalPlatform, an organization focusing on cybersecurity standardization for software-defined vehicles (SDVs), in an effort to enhance cross-industry collaboration. Stellantis, which manages 14 major automotive brands including Alfa Romeo, Chrysler, Fiat and Jeep, is integrating its technologies with evolving automotive use cases and regulatory demands. With this collaboration, Bill Mazzara, North American regulatory lead and technical fellow for Product Cybersecurity...

Plans to introduce on-street electric vehicle charge points and expand Somerset, UK's EV charging network are expected to progress significantly as the Somerset Council has received £3,783,000 in fresh funding from the UK government's Local Electric Vehicle Infrastructure (LEVI) Fund. This funding will support the installation of charge points in both urban and rural areas throughout Somerset, addressing the needs of the 27% of properties that lack off-street parking. The council is in the p...

An Indian tax panel has recommended significant increases in levies on luxury electric vehicles priced above $46,000, as indicated by a government document, according to a report by Reuters dated Sept. 2. This proposal is part of Prime Minister Narendra Modi's broader effort to reform India's tax system and encourage the purchase of domestic goods amid strained trade relations with the US. The panel proposed raising the goods and services tax (GST) for EVs priced between 2 million rupees and ...