ABB E-mobility and Esyasoft e-Mobility have announced a strategic partnership through a Memorandum of Understanding to enhance global electric vehicle (EV) charging deployments, focusing initially on the Middle East, Africa, and Latin America, with plans for future expansion. Esyasoft will leverage its extensive experience in energy and utilities, providing project management, financing, and operations support.They offer a comprehensive e-Mobility portfolio that integrates EV charging managem...

Innoviz Technologies announced the release of InnovizSMART, a ready-to-buy lidar solution tailored for various smart applications. InnovizSMART features high-resolution 3D point cloud detection, low power consumption and ease of installation, making it suitable for applications such as perimeter security, traffic management and robotics. The product is fully industrialized, allowing global partners to utilize an automotive-grade sensor with short lead times to meet current and ant...

Yokohama Rubber has announced that it is supplying its ADVAN Sport ZPS (Zero Pressure System) tires as original equipment (OE) to the new Toyota GR Yaris compact sports car, which was launched in the Middle East in December 2025. The tires, available in size 225/40RF18 88Y, are based on the high-performance ADVAN Sport and are run-flat, allowing the vehicle to operate even with a deflated tire. These tires offer a balance of ultrahigh-speed maneuverability, wet performance, quietness and comf...

Northern Graphite Corp. and Obeikan Investment Group have signed a term sheet to jointly develop a $200 million battery anode material (BAM) plant in Yanbu Industrial City, Kingdom of Saudi Arabia. The joint venture company will be owned 51% by Obeikan, which operates in packaging, printing and various industrial sectors in the Middle East and Africa, and 49% by Northern. The facility aims to produce 25,000 metric tons per year by 2028, with the capacity to scale up to meet rising global...

Delta Electronics has launched a new 350-kW fast charger, the HPC 350, for Europe, the Middle East and Africa to address the rising demand for high-power infrastructure amid grid constraints. This system is designed for electric vehicles such as cars, buses, trucks and commercial vehicles, and targets charge-point operators (CPOs), highway hubs, service stations, logistics fleets and industrial applications. The HPC 350 integrates ultrafast charging with advanced energy management, of...

The United Arab Emirates inaugurated one of the world's largest ultrafast electric vehicle charging hubs in Abu Dhabi, UAE. ADNOC Distribution, a leading mobility and convenience retailer in the UAE, announced the launch of the sixth-largest superfast EV charging hub globally and laid out a plan to electrify the UAE highway network by 2027. This development aligns with Abu Dhabi's Sustainability Week, as global leaders discuss sustainable energy futures. The EV Mega hub, located on the E...

CATL has inaugurated a new battery service center in the Middle East, marking its largest such facility outside mainland China. Named Ning Service Experience Center, the newly opened center in Riyadh, Saudi Arabia, aims to bolster CATL's aftersales presence in the region and support the Middle East's transition to cleaner energy systems amid its ambitious electrification and decarbonization goals under Vision 2030. Notably, Saudi Arabia aims to ensure 30% of all vehicles in Riyadh are el...

Israel has inaugurated its first licensed electric vehicle battery recycling plant in Arad, Israel, approved by the Environmental Protection Ministry. Re Car Technologies Ltd. (RE-CAR) has launched this facility dedicated to recycling lithium-ion batteries from EVs. The plant, situated in the northern industrial zone of Arad, occupies about 7,000 square meters and represents an initial investment exceeding 15 million shekels (about $4.73 million), with plans for additional investment in the...

Valens Semiconductor has announced a new design win for its VA7000 MIPI A-PHY-compliant chipsets, which will be integrated into the advanced driver assistance systems of a high-profile global automotive original equipment manufacturer targeting the Chinese market. The integration of the VA7000 chipsets into the OEM's vehicles is scheduled to commence production in 2027. MIPI A-PHY stands out as the premier standardized solution for high-speed sensor connectivity and has achieved design wins acro...

Xpeng Inc., a mainland Chinese electric vehicle company, has launched its G9 and G6 sport utility vehicle models in Qatar as part of its efforts to expand its global presence. The company also showcased products from its flying car subsidiary, Aridge, and plans to introduce its P7+ model in Qatar soon. This move follows Xpeng's strategic distribution partnership with Mauritian Axess Ltd. and Qatar's Pioneer Motors, aimed at enhancing the vehicle experience for customers. Qatar ...

Arbe Robotics has announced that a state-owned automaker in China has selected Hirain Technologies, along with Arbe's Ultra HD Radar, for its Level 4 autonomous vehicle program. The production of these vehicles is scheduled to commence in December 2026, aiming to enhance safety and autonomy in both urban and highway settings. The automaker's decision follows several years of collaborative development, resulting in the selection of Hirain's LRR610 Radar, which is powered by Arbe's advanced chi...

Innoviz Technologies has launched the InnovizThree lidar. InnovizThree is characterized by slimmer dimensions and reduced power consumption, while offering high performance at a significantly lower price compared to InnovizTwo. The new design allows for flexible integration options, such as behind the windshield or on the rooftop, providing automakers with various design options. InnovizThree is designed for enhanced sensing power and efficiency, offering reliability and scalability across vehic...

Hubject has announced a strategic partnership with Numocity to incorporate Hubject's ISO 15118-based Plug&Charge technology into Numocity's charging management platform. This collaboration aims to enable charge-point operators (CPOs) and e-mobility service providers to manage charging networks seamlessly across more than 20 countries, focusing on markets in India, the Asia-Pacific and the Middle East. The integration offers a single contract solution for automated, frictionless charging, eli...

Lithium Royalty Corp. (LRC) has entered into a definitive agreement to acquire a 1.5% Trailing Product Sales Fee (TPSF) royalty on the Goulamina lithium project in Mali from Leo Lithium Ltd. for A$40 million. The Goulamina project is operated by Ganfeng Lithium Co. Ltd., a significant player in the lithium market, and is expected to produce up to 500,000 metric tons of spodumene concentrate per annum. The transaction is structured to be completed in two phases, with the initial payment of A$2...

Visteon has inaugurated a new engineering center in Tunis, the capital city of Tunisia, La Presse reported Dec. 14. The development marks a significant step for the US-based automotive supplier, which has operated in Tunisia since 2005. Visteon aims to expand its workforce in Tunisia to 900 employees by 2028, up from 560 at present, with nearly 40% in managerial roles. The new center is expected to support growth in engineering as well as research and development. Leveraging local talent, the...

Ace Green Recycling Inc. has announced significant progress in its global expansion strategy, with zero-emissions battery recycling equipment deployments in Taiwan, Thailand and Armenia. The company is shipping equipment for projects in Taiwan and Thailand, and has commenced shipments to Armenia for lead and lithium recycling. In Taiwan, Ace is collaborating with ACME Metal Enterprise, with equipment set to arrive early in 2026, marking phase two of its deployment to expand zero-emissions cap...

StoreDot Ltd., an Israeli company specializing in extreme fast charging (XFC) battery technology for electric vehicles, has announced a definitive business combination agreement with Andretti Acquisition Corp. II, a publicly traded special purpose acquisition company based in the Cayman Islands. The newly formed entity, named XFC Battery (Pubco), aims to accelerate the commercialization of StoreDot's XFC batteries, addressing the significant consumer concern of long charging times in the EV mark...

Autel Digital Power Co. Ltd. has signed a strategic memorandum of understanding (MOU) with Emarat EV Charging Stations Co. (UAEV), which is responsible for developing and operating the United Arab Emirates' electric vehicle charging network. This agreement aims to support the UAE's vision for a reliable, high-performance and future-ready EV charging infrastructure. The MOU was formalized during a visit by a UAEV delegation to Autel's headquarters in Shenzhen, mainland China, where they discus...

XCharge Europe and XCharge North America, subsidiaries of XCHG Ltd., have announced a strategic partnership with Electromin to deploy advanced electric vehicle charging infrastructure across Saudi Arabia. This collaboration aligns XCharge's cutting-edge battery-integrated charging solutions with Saudi Arabia's Vision 2030 initiative, targeting 30% EV adoption in Riyadh, Saudi Arabia, by 2030 and achieving net-zero emissions by 2060. The initiative aims to address infrastructure challenges in ...

Pure Lithium Corp., a company specializing in lithium metal battery technology, has been awarded a foundational patent by the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia. The patent, titled Vertically Integrated Pure Lithium Metal Production and Lithium Battery Production, encompasses a broad range of technology that integrates lithium extraction, anode production and battery manufacturing. Pure Lithium's Brine to Battery trademark is registered in the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia, strengthening its intellectual propert...

Electreon and InductEV are set to merge their operations once a definitive agreement is signed, with the aim of forming a comprehensive wireless charging solution for various electric vehicle use cases. By integrating Electreon's dynamic wireless charging and stationary high-power technology with InductEV's ultrafast static systems and charging platform, the combined company intends to support a range of vehicles, including passenger cars, vans, buses, heavy-duty trucks and autonomous vehicles, ...

BYD, China’s largest EV manufacturer, plans to build a nationwide network of high-speed EV charging stations in South Africa, according to a report published by TechCentral on Oct. 16. The report quoted BYD Executive Vice President Stella Li, who is credited with leading BYD’s rapid expansion outside of its home market, mainland China. It said that BYD’s commitment will mark the biggest development in South Africa’s nascent EV industry, demonstrating the growing ambition of Chinese...

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 Development Bank of Southern Africa (DBSA) has completed all due diligence and agreements for its $5.7 million investment in Zero Carbon Charge (Charge), an off-grid electric vehicle charging company. The initial investment decision was announced in April, and definitive agreements for the deal have now been signed, allowing for immediate execution. Spiwe Sibanda, an executive at DBSA, emphasized the bank's commitment to supporting projects that stimulate economic growth and provide socia...

Xpeng Motors, a mainland Chinese electric vehicle manufacturer, has launched an ultrafast-charging network in Israel. The network was announced in Rishon LeZion, with the presence of Xpeng Motors Chairman He Xiaopeng and Israeli Energy Minister Eli Cohen. This network features high-power chargers from Star Charge, a mainland Chinese company specializing in EV charging infrastructure, and incorporates smart technology for dynamic power management. This allows alignment with vehicle charging ne...

Autel Energy has announced its involvement in South Africa's largest public electric vehicle bus charging project, located in Cape Town, South Africa. This initiative is part of the city's bus fleet electrification, with the goal to facilitate the operation of 120 electric buses by December using Autel Energy's advanced MaxiCharger DC Fast technology. The project, conducted in collaboration with STS Tech Group, is centered at Cape Town's Arrowgate Depot, which utilizes a solar-grid ...

The Public Authority for Special Economic Zones and Free Zones (OPAZ), along with the Salalah Free Zone, announced a significant agreement for an advanced battery chemical materials project. The project will be executed by GFCL EV, a subsidiary of the InoxGFL Group, within the Salalah Free Zone. The project entails an investment exceeding 188 million Omani rials (approximately $487 million) and will be rolled out in phases over four to six years. The first phase alone is valued at over...

SABIC has launched MEGAMOLDING, a platform that facilitates the production of large, high-performance thermoplastic parts for various applications, including in vehicles, offering an efficient alternative to traditional metal and thermoset materials. By leveraging its expertise in materials, tool design and process optimization, MEGAMOLDING aims to overcome cost and processing challenges, promising both cost savings and more sustainable manufacturing processes. This platform is designed to accel...

Nanointech Co. Ltd. and Vocai Ltd. have entered into a definitive agreement to integrate Vocai's ED-10A series into Nanointech's battery packs for e-buses, low-speed electric vehicles (LSEVs) and energy storage systems. The partnership, announced Aug. 19, combines Nanointech's expertise as a battery pack supplier with Vocai's advancements in battery safety and analytics. The ED-10A product series, known for transforming chemical data into actionable intelligence, offers early detection of bat...

On July 2, ZF Lifetec inaugurated a new manufacturing plant within the Tanger Med Industrial Platform in Morocco, dedicated to producing steering wheels. Spanning 8,000 square meters, this plant represents a significant milestone in ZF Lifetec's expansion efforts within the automotive industry, strategically positioned at the crossroads of Europe and Africa.  The plant has successfully initiated production and employs approximately 350 people, manufacturing steering wheels for ...

Sailun Group, a tire manufacturer based in mainland China, has signed an agreement with TEDA Egypt to invest $1 billion in a greenfield tire manufacturing plant in Egypt. The project will be developed in three phases on a 350,000-square-meter site within the Suez Canal Economic Zone (SCZONE), managed by TEDA Egypt. Construction is expected to be completed within three years. The first phase, planned for completion in 2026, will produce 3 million passenger car tires and 600...

Nayax Ltd., a global payments platform, has signed a strategic partnership with Autel Energy to provide embedded payment solutions for electric vehicle charging technology. Autel Energy is a prominent supplier of EV charging equipment with an expanding presence in 35 major markets across North America and Europe. The partnership aims to address the increasing demand for scalable charging infrastructure by integrating Nayax's payment infrastructure with Autel's EV chargers, cloud-based managem...

As autonomous driving gains renewed global momentum, a strategic window is opening in Europe and the Middle East where mainland Chinese tech giants are moving early while US leaders like Tesla and Waymo remain focused on North America. Companies such as Baidu, WeRide and Pony.ai are rapidly launching pilot programs and forming local partnerships to capture first-mover advantages in these emerging markets. Domestic momentum: Commercialization of autonomous driving in mainland China and the US ...

WeRide and Uber Technologies have expanded their robo-taxi operations to Al Reem and Al Maryah Islands in Abu Dhabi, United Arab Emirates, in collaboration with the Integrated Transport Centre. This expansion aims to increase ride volumes by covering nearly half of Abu Dhabi's core areas, which also include Yas and Saadiyat, along with highway routes to Zayed International Airport. Since launching in Abu Dhabi in December 2024, the robo-taxi fleet of WeRide and Uber has tripled in size, with pla...

Stellantis has inaugurated a new expanded manufacturing facility in Kenitra, Morocco, marking a significant step in the country's industrial advancement. Head of Government Aziz Akhannouch highlighted the project as part of Morocco's broader strategy to foster a competitive and integrated economy. The €1.2 billion investment, which includes €702 million for developing local suppliers, aims to double the plant's production capacity and achieve a 75% local integration rate by 2030...

KoBold Metals, a mining company backed by Jeff Bezos and Bill Gates, has entered into an agreement with the Democratic Republic of Congo to potentially acquire the disputed Manono lithium deposit. This agreement positions KoBold as a key partner in resolving the ongoing legal battle concerning mining rights between Australian-based AVZ Minerals and the Congolese government. AVZ had initially held the permit to develop the Manono project, but in 2023, the permit was revoked by the DRC's Mines ...

In a press release on July 8, Innoviz Technologies announced the shipment of the first InnovizTwo Lidar units from a high-volume production line managed by Fabrinet. This milestone represents a significant step forward in the mass production of Innoviz's InnovizTwo Lidar technology, aimed at the autonomous vehicle industry.  The successful assembly of the first units signifies Innoviz's progress toward high-volume production while maintaining quality processes to meet customer requiremen...

As reported in a press release on June 25, the Benteler Group has commenced the construction of a new automotive plant in Kenitra, Morocco. Mr. Ryad Mezzour, Minister of Industry and Trade of the Kingdom of Morocco, attended the groundbreaking ceremony. The company plans to invest a significant mid-double-digit million euro amount during the ramp-up phase, with production scheduled to begin in 2026. The new manufacturing facility is expected to create more than 300 direct jobs and pote...

Sino-Moroccan company Cobco has commenced production at its plant for lithium-ion (Li-ion) battery components in Jorf Lasfar, located 125 km south of Casablanca, Morocco. Cobco is a collaboration between Moroccan investment fund Al Mada and CNGR Advanced Materials, a mainland Chinese battery materials producer. Morocco's strategic proximity to Europe, its automotive industry, free trade agreements, and abundance of phosphates and cobalt make it appealing to mainland Chinese electric vehicle batt...

Zimbabwe plans to ban the export of lithium concentrates from 2027 as part of efforts to enhance local processing capabilities, according to Minister of Mines and Mining Development Winston Chitando. This decision follows a 2022 ban on the export of lithium ore. The country, Africa's leading lithium producer, has been encouraging domestic processing, with a focus on lithium sulfates, which can be refined into battery-grade materials. Lithium concentrates are primarily exported to mainland Chi...

Porsche Centre Oman partners with Shell Oman Marketing Company to enhance the electric vehicle infrastructure across Oman, focusing on expanding high-performance charging networks at Shell forecourts. The collaboration leads to the installation of a minimum of eight co-branded Porsche and Shell DC high-performance charging stations in the Sultanate, along with 125 AC Porsche Destination Chargers at convenient locations, providing free top-ups for Porsche customers. ...

Elektros Inc., a company focused on sustainable energy and advanced electric mobility, announced a major development in its lithium project in Sierra Leone. Elektros has received the necessary permits and regulatory approvals to begin preliminary development of its mining operations in Southern Sierra Leone. This endeavor marks a significant step in its long-term goals, highlighting the company's innovation and influence in the global energy sector. The company emphasizes regulatory complianc...

India's Force Motors has taken a strategic step to broaden its global presence by signing a non-binding memorandum of understanding (MOU) with W Motors, a United Arab Emirates-based high-performance, luxury sports-car manufacturer. This partnership was announced at the Make it in the Emirates event in Abu Dhabi, UAE, and aims to explore the development and manufacturing of a new vehicle model in the UAE. The collaboration focuses on fostering cross-border innovation in mobility soluti...

Saudi Arabia Mining Co. (Maaden) has entered into an agreement with MP Materials Corp., a US company involved in producing rare earths, to explore the creation of a fully integrated rare earth supply chain in Saudi Arabia. The companies plan to develop a vertically integrated operation that includes mining, separation, refining and the production of magnets within Saudi Arabia to bolster industrial growth and contribute to downstream sectors. This initiative was formalized with a memoran...

Hyundai Motor Manufacturing Middle East (HMMME), a joint venture between Public Investment Fund (PIF), Saudi Arabia’s sovereign wealth fund, and South Korean carmaker Hyundai Motor Co., hosted its groundbreaking ceremony in the King Salman Automotive Cluster, Hyundai announced May 15. The King Salman Automotive Cluster is situated within the King Abdullah Economic City (KAEC). The upcoming vehicle manufacturing plant, which will be Hyundai’s first in the Middle East region, is expected...

The Integrated Transport Centre (Abu Dhabi Mobility), associated with the Department of Municipalities and Transport, has made a substantial investment in electric vehicle charging infrastructure in Abu Dhabi, United Arab Emirates, through public-private partnership (PPP) contracts. These contracts cover the supply, installation, operation and maintenance of EV charging stations across the capital. This initiative is part of Abu Dhabi Mobility's efforts to transition to clean mobility and sup...

Electreon, a leading wireless electric vehicle charging technology company, announced a subsequent major project agreement with Electra Afikim, one of Israel's significant public transportation operators. This partnership follows the successful implementation of Electreon's wireless charging technology at the Rosh HaAyin bus depot, which was inaugurated in November 2023. The strategic partnership is now set to be expanded to the Ovnat terminal in Petah Tikva, a prominent suburb of Tel Aviv, Isra...

According to a press release on April 22, Innoviz Technologies has partnered with Fabrinet to bring its InnovizTwo product platform to mass production. Fabrinet will act as the chosen manufacturing partner for the InnovizTwo Lidar product platform, encompassing both the InnovizTwo Long-Range and InnovizTwo Short- to Mid-Range Lidar solutions. The agreement with Fabrinet comes after Fabrinet's facility passed rigorous audits by several global leading automotive original equipment m...

The advent of electric vehicles has kept the demand for lithium-ion batteries growing for over the last decade. The battery supply chain industry, including cell manufacturing and battery materials, have witnessed huge investments leading to significant capacity buildup across several regions globally. However, the recent slowdown in EV demand has placed the supply chain in a tough spot as capacity addition resulted in an oversupply situation, which reduced the cost of all key battery materia...

A disastrous spill of waste containing concentrated acid, dissolved solids and heavy metals from the Chambishi copper mine in Zambia, owned by the mainland Chinese company Sino-Metals Leach Zambia, has caused significant environmental concerns. The spill, which involved approximately 50 million liters of toxic material, occurred Feb. 18 after the mine's tailings dam collapsed. The China Nonferrous Metals Industry Group, a state-owned enterprise, holds the majority ownership of the mine. ...

Martinrea International, a Canada-based automotive supplier specializing in lightweight structures and propulsion systems, announced its financial results for the fourth quarter and full year ended Dec. 31, 2024. In the fourth quarter, Martinrea reported an 11.2% year-over-year decline in sales to $1.15 billion, which led the company to record a 15.8% year-over-year decline in gross profit to $129 million. Lower sales, along with higher impairment charges of $129.4 million, forced Martinrea t...

GlobalFoundries (GF) and the Massachusetts Institute of Technology (MIT) have entered into a master research agreement to jointly advance semiconductor technology research, as reported in a press release on Feb. 27. This collaboration is spearheaded by MIT's Microsystems Technology Laboratories (MTL) and GF's research division, GF Labs, where the focus will initially be on leveraging GF's unique silicon photonics technology and its 22FDX platform. These technologies are poised to improve power e...

CATL, a leading power battery manufacturer, and Baidu, a major player in the field of search engines and autonomous driving, have announced a strategic partnership aimed at advancing autonomous vehicle technology and AI applications in manufacturing, according to a report published by CnEVPost on Feb. 27. This collaboration was formalized through a strategic cooperation agreement signed at CATL's headquarters in Ningde, Fujian province, mainland China, in the presence of key executives from both...

The Democratic Republic of the Congo (DRC), responsible for three-quarters of the world's cobalt supply, is pausing cobalt exports for four months to address oversupply issues. This decision comes in response to the plummeting prices of cobalt, a critical component for electric vehicle batteries, influenced by mainland Chinese firms' overproduction. The Congolese government, citing a decree that allows regulatory authorities to enact temporary measures to ensure market stability, initiated th...

Ace Green Recycling Inc. has announced the signing of two critical agreements with Mel Metal LLC, an Armenian non-ferrous scrap recycling company, to license its technology and battery recycling equipment to expand its operations in Armenia and Georgia. These agreements are part of Ace's strategy to generate revenue efficiently and establish its recycling solutions in the Southern Caucasus, using Armenia as a launching point for further expansion into Europe. Ace's technology includes the GRE...

Qatar Aviation Services (QAS), in partnership with MATAR and Qatar Science & Technology Park (QSTP) — a member of Qatar Foundation — has initiated the first regional trial of autonomous transportation solutions at Hamad International Airport (DOH) within its airside operations, according to a report published by ZAWYA on Feb 19. The proof-of-concept trials, starting Feb. 16, involve the use of advanced autonomous vehicles including a bus and a baggage tractor, featuring tech...

Israel-based extreme fast charging (XFC) battery technology company StoreDot has successfully developed silicon-dominant 4695 cylindrical cells, it announced Jan. 21. The development of cylindrical cells marks a significant breakthrough for StoreDot as it now completes the company’s innovative battery cell lineup. StoreDot’s battery cell lineup spans across extreme fast-charging cells in all major electric vehicle battery formats, including pouch, prismatic and now, cylindrical....

Kodal Minerals, a mineral exploration and development company, has announced the production of the first spodumene concentrate at its fully-funded Bougouni Lithium Project in southern Mali, which marks a significant milestone during the commissioning of the dense media separation (DMS) processing plant. The first round of production yielded spodumene concentrate with a lithium oxide (Li2O) grade of 5.53%, achieved ahead of schedule and in line with the planned production profile, signaling su...

Innoviz Technologies Ltd., a tier 1 direct supplier of high-performance, automotive-grade Lidar sensors and perception software, based in Tel Aviv, Israel, announced a strategic optimization of its operations aimed at extending its cash runway and hastening progress toward profitability and free cash flow generation. The company intends to implement these realignment actions during the first half of 2025, projecting to reduce cash outlays by approximately $12 million annually. This strategi...

Continental has appointed Nino Romano as the new chief technology officer (CTO) of its Automotive Group, which is in the transition phase toward becoming an independent publicly listed entity, effective Feb. 1. He succeeded Gilles Mabire who left the German supplier in November 2024. Romano has been associated with Continental for more than 30 years. Prior to the latest promotion, he was serving as the head of Quality and Operations. Romano has also been a member of the Automotive manage...

Zeekr, the electric vehicle brand of Chinese automotive group Zhejiang Geely Holding, has launched an ultrafast-charging network across Israel, China Daily reported Feb. 1. The charging network called Zeekr Power is brand agnostic and can be used by EV owners of other brands. Zeekr EV owners will pay a reduced rate for charging. The charging will be done with a dedicated Zeekr chip or via an app.    Zeekr entered the Israeli automotive market in 2024. The company offers two EV ...

As reported in a press release Jan. 21, Xiaomi Auto, a subsidiary of the Chinese electronics conglomerate Xiaomi, has announced a recall of approximately 31,000 of its SU7 standard edition electric vehicles due to issues with the autonomous parking feature. The recall, filed with China's State Administration for Market Regulation, affects SU7 standard models produced between Feb. 6, 2024, and Nov. 26, 2024. This does not impact other versions of the SU7. The cause of the recall is identified as ...

Ace Green Recycling Inc., known for its sustainable battery recycling technology, has entered into a strategic partnership with Spiro, Africa's largest electric vehicle company, to support the circular battery value chain in Africa. This collaboration will involve Ace recycling Spiro's end-of-life lithium-ion batteries, including lithium iron phosphate (LFP) batteries, and waste from Spiro's battery manufacturing operations. As part of the agreement, Spiro has designated Ace its exclusive glo...

Aramco, one of the world’s leading integrated energy and chemicals companies, and Ma’aden, the largest multi-commodity mining and metals company in the Middle East and North Africa region, have signed a non-binding Heads of Terms, which envisages the formation of a minerals exploration and mining joint venture (JV) in the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia, Aramco announced on January 15. The proposed JV would focus on energy transition minerals, including extracting lithium from high concentration ...

As reported in a press release on Jan. 16, NXP Semiconductors has announced a significant boost to its research, development and innovation (RDI) efforts through a €1 billion loan from the European Investment Bank (EIB). This loan, carrying an interest rate of approximately 4.75% and a duration of six years, is designated to support NXP's RDI investments across Europe, specifically in Austria, France, Germany, the Netherlands and Romania until 2026. Aimed at advancing semiconductor solution...

According to a press release on Jan. 1, Weebit Nano, a memory technologies developer and licensor, has entered into a licensing agreement with Onsemi, a tier 1 semiconductor supplier. This partnership involves the integration of Weebit Nano's resistive random access memory (ReRAM or RRAM) technology into Onsemi's Treo platform. This integration aims to enhance the platform with embedded non-volatile memory (NVM) capabilities. The unique collaboration leverages Weebit ReRAM's integration into a B...

MG Motor, a subsidiary of mainland China-based SAIC Motor, plans to locally produce cars in Egypt as part of its global expansion strategy, according to a news report published by CnEVPost on Dec. 31, 2024. The news comes soon after MG Motor had signed a strategic technical agreement with Egyptian multinational conglomerate Mansour Group on Dec. 29, 2024. The report mentioned that the carmaker aims to produce the new-generation MG5 model in an all-new production facility that will belong to t...

Foresight, an Israel company specializing in 3D perception systems, has entered into a strategic cooperation agreement with 7meerkat, a South Korean provider of next-generation parking and city management systems, and KONEC, a prominent South Korean tier 1 automotive supplier. Announced on Dec. 4, 2024, this collaborative effort aims to develop and commercialize AI-powered solutions to revolutionize urban parking by making it more efficient, intelligent and user-friendly. The partnership inte...

Ganfeng Lithium has successfully started production at its newly completed lithium processing plant in Mali, overcoming numerous challenges such as a new stringent mining code, security concerns and an oversupply in the lithium market. The project, situated in the Goulamina lithium mine in the southern Bougouni region, represents a significant achievement with its first phase already operational as of mid-December 2024. This phase boasts an annual production capacity of 506,000 metric to...

Mansour Group and SAIC Motor will establish a $135 million automotive manufacturing plant in Egypt, specifically in New October City, according to a report published by Daily News Egypt on Dec. 29. The partnership involves a technical licensing arrangement for the local production of MG cars and a land allocation agreement for the factory, which will cover 126,000 square meters in an industrial zone. This initiative is part of Egypt's strategy to localize vehicle manufacturing and boost the...

The Dubai Electricity and Water Authority (DEWA) has significantly expanded its electric vehicle charging network, now boasting over 740 EV charging points across Dubai, United Arab Emirates. This expansion is aligned with the UAE's ambitious goal of ensuring 50% of the cars on its roads are electric by 2050. With more than 34,970 EVs registered in the city, DEWA's growing EV charging infrastructure is vital to support the increase in EVs. EV drivers can conveniently locate EV charging statio...

Gotion High-Tech plans to build battery production plants in Slovakia and Morocco as it looks to expand its global manufacturing footprint, according to a news report published by CnEVPost on Dec. 13. Citing an announcement from the company, the report mentioned that it plans to build a battery production site in Slovakia and in Morocco with a total investment of about €2.5 billion. It stated that Gotion plans to invest about €1.2 billion to build a 20-GWh gigafactory in Slovakia. Th...

Cipia will present advanced infrared (IR) and radar sensor fusion at the upcoming Consumer Electronics Show (CES) 2025, scheduled to be held Jan. 7–10 in Las Vegas. The Israel-based company will demonstrate how the seamless integration of radar and IR sensors advances in-cabin safety and the driving experience. This integration aims to bring a new level of precision and intelligence to in-cabin monitoring by utilizing the strengths of both radar and IR technologies. By processing data from ...

PlaxidityX has entered a collaboration with Marquardt, a supplier of mechatronics systems for the automotive industry, to enhance Marquardt’s existing cybersecurity capabilities. The collaboration comes at a crucial time when automakers are facing unprecedented exposure to cybersecurity risks amid rising focus on connectivity and software-defined vehicles (SDVs). New cybersecurity regulations such as ISO/SAE 21434 and UNECE R155 necessitate original equipment manufacturers to continuously moni...

Shanghai-based electric-car maker Nio has opened its first Nio House in the United Arab Emirates, according to a news report published by CnEVPost on Nov. 29. The development marks Nio’s efforts to begin establishing its consumer touchpoints in the UAE, including its service network in the region. The newly opened Nio House in Abu Dhabi, UAE, is Nio’s first such facility in the Middle East and North Africa (MENA) region. The facility, which is located on Al Maryah Island in the he...

Innoviz Technologies has reported third-quarter 2024 revenue at $4.5 million, an increase from $3.5 million in the same quarter the previous year. Operating expenses in the third quarter of 2024 were $26.0 million, a decrease of 6.4% from $27.8 million in the third quarter of 2023. Operating expenses for the third quarter of 2024 included $4.2 million of share-based compensation compared to $5.0 million in the third quarter of 2023. In the third quart...

Mainland Chinese battery manufacturer Gotion High-tech has secured $280 million in new funding for its planned battery project in Morocco, according to a news report published by CnEVPost on Nov. 14. On Nov. 13, Gotion signed a memorandum of understanding (MOU) with Moroccan investment agency CDG Group, which plans to invest $280 million in the first phase of Gotion's Morocco-based battery project, the report said, citing a press note issued by the company on Wednesday (Nov. 13). According...

Winbond Electronics, a provider of semiconductor memory solutions based in Taichung, Taiwan, announced its latest advancements in LPDDR4/4X DRAM products designed for the automotive sector on Nov. 12. These products are tailored for modern automotive applications, offering improvements in power efficiency and performance, and contributing to carbon reduction efforts.  These advancements are particularly pertinent as the automotive industry moves toward more sustainable electric and hybri...

Ceer, a Saudi Arabia-based electric vehicle joint venture between the Public Investment Fund (PIF) and Hon Hai Precision Industry Co. (Foxconn), has forged a partnership with Rimac Technology to acquire high-performance, fully integrated electric drive systems (EDS) for its forthcoming flagship EV range. This collaboration marks Ceer as the first entity in the Gulf Cooperation Council (GCC) to engage with Rimac Technology, aiming to equip its flagship vehicles with advanced EDS. James DeLuca,...

AVL Software and Functions, a branch of AVL List specializing in software and e-drive development, and PlaxidityX (formerly known as Argus Cyber Security), a specialist in automotive cybersecurity, have announced a partnership to enhance vehicle safety against cyberattacks. This collaboration will see PlaxidityX's advanced intrusion detection and prevention systems (IDPS) integrated into AVL's Ajunic electronic control unit (ECU) solution, addressing the rising need for in-vehicle protection ...

Denso has entered into collaboration with T-Hub, a startup incubator based in Hyderabad, India, to work with automotive startups on advanced mobility solutions, as reported by THG PUBLISHING on Nov. 6. The partnership, formalized through a memorandum of understanding (MOU) signing in the presence of Industries and IT Minister D. Sridhar Babu will see Denso engaging with India's innovative automotive startups via T-Hub's T-Connect platform. The collaboration aims to generate new ideas a...

Israeli wireless charging solutions provider Electreon has signed an agreement with TransIsrael, a Ministry of Transport agency, to build an advanced electric road system (ERS) on Haifa’s bus rapid transit (BRT) lines, according to a news report published by Sustainable Bus on Nov. 5. The project aims to provide dynamic and stationary wireless charging along dedicated bus routes in the port city, marking a change from the use of overnight depot charging, it said, adding that the use of wire...

As reported in a press release on Nov. 4, Opus IVS has announced a new partnership with Elitek Vehicle Services, a subsidiary of LKQ Co., to enhance Elitek's service offering by integrating Opus IVS' Advanced Driver Assistance Systems Mapping (ADAS MAP) solution into its array of services. The integration aims to provide Elitek's clientele with top-tier ADAS diagnostics and calibration services, thereby improving the quality and efficiency of vehicle repairs. The partnership is notable for of...

BAIC, a mainland China-based vehicle manufacturer, has partnered with Alkan Auto Co. to set up a manufacturing facility in Egypt to produce electric vehicles. The new 120,000-square-meter facility is expected to become operational by the end of 2025. The facility will produce 20,000 EVs in the first year of operations, with aspirations to elevate this figure to 50,000 units by the fifth year. This development is seen as a strategic move to cater to the increasing demand for EVs in Egypt and t...

Piedmont Lithium, recognized as a significant North American supplier of lithium products essential for the US electric vehicle supply chain, has announced a substantial development in its operations. The company shared news that the Minerals Commission of Ghana granted a Mine Operating Permit for the Ewoyaa Lithium Project in Ghana. This project, a collaborative effort with Atlantic Lithium Ltd., represents a strategic move in enhancing lithium supply for EV manufacturing. The acquisition of...

Chinese electric-car maker Nio has partnered with Abu Dhabi, United Arab Emirates-based CYVN Holdings, which is also a leading investor in the company, to launch a joint venture named Nio MENA, the company announced Oct. 4. The collaboration will mark Nio’s entry into the Middle East and North Africa (MENA) markets as part of the company’s global expansion strategy. Tapping into the MENA region, Nio aims to introduce its cutting-edge electric vehicle solutions to more users and contribute...

According to a press release on Sept. 24, Autobrains announced the launch of Air2Road, a localization technology aimed at enhancing the performance of advanced driver assistance systems and autonomous driving solutions. The technology, rooted in Autobrains' Liquid AI Technology, promises real-time, highly accurate vehicle localization capable of operating seamlessly in complex conditions such as occlusions, adverse weather and dense urban settings by combining aerial with ground images for super...

Marquardt has announced the opening of a new production facility in El Fejja, Tunisia, the Germany-based mechatronics specialist said in a press release on Sept. 26. This facility represents a significant advancement in Marquardt's expansion in North Africa, focusing on the manufacturing of innovative control panels for premium vehicle interiors. The company has invested over €50 million in the new building, machinery and equipment at the plant. With this expansion, Marquardt aims to generate ...

As reported in a press release on Sept. 24, WeRide and Uber Technologies have declared a strategic collaboration aimed at integrating WeRide's autonomous vehicles into the Uber platform, commencing in the United Arab Emirates. The venture is set to initially roll out in Abu Dhabi within the year, marking a significant milestone by introducing a select number of WeRide vehicles for Uber app users in the region. The initiative offers riders the possibility of being matched with a WeRide autonom...

Chinese electric-vehicle maker Xpeng Motors has signed an agreement with Pioneer Motors, a subsidiary of Qatar's Almana Group, designating the latter as the exclusive distributor for Qatar, the company announced Sept. 13. The move marks a significant milestone in Xpeng’s accelerated global expansion strategy, following its entry into the European, Middle Eastern, Asia-Pacific and African markets. The carmaker plans to launch the Xpeng G6, G9 and P7 models in the Qatari market by the...

As reported in a press release on Sept. 17, 2024, Valens Semiconductor announced it had secured three automotive design wins for its VA7000 MIPI A-PHY chipsets from leading European original equipment manufacturers, marking a significant achievement in high-performance connectivity. These OEMs plan to incorporate Valens' chipsets in their vehicle models slated for production in 2026, projecting to manufacture around 500,000 vehicles per year. Valens anticipates these contracts to generate ove...

Piedmont Lithium, recognized as a significant North American supplier of lithium products essential to the US electric vehicle supply chain, has announced that the Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) of Ghana has issued an environmental permit (EPA Permit) for the Ewoyaa Lithium Project located in Ghana. This project is a collaborative development effort with Atlantic Lithium Ltd., with Piedmont Lithium having exercised an option to acquire a 22.5% interest in the Ewoyaa project in August 2023...

REE Automotive, an Israel-based provider of full by-wire electric trucks and platforms, has entered a strategic partnership with India-based auto parts supplier, Motherson Group, the company said in a press release on Sept. 16. Under the agreement, Motherson will manage the sourcing and supply chain of all production parts and support assembly of the REEcorner and REEP7 medium-duty electric truck. Separately, REE has raised over $45 million in a fresh funding by selling 11 million shares at t...