The first of 71 Believ electric vehicle (EV) charge points has been launched at Leeds City Council, signaling a significant achievement in their collaboration funded entirely by the charge point operator (CPO). This initiative is designed to aid residents, visitors, and businesses in transitioning to cleaner and more sustainable transport. The rollout is scheduled to continue through early 2026, featuring a combination of fast chargers for long-stay and overnight use, along with rapid charger...

The European Union is working on a new draft policy that aims to mandate electric vehicles to have at least 70% of their components produced within the EU, excluding batteries, to qualify for state support and subsidies. This policy is part of a broader strategy to protect the EU's €2.6 trillion manufacturing sector and to counteract challenges such as competition from low-cost Chinese products, high-energy prices, and stringent climate regulations. Additionally, the policy will is expec...

Tesla will avoid a 30-day suspension of its dealer and manufacturer licenses in California after ceasing the use of the term autopilot in marketing its vehicles within the state. This update comes from the California Department of Motor Vehicles (DMV) as Tesla faces a decrease in demand following the end of essential tax credits that had previously supported its sales. Tesla's CEO, Elon Musk, has redirected the company's focus toward developing robo-taxis featuring self-driving technology and hu...

The Department of Energy Business (DOEB) in Thailand is taking steps to establish national standards for electric vehicle (EV) charging and hydrogen fuel infrastructure. This move is part of a broader effort to facilitate investment and ensure safety in the country's transition to clean energy. Sarawut Kaewtathip, the director-general of the DOEB, stated that the initiative aims to create unified safety protocols and a single standard for alternative fuels to prevent the issues seen in the mo...

The U.S. has finalized significant tariffs on imports of anode-grade graphite from mainland China following a Commerce Department conclusion that the product was being sold at below market price in the U.S. The government plans to impose a 93.5% antidumping duty and a 67% countervailing duty on this essential battery material. These duties are set to replace preliminary rates, with a notable decrease from over 700% for two specific companies. Countervailing duties are applied when imports receiv...

Mainland China’s Ministry of Industry and Information Technology (MIIT) plans to mandate physical control mechanisms for critical vehicle functions such as turn signals, window operation, and activation of advanced driver assistance systems (ADAS). The new requirement is expected to apply only to newly manufactured vehicles starting July 1, 2026. In recent years, many mainland Chinese new energy vehicles (NEVs) have embraced minimalist cockpit designs characterized by the near elimination o...

The Serbian government has announced a regulation for subsidized purchases of new electric vehicles, offering incentives ranging from €250 to €5,000 , according to the Official Gazette. These subsidies are available to all legal entities and private individuals but are limited to new electric vehicles that have not been previously registered. The subsidy amounts vary by vehicle category: €250 for mopeds and light tricycles (categories L1 and L2), €500 for motorcycles, heavy tricycl...

Stellantis, the owner of iconic automotive brands including Fiat and Jeep, is reintroducing diesel versions for at least seven car and passenger van models across Europe, marking a strategic shift away from electric vehicles. This move began in late 2025 and includes models such as various passenger vans, the Peugeot 308, and the premium DS No. 4 hatchback. The decision comes as electric vehicle sales have not met expectations, and Europe relaxes emissions targets, extending the lifespan for ...

Nickel prices rose sharply after Indonesia imposed a significant reduction in production at Weda Bay, the world's largest nickel mine operated by Eramet and Tsingshan Holding. The production cap of 12 million tonnes of nickel ore for this year represents a substantial decrease from the 42 million tonne quota set by Jakarta for 2025. This action led to a 2% increase in nickel prices, reaching nearly $18,000 per tonne, in anticipation of Indonesia's broader quota cuts in the nickel industry by ...

The Automotive Research Association of India (ARAI) has invested 400 million Indian rupees ($4.4 million) to establish a new facility in Pune, Maharashtra, aimed at calibrating advanced driver assistance systems (ADAS) for India road conditions. The new facility addresses the gap in technology adaptation from premium to mass-market vehicles in India, where ADAS features optimized for European roads have not performed well for Indian consumers.  Dr. Reji Mathai, director of ARAI, noted th...

The Massachusetts Clean Energy Center (MassCEC) has announced participants for its Vehicle-to-Everything (V2X) Demonstration program, which provides bidirectional electric vehicle (EV) chargers at no cost. This initiative aims to promote the adoption of V2X technologies, which can decrease energy bills by minimizing peak energy demands and reducing the necessity for new grid infrastructure. Bi-directional charging allows EV batteries to both draw power from and return power to the grid or ...

In its Union Budget 2026–27, the Indian government introduced dedicated rare‑earth corridors in four states — Odisha, Kerala, Andhra Pradesh and Tamil Nadu — to develop mining, processing, research and manufacturing of rare earths. The corridors are intended to stimulate local economies, enhance R&D capacity and integrate the region into global advanced materials value chains. They complement the operations of IREL (India) Limited, a Department of Atomic Energy enterprise that ...

Imerys has announced that Banque des Territoires, representing the French government, is acquiring a minority stake in the Exploitation de Mica Lithinifère (EMILI) project. The transaction, aimed at supporting the project, is expected to be finalized in the coming months. The investment by the French government is part of the "critical metals" component of France 2030, and it marks a significant step in the development of the EMILI project, an endeavor recognized as strategically important a...

US lawmakers have moved forward with an automotive safety bill known as the Securing Accessible Functional Emergency (SAFE) Exit Act, which aims to mandate manual releases in new vehicles equipped with electrically powered door handles. The bill, which has progressed to the full committee in the House Committee on Energy and Commerce, has several legislative hurdles to clear before potentially becoming law. The measure, introduced by Rep. Robin Kelly (D-Ill.), is in response to numerous ...

On Feb. 5, Canada introduced its new Automotive Strategy aimed at securing the auto industry and establishing a competitive sector focused on next-generation vehicles. This strategy includes a five-year Electric Vehicle Affordability Program and investments through the Canada Infrastructure Bank's (CIB) C$1.5 billion Charging and Hydrogen Refuelling Infrastructure Initiative, making it easier for Canadians to purchase and drive electric vehicles. Canada has already installed over 30,000 ...

The Chair of Production Engineering of E-Mobility Components (PEM) at RWTH Aachen University has embarked on the two-year NAFTech research project, funded by the German Federal Ministry for Economic Affairs and Energy. Collaborating with the Institute of Electrical Energy Conversion (IEW) at the University of Stuttgart and the Chair of Manufacturing Automation and Production Systems (FAPS) at FAU Erlangen, the PEM team aims to develop an electric motor as a traction drive that eliminates the ...

India has decided to remove a planned concession for small cars from its upcoming next stage of Corporate Average Fuel Economy (CAFE III) rules after concerns were raised by some automakers, notably Tata Motors and Mahindra & Mahindra, who argued that such a concession would benefit only one company, Maruti Suzuki, which dominates 95% of India's small-car market. A previous draft, released by the Indian Bureau of Energy Efficiency (BEE) in September 2025, had proposed leniency for petrol ...

Urban Fox, a collaboration between Balfour Beatty Investments and Urban Electric Networks, has been awarded a 20-year contract by Kent County Council in the UK to implement a large-scale on-street electric vehicle charging program across Kent. This initiative, part of the council's strategy to modernize transport and foster innovation, aims to install up to 10,000 charge points, focusing on areas with limited off-street parking. Urban Fox will work with local councils to strategically plac...

Element3, a critical minerals company based in Fort Worth, Texas, has initiated lithium carbonate production in the Permian Basin, marking the first new domestic lithium mining project in the US in over 50 years. Located in Midland, Texas, the facility has a 3,000 metric tons per annum capacity and utilizes produced water from the Permian Basin, transforming oil and gas infrastructure into a critical mineral asset. This initiative supports the current US administration's goal to reduce reliance ...

The Indian government has notified the implementation of the Worldwide Harmonized Light-duty Vehicles Test Procedure (WLTP) for measuring vehicle emissions under Bharat Stage 6 (BS-6) norms for M1 and M2 vehicle categories starting in April 2027. This change, notified through an amendment to the Central Motor Vehicles Rules, 1989, follows draft norms issued by the Ministry of Road Transport and Highways on April 28, 2025. The WLTP cycle is considered more representative of real-world driving ...

The bilateral trade agreement finalized between India and the US will see nearly half of auto parts exported to the US attracting zero duty, Autocar Professional reported, citing Indian Minister of Commerce and Industry Piyush Goyal. “Some auto parts exports will attract zero duty, while others will face an 18% tariff. Around 50% of exports will be duty-free,” Goyal said on Feb. 7.   Before the deal, Indian auto component exports to the US were subject to an average tariff of about&n...

The Canadian federal government is expected to announce a shift in its national automotive strategy, moving away from the electric vehicle mandate toward new fuel-efficiency standards and credits, as reported by CBC News. Alongside this change, the government is expected to reintroduce popular incentives for consumers purchasing EVs. According to sources, the new emissions standards will still require a significant number of EVs by 2035, deviating from the previous mandate that set incrementa...

Waymo has announced its plans to expand its driverless taxi services into Sacramento, California, although an official start date for operations has not been provided. The expansion is facilitated by the recent approval from the California Department of Motor Vehicles that permits Waymo to operate its robo-taxis in more regions throughout the state, including Solano, Yolo and Sacramento counties. Waymo's decision to move into Sacramento aligns with the city's innovative spirit and its growi...

Mainland China has become the first country to formally restrict hidden car door handles, moving to address growing safety concerns around a design trend popularized by Tesla and widely adopted across the electric vehicle industry. The Ministry of Industry and Information Technology (MIIT), which oversees China’s automotive sector, announced that carmakers will be required to fit clearly visible door handles with mechanical release mechanisms on every door. The new rule moves away from reli...

AMG Critical Materials, a Dutch miner and lithium supplier, aims to reduce its dependence on mainland China by processing battery-grade lithium for electric vehicles in Brazil, Portugal and Germany. Michael Connor, the head of development at AMG, stated that the company plans to create a lithium highway connecting these three countries to bypass mainland China's monopoly on lithium processing. The goal is to establish a Western processing capacity in Brazil and Portugal to provide this expertise...

Milepost AB, recognized as Sweden's first independent electric vehicle charging operator specializing in everyday charging, has commenced its EV charging services in Norrköping, Sweden, through a partnership with Norrköping Municipality. In 2025, following a comprehensive evaluation, Milepost was appointed by Norrköping Municipality to deploy its EV charging stations across multiple sites, with the first site now operational and additional sites planned for establishment throughout 2026....

Vodafone IoT has secured a deal to provide in-car connectivity for Hyundai vehicles sold in Bahrain, Saudi Arabia, Kuwait, Qatar and the United Arab Emirates. This agreement includes Hyundai, Kia and Genesis cars, ensuring they meet local regulatory requirements for connectivity in each country. Vodafone IoT will offer local network access and compliance with national data and telecom regulations. The service will utilize Vodafone IoT's Global SIM+ technology, which allows a single SIM to fun...

On Feb. 2, India and the US finalized the long-awaited bilateral trade deal after nearly a year of prolonged negotiations and multiple rounds of talks. The agreement will see the US reduce import tariffs on Indian goods to 18% from 50% currently, providing relief to Indian exporters. In return, India will reduce tariffs and nontariff barriers on US goods to zero. In addition, India has agreed to purchase more than $500 billion worth of US energy, technolog...

Attorney General Dana Nessel's office in Michigan, US, has sent a formal demand letter to Gotion Inc. seeking the return of approximately $23.7 million in taxpayer money. This sum was used to prepare land in Big Rapids for a halted battery parts manufacturing plant project. The demand follows a letter from Michigan on Sept. 17, 2025, declaring Gotion in default of a $175 million taxpayer incentive agreement. Assistant Attorney General James A. Zeihmer mentioned in the letter that the cas...

In a strategic move to bolster its clean energy initiatives, India is set to unveil incentives to encourage the establishment of lithium and nickel processing plants. This development, reported by sources and a government presentation reviewed by Reuters, marks a significant step in India's efforts to accelerate its energy transition and reduce emissions. The initiative comes as India seeks to enhance its capacity to process critical minerals, a domain dominated by mainland China. Lithium and...

The US state of Tennessee plans to approve and implement a new bill to mirror the gas tax levied in the state, according to a Jan. 20 news report by Tennessee Lookout. Once implemented, the new bill would impose a $0.03-per-kilowatt-hour tax on public charging stations. According to the news report, the tax would apply to direct current fast chargers, which have a charging capacity of 20 kW or more. Meanwhile, residential chargers and those with a charging capacity of less than 20 kW would be...

Waymo, the autonomous vehicle company owned by Alphabet, is under increased regulatory scrutiny after one of its self-driving robo-taxis struck a child near an elementary school during morning drop-off hours on Jan. 23. The child sustained minor injuries. The incident has prompted the US National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) to launch a formal investigation. The collision occurred just two blocks from the school, at a time when children, a crossing guard and several double-pa...

Sibros, a company specializing in software-defined vehicle (SDV) management solutions, has announced its membership in the Scalable Open Architecture for Embedded Edge (SOAFEE) Special Interest Group. This group, composed of over 120 industry leaders, collaborates to set cloud-native standards for future SDVs. SOAFEE is an initiative led by Arm that unites automakers, semiconductor suppliers, cloud providers and software vendors. It aims to address key challenges in the automotive industry, such...

The Video Electronics Standards Association (VESA) announced the release of version 1.1 of its DisplayPort Automotive Extension (DP AE) specification at the Consumer Electronics Show (CES) 2026. This represents the first open industry standard focused on functional safety and security in automotive display systems. The updated specification includes a normative C-model software emulator that allows for the design and validation of devices based on DisplayPort and Embedded DisplayPort (eDP), adhe...

ZF Friedrichshafen has released its preliminary financial results for 2025, showing better-than-expected operating performance and cash flow. The Germany-based automotive supplier expects its adjusted free cash flow to exceed €1 billion and its adjusted earnings before interest and tax margin to exceed 4%. This is higher than ZF’s previous guidance of achieving an EBIT margin between 3% and 4% and adjusted free cash flow above €500 million. The company expects full-year revenue of mor...

Munich-headquartered charge-point operator (CPO) Qwello has won two contracts under a public tender issued by the city of Copenhagen, Denmark, marking its foray into the Danish market, the company announced Jan. 22. Qwello had won the said contracts from Copenhagen in 2025, it said, adding that the new tenders mark a key milestone in its Northern European expansion and reinforce its role as a trusted partner for cities advancing sustainable mobility. “The contracts grant Qwello the right...

South Korea's Ministry of Climate, Energy and Environment has announced that subsidies for the installation of electric vehicle chargers are now contingent on meeting minimum performance standards. The initiative, disclosed on Jan. 22, details the ministry's allocation of 545.7 billion won (approximately $371.4 million) for the construction of EV charging infrastructure in 2026. This will facilitate the installation of 71,450 chargers, comprising 4,450 fast chargers, 2,000 mid-speed chargers and...

Waymo is in talks with Australian officials about its autonomous vehicle technology and a potential robo-taxi services launch in the country by 2026. The company, owned by Alphabet, has expressed its global ambitions and engages with regulators globally to advocate for policies that would allow it to serve riders similar to its operations in the US. Documents released in January indicate meetings between Waymo officials and Mike Makin, Assistant Secretary for the Department of Infrastr...

The North Northamptonshire Council in the UK has announced a partnership with Connected Kerb to install over 1,500 electric vehicle charging sockets throughout the region. This project will be cofunded by Connected Kerb and supported by £2.9 million from the government's Local Electric Vehicle Infrastructure (LEVI) fund. Over the next three to five years, the initiative will triple the number of existing public charge points, targeting installation across 320 new sites, which include all ...

Portugal's Lifthium Energy has been awarded a €180 million government grant to construct a lithium refinery in northern Portugal to cater to the electric vehicle battery market. Portugal, known for its significant lithium reserves, primarily serves the ceramics industry but is now stepping into battery-grade lithium production. The grant was provided under the EU's Temporary Crisis and Transition Framework, which aims to expedite green and industrial advancements. Lifthium Energy is mostly ...

Germany has decided to include cars with range extenders in its subsidy program designed to assist small- and medium-income households in purchasing new electric vehicles. The German government will provide financial support ranging from €1,500 to €6,000 for each car purchase. This initiative aims to boost sales in one of the country's crucial industries. The plan had been previously outlined by the Bild newspaper. Range extenders are defined as onboard generators powered by small combust...

Portugal aims to initiate a tender for lithium prospecting licenses in 2026, after multiple delays that began with the initial plan in 2018. Portuguese Environment Minister Maria da Graça Carvalho emphasized the importance of ensuring that local communities benefit from these mining projects. Portugal, Europe's leading lithium producer with reserves of 60,000 metric tons, primarily serves the ceramics industry and is now transitioning to producing battery-grade lithium to foster a robus...

Sterling Tools has disclosed a strategic partnership with Minieye, an intelligent driving solutions provider, to implement advanced driver assistance systems and driver monitoring systems (DMS) tailored to the Indian automotive market. This collaboration emphasizes customizing Minieye's safety technologies to handle India's varied driving environments, including mixed traffic and diverse road conditions. Sterling Tools will manage the perception tuning and engage with the industry to ensure the ...

SK Hynix has received the Automotive Safety Integrity Level-D (ASIL-D) certification for its LPDDR5X automotive dynamic RAM (DRAM), the highest safety rating under the ISO 26262 standard for functional safety in vehicles. This certification, granted by TÜV SÜD, a global functional safety certification body, involves a thorough assessment of the development and production framework, encompassing the development process, product design, verification and quality management systems. With this achi...

Seoul, South Korea, is expanding its incentives for electric vehicle purchases by adding city-funded subsidies to existing national support as part of its strategy to shift away from internal combustion engine (ICE) vehicles and reduce greenhouse gas emissions. Under the new plan, buyers who replace gasoline or diesel vehicles with electric models will receive an additional 300,000 won (approximately $204) from the Seoul metropolitan government, supplementing a 1 million won subsidy provided by ...

Shanghai has unveiled an action plan aimed at transforming itself into a hub for high-level self-driving technology by advancing the mass production and broad application of fully autonomous vehicles. According to the plan, which was jointly released by the Municipal Economic and Information Commission, the Transportation Commission, and the Public Security Bureau, the city aims to begin mass production of vehicles with Level 4 autonomous driving capabilities in 2027. Additionally, it expects th...

Schaeffler is leading the ReDriveS research project, which is funded by the German Federal Ministry for Economic Affairs and Energy. This initiative aims to develop an industrial, automated, scalable and non-destructive recycling concept for electric-axle drives. The ReDriveS project seeks to provide a technological edge in complying with statutory recycling requirements while ensuring cost-effective access to high-value materials in the future. Collaborating with 25 partners from industry...

Tesla CEO Elon Musk announced that the company's Full Self-Driving (FSD) software will be offered exclusively as a monthly subscription after Feb. 14. Currently, Tesla owners can buy FSD for a single payment of $8,000 or subscribe for $99 per month in the US. FSD is an assistance system requiring driver attention and intervention as needed. The US National Highway Traffic Safety Administration began an investigation of about 2.88 million Tesla vehicles with the FSD system following over 50 re...

The Lewisham Council is collaborating with Zest, a UK investor-operator of electric vehicle charging infrastructure, to expand public EV charging spaces across the borough. The project aims to install at least 200 charging points specifically for households dependent on on-street parking. Zest has committed an initial investment of £1.5 million to deliver, operate and maintain the charging network over the next 15 years, without placing a financial burden on the council or taxpayers. Ad...

Upstream has announced a strategic partnership with ŠKODA to enhance cybersecurity measures across ŠKODA's connected vehicles, digital services and supporting systems. As ŠKODA's digital reach grows, managing cyber-related risks has become crucial for ensuring operational resilience and adhering to regulatory requirements. Through this partnership, ŠKODA consolidates cyberthreat intelligence and risk information into a single platform accessible to the entire organization. This consolid...

Mainland China and the EU have reached a consensus regarding the price undertakings for exported battery-electric vehicles (BEVs). The agreement includes providing general guidance to Chinese exporters of BEVs to the EU. This consensus follows the EU's decision to impose anti-subsidy tariffs on Chinese BEVs in 2024, after an investigation into state support for the segment. The tariffs imposed were up to 35.3% in addition to the standard 10% tariff, a policy mainland China disagreed with...

California, US, has announced a $200 million state-funded electric vehicle tax credit to replace the federal $7,500 credit that ended in September 2025 under US President Trump. This initiative aims to support the state's dominant EV market, which constituted 22.9% of new light-duty vehicle registrations in the second quarter of 2025. The program may also explore credits for used EVs. Automakers have responded positively to California's move, as it could boost sales that had previously declin...

The Delhi government plans to install about 7,000 electric vehicle charging stations by the end of 2026 as part of a strategy to promote clean mobility and reduce air pollution. This initiative aims to curb vehicular emissions, a significant contributor to the city's air pollution. In addition to enhancing the charging infrastructure, the government is set to expand the public transport system by increasing the bus fleet. A revised EV policy is expected to be finalized and announced by March's e...

Italy's antitrust regulator has initiated an investigation into utility group A2A regarding potential violations of EU regulations concerning its electric vehicle charging services. The case sits within a regulatory context in which charging infrastructure is treated as a strategic asset. Regulators are reviewing access conditions, operational practices and the pricing structures applied by vertically integrated operators. A2A responded by asserting that its units have adhered to princip...

Illinois, US, has joined a lawsuit against the US Trump administration following the decision to freeze over $130 million in bipartisan grants intended for the expansion of electric vehicle charging stations across the state. This funding pause affects programs aimed at establishing new charging stations in Chicago as well as in more rural areas. Despite consistently being among the top states for EV registrations, Illinois ranks low in EV infrastructure. The lawsuit and funding issues com...

Baidu has announced that its autonomous ride-hailing platform, Apollo Go, has been granted Dubai, United Arab Emirates' first driverless vehicle trial permit by the Roads and Transport Authority (RTA). This permit allows Apollo Go to operate fully autonomous vehicles on designated public roads without a human safety driver, paving the way for the launch of a fully autonomous commercial ride-hailing service in Dubai by the first quarter of 2026. The RTA issued the permit during the opening of ...

Autocrypt, a South Korea-based automotive and AI cybersecurity solutions provider, introduced the Automotive-CIS (Cybersecurity Infrastructure Standard) at the Consumer Electronics Show (CES) 2026 this week (Jan. 6–9) in Las Vegas. This new standard serves as a global benchmark for vehicle cybersecurity infrastructure, expanding on their previous Software Security Infrastructure solution used by original equipment manufacturers. Automotive-CIS now includes suppliers in its integrated s...

The Competition and Consumer Commission of Singapore (CCS) is seeking public feedback on the proposed acquisition of Strides YTL Pte. Ltd., known as ChargEco, by SP Mobility Pte. Ltd. (SPM). This acquisition, referred to as the Proposed Transaction, is under review to determine if it could potentially be anti-competitive. Both companies involved, SPM and ChargEco, operate electric vehicle charging networks in Singapore. SPM manages its EV charging points using its own Charging System Manageme...

The Indian government has released draft guidelines for a Battery Pack Aadhaar system, which introduces a unique 21-character digital identity known as BPAN for electric vehicle batteries and industrial batteries. This initiative is designed to track the life cycle of batteries from production to disposal, aiming to improve transparency, traceability and sustainability within India's growing EV sector. The guidelines focus primarily on EV batteries but may also cover industrial batteries...

Shanghai has announced the extension of its policy to provide free license plates for electric vehicles registered in the city until Dec. 31, 2026. Initially set to expire on Dec. 31, 2025, the measure has been renewed for another year, applicable to consumers purchasing EVs for non-commercial use. Shanghai, which hosts Tesla's China factory and serves as the global headquarters for Nio Inc., is also home to leading automotive manufacturer SAIC Motor. Eligibility for the free license plate...

Florida is set to introduce a roadway that allows electric vehicles to charge as they drive, marking the first system of its kind in the US and potentially influencing future transportation strategies. The Central Florida Expressway Authority will begin constructing this 3/4-mile inductive charging lane on State Road 516 in 2026, aiming for completion and opening to the public by 2029. This innovative system involves coils beneath the road surface that create a magnetic field, which is picked...

Mainland China has started a public feedback process for solid-state batteries used in electric vehicles, as the country prepares for the large-scale commercialization of this next-generation technology within the next two years. The initiative began with the release of "Solid-state Battery for Electric Vehicle — Part 1: Terms and Classification" by mainland China's National Technical Committee of Auto Standardization on Dec. 30, 2025. This marks the country's first national standard for so...

The US National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) announced that Hyundai Motor is recalling 51,587 vehicles in the US due to a potential fire risk arising from a short-circuit in trailer lights. This issue is attributed to the incorrect installation of the wiring harness. Vehicle owners have been advised to park their cars outside and away from structures until the recall repair is completed. Hyundai dealers will replace the trailer wiring harness at no cost to the owners. In rece...

Cui Dongshu, the secretary-general of the China Passenger Car Association (CPCA), anticipates a notable decrease in mainland China's lithium battery demand in early 2026, coinciding with a downturn in new-energy vehicle (NEV) sales. This decline in demand is expected to be significant compared to the fourth quarter of 2025, as discussed by Cui in a recent article on his personal WeChat account. Battery manufacturers are likely to respond to these demand fluctuations by reducing production or ...

India has marked a major milestone in its electric vehicle revolution, installing over 27,000 new charging stations across the country in 2025 to fuel the growing adoption of electric cars, bikes and commercial fleets. The expansion, detailed in a year-end statement from the Ministry of Petroleum and Natural Gas, underscores the nation's push toward sustainable mobility. Nearly 8,932 stations were established under the central government's Faster Adoption and Manufacturing of Electric Ve...

Mainland China has completed the development and revision of 294 national standards across 13 key sectors, including electric vehicle power battery safety requirements, which have been upgraded to mandatory status for the first time. This information was released by the State Administration for Market Regulation on Dec. 26 and reported by CCTV. These standards were issued under a joint action plan by seven government departments and have been approved and published for future implementation. ...

LG Energy Solution (LGES), a South Korean battery manufacturer, has announced the cancellation of a 3.9 trillion won (about $2.7 billion) contract with Freudenberg Battery Power Systems. This move follows Freudenberg's decision to abandon its battery business plans. The cancellation will result in LGES losing 13.5 trillion won in anticipated revenue, including from Ford, which recently announced a significant $19.5 billion writedown and the discontinuation of several electric vehicle models d...

ComEd has awarded a $500,000 electric vehicle rebate to BP Pulse to help develop one of the largest public charging hubs near O'Hare Airport in Des Plaines, Illinois. This initiative, through ComEd's Beneficial Electrification Plan, aims to enhance EV charging access and support local vehicle operators by installing 40 new ultrafast-charging ports. This project is part of a broader effort by ComEd, which has facilitated the installation of over 9,500 charging ports since launching its EV...

The US National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) has opened a defect petition to assess the emergency door release mechanisms of the Tesla Model 3, news website Eletrek reported Dec. 24. The investigation involves about 180,000 vehicles and focuses on concerns that the manual release mechanisms are difficult to locate during emergencies. The probe stems from media reports of fatal crashes where occupants or first responders had difficulty opening vehicle doors to e...

Arcfox and Deepal have recently obtained dedicated license plates for Level 3 autonomous vehicles in their respective home cities, reflecting the latest developments in China's regulatory and industrial landscape. This follows the issuance of the first Level 3 autonomous driving permits by China's industrial regulator earlier in December. Arcfox, the electric vehicle unit of Beijing Automotive Group Co. Ltd. (BAIC Group), received its first Level 3 highway autonomous vehicle license plates in...

Hyundai and Kia have agreed to provide free repairs to millions of vehicles as part of a settlement following an issue over inadequate antitheft technology, The Detroit News reported Dec. 16. This settlement, led by Minnesota Attorney General Keith Ellison and involving 35 states, addresses the lack of engine immobilizers in certain vehicles.  The South Korean automakers will install this technology in all future US vehicles and provide up to $4.5 million in restitution to individuals wh...

Milepost AB, an independent electric vehicle charging operator in Sweden specializing in everyday charging, has begun implementing its services in Lund, Sweden, in conjunction with Lund Municipality. The company was awarded the task of deploying EV charging services at multiple locations in Lund following a comprehensive evaluation by the municipality earlier in 2025. The first charging site has been launched at the Genarps Sports Centre, with more sites to become operational soon, and a broa...

Mainland China's industry regulator, the Ministry of Industry and Information Technology (MIIT), has granted conditional approval for two electric sedans with Level 3 autonomous driving capabilities to operate on select public roads in Chongqing and Beijing. The vehicles, developed by Changan Automobile and BAIC Motor's Arcfox, mark the first time Level 3 automation is permitted beyond testing, aligning with mainland China's initiative to leverage technology for economic growth. Level 3, kn...

The US Justice Department (US DOJ) has reached a settlement with Wanxiang America, a wholly owned subsidiary of mainland China-based auto parts supplier Wanxiang Group Corp., Reuters reported Dec. 18. This settlement concerns import tariffs on wheel hub assemblies and other parts imported from mainland China over a five-year period. The US government alleged that Wanxiang America had incorrectly classified its imported wheel hub assemblies and failed to disclose that these parts were subject ...

Japanese telecommunications group NTT aims to deploy more than 1,000 autonomous buses and cars across Japan by the 2030s to ease chronic driver shortages in the country. The company’s newly established unit, NTT Mobility, will be responsible for deploying and operating autonomous vehicles in partnership with local governments and transportation operators. NTT Mobility plans to start operating Level 4 autonomous route buses by 2028, followed by on-demand buses and robo-taxis. NTT Mobility will ...

The Thai Cabinet has approved changes to its electric vehicle promotion strategies, specifically targeting the EV3 and EV3.5 measures, to prevent potential market oversupply and price wars. The adjustments aim to offer manufacturers more flexibility while maintaining market stability as Thailand pursues its ambition to become a significant global hub for EV production. Key updates include an extension of the vehicle registration timelines, with EV3 vehicles needing to be sold by Dec. 31, 2025...

Xpeng Motors has obtained a Level 3 conditional autonomous driving road test license in Guangzhou, mainland China, and initiated regular Level 3 testing on specified intelligent connected vehicle expressways. A vice president of Xpeng expressed anticipation for a surprise in the first quarter of the following year with the full rollout, noting that some individuals might experience the version even earlier. At its 2025 Tech Day, Xpeng revealed the second-generation VLA with Level 4 capabiliti...

Hyundai Steel has teamed up with the Posco Group to jointly establish a steel manufacturing plant in Donaldsonville, Louisiana, US. The two South Korean steel companies will invest $5.8 billion in the greenfield plant, which is expected to commence commercial production in early 2029. Hyundai Motor Group — including Hyundai Steel, Hyundai Motor and Kia — will collectively hold an 80% equity stake in the venture, with Posco Group securing the remaining 20%. The total project cost will be s...

The European Commission has imposed fines totaling approximately €72 million on three automotive starter battery manufacturers, Exide, FET (including its predecessor Elettra) and Rombat, along with the trade association EUROBAT, for their involvement in a cartel that violated EU antitrust rules. This cartel also included Clarios (formerly JC Autobatterie) and restricted competition, potentially leading to higher prices for automotive manufacturers in Europe. Clarios, however, was not f...

The European Commission unveiled the automotive package on Dec. 16, focusing on providing flexibility for CO2 emissions of cars and vans to vehicle manufacturers, promoting affordable small electric cars, and establishing mandatory targets for corporate vehicles, as well as local development of the battery supply chain. Softening its stance on the earlier proposed ban on the sale of internal combustion engine (ICE) powered passenger cars by 2035, the new proposal from the European Commission ...

The US National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) has launched an investigation into the recall of 331,401 Jeep vehicles over improperly installed rear coil springs, Reuters reported. Rear coil springs play a critical role in supporting a vehicle’s weight and absorbing road impacts. If incorrectly installed, a spring can detach while the vehicle is in motion, increasing the risk of a crash or injury. The recall, issued in June 2023, affected certain 2022–2023 Jeep Grand C...

Fescaro, a South Korea-based startup specialising in mobility software solutions, has secured five consecutive contracts in 2025 for its Key Management System (KMS) as global automakers strive to comply with increasingly strict cybersecurity regulations, The Korea Herald reported Dec. 11. The automotive industry's shift toward software-defined vehicles enhances connectivity but also increases the risk of hacking, leading regulators in the EU, South Korea and mainland China to enforce tougher ...

The Illinois Transportation Department (IDOT) has announced a new funding opportunity through the Illinois National Electric Vehicle Infrastructure Program, offering approximately $65.6 million for building electric vehicle charging stations statewide. This initiative advances the efforts from the first two rounds that funded 62 charging stations along Illinois interstates to support Gov. JB Pritzker's aim of having 1 million EVs on Illinois roads by 2030. Illinois Transportation Secretary Gi...

The Australian Renewable Energy Agency (ARENA) is investing A$21 million to expedite the transition to electric vehicles in Australia. Through ARENA's Driving the Nation Program, three new projects have been initiated to improve access to EV charging infrastructure, making it more affordable and readily available across the country. These initiatives aim to advance the infrastructure and insights necessary for Australia's shift toward zero-emission transportation. The projects include funding...

Six EU countries have requested the European Commission to reconsider its planned effective ban on the sale of internal combustion engine (ICE) cars from 2035. Ahead of the unveiling of a new auto package, the EU countries have proposed allowing the sale of hybrid vehicles or cars powered by other existing or emerging technologies that could potentially reduce emissions after 2035. The request was made in a joint letter signed by the prime ministers of Bulgaria, the Czech Republic, Hungary...

The SWTCH platform has received approval from the California Type Evaluation Program (CTEP), which is recognized for its rigorous standards for commercial weighing and measuring devices in the US. This certification signifies that the SWTCH platform meets high benchmarks in North America for metering accuracy and billing transparency, similar to the certified accuracy of gas pumps that drivers have relied on for decades. As the transition to electric vehicles progresses, it is crucial for EV ...

Waymo, an autonomous ride-hailing service and a subsidiary of Alphabet, plans to voluntarily issue a software recall after reports of its self-driving taxis illegally passing stopped school buses. This move follows an investigation by the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) initiated in October, prompted by a media report that highlighted a Waymo autonomous vehicle failing to stop for a school bus despite flashing red lights and deployed stop arms. A video aired by WXIA-TV in ...

Spain has announced a financial package of nearly €1.3 billion aimed at bolstering its electric vehicle market and industry in the upcoming year. This initiative is part of a larger plan to increase the share of EV production to 95% in the country by 2035, as stated by Prime Minister Pedro Sanchez. As of the first 10 months of 2025, the proportion of fully electric and plug-in hybrid vehicles manufactured in Spain stands at approximately 10%, while self-charging hybrids account for 26.7%. I...

China has established itself as a dominant force in the global electric mobility sector, creating a charging infrastructure network that surpasses those of other countries, according to industry experts. This infrastructure development is seen as a competitive advantage, helping to accelerate the adoption of new-energy vehicles (NEVs) in the world's largest auto market. By the end of October, China's inventory of electric vehicle charging stations reached 18.65 million, marking a 54% increase...

Ava Community Energy has inaugurated its first electric vehicle fast-charging station in downtown Oakland, California, marking the beginning of a network of up to 15 EV charging stations aimed at increasing convenience for EV users and reducing barriers to EV adoption. Howard Chang, Ava Community Energy CEO, highlighted the importance of launching the first charging station in Oakland, emphasizing the city's crucial role in the founding of the agency. Ava's collaboration with Oakland refle...

The European Commission has introduced the RESourceEU Action Plan, aimed at securing the EU's supply of critical raw materials, including rare earth elements, cobalt and lithium. This initiative builds on the Critical Raw Materials Act (CRMA), which provides financing and tools to shield industries from geopolitical and price fluctuations, promote critical raw materials projects in Europe and beyond, and partner with like-minded countries to diversify supply chains. By early 2026, a Euro...

Vulcan Energy has secured €250 million in financing from the European Investment Bank (EIB) for its Lionheart Project in Germany's Upper Rhine Valley. With a total investment of €2 billion, this initiative aims to establish an integrated, battery-quality lithium supply chain in Europe, sourced from geothermal brines. Lionheart is Europe's first project to combine Direct Lithium Extraction (DLE) with renewable energy generation, providing a strategic supply of lithium and thereby reducing ...

Earlier in September, the Indian Bureau of Energy Efficiency (BEE) released the revised draft of the Corporate Average Fuel Efficiency (CAFE-III), which will be implemented during the next cycle between April 2027 and March 2032. The new regulation will require vehicle manufacturers to meet increasingly stringent fuel consumption and CO2 emission requirements for M1 categories of vehicles (weighing less than 3,500 kg), comprising passenger cars, sport utility vehicles, multipurpose vehicles...

The South Korean government has announced an investment plan of 280 billion won (approximately $191 million) over the next four years to develop next-generation battery technologies. These technologies include all-solid-state, lithium metal and lithium sulfur batteries. The initiative aims to boost the competitiveness of local companies amid global competition and was announced during a national advanced industry committee meeting led by Prime Minister Kim Min-seok. The Ministry of Trade, Ind...

Hundreds of Porsche vehicles across Russia have become undrivable due to a malfunction in their factory-installed satellite security systems. Owners and dealerships have reported instances where engines suddenly shut down and fuel delivery was blocked, effectively immobilizing the cars. The issue has been noted in Moscow, Krasnodar and several other cities since last week. Rolf, identified as Russia's largest dealership group, observed a surge in service requests on Nov. 28 as vehicle...

The European New Car Assessment Program (EuroNCAP) is implementing significant changes to its car safety evaluation methods to align with modern driving conditions and address current road hazards. The updates, set to take effect in 2026, mark the most comprehensive revision since 2009, restructuring vehicle testing and scoring procedures and introducing a new rating methodology that focuses on four safety stages: Safe driving, crash avoidance, crash protection and post-crash safety. The...

Thailand has adjusted its electric vehicle incentive policy to promote exports and prevent potential oversupply in the domestic market, as announced by the country's Board of Investment. This new policy stipulates that each EV produced for export will count as 1.5 units toward a manufacturer's local production obligations. The policy revision follows an earlier change in July that aimed to provide carmakers with more flexibility to meet production requirements and to bolster exports. Thail...

The Canadian government has allocated over C$10 million to support the expansion of electric vehicle charging infrastructure as well as research and development of magnetic materials used in the production of electric motors. As part of this initiative, more than C$9 million will be allocated through the Zero Emission Vehicle Infrastructure Program (ZEVIP) to collaborate with Green Economy Canada and the New Brunswick Power Corp. This collaboration aims to install over 1,200 EV charge...