EV & Electric Cars News and Reviews

German Researchers Advance Solid-State Battery Analysis

28Nov

By M.ChenNo Comments

German Researchers Advance Solid-State Battery Analysis

Researchers from the Max Planck Institute for Polymer Research (MPI-P) in Germany and their Japanese counterparts have made significant progress in understanding space charge effects within solid-state batteries. Their findings, published in the journal 'ACS Nano,' offer insights that could enhance battery performance by reducing internal resistance.Key TakeawaysThe research team successfully measured the spatial extent and resistance of space charge zones for the first time.The study reveals that these effects are most pronounced at the positive electrode, forming a layer less than 50 nanometers thick.The findings could lead to improvements in solid-state battery performance by modifying electrode structures or materials.Space charge effects introduce additional resistance during charging...

BYD Recalls Over 88,000 Qin Plus DM-i Hybrids Due to Battery Issues

28Nov

By S.MartinezNo Comments

EV & Electric Cars, Industry & Business, News

BYD Recalls Over 88,000 Qin Plus DM-i Hybrids Due to Battery Issues

BYD, one of the world's leading electric vehicle manufacturers, has issued a recall affecting over 88,000 Qin Plus DM-i hybrid sedans in China. This latest move comes after last month’s recall of 115,783 Tang and Yuan Pro EVs due to similar issues.Key TakeawaysBYD is recalling 88,981 Qin Plus DM-i sedans over battery consistency issues.The recall covers vehicles produced between January 2021 and September 2023.Dealers will replace faulty batteries for free and upgrade diagnostic software via OTA technology.This latest action by BYD highlights the company's commitment to addressing quality issues as it continues its rapid growth in the global market. The recall affects two batches of cars: 52,890 units produced between September 26, 2021, and September 23, 2023, and 36,091 units manufacture...

Essex’s First Electric Bus Depot Opens in Basildon

28Nov

By J.CarterNo Comments

EV & Electric Cars, Industry & Business, News

Essex’s First Electric Bus Depot Opens in Basildon

The town of Basildon has welcomed the opening of Essex’s first fully electric bus depot, marking a significant milestone in the region's transition to cleaner public transportation. The £30.6 million project was completed by First Bus and funded partly through the UK Department for Transport’s Zero Emission Bus Regional Areas (ZEBRA2) scheme.Key TakeawaysThe Basildon depot now houses 55 battery electric buses, equipped with high-capacity charging infrastructure to support overnight recharging.This project is part of First Bus's national decarbonisation programme and aims for a fully electric fleet by 2035.A £4.8 million grant from the ZEBRA2 scheme contributed to the overall investment, alongside a significant financial commitment from First Bus itself.The Cherrydown Way bus depot underwen...

Lotus Eletre PHEV to Unveil in January with 939bhp and Over 1,000km Range

28Nov

By M.ChenNo Comments

EV & Electric Cars, News

Lotus Eletre PHEV to Unveil in January with 939bhp and Over 1,000km Range

Lotus has announced the upcoming release of its Lotus Eletre Plug-In Hybrid (PHEV) model, scheduled for a January preview event. The PHEV variant will feature an impressive 939 horsepower and over 1,000 kilometers of combined driving range, marking a significant leap in performance and efficiency.Key TakeawaysThe Lotus Eletre PHEV will debut with 939bhp, surpassing the electric-only version's 905bhp.The new model boasts a combined driving range of over 1,000km (621 miles).Lotus plans to launch another hybrid model codenamed 'Vision X' in 2027, targeting smaller luxury segments.The Lotus Eletre PHEV will be based on a 900V hybrid platform that offers dual hyper charging technology and air suspension. This platform ensures superior handling and performance, with the ability to counter body r...

Waymo Data Validates Tesla’s Two-Seater Cybercab Strategy

28Nov

By S.MartinezNo Comments

EV & Electric Cars, News

Waymo Data Validates Tesla’s Two-Seater Cybercab Strategy

Imagine a world where the majority of your rides are in compact, efficient vehicles designed for solo or duo travel. That’s exactly what Toyota designer Karim Dia Toubajie’s analysis of Waymo’s <a href="https://autoglobalnews.com/nio-narrows-losses-with-record-vehicle-deliveries-in-q3-2025/" style="color:#1a73e8;text-decoration:underline;" title="Nio Narrows Losses with Record Vehicle Deliveries in Q3 2025">Q3 2025 occupancy stats reveals, confirming Tesla's controversial two-seat Cybercab strategy was actually ahead of its time.Key Takeaways90% of Waymo robotaxi trips carry two or fewer passengers.Tesla’s Cybercab, a two-seater with a 50kWh battery, aligns perfectly with the observed demand.The data highlights inefficiencies in using larger vehicles for most rideshare trips.Way...

UK Auto Industry Criticizes New EV Excise Duty Plan

28Nov

By J.CarterNo Comments

EV & Electric Cars, Industry & Business, News

UK Auto Industry Criticizes New EV Excise Duty Plan

The UK auto industry has expressed strong criticism over the government's recent announcement of a new annual tax on electric vehicles and plug-in hybrids, set to take effect in 2028. The proposed levy aims to address declining revenues from petrol and diesel fuel taxes as electrified vehicles become more prevalent.Key TakeawaysThe new tax will impose a 3 pence per mile charge for electric cars and a 1.5 pence per mile charge for plug-in hybrids from 2028.The Society of Motor Manufacturers and Traders (SMMT) argues that the measure could suppress demand, making it harder to meet ambitious sales targets for EVs.Details on how the tax will be measured and enforced remain unclear, with no specifics provided regarding implementation.In a move reminiscent of past fiscal policies, the UK governm...

Skoda Unveils Modern Skoda 100 Concept, Reviving Classic Model’s Legacy

28Nov

By M.ChenNo Comments

Classic Cars, EV & Electric Cars, News

Skoda Unveils Modern Skoda 100 Concept, Reviving Classic Model’s Legacy

Skoda has unveiled a modern concept car inspired by the iconic Skoda 100 sedan from 1969. The new design pays homage to the original model while incorporating contemporary styling elements that align with Skoda’s current Modern Solid design direction.Key TakeawaysThe concept car features a sharp, angular design reminiscent of the 1960s but with futuristic touches.Inspired by classic models like the Favorit and Superb, this concept is part of Skoda’s 'Icons Get a Makeover' series.Though not destined for production, the concept may influence future Skoda designs.The new Skoda 100 concept car draws inspiration from its namesake produced between 1969 and 1977. Over one million units of the original model were built during this period, making it a significant part of automotive history for many...

GAC T9 Pioneers Electric Truck Segment in Guangzhou

28Nov

By J.CarterNo Comments

EV & Electric Cars, News, Pickup Trucks

GAC T9 Pioneers Electric Truck Segment in Guangzhou

The recent Auto Guangzhou show showcased the GAC T9, a fully electric semi-truck that stands out among its diesel counterparts. The truck's debut marks a significant step towards electrifying commercial vehicles in China’s bustling automotive market.Key TakeawaysGAC T9 features an all-new EV-specific platform with a 400 kWh battery and range of 330 km.The truck offers rapid charging capabilities, reaching 80% charge in less than 45 minutes.Integrated thermal management allows the LFP battery to operate efficiently from -35°C to 65°C.The GAC T9 represents a shift away from traditional diesel powertrains towards electric propulsion. With its impressive range and rapid charging capabilities, it addresses key concerns of commercial vehicle operators in terms of operational efficiency and envir...

Per-Mile EV Tax: A Step Towards Vehicle Taxation Reform

28Nov

By M.ChenNo Comments

EV & Electric Cars, News

Per-Mile EV Tax: A Step Towards Vehicle Taxation Reform

The UK government's recent announcement of a per-mile tax on electric vehicles (EVs) marks an initial step towards reforming vehicle taxation to better reflect usage and externalities. This move aims to address issues related to traffic congestion and carbon emissions, though it faces criticism for its fairness compared to existing fuel taxes.Key TakeawaysThe proposed per-mile tax on EVs is seen as an important but preliminary step towards more equitable vehicle taxation.Taxes based on energy usage are argued to be fairer than those based on mileage, capturing external costs such as road wear and carbon emissions better.Implementing a tax at the point of use rather than charging could ensure uniform regulation and fairness across different user groups.The proposal for a per-mile EV tax is ...

UK to Introduce Pay-Per-Mile Charge for EVs in April 2028

28Nov

By S.MartinezNo Comments

EV & Electric Cars, Industry & Business, News

UK to Introduce Pay-Per-Mile Charge for EVs in April 2028

The UK government is set to introduce a pay-per-mile charge for electric vehicles (EVs) starting from April 2028, aiming to address the funding gap left by the decline of fuel tax revenues. As more drivers switch to EVs, traditional means of financing road maintenance are becoming less effective.Key TakeawaysThe pay-per-mile charge will be implemented in April 2028 for all electric vehicles in the UK.This move is aimed at ensuring adequate funding for road maintenance and infrastructure improvements.The new system will replace fuel tax revenues as more drivers switch to EVs, reducing reliance on gasoline taxes.With the rapid growth of electric vehicle adoption across the UK, traditional methods of financing road maintenance are becoming increasingly ineffective. The government's decision t...