FAW Group’s brand Hongqi is the latest automaker to join CATL’s Choco-SEB battery swapping programme. Just last month, Changan Automobile announced a similar partnership with CATL, and unveiled the battery swap-enabled Oshan 520 electric sedan. Now, Hongqi is following suit. CATL’s Choco-SEB (SEB stands for “swapping electric block”) technology allows EV owners to quickly swap empty batteries for fully charged… Read more…
Author: arenaevcom
Renault resurrects a legend: Renault 5 Turbo 3E
The automotive world can be full of surprises, and today is one of those days. Today, we are celebrating an unexpected revival: the Renault 5 Turbo 3E. This isn’t a concept car like the original R5 Turbo 3E was. Renault has confirmed that this seriously hot hatch will be hitting the roads as a production model. The announcement came in… Read more…
New Genesis Electrified GV70 caught in the wild
The refreshed Genesis Electrified GV70 has been spotted in public for the first time, giving us a sneaky peek at the production model ahead of its official release. The first sighting comes less than a month after Genesis unveiled the updated EV at the LA Auto Show, with its refined design, enhanced technology, and increased range. Captured on video by… Read more…
Xiaomi accelerates its global electric vehicle ambitions
Chinese tech giant Xiaomi is reportedly preparing to expand its electric vehicle business beyond its home market, with several overseas regions in its sights. Xiaomi only recently launched its first EV model in China, with the second ready for its debut next year. The company is reportedly assembling a dedicated team to lead its international sales, with initial focus on… Read more…
BMW Neue Klasse M3 first official images are out
BMW is no stranger to pushing the boundaries of performance, and its M division has consistently delivered some of the most exhilarating driving experiences on the market. Now, the German automaker is preparing to electrify its iconic M3, and the first official images of a prototype have just been released, giving us a glimpse of what’s to come. While the… Read more…
Hyundai, Kia, and Genesis cars get 250 million places from Google Maps in their infotainment systems
Hyundai, Kia, and Genesis cars will “soon” get access to “fresh information about 250 million places around the world from Google Maps”, the three brands announced. This will enhance navigation accuracy “using Google Maps’ vast information about places, which includes fresh details about business hours, contact information, ratings, reviews, and more”, the official press release states. Kia EV9 The first… Read more…
Mercedes-AMG is now testing its upcoming SUV in winter conditions
Mercedes-AMG is currently very busy working on two EVs, a four-door coupe and an SUV, both built on its AMG.EA performance platform. The former started its winter testing in Sweden back in March, and the SUV is now joining it. What you see below is an official image, straight from Mercedes-AMG, of its upcoming SUV. It’s still got a heavy… Read more…
DS Automobiles unveils DS N°8 – flagship electric SUV Coupé
DS Automobiles has just pulled the wraps off its newest flagship model, the DS N°8, a 100% electric SUV coupé. The DS N°8 is a striking vehicle with a slightly strange name and a sleek, aerodynamic design inspired by the DS Aero Sport Lounge concept car. This focus on aerodynamic efficiency results in a low drag coefficient of 0.24, contributing… Read more…
Toyota unveils Urban Cruiser EV
Toyota is expanding its lagging EV lineup with the all-new Urban Cruiser EV, a small electric SUV that shares more than a passing resemblance to the Suzuki e-Vitara. Set to debut at the 2025 Brussels Motor Show in January, the Urban Cruiser offers a glimpse into Toyota’s electric future, even if it borrows heavily from its Suzuki counterpart. While the… Read more…
First look at the all-new electric Jeep Recon
While Jeep’s second electric offering, the Wagoneer S, is making its way to dealerships in the US, we got a glimpse of its third model – Recon EV. Source: Jeep Recon Forum Leaked spy shots have revealed a prototype undergoing testing in Michigan. The vehicle in the photos keeps the rugged, boxy silhouette of the Wrangler, but adds a modern… Read more…
Hyundai starts selling EVs on Amazon
Just in time for Christmas, Hyundai is partnering with Amazon to sell its electric vehicles online. This fresh approach to car distribution allows customers to purchase a Hyundai EV with the same ease and convenience as ordering any other product on Amazon. Known as Amazon Auto, the US program lets the potential customers browse Hyundai’s EV lineup, including the popular… Read more…
Geely-backed Farizon Supervan challenges Ford E-Transit Custom in the UK
Geely’s commercial vehicle arm, Farizon, is set to launch its electric van, the Farizon SV, in the UK, challenging the dominance of the Ford E-Transit Custom and the Vauxhall Vivaro Electric. The Farizon SV will be offered in three body styles and two battery sizes, with a range of up to 362 km. The Farizon SV is built on a… Read more…
Tesla Cybertruck MIIT filing suggests Chinese market entry
Tesla’s Cybertruck has passed a key regulatory hurdle in China, securing an energy consumption homologation from the Ministry of Industry and Information Technology (MIIT). This strongly hints at fast approaching launch of the electric pickup truck in the world’s largest EV market. The MIIT’s report reveals that the Cybertruck, classified as an M1 passenger vehicle, has received an official range… Read more…
GM axes its Cruise Robotaxi project
During a media call, GM’s CEO Mary Barra announced that it’s canceling its further efforts in the Cruise Robotaxi service. The company poured $10 billion into the startup but doesn’t see any future for the service. Mary Barra cites increasing investment costs in tough financial times as well as growing competition as key hurdles. Additionally, GM’s Cruise Robotaxi service was… Read more…
Stellantis and CATL join forces to build a massive battery plant in Spain
Stellantis, the automotive giant behind brands like Jeep, Fiat, and Peugeot, has announced a major partnership with CATL, the world’s leading battery manufacturer. Together, they will invest up to €4.1 billion to construct a state-of-the-art lithium iron phosphate (LFP) battery plant in Zaragoza, Spain. The new facility, planned to be entirely carbon-neutral, will be built at Stellantis’ existing production site… Read more…
Refreshed BYD Dolphin revealed by MIIT filing
The BYD Dolphin is getting a refresh for 2025. Revealed on December 9th by the Chinese Ministry of Industry and Information Technology (MIIT), the updated Dolphin sports subtle exterior design tweaks and a new, more powerful electric motor option. While the Dolphin’s overall silhouette stays unchanged, keen eyes will notice updates to the front and rear fascias. The headlights are… Read more…
Pope Francis goes electric with a custom Mercedes-Benz G-Class
Pope Francis has received a new ride: a one-of-a-kind, all-electric Mercedes-Benz G-Class, specially designed and handcrafted for his use. This bespoke “Popemobile” was presented to the pontiff by Mercedes-Benz CEO Ola Kallenius and a team of dedicated employees from the company’s facilities in Graz, Sindelfingen, and Rome. This electric vehicle is a significant departure from the traditional Popemobiles. The vehicle’s… Read more…
Lucid’s Gravity SUV gets official EPA range and it’s higher than expected
Last week Lucid started the production of its Gravity SUV, about a month after the company started taking orders for it. Today a new piece of the Gravity puzzle has finally been revealed: its official EPA-estimated range. So far Lucid has always promised the car would get a range “surpassing 708 km”, so you may have been wondering by how… Read more…
Lei Jun officially confirms Xiaomi YU7, shares more photos
Following yesterday’s leak, Xiaomi’s CEO Lei Jun officially acknowledged the YU7 electric SUV. Jun confirmed the company’s second EV is undergoing rigorous road testing ahead of its market launch in June or July of next year. In a statement, Jun stressed the importance of extensive tests. “Shedding the heavy camouflage will allow us to conduct more comprehensive, detailed, and large-scale… Read more…
Details of three new vehicles from BYD leaked through MIIT filing
The latest regulatory filings from the Chinese MIIT reveal new additions to BYD’s fast-growing lineup of NEVs – or New Energy Vehicles. They are the all-electric Sealion 05, hybrid Seal 05, and hybrid Seal 07. The Sealion 05 EV will be the second pure electric model in the Sealion series, following the Sealion 07. This five-seat SUV measures 4,520 mm… Read more…