Audi presents a special edition of the all-electric Q8 e-tron SUV with off-road characteristics. The Q8 e-tron edition Dakar has a raised chassis and is optionally available with special foiling. From the outside, the special model is reminiscent of the RS Q e-tron hybrid racing car designed for the Dakar Rally. Read more…

In California, traffic offences committed by driverless cars in autonomous driving mode cannot be punished under current legislation due to a legal loophole. Read more…

BYD Mexico has delivered the first batch of 20 electric buses to Mexico City Metrobús. It is the manufacturer’s largest bus fleet delivery in a single shipment to Mexico to date. Read more…

Volkswagen’s battery subsidiary PowerCo confirms progress in the development of solid-state battery cells from its partner QuantumScape following tests in its own laboratories. The cell is said to have significantly exceeded the requirements in the A-sample test. Read more…

The Chinese government has published implementation guidelines to improve the interaction of electric cars and plug-in hybrids with the power grid. The introduction of a national technical standard system for vehicle-grid interaction and a tariff mechanism for bidirectional charging is planned for 2025. Read more…

The joint venture Smatrics EnBW has announced the construction of 200 new HPC charging points in Austria with a capacity of up to 400 kW for the current year. These are to be installed along the road network and at urban supermarket car parks. Read more…

Ford Motor has officially alerted its dealers to price changes for the battery-electric F-150 Lightning. The US-American automaker revealed that prices on model year 2024 pickups have jumped by between $2,000 and $10,000 from the 2023 versions. Read more…

The US electric car manufacturer Rivian has exceeded its annual target of 54,000 vehicles for 2023. All the EVs came from the company’s only plant to date in Normal, Illinois. A second production facility will open its doors this year. Read more…

Siemens is gradually expanding its fleet in Germany by up to 1,000 VW ID.4. The electric cars will be leased by Siemens via Volkswagen Financial Services. Read more…

Vietnamese electric car manufacturer VinFast is planning to build a battery factory in India. An official announcement is expected in the coming days. Read more…

Fuel cell specialist Ballard Power Systems has signed a long-term supply agreement with the North American bus manufacturer NFI Group. An initial firm order includes at least 100 FCmove -HD+ modules, scheduled for delivery in 2024 for New Flyer’s Xcelsior Charge FC H2 buses for use in the USA and Canada. Read more…

The Italian government is looking to invest 930 million euros in a scrappage scheme, promising financial aid to those who turn in their combustion engine vehicles and opt for an electric one. Read more…

South Korea’s manufacturer SK On announced cooperation agreements with foreign and domestic companies to increase the efficiency of its battery production. The initiative is to lay the foundation for a “smart factory”. Read more…

Indian EV charger manufacturer Servotech Power Systems and the Lloyd Institute of Engineering have agreed to promote training and research in electric mobility and charging infrastructure. Together, they will set up a research and development lab and a Centre of Excellence on EV charging technology and infrastructure at Lloyd’s campus. Read more…

South Korean battery pack manufacturer CTNS has signed a contract to supply EV battery pack facilities and initial production volume worth more than 12 billion won (9.2 million USD) with US solar electric car startup Aptera. Read more…

Porsche development driver Lars Kern has lapped the Nordschleife of the Nürburgring in 7:07.55 minutes in a pre-series car of the revised Taycan electric model. That is 26 seconds faster than his last record drive in August 2022. Read more…

In January, the Japanese construction machinery manufacturer Komatsu is bringing the PC138E-11 electric excavator to its customers as a rental machine – initially in Japan and then also in Europe. According to the company, the 13-tonne machine is particularly suitable for urban construction. Read more…

Volkswagen apparently does not intend to ramp up production of the ID.2 to significant numbers until May 2026. In March 2023, VW provided a preview of the Polo-sized small electric car, for which a base list price of just under €25,000 is being targeted. Read more…

In China, car manufacturer Changan and lithium and battery producer Ganfeng Lithium are joining forces to develop solid-state batteries. Against this backdrop, the two sides intend to establish a joint venture, among other things. Read more…

Honda and Isuzu have started testing their fuel cell truck on public roads in Japan. The jointly developed ‘Giga Fuel Cell’ will go through its paces through September 2024. The schedule is in line with earlier announcements. Read more…