Topic
ev
China’s EV Market Surges Past 16 Million as Battery Waste Wave Arrives
China’s EV market has grown to more than 16 million annual vehicle sales, generating a rapidly expanding wave of retired lithium-ion batteries. WIRED reports that certified recyclers handled only about 25% of retired batteries in 2023, while informal operators continue to cause environmental damage. The country’s battery waste could reach 22.39 million metric tons by 2040.
Manufacturing Ferrari’s First EV, the Luce, Blends Italian Engineering With Apple-Inspired Design
Ferrari's first fully electric car, the Luce, engineered in Maranello and designed by Jony Ive's LoveFrom, has drawn mixed reactions from fans but offers a unique driving experience. CEO Benedetto Vigna, a physicist and former semiconductor executive, led the project. The car features a cab-forward layout, haptic-focused interior, and preproduction testing was completed in May.
Hyundai Lays Groundwork for Mass-Market EV Launch with Localisation Push in India
Hyundai Motor India is preparing to launch its first mass-market electric SUV this fiscal year, targeting the sub-Rs 15 lakh segment. The company is expanding charging infrastructure and deepening component localisation, having sold about 3,000 EVs in India so far this calendar year. The launch is expected before the implementation of CAFE III emission norms.
Manufacturing XPeng Launches L03 Budget EV in 60 Countries, Aiming for Global Volume Sales
XPeng unveiled its first globally released electric vehicle, the L03, priced starting at €35,600. The budget model boasts a 320-mile WLTP range, 20-minute fast charging, and a suite of standard features. It will launch across 60 countries in Europe, Latin America, the Middle East, and Asia-Pacific, marking the Chinese automaker's mass-market push.
Battery-as-Service Models Cut EV Upfront Costs but Add Recurring Payment Obligations
Battery-as-Service (BaaS) plans in India cut the upfront price of EVs by up to Rs 8 lakh, but impose recurring per-km charges of Rs 2.3–5, minimum monthly usage commitments, and separate battery financing. Tata Motors, JSW MG Motor, Maruti Suzuki, and Citroen offer BaaS, with MG reporting 12-15% of EV sales through the model. The effective cost per km can rise sharply for low-mileage drivers, narrowing long-term savings.
Manufacturing Taiwan Battery Startup ProLogium Plans 2027 Mass Production of Solid-State Batteries in France
ProLogium, a Taiwanese battery startup, is accelerating solid-state battery production with a new gigafactory in Dunkirk, France, backed by a €1.5 billion grant. The company aims to start mass production by 2027, leveraging geopolitical advantages as buyers seek non-Chinese suppliers. CEO Vincent Yang sees an opportunity in the next-generation battery technology race against Chinese and Asian conglomerates.
Mercedes-Benz and BMW Report Record H1 Sales in India, Electric Vehicles Surge 78%
India's luxury car market hit new highs in H1 2026, with Mercedes-Benz retailing 9,768 units (+9%) and BMW Group selling 9,075 units (+17%). Electric vehicles were the key growth driver: BMW's EV sales jumped 78% to 2,359 units, while Mercedes saw BEVs comprise 14% of Q2 sales. Executives cited improving charging infrastructure and strong order books, though supply constraints remain a challenge.
Finance Why electric cars cost more to insure – and what's being done about it
Electric vehicles cost 30% more to repair than petrol or diesel models, leading to insurance premiums 10-25% higher, according to Thatcham Research. Tests on a Dacia Spring show a minor crash can cause £4,000 in hidden damage, often resulting in a write-off. Industry experts call for design changes to reduce repair costs and boost EV adoption.
Trade How Trump’s Tax Credit Reversal Helped China Tech Power America's Cheapest EV
Slate, a Michigan-based automaker, launched the cheapest electric truck in the US at under $25,000, powered by lithium iron phosphate (LFP) batteries—a technology dominated by China. The repeal of the EV tax credit by the GOP-led Congress, fulfilling a Trump campaign promise, removed restrictions on Chinese battery content, allowing Slate to adopt LFPs. BloombergNEF predicts US EV sales will fall 19% in 2026 due to the policy change.
CNG, Hybrid, and EV Sales Hit Record 40% of India's Car Market in June
In June 2026, alternative-fuel passenger vehicles (CNG, hybrid, EV) reached a record 40.2% share of India's car retail sales, up from 33.3% a year ago. Retail sales hit an all-time June high of 410,853 units, a 28.6% increase. FADA attributed the shift to improved supplies, new model launches, and consumer preference for fuel-efficient powertrains.
Manufacturing Bentley Torcal EV Enters a Luxury Electric Market in Crisis as Rivals Retreat
Bentley has revealed its first fully electric car, the Torcal SUV, with a range over 300 miles. The launch arrives amid a severe downturn in luxury EV demand, with competitors like Lamborghini, Ferrari, and Audi scaling back or cancelling electric models.
India's EV Boom Could Save Rs 1 Lakh Crore in Oil Imports by 2030, Says SBI Report
According to an SBI report, India could save nearly Rs 1 lakh crore if electric vehicles account for 20% of the market by 2030. The report projects 35 lakh additional EVs will replace petrol vehicles between 2027 and 2030, and notes that EV registrations are climbing rapidly. However, charging infrastructure must keep pace, with fast chargers only 30% of the network.
India Electric Passenger Vehicle Sales May Cross 3 Lakh Units in 2026
India's electric passenger vehicle (EPV) sales are expected to exceed 3 lakh units in 2026 for the first time, compared to under 2 lakh in 2025, according to Frost & Sullivan and Crisil. Growth is supported by doubling of model options, improved battery range, and rising fuel prices widening EV total cost of ownership advantage. Vahan data shows registrations nearing 1.5 lakh so far in 2026.
Manufacturing Amble One: $25,000 Electric Buggy From Apple, Audi Alumni Targets Lightweight Mobility
Amble, a Lisbon-based startup founded by former Apple, Audi, and Ford employees, launched the Amble One, a $25,000 lightweight electric buggy inspired by the NASA lunar rover. The vehicle weighs under 450 kg, targets L7e classification, and emphasizes a manufacturing-driven design philosophy using materials like aluminum, leather, cotton, and cork.
Manufacturing Ferrari Marketing Chief Quits Weeks After Electric Luce Launch Backlash
Enrico Galliera has stepped down as Ferrari's chief marketing and commercial officer after 16 years, just weeks after the unveiling of the company's first electric car, the Luce, triggered widespread backlash. He will be replaced by former BMW Italy head Massimiliano Di Silvestre in July.
Manufacturing Slate EV Truck Hits $24,950 Price With 205-Mile Range, Targets Manufacturing Disruption
Slate, an EV startup backed by Jeff Bezos, launched the most affordable electric truck in the US at $24,950. The base model gets a 37% range boost to 205 miles, and the company claims 180,000 reservations. With half the parts of a typical pickup and a DIY repair program, Slate's approach could challenge conventional truck manufacturing.
Technology Xiaomi's robotic home charging arm brings EV automation to market, 12 years after Tesla abandoned the idea
Xiaomi has unveiled a robotic home charging arm that automatically plugs into and unplugs from its electric vehicles, becoming the first to bring such a system to market. Tesla promised a similar 'metal snake' charger in 2014 but abandoned the project. The arm eliminates the need for drivers to handle heavy cables and can be activated via smartphone.
Manufacturing Škoda Peaq Large SUV to Become Automaker’s Most Expensive EV Yet
Škoda has revealed sketches and prototypes of the Peaq, a large electric SUV expected to be its most expensive model. Built on the Volkswagen Group's MEB platform, the three-row vehicle targets the premium segment with an 89-kWh battery and minimalist design.
Green farms, green future: Why electric mobility is becoming essential for susta
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Manufacturing BYD Unveils Five-Minute EV Flash Charge in Europe
BYD has launched its groundbreaking five-minute EV Flash Charge technology in the UK and Europe, starting with the Denza Z9 GT model. The company plans to install 6,000 charging stalls outside China by 2027, with significant investments in infrastructure.
Rivian R2: A New Era in Mass-Market Electric SUVs
Rivian introduces the R2, a mass-market electric SUV starting at $45,000, aiming to boost sales and compete with major EV players. The R2 offers multiple trims and advanced features, though initial models lack the latest hardware.