Batteries

Tesla’s Eco Credentials Questioned by Lifecycle Emissions Study

MIT researchers found the Tesla Model S produces higher lifecycle CO2 emissions than the Mitsubishi Mirage, challenging assumptions about electric vehicles’ environmental benefits.

BYD launches Great Han EV luxury saloon with 1,000 km range for $35,000

The new Great Han EV debuts in China with a 102.3 kWh battery, rapid charging, advanced driver assistance and a price undercutting established rivals.

Renault Kangoo E-Tech updated with 52kWh battery and 354km range

Renault has upgraded the Kangoo E-Tech with a 52kWh battery, faster charging, two new motors and a 10-inch screen, with production remaining in France.

T&E Claims EU Battery Cell Capacity Drops as IAA Urged to Bolster Value Chain

Transport & Environment says a quarter of announced EU battery cell capacity since 2022 has been cancelled or shelved, calling the Industrial Accelerator Act critical to Europe's battery ambitions.

Stellantis Patents System for EVs to Eject Batteries in Emergencies

Stellantis has secured a US patent for a quick-release high-voltage battery system that could let electric vehicles jettison their battery packs in dangerous situations and drive away using a secondary power source.

Nissan Accuses Top Gear of Misleading Leaf EV Segment

Nissan criticised Top Gear after the BBC show depicted a Leaf running flat mid-journey, claiming the battery was intentionally low before filming began.

Formula One’s Handkammer Technology Inspires Tesla Battery Leap

Graphene-based supercapacitors, developed with input from F1’s energy storage expertise, promise faster charging and lighter batteries for future Tesla electric cars.

Fisker Karma Hits Six Months Without Production as Battery Crisis Drags On

Production of the Fisker Karma plug-in hybrid sedan has now been halted for half a year, with battery supplier A123’s bankruptcy leaving the assembly lines in Finland idle.

Hyundai Promises Lifetime Battery Guarantee for 2012 Sonata Hybrid Owners

Original buyers of the 2012 Hyundai Sonata Hybrid in the US received a non-transferable lifetime battery replacement guarantee, covering both the battery and recycling costs.

Renault Samsung SM3 Z.E. gains 36-kWh battery for 2018

The 2018 Renault Samsung SM3 Z.E. sedan for South Korea swaps its 22-kWh battery for a 36-kWh pack, extending range by over half without adding weight.

VW and New Flyer Expand Electric Bus Offerings as Segment Grows

VW Truck & Bus and New Flyer are intensifying competition in the electric bus market, with new models and major investments targeting both European and North American operators.

Porsche Delays Electric 911 and Hypercar Pending Battery Advances

Porsche will hold back fully electric versions of its flagship 911 and next hypercar until new battery technologies, such as solid-state cells, deliver a breakthrough in performance and weight.

Samsung SDI Unveils Modular EV Batteries at Frankfurt, Eyes Tesla

Samsung SDI introduced a modular battery pack and a new 21700 cell at the 2017 Frankfurt Motor Show, aiming to challenge Tesla’s lead in EV battery technology.

Supervolcanoes Identified as Potential Lithium Sources for EV Batteries

Stanford research highlights dormant supervolcanoes as promising sites for lithium extraction, offering a possible answer to rising demand from electric vehicle manufacturers.

Fisker EMotion to launch with 145 kWh lithium-ion battery

Henrik Fisker confirms the EMotion electric saloon will use a 145 kWh NCM lithium-ion pack from LG Chem, targeting over 400 miles of range and 800-volt rapid charging.

Daimler breaks ground on major German battery plant

Mercedes-Benz parent Daimler has begun construction of a large lithium-ion battery factory in Kamenz, Germany, aiming to boost EV production from late 2018.

Ford Focus Electric for Europe gains bigger battery and 225km range

Ford’s 2017 Focus Electric arrives in Europe with a new 33.5kWh battery, faster charging, and a claimed range of 225km, but retains its previous price in Germany.

Volvo to Launch First Pure Electric Car in 2019 with 100kWh Battery

Volvo has confirmed its first all-electric model will arrive in 2019, targeting a 100kWh battery and a range of power outputs on its new platforms.

Chevrolet Bolt Reportedly Costs GM Up to $9,000 Per Car

Industry analysis suggests General Motors could lose as much as $9,000 on every Chevrolet Bolt it sells, raising questions about long-term strategy for affordable electric vehicles.

2017 Nissan Leaf price rises to $30,680 as 30kWh battery becomes standard

Nissan has dropped the smaller 24kWh battery for the 2017 Leaf, raising the entry price by $1,670 but increasing range to 107 miles on all models.

Workhorse W-15 Concept Reveals Ambitious Electric Pickup Plans

Workhorse has unveiled the W-15, a concept for an all-electric pickup with a range extender, targeting commercial fleets with Panasonic battery tech and dual-motor all-wheel drive.

Hyundai to Launch First Battery Electric Car in 2016

Hyundai will introduce its first battery-powered electric vehicle in 2016, shifting from its fuel-cell focus and following Kia’s earlier move into EVs.

Samsung SDI to Supply Batteries for Tesla Model 3

Samsung SDI has begun supplying battery cells to Tesla for Model 3 testing, as Tesla seeks additional suppliers to meet production targets for its most affordable electric car.

Volkswagen plans its own battery plant for electric future

Volkswagen is preparing to build a dedicated battery factory, aiming to bring cell production in-house as it accelerates its electric vehicle strategy.