Toyota Indiana celebrated a significant milestone as the 1-millionth hybrid vehicle—a Wind Chill Pearl 2025 Toyota Sienna Platinum—rolled off the line at the Princeton plant. Sienna has been assembled at Toyota Indiana since 2003, with the all-hybrid model being the latest iteration built by the plant’s 7,650 team members. Sienna... Read more →

Ram announced the return of the 5.7-liter HEMI V-8, beginning with the 2026 Ram 1500. Ordering for HEMI-equipped Ram 1500 trucks is now open. The first trucks with the V-8 powertrain arrive at dealerships this summer. 2026 Ram 1500 5.7-liter HEMI V-8 with eTorque Everyone makes mistakes, but how you... Read more →

Wenchong shipyard in China, part of the CSSC Group, has ordered four shipsets of 3 × MAN 8L21/31 MK2 GenSets in connection with the construction of 4 × 96m C-CSOVs (Construction and Commissioning Service Operation Vessels) operated by DO (Deutsche Offshore Schifffahrt [German Offshore Shipping]). The MAN 21/31H engine A... Read more →

The new Volvo XC70 mid-size SUV is Volvo Cars’ first extended-range plug-in hybrid. It provides a pure electric range of up to 200 kilometers, based on China’s CLTC standard, making it Volvo Cars’ longest-range plug-in hybrid to date. Built on the new SMA (Scalable Modular Architecture) platform, a premium extended-range... Read more →

Mitsubishi Motors Corporation will launch an all-new battery electric vehicle (BEV) based on the next-generation LEAF as an OEM model from Nissan Motor Co., Ltd. The model will be introduced to the North American market in the second half of 2026. This BEV model is part of Mitsubishi Motors’ product... Read more →

Renault presented a new 1.8-liter full hybrid E-Tech 160 hp powertrain with a 1.4 kWh battery. Available on both Captur and Symbioz, it delivers more power and response, for lower fuel consumption—98g CO2/km on Symbioz and from 99g CO2/km on Captur. With full hybrid E-Tech technology, the car starts in... Read more →

Audi is expanding the portfolio of the new Audi A6 with two plug-in hybrid models. Both the A6 Avant e-hybrid quattro and the A6 Sedan e hybrid quattro can be ordered in two power levels: 220 kW and 270 kW system output. The new generation of high-voltage battery in the... Read more →

ZF is now introducing the new generation of its range extender technology, which will go into volume production in 2026. With range extenders, a combustion engine is coupled to an electric machine that generates power for the vehicle battery as soon as its state of charge drops below a certain... Read more →

McKinsey study highlights strong regional differences in EV uptake McKinsey’s latest Mobility Consumer Pulse Survey, conducted annually in major automotive markets worldwide since 2016, sheds light on recent market twists, including the impact of Chinese EVs, vehicle features that consumers find most compelling, and the perceived obstacles that make buyers... Read more →

Toyota Motor Europe’s (2) (TME) first quarter sales of Toyota and Lexus vehicles increased by +0.4% to 321,067 vehicles, outperforming the market which contracted by -2%. Electrified vehicle sales (248,842 units) represented 78% of the total regional sales mix, +5 ppts year-on-year. During this period sales of battery electric vehicles... Read more →

Nissan debuted the all-new Frontier Pro plug-in hybrid pickup truck at Auto Shanghai 2025. Alongside the Dongfeng Nissan N7, the all-new pickup represents the second of nine New Energy Vehicles (NEVs) Nissan plans to launch in China by summer 2027. When it goes on sale in China later this year,... Read more →

Toyota West Virginia will invest $88 million to assemble the next generation of hybrid transaxles. This brings the total plant investment to more than $2.8 billion and reinforces long-term job security to its more than 2,000 team members. Scheduled to start production in late 2026, the drivetrain component will help... Read more →

Hyundai Motor Group unveiled its next-generation hybrid powertrain system with which the Group plans to offer a range of industry leading new products within the hybrid vehicle segment. The next-generation hybrid system features a new transmission with two integrated motors that can be paired flexibly with a range of internal... Read more →

The percentage of Americans who either own or express interest in owning an electric vehicle decreased from 59% in 2023 to 51% in 2024 and remains at the reduced level today, according to Gallup’s annual Environment survey, conducted March 3-16. Fifty-one percent of US adults report that they either already... Read more →

Mercedes-Benz USA announced the new 2026 Mercedes-AMG E 53 HYBRID Wagon. Arriving at US dealerships later in 2025, the new AMG model combines performance and all-electric efficiency with the versatility of a wagon. An AMG-enhanced 3.0-liter inline six-cylinder turbocharged engine and permanently excited synchronous electric motor powers the AMG E... Read more →

Nissan announced that the US and Canada will see more than 10 new and refreshed products in key segments, including next-gen EV and hybrid technology and INFINITI models. In FY25, the US and Canada will be the first markets to launch the all-new Nissan LEAF, joining Ariya in the brand’s... Read more →

Alongside the pure combustion engine models, Audi is now offering two plug-in hybrid electric vehicle (PHEV) models in two power levels for the A5 series for the first time. The new generation of HV batteries features around 45% higher capacity. The increased regenerative braking performance contributes to an electric range... Read more →

Sikorsky, a Lockheed Martin company has validated the advanced control laws to successfully fly a ‘rotor blown wing’ (RBW) uncrewed aerial system (UAS) in both helicopter and airplane modes. Powered by batteries, the 115 pounds (52kg) twin prop-rotor prototype has demonstrated operational stability and maneuverability across all flight regimes, and... Read more →

Toyota Motor has commenced sales of its all-new Crown Estate model—the fourth in the Crown series—in Japan. The powertrain lineup includes hybrid (HEV) and plug-in hybrid (PHEV) models to cater to a wide range of customer lifestyles. ESTATE RS (2.5-liter Plug-in Hybrid Model) (Model with options shown) The 2.5-liter high-efficiency... Read more →

Mercedes-Benz has introduced the new CLA. Each new model of the sedan will be available with both all-electric and high-tech hybrid powertrains. (Earlier post.) The new CLA is the first vehicle to fully operate on the new Mercedes-Benz Operating System (MB.OS) developed in-house, making it the most intelligent Mercedes-Benz ever.... Read more →

Audi’s new A6 Avant features MHEV plus mild hybrid technology for both the 2.0 TDI diesel four-cylinder with 150 kW (204 PS) and the 3.0 gasoline TFSI six‑cylinder with 270 kW (367 PS). The MHEV plus system supports the combustion engine, increases performance and driving comfort, and reduces carbon emissions.... Read more →

DHL Group and heavy vehicle maker Scania have jointly developed an electric truck with a fuel-powered generator, making it possible to shift to battery-electric road transport without having to wait for a complete charging network. Fully electric vehicles are the ultimate solution in a sustainable transport system, and the shift... Read more →

NASA recently selected 15 visionary ideas for its NIAC (NASA Innovative Advanced Concepts) program which develops concepts to transform future missions. Chosen from companies and institutions across the United States, the 2025 Phase I awardees represent a wide range of aerospace concepts. The combined award for the 2025 concepts is... Read more →

Volvo Construction Equipment is bringing its proven hydraulic hybrid technology to the newest generation of excavators with the EC260 Hybrid, EC300 Hybrid, EC370 Hybrid, EC400 Hybrid and EC500 Hybrid. Not only do these 26-ton to 50-ton crawlers represent the future of excavator design, but the EC400 Hybrid and EC500 Hybrid... Read more →

Archer has raised $301.75 million , further reinforcing Archer’s strong financial position and strategically positioning it to accelerate the development of its hybrid aircraft platform for the defense market and beyond. Leading institutional investors participated in this financing, including funds and accounts managed by BlackRock. This raise brings Archer’s total... Read more →

Cummins has acquired assets of First Mode, a developer of retrofit hybrid solutions for mining and rail operations. The acquisition includes hybrid mining and rail product lines, and the full IP portfolio which includes hydrogen and battery powertrain solutions. This technology represents the first commercially available retrofit hybrid system for... Read more →

Following on the announcement of the new 2026 Crosstrek Hybrid in January, Subaru of America revealed its first US Forester Hybrid, the 2025 Subaru Forester Hybrid, at the 2025 Chicago Auto Show. The popular SUV is equipped with a next-generation Subaru series-parallel hybrid system and Subaru’s Symmetrical All-Wheel Drive for... Read more →

UC San Diego’s Scripps Institution of Oceanography has issued a request for proposals (RFP) to select a shipyard to perform the final design and assembly of the university’s new Coastal Class Research Vessel (CCRV), the first that will run primarily on renewable fuels. (Earlier post.) The vessel will be a... Read more →

With the new A5 and Q5 series built on the Premium Platform Combustion (PPC), Audi has launched its first combustion engines with the new MHEV plus technology. This technology will not be offered in the US market due to differing customer needs, according to Audi. MHEV plus offers attractive functions... Read more →

Subaru of America, Inc. announced the new 2026 Subaru Crosstrek Hybrid. The third-generation Subaru Crosstrek returns with a hybrid model for 2026, equipped with a next-generation Subaru series-parallel hybrid system and standard Symmetrical All-Wheel Drive for enhanced range and capability. The next-generation Subaru hybrid powertrain is designed to integrate seamlessly... Read more →

Toyota Motor will begin sales of its all-new Alphard and Vellfire Plug-in Hybrid Electric Vehicle (PHEV; six-seater) models in Japan on 31 January 2025. Gasoline and Hybrid Electric Vehicle (HEV) models of the Alphard and Vellfire have also been improved, and sales will commence on 7 January 2025. The Alphard... Read more →

In Tokyo, Honda Motor held a press briefing on next-generation technologies for its original 2-motor hybrid system, e:HEV, and presented the world premiere of Honda S+ Shift technology. Honda plans to install Honda S+ Shift in all of its future hybrid-electric vehicle (HEV) models featuring the next-generation e:HEV, starting with... Read more →

Honda announced an all-new hybrid-electric Prelude sports coupe will be introduced to the US market late next year, returning one of the brand’s most iconic nameplates to the lineup. The new Prelude will mark the debut of Honda S+ Shift, a new drive mode that further advances Linear Shift Control... Read more →

Anduril Industries and Archer Aviation entered into an exclusive agreement jointly to develop a next-generation aircraft for defense applications. The companies’ first product from this partnership is planned to be a hybrid-propulsion, vertical-take-off-and landing (VTOL) aircraft that will target a potential program of record from the United States Department of... Read more →

November 2024 marked another record-breaking month for EV sales with 1.8 million units sold globally according to EV research-house, Rho Motion. November overtook the previous record set in October 2024 by 100,000. The Chinese market once again beat its previous record set last month (October) by more than 50,000 vehicles,... Read more →

The US Energy Information Administration (EIA) reports that the share of electric and hybrid vehicle sales in the United States increased again in the third quarter of 2024 (3Q24), reaching a record. Combined sales of hybrid vehicles, plug-in hybrid electric vehicles, and battery electric vehicles (BEVs) increased from 19.1% of... Read more →

Volkswagen’s new Tayron SUV (earlier post) has entered production at the Wolfsburg plant in Germany. Customers will be able to choose from seven efficient engines, including two next-generation plug-in hybrid drives (eHybrid). These offer electric ranges of more than 100 kilometers and long traveling distances of up to 850 km... Read more →

The Volkswagen Group is strengthening its successful 40-year partnership with SAIC Motor for the long term. In Shanghai, both companies signed an extension of their joint venture agreement until the year 2040. The original joint venture agreement was valid until 2030. By extending the agreement, the partners are creating early... Read more →

Stellantis N.V. unveiled the STLA Frame platform, a BEV-native, multi-energy platform engineered for full-size body-on-frame pickup trucks and SUVs—a critical segment in North America and select global markets. STLA Frame platform is designed to deliver class-leading range of up to 690 miles/1,100 km with the REEV and 500 miles/800 km... Read more →

Mercedes-Benz customers in the future will have the option to choose between two innovative powertrains in the upcoming vehicle architecture. The forthcoming CLA will be offered as a highly efficient electric vehicle and as an economical hybrid. Mercedes-Benz has set new standards for efficiency with the VISION EQXX technology platform.... Read more →

Medenbach Traffic GmbH has taken possession of the first ten of 57 Mercedes-Benz scheduled-service buses with hybrid drive at the Mannheim bus plant. The overall order is made up of 39 Citaro hybrid inter-city buses, 13 Citaro hybrid articulated buses and five Citaro hybrid buses in the short Citaro K... Read more →

Magna unveiled its innovative Dual Clutch Transmission Eco (DCT Eco) solution for a European OEM. This contract marks the first high-volume award for the new transmission family and supports various models in global markets with ICE transmissions. While the awarded business is exclusively for non-hybridized ICE vehicles, Magna’s DCT Eco... Read more →

Nissan announced that cumulative global production of its e-POWER vehicles surpassed 1.5 million units as of the end of October. At present, e-POWER vehicles are sold in 68 markets around the world. A unique Nissan technology, e-POWER uses a small capacity gasoline engine and lithium-ion battery to power an electric... Read more →

Scout Motors unveiled two production-intent concept vehicles, the Scout Traveler SUV and the Scout Terra truck. The new Scout vehicles—which take inspiration from the design and utility of the original Scout vehicles manufactured by International Harvester from 1961-80—are designed and engineered in Michigan and will be manufactured in South Carolina.... Read more →

CATL launched Freevoy Super Hybrid Battery, the first hybrid vehicle battery to achieve a pure electric range of more than 400 kilometers and 4C superfast charging, heralding a new era for high-capacity EREV and PHEV batteries. With EREVs (extended range electric vehicles) and PHEVs (plug-in hybrid electric vehicles) gaining prominence... Read more →

With a higher battery capacity, DC charging at fast-charging stations, and an electric range of up to 143 kilometers (89 miles), the Audi A3 Sportback TFSI e is undergoing a comprehensive technology upgrade. Its intelligent drive management ensures outstanding efficiency, high recuperation performance, and locally emission-free driving over long distances... Read more →

GM Defense, a subsidiary of General Motors (GM), will unveil its new “Next Gen” tactical vehicle prototype at AUSA 2024, the annual meeting and exposition of the Association of the US Army, 14-16 October 2024. Based on the Chevrolet Silverado 2500HD ZR2 truck, the Next Gen features a military-grade diesel-hybrid... Read more →

OptiFuel Systems announced a new line of Total-Zero Diesel Hybrid and Total-Zero Diesel-RNG Dual Fuel Hybrid Series Locomotives. Production and delivery are expected in 2026 and either model can be retrofitted to any existing switcher or line haul platform. Engineered to deliver best-in-class continuous and peak power, fuel efficiency, and... Read more →

Lexus is bringing new enhancements to the LX and introducing the LX 700h, featuring the brand’s newly developed hybrid system. A phased rollout across various regions is scheduled to begin in late 2024. For the LX 700h, Lexus developed a new parallel hybrid system that prioritizes preserving the reliability, durability,... Read more →

Volkswagen unveiled the new Tayron SUV in Europe; the large Volkswagen SUV with five or optionally seven seats is positioned between the Touareg (premium class) and the Tiguan (mid-class). A total of seven drive systems will soon be available. The range includes two next-generation plug-in hybrid electric vehicles (eHybrid). They... Read more →