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 →

Mitsubishi Motors has updated the plug-in hybrid electric vehicle (PHEV) model of the Outlander crossover SUV and premiered it in Europe. The new model will be available in showrooms in Japan this fall and in 20 European countries in spring 2025. Update for the gasoline model is planned to follow... Read more →

FCA US LLC is recalling an estimated 154,032 US-market plug-in hybrid SUVs to resolve a potential fire risk. Additional vehicles are affected in Canada (est. 14,038), Mexico (est. 673) and certain markets outside North America (est. 25,502). A routine company review of customer data led to an internal investigation that... Read more →

At IAA Transportation in September, Ford unveiled the Ranger PHEV pickup for the European market. The new model offers full Ranger towing, payload and off-road performance with electric-only driving ability. The Ranger PHEV offers up to 690 N·m of torque—the most of any production Ranger—and an EV-only driving range of... Read more →

Toyota Alabama has assembled its 10-millionth engine, an i-Force MAX 2.4-liter, to power an all-new hybrid Tacoma. The engine plant, which first broke ground in 2001, assembles a third of all Toyota engines in North America. Toyota Alabama’s 2,000 team members assemble upwards of 777,000 engines a year. When the... Read more →

As trucks become more fuel-efficient, trailers are emerging as a key technology area where further carbon emission reductions can be made. ZF’s electric trailer concept, on show at the IAA Transportation 2024 under the new brand name TrailTrax, integrates its in-house developed 210kW AxTrax 2 e-Axle, trailer EBS, and battery... Read more →

ZF and Foton signed a Letter of Intent to strengthen their strategic cooperation. Building on the success of their joint venture setup to deliver the TraXon automatic transmission and electric drives in China, ZF and Foton have now agreed for the joint venture to introduce ZF’s new hybrid transmission for... Read more →

Swedish hybrid-electric airplane maker Heart Aerospace unveiled its first full-scale demonstrator airplane, marking a major milestone in the development of its regional hybrid-electric aircraft, the ES-30. Built almost entirely in-house at Heart’s Gothenburg facilities, the demonstrator reflects the company’s strategy to develop the design and production processes simultaneously. With a... Read more →

Allison Transmission and Cummins will integrate and certify a Cummins B-Series engine with the Allison eGen Flex electric hybrid propulsion system for the transit market. The integration will meet the EPA’s Greenhouse Gas Emissions Standards for Heavy-Duty Vehicles – Phase 3 and provide a reliable low emission propulsion solution in... Read more →

Since 1999, BMW M has provided the fleet of high-performance safety cars for motorcycle racing’s premier class as the “Official Car of MotoGP.” The latest highlight in this fleet, the BMW M5 MotoGP Safety Car was unveiled during a special customer event for the introduction of the new BMW M5... Read more →

The Audi Q5 SUV has been one of the most popular SUVs in the midsize-segment in Germany and Europe for more than 15 years. Audi is now presenting the latest generation of the bestseller. The new Q5 is the first SUV based on the Premium Platform Combustion (PPC) and is... Read more →

Hyundai Motor Company unveiled its new mid- to long-term strategy. The company commited to enhancing its electric vehicle (EV) and hybrid competitiveness, advancing its battery and autonomous vehicle technologies, and expanding its vision as an energy mobilizer, responding to the market environment flexibly with its dynamic capabilities. Implementing a full... Read more →

Leclanché SA has supplied its INT-53 ENERGY battery packs for a new hybrid track repair locomotive which has recently been deployed in the Madrid Metro system. This marks the first time lithium-ion battery technology has been integrated into the metro system’s infrastructure. This further demonstrates Leclanché’s continued growth outside the... Read more →

The new 2025 Mercedes-Benz GLC 350e 4MATIC SUV offers 54 miles of all-electric range, according to EPA certification. The vehicle is now available at US dealerships starting from $59,900. The hybrid system features a 134 hp electric motor and 24.8 kWh battery to deliver a combined system output of 313... Read more →

Ford is adjusting its electrification product roadmap in the hopes of offering a range of electrification options that might speed customer adoption—including lower prices and longer ranges. Among the changes are the cancellation of the previously announced three-row all-electric SUV in favor of leveraging hybrid technologies for the next three-row... Read more →

Ford is adding an all-wheel-drive option for its Maverick Hybrid pickup for 2025. An optional package can also double towing capacity. Maverick Hybrid has a targeted EPA-estimated 42 miles per gallon in the city with the standard hybrid front-wheel drive model, and a targeted EPA-estimated 40 miles per gallon in... Read more →

The fourth generation of the Porsche Cayenne will be all-electric. Porsche is simultaneously moving forward with the development of its hybrid and combustion engine third-generation models. Up to and beyond 2030, the successful SUV will be offered with three powertrain variants worldwide. The third generation of the Cayenne will be... Read more →

Toyota West Virginia has started production of the fifth-generation hybrid transaxle, a core part of Toyota’s multi-pathway approach to electrification. Assembly of the new transaxles is a result of more than $300 million in investments at the plant announced in 2021 and 2022. The fifth-generation hybrid transaxle is part of... Read more →

Nissan launched the updated Note Aura NISMO with an engaging new 4WD variant, styling refinements and enhanced functionality to customers in Japan. The Aura NISMO is based on the Aura, a premium compact car sold in the Japan market, powered exclusively by Nissan’s innovative e-POWER drivetrain. Nissan’s e-POWER technology offers... Read more →

Porsche is launching the new Panamera Turbo S E-Hybrid and the Panamera GTS. The Panamera GTS is a dynamic sports sedan that places the emotional driving experience in the foreground. The Panamera Turbo S E-Hybrid is positioned at the very top of the model series as the most powerful, fastest... Read more →

Bentley’s Flying Spur sedan is set to be reborn with the company’s new 782 PS (771 bhp) Ultra Performance Hybrid powertrain. Launched recently in Bentley’s new Continental GT Speed, the all-new, performance-focused V8 hybrid powertrain will make the new Flying Spur the most powerful, most dynamic and most efficient four-door... Read more →

Volvo Cars reported global sales of 71,514 cars in June, up 8% compared to the same period last year. The sales increase was primarily driven by a strong performance in Europe and Latin America and the company’s fully electric small SUV, the EX30. The company’s sales of electrified models, fully... Read more →

INDYCAR is following on the heels of the Honda Civic, Accord and CR-V, and going hybrid. The introduction of the new Energy Recovery System, or ERS—a collaborative effort between Honda Racing Corporation USA and other suppliers—at the Honda Indy 200 at Mid-Ohio presented by the 2025 Civic Hybrid ushers in... Read more →

The technology group Rheinmetall has received a major order for several million electric coolant pumps from a well-known international car manufacturer. The order value is in the low three-digit million euro range. The pumps will be used in the manufacturer’s hybrid-powered vehicles. Production has already started and will continue until... Read more →

ZF’s Commercial Vehicles Solutions division has developed a new hybrid transmission. Part of the TraXon family, the new TraXon 2 Hybrid from ZF will enable commercial vehicle operators to reduce carbon emissions while still maintaining the capability advantages of a combustion engine. TraXon 2 Hybrid ZF’s standard TraXon 2—the successor... Read more →

Kia is adding an optional turbo-hybrid powertrain to the 2025 Carnival MPV lineup, highlighting its versatile multi-purpose capabilities. The new Carnival Hybrid variant starts at $40,500; the standard 2025 Kia Carnival has a starting MSRP of $36,500. The newly added Carnival Hybrid gets a 1.6-liter turbo-hybrid engine paired with a... Read more →

BMW launched the fourth-genetation of its X3 featuring major improvements in efficiency and dynamic performance with the wide-ranging model line-up. The portfolio of powertrains comprises not just highly efficient gasoline and diesel engines, but also a latest-generation plug-in hybrid system that enables the new BMW X3 30e xDrive (consumption, weighted... Read more →

The Department of Defense (DoD) engages in operations far from United States territories, necessitating expansive logistics tails and substantial power generation equipment in order to operate effectively. In the near future, the DoD likely will continue to operate in distant and disbursed locals and face increased threats and obstacles to... Read more →

The most recent annual consumer survey by AAA on Electric Vehicles (EVs) indicates a decline in consumer interest in purchasing EVs. Only 18% of US adults say they would be “very likely” or “likely” to buy a new or used EV (not a hybrid)—down from 23% last year. 63% cited... Read more →

Aurobay, a HORSE Powertrain company, signed a significant agreement with the Turkish industrial conglomerate Habaş Sınai ve Tıbbi Gazlar İstihsal Endüstrisi A.Ş. Under the agreement, Aurobay will supply complete powertrain solutions for Habaş’ new passenger cars, with production scheduled to start by the end of 2026. Aurobay will supply two... Read more →

Honda started production of the all-new 2025 Honda CR-V e:FCEV fuel cell electric vehicle (FCEV) at the Performance Manufacturing Center (PMC) in Ohio. The all-new CR-V e:FCEV is the only FCEV made in America, as well as the first production hydrogen FCEV in the United States to combine an all-new... Read more →

KPMG LLP (KPMG), the US audit, tax and advisory firm, has released the inaugural KPMG American Perspectives Survey which assesses the views of 1,100 adults nationwide to understand their outlook on their personal financial situation and the US economy, spending plans and preferences, as well as attitudes toward the forces... Read more →

Following the joint venture agreement signed on 11 July 2023 (earlier post), and after having obtained the approval of the relevant authorities, Renault Group, Geely Holding Group (Geely Holding), Geely Automobile Holdings Limited (Geely Auto) (collectively referred to as “Geely”) have officially created HORSE Powertrain Limited, headquartered in London, United... Read more →

Porsche has fundamentally upgraded the iconic 911 sports car. The new 911 Carrera GTS is the first street-legal 911 equipped with a super-lightweight performance hybrid. (earlier post) The 911 Carrera will also be available immediately upon the launch of the new model. The newly developed, innovative powertrain system, with 3.6... Read more →

Subaru, Toyota Motor and Mazda Motor have each committed to developing new engines tailored to electrification and the pursuit of carbon neutrality. With these engines, each of the three companies will aim to optimize integration with motors, batteries, and other electric drive units. While transforming vehicle packaging with more compact... Read more →

Renault is unveiling the high-performance version of Rafale: Renault Rafale E-Tech 4x4 300 hp. Renault Rafale E-Tech 4x4 300 hp offers a range of up to 1,000 km (WLTP). With the electric motor added to the rear axle, this brand flagship gains a permanently active 4-wheel drive set-up. Packed with... Read more →