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 →

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 →