Hyundai Motor unveils new strategy; enhanced EV and hybrid competitiveness; new EREV models by 2026

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 →


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 →


Electrified vehicles were 48% of Volvo Cars’ global sales in June

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 →


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 →


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 →


The new Volkswagen Golf GTE and the new Golf eHybrid offer new plug-in hybrid technology along with a range of enhanced features. The Golf eHybrid is designed for maximum comfort and its second-generation plug-in hybrid drive delivers an output of 150 kW (204 PS), with an all-electric range of up... Read more →


Global EV sales reached 1.1 million units in April 2024, bringing year-to-date (YTD) sales to 4.3 million, 22% greater than the same period in 2023, according to Rho Motion. Battery Electric Vehicles (BEVs) represent 64% of units sold so far in 2024, with the remaining 36% Plug-in Hybrid (PHEV). EU... Read more →


Eaton has been selected by a leading manufacturer of electrified vehicles to supply a unique ELocker differential system for use on a new plug-in electric hybrid (PHEV) SUV. Unlike traditional PHEVs, which use an electric motor and internal combustion engine to power all the drive wheels, the new model leverages... Read more →


Audi boosts Q7 and Q8 PHEVs in Europe

Audi is givingits Q7 and Q8 plug-in hybrid (PHEV) models in Europe a facelift with updated battery technology and more efficient driving modes. The exterior design was also reworked as part of the model upgrade. For the first time, both plug-in hybrids are available with all-wheel steering for an increased... Read more →


Nissan unveiled four new energy vehicle (NEV) concepts at Auto China and showcased a strong lineup of electrified models. Nissan also announced that it will launch one more NEV in the market than previously disclosed, bringing the total of the planned vehicle launches to five by fiscal year 2026. The... Read more →


Lamborghini unveiled the Urus SE, the first plug-in hybrid (PHEV) version of the Lamborghini Super SUV, at the Volkswagen Group Media Night ahead of the public premiere at Auto China Beijing 2024. The twin-turbo 4.0 V8 engine has been re-engineered to work in optimal synergy with the electric powertrain. It... Read more →


Mazda has introduced the three-row Mazda CX-80 in Europe. Following the launch of the CX-60, the all-new Mazda CX-80 is the second of two new models for Europe from the company’s Large Product group. It is the most spacious car in Mazda’s European line-up and will become the new flagship... Read more →


On 25 March, BYD rolled off its 7 millionth new energy vehicle, the DENZA N7, at its Jinan factory in China. NEVs include plug-in hybrids and battery-electric vehicles. BYD reached the production of 1 millionth NEV in May 2021 and rapidly multiplied this figure threefold within 18 months, then surpassed... Read more →


Volkswagen is significantly expanding the range of drive systems that are available for the new Passat: pre-sales of two new plug-in hybrid drives in Europe are now starting. The eHybrid models have outputs of 150 kW (204 PS) and 200 kW (272 PS). Electric ranges are up to 120 km... Read more →


Mercedes-Benz USA announced a new plug-in hybrid variant of its popular GLC SUV model series, the 2025 GLC 350e 4MATIC SUV. The standard offerings of the GLC 300 4MATIC SUV will carry over to the plug-in hybrid, while adding more new standard features to enhance the electric experience. The new... Read more →


Stellantis partners with CARB on GHG reduction

Stellantis is partnering with the California Air Resources Board (CARB) to further the automaker’s greenhouse gas emissions reductions from new light-duty vehicles and commitment to zero-emissions technology, including through investments in charging infrastructure. Under the agreement, Stellantis will contribute to save more than 10 million additional metric tons of greenhouse... Read more →


Mercedes-AMG introduced its latest plug-in hybrid model, the 2025 Mercedes-AMG E 53 HYBRID. The car arrives at US dealerships later in 2024. The AMG-enhanced 3.0-liter inline six-cylinder turbocharged engine and permanently excited synchronous electric motor generate a combined system output of 577 hp (604 hp with RACE START) and a... Read more →


Honda revealed the US’ first production plug-in hydrogen fuel cell electric vehicle, the 2025 Honda CR-V e:FCEV. With a 270-mile EPA driving range rating, CR-V e:FCEV combines an all-new US-made fuel cell system along with plug-in charging capability designed to provide up to 29 miles of EV driving around town... Read more →


To coincide with its European market launch, Volkswagen’s new Tiguan’s plug-in hybrid drives (eHybrid) (earlier post) are now available with two outputs. Tiguan models with efficient 48 V mild hybrid drives (eTSI) and turbodiesel engines (TDI) have been available since 2023 September. The plug-in hybrid drives of the Tiguan have... Read more →


Mazda North American Operations (MNAO) announced pricing and packaging for the all-new 2025 CX-70 (earlier post). CX-70 offers two variants of the e-Skyactiv G 3.3L Inline 6 Turbo with 48-volt M-Hybrid Boost, and an e-Skyactiv PHEV. All three choices are paired to an eight-speed automatic transmission, and standard i-Activ all-wheel... Read more →


Porsche is further expanding its range of powertrains for the Panamera. As part of the E-Performance strategy, the Panamera 4 E-Hybrid and the Panamera 4S E-Hybrid have been added to the portfolio. This is Porsche’s response to the particularly strong interest in efficient and dynamic e-hybrid powertrains in many markets.... Read more →


The Volkswagen Golf is celebrating its 50th birthday this year, and Volkswagen is launching an enhanced version of its bestseller to mark the anniversary. Customers will be able to order the new model in just a few weeks. The new Golf features a next-generation infotainment system, a more intuitive operating... Read more →


Rho Motion: global BEV and PHEV sales up 31% y-o-y in 2023 to 13.6M units

UK-based electric vehicle and energy transition researcher Rho Motion reports that global Battery Electric Vehicle (BEV) and Plug-in Hybrid Electric Vehicle (PHEV) sales grew by 31% year-on-year (y-o-y) in 2023 to 13.6 million units following a monthly record of 1.5 million units sold in December. Of these, 9.5 million were... Read more →


BYD sold 3 million new energy vehicles in 2023; BEV sales up 73.3% YoY

BYD reported sales of 3,024,417 new energy vehicles (NEVs, battery-electric and plug-in hybrid vehicles) in 2023, a YoY growth of 61.8%. Of the total, 3,033,662 were passenger vehicles (99.6%). Of the passenger vehicles, 1,589,571 were battery-electric (52.4%)—representing a 73.32% growth year on year. Sales of plug-in hybrid electric vehicles were... Read more →


In the first three quarters of 2023, BEV and PHEV market shares averaged 23% in Europe, according to the International Council on Clean Transportation’s (ICCT) latest market monitor. The average market share of battery electric vehicles (BEVs) in 2023 to date was about 15%, with a market share of 17%... Read more →


Toyota Motor Corporation began sales of its all-new Crown Sport Plug-in Hybrid Electric Vehicle (PHEV) model in Japan. Equipped with a high-output density drive motor, the Sport PHEV reaches a maximum system output of 225kW (306PS). A large-capacity lithium-ion battery has been positioned beneath the floor in the center of... Read more →


Consumer Reports’ 2023 Annual Auto Reliability Survey finds EVs improving, but charging and battery issues persist

Consumers are buying electric vehicles in growing numbers, but poor reliability remains an issue, according to the latest Annual Auto Reliability Survey data from Consumer Reports (CR), the nonprofit research, testing, and consumer advocacy organization. Electric pickups in particular are the least reliable category of vehicles. On average, new EVs... Read more →


Stellantis is recalling an estimated 32,125 US-market plug-in hybrid SUVs to resolve a potential fire risk. A routine review of customer data led to an internal investigation that discovered eight vehicle fires. All were parked and turned off, while six were connected to chargers. Stellantis is unaware of any related... Read more →


Toyota Motor Europe (TME) recently started production of the all-new Toyota C-HR (earlier post), including its first European battery assembly, at its plant in Sakarya, Turkey. With a new investment of €308 million injected into its manufacturing facilities, Toyota Motor Manufacturing Turkey (TMMT) is Toyota’s first European plant to produce... Read more →


Ram unveiled the 2025 Ram 1500 Ramcharger featuring a series hybrid powertrain that will deliver a targeted range of up to 690 miles. The 2025 Ram 1500 Ramcharger features a 92 kWh battery pack, paired with an on-board 130 kW generator, sending power to 250 kW front and 238 kW... Read more →


Pre-sales for the all-new Tiguan have started in Europe. The third generation of the Volkswagen SUV has been completely redesigned, and will offer eight different powertrain options, including new 48V mild-hybrid drives, a turbocharged diesel, and two new plug-in hybrid drives with an electric range of about 100 km. (Earlier... Read more →


The first BMW XM Label—the company’s most powerful production vehicle to date with 738-horsepower and 738 lb-ft of torque on tap—set a new record for hybrid electric SUVs at Pikes Peak in Colorado Springs on 21 September, during an officially certified course run. Following a previous attempt for the race... Read more →


During the first seven months of 2023, just shy of 41 GWh of fresh battery capacity were deployed onto roads globally in newly sold plug-in hybrids (PHEVs), according to data from Adamas Intelligence.The annual figure is likely to pass 80 GWh, the meket intelligence firm said. That growth would equate... Read more →


The new BMW 5 Series Sedan now offers the entire range of electrified drive technology. Following the earlier market launch of the all-electric BMW i5 (earlier post) and the combustion engine variants equipped exclusively with 48-volt mild hybrid technology, two plug-in hybrid models will be launched in November 2023. The... Read more →


Porsche is expanding its hybrid range for the new Cayenne further. The new Cayenne S E-Hybrid is the third electrified engine variant within the model series and is positioned between the Cayenne E-Hybrid and the Cayenne Turbo E-Hybrid. Focusing on a balance between everyday usability and performance, the S E-Hybrid... Read more →


Volkswagen is presenting the all-new third-generation Tiguan. More than 7.6 million buyers have chosen the compact SUV since its debut in 2007. The new model will reach dealerships as early as the first quarter of 2024. The US version of the next-generation Tiguan is based on the LWB version of... Read more →


Volkswagen will unveil the new Passat Variant at the upcoming IAA Mobility in Munich. With more than 34 million units sold worldwide across its lifetime, the Passat is the top-selling Volkswagen of all time after the Golf and ahead of the Beetle. The range of two new plug-in hybrid drives,... Read more →


Porsche is introducing the most powerful model in its SUV model line:the Cayenne Turbo E-Hybrid. The new 544 kW (739 PS) range-topper is distinguished by superior driving performance paired with high efficiency and comprehensive day-to-day usability. The new Cayenne Turbo E-Hybrid Coupé with GT Package focuses even more on driving... Read more →


BYD has produced its 5 millionth new energy vehicle (NEV), a DENZA N7. BYD spent 13 years reaching the milestone of one million NEVs, another 18 months to reach three million, and now just 9 more months to hit the five million mark. In 2022, BYD’s new energy vehicles saw... Read more →


Building on the all-new redesign of its RX crossover vehicle last year, Lexus is adding the anticipated plug-in hybrid to the electrified lineup: the 2024 Lexus RX 450h+. Powered by a 96-cell lithium-ion battery pack paired with a 2.5-liter inline 4-cylinder engine (shared with NX), the 2024 RX 450h+ hybrid... Read more →


The new Volkswagen Passat Variant, which is on its final test drives, is based on the new generation of the modular transverse matrix, MQB evo, as is the new Tiguan (earlier post). The new Passat Variant, which will have its premiere at the end of August, will be launched in... Read more →


Toyota launched the new C-HR C-segment SUV in Europe with a choice of four electrified powertrains, including 1.8 and 2.0-liter hybrid electric (HEV) versions and a 2.0-liter plug-in hybrid electric (PHEV) model. The 2.0-liter HEV variant will additionally be available with the option of intelligent all-wheel drive (AWD-i). The new... Read more →


Mazda Motor has started mass production of the European model of the MAZDA MX-30 e-SKYACTIV R-EV at Ujina Plant No. 1 in Hiroshima City. (Earlier post.) This marks the use of Mazda’s first mass-production rotary engine vehicle in 11 years since the Mazda RX-8 was discontinued in June 2012. Mazda... Read more →


As part of final test drives, the Volkswagen brand is announcing the first details of its currently best-selling model. The third generation of the new Tiguan will be available with a newly developed active suspension control system and full-size features such as HD Matrix headlights. It is based on the... Read more →


Lexus revealed its TX three-row SUV, a vehicle made specifically for the North American market. TX will be exclusively assembled by Toyota Motor Manufacturing, Indiana (TMMI), and is the first Lexus vehicle to be assembled there. The TX is the latest Lexus SUV to adopt the GA-K platform, which offers... Read more →


The all-new Alfa Romeo Tonale (earlier post) has completed final US EPA testing with an electric range of 33 miles and MPGe rating of 77. Total range of the Alfa Romeo Tonale with a full battery charge is 360 miles. Combined fuel economy is 29 MPG. 2024 Alfa Romeo Tonale... Read more →


Volkswagen’s updated Touareg SUV will launch in five powertrain versions: a turbocharged gasoline engine, two turbodiesel engines and two plug-in hybrids. All use a 3.0-liter V6 engine. All are paired as standard with an 8-speed automatic gearbox and the 4MOTION permanent all-wheel drive. Presales of the new Touareg have started.... Read more →


BMW introduced the eighth generation of the BMW 5 Series Sedan, including two all-electric i5 variants; BMW will extend the range to include two plug-in hybrid variants (530e and 550e xDrive) from the spring of 2024. The market launch of the new BMW 5 Series Sedan will begin in October... Read more →