Toyota seeks robots to sort EV batteries for reuse, with federal loan

2023 Toyota bZ4X Limited AWDToyota is due to receive $4.5 million in federal funding for research into automating the teardown and rebuilding of used electric vehicle battery packs for eventual reuse. The funding comes from the Energy Department's Advanced Research Projects Agency-Energy (ARPA-E), under the Catalyzing Innovative Research for Circular Use of Long-lived...

GM and ChargePoint deploying 500-kw fast-chargers with Omni Port

General Motors and ChargePoint EV fast chargingGeneral Motors and ChargePoint on Wednesday announced plans to deploy up to 500 DC fast-chargers before the end of 2025. Using GM Energy branding, the chargers will be supplied by ChargePoint, according to the companies. Many of the chargers will use ChargePoint's Omni Port to allow electric vehicles with Combined Charging Standard (CCS) or North...

Future Honda hybrids will further cut cost, fuel consumption

Honda next-generation hybrid powertrainHonda's developing and refining its hybrids despite working on EVs A next-gen hybrid system is in the works Honda's targeting 100% battery electric and fuel-cell sales by 2040 Honda will continue to refine and development its two-motor hybrid system, currently used in popular models like the Accord, CR-V, and most recently the 2025 Honda Civic...

EPA approves California EV mandate, before likely Trump reversal

2021 Ford Mustang Mach-E GT PerformanceOne waiver allows California to set stricter rules for new vehicles—progressively mandating EVs A second EPA waiver green-lights the state's heavy-duty vehicle emissions rules Trump may attempt to withdraw the waiver, continuing the regulatory ping-pong The EPA on Wednesday granted two requests from the California Air Resources Board (CARB)...

Honda 0 Series EV prototypes debuting at CES Jan. 7

Honda 0 Series EV prototypes teaser for CES 2025Honda will unveil prototypes of its 0 Series electric vehicles at CES in Las Vegas on Jan. 7, 2025. The pair of prototypes follow initial concept versions unveiled at CES 2024 this past January, and preview production models due in 2026. A teaser image shows one vehicle that appears to retain the general shape of the Honda Saloon concept shown at...

Honda and Nissan prepare merger talks to fend off Tesla and Chinese EVs

CEOs of Honda and Nissan study EV partnership  -  March 2024Merger talks between Honda and Nissan might begin The merger would put the automakers under holding company The merger could be a lifeline for Nissan Honda and Nissan are close to starting merger talks aimed at fending off electric-vehicle competition, reports Nikkei. The Japanese news daily reported on Tuesday that Honda and Nissan are close to...

Honda and Nissan prepare merger talks to fend off Tesla and Chinese EVs

CEOs of Honda and Nissan study EV partnership  -  March 2024Merger talks between Honda and Nissan might begin The merger would put the automakers under holding company EVs, hybrids, and software could be at the core of potential overlap Honda and Nissan are close to starting merger talks aimed at fending off electric-vehicle competition, reports Nikkei. The Japanese news daily reported on Tuesday that...

Ram REV electric pickup truck delayed to 2026, Ramcharger set for 2025

2025 Ram 1500 REVRam now plans its first electric truck for a 2026 launch Series-hybrid Ramcharger on track for the first half of 2025 Stellantis—without a permanent CEO—says battery-electric demand is slowing The all-electric Ram 1500 REV full-size pickup truck has been delayed once again, with the series hybrid Ram 1500 Ramcharger now due to arrive...

Supreme Court rejects challenge to California EV mandate—for now

Supreme Court of the United StatesThe U.S. Supreme Court on Friday declined to hear a challenge to California's emissions authority, allowing the state to, for the time being, continue with plans to gradually phase out sales of new internal-combustion vehicles. The Court denied a petition by Ohio and other states to consider the merits of challenges by oil and gas companies to...

2024 Cadillac Lyriq misses Top Safety Pick rating

2024 Cadillac LyriqEight EVs have earned Top Safety Pick+ ratings from the IIHS The Cadillac Lyriq was not one of those EVs Mazda and Volvo PHEVs joined the list of Top Safety Pick+ winners A few more electric vehicles and plug-in hybrids earned the industry's toughest safety award with a Top Safety Pick+ rating in the year's final round of testing by the IIHS, but...