Toyota, Lucid, Volkswagen, BMW, Porsche, Audi and more

The US government has initiated a comprehensive funding program to support the retrofitting of eleven automotive factories across various states. This initiative is part of efforts to prepare the US automotive industry for an electric future and secure jobs in the sector. The funding totals nearly $2 billion and aims to accelerate the production of electric vehicles (EVs) and their components. Beneficiary companies include General Motors (GM), Stellantis, Volvo, Blue Bird, Harley Davidson, Cummins, and ZF. These companies will receive financial support to convert their existing plants for the production of EVs and their components. The "Domestic Manufacturing Conversion Grants" program, announced about a year ago, aims to secure jobs and promote the production of electric vehicles. Projects that renovate or repurpose existing production facilities, especially those at risk of shutting down, were given priority.

Germany has announced plans to import green hydrogen starting in 2027 to meet its climate goals and advance the energy transition. The hydrogen will be sourced through the H2Global program, which focuses on importing green hydrogen and its derivatives. This program aims to ensure that Germany has a reliable supply of environmentally friendly hydrogen produced from renewable energies.

The H2Global program, funded by the Federal Ministry for Economic Affairs and Climate Action, aims to accelerate the market ramp-up of green hydrogen. The first tender under the program is planned for the end of 2024, with hydrogen imports and distribution set to begin in 2027. The program aims to strengthen Germany's competitiveness in hydrogen technology while reducing dependence on fossil fuels.

The joint venture Ionna, announced in July 2023 by seven major automakers, aims to establish a comprehensive fast-charging network across North America. This network is expected to include at least 30,000 fast-charging points by 2030, compatible with both NACS and CCS charging standards. The founding members of Ionna are BMW, General Motors, Honda, Hyundai, Kia, Mercedes-Benz, and Stellantis. Now, Toyota has joined as the eighth partner in this joint venture.

US startup Lucid Motors has revamped its electric sedan, the Air, and introduced the 2025 model year. The new Lucid Air Pure, the base version of the vehicle, boasts record-breaking energy efficiency and is touted as the most efficient electric car in the world. Equipped with an 84-kWh battery, the Air Pure is estimated to achieve a range of 420 miles (676 kilometers) and features a standard heat pump to ensure excellent range even in cold temperatures. According to Peter Rawlinson, CEO and CTO of Lucid, the Air Pure uses less electric energy per mile than any other vehicle, with an efficiency of 5 miles per kWh, which translates to 8 km/kWh in European standards.

Volkswagen has announced a new electric vehicle exclusively for the Chinese market, the ID. UNYX. Based on the MEB platform, the ID. UNYX will be produced at the factory in Anhui, China. This model marks the beginning of a new era for Volkswagen in China, as it is the first vehicle developed at Volkswagen's new Innovation and Development Center in Hefei.

The ID. UNYX will be offered in two variants: a rear-wheel-drive version with a 210 kW APP550 motor and a 77-kWh battery, providing a range of 621 kilometers according to the Chinese CLTC standard, and an all-wheel-drive version with a second electric motor on the front axle and a total power output of 250 kW. The battery size and range for the all-wheel-drive version have not been disclosed yet, but other MEB models with all-wheel-drive use 79-kWh batteries. A standout feature is the "3D Avatar," an interactive, AI-based human-machine interface. The avatar can be customized to offer a personalized user experience. Volkswagen plans to integrate four more vehicles into the ID. UNYX sub-brand within the next three years.

Volkswagen's battery subsidiary, PowerCo SE, and its partner QuantumScape have announced an agreement to industrialize QuantumScape’s next-generation lithium-metal solid-state technology. Depending on technological advancements and license payments, PowerCo will obtain the license for mass production of battery cells based on the US partner’s technology. This collaboration aims to develop and implement lithium-metal solid-state technology, considered revolutionary for electric mobility. QuantumScape has made significant progress and delivered initial solid-state battery cells that surpass conventional lithium-ion batteries in energy density, safety, and lifespan. Under the non-exclusive license, PowerCo plans to produce up to 40 gigawatt-hours (GWh) per year using QuantumScape technology, with the potential to expand capacity to 80 GWh per year.

BMW and DeepDrive have started road testing a double-rotor electric motor. These drives are based on a dual-rotor concept, where a single stator simultaneously drives both an inner and an outer rotor. This design allows for compact drives with high torque density and also facilitates the development of in-wheel drive-train systems, or hub motors. BMW has been an investor in DeepDrive since 2023 and is supporting the startup in further developing its drive technologies.

Porsche is expanding its all-electric Macan series with two new versions: the Macan and the Macan 4S. The new Macan is designed as a rear-wheel-drive (RWD) variant and is powered by a 250 kW rear axle motor, which can reach 265 kW in overboost mode. The maximum torque is 563 Nm, enabling acceleration from 0 to 100 km/h in 5.7 seconds. The top speed is 220 km/h, and the range is up to 641 kilometers. Fast charging from 10 to 80 percent is expected to take about 21 minutes.

The Macan 4S, equipped with all-wheel drive, offers a power output of 330 kW (380 kW in overboost) and a maximum torque of 820 Nm. It can sprint from 0 to 100 km/h in just 4.1 seconds, with a top speed of 240 km/h. The combined range is up to 606 kilometers.

Audi has reintroduced the Q4 35 e-tron to its lineup, this time with slightly modified technology. The new variant features a 55-kWh battery (52 kWh usable) offering a WLTP range of up to 365 kilometers (Sportback) or 355 kilometers (SUV). The 125-kW powertrain remains unchanged, while the charging capacity has been increased to 145 kW, allowing for a 10 to 80 percent charge in about 25 minutes.

In addition to improved cell chemistry, which provides higher energy density and better charging performance, the Q4 35 e-tron also brings new features like the "Audi Application Store" and integration of ChatGPT into the online voice input. These functions are designed to enhance the driving experience and enable the use of apps like Spotify and Audible without a smartphone.

The Q4 35 e-tron is now available to order, starting at 45,600 euros, with the Q4 Sportback 35 e-tron starting at 47,600 euros. Standard features include Audi MMI Navigation plus, Audi connect Navigation & Infotainment, and the fully digital 10.25-inch Audi virtual cockpit.

Pirelli has introduced the Cyber Tyre, a new tire equipped with sensors that provide real-time information about tire condition and road conditions. These data are transmitted to the vehicle to help improve driving dynamics and enhance safety. The sensors in the Cyber Tyre measure parameters such as tire pressure, temperature, and wear. This information is integrated into the vehicle and can alert the driver when maintenance is needed or when road conditions are unsafe.

Pirelli plans to further develop this technology in collaboration with automakers and implement it in future vehicle models.

Aviation company Joby has reached a significant milestone by completing a successful flight with a hydrogen-electric VTOL (Vertical Take-Off and Landing) aircraft. This VTOL aircraft, based on Joby's battery-electric air taxi development program, has been modified to use hydrogen. The prototype features a 40-kilogram liquid hydrogen tank specifically developed by Joby and six electric motors for propulsion. During a demonstration flight, the VTOL aircraft covered a distance of 523 miles (about 842 km) and landed with ten percent of its hydrogen remaining. Joby plans to further develop this technology and commercialize it in the near future. The company has also recently acquired Xwing, a specialist in autonomous flight technology, to accelerate the development and commercialization of its hydrogen-electric and autonomous aviation systems.

Austrian startup FlyNow has announced plans to deploy "thousands" of its air taxis to transport visitors at Expo 2030 in Riyadh. To support this, FlyNow plans to establish production facilities in Saudi Arabia. FlyNow's dual-rotor helicopters have a range of up to 50 km and can carry up to 200 kg. Additionally, German air taxi manufacturer Lilium has received its largest single order to date from Saudi Arabia. State-owned airline Saudia intends to purchase up to 100 Lilium jets. These jets will be used to transport pilgrims between Mecca and Jeddah, as well as future passengers to major events and tourist destinations. The first jets are scheduled for delivery in 2026.

Nissan's performance brand, Nismo, is set to return to Europe with the electric Ariya to celebrate its 40th anniversary. This model will feature new front and rear bumper attachments and striking red trim, designed to improve aerodynamics and enhance the driving experience. The technical basis will be the Ariya e-4ORCE, offering a system output of 290 kW. Further details are not yet available.

Tesla has opened its own techno club named "Hamster" in its Gigafactory in Grünheide near Berlin. The club is designed to provide an exceptional place for relaxation and celebration exclusively for Tesla employees.