ElectricDrives

US commercial vehicle manufacturer Workhorse Group has signed an agreement with Tristan Fleet Management to sell and service its W56 electric delivery vans in Canada, establishing its first Canadian dealer partnership. The agreement will give Canadian fleet operators access to the full W56 range, including standard and extended-wheelbase models with two battery configurations. The largest configurations offer up to 34 cubic metres of cargo space and a payload capacity of 4,535 kg, while the 210 kWh battery version has a nominal range of up to 240 km per charge. Tristan will provide parts, repairs, maintenance and 24/7 roadside and towing support through its seven service locations across Québec and Ontario. Workhorse has already supplied and supported electric trucks in Canada through its partnership with Purolator since 2021. The new agreement aims to broaden its reach among Canadian delivery fleets and public-sector operators, as businesses explore ways to reduce fuel costs and electrify commercial transport. Share your content with ElectricDrives and get in contact, here: https://lnkd.in/eq94dmpd #ElectricVehicles | #evs | #Emobility | #Sustainability | #Electriccars

Chinese automaker CHERY has entered the megawatt-charging race with its new Volt-Dragon system, which delivers a claimed peak output of 1.44 megawatts and aims to add 500 kilometres of driving range in just five minutes. Unveiled at Chery’s Global Innovation Conference in Wuhu, China, the system is claimed to charge a compatible battery from 10% to 97% in six minutes and 50 seconds. It uses silicon-carbide power electronics and liquid cooling, while future features are expected to include robotic charging arms and bidirectional vehicle-to-grid (V2G) capability. Chery plans an initial rollout across 10 Chinese cities, with a longer-term target of more than 20,000 V2G-capable charging stations worldwide by 2029. However, the company has yet to confirm which production vehicles will support Volt-Dragon, and the advertised charging speeds remain manufacturer claims that have not been independently verified. The announcement nevertheless highlights the accelerating competition to make ultra-fast EV charging more practical. Share your content with ElectricDrives and get in contact, here: https://lnkd.in/eq94dmpd #ElectricVehicles | #evs | #Emobility | #Sustainability | #Electriccars

BYD could be exploring further developments in ultra-fast EV charging, following reports of charging hardware spotted in China with specifications indicating power output of up to 1,500 kW. The reported hardware has drawn attention as manufacturers compete to reduce charging times and make electric vehicles more convenient for drivers. BYD's existing Flash Charging system already advertises up to 1,500 kW through a single connector, paired with its second-generation Blade Battery technology. For compatible vehicles, BYD claims the system can charge from 10% to 97% in around nine minutes under its stated conditions. The company's T-shaped overhead charging design also keeps cables off the ground and uses battery energy storage to help manage grid limitations. However, BYD has not confirmed that the latest hardware sightings represent a new generation of chargers. Any additional performance improvements or deployment plans remain unverified, making this a developing story in the race towards megawatt-scale EV charging. Share your content with ElectricDrives and get in contact, here: https://lnkd.in/eq94dmpd #ElectricVehicles | #evs | #Emobility | #Sustainability | #Electriccars

Chinese automotive group CHERY has unveiled the Omoda X, a rugged-looking SUV concept featuring infrared thermal imaging technology designed to detect potential hazards up to 90 metres away. Revealed at Chery’s International User Summit in Wuhu, China, on 20 October, the model combines angular styling and all-terrain capability with a technology-focused cabin. Features include 200mm of ground clearance, a claimed wading depth exceeding 700mm and a towing capacity of up to 1,800kg. Omoda has confirmed plans for both fully electric and plug-in hybrid versions, with two-wheel and all-wheel-drive configurations also planned. The concept measures approximately 4.65 metres long and sits below the larger Omoda 9 in the brand’s line-up. Production specifications, pricing and launch dates have yet to be confirmed, but the Omoda X offers an early look at how Chery intends to combine electrified powertrains with advanced driver-assistance technology and more adventurous SUV design. Share your content with ElectricDrives and get in contact, here: https://lnkd.in/eq94dmpd #ElectricVehicles | #evs | #Emobility | #Sustainability | #Electriccars

GAC MOTOR’s AION brand has unveiled the UT Cross, a new electric crossover that combines the compact dimensions of a supermini with the tougher styling and added practicality associated with SUVs. Revealed at the 2026 Paris Motor Show, the model is expected to arrive in the UK in early 2027. Based on the AION UT electric hatchback, the Cross sits 20mm higher and adds black wheel-arch cladding, protective lower-body trim and roof rails. It retains a 60kWh battery and a 204PS electric motor, with a claimed WLTP range of up to 400km (around 249 miles). The boot offers 440 litres of capacity, while DC rapid charging from 30% to 80% takes approximately 24 minutes. UK pricing has yet to be confirmed, but the UT Cross will join an increasingly competitive market for smaller electric cars, giving buyers SUV-inspired styling without moving into a larger vehicle. Share your content with ElectricDrives and get in contact, here: https://lnkd.in/eq94dmpd #ElectricVehicles | #evs | #Emobility | #Sustainability | #Electriccars

General Motors (GM) is using artificial intelligence (AI) and virtual engineering to target a reduction in vehicle development times from four to five years to approximately two years, as it looks to compete with faster-moving Chinese automakers. Announced at its GM Forward event on 21 October, the strategy brings design, engineering and manufacturing together through a shared digital development process, allowing teams to test and refine vehicle designs more quickly. GM says it has already virtually evaluated more than 300,000 battery designs for its lithium manganese-rich (LMR) battery technology before building a physical prototype. The approach will also support GM's fourth-generation electric vehicle platform, which aims to make EVs more efficient and affordable through new battery chemistry, redesigned electric drive units and improved vehicle computing systems. GM says faster development could help it deliver better vehicles at lower costs, although the two-year timeline remains a target rather than a confirmed schedule for its entire model range. Share your content with ElectricDrives and get in contact, here: https://lnkd.in/eq94dmpd #ElectricVehicles | #evs | #Emobility | #Sustainability | #Electriccars

Australia-built China Zorrilla, constructed by Incat Tasmania, has officially entered commercial service, marking a major milestone for electric shipping. The 130-metre vessel has completed its maiden commercial voyage between Buenos Aires, Argentina, and Colonia, Uruguay, for ferry operator Buquebus. Powered entirely by batteries, the ferry can carry up to 2,100 passengers and 225 vehicles. Its onboard energy storage system exceeds 40 MWh, supplying eight electrically driven waterjets. The vessel will operate across the River Plate, demonstrating how battery-electric propulsion can be used for large-scale commercial passenger transport. Built in Hobart, Tasmania, the ship also highlights Australia's growing contribution to maritime electrification, as the industry explores alternatives to conventional fossil-fuel-powered vessels. Share your content with ElectricDrives and get in contact, here: https://lnkd.in/eq94dmpd #ElectricVehicles | #evs | #Emobility | #Sustainability | #Electriccars

Australia is investing in vehicle-to-grid (V2G) technology, with the Australian Renewable Energy Agency (ARENA) committing $4 million to charging company JET Charge for a project involving up to 130 electric vehicles and bidirectional chargers across the Australian Capital Territory (ACT) Government fleet. The three-year Realising Electric Vehicle-to-Grid Services 2 (REVS2) project will test whether electric vehicle batteries can supply electricity back to the grid during periods of high demand, while helping fleet operators reduce running costs or generate additional revenue. The project will build on an earlier Australian V2G trial, moving the technology towards practical commercial use. The results could help demonstrate how electric fleets can support grid stability while making EV ownership more financially attractive for businesses. Share your content with ElectricDrives and get in contact, here: https://lnkd.in/eq94dmpd #ElectricVehicles | #evs | #Emobility | #Sustainability | #Electriccars

ElectroWay has officially opened a major electric truck charging facility at Magna Park in Lutterworth, Leicestershire, bringing together high-power charging, secure HGV parking and driver facilities at one of the UK’s key logistics locations. The site features 32 DC charging points delivering up to 400 kW each, alongside approximately 180 secure HGV parking bays. It is designed to support freight operators transitioning to battery-electric trucks while providing drivers with facilities for rest breaks and overnight stops. Located in the Midlands’ logistics Golden Triangle, close to the M1, M6 and M69, the hub is positioned to serve commercial fleets operating across major UK freight routes. The facility includes a driver lounge, showers, laundry, hot food, truck washing facilities and security systems designed to meet TAPA Level 2 requirements. Operators can also reserve parking and charging through Bosch Road Services’ digital platform, helping fleets plan stops around delivery schedules. Electroway was developed by Guardian Smart Infrastructure Management and Keoma Energy, with Bosch Road Services serving as its technical operator. The first site was delivered without public funding. The launch is the starting point for a proposed 30-site UK network, with the developers outlining an ambition to invest approximately £1 billion if the programme is fully realised. As the UK’s road freight sector explores the transition to zero-emission vehicles, dedicated charging hubs could help address two major operational challenges: reliable access to high-power charging and secure overnight parking. Share your content with ElectricDrives and get in contact, here: https://lnkd.in/eq94dmpd #ElectricVehicles | #evs | #Emobility | #Sustainability | #Electriccars

Last year, UK logistics firm Maritime Transport Ltd launched Maritime ZERO, a dedicated zero-emission division that is aiming to help the UK transition to a more sustainable supply chain - primarily by pairing up long-distance train freight with electric HGVs to complete the final steps in the delivery chain. However, turning this ambition into reality heavily depends on underlying infrastructure, so the work has been far more complex than just installing a few chargers at the necessary locations. At East Midlands Gateway, three high-power chargers were also backed up by low-voltage upgrades, new cabling, and civil works. At another location in Avonmouth, the two chargers being installed also required a new substation and high-voltage works. Both sites have been delivered with assistance from UK fleet electrification specialist VEV, alongside funding from the Depot Charging Scheme. For Maritime, these sites are key to sustainable freight across the UK, and for every operator, they show what it really takes to run eHGVs as record-high diesel prices pile on the pressure to make the switch. #EVCharging | #Logistics | #eHGV | #DepotChargingScheme | #Ad