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SiC technology — key to BYD's 5-minute EV charging breakthrough
The ability to charge an electric vehicle to a 400-km range in just 5 minutes represents a significant shift in EV technology with advanced semiconductor technology. BYD's Super e Platform achieved this through its newly developed car-grade silicon carbide (SiC) power chips. These chips are rated for 1,500-V operation, essential for supporting the platform's 1,000-V architecture and enabling megawatt-level charging capabilities. While Ron (on-resistance) is a critical factor in evaluating SiC...
Is BYD’s new platform the technological inflection point EVs need?
The adoption of electric vehicles has not progressed as smoothly as anticipated five years ago. Many have questioned whether the transition to EVs is beneficial, as concerns about their practicality in everyday use persist, despite the advantage of zero tailpipe emissions. According to the S&P Global Mobility consumer survey conducted in 2024, primary concerns include the availability of charging stations, long charging times and the range on a single charge. Nearly half of the respondent...
Stellantis invests €38 million on manufacturing electric motors in Italy
Stellantis plans to invest €38 million in manufacturing electric motors at its plant in Verrone, which is located in the province of Biella, Italy, the company announced March 17. Production of electric motors at Verrone is scheduled to start by the end of 2027. The vehicle manufacturer said that work had already begun a few weeks ago at its facility in Verrone, where it plans to install and operate a total of 56 machine tools. Stellantis said it is already in the process of installing s...
Fuyao Glass announces $400 million investment in Illinois factory in US
Fuyao Glass Industry Group, a mainland China-based automotive glass supplier, has announced plans to invest $400 million in expanding the production capacity of its float glass plant located in Decatur, Illinois. The company will invest in a new production line to meet the growing demand for high-quality float glass for Fuyao Glass’ auto glass factory in the US to ensure raw material availability and reduce operational costs. The Decatur plant has annual capacity to produce 280,000 metric tons...
Kobe Steel invests in solid-state battery technology startup Lasagna.one
In a press release dated March 25, Kobe Steel announced that it invested in Lasagna.one Inc. (LO), a startup based in San Jose, California, focusing on the development of all-solid-state batteries, which represent the next generation of battery technology. LO's innovations in all-solid-state batteries, including its ability to create high-voltage battery cells that offer fast charging and stable operation across a broad temperature spectrum, have placed it in the spotlight. In 2023, LO achiev...
BASF doubles resin production at Shanghai plant for automotive industry
BASF's Coatings division has announced the completion of a significant expansion to its polyester and polyurethane resin production capacity at the Caojing plant in Shanghai. Originally launched in 2015 with the capacity to produce 8,000 metric tons annually, the plant's capacity has now more than doubled to 18,800 metric tons per year. This expansion is aimed at supporting the growing market demands within the automotive industry in China and the broader Asia-Pacific region. In addition to the ...
Hyundai Motor Group announces $21 billion investment in the US
Hyundai Motor Group announced a significant investment plan of $21 billion in the US from 2025 to 2028, aiming to bolster its manufacturing capabilities, enhance future technologies and improve energy infrastructure across the country. This investment is building upon the Group's prior investments tallying approximately $20.5 billion since it entered the US market in 1986. The strategy includes a commitment to expanding automotive production, increasing the localization of auto parts, en...
Hyundai Motor India approves investment of $81 million for a new tooling center
South Korean carmaker Hyundai Motor’s Indian unit Hyundai Motor India Ltd. has approved an investment of 6.94 billion rupees (about $81 million) for a new tooling center, according to a news report published by Autocar Professional on March 24. The planned tooling center will manufacture stamping tools and vehicle panels to expand local development of components and reinforce supply chain stability. Tooling refers to specialized equipment such as molds, dies, jigs, fixtures and others used ...
Pulsetrain raises €6.1 million to boost EV battery technology
Pulsetrain has successfully secured €6.1 million in seed financing to revolutionize the electric vehicle industry by significantly enhancing battery performance and lifespan, thereby making future vehicles safer, more powerful, longer-lasting and more affordable. This funding round, led by Vsquared Ventures and Planet A, with additional support from Climate Club, is aimed at advancing product development to facilitate industrialization and scaling processes. The company's groundbreaking pow...
Finnish Minerals Group, Beijing Easpring Material Technology to begin construction of cathode active material plant in Kotka, Finland
Finnish Minerals Group and Beijing Easpring Material Technology announced the commencement of construction work for their joint cathode active material (CAM) plant in Kotka, Finland, Finnish Minerals Group said in a press note on March 20. “The construction will start in the spring of 2025, and the goal is to launch commercial production in 2027,” the company said in a statement. The plant, which is aimed at producing CAM for the local manufacture of lithium-ion batteries in Europ...
SK On to supply EV batteries to Nissan in US
SK On and Nissan have entered into a significant battery supply agreement, marking a strategic collaboration between the South Korea battery giant and the Japanese automaker. As part of this partnership, SK On is set to provide Nissan with nearly 100 GWh of high-performance, high-nickel batteries manufactured in the US from 2028 to 2033. These batteries will be instrumental in powering Nissan's next-generation electric vehicles to be produced at its Canton, Mississippi, assembly plant, emphas...
Bosch opens new high-tech metal 3D printing facility in Germany
Bosch has inaugurated a new metal 3D printing facility at its Nuremberg plant in Germany, marking a significant advancement in its manufacturing capabilities. The company invested nearly €6 million in the center, along with the acquisition and installation of the Nikon SLM Solutions NXG XII 600 metal 3D printer. This strategic investment positions Bosch as the first tier 1 automotive supplier in Europe to operate a facility of this performance class, underlining its commitment to Germany as...
Mirova invests over €50 million in EV charging infrastructure provider GreenWay
Mirova, an affiliate of Natixis Investment Managers dedicated to sustainable investing, has made an equity investment of more than €50 million in GreenWay, a leading electric vehicle charging infrastructure provider in Central Europe, Mirova announced March 17. With the new investment, Mirova will become the largest shareholder in GreenWay Holding. According to the press note, through its energy transition infrastructure expertise, Mirova aims to empower institutional clients by offering...
Sunwoda to invest over $1 billion to set up EV battery plants in Thailand
Thailand's Commission on the National Competitiveness Enhancement for Targeted Industries has approved an investment exceeding $1 billion by Sunwoda Electronic's subsidiary, Sunwoda Automotive Energy Technology (Thailand) Co. Ltd., to establish electric vehicle and energy storage system (ESS) battery-cell plants. This initiative, endorsed by the Deputy Prime Minister and Minister of Finance Pichai Chunhavajira, aims to bolster the country's EV supply chain and augment its manufacturing capabi...
Samsung SDI to raise $1.38 billion through rights offering
In a press release dated March 14, Samsung SDI announced its decision to conduct a rights offering aimed at raising approximately 2 trillion won (about $1.38 billion) to enhance its competitive edge and support mid-to-long term growth. This strategic move is intended to fund new facility investments, including a joint venture with General Motors in the US, expanding the capacity of its battery plant in Hungary, and establishing production lines for all solid-state batteries in South Korea. ...
BrightView secures $7 million in Series B funding to fuel growth
BrightView Technologies, a company specializing in computational optics solutions, has successfully closed a $7 million Series B Preferred Stock equity funding round. The funding, led by Hella Ventures, the corporate venture capital arm of Forvia Hella, and Technology Venture Partners, aims to accelerate BrightView's market growth, support further research and development, and enhance the company's production capabilities. “The first close of our Series B Preferred Stock financing reflects ...
Stanley Electric completes capacity expansion at Hiroshima plant in Japan
Stanley Electric has completed expansion of its Hiroshima factory in Japan. The company held a completion ceremony on Jan. 15. The Japanese supplier invested ¥8 billion (about $5.4 million) in the construction of the new building at the site. The capacity expansion increased total floor area at the factory from 12,961 square meters to 24,354 square meters. The expanded factory will play a key role as a production hub for automotive lighting products, including headlamps and taillam...
Ford invests €4.4 billion in its German subsidiary
Ford Motor Co. announced March 10 that it will invest up to €4.4 billion into its German subsidiary, Ford-Werke GmbH, to support the transformation of its European business and increase its long-term competitiveness. The new financing includes a capital injection to reduce the debt of Ford plants and funds for a multiyear business plan aimed at supporting ongoing restructuring efforts. “This move replaces the letter of comfort issued by Ford Motor Company in 2006 and brings the support...
Marquardt opens new manufacturing facility in India
Germany-based mechatronics specialist Marquardt has inaugurated a new manufacturing facility in Talegaon near Pune, India, Autocar Professional reported March 5. The new facility replaces Marquardt's earlier site in Mumbai and is aimed at bolstering the company's manufacturing capabilities, particularly for the Indian automotive industry. It will produce drive authorization systems, gear selector switches and battery management systems (BMS) for electric vehicles. Marquardt has invested ...
Toshiba expands automotive semiconductor production in Japan
As reported in a press release on March 5, Toshiba Electronic Devices & Storage Corp. celebrated the completion of a new back-end production facility focused on automotive power semiconductors at Himeji Operations — Semiconductor, located in Hyogo Prefecture, western Japan. This development will significantly enhance the facility's production capacity for automotive power semiconductors, more than doubling the numbers seen in fiscal year 2022, with the commencement of full-scale product...
Taiwan pledges to withhold its most advanced technology from US under proposed $100 billion deal
The Taiwanese government has assured that its most advanced semiconductor technology will remain within Taiwan, despite a substantial $100 billion deal between Taiwan Semiconductor Manufacturing Co. (TSMC) and the Trump administration to expand TSMC's investments in the US, according to a report published by The Guardian on March 4. The deal, announced by US President Donald Trump and TSMC CEO CC Wei, aims to enhance US manufacturing capabilities and secure trade dominance. Trump said that TS...
TSMC to invest $165 billion in US semiconductor manufacturing
In a press release on March 4, TSMC announced its plan to significantly boost its investment in the US, aiming to increase the sum to $165 billion, to advance semiconductor manufacturing crucial for the future of AI. This announcement, made from its headquarters in Hsinchu, Taiwan, comes with a commitment to add $100 billion to the ongoing $65 billion investment in its semiconductor operations, primarily located in Phoenix. This planned investment marks the largest single foreign direct inves...
Schaeffler to establish Global Capability Centre for digital and software innovation
Schaeffler is evaluating its plans to establish a Global Capability Centre (GCC) in India to enhance its software and digital capabilities in line with its strategy toward electrification, digitalization, and climate neutrality, Autocar Professional reported March 4. The new GCC is expected to help the Germany-based supplier to significantly enhance its innovation, research and development capabilities, ensuring it remains at the forefront of technological advancements while adhering to its envi...
Clarios announces $6 billion investment in US battery manufacturing
Clarios, a Wisconsin-based leader in low-voltage energy storage, has unveiled a $6 billion initiative aimed at bolstering US manufacturing and enhancing the supply chain for starter batteries. This move is crucial for ensuring US energy and critical mineral independence. Significant investments include $2.5 billion toward developing low-critical mineral battery chemistries, $1.9 billion for boosting the US' circular battery economy, $1 billion to accelerate the development of advanced energy ...
Uno Minda establishes new Engineering and Design center in Czech Republic
Uno Minda has established a new Engineering and Design center in the Czech Republic. The center will focus on the development of next-generation automotive lighting technologies. In February, Uno Minda appointed Todd Morgan as the global head of Lighting and Innovation. Morgan has more than 30 years of work experience in automotive lighting, previously working at Ford, Visteon and Varroc. Before joining Minda, he served as chief technology and innovation officer at Lumax DK Jain Group. Uno...
Idemitsu Kosan plans to set up a large-scale plant for solid electrolytes in Japan
Tokyo-based Idemitsu Kosan Co. Ltd. plans to construct a large-scale production facility for solid electrolytes, a material that is used in all-solid-state lithium-ion rechargeable batteries, the company announced Feb. 27. Disclosing its plans, Idemitsu said that it aims to expand the production capacity of lithium sulfide, which is an important intermediate raw material for producing solid electrolytes, to the tune of producing in capacity equivalent to 3 GWh per year of storage batteri...
Posco Future M invests in Canada-based EV cathode material plant
Posco Future M has announced its decision to invest 489.4 billion won (about $342 million) into Ultium Chem, a joint venture with General Motors located in Quebec aimed at producing cathode materials for electric vehicles. This investment will be channeled through Posco Future Materials, a wholly-owned subsidiary in Canada, for the construction of a high-nickel cathode material plant. The plant is expected to have an annual capacity of 30,000 metric tons, sufficient to supply about 300,000 EVs, ...
Hyundai initiates construction of first EV battery research center
Hyundai Motor Group is taking a major step forward in the electric vehicle industry by initiating the construction of its first dedicated battery research center in Anseong, Gyeonggi Province, South Korea, with construction expected to start as early as March. This move is part of Hyundai's strategy to develop its own EV batteries, aiming to position itself alongside China's BYD, which manufactures batteries for its vehicle brands. The new facility, known as Mobility Alpha Line Anseong Center...
SkyWater acquires Infineon’s Texas fab, boosting US chip production
As reported in a press release on Feb. 26, SkyWater Technology and Infineon Technologies AG have announced a strategic agreement involving the purchase of Infineon's 200-mm fab in Austin, Texas, known as Fab 25, by SkyWater. The deal also includes a long-term supply agreement, exemplifying a significant move to strengthen US-based production of essential chips for industrial, automotive and defense applications. SkyWater will manage Fab 25 as a foundry, increasing the US' capacity for fo...
CALB plans to build $2 billion battery gigafactory in Portugal
China's CALB, recognized as one of the world's leading battery-makers for electric vehicles, has announced its plan to invest €2 billion in setting up a gigafactory in Portugal. The factory, poised to initiate production by 2028, will be located in Sines, approximately 100 km south of Lisbon. Designed to produce lithium batteries, the facility is expected to achieve an annual capacity of 15 GWh, equating to about 187,000 batteries for EVs, primarily aimed at the European market. This str...
Infineon secures approval for funding under EU Chips Act for Dresden semiconductor project
The European Commission has greenlit funding under the European Chips Act for Infineon Technologies AG's Smart Power Fab located in Dresden, Munich, with an official approval from the Federal Ministry for Economic Affairs and Climate Action (BMWK) anticipated in the coming months, according to a press release on Feb. 20. This initiative, which is also backed by the European Commission's Important Project of Common European Interest on Microelectronics and Communication Technologies (IPCEI ME ...
South Korea invests in nationwide automated vehicle services
The South Korean government, via the Ministry of Land, Infrastructure and Transport (MOLIT), announced a significant initiative to bolster automated vehicle services in various regions throughout the country, including Seoul, Sejong, Gyeonggi (comprising Pangyo and Anyang), Chungnam (Cheonan), Gyeongbuk (Gyeongju), Gyeongnam (Hadong), and Jeju. This initiative is backed by an investment of 2.6 billion won (about $1.8 million). The funding is distributed among these regions with specific amounts ...
Adient expands China Technical Center to boost innovation
Adient has completed the expansion of its China Technical Center in Chongqing, mainland China. The upgraded technical center is now equipped with state-of-the-art facilities, including a sled test lab and a multi-axial sub-assemblage test (MAST) lab, enhancing the company’s engineering design, testing, validation and product development capabilities. According to Adient, the expanded facility offers “a collaborative, flexible and digitally advanced environment” for its engineering ...
Cambridge GaN Devices secures $32 million to drive global growth in power semiconductor industry
As reported in a press release on Feb. 18, Cambridge GaN Devices (CGD), a leading player in gallium nitride (GaN) power devices, has successfully closed a $32 million Series C funding round. The investment was led by a strategic investor with participation from British Patient Capital and supported by existing investors Parkwalk, BGF, Cambridge Innovation Capital (CIC), Foresight Group and IQ Capital. GaN-based devices represent a breakthrough in power electronics, offering faster switching s...
Kobe Steel, Baowu Steel establishes JV in mainland China for automotive aluminum panels
Kobe Steel has registered a joint venture company in mainland China for producing automotive aluminum panels. This development came after receiving approval from regulatory authorities in Japan and mainland China, following an agreement signed on Aug. 8, 2024, with Baoshan Iron & Steel Co. Ltd. and Baowu Aluminum Technology Co. Ltd., subsidiaries of China Baowu Steel Group. The JV aims to integrate continuous heat treatment and finishing lines for aluminum panels to cater to the increasing d...
Woodbridge inaugurates new manufacturing plant in Pune, India
On Feb. 14, TMWB Foam Pvt. Ltd., a joint venture between Woodbridge and TM Automotive Seating Systems, inaugurated its new manufacturing facility in Pune, Maharashtra, India. The new facility is expected to enhance the production of seating systems for passenger and commercial vehicles, including buses.  “This is a milestone for our business in the Indian market. It showcases our products and technologies, and we are pleased to launch them in collaboration with our partner,” said Kai...
ComEd invests $100 million in EV adoption rebates for 2025
ComEd, a subsidiary of Exelon Corp., announced at the Chicago Auto Show that it is investing $100 million in rebates to support electric vehicle adoption in 2025. These rebates, aimed at residential, business and public sector customers, address barriers to EV ownership by covering the costs of residential EV chargers and installation, electric fleet vehicles and charging infrastructure for businesses and the public sector. Melissa Washington, senior vice president at ComEd, emphasized t...
Rimac’s Verne begins construction of Croatia robo-taxi plant
Croatian electric-hypercar manufacturer Rimac is advancing its diversification strategy with its subsidiary Verne, which has commenced the construction of a factory near Zagreb, Croatia, for the purpose of manufacturing autonomous electric vehicles aimed at a forthcoming robo-taxi service, as reported in a press release on Feb. 11. This initiative, disclosed in June 2024 with Porsche holding a 20% stake in Rimac, draws inspiration from Jules Verne, focusing on three primary components inclu...
Nexteer Automotive opens new production facility in mainland China to expand electric steering systems production
Nexteer Automotive inaugurated its new production facility in Changshu, Jiangsu Province, mainland China, on Jan. 15 to enhance its manufacturing and testing capabilities for advanced steering systems. This strategic expansion is designed to capitalize on the growing demand in the Asia-Pacific region and globally for electric power steering (EPS) technologies among both global and domestic automakers. The Changshu Campus covers approximately 137 acres and is equipped with state-of-the-art produc...
JLR invests $180 million in Portland tech hub in US for future vehicle technologies
Jaguar Land Rover (JLR) has announced plans to expand its technology hub located in Portland, Oregon, the US, to develop advanced connectivity and autonomous driving technologies for future JLR vehicles. Over the next 10 years, the UK-based carmaker plans to inject approximately $180 million into expanding the 50,000-square-feet technology hub. The focus will be on crafting a diverse array of advanced technologies as the automotive industry moves toward more software-driven vehicles (SDVs). T...
UVeye secures $191 million to bolster AI-driven vehicle inspections
UVeye, a leading company in AI-driven vehicle inspection technology, has recently announced a substantial funding round amounting to $191 million, elevating its total capital raised to $380.5 million. This funding, a mix of equity and debt, aims to support UVeye's rapid growth in response to the increasing global demand for its innovative vehicle inspection systems. The company is on the verge of scanning 1 million vehicles every month, indicating its strong position in the industry. The fund...
New York city announces $60 million loan to EV charging solutions company Revel
New York's Gov. Kathy Hochul has announced a $60 million loan from NY Green Bank (NYGB) to Revel, aimed at accelerating the deployment of electric vehicle charging infrastructure across New York city. The funding will facilitate the construction of 267 new fast-charging stalls at nine different sites, including locations in Maspeth, Queens, near LaGuardia Airport, at John F. Kennedy International Airport (JFK), in Greenpoint, Brooklyn, and in the Port Morris section of the Bronx. This tr...
Gestamp opens second Gestamp Technology Institute in Puebla, Mexico
Gestamp, a Spain-based supplier of automotive chassis and body-in-white (BIW) parts, has inaugurated its second Gestamp Technology Institute (GTI) in Puebla, Mexico. This move comes after the success of its first GTI established in 2016 in Boroa, Basque Country, Spain, highlighting the company's dedication to technological advancement, talent development and knowledge transfer within the automotive sector. The establishment of the GTI in Puebla is part of Gestamp's broader strategy to bolster...
Presto secures $15 million for EV charging platform expansion
In a press release dated Feb. 6, Presto, an innovative all-in-one electric vehicle charging platform headquartered in Oakland, California, announced that it has raised $15 million in seed funding. The funding round saw contributions from notable investors including Union Square Ventures, Congruent Ventures, Powerhouse Ventures and Jetstream. Presto is acclaimed for its highly rated app and APIs that enable fleets to effortlessly locate, charge and make payments for on-the-go charging at ...
Toyota strengthens its overseas EV and battery manufacturing capabilities
Toyota Motor Corp. is set to start operations at its first in-house battery manufacturing plant outside Japan, the Toyota Battery Manufacturing North Carolina (TBMNC). Set to begin production in April, this nearly $14 billion facility will produce batteries for hybrid electric vehicles (HEVs), plug-in hybrid electric vehicles (PHEVs) and battery-electric vehicles (BEVs). The plant, located in North Carolina, US, is expected to create approximately 5,000 jobs, reinforcing Toyota's commitment...
Honda gearing up to begin EV production at Honda EV Hub in Ohio, US, in late 2025
Honda is gearing up to begin manufacturing electric vehicles at the Honda EV Hub in Ohio, US, later in 2025. The Japanese automaker is investing $1 billion in retooling its Marysville Auto Plant (MAP), East Liberty Auto Plant (ELP) and Anna Engine Plant (AEP). The investment will allow Honda to build internal combustion engine (ICE) vehicles, hybrid-electric vehicles and battery-electric vehicles (BEVs) on the same production lines. "The Honda EV Hub provides Honda with the flexibility to pro...
JLR plans £65 million investment to expand paint facilities in UK and Slovakia
Jaguar Land Rover (JLR) has announced its plan to invest £65 million in the expansion of its special paint facilities worldwide. This investment aims to cater to the rising demand for personalized luxury vehicles and to lessen the environmental footprint of its carbon-intensive manufacturing processes. The carmaker, part of Indian automaker Tata Motors, has observed a significant increase in customer interest for personalized color options, with demand for its Bespoke Paint and elevated pale...
Waymo launches fully driverless robo-taxi rides for employees in Atlanta
Waymo has announced the initiation of fully driverless robo-taxi rides for its employees in Atlanta, marking a significant step toward the company's goal of opening this service to the public by 2025, according to a report published by TechCrunch on Jan. 30. This development underscores Waymo's efforts to expand into new markets, bolstered by the closure of a $5.6 billion Series C funding round two months prior, which valued the company at $45 billion. This funding round included major inve...
Sundaram Clayton opens new die-casting facility in Chennai, India
Indian auto component supplier Sundaram Clayton Ltd. (SCL) has inaugurated a new die-casting facility in Thervoy Kandigai, near Chennai, Tamil Nadu, India, Autocar Professional reported Feb. 1. The facility will manufacture aluminum die-cast components, including engine parts and structural elements specifically designed for electric vehicles, incorporating digital manufacturing to cater to both local and global markets. SCL has also expanded its US operations with the successful commissionin...
WeaveGrid receives strategic investment from Hyundai and Kia
WeaveGrid, a San Francisco-based software company dedicated to facilitating the rapid adoption of electric vehicles onto the power grid, has recently announced receiving a strategic investment from Hyundai Motor Co. and Kia Corp. This move fortifies WeaveGrid's position as the leading software solution for automakers aiming for a secure and seamless integration of their EVs with the electric power grid. WeaveGrid's technology, including its EV management system (EVMS) and a patented smart cha...
Asian Development Bank to invest US$100M in the Philippines for electric mobility push
The Asian Development Bank (ADB) has entered into a financing agreement with Ayala Corp., announcing a package worth up to US$100 million to foster electric mobility in the Philippines. Announced Jan. 27, this initiative aims to enhance the country's electric mobility ecosystem through the procurement and installation of electric vehicle charging stations (EVCS) and the purchase of electric vehicles for commercial distribution. The financing package leverages a concessionary loan from the Can...
Bridgestone to establish tire recycling pilot plant in Japan
Bridgestone has announced its plans to construct a pilot demonstration plant for the precise pyrolysis of end-of-life tires at its facility in Seki City, Gifu Prefecture, Japan. The plant, set to commence operations in 2027, is aimed at showcasing technology for the chemical recycling of tires, specifically to extract tire-derived oil and recovered carbon black. This initiative is part of Bridgestone's strategy outlined in its midterm business plan (2024-2026) for sustainable growth and aligns w...
Hyundai Motor Group expands R&D in Europe for sustainable mobility
Hyundai Motor Group (HMG) is strengthening its presence in Europe through an expansion of its research and development (R&D) capabilities in Germany. This expansion includes over 25,000 square meters, added to the group's facilities, marking a continuous strategic emphasis on sustainable mobility and future-oriented growth.  A notable aspect of this expansion is the completion of the test center extension at Nürburgring and the upcoming inauguration of the Hyundai Motor Europe Techn...
SES AI secures $10 million contracts for AI battery material discovery
In a press release dated Jan. 23, SES AI Corp., based in Woburn, Massachusetts, announced that it has secured contracts worth up to $10 million with two of its major global original equipment manufacturer partners for the purpose of advancing the commercial application of AI for Science in battery material discovery. These contracts are focused on developing new electrolyte materials for lithium-metal (Li-metal) and lithium-ion (Li-ion) batteries, specifically targeted at automotive applica...
Cyclic Materials secures $2 million from InMotion Ventures
Cyclic Materials, an advanced recycling company focused on building a circular supply chain for rare earth elements (REEs) and other critical materials, has announced a significant investment boost. The company received a $2 million investment from InMotion Ventures, Jaguar Land Rover's investment arm, elevating its Series-B funding round to $55 million. This financial support underscores the company's pivotal role in fostering sustainable supply chains within the automotive sector and beyond. ...
Sona Comstar to invest $4 million in suspension technology company ClearMotion
Sona BLW Precision Forgings Ltd. (Sona Comstar) has announced an investment of $4 million in the US-based automotive technology firm ClearMotion Inc., through the acquisition of convertible preferred stock, as per an exchange filing. ClearMotion specializes in the development of products that enhance the driving experience by utilizing proactive suspension and road sensing software to alleviate the effects of uneven road surfaces. The company operates in global markets including the US, the U...
Sonocharge Energy secures $23.5M in financing to enhance EV battery technology
In a press release dated Jan. 22, Sonocharge Energy announced that it has successfully closed a $23.5 million financing round. This round was led by Cycle Capital, a ClimateTech venture capital firm, and saw participation from Honda, along with existing investors Khosla Ventures, Temasek and non-dilutive funding partners. The funds will be utilized to expand the team in Silicon Valley, California, and hasten the commercial deployment of its solutions alongside key electric vehicle...
Hyundai Steel explores investment in US automotive steel plant to avoid tariffs
Hyundai Steel is exploring the possibility of setting up a manufacturing plant to supply automotive steel to Hyundai Motor and Kia in the US. The move, which entails a significant investment potentially amounting to several trillion South Korean won, is seen as a strategic response to navigate tariff barriers introduced by the Trump administration. As part of this endeavor, Hyundai Steel is in talks with various state governments, including those of Texas and Georgia, regarding the investment...
Amber Connect to open new office in Coimbatore, boosting its global export capacity
Amber Connect, a vehicle tracking and telematics solution provider based in Jamaica, is set to expand its operations in Coimbatore, India, by opening a new 4,000-seat office dedicated to developing vehicle telematics software for global export. The company has announced a $1.6 million investment for establishing this facility, with construction in progress and an opening planned by the end of 2025. This expansion, as disclosed by Dushyant Savadia, the founder and CEO of Amber Group, is expected ...
Nissan Motor to set up an LFP battery plant in Kitakyushu City in Japan
Nissan Motor Corp. has signed an agreement with Fukuoka Prefecture and Kitakyushu City in Japan to construct a new factory to produce lithium iron phosphate (LFP) batteries, Nissan announced Jan. 22. The planned battery plant will be built in the Hibikinada area of ​​Wakamatsu Ward, Kitakyushu City, Fukuoka Prefecture, Nissan said, adding that with the signing of this agreement, the project has officially begun. It is expected to make a significant contribution to revitalizing the local e...
JSW Group to invest nearly $35 billion in Indian state of Maharashtra
The JSW Group has announced plans to invest 3 trillion rupees (about $34.67 billion) in Maharashtra, India, to expand its operations in key sectors including electric vehicles, batteries, steel and green energy, MoneyControl.com reported. This announcement was made following an agreement signed with the Maharashtra government on the sidelines of the World Economic Forum in Davos, Switzerland. The Indian conglomerate, which operates across diverse sectors such as steel, cement, energy inf...
JATCO opens new transmission plant in Sunderland, UK
Global automotive automatic transmission manufacturer JATCO Ltd. has opened a new factory at the International Advanced Manufacturing Park in Sunderland, UK, Nissan announced Jan. 16. The new factory, which is expected to create up to 183 jobs, will produce electrified powertrains for the nearby Nissan plant. Initially, these powertrain assemblies will be a 3-in-1 unit, which modularizes and integrates the motor, inverter and reducer, making them smaller and lighter. JATCO’s new facility...
NXP secures €1 billion loan from EIB for semiconductor R&D in Europe
As reported in a press release on Jan. 16, NXP Semiconductors has announced a significant boost to its research, development and innovation (RDI) efforts through a €1 billion loan from the European Investment Bank (EIB). This loan, carrying an interest rate of approximately 4.75% and a duration of six years, is designated to support NXP's RDI investments across Europe, specifically in Austria, France, Germany, the Netherlands and Romania until 2026. Aimed at advancing semiconductor solution...
SAIC-GM-Wuling begins EV battery production in Indonesia
SAIC-GM-Wuling has reached a significant milestone by being the first mainland Chinese auto brand to initiate power battery production in Indonesia. This development was marked by the production of its first power battery, dubbed the Magic Battery, which was accomplished in an impressively short time frame of just four and a half months from the project's inception. The Magic Battery, developed in-house by Wuling, incorporates the latest electric vehicle battery technologies. This achievement...
Mahindra unveils all-new dedicated EV manufacturing and battery assembly plant in Pune
Mahindra and Mahindra (M&M), a leading Indian automaker, has unveiled its new dedicated state-of-the-art manufacturing and battery assembly facility at its Chakan plant near Pune, India, the company announced Jan. 8. The newly developed facility is aimed at producing M&M's pure electric cars. The new facility is strategically located within M&M’s Chakan manufacturing hub, which is also one of India’s largest greenfield projects. M&M’s Chakan plant is spread across a...
BMW i Ventures invests in Phoenix Tailings for sustainable rare earth metal production
BMW i Ventures has invested in Phoenix Tailings, a company focusing on the zero-waste, zero-emission production of rare earth metals, a move aimed at expanding and stabilizing the processing of these critical elements in the US. This Series B financing round, led by Envisioning Partners and with participation from Yamaha Motor Ventures and Escape Velocity, will help Phoenix Tailings increase its rare earth metal production to approximately 200 metric tons annually. Phoenix Tailings, which was...
Aurora Innovation opens new lidar testing facility in Montana, US
Aurora Innovation, a company specializing in autonomous driving technology, has inaugurated a new 78,000 square-foot office and testing facility in Bozeman, Montana, US. This new facility, situated on Montana State University's Innovation Campus, aims to bolster the development and testing of Aurora's FirstLight Lidar technology. This strategic investment follows Aurora's 2019 acquisition of Blackmore, a Bozeman-based lidar company, which bolstered its expertise in lidar technology essential ...
Eberspaecher opens new facility in Poland for electric-bus systems
Eberspaecher has inaugurated a new production facility in Przylesie, Poland, for manufacturing thermal management systems for electric city buses and coaches, the company announced in a press release on Dec. 17. The plant, which spans 12,500 square meters, will engage in the series production of the AC138 EVO thermal management system. This new system caters to electric city buses and coaches from leading international manufacturers, with an annual production target of up to 20,000 syste...
Inalfa Gabriel Sunroof Systems plans to expand sunroof manufacturing in India
Inalfa Gabriel Sunroof Systems (IGSS), a joint venture between the Netherlands-based Inalfa Roof Systems and Gabriel India, the flagship company of India-based Anand Group, is planning to expand capacity to serve growing demand for sunroof systems in the Indian automotive market. IGSS is now exploring plans to set up production facilities in Northern and Western India after setting up its first plant in Chennai, Tamil Nadu, in Southern India. "To meet the rising demand for sunroofs due to the...
Lithium Americas and General Motors form JV for Nevada lithium project
Lithium Americas Corp. has finalized a joint venture with General Motors Holdings LLC (GM) to develop the Thacker Pass lithium carbonate project in Humboldt County, Nevada. This partnership aims to bolster the North American supply chain for critical minerals. Lithium Americas retains a 62% stake in the project and will oversee its management, while GM has acquired a 38% stake through an investment totaling $625 million, which includes both cash and letters of credit. The arrangement allocates $...
Yokohama Rubber begins construction of new tire plant in mainland China
Yokohama Rubber has commenced the construction for its new passenger car tire plant in Hangzhou City, mainland China, with a groundbreaking ceremony held Dec 16. The event was attended by local government officials, community representatives and the top executives of the Japanese tiremaker, including its Chairman and CEO Masataka Yamaishi, and President and COO Shinji Seimiya. The new plant is scheduled to commence production in the second quarter of 2026. The new plant will replace an existi...
VSMC kickstarts construction of new semiconductor facility in Singapore
As reported in a press release on Dec. 4, VisionPower Semiconductor Manufacturing Co. (VSMC), a collaboration between Vanguard International Semiconductor Corp. (VIS) and NXP Semiconductors NV (NXP), initiated the construction of a new 300-mm wafer manufacturing facility in Tampines, Singapore. The ceremony was attended by numerous stakeholders, including government officials and Dr. Tan See Leng, the minister for Manpower and second minister for Trade and Industry. The facility, VSMC's first...
Honda to launch new fuel cell system plant in Japan by 2028
Honda Motor Co. Ltd. plans to establish a new plant in Japan for the production of its independently developed next-generation fuel cell system, the company announced in a press release on 18 December. Honda intends to commence operations of this new facility in the fiscal year ending March 31, 2028. Honda will repurpose part of the land and buildings of the Powertrain Unit Factory in Moka City, Tochigi Prefecture. This factory, which ceased the production of automobile powertrain components ...
Audi commences production of PPE-based EVs at new Changchun plant in mainland China
Audi has commenced the production of its first fully electric vehicles based on the Premium Platform Electric (PPE) in mainland China, signifying a significant advancement in its electrification strategy for the Chinese market. These vehicles, including the Audi Q6L e-tron and the Audi Q6L Sportback e-tron, are being manufactured by Audi FAW NEV Co., a joint venture with FAW, at a newly established plant in Changchun.  The partnership underscores Audi's commitment to the Chinese market and ...
Tesla launches lithium refinery in South Texas
Tesla has initiated operations at its lithium refinery located near Corpus Christi in South Texas, a significant step forward in the company's ambitions to bolster its electric vehicle production capabilities. CEO Elon Musk has projected that the facility will eventually have the capacity to produce enough lithium for batteries in 1 million EVs annually, with potential for further expansion. The $375 million plant, recognized as the first large-scale US refinery for battery-grade lithium, is ...
Gotion High-Tech plans to build battery plants in Slovakia and Morocco
Gotion High-Tech plans to build battery production plants in Slovakia and Morocco as it looks to expand its global manufacturing footprint, according to a news report published by CnEVPost on Dec. 13. Citing an announcement from the company, the report mentioned that it plans to build a battery production site in Slovakia and in Morocco with a total investment of about €2.5 billion. It stated that Gotion plans to invest about €1.2 billion to build a 20-GWh gigafactory in Slovakia. Th...
Hyundai, BAIC to jointly invest $1.1 billion in China JV
Hyundai Motor Co. and Chinese partner Beijing Motor Corp. (BAIC) plan to jointly invest $1.1 billion in their joint venture to help the South Korean carmaker regain traction in the world’s largest electric vehicle market, according to a news report published by The Korea Economic Daily on Dec. 13. The report cited a regulatory filing by BAIC, which said that the investment in Beijing Hyundai Motor Co., a 50/50 JV with Hyundai Motor in Greater China, will be used to develop EVs tailored to t...
Toyota Kentucky invests $922 million in new paint facility in US
Toyota Kentucky has announced a significant investment of $922 million to construct a new advanced paint facility, emphasizing the company's dedication to US manufacturing, environmental sustainability and stable employment. This state-of-the-art facility, set to open in 2027, aims to enhance operational efficiencies, diminish environmental impacts and improve the quality of vehicle finishes. The addition will expand the plant's capacity by 1 million square feet, while targeting a 30% re...
Autoliv inaugurates new plant in Guangzhou to produce passive safety systems
Autoliv has inaugurated a new manufacturing facility in Guangzhou city in Guangdong province, mainland China, the Sweden-based supplier announced on its WeChat account. The new facility, spread over an area of 32,311 square meters, will manufacture seatbelts and airbags. The increased production will help Autoliv meet the growing demand of safety systems, especially from local mainland Chinese automakers. “We will continue to accelerate our pace in the Chinese market, constantly explore way...
Jiangsu Sailboat launches new carbonates plant with Asahi Kasei technology to support EV battery production
Jiangsu Sailboat Petrochemical (Sailboat), situated in Lianyungang, Jiangsu Province, mainland China, initiated commercial operations of a new carbonates plant in November. The facility leverages technology licensed from Asahi Kasei to manufacture high-purity ethylene carbonate (EC) and dimethyl carbonate (DMC) using CO2 as a primary raw material. These products, essential for lithium-ion (Li-ion) battery electrolytes in electric vehicles, underscore a growing demand fueled by the automotive ind...
Dawoon Refrigeration invests in new production facility in Mexico
Dawoon Refrigeration, a subsidiary of South Korea-based Dawoon Group, has established a manufacturing plant in Apodaca, Nuevo Leon, Mexico, according to a report by a website, Cluster Industrial. The South Korean company invested $18 million in its first plant in Mexico that will generate 100 direct jobs. The manufacturing plant will produce automotive cooling systems.  Dawoon Refrigeration supplies air intake systems, engine air filters, air-conditioning hose and tubing systems. The com...
Daimay Automotive Interior establishes new manufacturing plant in Mexico
Shanghai Daimay Automotive Interior, a supplier based in mainland China, has inaugurated a new manufacturing plant in Ramos Arizpe, Mexico, to produce headrests and armrests. The company invested $17.2 million in the new plant, its sixth in Mexico. The investment is expected to create 1,000 direct jobs. In addition to the Ramos Arizpe plant, Daimay is setting up three new manufacturing plants in Parras de la Fuente, Mexico, which are scheduled to become operational by 2027. The mainland Chine...
Shanghai Electric breaks ground on Nedschroef's second factory for automotive fasteners in Spain
Shanghai Electric has announced the construction commencement of Nedschroef's second automotive fastener factory located in Tarragona, Spain. This new factory is part of a strategic move to bolster Nedschroef's production capabilities and operational efficiency within Europe, aligning with a three-year action plan aimed at optimizing its production capacity. The establishment of this factory in Tarragona, a key city in northeastern Spain, signifies Shanghai Electric's ongoing commitment to th...
GlobalFoundries receives $9.5 million from US government for gallium nitride semiconductor advancement
As reported in a press release on Dec. 4, GlobalFoundries (GF) has announced receiving an additional $9.5 million in funding from the US government to support the advancement of manufacturing gallium nitride (GaN) on silicon semiconductors at its Essex Junction, Vermont, facility. The investment brings GF closer to initiating the large-scale production of GaN chips, which are crucial for a wide array of applications such as automobiles, datacenters, internet of things, aerospace and defe...
Dongfeng Motor launches large-scale die-casting project for new-energy vehicles
Dongfeng Motor has launched a project to enhance its capabilities in manufacturing car body parts for new-energy vehicles (NEVs). The automaker has introduced what it claims to be the world's largest integrated die-casting machine, a 16,000-metric-ton giant, to produce chassis components and battery housings for NEVs, according to China Daily. The advanced die-casting technology, more widely known as gigacasting, simplifies the manufacturing process by merging hundreds of auto parts into a si...
ZF establishes new e-mobility plant in Shenyang, mainland China
ZF has opened a new manufacturing plant in Shenyang, mainland China, the company said in a press release on Nov. 25. The new plant, called ZF Electric Mobility Systems (Shenyang) Co. Ltd., will produce advanced e-mobility products such as electric axle drives for new-energy vehicles (NEVs). The plant expands ZF’s capability to offer e-mobility solutions to its customers in the world’s largest electric vehicle market. The German supplier is installing new production lines and equipment at ...
Forge Battery launches new lithium-ion cell production line in Colorado
Forge Battery, a subsidiary of Forge Nano Inc., has initiated the production of its 300 watt-hour per kilogram (Wh/kg) lithium-ion (Li-ion) battery cells on a new manufacturing line located at the Forge Nano headquarters in Thornton, Colorado. This line is equipped with Energy Tech Solution (ETS) cylindrical cell production equipment, marking a significant step in the company's efforts to meet the surging demand for its made-in-America Li-ion battery cells. Forge Nano was recently selected fo...
Altilium starts operations at its ACT 2 EV battery recycling plant in UK
Altilium, a UK-based clean technology group, has initiated operations at its newly established ACT 2 EV Battery Recycling Plant in Plymouth, UK, marking a significant advancement in the UK's efforts toward establishing a circular economy for battery materials. This facility, the first of its kind in the UK, is part of Altilium's expansion strategy, which includes plans for a larger ACT 4 plant in Teesside, UK. The ACT 2 plant utilizes Altilium's EcoCathode process to produce high volumes...
US allocates $7.86 billion to Intel for semiconductor projects
According to a press release on Nov. 26, the US Commerce Department has allocated up to $7.86 billion in direct funding to Intel Corp. under the US CHIPS and Science Act, supporting Intel's semiconductor manufacturing projects across Arizona, New Mexico, Ohio and Oregon. This funding complements a $3 billion contract for Intel's Secure Enclave program, aimed at enhancing the production of leading-edge semiconductors for the US government. In total, aligned with a 25% investment tax credit fro...
ZF expands electronic power steering production in mainland China
ZF Automotive Technologies (Shanghai) Co., a subsidiary of the ZF Group, has signed an investment agreement with the Shanghai Anting Economic Development Center to initiate the second phase of expansion to produce electronic power steering (EPS) system products in mainland China. This new phase of expansion of ZF's EPS plant in Antang, mainland China, follows the successful completion of the first phase, which began with an agreement in July 2022 and concluded in May 2023. The move to further...
Kostal to invest €50 million to expand operations in North Macedonia
Kostal Macedonia, the North Macedonia arm of the German car parts manufacturer Kostal, has embarked on a significant four-year investment initiative, valued at €50 million. This financial endeavor, as unveiled by Viktor Mizo, the managing director of Kostal Macedonia, is designed to foster job creation and enhance the company's manufacturing capabilities. Mizo announced that this new cycle of investment would enable Kostal Macedonia to start producing systems for plug-in hybrid and electric...
BMW Group advances toward circular economy with new battery recycling center
In a press release dated Nov. 27, BMW Group announced that it is advancing its commitment to the circular economy by constructing a Cell Recycling Competence Centre (CRCC) in Kirchroth, Lower Bavaria, focused on pioneering "direct recycling" of battery cells. The new facility's construction is set to begin in the second half of 2025, with the goal of validating the recycling method in near-series processes. This method, innovated internally by the BMW Group, allows for the mechanical dis...
Pony.ai debuts on Nasdaq, raising funds for autonomous vehicle advancement
Pony.ai commenced trading on the Nasdaq Global Select Market under the ticker "PONY," following its IPO, in which the company and its co-founders celebrated by ringing the Nasdaq opening bell, as reported in a press release on Nov. 27. The IPO is considered a pivotal step toward Pony.ai's ambition for widespread commercialization and mass production of autonomous vehicles, offering 20 million American Depository Shares (ADS) at $13.00 each, thereby raising about $260 million. Additionally,...
Kumho Tire begins third-phase expansion of tire plant in Vietnam
Kumho Tire Vietnam, a subsidiary of South Korean tiremaker Kumho Tire Group, is set to commence the third-phase expansion of its tire manufacturing plant located in Binh Duong Province, Vietnam, beginning early 2025, according to a report by Tyre Trends. The company will invest nearly $300 million in the planned capacity expansion. The expanded plant is scheduled to become operational by early 2026, raising annual production capacity at the plant to 17 million tires compared with 12.5 million...
American Center for Mobility launches EV Charging Basecamp in Michigan
The American Center for Mobility (ACM) has inaugurated the EV Charging & Interoperability Testbed, known as the EV Charging Basecamp, at the Willow Run facility in Ypsilanti Township, Michigan. The testbed serves as a collaborative space for original equipment manufacturers, charge-point operators (CPOs) and electric vehicle supply equipment suppliers (EVSEs), offering access to a diverse range of chargers, management software and equipment to ensure seamless charging experiences f...
Banpu NEXT and Durapower inaugurate assembly plant to boost Thai EV market
Banpu NEXT, a subsidiary of Banpu PCL and a leader in Net Zero Solutions in Asia-Pacific, in collaboration with Durapower, a global leader in lithium battery storage solutions, inaugurated the DP NEXT battery assembly plant in AMATA City Chonburi Industrial Estate to boost electrification and clean transport in the Thai mobility market. This facility aims to accelerate the adoption of electric buses and heavy-duty vehicles in Thailand and the Asia-Pacific region, supporting Thailand's Net Zero e...
Uber mulls over $10 million investment in Pony AI's impending US IPO
Uber Technologies is considering an investment exceeding $10 million in Pony AI Inc.'s upcoming IPO in the US, according to a report published by The Economic Times on Nov. 21. The autonomous driving firm, Pony AI, plans to price its IPO next week, which has seen an increase in size due to heightened interest. Although the final investment amount by Uber is yet to be determined and discussions are still ongoing, Uber is exploring the possibility of utilizing Pony AI's technology in a par...
Microporous to invest $1.35 billion on new battery separator plant in Virginia
Microporous LLC, a notable manufacturer of battery separators, announced a significant investment of $1.35 billion to open a new manufacturing facility in Pittsylvania County, Virginia. The project is expected to generate 2,015 new jobs, following Virginia's successful bid over North Carolina. This development is to take place in two phases on Lot 1 of the Southern Virginia Megasite, with each phase occupying about 500,000 square feet, and potential future expansions considered for Lot 2. ...
Ontario announces 1,300 new EV charging ports across smaller communities
The Ontario government announced the installation of over 1,300 new electric vehicle charging ports in small and medium-sized communities across the province. This initiative is a part of Ontario's efforts to make EV charging more accessible outside of large urban areas and to support the growing EV and EV battery manufacturing sector. Ontario Minister of Energy and Electrification Stephen Lecce highlighted the project's aim to provide more charging options for over 201,000 EV owners, particu...
Ample secures $25 million in fresh investment from Mitsubishi Corp.
Ample, a leading provider of electric vehicle battery-swapping technology in the US, has secured $25 million in fresh funding from Mitsubishi Corp., Ample announced Nov. 19. The company said that the strategic collaboration goes beyond a financial investment, where Mitsubishi Corp. plans to support Ample's ongoing efforts to expand its battery-swapping business. As part of its plan, Mitsubishi Corp. aims to collaborate closely with Ample, leveraging its expertise in mobility, renewable energy...
BMW commences operations at Wackersdorf battery-testing center
BMW has commenced initial operations at its all-new battery-testing center at Wackersdorf, Germany, the company announced Nov. 19. The facility, which was first announced by the carmaker in 2023, is still under construction and is scheduled for completion in late 2025. The site spans over 8,000 square meters and is developed to rigorously test individual battery cells, complete high-voltage batteries and other electric powertrain components for future BMW Group models early in developmen...
Asahi Kasei and Honda begin construction of new EV battery separator plant in Canada
In a significant move toward enhancing the North American electric vehicle market, Asahi Kasei Battery Separator Corp., in collaboration with Honda, initiated the construction of a new lithium-ion (Li-ion) battery separator manufacturing facility in Port Colborne, Ontario. The new plant is slated to start commercial production in 2027, pending necessary permits and approvals. The facility is set to generate over 300 full-time jobs in its initial phase and aims to produce about 700 million squ...
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