Superlight has raised an oversubscribed US$21m series A round, co-led by Engine Ventures and 2150, that brings the company’s total capital raised to US$33m. Superlight plans to use the proceeds to complete its UK manufacturing facility, support initial sales in the UK and EU, and develop homologated vehicles for customer testing and entry into the US market.

Demand for middle-mile logistics, the movement of goods between regional distribution centers and local sorting facilities, is growing rapidly with the global market projected to reach US$137.97bn by 2026. Rising consumer expectations for overnight delivery are pushing distribution networks closer to urban areas, increasing the need for efficient freight transportation. As a result, maximizing cargo capacity, cost efficiency and delivery performance has become increasingly important.

Despite this growth, innovation in the middle-mile segment has lagged behind other areas of commercial transportation – and Superlight is addressing this by developing an electric commercial vehicle specifically designed for middle-mile logistics. Its OV-1 vehicle features a modular, customizable platform built on a clean-sheet architecture, with a fully digital powertrain and aerospace-inspired engineering principles.

According to the company, the vehicle delivers 50% more cargo capacity while using 50% less energy than comparable 7.5-metric ton trucks. Superlight also states that the OV-1 can reduce energy costs per pallet-kilometer by 73% and requires only one-tenth of the capital investment typically associated with conventional truck manufacturing.

“By harnessing the inherent advantages of electric propulsion and software-centric manufacturing, we’re flipping the economics of commercial EVs, unlocking massive cost savings that also happen to provide significant environmental benefits,” said Noamaan Siddiqi, co-founder and CEO of Superlight.

“Our purpose-built EV platform enables transformative performance and safety advantages that can’t be duplicated by retrofitting electric into legacy trucks. And unlike many manufacturers, Superlight owns the entire chain of designing, building and delivering its EVs, which allows us to provide unique vehicle features to continually optimize for innovation and efficiency.”

Superlight has accumilated 500,000km of powertrain mileage, including with commercial pilots of OV-1 in the UK by major e-commerce and ground handling providers.

Superlight’s production system is designed to be digital-first and AI-native, built around two core capabilities. The first, SuperVisor, is a digital twin of the company’s factory that uses real-time production data to monitor shop-floor operations, support continuous improvement, and identify potential quality issues before they occur.

The second, Autonomous Logistics & Integrated Service, is a predictive maintenance and fleet management platform that uses data from sensors installed on OV-1 vehicles to optimize vehicle performance, improve maintenance planning and support more efficient driver operations.

“Superlight is on a mission to modernize commercial trucks, a crucial component of modern society that has experienced surprisingly little innovation in nearly a century,” said Israel Ruiz, president and general partner at Engine Ventures.

“By replacing legacy manufacturing and driving mechanics with a new architecture, the company has an opportunity to deliver massive performance, safety, efficiency and cost improvements to brands, fleet owners and transportation companies, while at the same time wiping out particulate matter emissions.”

In related news, Honda Super-N compact EV delivers 70kW in boost mode and 199-mile “city range”

The debut of the new Grecale, GranTurismo and GranCabrio is the result of a strategic update aimed at strengthening the Maerati’s position in the luxury segment, where design, elegance, performance, craftsmanship and a human-centric approach to technology all contribute to the same idea, the auto maker said.

Santo Ficili, Alfa Romeo CEO and Maserati COO, explained, “For over 112 years, we have interpreted contemporary luxury in a distinctive way and aim to grow further in this segment, expanding our product offering and investing in the technologies that best express its character: from the development of iconic powertrains such as the V6 Nettuno to the evolution of the performance of the Folgore range, with a technological strategy aligned with the expectations of our customers.”

The GranTurismo and GranCabrio

The latest GranTurismo coupe and GranCabrio convertible feature a new calibration of the engine and transmission, making the car more responsive and rewarding, while the acoustic character has been refined with an iconic and engaging exhaust sound.

Described as “heirs to the captivating Maserati GranTurismo of the past”, which was launched in 2007 and renewed in 2022 and 2023 respectively, the GranTurismo and GranCabrio are now presented with refinements spanning design and driving dynamics.

Both models are available in three versions. Two ICE options are the entry-level 483hp version, which interprets “the luxury of travel” and the 582hp Trofeo, which is said to heighten sporting character.

The GranTurismo and GranCabrio Trofeo represent the most powerful expression of the range. At their heart is the V6 Nettuno, with motorsport-derived pre-chamber combustion technology, now raised to 582hp (40hp more than the previous generation). Both models feature a 3.0-liter twin-turbo engine that shares with the MCPURA the patented Formula 1-derived MTC technology, with cylinder deactivation for efficiency and a front differential aligned with the engine to lower the center of gravity.

The combustion-engine models offer three drive modes: GT, Sport and Country on the 482hp version, with Corsa mode reserved for the Trofeo. Country mode, also available on the EV Folgore, raises the ride height by 20mm. Sport mode enhances exhaust sound and suspension response, and is also available on the Trofeo.

The Folgore, with 751hp and torque vectoring, brings the family into the electric era. The BEV’s 800V system uses three motors, one at the front and two decoupled motors at the rear, for more than 1,200 hp installed and 760 hp continuously delivered to the wheels. The two rear motors enable surgically precise torque vectoring, while the 92.5kWh battery adopts a T-bone geometry that keeps the height at just 1,353mm, the lowest among electric cars. AWD Disconnect is standard, transferring drive to the rear axle in 500 milliseconds through the physical disengagement of the front half-shafts. A new energy management algorithm brings the GranTurismo Folgore range to more than 540km.

The Grecale

Maserati’s luxury D-SUV, the Grecale, combines spaciousness, sporty performance and everyday practicality. Its cabin features premium materials and high levels of comfort, while selectable drive modes adapt the driving experience to different conditions and preferences. At the top of the range, a V6 twin-turbo engine delivers class-leading specific output, which is also complemented by a distinctive exhaust note and Formula 1-inspired technology.

Related news, Honda Super-N compact EV delivers 70kW in boost mode and 199-mile “city range”

Ferrari has unveiled the all-electric Luce at the Vela di Calatrava – Città dello Sport in Rome in Italy.

Expanding Ferrari’s in-house electric technology expertise has created new opportunities for performance and efficiency across its wider vehicle programs, the auto maker said. This includes technology transfer between Ferrari road cars, the 499P Hypercar that won the most recent World Endurance Championship, and the Ferrari Hypersail project, which serves as a platform for research and innovation. The Ferrari Luce marks the culmination of Maranello’s multi-energy strategy, announced at the 2022 Capital Markets Day.

John Elkann, president of Ferrari, said, “We are not simply unveiling a new car, we are inaugurating a chapter that turns our vision into reality, strengthening Ferrari’s tradition of anticipating and shaping the future.”

In keeping with tradition, Ferrari has chosen to engineer, develop and manufacture the main components in-house. The project includes more than 60 new patents.

The Ferrari Luce was designed in collaboration with LoveFrom, the design collective led by Sir Jony Ive and Marc Newson, bringing an external perspective to Ferrari’s established design approach under Flavio Manzoni. The electric power source, Ferrari-engineered engines and advanced drivetrain enabled the development of a new architecture that combines Ferrari performance with the luxury of spaciousness.

Technologies derived from Ferrari’s unrivalled experience in the world of motor racing made it possible to contain kerb weight at 2,260kg, helping deliver best‑in‑class performance (0–100 km/h in 2.5 seconds, 0–200 km/h in 6.8 seconds, top speed over 310 km/h and maximum total power output of 1,050hp) and a range in excess of 530km.

The car introduces electric all-wheel drive technology, combining torque vectoring, regenerative braking and adjustable power delivery systems. Steering wheel-mounted paddles enable drivers to modify torque output and energy recovery, while Ferrari says the system has been developed to provide a more progressive acceleration response than typical high-torque electric powertrains.

The car is powered by four electric engines, one per wheel, and is equipped with a high‑capacity 122kWh battery, an active suspension system derived from the F80 and an independently steering rear axle. Within this framework of technological innovation, two concepts best encapsulate Ferrari Luce’s ambitious entry into the world of high‑performance electric sports cars: the control of each wheel’s motion in every direction and in any dynamic condition, and the authentic approach to sound.

Each wheel is equipped with one actuator for traction and regeneration, one for the steering angle and one to control vertical movement. The ability to adapt torque distribution in real time to road conditions and desired performance provides exceptional freedom and precision of control. Each of the Ferrari Luce’s wheels is attuned to the driver’s input, enabling the driver to experience a single, fluid movement. Torque vectoring and the elastic balance of the suspension system also assist in changing direction, enhancing the car’s agility and ease of driving.

The Ferrari Luce’s vehicle dynamics have been developed around the characteristics of its electric platform, including a lower center of gravity and revised weight distribution. The vehicle uses an e-Manettino system to adjust power delivery and traction settings, alongside Ferrari’s five-position Manettino drive mode selector, which adapts vehicle responses to different grip conditions.

The model also introduces Ferrari’s new vehicle control unit, which integrates management of the powertrain and vehicle dynamics systems. According to Ferrari, the system processes updates at up to 200 times per second and works in conjunction with the latest version of the company’s Side Slip X control system.

The powertrain comprises four F80-derived permanent magnet synchronous engines with radial flux, delivering a maximum speed of 30,000rpm at the front and 25,500rpm at the rear. The system operates on 800V architecture and combines performance with efficiency, with solutions directly derived from motorsport. The high-voltage battery pack was designed, validated and built in Maranello and comprises 210 cells in series that deliver 122kWh and support fast charging up to 350kW; it has been designed as a structural element of the car. Power electronics feature compact inverters and a DC/DC resonant converter for the active suspension to achieve record-breaking efficiency of more than 98%.

The Ferrari Luce uses an integrated battery, chassis, and body structure designed to improve rigidity, efficiency, and interior packaging. The aluminum-based architecture places the battery beneath the floor and rear seats, removing the need for a central transmission tunnel and increasing cabin space. Ferrari said the structure delivers increased bending and torsional rigidity compared with its previous four-door models.

The vehicle also features double wishbone suspension, rear-wheel steering, carbon ceramic brakes, and a rear subframe mounted to improve ride comfort and handling balance.

The extensive use of recycled secondary-alloy aluminum enables a reduction in CO₂e emissions during production of around 70% of the overall vehicle weight.

Benedetto Vigna, CEO of Ferrari, said, “We are convinced that a company demonstrates its leadership when it has the courage to dare and to take on the challenge of new technologies. Ferrari Luce was born precisely from this challenge, offering our unprecedented vision of electrification.”

Related news, BYD enters UK eLCV market with Dolphin Cargo e-Van

Ahead of the Monaco E‑Prix on May 16 and 17, 2026, Jaguar’s Type 01 prototype, an electric four-door GT, lapped the circuit, signaling the car maker’s move to an electric era.

Type 01 development has been directly inspired by technology used by the company’s Formula E team – Jaguar TCS Racing – integrating technology proven on track by the World Championship-winning all‑electric team.

The prototype’s responses have been fine‑tuned using lessons learned from Jaguar TCS Racing’s all‑wheel-drive control software and fast‑switching silicon-carbide‑powered inverters.

Regenerative braking, range and fast‑charging capability have also reportedly been enhanced using technology developed on track.

“To achieve our vision for Type 01, we not only harnessed our Formula E know‑how but also embedded the competition mindset of Jaguar TCS Racing in our engineering teams. This helped us develop innovative solutions for our luxury four‑door GT that drives like no other electric car,” said Jaguar managing director Rawdon Glover.

The Type name has been associated with Jaguar since the Le Mans-winning C-Type in 1951. It represents a combination of performance and driver engagement alongside refinement, as seen in models such as the E-Type and F-Type. In Jaguar Type 01, the 0 represents electric propulsion and zero tailpipe emissions, while the 1 signifies its position as the first Jaguar of a new era. The vehicle was designed, developed and built in the UK.

Jaguar’s four‑door GT will be revealed later this year.

In related news, FIA and Formula E debut Gen4 car with major gains in performance, speed and sustainability

As vehicle development becomes increasingly integrated across propulsion, software, testing and design, a new industry event focused on chassis and powertrain engineering will launch this October as part of Vehicle Tech Week North America 2026.

The Advanced Chassis & Powertrain Showcase will debut alongside three established exhibitions within a newly unified event framework designed to reflect how modern vehicles are engineered today.

Taking place October 27-29, 2026, at the Vibe Credit Union Showplace in Novi, Michigan, Vehicle Tech Week North America will bring together four co-located exhibitions covering the full vehicle development lifecycle:

• Intelligent Vehicle Expo (previously known as Autonomous Vehicle Tech Expo)
• Advanced Chassis & Powertrain Showcase (new launch)
• Automotive Design & In-Cabin Expo (previously known as Automotive Interiors Expo)
• Automotive Testing Expo (the world’s largest and most established event for automotive testing, validation and quality engineering)

The event is expected to attract thousands of OEM engineers, Tier 1 suppliers and technology leaders, creating a single destination for cross-functional collaboration and technical insight.

About Vehicle Tech Week North America 2026

Vehicle Tech Week North America is a new multi-event platform designed to reflect the full complexity of modern vehicle development. By bringing together four co-located exhibitions in one unified framework, the event connects the technologies, teams and disciplines shaping the future of mobility.

From propulsion systems and software-defined vehicles to testing, validation and in-cabin experience, the event provides a comprehensive view of the vehicle ecosystem. Hosted in Novi, Michigan, a region with deep roots in automotive engineering, the event is positioned as a central meeting point for innovation across North America.

A new platform for chassis and powertrain innovation

The Advanced Chassis & Powertrain Showcase has been developed in response to the growing complexity of propulsion and platform engineering. OEMs are now managing internal combustion, hybrid and battery-electric programs in parallel, often across shared vehicle architectures, introducing new challenges around efficiency, cost, thermal management and vehicle dynamics.

Rather than focusing on individual components, the showcase will highlight system-level approaches to vehicle performance and integration. Key technology areas include:

• Battery systems and energy storage
• Electric drivetrains and e‑axles
• Power electronics
• Thermal management
• Braking and suspension systems
• Vehicle dynamics and control
• Simulation and validation technologies

“Chassis and powertrain technologies are at the center of some of the industry’s most complex engineering decisions,” said Peter Massey, commercial director at Vehicle Tech Week organizer UKi Media & Events. “This new showcase creates a dedicated platform for engineers and suppliers to explore how those challenges are being solved at a system level, and how those solutions translate into real-world performance.”

Repositioned, market‑leading events in a single framework

Alongside the launch of the new chassis and powertrain showcase, two established events have evolved to reflect their expanding roles within the vehicle ecosystem.

Intelligent Vehicle Expo highlights the growing impact of software, AI and connected systems across all areas of the vehicle, while Automotive Design & In-Cabin Expo reflects the increasing importance of interior architecture, HMI and user experience.

Together with Automotive Testing Expo, the industry’s leading event for validation, testing and quality engineering, Vehicle Tech Week North America creates a unified environment where traditionally separate disciplines converge.

“Vehicle Tech Week North America reflects how vehicles are engineered today,” added Massey. “It brings together advanced technologies, specialist expertise and real-world application into one connected experience, accelerating collaboration across the entire vehicle development process.”

For more information, and to exhibit or register, visit: https://www.vehicletechweek-northamerica.com/.

For speaker enquiries, please contact Marc LeDuc, senior conference content producer NA, UKi Media & Events (marc.leduc@ukimediaevents.com).

The Gen4 Formula E car has run its debut in front of a select audience at Circuit Paul Ricard, signaling the beginning of a new era for electric motorsport.

Brought by Formula E and the Fédération Internationale de l’Automobile (FIA), the all-new next-generation machine will act as the foundation that will be further developed and then raced by the teams and manufacturers in the 2026/27 season of the ABB FIA Formula E World Championship.

Capable of reaching speeds in excess of 335kph, 0-100kph in approximately 1.8 seconds and 0-200kph in just 4.4 seconds – 1.5 seconds faster than its predecessor – GEN4 will deliver 50% more power in race mode than the current Gen3 Evo race car.

Formula E predicts the Gen4 car will be an average of 10 seconds faster per lap than the Gen3 in qualifying mode. In Attack Mode, Gen4 produces up to 600kW of power, a 71% increase in base output over the Gen3 Evo, delivering performance that pushes the limits of electric racing. Gen4 is the only single-seater race car with permanent all-wheel drive.

The on-track demonstration highlighted Gen4’s performance in real conditions, with overtaking laps against Gen1, Gen2 and Gen3 models showing a clear step forward in capability. Set to debut in the 2026/27 season, Gen4 is expected to deliver lap times at least five seconds faster on street circuits than the Gen3 Evo.

In addition to outright performance, sustainability remains a central pillar of innovation for Gen4, which will be the world’s first racing car that is 100% recyclable, with at least 20% recycled materials across key components. Its tires are made from 65% natural and recycled materials, including 30% certified natural rubber, and the battery contains no rare earth minerals. At a broader level, Formula E remains the first global sport certified to the BSI Net Zero Pathway Standard and the first motorsport series in the world to achieve B Corp Certification.

Jeff Dodds, CEO, Formula E, said, “Gen4 isn’t just a car, it’s a statement of intent. Seeing what it can do on track for the first time is a real milestone for Formula E – we are now delivering performance levels that were thought impossible for electric vehicles just five years ago. The step up in performance is immediately clear, from the speed and power to the way it delivers on track, and there was a genuine buzz among everyone who witnessed it. This is a hugely exciting moment for the championship as we head into the upcoming 2026/27 season, and a clear signal of where we are headed.”

Dodds continued, “This is just the beginning, as its refinement is now in the hands of our manufacturers – Porsche, Jaguar, Stellantis, Nissan, Lola Cars and Mahindra – to push development to even higher limits of performance ahead of its racing debut later this year. Gen4 isn’t just an evolution, it’s a step change in innovation and performance that will redefine motorsport for years to come.”

Mohammed Ben Sulayem, president, FIA added, “The new Gen4 Formula E car marks a significant step forward for electric racing, setting a new global benchmark for performance, innovation and sustainability.”

He continued, “collaboration has been central to the development of this car, and it will continue to be at the heart of a new era for the championship defined by greater performance, road relevance and excitement. We are redefining what is possible alongside some of the world’s biggest automotive manufacturers using the laboratory of motorsport.”

Gen4 will also introduce enhanced safety features, including a wider cockpit for increased hand clearance and power steering to help mitigate steering loads during impacts, while intensifying the driver challenge at the highest level of motorsport. It has also been designed with improved adjustability in the driving position, helping to level the playing field and re-engineering the sport for inclusivity at the top level.

Related news, Project Cavendish: Mahle hydrogen-fueled 13-liter engine matches diesel performance

In line with its sustainability strategy, the BMW Group is applying product sustainability innovations in its latest BMW 7 Series. These include new battery cell technology and an increased share of secondary materials in other body parts, such as the wheel rims. These measures build on established sustainability approaches across the group’s model range.

The Gen6 battery cells for the BMW i7’s high-voltage battery are manufactured exclusively using energy from renewable sources. The same applies to the production of the anode and cathode active material. Cell production also relies in part on secondary raw materials for the lithium, cobalt and nickel required. This reduces the overall supply chain CO₂e footprint of the Gen6 battery cell in the BMW i7 60 xDrive by approximately 33% compared with the Gen5 cell that has thus far been used in the BMW i7.

In related news, ETA-Model 20 integrated electric powertrain system launched by ETA Green Power

With the European electric vehicle market continuing to grow, Nissan has unveiled the all-electric Juke at its Vision event at the company’s global HQ in Japan. The third-generation Juke is part of an expanded EV line-up in Europe and marks a major step forward in the auto maker’s electrification strategy on the continent.

Since its original launch in 2010, Juke has captured the imagination of 1.5 million customers across Europe and this new EV Juke carries “personality and emotion” into the electric vehicle era, the auto maker said, in a reimagination of one of Europe’s most distinctive compact crossovers that forms part of Nissan’s broader strategy to offer an electrified powertrain for every type of customer today.

The path toward full electrification 

The Juke EV will join the third-generation Leaf in offering vehicle-to-grid technology, supporting the integration of EVs into the wider energy ecosystem.

“Europe is central to Nissan’s electrification strategy, and we remain firmly committed to a fully electric future,” said Massimiliano Messina, chairman, Nissan AMIEO. “With a rapidly expanding EV line-up, we are bringing greater choice and innovation to every segment, powered by our strong design, engineering and manufacturing footprint in the region. Together, this next generation of vehicles will accelerate our transition to zero-emission mobility.”

The EV Juke will be built at Nissan’s Sunderland plant in the UK. “Juke has always stood for bold design and a willingness to challenge convention. With this third generation, we are bringing that spirit into the electric age,” said Clíodhna Lyons, region vice president, product, brand and marketing strategy, Nissan AMIEO. “As our first fully electric Juke, it will help us reach new customers while expanding choice across our electrified range.”

The third-gen Juke will be launched in spring 2027.

Related news, Volvo begins on-road testing of hydrogen ICE heavy trucks

MG has launched the SolidCore Battery, a semi-solid-state system designed to improve electric vehicle (EV) range, charging speed, performance and cold-weather reliability.

The battery features solid-state electrolytes within each cell, forming a protective barrier that extends lifespan and ensures compliance with future regulatory standards. According to MG, this architecture performs well in low temperatures, enabling immediate vehicle start-up without preheating and delivering improved acceleration compared with conventional EVs. The SolidCore Battery is expected to appear in MG electric vehicles in Europe by the end of 2026.

Alongside the new battery, MG has also introduced its Hybrid+ technology, which combines advanced software and hardware to optimize fuel consumption, provide faster power delivery and improve integration between mechanical and electric systems. The technology includes a larger 1.83 kWh battery to extend electric-only range, an innovative three-speed hybrid transmission and an eight-mode Logic Engine to enhance power management.

MG said Hybrid+ also improves cabin refinement through noise and vibration suppression while maintaining high thermal efficiency and responsive, smooth power delivery. A fully integrated Hybrid Control Unit with real-time terrain detection enables the system to adapt propulsion strategies to changing conditions. In 2025, MG sold 137,000 hybrid vehicles across Europe, with the MG HS ranking among the top 10 best-selling hybrid models in most countries.

Commenting on the latest technology advances, MG Europe and the UK’s vice present, Kimi Li said, “MG’s new SolidCore Battery and Hybrid+ technology provide tangible benefits for our customers and position our vehicles at the forefront of their class. These advancements reinforce MG’s commitment to making cutting-edge technology and electric mobility more intuitive, accessible and widely available. Our strategy of developing MG vehicles in Europe, for Europe further enhances the desirability, versatility and value that our cars deliver to customers across the European market.”

The announcements coincide with the opening of MG’s European Engineering Centre in Frankfurt, Germany, which will serve as a hub for developing vehicles tailored to local climate conditions, road environments and customer preferences.

Related news, Flexible, modular hybrid drive targets global EV applications

Nissan Formula E Team has renewed its sponsorship agreement with long-standing partner Alpine Tech for the remainder of Season 12 of the ABB FIA Formula E World Championship. The agreement includes branding on the Japanese outfit’s race cars and drivers’ overalls.

Nissan Formula E Team says its partnership with Alpine Tech has been a key factor in the squad’s journey across the GEN3 era. The French manufacturer has helped with the development of the Nissan e‑4ORCE 05 Formula E powertrain, leading to the Nissan Formula E Team winning six races and the Season 11 Drivers’ World Championship with Oliver Rowland. The two companies have also collaborated closely on the development of young racers, with several of Nissan Formula E Team’s rookie drivers having a pre-existing relationship with Alpine.

To celebrate this long-lasting collaboration, the Alpine Tech logo will appear on the inside of the rear wing end plates on the #1 and #23 Nissan e‑4ORCE 05 cars from this weekend’s Madrid E-Prix. The brand’s logo will also feature on the drivers’ race suits.

Tommaso Volpe, managing director and team principal at Nissan Formula E Team, commented, “We’re very happy to showcase the Alpine Tech brand for the remainder of the GEN3 season, as our partnership and collaboration have been key to our success in this era of Formula E. We’re excited to continue working with Alpine Tech. Our relationship is a broad one with several different touchpoints, making their support very valuable.”

Axel Plasse, VP at Alpine Tech, added, “At Alpine Tech, we continue to build on the expertise developed through many years at the highest level of motorsport, including Formula 1 and endurance racing. Together with Nissan Formula E Team, we have exceptional engineering ability. Applying our know-how to new projects through consultancy and technology services is a key priority for us. This partnership with Nissan Formula E Team is a perfect example of optimization of talent and expertise. It showcases how two highly competitive organizations like Alpine Tech and Nissan Formula E Team can combine their efforts to push the boundaries of efficiency and power density, developing the highest-performing electric powertrains in the world.”

In related news, Porsche expands Cayenne electric range with S variant