Nissan has announced a multi-year agreement to supply its Formula E GEN4 powertrain to Andretti Formula E from Season 13 of the ABB FIA Formula E World Championship onward.

Formula E is a key pillar of Nissan’s global electrification strategy, making success in the championship an important part of the company’s long-term ambitions. As one of Formula E’s longest-standing competitors, Andretti Formula E has consistently competed at the front of the field, securing the 2023 FIA Formula E Drivers’ World Championship with Jake Dennis.

Beyond supplying powertrains, Nissan and Andretti Formula E will work closely throughout the GEN4 era, combining technical expertise, engineering knowledge and sporting experience. With four Nissan-powered cars competing in the series, the organizations say the collaboration will create valuable opportunities for technical exchange and continuous development, helping them both maximize performance in one of world motorsport’s most competitive championships.

Guillaume Cartier, chief performance officer at Nissan Motor, said, “Formula E continues to play an important role within Nissan’s global electrification strategy. Our collaboration with Andretti Formula E and TWG Motorsports supports our goals in the sport and strengthens our commitment to the championship. We look forward to leveraging each other’s expertise to achieve success on and off the track, demonstrating our leadership in our respective industries and generating excitement to audiences around the world.”

The collaboration also benefits from the expertise of two FIA Formula E Drivers’ World Champions. Reigning title holder Oliver Rowland and Andretti Formula E’s Jake Dennis will both contribute their experience and technical feedback as the partnership develops through the GEN4 era.

Roger Griffiths, team principal at Andretti Formula E, added, “With a motorsports legacy lasting over 80 years and multiple wins and championships across a diverse range of categories including the current Formula E World Drivers’ Championship, Nissan has more than proven its pedigree at the highest echelons of the sport. As an early pioneer of electric vehicles, Nissan has developed vast knowledge in this category and, through its time in Formula E, has shown how immensely competitive it can be. It’s these characteristics that align so well with the approach of Andretti Formula E and why we are extremely proud to be aligned with the Japanese manufacturer entering the highly anticipated GEN4 era in Formula E.

Tommaso Volpe, managing director and team principal of the Nissan Formula E Team, concluded, “We’re delighted to welcome Andretti Formula E as our customer team for the GEN4 era. Formula E is an increasingly competitive championship, and having a strong partner is an important part of maximizing both performance and technical development. Andretti is one of the most successful names in motorsport, including Formula E, where it has established itself as one of the leading teams in the sport, consistently competing at the front and securing a Drivers’ World Championship. We look forward to working closely together and building a strong partnership.”

In related news, InfiMotion makes global debut as independent e-drive supplier

Intelligent e-drive systems manufacturer InfiMotion Technology hosted a technology showcase in Wuxi, China, on July 16, marking its first public appearance as an independent supplier to the global automotive industry. The company highlighted its capabilities across research and development, validation testing and precision manufacturing for new-energy vehicle (NEV) drivetrain systems.

Joe Lin, CEO of InfiMotion Technology, said, “We have spent years perfecting our e‑drive technology for leading global auto makers, and we are now ready to stand on our own as a trusted partner for the wider market.”

Engineering without borders 

InfiMotion’s R&D network spans Wuxi, Shanghai, Ningbo, Hangzhou and Gothenburg, comprising more than 1,000 engineers, including a team of over 100 in Sweden. According to the company, its development and validation activities cover a range of operating conditions, including high-speed testing on European highways, cold-weather testing in the Nordic region and high-temperature testing in Southeast Asia to support global vehicle applications.

Extreme testing 

InfiMotion adheres to ASPICE Level 3 processes and ASIL-D (ISO 26262) certification. Its validation system includes temperature cycling from -60°C to 140°C, 1,500-hour salt-spray tests and 2,500-hour comprehensive endurance runs – with over 9,000 individual test items required for one European premium brand. The company’s CNAS-accredited testing center houses the world’s first 30,000rpm motor test bench.

Manufacturing 

The company operates five smart manufacturing bases across China (Wuxi, Hangzhou, Ningbo, Quzhou, and Jiaxing), with motor line automation reaching 95%. SMT accuracy is held to ±25μm, measurement instruments resolve down to 0.1μm, and an AI-driven visual inspection system detects defects as small as 20μm.

From Wuxi to the world 

InfiMotion produces e-drive systems from 400V to 900V, across a range of vehicle segments, from compact passenger cars to high-performance vehicles. The company operates across China, Europe and Malaysia with vertically integrated capabilities spanning key components through to complete systems. According to InfiMotion, it ranked among China’s top three suppliers by motor and inverter shipments in the first half of 2026, with its production systems supplying manufacturers including Geely, Volvo and JLR.

Recent news, Molicel unveils high-power PX battery cell for next-generation hybrids

The smart #2 will have its world premiere at the Paris Motor Show this October and is currently undergoing global testing in preparation. Test vehicles are wearing a black-and-white camouflage livery styled by the Mercedes-Benz Global Design Team.

At dedicated proving grounds, the vehicle’s agility was tested against a wide range of real-world urban challenges, including unexpected obstacles, emergency lane changes and low-grip wet road conditions. According to the auto maker, continuous refinement of the chassis hard points, steering ratio and rack travel and suspension movement control ensures the vehicle remains composed, responsive and agile in everyday city driving.

Extensive noise, vibration, harshness (NVH) validation has been conducted across multiple demanding environments, including the wind tunnel, acoustic chamber, temperature-controlled four-post rig, proving grounds and public roads. The testing activities encompassed wind noise, road noise, powertrain NVH, thermal NVH, squeak and rattle, and sound quality optimization.

By testing various tire compounds on rough asphalt, grooved concrete and high-speed straights, engineers sought an optimal balance between low rolling resistance for maximum range and exceptional noise reduction. To achieve long-term reliability, the vehicle has been subjected to demanding durability testing over bumpy roads, continuous undulations and potholed urban streets. Targeted impact tests simulated common city-driving scenarios, such as mounting curbs and striking deep potholes.

By refining chassis rigidity and structural stress points, the company says it has ensured that the smart #2 will serve as a highly reliable on-road companion. Complementing this structural resilience, the next generation of the renowned Tridion Safety cell – a structural design first used on the original smart fortwo – combines compact exterior dimensions with a robust structure that meets modern safety requirements, providing high protection, stability, and driver confidence.

In related news, Volkswagen launches ID Cross compact electric SUV built on MEB+ platform

Molicel has launched the INR-21700-P70X cell, part of its PX series, to “bridge the gap” between lithium-ion batteries and supercapacitors, the company said. The cell has a stated capacity of 7,000mAh, energy density of 340Wh/kg and continuous discharge rate of up to 30C.

Molicel’s cells have previously been used in performance-focused projects such as the McMurtry Spéirling electric hypercar.

The cell was launched at the Advanced Automotive Battery Conference (AABC) Europe 2026 and comes as BEV growth slows and auto makers increasingly shift investment toward hybrid models. In its 2026 outlook, the International Energy Agency (IEA) highlights this shift, noting that manufacturers are actively prioritizing hybrids. In response, a surge in hybrid demand is redefining key regions: in the USA, hybrids neared 20% of new vehicle sales volume by late 2025 according to CNBC, while in Europe, they captured a 24% market share based on International Council on Clean Transportation (ICCT) data.

Concurrently, the Asia-Pacific region asserted its market dominance, capturing 51.67% of the global hybrid vehicle market value across all segments, including mild, full and plug-in hybrids. The multi-regional momentum is propelling the global hybrid vehicle market from US$335.21bn in 2026 to a projected US$570.78bn by 2034.

This market shift is changing battery requirements for next-generation hybrid vehicles, which demand both high energy density and high power output. According to Molicel, the INR-21700-P70X has been designed to address these requirements, delivering a peak power output of 900W for up to five seconds to support rapid acceleration, such as during overtaking, while also enabling high-power energy recovery under heavy regenerative braking.

The company also states that the cell can transition to high-power output in under 200µs, providing a response comparable to a supercapacitor and supporting repeated high-frequency power pulses with minimal performance degradation.

“The global automotive landscape is undergoing a profound diversification, where the demand for immediate, high-frequency burst power has become paramount,” said Casey Shiue, president of Molicel. “Our next-generation PX series isn’t just an evolutionary upgrade; by blending supercapacitor-like responsiveness with the high energy density of lithium-ion, we are redefining what hybrid powertrains can achieve in terms of raw power, safety and lifespan.”

The INR-21700-P70X has passed the UL9540A thermal runaway evaluation, a widely used safety test for energy storage systems. The company attributes the cell’s performance to its single-crystal cathode technology, which it says reduces exothermic heat generation by nearly 50% compared with conventional polycrystalline materials.

Molicel also stated  that, during abuse testing, the cells emitted smoke rather than undergoing an immediate catastrophic rupture, helping to delay thermal propagation. The company said these characteristics are intended to enhance safety in applications ranging from data center battery backup units (BBUs) to next-generation hybrid electric vehicles (HEVs).

Furthermore, unlike BEVs that undergo deep daily cycles, hybrids subject batteries to hundreds of thousands of rapid, shallow fluctuations. In testing mimicking this environment under a supercapacitor profile, Molicel’s PX series retained 96% capacity after 1,000,000 cycles (+10C for 10s/-2C for 110s, cut-off temperature 83°C).

Recent news, Honda celebrates 30 years of transmission production in Ohio

Volkswagen has unveiled the ID Cross, an all-electric compact SUV built on the MEB+ platform, the latest iteration of the auto maker’s modular electric drive. The vehicle will be offered with three motor outputs (85kW/114hp, 99kW/133hp and 155kW/208hp) and two battery sizes (37kWh LFP and 52kWh NMC), with a WLTP range of up to 427km. DC fast charging from 10-80% takes roughly 23 minutes for the smaller batter and 24 minutes for the larger one. The car uses VW’s new Innovision infotainment system.

Thomas Schäfer, CEO of the Volkswagen brand, head of the Brand Group Core and member of the group board of management, said, “The ID Cross brings together technological expertise, clean design, impressive, intricate solutions and genuine all-rounder qualities – all for excellent value for money. These are ideal conditions for a new success story from Volkswagen.”

The ID Cross measures 4,153mm long, 1,581mm tall and 1,794mm wide, with a 2,601mm wheelbase. The MEB+ platform gives it more interior and cargo space than the combustion-engine T-Cross, offering 475 liters of trunk space, 20 liters more than the T-Cross, including additional storage under the variable boot floor. The car also has a 25-liter front storage compartment.

The ID Cross places the Digital Cockpit Pro, a 26cm/10.25in driver display, and the 32.8cm infotainment touchscreen along a single horizontal line. Pressing the view button on the steering wheel activates a retro display mode styled after the Golf Mk1, showing a classic-style speedometer and a right-hand gauge that displays energy output/consumption rather than engine RPM, styled as a powermeter. Modern functions like dynamic road sign display are integrated into this retro layout as well.

The vehicle includes driver-assist systems as standard, with next-generation Travel Assist available as an option. Because the optional system uses online data, VW has renamed it Connected Travel Assist. It’s able to detect red traffic lights and can automatically bring the car to a stop, within the system’s limits. The car also offers One Pedal Driving, which decelerates the vehicle using only the accelerator pedal. Smart parking aids that make maneuvering even easier are also available.

Particular attention was paid to ride comfort and driving stability when developing the ID Cross. The suspension specially tuned for the electric front-wheel drive combines precise and safe handling with high long-distance comfort, said VW, and the high-quality dampers, comfort-optimized suspension components and numerous measures to reduce noise and vibrations ensure a “pleasantly quiet driving experience”. In addition, there is direct steering response and a finely tuned brake system that impresses with a natural pedal feel.

The ID Cross is offered in Germany in three trim levels. The base Trend trim includes standard 90kW DC fast charging. The Life trim adds 18in alloy wheels, dual-zone automatic climate control, adaptive cruise control, a rear-view camera and a junction assistant. The top Style trim adds IQ.Light LED matrix headlamps with an illuminated light strip, 3D LED rear lights, illuminated VW logos, heated seats and steering wheel, personalized interior trim and keyless start/locking.

The ID Cross offers optional features not available on the T-Cross or, Volkswagen said, on several competitors in the segment. These include a 425W Harman Kardon sound system with 10 speakers and a subwoofer, and a pneumatic massage function for the electrically adjustable 12-way front seats, with three selectable massage programs. A 74 x 90cm panoramic roof can also be integrated, which extends into the rear of the cabin, with an electric sunshade for dimming.

Related news, Toyota Gazoo Racing to enter hydrogen fuel cell Hilux in 2027 Dakar Rally

Building on more than a century of innovation, MG has unveiled its latest technology roadmap, outlining how the brand will continue to bring advanced electrification and intelligent driving technologies to a wider audience.

Focusing on powertrain and ADAS development, the roadmap focuses on the next-generation MG Plug-in Hybrid+ technology and the introduction of MG SolidCore Battery technology for Plug-in Hybrid+ models.

New Plug-in Hybrid+ technology 

The Plug-in Hybrid+ system is built around a new generation of dedicated hybrid petrol engines, available in 1.1-liter and 1.5-liter turbocharged variants, achieving maximum thermal efficiencies of more than 42% and 43% respectively.

The engines work in conjunction with a new hybrid transmission incorporating two core technologies: power split and motor decoupling, designed to optimize fuel and electrical energy efficiency.

Power Split technology distributes power between the engine and electric motors, continuously adjusting energy flow according to driving conditions to enable the powertrain to operate efficiently without the constraints of a fixed-ratio transmission. Motor decoupling introduces a disconnect mechanism that isolates the generator during pure electric driving, reducing drag and improving electric drive efficiency.

The Plug-in Hybrid+ system automatically selects the the optimum operating mode across the full speed range, using electric drive at low speeds, power split operation at medium speeds and direct engine drive at higher speeds. This operating strategy is designed to maintain engine thermal efficiency above 40% across approximately 90% of driving conditions, while achieving up to 90% electric drive efficiency regardless of battery charge level.

The powertrain accelerates from 0-62mph in under six seconds, with 50-75mph acceleration taking as little as 3.5 seconds. Torque delivery has also been revised, with hill-start capability improved by up to 72% compared with the previous system.

By eliminating generator idling during pure electric driving, Motor Decoupling technology reduces noise, vibration and harshness by up to 5dB in EV mode compared with conventional plug-in hybrid systems.

Plug-in Hybrid+ models will also benefit from this new technology, beginning in 2027 with the launch of the MG ZS Plug-in Hybrid+.

SolidCore battery for Plug-in Hybrid+ models

MG has confirmed that its SolidCore Battery technology will be introduced across future Plug-in Hybrid+ models.

Built around a semi-solid-state architecture incorporating a 3D spinel structure, the SolidCore Battery delivers higher energy conversion efficiency and faster power response than conventional liquid-electrolyte batteries, MG said, adding that it is optimized for Plug-in Hybrid+ applications, offering more consistent power delivery, improved range stability and more stable performance across varying speeds, driving scenarios and climate conditions.

By maintaining stable battery output across a range of operating conditions, the SolidCore Battery technology supports more consistent vehicle performance regardless of speed, driving scenario or ambient temperature, contributing to the overall efficiency of the Plug-in Hybrid+ system, MG said.

The SolidCore Battery technology reduces the impact of low temperatures and depleted battery charge on vehicle performance, addressing some of the limitations commonly associated with plug-in hybrid vehicles.

The first MG Plug-in Hybrid+ models to feature SolidCore Battery technology will be three new SUVs in the B, C and D segment categories.

Related news, Nissan expands Leaf line-up with 52kWh battery model

Following the introduction of a 75kWh version earlier this year, Nissan has announced a new 52kWh battery option for its UK-built, all-electric Leaf.

The new battery option, available on Engage and Advance grades, offers a range of up to 280 miles on a single charge (WLTP) and one of the highest miles-per-kWh ratios of any EV currently on sale in the UK.

Aditya Moorthy, product marketing manager at Nissan Motor GB, said, “We are excited to introduce the new 52kWh battery option on the All-New Nissan Leaf, offering up to 280 miles of range (WLTP). Designed for everyday driving, it combines confident electric performance with the comfort, technology and practicality customers expect from Leaf.”

Related news, Renault 4 E-Tech Plein Sud E V completes 1,000-mile UK journey

A Renault 4 E-Tech electric Plein Sud has completed the Easee Sun Run, a 1,000-mile journey from Land’s End to John O’Groats powered only by solar energy. Timed around the summer solstice, the journey set out to follow the sun across the length of the UK.

A solar story across the UK

The charging stops on the route illustrated the breadth of solar adoption in the UK. Roskilly’s Ice Cream in Cornwall has solar panels that contribute to the business’s daily energy. Chard Junction, where the Renault 4 E-Tech electric charged for the first time since leaving Land’s End, is home to the UK’s oldest commercial solar farm. Further north in Derbyshire, Whaley Bridge Cricket Club uses solar power to operate entirely off-grid.

At Swansea University, Power Roll is developing rollable solar films that are lightweight, flexible and designed to bring photovoltaic technology to surfaces and spaces that traditional panels can’t reach. In Durham, researchers are working on ultra-efficient vehicles capable of running directly on energy from the sun, turning solar power from something stored into something immediate.

In Scotland, the route highlighted further applications of solar technology: a solar pyramid south of Edinburgh illustrates how the technology has evolved, while on the east coast, homes and businesses are using solar generation combined with battery storage to operate independently of the grid.

Brought together by one journey 

The Renault 4 E-Tech completed the journey in its open-top canvas roof configuration, its 52kWh battery and 150hp powertrain powered throughout by solar-sourced electricity. That energy came from a combination of established solar installations and portable solar-charged storage, delivered via a Charge Pro three-phase EV charger provided by Easee at key points along the route, enabling the full length of the UK to be driven without drawing electricity from the grid.

Project leader Jeremy Hart said, “You set out thinking this is about getting from one end of the country to the other, but it quickly becomes about everything in between. One stop is a solar farm doing exactly what you’d expect, the next is a cricket club running itself off grid, then you’re looking at research that could change how solar works altogether. Each stop adds something different, and by the time you reach the end, you realize the car has been picking up that same energy all along and quietly turning it into miles.”

Recent news, Integrals Power selected for €9m European LMFP battery project

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”