TomTom maps over 2 million EV charging points, boosting global electric mobility

MAN Truck & Bus's fully electric trucks have surpassed five million kilometres across Europe in demanding operational roles, demonstrating their viability and rapid adoption in sustainable commercial transport, with major companies and municipalities leading the charge.Since early 2025, MAN Truck & Bus's fully electric trucks have traveled over five million kilometres in demanding daily operations across Europe, really showing their increasing viability and acceptance in the world of commercial logistics. Big names in European logistics, like DB Schenker, Dachser, Duvenbeck, and Dräxlmaier, played a big part in reaching this milestone. These approximately 200 battery-electric trucks, which consume about 90 kWh per 100 km on average, have together helped save roughly 3,600 tonnes of CO₂, especially when compared to traditional diesel trucks that burn around 27 litres per 100 km. If you think about it, over the trucks’ typical lifespan — which is around 1.2 million kilometres — that could amount to roughly 172,000 tonnes of CO₂ saved. To put that into perspective, it’s about the same as what a mid-sized German city of around 32,000 people might produce each year. What’s quite remarkable is how versatile MAN's eTGX and eTGS electric models have proven to be, operating successfully in all sorts of sectors. These include automotive logistics, timber, food transportation, and municipal services. They’re built at MAN’s Munich plant, where they use a pretty innovative mixed production line—capable of rolling out up to 100 units every day. These trucks are designed not just for city driving but also for medium to long-distance haulage, construction jobs, and urban deliveries. Friedrich Baumann, who’s in charge of Sales and Customer Solutions at MAN Truck & Bus, mentions that hitting five million kilometres practically serves as "impressive proof of the practical suitability" of their electric trucks, really highlighting how adaptable they are in real-world settings. The first batch—about 200 pre-series electric trucks—rolled off the line in 2024. They were built for customers eager to move toward electric mobility. These trucks have been put to work in several countries—Germany, Austria, Belgium, the Netherlands, France, Poland, Portugal, Norway, Denmark—you get the idea. For instance, the Behrens Group, a major German timber wholesaler, has clocked over 50,000 kilometres using MAN eTGX trucks equipped with swap bodies for electric forklifts and partly powered by solar energy. Then there’s the Jacky Perrenot Group in France, which ordered over 100 units for food delivery, and Danone in Poland, using these trucks to cut back on supply chain emissions. Also, Royal Unibrew in Denmark and Nor Tekstil—the largest textile service provider in Norway—have incorporated MAN eTrucks into their fleets. It’s like a wave across Europe toward greener logistics. And it’s not just companies—the public sector is taking note too. An Austrian consortium, involving 12 cities and municipalities, has signed contracts for up to 45 MAN electric trucks, which signals a rising trend in municipal adoption. From a production side, MAN aims to exceed 1,000 electric truck orders by the end of 2025. That’s after they saw nearly 800 confirmed orders shortly after starting series production in June 2024. In fact, there was a huge jump—about 238% more electric vehicles sold in the first half of 2025 compared to the same period the previous year. Admittedly, they started from a pretty low base, but still, the growth is promising. These trucks are also quite capable on long hauls, with typical daily ranges between 400 and 600 kilometres, and some even reaching up to 800 km with strategic charging in between, as Dr Frederik Zohm, one of MAN’s R&D leaders, points out. A core part of the MAN approach is modular battery design and durability, which aims to make it easier for fleet operators to transition, especially since they often have heavy-duty schedules. From the feedback so far, it seems that electric trucks can handle the tough demands of various tasks, while also delivering environmental advantages and dependable operation. It’s pretty interesting, right? I find it surprising that electric trucks like these can really match up to traditional diesel ones in so many ways—while also helping reduce emissions significantly. The future of logistics, it seems, is heading toward cleaner, smarter technology, and MAN appears to be leading quite well in that shift. Source: Noah Wire Services

Chinese luxury auto brand Hongqi unveils its all-electric EHS5 SUV at IAA Mobility, signalling a major expansion into Europe's competitive EV landscape with localisation and safety innovations.Chinese luxury auto brand Hongqi, which is a part of the state-owned FAW Group, has just revealed its latest all-electric SUV, the EHS5, at the IAA Mobility event held in Munich. This move signals a clear strategic push to grow its presence in Europe's fiercely competitive EV market. The midsize SUV is designed to attract European families, offering a good balance between everyday usability and the ability to cover long-distance trips, all while cutting a pretty handy figure with strong safety features, roomy interiors, and advanced digital connectivity. Now, traditionally, Hongqi has been well known in China for making official state vehicles powered by combustion engines. But recently, they've made a pretty decisive shift towards electrification and expanding internationally. Since debuting in Europe in 2022 with their flagship E-HS9 electric SUV—initially in countries like Norway and the Netherlands, and later Germany—the brand has been broadening its range. At the Paris Motor Show in October 2024, Hongqi launched the EH7 luxury sedan and the EHS7 premium SUV, both of which have started getting to European customers later that same year. The new EHS5 is positioned as a smaller, more affordable option compared to the EHS7. Specific pricing isn’t out yet, but industry experts are guessing it'll come at a price lower than the £59,995 starting point of the EHS7. This SUV uses an 85 kWh lithium iron phosphate (LFP) battery, which they say should give a WLTP-certified range of roughly 550 km, and energy consumption around 16.2 kWh per 100 km. When it comes to charging, it supports rapid DC fast charging. Claims are that the battery can go from 10% to 80% in about 20 minutes, although the specifics about voltage and max charging power are still under wraps. Essentially, this setup seems to aim for a good mix of performance and practicality, making it suitable for city driving or suburban trips. Safety, naturally, is a big deal with the EHS5. The vehicle’s body is built with 78% ultra-high-strength steel to boost crash protection. It’s loaded with advanced driver-assistance systems like predictive emergency braking with multi-scenario detection, a 360-degree environment monitoring system, and front and rear cross-traffic alerts with brake intervention. These features clearly show Hongqi’s commitment to meeting the strict safety standards required in Europe. Inside, comfort is emphasised with what they call the "Queen’s Seats" up front—offering 18-way electric adjustments, plus heating, ventilation, and even massage functions. Passengers in the back can enjoy reclining seats for those long journeys. The cabin comes equipped with a 15.6-inch 2.5K central display, an augmented reality head-up display projecting over 65 inches, and a premium 14-speaker Dynaudio sound system. For connectivity, it supports Apple CarPlay, Android Auto, and popular streaming apps like Spotify and YouTube, paired with four-zone voice control. Practical features include Vehicle-to-Load (V2L) power export capability, wireless smartphone charging, and significant cargo space—1,611 litres in the rear boot and a 42-litre front trunk—making it quite versatile for different needs. Hongqi’s plans for Europe go beyond just launching cars. They aim to introduce 15 electric and hybrid models across 25 European markets by 2028—an aggressive growth strategy, no doubt. This includes expanding local sales and after-sales support, as well as partnering with European stakeholders to better cater to regional preferences and driving conditions. Their approach seems to align with a broader trend among Chinese automakers adopting a “for Europe, from Europe” philosophy—something we’ve seen in BYD’s factory in Hungary or Xpeng’s R&D hub in Munich. This local focus underscores a real commitment to the market. Of course, this expansion faces stiff competition, both from domestic rivals and European brands. Chinese automakers are fighting price wars at home and dealing with increasing regulatory hurdles—such as recent EU tariffs on Chinese EV imports. As a result, they’re actively seeking profitable growth abroad. Hongqi’s entry into various European markets, including Norway, the Netherlands, Poland, Switzerland, Denmark, Iceland, and Sweden, exemplifies this strategy. Plus, their market share in Europe is rising—almost doubling from 2.4% to 4.8% in just a year. Analysts believe that within the next decade, Chinese brands could even rival established Japanese and Korean automakers in the region. European carmakers aren’t standing still either. At the same Munich show, BMW showcased an updated iX3 SUV, Mercedes rolled out the new GLC EV, and Volkswagen revealed their more affordable ID.Polo EV—signaling a pretty intense "Europe vs. China" battle in the EV space. While the EHS5 sounds pretty promising for European buyers, its success will depend on more than just the vehicle itself. The company will need to navigate Europe's complex regulations, build out charging infrastructure, and manage how it’s perceived by consumers. Their focus on localised support and development, plus the investments they’ve made in tech and safety, position Hongqi as a noteworthy contender in this changing EV landscape. Sources: - [1] - [2] - [3] - [4] - [5] - [6] Source: Noah Wire Services

India’s automotive sector is ramping up initiatives to strengthen supply chains by developing domestic sources, forging international partnerships, and investing in alternative technologies amid global disruptions and China's dominance in rare earth exports.India’s automotive industry is actively seeking closer cooperation with the government to secure critical raw materials amid ongoing disruptions in global supply chains. During the annual convention of the Automotive Component Manufacturers Association of India (ACMA), industry leaders emphasized the strategic importance of materials such as rare earth magnets, semiconductors, and battery components, advocating for these to be prioritized as national concerns. ACMA President Shradha Suri Marwah pointed out that ensuring a steady supply of these vital inputs is crucial for maintaining India’s competitiveness and growth in automotive manufacturing. She warned that geopolitical tensions, changing trade agreements, export restrictions, and rising tariffs are reshaping supply channels, posing significant challenges to Indian auto component producers. Marwah called for stronger collaboration between the government and the industry to safeguard access to essential materials and technological advancements, asserting that India could rise as a globally competitive manufacturing hub if supply chains are effectively secured. Supporting this, Shailesh Chandra, President of the Society of Indian Automobile Manufacturers (SIAM), emphasized that supply chains should evolve beyond cost-efficiency to become resilient, diversified, and agile. He advocated for government-to-government dialogues and partnerships with resource-rich nations to create reliable sourcing networks and reduce vulnerability to external shocks. Industry leaders collectively highlighted that, with rapid technological advancements and shifting global alliances, India must act promptly to develop resilient supply chains and secure critical raw materials. Such measures are vital for protecting the country’s automotive sector and enhancing its position on the global stage. In response to China’s dominance in exporting rare earth elements—which significantly influences the global supply—India is accelerating efforts to develop alternative solutions. Notably, companies like Sterling Gtake E-Mobility and Advanced Electric Machines are testing magnet-free, high-density reluctance motors, with seven Indian automakers evaluating these designs for potential commercial use within a year. This initiative aims to reduce dependence on Chinese supplies and bolster India’s electric vehicle manufacturing capacity. Furthermore, India is actively exploring new sources of critical minerals. The Ministry of Mines has tasked state-owned IREL and private firm Midwest Advanced Materials with collecting and testing mineral samples from mines controlled by Myanmar’s Kachin Independence Army (KIA). This move underscores India’s efforts to diversify its supply sources amidst Chinese export restrictions, which have curtailed access to certain rare earth minerals. On the diplomatic and international collaboration front, India and the United States recently signed an MoU to strengthen cooperation on supply chains for critical minerals such as lithium and cobalt, which are essential for electric vehicles and clean energy. Both nations aim to enhance exploration, extraction, processing, recycling, and recovery of these resources and promote resilient, open supply chains involving third countries, particularly in Africa and South America. Additionally, Coal India is exploring critical mineral deposits, including lithium, in Argentina and discussing potential lithium extraction in Chile with officials. This aligns with India’s broader strategy to secure essential minerals, including lithium, nickel, and titanium, needed for green energy initiatives. These efforts are part of India’s participation in the U.S.-led Minerals Security Partnership, which seeks to ensure stable supplies of vital resources. At the corporate level, Indian automakers such as Mahindra & Mahindra and auto parts manufacturers like Uno Minda are exploring domestic production of rare earth magnets to reduce reliance on China, which supplies a significant portion of the global demand. The disruptions caused by Chinese export restrictions have prompted the Indian government to consider stockpiling and offering incentives for local manufacturing capacity. Mahindra, which has launched two electric SUVs, and Uno Minda are both exploring partnerships or long-term contracts to establish magnet production within India. Overall, the auto industry’s collective push for strategic government engagement and diversified sourcing reflects the urgent need to future-proof India’s supply chains. As the global landscape shifts with evolving trade relations and technological progress, timely action is essential for India to carve out a resilient, competitive role in the international automotive arena amid geopolitical and market uncertainties. Source: Noah Wire Services