Headlines and links from all the news, including things we didn’t cover in depth here on EVmeme.com this past week. Follow the links for more on each.
Solaris Receives Contracts for 88 Electric Buses in Sweden
Nobina of Sweden has ordered a total of 88 Solaris electric buses for its fleets operating in Skane, Varmland, and Malmo. The order includes 70 units of the Urbino 15 LE and 18 units of the Urbino 18 electric.
4th Generation BMW X3 Will Have Plug-in Hybrid Model
BMW has launched the fourth-generation of the X3 crossover, adding more efficiency and better performance. Its powertrain portfolio will include a latest-generation plug-in hybrid (PHEV) system in the X3 30e model. This powertrain can achieve up to 56 miles of all-electric driving.
Hyundai Ioniq 5 Wins Exhibition Class at Pikes Peak
Three Hyundai Ioniq 5 N vehicles participated in the 2024 Pikes Peak International Hill Climb to demonstrate their electric performance. The Ioniq 5 N TA Spec won the exhibition class with a record of 9 minutes, 30 seconds while the standard Ioniq 5 N model finished in 10 minutes, 49 seconds.
F-150 Lightning SuperTruck Claims King of the Mountain at Pikes Peak
The Ford Performance F-150 Lightning SuperTruck made the fastest run of all 61 competitors at the Pikes Peak International Hill Climb. Driven by Romain Dumas, the Lightning finished with an 8:53.553 time. This marks the second year Ford has entered an electric vehicle into the Pikes Peak competition.
Kia Adds Hybrid Powertrain to Carnival Minivan
Kia has announced a hybrid powertrain and pricing for the 2025 Carnival MPV. The new design for the van includes hybrid models that begin at about $40,500 MSRP. The Carnival joins the Toyota Sienna and the Chrysler Pacifica PHEV as electrified options in the minivan space.
GM Defense Providing Electric Tech for Military Platforms
GM Defense, a part of General Motors, is providing commercial battery electric vehicle technology to the University of Texas at Arlington for evaluation of EV batteries for Department of Defense projects for future mobility.
Jeep Wagoneer S Launch Edition Makes First Public Appearance
The all-electric Jeep Wagoneer S in its Launch Edition package debuted to the public at the Rocket Mortgage Classic in Detroit. The event, which runs until June 30, is the first time the new battery electric Wagoneer has been shown to the public. It is slated to hit showrooms later this year as a 2025 model.
Rivian, Volkswagen Reach Joint Venture Agreement
Rivian and Volkswagen intend to form a 50/50 joint venture to create next-generation electrical and electronic architecture for electric vehicles. The partnership is anticipated to accelerate software development for the companies. The plan includes up to $5B of investment into Rivian by VW.
Blue World Tech Successfully Tests 200 kW Maritime HT-PEM Fuel Cell System
Blue World Technologies has successfully tested its 200 kW high-temperature PEM fuel cell module, running on green methanol. With an efficiency of up to 55 percent at commercial stage, the system would provide fuel savings of 20-30 percent when using green fuels. The system also allows for up to 100 percent carbon capture.
Volvo Electric Trucks Reach 80 Million KM in 5 Years
Volvo’s electric trucks have driven more than 80 million kilometers since launch in 2019. Volvo has sold more than 3,500 of the trucks in 45 countries since that time.
ABS Approves Design of First Hydrogen-Hybrid Research Vessel
The American Bureau of Shipping has approved the preliminary design of a first-of-its-kind hydrogen-hybrid research vessel. The vessel will join the fleet at University of California San Diego’s Scripps Institution of Oceanography when completed. The ship’s hydrogen fuel cell propulsion system will be capable of operating the ship for 75 percent of its expected missions. And 100 percent of the time when inside state-controlled waters.
2025 BMW M5 Introduced For 7th Generation With New M Hybrid Drive
The all-new BMW M5 will feature a 717 horsepower hybrid system that achieves 0-60mph sprints in 3.4 seconds and an all-electric range of 25 miles per charge. Top speed is 190 mph in the M Driver’s Package model.
Aaron is an automotive journalist living in Wyoming, USA. His background includes technology, mechanics, commercial vehicles, and new vehicle evaluations. Aaron is a member of several automotive media groups and writes for many well-known publications.