Zeekr starts pre-sales for 8X hybrid SUV to expand premium lineup
The Zeekr 8X pre-sales start at 376,800 yuan ($54,640), marking Zeekr’s further expansion into the premium plug-in hybrid market. Equipped with a tri-motor system delivering up to 1,030 kW of combined power, the model is expected to begin mass deliveries in the second quarter. (Zeekr 8X. Image credit: Zeekr) Geely’s premium electric vehicle (EV) brand […]
What is Digital Optimus? The new Tesla and xAI project explained
Tesla and xAI announced their groundbreaking joint project, Digital Optimus, also nicknamed “Macrohard” in a humorous jab at Microsoft, earlier this week. This software-based AI agent is designed to automate complex office workflows by observing and replicating human interactions with computers. As the first major outcome of Tesla’s $2 billion investment in xAI, it represents […]
A week with the Zeekr 7X Performance: Dr Karl’s first time living with an EV
When Dr Karl Kruszelnicki spent time with the Zeekr 7X Performance, it wasn’t just another car test. It was a genuine first: the first time one of Australia’s best known scientists had lived with an electric vehicle for more than a quick drive – and the first time he’d driven a Chinese-built car. His verdict? […]
Mahindra EV Plans 2026: No New Launch, Sales Target 80,000 Units By 2027
During its Q3 FY26 analyst meeting, the company confirmed that it will not introduce any new electric vehicle this year. Instead, Mahindra plans to concentrate on increasing sales of its existing electric SUVs and expanding their availability across India. The newest addition to its portfolio is the Mahindra XUV 3XO EV, launched in January 2026. […]
EU Parliament approves relaxation of CO₂ targets for lorry manufacturers
Under current EU law, lorry manufacturers must reduce the emissions of new lorries by 15 per cent by 2025, 45 per cent by 2030, and 90 per cent by 2040 compared to 2019 levels. They are working to achieve this by bringing more battery-electric lorries to market and, simultaneously, improving fuel efficiency in internal combustion […]
The fossil car industry in Norway is nearly dead. Who are selling the last ICE vehicles?
As reported in The Driven last week, only 12 petrol vehicles were sold in Norway in February as the share of full battery EVs reached 98 per cent. Back in August 2024, I wrote an article about how only 45 petrol vehicles were sold in July that year and discussed which makes and models they […]
VinFast Secures Fleet Deals For 20,000 Electric Vehicles In Indonesia
Support CleanTechnica’s work through a Substack subscription or on Stripe. VinFast has signed agreements with two Indonesian transportation companies that could see up to 20,000 electric vehicles deployed in commercial service over the next several years, strengthening the Vietnamese automaker’s push into Southeast Asia’s largest economy. The memoranda of understanding involve PT Satu Kosong Tujuh […]
Slate Names New CEO Months Before Launching Its Cheap EV Truck
Just months before it’s set to launch its roughly $25,000 electric pickup truck, Slate Auto has a new CEO. Peter Faricy took over the role from longtime Chrysler executive Chris Barman on Monday, Newsweek first reported. Barman, who has been the public face of the company since it came out of stealth about a year ago, […]
CAT puts century-old tech to work in its newest electric drive dozer
Diesel-electric locomotives have been barreling along America’s wide-open plains for generations, and the century-old combination of consistent, high-efficiency rpm diesel engines spinning up generators to power high-torque electric motors has proven tough to beat. Now, Caterpillar is putting that century-old design to work in its heaviest tracked dozer yet – and the efficiency gains are incredible. […]
Cadillac Optiq Full Specs, Performance, And Pricing
Cadillac makes a range of premium electric SUVs, with the Escalade IQ taking most of the spotlight. However, for most buyers, especially those living in urban areas, Cadillac’s smallest SUV makes more sense: the 2026 Cadillac Optiq. This compact crossover may not have the road presence of the Escalade IQ, but it still brings plenty […]