Electrek

Tootbus, a prominent sightseeing bus company around Europe, has partnered with electric fleet specialist VEV to deliver more sustainable mobility across its entire operations. Tootbus is currently operating buses that run on hydrotreated vegetable oil but is adopting BEV and solar technology with VEV’s help.

For the first time since 2001, Kia surpassed Hyundai in market value with new affordable EVs rolling out this year. Kia is now South Korea’s fifth most-valued stock at $31 billion (41.3 trillion won).

Ford announced that it will provide free adapters for Mustang Mach-E and F-150 Lightning owners to access Tesla’s Supercharger network.

Germany is Europe’s biggest auto market, and it’s been one of the main drivers of EV growth. But now that is expected to change course, as EV sales are projected to drop – by 14% – for the first time in eight years.

I think Elon Musk deserved his $55 billion Tesla CEO compensation plan, and I voted for him to get it, but it doesn’t mean he should get it.

I would probably vote for it again. Hear me out.

Heybike has been around the block several times in the past few years, releasing a series of progressively more refined electric bike models. The company’s latest e-bike, the Heybike Horizon, has nailed the comfortable step-through fat tire design with a combination of performance and price that we rarely see.

Oh, and it looks pretty darn awesome too!

What makes a Lotus, a Lotus? Anyone familiar with automotive history would likely say it’s the coy “simplify, then add lightness” philosophy that defined Colin Chapman’s scrappy sports car manufacturer and UK Formula One legend. But last year, the company began shipping its all-new electric SUV, the Eletre. It weighs 2600 kilograms. It’s built in China. It has more settings than a high-end washing machine. It’s… an SUV. Absolutely nothing about this car says “Lotus” — aside from the many Lotus logos on it.

Those who have been hoping to see battery-swapping leader Gogoro bring its electric scooters to the Western world can finally rejoice. The company has just announced its first expansion in the Americas, though you may want to brush up on your Spanish. South America will be the first to receive Gogoro’s scooters and battery-swapping network.

Listen to a recap of the top stories of the day from Electrek. Quick Charge is available now on Apple Podcasts, Spotify, TuneIn and our RSS feed for Overcast and other podcast players.

BMW Group recently shared a spring update to its growing line of EVs, which now includes a new all-wheel drive variant of the i5. The BMW i5 xDrive40 will kick off production in March and arrive as a 2025 model-year EV, priced between the eDrive40 and M60 variants.

Oxford PV, a spin-off from the University of Oxford, says it’s achieved the world record for the most efficient solar panel.

A Delaware judge has sided with Tesla shareholders who filed a lawsuit claiming that Elon Musk unjustly secured a $55 billion CEO compensation plan. The plan is now voided by the court.

It’s unclear what will come out of this unique situation where Musk could potentially have to give back billions of dollars worth of Tesla shares.

Polestar’s first electric SUV, the Polestar 3, is expected to begin rolling out in the US in the next few months. Ahead of its debut, Polestar is already offering a massive $7,500 purchase incentive on a lease of the new electric SUV.

General Motors claimed that it is “all-in on electric vehicles” for years, but today, CEO Mary Barra confirmed that the automaker is changing strategy and going back to plug-in hybrids amid setback in its electric car plans.

Republicans and Democrats rarely agree on anything in the highly divided US House of Representatives. But one thing they have agreed on – unanimously this time – is electric bikes. Just not in the way we all hoped.

Nissan plans to produce lithium iron phosphate (LFP) batteries as it looks to lower EV prices. With cheaper materials, the batteries are about 20% to 30% cheaper to build than lithium-ion batteries with NCM. The move will put it in direct competition with BYD, the leading LFP battery maker.

Renewables firm Helion just switched its entire commercial fleet to fully electric with 100 VW ID. Buzz Cargo vehicles.

Firstgreen Industries is calling its new Elise CBL the world’s first cabinless, remotely operated electric skid steer. We just don’t want to make it mad.

Headlining today’s best deals is the OKAI Stride Electric Bike that is seeing a $670 discount to $930. It is joined by a one-day 50% off promotional sale on a selection of Greenworks power tool combo kits that will end tonight at 11:59 EST, as well as the EcoFlow RIVER 2 Portable Power Station at $178, with discounted options to bundle the device with solar panels to maximize its charging ability. Plus, all of today’s other best new Green Deals.

Head below for other New Green Deals we’ve found today and, of course, Electrek’s best EV buying and leasing deals. Also, check out the new Electrek Tesla Shop for the best deals on Tesla accessories.

Swiss building materials and solutions provider Holcim took a significant step towards meeting its stated sustainability goals by placing an absolutely MASSIVE order for 1,000 Mercedes-Benz eActros 600 electric semi trucks. (!)

We are finally getting our first looks at the interior of the upcoming Jeep Wagoneer S. Jeep’s first all-electric vehicle in the US is arriving this Fall. Ahead of its debut, Jeep is giving a sneak peek of the electric SUV’s interior.

Daimler Truck North America, Navistar, and Volvo Group North America just formed a coalition to accelerate the rollout of US charging infrastructure for medium- and heavy-duty electric trucks.

As anticipation builds for Rivian’s (RIVN) next-gen electric vehicle, a new patent filing may give us a glimpse into what we can expect. The patent is for a vehicle headlamp, but the images show what could be our first look at the new Rivian R2 EV.

Automobili Lamborghini has shared intentions to expand its “Direzione Cor Tauri” strategy to decarbonize its entire value chain and significantly reduce carbon emissions per car by the decade’s end. The famed hypercar developer’s product timeline includes launching several new electric vehicles, including a successor to the Lamborghini Urus.