Jaguar Land Rover has agreed to support the City of Oslo with the world’s first high-powered wireless taxis. In a programme known as ‘ElectriCity’, the vehicle manufacturer will join Nordic taxi operator Cabonline (NorgesTaxi AS), the region’s largest charge point operator Fortum Recharge, US technology developer Momentum Dynamics and the City of Oslo to build wireless, high-powered charging infrastructure for taxis in the Norwegian capital.
Vauxhall has revealed the second generation of the Mokka with electric drive. “New Mokka is the start of a new direction for the Vauxhall Brand. A bold new design with elements like Vauxhall Vizor and Pure Panel that will become part of signature look for future models. It also encompasses everything that Vauxhall will define in the future. Fully electric from launch and packed with innovative technologies bringing the best of automotive mobility to all. Vauxhall may be Britain’s oldest car manufacturer but with New Mokka it is defining itself to lead in an exciting and innovative future,” said Stephen Norman, Managing Director, Vauxhall Motors.
Kia Motors has outlined further details of its shift towards electrification, following record sales of the brand’s electric vehicles (EVs) in Europe in the first quarter of 2020. At the start of the year, Kia Motors announced ‘Plan S’, a new mid- to long-term strategy aimed at progressively establishing a leadership position in the future automotive industry, encompassing electrification and mobility services, as well as connectivity and autonomy.
The joint venture between Volkswagen Group and the Swedish battery producer Northvolt AB is gaining further momentum. It has been decided that Volkswagen will erect the buildings and infrastructure for the joint venture’s “Northvolt Zwei” factory that is to produce lithium-ion battery cells at its Salzgitter site – based on the existing Center of Excellence for Battery Cells. Some €450 million (about £390 million) is to be invested in this project. The joint venture will then rent the factory space. Battery cell production at the plant is scheduled to commence in early 2024 with an initial production capacity of 16 gigawatt hours.
BYD Europe has announced its strategy to embark upon the trial introduction of passenger cars in Europe, alongside longer-term plans to bring new BYD LCV and eTruck ranges to the European market. To mark the next phase of its growth strategy, and following its established eBus and eCoach presence in Europe, BYD will initially introduce the all new, full-electric, second-generation BYD ‘Tang’ compact SUV to the Norwegian market.
