Drive types, fuels and emissions

With 500 TOPS of computing power, the sedan features modern driver-assistance systems and a connected warning system. Existing EX90 customers also benefit from a free processor upgrade.

Many drivers of electric cars delay switching on the air conditioning in summer—out of concern about putting too much strain on the battery. A new analysis, however, shows that it’s not cooling or heating that has the greater impact on range, but speed.

The German Taxi and Private Hire Association (BVTM) is concerned about the growing uncertainty that the federal government’s contradictory approach to the combustion-engine phase-out is causing in the industry. Managing Director Oppermann is calling for greater planning certainty for the taxi industry.

The established heavyweights are clear: BMW 7 Series, Audi A8, Mercedes S-Class or EQS. A newcomer from China is now pushing into this segment. The Chinese manufacturer Nio is putting its new flagship on the road. The ET9, delivered in China since March 2025, aims to be more than a car—it is a platform, a digital ecosystem, and a technological statement.

With new locations and a tiered price discount for high charging volumes, Vattenfall is creating better conditions for the operation of e-taxis. The charging points are reserved exclusively for taxis and are intended to accelerate the industry's transition to emission-free vehicles.

(dpa) "Pseudo-debate" instead of a solution: Lower Saxony's Prime Minister accuses Markus Söder of unsettling car buyers with old slogans. The Bavarian Prime Minister is deliberately stoking consumers' fears in this way.

A technical article is misinterpreted, leading to questionable advice for electric car drivers. The headline sounded tempting: Those who drive sportily should do something good for their battery. What initially seemed like an invitation to a swift driving style in an electric car turned out to be a fallacy upon closer examination.

The automotive market in Germany showed mixed results at mid-year: While the used car market remained stable with 3.3 million units, new registrations recorded a noticeable decline – minus 4.7 percent compared to the previous year. However, e-mobility is cautiously increasing.

Kia continues its course towards modular electromobility – with a new vehicle that is likely to appeal to craftsmen, families, and the taxi industry. The PV5 Passenger is a fully electric minibus that aims to do more than just travel from A to B. It offers space, functionality, and a range of well-thought-out details without drifting into unnecessary gimmicks.

Elon Musk has left the White House. While he makes a media-effective farewell from his temporary role as a government advisor and announces a return to operational business at Tesla, the electric car manufacturer is in more turmoil than ever. The company is under pressure not only economically – the trust of many customers is also eroding. Some are now taking matters into their own hands, reaching for the toolbox to make their vehicle safer.

(dpa) Financial incentives alone are not enough – many taxi operators in the southwest are sticking with combustion engines. Why the transition to emission-free drives is stalling and what role cities like Stuttgart, Freiburg, and Karlsruhe play in this.

(dpa) Trump's criticism of subsidies for Musk's companies is causing unrest. Investors are reacting sensitively, while Musk's business model with stock loans is coming under additional pressure. The dispute also affects strategically important US projects.

A car carrier is drifting burning and rudderless in the Pacific. On the night of June 3rd, the distress call from the Morning Midas was received. The Panama-flagged RoRo ship was on its way from China to Mexico - on board were around 3,000 brand-new vehicles, including about 800 electric cars according to initial information.

Electric station wagons are still a niche. However, with the new Toyota bZ4X Touring, the Japanese manufacturer is now launching a variant that could be particularly interesting for the taxi market: ample space, practical range, and a versatile drive concept. In Brussels, Toyota provided an initial preview of the model, which could also electrify everyday work starting in 2026.

In the Höchst Industrial Park in Frankfurt, the Karlsruhe-based company Ineratec has commissioned Europe's largest facility for the production of synthetic fuels in early June. The power-to-liquid facility "ERA ONE" produces up to 2,500 tons of e-fuels and synthetic crude oil annually.

Since its founding in 2009, the German Federal Association for eMobility (BEM) has regarded itself as the voice of a new era of mobility. The association aimed to help shape nothing less than the structural transformation of transportation and energy supply.

In April 2025, the new registrations of the former electric pioneer in the EU dropped by more than half. According to the European Automobile Manufacturers Association (ACEA), only 5,475 vehicles of the US manufacturer were registered – a decline of 52.6 percent compared to the same month of the previous year. The overall picture for the first four months also remains bleak: a decrease of 46.1 percent compared to 2024.

Hamburg-Langenhorn, a Tuesday morning in May. Amidst new car paint and charging stations, between political programs and substantial discounts, the who's who of the northern German taxi industry gathers.

A meeting with symbolic significance: On the day of Friedrich Merz's government declaration, representatives of the Federal Association of Taxi and Rental Cars (BVTM) discussed future topics of the industry with CDU transport politician Michael Donth.

In Hamburg, the transition in transportation continues to quietly progress through the city—at least according to the politicians and participants of the Future Taxi project. Since the beginning of this year, only locally emission-free taxis are permitted to be newly registered in the Hanseatic city—energy supplier Vattenfall is now becoming the largest partner for the taxi fast-charging infrastructure in Hamburg.

While fleet transitions to new powertrains are stalling, the proportion of electric vehicles in private purchases is growing significantly. Diesel remains stable in this sector - quite different from the commercial sector.

After the end of the environmental bonus for electric cars at the end of 2023, politicians are still struggling to find a new funding strategy. Although the coalition agreement of the CDU, CSU, and SPD sets the goal of supporting electromobility with purchase incentives, specific measures are not yet in sight.

The car drives up, the door opens – no one is sitting at the wheel. What sounded like science fiction years ago is now rolling onto the asphalt in some US cities. And Volkswagen wants to join in: By the end of this year, the test phase for the ID.Buzz AD, an autonomous version of the well-known electric minibus, is set to begin in Los Angeles. No less a partner on this journey than Uber.

Electric cars are considered quiet, locally emission-free – and for some still a risky compromise in everyday life. For the taxi industry, which often balances between efficiency and reliability, the electric vehicle long seemed a gamble. But a look at Hamburg shows: Times have changed.

From the outside, Dubai seems made for smooth transitions – from desert sand to a shiny skyline, from oil to solar power, from traditional taxis to electric chauffeurs. Now, the city on the Persian Gulf is further upgrading its fleet and is preparing to bring the taxi of tomorrow onto the streets today – with and without drivers.

(dpa) 17 Teslas go up in flames on the night of Monday. The fire department in Rome responds with a large contingent. It could be a targeted arson attack.

The European Union is investigating possible unlawful subsidies by China for the planned factory of electric car manufacturer BYD in Hungary. Should the suspicion be confirmed, the company could face significant consequences.

(dpa/sn) - High electricity prices and lack of incentives: Many people hesitate to buy an electric car. An industry representative holds politics responsible for the uncertainty and calls for clear incentives.

dpa) Elon Musk is an enthusiastic supporter of Donald Trump. However, his car manufacturer Tesla warns that the president's tariffs could harm the company.

A car manufacturer can take two paths with its bestseller: either stick with what is tried and tested or undertake a comprehensive overhaul. Tesla has chosen the latter and given the Model Y a thorough refresh.

(dpa/bb) The dispute between Tesla and the regional water supplier is stubborn. An agreement on a new water contract for the electric car factory is not in sight despite lengthy negotiations.

(dpa) The European automotive industry is under pressure, and politics wants to help. EU Commission President von der Leyen now says where the journey should go.

(dpa/lni) In Bremerhaven, drivers can now also refuel with hydrogen if they have a suitable car. The new facility was opened by a prominent guest.

(dpa/sa) From cars to motorcycles to trucks, the numbers have increased. Who were the losers in 2024?

(dpa) Recently, negative headlines have been piling up for Mercedes. The proud automaker has several areas of concern. What is the issue?

(dpa/lni) Are electric cars retreating or are they the future? This question also occupies many VW employees in Emden. Federal Chancellor Olaf Scholz provides a clear answer to this during a visit to East Frisia.

(dpa/tmn) More range in electric cars does not necessarily mean a larger battery. Some manufacturers adjust the smallest details to save energy. But drivers can also do something.

The flexible Wallbox NRGkick from DiniTech GmbH announces ski jumping world champion Stefan Kraft as the new brand ambassador.

(ots) Even once successful companies sometimes fail to maintain their market position, leaving a sale as the only chance to survive. This is demonstrated by the example of the flying taxi company Lilium, which, once a promising start-up, suddenly found itself insolvent and is now searching for investors or buyers.

(dpa) On calm winter days, coal and gas power plants are currently ramped up. In the future, however, others are increasingly supposed to take over. Which ones could those be?

Confidence in the range of electric vehicles is increasing significantly in Germany - this is a result of the latest Shell Recharge E-Mobility Study. Shell is presenting the annual study for the seventh time as a key player in the industry.

(ots) Although the expansion of public charging infrastructure continues to advance, local providers still dominate the regional charging station market.

(dpa) The ramp-up of e-mobility is stalling. However, according to a survey, customer resistance to the new technology is decreasing. But there are still plenty of problems.

(dpa) China's economy has been struggling with weak consumption and trade disputes for some time. China's top executives have now come together in Beijing. Observers see a specific reason behind the meeting.

(ots) The decision of the Federal Council regarding the regulation of the transition of the national emissions trading under the Fuel Emissions Trading Act (BEHG) into the European Emissions Trading System ETS-2 can lead to a significant increase in fuel prices without additional measures - with correspondingly negative consequences for businesses and consumers, warns the Central Association of German Motor Trades (ZDK) on Friday in Berlin.

Ordered via an app, a car with an empty driver's seat pulls up, remotely controlled from the headquarters, it then brings the boarding passengers to their destination: Already 49 percent of Germans are familiar with remote-controlled driving, while 47 percent have not heard of it yet.

(dpa) Porsche is wielding the red pencil in the crisis: The sports car manufacturer wants to reduce staff to cut costs. Two locations are affected. However, the bonus is also to be capped.

(dpa) The Bundesrat is dealing with a reform of emissions trading. It sounds technical - but it can have noticeable effects on consumers.

(dpa) A document gave the impression that a US department wants to spend 400 million dollars on Tesla cars. Incorrectly recorded, it is now said. Trump wants to dispel concerns about Tesla CEO Musk.

(dpa/bb) A letter claiming responsibility suggests: The attack on the railway line in Berlin was aimed at Tesla. Brandenburg's Interior Minister warns of high criminal energy.

(dpa/fn) Cooperation in key areas, yes, merger no. A merger between number two and number three of the Japanese car manufacturers is off the table.

(dpa) To promote electric cars in Germany, from the perspective of the ADAC president, a reliable charging infrastructure and lower electricity prices are necessary. He also perceives a "grave mistake" by the politicians.

UTA Edenred expands the fuel network in Finland through a partnership with the Finnish energy company Oy Teboil Ab (“Teboil”).

(ots/PRNewswire) As early as December, Hyundai Mobis announced its latest development of a new movable sound system that is synchronized with the movement of the display installed in the driver's seat (cockpit).

(dpa/tmn) Battery or fuel tank? New car buyers can hardly avoid this question. The answer depends on many factors. Here are the most important ones.

In 2024, around 125 hydrogen refueling stations were newly opened worldwide: 42 of them in Europe, approximately 30 in China, 25 in South Korea, 8 in Japan, and 13 in North America. This is the result of the 17th annual evaluation by H2stations.org, an information service of Ludwig-Bölkow-Systemtechnik GmbH (LBST). 

(dpa/sn) Porsche, like other German car manufacturers, is facing difficulties. Management now intends, among other things, to focus again on combustion engines. What does this mean for the automotive location Saxony?

(dpa) Those who book a rental car rarely drive electrically, especially in typical vacation countries. But there are exceptions, because in the end it also depends on the availability. 

(dpa/tmn) Whether many travelers clog the routes to winter vacation or bad weather causes delays – if you get stuck in traffic during winter, you'll be well prepared with the following tips.

(ots) Worldwide demand for batteries will more than triple by 2030, rising to between 4.0 and 4.6 terawatt-hours, depending on the scenario.