Electromobility (e-mobility)

For Tesla, 2025 was a difficult year in several respects. Internationally, the U.S. electric-car pioneer had to relinquish its top position: The Chinese manufacturer BYD overtook it and, with nearly 2.3 million pure electric cars sold, posted more sales than Tesla. And in Europe as well the balance of power shifted. There, Volkswagen now leads the sales ranking.

The city financially supports businesses in purchasing an electric vehicle and thereby aims to assess cost-effectiveness and acceptance.

Tesla surprises with figures that also signal a profound strategic shift. Behind the snapshot lies a fundamental break. For the first time in a year, annual revenue declines, net profit falls significantly. At the same time, Tesla bids farewell to two models that once defined the company.

Electric cars are seen as a symbol of technological progress: quiet, connected, efficient. But precisely this connectivity is increasingly bringing them into the focus of security authorities. In Poland, the Ministry of Defence is now reacting—and has imposed the first driving and parking bans on vehicles from Chinese manufacturers.

If you're on the road in winter with an electric car, you know the feeling: The display promises a lot, but the reality on the highway demands a charging stop sooner than expected. The ADAC has this tension field measured again – this time not with particularly long-range cars, but with 14 "family-friendly" electric cars. The task: a simulated long-distance trip from Munich to Berlin, at zero degrees Celsius, at highway speed. The result is sobering and informative at the same time.

The PV5 is designed as a mobility tool – positioned between a passenger car and a commercial vehicle. This intermediate role shapes its presence: not as much a transporter as many delivery vans, not as much a passenger car as classic vans. In doing so, Kia is aiming for its own niche, where flexibility is not only promised but actively built in. We tested the passenger variant around Barcelona.

Current data from the telematics specialist Geotab show that modern vehicle batteries can deliver strong performance throughout their entire lifespan – even taking into account more frequent fast charging sessions.

(dpa/tmn) The flood of new brands and models will not stop in 2026 either. Topic No. 1 remains electric mobility, but there will also be new internal-combustion engines and a few technology trends beyond the drivetrain.

The transition to electric propulsion is regarded in the taxi and rental-car industry as a necessary but complex step. Charging infrastructure, billing systems, and operating processes must fit together for electromobility to function in everyday life. Against this backdrop, the Bundesverband Taxi und Mietwagen (BVTM) has formed a new partnership: The Aachen-based IT service provider SMART/LAB now belongs to the circle of association partners.

The debate over the so-called combustion-engine phase-out is heating up again. The automotive industry and politics, especially in Germany, are pressing for a relaxation of the emission targets planned by the European Union. The focus is on a target set by the EU Commission for the year 2035: Instead of a complete exit from fossil powertrains, CO₂ emissions of new cars should fall by 90 percent compared with 2021.

The uptake of electromobility remains sluggish. The reason for this cannot be reduced to a single cause. This is the result of a representative Electromobility Survey, commissioned by ACV Automobil-Club Verkehr from the market research institute Civey. One thing is particularly striking: the perception of electric cars differs significantly depending on whether people are already driving electric or continue to rely on the internal combustion engine.

The electrification of the taxi industry is often framed as a political objective. How it works in everyday life remains a challenge for many taxi operators. In Berlin, a research project of the German Aerospace Center (DLR) is to help analyze the situation.

Electrification is entering the everyday life of taxi work. With the Kia PV5 from AMF Bruns, a fully electric van now takes the stage, one that also considers people with mobility impairments. With the conversion, the EV van becomes a practical, wheelchair-accessible universal vehicle.

Cold weather noticeably reduces the range of electric cars and extends charging times. Tests show, particularly on short trips, significant increases in energy consumption. At the same time, electric cars offer practical advantages in winter, such as emissions-free preheating.

The Hamburg Taxi Day, which was hosted at the premises of Vattenfall, once again showed how closely regulation, economic pressure and the transformation of mobility are interwoven. On the panel were Jan Weber (Hansafunk), Jan Grupe (Taxenunion Hamburg), Tim Erhardt (Freenow) and Michael Oppermann, Managing Director of the Federal Association of Taxi and Rental Cars. The session was moderated by Dirk Ritter from the Hamburg Mobility Authority.

ACE calls for simplified tariff structures, clear cost disclosures, and a market-transparency authority for electricity tariffs. A test drive reveals substantial price differences between electric cars and internal combustion engine vehicles, as well as hundreds of varying charging tariffs at only a few stations.

(dpa/tk) Lufthansa CEO Spohr regards e-fuels as sensible mainly in aviation and calls for a public debate about their deployment. In road traffic, it is far more efficient to rely on electric cars than to operate vehicles powered by e-fuels.

The Chinese electric vehicle manufacturer Nio is expanding the functionality of its battery-swapping stations in Sweden and, for the first time, has received approval to participate in local grid frequency regulation. According to the trade portal CNEVpost, the grid operator Svenska kraftnät has incorporated the company's stations into the Swedish system for frequency stabilization (FCR-D).

The CO₂ pricing makes gasoline and diesel more expensive, the Deutschlandticket price is rising, and electric cars stay tax-free for longer. The commuter allowance is also being adjusted. What drivers and professional commuters need to know from 2026.

Leipzig aims to accelerate the transition to electric taxis. After a controversial debate, the city council decided to expand the charging infrastructure at mobility stations. As a result, taxi companies will in the future also benefit from new charging options.

Many manufacturers have withdrawn from the segment of large sedans—not so Volvo. The Swedes master the difficult balancing act and combine electric drive, the upper class, and a touch of the luxury segment with the ES90.

(dpa/tk) In the northwest of Berlin, a large-scale trial is beginning these days that is likely to be of interest to the taxi industry: The Berliner Verkehrsbetriebe (BVG) are launching their largest pilot project to date on autonomous driving. Five fully electric minibuses will be on the roads in the coming weeks in the districts of Spandau, Charlottenburg-Wilmersdorf and Reinickendorf – at first still without passengers.

Toyota already has two compact mid-size crossovers on the market with the C-HR and bZ4x. Now, with the C-HR+, an electric version is added. That also means for the taxi operator: plenty of choice among the Japanese in an important segment.

(dpa) Until recently, the VW Group and Porsche were highly ambitious about electrification. But in view of weak figures and a China slowdown, VW CEO Oliver Blume is backpedaling and now regards the planned ban on combustion engines as "unrealistic." He calls for more flexibility. In the Chancellery, he still had further proposals in tow.

(dpa/tk) The automobile bosses are frequent guests of the government in Berlin. Now Friedrich Merz will also become the car chancellor and promises the industry backing in a difficult situation. What was left at the end of the day? No formal decision, but a postponement of the debate - but: Merz wants to stop Brussels' strict "ban on combustion engines".

(ots) An analysis of nearly one million charging points shows: The European Union has only reached 26 percent of its 2030 targets. Large differences between the individual countries: Norway and the Netherlands lead, Germany sits in the middle of the pack. Retail is becoming a driver of charging infrastructure.

If Chancellor Friedrich Merz meets with the leaders of the auto industry this Thursday, it is about more than production figures and sales markets. It is about a symbol – and about the question whether Germany sticks to its course by not allowing any new cars with internal combustion engines from 2035 onward.

(dpa) Mercedes-Benz sells fewer vehicles – especially in China and the United States, the figures continue to decline. How electric cars and the Swabians' luxury models fare in the third quarter.

The Chancellor's auto summit this week is met with high expectations by the Taxi and Rental Car Association (TMV). President Thomas Kroker and Managing Director Patrick Meinhardt call for a clear line in German automotive policy that goes beyond short-term symbolic politics.

(dpa / kk) For many taxi operators, the economic viability of their fleets plays a decisive role – especially when transitioning to electric mobility. Now there is tailwind from Berlin: The federal government intends to extend the vehicle tax exemption for electric vehicles until 2035. That is also an important signal for the taxi industry. Because those who opt for an electric taxi in the coming years can continue to benefit from a substantial tax relief.

Recently, reports made the rounds in the media that Mercedes can no longer supply replacement batteries for the Smart ED. That also worries owners of older electric cars from other brands, such as the BMW i3, the Renault Zoe, the VW e-Up, or the Nissan Leaf—and, of course, owners of current electric vehicles as well. Are electric cars nothing but e-waste after a few years if the battery fails?

From 2026, Mercedes will expand its van portfolio with the VLE and VLS models. The modular Van.ea platform enables up to 500 kilometers of range, all-wheel drive, and 800-volt technology. The Sprinter will also receive an electric version in the future.

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.

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.

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.