Global Energy/Automotive news, commentary and analysis
London, April 21, 2025 (Oilandgaspress) –- Chevron Corporation (NYSE: CVX) announced today that it started oil and natural gas production from the Ballymore subsea tieback in the deepwater Gulf of America. Ballymore, the latest in a series of Chevron projects to start up in the past year, represents another step towards the company’s goal to produce 300,000 net barrels per day of oil equivalent from the Gulf in 2026. Ballymore is expected to produce up to 75,000 gross barrels of oil per day through three wells tied back three miles to the existing Chevron-operated Blind Faith facility.
“Ballymore is an example of how we are leveraging technology and driving efficiencies to help produce affordable, reliable energy from the deepwater Gulf of America, one of the lowest carbon intensity oil and gas producing basins in the world,” said Brent Gros, vice president, Chevron Gulf of America. “Ballymore, which was completed on time and on budget, brings additional production online without building a new standalone offshore platform. This reduces our development costs and is expected to drive higher returns for shareholders.”
Chevron is a leading leaseholder in the Gulf and continues to actively pursue opportunities for growth in the basin. Since midyear 2024, Chevron has started production from its industry-first Anchor project and non-operated Whale project and commenced water injection to boost output at its operated Tahiti and Jack/St. Malo facilities.
Estimated potentially recoverable resources at Ballymore are 150 million barrels of oil equivalent gross over the life of the project. Ballymore is located in the Mississippi Canyon area in around 6,600 feet (2,000 m) of water, about 160 miles (260 km) southeast of New Orleans. The development is Chevron’s first in the Norphlet trend of the Gulf.
Chevron subsidiary Chevron U.S.A. Inc. is operator of the Ballymore project with 60 percent working interest. Co-owner TotalEnergies E&P USA, Inc. has 40 percent working interest. Read More
China to secure more of its energy needs from Russia at the expense of American markets, it has emerged. Beijing hasn’t imported any LNG from the United States for more than 10 weeks, with one container vessel bound for China redirected to Bangladesh after it failed to arrive before Beijing imposed a 15% tariff on US LNG on February 10. The subsequent decision to impose an additional 34% tariff on LNG in response to a similar move by the US President has effectively made US gas uneconomic for Chinese buyers.
China had already been re-selling US LNG imports to Europe, and has now said it would look to Moscow to plug the gap created by its tariff war with the US. This would offer Vladimir Putin a vital boost to his struggling wartime economy. “So many buyers are asking the embassy to help establish contacts with Russian suppliers, I think there will definitely be more imports,” said Zhang Hanhui, China’s ambassador to Moscow, on Wednesday. Read Related News
According to reports from multiple foreign media, sources revealed that the Trump administration is preparing to put pressure on other countries in tariff negotiations, asking them to restrict trade with China in exchange for US tariff exemptions. What is the spokesperson’s comment on this?
A: We have noted relevant reports. Recently, the United States has abused tariffs on all its trading partners under the banner of so-called “reciprocity”, while at the same time forcing all parties to start so-called “reciprocal tariff negotiations” with it. This is the pursuit of hegemonic politics and unilateral bullying in the economic and trade fields under the guise of “reciprocity”. Appeasement cannot bring peace, and compromise cannot be respected. To seek so-called exemptions at the expense of others’ interests for one’s own temporary selfish interests is to seek the skin of a tiger, which will ultimately fail on both ends and harm others without benefiting oneself.
China respects all parties to resolve their economic and trade differences with the United States through equal consultations. China believes that all parties should stand on the side of fairness and justice, on the side of historical correctness, and on the issue of “reciprocal tariffs” and should defend international economic and trade rules and the multilateral trading system. It should be pointed out in particular that China firmly opposes any party reaching a deal at the expense of China’s interests. Read More
Tata Motors and Tata Power Renewable Energy Limited (TPREL), a subsidiary of Tata Power and a frontrunner in India’s clean energy transition, have signed a landmark Power Purchase Agreement (PPA) to co-develop a 131 MW wind-solar hybrid renewable energy project.
Set to generate approximately 300 million units of clean electricity annually, the project is expected to offset over 2 lakh tons of CO₂ emissions each year. Enabled through co-investment and a long-term Power Purchase Agreement (PPA), this integrated wind-solar hybrid solution will provide a reliable supply of green, cost-effective energy exclusively to Tata Motors’ six manufacturing facilities in Maharashtra and Gujarat, supporting the production of both commercial and passenger vehicles.
This initiative significantly advances the Tata Motors’ clean energy transition for achieving its RE-100 commitment ahead of the 2030 target and accelerates meaningful progress toward climate-resilient operations. It also marks a major milestone in Tata Motors’ sustainability roadmap, aligning with its broader ambition to achieve net-zero emissions and lead the shift towards environmentally responsible manufacturing.. Read More
The Trump administration took steps to impose levies on Chinese vessels docking at US ports, threatening to shake up global shipping routes and escalate the trade war between the world’s two biggest economies.
Under a plan put forward by the US Trade Representative on Thursday, all Chinese-built and -owned ships docking in the US would be subject to a fee based on the volume of goods carried, on a per-voyage basis. The proposal follows a months-long investigation ordered by the Biden administration into whether Chinese shipbuilding threatens US national security. The plan also hits non-Chinese shipbuilders, adding a levy to any vehicle carriers not made in America calling at US ports.The so-called 301 petition ordered the fee to go into effect in six months, with another phase restricting foreign-built vessels that transport liquefied natural gas to begin in three years. After six months, the fee for Chinese vessels would be set at $50 per net ton, or the volume of a ship’s revenue-earning space, and then increase incrementally over three years.
Chinese-built vessels would be assessed based on net tonnage or per container. Funds from the docking fees would be used to help revitalize the waning US shipbuilding industry, which long ago pivoted from building commercial ships to focusing on naval contracts. .Read Related News
Aston Martin Announcement of publication of Circular and Notice of General Meeting
Further to the announcement on 31 March 2025 by the Company relating to the proposed c.£52.5m investment by the Yew Tree Consortium (the “Proposed Investment”), Aston Martin announces today that it has published the circular (the “Circular”) referred to in that announcement.
The Circular contains a notice of a general meeting of the Company (the “General Meeting”), to be held in connection with the Proposed Investment. The General Meeting will be held electronically by audio webcast at 11:00 a.m. on Wednesday 7 May 2025, or if later, immediately after the conclusion of the Annual General Meeting of the Company which is being held at 10.30a.m. on the same day.
Shareholders are reminded to review carefully the actions to be taken by them in connection with the General Meeting, which are detailed in the Circular. The procedures and timings for shareholders to vote on the resolution proposed at the General Meeting are set out in the notes to the notice of the General Meeting in the Circular. Read Related News
Aston Martin Lagonda Global Holdings plc announces in accordance with Listing Rule 6.4.9R(2) that Vicky Jarman, Non-executive Director and Chair of the Audit and Risk Committee, has been appointed as a non-executive director of AerCap Holdings N.V. with effect from 16 April 2025. Read Related News
ADNOC and Gunvor Group are among the leading contenders to acquire Shell’s downstream assets in South Africa, according to international media reports. The $1 billion package includes around 600 retail fuel stations and trading operations under Shell Downstream South Africa (SDSA).
Shell is streamlining its global portfolio to focus on more profitable regions and operations. As part of this strategy, the company is exiting refining in South Africa but plans to retain operational capabilities and brand presence. Investment bank Rothschild & Co has been appointed to manage the sale process, although discussions remain ongoing. Other potential suitors, including Trafigura’s Puma Energy, Sasol, and state-owned PetroSA, have reportedly declined to participate. Read Related News
Occidental Petroleum has acquired carbon removal startup Holocene, marking its second direct air capture (DAC) acquisition in two years. The deal was made through its low-carbon arm, Oxy Low Carbon Ventures, for an undisclosed amount, according to a report by HeatMap.
Holocene has been developing an amino acid-based DAC technology and recently made headlines after securing a $10 million contract with Google. The agreement involves delivering 100,000 metric tons of carbon removal by the early 2030s—at a price of $100 per ton, far below the current market rate of roughly $600 per ton. . Read Related News
Allgäu Airport Express GmbH is renewing its Setra fleet with three new S 519 HD. The seven three-axle ComfortClass coaches now provide a shuttle service up to 15 times a day between the terminal at Memmingen Airport and Seidlstraße at Munich Central Station. With the orange-coloured shuttle coaches, which are equipped with 69 seats, the company is able to meet the ever-growing demand of passengers for a fast connection from the Allgäu region to the Bavarian capital – reliably, comfortably and safely.
The vehicles have Active Drive Assist 2 (ADA 2) on board, among other things. For the first time, the system enables semi-automated driving in a coach and keeps the vehicle in lane when side lane markings are detected by actively intervening in the steering.
The new vehicles are owned by Allgäu Airport Express GmbH in Mindelheim, a wholly owned subsidiary of Steber-Tours GmbH, which founded the express service in 2010 and has gradually expanded since then. The Allgäu-based family company cooperates with the Munich-based bus company Dubova Reisen e.K., which has also put two new S 519 HD vehicles into service as part of the cooperation. Read Related News
Napolitrans, a leading company in the transport and logistics sector, has recently purchased a fleet of 70 new Mercedes-Benz Actros L ProCabins. This significant investment underlines Napolitrans’s commitment to innovation, quality and sustainability, values that the company has always pursued throughout its long career. The trucks will be delivered gradually over the coming months. The official handover of the first vehicle took place this April – a significant moment that was celebrated together with the long-standing partner, dealer Domenico Esposito, and representatives of Daimler Truck Italia.
High-tech meets efficiency
The new Mercedes-Benz Actros L ProCabin impresses with economical engines, intelligent driver assistance systems and aerodynamic advantages. With its futuristic cab design, Mercedes-Benz Trucks also pays tribute to the fact that aspects such as an attractive exterior and comfort in the driver’s cab also play an important role when purchasing a vehicle, in addition to efficiency and economy. This makes the vehicles the perfect choice for companies that place equal emphasis on modern equipment and efficiency. Read Related News
Canada’s Porsche Experience Center will open this June, just 40 kilometres east of Toronto’s famous CN Tower. The eagerly awaited facility, in Pickering, Ontario, will become the world’s 10th PEC and the third to be located in North America.Porsche Experience Center Toronto is set to provide enthusiasts with the opportunity to experience and learn more about vehicle dynamics, technology and the thrill of driving a Porsche first-hand, with expert guidance offered by trained staff year-round.
The two-kilometre driver development handling circuit incorporates several elements inspired by iconic racetrack sections such as Laguna Seca’s corkscrew, the Nürburgring’s Carousel and the Porsche Curves of Le Mans. The handling circuit, dynamics area, low-friction handling circuit and low-friction drift circle are four instructor-led driving modules designed to demonstrate the engineering and capabilities of Porsche models. . Read Related News
When Aryna Sabalenka goes out onto court, she always has a plan. She had also set her mind on doing something special when popping over to the Porsche Museum on Thursday. She wanted to find a car made in the year of her birth – 1998 – and discovered the Porsche 911 Carrera type 996 by Biggibilla. She immediately fell in love with the Australian-indigenous design of the art car, especially as she is a big fan of the continent after her Grand Slam wins at the Australian Open.
The art car that enthralled Aryna Sabalenka was painstakingly hand-painted by the indigenous artist Graham J. Rennie – also known as Biggibilla – in the Porsche Centre Melbourne in 1998. It is adorned with various Australian animals. “The car,” she enthused, “is simply made for me.”
On her tour around the Porsche World, Aryna Sabalenka appeared relaxed and in a great mood – even though the Porsche Tennis Grand Prix is developing into a test of the world No. 1’s patience. Top-seeded, she had a first-round bye but as her second-round opponent was forced to withdraw with an injury and as Good Friday is a day off, she will finally get around to playing her opening match at the long-standing Stuttgart tournament on Saturday in the quarterfinals. Then the out-and-out Porsche fan will be looking to take the first step towards winning the Porsche Macan Turbo that awaits this year’s tournament winner as the main prize by beating the Belgian Elise Mertens.. Read More
Citroën is equipping the New C3 with a new production tool by starting to assemble its best-seller at the Stellantis site in Kragujevac, in central Serbia. This plant was modernised between 2022 and 2024 to accommodate the new Smart Car platform and production of electric models following an agreement between Stellantis and the Serbian Ministry of Economy. The site boasts a high level of quality and productivity, relying on modern, automated and robotised production lines enabling the company to offer a compact, versatile and affordable model produced in Europe.
Everything about the C3 has been designed to enable an attractive price positioning, from the simplicity of its style to the choice of its industrial site, from the new Smart Car platform it is inaugurating to the equipment on board. The new C3 aims to make the car an accessible object of freedom, geared towards energy transition, without compromising on comfort, design, versatility of use and all the equipment expected by customers in this segment. Read More
The Birth of a Legend: How Ferdinand Piëch and the BUGATTI Veyron changed the automotive industry At the turn of the millennium, automotive engineering stood on the brink of a transformative era – but few could have foreseen just how profoundly one visionary’s ambition would redefine the limits of performance. Prof. Dr. Ferdinand Karl Piëch, whose birthday is celebrated today, was then Chairman of the Volkswagen Group and the driving force behind one of the most audacious automotive projects in history: the Bugatti Veyron 16.4. His goal was as clear as it was unprecedented – to create a road-going car that would break every convention and surpass every limitation in automotive design and engineering. Born in Vienna on April 17, 1937, Ferdinand Karl Piëch was fascinated by technology from an early age – a passion that would define his entire life. He studied mechanical engineering in Zurich before beginning his career at Porsche, where he played a pivotal role in the creation of the legendary Porsche 917. His engineering brilliance later transformed Audi with innovations like the five-cylinder engine, TDI technology, and the quattro all-wheel-drive system.
By 1993, as CEO of Volkswagen AG, Piëch had become one of the most influential figures in the automotive world.
And yet, the growth of his legacy would continue further. In 1997, when on a Shinkansen express train between Tokyo and Nagoya, Piëch sketched an idea on the back of an envelope that would change the automotive world. In conversation with Karl-Heinz Neumann, then Head of Powertrain Development at VW, he outlined an engine with 18 cylinders. Powerful, revolutionary, and unlike anything before it. This concept was the genesis of the powertrain that would later evolve into the legendary Bugatti W16. In 2005, his vision became reality. The Bugatti Veyron 16.4 was unveiled to the world and set new standards in performance, speed and luxury. With a top speed of 407 km/h and acceleration from 0-100 km/h in 2.5 seconds, it was the fastest production vehicle in the world – and underscored Bugatti’s dedication to technological excellence. Read More
Audi is honoring 87 top-performing dealerships in the U.S. with the Magna Society Awards, a distinction for dealers who achieved excellent performance in 2024. Seventeen dealerships earned the Magna Society Elite distinction, representing the top 5% of Audi dealers nationwide.
To earn Magna Society Award recognition dealers must demonstrate an exceptional level of customer service as well as strong business performance. Audi of America created the awards to recognize dealerships that exceed standard sales targets and business objectives. Qualifying dealerships must engage in specific sales and service programs, adhere to defined business processes, and ensure their facilities and staff represent the Audi brand effectively.
The 2024 Audi Magna Society Elite winners: Read More
Volkswagen of America, Inc. is honored to announce the ID. Buzz has been named the 2025 World Car Design of the Year, revealed today at the 2025 New York International Auto Show.
The ID. Buzz, Volkswagen’s modern reinterpretation of its iconic Microbus, stood out among three finalists in the World Car Design category, showcasing its innovative design, cutting-edge technology, and all-electric performance.
“We set out to create an electric vehicle that not only pays homage to the iconic Microbus but also propels us into the future of automotive design,” said Kjell Gruner, President and CEO, Volkswagen Group of America. “The ID. Buzz was always intended to be more than just transportation; it’s our brand’s electric soul, a halo that radiates fresh energy and excitement. The ID. Buzz is reconnecting us with our roots while boldly stepping into the electric era, and this award is recognition of that vision.”
The World Car of the Year awards, established in 2004, are globally recognized automotive honors judged by more than 100 top journalists. They evaluate new or significantly revised vehicles available in at least two major markets on two continents, considering innovation, design, safety, performance, and environmental impact. The confidential voting process, overseen by an independent accounting firm, culminates in awards across various categories. World Car Design of the Year celebrates exceptional automotive aesthetics and functional design, highlighting vehicles that push the boundaries of creativity and innovation in the automotive industry.
The ID. Buzz showcases retro-inspired styling, complete with a bold VW logo and vibrant two-tone exterior options that complement its spacious interior. Inside, the ID. Buzz has incredible legroom and headroom, as well as standard features such as a 12.9-inch infotainment display, seating for up to seven, available 30-color ambient lighting, and an electrochromic panoramic glass roof. Hidden “Easter Eggs” show the design team had fun while producing a perfectly realized family hauler. Read More
| Oil and Gas Blends | Units | Oil Price | Change |
| Crude Oil (WTI) | USD/bbl | $62.90 | Down |
| Crude Oil (Brent) | USD/bbl | $66.19 | Down |
| Bonny Light 15/04/25 CBN | USD/bbl | $68.60 | Down |
| Dubai | USD/bbl | $68.77 | Up |
| Natural Gas | USD/MMBtu | $3.19 | Down |
| Murban Crude | USD/bbl | $67.71 | Down |
| OPEC basket 16/04/25 | USD/bbl | $68.06 | Up |
TotalEnergies announces the start of production from the deepwater Ballymore field offshore U.S., in which the Company has a 40% interest alongside operator Chevron (60%).
Located 120 kilometers off the Louisiana coast and launched in May 2022, Ballymore has a total daily gross production capacity of 75,000 barrels of oil per day and 50 million cubic feet of gas per day tied back to the Chevron operated Blind Faith floating production unit. At plateau, Ballymore will represent close to 30,000 boe/d net of cash-accretive production for TotalEnergies. The project utilizes existing infrastructure as well as standardized equipment to ensure lower development costs and lower emission intensity.
“The start-up of Ballymore will increase TotalEnergies’ production capacity in U.S. deepwater to more than 75,000 boe/d and contribute to the Company’s targeted hydrocarbon production growth of over 3% in 2025”, said Nicolas Terraz, President, Exploration & Production at TotalEnergies. “The United States is a major market for the deployment of our integrated energy model, which combines low breakeven and low emissions oil and gas projects with LNG and integrated power developments.” Read More
Saipem has signed a renewal for its framework agreement with Saudi Aramco. The Long-Term Agreement (LTA) now extends until the end of 2027. With the renewal of the LTA, Saipem is reconfirmed in the exclusive list of contractors selected by Saudi Aramco who are eligible to bid for work orders, known as CRPOs (Contract Release Purchase Orders). These contracts may relate to both the construction of new investment projects and any projects aimed at maintaining production capacity from Saudi Arabia’s offshore fields.
Should Saipem be awarded contracts for activities within the Kingdom under the LTA, these will be carried out by a consortium between Snamprogetti Saudi Arabia (a subsidiary of Saipem SpA) and STAR (Saipem Taqa Al-Rushaid Fabricators Co.), which aims to maximize local activities leveraging the local fabrication yard, established in Saudi Arabia in 2008. Saipem and Saudi Aramco have a long history of collaboration on onshore, offshore and drilling projects.
The renewal of the LTA confirms the trust in Saipem’s high-quality services, advanced technology and expertise, reaffirming the company’s key role and lasting presence in the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia’s offshore oil and gas sector… Read More
Volkswagen of America Inc. unveiled the all-new 2026 Tiguan SEL R-Line Turbo, which will be the nameplate’s top trim beginning in Model Year 2026. The Tiguan Turbo takes all the great features of the 2025 Tiguan—bolder styling, a refined, high-quality interior, and an advanced infotainment system—but adds 67 more horsepower to give the vehicle a more sporting character.
Under the hood, the Tiguan Turbo features a more powerful version of the EA888 evo5 turbocharged four-cylinder 2.0-liter TSI® engine that powers the rest of the Tiguan range. The engine makes 268 horsepower at 5500 rpm, an increase of 67 hp over the other models, while torque increases from 207 pound-feet to 258 lb-ft, delivered between 1900 and 5400 rpm.
The improved performance compared with the base engine comes from a number of changes. The engine has a larger turbocharger that enables higher boost pressure, combined with a lower 10.5 to one compression ratio. Internally, the engine benefits from stronger pistons and connecting rods, as well as a nitrided crankshaft. The engine also has oil cooling for the pistons, as well as variable valve lift on both the intake and exhaust side. It still uses Miller-cycle technology to help improve fuel economy compared to a conventional four-cycle engine, and runs on regular gasoline.
The Tiguan Turbo powerplant also benefits from several changes shared with the lower power engine, such as higher fuel injection pressure, raised from 5,076 psi (350 bar) to 7,252 psi (500 bar). There are further tweaks to the intake, intercooler, and lubrication system, including a higher-displacement vane-type oil pump. Changes to reduce friction include optimized chain drives for the cams and oil pump. The engine is mated to an 8-speed automatic transmission with steering-wheel-mounted paddle shifters. The Tiguan Turbo has standard 4Motion® all-wheel drive. The new-for-2025 Tiguan has been fully redesigned on the MQB evo platform with all-new sheet metal that features a shorter rear overhang and bold and expressive styling that has a higher, more powerful nose than the second-generation Tiguan. The Tiguan Turbo features an LED light bar and illuminated logo that creates a distinctive light signature, along with slimmer, more contemporary headlights. The profile is more athletic, thanks to a curved undercut above the front fenders that leads into a powerful shoulder line. At the back, the roofline is extended by a spoiler that helps to optimize aerodynamics, along with side flow elements in the D-post and air curtains in the front bumper. A rear LED light bar and illuminated logo mirror the front design, and a black roof is standard on Tiguan Turbo models.
The Tiguan Turbo boasts 20-inch aluminum-alloy wheels and a striking color palette that includes three new options introduced for 2025, including Avocado Green Pearl, Sandstone Uni and Monterey Blue Pearl, adding a vibrant touch to the vehicle’s bold styling. Read More
Hyundai Motor Company has secured six honors at the 2025 Red Dot Award: Product Design competition. The honorees included the IONIQ 9, the all-new Palisade, Smart Taxi Indicator, Global EV Home Charger, E-pit Ultra-Fast Charger, and Pixel Safety Hammer & Cutter.
What is the Red Dot Award and why does it matter?
The Red Dot Award, organized by the Design Zentrum Nordrhein Westfalen in Germany, is one of the world’s top-three design awards, highlighting exceptional Product Design, Brand and Communication Design, and Design Concepts.
Along with iF Design Awards and International Design Excellence Awards (IDEA), Red Dot is one of the top design competitions globally.
What Hyundai is saying
“We are deeply honored to be recognized by the renowned Red Dot Award for our groundbreaking product design,” said SangYup Lee, Executive Vice President and Head of Hyundai and Genesis Global Design. “These awards are the result of Hyundai’s unique design philosophy and forward-looking inspiration. We remain committed to offering our customers distinctive mobility experiences inspired by our brand vision of ‘Progress for Humanity.’”
Product Design Honorees and Key Features
IONIQ 9
• A large, electrified SUV with a sleek ‘aerosthetic’ silhouette and boat-tail rear profile
• Maximized aerodynamic performance paired with spacious interior
• Elliptical interior design elements and calming tones create a lounge-like atmosphere
The all-new Palisade
• ‘Bold Premium’ exterior design with a clean, elegant sculpture-like surfacing
• Meticulously designed and crafted interior offering a grand and comfortable premium living space with exceptional practicality and exclusive features
Smart Taxi Indicator
• Enhanced exterior aesthetics and improved customer safety
• Integrates taxi and operating status indicators into one unit
• Mounted on the roof molding above the passenger’s B-pillar
Global EV Home Charger
• Simplified design with convenient, intuitive functions
• Offers three design options: wall-mounted, standalone and canopy-mounted to suit user needs
E-pit Ultra-Fast Charger
• Installable in space-constrained environments, such as underground parking lots
• Efficient charging environment, designed with a ‘human-centered’ theme
• Praised for seamless integration in a range of urban settings
Pixel Safety Hammer & Cutter
• Safety tool for breaking windows or cutting seat belts
• Simple, intuitive design with four pixels aiding ease of identification and operation
• Available at the ‘Hyundai Collection Online Shop’
Hyundai Motor’s Red Dot wins highlight its design philosophy and innovation, further strengthening its design leadership in the global automotive landscape. . Read More
Baker Hughes Rig Count: U.S. +2 to 585 Canada -4 to 134
U.S. Rig Count is up 2 from last week to 585 with oil rigs up 1 to 481, gas rigs up 1 to 98 and miscellaneous rigs unchanged at 6.
Canada Rig Count is down 4 from last week to 134, with oil rigs down 4 to 87, gas rigs unchanged at 47 and miscellaneous rigs unchanged at 0..
| Region | Period | Rig Count | Change |
| U.S.A | 17 April 2025 | 585 | +2 |
| Canada | 17 April 2025 | 134 | – 4 |
| International | March 2025 | 899 | -6 |
CATL launched a new brand for its sodium-ion batteries, Naxtra, which it said would go into mass production in December, and a second generation of its fast-charging battery for electric cars.
CATL became the first major automotive battery maker to launch a sodium-ion battery in 2021. Unlike other battery materials, sodium is cheap and abundant, and the chemistry has the potential to reduce fire risks in EVs, experts have said.
The first production under the Naxtra brand will be of a new sodium-ion battery with an energy density of 175 watt-hours per kilogram, nearly equivalent to the lithium iron phosphate (LFP) batteries popularly used in electric vehicles and grid energy storage systems.
Sodium-ion batteries may have a cost advantage over lithium-ion batteries as the technology and supply chain develop, said Ouyang Chuying, co-president for R&D at CATL. Read More
Hyundai Motor Group (the Group) has unveiled its next-generation hybrid powertrain system, delivering a new standard for power and efficiency. With this advanced system, the Group plans to offer a range of industry leading new products within the hybrid vehicle segment.
The Group unveiled this advanced system during its ‘Next-Gen Hybrid System Tech Day’, highlighting its significantly enhanced hybrid technology, which will improve the driving and ownership experience of future Group products, delivering customer-focused benefits.
The next-generation hybrid system features a new transmission with two integrated motors that can be paired flexibly with a range of internal combustion engines, allowing for optimized performance and fuel efficiency across a range of vehicle classes. Additionally, various electrification-focused technologies have been incorporated into the next-generation hybrid system to enhance driving performance, refinement and ride comfort.
“We have developed an innovative new hybrid system that integrates our long-accumulated engine, transmission and hybrid system development experience with the electrification technology applied to our world-class electric vehicles,” said Dong Hee Han, Executive Vice President and Head of Electrified Propulsion Test Center, Hyundai Motor Group. “We will continue to develop innovative technologies that actively utilize electrification capabilities during the transition to EVs, providing customers with eco-friendly vehicles that offer superior performance.”
Enhanced performance, efficiency, and packaging
Hyundai Motor Group’s advanced next-generation hybrid system incorporates innovative electrification technologies to improve performance and fuel efficiency
New transmission features two integrated motors and will be combined with various engines across a wide range of vehicle classes
Optimized design allows seamless integration of new P1 motor, boosting energy transfer efficiency for starting, battery energy generation and driving performance
Turbocharged 2.5-litre petrol engine achieves up to a 2.9% increase in efficiency, with upgrades including optimized thermodynamic cycle and fuel injection strategies
New next-gen hybrid system offers 45% better fuel efficiency and 19% more power compared with ICE powertrains of the same class, delivering enhanced refinement
Employs sophisticated electrification technologies and advanced motor and battery control to boost drivability and deliver a leading hybrid driving experience Read More
Kia’s compact electric SUV, the EV3, has been named ‘Best of the Best’ at the 2025 Red Dot Award: Product Design in the Automobiles and Vehicles category. Following the EV9’s win in 2024 and the EV6’s triumph in 2022, this latest recognition highlights Kia’s continued leadership in setting new design benchmarks on the global stage and the ongoing success of its EV products.
“It is a tremendous honor to receive the 2025 Red Dot ‘Best of the Best’ design award for the Kia EV3, especially after the success of the EV9, winning the same award last year. The award is a reflection of the passion and dedication of Kia Design, as well as all our global colleagues, to bring relevant and meaningful mobility solutions to our users,” said Karim Habib, Executive Vice President and Head of Kia Global Design.
“Underpinned by our ‘Opposites United’ design philosophy, the EV3’s combination of strong architectural graphics, with its faceted and folded surfaces, results in an emotional design derived from logic, while our 10 material solutions ensure that our approach to mobility remains responsible. From the bold, progressive exterior aesthetics to the innovative living-space inspired interior, the Kia EV3 is a thoughtful product that we hope can make the lives of even more customers easier and better.”. Read More
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OilandGasPress Energy Newsbites and Analysis Roundup | Compiled by: OGP Staff, Segun Cole @oilandgaspress.
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