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Deployment of 5-minute battery swaps could support hundreds of commercial EVs Ample says it’s a straightforward retrofit, switching to its own battery packs Solution is less demanding on the grid than fast-charging stations California-based startup Ample is looking to deploy its battery-swapping tech with fleets of electric delivery trucks in Tokyo. Ample opened its first Japanese battery swapping stations in early 2024 in Kyoto, but this latest deployment looks to scale things up considerably. In a press release published Wednesday, Ample said it would build a network of stations in Tokyo, each supporting over 100 vehicles. It’s not being billed…

Our experts predict that the M135 will be worth half its list price after three years and 36,000 miles, while adding option packs has no impact on used values. In comparison, the Audi S3 holds on to more of its value, but the Mercedes-AMG A 35 has residuals in the 44-48 per cent bracket. Model MPGCO2Insurance groupBMW M13536.7mpg173g/km29Facelift has overhauled the M135’s cabin with a new dashboard layout and more techA clean look has been applied to the cabin, with the nav screen and driver’s display combined into a single curved unit, while the old car’s traditional air vents have been…

Chinese battery firm CATL and automaker Nio are preparing to launch what the two companies claim will be the world’s largest electric vehicle battery swapping network. CATL and Nio announced a technical partnership last year that included battery swapping, but on Tuesday they confirmed plans to start coordinating efforts as they build out battery swapping stations. Nio launches Firefly EV brand during Nio Day 2024 The two companies will operate networks in parallel, but with more overlap as time goes on. CATL’s Chico-Swap technical standards will be used in EVs from Nio’s Firefly brand, and both companies will work toward…

Mercedes-Benz has issued a recall for certain plug-in hybrid models from its AMG performance division due to a software error that may cause a loss of drive power. The affected models include the AMG S 63 E Performance, AMG GT 63 S E Performance 4-Door Coupe, AMG GT 63 S E Performance, AMG SL 63 S E Performance, and AMG GLC 63 S E Performance (both the regular SUV and coupe-like model), ranging from the 2023-2025 model years. A total of 2,943 vehicles are affected in the U.S. According to the recall notice published by the NHTSA on Feb. 28…

SK On will supply batteries to Nissan for U.S.-made electric vehicles, the two companies announced Wednesday in a press release. Under the agreement, SK On will supply nearly 100 gigawatt-hours of batteries to Nissan from 2028 to 2033. They’ll go into EVs produced at the automaker’s Canton, Mississippi, assembly plant starting in 2028. Nissan plans to build at least four EV models at that plant, spanning both its main brand and Infiniti luxury brand. This deal “will support” 1,700 U.S. jobs at SK On and involves a $661 million investment. Nissan is spending $500 million to ready the plant for…

General Motors and Nvidia on Tuesday announced an expanded partnership to further leverage artificial intelligence in vehicle development, manufacturing, and the advancement of self-driving cars. GM has already been using Nvidia’s powerful computer chips for training various AI models, but new aspects of the partnership will include using Nvidia’s Omniverse simulation program to create digital versions of existing and planned assembly lines, enabling virtual testing and production simulations. AI is also reshaping manufacturing in the real world, particularly in robotics for precision welding and material handling, helping to boost efficiency. GM said it will also start using Nvidia’s DRIVE AGX…

2024 AudiA328,483 milesAutomaticPetrol1.0LCash £19,900View A32024 AudiA366,062 milesAutomaticPetrol1.4LCash £15,400View A32023 AudiA323,386 milesManualPetrol1.0LCash £15,700View A32024 AudiA342,194 milesAutomaticPetrol1.4LCash £19,800View A3The most recent update saw prices rise, too, with the S3 Sportback hatch now coming in at around £47,000, although this has the Black Edition styling pack fitted as standard. The powertrain consists of a 328bhp/420Nm 2.0-litre turbocharged four-cylinder engine (the VW Group’s ubiquitous EA888 unit), a seven-speed twin-clutch S tronic gearbox and quattro four-wheel drive. The S3 Sportback is a subtle performance car, but you can be even more understated by choosing the S3 saloon instead. The four-door model has the same powertrain…

One of the 12 original Ford GT40 prototypes is headed for auction The car, bearing chassis no. GT/109, is one of only two surviving roadster examples The car was the only roadster prototype to race at Le Mans, which it did in 1965 A rare opportunity to own one of the original Ford GT40 prototypes is coming up soon. The 2025 edition of Mecum’s annual auction in Indianapolis, scheduled for May 9-17, will see a 1965 Ford GT40 Roadster prototype go under the hammer. The car, which bears chassis number GT/109, is one of 12 prototypes for the GT40 built…

Mazda on Tuesday unveiled yet another update to its electrification plans—culminating in what appears to be a more independent approach than the automaker has taken thus far. The 2025 Mazda CX-50 hybrid uses a Toyota-sourced hybrid system, and the EZ-6 electric sedan was developed in partnership with China’s Changan Automobile. But such partnerships may be limited in the future, Mazda CEO Masahiro Moro and other executives indicated in a presentation held Tuesday in Tokyo. Mazda is moving ahead with plans, first discussed last November, to launch an in-house developed hybrid system in the CX-5 crossover, as well as an all-electric…

The average age of a Ferrari customer is heading lower, according to its CEO. In an interview with CNBC published on March 16, Ferrari CEO Benedetto Vigna said 40% of new customers to the brand are below the age of 40. That compares to just 18 months ago, when he said that figure stood at 30%. It’s an impressive result for a brand whose current most affordable model starts at just over $230,000 and, according to Vigna, sells around three-quarters of its production to existing customers. Benedetto Vigna Ferrari has traditionally limited production of its vehicles to retain exclusivity, but…