Ford transforms F-150 to EREV; BMW advances with Gen-6 batteries and Hyundai robotaxis with Motional

Summary of the main news: Ford changes the F-150 from 100% electric to EREV; Be.EV expands its network in the UK; BMW advances with Gen-6 batteries; Renault recycles batteries; Motional and Hyundai prepare robotaxis.

Ford moves F-150 away from 100% electric to adopt EREV

Ford will end production of the 100% electric F-150 Lightning in 2025 and is migrating to the Extended Range Electric Vehicle (EREV) format. In this configuration, the vehicle also uses a fuel generator, without the engine directly powering the wheels.

EREVs are often classified as plug-in hybrids, as they combine a battery pack with an ICE generator that recharges the battery, extending the range without relying solely on the plug.

Be.EV expands charging network in the UK

Be.EV has accelerated its growth by acquiring Mer's British operations and expanding its presence in Southern England, in addition to strengthening its already consolidated presence in the North and Midlands. The network now totals over 2,500 spaces across more than 680 sites.

The demand for fast and high-power charging continues to grow, reflecting the continuous expansion of infrastructure for EVs.

BMW's Gen-6 Battery: focus on the new era of vehicles

To support the debut of the Neue Klasse in 2025, BMW is setting up a dedicated high-wear battery factory in Irlbach-Straßkirchen, in Central Bavaria, to serve the Dingolfing, Regensburg, and Munich lines.

The focus is on assembling the Gen-6 battery, signaling a transition from previous designs. “Our cells have a diameter of 46 mm, with heights of 95 mm and 120 mm”, explains Dr. Markus Fallböhmer, Senior Vice President Battery Production, BMW.

Renault recycles EV batteries in France

Future is NEUTRAL operates the first Individual System (IS) in France for the end-of-life management of electric vehicle batteries for the Renault Group. Created in 2022, Renault Group is the majority shareholder.

It was already active in the IS for the end-of-life of batteries for 15 brands in France and now also manages the end-of-life of batteries, according to World Resources Institute data. End-of-life EV batteries are classified as hazardous waste, and improper disposal can contaminate the environment and impact the health of neighboring communities.

Motional and Hyundai: robotaxis in Las Vegas

Hyundai, in partnership with Motional, announced the launch of a fully driverless robotaxi service in Las Vegas by the end of 2026. Motional has developed a complete autonomous driving system based on AI and machine learning, seeking to balance safety and software evolution.

The IONIQ 5 robotaxi is produced at the Hyundai Motor Group Innovation Center in Singapore and involves more than 30 sensors, cameras, radars, and LiDAR, offering 360° perception and object detection for safe operation in diverse environments.

Which of these innovations do you think will have the greatest impact on the future of electric vehicles? leave your opinion in the comments below and explain why.