Will surging oil prices reignite EV demand amid the Iran conflict?
Since war broke out in Iran on 28 February, global oil prices have soared to unprecedented highs. The spike follows disruption in the Strait of Hormuz, the world’s busiest shipping channel for crude oil.
As the global conflict unravels and the oil crisis intensifies, analysts are recognising a renewed interest in electric vehicles (EVs) as consumers attempt to shield themselves from the impact of rising energy costs.
Jaguar Land Rover shuts UK plant due to fire at supplier site in Norway
Jaguar Land Rover is once again grappling with disruption, as production at one of its key UK facilities is set to pause following a fire at a supplier site in Norway. The interruption will affect output of its flagship Range Rover and Range Rover Sport vehicles at the Solihull plant, with operations halted until April 8. This latest grievance represents a significant setback for the automaker in a two year period punctuated by disruption.
Wayve rolls out autonomous robotaxi trails in the UK capital and MOVEmnt is invited
Earlier this month, the MOVE team had the opportunity to test drive one of Wayve’s autonomous vehicles and experience their Level 3 autonomous technology in real time.
Following their landmark $1.5 billion investment round, we caught up with the Wayve team to learn how the UK start-up is positioning itself as a serious contender in London’s robotaxi race.
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ENERGY & CHARGING
Elon Musk’s Tesla approved to enter UK energy market amid security concerns
The world’s richest man, Elon Musk, could soon have sway over the UK’s private energy sector after its subsidiary, Tesla Energy Ventures, received approval to operate as an electricity supplier in the United Kingdom. The licence, granted by the UK energy regulator, clears the path for the company to enter a market that has faced turbulence in recent years and rising concern among households over an ongoing cost-of-living crisis.
The charge point shortfall: Can the UK build charging infrastructure fast enough for 2030?
EV sales soared to a record high in Europe in 2025, with electric vehicle sales up by 30%. In the UK, the story is much the same, with EV sales surpassing petrol vehicle sales in the month of December and tracking steady growth into 2026.
However, as the market moves towards electrification, analysts have warned that the UK must double the number of electric vehicle charge points it installs annually if it is to meet its 2030 targets.
Ford and Renault announce strategic partnership to co-develop small EVs in Europe
Ford may have walked back its decision to go all-electric in Europe by 2030, but its commitment to electrification persists. Today, Ford announced a landmark alliance with French automaker Renault to co-develop a series of small electric vehicles for the European market.
The strategic collaboration should see jointly developed EVs rolling out as early as 2028, with plans to expand the partnership to include small commercial vehicles.
OEMs praise Trump’s reversal of federal fuel economy rules
OEMs such as Ford and Stellantis have stood in support of Trump’s controversial decision to roll back federal fuel economy rules for passenger vehicles. The decision, made last Wednesday, reverses many of the mandates introduced under the Biden administration that advocated for cleaner, more fuel-efficient vehicles.
Following the rollback of these mandates, known as Corporate Average Fuel Economy rules or CAFE, Americans will no longer be subject to hefty fines for violating these rules, essentially rendering them obsolete.
China’s diesel-powered trucks face rapid electric overhaul
China is accelerating its transition from diesel-powered trucks to electric alternatives at breakneck speed. Once almost entirely dependent on diesel for heavy freight, the country has seen a sharp rise in electric truck adoption, signalling profound changes for fuel consumption and emissions worldwide.
In 2020, diesel trucks dominated new sales across China. Fast forward to 2025, and electric vehicles now represent more than one-fifth of new heavy truck purchases. Analysts predict that this figure could climb beyond half of all new sales within the next year, meaning China’s energy sector will need to dramatically restructure in order to meet new electricity demands.
AUTOS
Volvo begins testing hydrogen-powered long haul trucks in multipronged decarbonization effort
Volvo Trucks is making headway in its mission to decarbonize the heavy transport segment, beginning on-road testing of its hydrogen combustion engine trucks. Rather than relying on a single solution, the company aims to reduce emissions across its operations through a combination of electrification, green hydrogen technology and other renewable fuels.
Baidu robotaxi malfunction causes disruption on the streets of Wuhan
On Tuesday, disruption was reported on the streets of Wuhan following a malfunction in Baidu’s Apollo Go robotaxi fleet.
Videos on social media captured the vehicles as they stopped in the middle of lanes of traffic, with passengers trapped inside. Some of the footage appears to show a vehicle involved in a highway collision, although police reports suggest no one was injured during the incident.
Wayve rolls out autonomous robotaxi trails in the UK capital and MOVEmnt is invited
Earlier this month, the MOVE team had the opportunity to test drive one of Wayve’s autonomous vehicles and experience their Level 3 autonomous technology in real time.
Following their landmark $1.5 billion investment round, we caught up with the Wayve team to learn how the UK start-up is positioning itself as a serious contender in London’s robotaxi race.
Will surging oil prices reignite EV demand amid the Iran conflict?
Since war broke out in Iran on 28 February, global oil prices have soared to unprecedented highs. The spike follows disruption in the Strait of Hormuz, the world’s busiest shipping channel for crude oil.
As the global conflict unravels and the oil crisis intensifies, analysts are recognising a renewed interest in electric vehicles (EVs) as consumers attempt to shield themselves from the impact of rising energy costs.
Jaguar Land Rover shuts UK plant due to fire at supplier site in Norway
Jaguar Land Rover is once again grappling with disruption, as production at one of its key UK facilities is set to pause following a fire at a supplier site in Norway. The interruption will affect output of its flagship Range Rover and Range Rover Sport vehicles at the Solihull plant, with operations halted until April 8. This latest grievance represents a significant setback for the automaker in a two year period punctuated by disruption.
BUSINESS
Will surging oil prices reignite EV demand amid the Iran conflict?
Since war broke out in Iran on 28 February, global oil prices have soared to unprecedented highs. The spike follows disruption in the Strait of Hormuz, the world’s busiest shipping channel for crude oil.
As the global conflict unravels and the oil crisis intensifies, analysts are recognising a renewed interest in electric vehicles (EVs) as consumers attempt to shield themselves from the impact of rising energy costs.
Jaguar Land Rover shuts UK plant due to fire at supplier site in Norway
Jaguar Land Rover is once again grappling with disruption, as production at one of its key UK facilities is set to pause following a fire at a supplier site in Norway. The interruption will affect output of its flagship Range Rover and Range Rover Sport vehicles at the Solihull plant, with operations halted until April 8. This latest grievance represents a significant setback for the automaker in a two year period punctuated by disruption.
Elon Musk’s Tesla approved to enter UK energy market amid security concerns
The world’s richest man, Elon Musk, could soon have sway over the UK’s private energy sector after its subsidiary, Tesla Energy Ventures, received approval to operate as an electricity supplier in the United Kingdom. The licence, granted by the UK energy regulator, clears the path for the company to enter a market that has faced turbulence in recent years and rising concern among households over an ongoing cost-of-living crisis.
EU’s Industrial Accelerator Act could bring UK and Japan into ‘Made in Europe’ scheme
The EU’s “Made in Europe” content laws are set to undergo an expansion, with countries like the UK and Japan included within Brussels’ manufacturing targets.
The European Commission said these adjustments would protect European manufacturers, and now those of allied nations, from ferocious Chinese competition.
Firefighters and factory workers: Meet the intelligent robots at the forefront of the AI revolution
As corporations begin to embed AI into the ways they process data, make sales, and draft communications, many companies are also looking for ways to automate and implement AI in manufacturing processes, on factory floors, and to perform difficult or dangerous tasks that humans may not want or cannot do.
Automotive manufacturers are among the companies leading the charge in the physical AI space. Read more to find out how.
FLEETS
Uber partners with Rivian in $1.25bn robotaxi deal, promising 50,000 vehicles by 2031
Uber is forging ahead with its vision for a driverless future through a new partnership with American EV maker Rivian Motors.
The agreement outlines plans for Uber to invest an initial $300mn, potentially rising to $1.25bn by 2031, contingent on Rivian hitting key autonomy milestones. Alongside the investment, Uber intends to purchase up to 50,000 autonomous vehicles, beginning with 10,000 robotaxi-ready versions of Rivian’s upcoming R2 SUV. The remaining 40,000 could follow from 2030.
Lyft follows in Uber’s footsteps, launching new ride-hailing app for teens
American ride-hailing company Lyft has announced the launch of its own teen account service, allowing minors as young as 13 to hail a taxi without an adult present.
Lyft currently has 25 million active riders and coordinates 9 million rides per day across the US, Canada, and Europe, making it the second-largest ride-hailing service in the U.S. after Uber.
The group’s teen service, launched on Monday, has rolled out in over 200 U.S. cities, including Boston, Chicago, and New York.
New York Governor gives the green light to robotaxis in state address
Robotaxis may be a familiar sight in Texas and California, but as self-driving vehicles ramp up in more than 20 states, New York has historically shown trepidation when it comes to advancing welcoming AV legislation.
All of this could be set to change following New York Governor Kathy Hochul’s unveiling of plans to legalize robotaxis in the state of New York during her State of the State address on Tuesday.
Latest McKinsey report concludes autonomous technology is “developing rapidly, but the future is still in flux”
Globally leading consultancy firm McKinsey & Company yesterday published its third biannual survey on autonomous vehicle technology, the first since 2023.
The report attempts to provide a comprehensive forecast of autonomous technology, offering a deep dive into the current trends and predictions dominating the fast-paced autonomous vehicle industry. Summarising its global findings from 2025, the report began: “Autonomous-vehicle technology is developing rapidly, but the future is still in flux.”
Waymo to update its software after San Francisco power outage wreaks havoc on its robotaxi fleet
Last weekend, Waymo came under fire after several of its vehicles were affected by a citywide power outage in San Francisco that left many of its vehicles stalled at intersections.
Waymo has since announced it will update software across its robotaxi fleet to better respond to outages, while also expanding its first responder engagement and emergency response protocols.
SMART CITIES
Pony.ai CEO unveils Gen-7 breakthrough system for driverless vehicles
At MOVE 2025, Dr. James Peng, CEO and Co-Founder of Pony.ai, shared insights into the company’s journey and the future of autonomous mobility. Founded nearly nine years ago, Pony.ai aims to make transportation safer, more accessible and cost-effective through...
Honda becomes USA’s official automotive partner for LA28 Olympic Games
As a Founding Partner of the LA28 Olympic and Paralympic Games, Honda will also serve as the Official Automotive Partner of Team USA, supporting the United States Olympic and Paralympic teams during the LA28 Games and upcoming Olympic and Paralympic Winter Games...
Autonomous drones to deliver medication orders in Virginia
AI-powered autonomous delivery network Arrive AI is partnering with a Virginia-based courier company Go2 Delivery to deliver specialty pharmacy products. The medicine deliveries will be done using Go2 Delivery service drones to Arrive AI mailbox points across...
Archer selected as official air taxi provider of the LA28 Olympic Games
Electric vertical take-off and landing (eVTOL) aircraft company Archer has been selected as the official air taxi provider for the Los Angeles 2028 (LA28) Olympic and Paralympic Games and Team USA. The California-based company will integrate its Midnight eVTOL...
VinFast launches small electric cargo van in Vietnam
Vietnamese automotive company VinFast has officially announced the launch of its new EC Van electric cargo vehicle, designed for small-load transportation. The 600kg cargo vehicle comes in a compact size and is intended for short-distance delivery needs of businesses,...
TECH & DATA
Pony.ai CEO unveils Gen-7 breakthrough system for driverless vehicles
At MOVE 2025, Dr. James Peng, CEO and Co-Founder of Pony.ai, shared insights into the company’s journey and the future of autonomous mobility. Founded nearly nine years ago, Pony.ai aims to make transportation safer, more accessible and cost-effective through...
Opening Remarks from the Minister for the Future of Roads
Speaking at MOVE 2025 in London, Lillian Greenwood MP, the UK’s Minister for Future Roads, outlined a decisive roadmap for transforming transport across the country. “Our roads matter...for our economy, for climate, for our very way of life,” said Greenwood. Framing...
The age of autonomous with Baidu, Oxa, May Mobility and Einride
At MOVE 2025, leaders from Baidu, Oxa, May Mobility and Einride came together to discuss autonomous mobility for people and goods. A key focus was the varied global landscape: China leads with extensive large-scale driverless deployments, the U.S. offers diverse...
Affordable, driverless cars for all with the CEO of Pony.ai
At MOVE 2025, Pony.ai CEO Dr. James Peng discussed the company’s recent IPO and plans to scale its autonomous vehicle fleet. Since going public in November 2024, Pony.ai has focused on mass-producing affordable, Level 4 driverless cars. Peng highlighted the company's...
Affordable, driverless cars for all with the CEO of Pony.ai
At MOVE 2025, Pony.ai CEO Dr. James Peng discussed the company’s recent IPO and plans to scale its autonomous vehicle fleet. Since going public in November 2024, Pony.ai has focused on mass-producing affordable, Level 4 driverless cars. Peng highlighted the company's...
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