The United States is set to witness a significant surge in electric vehicle (EV) battery manufacturing capacity, with ten new factories scheduled to commence operations this year. These facilities, representing major investments from global giants like Panasonic, Samsung, and SK On, as well as automotive leaders such as Ford, Honda, Hyundai, Stellantis, and Toyota, are poised to elevate the nation's annual production capacity to 421.5 gigawatt-hours by 2025. This represents a remarkable 90% increase from the end of 2024, according to research firm Benchmark Mineral Intelligence.
Despite this promising outlook, challenges loom on the horizon. The Trump administration's policies may reduce demand for EVs, and two startups—Kore Power and Freyr—have recently scrapped plans for new U.S. factories. However, industry analysts argue that these setbacks do not signal an impending bust but rather reflect the inherent risks faced by startups in this nascent sector. Established players continue to advance, driven by robust development momentum and substantial economic benefits for their regions. For instance, LG and Honda's joint venture in Ohio promises to deliver 40 gigawatt-hours of batteries annually, supporting 2,200 jobs and a $4.4 billion investment.
While uncertainty persists, particularly regarding federal policy changes and market dynamics, the foundation laid by these new plants marks a critical milestone in the U.S.'s pursuit of leadership in the EV battery industry. Analysts emphasize that joint ventures between automakers and battery manufacturers offer greater stability due to integrated supply chains. Moreover, the ongoing projects, many located in Republican-leaning states, underscore the bipartisan support for this burgeoning sector. Ultimately, the success of these initiatives will hinge on navigating the complex interplay of policy, consumer trends, and economic factors. The future of the U.S. EV battery industry remains bright, signaling a transformative shift toward sustainable transportation solutions.
Volvo is set to revolutionize the electric vehicle (EV) market with its upcoming midsize luxury sedan, the ES90. This new model will be powered by Volvo’s innovative Superset tech stack, a comprehensive platform designed to enhance future vehicles. The ES90 will feature advanced computing capabilities, including dual Nvidia Drive AGX Orin systems, making it Volvo’s most powerful car in terms of core computing capacity. With an impressive processing speed of 508 trillion operations per second, this supercomputer will enable cutting-edge safety features, efficient battery management, and real-time improvements through over-the-air updates. Volvo aims to leverage this technology to create safer and more efficient vehicles that can continuously improve over time.
Superset Tech Stack: A New Era of Vehicle Engineering
The foundation of the ES90 lies in Volvo’s modular engineering platform known as Superset. This platform integrates all modules and functionalities necessary for Volvo’s next-generation vehicles. By adopting a unified tech stack, Volvo ensures consistency and scalability across its product lineup. Superset not only enhances manufacturing efficiency but also facilitates continuous improvement through software updates. This approach allows Volvo to stay competitive in an industry where connectivity and upgradability are becoming increasingly important.
The Superset tech stack represents a significant leap forward in automotive engineering. It enables Volvo to implement advanced AI-based active safety features, manage car sensors more effectively, and optimize battery performance. Moreover, the platform supports deep learning models and neural networks, which have seen an eightfold increase in processing power compared to previous generations. This enhanced capability allows Volvo to refine its algorithms from 40 million to 200 million parameters, significantly improving the vehicle’s performance and adaptability. As a result, the ES90 is poised to offer superior safety and functionality, setting new standards in the luxury sedan segment.
Revolutionizing Safety and Performance with Cutting-Edge Computing
The ES90’s integration of dual Nvidia Drive AGX Orin systems marks a milestone in automotive computing. This configuration delivers unprecedented processing power, enabling the ES90 to perform complex tasks at lightning-fast speeds. The supercomputer’s ability to execute 508 trillion operations per second ensures seamless operation of critical functions such as advanced driver assistance systems and battery management. This level of computational prowess sets the ES90 apart as one of the most technologically advanced cars on the market today.
Volvo envisions a future where vehicles can continuously evolve through software updates, enhancing both safety and performance. The ES90’s robust computing architecture allows for gradual improvements in deep learning models and neural networks, ensuring that the car remains at the forefront of technological innovation. Furthermore, the improvements made to the EX90, Volvo’s first Superset-based vehicle, will be translatable to the ES90, and vice versa. This interconnectedness underscores Volvo’s commitment to creating vehicles that can adapt and improve over time. Anders Bell, Volvo’s chief engineering and technology officer, emphasizes that the ES90 is designed to prioritize safety while offering unparalleled technological advancements. With the Superset tech stack, Volvo is positioning itself as a leader in the rapidly evolving EV market.
In a surprising turn of events, Mercedes-Benz has unveiled plans to develop both electric and combustion engine vans simultaneously. Initially committed to an all-electric future for its medium and large vans, the automaker now confirms the introduction of a new internal-combustion architecture alongside its dedicated electric platform. This strategic shift aims to balance market demands while maintaining efficiency in production.
A Strategic Pivot in Van Development
On a crisp autumn day, Mercedes-Benz made headlines by announcing the development of two distinct yet interconnected van architectures. The company will introduce the Van.EA platform for electric vans, set to debut in 2026, alongside a new combustion-based variant named Van.CA. Both architectures will share approximately 70% of their components, allowing for streamlined production processes and greater adaptability to fluctuating market needs.
The decision to pursue dual architectures signals Mercedes-Benz's flexibility in responding to diverse customer preferences. Currently, the brand offers gasoline and diesel models in various global markets, including the United States and Europe. By leveraging shared parts between electric and combustion vehicles, Mercedes-Benz can achieve economies of scale, reducing costs and enhancing operational efficiency.
This shift marks a departure from earlier plans where the automaker intended to rely solely on the Van.EA platform for future medium and large vans. While smaller vans were not explicitly mentioned, the emphasis on commonality suggests that the difference lies primarily in propulsion systems. Notably, this is not the first time Mercedes-Benz has adjusted its electric vehicle strategy. Previously, the company had partnered with Rivian for electric vans in Europe but later decided to focus on in-house development.
Meanwhile, the current eSprinter model continues to be built on the same chassis as its combustion counterparts. Looking ahead, Mercedes-Benz appears to be positioning itself for a mixed future, balancing traditional fuel-powered vehicles with the growing demand for electric options.
In the spring, a concept vehicle based on the Van.EA platform will make its debut, heralding the arrival of production models next year. This move underscores the company's commitment to innovation while acknowledging the ongoing relevance of internal-combustion engines in certain market segments.
From a journalist's perspective, this announcement highlights the complexities faced by automakers in navigating the transition to electrification. While the industry trend leans towards all-electric futures, Mercedes-Benz's approach reflects a pragmatic stance that acknowledges the current limitations and varied needs of different markets. This dual-path strategy may serve as a blueprint for other manufacturers seeking to balance innovation with practicality.