Mahle Introduces Range Extender For Electric Trucks

cleantechnica.com Aug 20, 2026

Mahle Introduces Range Extender For Electric Trucks

Curated by Shubham · TechCapsules · Aug 20, 2026

AI-summarised brief · reviewed before publication

Mahle announced a new high‑power range extender for battery electric heavy trucks at the IAA Transportation show in Hannover. The system uses a compact internal‑combustion engine to drive a 110‑kW continuous, 130‑kW peak generator, replacing roughly one‑third of a truck’s battery. It adds about 400 km of range, enabling a total of 800 km, while cutting vehicle weight by 600 kg and reducing CO₂ emissions by 80 % compared to diesel. The design fits standard battery mounts and supports renewable fuels for near‑zero emissions.

💡 Why It Matters

· By merging a lightweight generator with existing battery packs, Mahle offers a practical bridge for fleets that need longer ranges without the infrastructure demands of full battery charging.
· This hybrid approach could accelerate heavy‑truck electrification and lower operating costs for shippers.

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Amazon plans to expand Prime Air to nearly 500 cities by the…

Amazon announced plans to expand its Prime Air drone‑delivery service to nearly 500 U.S. cities and towns by the end of 2026, a sixfold increase from its current footprint. The company currently operates in seven states and will soon launch in Chicago, Syracuse, Cleveland, Atlanta, and Boise, with additional markets slated for later this year. Prime Air delivers items up to 5 lb. within 30–60 minutes, using FAA‑certified, electric drones equipped with detect‑and‑avoid technology. The service integrates seamlessly with Amazon’s existing app and checkout process.

💡 By dramatically scaling drone delivery, Amazon could redefine last‑mile logistics, offering ultra‑fast, low‑emission deliveries that challenge traditional courier models and reshape consumer expectations for speed and convenience.

us.headtopics.com · Aug 20

This New App Puts 200,000 EV Chargers Across North America in One…

Octopus Energy has released the Octopus Charge app, consolidating data from more than 200,000 EV charging points across the United States, Canada and Mexico into a single platform. The app aggregates information from over 10,000 stations operated by roughly 20 partners, including EVgo, ChargePoint, Blink and Shell Recharge, and displays real‑time availability, charger speed, compatibility, pricing and nearby amenities. Prices are passed through without markup, so a $0.50/kWh rate on a network appears unchanged in the app. Users can store a payment method for seamless billing and input their vehicle make and model to receive optimal charging settings. The service, already used in Europe, does not yet include major networks such as Tesla Superchargers, requiring drivers to keep additional apps for full coverage.

💡 By unifying fragmented charging networks, the app removes a major barrier to long‑distance EV travel, making cross‑border trips more practical.

autocar.co.uk · Aug 20

Tesla Semi: 1073bhp, 325-mile electric lorry confirmed for Europe

Tesla has confirmed the European launch of its electric Semi lorry, nearly a decade after its initial unveiling. The vehicle, recently updated with technology and styling aligned with the Model Y, will be presented at the IAA Transportation show in Hanover, Germany. Tesla plans to reveal specific European specifications and launch details at this event. The company aims to stimulate the electric heavy goods vehicle segment, addressing haulier concerns regarding range and charging. In the US, the Standard Range model offers 325 miles of range and 1073bhp, while the Long Range version reaches 500 miles. Both utilize a tri-motor powertrain and support 1200kW Megacharging, replenishing 60% of range in 30 minutes. Tesla recently secured a major order of 500 units from Swedish firm Einride. Although the Semi debuted in 2017 and entered PepsiCo’s fleet in 2022, total delivery numbers remain undisclosed. The UK website currently lists only the Standard Range, suggesting potential regional variations in available configurations.

💡 The Semi’s 1073bhp output and 1200kW charging speed significantly outperform current European competitors like the MAN eTGX and Mercedes eActros 600. This performance gap challenges traditional manufacturers to accelerate their own heavy-duty electrification efforts to remain competitive.

teslarati.com · Aug 20

Tesla admits to slow Model Y Robotaxi integration, but for a good…

Tesla intentionally slowed the integration of Model Y vehicles into its Robotaxi fleet, a strategic decision confirmed during a recent JPMorgan analyst tour of the Fremont Factory. Management expressed strong confidence in scaling the purpose-built Cybercab, which offers superior unit economics for typical one- or two-passenger rides. This pivot allows Tesla to prioritize consumer Model Y inventory for retail sales while focusing on the more efficient Cybercab platform. Supporting this transition is Full Self-Driving software version 15, described as a significant performance leap comparable to previous major updates. Approximately 40% of V15’s seven core technologies are already undergoing real-world testing in the current fleet with encouraging feedback. The existing AI and Hardware 4 stack is capable of running V15 for unsupervised operation. JPMorgan maintained its $475 price target, viewing the move as a calculated prioritization rather than a delay. Tesla also noted that additional vehicle form factors, such as the Robovan, will follow the Cybercab architecture. Parallel progress continues on the Optimus humanoid robot, with production starting soon and commercial sales potentially beginning in late 2027.

💡 The shift from modified consumer cars to a dedicated two-seat Cybercab fundamentally alters Tesla’s unit economics by maximizing asset utilization for the majority of short-distance rides. This strategic pivot signals that Tesla believes its proprietary hardware and V15 software are now mature enough to support a specialized, high-volume autonomous fleet without relying on repurposed retail inventory.

autocar.co.uk · Aug 20

Chinese car makers take a fifth of the UK market – can…

Chinese automakers captured nearly 20 % of UK vehicle registrations in July, with Omoda, Jaecoo, and BYD each reaching 100,000 UK sales. Their success stems from aggressive pricing, electrified powertrains, and generous standard equipment. The influx has pressured established brands that struggle to match the cost‑competitiveness and feature sets offered by the newcomers. The surge reflects a broader shift toward affordable electric vehicles and signals a significant realignment in the UK automotive market.

💡 The rapid rise of Chinese brands reshapes the competitive landscape, forcing legacy manufacturers to rethink pricing and electrification strategies. It also accelerates the UK’s transition to low‑emission vehicles, impacting supply chains and consumer expectations.

business-standard.com · Aug 20

Japan reports record exports, imports for July as energy costs climb

Japan recorded its highest monthly export and import values since 1979 in July, driven by a weak yen and soaring energy costs. Imports surged 27.8 percent to a record 12.15 trillion yen, largely due to expensive crude oil purchases necessitated by the war in Iran and the closure of the Strait of Hormuz. Exports rose 23.2 percent to 11.51 trillion yen, supported by robust shipments of automobiles and semiconductors to the United States and other markets. Consequently, the trade deficit widened to 634.5 billion yen, marking the third consecutive month of negative trade balance. While the depreciating currency has boosted earnings for major exporters like Toyota, it simultaneously increased the cost of essential raw materials and food. The Finance Ministry’s preliminary report highlights the ongoing economic pressure as Japan seeks alternative energy sources and contends with geopolitical disruptions affecting global supply chains.

💡 The closure of the Strait of Hormuz forces Japan to pay premium prices for energy, exposing the fragility of its supply chain despite export growth. This structural vulnerability limits the central bank's ability to use currency weakness as a long-term economic stimulus.