Ford Motor's one-off, track-only demonstrator all-electric "SuperVan" has set a company-best time at the Nurburgring, completing a lap in 6:48.42, four seconds faster than the street-legal Mustang GTD. Driven by Romain Dumas, the SuperVan 4.2 is powered by a quad-motor setup delivering 2,000 horsepower and weighs more than 4,400 pounds. Ford's SuperVan time makes it quicker than the Corvette ZR1X, Porsche 911 GT3 RS and Lamborghini Aventador SVJ. Only the Mercedes-AMG GT Black Series remains just half a second faster.
(Editor's note: Of course, the vehicles and time comparisons are not apples to apples.)

Tesla and BMW have adopted AI-powered predictive maintenance to optimize operations, significantly reducing downtime. Tesla's California factory has cut unexpected machine failure downtime by over 30%, while BMW's Regensburg plant has reduced assembly line hold-ups by 500 minutes annually.

Motiv Electric Trucks and Workhorse Electric Vehicles plan to merge, with the intention to form a stronger competitor in the medium-duty electric truck market. The deal, pending shareholder approval, will be conducted entirely via stock, with Motiv's controlling investor holding 62.5% of the new company. The focus of the new entity will be to reduce vehicle costs, enhance long-term value and accelerate the shift from diesel and internal combustion engine trucks to electric alternatives.

Airbus US Space & Defense and Shield AI have successfully completed the partnership's first test flight, using Shield AI's Hivemind autonomy software. The test, using an H145 helicopter, is a step in developing the MQ-72C Lakota Connector for the US Marine Corps' Aerial Logistics Connector program.

While robotaxis attract attention, self-driving trucks are making impacts in industries such as mining and farming. Anthony Levandowski, founder of Pronto, has introduced autonomous trucks at sites such as the Mark West Quarry in California, using a system that relies on global satellite navigation and computer vision. Pronto's approach enhances safety in dangerous environments, reducing the risk of accidents, Levandowski says.

ZF has introduced a modular range extender drive for electric vehicles, the electric Range Extender and electric Range Extender plus, which can operate at 400 or 800 volts and use silicon or silicon carbide semiconductors. The technology, which is set for mass production in 2026, has gained interest from Ford Motor, Hyundai and Stellantis and China is a primary market for REEVs.

Archer Aviation's Midnight electric vertical takeoff and landing aircraft has set a record by flying 55 miles with humans aboard in a test at a facility in Salinas, Calif. The flight, which reached speeds above 126 mph, lasted 31 minutes and showcased the aircraft's potential for urban air mobility. Archer, backed by United Airlines and Stellantis, aims to begin production of the Midnight by year-end and ramp up to 54 units per month.