Market developments
Ford targets affordability with new electric pickup platform
Ford has unveiled the Fathom, a midsize electric pickup scheduled for launch in 2027 with a starting price of $28,350 (before delivery charges). Interestingly, the model will be the 1st built on Ford’s new Universal Electric Vehicle (UEV) platform, developed to lower production costs and support a broader range of affordable EVs. Standard features include a large touchscreen, wireless Apple CarPlay and Android Auto, a digital key, bidirectional charging, BlueCruise hands-free driving support, Apple Maps integration and a built-in NACS charging port. Ford has stated that the truck will offer a spacious cabin, traditional cargo bed and front trunk storage, with further battery and range details to follow.
UK backs next-generation vehicle technologies with £130m package
The UK government has committed nearly £130m to accelerate development of next generation vehicle technologies and support more than 1,800 skilled jobs. The funding combines almost £65m of public investment with matching industry contributions and forms part of the wider DRIVE35 programme, a £4bn initiative running through 2035. Projects will focus on affordable electric vehicles, advanced propulsion systems, connected and automated mobility technologies, and UK-based manufacturing capabilities. The investment is expected to benefit automotive hubs including the North East and West Midlands, while strengthening domestic supply chains and supporting the transition to zero emission transport.
Voltloader and Aegis Energy partner on UK freight charging network
Voltloader and Aegis Energy have formed a partnership aimed at expanding charging infrastructure for electric heavy goods vehicles across the UK. The collaboration combines Voltloader’s depot and destination-based charging network with Aegis Energy’s planned multi-energy hubs along major freight routes and motorways. By adding en-route charging to existing depot infrastructure, the companies aim to address one of the key barriers to eHGV adoption: reliable access to high-capacity charging. The integrated network is intended to support longer-distance freight transport while providing operators with broader coverage and improved charging accessibility as fleet electrification accelerates.
Infrastructure & policy
Louisiana transit network secures funding for fleet modernisation
Lafayette Transit System has secured approximately $3m in federal funding to replace ageing vehicles, upgrade infrastructure and improve service reliability. The package combines around $1.79m from the Federal FY25 Rural Section 5339 Bus and Bus Facilities Program and $1.2m from the FTA Section 5307 Small Urban Areas Program. Planned investments include replacement buses, upgrades to compressed natural gas and diesel fuelling facilities, heavy-duty maintenance equipment and broader operational improvements. The programme also supports the introduction of five new low-floor buses equipped with onboard Wi Fi, accessibility features, surveillance systems and advanced driver-assistance technologies, with a further five vehicles expected in 2027.
Microlise and Ferdia integrate coach operations and fleet management
A new partnership between Microlise and Ferdia aims to create a unified platform for coach operators by combining telematics, compliance monitoring, bookings and operational planning into a single system. The integrated solution links Ferdia’s business management software with Microlise’s fleet intelligence platform, giving operators visibility across vehicle allocation, driver management, pricing, compliance and real-time fleet performance. The initiative is designed to reduce reliance on manual processes and disconnected systems while improving planning and reporting. The companies say integrated operational and fleet data can help improve utilisation, strengthen compliance and support more efficient decision-making.
Deals
Watercycle receives funding to advance UK lithium supply chain
Watercycle Technologies has secured £3m in UK government funding as part of the £6m ReLiVE programme, a 36 month initiative scheduled to begin in 2027. The project will demonstrate large-scale recovery and refining of battery-grade lithium from industrial wastewater and battery recycling streams using the company’s Direct Lithium Extraction and Crystallisation technology. The aim is to establish pilot-to-demonstration-scale lithium production in the UK, reducing dependence on imported battery materials. The programme will also assess environmental and economic impacts while working with battery, automotive and refining partners to validate commercial suitability.
River Mobility raises $120m to expand electric scooter production
Indian electric two-wheeler manufacturer River Mobility has secured $120m in Series C funding, bringing total capital raised to $144m since its founding in 2021. The company plans to use the investment to expand manufacturing capacity, build a second production facility, develop new vehicle models and improve profitability. River currently sells around 6,000 units per month through more than 75 stores and has delivered over 50,000 vehicles to date. Built around its utility-focused Indie electric scooter, the company intends to broaden its product range and retail network as India’s electric mobility market continues to grow.
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