AUTONEWS

Mercedes GLC vs BMW iX3

BMW iX3...After years of trial and error, BMW designers finally got it right. The iX3 exudes distinction and modernity, but without intending to scare anyone. Clean, solid surfaces meet well-defined creases. It's different from all other crossovers and doesn't need strange proportions or elaborate lines to achieve that. There's a new face mask, but it's not Halloween.

As for the interior, there's a completely new dashboard and an iDrive system that debuts something unprecedented: not just a larger screen, but something called Panoramic iDrive – a narrow screen that extends across the entire base of the windshield, just above the dashboard. Spoiler alert: besides having a futuristic look, it actually works.

With sixth-generation BMW eDrive technology, a range of up to 805 kilometers (500 miles), and a maximum charging rate of 400 kW, the new BMW iX3 sets new standards for efficiency and long-distance capability. A new electronics and software architecture, including four high-performance "superbrains" computers, makes the first model of the Neue Klasse smarter and better prepared for the future than ever before. The "Heart of Joy" driving dynamics management technology enables unparalleled driving dynamism and precision, while the latest automated driving systems optimize the symbiotic interaction between man and vehicle.

A key element of the digital user experience in the new #BMW iX3 is BMW Panoramic iDrive, which takes the intuitive operation and driver focus for which the brand is known to a new level. In addition, a comprehensive sustainability concept reduces the vehicle's carbon footprint by more than 30% over its life cycle compared to its predecessor.

The first model from the Neue Klasse will be produced at the newly built BMW Group plant in Debrecen, Hungary. The first variant of the all-electric SAV to roll off the production line, starting in the fall of 2025, will be the BMW iX3 50 xDrive (combined electric power consumption: 17.9 – 15.1 kWh/100 km; CO₂ class: A; range: 679 – 805 km; provisional figures according to the WLTP cycle), with a power output of 345 kW/469 hp and electric all-wheel drive.

The new BMW iX3 represents a leap in development compared to its namesake predecessor, going far beyond a simple model update. The advancements in design and technology create the impression that an entire generation of the vehicle has been skipped. For the BMW Group, the launch of the new BMW iX3 also represents a milestone in the transformation process in terms of electrification, digitalization, and circularity. Leading the arrival of the Neue Klasse (New Class), it offers customers the latest innovations in design and technology, which will shape the brand's entire model range going forward. Neue Klasse technologies will be incorporated into a total of 40 new models and model updates by 2027.

The new iX3 manages to eliminate many, or even all, of the inconveniences of modern electric vehicles. It doesn't feel heavy or unresponsive to drive. It charges super-fast and is efficient, needing to be charged less frequently than competitors. The control system is intuitive. The driver assistance features don't drive you crazy.

We've driven cars that make similar claims to the iX3. They left us unhappy, turning the human being into a mere subsystem within a clumsy machine with its own hyper-digitalized mind.

The Neue Klasse is not like that. It doesn't try to be different or shocking. It's like a BMW; only fabulously good. A significant leap, more intuitive, rewarding, precise and engaging (and yet relaxing) than other current BMW crossovers. It's refined and spacious when you need a family car. BMW design is entering a refined era that evokes, but doesn't imitate, its best past. Given that there will soon be a Neue Klasse car to play the role of established models like the 3 Series, all of this is extremely reassuring.

Mercedes GLC...With the same state-of-the-art architecture as the CLA, this electric SUV sports a familiar badge, but is completely new underneath. The GLC is Mercedes' golden goose and its best-selling model globally, and while you can still buy the petrol and diesel versions, the investment in research and development of this electric version is not without risk.

Mercedes claims it's an uncompromising electric vehicle, designed to offer the comfort of an S-Class, decent performance, and that "welcome home" feeling you'd get with a classic Mercedes. It promises a lot, therefore, and arrives at a time when Mercedes' long-time rival in Munich is also up to speed with its projects.

This is not just a simple conversion to electric – quite the opposite. While the previous GLC was a flexible platform design (which needed to accommodate diesel and petrol components, in addition to the batteries), this new GLC EV uses the MB.EA architecture, developed specifically for Mercedes. The result is a fundamentally different approach in terms of design, performance, and technology.

The GLC is the flagship of Mercedes' new proprietary operating system, MB.OS – a powerful AI-based brain that controls everything from driving to entertainment. Meanwhile, features such as the world-first 39.1-inch "Hyperscreen" interior, two-speed transmission, advanced shock absorbers, and a complete overhaul of energy management show that Mercedes is determined not to let BMW or Tesla monopolize the spotlight.

For launch, only the GLC 400 4Matic will be available, with other versions (including a rear-wheel-drive edition with greater range) arriving later. Power comes from two permanent magnet synchronous motors (one on each axle) with a combined output of 483 hp and 800 Nm of torque – enough to propel this 2.5-ton brute from 0 to 100 km/h in just 4.3 seconds. The GLC uses a 94 kWh (usable) nickel-manganese-cobalt battery, with a projected range of up to 650 km (403 miles) according to the WLTP cycle in this dual-motor configuration. The range should approach 725 km (450 miles) when the single-motor version arrives on the market.

Thanks to the 800 V system, charging can reach up to 330 kW, if you find a sufficiently powerful charger – a 10% to 80% recharge takes about 22 minutes under ideal conditions. Mercedes also learned from the controversy generated by the launch of the CLA (in the UK, the car needs to be optionally equipped with a DC-DC inverter to work with the 400 V chargers more common in Great Britain), and the GLC already comes with the conversion kit as standard.

Other technical highlights: the GLC comes equipped with a two-speed gearbox, which offers the best of both worlds: good acceleration and greater efficiency at high speeds. Intelligently, the front engine can be decoupled (via a clutch) for greater efficiency at cruising speed. Four-wheel steering, air suspension, and adaptive dampers are standard on all versions except the base model, with driving control proactively adjusted based on data collected from other Mercedes and Google Maps. Welcome to the age of algorithms.

After the CLA, it seems Mercedes is in a great phase. The GLC EV is quiet, luxuriously equipped, and conveys a sense of maturity while driving, with interesting digital features and real-world range that, while not comparable to the best, is very close.

This isn't a reinvention like the BMW iX3, but a true transposition of the Mercedes brand to an electric vehicle. This is a car that prioritizes comfort, refinement, and serenity above all else – think of a relaxation capsule, not a car to break records at the Nürburgring.

Autonews

 

TOYOTA

Toyota Hilux Z Adventure 2026

Toyota has just unveiled the new generation of the Hilux in Japan, and one of the versions that has attracted the most attention is precisely the Toyota Hilux Z Adventure 2026. The traditional mid-size pickup truck from the Japanese brand has received its most profound update in about a decade, adopting a more aggressive look, a completely renovated interior, and new technologies geared towards both work and leisure.

Although the Hilux remains true to its reputation for extreme robustness – built over decades in deserts, mines, farms, and trails around the world – the new generation also seeks to approach the lifestyle universe, something that is very evident in the Z Adventure version, developed for customers who want a pickup truck with a more adventurous and sophisticated appearance.

Overall, the new Toyota Hilux impresses with its robust design, high ground clearance, and various off-road inspired details. Compared to the Thai market version, the Hilux in Japan features only a few minor changes to meet the needs of local users.

Specifically, the car comes equipped with a headlight washing system, shark fin antenna, door sill protectors, etc. In addition, Toyota has also added the option of mineral blue interior color to further differentiate the Japanese version.

The cabin of the 2026 Hilux for the Japanese market has also been enhanced for greater comfort, with new trim materials, a modern control interface, and improved smart connectivity.

The new Toyota Hilux in Japan uses a 2.8-liter 1GD-FTV turbocharged diesel engine. This engine offers a maximum power of 204 horsepower and a maximum torque of 500 Nm, coupled to a 6-speed automatic transmission and part-time four-wheel drive.

The vehicle is also equipped with a rear differential lock and a Multi-Terrain System to improve off-road performance. It is worth noting that the Hilux/Revo for the Japanese market previously used only a 2.4-liter turbocharged diesel engine.

The design of the new Hilux was inspired, according to Toyota itself, by the strength and visual impact of Japanese sumo wrestling. The front features more muscular lines, prominent fenders, and a huge front grille integrated with the new LED headlights. In the Z Adventure version, the look becomes even more striking thanks to the exclusive bumper, off-road-looking lower protector, specially designed wheels, and various darkened details.

At the rear, the pickup adopts a more modern visual identity, with new taillights, updated graphics, and a cargo bed equipped with protective lining. One of the highlights is the integrated sport bar behind the cab, an element that reinforces the adventurous character of the version. The tailgate damping system also facilitates opening and closing the cargo bed.

The interior represents an even greater evolution. The cabin now uses a completely redesigned dashboard, inspired by more sophisticated models of the brand. The highlight is the two 12.3-inch screens – one for the digital instrument cluster and the other for the multimedia system. The materials have received a more refined finish, and the ergonomics have been improved to make daily use more comfortable.

The transformation is even more evident. The Hilux has gained a completely redesigned cabin, with a horizontal dashboard, a 12.3" independent multimedia center, a new center console, and reorganized physical controls to facilitate off-road use. Toyota also highlights the improved ergonomics and the perception of internal robustness.

Under the hood, the Japanese Hilux uses the well-known 2.8-liter 1GD-FTV turbodiesel engine, paired with a 6-speed Super ECT automatic transmission and a part-time 4x4 drive system. Toyota sought to maintain the characteristics that made the Hilux world-famous: mechanical strength, high off-road capability, and reliability in severe operating conditions.

The pickup retains the familiar 2.8-liter 1GD-FTV turbodiesel engine, combined with a six-speed automatic transmission and 4x4 drive with low range. However, the brand claims to have thoroughly revised the model's structure and dynamic tuning. The ladder-frame chassis received structural reinforcements, including increased thickness in parts of the structure and 36 new welding points on the body.

Another important novelty is the adoption of electric power steering, something unprecedented in the Japanese Hilux. According to Toyota, the solution improves drivability at low speeds and reduces vibrations transmitted to the steering wheel in off-road sections. The suspension has also been recalibrated to improve comfort and stability on asphalt without compromising off-road capability.

The new generation also received structural improvements, suspension updates, and electronic systems designed to increase stability, comfort, and control on different types of terrain. The Toyota Safety Sense package was expanded, incorporating more advanced driver assistance features and environmental monitoring around the vehicle.

Interestingly, the Japanese launch comes a few months after the international debut of the ninth-generation Hilux, initially presented in Thailand and other global markets. Toyota has also confirmed that the Hilux family will gain electrified versions, including hybrid, electric, and even a future hydrogen fuel cell version.

In addition to the engine improvements, the 2026 Toyota Hilux also features several modern features to enhance the user experience. Some highlights include the Toyota Safety Sense driver assistance system, an updated infotainment screen, and various new driver assistance technologies.

As a point of interest, the Hilux has one of the most famous reputations for durability in automotive history. Its resilience has become so legendary that numerous examples have survived extreme situations around the world, helping to transform the model into a true icon among pickup trucks. The new 2026 Hilux Z Adventure emerges precisely to continue this tradition, combining the robustness that made the Hilux name famous with a much more modern, technological and adventurous look for the new era of the Japanese brand.

by Autonews

AUTONEWS

Climate-driven water stress could undercut most proposed U.S. lithium mines

The U.S. may not have enough water to support its lithium ambitions, a new Northwestern University study has found. An essential ingredient for electric vehicle (EV) batteries and other clean energy technologies, lithium is largely mined in Australia and Chile and then processed and refined in China. In recent years, however, the U.S. has pushed to develop its own lithium industry to reduce reliance on foreign supply chains.

In the new study, researchers found that most proposed U.S. lithium mines—many located in already parched areas—could face significant water shortages. These shortages could worsen as climate change reshapes water availability and as competition for resources intensifies among farms, households, industry and power generators.

"Even if all of the proposed mines become operational, the U.S. does not have enough lithium to meet national demand, regardless of all of the variables that we considered in our analysis," said Northwestern's Jennifer Dunn, who led the study. "We will likely still have to rely on foreign partners to supplement our lithium supply."

An expert on the environmental impacts of emerging technologies, Dunn is a professor of chemical and biological engineering at Northwestern's McCormick School of Engineering, director of the Center for Engineering Sustainability and Resilience and a member of the Paula M. Trienens Institute for Sustainability and Energy. Jenna Trost, a Northwestern Ph.D. candidate in Dunn's lab, is the paper's first author.

Lithium's hidden water cost...No matter how it's mined, lithium extraction can be incredibly water intensive. In some methods, machines pump lithium-rich brines from below the ground. The water evaporates, leaving the concentrated lithium behind. In other methods, workers crush rocks and then use water to process ore, wash materials and cool equipment.

"Water use in processing at hard-rock lithium mines can become contaminated with toxins like arsenic," Dunn said. "If we wanted to clean it up to the point where it could be put back into a river or lake, it would cost a lot of money and energy and emit greenhouse gases. So, we count that water as consumed because we can't get it back without a lot of processing."

Dunn and her team wanted to assess whether U.S. subbasins, or small water drainage regions, can support lithium mining. To do this, they combined five global climate models with four socioeconomic scenarios, a hydrology model and the projected water needed for mining. Each model simulates how Earth's climate responds to greenhouse gases.

The researchers intentionally selected models representing different climate futures, including wetter, drier, hotter and more moderate scenarios.

The team then used the models to project water supply and demand between 2040 and 2060 for one active lithium mine in southwestern Nevada and 22 proposed U.S. lithium projects. Under every scenario, most western subbasins struggled to meet existing water demands, let alone support additional lithium mining.

Where shortages hit hardest...The most severe shortages appeared in southern California's Salton Sea region and across parts of Nevada, where multiple proposed mines would compete for limited water resources. Although agriculture and households will likely use more water than lithium mining, mining would still add significant pressure in already stressed regions.

"The lithium mining industry is trying to enter a region that is already water-strapped," Dunn said. "For this industry to come alive, it will require a lot more engineering to improve water efficiency and better water management."

The findings highlight the need for more water-efficient extraction technologies, more strategic location choices for new mines and stronger lithium recycling infrastructure, she said. Next, Dunn plans to assess how the changing climate might affect the U.S. demand for other critical minerals.

"Currently, lithium is an essential ingredient in energy storage technologies, so it's hard to replace," Dunn said. "It intersects with so many different decarbonization technologies. If we want to achieve energy transition goals and energy security goals, then we need lithium. But we're finding an underlying paradox.

"We need these minerals to help combat climate change, but climate change might make it harder to obtain these minerals. The U.S. will have to make some tough choices on the horizon."

Provided by Northwestern University

AUTONEWS

Mr. Hyde Syndrome: Three out of four drivers admit to transforming behind the wheel

Three out of four drivers in our country admit to undergoing a radical transformation behind the wheel, adopting aggressive attitudes they would never display as pedestrians, at home, or in the office. This unfortunate situation affects approximately 21 million people who insult, point fingers, and gesture angrily at other drivers, disregarding all basic rules of civic responsibility and social empathy on our roads.

Specifically, 3.7 million people admit to challenging other drivers to get out of their vehicles to resolve their differences by any means necessary, including resorting to violence. Seven million confess to making aggressive maneuvers to intimidate another driver, while 29% repeatedly use the horn simply as a way to start a fight. All of this increases the risk of a serious accident by 30 times and has already resulted in approximately 100,000 drivers being directly responsible for tragedies on our roads. All of this stems from daily stress, endless traffic jams, constant rushing, and pure selfishness, which can turn us into a kind of bully on the road.

Research with 1,700 drivers...The Línea Directa Foundation brought this alarming reality to light with the Sustainable Driver initiative, a project that includes research with 1,700 drivers and analyzed our driving habits, comparing three variables in which we generally fail miserably: coexistence, safety, and respect for the environment.

The first issue, safety, becomes glaring when we analyze whether traffic laws are generally respected in our country. One third of drivers, 33% of the total, routinely exceed speed limits and do not maintain the mandatory safety distance. Both factors are decisive in the severity of rear-end collisions, inflating the statistics that have made traffic violations the most common criminal offense in Spain (now approaching 23% of all violations recorded last year).

Consuming alcohol before starting the engine continues to claim hundreds of lives every year, becoming a game of Russian roulette that 14% of respondents admit to practicing. Morgues confirm this, as 34% of drivers who died last year tested positive for drugs and alcohol, with criminal activity also present in two-thirds of these tragic cases. Adding the positive results for drugs and psychotropic medications, the percentage rises to almost half of all traffic deaths.

Respect for the planet also takes a back seat due to widespread apathy. A staggering 77% of drivers are completely unaware of the environmental impact of their driving style. The Institute for Energy Diversification and Savings (IDAE) states that driving without sudden accelerations or braking would reduce fuel consumption and carbon emissions by up to 15%. Furthermore, 76% of drivers neglect researching or questioning the environmental consequences of the parts used in their repairs. This negligence is paralyzing the development of the circular economy and marginalizing the use of environmentally friendly replacement parts, demonstrating that buying an electric car is of little use if we maintain a polluting mindset in our daily lives.

Given this situation, only 6% of Spanish drivers reach the overall level required to be considered "sustainable" in their journeys. However, these drivers are not evenly distributed, as those from Asturias, the Basque Country, and Catalonia are the most conscious, safe, and responsible in the country, while those from the Balearic Islands, La Rioja, and Extremadura are at the bottom of this overall ranking.

According to Mar Garre, CEO of the Línea Directa Foundation, “being a sustainable driver means understanding that our decisions behind the wheel affect our relationships with others, our safety, and the planet. That is why, at the Línea Directa Foundation, we advocate for respectful, calmer, and more conscious driving, in which we respect the rules, other road users, and the environment, to achieve our common goal of zero traffic deaths.”

To achieve this goal, the organization is promoting a digital guide based on five pillars: empathy to eliminate insults and aggression; respect for traffic laws to protect human lives; maximum caution with vulnerable groups, such as pedestrians and cyclists; smooth driving to extend the lifespan of the vehicle and protect the environment; and a collective commitment to disseminate these good practices in our social circles.

Transforming the average Spanish driver requires surgical intervention through education and broad awareness campaigns. There are more than enough reasons to eradicate this dark Mr. Hyde syndrome that makes our streets dangerous, hinders ecological transition and, in the worst cases, destroys entire families in fractions of a second.

"Dr. Jekyll and Mr. Hyde Syndrome" (or Doctor and Monster Syndrome) is not an official clinical diagnosis, but rather a popular psychological expression used to describe people who exhibit a dual personality or drastic and unpredictable changes in behavior. The term is directly inspired by Robert Louis Stevenson's classic book, where a kind doctor (Jekyll) transforms into a cruel monster (Hyde) after taking a potion.

In psychology and interpersonal relationships, this dynamic is often associated with mental health disorders and abusive behaviors.

Main associated clinical diagnoses...Although the "syndrome" is an informal term, "two-faced" behavior often serves as a warning sign for real psychiatric conditions:

Borderline Personality Disorder (BPD): Characterized by intense emotional instability, explosive anger, and a defense mechanism called "splitting" (where people or the self are seen only as entirely good or entirely bad).

Dissociative Identity Disorder (DID): Formerly called multiple personality disorder, it involves the coexistence of two or more distinct identities in the same individual, with associated memory lapses.

Narcissistic Personality Disorder (NPD): Individuals with this condition may act charming, generous, and kind in public (Jekyll), but become cruel, cold, manipulative, and aggressive behind closed doors (Hyde) with their partners or family members.

Substance Abuse: Drastic mood and character changes are common in substance users, whose behaviors completely transform when under the influence of or craving drugs or alcohol.

Impact on relationships and warning signs...In self-help and psychotherapy literature—such as in the renowned book The Jekyll and Hyde Syndrome by Dr. Beverly Engel—this pattern is strongly associated with psychological and domestic abuse. The main signs in a partner or family member include:

Extreme inconsistency: Being excessively affectionate one moment and inexplicably hostile the next.

Feeling like you're "walking on eggshells": The environment around the person becomes tense because any trivial detail can trigger an outburst of anger.

Isolation and victim guilt: The abuser convinces the victim that she is to blame for his violent reactions, generating mental confusion and loss of self-esteem.

 

AUTONEWS

Disco lasers helps snow groomers project tracks, warnings and speed cues

When it comes to snow groomers, excavators or crane vehicles, how can their operation be optimized even in difficult conditions and made safer for people in and around the vehicle? An international research team, including the Institute of Visual Computing at Graz University of Technology (TU Graz), investigated this question as part of the THEIA-XR project.

The researchers aimed to improve human-machine interaction through the use of extended reality technologies. The focus was on the operator, whose field of perception was to be expanded without negatively affecting control performance. The work is published in the journal Computers & Graphics.

When working with snow groomers, for example, the team from TU Graz found that data or VR headsets tend to be counterproductive, while information projected via a repurposed disco laser proved to be a great help.

Drawings in the snow...Wearing a VR headset for long periods was too strenuous for the neck muscles; moreover, due to the constant jolting movements on rough terrain, they quickly caused nausea in many people.

Laser projection onto the terrain in front of the vehicle, on the other hand, proved to be a viable solution. This allows not only speed information but also tracks and orientation aids to be projected onto the snow, enabling a snow groomer to be steered more efficiently and safely.

Virtual barriers and warning indicators for people in the vicinity of the vehicle further enhance safety. And in poor visibility, due to fog or snowfall, the laser beams become visible in the aerosols in the air, allowing structures to be visualized that lie beyond the available line of sight.

In addition to improving data visualization for drivers, the team also carried out research on ways to better capture the surrounding environment. It became apparent that the researchers' intentions and the practical benefits for vehicle occupants were not always the same.

"The exciting thing about this project was that our considerations from a research perspective and the drivers' needs first had to be reconciled," says Clemens Arth from the Institute of Visual Computing at TU Graz.

Directional and speed information helps with navigation(image above). Credit: IVC - TU Graz

"For example, we developed what is probably a globally unique prototype for a 360-degree thermal imaging camera to show snow groomer drivers whether there were people or animals around the vehicle. Ultimately, however, the much greater benefit was that they could groom the slopes more accurately, as it became clear where the snow was well-compacted and where it wasn't."

Foundations for future remote control...The project also provided important foundations for the increased remote control of heavy machinery in the long term. The rationale behind this is to protect the health of the people in the vehicle, as physical injuries can occur rapidly, particularly when working in rough terrain due to constant vibrations.

An important step towards reliable remote control was the improved depth perception in simple camera transmissions, enabling distances to be better assessed via a monitor.

In addition to TU Graz and the snow groomer manufacturer Prinoth, Dresden University of Technology was also involved in the project, conducting research on excavator vehicles in collaboration with Stuttgart Media University. The VTT Technical Research Center of Finland, in collaboration with the Kalmar company, focused on forklifts and loading machines in port environments.

The University of Luxembourg was responsible for the anonymization of personal performance data and the non-discriminatory identification of individuals by sensors. The consortium was led by TTControl, while the Creanex Oy and Haption companies contributed simulator and control technology.

 

Provided by Graz University of Technology 

 

AUTONEWS

Sodium-ion batteries could become a low-cost rival to Tesla's batteries

A popular sodium-ion battery designed by the company Hina and used in cars and large-scale energy storage systems in China matches performance parameters and production quality of Tesla's lithium-ion batteries, finds new research published in Cell Reports Physical Science.

Once the Hina battery is tweaked to charge more effectively at low temperatures and function better at high energy densities, it could provide a cost-effective alternative for future electric vehicle batteries that depend on sodium—an abundant and easily sourced material—instead of lithium.

"The combination of good uniformity, high power capability, and strong low-temperature performance makes these cells attractive for stationary storage, grid services, and shorter-range or commercial vehicles where potential lower cost and resource availability matter more than maximum driving range," says Moritz Schütte, a battery researcher at RWTH Aachen University in Germany.

How the Hina cells were tested...To assess how Hina batteries compare to more advanced Tesla batteries, Schütte's team used a non-destructive technique called impedance spectroscopy to measure the uniformity of 120 sodium-ion battery cells.

Next, to map out the power and energy performances of individual cells under real-life conditions, the team tested the batteries at varying currents and at temperatures from −20 °C to 45 °C. They also used X-rays to see the battery's internal structure, then opened up the cells to measure their electrode dimensions, compositions, and microstructures.

They found that the battery uses a tabless, a double-aluminum current collector design that reduces resistance and ensures a uniform temperature distribution—and also mirrors the current design of Tesla batteries.

"We were positively surprised by how uniform the cells are," says Schütte.

Current drawbacks and future improvements...However, the sodium-ion battery has some limitations when it comes to energy density and charging at low temperatures. "The high-power performance was better than one might expect from an early commercial sodium-ion product," says Schütte.

"However, for applications that require frequent charging at low ambient temperatures, appropriate thermal management or operating strategies will be important because low-temperature charging remains a clear weakness."

The researchers also found unexpectedly high, unevenly distributed levels of copper in certain cathode regions of the battery, which "raises interesting questions about its role in performance and aging," said Schütte. "It will be exciting to see future sodium-ion technologies that are free of nickel and copper, as well, while achieving competitive energy density."

Since sodium is much more abundant and widely available than lithium, using it for batteries could cut raw material costs for manufacturers and reduce long-term supply chain risks. Sodium-ion batteries also perform well under load at low temperatures, making them an appealing option for both stationary power storage and mobile applications in cold climates.

"However, today's commercial sodium-ion cells generally have lower energy density than the best lithium-ion cells, and the technology is less mature overall," said Schütte.

Next, the authors plan to better understand and improve upon the battery's charging capabilities at low temperatures so that they can charge more safely and efficiently below 0 °C. Further research should also focus on optimizing the materials used to make sodium-ion batteries, added Schütte.

"Advances in hard-carbon anodes and electrolyte formulations may be especially promising," he said.

Provided by Cell Press

SAVAGE RIVALE

Savage RoadYacht GTS: the daring Dutch car with an American V8 engine

The story of Savage Rivale is one of those fascinating narratives that emerge from behind the scenes of the European automotive industry, where passion, creativity, and ambition often defy the limits of financial reality. Originating from the Netherlands, the small Dutch manufacturer became known in the late 2000s for presenting an extremely unusual project: an exotic four-door supercar with a retractable convertible roof and an American-sourced V8 engine.

Although it existed on a very limited scale, the Savage Rivale gained worldwide attention precisely because of its technical and aesthetic audacity.

The company was founded in the city of Hengelo, in the Netherlands, by two young entrepreneurs passionate about automobiles: Emile Pop and Justin de Boer. The project began to take shape in the mid-2000s, a period in which several small European manufacturers were trying to create exclusive supercars to compete in highly specialized niches of the luxury market.

However, Savage Rivale didn't just want to build another handcrafted sports car. The company's goal was to create something truly different, combining extreme performance, exclusivity, and unconventional bodywork solutions.

The result of this dream was revealed in 2009 with the presentation of the Savage Rivale Roadyacht GTS. The name 'Roadyacht' made the project's intention clear: to create a kind of 'yacht on wheels', blending luxury, power, and dramatic visual presence. The car immediately drew attention for its extravagant design and imposing proportions. Long, wide, and extremely low, the Roadyacht seemed like an unlikely mix between a European grand tourer and a futuristic muscle car.

But the most impressive element was its body configuration. Unlike most supercars, the Roadyacht GTS had four doors – something very rare in this segment at the time – and a complex retractable convertible roof divided into multiple independent sections. The system allowed for different opening configurations, partially or completely transforming the vehicle into a convertible. The doors also drew attention for their unusual opening mechanism, further reinforcing the model's theatrical appearance.

Under the enormous hood, Savage Rivale opted for a relatively traditional mechanical solution: a powerful V8 engine of General Motors origin. The 6.2-liter LS7 engine, similar to that used in the Chevrolet Corvette Z06 of the time, delivered approximately 670 hp thanks to extensive modifications made by the Dutch manufacturer.

Combined with a handcrafted tubular chassis and extensive use of carbon fiber, the package promised performance worthy of much more established supercars. The estimated top speed exceeded 300 km/h, while acceleration from 0 to 100 km/h occurred in approximately 3.4 seconds.

The interior sought to reinforce the luxurious character of the vehicle. High-quality leather, handcrafted finishes, and various personalized details were part of the brand's exclusive offering. Each unit would be produced practically to order, allowing for a high level of customization for buyers.

However, as with countless small independent manufacturers, transforming an impressive prototype into sustainable commercial production proved to be a huge challenge.

The global economic crisis of the late 2000s severely impacted the market for exotic vehicles and high-risk investments. Furthermore, homologation requirements, development costs, and handcrafted production made it extremely difficult for such small companies to survive against established giants like Ferrari, Lamborghini, and Aston Martin.

Despite the enormous attention it received at automotive events and in the specialized press, Savage Rivale never managed to achieve large-scale production. Very few Roadyacht GTS units were actually completed, making the car one of the rarest and most obscure European supercars of its generation.

Even so, Savage Rivale remains a symbol of Dutch automotive creativity. In a sector often dominated by predictable formulas, the small manufacturer dared to propose something radically different – ​​a four-door convertible supercar when virtually no one imagined combining these characteristics in a single automobile.

Interestingly, many journalists at the time nicknamed the Roadyacht GTS "the futuristic Dutch Aston Martin," due to its blend of grand touring elegance with dramatic proportions and brutal performance. Even today, the model often appears on lists of the most unusual and exotic supercars ever produced on a small scale in Europe.

 

Autonews