ATLAS-L4, CATL, Volvo Trucks, Archer Aviation

The ATLAS-L4 research project, focused on autonomous hub-to-hub truck transport in Germany, has reached a successful conclusion. Over the past three years, twelve partners—including MAN Truck & Bus, Knorr-Bremse, Bosch, and several research institutions—worked to develop a truck capable of Level 4 autonomous driving.

During test runs on Germany’s A96 highway near Penzing, the truck took over steering, acceleration, and braking autonomously once cruising speed was reached. A safety driver remained on board due to regulatory requirements but did not intervene.

As part of the project, the team developed and integrated key safety systems, including a redundant braking system, fail-safe steering, and a robust onboard power supply. They also established a comprehensive validation strategy and built a control center to oversee technical operations. Additional work included cybersecurity measures, encrypted communications, and functional safety protocols. The results of ATLAS-L4 are now set to pave the way for the commercial rollout of autonomous trucks.

Chinese battery manufacturer CATL has unveiled a standardized battery swap system for heavy-duty electric trucks. Dubbed “Project 75#,” the system enables rapid battery exchange and aims to significantly reduce vehicle downtime. CATL plans to install 300 battery swap stations across China by the end of 2025 to support the infrastructure rollout.

According to CATL, these stations will offer the industry’s longest service life and be compatible with a variety of battery pack configurations. Over 30 heavy-duty electric truck models from more than a dozen OEMs in China are already compatible with the system. Each standardized station will house 24 battery packs.

Volvo Trucks has shared details of its next-generation long-haul electric truck, the FH Aero Electric. Set to launch in Q2 2026, the truck will feature a massive 780 kWh battery pack, delivering a driving range of up to 600 kilometers (373 miles).

The vehicle will incorporate a new e-axle design, consolidating the powertrain at the rear to allow for up to eight battery packs. This configuration supports the high total capacity. The FH Aero Electric is expected to have a gross vehicle weight rating (GVWR) of up to 48 tons. Fast-charging capability is another key feature: using the Megawatt Charging System (MCS), the battery can be charged from 20% to 80% in approximately 40 minutes.

Archer Aviation has been announced as the official air taxi provider for the 2028 Olympic Games in Los Angeles. The company plans to deploy its electric vertical takeoff and landing (eVTOL) aircraft, called Midnight, which can carry up to four passengers.

These air taxis will transport VIPs, fans, and athletes between Olympic venues, helping to avoid LA’s notorious traffic congestion. Archer plans to build a network of “vertiports” at key locations including SoFi Stadium, the Los Angeles Memorial Coliseum, LAX airport, and in areas like Hollywood, Santa Monica, and Orange County.

Flights are expected to last between 10 and 20 minutes and cost roughly the same as an Uber Lux ride. Archer is currently awaiting certification from the FAA, expected by the end of 2025. The company plans to have a fleet of 50 aircraft ready for the Olympics, with additional use cases including emergency response and public safety operations.