As electric vehicles continue their steady march toward becoming a dominant force on global roads, one country has pulled far ahead of the rest- and it didn’t happen by accident.

By now, it’s widely understood that Chinese automakers have taken a commanding lead in the EV race, while many Western legacy brands are still scrambling to catch up. It’s also well known that Chinese battery companies are driving much of this momentum, leading with rapid innovation and serious scale. But how did they manage to surge ahead so dramatically in such a short time? The answer is fairly straightforward: money. More precisely, billions in government subsidies every single year.

Read: CATL’s New EV Batteries Give You A Full Charge In Minutes

Fresh data from Nikkei Asia shows just how significant this financial support has been. Contemporary Amperex Technology Co., better known as CATL, the world’s largest EV battery manufacturer, has been raking in the kind of government funding that would likely make Elon Musk reconsider his next big tax tweet.

While CATL has not reveal full-year details of the government help it received in 2024, it has disclosed that in the first half it got 3.84 billion yuan ($532 million) in state subsidies. This made it one of the largest beneficiaries of the Chinese government’s policy, only behind state-owned oil company Sinopec, which received 4.06 billion yuan ($563 million). Importantly, however, that’s how much Sinopec received for the full 2024 calendar year, whereas CATL’s figure is only for the first six months of 2024 – thus, it total, the latter’s figure far exceeded Sinopec’s.

The subsidies CATL has received appear to have jumped in the second half of 2024. As noted by Nikkei Asia, in 2023, it disclosed its subsidies under ‘other income’ in its financial reports. In 2023, ‘other income’ totaled 6.26 billion yuan (~$868 million), and of this, 5.72 billion yuan (~$793 million) were subsidies. In 2024, its full-year report revealed 9.96 billion yuan (~$1.3 billion) in ‘other income,’ but didn’t specify how much of this was subsidies.

Of course, it’s not just CATL that is benefiting from this practice Full-year data from 2024 reveals that BYD received almost 3.8 billion yuan (~$527 million) in subsidies last year, no doubt playing a significant role in the firm’s ability to release so many new models so frequently.

Great Wall Motor was the fourth-largest recipient of subsidies, earning a touch under 3 billion yuan (~$416 million). SAIC Motor closely trailed GWM, receiving more than 2 billion yuan (~$277 million) in subsidies for the year.

All this answers the questions we posed at the beginning. There’s no secret sauce at play here; the Chinese managed to leapfrog the competition and undercut their rivals at the same time simply due to immense state help. No wonder, then, that the US and the EU are seething as they watch their own brands trying to compete in an uneven playing field.

In a move that could reshape the future of clean transportation policy in the U.S., Senate Republicans just voted to strip California of its long-standing authority to set its own vehicle emissions rules, including blocking its plan to stop sales of gas-powered vehicles.

The decision targets California’s ambitious clean-air mandates, which critics say are too aggressive for the current market to handle. Supporters of the state’s standards, however, argue that this vote undermines state rights and sets a troubling precedent for federal overreach.

More: Major US Dealers Launch War On New EV Sales Model

California has long set its own rules regarding air pollution standards. These included regulations on heavy-duty trucks, trains, and cars. It had even declared that it wouldn’t allow the sale of gas-powered new cars and trucks after 2035. But that authority was just revoked using the Congressional Review Act, or CRA.

This happened despite warnings from two nonpartisan agencies, the Senate parliamentarian and the Government Accountability Office, both of which warned the Senate that this move was likely illegal. Nevertheless, the Senate voted 51 to 44 to overturn the waiver that grants California the power it had to set its own rules.

A Shift With National Consequences

This is a huge move because California, by itself, equates to the fourth-largest economy on the globe. Automakers have largely followed California’s guidance on emissions to keep selling cars there. Several states have also taken up the same standards. Now, all of that is in question as Donald Trump’s signature will axe the waiver for good.

Reacting to the news, California Governor Gavin Newsom said, “The United States Senate has a choice: cede American car-industry dominance to China and clog the lungs of our children, or follow decades of precedent and uphold the clean air policies that Ronald Reagan and Richard Nixon fought so hard for. Will you side with China or America?”

The Conservative Pushback

Those on the other side of the political aisle obviously have a different view. “California has imposed the most ridiculous car regulations anywhere in the world, with mandates to move to all electric cars,” Trump said during his campaign, reports The Guardian. “I will terminate that.”

“The fact is, these EV sales mandates were never achievable,” John Bozzella, president and chief executive of the Alliance for Automotive Innovation, said in a statement. “There’s a significant gap between the marketplace and these EV sales requirements.”

How did the party of small government justify stepping in and imposing its will on a state this way? It says that since California has such a large sway on the auto industry that it was effectively setting Federal policy all along. This move stops that ability and returns that power to the Federal level alone.

“Over the past two decades, California has used its waiver authority to push its extreme climate policies on the rest of the country, which was never the intent of the Clean Air Act,” Senator Shelley Moore Capito, Republican of West Virginia, said to the New York Times.

The Hard Numbers

As we recently pointed out, data does seem to indicate that California’s goals surrounding the end of gas-powered new car sales are too ambitious. While EVs are gaining traction around the world, the U.S. is one of the slowest markets concerning adoption.

No doubt, that’s the result of several factors like distance between destinations, charging infrastructure, and pricing. Regardless of why the uptake is slower, it still makes California’s goals tough to imagine coming true. This new move from the Senate makes it appear altogether impossible now. 

Autonomous driving may be the future, but the present still has a lot of explaining to do. Especially when cars with so-called “Full Self-Driving” capabilities start careening off the road for no obvious reason.

That said, it’s rare to see what we just have in a newly released set of videos involving a Tesla. According to the title, it shows a crash while running what Tesla calls its autonomous system, Full Self-Driving (Supervised). What’s worse, though, is that it seems to do so without rhyme or reason in broad daylight with no traffic on a straight road.

More: Tesla Stiffs Cybertruck Owners On Another Promised Feature

Tesla famously uses vision-based software and hardware to run its semi-autonomous Autopilot and Full Self-Driving (Supervised) software. In theory, it makes complete sense since we humans also drive almost entirely via vision-based mechanics. In practice, though, there are some major concerns, and this video highlights them. We’ll circle back to that.

The Incident: Straight Road, Sharp Left Turn

A YouTube channel recently uploaded four videos showing each side of a car during a crash. They say this is a Model 3 and that it’s running FSD 13.2.8, which is almost the latest available version. On May 11, Tesla released 13.2.8, but this crash happened on February 26 so indeed, it was up to date given that information.

That said, what the video shows is the most shocking part of this entire situation. Across three of the four clips, we see the car moving for 45 seconds. In all of them, everything appears totally normal for the first 31 seconds as the car trundles down a two-lane road. Then, just as a car passes going the opposite way, all hell seems to break loose.

The car turns hard to the left, goes across the opposing traffic lane, goes off the road, and hits a tree before rolling over. From the moment it begins to turn to the moment it impacts the tree is less than three seconds. While that’s tough to swallow, it’s the conditions that really make this a bad deal for Tesla.

The road was perfectly straight. This appears to be at some time in the relatively early or later part of the day as the shadows cast on the ground are long. Despite that, the sun is bright and seemingly unobstructed by clouds, so there’s no lack of lighting in the scene. Finally, there’s no complex traffic situation here with markings, other cars, or road signs.

Still, for whatever reason, it appears as though this car allegedly on FSD just decided that it needed to leave the roadway and did exactly that. Adding even more confusion to this crash are videos of YouTubers testing FSD against inanimate objects on the road. In almost every case, the technology focuses on slowing itself down, stopping even, to avoid an obstacle. Very rarely does it try this sort of hard steering input at speed.

The Lidar Elephant in the Room

And this brings us back to vision-based autonomous driving systems. Again, we humans use vision to determine how to control our cars. Tesla is trying to do that too, but it’s caught flack, and I suspect is about to catch far more, over its choice to skip using lidar and radar tech.

While vision can work, and obviously does for most people on most days, Lidar and radar offer the ability to easily see through bad weather conditions like fog or haze. They could simply be used as a redundancy to confirm what a vision-based system thinks it sees too. Nevertheless, Tesla ditched it years ago and its CEO Elon Musk appears committed to never bringing it back.

Reports From The Driver

According to the person who posted the videos on Reddit, he was going around 55 mph when the crash happened. He says of the experience, “I loved the FSD until this happened. I was a full believer in autonomous vehicles until this happened to me. Lesson learned.” Thankfully, the only injuries he suffered included a cut on his chin, some lower-back discomfort, and “emotional damage,” as he calls it.

It’s worth pointing out that there are many unknowns here. While there appears to be no reason to suspect these videos and their description are inaccurate, there could be more to the story that we’re not being told. If that doesn’t end up being the case, though, Tesla is likely in a lot of hot water over this. The owner has submitted requests for all of the data relating to the crash so hopefully more of that sees the light of day.

Previous crashes involving the software typically offered some sort of purchase for Tesla defenders to cling to. Based on everything available in the four videos here, it appears as though FSD just made its most blatant mistake in the public sphere.

If this is possible with the hardware and software running Tesla’s planned Robotaxi service, it might have to be even more careful than it’s already planning on being. When asked if he’d ever buy another Tesla, the owner of this car’s words were damning. “I want another but would NEVER use FSD again.” Yeah, I think we can all understand why.

The electric SUV game just got a little more interesting. Xiaomi gave us our first look at the stylish YU7 last year, and now the crossover has officially been launched in China. It’s big news as the YU7 is the company’s second model and their first SUV, following the SU7. That sedan has been a runaway success in its home market, racking up 258,000 sales in just 14 months, including 28,000 deliveries in April alone.

The crossover follows in the footsteps of the SU7 and is a high-performance luxury SUV with an impressive design. It features a shark nose front end that is flanked by “waterdrop” headlights, which have channels that direct air out through the hood. Speaking of which, the crossover has the largest clamshell aluminum hood among mass-produced vehicles.

More: Xiaomi YU7 SUV Looks Like A Ferrari Purosangue And McLaren Rolled Into One

Aerodynamics played a huge role in the YU7’s development and the production model has “10 through-flow air channels and 19 optimized vents to manage airflow precisely.” They’re joined by aerodynamically optimized wheels and an active grille shutter system. Thanks to all this attention, the model has a drag coefficient of 0.245.

Since we’ve already seen the crossover before, we’ll just briefly mention a few highlights including flush-mounted door handles and a standard panoramic glass roof. They’re joined by a distinctive rear end with “halo” taillights and two spoilers. The model is being launched in three eye-catching colors – Emerald Green, Titanium Silver, and Lava Orange – and they contrast with gloss black accents.

In terms of size, the YU7 measures 196.8 inches (4,999 mm) long, 78.6 inches (1,996 mm) wide, and 63 inches (1,600 mm) tall with a wheelbase that spans 118.1 inches (3,000 mm). That means the crossover is 2.3 inches (58 mm) shorter than the Tesla Model X and has a 1.4-inch (35 mm) longer wheelbase.

Minimalist Interior, Maximalist Screens

While the exterior is stylish and expressive, the cabin is overly minimalist. It’s dominated by a 16.1-inch infotainment system and a HyperVision Panoramic Display, which sits at the base of the windshield.

The latter echoes BMW’s Panoramic iDrive Display and spans 43.3 inches. It’s customizable, but can act as a speedometer, a navigation display, and a front passenger display.

Putting screens aside, the crossover has Nappa leather zero-gravity front seats with one-touch recline and a 10-point massage function. They’re joined by power-adjustable rear seats with backrests that can tilt from 100° to 135°.

Rear seat passengers will also find dedicated climate controls and a dual-screen entertainment system. Other highlights include a wireless smartphone charger, hidden air vents, and soft-touch materials throughout.

The crossover can accommodate 23.9 cubic feet (678 liters) of luggage and that can be expanded to 62.1 cubic feet (1,758 liters) by folding the seats down. There’s also a small frunk, which provides 5 cubic feet (141 liters) of space.

Power, Range, and Charging Speed

Three different configurations are available and the entry-level YU7 has a single electric motor producing 316 hp (235 kW / 320 PS) and 389 lb-ft (528 Nm) of torque. It enables the model to accelerate from 0-62 mph (0-100 km/h) in 5.9 seconds, before hitting a top speed of 149 mph (240 km/h). Buyers will also find a 96.3 kWh battery pack that delivers a CLTC range of 519 miles (835 km).

The mid-level YU7 Pro has a dual-motor all-wheel drive system producing 489 hp (365 kW / 496 PS) and 509 lb-ft (690 Nm) of torque. This cuts the dash to 62 mph (100 km/h) to 4.3 seconds, but the top speed remains unchanged. Unfortunately, the range drops to 472 miles (760 km).

The range-topping YU7 Max has an upgraded dual-motor all-wheel drive system with 681 hp (508 kW / 690 PS) and 639 lb-ft (866 Nm) of torque. 0-62 mph (0-100 km/h) comes in a blistering 3.2 seconds and drivers will eventually hit 157 mph (253 km/h) if they keep their foot planted on the accelerator. The Max is also notable for having a larger 101.7 kWh battery, which delivers 478 miles (770 km) of range.

When the battery is low, owners can go from a 10% to 80% charge in as little as 12 minutes. After 15 minutes, they can get up to 385 miles (620 km) of range.

The YU7 has a double wishbone front and five-link rear suspension with air springs. The latter provide five levels of adjustment, meaning the crossover can provide up to 8.7 inches (222 mm) of ground clearance. Other highlights include continuous damper control and a high-performance braking system with four-piston Brembo calipers.

Xiaomi also confirmed the crossover will have advanced driver assistance technology. This is made possible by a roof-mounted LiDAR sensor, a 4D millimeter-wave radar, 11 high-definition cameras, and 12 ultrasonic radars.

Pricing and Availability

While pricing details haven’t been released yet, Xiaomi founder and CEO Lei Jun dismissed earlier rumors suggesting a starting price around 200,000 yuan ($27,800). “The Model Y starts at 263,500 yuan ($36,600), and based on these (YU7) configurations, this car should cost 60,000 to 70,000 yuan ($8,300 to $9,700) more,” Lei said during the presentation, according to Reuters. “But we’ll talk about the price in July.”

As automakers worldwide scramble to future-proof themselves in the electric era, China has been comfortably in the lead, cranking out next-gen EVs packed with cutting-edge tech and advanced battery systems one after the other at record pace. But behind the buzz and impressive new models, there’s a financial reality dragging at the wheels: most of China’s EV brands are still burning cash, not banking it.

Read: Seres 5 Crushes Tesla Model Y In Comfort But Loses The Battle Where It Counts

At last count, there were around 50 EV brands competing for space on Chinese roads. Out of those, just three of them are thought to be profitable. These include BYD, Li Auto, and Seres. Despite this, brands continue to offer generous discounts to grow their footprint, forgoing financial security in the pursuit of sales.

Discounts Keep Climbing

According to a JP Morgan study cited in a South China Morning Post report, industry-wide discounts averaged a record high 16.8% in April, up from an already steep 16.3% in March. The China Passenger Car Association puts the average discount for 2024 at 8.3%. To top it off, average EV prices were trimmed by 10% back in December. That’s not just aggressive, it’s unsustainable.

Last year, the difference between the selling price of an EV and an automaker’s costs, including raw materials, labor, and logistics, known as the vehicle margin, dropped to 10%. This is down from approximately 20% just four years ago. Analysts believe that most of China’s smaller EV manufacturers will be forced out of the market or will be acquired by larger rivals over the next couple of years.

“Nearly all of them were the victims of price competition,” said Phate Zhang from CnEVPost. “But if any of them chooses to exit the price war, their sales will decline and make it more difficult to post a net income.”

Looking Beyond China’s Borders

One potential lifeline is exports. Chinese carmakers have begun shipping more EVs abroad, where they can command better margins. According to JPMorgan’s Nick Lai, international sales are proving to be more profitable and could provide the breathing room these companies need.

“Price competition has turned fiercer this year. Unfortunately, we have not seen a jump in [EV] demand so far,” Lai noted. The domestic market, while massive, isn’t growing fast enough to offset the steep discounts.

Still, exports are trending upward. In the first four months of 2025, EVs made up roughly 33% of China’s total vehicle exports, up from about 25% over the past two years. It’s not a total solution, but it’s a glimmer of hope for brands looking to survive the increasingly brutal home turf battle.

A small but growing number of automakers are figuring out how to make EVs weird in all the right ways. Among them is Chery’s iCar brand, which has a few unconventional offerings, but none more intriguing than the V23. This chunky SUV looks like someone merged a Land Rover Defender with a Suzuki Jimny in a design studio that really loves straight lines. And now, it’s gotten even more eccentric with a retro-styled body kit.

The standard V23 already plays the retro card well, thanks to its squared-off profile, upright front and rear ends, and pronounced fender flares that give it a solid presence. But the new ‘Retro Emotion Package’ takes it further with a matte green wrap that feels perfectly suited to its aesthetic. It might look slightly out of place in a downtown traffic jam, but out in the wild, it fits right in.

Read: Chery’s iCar Expands Its Lineup With Rugged Minivans And Tougher SUVs

Complementing the special wrap is a unique front grille and a blacked-out front bumper. iCar has then added a large spotlight on the hood. Admittedly, it looks a little cheap, and the brand perhaps would have been better to add a set of more traditional circular spotlights to the front end.

Adding to the visual makeover are black rocker panels, side steps, and a set of 19-inch wheels wrapped in all-terrain tires. So yes, it’s dressed to look like it could leave the pavement behind, whether or not it ever will.

Apparently, iCar was quite serious about developing an upgrade kit that doesn’t just look the part but serves some purpose. According to a report from China’s Ithome, that the matte green wrap has a special anti-glare treatment to meet military vehicle concealment standards. Additionally, the front grille can be quickly and easily removed and replaced by owners.

Considering how affordable most EVs are in China, it’s no shock that this upgrade kit follows suit. Depending on the configuration, it’s priced between 4,000 and 10,500 yuan, or roughly $550 to $1,450 at current exchange rates. As for the V23 itself, pricing starts at 109,800 yuan (about $15,000) and tops out at 149,800 yuan (around $20,500), which keeps the whole setup firmly planted in the budget EV bracket.

To put that in perspective, the base version costs about the same as a used 2021 Nissan Versa with 65,000 miles on the clock – and considerably less personality, if we’re being honest.

Performance-wise, entry-level models come with a 136-horsepower motor driving the rear axle. Higher trims get a dual-motor setup with a total output of 211 horsepower, both modest numbers, but likely enough to keep this small SUV feeling sprightly on back roads and city streets alike.

Tesla boss Elon Musk has made plenty of wildly ambitious – and frequently inaccurate – claims about Tesla’s upcoming fleet of robotaxis. But now, after years of eyebrow-raising promises, the first of them is actually set to hit public roads next month. As part of a pilot program in Austin, Texas, Tesla will finally launch its long-hyped robotaxi service in a bid to close the wide lead Waymo currently holds in the autonomous vehicle race.

In 2019, Musk infamously claimed that by the end of that year, Tesla would have 1 million robotaxis on US roads. It does not currently have a single one, but next month, it will deploy approximately 10 robotaxis in Austin, and, if all goes well, could dramatically expand this to thousands of vehicles. Importantly, these will not be Tesla’s Cybercab, but rather versions of its current models equipped with the new Unsupervised Full-Self Driving system.

Read: Waymo’s Driverless Cars Kept Hitting Objects You See But They Don’t

During a recent interview with CNBC, Musk said it will be prudent for the company to be cautious in its roll-out of the system and that Tesla employees will monitor the fleet of robotaxis remotely.

“It’s prudent for us to start with a small number, confirm that things are going well and then scale it up,” Musk said. “We’ll be watching what the cars are doing very carefully and as confidence grows, less of that will be needed.”

To help ensure the roll-out of the robotaxi fleet is as smooth as possible, vehicles will be geofenced to certain areas of Austin. As the robotaxi fleet expands, Musk predicted that by the end of 2026, Tesla will have “hundreds of thousands, if not over a million Teslas doing self-driving in the US.” Like with all predictions from the world’s richest man, we’ll have to wait and see if this becomes a reality.

Buying Uber?

During the same interview, Musk was asked why Tesla doesn’t buy Uber. Musk sees no need to make such a move, noting the brand already has a large fleet of vehicles and everything it needs to run a successful robotaxi service. This will include the ability for private Tesla owners to add their vehicles to the fleet, meaning they can be used as robotaxis whenever the owner doesn’t need their car.

“We have millions of cars that will be able to operate autonomously,” Musk said. “And I should say that it’s a combination of a Tesla-owned fleet and also enabling Tesla owners to be able to add or subtract their car to the fleet, so that existing Tesla owners will be able to earn money by adding their car to the fleet for autonomous use.”

Grilling usually involves burning fossil fuel. But some manufacturers are offering electric grills and citing climate change and convenience as reasons to switch.

(Image credit: Jeff Brady)

The House and Senate both voted to loosen regulations on air pollutants like dioxin and mercury, which are associated with higher cancer risk.

(Image credit: Cavan Images/Getty Images)

Forecasters expect 13 to 19 storms to form in the Atlantic between June 1 and the end of November. At least 6 of those are forecast to be full-blown hurricanes.

(Image credit: Jeff Roberson)

For community groups to allege violations of environmental rules, a state law says groups have to use federally-approved testing equipment, and it sets restrictions for analyzing and sharing the data.

(Image credit: Gerald Herbert)

At Cleantech Forum Asia, a pivotal conversation unfolded about what it means to build infrastructure for 2050—not just in terms of scale, but...

The post Building Tomorrow’s Infrastructure: Systems Thinking for the Age of AI and Electrification appeared first on Cleantech Group.

Fiat is stepping up its game with two new models set to launch within the next year, aiming to freshen up its lineup with larger, more practical vehicles built on Stellantis’ cost-efficient architecture. These additions are designed to fill a gap in Fiat’s range while leaning into proven nameplates and concepts. The first of the two, currently referred to simply as the Fastback, is expected to debut before the end of 2024.

Read: Fiat Presents Five Retro Concepts Heading To Production

Instead of starting from scratch, the new Fastback will draw from familiar sources. It’s reportedly being developed as a mashup of the now-defunct Tipo, the existing Fastback sold in Brazil, and the Egea from Turkey. That blend should result in a practical compact crossover with broad appeal. Powertrain options haven’t been confirmed yet, but early indications point to a mix of internal combustion engines, hybrids, and likely a fully electric version as well.

GigaPanda: Fiat’s Bigger Bet

However, it’s probably Fiat’s second new SUV that will really turn heads. Currently known as the GigaPanda, it will be quite a bit bigger than the new Grande Panda. It will serve as a sister model to the new Citroen C3 Aircross and be offered in both five- and seven-seat guises.

A concept car previewed by Fiat in early 2024 provided us with a look at the new model. Painted in a bright shade of purple, that concept had a retro-themed exterior that includes large pixel LED lights, not dissimilar to those that Hyundai has been using for some of its EVs. Speaking with Auto Express, Fiat head of design François Leboine noted that some changes will be made for the production model.

“I cannot say we’ll do it [exactly] like this,” he said of the concept. But we’ve worked on this vehicle family and they are ready. The [Grande] Panda [concept] was a bit exaggerated, but all the cues were there. That’s more or less what will happen [with GigaPanda].”

Familiar Tech, Flexible Powertrains

Like the new Fiat Fastback, the GigaPanda will be offered with a selection of different powertrains. These could include the same 44 kWh and 54 kWh battery packs as available on the Citroen C3 Aircross, as well as Fiat’s 1.2-liter mild-hybrid system. More traditional petrol engines are also likely, as are potential ethanol options for markets like Brazil.

Whether either model will dramatically shake up Fiat’s position in the global market remains to be seen, but at the very least, they promise to bring some much-needed variety to a lineup that’s been running a little thin the past few years.

Seagulls have a nasty reputation for swooping in and stealing your lunch, and BYD’s Seagull has its eyes on Western carmakers’ slice of the budget EV market pie. Renamed the Dolphin Surf for its launch in Europe, the sub-Dolphin-sized electric city car is nowhere near as cheap as it is in China, where it costs around $10,000, but it’s well priced, well equipped and is sure to cause the likes of Fiat and Citroen a major headache.

The 3,990 mm (157.1 inches) Dolphin Surf is on sale in Germany now priced at €22,990-30,990 ($26,100-35,100), but a launch promotion drops the entry price to €19,990 ($22,700) until June 30, putting it well below the €23,300 ($26,400) starting price of a Citroen e-C3.

More: BYD’s SUV Rips Off Genesis So Hard You’ll Do A Double Take

Even at the discounted price, the BYD is more expensive than Dacia’s base Spring, which starts at €16,900 ($19,200), but you pay a price for saving on the price. The Romanian car is much slower and much stingier on the gadget count, not even featuring a screen and taking 19.1 seconds to reach 62 mph (100 km/h).

All three Dolphin Surf trims – Active, Boost, Comfort – get a 10.1-inch touchscreen and heated and electrically adjustable mirrors. Step up to the €26,990 ($30,600) Comfort and you add rain-sensing wipers, bigger (16-inch) wheels and a power driver’s seat. Top-spec Comfort goes two steps further, bringing a 360-degree camera system, wireless phone charging, heated seats, LED lights and electrically folding mirrors.

Powertrain and Range

Power, range and charging speeds vary between those trims. The Active and Boost get an 87 hp (88 PS / 65 kW) motor, but the cheaper car has a tiny 30 kW LFP battery and slow 65 kW max charge rate. Boost features a 43.2 kW power pack and can charge at 85 kW (both take 30 mins to go from 30-80 percent), but because the Active is lighter it gets to 62 mph in 11.1 seconds instead of 12.1 seconds.

Comfort sticks with the same BYD Blade battery and charge speed as the mid-spec Boost, but pairs it with a 154 hp (156 PS / 115 kW) motor that drops the 62 mph sprint to 9.1 seconds. It also drops the range, but by exactly how much isn’t very clear.

Also: Dacia’s Practically Giving Away The Spring EV At €79 A Month With No Downpayment

BYD is only quoting WLTP urban figures for now rather than the WLTP combined figures that are more useful when making comparisons with other EVs, though UK’s Auto Express reckons the three models return 137, 200 and 193 miles (221, 322, 311 km) combined.

The first cars will be shipped from China, but eventually BYD will build the Dolphin Surf at its new plant in Hungary. Europe’s carmakers, including Stellantis and VW are all working on even more affordable EVs, and looking at what BYD is offering here, they can’t afford to get it wrong.

BYD

The current state of electric trucks might seem like it’s all about bulky, four-wheeled behemoths with sky-high price tags, but Stellantis just threw a curveball that’ll make you rethink everything you thought you knew. Fiat, known for its expertise in city cars like the Panda and the 500, has expanded to an even smaller segment.

The fully electric Fiat TRIS is the Italian automaker’s first-ever three-wheeled model, tailored for last-mile delivery. It was designed at the Centro Stile in Turin as an “affordable ultra-light commercial vehicle”. It will initially be sold in Africa and the Middle East, although availability may later expand to Europe.

More: Fiat’s 500 Hybrid Lets You Shift Your Own Gears

At just 3.17 meters (124.8 inches) in length, the Fiat TRIS is compact yet versatile. It’s available in three configurations: chassis-cabin, flatbed, and pickup, all riding on the same chassis and front-end design, featuring arrow-shaped LEDs and a snappy two-tone color scheme.

The utilitarian interior is all about practicality, designed with ergonomics in mind. It includes a 5.7-inch digital instrument cluster, a USB-C port, a glove box, storage nets, and a seat built for comfort during those “long working hours.” The absence of doors makes it easier for the driver to hop in and out during frequent stops. For safety and compliance, it’s equipped with a three-point seatbelt, front LEDs, a reverse buzzer, and a washer tank, ensuring the little LCV meets European homologation standards.

Impressive Capacity for Its Size

The TRIS offers a cargo area of 2.25 square meters (24.2 square feet), which is surprisingly spacious for a vehicle with such a compact footprint. It also impresses with a payload capacity of 540 kg (1,191 lbs), while keeping the Gross Vehicle Weight at just 1,025 kg (2,260 lbs).

The LCV is powered by a 48-Volt electric motor generating 12 hp (9 kW) and 45 Nm (33 lb-ft) of torque. Energy is stored in a 6.9 kWh battery from the Fiat Topolino, offering a WMTC range of 90 km (56 miles). Luckily, a full charge is completed in 4 hours and 40 minutes from a standard 220V household plug.

Three-wheeled vehicles aren’t exactly famous for their stability. But Fiat insists that the TRIS’ 12-inch wheels, wide rear track, and extended wheelbase will keep things steady. Despite its lightweight design, the EV’s chassis and tubular structure are said to match the “structural sturdiness found in passenger cars,” all while being protected from corrosion by an automotive-grade zinc coating.

More: Fiat’s Next Big Thing Is This Small Thing Reviving A Classic

Fiat CEO Olivier Francois stated: “With its debut in the Middle East and Africa, TRIS is set to transform last-mile mobility and open new doors to economic empowerment and social inclusion. And we believe its potential goes far beyond – Europe may be next, because this kind of smart, sustainable solution speaks a universal language.”

The TRIS is being produced in Morocco, alongside other Stellantis microcars like the Citroen Ami, Fiat Topolino, and Opel Rocks Electric. Pricing has yet to be announced, but expect it to be competitive and very much in line with Fiat’s reputation for affordability.

Fiat

The Lexus ES has never been Europe’s sedan of choice, but the Japanese brand is clearly determined to change that with the latest generation. After debuting globally at the Shanghai Auto Show in China, the ES is making its European premiere a month later, hoping to give heavy hitters like the BMW 5-Series, Mercedes E-Class, and Audi A6 a run for their money.

More: New Lexus ES Drops The Grille And Embraces Electrification

A fixture in the Lexus lineup since 1989, the ES has had a rather slow and steady European introduction, making its way into Eastern Europe in 2010 and arriving in Western Europe only in late 2018. It was seen as an indirect successor to the now-discontinued GS, though many might argue it never quite found its European groove.

New Design, New Powertrains

The eighth-generation ES comes with a complete redesign that aims to improve its appeal. The exterior is fresh and modern, with a body-colored spindle grille flanked by sharp, slimmer L-shaped headlights. Hybrid models feature a slim grille for added cooling, while the EV models take a more minimalist approach to the front end.

The profile is now more aerodynamic than before, with a smooth sloping roofline that leads to a fastback-style rear. At the back, a full-width LED bar and sharp shoulder lines give it a more aggressive stance.

In terms of size, the new ES has grown. A lot. It’s now 165 mm (about 6.5 inches) longer than the previous model, with an extra 80 mm (3.1 inches) between the axles, making for a far roomier interior.

A Tech-Filled Interior

Step inside, and Lexus has clearly worked to elevate the tech experience. The highlight is a massive 14-inch infotainment screen, marking the largest display in any Lexus model so far, and which can be customized with various shortcuts and widgets. It’s paired with a 12.3-inch digital instrument cluster. However, for Europeans, the option for a passenger display that is available in China, seems to be off the table.

More: The Tesla Model Y Has A New Rival From Toyota That’s Half The Price

Lexus also promises a quieter cabin, thanks to improved sound insulation and higher-quality materials. The interior features include illuminated panels made using a printing technique called bamboo layering, as well as synthetic leather embossing. The “Hidden Switches,” touch-sensitive controls that appear only when the car is on, are a neat trick. For audiophiles, a 17-speaker Mark Levinson Surround Sound System is available.

Comfort has been improved too thanks to the new seat design, with a higher seating position for easier ingress/egress, a reclining rear bench, and greater support for the front passengers. If you’re being chauffeured, you’ll be happy to know that the front passenger seat has a folding function that maximizes rear legroom. Finally, there is an enhanced Lexus Safety System + ADAS suite.

Hybrid And EV Options

The new ES rides on an improved version of the TNGA-K architecture, which already underpins several vehicles in the group, including the Toyota Camry and the Crown Crossover. The new generation introduces a multi-link system on the rear axle, alongside a new suspension setup and increased rigidity. According to Lexus, these upgrades result in an improved ride quality and a more composed drive.

More: Last Chance To Own A Naturally Aspirated V8 Sports Sedan Before They’re Gone For Good

When it comes to the powertrains, European buyers will have a choice between two self-charging hybrid options in FWD and AWD configurations. The base ES 300h produces 199 hp (148 kW / 201 PS), while the ES 350h is more powerful with 244 hp (182 kW / 247 PS), both relying on the same 2.5-liter four-cylinder engine.

For the first time, however, the ES is available with fully electric powertrains. The FWD-only ES 350e produces 221 hp (165 kW / 224 PS) and comes with a 77 kWh battery. The flagship ES 500e, with AWD, produces 338 hp (252 kW / 343 PS) and carries a 75 kWh battery pack. Lexus hasn’t confirmed the official WLTP range figures yet, but they expect the most efficient model to go up to 530 km (329 miles) on a single charge.

Availability

European sales of the new Lexus ES are expected to kick off in Spring 2026, with final pricing and detailed specs to be announced closer to launch. Whether this new generation can make a dent in the dominance of European luxury sedans remains to be seen, but it’s certainly taking its best shot.

Lexus Europe

The path to mainstream electrification is all but inevitable. Despite that, many lawmakers are trying to slow it down. Add to that one of the automakers building thousands of EVs every year, General Motors. A newly uncovered email exposes the company as it urges employees to get political. It hopes that with enough support, the government will stop California from setting its own emission standards.

More: New Bill To Kill EV Tax Credits Will Only Benefit One Brand

The Golden State has long done exactly that. In 2022, it went as far as to tell automakers that they had a little over a decade. By 2035, it won’t allow the sale of new gas-powered cars and trucks. While that would seemingly be good for EV sales, the plan has several critics aside from General Motors.

The Golden State vs. Detroit

“We need your help!” GM said in an email to white-collar employees obtained by The Wall Street Journal. “Emissions standards that are not aligned with market realities pose a serious threat to our business by undermining consumer choice and vehicle affordability.” It’s worth noting that California isn’t alone in its thinking. 11 other states have signed up to follow the same plan. Now, GM and several lawmakers want to remove California’s ability to set its own standards and thus, cancel the ability for the other states involved.

In a statement, GM’s spokeswoman made the company’s stance clear: “GM believes in customer choice, and we continue to focus on offering the best and broadest portfolio of vehicles on the market”. That’s consistent with the automaker’s view, even when it supported California’s proposal in the past. Clearly, a national standard is in the best interest of automakers since they wouldn’t have to manage different regulations in different states.

Government officials say the standards set in California are simply out of touch with reality. Data seems to back that up, too. It set a target to have 35 percent of all vehicle sales be electric in 2026. Right now, EVs only make up 20 percent of new car sales, and that’s in a place where EVs are wildly popular when compared to other states.

EV sales in North America are slower than in most places across the globe. The transition to electrification appears like a sure thing, but probably further down the road than initially expected. 

Dodge has officially unveiled the 2026 Charger Daytona lineup, which includes an all-new liftback sedan. It closely echoes the coupe as the fascias, roofline, and liftgate are shared across body styles.

However, the new five-door variant promises to be far more practical even though interior and exterior dimensions remain unchanged. That means there is 37.2 inches (945 mm) of rear seat legroom as well as a cargo capacity of up to 37.4 cubic feet (1,059 liters).

More: It’s Official, Dodge Is Killing The Electric Charger Daytona R/T

Speaking of the interior, it comes nicely equipped with a 16-inch digital instrument cluster and a 12.3-inch Uconnect 5 infotainment system with Android Auto and Apple CarPlay. Buyers will also find a heated steering wheel, a dual-zone automatic climate control system, a garage door opener, and cloth/leatherette seats.

They’re joined by a long list of driver assistance systems that includes Adaptive Cruise Control with Stop and Go, Active Driving Assist, and Active Lane Management. There’s also Automatic Emergency Braking, Blind-Spot Detection with Rear Cross Path Alert, and Full-Speed Forward Collision Warning.

Options Galore

While the standard model comes nicely equipped, the Plus trim adds fancier LED headlights, a power liftgate, and a frunk. The cabin gains a wireless smartphone charger, a 64-color ambient lighting system, a power tilt/telescoping steering column, a ParkView 360 surround view camera system, and an upgraded alarm.

Other options include a panoramic glass roof, an 18-speaker Alpine premium audio system, and a self-explanatory Carbon & Suede package. Customers can also get a Blacktop package that includes dark badging and 20-inch wheels with a dark finish.

Sticking with styling, there’s a new gloss black painted hood. 2026 models can also be equipped with matte black Fratzog stripes that have red accents as well as a repeating pattern.

AWD And 670 HP

The 2026 Charger Daytona lineup is offered exclusively in Scat Pack guise and this means there’s a 100.5 kWh battery pack as well as a dual-motor all-wheel drive system producing 630 hp (470 kW /  639 PS) and 627 lb-ft (849 Nm) of torque. However, a PowerShot function can deliver an additional 40 hp (30 kW / 41 PS) for 10 seconds at a time.

Both the sedan and coupe accelerate from 0-60 mph (0-96 km/h) in 3.3 seconds, run the quarter mile in 11.5 seconds, and have a top speed of 135 mph (217 km). Those are impressive numbers, but the 241 mile (388 km) range leaves a lot to be desired.

When it comes time to replenish the battery, a 350 kW DC fast charger can take it from 20-80% in just 24 minutes. With a more common 175 kW DC fast charger, the same process will take roughly 42 minutes. At home, you’re looking at around 5.4 hours to go from 20-80% with an 11 kW Level 2 charger.

Customers looking for maximum performance can get an optional Track package. It features 20-inch aluminum wheels that are backed up by a Brembo braking system with red six- and four-piston calipers. The package also includes a dual valve adaptive damping suspension, a gloss black rear spoiler, a drive experience recorder, and leather/suede performance seats with fixed headrests.

Now Up For Order

Dodge is currently accepting orders for the 2026 Charger Daytona coupe and sedan. The company didn’t mention pricing, but deliveries are scheduled to begin in the second half of this year.

However, you might want to hold off as the Charger Sixpack is also coming later in 2025. It’s notable for featuring a twin-turbo 3.0-liter Hurricane inline-six that will have outputs of 420 hp (313 kW / 426 PS) and 550 hp (410 kW / 558 PS).

It’s that time of year again when model changes are rolling in, and the 2026 Silverado EV is adding a new off-road-focused trim called Trail Boss. As the name implies, it’s built to handle trails like a boss. To accomplish that, it leverages a lift kit, an updated hydraulic rebound control system, and a new Terrain mode. Interested parties will need to be ready to part with over $72,000 to put one in their garage.

Read: Chevy’s New Electric SUV Could Be Coming to Your Country, But Not America

“Trail Boss has been one of the highest turning trims in our portfolio since we first launched it on the 2019 Silverado,” said Scott Bell, vice president, Chevrolet. “Adding Trail Boss to Silverado EV gives customers an option that builds on our strong truck pedigree, high electric range, and off-road capability.” We’re happy to report that this isn’t just an appearance package.

Enhanced Off-Road Performance

Every Trail Boss comes standard with a two-inch lift kit, which Chevy boasts is a 24 percent increase in ground clearance over the standard Silverado EV. On top of that, the automaker re-tuned the coil suspension and rebound control system. A new trim-exclusive Terrain mode acts almost like a low-speed off-road-focused cruise control for navigating uneven surfaces. It also gets sharper 4-Wheel Steering for better response off-road.

Chevrolet leverages a “high-angle approach” front fascia on the Trail Boss along with 35-inch all-terrain tires, unique 18-inch wheels, red tow hooks, and exterior badging to make the trim stand out. The cabin also gets its own unique touches. Perhaps most impressive is that this new version of the Silverado EV doesn’t sacrifice much in the way of range.

“The Silverado EV Trail Boss delivers similar capability expected with other Chevy Trail Bosses,” said Joe Roy, chief engineer for Silverado EV. “It’s an impressive truck that will meet the needs of our customers looking to get off trail and still have all the features customers have come to love about Silverado EV, including range and off-road power.”

Pricing

Available with Chevy’s Extended or Max battery pack, buyers will get 410 or 478 miles of EPA-estimated range. Pricing starts at $72,095, but those who want the Max pack will pay $88,695. That’s right beneath the RST trim that starts at $89,395. Those prices include destination and delivery. There are benefits to each pack worthy of mention.

Those who select the Extended pack get up to 12,500 lb-ft of towing capacity and 2,100 pounds worth of payload capacity. On the flip side, those with the Max pack can enjoy up to 725 horsepower (540 kW) and 775 lb-ft (1,049 Nm) of torque. Expect it to go on sale later this summer, with additional details about options and pricing coming then too.

Other Updates for 2026

In other news related to the 2026 Silverado EV, Chevy is sunsetting the RST trim, leaving only the Work Truck, LT, and Trail Boss in the lineup. In addition, the Silverado EV is getting a more advanced version of Super Cruise, now integrated with Google Maps. The updated system includes hands-on functionality that helps keep the vehicle centered in its lane and adjusts to the car ahead. Also, when you engage Super Cruise on compatible roads, a green light on the steering wheel indicates hands-free driving is activated.

2026 CHEVY SILVERADO US PRICES

Elon Musk might plan on being with Tesla for the foreseeable future, but the board could have a different opinion if sales keep sinking like they have been. The CEO admitted recently that sales in Europe were problematic, and now we have more evidence of that. Tesla’s sales are down across the continent, and the issue appears to be getting worse.

More: The Tesla Model Y Has A New Rival From Toyota That’s Half The Price

It’s no secret that Musk’s divisive actions have led to boycotts and protests. What’s perhaps more surprising, though, is just how dramatically European buyers seem willing to stay away from Tesla. According to preliminary data from market research firm Dataforce, shared with Autonews Europe, the brand’s sales have dropped by over 38% through April, going from 101,677 units last year to just 62,313 this year.

The sales slump looks even worse when you break down the numbers for April alone. Sales year over year for the month fell from 14,696 to just 7,908. That’s a drop off of 46.2 percent. Low-volume cars like the Model S and Model X saw a combined decrease in sales of 69.1 percent, falling from 224 sales in April last year to just 69 this year. It’s not as if the high-volume cars are faring much better either.

Even the Model Y Isn’t Safe

Despite just launching a new and improved Model Y, the brand’s most popular car globally, it’s struggling too. Sales plummeted from 9,704 units in April last year to just 4,743 this April, a staggering 51.1% drop.That’s a devastating number. Tesla mentioned earlier in the year that a sales slowdown would happen for Model Y as production changed from the previous generation to this one. It also confirmed that it’s since finished that switch so this drop isn’t a result of that. Since the beginning of the year, Model Y sales across the EU, U.K., and EFTA countries have dropped by 48.4%. Ouch.

Tesla’s other key player, the Model 3, also saw a huge decline. Sales dropped from 4,768 units in April 2024 to 3,094 last month, a 35.1% decrease.

This would all be a lot easier to swallow for Tesla if sales were down for everyone, but that’s not the case. As Auto News points out, overall sales for all brands were essentially flat in April, with a minor dip of just 0.3% in the EU, U.K., and EFTA countries, down to 1,085,092, or about 4,000 fewer units than in April 2024.

In fact, the European market is actually embracing electrification more than ever this year. Battery-electric vehicle (EV) sales are up 28%, full-hybrid sales are up 16%, and plug-in hybrid electric vehicle (PHEV) deliveries have risen by 12%. Meanwhile, sales of non-hybrid gasoline cars fell by 7.2%, and diesel vehicles saw a 19% decline.

It’ll be interesting to see what moves Tesla makes next. As of now, it seems like the company is sticking with its “keep calm and carry on” strategy. But given these numbers, it’s safe to say that strategy might need some serious rethinking.