BMW learned a hard lesson in 2022 when it tried to charge a subscription fee for heated seats, prompting swift and widespread backlash. While the company walked that decision back within a year, it’s still firmly committed to the broader idea of subscription-based features.

In the case of the all-new iX3, BMW will ask its customers to subscribe to features such as the 360-degree camera and the Driving Assistant Pro package, which includes hands-free driving on highways and semi-autonomous features for urban settings, much like Tesla’s approach with its own systems nowadays.

Read: BMW iX3 M Coming As A Quad Motor Performance EV

This comes even as BMW concedes that offering heated seats as a subscription option was a mistake, and the fact that all new iX3s will have the hardware for advanced-driving assistance systems and the 360-degree camera.

Other features, such as real-time traffic updates and adaptive suspension, are also sold as subscriptions depending on the market. In Australia, adaptive suspension can be activated after purchase for A$29 (US$20) per month, with a one-month free trial to get drivers acquainted.

Why BMW Still Believes in Subscriptions

“The criticism we got was from the seat heating, so this was probably not the best way to start with it,” BMW head of product communications Alexandra Landers told Australia’s Drive. “However, we decided for the technology, everything is on board, but for the additional other systems, we also have costs for running. You have cloud use, and that is cost.”

“If you use it, we have to pay for it. It’s not everything important [to every customer], but the technology is important [to have in all vehicles], and we still believe in the option offer structure that you do not have to decide from the start if you want this ADAS [safety] system.”

Landers added that having subscriptions can be useful for owners who may change their mind about having a certain feature during their ownership. “For example, if they’re sitting in a traffic jam, and think ‘Oh, maybe I should have bought [ADAS] two years ago’. And then they can, you know, add it online.”

BMW will tie downloadable over-the-air software updates to its subscriptions. For example, as ADAS systems are improved, updates could be introduced to paying subscribers.

Some features, however, will reach certain regions before others. BMW confirmed that semi-autonomous driving functions will first roll out in Germany before expanding to other markets.

Performance Stays Unlocked

That said, BMW has ruled out certain types of paid upgrades entirely. Customers won’t be able to unlock more power or battery range through remote updates, as the automaker believes base vehicles should deliver full performance from the start.

“Because this is the thing we say, you buy a car with maximum power, and we are not a tuner. You just felt that 345 kilowatt (463hp), so why restrict it and then have [customers] pay [more] for it? That didn’t make sense for us as an offer strategy.”

Will Buyers Push Back?

It remains to be seen how customers will respond to the subscription offerings for the latest BMW models, particularly the new iX3. While locking the advanced semi-autonomous driving system behind a paywall isn’t unique in the industry, as Tesla does with its supervised Full-Self Driving suite, requiring a subscription for features like a 360-degree camera, is bound to be controversial.

A dissatisfied Rolls-Royce buyer in Texas has filed a lawsuit against the automaker, claiming her 2025 Spectre Black Badge failed just four months after delivery due to an serious battery defect. With the brand planning additional EVs, including an electric sedan and SUV, the legal dispute is a headache it’d rather not have to deal with.

Read: Spectre Black Badge Is The Most Powerful Rolls-Royce Ever Created

The complaint, filed against Rolls-Royce Motor Cars North America and authorized dealer Avondale Dealership, alleges that plaintiff Marci M. Donovitz paid $546,385 for a bespoke Rolls-Royce Spectre Black Badge in early 2025. She took delivery on June 23, 2025.

Buyer Says Car Failed in Four Months

Things soon turned sour. According to the filing, the vehicle “experienced a sudden and serious malfunction” in October, just months after delivery. The plaintiff claims the EV would “soon become inoperable” and sent it to the dealer for inspection.

The dealership reportedly informed her by text that parts had been ordered, but were on backorder with no estimated delivery date.

Rolls-Royce Spectre Black Badge

After 40 days with no progress, Donovitz retained legal counsel and sent a letter to Rolls-Royce requesting that it repurchase the vehicle and issue a refund. The company declined. As of February, the lawsuit states, the Spectre remains in the possession of Avondale Dealership and has not been repaired. The filing refers to the luxury EV as a “lemon.”

Also: California Court Strips Lemon Law Protections For Used Cars Under Warranty

It further claims the vehicle suffers from a “serious battery defect rendering it unsafe and undrivable.” It’s also claimed that Rolls-Royce and the dealer have failed to diagnose or repair the vehicle within a reasonable timeframe, and they’ve retained the car even as it depreciates.

Resale Value in Question

The complaint additionally alleges that Rolls-Royce was aware of reliability concerns and declining secondary-market performance related to the Spectre but failed to disclose this information to the plaintiff at or before the time of sale.

More: GM Buys Back Lemon C8 Corvette And Allows Customer To Upgrade To New Z06

Donovitz is seeking economic damages, including a full repurchase or rescission of the sale, damages for loss of use and enjoyment, diminished value, incidental and consequential losses, pre- and post-judgment interest, and attorney’s fees and legal costs associated with pursuing the case.

Canadian Prime Minister Mark Carney has introduced a new automotive strategy that “rewards the production of made-in-Canada vehicles and harnesses our world-class capabilities in artificial intelligence and technology expertise to build the cars of the future.”

As part of this effort, the country is revamping its electric vehicle mandate once again. The goal is to “rationalize emissions reduction policies” and put Canada on a path that will see 75% of sales come from EVs by 2035. That would then climb to 90% by 2040. This is a notable shift as the country was previously looking at reaching 100% by 2035.

More: Canada Walks Back EV Mandate Amid US Trade War

Furthermore, Canada is repealing the Electric Vehicle Availability Standard and increasing emissions standards. The government said this will “allow manufacturers to use a wide array of technologies to meet the [new] standards and respond to consumer preferences in the near-term, while driving EV adoption over time.”

New Incentives For Canadians To Go Green

While the country is tapping the brakes on the electric vehicle transition, they’ll encourage Canadians to buy EVs with a new five-year program that will provide individuals and businesses with incentives to go green. Electric and fuel cell vehicles will be eligible for up to $5,000 CAD (3,658 USD), while plug-in hybrids can get up to $2,500 CAD ($1,829 USD).

Canada’s auto industry is facing huge pressures, leaving workers and businesses in a state of uncertainty. So we’re taking control — and launching a new strategy that will transform the industry to be a global leader in electric vehicles.

We’ll reward the production of…

— Mark Carney (@MarkJCarney) February 5, 2026

There’s a $50,000 CAD ($36,574 USD) limit on the final transaction price for vehicles made in countries Canada has a free-trade agreement with, but Canadian-made EVs and PHEVs have no price cap at all.

To further encourage adoption, Canada will invest $1.5 billion CAD ($1.1 billion USD) to improve their charging infrastructure. This aims to make it “easier and more convenient for drivers to charge their EVs across the country.”

Incentives For Businesses As Well

The government is setting aside up to $3.1 billion CAD ($2.3 billion USD) to “help the auto industry adapt, grow, and diversify to new markets.” There will also be tax incentives to encourage companies to invest in electric vehicles as well as clean technologies.

On top of that, the country aims to strengthen the competitiveness of their auto sector by rewarding companies that produce and invest in Canada. They’ll also maintain counter-tariffs on automotive imports from the United States and look to grow automotive imports from elsewhere.

China is front and center as vehicles will be imported from there in the near future. Ultimately, Canada hopes Chinese automakers will setup shop in the country and build vehicles locally. This could help fill the void left by American automakers, who have moved some production stateside.

Support For Autoworkers

Canada announced a handful of measures designed to protect autoworkers in an era of trade wars and electrification. In particular, there will be a new Work-Sharing grant that aims to support worker retention and prevent layoffs.

The country will also provide employment assistance and reskilling support for up to 66,000 people including displaced auto workers. This will be made possible by a $570 million CAD ($417 million USD) investment.

American Tariffs Push Canada To Embrace Other Countries

The government noted over 90% of Canadian-made vehicles and 60% of Canadian-made parts are exported to the United States. This is a huge problem as Canadian-made vehicles have faced a 25% tariff in America (on non-US content) since April.

The country said the tariff is “threatening Canada’s automotive manufacturing industry and the 125,000 direct jobs it supports.” Given this, the country is looking to develop a more independent economy and one that can ship Canadian-made vehicles to new export markets.

In a statement, Carney said “Canada’s new government is fundamentally transforming our economy – from one reliant on a single trade partner, to one that is stronger, more independent, and more resilient to global shocks. We are making strategic decisions and generational investments to build a strong Canadian auto sector, where Canadian workers build the cars of the future.”

Unifor welcomes elements of the new federal auto policy, while calling for bold steps to protect Canadian auto jobs and secure a future for workers at idled plants in Brampton and Ingersoll. #canlabhttps://t.co/r8CXSmPp0S

— Unifor (@UniforTheUnion) February 5, 2026

As electric vehicles become a bigger part of the global conversation, Canada’s latest trade move has stirred plenty of debate at home. The government’s new agreement with China, which slashes tariffs on a limited number of EVs from 100 percent to just 6.1 percent, has sparked plenty of controversy. Still, a new poll suggests that most Canadians support bringing more Chinese-made electric vehicles into the market.

A recent poll conducted by Leger reveals that most Canadians are not only aware of the deal but also largely supportive of increased access to Chinese EVs.

Read: China Is Ready To Start Building Cars In Canada

According to the results, 70 percent of respondents said they were familiar with the agreement, and 62 percent expressed some level of support for allowing more Chinese electric cars into the market. Of those, 24 percent strongly backed the policy while 38 percent indicated moderate support.

Support Varies, But the Appeal Is Clear

The Canadian Press that shared the results highlighted that support was particularly strong in Quebec, where 72 percent of respondents favored the policy. That figure outpaces the national average and suggests regional dynamics may be at play when it comes to openness toward foreign electric vehicle brands.

The survey, conducted online between Jan. 30 and Feb. 2 among 1,570 respondents, found awareness of the agreement was notably higher among men and Canadians aged 55 and over.

It’s easy to see why many Canadians are in favor. Chinese manufacturers such as BYD, Chery, and Geely have made a name for themselves by delivering well-equipped EVs at competitive prices. Their cars have found traction in several overseas markets and are increasingly seen as value leaders in a segment often criticized for high costs.

Australia offers a telling example. There, Chinese EVs have become a regular sight, with many models priced comparably to traditional gasoline vehicles. Their arrival has not only expanded consumer choice but also pressured legacy automakers to trim prices to stay in the game. The same kind of market shake-up could easily play out in Canada.

Concerns Remain

Despite the support, Canadians do have their concerns about Chinese electric cars. For example, the poll shows many respondents are worried about vehicle quality and durability.

Three quarters of those surveyed reported at least one concern related to Chinese EVs, with additional worries tied to potential effects on Canada’s domestic auto industry, vehicle safety standards, and broader geopolitical tensions.

They also have concerns about data security and privacy. Shortly after the trade deal was announced, Ontario Premier Doug Ford suggested the vehicles could be used to spy on Canadians.

The tie-up between Canada and China will not result in local roads being overrun by Chinese cars. As part of the agreement, a cap will initially limit imports at the reduced tariff rate to 49,000 vehicles per year, with half of these priced below CA$35,000 (roughly $25,000). The 49,000-vehicle cap matches the number of Chinese-made EVs already imported into Canada in 2023.

You’ve probably noticed it too: e-bikes are everywhere these days, and not always in the safest hands. Across the country, cities are scrambling to respond to a rise in reckless riding, much of it by young teens weaving through streets and sidewalks with little regard for rules, or risk. Irvine, California, is now the latest city preparing to take a harder stance.

Read: Florida Wants To Make You Get A License To Ride Your E-Bike

The city council in Irvine has voted 6-1 in favor of new restrictions targeting e-bikes and scooter use. Among the most significant changes are stricter penalties for modifying e-bikes to exceed legal speed limits, expanded powers for local police to impound vehicles, and the potential for repeat violations to be treated as misdemeanors.

When Parents Share the Blame

Repeat offenders may soon find themselves facing more than just a warning. Fines could reach up to $500, particularly for riders caught flouting the new rules multiple times. Local officials also want to increase accountability among parents, especially those who knowingly allow their children to ride in violation of city ordinances.

A growing number of young locals have been seen riding their e-bikes dangerously on sidewalks, bicycle paths, and roads. As part of the changes, 20 mph speed limits will be enforced on bicycle paths and trails, and a 10 mph limit on sidewalks. Sidewalk speed limits would drop further to 5 mph when children are present in school zones.

Before authorities take the step to impound e-bikes of repeat offenders, Irvine Police Department lieutenant Shaheen Jahangard says officers will need to consider several important factors, Voice of OC reports.

“Discretion is going to depend on the circumstances of the situation — how compliant the juvenile is when they’re being detained or stopped for the violation, what the violation is, how egregious is it, are their parents or guardian able to respond to pick up their electric bicycle,” Jahangard said.

“There’s a lot of factors the officers will take into consideration before impounding an e-bike.”

In the past three years, 70 percent of bicycle collisions in Irvine have involved a juvenile rider, and 65 percent of them involved an e-bike. Cracking down on reckless riders seems like common sense, particularly as powerful e-bikes become increasingly popular among the youth.

It’s a new year, and for Porsche, it begins with a leadership shakeup that might reshape more than just boardroom priorities. The brand has a new CEO, Michael Leiters, and within days of stepping in, he’s reportedly reconsidering the future of the all-electric 718 Boxster and Cayman.

That would be a huge reversal of course for the automaker, but here’s the real kicker: new reports suggest the unceremonious end of Audi’s new Concept C sports car before it ever reaches production.

Read: Porsche’s New CEO Might Kill The Cayman, Boxster EVs Before They Even Launch

Leiters has reportedly begun a sweeping review of Porsche’s operations as sales slump in China and profit margins took a big hit. One of the biggest question marks is the electric 718 program, which has been plagued by delays, ballooning costs, and battery supply issues following the bankruptcy of Swedish cell supplier Northvolt.

Electric Sports Cars in Limbo

Insiders told German publication Handelsblatt that the battery issue has become particularly thorny, and finding a viable replacement would come with significant cost increases. Some within Porsche lay blame at the feet of former CEO Oliver Blume, saying he let the program’s problems drag on for too long.

More: Porsche Posts Its Biggest Drop In Sixteen Years

According to sources cited by Bloomberg, Porsche is now actively debating whether continuing development of the electric Cayman and Boxster even makes financial sense.

Audi CEO Gernot Döllner has tied much of his turnaround strategy to a new halo model known internally as Concept C and rumored to revive the TT nameplate and centering much of its future design around it. And the trouble is that it’s engineered around the same Porsche-developed EV platform intended for the electric 718.

Can Audi Go It Alone?

The shared architecture was supposed to deliver cost savings and accelerate development. Without it, Audi may be forced to either shelve the Concept C entirely or buy and finish the platform independently.

Insiders told the German publication indicate that such a move could cost Audi a nine-figure sum. There’s no telling how long it would take Audi to sort out the development and get a production car ready to roll. Help isn’t coming from any other direction, either.

Volkswagen Group’s next-generation SSP platform, which will underpin most future EVs across its brands, isn’t expected to be ready before mid-2028. All of this is going on as Porsche is struggling to manage shifting industry sands. Sales of the Taycan have fallen off a cliff in China, and tariffs are making things a lot harder in the U.S. as well.

Projections for China, once Porsche’s biggest growth engine, have been cut from 100,000 units to just 30,000 to 40,000 in 2026, with the brand recently deciding to shut down more than a third of its dealerships in the country.

More: The Concept C Is So Close To Production Audi Got It Street Legal

Audi, for its part, publicly showcased the Concept C in Milan last September during a high-profile launch event complete with celebrity appearances. At that event, Döllner described it as “the first visible evidence of Audi’s transformation as a company.” He emphasized that the model marks a break from the brand’s past design language and lays the groundwork for what comes next.

Concept C is Key to Audi’s Lineup

That foundation isn’t limited to design either. The Concept C’s tech platform is intended to underpin Audi’s future lineup. Originally, the sports car was scheduled to launch in 2027.

The big question now is whether Döllner will stick with Leiters’ cost-cutting approach or push ahead with Concept C, even if it means spending hundreds of millions to take over and finish the platform on Audi’s own terms by 2027.

For now, both companies are staying quiet. Porsche says no final decisions have been made, while Audi declined to comment on the Concept C’s future.

The last year has been full of stories surrounding dangerous door handle design. Now, China is banning retractable handles, beginning with electric vehicles. A newly uncovered video highlights why. After a collision with a truck, one Dongfeng eπ007 turns into a full conflagration in less than a minute.

While the video went viral today, Dongfeng itself confirmed that the crash actually occurred in Wenshan, Yunnan province, on March 19, 2025.

In it, we see the Chinese electric sedan, which, notably, serves as the base for Nissan’s popular N7, spins and slides off the road before it hits some construction fencing. Nothing about the crash looks particularly devastating, but apparently, somewhere along the line, the battery ends up punctured.

Why Seconds Count

The driver pops out of the car immediately, but can’t open the rear door. The handles won’t extend out of the body of the door itself. Then, his door also shuts and no longer responds to similar attempts to open it. 29 seconds after the initial impact, smoke is billowing from the passenger side of the car, and all of the doors are shut.

More: China Officially Bans Pop-Out Door Handles, And The World May Follow

The driver begins trying to break the window with his elbow. Another individual runs up, and the pair uses rocks to break the side windows. Then, the real work begins as they pull two occupants from the car rather quickly. 52 seconds after the initial crash, flames are clearly visible on the outside of the car, and the cabin is completely filled with black smoke.

A Race Against Time and Fire

Despite the flames, the individual who popped up out of nowhere to help managed to pull the final passenger out of the fully on-fire car. The occupants all have remnants of the fire visible on their clothing and faces.

Read: Dongfeng eπ 007 EV Offers Lambo Doors And Up To 536 hp From Just $22,400

The rescuer later said all three passengers suffered burns, with the injuries described as serious but not life-threatening. He himself sustained severe burns to his hands, saying five fingers were still bandaged months later and that the injuries may prevent him from returning to work as a truck driver.

Company Responds

On February 5, Dongfeng’s eπ brand issued a statement confirming the crash occurred in March 2025 and expressing sympathy to all those involved. The company said its team went to the scene at the time and cooperated with authorities.

Read: Electric Door Handles Face Global Scrutiny After Deadly EV Crashes

According to Dongfeng, the fire was triggered after a high-speed collision with a truck. The automaker also warned that circulating clips may not reflect the full context of the crash and could cause further distress to those involved.

It’s also worth noting that, while some reports from China claimed a front-seat passenger died in the fire, this has not been confirmed.

If it wasn’t clear before why accessible, fully operable manual door handles are important, this incident should clear it up.

The federal EV tax credit is no more, but California is stepping in with a plan to keep momentum alive in the country’s largest EV market. Governor Gavin Newsom has outlined a new set of state-level incentives aimed at first-time EV buyers, designed to pick up where the now-defunct federal tax credit left off.

However, the proposal rules out any repeat discounts for those who already own an electric vehicle, limiting eligibility to newcomers.

Read: Trump Killed The Federal EV Credit, So California Wrote Its Own

The initiative, which still requires approval from state lawmakers, would set aside $200 million. Under the current framework, passenger EVs priced at or under $55,000 would qualify, while vans, SUVs, and pickup trucks with a starting price below $80,000 would also be eligible.

Who Gets What and When?

California has yet to confirm the value of each incentive. What we do know is that the policy would require manufacturers to match the state’s contribution dollar-for-dollar. Like the old federal tax credit, the incentives will be offered immediately at the point of sale and will apply to new EVs purchased or leased. Additionally, Bloomberg reports there will be incentives for used EVs priced below $25,000.

Sarah Swig, a senior climate advisor to Governor Newsom, criticized the rollback of federal support. “The Trump administration’s reckless retreat has created unprecedented uncertainty for automakers and families alike,” she said.

“California is proud to partner with automakers who are committed to the transition to a zero-emission future through shared investment to keep costs down and drive the market forward.”

Expanding the EV Base

According to a spokesperson from the California Air Resources Board, limiting eligibility to first-time EV buyers will help to expand the market, “introducing new consumers to ZEV technology.” CARB added in a statement to InsideEVs that “research shows that once consumers make the switch to ZEVs, they typically don’t go back to dirty gasoline or diesel vehicles.”

In late 2024, Governor Gavin Newsom presented his first proposal for a new EV subsidy scheme in the state, in response to President-elect Trump’s threat to repeal the federal program. Newsom’s proposal would have excluded EVs from Tesla, which quickly drew the ire of Elon Musk. As part of the latest proposal, many Tesla models would be eligible.

Amid all the noise and high-concept EV launches, one company is quietly betting that simple might be the next big idea. Slate Auto has its skeptics, including Ram boss Tim Kuniskis, but tens of thousands of people have placed reservations for its back-to-basics electric vehicle, suggesting a real appetite for something more grounded and affordable.

Production of the Slate is scheduled to start at a converted factory in Warsaw, Indiana, before the end of this year, but well before this happens, the carmaker has brought one example to Jay Leno’s Garage, eager to show what makes it special.

Read: Slate Still Doesn’t Know What Its EV Truck Will Actually Cost

Joining the bright red and white Slate with Leno was the head of design at Slate, Tisha Johnson, and the company’s chief commercial officer, Jeremy Snyder.

According to Slate, its philosophy is to build an affordable vehicle, which is desperately needed now that the average new car in the US costs almost $50,000. During the interview with Leno, Snyder says the Slate will start in the “mid-$20s,” although the firm still doesn’t appear to have nailed down a final price.

When the EV was announced, it had a promised starting price of under $20,000, thanks largely to the $7,500 federal EV tax credit. Now that the tax credit has been axed, the price has increased.

Personalization is also a key part of what makes Slate interesting. Many exterior parts have exposed fasteners, making it easy to remove and customize panels. Buyers who prefer an SUV body style can purchase a conversion kit, either to install themselves or through a Slate service provider. This places the owner at the center of the experience, and also helps cut costs.

Slate is also placing right-to-repair at the forefront of the ownership experience. Owners won’t need to visit Slate service centers to have their vehicles repaired, whether under warranty or not, and can shop around and take them to their preferred mechanic. If desired, owners can easily repair the Slate truck themselves.

After months of spy shots and speculation, BMW’s all-new electric i3 is officially leaving the theoretical stage. The brand has begun pre-series production at its Munich plant, which means the future 3-Series EV is no longer just a prototype trying to evade Nürburgring photographers.

BMW released official images of camouflaged near-series cars to mark the milestone, confirming that production-spec hardware is now running through the factory. According to BMW, these early cars are built using full production processes, from the press shop to final assembly, to stress-test logistics, equipment, and workflows before series production begins in the second half of 2026.

Related: New i3 And 3-Series Reveal BMW’s Most Striking Split Yet

This is a bigger deal than it sounds. Until now, early i3s were assembled partly at BMW’s pilot plant near its Research and Innovation Centre. With Munich’s new body shop, paint shop, and assembly areas now complete, the i3 finally goes through every production step under one roof, just like a real car should.

The timing fits perfectly with what we’ve seen on the road. Spy shots have shown the electric i3 and the next combustion 3-Series testing side by side, wearing similar Neue Klasse styling but hiding very different bones underneath.

The i3 rides on BMW’s dedicated Neue Klasse EV platform first seen on the 2026 iX3 SUV, while the gas-powered 3-Series sticks with an updated version of today’s CLAR architecture.

Spot the EV

But you won’t need to get them on a ramp to tell them apart, you’ll just have to look closely. The electric i3 has a flatter roofline, different door and window shapes, and even a relocated charging port compared to the fuel door on the ICE model. Inside, though, both will share a futuristic cabin, including a freestanding display and BMW’s pillar-to-pillar Panoramic iDrive screen.

iX3 Powertrain

Powertrain details remain unofficial, but based on what we already know about the iX3, expectations are sky high. The i3 50 xDrive is rumored to deliver around 463 hp (469 PS / 345 kW) and an EPA range that should exceed 400 miles (644 km), backed by a massive battery and ultra-fast DC charging.

An entry-level rear-wheel drive version will follow, with a hotter, heavier, M3 EV also confirmed.

BMW says employee training is now shifting from virtual reality to hands-on work with real machinery, which tells us the launch clock is ticking. The camouflage may still be on, but the electric i3 has clearly entered its final dress rehearsal and the full disguise-free show starts later this year with first deliveries coming in early 2027.

BMW

President Trump has signed an executive order establishing Project Vault. It’s being billed as the critical materials equivalent of the strategic petroleum reserve.

Designed to ensure that American businesses and workers are never harmed by shortages of critical materials, the stockpile will be established by a $12 billion investment. It’s focused on rare earths and critical minerals, which have been dominated by China.

More: A Resource You’ve Probably Never Heard Of Is Quietly Crippling The Auto Industry

Things came to a head last year when China imposed export restrictions on rare earth elements in April. This forced a number of automakers and suppliers to scramble and some even had to temporarily stop production.

While the situation has improved significantly since those dire days, the United States has apparently decided they can’t depend on China.

Introducing Project Vault, a critical mineral stockpile for American businesses, unaffected by market disruptions. 💎🇺🇸 pic.twitter.com/Hd14JxujdP

— The White House (@WhiteHouse) February 2, 2026

The White House hasn’t released the wording of the executive order, as of this writing, but President Trump said $10 billion of funding will come from export-import bank financing, while another $2 billion will come from the private sector. He also claimed taxpayers could end up making a profit on the loan interest.

The president added the government is working to streamline the permitting process for mines and is signing major critical mineral deals with countries from all over the world.

GM CEO Mary Barra was on hand for the signing and Trump said she’s doing a “fantastic job.” Barra returned the compliment and said, “Having a resilient supply chain is critical for our nation and it’s critical for all industry, especially the auto industry.”

Things then got a little awkward as one of the attendees claimed that if Trump hadn’t been elected, the “auto industry in America would be over.” He also slammed Democrats and their electric vehicle ‘mandates,’ which is a bit ironic for a signing event that will presumably benefit EVs.

Update: The Export-Import Bank of the United States released new details about the “supply chain security initiative” that establishes a Strategic Critical Minerals Reserve. It will be an independently governed public‑private partnership, which will store essential raw materials in facilities across the United States.

Specifics are few and far between, but the bank said the move advances “U.S. economic and national security objectives by reducing dependence on foreign‑controlled supply chains, strengthening the domestic industrial base, and ensuring uninterrupted access to materials essential for advanced manufacturing and critical technologies.”

pic.twitter.com/71SqRqBQJS

— U.S. Export-Import Bank (@EximBankUS) February 2, 2026

Lead image Nissan

Update: Following a series of teasers, Avatr has unveiled the first official photos of the wagon, revealing its exterior design in full for the first time.

Even as SUVs continue to dominate global sales, the Chinese market still makes room for sleeker wagons. One of the latest to step forward is the Avatr 06T, a streamlined shooting brake designed as a more practical counterpart to the brand’s electric sedan aimed at the Tesla Model 3.

The automaker has revealed the exterior design of the new model ahead of an imminent debut. As expected, the front design, complete with split LED headlights, is carried over from the Avatr 06 sedan launched last year. What sets the 06T apart are the roof rails and an extended roofline that flows into a reshaped rear section.

More: Avatr’s 18-Foot Concept Makes The Ghost Look Petite And Germans Look Twice

The rear shoulders are more defined, and the rising beltline contributes to a sportier stance than the sedan, helped along by a prominent rear spoiler. The wagon also features a steeply inclined rear windscreen, setting it apart from the sedan’s windowless tail.

The slim full-width LED taillights have a Jaguar-like feel and are paired with a sculpted bumper and an aerodynamic diffuser. The black cladding on the profile and tail sends crossover vibes, although Avatr designers decided to keep the wheel arches clean.

More: Kia Built A New Wagon In Mexico That Looks Better Than The Sedan

Another important update is the revised door handles that deviate from the flush design of the sedan. This is probably the company’s response to China’s new rules about door handles, and will gradually find its way to the rest of the lineup.

The 06T is expected to share the same 2,940 mm (115.7 inches) wheelbase as the 06 sedan, with an overall length of 4,855 mm (191.2 inches).

Inside, the layout will likely carry over too, including the 35.4-inch display along the base of the windshield and the 15.6-inch touchscreen running HarmonyOS 5.0. Rear passengers can expect more headroom and additional space for luggage.

Huawei Hardware Takes the Lead

The wagon will be the first model to feature Huawei’s next-generation 192-line LiDAR sensor, mounted on the roof, along with the latest Qiankun ADS 4.0 driver assistance system. The updated LiDAR boosts detection range to 250 meters (820 feet), a 20 percent improvement over the previous version.

Underneath, the 06T is expected to share its platform with the 06 sedan and the closely related 07 SUV. Both offer a choice between fully electric and range-extender powertrains. The dual-motor EV delivers up to 590 hp (440 kW / 598 PS), while the EREV variant offers a combined range of up to 1,250 km (777 miles). Both versions support 5C fast charging.

When Will It Arrive?

The Avatr 06T is slated to launch in the Chinese market in the coming months. It will compete more directly with the Nio ET5T than with high-end wagon offerings like the Denza Z9 GT, Stelato S9T, and Zeekr 007 GT. Pricing hasn’t been announced, but the 06 sedan currently starts at ¥209,900 ($30,200) in China.

The growing appeal of the 06 and 07 has helped Avatr push average monthly sales to around 10,000 units in China. Even so, the automaker, backed by Changan, Huawei, and CATL, still needs higher volume to keep pace with rivals like Zeekr and Nio.

Toyota has quietly confirmed that the new 2026 C-HR will carry a starting price of $37,000, excluding a $1,450 destination fee. That makes the new electric crossover $2,100 more expensive than Toyota’s larger bZ model.

More: Toyota’s C-HR Returns To America But It’s Nothing Like You Remember

While paying more for less is typically a bad thing, the C-HR rides on the e-TNGA platform and comes standard with a dual-motor all-wheel drive system producing a combined output of 338 hp (252 kW / 343 PS). The bZ, on the other hand, comes standard with front-wheel drive and an all-wheel drive variant will set you back at least $39,900.

So what does $37,000 get you? A 0-60 mph (0-96 km/h) time of approximately five seconds and a 74.7 kWh battery that provides a range of up to 290 miles (467 km). Buyers will also find an NACS charging port as well as a fast charging capability that can take the battery from 10-80% in roughly 30 minutes.

On the styling front, the crossover coupe has C-shaped lighting units and 18-inch alloy wheels. The model also comes standard with rain-sensing wipers, roof rails, and a power liftgate.

Despite its entry-level status, the C-HR SE comes nicely equipped with a digital instrument cluster and a 14-inch Toyota Audio Multimedia system. They’re joined by a heated steering wheel as well as heated front seats with fabric and SofTex upholstery.

Other niceties include an 8-way power driver’s seat, dual wireless smartphone chargers, and a six-speaker audio system. The model also has steering wheel-mounted paddle shifters that can apply the regenerative braking system.

The Toyota Safety Sense 3.0 suite comes standard and includes Full-Speed Range Dynamic Radar Cruise Control, Lane Departure Alert with Steering Assist, and a Pre-Collision System with Pedestrian Detection.

They’re joined by Lane Tracing Assist, Road Sign Assist, Proactive Driving Assist, and Automatic High Beams. Buyers will also find Safe Exit Alert, a Blind Spot Monitor, and Front/Rear Parking Assist with Automatic Braking.

The range-topping C-HR XSE will set you back $39,000 and it’s distinguished by larger 20-inch wheels with a gun metal finish. Buyers will also find an upgraded interior with SofTex and synthetic suede seats sporting 8-way power adjustment on both sides. Rounding out the highlights are a driver’s seat memory function, Traffic Jam Assist, Lane Change Assist, and a Panoramic View Monitor.

While Toyota hasn’t released full details, the company has previously mentioned a handful of options. These include a two-tone paint job and a panoramic glass roof.

2026 Toyota C-HR US Pricing

Hyundai just posted its best January ever in the US, but if you zoom in on the EV corner of the showroom, you’ll probably find salesmen consoling one particular electric model. Because while one Ioniq barely flinched in the face of EV market turmoil, the other faceplanted. Hard, really hard.

Let’s start with the good-ish news. The Hyundai Ioniq 5 slipped just 6 percent year over year in January, which in today’s EV market basically counts as holding steady while everyone else is struggling to keep the fire alive. Hyundai moved 2,126 of them, proving the retro-futuristic crossover still has plenty of fans.

Related: Gas Or EV? Hyundai N Embraces Both With Two New Models For America

Now for the ouch. The Ioniq 6 didn’t just dip, it fell off a statistical cliff, plunging 61 percent to just 344 units. That’s the kind of number that makes accountants quietly close the spreadsheet and go for a walk. Stylish and slippery though it is, the sedan is clearly having a much tougher time finding buyers.

SUVs Equals Sales Success

If Hyundai needs a reminder of what Americans really want, it only has to glance at the SUV side of the ledger. The combustion Palisade surged 29 percent off the back of a refresh, while the Santa Fe climbed 9 percent.

Even the smaller Kona jumped 22 percent. Big, practical, and family-friendly continues to beat low and sleek in the real world.

Hybrids are the real heroes here, though. Hyundai says petrol-electric sales shot up 60 percent, showing buyers still love the idea of electrification, just maybe not one that doesn’t come with a plan B. Models like the Santa Fe Hybrid are clearly hitting the sweet spot between fuel savings and banishing charging anxiety.

Combustion Losers

Not everything else was sunshine, though. The Sonata slid 34 percent, the dies-soon Santa Cruz dropped 32 percent, and Tucson eased back 4 percent. Still, with total Hyundai sales up 2 percent and SUVs making up the bulk of the action, the brand has a solid cushion.

We’ll be following the action closely to see if Hyundai can keep the good news flowing through 2026 – and what action it takes to turn the Ioniq 6’s dismal performance around.

Hyundai USA sales

Volkswagen is investing a significant amount of money to revive the Scout brand and is facing costly overruns. Still, the gamble might be paying off, as early demand for the upcoming Terra pickup and Traveler SUV has been unexpectedly strong.

In a recent interview, a company spokesperson confirmed that more than 150,000 reservations have been placed across the two models. It’s worth noting, though, that these are fully refundable, so as always, there’s a gap between raising a hand and writing a check. Still, for a vehicle that doesn’t yet exist beyond concept form, that’s a solid show of intent.

Read: Scout Concept Rethinks What Actually Belongs On The Back Of An SUV

Of those reservations, Scout CEO Scott Keogh told InsideEVs that roughly 85 percent are for the extended-range models, with only 15 percent opting for the pure EV variants.

A Telling Preference

The decision to launch both the Terra and Traveler as extended-range electric vehicles (EREVs) appears to have struck a nerve. Dubbed the “Harvester,” these versions use a compact four-cylinder generator mounted at the rear, paired with a 63 kWh lithium-ion battery and an electric motor. The result is a combined range of over 500 miles, which clearly resonates with customers wary of battery-only limits.

According to Keogh, Scout has been surprised by just how popular the EREV options are proving. “We felt very good about it,” he said. “Did I think it was 85/15? No. I thought it might be more 60/40, let’s put it that way.” 

He went on to point out that Scout’s call to go EREV from day one has since been echoed by announcements from other major brands, including Ford, Hyundai, Kia, and Jeep, all of whom are preparing range-extender models of their own.

“We felt good about it, and we still do obviously feel good about it,” he added. “We feel better about it now, because, let’s be honest, when you’re all alone, you feel good, but you’re still a little bit alone. Now that others have made similar announcements, it’s like, okay, yeah, people are jumping in.”

All future Scout models will be built at a plant in Blythewood, South Carolina. This site was initially expected to cost $2 billion, but according to a new report, that figure has ballooned to $3 billion. Production of the Terra and Traveler is scheduled to begin in 2027.

Affordability is a hot topic in America right now and Tesla is tapping into that by expanding on the base Model Y it announced last year. This updated version quietly drops the “Standard” trim name, adds all-wheel drive for improved traction, and knocks down the 0–60 mph (97 km/h) time. The tradeoff, however, is a notable drop in driving range.

The new Model Y AWD lands at $41,990, sliding between the $39,990 base RWD and $44,990 Premium RWD, while offering a big saving versus the $48,990 Premium AWD. For buyers who want extra traction and stronger acceleration without leaping to the more expensive models, this is the new sweet spot in the lineup.

Related: Luxury Sales Keep Surging As The Middle Class Quietly Gets Priced Out

Performance is where the extra cash shows. With a motor now powering the front wheels as well as the rear, this version slashes the zero to 60 sprint from 6.8 seconds to 4.6 seconds, exactly the same time the $7k pricier Premium AWD needs.

What You Lose

The trade off is range. The extra weight of the front motor means this Model Y gives up around 27 miles (44 km) compared with the 321-mile (517 km) rear-wheel drive version, dropping the EPA range to just 294 miles (473 km). The Premium RWD is rated at 357 miles (575 km) and the Premium AWD claims 327 miles (526 km).

What hasn’t changed when compared with the single motor base Model Y is the stripped back equipment list. This is still a no frills Model Y, with no front light bar, cloth seats instead of the Premium’s leather, a basic hifi with seven instead of 15 speakers, no FM radio, cheaper dampers, smaller wheels and manual rear air vents. And although the panoramic glass roof is still there, Tesla has covered it over with headliner to remind you you’re in the poverty-spec trim.

Sales Slip

The timing makes sense. Tesla sales have cooled in several markets, including the US, a situation exacerbated by the loss of federal EV tax credits, and small lineup tweaks are an easy way to spark fresh interest without developing an entirely new vehicle. A cheaper all wheel drive option broadens the appeal, especially in colder states where buyers like the security of power going to all four wheels.

Tesla

It’s no secret that Tesla’s dominance in Europe has been under pressure for a while, but few expected just how steep the drop would be in one of its most loyal markets. While Elon Musk’s polarizing behavior and the rise of competitive alternatives have chipped away at Tesla’s popularity across the continent, one country had stood firm. Until now.

Read: Europe Just Replaced Tesla With A New EV Sales Champion

It turns out that even Norway, long considered Tesla’s European stronghold, may be losing interest. New registration data from January 2026 shows that only 62 units of the Tesla Model Y were delivered in Norway last month, accounting for just 2.8 percent of new car sales.

Across its full range, Tesla sold just 83 vehicles in total, marking an 88 percent decline compared to the same period last year.

Changing of the Guard

Several other electric vehicles now comfortably outpace the Model Y in Norwegian sales. Leading the pack in January was the Volkswagen ID.3, with 299 units registered, nearly five times as many as the Tesla.

Norway January 2026 Sales by Model

The Toyota bZ4X followed with 184, ahead of the Toyota Urban Cruiser at 98 and the Skoda Elroq at 78. Even the relatively obscure Deepal S05 managed to beat the Model Y with 75 new registrations, while the Volkswagen ID.4 came in just above Tesla’s numbers with 69.

EVs Still Reign Supreme

Despite Tesla’s stumble, the Norwegian EV market remains overwhelmingly electric. A staggering 94 percent of all new vehicles sold in Norway last month were EVs. Diesel cars accounted for just 98 sales, while only 7 petrol-powered vehicles were registered across the entire country, the lowest number on record.

While Tesla endured a difficult month in Norway, it did actually experience a bump in sales in certain European markets. For example, sales rose 70 percent in Spain to 456 examples. Additionally, sales jumped 75 percent in Italy to 713 units, rose 26 percent in Sweden to 512, and increased 3 percent in Denmark to 458.

Likely contributing to this growth are the newly available, affordable, and stripped-out versions of the Model 3 and Model Y. These Standard variants were introduced to breathe new life into Tesla’s aging lineup, which has been increasingly criticized for lagging behind newer, more dynamic competitors.

Still, Tesla’s European picture remains mixed. A Reuters report highlights significant losses in key markets: sales in France fell 42 percent, Belgium dropped 31 percent, and the Netherlands saw a dramatic 67 percent decline. In Portugal, the dip was modest but noticeable at just over 3 percent.

New Threats on the Horizon

It will be interesting to see how the rest of 2026 plays out for Tesla in Europe. A growing number of Chinese brands are launching several new models in Europe, and in the second quarter, BYD will start mass production at its plant in Szeged, Hungary, allowing it to sell EVs tariff-free in the region.

Norway January 2026 Sales by Brand

Scout has offered a closer look at the Traveler Pacific Mist concept, a subtly revised study that originally made its debut at last year’s Los Angeles Auto Show.

Billed as a “re-theme,” the concept features a unique Pacific Mist paint job that was created in-house. The multi-layer, three-stage finish appears to shift colors depending on lighting conditions. As Scout explained, the Traveler looks silver on overcast days but transitions to blue when the sun comes out.

More: Scout Finalizes SUV And Pickup Design With Only A Few Subtle Changes

The color draws inspiration from California’s coast and Scout’s Director of Color, Materials, and Finish Design, Aileen Barraza, said it echoes the “mist that rises when waves crash into the Pacific Coast cliffs.”

Elsewhere, the concept has unique 22-inch wheels with a black finish as well as 35-inch BFGoodrich T/A KO3 all-terrain tires. They’re joined by black door handles and a contrasting black roof.

Designers also gave the concept a roof rack as well as a new rear carrier, which replaces the traditional spare tire. It’s billed as a “backpack” that features two compartments, which can be used for wet or dry storage. It’s an interesting accessory and Scout hinted it could be going into production as they said “All of these upgrades are a sneak peek at the road ahead.”

Moving inside, we can see a stylish interior with brown leather seats and denim-inspired accents. They’re joined by a two-tone steering wheel, metallic accents, and a retractable Cabana Top.

While the concept feels familiar, Scout said it “previews what future packages could look like – distinct palettes, trim sets, gear systems, and accessories built around specific use cases.” In effect, it hints at what a possible special edition could look like in the future.

Scout didn’t mention performance specifications, but we can see it features a Harvester range extended powertrain. This adds an engine into the mix, giving the SUV an overall range in excess of 500 miles (805 km).

Porsche has spent years developing its all-electric 718 Boxster and Cayman models, recently retiring the outgoing ICE generation to clear the stage for the EV duo. But despite that long runway, a new report suggests the company may pull the plug on both models before they ever reach showrooms.

Michael Leiters, the former CEO of McLaren, stepped into his new role as Porsche’s chief executive on January 1. And according to unnamed sources cited in a new report, one of his first major decisions could be to scrap the electric 718s entirely, due to mounting development costs and repeated delays.

Read: 2027 Porsche 718 Cayman EV Rendered To Reality

Porsche is under pressure to rein in spending after pulling back from its earlier electric-only strategy, compounded by a sharp 26 percent drop in Chinese sales in 2025. Bloomberg reports that the brand is now weighing the addition of a plug-in hybrid variant to its lineup, a move that would require fresh architecture and substantial financial outlay.

These changes could cause further delays for the next-gen 718 models, and if they do eventually launch, they might already feel outdated by the time they reach the market.

Read: Porsche Is Shutting Down A Third Of Its Chinese Dealers

Leiters has inherited a long to-do list from his predecessor Oliver Blume, who served as Porsche CEO for the past ten years. The brand’s EV pullback reportedly wiped out €1.8 billion ($2.1 billion) in operating profit last year. Meanwhile, new tariffs in the United States have added more friction, and Porsche’s recent market struggles led to its removal from Germany’s benchmark DAX index.

Carscoops contacted Porsche for comment. A company representative said Porsche was declining to comment on the “speculation”.

Changing Plans

Baldauf

The electric 718 Cayman and Boxster have already faced several delays. In early 2025, Blume revealed that Porsche was having trouble sourcing the high-performance battery cells it needed for the two models, in part due to Swedish battery manufacturer Northvolt filing for bankruptcy. Sales of the two models were due to start this year, but this now appears increasingly unlikely.

Clearly realizing that it couldn’t put all of its eggs in one basket, Porsche announced last September that flagship versions of the next-gen 718 would be updated to include internal combustion engines, likely including replacements for the Cayman GT4 and GT4 RS, as well as the 718 Spyder RS.

Just a few months later, it was revealed that combustion options could also be made available across a larger proportion of the 718 model line, not just the pricey flagships.

Baldauf

The global EV race has reached a point where even rumors can travel fast and land hard, and this week provided a clear example. Xiaomi and Ford have both denied a report that they are in talks to jointly manufacture new electric vehicles in the United States, pushing back against a surprise claim that the two companies were exploring a shared path forward.

The story, published over the weekend by The Financial Times and attributed to four people familiar with the matter, alleged that Ford had held discussions with Xiaomi about forming a joint venture to build future EVs on American soil. It also claimed Ford has spoken with other Chinese automakers about possible US-based collaborations, including BYD.

Read: Ford’s CEO Is Daily Driving A Xiaomi SU7 EV And Loving It

Adding weight to the speculation, Ford chief executive Jim Farley has been openly complimentary about Chinese EVs in recent years, with particular praise reserved for the Xiaomi SU7. His remarks, along with his personal use of the car, have fueled curiosity about how closely Detroit is watching developments in China’s EV market.

Both Sides Say No

However, shortly after the report was published, Ford pushed back, stating, “This story is completely false,” and adding, “There is no truth to it.” Xiaomi also denied any plans to collaborate with Ford on building EVs in the US.

“Reports that Xiaomi is discussing a joint venture with Ford Motor Co are false. Xiaomi does not sell its products and services in the United States and is not negotiating to do so,” the Chinese company said.

Would the U.S. Even Allow It?

Even the idea of such a deal is politically volatile. Any partnership between an American automaker and a Chinese firm would likely face immediate scrutiny in Washington.

Speaking to the Financial Times, Representative John Moolenaar, the Republican chair of the House China committee, said a Ford-Xiaomi deal would amount to “turning its back on American and allied partners, and it will make our country further dependent on China.”

Current federal policy makes the prospect even more unlikely. The Biden administration recently finalized rules that effectively block Chinese EVs from entering the U.S. market, citing national security risks.

Surprisingly, President Donald Trump has taken a more nuanced stance. While still critical of China on trade, he has said he’d support Chinese companies building factories in the U.S. and employing American workers.

“If they want to come in and build a plant and hire you and hire your friends and your neighbors, that’s great, I love that,” Trump said. “Let China come in.”