BMW will expand Neue Klasse with a new i1 electric hatch.
Rendering imagines the i1 with sporty shooting brake styling.
Market demand in Europe keeps BMW’s compact lineup alive.
BMW’s next generation of models is rolling out fast, and the brand isn’t shy about spreading the Neue Klasse concept across its range. What began with the iX3 will soon expand to the fully electric i3 sedan, and not long after, the iX4 Coupe SUV too, which we covered earlier today.
The 1-Series hatchback is also being prepared for a new chapter, one that could see it offered with both combustion engines and electric power. The EV variant, expected to wear the i1 badge, might resemble what you see here in these new renderings.
Created by digital artist Sugar Design, the i1 hatch blends cues from the Neue Klasse concepts with elements of the second-generation iX3. At the front, it wears BMW’s latest interpretation of the kidney grille.
Unlike the iX3, this interpretation of the i1 uses the elongated grille design previewed by the Neue Klasse sedan concept, merging the lighting units into a single visual element.
Sugar Design
Of course, it’s the overall shape of the i1 that has us really excited. It has an elongated roof and a steeply raked rear window, giving it the Shooting Brake vibes that so many car enthusiasts love, all in a more compact, hatch profile.
Admittedly, not having a more upright rear window would impact luggage capacity, but if you look this cool, who cares?
The Next 1-Series
Earlier this year, the senior vice president of BMW Brand and Product Management, Bern Koerber, underscored the importance of the combustion 1-Series and said that it will live on. The current ICE model is crucial in markets including Greece, Spain, and Italy, and serves as an appealing entry into the BMW family.
Technical details about the next-generation 1-Series are still limited, though it’s expected to share much of its underpinnings with other Neue Klasse models. It may also incorporate components from within the broader BMW Group, particularly from Mini.
Peugeot teases Polygon concept ahead of next week’s official reveal.
Two-door hatch features supercar rake and rectangular steering wheel.
Steer-by-wire tech from Polygon will reach future Peugeot models.
If you thought Peugeot planned to just tweak its designs for the next chapter, think again. The French brand has dropped a single teaser image of its new “Polygon” concept, a strong preview not just of the coming generation of its big-selling 208, but of an entire reinvention of its design language.
There’s no half-measure here. Peugeot’s current lineup of cars and SUVs is already distinctive, but the company’s designers seem to have no qualms about moving on with an even more futuristic theme.
Hints of the Past, Vision of the Future
However, you can still see echoes of the classic 205 in the triangular-shaped B-pillar and its pill-shaped badges. That’s about where the retro cues end, though.
The Polygon’s long, near-horizontal windshield looks like the kind of thing you’d expect to see on a mid-engined exotic, not a humble subcompact, and the wheels are pushed so far out you can almost feel the tension in the doorskin, which is pinched to exaggerate a lean, muscular look.
The grille-less nose tells us this is an EV and could be carried over to production mostly intact, though we doubt the partially-glazed roof will manage the same kind of transition.
Steer-by-Wire Takes Center Stage
One aspect that definitely will, though, is the steer-by-wire system, which Peugeot says is “central to the driving pleasure of future Peugeot vehicles and the Polygon concept itself.”
The high-tech steering system – Lexus uses something similar on the RZ – gets a suitably futuristic new steering wheel, that we can’t really see on this teaser image, but were introduced to on a previous Peugeot concept in 2023.
Called Hypersquare (though actually rectangular), the wheel has four holes, a design echoed in the four road wheels.
Shared DNA Across Stellantis Brands
Like its Stellantis cousin, the next Vauxhall/Opel Corsa, which was previewed in August by the 789 hp (800 PS / 588 kW) GSE Vision Gran Turismo concept, the production 208 is expected to ride on the new STLA Small platform when its unveiled late in 2026.
We’ll have to wait for the full Polygon reveal next week to get our hands on any tech spec, but don’t be surprised if it’s packing the same 82 kWh battery the GSE promised, something that would represent a big step up over the 52 kWh pack in the current e-208.
BMW is already working on a replacement, but it reimagines the formula for the electric age. The all-new iX4 is designed as a sportier counterpart to its square-roof sibling, the Neue Klasse iX3.
Our spy photographers captured the first camouflaged prototype during development testing. At a glance, the iX4 appears to borrow its front end from the iX3, including the headlights, grille, bumper, hood, and fenders.
From the B-pillar rearwards, though, the bodywork tells a different story. The profile has been reworked with a sloping roofline that flows into a fastback-style tail.
SH Proshots
The rear glass is more steeply angled than on the outgoing X4 and carries a discreet spoiler at its tip. Its sportier posture is further accentuated by broader, muscular rear shoulders that appear cleaner and more sculpted than those of the smaller, boxier X2 and iX2.
At the rear, the iX4 features slim LED taillights positioned close together, while the license plate has been relocated to the bumper. The prototype sits on ten-spoke alloy wheels with a diamond-cut finish, though it remains uncertain whether this design will make it to the production version.
Although exact dimensions remain unconfirmed, the iX4 is expected to be marginally longer than the new iX3, which measures 188.3 inches (4,783 mm), while maintaining the same 114.1-inch (2,898 mm) wheelbase. It may also improve upon the iX3’s already low drag coefficient of 0.24 cd.
Inside, the iX4 will mirror the iX3 almost entirely, keeping the same layout, sans some headroom for the rear passengers.
That means BMW’s Panoramic iDrive stretching pillar to pillar, a 17.9-inch infotainment touchscreen, and an optional 3D head-up display, all running on the new BMW Operating System X.
The new model will be built on the Neue Klasse architecture, meaning it will be offered exclusively as a battery-electric vehicle. Its powertrain range is expected to mirror that of the iX3.
Currently, the iX3 50 xDrive delivers 463 hp (345 kW / 469 PS) through dual electric motors, while future variants are expected to include single-motor rear-wheel-drive options and higher-performance M-badged versions.
The BMW iX4 is expected to debut in late 2026. It will be the second fully electric coupe SUV from the Bavarian company, following the iX2 that was introduced in 2023. A larger iX6 is also rumored to follow at a later stage.
Photos of the Renault Twingo EV surfaced online before its debut.
Production EV closely mirrors the 2023 concept and 1992 original.
The electric city car should start under €20K ($23K) before subsidies.
The Twingo is about to enter its fourth generation on November 6, yet a batch of leaked photos beat Renault to the punch, offering a clear look at both its exterior and interior before the official reveal. The little city car seems ready to make a comeback with familiar charm and a new electric heart.
The production version mirrors the 2023 concept almost to the letter. Only some small adjustments stand out, such as traditional door handles, wheel covers, slightly altered LED lighting, and reshaped bumpers with protective cladding for everyday practicality.
The new Twingo keeps its frog-eyed face, compact one-box profile, and rounded rear that echo the spirit of the 1992 original, now stretched into a larger five-door body.
Altogether, it feels like another well-judged effort from Renault’s design team, following in the footsteps of the slightly bigger R5 that drew attention for its clean styling.
What’s It Like Inside?
Inside, the cabin carries over much of the concept’s personality but tones down the materials for production reality. Hard plastics replace the show car’s high-end surfaces, and the seats now wear traditional fabric upholstery.
The dashboard hosts a floating infotainment screen above a smaller instrument cluster that looks familiar from Dacia’s parts bin.
Fortunately, Renault has kept physical climate controls on both the center console and the steering wheel. A yellow insert across the dashboard brings a splash of color, joined by an odd red piece between the front seats.
What Powers It?
Unlike its predecessors, the fourth generation of the Twingo will be exclusively available with a zero-emission powertrain. It will ride on the group’s AmpR Small architecture (former CMF-BEV), shared with the larger R5, R4, and Nissan Micra.
Renault has yet to release the detailed specifications, but the city car is expected to be fitted with a single electric motor and use a small lithium iron phosphate (LFP) battery.
The Twingo Against The World
In Europe’s A-segment, the Twingo will face competition from small EVs like the Dacia Spring and Leapmotor T03, as well as the upcoming VW ID.Every1 and an unnamed Nissan sibling. It will also overlap with budget-friendly B-segment contenders such as the Fiat Grande Panda and Citroën e-C3 twins.
Back in 2023, Renault’s then-CEO Luca de Meo promised that the new Twingo would start from under €20,000 ($23,000) before subsidies, with lease deals for as little as €100 ($115) per month.
Whether those numbers hold in today’s market remains to be seen. All should be confirmed on November 6, along with the technical breakdown and European rollout details.
Mazda CTO says Iconic SP production faces major financial obstacles.
Rotary engine work continues, but R&D costs stall bespoke sports cars.
RX-7 successor struggles for survival as new MX-5 arrives this decade.
Since the debut of the Iconic SP concept at the 2023 Japan Mobility Show, Mazda enthusiasts have been waiting for the day it leaves the stand and hits the street. The coupe sparked immediate speculation about a spiritual successor to the RX-7, and top Mazda execs have been eager to keep that hope alive.
Yet, the latest reports suggest that the journey from concept to reality might not be as smooth as fans would like.
Our colleagues at Autocar recently spoke with Umeshita to hear how development of the much-anticipated model is progressing. The Chief Technical Officer was candid: “Let me answer personally—that is my dream car. I want to make it real. Technology-wise, I believe it’s possible. The only outstanding issue is financial.”
Earlier this year, Mazda trimmed its planned budget for electrification by half a trillion yen ($3.3B). The company is pursuing a “Multi-Solution” strategy that blends BEV, hybrid, and combustion engines rather than going all-in on electric.
Between developing an EV-specific platform, a new hybrid setup, and the upcoming SkyActiv-Z engine, Mazda’s resources are already stretched thin. In that light, a bespoke sports car might not sit at the top of the spending list.
Rotary Revival With A Turbo
Even so, the idea hasn’t been shelved. The Vision X Coupe concept, unveiled at the 2025 Japan Mobility Show, shows Mazda hasn’t turned its back on the rotary dream.
If anything, it confirms that the company is still invested in the technology that defined some of its most celebrated cars as that study is powered by a hybrid unit with a turbocharged rotary engine.
Umeshita underlined that continuity: “We have re-established the rotary engine development team, and we know that our DNA is in sports cars, so I would never say we gave it up.”
The Vision X Coupe’s plug-in hybrid setup pairs a turbocharged rotary engine with an electric motor for a combined 503 hp (375 kW / 510 PS) and includes carbon-capture technology. By contrast, the Iconic SP’s range-extender system produced 365 hp (272 kW / 370 PS).
Mazda’s next step is to cut emissions from the rotary engine further, which could eventually allow it to drive the wheels directly rather than serving solely as a generator. Engineers estimate this evolution will take another “two to three years” of development.
Will the Next MX-5 Carry the Torch?
While Mazda’s design and engineering teams work toward reviving the rotary legacy, the brand’s future in sports cars looks brighter than it has in years.
Alongside the potential RX successor, Mazda has confirmed that the next-generation MX-5 roadster will arrive later this decade. The upcoming Miata will stay true to its lightweight spirit, equipped with a larger-displacement SkyActiv Z engine and, reassuringly, a manual gearbox.
Hyundai’s Ioniq 3 prototypes shed their heavy camouflage during tests.
Small electric crossover evolves from September’s Three concept.
Sharing its base with Kia’s EV4, it runs on 400-volt E-GMP hardware.
Hyundai’s next big (or rather, small) electric debut is edging closer to reality and this time photographers haven’t only captured the upcoming Ioniq 3 testing without heavy disguise, but they got to peek inside and check out a very different interior layout.
The Ioniq 3, a production version of the Three concept Hyundai revealed in September at the Munich motor show, is positioned below the Ioniq 5 and Ioniq 6, being smaller and slightly less sophisticated.
Styling
Where those models ride on the high-spec 800-volt E-GMP platform, the new 3 will use a simplified version of the same architecture running on 400-volt electrics.
That means slightly slower charging and potentially smaller motors, but also a more affordable entry point for Hyundai’s EV lineup, and an internal competitor for the closely related Kia EV4. But their very different designs means the casual buyer will never guess the connection.
These latest images show a clean, confident shape with a sporty low nose, but also a raised ride height that gives the little hatch a more crossover-y stance than the concept had.
The door handles – recessed, not pop-out – and tapering roofline hint at good aerodynamics, and the high-set tail means the silhouette (but not the rising waistline) reminds us of Alfa Romeo’s classic Sud sedan.
Inside, the Ioniq 3 looks very different from its Ioniq 5 and 9 brothers, junking their conjoined gauge cluster and infotainment displays for for a super-slim digital instrument pack directly under the windshield and a large, Tesla-style tablet touchscreen mounted above the console.
Speaking of that tablet-style display, as you can see from the pictures, it appears to be running Hyundai’s new Pleos Connect infotainment system set to launches in 2026.
Built on Android Automotive OS, it adopts a smartphone-like interface with customizable menus and cloud-based user profiles known as Pleos ID, allowing drivers to load their preferences in any Pleos-equipped vehicle.
The system integrates Gleo AI, an intelligent voice assistant designed to handle navigation, media, and vehicle functions through natural conversation.
There’s no sign of the concept’s moveable digital widget blocks, but it’s good to see some hard keys and rotary knobs fitted below the main display.
SH Proshots
Powertrain
Detailed specs are still under wraps, but based on what we know about the Kia EV4 (which is no longer coming to the US) it could comes with 58.kWh and 81.4kWh battery options, and might launch with a single 201 hp (204 PS / 150 kW) motor driving the front wheels.
That setup would give a zero to 62 mph (100 kmh) time of just over 7 seconds and a range of close to 400 miles (644 km).
With the camouflage now lighter and the design details nearly finalized, it looks like the Ioniq 3 is entering the final stretch of development.
Hyundai is expected to pull the covers off the production model midway through 2026. It may be the smallest Ioniq yet, but it could turn out to be Hyundai’s most important.
Ruter’s tests showed electric buses could be shut down from China.
Norway’s transport ministry began reviewing cybersecurity standards.
Around 850 Yutong buses operate in Norway, with 300 based in Oslo.
As vehicles grow ever more connected, a new kind of security concern is taking shape. In Norway, public buses built by a Chinese manufacturer have become a focal point of that debate. Even thousands of miles from their country of origin, the company behind them reportedly has the capability to shut them down remotely.
The discovery comes out of Ruter, the nation’s largest public transport operator. It uncovered the potential security risk during a secret test inside of its own sealed facility.
Cyber Check or Cause for Alarm?
During that investigation, it tested a Dutch-built bus along with a Chinese one. Those from Yutong, a Chinese manufacturer, had Romanian SIM cards hidden inside the system.
According to Yutong, those SIM cards enable remote software updates and technical troubleshooting. While that may be true, the connection also gives Yutong the theoretical power to stop the buses or render them inoperable via a software update.
At this stage, Ruter has emphasized that it has found no evidence of malicious activity.
The tests were part of a broader cybersecurity audit designed to assess vulnerabilities in electric vehicles. Ruter CEO Bernt Reitan Jenssen emphasized that the agency is now “moving from concern to concrete knowledge,” implementing new safeguards and tightening procurement standards to ensure full local control.
Who Holds the Keys?
These measures include creating internal firewalls, isolating the buses from external cloud systems, and working with national authorities to strengthen cybersecurity protocols across the transport sector.
Norway’s Minister of Transport Jon-Ivar Nygård praised the initiative to NRK, stating the government is reviewing risk exposure from suppliers in nations outside Norway’s security alliances. “Together with players like Ruter, we will ensure that this sector is less exposed to risk,” he said.
The issue comes at a time when Norway is rapidly expanding its fleet of Chinese-built buses. Of the roughly 1,300 electric buses now in service nationwide, around 850 are made by Yutong. In Oslo and Akershus alone, about 300 operate daily.
While Ruter stresses that the likelihood of a shutdown is low, the test highlights a larger debate about foreign control over critical infrastructure. “It’s unlikely that these buses would ever be used in this way,” Jenssen said, “but that doesn’t mean we shouldn’t take it very seriously.”
For the moment, Ruter is ensuring that each bus can continue to function independently by removing the SIM cards, effectively keeping operations local and offline.
Photos Ruter
Before yesterdayElectric Vehicles - Latest News | Carscoops
A Lucid Air lessee was charged thousands for small cosmetic damages.
Most expensive part needed was a new right taillight due to a tiny crack.
Bank of America reportedly uses third-party inspectors for lease returns.
It seems Lucid just can’t stop tripping over its own shoelaces when it comes to end-of-lease charges. What began as a few isolated complaints has grown into a steady chorus of frustration, as more customers share stories online about the surprisingly steep bills arriving when their leases wrap up.
The latest example might be the most egregious we’ve seen so far, and cases like this are already pushing some customers to abandon plans for leasing a Lucid altogether.
Mounting Lease Complaints
As we’ve seen in several recent instances, the first charge this customer faced was for a front bumper replacement. According to the inspector’s report, when the Air was returned, 10 small rock chips, a one-inch crack, and a one-inch scratch were deemed enough to justify replacing the entire bumper. The bill came in at $2,400.
However, this isn’t the most ridiculous charge. The owner notes that the right taillight had a small hairline crack along a glue line. They mentioned that the crack isn’t noticeable unless you zoom in, and that it’s so small it doesn’t even allow for any water ingress. Despite this, they’ve been charged $4,900 for a replacement.
The lessee was also billed $100 for minor damage to the left taillight, which seems inconsistent given the note that the entire unit would be replaced, something that can’t reasonably be done for that amount. Completing the tally was a $200 repair for a seven-inch scrape on the left front wheel.
The automaker’s leasing division, Lucid Financial Services, partners with Bank of America, which is believed to contract independent inspection firms to evaluate vehicles when leases conclude.
The Backlash Builds
Stories like this are taking a toll on Lucid’s image. On Reddit, one user said they had planned to switch from a Rivian to a Lucid when their current lease ended but changed their mind after seeing how these charges were handled. They added that they’d only reconsider “if Lucid get their act together.”
Another commenter said they canceled their Gravity order “100% because of” the excessive end-of-lease fees.
What Lucid Has To Say
It appears Lucid is aware of growing customer discontent. In an email recently sent to a leasing customer and shared to Carscoops, the car manufacturer acknowledged the issues and clarified what end-of-lease charges are appropriate:
“At Lucid Motors, we strive to deliver an exceptional experience at every stage of ownership, including the conclusion of your lease. We understand that some customers have encountered concerns or confusion during the lease-return process, and we want to acknowledge those experiences directly,” the letter reads.
“We sincerely apologize for any frustration or inconvenience you may have experienced. Your feedback has made it clear that, in some cases, our communication, inspection, and billing processes did not meet the standards of transparency and fairness that we hold ourselves to.
“Lucid is currently reviewing all recent lease-end charges to ensure they are accurate, appropriate, and consistent with our published policies. We are also working closely with our finance and inspection partners to improve clarity in inspection reports, final billing, and the overall return experience.
“In addition to these measures, please note that underbody plate scratches and any scratches smaller than 3.5 inches on the body of the vehicle are not subject to charges. We have also eliminated charges for wheel scrapes that are less than 3.5 inches, and reduced charges for wheel scrapes between 3.5 inches and 12 inches to $200. Additionally, there will be no charges for any interior stain that is less than 3.5 inches.
“If you believe that a charge you received may be inaccurate or would like to request a review, please contact Lucid Financial Services at 1-833-423-0369.
“Thank you for being part of the Lucid community and for giving us the opportunity to make this right. Your trust and satisfaction are of the utmost importance to us.”
While Lucid’s acknowledgment and policy adjustments suggest an attempt to regain trust, the lasting effect will likely depend on whether future lease customers see tangible change rather than another round of apologies.
Stretch of France’s A10 highway can wirelessly fast-charge EVs.
System delivers up to 300 kW to compatible electric vehicles.
Country aims to expand electric highways to 6,000 miles by 2035.
Imagine a world where your electric car can charge its battery the same way some military planes do: on the go. That’s exactly what France just made a reality for some EV owners. Along a 1.5-kilometer (0.9-mile) stretch of the A10 highway, EVs can charge while driving via wireless technology embedded in the road.
And not just any kind of charging, but the kind that nearly matches Tesla’s latest V4 Superchargers at 325 kW and even surpasses the V3’s 250 kW, completely cable-free, while traveling at full highway speed. That’s quite an impressive achievement.
Charging On The Move
The project is called “Charge as you Drive” and it’s led by VINCI Autoroutes, France’s largest toll road operator, in partnership with Electreon and others. The nation wants to build some 9,000 km, or nearly 6,000 miles, of electric roads by 2035, and this is the very first publicly accessible step toward that goal.
During the initial public trial, four modified electric vehicles, including a large semi-truck, a van, a passenger car, and a bus, all successfully managed to charge dynamically while traveling at highway speeds.
How Does It Work?
The inductive charging system transfers energy from coils buried under the asphalt to receivers mounted beneath each vehicle. Independent tests conducted by the Gustave Eiffel University confirmed that the system consistently delivered more than 200 kW of average power, with peaks above 300 kW.
In practical terms, that’s enough to keep a fully loaded heavy-duty truck moving at highway speeds twice over.
“This marks a pivotal moment in the global development of wireless roads,” said Electreon CEO Oren Ezer. “Our technology is the only one capable of delivering high-power, reliable dynamic charging. It not only meets but exceeds all the targets set by the French government.”
For freight operators, the implications could be enormous. Charging downtime remains one of the biggest headaches in electric transport, particularly for long-haul fleets. A system that allows continuous charging on the move could eliminate lengthy refueling stops altogether.
VINCI Autoroutes CEO Nicolas Notebaert said that the technology will “reduce greenhouse gas emissions from the freight and logistics sector” which currently accounts for more than 16 percent of France’s total emissions.
Where Else Is It Happening?
Electreon is developing similar projects in nine other countries, including the U.S., Israel and several European countries. As of this writing, there are already electric roads in Michigan and Utah here in the States.
In Tel Aviv, Electreon showcased high-speed wireless charging for city buses. The trial confirmed several key benefits: shorter service downtime for charging, increased operational uptime, and a dramatic cut in battery size thanks to on-route charging, from 400 kWh down to just 42 kWh, a reduction of nearly 90 percent.
In Sweden, Smartroad Gotland is converting a 1.6-kilometer (1-mile) stretch near Visby into a wireless charging test road. Led by Electreon, it will charge electric buses and trucks while moving to assess the viability of electrified highways.
If this technology works out, the complaints many have about charging times and infrastructure could be calmed down significantly, if not altogether nullified.
Xpeng and VW are collaborating on a new ID electric sedan.
Based on the Xpeng P7, it features a unique exterior design,
VW plans 30 new models for China, including 20 electrified ones.
If anyone needed a reminder of just how central China has become to the global car industry, look no further than to Volkswagen’s partnership with Xpeng.
Announced last year, the collaboration centers on a next-generation electrical architecture set to support a wide range of future models, from pure EVs to traditional combustion and plug-in hybrid vehicles.
This joint effort is already bearing fruit. Among the first of these shared creations is an as-yet-unnamed sedan from Volkswagen that’s expected to join the ID family.
What Does It Look Like?
Recently seen testing under camouflage on Chinese roads, the upcoming electric sedan is believed to be based on the Xpeng P7, whose second generation debuted only a few months ago, while also reflecting design elements from Volkswagen’s ID. Aura and ID. Evo concepts showcased earlier this year.
Sugar Design
Digital artist Sugar Design produced a series of renderings based on those camouflaged prototypes, and there’s no denying that, compared with several Volkswagen models currently sold in Western markets, it has a distinctly sleeker and sportier presence.
At the front, it features split LED headlights and a small illuminated badge in the center, as well as a large open black grille and smooth lines. It’s nowhere near as radical as the sharp-looking second-gen P7, but for the German brand, it’s still quite a bold shift in style.
The side profile is particularly eye-catching, highlighted by its pronounced rear haunches and a smooth, flowing roofline. At the back, intricate LED taillights frame a softly illuminated VW badge, with a discreet black diffuser completing the look.
What Could Power It
Whether Volkswagen’s upcoming sedan will mirror the Xpeng P7’s specifications is still uncertain, but the P7 itself measures 197.5 inches (5,017 mm) in length and offers two battery options: a 74.9 kWh pack and a larger 92.9 kWh version.
The standard rear-wheel-drive layout produces 362 hp (270 kW) from a single motor, while the all-wheel-drive setup adds a front unit for a combined 586 hp (437 kW). The AWD variant is expected to hit 62 mph in 3.7 seconds and reach a top speed of 142 mph.
Range depends on configuration, from roughly 436 miles (702 km) in base form to 509 miles (820 km) for the long-range RWD model.
VW’s Chinese Plans
VW is taking the Chinese market extremely seriously. Beyond confirming that its jointly developed electrical and electronic architecture with Xpeng will underpin future EVs, the company has made clear that the same foundation will serve combustion and plug-in hybrid models.
Sugar Design
The new system won’t simply enable over-the-air updates; it’s also designed to streamline vehicle development, cutting production timelines and allowing faster adaptation to market trends.
The German brand has committed to launching more than 30 new models in China, including 20 new-energy vehicles. In addition to working with Xpeng to make these a reality, it is collaborating with partners through the FAW-Volkswagen and Volkswagen Anhui joint ventures.
Yale economists say Musk’s politics have significantly hurt Tesla sales.
Study blames the sharp sales drop on the so-called “Musk partisan effect.”
Tesla shareholders vote in November on Musk’s $1 trillion pay package.
Once hailed as a maverick genius we could all get behind, Tesla CEO Elon Musk has earned plenty of haters over the last few years as a result of his controversial political stances and affiliations.
Moreover, a new study has just confirmed what we all suspected all along: that those politics have cost Tesla billions of dollars in lost sales revenue.
How Bad Is the Damage?
Tesla US vehicle sales dropped by between 1 million and 1.26 million between October 2022 and April 2025, according to The National Bureau of Economic Research, a group of economists based at Yale University.
The authors estimate Teslas sales during that period should have been 67-83 percent higher. Some of those disaffected would-be buyers were pushed into the arms of rival carmakers, whose electric and hybrid vehicle sales grew by roughly 17-22 percent as a result, the study claims.
Among the actions that Tesla’s traditionally Democrat-voting customer base found offensive were his donation of $300 million to Republican candidates in the run up to the 2024 presidential election. The move marked a clear political shift that unsettled parts of his core audience.
Further controversy followed when Musk accepted a position with Donald Trump’s newly formed Department of Government Efficiency (DOGE) and voiced support for far-right political parties abroad, including Germany’s AfD.
Together, these choices reshaped his public image and deepened the divide between his business ventures and their once-loyal fan base.
The study suggests Musk’s behavior and its effect on sales negatively impacted California’s work towards achieving net zero emissions, derailing its plans to meet 2026 targets.
A Partial Rebound?
Even so, the researchers note that public sentiment toward the Tesla CEO had improved since Musk shifted his attention away from Donald Trump and back toward technology, namely robotaxis, self-driving cars and its fledgling robot business.
Tesla’s global sales are still projected to fall by about 10 percent this year, but that hasn’t slowed Musk’s ambitions. He’s now pushing for a $1 trillion pay package, which shareholders are set to vote on next month.
If approved, it would be by far the largest compensation deal ever granted to a corporate executive. Tesla chairman Robyn Denholm has written to shareholders warning that Musk could walk away if the cash doesn’t come through.
Cadillac’s 2025 Celestiq sold out, driving early demand for 2026 models.
The 2026MY adds eight years of connected services and a smart glass roof.
Each Celestiq’s final price depends on every buyer’s bespoke choices.
Even among high-end electric cars, the Cadillac Celestiq stands apart, an attempt to show how far American luxury can go when price isn’t part of the equation.
Some people doubted whether Cadillac’s all-electric Celestiq could ever justify its staggering price tag. For 2025, it started at around $340,000 before options, which made even luxury rivals look modest.
Yet despite the skepticism, Cadillac has already sold out of its 2025 allocation and is now taking orders for next year.
For 2026, that figure climbs another 20 percent into the “low $400,000s,” again before you’ve had the chance to select anything bespoke.
Cadillac told Automotive News that the higher price reflects additional standard features, including eight years of connected service. Fair enough, if you’ve paid at least $400,000 for a high-tech machine, you wouldn’t expect to be billed again just to use its software.
As was the case for 2025MY sedans, the final price will depend entirely on the client’s level of curation. Essentially, each and every Celestiq is a bespoke creation unlike any of the others. That means the $400,000-plus price tag is just the starting point.
“The bespoke spirit of Celestiq extends to transaction price and will be determined by the client’s level of curation,” a Cadillac spokesperson told Autonews in a statement.
They’re all made by hand at GM’s Global Technical Center in Warren, Michigan, at a pace of less than two per day and buyers work one-on-one with Cadillac’s concierge team to personalize the car.
The company capped production for 2025 at just 25 units. It’s unclear how many it’ll build in 2026, but it did say that there are no more available reservations for 2025 examples.
Interestingly, Cadillac says it’s streamlining the design process. For example, selecting interior colors outside the streamlined palette triggered individual cost adjustments for 2025 cars. For 2026, one price includes all interior color choices, including those outside the normal selection.
The first Celestiq rolled of the production line went to its owner in June of this year. The brand is no doubt hard at work to get the rest of the 2025 model year cars to their respective owners. As time goes on, it’ll be fascinating to see if the Celestiq gains a true foothold in this ultra-rarefied segment or not.
Hyundai confirms its Elexio electric SUV will launch in Australia next year.
EV was co-developed with BAIC and built on Hyundai’s E-GMP platform.
Expected pricing between AU$55K and AU$65K targets Model Y buyers.
When Hyundai pulled the wraps off the Elexio, a new electric SUV developed with joint venture partner BAIC and standing apart from the Ioniq lineup, most assumed it would remain a China-only model. That would have made sense, given how often collaborations like this one are designed for domestic markets.
Now, though, Hyundai has confirmed that the Elexio will also make its way to Australia. It’s expected to arrive next year, sitting between the Kona EV and the Ioniq 5 in the local lineup.
Positioned as a direct rival to the Tesla Model Y and BYD’s Sealion 7, the Elexio marks new territory for Hyundai in Western market.
Whether Australian drivers will warm up to its distinctive styling and unconventional cabin design is still an open question. Yet with Chinese-built electric SUVs rapidly gaining traction Down Under, the Elexio could soon become a common sight on local roads, especially if the price is right.
Lineup And Power
Underneath, it rides on the Hyundai Group’s familiar E-GMP platform and comes with a single 88.1 kWh battery pack. Charging from 30 to 80 percent takes about 27 minutes, which is a slower than the Ioniq 5’s 10-to-80 percent top-up in about 18 minutes.
In China, the Elexio has a quoted driving range of 722 km (449 miles), but under the (considerably less generous) WLTP cycle, Hyundai is simply quoting a range of “over 500 km” (311 miles).
Australia is expected to receive three different versions of the Elexio. The base model will be a single-motor standard-range variant, the middle version will be a single-motor long-range model, and the flagship will be an all-wheel-drive long-range one, according to Drive.
Both two-wheel-drive options use a 160 kW (215 hp) motor, while the AWD variant steps up to around 230 kW (308 hp). The configuration mirrors that of the Kia EV5, which shares similar output figures across its own lineup.
Inside, the Elexio wears clear Chinese design cues, though in this case, that’s not a bad thing. A 27-inch panel spans the dashboard, merging the main infotainment screen with a separate passenger display.
The driver gets a smaller readout set low near the windshield, while wireless charging pads and an eight-speaker Bose audio system round out the cabin’s tech package.
What Will It Cost?
In China, the Elexio starts at 119,800 yuan and tops out at 149,800, roughly US$16,900 to US$21,100 or about AU$25,700 to AU$32,200 if you’re counting in local currency. Tempting figures, but don’t get too comfortable. Those kinds of prices never make it past customs.
Hyundai hasn’t disclosed Australian pricing yet, though it’s safe to assume the local figure will be less charitable. Expect something between AU$55,000 ($36,000) and AU$65,000 ($42,600), a range that drops the Elexio right into the thick of the mid-size electric SUV contest.
It’s a crowded corner of the market, but one Hyundai seems quite happy to elbow its way into.
Polestar got a Nasdaq warning after failing to meet minimum price rules.
The stock’s been under one dollar since September, near record lows.
EV maker has until April 29 to regain compliance or risk getting delisted.
Polestar originally sounded like a great idea. Take the best of Volvo, throw in some sportier styling, and add a pinch of extra performance.
Despite this solid foundation, Polestar hasn’t lived up to their potential. That’s clear today as the company’s stock is in danger of getting delisted.
In a brief announcement, the Swedish automaker revealed they have received a warning from the Nasdaq that they are “not currently in compliance with the $1.00 minimum bid price requirement.” Shares closed at $0.84 today and that’s near the 52-week low of $0.82. It’s also a long way from their 52-week high of $1.42.
Looking at the price chart, it appears Polestar stock has been below the $1 threshold since late September. That’s not an encouraging sign, but the company has until April 29 to regain compliance.
Polestar / Refinitiv
This is easier said than done as it requires the closing price to be at least $1 or more for ten consecutive business days. If they fail to achieve that, they may get an additional 180 day extension.
While things aren’t looking good for shareholders, Polestar does have some positive momentum. Third quarter retail sales climbed 13% to 14,192 units, while year-to-date retail sales surged 36% to 44,482 vehicles.
On top of that, the company finally introduced the production version of the 5 at the Munich Motor Show. The Porsche Taycan competitor features a bold design, a 112 kWh battery pack, and up to 872 hp (650 kW / 884 PS).
Furthermore, the automaker unveiled a significantly improved 3 on October 1. It features an all-new 800V electrical architecture, new batteries, and upgraded electric motors. This means the crossover is faster, more powerful, and more efficient.
Las Vegas police just added ten Tesla Cybertrucks to their fleet.
Billionaire Ben Horowitz donated all of the modified Cybertrucks.
Department expects the trucks to save tens of thousands yearly.
If you spend any time in Las Vegas, whether as a resident or a visitor, don’t be surprised if you see a Cybertruck in police livery gliding down the Strip. These aren’t movie props or promotional gimmicks, they’re among the first Tesla Cybertruck police vehicles to enter active duty in the United States.
The trucks have been overhauled by Unplugged Performance and delivered to the Las Vegas Metropolitan Police Department (LVMPD), where they’ve been adapted for duty in one of America’s busiest cities.
Who’s Picking Up the Bill?
One of the first questions that might come to mind when you hear about these Cybertrucks is, “Who’s paying for them?” Fortunately, it isn’t the taxpayer.
According to the LVMPD, all ten of the electric pickups were donated by Ben Horowitz and his wife. Horowitz, a tech entrepreneur and venture capitalist, is believed to be a billionaire and apparently a believer in electrified law enforcement.
As for the Cybertrucks, each one comes equipped with a full suite of electronics required by the police department, including lights, sirens, and a PA system.
They also feature a series of upgrades to toughen up their looks and boost their off-roading credentials. For example, they’ve been fitted with new push bars, reinforced rock sliders, upgraded suspension components, and stronger brakes.
Counting the Savings
The LVMPD says these electric patrol trucks aren’t just about image, as they’re expected to save money too. The department estimates each Tesla Cybertruck will deliver a minimum of $47,540 in savings over its five-year service life compared with a traditional gasoline-powered police truck.
That includes annual fuel savings between $8,800 and $12,000, plus roughly $3,540 in reduced maintenance. Unless something falls off, that is. Whether those projections hold up once the trucks hit full duty remains to be seen.
“They will be at every area command… the trucks are high performance and built tough to handle everything from Fremont Street to Redrock Canyon,” LVMPD Sheriff Kevin McMahill said. “[The Cybertrucks are] practical, powerful and designed to make our job that much safer.”
Not only that, but the department claims it’s already seeing an uptick in recruitment thanks to the Cybertrucks. Apparently, nothing inspires future officers quite like a stainless-steel wedge these days.
Toyota Kids Mobi is a cute self-driving EV built for young children.
The concept features AI, LED eyes, a canopy, and a cozy cabin.
It debuted at Japan Mobility Show with other robotic concepts.
Toyota’s booth at the 2025 Japan Mobility Show brimmed with futuristic ideas, from spider-like delivery bots to a six-wheeled Lexus minivan. Yet among all the tech-heavy marvels, one creation charmed visitors more than any other: the Kids Mobi, a self-driving, bubble-shaped EV made exclusively for children.
Framed as a “safe and secure AI-powered personal mobility for kids,” the concept blurs the line between toy and vehicle. It has a smooth, pod-like body with enclosed wheels and animated LED “eyes” that mimic expressions.
Even the sensors on the roof are shaped like ears, with the whole thing being reminiscent of an animated character.
The canopy, lifted straight from a sci-fi sketchbook, swings upward to reveal a snug single seat built for children up to 130 cm tall (about 4 feet 3 inches). Once inside, the canopy closes and an AI assistant called the “UX Friend” comes to life, chatting and playing with the young passenger throughout the ride.
While the Kids Mobi obviously relies on autonomous tech for navigation, Toyota says children can still participate in the drive, giving them a sense of control.
“It’s not just adults who want to drive and enjoy some time to themselves,” the company explains. “Kids also want freedom of mobility. And just as adults have cars, kids deserve a trusty sidekick.”
Letting a child ride solo in an autonomous pod may sound like science fiction at best and unsettling at worst, but Toyota argues it could eventually prove safer than a traditional school bus.
For now, the Kids Mobi remains a concept, though it reflects what the automaker calls the “ultimate goal” of its AI x Robotics Data Center. That means the idea will keep evolving long after the show floor closes.
Still, the project represents the “ultimate goal” of the automaker’s AI x Robotics Data Center, so development will continue.
Until the Kids Mobi is ready to hit the road (or, more likely, the bike lane and sidewalk), visitors of the Japan Mobility Show can check it out up close and snap a photo with it. Toyota will also give each kid an original keychain as a souvenir.
Another Kid-Friendly Concept
Interestingly, the 2025 lineup at the show includes another Toyota concept that could serve as a helpful companion for toddlers.
The Chibibo is a quadruped robot that walks alongside people and vehicles serving as a last-mile delivery solution. A shown in the official renderings, it could help a child carry their backpack, lunchbox, or any other item that would be too heavy for them.
The spider-like design allows the robot to navigate narrow alleyways and climb stairs, taking parcels to places that vehicles can’t. When idle, it crouches down into a resting pose, much like a loyal robotic pet.
Scout offers both battery-electric and range-extended variants.
EREV models provide 500 miles using a generator and a battery.
Production begins in 2027 at Scout’s new South Carolina factory.
Scout Motors’ upcoming Terra pickup and Traveler SUV aren’t in production yet, but the company already has a strong sense of who its buyers are. Interest is running high, and the early numbers hint at what might define the brand’s first chapter.
According to CEO Scott Keogh, the vast majority of reservations are for the range-extended electric powertrain. As EV infrastructure aims to improve, these type of powertrains could prove supreme for the time being.
What Are Buyers Choosing?
“Look, the market has spoken,” Keogh told Bloomberg. “Over 80% of the reservations are for the range extender.”
That figure translates to at least 104,000 of the 130,000 customers who placed a reservation choosing the version that combines electric drive with a small gasoline engine functioning as a generator, suggesting that many Americans continue to favor long-distance flexibility over all-electric purity.
Both vehicles share a modular architecture capable of supporting either an all-electric powertrain or an EREV setup. The pure electric version will utilize a nickel-manganese-cobalt (NMC) battery with a capacity of approximately 120 kWh, offering an estimated range of 350 miles (563 km).
How the Systems Differ
The range-extended models, on the other hand, use a smaller lithium-iron-phosphate (LFP) pack with about half that capacity for roughly 150 miles (241 km) of battery-only driving.
When the charge runs low on the EREV, a small gas-powered on-board generator will kick in and provide power to the battery. As such, the EREV will offer around 500 miles of range.
Keogh hinted that Scout could prioritize the EREV at launch due to its high demand: “In general, in life, you like to meet the market… we would probably lean with the EREV, but nothing we’ve announced yet.”
Both versions will roll off the line at Scout’s new $2.3 billion factory in Blythewood, South Carolina, that’s set to begin production in late 2027. Interestingly, Keogh thinks EVs will still end up being the future.
“The world is still heading electric,” he said. “The technology is there, the innovation is there. We want to make sure Scout is prepared for the next 100 years. We’re not building a two-year brand.”
It will be worth watching how advances between now and 2027 shape Scout’s approach, and whether early demand for flexibility gives way to full electrification once the infrastructure finally keeps pace.
EV has an aggressive body kit and stripped interior.
The refreshed 2026 Toyota bZ offers up to 338 hp (252 kW / 343 PS), which is a massive 124 hp (92 kW / 126 PS) increase over its terribly named predecessor.
That power boost lets the top-spec model range-topping variant to rocket from 0-60 mph (0-96 km/h) in 4.9 seconds and travel 278 miles (447 km) on a single charge. To highlight that newfound performance, Toyota is bringing out the bZ Time Attack concept.
Set to debut at the SEMA Show next week, the track-focused model features an aggressive body kit with a prominent front splitter and new side skirts. They’re joined by extended fenders, a sporty rear diffuser, and a massive rear wing.
Besides the body kit, the crossover has been lowered 6 inches (152 mm) while its track has been expanded by the same amount. This gives the model an aggressive stance, which is amplified by 19-inch BBS Unlimited wheels that are wrapped in Continental Extreme Contact Sport 02 tires.
Adding to the drama is a custom tri-color paint scheme that blends metallic and pearl hues.
Given the racing ambitions, the interior has been stripped of non-essential equipment. The result is a relatively bare cabin with a chromoly roll cage and OMP HTE-R racing seats. We can also see a new steering wheel and a shifter that has been relocated to the dash.`
Toyota didn’t say much about the powertrain, but confirmed the concept has a dual-motor all-wheel drive system that has been tuned to produce more than 402 hp (300 kW / 408 PS).
Aside from upgraded motors, the concept has a revised suspension that features TEIN coilovers and springs. They’re accompanied by an Alcon braking system that uses Hawk pads.
Canada’s PM Mark Carney meets Xi Jinping amid tense trade discussions.
Reports suggest Canada may drop EV tariffs to restart canola exports.
Carney says no quick deal expected, needs more time to rebuild ties.
Seven years after Canadian leaders last met their Chinese opposite numbers, Prime Minister Mark Carney is sitting down with Chinese President Xi Jinping. At stake are billions of dollars worth of trade, but Carney hinted that the trade agreement many are hoping for might not materialise, at least not from this first face-to-face.
The two leaders are getting together at the summit of the Asia Pacific Economic Cooperation in Gyeongju, South Korea, and in the run-up to the meeting, some news reports suggested that Canada could be ready to axe the 100 percent tariff on imported Chinese EVs put in place in 2024.
Canada is under pressure to hit eco targets, and giving access to more affordable EVs could help. But the real pressure to cancel the EV tariffs is coming from Canada’s farmers.
The country’s Canola industry is worth billions of dollars, with a healthy chunk of that revenue coming from China. But exports to China have tanked since the Chinese placed a 75.8 percent tariff on canola seed in response to EV tariffs.
So a simple “you drop your tariffs and I’ll drop mine” handshake could sort everything, right? It’s not that easy, and Carney was careful not to suggest that he expected to come back from this initial meeting with an oven-baked trade agreement.
“We will explore what we can build on. This is our second largest trading partner. This is the second largest economy in the world,” Carney told the media in the build-up to the meet, as reported by CTV News.
“[But] there’s no preset offer. This is the difference between relationship and transaction,” he added, explaining that the relationship between the two countries needed to “deepen” and that there were many other topics up for discussion besides EVs.
Another reason Carney might hesitate before lifting EV tariffs is concern over the welfare of Canada’s own auto industry, which is already taking a beating from US President Donald Trump’s tariffs, and the current US-Canada tensions aren’t likely to ease those problems soon.
The last thing it needs is an influx of bargain-priced competitors from China.
The BMW sedan hit the Cybertruck, pushing it into an 18-wheeler.
Police are investigating if the BMW driver was impaired that night.
More than 230 people were injured in wrong-way crashes last year.
Crashes on Houston’s busy freeways are an unfortunate reality of city life, and one earlier this week proved especially tragic. The driver of a BMW was killed, and the driver of a Tesla Cybertruck died in hospital after the two vehicles collided in Houston, Texas.
Shockingly, police say the BMW’s driver had mistakenly entered the freeway, traveling the wrong way after driving down an exit ramp and heading westbound in the eastbound lanes.
The crash occurred around midnight on October 28 along the I-10 Katy Freeway. According to police, the BMW, whose specific model hasn’t been identified, slammed into the Cybertruck and burst into flames almost instantly. The force of the impact also pushed the Tesla into an 18-wheeler.
Initially, it was only the driver of the BMW who was declared dead on the scene, and the driver of the Cybertruck was taken to a nearby hospital in critical condition. Sadly, the Tesla driver succumbed to their injuries.
Houston Police Department Sgt. Rebecca Dallas told KHOU that the BMW driver had entered the freeway in the opposite direction, ignoring multiple Do Not Enter and Wrong Way signs along the ramp.
Investigators are expected to conduct an autopsy of the BMW driver to see if they were impaired at the time of the collision. The name of the driver who caused the crash hasn’t been released. However, the driver of the Cybertruck has been confirmed as a 38-year-old father of two young children.
Accidents Like This Are Far Too Common
Accidents like this are far from rare. More than 1100 wrong-way fatalities have been recorded across Harris County in the past decade, and last year alone, 233 people were injured in similar incidents throughout the area. Clearly, something needs to be done to reduce these numbers.
Local authorities may need to explore a combination of measures, from adding more signage to exit ramps to enhancing driver education. Small changes could go a long way toward preventing future tragedies on Houston’s highways.
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