Waymo begins Denver and Seattle expansion with human-driven testing.
Fleet includes I-PACE SUVs with 5-gen Driver and Zeekr RTs with 6-gen.
Testing helps vehicles adapt to local traffic, weather, and city conditions.
Tesla might be in the midst of trying to expand its Robotaxi platform as fast as it can, but Waymo is bounding ahead. It just announced plans to bring its fleet to Denver, Colorado, and Seattle, Washington—though for now, the vehicles will still have human drivers behind the wheel as part of an initial testing phase. This step is designed to fine-tune operations and ensure the cars are ready for fully autonomous rides in the future.
Denverites can expect to see a mixed Waymo fleet of Jaguar I-PACE SUVs with its fifth-gen Waymo Driver and Zeekr RTs equipped with the sixth-gen system. Both vehicles will have human drivers behind the wheel to begin. They’ll gather data about the entire city while Waymo coordinates with state and city officials.
Local Voices Onboard
Speaking of those officials, they sound enthusiastic about the move. Governor Jared Polis said, “I’m excited to help Coloradans get where we want to go faster, safer, with additional transportation options.” Mayor Mike Johnston added, “Waymo’s innovative, climate-friendly technology will not only make our streets safer but cleaner, and I can’t wait for my first ride.”
At the same time, Waymo is doing something almost identical in Seattle. Human drivers will guide the cars there while collecting data about traffic patterns before handing over control to the fully autonomous cars at some stage in the future. Waymo emphasized that its years of experience in areas with heavy rain, snow, and complex urban layouts will help it make its service in both locations.
This new Denver and Seattle test phase is all just a tiny piece of a much larger expansion going on for Waymo. The company already operates fully autonomous cars with no human supervision in Phoenix, Los Angeles, Austin, and Atlanta. It’s also working on expanding to Miami, Washington, D.C., New York City, and other locations.
In fact, it recently announced that the San José Mineta International Airport just gave it the green light to begin service on airport grounds. Tesla might have more coverage in Austin, Texas, but this proves that Waymo is still far ahead in the autonomous taxi business.
Canada has abandoned their requirement that 20% of new vehicles be zero emission by 2026.
The government is conducting a review of the Electric Vehicle Availability Standard to “reflect market realities.”
Canada originally wanted to go ZEV-only by 2035, but Trump’s tariffs have changed the game.
Automakers aren’t the only ones walking back their electric vehicle plans as Canadian Prime Minister Mark Carney has decided to give companies additional “flexibility.” As such, he’s waiving 2026 model year vehicles from the Electric Vehicle Availability Standard and will conduct a broader review to “provide additional flexibilities and reduce costs.”
As the prime minister’s office explained, the government wants to make “targeted regulatory adjustments” to ensure automotive companies remain competitive during the transition to electric vehicles. They added the “automotive sector is essential to Canada’s economy, supporting jobs, trade, innovation and the green transition.”
The Electric Vehicle Availability Standard originally required at least 20% of new light-duty vehicle sales be zero emission by 2026. However, the rules will be amended to remove that target to reduce “economic pressure due to tariffs.”
On top of that, the government is reviewing other EVAS deadlines to ensure they “reflect market realities” and don’t place an “undue burden on automakers.” As you may recall, 60% of sales are supposed to be zero emission vehicles by 2030, while that number would rise to 100% by 2035.
Despite hitting the brakes on Canada’s electric vehicle push, Carney’s office said zero emission vehicles are “crucial for addressing climate change,” improving health, and creating significant opportunities for the economy. However, the government noted the transition to EVs is “unfolding amid significant short-term economic uncertainty” and “Canada must carefully consider how recent U.S. policy uncertainty could affect the affordability and availability of ZEVs in the integrated North American market.”
Interestingly, the government said they’ll “explore options to bring more affordable electric vehicles to Canadians.” They didn’t go into specifics, but it will be interesting to see if they’ll crack the door open to Chinese brands.
The changes to the Electric Vehicle Availability Standard were revealed as part of a larger announcement that aims to “protect, build, and transform Canadian strategic industries.” Part of this includes a new Buy Canadian Policy for the federal government as well as a Regional Tariff Response Initiative, which aims to help small and medium-sized businesses impacted by U.S. tariffs.
GM will pause Cadillac Lyriq and Vistiq production starting in December 2025.
Tennessee plant to operate on one shift with temporary layoffs due to slower output.
Chevy also delays second shift launch for next-gen Bolt at Kansas City factory.
America’s auto policy is in flux yet again and it’s already messing with production schedules. General Motors is one of the first big names to blink. It will pause production of two electric models in December and scale back output well into 2026, a move that will bring temporary layoffs.
The decision follows policy changes from the Trump administration, which has scrapped the federal EVs tax credit and removed penalties for automakers that miss fuel efficiency targets. With fewer incentives in place, manufacturers have more reason to lean on gas-powered vehicles.
According to a report from Reuters, GM’s production cuts will start in October and November when its assembly plant in Spring Hill, Tennessee, which is responsible for building the Cadillac Lyriq and Vistiq, is shuttered. In December, assembly of the two models will also be paused.
Production at this same plant will also be significantly curtailed through the first five months of 2026. This will force the company to temporarily lay off employees working on one of the two shifts at the plant
Ripple Effects at Other Sites
It’s not just this site in Tennessee that is impacted. GM has reportedly decided to indefinitely delay the start of a second shift at its plant near Kansas City. This site will be home to the next-generation Chevrolet Bolt, which is set to commence production later this year. While this move isn’t expected to impact the launch of the new Bolt, it does mean that The General will not ramp up production as much as it had initially planned.
GM’s electric lineup has been gaining traction, with August marking its strongest EV sales month to date at 21,000 units. The thing is, much of that surge is tied to the final days of the $7,500 federal tax credit, which expires at the end of the month. Without that incentive, demand for electric vehicles will likely ease.
The company admitted that changes are less about immediate EV demand and more about preparing for slower overall industry growth. In a statement to Reuters, GM said it is “making strategic production adjustments in alignment with expected slower EV industry growth and customer demand by leveraging our flexible ICE and EV manufacturing footprint.”
Still, executives are keen to emphasize that the automaker is not backing away from electrification entirely or they’re just putting on a brave face. According to GM head of North America Duncan Aldred, “the strength of our ICE portfolio will continue to separate our brands from the pack and give us flexibility and profitability that EV-only companies lack.”
Musk’s 2025 CEO award sets an $8.5 trillion market cap by 2035.
Goals include $400B in annual EBITDA, 1M Robotaxis, and 1M AI bots.
He must stay at Tesla for up to 10 years before shares can vest.
Love him or hate him, Elon Musk has built a reputation for sometimes making the impossible seem inevitable. From electric cars dominating global markets to rockets that land themselves with pinpoint precision, his record is extraordinary. Yet, even for someone with those successes, the 2025 CEO Performance Award just presented by Tesla’s board represents a challenge of unprecedented scale.
The plan could grant Musk over 423 million shares and a total compensation package of around $1 trillion. Of course, that only happens if Tesla hits some staggering milestones. The award is split into 12 tranches, each unlocking as Tesla hits specific market capitalization targets.
According to the SEC filing detailing the package, it goes as follows: the first tranche at $2 trillion, nine more at $500 billion increments, and the final two at $1 trillion each, culminating in a mind-bending $8.5 trillion valuation by 2035. Right now, Tesla is worth a little over $1 trillion.
A Trillion-Dollar Tightrope
Market cap is only a small piece of the story, though. Musk must also achieve at least $400 billion in sustained annual adjusted EBITDA and hit operational targets that push Tesla into uncharted waters. Among them: putting 1 million fully autonomous Robotaxis into commercial service and delivering 1 million Optimus AI bots.
Market cap is only a small piece of the story. Musk must also deliver at least $400 billion in sustained annual adjusted EBITDA, which is finance-speak for the company’s earnings from its core business before accounting for things like taxes, interest, or non-cash costs such as depreciation.
On top of that, he faces operational goals that push the company into uncharted territory, such as putting 1 million fully autonomous Robotaxis into commercial service and delivering another 1 million Optimus AI robots.
Today, Robotaxi still requires a safety driver in the car, so these targets aren’t theoretical; they demand breakthroughs in autonomy, scaling, and execution. It’s a package that forces a hard look at Musk’s history. He’s undeniably a visionary, but he’s often over-promised and under-delivered. He’s often been late, sometimes very late, about tech promises. That’s to say nothing of his political engagement.
Betting His Legacy On Autonomy
At the same time, if he can actually achieve everything laid out in this compensation package, it’ll be hard to argue that he’s not the defining innovator of our era. That said, the board has set up this award in a way that Musk can’t simply hit the goals and cash out.
He must remain at Tesla for the next 7.5 to 10 years. The goals must be met by 2035. Tesla said it “believes that Mr Musk’s vision and leadership are critical to nailing that execution”.
At this point, all of Musk’s promises of autonomy are all the more intriguing. His salary and perhaps his legacy rely on him being right about Tesla leading the autonomy charge sooner rather than later.
Owners of 2025 and 2026 models won’t have to pay a penny for the NACS DC adapter.
In late 2023, Porsche said its new EVs would start to feature NACS ports from 2025.
Charging will initially only be available through the Tesla app as part of the soft launch.
If you own an electric Porsche in North America, public charging is about to get a whole lot easier. Starting on September 9, owners will gain access to the Tesla Supercharger network, which provides them with the opportunity to charge at any of the 23,500 charging locations across the continent, all enabled thanks to a new NACS DC adapter.
The newly developed adapter will be provided free of charge for all 2026 Porsche Taycan and Macan Electric models. Owners of the current 2025 Taycan and Macan Electric are eligible to receive a complimentary adapter, available through the My Porsche application.
Anyone who owns a 2024 or older Taycan can also use the NACS DC charger, but will need to pay $185 and order it from the Porsche Online Shop or pick one up from a Porsche center.
Getting Started
Access to the Tesla Supercharger network will start with a soft launch, where Porsche owners must use the Tesla app to enable charging. In the coming months, it’ll be possible to charge directly through the My Porsche app. Other stations from Ionna and Electrify America with NACS ports can be activated directly through the My Porsche app at launch.
Charging Made Easy
All eligible Porsche electric vehicles from 2026 onward will incorporate the new charging stations into their navigation systems, while older models will receive over-the-air software updates to show these newly available charging points.
“We are continually working to make every aspect of Porsche ownership as convenient as possible for our customers – and this news represents a significant step for owners of our electrified cars,” Porsche Cars North America president and chief executive Timo Resch said. “As we launch this offering, in the coming months we will be adding more features to make the process even more seamless.”
Why an Adapter Is Still Necessary
Interestingly, neither the 2026 Taycan nor the 2026 Macan Electric have the North American Charging Standard port, hence why an adapter is needed. This is despite the fact that, in 2023, it was confirmed that future VW, Audi, Porsche, and Scout EVs would use the NACS charging port from 2025.
US authorities have apprehended at least 450 people at a Hyundai EV plant in Georgia.
ICE teamed up with Homeland Security, the FBI, DEA and Atlanta ATF to raid the facility.
Multiple South Korean nationals were detained in the operation at the new $7.6 bn plant.
US immigration authorities have detained at least 450 people in a raid at Hyundai’s new EV plant in Georgia. Atlanta’s Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives confirmed that it had apprehended hundreds of “unlawful aliens,” but South Korea has expressed concern over reports that 30 of the detained were its country’s nationals.
ATFA Atlanta said it had joined forces with various federal organizations including Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE), the FBI and Drug Enforcement Administration (DEA) to perform the operation on September 4. The search warrant executed cited allegations of “unlawful employment practices and other serious federal crimes,” the Department of Homeland Security said.
“Today @ATFAtlanta joined HSI, FBI, DEA, ICE, GSP and other agencies in a major immigration enforcement operation at the Hyundai mega site battery plant in Bryan County, GA, leading to the apprehension of [around] 450 unlawful aliens, emphasizing our commitment to community safety,” ATFA Atlanta wrote on X.
A High-Profile Target
The raid took place at the $7.6 billion, 3,000-acre EV site opened by Hyundai close to Savannah last year. Agents were focused on the construction zone for the new battery plant that’s scheduled to open in 2026, and Hyundai claims the operation didn’t impact the neighboring EV plant, which currently produces the Ioniq 5 and 9.
Though US authorities haven’t released names or details of the 450 people it detained at the site, Korean media reports that 30 are Korean nationals, something that has alarmed the country’s lawmakers.
Diplomatic Tension
“The economic activities of Korean investment companies and the rights and interests of Korean citizens must not be unfairly infringed upon during US law enforcement operations,” a spokesperson for the country’s foreign ministry said in a statement. South Korea sent diplomats to the site, BBC News reports.
President Trump pledged to deport undocumented migrants in the run-up to his 2024 election victory, but he has also said he welcomed foreign companies to set up manufacturing businesses inside the US, as Hyundai has done.
Atlanta ATF/Hyundai
Today, @ATFAtlanta joined HSI, FBI, DEA, ICE, GSP and other agencies in a major immigration enforcement operation at the Hyundai mega site battery plant in Bryan County, GA, leading to the apprehension of ~450 unlawful aliens, emphasizing our commitment to community safety. #ATFpic.twitter.com/su6raLrLu6
Rivian cut 1.5 percent of its workforce, mainly in sales and service departments.
It faces a projected $100M revenue hit from changes in credit and policy rules.
Legacy companies no longer need to buy compliance credits from EV makers.
For as good as the Rivian R1T and R1S are, they do not sell at the volumes needed to ensure the brand can be profitable. This is why it is venturing downmarket, gearing up to release a more affordable model range known as the R2. And in preparation for its launch, Rivian is looking to slash costs, which means making layoffs.
Rivian confirmed that it recently cut about 225 jobs, roughly 1.5 percent of its 15,000 employees. The reductions targeted its commercial division, which oversees sales and service operations, and affected staff in both the United States and Canada.
Speaking with The Wall Street Journal, a company spokesperson confirmed that employees who were let go are being encouraged to apply for other open positions.
The Trump Effect
While the arrival of Donald Trump to the White House for his second term has been good news for some car manufacturers, including Stellantis with its gas-guzzling Dodge and Ram brands, things are proving to be more difficult for EV makers like Rivian.
As the US administration has eliminated fines for violations of the Corporate Average Fuel Economy rules, Rivian will no longer need to sell compliance credits to other automakers that would have fallen foul of these rules.
According to Rivian, this alone will cost it an estimated $100 million in revenue. That’s money that could have come in very handy in launching the R2, as well as other future models like the R3, R4, and R5.
Industry Pullback
Rivian is not the only EV maker recalibrating under the new landscape. Several other car companies have also been preparing to reduce production of their EVs, given that the federal EV tax credit will end on September 30. In Detroit, GM has temporarily laid off roughly 360 employees for a month to reduce GMC Hummer EV and Cadillac Escalade IQ production.
BMW i3 electric sedan launches in 2026, following the closely related iX3 SUV.
It rides on the Neue Klasse platform and will gain a hot M-branded version.
The i3 will join BMW’s new 3-Series lineup alongside the ICE-powered variant.
The arrival of the new 2026 iX3 marked more than just another model launch for BMW. It signaled the beginning of the brand’s Neue Klasse era, setting the stage for 40 fresh or updated models expected by 2027. Among the most significant will be the all-electric version of the 3-Series sedan, simply called the i3, which BMW has teased in camouflaged form ahead of its official debut next year.
Closer to Reality
While BMW has already shown a similarly camouflaged prototype of the i3 earlier this year in China, the latest version appears to be a little closer to production. The electric sedan is now fitted with the final LED headlights and taillights (instead of provisional units), and rides on a new set of alloy wheels. Overall, it looks like an evolution of the Vision Neue Klasse concept from 2023 with refined details.
Oliver Zipse, Chairman of the Board of Management of BMW AG, confirmed that the new i3 will debut in 2026, as the first model variant of the next generation 3-Series, though despite the shared design, these two cars will ride on separate platforms, as is the case with the iX3 and X3.
“The next vehicle is already waiting in the wings,” Zipse said. “The details are still hidden beneath the camouflage, but I’m sure you’ll recognize the classic proportions of a sporty sedan.”
He also highlighted the importance of the 3-Series to BMW’s identity. “For the past 50 years and over seven model generations, no other vehicle has been as closely tied to the success of the BMW brand. The 3 Series embodies everything at the very core of BMW. Innovation. Digital user experience. Comfort. Sportiness. Together, these characteristics create an incomparable driving experience,” he added.
The next iteration will double down on those virtues, benefiting from cutting-edge technology in terms of electric motors, batteries, connectivity and autonomous driving systems.
Given that the larger and less aerodynamic iX3 already carries an EPA rating of 400 miles, it’s reasonable to expect the i3’s lower, sleeker profile to stretch that impressive figure even further.
The i3 will not stand alone for long. Zipse confirmed that the launch will be followed by additional variants, including performance-focused models. An electric equivalent of the M3 is already in development, featuring four electric motors and technology inspired by the Vision Driving Experience concept showcased earlier this year.
Meanwhile, the next-generation combustion-powered 3-Series will mirror much of the i3’s styling and cabin design, but it will ride on an updated version of the current platform since the Neue Klasse architecture is dedicated exclusively to EVs. Spy shots suggest some subtle differences in proportions between the two, with the ICE model carrying a longer hood and a more upright windshield.
40 New Models By 2027
Besides the new iX3 and i3 siblings, the Neue Klasse treatment will be gradually applied to the entire BMW range. Zipse said that every model from 2026 onward will be new, suggesting that over the next 12 months, they will keep us busy with numerous mid-lifecycle updates.
BMW also offered a preview of its refreshed lineup, showing the silhouettes of “40 new and facelifted” models set to arrive by 2027. The outlines appeared on a video wall during the iX3’s presentation, though the low resolution made it impossible to pick out finer details
Mercedes has given us our first official look at the interior of the new electric GLC SUV.
One-piece, 39.1-inch display is the biggest single dashboard display from Mercedes yet.
GLC with EQ Technology makes its debut at this month’s Munich IAA show in Germany.
Mercedes has already teased the new electric GLC’s boldest exterior feature, its retro-futuristic light-up grille. Now it’s giving us a look at its wowest interior detail, a next-generation MBUX Hyperscreen display that stretches the full width of the car.
At first look, the new baguette-shaped dashboard looks very similar to the setup in the electric CLA sedan that was revealed in March. But the CLA’s display is actually three (including an optional passenger display) cleverly concealed under a single pane of glass to make it look like one display, as was the original Hyperscreen that debuted on the 2021 EQS.
A True Single Display
The GLC’s, however, is a true single display, and at 39.1 inches it’s the biggest Mercedes has ever fitted to a production car.
Mercedes claims the high resolution and 1,000 LEDs that make up the display’s backlight technology deliver “exceptional clarity and vivid color,” but says drivers don’t need to worry about the Times Square of dashboards distracting them on the move. Intelligent zone dimming allows areas of the display to become less prominent while preserving important info. A bit like Saab used to, but one million times more high tech.
Two wireless smartphone charging pads are housed inside the uppper portion of the console, separated from the screen by a pair of central air vents. And directly below the chargers is a small strip of hard keys, plus a volume dial whose twin is located on the right-hand steering wheel spoke.
Lighting With Purpose
Ambient lighting is nothing new, but on the GLC it doesn’t only change according to the “mood” selected, but also shifts to notify the driver of changes to the system. Nudge the climate control’s digital temperature button and both the main ambient lighting and vent illumination briefly switch color to confirm the change.
The GLC with EQ Technology makes its full debut at the Munich auto show (IAA Mobility 2025) on September 7. The first of the new GLCs to launch is the GLC 400 4Matic with EQ Technology, which can add around 162 miles (260 km) of electric range in just 10 minutes thanks to its ability to charge at over 320 kW.
The new 2026 iX3 is BMW’s first production EV to ride on the Neue Klasse platform.
It introduces a new styling language, and many new technologies inside the cabin.
The iX3 50 xDrive arrives in the US in mid-2026 with 463 hp and a 400-mile range.
BMW has entered its Neue Klasse chapter with the world premiere of the second-generation iX3. More than just another electric SUV, this model sets the stage for the brand’s future with a new design language, a purpose-built EV platform, and four high-powered computers BMW calls its “superbrains.”
The first version to reach showrooms will be the iX3 50 xDrive in mid-2026. It delivers 463 hp (345 kW / 469 PS) from dual motors, offers an impressive EPA-estimated 400-mile range (644 km), and carries a starting price of about $60,000. Let’s take a closer look at what makes it stand out.
A New Era Of BMW Design
The production iX3 remains faithful to the Vision Neue Klasse X concept from 2024, incorporating the brand’s new styling direction that will be eventually applied across its entire lineup, including ICE and EV models.
“The design of the Neue Klasse provides a very modern interpretation of what BMW has always stood for,” says Adrian van Hooydonk, Head of BMW Group Design. “With our new design language, the new BMW iX3 looks future-focused, modern, and timeless – but, above all, more BMW than ever.”
At the front, the vertical kidney grille and twin headlight setup of the new iX3 take cues from classic BMWs such as the 2002 Series, reinterpreted here with a modern, futuristic twist. They’re paired with sculpted intakes and glossy black bumper accents, which stand in for the plastic cladding typically seen on SUVs and crossovers.
The profile is defined by rectangular contours and crisp character lines that underscore its athletic stance. Yet apart from the signature Hofmeister kink, it may be the least traditionally BMW aspect of the design.
At the rear, horizontally arranged taillights are divided by a recessed section that echoes the shape of the roof spoiler. Aerodynamic refinements have reduced the drag coefficient to 0.24, a notable improvement over the previous iX3’s 0.29.
For buyers looking for a sharper edge, the optional M Sport package brings a restyled body kit and alloy wheels in 20, 21, or 22 inches, paired with blue brake calipers. Those who choose the M Sport Professional package get an illuminated grille, black trim details, and red calipers.
The new iX3 measures 188.3 inches (4,783 mm) long, 74.6 inches (1,895 mm) wide, and 64.4 inches (1,636 mm) tall with a 114.1-inch (2.898 mm) wheelbase. This means it is 1.9 inches (49 mm) longer compared to its predecessor, with an extra 1.3 inches (34 mm) between the axles.
Futuristic Interior
The interior’s focal point is BMW’s new Panoramic iDrive, a sweeping pillar-to-pillar display integrated along the base of the windshield. It works in tandem with a 17.9-inch central screen and an optional 3D head-up display, all powered by the latest BMW Operating System X, which promises a cleaner and more intuitive interface. For longtime BMW drivers, it’s a dramatic departure from both the brand’s current layouts and the more driver-centric dashboards of the past.
While the climate controls are integrated into the touchscreen, BMW designers kept some physical controls for the essentials such as wipers, indicators, mirrors, volume, gear selection, and the parking brake.
The multifunction steering wheel now features the often-debated touch-sensitive buttons, while the voice-activated BMW Intelligent Personal Assistant are designed to cut down on distractions, though how well this works in practice remains to be seen.
Optional features include a 13-speaker Harman Kardon audio system, the panoramic moonroof, and a three-zone auto climate control. The EV also introduces new driving sounds and sound effects from the BMW HypersonX soundscape.
BMW highlights the roomy five-seat layout of the iX3, made possible by the smart packaging of its EV-dedicated platform. Cargo space is generous, with 30.4 cubic feet (861 liters) available behind the rear seats and up to 65 cubic feet (1,841 liters) when folded, based on US measurements that extend floor to ceiling. European figures, which measure only to the top of the rear seats, list capacity from 520 to 1,750 liters.
A small 2 cubic-foot (57-liter) frunk adds extra practicality, complemented by multiple storage compartments throughout the cabin.
Smarter Than Your Average EV
The Neue Klasse iX3 is equipped with four high-performance computers called “superbrains”, which are part of the vehicle’s “digital nervous system”. Each unit controls the driving dynamics, automated driving systems, infotainment, and basic functions. For example, the “Heart of Joy” superbrain is responsible for the drivetrain, brakes, energy recuperation, and steering, making sure that the driver always gets the best out of them.
Another unit is dedicated to the automated driving and parking functions. Speaking of which, the standard Active Driving Assistant Plus is a complete suite of ADAS, while the optional Highway Assistant allows hands-off driving for prolonged periods of time. Furthermore, the “BMW Symbiotic Drive” means that the driver inputs can merge seamlessly with the autonomous systems without disengaging them.
According to BMW, the iX3 is a software-defined vehicle, meaning it will keep improving throughout its lifecycle with over-the-air updates.
Platform And Performance
The new iX3 is the first production model to ride on the Neue Klasse platform that will eventually underpin all electric BMWs. This 800-volt architecture introduces the sixth-generation eDrive system, pairing newly developed electric motors with high-density cylindrical battery cells. It also integrates the “Heart of Joy” driving dynamics system along with advanced autonomous driving functions.
The launch version, the iX3 50 xDrive, uses dual electric motors with all-wheel drive, delivering a combined 463 hp (345 kW / 469 PS) and 476 lb-ft (645 Nm) of torque. That output propels the SUV from 0 to 60 mph (0–97 km/h) in 4.7 seconds, with a top speed capped at 130 mph (209 km/h). Drivers can choose between Sport, Efficient, Silent, and Personal modes to tailor the experience.
Range And Charging
The company hasn’t specified battery capacity, but the 400-mile (644 km) EPA figure, likely even higher under WLTC testing, speaks volumes. Thanks to 400 kW DC fast charging, the iX3 can gain 230 miles (370 km) of range in just 10 minutes, or recharge from 10 to 80 percent in 21 minutes. The model supports bi-directional charging and features a NACS port with CCS adapter. A sensor-based flap even opens and closes automatically.
The all-wheel-drive 50 xDrive will be just the beginning. A rear-drive, single-motor version is already in the pipeline, and it’s only a matter of time before BMW M puts its stamp on a high-performance iX3.
Pricing And Availability
BMW expects the iX3 50 xDrive to reach US dealerships in summer 2026 with a starting price of “around $60,000”. That figure undercuts the similarly sized X3 M50 xDrive, powered by a six-cylinder gasoline engine, by roughly $6,000. Pricing should also line up closely with Tesla’s upcoming Model Y Performance, which is projected to come in roughly $10,000 above the $48,990 Long Range AWD.
In the premium electric SUV segment, the iX3 will go up against the Audi Q6 e-tron, Porsche Macan EV, and upcoming entries like the Mercedes GLC EV and Volvo EX60.
Production for US models will begin in the first quarter of 2026 at BMW’s new plant in Debrecen, Hungary.
More To Come
The Neue Klasse strategy is far bigger than a single model. By 2027, BMW expects nearly 40 new or refreshed vehicles to adopt its technology, from sedans to SUVs. The next Neue Klasse debut will be a four-door sedan positioned as the electric counterpart to the 3-Series.
As BMW CEO Oliver Zipse put it, this platform represents a “huge leap” in design, technology, and driving experience. For the company, the iX3 is only the beginning.
Master Plan IV video showed scale models of a Cybertruck-inspired SUV in the background.
CyberSUV could offer a three-row interior, advanced tech, and rugged Cybertruck styling.
Tesla hasn’t confirmed plans but may be gauging demand for a full-size electric SUV.
Tesla might have just dropped its strongest hint yet that a Cybertruck-inspired SUV could very well be on the table. In its new “Sustainable Abundance – Master Plan IV” video, clay models of the upcoming Cybercab were featured in the foreground of some frames. The real surprise, though, was in the background, where scale models sat on a shelf. They appear to be three-row Cybertruck-inspired Tesla SUVs.
Elon Musk’s company is typically very secretive about its design process. While we show you leaks from automakers all over the world, it’s rare for Tesla to let something big slip. For example, the Cybertruck and the second-generation Roadster never leaked before their debuts. It’s curious then that it would publish the video below with these models in the background.
From Pickup to Family SUV
A ‘CyberSUV’ has been a point of speculation since the Cybertruck first debuted in 2019. The idea is simple but potentially game-changing. Take the rugged-looking stainless steel wedge aesthetic of the pickup and shape it into a three-row SUV.
It would essentially trade the bed for a more family-friendly interior while keeping the major bones of the Cybertruck itself. The 48-volt system, the steer-by-wire, and adaptive suspension could just carry over.
Such a model would give Tesla something that it has always lacked, a true full-size SUV to rival cars like the Cadillac Escalade IQ, Rivian R1S, and Kia EV9. The Model X is a bit too small and dainty to cover that territory, and the Model Y L is really a different proposition altogether, not to mention it might not end up in America at all. On top of that, rugged off-road vehicles are very popular, but short of the Cybertruck, Tesla doesn’t sell such a car.
That all said, there’s good reason to think the CyberSUV might end up being just a fanciful design study. Teslarati points out the company’s Q4 2024 Shareholder Deck, which explicitly stated that no future vehicles would use a stainless steel exoskeleton like the Cybertruck does.
Of course, if Tesla could find a way to repurpose the vast majority of Cybertruck chassis and structural design, it could allow the brand to better use the production capacity it thought it would need for the truck.
For now, the CyberSUV remains speculative. But if Tesla is truly considering it, the SUV could become the brand’s next breakout hit. It could even signal future design language for the entire lineup.
Ford sold 34K Mach-Es this year, narrowly surpassing the regular Mustang’s 31K sales.
Hybrids boosted Ford’s electrified lineup, with sales up nearly 24 percent year-over-year.
The world of cars doesn’t always move in straight lines. Once a symbol of raw horsepower and gasoline-soaked nostalgia, the Mustang name is now carrying a very different flag for Ford. The decision to place the Mustang badge on an all-electric crossover stirred plenty of debate, but the numbers show how quickly the landscape shifted.
The Mustang Mach-E may never outsell Tesla’s Model Y, yet it’s now moving well past the traditional Mustang itself.
August sales data released by Ford shows that last month, a total of 7,226 Mustang Mach-Es were sold across the United States. While this represents a small proportion of the total 190,206 vehicles that the Blue Oval shifted across the month, it did represent a significant 35.3 percent increase over the prior year.
Year-to-date, sales of the Mustang Mach-E are also up. Ford has managed to sell 34,319 units through the first eight months of 2025, a 6.7 percent rise from the 32,167 sold over the same period last year.
A Tale of Two Mustangs
Things aren’t looking so pretty for the regular Mustang, particularly in August. This year, a total of 31,015 have been sold across the country. This represents an 8.3 percent decline from the 33,817 that were sold during the January-August period in 2024. So, year-to-date, the Mach E is slightly outpacing the Mustang. However, the discrepancy in August sales is much more stark.
As mentioned, Ford sold 7,226 Mach-Es last month. By comparison, just 3,235 regular Mustangs were delivered, a modest 2.2 percent increase from 3,164 in August 2024. In effect, the Mach-E sold more than twice as many units as the iconic pony car that inspired its name. The sharp rise in Mach-E sales is likely tied to the federal EV tax credit ending this month, which appears to have prompted a last-minute surge in demand.
Looking elsewhere across the Ford range, sales of the F-150 Lightning rose 21.2 percent in August to 3,217 units, but sales are down 9.7 percent year-to-date to 19,077. The F-Series remains Ford’s best-selling model, shifting 68,318 units in August, easily outpacing Ford’s next best-seller, the Explorer SUV with 20,617 sold.
Hybrids Lead The Charge
Ford sold 10,671 electric vehicles in August, a solid 19.3 percent increase from last year, though year-to-date EV sales are still down 5.7 percent at 57,888. Hybrids, on the other hand, are carrying much of the momentum. With 18,773 sold last month and more than 155,000 moved this year, hybrid sales have surged nearly 24 percent compared to 2024.
Taken together, electrified vehicles now account for a growing slice of Ford’s business, pointing to a strategy that leans not only on full EVs but also on hybrids as a bridge for customers still wary of going all-in on electric.
The all-electric TT successor will hit the market just 30 months after being signed off.
Many of the car’s parts will be shared with Porsche’s electric Boxster and Cayman.
Like the Porsche twins, the Audi’s battery packs will be positioned behind the seats.
The Audi TT is long gone, but that doesn’t mean the brand is giving up on fun, compact sports cars. In fact, it has already started testing prototypes of what’s set to be the TT’s spiritual all-electric successor, recently previewed with the striking Concept C. Not only will the new model have a lot to live up to, but it’ll also be developed in less time than any other Audi to come before it.
To keep pace with the lightning-fast timelines established by Chinese automakers, Audi plans to launch its new electric sports car just 30 months after the project was approved. That kind of turnaround is a big shift for a brand known for taking its time.
“China speed at Ingolstadt comes with that car – around 30 months development time, which is really a revolution for us, to develop a car at that speed,” Audi chief executive Gernot Dollner told Autocar.
Shared DNA with Porsche, Different Identities
The electric TT successor will share more than a few components with Porsche’s upcoming all-electric 718 Boxster and Cayman. All three will ride on a modified version of the PPE platform co-developed by Audi and Porsche. Rather the battery pack being on the floor, as is common practice in most EVs, it will be located behind the seats, ensuring similar weight distribution and handling characteristics to a mid-engined sports car.
Still, Volkswagen Group boss Oliver Blume has been clear that despite the technical overlap, each model will stand on its own. “We have very clear brand identities which are very different between Porsche and Audi,” he explained. “That’s what we are doing across the Volkswagen Group, defining the clear brand identities.”
An EV That’s Focused On Fun
According to Audi chief technical officer Geoffrey Bouqout, the automaker is eager to ensure the electric TT is as fun to drive as possible.
“It’s all about the emotions and [being] fun to drive, and at the same time reducing to what you want to focus on,” he said. “Do you want to experience something that is full of information? No. You want to enjoy the drive, and you want to have only the information that you need, whenever you need – and this is part of the things that we’re working heavily on.”
Bouqout added that Audi isn’t necessarily trying to mimic the handling characteristics of the TT or a modern mid-engined model, but rather has taken inspiration from it “and translated it into a BEV model.” Its technical boss also noted that the company “don’t want to give some gimmicks” to enhance the driving experience.
“It’s more about also the acceleration, the capabilities of driving, while also being very stable. It’s something that we can fine-tune, all the sportiness, but I would not say we copied anything.”
The Case for Electric Thrills
For skeptics who believe the absence of an engine diminishes engagement, Blume offered a direct challenge: take the car for a spin. “They have to drive it. You feel so close to the road, having the noise of the wheels, and it’s such fantastic driving. The direct steering we have, it offers such a lot of opportunities, and then there’s the agility.”
On the design side, Audi executives suggest the production car will remain remarkably faithful to the Concept C with around 90 percent of the show car’s styling expected to carry over. If the schedule holds, the new model should arrive by 2027, completing one of the fastest development cycles in Audi’s history.
Toyota invests €680 million to expand Kolin factory with new EV facilities.
Expansion adds a fresh production line, welding shop, and a paint facility.
This will be the first battery-electric vehicle the brand builds in Europe.
Toyota is making a major push in Europe with a substantial investment in its Czech Republic factory, which will soon produce the company’s first battery-electric vehicle built on the continent. While Toyota has shared figures on the scale of the expansion and the money involved, it has yet to reveal anything about the EV itself.
Here’s what we do know. Toyota will invest €680 million (equal to $792 million at current exchange rates) at its factory in Kolin, expanding it from 152,000 to 173,000 square meters. Not only will this expansion include a new production line for the EV, but it also new paint and welding shops. Of the €680 million being invested, up to €64 million ($74.5 million) will be provided by the Czech Government.
Currently, the Czech factory produces the Yaris Hybrid and Aygo X and has an annual capacity of roughly 220,000 vehicles. While it’s certainly possible the EV in question could be based on the same TNGA-B architecture as the Yaris, Toyota has previously indicated that now is not the right moment to launch such a small EV, hence why it is currently focused on the C, D, and E segments.
Government Backing
The scale of the project drew praise from Czech Prime Minister Petr Fiala, who highlighted both the economic and strategic importance of the investment. “I am very glad that the Czech Republic managed to secure such a significant foreign investor as Toyota, even though other countries were also interested in this investment into electric car production,” he said.
Fiala also noted that the funding not only expands Kolín’s production capacity but also strengthens the country’s technological base, which is vital given that the automotive industry contributes about 10 percent of the nation’s GDP.
A First For Europe
Whatever shape the upcoming model takes, it will mark a milestone for Toyota as the first battery-electric vehicle it has ever produced at a European facility. For the automaker, it’s both a regional commitment and a step toward balancing its global EV strategy with Europe’s accelerating shift away from combustion engines.
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The new Cayenne EV will support inductive charging at speeds of up to 11 kW.
Drivers align over the pad and the suspension automatically lowers for charging.
The option will debut in Europe next year before landing in other markets.
Is plugging in your EV at home a little too difficult? Well, Porsche thinks it has the answer for you, announcing that the forthcoming all-electric Cayenne will debut with an optional inductive charging floor plate, meaning you’ll never have to deal with annoying charging cables ever again. That is, until you have to use a public charger, of course.
Porsche is not the only carmaker to have invested in wireless charging for its EVs, as Tesla’s upcoming Cybercab will also support inductive charging, and even the hybrid McLaren Speedtail included a compact charging pad several years ago. In the case of the electric Cayenne, it will support a receiver unit located between the front wheels, capable of supporting charging speeds of 11 kW.
How It Works
The floor plate contains all the necessary components to initiate charging over the air, although it does need to be plugged in with a cable. Charging will be as easy as driving the Cayenne EV above this plate and when the SUV is in position, the air suspension will automatically lower, reducing the distance between the two charging units to between four and six inches. Helping to guide drivers into the correct position will be the Cayenne’s Surround View parking function.
All energy transferred through the pad is monitored in the My Porsche app, giving owners an easy way to keep track of charging sessions.
Porsche has not said how quickly it will take to charge the electric Cayenne using the wireless charging pad, but 11 kW is the norm for standard household charging units, so it should be more than quick enough for a good overnight charge.
There’s also no word on how much the inductive charging will cost. What we do know is that it will launch in Europe next year before expanding to other regions, including North America.
About That Paint…
The carmaker will showcase the new system at next week’s IAA Mobility Show in Munich, Germany, alongside a camouflaged prototype of the electric Cayenne. The prototype features a striking fluorescent paint made up of five different tones, which glows with bright shades of light when exposed to alternating voltage.
Horse has introduced a new ultra-compact, range-extended powertrain.
It features a 1.5-liter engine, generator, inverter, and cooling package.
Available in naturally aspirated and turbo’d versions offering up to 161 hp.
Automakers who were singing the praises of electric vehicles have suddenly changed their tune and started belting out Ice Ice Baby. They’re now getting a little help from Horse, which has unveiled a new powertrain that makes it easy to convert fully electric vehicles into range-extended EVs.
Set to debut at the Munich Motor Show, the Horse C15 is billed as an ultra-compact range extender that is “no larger than a briefcase.” In fact, in naturally aspirated guise, it measures 19.7 inches (500 mm) long, 21.7 inches (550 mm) wide, and 10.8 inches (275 mm) deep.
While that’s massive for a briefcase, it’s surprisingly compact for a powertrain that consists of a 1.5-liter four-cylinder engine, a generator, inverter, and cooling package. It can be installed horizontally or vertically, and its small size means it could potentially fit into the ‘frunk’ of EVs.
This is where the genius of the idea lives as the C15 could be used to turn battery electric vehicles into range-extenders. This can be done with “minimal modification” and low costs, potentially saving automakers from an embarrassing EV-only mistake.
Horse says the C15 was designed to meet Euro 7 regulations and produces up to 94 hp (70 kW / 95 PS) in naturally aspirated form, which is designed for B- and C-segment vehicles. For larger models, there’s a turbocharged engine offering up to 161 hp (120 kW / 163 PS).The company also said the engine is capable of running on gasoline, ethanol and methanol flex fuels as well as synthetic fuels.
Horse Powertrain CEO Matias Giannini said, “Range extended EVs are the fastest-growing powertrain category in many global markets. The Horse C15 range-extender solution offers OEMs a straightforward and cost-effective way to tap into this opportunity, and adapt their native BEV platforms into REEVs.”
Performance and equipment specs for the Polestar 5 appear to have leaked online.
Two Launch Editions are expected, including one with up to 872 horsepower.
The upcoming model could cost roughly the same as the entry-level Porsche Taycan.
We haven’t heard much about the Polestar 5 lately, but it appears detailed specifications have leaked ahead of the car’s launch later this year. On top of that, it sounds like we can expect two Launch Editions.
While everything should be taken with a grain of salt, the Polestar 5 Long Range Dual-Motor Launch Edition will apparently start under £90,000 ($120,995) in the United Kingdom. It will reportedly come nicely equipped with adaptive pixel LED headlights, frameless windows, and rain-sensing wipers. Customers can also expect digital side mirrors, soft-close doors, and 20-inch wheels.
Once inside, drivers will reportedly find a 9-inch digital instrument cluster, a 14.5-inch infotainment system, and a 9.3-inch heads up display. They’ll be joined by heated front seats wrapped in bio-attributed MicroTech upholstery. The luxury car is also slated to have a four-zone climate control system, a 15 watt wireless smartphone charger, aluminum or black ash wood trim, and a trunk that holds 12.9 cubic feet (365 liters) of luggage.
If the standard model isn’t fancy enough, there will be a handful of options. These are said to include Nappa leather, a microsuede headliner, and a Bowers & Wilkins premium audio system.
A 112 kWh battery pack will reportedly feed a dual-motor all-wheel drive system producing 738 hp (550 kW / 748 PS) and 599 lb-ft (812 Nm) of torque. This setup could enable the model to accelerate from 0-62 mph (0-100 km/h) in 3.9 seconds, before hitting a top speed of 155 mph (250 km/h). Customers can also expect a 350 kW DC fast charging capability as well as a WLTP combined range of 416 miles (669 km).
Baldauf
If that’s too slow, a £104,835 ($140,938) Performance Launch Edition could up the ante with an upgraded dual-motor all-wheel drive system producing 872 hp (650 kW / 884 PS) and 749 lb-ft (1,015 Nm) of torque. If the latter figure is correct, it would be a significant improvement over Polestar’s original estimate of 664 lb-ft (900 Nm).
Thanks to the extra oomph, the dash from 0-62 mph (0-100 km/h) could fall to 3.2 seconds. Unfortunately, the range could also drop to 351 miles (565 km).
Besides being faster and more powerful, the Performance variant is slated to have a sport-tuned suspension with semi-active dampers. They could be joined by larger 21-inch wheels as well as additional equipment including the aforementioned microsuede headliner and Bowers & Wilkins premium audio system.
A trooper cited a Dodge Charger EV driver for a ‘loud exhaust’ it doesn’t have.
The owner insists another car made the noise while he waited at a red light.
Months later, the ticket still isn’t filed in court, leaving the case unresolved.
Driving a Dodge Charger EV brings with it a kind of freedom that feels both practical and kind of futuristic. No more waiting at gas stations, no scheduling oil changes, and certainly no crawling under the car to deal with exhaust leaks. What it doesn’t free you from, apparently, is the risk of being ticketed for having a “loud exhaust.”
That’s exactly what one owner just experienced despite the fact that the Charger Daytona doesn’t have an actual exhaust system at all.
What it does have is Dodge’s so-called Fratzonic exhaust system, which is marketing speak for speakers that emulate the sound and vibration of a gas-powered exhaust system. As fake exhaust noises go, it’s better than some. That said, the driver in this story was and is shocked that he could end up in this situation.
The driver in question is Mike from Distressed Media, and he recorded a recent interaction with a Minnesota State Trooper. In it, the officer tells Mike that he’s getting a ticket for having a “loud exhaust” and for “disturbing the peace.”
The Stop in Stillwater
Mike toldThe Drive that he was cruising through Stillwater, a city with a strict noise ordinance, when things went sideways. He was at a stoplight “about eight cars deep” when the lead car launched loudly. That’s when a state trooper across the intersection flipped around and pulled Mike over.
“The trooper stepped up and immediately told me my car’s exhaust was way too loud and was disturbing the peace,” Mike recalled. “I tried telling him it’s an EV and doesn’t have an exhaust or an engine, and he said he’s not gonna argue with me.” The trooper also ticketed him for not having a front license plate.
Things only get weirder from there, though.
Mike says the ticket is evidently not even in the system, several months after the stop. “I have called the courthouse every week for the last 10 weeks trying to schedule the court date/appearance, and still nothing,” he said.
Maybe the court recognizes how absurd it is to fine someone for the sound of an exhaust that doesn’t exist. Or maybe Mike hasn’t heard the last of it, and we’ll eventually see how the system tries to hold him accountable for a noise his car can only pretend to make.
Hyundai EV sales climbed 72% last month as the tax credit rush continues.
Ioniq 5 sales soared 61%, while the Ioniq 6 was up 30% to 1,047 units.
The new Palisade appears to be a hit as sales jumped 39% to 15,560 units.
This week, GM reported record EV sales for the month of August as consumers rushed to take advantage of the clean vehicle tax credit that expires on September 30. That trend was also seen elsewhere as Hyundai reported a 72% year-over-year increase in EV sales.
The Ioniq 5 was the big winner as sales jumped 61% to 7,773 units. Even the slow-selling Ioniq 6 got a shot in the arm as sales increased 30% to 1,047 units. Lastly, there’s the Ioniq 9, which found 1,016 takers.
Putting EVs aside, Hyundai Motor America set an all-time August sales record of 88,523 units. That was a 12% increase from a year ago and the company said the Elantra N, Elantra Hybrid, Santa Fe Hybrid, Santa Fe family, Palisade, and Ioniq 5 all achieved record August sales.
The redesigned Palisade was the big standout as sales jump 39% compared to a year ago. The three-row crossover starts at $38,935 and features a boxy new design as well as a classier cabin. Mainstream variants have a 3.5-liter V6 engine that produces 287 hp (214 kW / 291 PS) and 260 lb-ft (352 Nm) of torque.
Customers can also opt for a new hybrid, which begins at $43,660. It features an eco-friendly powertrain that consists of a turbocharged 2.5-liter four-cylinder engine, a 1.65 kWh lithium-ion battery pack, a six-speed automatic transmission, and two electric motors. This gives the crossover a combined output of 329 hp (245 kW / 334 PS) and a fuel economy rating of up to 34 mpg.
Hyundai Motor North America CEO Randy Parker said, “This momentum keeps us firmly on track for our best year ever. We’re especially proud of the record-breaking results from key models like the Elantra HEV, Palisade, and Ioniq 5, which continue to resonate strongly with customers.” Of course, sales of Ioniq models will likely collapse following the elimination of the tax credit, so things aren’t as rosy as they seem.
The second quarter was particularly bad for the ID.4 in the US as sales fell 65 percent.
VW is cutting production and furloughing 160 workers at its plant starting late October.
Employees will receive 80 percent of their base compensation and retain full benefits.
The ID.4 was supposed to be VW’s answer to the Tesla Model Y, the world’s best-selling electric vehicle. However, Volkswagen of America has revealed it will reduce production of the all-electric SUV at its Chattanooga plant, indicating that it is simply not selling locally in the numbers the German brand had hoped.
A total of 160 employees will be furloughed at the plant starting in late October. If there’s a glimmer of good news for employees impacted, it’s that VW will supplement unemployment from the state of Tennessee, so workers will be paid 80 percent of their base compensation and continue to receive full benefits.
Production Scaled Down
Speaking with Auto News, a VW spokesperson said that moving forward, fewer ID.4s will be assembled during each production shift.
“This adjustment in no way changes our commitment to the ID4, our growing EV portfolio, or our commitment to our Chattanooga team,” they said. “This is a market-driven decision, based on aligning our production volume to market demand.”
While production of the ID.4 will be reduced, the Atlas and Atlas Cross Sport will still be built at their current in Chattanooga.
Sales Numbers Tell the Story
A quick look at the sales numbers reveals why the production changes are being made. Through the second quarter of this year, US sales of the ID.4 dropped 65 percent. For the first six months of 2025, they are down 19 percent. Clearly, it doesn’t make sense for VW to continue building as many units as it used to if there’s insufficient demand.
It must be noted that it’s not just 2025 that has proven to be a tough one for the electric SUV. The previous year, VW only managed to shift about 17,000 units in the US, a significant fall from the roughly 38,000 that were sold in 2023.
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