The Ford Mustang has a long history of offering California special editions and we can add one more to that list. The latest is based on the electric 2026 Mustang Mach-E GT and will go up for order on October 22.

Sporting a subtle makeover, the California Special is distinguished by an illuminated Rave Blue pony emblem as well as special 20-inch wheels with a carbonized gray and black finish.

They’re joined by special badging as well as a hood graphic inspired by the California coastline. The latter is dark and dull, but Ford exterior designer Stefan Taylor said it has “radiating sunset lines in layered gray, black, and a blue accent representing the ocean.”

Review: Ford’s Electric Pony Car Gets Better With Age

The upgrades extend to the cabin, which has performance seats wrapped in Navy Pier ActiveX upholstery as well as a Miko material. The navy color can also be found on the steering wheel and center console, with the latter sporting “GT/CS” badging.

Elsewhere, there are special floor mats with blue and silver stitching that matches the design found on the seats.

Since the special edition is based on the Mustang Mach-E GT, it features a 91 kWh battery pack as well as a dual motor all-wheel drive system producing 480 hp (358 kW / 487 PS) and 600 lb-ft (813 Nm) of torque.

This setup enables the model to accelerate from 0-60 mph (0-96 km/h) in 3.8 seconds and travel up to 280 miles (451 km) on a single charge.

While the upgrades are minor, the price tag isn’t as the California Special package costs $2,495. That means customers will need to shell out at least $55,890 before factoring in the destination fee.

Electric cars have a lot of negative myths that swirl around about them but they often carry a kernel of truth. While there are potential risks around charging, it’s rare that they pop up in reality.

More: There Are More Public Charging Stations Than Ever, But That’s Still Not Enough, Study Finds

Yet, every so often, one of those outliers surfaces, and in this case, it happened in Canada, where a charging adapter was destroyed by a short circuit, and it was all caught on camera.

A Tesla driver was trying to charge his car at a non-Tesla commercial charging station in British Columbia. To do so, he used an A2Z adapter that allows the charging station to plug into the car.

What Actually Happened?

When he plugged the charger with the adapter connected to it into the Tesla, there was an arc flash explosion. Thankfully, the man was a few feet away from the connection when the explosion happened.

While he experienced minor scrapes and abrasions, the man escaped serious injury. His spouse, sitting in the front passenger seat, was unharmed. An investigation into the incident found that the charging adapter and the charger itself had issues that led to the explosion.

More: Chinese EV’s Fire Fix Shoots Battery Into Traffic And Makes It Their Problem

The adapter wasn’t certified for use in Canada because the standards hadn’t been created yet when the unit went on sale. In addition, the charger itself sent “abnormal voltage,” into the adapter. When that happened, the arc explosion took place and blew the adapter into multiple pieces.

Lessons From a Flash

Bob Porter, of the Vancouver Electric Vehicle Association told the Vancouver Sun that “There are risks with third-party things if they aren’t approved. They haven’t been tested for safety. You don’t jerk around with electricity.”

The Tesla owner mentioned that he’d used the same setup for two years without issue, which makes the event a reminder that even supposedly reliable gear can fail suddenly if it hasn’t been certified or tested under the right standards.

This clearly isn’t a major issue across the industry, but it’s a good reminder that when things go wrong, they can go seriously wrong in the blink of an eye.

Photos Technical Safety BC

Dodge was confident that the all-electric Charger Daytona would spark a new era for muscle cars, but the reality has been far less electrifying. Reality, however, has been less kind. Reception has been lukewarm at best, and increasingly troubled as early issues begin to surface.

Not only has Dodge already dropped the base R/T models, but a growing number of drivers are now voicing concerns about serious faults with the car.

Read: Charger Daytona Owner Says His New Car Is ‘Practically Useless’ After Endless Problems

One owner describes the new Charger Daytona as a car that “drives and performs phenomenally,” but only when it works. And, it seems it doesn’t work as it should much of the time. Among the most troubling issues is inconsistent charging performance.

What’s Wrong With Charging?

Writing on Reddit, the driver explains that they’ve never managed to charge the vehicle reliably at public stations. Sessions frequently stall, forcing them to unplug and reconnect every 5 to 10 percent, which is understandably maddening.

At one charging station, he said he had to trick the app into thinking his Charger was a Cadillac Lyriq just to get the session started. He also mentioned that the home charger included with the purchase has yet to arrive.

There’s also an issue with the rear seat, as we’ve reported previously. When you pull forward the front seat to allow a rear-seat passenger to get out, the front seat will slowly slide forward before automatically sliding backward, potentially pinching someone trying to climb out from the rear.

Terrifying Brakes

The “last straw” was a fault they experienced with the brakes. While stopped outside a store, the brake pedal was pressed firmly to the floor, yet the car attempted to surge forward several times

Moments later, the dashboard lit up with multiple warning lights, traction control switched off on its own, and the Daytona eventually shut down completely. It stayed that way for several minutes before it would restart.

More: Only A Dodge Charger EV Could Get Ticketed For A Loud Exhaust

Stellantis hasn’t been much help, according to the poster. The company denied a buy-back request but did agree to cover a rental while the Charger is being repaired. Unfortunately, the allowance is capped at $60 a day, while the least expensive rental available costs $80.

“I’m at a loss with options, and I just want to warn anyone considering purchasing or leasing this vehicle,” they added. “I unfortunately went the purchase route since I drive so many miles a year.”

Given the extent of these problems, his best option may now be to pursue legal help under lemon laws to force a buy-back.

BUYER BEWARE: Dodge Charger Daytona – Numerous Issues – Lack of Support.
byu/hobobumpkins inDodge

The big selling point for Slate Auto’s electric pickup truck was always going to be its price, promising to start at under $20,000 in the United States. However, the removal of the federal EV tax credit has forced Slate to jack up the truck’s estimated starting price, and it may also be shockingly expensive to lease, considering how few features you get.

While the company has yet to confirm a final price for the model, Cars Direct speculates that it could cost upwards of $500 per month. The outlet has come to this conclusion by estimating a $27,500 price tag, which, over a typical 36-month lease with no money down, could work out to be $468.

Read: Slate’s Affordable Electric Truck Just Got A Whole Lot More Expensive

Add in the first month’s payment and an estimated acquisition fee of $700, and this will effectively jump to near $500 per month, before taxes and fees. Had the EV tax credit still been around, the equivalent price would drop to $341 a month, a hefty difference of $127.

However, it’s worth noting that actual lease prices for the truck may be different. The publication based its estimate on a money factor of 0.00292 or 7 percent APR and assumes a residual value of 55 percent.

This or a Ford Maverick?

If Slate Auto wants the back-to-basics EV to be successful, it’ll have to convince many shoppers to buy it instead of a Ford Maverick. It’s currently possible to lease a 2025 Maverick XLT AWD with the EcoBoost engine for as little as $289 per month over 36 months with $3,709 due at signing.

Admittedly, leasing a hybrid version of the Maverick is more expensive. Depending on location, the hybrid Mavericks generally start at around the $430 per month mark, and that usually doesn’t account for a hefty $3,000+ payment due at signing, bringing effective monthly payments to over $500.

Sources: CarsDirect

You’d expect Germany’s own automakers to dominate the German Car of the Year (GCOTY) awards and not necessarily because the judges are partisan. BMW, VW and Mercedes cars work well on German roads because they’re developed both for them and on them.

It’s a home-field advantage that usually shows. Yet like a WWII GI cutting in on a beaten German soldier’s dance to steal his girl, two American cars have just walked away with major wins in the 2026 competition.

Related: Cadillac Confirms New Gas-Powered Sedan

The awards, which group contenders into five categories, including Budget, Compact, Premium, Luxury and Performance, are voted on by a panel of 40 German and international motor journalists. While the overall winner won’t be revealed until November 17, we already know the victors in each category.

American Upset

The Lucid Air Sapphire, America’s electric interpretation of a luxurious hyper-sedan, took home the crown in the Performance segment. That’s hardly a shock once you’ve looked at its numbers.

With 1,234 hp (1,251 PS / 920 kW) and an ability to break 2 seconds to 60 mph (97 kmh; with rollout) the Sapphire is like a four-seat physics experiment. One that makes German heavy-hitters like the BMW M5 and Porsche Taycan Turbo GT look slow.

Meanwhile, over in the Luxury category, Cadillac’s 615 hp (624 PS / 459 kW) Vistiq took top honors. Cadillac only recently returned to Europe, but the sleek Vistiq is proof that Cadillac’s EV push isn’t just resonating in the States.

And this isn’t the first time GCOTY judges have had their heads turned by a Caddy. This year’s Luxury win follows last year’s success for the Cadillac Lyriq, which won the same class, but was beaten to the overall GCOTY title by the BMW 5-series and i5. Maybe the Vistiq can do better.

To take outright gold, Cadillac’s three-row EV will have to beat not only the Air, but three strong European and Asian entries. Dacia’s Bigster is the 2026 GCOTY Budget Car of the Year, the electric Skoda Elroq scooped the Compact award and Hyundai’s Ioniq 9 was named best Premium car.

Changing Currents

In case you hadn’t noticed, that means four out of the five class winners are EVs, and it’s that shift to electric power that has helped American cars up their relevance game in Europe.

Perhaps most telling of all, not a single German brand made the winners’ list this year, with the nearest contender being Skoda, a Czech marque under the VW Group umbrella.

The long-awaited 2027 Chevrolet Bolt arrived earlier this month, carrying a host of mechanical upgrades while retaining a shape that feels immediately recognizable.

Only time ans sales will tell if this new model proves to be a success, but GM is eager to follow it up with several other affordable EVs. Evidently, it has the confidence that demand for cheap electric cars will rise.

What’s Coming Next?

While recently speaking about the company’s future plans, GM president Mark Reuss said a family of new EVs is on the cards, but he kept many important details close to his chest.

Read: New Chevy Bolt Is Back But Costs Thousands More Than The Leaf

“What comes after this, whether it’s called a Bolt or not, will be a family of things that is low-priced,” Reuss told InsideEVs. “And when I say family, they won’t be adopted. They’ll be in the same vein of size and price.”

What this likely means is that some of these models will probably be Bolt-based, while others will be distinct models, likely similar in size and price to the Bolt. According to Reuss, some of these models will slot into “white spaces” across the industry.

“I also think there’s some white spaces in size, class, of forms—not only the Bolt that we just introduced but also some different things, for different people’s styled tastes,” he noted.

Bolt Tech

The new Bolt is underpinned by a 65 kWh lithium-ion phosphate battery pack, offering up 255 miles (410 km) of driving range in standard guise.

The new battery also supports 150 kW DC fast charging, a big increase from the 50 kW of the old model. Future affordable EVs from GM could be offered with the same battery.

Reuss noted that their new EVs will use different cell technology from old models, potentially indicating the wider adoption of LFP batteries like the Bolt.

GM is also known to be developing lithium manganese-rich batteries that are expected to launch in 2028. These new batteries promise improved range and higher energy density than LFP cells.

The federal gravy train for EV buyers has reached the end of the line. As of September 30, 2025, Uncle Sam officially stopped footing the bill for your next electric car, causing concern among automakers about plummeting demand.

However, that doesn’t necessarily mean there’s no help available. Depending on where you live, your state might still have you covered with its own tax credits scheme.

Who’s Still Paying Up?

But some states are downright stingy with their cash, meaning there’s no one-size-fits-all discount like the old $7,500 federal aid. According to new data from the Tax Foundation, the state-level landscape is a messy patchwork of perks, penalties, and paperwork.

While some states are still rolling out the red carpet for EVs, others are quietly slapping owners with new registration fees to make up for lost gas-tax revenue, highlighting how different attitudes are to green policies across the country.

More: Ford And GM Drop EV Tax Credit Loophole After Being Accused Of Bilking Taxpayers

A few states remain firmly on the side of the buyer, including Colorado, which from this November will provide rebates of up to $9,000 to low and middle-income families trading in an old gas car for a new electric vehicle, and as much as $6,000 on a used one.

Oregon and Maine both offer $7,500 of credits, Oklahoma gives up to $5,500, and Connecticut and Vermont will cut the price of your EV by $5,000. Illinois, Kansas and New Jersey make $4,000 available and various other states will throw in between $1,500 and $3,500 to encourage you to go electric.

Where EVs Cost You More

Then there are the less friendly states. Georgia has no EV incentives at all and charges drivers $235 per year just to register their electric vehicle. Indiana is arguably even worse: it also has no EV incentives, charges $230 to register one, and $77 to register a hybrid.

Perhaps surprisingly, given its history of leading on green matters, California no longer offers state help for EV buyers. Governor Gavin Newsom recently claimed it wasn’t economically viable to offer aid right now, though his office has since suggested a scheme might be introduced next year.

Some states don’t simply rely on EV registration fees to help offset lost gas revenue, but also add tax to the cost of charging at public charging stations. Those states include Georgia, Iowa, Kentucky and Oklahoma, the Tax Foundation reports, while also noting the flaw in their plan: drivers who charge at home escape the duty.

The takeaway here is that the government taking federal tax credits off the table doesn’t necessarily mean you can no longer afford that EV. You just need to check out where your state stands on the issue.

EV Tax Credits By State (Tax Foundation)

Tax Foundation

We’ve simplified this table from the Tax Foundation. To check out the original, which contains notes about which states offer other help, like an exemption from sales tax or the option of choosing to be taxed on miles driven instead of paying registration tax, click here.

Does MG have a runaway car problem? With heightened scrutiny on the safety of Chinese-made EVs, there seems to be a worrying trend of reported issues seemingly going unresolved. Be it in China or in Europe, reports continue to stack up.

For one MG5 owner in the UK, that concern turned into something more immediate. After what appeared to be a charging fault, their electric estate reportedly behaved as if it had a mind of its own, a story that uncomfortably echoes a 2023 case involving an MG ZS EV that also lost control.

Runaway 5

Writing to The Guardian, the MG5 owner recounted how their electric estate reportedly went “out of control” after charging at a motorway service station. According to the owner, the car wouldn’t respond to any input, forcing them to call the AA roadside assistance service for help.

Read: These Two Cars Managed To Earn A Shocking Zero-Star Safety Rating

When the AA patrolman tried to back the car up the car, it reportedly “surged forward” when reverse was selected. The car subsequently collided with the AA van, yet continued to spin its wheels. The roadside assistance operative was eventually able to shut the MG5 down from outside the car, and unsurprisingly deemed the car unsafe to drive.

Despite this, and a £2,500 repair bill (which was footed by the AA), the report states that MG then investigated the problem, charging the owner of the car an additional £500, and closed the case.

It took further intervention from The Guardian for the company to carry out a more detailed 25-mile test drive, but again concluded that “no malfunctions with any of the relevant in-vehicle equipment” were found, attributing the issue to an unspecified external error.

However, to MG’s credit, they reportedly didn’t charge for the second test and retracted the previous bill.

Same Same, But Different

A second incident back in 2023, reported by the BBC, saw a Glasgow driver’s MG ZS EV lose all braking function while traveling at 30 mph. Brian Morrison, 53, was forced to call 999 when his car became stuck at speed. Police officers carried out a “controlled halt,” instructing Morrison to drive into the back of a police van to stop the runaway vehicle.

More: EU Regulators Say Drivers Are Dying Inside Cars With Electric Door Handles

When the RAC later inspected the car, the technician reportedly found “pages of faults” in the diagnostic log and refused to restart it.

While both drivers escaped unharmed, the incidents have left owners unsettled, especially given the growing reliance on complex electronic systems in modern EVs.

With MG’s UK sales having surged in recent years, maybe these cases underscore the urgent need for transparency and swift investigation when software or control faults are suspected in electric vehicles. Or perhaps they require swifter intervention or investigation from the authorities as well.

The latest Leaf has arrived, and Nissan wants drivers to see it as something more than another electric hatchback. It represents years of accumulated know-how from across the brand’s lineup, from mainstream cars to the Z sports car’s precision DNA.

Now, Christian Spencer, Nissan’s senior manager of Marketability and a long-time engineer, explains to Carscoops how the new Leaf embodies what it means to drive a Nissan.

A Familiar Feel or Something New?

Spencer has worked across nearly every segment, including trucks, sedans, SUVs, and sports cars. In his view, making a car drive like a Nissan isn’t about one singular type of experience but rather an attitude that begins at the design phase.

Review: Nissan’s $29,990 Leaf Costs Less But Feels Like So Much More

“We have people who stick around this company for a very long time, and they really like it because it’s a hands-on company,” he said. “That doesn’t mean you make a Z drive like a LEAF, or a LEAF drive like a Pathfinder, but you carry the passion through and make sure the customer experience is right.”

Engineers applied Z-inspired strategies like steering precision and controllability to the Leaf, adapting them to an EV platform without overcomplicating the car.

“You can still enjoy driving the car even though it’s not a high-performance sports car,” Spencer said. “We want it to be enthusiastic, fun, and intuitive for the customer.”

Comfort and Quality Above the Segment

The 2026 LEAF’s rear multilink suspension comes from the larger Ariya, reducing impact stiffness by nearly 30%. Redesigned motor mounts soak up vibration, the floor is 80% stiffer, and the doors are better insulated, giving the EV a quieter, more refined ride.

More: Nissan Says We Made A Mistake With New Leaf’s Taillights

“It really was more luxurious with more refinement than [other options] at the price point it was,” Spencer said. This pursuit of comfort is intentional. The team focused on creating an accessible EV that feels high-quality without overcomplicating features.

“We wanted it to be simple, efficient, and around $30,000, with 300 miles of range,” he explained. “That was how we kept the costs down while still giving the customer a premium-feeling product.”

On top of that, the LEAF integrates both NACS and J1772 charge ports. In other words, owners can use both Tesla Superchargers and traditional home units. Spencer emphasized the importance of prioritizing what the customer actually needs over copying competitors.

“If we were going to bet on how you’re going to charge the car, our solution is probably going to be the best for you today as the customer.”

Now, the question is whether or not these big changes will lead to big sales. What’s unquestionable is that Nissan has taken a bold new tack in the design of this Leaf.

Despite delays and setbacks, Porsche’s next-generation 718 Cayman is creeping closer to reality. So close, in fact, that in these latest spy shots you could almost reach out and touch it. Our photo team got up close to the first-ever electric Cayman outside the Nürburgring, capturing key design details for the first time.

Previous prototypes always hid the shape of the rear-quarter window line with false bodywork and heavy vinyl, but now we can finally see how the real thing will look. The test car still wears fake chrome trim to disguise the outline, as if trying to fool us into thinking we’re looking at a 911.

Even so, it’s clear that the next-generation 718 will have a much more pronounced kick-up in the window line behind the door than its bigger brother does.

Related: Porsche Is Sneaking Gas Power Back Into The Next 718

The kick isn’t as extreme as the one on the current Cayman, though. Looking back at the 2021 Mission R electric racecar concept that gave us our first taste of how a next generation Cayman could look, you can see the exact same line, along with headlights that appear very similar to the trick LED Matrix units fitted to this prototype.

Active Aero

The front and rear bumpers remain covered, but enough is visible to confirm some version of the vertical aero slats seen on the new 911 GTS and Turbo models. That detail, along with a set of optional carbon-ceramic brakes, shows Porsche isn’t letting the switch to electric dull its performance focus.

Expect the active aero elements and clever airflow management to play a major role in both battery cooling and aerodynamic efficiency.

Underneath, the Cayman EV rides on a dedicated electric architecture with the batteries mounted vertically behind the driver.

Power figures remain secret, but Porsche insiders have hinted at dual-motor all-wheel drive setups and sub-4-second 0-62 mph times for the higher trims. Base cars will get a single motor and rear-wheel drive.

Baldauf

An ICE Comeback

For anyone mourning the end of the flat-six era, there’s a glimmer of hope. Porsche recently confirmed that, due to strong customer demand, combustion-powered versions of this next-generation 718 are also in development.

The petrol models will sit at the very top of the range, likely limited-production specials aimed at purists who still crave a manual gearbox and exhaust noise.

They’re some years away though, meaning all eyes will be on the electric Cayman and its convertible Boxster sibling when they debut next year.

If Porsche knew five years ago what it knows now about the health of the electric market, it probably wouldn’t have gone all-in on electric power for the 718s, and it’s true some Porsche fans will be turned off by the idea of them being EVs.

However, having sampled the electric Taycan sports sedan, we’re in no doubt that it’ll still be great to drive. We’ll find out for sure in 2026.

Baldauf

When the GMC Hummer EV came out, it broke the internet. Fans were eager for its return, huge celebrities endorsed it, and the first units went for hundreds of thousands of dollars. Dealers asked for double MSRP, but times have since changed. Like a lot.

Now, even with discounts that reach $40,000 or even more in some cases, GM is finding it difficult to move its mighty electric giant. To put that in perspective, the markdown alone exceeds the price of a brand-new BMW 228 Gran Coupe, which starts at $39,600 in the US!

Market Reality

That’s not to say that suddenly GMC‘s truck is a stellar deal. Expressway GMC in Mount Vernon, Indiana, demonstrates both sides of this coin beautifully. One 2024 Hummer EV SUV 3X Omega Edition has a list price of $99,780, including a $42,550 rebate.

Read: Depreciation Crushed This Tesla So Hard After Just 18 Months, It’s Almost Laughable

According to GM Authority, Jerry’s Buick GMC in Weatherford, Texas, isn’t far behind with a discount of $40,648 off another Omega Edition. As a reminder, the Omega Edition is basically a fully-loaded Hummer EV with every bell and whistle, along with unique matte Neptune Blue paint.

Apparently, the rich features haven’t been enough to justify the price, and buyers have withered up.

Oversupply Blues

GMC provides an online tool to search for units nationwide, and there are 130 Omega Editions sitting around waiting for buyers. In addition, another 155 Hummer EVs are also gathering dust on dealer lots.

Oh, and those are just the 2024 model year units that have basically been around since late 2023. In addition, there are over 2,300 units from the 2025 model year and another 1,816 already on lots as 2026 units.

Also: This Hummer EV Lost $45K Without Ever Touching a Driveway

In other words, if you’re in the market for a GMC Hummer EV, you’re spoiled for choice with over 4,400 of them sitting around. To help dealers move these units, GM is using a program called Dealer Rent A Car (DRAC).

In essence, dealers temporarily use Hummer EV units as loaners, and after they accumulate a few thousand miles, the dealers sell them at steep discounts.

The moral of the story? For anyone who didn’t cave to early markups, patience has officially paid off… for some, to the tune of six figures.

BMW officially entered its Neue Klasse era after unveiling the 2026 iX3 at last month’s Munich Motor Show. Not only does it usher in a new period for the broader BMW model range, it also has the ingredients to be competitive on the world stage.

And based on early responses, consumers appear to be excited about the new-age model.

Read: BMW Is Cranking Out Cars “Like Pretzels” And Says Even China Can’t Keep Up

Less than two months after the Munich unveiling, BMW Group head Christian Ach shared that interest in the iX3 has surpassed even their most optimistic forecasts. “We have received over 3,000 orders for the iX3 in the first six weeks after its launch at the IAA in Munich,” he told Automobilwoche, likely referring to demand within Germany alone.

One might argue that 3,000 orders sound modest compared with figures from China, but the context tells a different story. Germany recorded 2.8 million new passenger car sales last year, while China’s total exceeded 31 million.

The response appears all the more impressive given that BMW hasn’t begun offering test drives. In Germany, the 2026 iX3 will start at €68,900 ($80,600), with a lower-priced variant expected next year, starting closer to the €60,000 ($70,200) mark is expected next year.

Just one version of the iX3 will be available at launch. Known as the iX3 50 xDrive, it employs two electric motors to deliver a combined 463 hp and 476 lb-ft (645 Nm) of torque and can hit 60 mph (96 km/h) in a rapid 4.7 seconds.

Of equal, if not more, importance is the driving range: 400 miles (644 km) as per the EPA, thanks to the 108 kWh battery pack, which can charge from 10-80 percent in just 21 minutes.

While speaking with Automobilwoche, Ach added that the company’s planned production rate for the iX3 through 2026 “will not be able to meet the high demand”.

The next model in BMW’s Neue Klasse lineup will be the i3. Despite the familiar badge, this version will arrive as a fully electric 3-Series rather than the compact, unconventional hatchback or MPV the name once denoted. It’s expected to share much of its powertrain technology with the iX3.

Sources: Automobilwoche

Tech-brand-turned-car-maker Dreame has serious form for stealing iconic Western designs. First, it released renders of a luxury sedan that’s the twin of Bugatti’s Chiron. Then it followed up with an SUV that makes no attempt to hide its designers’ admiration for the Rolls‑Royce Cullinan.

So when a new SUV starts appearing on social media, looking every bit like Bentley’s luxury model but isn’t, you’ll forgive us for suspecting the same gang is responsible.

More: Dreame’s Bugatti Rip-Off Debuts In 2027 With EV And Range Extender Options

After all, their CEO did say they were developing a second luxury brand following the one modeled after Bugatti, this time aiming to take on Bentley and Rolls-Royce with comparable models. And we’re not the only ones who think so, as all major Chinese outlets and plenty of commentators also suspect Dreame is behind it.

The images circulating on Chinese social media show an SUV with a tall, upright roofline, a deep chrome surround that mimics the Bentayga’s signature grille but with subtle tweaks, and side windows that match the proportions of a Bentley almost exactly.

The front end is slightly squarer and the roofline more boxy, and sure, there are no Bentley badges, but this is IP theft, plain and simple.

Before the Cullinan renders appeared, we’d already reported that Dreame had been benchmarking both Bentley and Rolls-Royce models in preparation for the launch of its car division. If the mystery SUV is truly Dreame’s, the timing makes sense.

The company is trying to jump into the luxury-EV realm by 2027 and plans to open a new production facility in Berlin, allegedly right next door to Tesla’s Gigafactory.

Electric with Range-Extender Options

The fake Cullinan is confirmed to have a 100 kWh battery, four electric motors, and an optional range-extender petrol engine. Rear passengers are treated to a pair of aircraft-style reclining chairs with up to 1.2 meters (47 inches) of legroom, something made possible by the long 3.2-meter (126 inches) wheelbase.

Some commenters on the posts where this mysterious SUV started circulating have suggested the pictures could be AI-generated. Considering how far the technology has come, now capable of producing everything from hyper-realistic cars to videos of SpongeBob being pulled over by police, it’s not hard to see why.

Related: Dreame’s Cullinan SUV Clone Might Be Rolls-Royce’s Worst Nightmare

However, after taking a closer look, we see no evidence of that and we’re inclined to believe these images are entirely real, even if we’re still waiting for confirmation of which company is responsible.

Is this a copycat step too far, or did the designers of this Bentley wannabe manage to create a better-looking Bentayga? Drop a comment below and let us know.

In politics, few things vanish faster than inconvenient promises. Policies that once seemed carved in stone tend to crumble the moment the weather changes. The US may have stepped back from its federal EV tax credits, but in the heart of Europe’s car industry, the story is moving in the opposite direction.

Two years after Germany scrapped its incentives for electric vehicles, a move that triggered a sharp drop in demand as we widely reported, the country is preparing to bring them back. The new purchase program will take effect in January 2026.

Renewed Push For Affordability

The new scheme will be introduced at a pivotal time for the European car industry as it struggles with US-imposed import tariffs and new competition from China.

German Chancellor Friedrich Merz revealed earlier this week that €3 billion ($3.5 billion) will be allocated for zero-emission vehicle purchase incentives through 2029, targeting low- and middle-income households.

Read: Germany’s EV Sales Crash 28% In First Full Year Without Subsidies

It’s understood that the program will offer incentives worth up to €4,000 ($4,600) on the purchase of a new EV that’s priced under €45,000 ($52,600). That is a big change from the previous scheme that had a higher price limit of €65,000 ($76,000).

Importantly, plug-in hybrid vehicles will not be included in the program, although used EVs will, for the first time, be eligible, too according to German media, as reported by Autonews.

Who Qualifies

While some finer details about the program are still being ironed out, an income cap of around €45,000 ($52,600) is expected. While speaking about the new incentives, Social Democratic Party secretary-general Tim Kluessendorf said that “everyone must be able to afford the [electric] transition.”

“What is important to me in designing the subsidy program is that it must benefit the German and European automotive industry in particular,” he added. “The Ministry of the Environment will ensure that this is the case. The future is electric, and we want it to be written in Germany.”

The remark suggests the incentives could be limited to vehicles produced by European manufacturers, though no official confirmation has been made. We’ll have to wait and see if this case, but the local car industry could do with all the help it can get at the moment.

Germany’s previous EV subsidy scheme paid out roughly €10 billion ($11.7 billion) to buyers between 2016 and 2023 before being shut down due to budget constraints.

Waymo’s self-driving vehicles have helped turn robotaxi services from tech demo to daily reality, but like any connected system, these days that same openness invites a bit of mischief, and the occasional abuse.

In San Francisco, a group of pranksters decided to see what would happen if they flooded the service with requests. The result, according to them, was the world’s first Waymo DDOS, short for distributed denial-of-service.

Read: Cops Pulled Over A Driverless Car For An Illegal U-Turn And Couldn’t Write A Ticket

The stunt came to light through an X post by self-confessed tech prankster Riley Walz, who only now shared details of what actually unfolded back in July. The idea was straightforward. Fifty participants gathered at San Francisco’s longest dead-end street and each ordered a Waymo ride at exactly the same time.

What Happens When You Summon 50 Robotaxis?

As you’d expect, a fleet of driverless cars dutifully arrived, clustering at the dead end and clogging traffic. Anyone nearby hoping for a legitimate pickup suddenly had no chance of finding an available Waymo.

According to Walz, no one from the group actually entered any of the vehicles. Each car lingered for roughly ten minutes before departing automatically, charging a $5 no-show fee.

“Waymo handled this well, I assume this isn’t much different than if a big concert had just ended,” said Walz. “Eventually, they disabled all rides within a 2-block vicinity until the morning.”

that was wild pic.twitter.com/dCF6ByDf50

— calvin.sh (@Calvin__Liang) October 13, 2025

How Waymo Handled the Flood

Speaking with Road & Track, a spokesperson from Waymo said the service is able to automatically detect and limit the number of rides to a specific area, meaning it was able to prevent additional vehicles from showing up at the dead-end street.

The company added that simultaneous requests from busy spots are not unusual and that the system is designed to adapt accordingly.

“Waymo provides hundreds of thousands of fully autonomous trips weekly across five and counting cities with over 2,000 vehicles,” the spokesperson said. “We are always refining our system to manage distribution at specific locations, ensuring we balance our service’s physical footprint with the need to deliver an excellent rider experience.”

Ambition has always been Mate Rimac’s calling card, and it seems his next move could redefine the balance of power in Europe’s hypercar world. The founder of Rimac and current head of the Bugatti Rimac group, Mate Rimac, has revealed that he wants to buy out Porsche’s stake in the joint venture.

If a deal like that were to go through, it would hand him full control over the company and the direction of both the Rimac and Bugatti brands, while potentially giving Porsche a welcome financial boost as it contends with declining sales.

Who Holds the Keys?

Rimac and Bugatti famously came together in 2021 through a complex tie-up where Porsche gave Mate Rimac control of Bugatti in return for a greater stake in the Rimac Group. As it stands, the Rimac Group owns 55 percent of Bugatti Rimac, with Porsche owning the remaining 45 percent.

Read: Rimac Might Buy Porsche Out And Take Over Bugatti

At the time of that original deal, Mate Rimac owned 37 percent of the Rimac Group, while Porsche held 24 percent, Hyundai 12 percent, and a mix of smaller investors made up the final 27 percent.

Mate Rimac has reportedly made a preliminary offer for Porsche’s 45 percent stake earlier this year, valuing the joint venture at over €1 billion or $1.1 billion. He now confirmed that he wants to take over the joint venture with the assistance of an unnamed international investor group and private equity funds.

The Next Move

“It’s no secret that we are in discussions,” he told Bloomberg. “I just want to be able to make long-term decisions, to make long-term investments, and to do things in a different way, without having to explain to 50 people. When you negotiate with a corporation, there are so many factors. It’s families, it’s multiple families. It’s an emotional topic.”

More: Porsche’s EV Plans Collapse, Flagship SUV To Launch With Gas Instead

Porsche had previously attempted to raise its share in the joint venture, but those plans ultimately fell through.

Now, with the German sports car maker facing a significant drop in sales this year, shelving projects such as the K1 SUV, and scaling back some of its electric vehicle ambitions, it may see this as the right moment to sell its stake in Bugatti Rimac.

It might look like something dreamt up by a designer with a fondness for sci-fi gadgets for teens, but Toyota’s FT-Me concept is more than a flight of fancy.

The pint-sized two-seater EV has taken a tangible step toward production, thanks to a £15 million ($20 million) grant from the UK government that could bring it to European and UK streets before long.

More: Toyota Teased A New Corolla Concept So Radical You’ll Struggle To Recognize It

The investment comes through the UK’s Drive35 program, managed by the non-profit Advanced Propulsion Centre. It will back a Toyota-led consortium including lightweight EV specialists ELM, solar-tech firm Savcor, and the University of Derby.

What’s the Plan?

At its core, the study aims to determine the feasibility of developing a battery electric vehicle designed for Europe’s L6e light quadricycle category, drawing direct inspiration from the FT-Me concept.

Research will take place at Toyota’s Burnaston facility in Derbyshire, while the University of Derby will handle performance testing. The Burnaston plant could even serve as the base for limited local production should the project move forward.

The research will cover the integrated solar roof that was developed by Savcor, enhanced digital connectivity, the extensive use of recycled and sustainable materials, plus the possibility of sharing components with ELM’s last-mile delivery vehicle that was introduced in 2024.

It is safe to assume that some of the concept’s features like the futuristic LEDs will be toned down, although its basic form could be carried over.

The FT-Me was introduced in concept form in March 2025, with clear intentions for production. The sub-2.5 m (98.4 inches) model could compete with quadricycles like the Citroen Ami, Fiat Topolino, Opel Rocks Electric, Renault Mobilize Duo, and Microlino, promising a 90% reduction in carbon footprint compared to urban EVs.

More: Dacia’s Tiny EV Declares War On Europe’s Overpriced Cars

Toyota estimates a range of 100 km (62 miles), that could be further extended by 20-30 km (12-19 miles) if enough sunlight hits the roof-mounted solar panels.

The L6e regulations require a maximum power output of 5 hp (4 kW) and a top speed of 45 km/h (28 mph). On the bright side, light quadricycles can be driven by 14 year-olds in certain European markets.

Dariusz Mikolajczak, Managing Director of Toyota Manufacturing UK, said:

“We are delighted to receive support from the Advanced Propulsion Centre for this important study. The funding allows us to advance our understanding around the feasibility of creating a cutting-edge battery electric vehicle that addresses the growing demand for sustainable urban mobility. The study acknowledges TMUK’s overall project excellence and will further strengthen our members’ capabilities.”

Toyota hasn’t confirmed when the production-ready FT-Me will make its debut. The timeline depends on the results of the ongoing feasibility study, but if progress stays on course, the compact EV could begin appearing on UK roads within the next few years.

Toyota

The first images of the new MG S6 EV have surfaced online, and somewhat amusingly, the source isn’t the automaker itself or but from Euro NCAP. The safety testing authority has unwittingly given us our first proper glimpse of the upcoming SUV.

Read: MG Just Declared War On The Ranger And Hilux With New Truck

MG has yet to release official photographs of the model, but its inclusion in Euro NCAP’s latest batch of crash-tested vehicles means we now have a reasonably clear look at its design, even if most of the images show it in a rather battered state.

It’s not easy to design an SUV that looks good, but MG has had a decent crack and it’s done quite well. The front end is very similar to the smaller S5 and includes the same small, split front grille positioned at the very base of the bumper.

It has also been showcased with LED daytime running lights and separate headlamps housed within triangular-shaped elements.

The rear-end is also quite sleek, although the shape of the taillights and the light bar does remind us of the Mercedes-Benz EQA, albeit with more complex lighting signatures. Other intriguing elements include the blacked-out bumper and the sharp diffuser.

What About The Interior?

We don’t yet have official images of the MG S6’s interior, but the Euro NCAP crash tests offer a few revealing glimpses. Between shots of airbags deploying into crash dummies, you can spot a squared-off steering wheel, a sizable central infotainment screen, and a head-up display perched above the dashboard.

Safety and Specifications

On the safety front, the MG S6 EV scored a full five stars from Euro NCAP, earning 92 percent for adult protection, 85 percent for child protection, 84 percent for vulnerable road users, and 78 percent for its suite of driver-assist technologies.

While the report doesn’t go into drivetrain specifics, it does confirm that both two-wheel and four-wheel-drive variants are planned.

It’s likely that the S6 will share the same single-motor, rear-wheel-drive setup as the S5, producing 228 hp and 258 lb-ft (350 Nm) of torque. The all-wheel-drive version is expected to add a secondary motor up front, creating a dual-motor configuration with a balanced output and broader appeal.

A full reveal is expected soon, as MG officials have already confirmed that the launch is scheduled for the end of November.

The removal of the federal electric vehicle tax credit at the end of September is set to cost General Motors as much as $1.6 billion in the next quarter, a direct result of the adjustments it must make to its electric vehicle strategy.

This follows Ford’s recent announcement that it will write down up to $400 million in manufacturing assets and reduce $1.5 billion in EV-related spending, scaling back projects including a three-row electric SUV and a full-size electric pickup.

Industry Recalibration

In its third-quarter report, GM confirmed that its board of directors had approved $1.6 billion in charges tied to what it described as the “strategic realignment of our EV capacity and manufacturing footprint to consumer demand.”

Read: GM Pulls Off Its Strongest US Comeback In A Decade But One Brand Is Slipping

The company specified that $1.2 billion of that amount relates to adjustments in its EV capacity, while the remaining $400 million stems “primarily from contract cancellation fees and commercial settlements associated with EV-related investments, which will have a cash impact.”

GM also noted that “it is reasonably possible that we will recognize additional future material cash and non-cash charges that may adversely affect our results of operations and cash flows.”

GM emphasized that the measures it’s taking will not affect its existing range of electric models sold under the Chevrolet, GMC, and Cadillac brands.

Electric vehicle sales in the United States climbed sharply through the third quarter, yet GM cautioned in its filing that it expects “the adoption rate of EVs to slow” due to “the termination of certain consumer tax incentives for EV purchases and the reduction in the stringency of emissions regulations.”

During the July-September period, GM’s sales of electric vehicles rose 107 percent and have increased 105 percent year-to-date. In Q3, it sold a total of 66,501 EVs, and Chevrolet cemented its position as the second-largest EV brand in the country. In addition, the Equinox EV was the best-selling non-Tesla-branded electric vehicle.

Like every other automaker trying to keep its EV lineup from gathering dust, Ford knows that enthusiasm for the F-150 Lightning could fade fast now that the federal tax credit has vanished. To keep shoppers from drifting off, it’s slicing up to $4,000 off the price.

Now, that doesn’t come close to the $7,500 buyers just lost, but it might be enough to keep a few more trucks rolling off the lot. For the moment, anyway.

The 2026 F-150 Lightning will start at $63,345 before destination charges for the base STX trim, which replaces the outgoing XLT. Though the sticker remains identical to last year’s, the new model carries a larger 123 kWh battery pack instead of the previous 98 kWh unit, boosting range by roughly 50 miles (80.4 km).

Read: Ford’s New F-150 Lightning Trim Solves Its Biggest Flaws For Free

Perhaps of even more interest to potential customers will be the Flash trim. Cars Direct reports it will start at $65,995 for 2026, down from last year’s $69,995. There will also be a generous $2,000 savings for the Lariat, with its price reduced from $76,995 to $74,995.

At the top of the lineup sits the F-150 Lightning Platinum, which holds steady at $84,995. Ford hasn’t trimmed that figure, but at least it hasn’t gone higher either.

If the F-150 Lightning is still out of your price range after these cuts, then leasing could be a good option. Ford is continuing to offer 2025 XLT models with a $9,000 lease cash incentive.

Shoppers in certain states are also eligible for a $500 Summer Sales Event bonus, and for those who turn down Ford’s complimentary home charger, a $2,000 Public Charging Credit is available.

During the most recent quarter, Ford sold 10,005 units of the F-150 Lightning, marking a 39.7 percent jump from the same period last year.

How the Trump administration’s decision to end the federal tax credit will affect Q4 results remains to be seen. The next few months will likely reveal whether price cuts alone are enough to keep Ford’s electric pickup moving off lots.