Porsche has used their third quarter earnings call to reveal time is almost up for three different vehicles including the current gas-powered Macan. This is worth noting as the crossover is the brand’s most popular vehicle as 64,783 units have been delivered in the first nine months of the year.

During the call, Finance and IT Board Member Dr Jochen Breckner said the current ICE-powered Macan will be offered “throughout 2026 and, in some markets, even in 2027, based on a final stocking that we will do.” He went on to say the exact end of production hasn’t been decided, but it will be “more or less in the middle of 2026.”

More: This Audi Q5 Could Actually Be The New ICE Porsche Macan

However, it sounds like the company will stockpile vehicles in important markets to help buy time until the redesigned crossover arrives. Speaking of which, the second-generation Macan will be offered with conventional and plug-in hybrid powertrains. They will be sold alongside the current Macan Electric.

Previous reports have suggested the upcoming model will be based on the Audi Q5 and spy photographers caught a prototype being tested by Porsche earlier this year. The move makes sense as the brand is throttling back their EV push as part of a product realignment that will see “additional models featuring combustion and plug-in-hybrid powertrains.”

As Breckner noted, “Starting in 2028, a more balanced drivetrain offering will further strengthen our market position and support sustainable long-term growth.” This effort will be supported by ICE-powered versions of the redesigned 718 as well as the next Macan, which is apparently being referred to as the “B-SUV.” Furthermore, Porsche’s flagship SUV has abandoned electric power and will instead offer gas and plug-in hybrid options.

Getting back to the 718, the current Boxster and Cayman are quickly approaching the end of the line. Production wraps up later this month and Breckner said “we are producing the very last cars these days.” However, the automaker will still have a handful of models in inventory to help tide things over until the next-generation sports car arrives.

Porsche Is Having A Terrible Year

As for the financials, they weren’t pretty despite record deliveries in the United States. Through the first nine months of the year, Porsche’s operating profit plummeted from over €4 ($4.6) billion in 2025 to a mere €40 ($46) million this time around.

The company blamed the massive drop on a variety of factors including their product realignment strategy, challenging market conditions in China, and “one-off effects” relating to battery activities. Tariffs also played a role and it sounds like they’ll cost the company around €700 ($814) million this year alone.

To help offset the impact of tariffs, Porsche will “further strengthen” their pricing position throughout 2025 and 2026. The company has also increased prices to keep their margins at a “decent level.”

Despite terrible looking numbers, Porsche noted automotive net cash flow increased from €1.24 ($1.44) billion to €1.34 ($1.56) billion. The company said this “demonstrates the resilience of the business operations and shows that Porsche is performing robustly even under challenging conditions.”

Porsche Q3 Overview

Lightweight, relatively affordable, mid-engine sports cars are almost unheard of these days, but the Alpine A110 has been serving enthusiasts ever since 2017. However, its time is coming to an end as the French automaker has announced the final units are going into production.

Alpine’s Dieppe Jean Rédélé plant will only build 1,750 more cars including 50 units of the extreme A110 R 70. Production is scheduled to wrap up in mid-2026 and, by that time, nearly 30,000 second-generation A110s will have been built.

More: Alpine Introduces New A110 GTS And R 70 Special Edition

While it’s sad to see the car go, it won’t be the end of the A110 story. Quite the opposite as a third-generation model will be introduced next year. It will ride on the all-new Alpine High Performance Electric Platform (APP) and be a “proper electric sports car.”

As for the current model, Alpine offers the A110, A110 GTS, and A110 R 70. The entry-level coupe starts at €66,900 in France and features a turbocharged 1.8-liter four-cylinder engine developing 248 hp (185 kW / 252 PS) and 236 lb-ft (320 Nm) of torque.

It’s connected to a seven-speed dual-clutch transmission, which enables the 2,429 lb (1,102 kg) coupe to accelerate from 0-62 mph (0-100 km/h) in 4.5 seconds.

The €79,900 A110 GTS has an upgraded engine producing 296 hp (221 kW / 300 PS) and 251 lb-ft (340 Nm) of torque. This lowers the 0-62 mph (0-100 km/h) time to 4.2 seconds, while the top speed climbs up to 170 mph (274 km/h).

Buyers will also find a sportier suspension, an active sports exhaust, and 18-inch forged wheels.

Sitting at the top of the lineup is the €122,900 A110 R 70, which celebrates the brand’s 70th anniversary. It’s limited to 770 units and features an assortment of carbon fiber components including the hood, roof, wheels, and rear spoiler.

Lucid has come under fire in the past year for hitting customers with unexpected charges at the end of their leases, often for tiny areas of damage. What began as a few scattered complaints has grown into a avalanche, with more and more owners coming forward to share similar experiences online.

It’s worth noting that Lucid’s leasing arm, Lucid Financial Services, operates in partnership with Bank of America. The bank apparently employs independent inspection firms to assess vehicles when leases end, which adds another layer between Lucid and the customer.

Not too long after we brought you the story of one Lucid Air lessee being charged $2,400 for underbody damage, another lessee has taken to social media to describe their dismay after receiving an even heftier bill.

According to a post on Reddit, they scored a decent deal on an 18-month leases for an Air, but were shocked to be charged $3,800 at the end of the lease for what Lucid describes as “Excess Wear.”

Read: Lucid Owner Hit With Surprise Bill Months After Turning In Their Lease

The first charge, $300, makes sense because one of the key fobs was missing. Then came the single biggest of them all: $2,400 for a damaged front bumper. According to Lucid’s inspector, the bumper had two scratches, one six-inch and one five-inch.

Interestingly, the lower front bumper cover has a pair of 15-inch scratches but will be replaced free of charge. That’s the same part a separate lessee damaged recently and was charged $2,400 for.

Then there are the wheels. Lucid spotted a four-inch area of curb rash on the left front wheel and charged $200 to repair it. It then noticed 19 inches worth of curb rash on the right rear wheel, but rather than repairing it, charged $900 for a replacement.

Paint Chips Are Fine, But Not Curb Rash

On the bright side, the company appears to have accepted some areas of wear and tear on the cover. For example, there are some minor chips on the hood and front cowl and a small dent on the left front door that it hasn’t charged the customer for.

Lucid has offered some compelling leasing deals for the Air, but factoring in the end-of-lease charges, this customer saw their monthly costs effectively increase by $200.

Understandably, people on Reddit weren’t impressed by this incident. “Absolutely crazy! This is equivalent to going to a restaurant and charging for every salt grain added to the dish,” one person wrote.

Another chimed in with their own experience: “I’ve had three Maserati leases, one Ghibli, two GranTurismos that I know Ally/Chase lost a bunch of money from… scrapped them and curbed the wheel and even returned with a crack in the tail light, zero charge and even got my security deposit back on each one!”

If you’ve leased a Lucid yourself, we’d like to hear from you. Did your experience line up with these reports, or was the process smooth from start to finish? Share your story in the comments or reach out to us directly.

Amazon already fields thousands of Rivian-built electric delivery vans across the United States, but the next addition to its fleet will be much smaller, lighter, and human-powered. The company plans to deploy new pedal-assist quads from Also, the micromobility firm spun out of Rivian that’s carving its own niche in the urban logistics scene.

The TM-Q quad, unveiled this week alongside the two-wheeled TM-B, will hit the pavement in spring 2026.

Read: Rivian’s Spinoff Brand Also Is Selling A Futuristic Two-Wheeler With Pedals

Just like the TM-B electric bike that you can buy for a hefty $4,500, the TM-Q quad has a small battery, a generator, and two pedals. These pedals help to power the generator, and the pedal-by-wire drivetrain directs power to the rear.

However, whereas the TM-B has just two wheels, the TM-Q has four and can be configured in a variety of different ways. Amazon’s model has been previewed with a large cargo area at the rear that can reportedly hold more than 400 pounds of packages.

Importantly, it remains small enough to legally use bike lanes and could prove to be perfect for last-mile delivery services, particularly in large, densely populated cities. The e-commerce giant will use the T-MQ throughout the United States and Europe.

Rivian holds a minority stake in Also, and its boss, RJ Scaringe, will serve on Also’s board. The micromobility firm has received $105 million in funding from Eclipse and will make use of Rivian’s retail presence, economies, and scale.

Also says that the TM-Q has been designed, engineered, and tested to automotive standards. Consumer-focused versions of the quad will come without the cargo topper like Amazon’s model, and be available with several different rear beds, including one that has bench seating that fits up to four children.

“Amazon already operates more than 70 micromobility hubs in cities across the U.S. and Europe,” said Emily Barber, Amazon’s Director of Global Fleet.

“Micromobility solutions like pedal-assist e-cargo quads allow us to quickly deliver to customers in dense, urban cities, while helping reduce traffic and noise. Similar to our Rivian EDV partnership, working with ALSO provides an opportunity to continue to innovate in this space, building on our delivery logistics experience, paired with their advanced technology, safety, and performance features,” she added.

A slowing EV market has prompted Rivian to slash more than 600 jobs across its workforce, despite the company’s expansion plans and having several new models in the pipeline.

The layoffs, which represent about 4.5 percent of Rivian’s staff, were announced soon after the company lowered its delivery forecast for the year, now expecting to sell fewer vehicles than in both 2023 and 2024.

Read: Rivian Axes Staff As Trump’s Policies Rip A Hole In Its Revenue Plans

Most of the reductions are being made across commercial teams in Rivian’s servicing and sales divisions. Additionally, Chief executive RJ Scaringe told employees in an internal memo that the company is consolidating several departments into a single marketing organization, with Scaringe temporarily taking the helm himself.

“These are not changes that were made lightly,” Scaringe wrote. “With the changing operating backdrop, we had to rethink how we are scaling our go-to-market functions. This news is challenging to hear, and the hard work and contributions of the team members who are leaving are greatly appreciated.”

These job cuts, first reported by the Wall Street Journal, come just a month after Rivian made a separate round of layoffs, cutting approximately 225 jobs, also targeting its sales and service operations in both the United States and Canada.

Sales Crunch

Rivian reported a record 13,201 sales in the third quarter, marking a 32 percent rise over the previous period. That figure, however, was partly inflated by customers rushing to buy before the federal EV tax credit expired.

Deliveries are expected to drop sharply in the final quarter, with Rivian forecasting year-end sales between 41,500 and 43,500 vehicles. By contrast, the company delivered 50,100 units in 2023 and 51,579 in 2024, signaling a noticeable downturn as the broader EV market settles into a slower growth phase.

Next year, the electric car manufacturer plans to start production of the long-awaited R2. The upcoming model will be smaller than the current R1T and R1S and is expected to start at around $45,000. After it hits the market, Rivian will follow it up with the R3, R4, and R5.

For decades, most people have known Sharp for televisions, microwaves, and air purifiers, not for anything with wheels. Now the company seems intent on extending its home-tech comfort onto the road.

The Japanese electronics giant is deepening its move into the automotive sector, leaning on Foxconn’s R&D and manufacturing strength to get there. Its latest effort is a far more developed version of the LDK+ electric minivan concept, set to debut at the Japan Mobility Show later this month.

More: Sharp And Foxconn Team Up On An Electric Minivan With A 65-Inch Rear Display

The latest LDK+ moves noticeably closer to a production-ready vehicle than the 2024 prototype. The proportions are now more in line with a conventional minivan, leaving behind the cab-over profile of its earlier version.

Getting Closer To The Final Product

The front end is now more pronounced, featuring full-width LED headlights integrated into a covered grille with the Sharp logo. Even so, the overall design is rather generic, despite the two-tone finish.

The minivan features sliding doors and an upright rear, while traditional mirrors and door handles hint that the concept is nearing production.

Another image offers a look inside the cabin, entered through a wide pillarless opening. The layout includes a flat floor, a swiveling driver’s seat that can face the rear, and a console box fitted with a foldable table.

A rear bench for three passengers is positioned further back, sacrificing cargo space but creating a lounge-like environment with ambient lighting.

Sharp envisions the LDK+ as an “extension of the living room” when parked. While the massive 65-inch screen of the original concept is gone, the updated model gains a projector and a retractable screen above the rear bench, transforming the cabin into a mobile theater or remote workspace.

More: Mitsubishi’s New SUV Concept Doubles As A Hotel On Wheels

The EV incorporates Sharp’s AIoT platform, allowing it to link with household devices such as appliances, air conditioners, and washing machines. It uses AI to learn user habits and preferences, and supports V2H functionality, solar integration, and residential battery systems.

Shared EV Platform

The Sharp LDK+ shares its underpinnings with the Foxconn Model A. The latter was unveiled in concept form last year with a highly modular interior and a configurable exterior that can be tailored for professional and personal use.

The company has yet to share the specifications of the electric powertrain or the battery pack that will likely be carried over to its Sharp sibling.

Foxconn’s own minivan is due to reach Japanese roads in early 2027, followed by a rollout across ASEAN markets.

Sharp hasn’t confirmed when or where its version will launch, though more details are expected at the Japan Mobility Show on October 30.

Sharp

In a sign of the times, Heico Sportiv, the German tuner long aligned with Volvo, has broadened its horizons to another brand under the Geely umbrella. The company now offers bespoke upgrades for China’s Lynk & Co range in Europe, including the 01, 02, and 08 SUVs.

What caught our attention is the Lynk & Co 02, a sharp-looking small SUV with an electric powertrain that was introduced in 2024. Heico Sportiv has fitted it with 21-inch Volution alloy wheels featuring a ten-spoke layout. These sit an inch above the factory’s top-spec option and can be ordered in gloss black, matt titanium, or matte gold bronze, each available in regular or diamond-cut finishes.

More: Volvo’s Largest SUV Trades Comfort For A Shot At Performance

The new rims are paired with sport springs, bringing the model closer to the ground by 35 mm (1.4-inch). The more aggressive stance is accentuated by subtle aero components focused on the lower part of the bodywork.

The kit includes a front splitter, side skirts, and a rear bumper extension, all featuring a body-colored finish contrasting with the glossy black surfaces of the EV. The tuner didn’t add a rear spoiler, leaving the coupe-style roofline and protruding full-width LED taillights intact.

The Lynk & Co 02 is mechanically related to the Volvo EX30 and the Zeekr X. It rides on Geely’s SEA platform featuring a rear-mounted electric motor with 268 hp (200 kW / 272 PS) and a 66 kWh battery pack. Heico Sportiv doesn’t offer any performance upgrades, which means that the EV still does the 0-62 mph (0-100 km/h) sprint in 5.5 seconds, and has a limited top speed of 112 mph (180 km/h).

The tuner said that its products will be offered through Lynk & Co’s European distribution network, ensuring full warranty coverage.

Pricing

The 21-inch wheels cost between €2,400-3,560 ($2,800-4,100) a set depending on the chosen finish. The sport springs will set you back €390 ($450) and the spacers add another €335 ($390). The company has yet to announce prices for the aero components but offers branded velour floor mats for €185 ($215).

More: Volvo EX30 Gains Bodykit And 21-Inch Wheels From Heico Sportiv

The modified Lynk & Co will make its public premiere at the Auto Zurich show in Switzerland on October 30. In the same venue, Heico Sportiv will also exhibit a Volvo XC60 T8 with a bodykit, a lowered suspension, a sports exhaust, an upgraded engine, beefier brakes and 22-inch wheels, plus a Polestar 4 with the same set of wheels and an Aubergine Bronze wrap.

Furthermore, the company shared photos of a modified Lynk & Co 01 in EV and PHEV forms with similar styling and chassis upgrades. The available accessories for the larger Lynk & Co 08 PHEV will be announced on a later date.

Heico Sportiv

A fire at a Novelis aluminum plant has disrupted operations for several automakers, including Ford and its top-selling F-150. The setback has been costly, but the Blue Oval plans to bounce back next year by ramping up truck production.

Under the plan, the Dearborn Truck Plant will add a third shift with roughly 1,200 employees. This will be supported by more than 90 new workers at Dearborn Stamping as well as more than 80 additional employees at Dearborn Diversified Manufacturing.

More: 2026 Ford F-150 Lightning Solves Its Biggest Flaws For Free

Thanks to these workers and the extra shift, Ford aims to produce an additional 45,000+ F-150s in 2026. They’ll have traditional powertrains as the F-150 Lightning hasn’t lived up to expectations.

Assembly of the electric truck will “remain paused” indefinitely as the company is prioritizing production of models with gas and hybrid powertrains. The automaker added these types of trucks are “more profitable for Ford and use less aluminum.”

Due to the pause, hourly employees at the Rouge Electric Vehicle Center will transfer to the nearby Dearborn Truck Plant to join the third shift. The shift will also consist of new hires as well as some transfers from other plants.

To increase production of the popular F-Series Super Duty, the automaker is investing $60 million into the Kentucky Truck Plant. These funds will help speed up the production line, so that one additional truck will be built every hour. That might not sound like much, but it will result in more than 5,000 additional pickups.

The funds will also be used to help train new employees. Speaking of which, the plant is expected to add more than 100 jobs.

In total, the automaker will increase production by more than 50,000 units and create up to 1,000 new jobs. Ford’s Chief Operating Officer, Kumar Galhotra, said “The people who keep our country running depend on America’s most popular vehicle – F-Series trucks – and we are mobilizing our team to meet that demand.”

Novelis Fire Could Cost Ford $1 Billion

Novelis

The announcement to ramp up production comes as Ford revealed the “Novelis headwind” could cost them up to $1 billion in losses between 2025 and 2026.

CEO Jim Farley has already visited the damaged plant and said, “We are working intensively with Novelis and others to source aluminum that can be processed in the cold rolling section of the plant that remains operational, while also working to restore overall plant production.” This has enabled them to “minimize the impact in 2025 and recover production in 2026.”

Given the fallout of the fire, Ford now expects to finish the year with an adjusted EBIT of $6 billion to $6.5 billion as well as an adjusted free cash flow of $2 billion to $3 billion.

It wasn’t all bad news as third quarter revenue reached a record of $50.5 billion. That’s up 9% from a year ago and the company posted a net income of $2.4 billion. Unfortunately, Trump’s tariffs cost the automaker roughly $700 million.

Time flies. Believe it or not, it’s been eight whole years since Tesla first unveiled the second-generation Roadster. Back then, the all-electric sports car was pitched as a new benchmark for EV performance, a car that would silence skeptics and rewrite the rulebook.

Since then, though, plenty of other brands have done the rewriting themselves.

Over the years, the brand has launched the Cybertruck, refreshed the Model 3 and Model Y, and promised real Full Self-Driving several times, while the Roadster feels like its been surpassed at best, vaporware wortse.

According to Tesla’s chief designer, Franz von Holzhausen, however, it’s not dead, it’s simply fashionably late.

More: 8 Years Later, Tesla’s Still Taking $50K Roadster Reservations Musk Promised For 2020

Speaking on the Ride the Lightning podcast, von Holzhausen was asked if the long-promised “most epic demo ever” that Elon Musk teased earlier this year is still happening in 2025, he said “We are planning on this year,” suggesting Tesla still aims to showcase the car before the year’s end.

However, with roughly 10 weeks left until New Year’s Day, time is running out. 

Pressed further about when customers might actually take delivery, von Holzhausen replied: “Definitely within two years.” That would put first deliveries somewhere around the end of 2027, assuming nothing slips, which, given Tesla’s track record with timelines, is far from guaranteed. 

When it arrives, Tesla claims the Roadster will be capable of hitting 60 mph in under two seconds, reaching a top speed north of 250 mph, and have up to 620 miles of range, with talk of rocket-style thrusters for good measure.

Those are very lofty numbers, but until someone sees one outside of a studio light, they are just that: numbers.

Read: Ex-Tesla Alums Debut New Electric Roadster Named To Taunt Elon Musk

It’s worth remembering (as if anyone forgot) that Tesla might be as well known for over-promising and under-delivering as it is for actual automotive innovation. The Cybertruck famously showed up late with less range and a higher price than initially promised – and that’s but one example among many.

Right now, von Holzhausen insists the final product will be worth the wait. But as the years go by, the Roadster’s story feels less like a promising sequel and more like a project Tesla simply can’t afford to get wrong. 

Stellantis could soon find itself stepping into unfamiliar territory, as it is reportedly exploring the idea of adding Chinese-built models to its European lineup under familiar badges. According to insider sources, Opel is eyeing the electric Leapmotor B10 as its first possible contender.

German outlet Automobilwoche reports that the Chinese SUV might wear Opel badges as early as next year. Leapmotor, a Chinese EV manufacturer partly owned by Stellantis, has been steadily expanding its footprint both at home and abroad.

More: Stellantis Just Sent Europe A Warning With This Chinese-Built Electric Hatch

The unnamed source notes that while a final decision remains pending, the proposal represents “an interesting opportunity to offer a well-equipped and affordable EV in the compact SUV segment.” For now, Opel has declined to comment on any speculation surrounding its future product plans.

More: Stellantis Just Sent Europe A Warning With This Chinese-Built Electric Hatch

The Leapmotor B10 was introduced last year as a compact SUV with fully electric and range-extender powertrain options, although the latter has yet to reach the Old Continent.

Built on the LEAP3.5 platform shared with the B05 compact hatchback, it features a high-tech cabin and a full suite of driver-assistance systems that reflect the brand’s growing technical capability.

What Could It look Like?

While the scope of Opel’s redesign remains uncertain, we produced a speculative rendering that applies a few subtle styling tweaks. These include the brand’s Blitz emblem, Vizor grille, and Compass lighting signature to the front of the Chinese model, while the rest of the bodywork stays untouched

In terms of size, the B10 measures 4,515 mm (177.8 inches) long, which makes it 130 mm (5.1 inches) longer than the Opel Frontera and 135 mm (5.3 inches) shorter than the Grandland, so it slots between the two. Rivals in Europe include the VW ID.4, Skoda Elroq, and BYD Atto 3, among others.

The Leapmotor B10 is already available in Europe, but it is currently being imported from China. However, Stellantis is reportedly considering producing it in Zaragoza, Spain starting from 2026. The same factory is where Opel builds two subcompacts, the Corsa hatchback and the Mokka SUV.

More: This Stellantis SUV Without An Infotainment Screen Has Everyone Confused

Local production would also help sidestep the European Union’s steep tariffs on Chinese-built vehicles, which add 20.7 percent in duties on top of the standard 10 percent import fee.

Fighting China with China

The aim, insiders suggest, is to keep pricing competitive, possibly undercutting the current €29,900 ($34,700) starting figure in Germany. For comparison, the electric Opel Frontera begins at €28,990 ($33,700) in the same market.

According to Dataforce, Leapmotor has sold 16,485 vehicles in Europe in the first nine months of 2025. These can be broken down to 11,064 units of the T03 urban EV, 5,080 units of the C10 midsize SUV, and just 313 units of the B10 compact SUV.

The automaker recently passed the one-million-vehicle production milestone and now aims for 50,000 to 60,000 exports this year, a sign that Stellantis’ Chinese partner is becoming a more significant player in global EV manufacturing.

Sources: Automobilwoche

While some Land Cruiser fans are thrilled that Toyota has added a smaller, more affordable model to the lineup with the FJ, many in America were disappointed to learn the new version won’t be sold locally.

Looking through the photos released by Toyota, we couldn’t quite put a finger on what the Land Cruiser FJ reminded us of, aside from the obvious Hilux Champ it’s based on. Then it clicked, after we came across a GM-built model from China that’s now going global.

Read: Toyota’s Baby Land Cruiser FJ Looks Retro Enough To Break Your Heart

The vehicle in question is sold in China as the Baojun Yep Plus and was developed through the GM–Wuling joint venture. It’s not a focused off-roader like the new FJ, nor is it powered by a traditional combustion engine, but rather by an electric powertrain.

Now, we’re not suggesting the FJ copied the Baojun Yep Plus, but it gives off a similar vibe, and to our eyes, it looks every bit as good, if not better, than Toyota’s baby FJ Cruiser.

From the side, the two share a similar silhouette, though the GM model is noticeably smaller at 157.3 inches (3,996 mm) long, 69.3 inches (1,760 mm) wide, and 68 inches (1,726 mm) tall, with a 100.8-inch (2,560 mm) wheelbase, compared with the Toyota’s 180.1 inches (4,575 mm) in length, 73 inches (1,855 mm) in width, and 77.2 inches (1,960 mm) in height, riding on a 101.6-inch (2,580 mm) wheelbase.

Technically, that makes it a baby version of the baby Land Cruiser FJ.

The Yep Plus has the same boxy proportions as the FJ, though its bumpers are smoother and more rounded since it’s not built for off-roading. It also forgoes the Toyota’s jagged wheel arch extensions, while the positioning of the headlights and taillights appears closely aligned.

That said, the FJ’s taillights sit quite high and jut slightly from the body, while the Baojun’s units are more neatly integrated into the rear fascia.

There’s no doubt that weaving retro cues into a new design, as GM and Wuling have done with the Yep Plus, helps it resonate with a wider audience. Toyota has taken a similar route with the FJ, giving it a retro-modern character that plenty of buyers would likely appreciate. It’s just a shame it won’t reach the United States.

Brazil Gets its own Baojun

In July, GM revealed that it would export the Yep Plus to Brazil, rebadging it as the Chevrolet Spark EUV. It will be sold as standard with a 42 kWh battery pack and a single rear-mounted electric motor with 101 hp and 133 lb-ft (180 Nm) of torque, giving it 249 miles (401 km) of range on the CLTC cycle.

While we’re not convinced it would sell in big numbers if launched in the U.S. as an affordable EV, it could find success with a small, efficient combustion engine paired with a more rugged makeover featuring wider fenders and extra plastic cladding. What do you think?

2025 Chevrolet Spark EUV

2025 Toyota Land Cruiser FJ

Skoda continues its digital concept series that reimagines past icons through a modern lens. Following reinterpretations of the Felicia Fun pickup, the Favorit hatchback, and the 110 R coupe, the automaker now revisits the 1000 MBX coupe from the 1960s, transforming it into something reminiscent of a Mazda RX-8 in form, though powered by electricity.

More: This Futuristic RWD Coupe Could Have Been Skoda’s Best Throwback Yet

The new concept was created by Skoda designers Antti Mikael Savio on the exterior and David Stingl on the interior. Development took around three to four weeks, beginning with rough sketches on scraps of paper and concluding with a complete 3D digital model.

What Inspired the Look?

The project draws inspiration from the classic 1000 MBX, which was introduced in 1966 as the two-door coupe version of the 1000 MB sedan. Skoda produced a total of 2,517 units, making it a rare sight today.

The modern interpretation keeps a similar bodystyle but adds an extra pair of rear-hinged doors for easier access to the 2+2 cabin, giving the whole design a hint of the now-discontinued Mazda RX-8.

As with earlier concepts in the series, Skoda avoided leaning into retro pastiche. Even so, it nods to the original through carefully chosen details that align with the brand’s Modern Solid design philosophy.

The LED front lighting signature echoes the chrome grille of the classic, while the headlights rise slightly from the hood in a familiar gesture. The C-pillar shape and tail contours also recall the past. A central fin topped with a rearview camera replaces the traditional rear window, lending a futuristic twist.

Antti Savio, who was responsible for the exterior design, explained: “Our concept is sportier overall, yet, still has a friendly look. Modern sports cars often appear overly aggressive, while those from the ’60s and ’70s carried a certain elegance, even endearing charm – and that’s what I wanted to preserve.”

Inside the Cabin

The interior has a 2+2 layout with a front bench seat made possible by the flat floor of the EV architecture, and two individual tip-up seats at the back. The latter can easily move out of the way, creating an open space that can be used to transport a bicycle or other sports equipment.

At the front, a transparent oval-shaped dashboard replaces the traditional setup, and there’s no central console, a design choice inspired by classic interiors.

Interior designer David Stingl said, “This car should encourage its crew to go exploring without a moment of hesitation. It’s not meant to be just a fun weekend coupé or a second car in the family, but a vehicle with genuine everyday usability.”

Electric Vision

Skoda didn’t get into specifics about the fully electric powertrain of the concept, though the designers imagined it with adaptive air suspension capable of adjusting ride height for either a low, sporty stance or greater clearance on rougher ground.

While Skoda fans might wish for a production version of this compact coupe, Skoda has no such plans. The “Icons Get a Makeover” concepts are designed as creative tributes, celebrating the brand’s history while allowing its designers the freedom to explore new ideas without the limits of production requirements.

Skoda

A number of automakers and suppliers have played around with the idea of using solar panels to charge electric vehicles. This makes a lot of sense as cars spend a lot of time outside, where they could be charging underneath the sun.

Nissan seems to agree, as they’ll use the Japan Mobility Show to introduce a Sakura EV equipped with an Ao-Solar Extender. The device takes the form of a roof-mounted box with a 300W solar panel sitting neatly on top.

However, the real coup de grâce is an expandable section that deploys from the front to reveal an additional 200W panel when parked.

More: Mercedes’ Solar Paint Could Give EVs Thousands Of Miles Of Range Every Year

This means you could easily deploy the panel when you arrive at the office, and then retract it when you’re ready to go home.

While the Ao-Solar Extender’s usefulness would vary by location and weather conditions, the company estimates that owners could capture enough solar power to drive 1,864 miles (3,000 km) annually.

That doesn’t sound like much, but the average American drives less than 40 miles (64 km) per day, so you’re looking at more than a month and a half of range from the sun alone.

Nissan said they studied the usage patterns of Sakura drivers and found that many customers only travel short distances. For some, the Ao-Solar Extender would be able to “virtually eliminate the need for external charging.”

That’s pretty nifty, and Nissan noted that when the panel is extended, it effectively acts as a sunshade. This helps to keep the Sakura’s interior cool, which reduces power consumption by the air conditioner when you return.

And in true Japanese fashion, Nissan has given it one more layer of usefulness, allowing the Ao-Solar Extender to function as a backup power source during emergencies.

While it might seem like Xiaomi can do no wrong with its much-hyped SU7 and YU7 electric models, the company has been nursing a legal headache since mid-year over one particularly controversial feature: the carbon fiber hood offered for the SU7 Ultra.

What began as a flashy performance upgrade has now turned into a courtroom lesson in customer trust.

Read: Chinese Super Sedan Owners Furious Over Fake Aero Ducts In $6K Aero Hood

Originally touted as a functional component with sizable air ducts designed to improve cooling, the hood turned out to be all show and no substance. Owners soon discovered that the vents had no effect on airflow, and their disappointment quickly became public.

Shortly after news broke about customer concerns, an owner took the Chinese brand to court, alleging it had engaged in false advertising.

They paid 42,000 yuan or $5,800 for the carbon fiber hood, but after removing it and disassembling the front end of the EV, they found its internal structure was virtually identical to the standard aluminum hood.

The Suzhou Intermediate People’s Court in Jiangsu Province has upheld the original judgment ruling in favor of the SU7 Ultra owner, while also dismissing Xiaomi’s appeal.

The consumer electronics giant will now need to refund the 20,000 yuan ($2,800) deposit the owner made for the hood, pay 126,000 yuan ($17,640) in compensation, and cover 10,000 yuan ($1,400) in legal fees.

Other Lawsuits Could Follow

While these figures are just a drop in the bucket for a company like Xiaomi, it’ll no doubt be sweating the prospect of future payouts.

The case in question wasn’t a class action and involved just a single owner. It’s likely that following this judgment, other owners who shelled out for the expensive carbon fiber hood will also sue Xiaomi.

When the dispute first came to light, Xiaomi issued an apology, insisting the hood’s purpose was aesthetic rather than functional, meant to mirror the design of the record-setting SU7 Ultra Prototype.

To placate upset customers, it offered 20,000 Xiaomi reward points to each owner who purchased the hood, worth about 2,000 yuan, or roughly $280. Whether that modest gesture will be enough to prevent more legal action remains to be seen.

Electric momentum in the States has hit a few speed bumps. A mix of the Trump administration’s fuel-friendly policies and the loss of the federal EV tax credit has cooled the pace of electric vehicle growth. As a result, several automakers are rethinking their battery-powered strategies, shelving or scaling back certain projects that once seemed inevitable.

Read: Should Jeep Follow Ram’s Lead And Kill The Recon EV?

Jeep, though, says it isn’t ready to fold. After Stellantis pulled the plug on the Ram 1500 REV, some speculated the same fate might await the Jeep Recon EV. But according to the brand, the project is still alive and headed for production.

When Is It Coming?

Originally teased as a concept in 2022, the Recon EV was supposed to launch in 2024. But then Jeep went quiet. Until now. That timeline has changed, with Jeep chief executive Bob Broderdorf now confirming that the production version will make its debut soon, with sales set to begin next spring.

Built on the STLA Large platform, the Recon will slot just below the Wrangler in Jeep’s lineup of off-roaders. In an interview with Motor Trend, Broderdorf sounded unconcerned about sales figures, suggesting Jeep is treating this model as a learning opportunity rather than a volume play.

“We’ve got a great car. We’ve already built it,” he said. “We should sell it, we should learn. I don’t know how many it will be. I’m not really that worried about it.”

He added it will be built at the Toluca plant in Mexico alongside the Jeep Wagoneer S, Compass, and Cherokee, noting the plant has the flexibility to shift production depending on demand.

“We can shift and move,” he explained. “It is OK if [Recon] is low volume. If I have to sell more Cherokees, so be it.”

What Could Power It?

Key technical specifications about the Recon EV remain uncertain. However, it could share powertrains with the Wagoneer S, potentially including the same 100.5 kWh battery pack and dual-motor, all-wheel drive system.

However, as Jeep is eventually expected to release an all-electric Wrangler, it’s unlikely the Recon EV will match the 600 hp of the Wagoneer S for fear of stepping onto the Wrangler EV’s turf.

As is so often the case, the success or failure of the Recon EV will largely depend on the price. If the Recon EV lands in the right bracket, it could find steady ground among off-road enthusiasts looking for something new. But if it arrives with a steep sticker and limited range, it may struggle to get traction before it even leaves the showroom floor.

The autonomous driving space is always shifting, and today General Motors revealed that buyers of the 2028 Cadillac Escalade IQ will be able to drive without watching the road. That’s only one part of the automaker’s new announcements that also include Google Gemini and Vehicle-to-Grid power.

Moving Autonomy Forward

Eyes-off driving is something plenty of automakers have talked about, but few are even close to delivering. General Motors currently sells cars with Super Cruise, a Level 2 system that can accelerate, brake, and change lanes.

However, it can only do this on specific highways and the driver must maintain attention on the road at all times. That said, it’s Super Cruise that is laying the foundation for eyes-off driving.

More: I Tried Out GM’s Smarter Super Cruise And It Feels Promising

So far, GM says Super Cruise has accrued some five million miles without a single accident attributed to it. The car of the future won’t just let you drive without watching the road – it’ll also let you leverage Google‘s AI bot Gemini to do all sorts of things.

That includes changing settings in the car, but it goes further to the extent that it should be able to learn driver preferences. Think of it as a supercharged version of the memory button.

Rather than just remembering seating and mirror position, it could remap the media buttons, change the display layout, automatically pull up navigation to a routine destination, and more.

Launching next year, it’ll even give drivers guidance on one-pedal driving, monitor maintenance, and help with things like finding a place to eat.

Going Beyond Cars

GM isn’t stopping at AI and autonomous driving. It appears to be picking up some of the Tesla playbook as it says it’ll soon offer bidirectional EV charging, solar integration, and a stationary home battery.

In other words, owners will have the opportunity to sell some of their extra juice back to the grid and then purchase it again later when rates are lower.

Apparently, while electric vehicles might not be growing as rapidly as they used to, the technology around them continues to mature – and that can only be good news for consumers.

It’s no secret that Rivian has had its eye on e-bikes for quite some time. Patents and other leaks have popped up over the years, but now, we’re finally getting a look at the results of that interest. What you see here is the new TM-B, which made its debut today.

It’s the flagship product from Also, a new brand spun off from Rivian. It’s an intriguing new e-bike option coming to a road near you soon, assuming the company can convince buyers to take the plunge on such an unconventional two-wheeler.

What Exactly Is It?

Also’s TM-B is less a conventional bicycle or even ebike, and more of a modular compact vehicle on two wheels. The design centers on a chunky, weatherproof block at the bottom of the frame.

Inside that block, you’ll find the battery, a small generator, and the pedal system. Notably, the pedals do not directly power the rear wheel at all. Instead, pedal strokes power the generator and the pedal-by-wire drivetrain sends power to the rear wheel.

More: The Cheapest Electric Audi e-tron You Can Buy Comes With Pedals

Also offers three distinct riding profiles and a swappable seat system. Buyers begin by choosing if they want the small or large seat. From there, they can add more seat options including a cargo seat and a moto-style bench seat.

They can also choose between an All-Terrain package with knobby tires and two extra drive modes or a Street package with smoother tires. The AT package costs an extra $200 despite it appearing as though the only hardware changes are Kenda mountain bike tires.

A five-inch touchscreen cockpit with a rotatable bezel allows users to get important ride data along with GPS navigation. The bike features full suspension with 120mm of travel but Also doens’t say whether or not you can lock it out for climbing or flat roads.

The brakes are especially interesting as they feature regen technology to feed juice back to the battery and ABS. A special auto-lock system promises enhanced security as it locks the rear wheel, battery, and frame when engaged.

Also says it’ll sell bikes offering between 60 and 100 miles of range (roughly 97 to 161 kilometers) and up to 180 Nm (133 lb-ft) of torque. Payload tops out at 324 lbs (147 kilograms) on higher-spec models.

How Much Does It Cost?

The base TM-B will start at “under $4,000,” but the Launch Edition, available for order now, starts at $4,500 before options. That’s not a terrible price in this segment. No doubt, it’s aimed at people who are casually interested in two-wheeled travel. Hardcore cyclists will likely find it a bit lacking.

It may not replace a traditional bike, and it won’t appeal to every purist, but it does offer a refreshing reinterpretation of a form that’s been part of daily life for more than a century.

It’s becoming increasingly clear that China has taken a commanding lead in the global race for electric vehicle and battery innovation. With the U.S. Department of Energy (DOE) pulling back on major Biden-era grants, that gap could widen even further

In early October alone, the DOE canceled more than $700 million in awards meant to boost domestic battery and manufacturing projects. The timing and scale of these cancellations have sparked frustration across the industry and in Washington alike.

Behind the scenes, reports suggest this may only be the beginning Recently, a list of projects reportedly being targeted by the DOE has been circulating among lobbyists, indicating that as much as $20 billion in awards could be scrapped.

Included in that list, and recently confirmed by the DOE, were $700 million in grants awarded under the previous administration for battery makers Ascend Elements, American Battery Technology Co, Anovion, and ICL Specialty Products. There was also a grant for glass manufacturer LuxWall.

What’s Behind The Cancellations?

In a statement, DOE spokesperson Ben Dietderich said the projects “had missed milestones, and it was determined they did not adequately advance the nation’s energy needs, were not economically viable, and would not provide a positive return on investment of taxpayer dollars.”

Read: Washington Could Break Biden’s $1.1 Billion EV Promise To GM And Stellantis

As noted by Politico’s E&E, the cancellation of these grants impacts plans to build large factories in states including Missouri and Kentucky.

Of the $700 million in grants, $316 million was awarded to Ascend Elements to support manufacturing components from recycled EV batteries at a $1 billion plant in Kentucky.

Additionally, $57.7 million was bound for American Battery Technology to support the construction of a Nevada plant producing lithium hydroxide for batteries. Elsewhere, $117 million was awarded to Anovion to support the production of synthetic graphite for lithium-ion battery anodes.

Energy Secretary Chris Wright is believed to be spearheading many of the cancellations, noting that “If they’re not in the interest of the taxpayers, if they’re not a good expenditure of the money, you always have the ability to cancel these projects.”

Democrats Hit Back

Unsurprisingly, Democrats quickly voiced their opposition. In a strongly worded letter to Wright, 37 Democratic and independent senators accused the DOE of overstepping its authority.

“The illegality of your cancellations is the only thing as indisputable as the harm your cancellations will wreak,” the letter stated. Lawmakers argued that the department “must expend these funds and faithfully execute the law, including many programs that have strict requirements for the timing of fund expenditure, purposes, and contractual expectations.”

The elimination of the clean vehicle tax credit isn’t Tesla’s only problem as the automaker is recalling 12,963 EVs. The National Highway Traffic Safety Administration says they may be equipped with a battery pack contactor that can fail, causing a loss of drive power.

The issue impacts thousands of vehicles including the 2025 Model 3 and 2026 Model Y. However, only 1% of them are believed to have the defect.

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

According to the safety recall report, the vehicles have a battery pack contactor with an InTiCa solenoid. The latter can “suddenly open” due to a poor coil termination connection, which can lead to a loss of propulsion.

This increases the risk of a collision and drivers won’t receive any warning prior to losing drive power.

Tesla launched an investigation in August, following multiple reports about vehicles that wouldn’t shift into drive from park. These were found to have a high coil resistance on the pack contactor, which caused Tesla to replace the component.

The company examined the contactors and eventually blamed them for causing the issue. While details are limited, Tesla is aware of 26 field reports and 36 warranty claims related to the issue. Thankfully, no accidents or injuries were reported.

To address the problem, customers will need to take their vehicle to a Tesla service center where technicians will replace the contactor with one that doesn’t include an InTiCa solenoid. Letters are scheduled to go out on December 9 and repairs will be performed free of charge.

Under the Biden administration, carmakers enjoyed four years of predictable policy and a clear push toward electrification. Since 2005, some form of tax credit has existed to reward buyers of low-emission vehicles. Then came January.

Donald Trump’s return to the Oval Office promptly threw a wrench into that setup, with his administration scrapping the EV tax credit, lifting penalties for exceeding emissions targets, and generally adopting an anti-EV posture that left automakers recalibrating overnight.

Now, car manufacturers are facing an uphill climb. Following the removal of the federal EV tax credit at the end of September, General Motors says it has already seen a “significant” decline in demand. Even so, the company expects things to settle into a more predictable rhythm soon enough, lbeit at a lower pitch than before.

Read: EV Tax Credit Loss Will Cost GM $1.6 Billion

“EV demand is going to be pretty choppy for the near future, we think, as we come out of the $7,500 and what we’ve already seen in October with some pretty significant pullback in demand,” GM chief financial officer Paul Jacobson said during a recent earnings call. “We do think that the EV market is going to stabilize from a supply standpoint.”

Jacobson added that emissions regulations had turned parts of the EV market into a clearance aisle, with some brands practically giving away electric cars just to rack up environmental credits.

“We had a number of competitors out there that really were selling EVs for whatever they could get for them because they really wanted to get the credits on the environmental side,” he said.

While he didn’t call anyone out by name, Jacobson was referring to the regulatory credits automakers could earn from selling EVs under the previous scheme. If they failed to bring about enough credits or didn’t purchase them from a brand like Tesla, they faced fines.

GM’s EV Future

Moving forward, GM appears confident in the future of EVs. Chief executive Mary Barra refers to them as the company’s “North Star” and said the company won’t “know what true EV demand is” until early next year.

Despite the uncertainty, GM doesn’t plan to discontinue any of its current models and will focus on reducing costs over the coming years. For example, it’s working on reducing complexity and commonizing parts across its dedicated EV platform.

“We’re [also] investing in new battery technologies, LMR (lithium manganese rich), that will allow us to take cost out of the vehicle in a significant fashion,” said Barra.