A dust-covered prototype spotted in a California parking lot has stirred plenty of curiosity across forums and social media. Weathered and left behind, it’s another eerie reminder of how unforgiving the EV game can be, especially for startups trying to find a foothold in a market that moves fast, burns money, and doesn’t wait for anyone to catch up.

More: Seres 5 Crushes Tesla Model Y In Comfort But Loses The Battle Where It Counts

The vehicle in question appears to be a near-production evolution of the SF7 concept, which SF Motors first revealed back in 2018. That company would later be rebranded as Seres, eventually spinning off the Aito nameplate in partnership with Chinese tech giant Huawei. And yes, keeping track can be a bit of a challenge.

Still, the Chinese automaker once had big plans for the North American market. In 2018, it purchased a factory in Mishawaka, Indiana, for $160 million, with the intention of building EVs on US soil and going straight after Tesla.

That same year, it also opened a 130,000-square-foot R&D and low-volume manufacturing facility at the McCarthy Creekside Industrial Center in Milpitas, California.

By the following year, however, those plans had been shelved. Officially, it was due to shifting market dynamics and the usual complications of US-China trade. Unofficially, the writing was already on the wall.

The Shape of What Could Have Been

The abandoned prototype, first noticed by forum users and Reddit sleuths, was spotted in the parking lot of the SF Motors facility in Milpitas, California. Compared to the original SF7 concept, this one looks much closer to production, with reworked bumpers, reshaped fenders, and more conventional lighting units.

Overall, it looks like a mix between a sedan and a fastback crossover, with discreet cladding around the wheel arches and a sleek roofline. It also features. US-market details like amber indicators suggest it was being prepped for local homologation.

Inside, there’s a large portrait-oriented infotainment display paired with a digital instrument cluster. The cabin is trimmed in white leather with wood accents, but it’s clearly suffered from exposure, thanks to windows left partially open to the elements.

Specs That Never Saw the Road

Originally, the SF7 was meant to ride on a dedicated EV platform, boasting quad electric motors with a combined output of up to 1,000 horsepower. A liquid-cooled battery was estimated to provide around 300 miles (483 kilometers) of range, putting the SF7 in direct competition with premium electric SUVs at the time.

Although the SF7 never made it to showrooms, the slightly smaller SF5 managed to find a second life. That concept evolved into the Seres 5, which we reviewed, and the Aito M5, developed through the Seres-Huawei partnership.

A Failed Dream

Seeing this derelict development vehicle in California is reminder of how close SF Motors came to offer vehicles in the US. But in the end, those plans never crossed the finish line.

The Mishawaka facility, originally chosen as the production site for the SF5 and SF7, once built the Mercedes R-Class. That likely explains the presence of the white R-Class, sitting on pallets next to the abandoned SF7.

The old Mercedes crossover carries SF Motors emblems and was repurposed as a development mule for a “high-performance electric powertrain.”

From One Collapse to Another

After SF Motors scrapped its US production plans, the Indiana facility was picked up by Electric Last Mile Solutions (ELMS), a startup that later filed for bankruptcy. Mullen Automotive stepped in and took ownership in 2022, but by late 2025, the company handed the plant over to the GEM Group to resolve outstanding legal liabilities.

Photos Reddit / Imgur / Google Maps

The Neue Klasse revolution has barely begun and already BMW has a problem. The good kind. Buyers are snapping up the new electric iX3 so quickly that it’s almost sold out through to the end of 2026, forcing the company to speed up plans for extra factory shifts.

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

That’s a big vote of confidence for a car customers haven’t even driven yet. Since its debut last autumn, the iX3 has made up around a third of BMW’s electric orders in Europe. Deliveries only start in March, yet much of the planned output is effectively gone.

To keep wait times from stretching into next winter, BMW is bringing forward a second production shift at its brand new Debrecen plant in Hungary, Auto News reports. The site is BMW’s first factory built purely for EVs, and while it’ll eventually build around 150,000 cars a year, it’s currently still ramping up. Clearly, that ramp needs to get steeper.

This matters far beyond one SUV. The iX3 is the first model on BMW’s all-new Neue Klasse platform and wears a bravely modern Neue Klasse design, as will the upcoming Neue Klasse 3-Series replacement later this year.

If buyers are this enthusiastic about the SUV, BMW executives will be feeling pretty good about the electric sports sedan waiting in the wings.

More Tech, More Color for 2027MY

BMW isn’t wasting time in adding polishing the package to make the iX3 even more desirable, either. From spring, the compact SUV gains an optional 22 kW AC charging upgrade, cutting home and workplace charging times. It also adds Vehicle to Load capability, letting owners power external devices at up to 3.7 kW and making camping trips more sophisticated.

There are fresh paint choices, too, including Eucalyptus Green metallic and Frozen Space Silver, plus some interior trim tweaks and the introduction of new options like a stainless steel loading sill, bright white steering wheel and an M-striped key.

Smaller SUVs Get Some Love Too

And BMW’s older electric crossovers aren’t being ignored this year, even if the iX3 is hogging the spotlight. The iX1 and iX2 receive more efficient silicon-carbide semiconductor components, boosting range by about 25 miles (40 km) depending on version. That’s a handy bump for everyday usability, improving the previously poor range of the best-performing eDrive20 to as much as 319 miles (514 km).

Tesla hasn’t created a Cybervan yet, but someone else just beat them to it. A Russian startup has stepped in with something that looks uncannily like a bulked-up Cybertruck, except it’s an electric van, and yes, it’s heading for production.

Meet the Russo-Balt F200, a stainless steel slab of a van with unmistakable Cybertruck flair. It’s the first model from a newly revived brand that traces its name back to a storied Russian automaker and railway carriage builder that operated between 1869 and 1918. Production plans are already in motion, with initial deliveries scheduled for January 2027.

More: Russia’s Cybervan Looks Like A Sci-Fi Tesla Truck That Gave Up

As we previously reported, the F200 has already been seen roaming public roads in Russia, confirming that it’s more than a rendering or vaporware project. Amusingly, the company even featured a link to our earlier coverage on its own website.

Although we pointed out a resemblance to China’s Weiqiao New Energy V90, Russo-Balt insists the F200 is its own creation and not a rebadge job.

What Is This Thing, Exactly?

The body panels are shaped from unpainted stainless steel, just like the Cybertruck, welded together by hand. Despite the raw-metal finish, buyers can personalize the look with optional polyurethane wraps, available in a full range of colors and graphics.

From its sharp creases to the flat windows and squared-off arches, the F200 borrows more than a few cues from the Cybertruck. Full-width LED lighting front and rear, plus a tailgate design that recalls the styling of Tesla’s electric truck bed cover, round out the visual nods.

While most vans of this size ride on a ladder-frame chassis, the F200 uses a monocoque chassis. This setup supports a payload of up to 1,000 kg (2,205 pounds), which appears to be in line with commercial expectations.

100-Year Warranty

According to the Russian startup, the vehicle falls under the international L3H3 classification and measures 5,950 mm (234.3 inches) in length, 2,000 mm (78.7 inches) in width, and 2,550 mm (100.4 inches) in height, tall enough for most people to stand upright inside.

The standard build includes a 100-year body warranty for the stainless steel panels, which sounds a bit rich for a van that hasn’t hit the road yet in full production form.

Power comes from a single electric motor with 200 hp sent to the front wheels. A 115 kWh battery pack provides a claimed range of 400 kilometers (249 miles), with DC fast charging supported via a port on the front fender.

How Much Does it Cost?

Pricing is set at 6.5 million rubles, roughly $85,200 at current exchange rates. A refundable deposit of just 10,000 rubles (around $131) secures a place in the production queue, though the total planned volume hasn’t been disclosed.

More: Ukraine Turns A BMW 7-Series Into A Luxury Russia-Fighting Rocket Launcher

Standard equipment includes ABS, ESP, climate control, rear air suspension, and a 360-degree camera setup with live streaming capability. Virtually every surface that could be warmed, including seats, steering wheel, mirrors, even the windshield wipers, is heated. This is a vehicle built for Russian winters, after all.

Infotainment is handled by a 14-inch touchscreen, which displays vehicle settings and offers integrated entertainment from Russian platforms such as Rutube, VKvideo, and Yandex.

More to Come from Russo-Balt

Interestingly, the team behind the F200 claims prior experience in manufacturing stainless steel water dispensers, and they plan to carry over the same material and fabrication expertise to the van. Production will be on a made-to-order basis.

A second model, the F400, is already in development. This one will feature a range-extending gas engine and all-wheel drive via dual electric motors, combining for a projected 400 horsepower. It will also add front air suspension, in addition to the rear air spring setup already included on the F200. Pricing details have yet to be announced.

Russo-Balt

Sluggish demand is putting pressure on Ford’s European EV strategy, as two of its newest models struggle to gain traction. The Explorer and Capri have fallen short of sales expectations across the region, prompting the company to scale back shifts and lay off workers at its Cologne factory in Germany.

To rekindle buyer interest in its VW-based EVs, Ford has upgraded the Standard Range versions with added power and extended driving range.

More: The Ford Explorer Just Got A Makeover You Won’t See In America

The 2026 Ford Explorer and Capri Standard Range look the same as before, but benefit from hardware upgrades under the skin. The 52 kWh battery has the same capacity but now features lithium iron phosphate technology, unlocking more range.

According to Ford, the WLTP range figures have been increased by up to 70 km (52 miles). More specifically, the Explorer can travel 444 km (276 miles) between charges, and the more aerodynamic Capri has a range of 464 km (288 miles).

Acceleration Gets a Modest Bump

Furthermore, the rear-mounted electric motor is now making 187 hp (140 kW / 190 PS) and 350 Nm (258 lb-ft) of torque. This represents an increase of 20 hp (15 kW) and 40 Nm (30 lb-ft) compared to the outgoing Standard Range models, allowing the 0-100 km/h (0-62 mph) sprint to be completed in 8 seconds flat (-0.7 seconds).

More: VW’s Killing The ID.4 To Bring Back A Familiar Name

Those suffering from range anxiety can still get the Extended Range RWD, which comes with a bigger 77 kWh battery and a more powerful 282 hp (210 kW / 286 PS) motor, or the flagship Extender Range AWD with a 79 kWh battery and dual motors producing 335 hp (250 kW / 340 PS).

The Ford Explorer was introduced in 2023, followed by the Capri in 2024. Both models are produced at the Cologne Electric Vehicle Center in Germany, following a multi-billion-dollar investment to convert the historic Fiesta plant into an EV hub.

Ford has yet to announce pricing for the updated EVs. In Germany, the current Explorer and Capri start from €39,900 ($47,600) and €42,400 ($50,700) respectively. It remains to be seen whether the improved specs will lead to increased customer demand.

What’s Going on With the Competition?

Meanwhile, over at Volkswagen, the German brand is preparing to replace the ID.4 with a refreshed model named ID. Tiguan, while quietly retiring the ID.5.

Ford’s rivals in the segment continue to grow, with the list including the Skoda Enyaq, Renault Scenic E-Tech, Nissan Ariya, Kia EV6, Hyundai Ioniq 5, Peugeot E-3008, Opel Grandland Electric, Citroen e-C5 Aircross, Jeep Compass Electric, and the ever-present Tesla Model Y

Ford

Electrified vehicles are no longer playing second fiddle in Europe’s car market. Sales of battery-electric, plug-in hybrid, and traditional hybrid models climbed sharply across the continent last year, while demand for gasoline and diesel vehicles continued to shrink.

Read: One in 10 New Cars Sold in Europe Last Month Was Chinese

The shift picked up real momentum in December, when BEV sales pulled ahead of gas-powered cars for the first time in the European Union, even as policymakers were making plans to ease emissions regulations.

That month, BEVs accounted for 22.6 percent of the market, slipping just ahead of petrol cars at 22.5 percent. Hybrids held the largest share overall at 33.7 percent, followed by plug-in hybrids with 10.7 percent. Diesel fell further to 7.2 percent, while alternatives like LPG closed the list at 3.3 percent.

Across the European Union, the UK, and members of the European Free Trade Association, including Iceland, Norway, and Switzerland, a total of 13,271,270 new vehicles were sold throughout 2025. That marks a modest but notable 2.4 percent uptick from the previous year. Within that total, BEVs accounted for 2,585,187 sales, a significant 29.7 percent increase over the 1.9 million sold in 2024.

Hybrids Lead the Charge

Despite the BEV surge, traditional hybrids took the crown as the continent’s best-selling powertrain last year. A total of 4,566,850 hybrids were sold, reflecting a 12.4 percent increase and pushing them past gasoline-powered cars for the first time.

In 2024, petrol models held a narrow lead with 4,273,880 units sold, but in 2025, that number dropped sharply by 18.9 percent to 3,467,041.

Similarly, demand for diesel cars fell by a considerable 24 percent, down from 1,349,899 to just 1,026,354 units. This allowed plug-in hybrids to overtake diesels, selling a total of 1,272,901, or a 33.4 percent rise from 2024.

December’s numbers laid bare the speed of change. BEV registrations soared to 308,955, up 50.3 percent compared to the same month a year earlier. That was enough to edge out gasoline car sales, which declined 17.7 percent to 254,449. Diesel models also slumped in December, with sales falling 23.1 percent to 73,195.

As in the January-December period, hybrids remained the most popular powertrain choice in December, with sales reaching 380,921, up 4.9 percent. Demand for plug-in hybrids also rose 35.8 percent to 123,460.

The Story Behind the Numbers

While it’s easy to conclude that EVs outsold gas-powered cars entirely in December, that’s not entirely true. These figures from the European Automobile Manufacturers’ Association include full and mild hybrids in the ‘hybrid electric’ category, which led the industry in sales.

The vast majority of full hybrid and mild hybrids on sale use gas-powered combustion engines, whether that’s to drive the wheels, charge the battery pack, or a combination of both, so it would perhaps be more accurate to lump together hybrid electric and gas-powered vehicles into the same category. If that were the case, they would come out well ahead of BEVs.

Electric vehicle technology advances quickly and models tend to get outdated relatively fast. To avoid this, a number of companies make significant changes just a few years after launch.

More: 2025 Mini Countryman Makes For An Electrifying Crossover

We can add Mini to this list as they’ve unveiled an improved Countryman E. While the crossover was introduced less than three years ago, the latest version has significantly improved range thanks to a larger 65.2 kWh battery pack and a new silicon carbide inverter, which minimizes power losses.

The model also benefits from new front axle wheel bearings that reduce rolling resistance and help to improve overall efficiency.

Thanks to these changes, the Countryman E now has a WLTP range of up to 311 miles (501 km). For comparison, the current model has a smaller 64.6 kWh battery and a range of up to 287 miles (462 km). That doesn’t sound like much of an improvement, but it’s an 8.4 percent increase.

The Countryman SE ALL4 benefits from the upgrades as well and this allows for a range of up to 290 miles (467 km). That’s 21.7 miles (35 km) more than its predecessor.

The updated Countryman will be available in Europe this March and will presumably come stateside shortly thereafter. While that remains to be seen, the US-spec Countryman SE ALL4 starts at $45,200 and has a dual-motor all-wheel drive system producing 308 hp (230 kW / 312 PS) and 364 lb-ft (493 Nm) of torque.

This enables the electric crossover to accelerate from 0-60 mph (0-96 km/h) in 5.4 seconds, before hitting a top speed of 112 mph (180 km/h). Buyers can also expect a modest EPA range of up to 212 miles (341 km).

While VW and Xpeng are teaming up to develop new EVs for China, the partnership hasn’t stopped a quiet rivalry from unfolding. Xpeng has just rolled out its latest electric sedan, the P7+, across European markets, and it’s not shy about naming its target, which is none other than the VW ID.7, one of Europe’s top-selling EVs.

Read: Xpeng P7+ Is The Latest Ultra-Efficient EV From China

The P7+ has already spent time on the Chinese market, but it recently arrived in Europe with more than just a new badge. It debuted in European specification at the Brussels Auto Show earlier this month and is now being built locally at Magna Steyr’s contract manufacturing facility in Graz, Austria.

Like the ID.7, it’s a streamlined, low-profile sedan with a strong focus on range and high-speed charging.

A Cheaper Entry, With Compromises

One thing the Xpeng has going for it over the VW is price. In Germany, the entry-level P7+ starts at just €43,600 ($51,200), significantly undercutting the ID.7 that kicks off from €54,105 ($64,900). However, whereas the base ID.7 uses a 77 kWh battery and has a WLTP driving range of 385 miles (619 km), the base P7+ uses a much smaller 62 kWh pack, restricting its range to 283 miles (455 km).

Shoppers who want to travel farther between stops will need to pay at least €49,600 ($59,500) for the long-range model, which boasts a 75 kWh pack and a 329-mile (530 km) range. However, that pales in comparison to the flagship ID.7 Pro S with its 86 kWh pack and 440-mile (708 km) range.

Charging Without Compromise

According to Sven De Smet, head of brand and marketing at Xpeng Europe, who spoke to AutoNews, one of the key advantages of the P7+ is its faster charging capability. The VW tops out at 200 kW for DC fast charging, while the base P7+ can reach 350 kW, and the long-range version peaks at 446 kW.

“We believe charging is one of the pain points,” De Smet said. “A big battery is heavier, which means it consumes more electricity, which means you charge it more.”

Xpeng also points out that the smaller, lighter battery packs in the P7+ should have a positive impact on handling and overall driving dynamics. That could prove appealing to European drivers, who often place a premium on responsiveness and efficiency.

The question now is whether the P7+ can match the ID.7’s strong European sales. Last year, VW moved 76,368 units of the ID.7 across the continent, putting it in seventh place among all EVs sold. That figure put it just 10,000 units behind the Tesla Model 3. Xpeng may be the challenger in this case, but it’s stepping into a crowded field.

Strategic Partners, Not Just Rivals

VW holds a five percent stake in Xpeng following a $700 million investment, but the ties run deeper than capital. The two brands are jointly developing several EVs for the Chinese market, including at least one model built on Xpeng’s Edward platform. VW has also committed to integrating aspects of Xpeng’s tech stack, including its proprietary Turing chip and VLA 2.0 software, into future models.

Xpeng

The recalls keep adding up for the Volkswagen ID.4 and the latest is a major safety issue impacting 670 crossovers. It involves 2023 and 2024 model year vehicles, which have misaligned electrodes that can result in a battery fire.

According to the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration, Volkswagen first became aware of a problem when an ID.4 caught on fire while using a DC fast charger in January of 2024. This kicked off an investigation, but a second fire in a parked vehicle was reported in July.

More: Multiple Fires Spark Urgent Warning For VW EV Owners

A third fire followed in October of 2024, while a fourth came in December. The latter was being driven at the time.

What Caused the Fires?

Due to the “differing nature of these events and the condition of the batteries,” Volkswagen and suppliers had a hard time determining a root cause. However, the company managed to trace the origin of the fires to the battery and found “shifted electrodes” in one of them.

A fifth fire was reported in August of 2025 while using a DC fast charger. Eventually, a tear-down analysis found shifted electrodes and these were confirmed in previous cases via CT images. This sparked a recall in December of 2025, which was amended less than two weeks later as additional faulty batteries where identified.

The companies continued looking into the issue and SK Battery America discovered a second production problem that could result in shifted electrodes. The companies aren’t aware of any field reports related to this specific issue, but they’ve decided to conduct a new recall.

Serious Safety Warning

100 percent of the recalled vehicles are believed to be impacted and Volkswagen is warning owners to “park outside immediately after charging and not leave their vehicles charging indoors overnight until the recall repair is complete.”

On top of that, drivers are being advised not to use DC fast chargers and to limit the battery charge to a maximum of 80 percent.

That’s a big inconvenience, but it beats having your ID.4 burst into flames. To address the issue, Volkswagen will replace high voltage battery cell modules.

A Second ID.4 Recall

Speaking of ID.4 recalls, there’s a second one involving 2023-2025 models. This one impacts 43,881 vehicles and is due to a battery that can overheat.

This is related to the aforementioned problem and is designed to cover “incidents outside of the ranges being recalled for the shifted electrode issues.” Unfortunately, details are hazy as Volkswagen hasn’t found a clear root cause.

That being said, the automaker warned the battery can experience “thermal propagation” in rare circumstances. This can eventually lead to a vehicle fire.

While the root cause remains elusive, “current analysis results show that certain deviations at the supplier of the battery modules may result in self-discharge.” If this issue exists in your ID.4, you might notice reduced range and/or performance.

As part of the recall, Volkswagen technicians will perform a battery health check and install updated self-discharge detection software. The company may also replace some batteries, based on the results of the inspection and software readings.

Only 1% of the recalled vehicles are believed to have the defect, which would equate to around 439 crossovers.

Genesis’s designers have had their hands full lately, dreaming up all kinds of projects that could eventually lead to production cars. Some we’ve already seen up close, like the G90 Magma Performance Wagon and the Magma GT, their mid-engine Corvette rival, but others have stayed behind closed doors. Until now.

See: Genesis Has Some Crazy Ideas, Starting With This Space-Age Minivan

We’ve already told you about the minivan and the hydrogen SUV studies, but there’s one more you wouldn’t usually expect from a premium brand, a project simply known as “The Pickup.” It’s a design exercise for a fully electric model aimed at the North American market. The project has been shelved for now, but it’s not entirely off the table for the future.

Hyundai Motor Group’s Chief Creative Officer, Luc Donckerwolke, recently acknowledged that Genesis had been exploring the idea. Ultimately, though, the team felt “it was not the right time,” choosing instead to focus on performance-focused Magma models.

First Glimpse of a Truck That Might Have Been

Most concepts like this stay buried inside design studios, rarely seeing the light of day. This time, however, Genesis opted to pull back the curtain slightly, sharing official sketches and renderings. The images originally appeared in the January/February issue of Auto&Design magazine, but Genesis has also released them directly to Carscoops.

Visually, the design stays rooted in Genesis’s familiar language. Two-Line LED headlights sweep back into pronounced front fenders, mirrored by the taillight design at the rear. The large Crest grille remains a focal point, flanked by sleek side intakes and a sturdy aluminum skid plate anchoring the front bumper.

More: This Genesis Supercar Isn’t A Pipe Dream, It’s Coming In Multiple Flavors

The profile is defined by imposing proportions, with a tall hood, a sizable rear bed, and an aerodynamic greenhouse. The sketches also show oversized wheels fitted with futuristic alloy designs and chunky, high-grip tires.

Another variation of the concept study features a flip-up panel on the nose that reveals a storage compartment, along with added space in the side skirts for portable batteries or other small items. This version takes a more minimalist approach to the styling, paired with more pronounced fenders for a bolder stance.

Designed for Americans

Genesis confirms the concept was developed with the American market in mind, and had it gone further, it would have ridden on the same ladder-frame chassis as the X Gran Equator Concept. That would mean better off-road capability and hauling strength than you’d get from a unibody setup.

No specific power or range figures have been shared, though it’s safe to assume the EV platform would support all-wheel drive. In one rendering, the truck is shown towing a custom-designed Airstream camper, suggesting it was at least envisioned with serious towing capability in mind.

The cabin gets a brief preview as well. One sketch shows a five-seater layout with a mix of soft, cylindrical forms across the dash, console, and seats. A two-spoke steering wheel and slim digital instrument panel create a minimalistic front row, with a curved passenger display extending the width of the dashboard.

More: Hyundai Boss Says New Midsize Pickup Will Blow Your Mind

Just a few months ago, Donckerwolke talked to Australian media expressing concerns on whether a pickup would be a right fit for Genesis. He specifically suggested they should be careful of not diluting the brand with a utilitarian offering.

The Project Is Not Entirely Dead

However, Donckerwolke’s more recent comments to Auto&Design suggest the idea isn’t entirely off the table. “An electric pickup truck? Why not?” he said. “Then we discarded it because we had to focus on different projects. Maybe in the future, who knows.”

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It wouldn’t be surprising if Genesis revisits the truck segment down the line, possibly sharing underpinnings with one of Hyundai’s upcoming pickups. The Korean automaker is already developing an electric truck that could slot into the Ioniq lineup, along with ladder-frame midsize pickups for the U.S. and Australian markets, some of which may use a range-extender powertrain.

In a comment to Carscoops, a Genesis spokesperson clarified how these internal projects often unfold. “Genesis often undertakes future design exercises to explore possibilities for our ever-expanding portfolio,” he told us. “While some of these concepts ultimately don’t move forward to production, this showcases the broad capabilities and strengths of the Genesis design team.”

Photos Genesis

If the R1S and R1T were the cars that gave birth to Rivian, the upcoming R2 will be the one that decides whether the brand thrives or stays in infancy. And that moment is arriving quickly, as the mid-size SUV appears to be on track to reach its first customer driveways by June, thanks to the rapid expansion of Rivian’s production facility in Normal, Illinois.

The R2 could be make-or-break for the EV startup. If it’s a success, it could establish the EV brand as a serious mass-market player in the US. If it fails, Rivian may remain a niche brand forever.

Read: Rivian’s R2 Spotted With A Very Interesting Rear Window

It will be produced at a new 2.6 million-square-foot section of Rivian’s Illinois plant, and the first validation build vehicles have already started rolling off the line.

These vehicles are production-intent, not pre-production prototypes, and will help validate key factory processes before Rivian can start building customer vehicles at scale.

As reported by WGLT, Rivian built the new manufacturing center in just 11 months, and at full capacity, the site will be able to produce up to 215,000 vehicles a year, including 155,000 R2s.

Rivian didn’t originally plan to build the R2 in Illinois. When the SUV was first announced in early 2024, the company said it would be assembled at a forthcoming $5 billion factory in Georgia.

That site, however, remains in early development, with substantial construction work expected to begin later this year. If completed as proposed, it could eventually build up to 400,000 vehicles per year, primarily R2 and future R3 models.

RJ Scaringe/Instagram

The EV maker has yet to announce final specifications for the R2 and likely won’t do so until closer to its launch. When the SUV first appeared in prototype form two years ago, the company confirmed it would ride on an all-new midsize platform and be offered in single-, dual-, and tri-motor configurations.

We do have a few technical details already. The R2 will use 4,695-type cylindrical battery cells and, in its base form, deliver more than 300 miles (483 km) of range. It will also feature a built-in NACS port as standard, giving it access to Tesla’s Supercharger network without the need for adapters or retrofits.

The Price Question

Perhaps the most important detail is still the price. Rivian initially projected a starting MSRP of around $45,000. That number will be crucial if the company hopes to compete head-on with Tesla’s Model Y. Holding that price point could be key to making the R2 not just another statement piece, but a genuinely competitive offering in the heart of the EV market.

Canada’s recent trade deal with China was bound to cause controversy. The agreement slashes tariffs on Chinese EVs from 100 percent down to just 6.1 percent, prompting U.S. President Donald Trump to threaten 100 percent tariffs on Canada if the deal proceeds. Still, China insists the arrangement is meant to benefit both countries and isn’t a zero-sum game.

Under the new deal, up to 49,000 EVs from China can be imported to Canada at a reduced 6.1 percent tariff rate, though at least half of them must cost $35,000 or less by 2030.

Read: Canada Just Invited China’s Biggest EV Makers To Build Cars On America’s Border

Unifor labor union president Lana Payne argues the deal opens the door for China to quickly capture critical market share. Ontario Premier Doug Ford has voiced similar concerns, warning that Canada could be inundated with low-cost EVs, without any firm commitment from China to invest in the local economy.

Beijing Signals Willingness to Build in Canada

Despite those concerns, Chinese Ambassador to Canada Wang Di says China’s fast-growing automakers are being urged to invest directly in Canada and produce vehicles domestically.

“All these projects will be beneficial to the development of the Canadian EV industry, and will be helpful for job growth in Canada, and will help Canadian consumers to be able to buy higher quality and more affordable cars,” Wang told CTV News. “The character of China-Canada practical co-operation is complementarity and mutual benefit.”

“China encourages and supports Chinese companies to make investments and start-up companies here in Canada, on the basis of the market rules,” he continued. “At the same time, we hope that the Canadian side will provide a fair, non-discriminatory, and predictable business environment for the Chinese companies that come here.”

According to Wang, that is what Beijing ultimately wants to see, if companies choose to take up the opportunity.

“If Chinese companies will come to Canada to work with Canadian partners for investment, for opening factories or for joint ventures, all of these projects will be win-win,” he said.

Is This a Message to Washington?

Perhaps in a thinly veiled swipe at the Trump administration, Wang added that “unlike some other countries, China will not only take into consideration of its selfish interest, we don’t want ‘only we win and others lose.’”

The head of the Canada-China Energy and Environment Forum, Wenran Jiang, would like to see Canadian juggernaut Magna International partner with a Chinese car manufacturer to build EVs in Canada. Recently, it was confirmed that Magna would partner with GAC to build the Aion V, but it’ll be built at the parts giant’s factory in Graz, Austria.

“If they can do that, we can do it certainly here in Ontario,” Jiang said, adding that such cooperation could help bridge regional divides over China policy. “We could do probably better if we leverage our regional advantages and work together as a team.”

Xiaomi has quickly established itself as an automaker to be reckoned with in China, and last year, it achieved something that would’ve seemed unlikely just a few years ago: its all-electric SU7 sedan outsold the Tesla Model 3.

Once the brand of choice for EV-hungry Chinese consumers, Tesla now finds itself outpaced by domestic rivals that are rapidly improving their game. Xiaomi is leading that charge.

Read: Xiaomi’s YU7 Outsold Tesla’s Model Y And Now It’s Getting Personal

Data from the Chinese Passenger Car Association shows that in 2025, Xiaomi sold 258,164 SU7s. That’s nearly double the roughly 135,000 units it moved in 2024, a figure made more impressive given that the SU7 only launched in April of that year.

Perhaps more notably, it overtook the Tesla Model 3, which saw 200,361 deliveries in the same period.

What’s Driving the Switch?

Chinese buyers have responded well not only to the SU7’s design inside and out but also to the technology it packs and the performance it delivers.

The base version undercuts a comparable Model 3 by roughly 9 percent, according to a report from the South China Morning Post, giving it a clear pricing advantage. Strong driving range and well-specced hardware round out the package, allowing the SU7 to compete in a segment Tesla once dominated.

“Tesla’s dominance in the premium EV segment has been eroded by its Chinese competitors that are able to churn out vehicles on par with its technology standards while offering them at lower prices,” a senior manager at the Shanghai-based consultancy Suolei told the outlet. “Xiaomi’s success is a strong boost for Chinese carmakers, which are all trying to move up the value chain.”

What’s in Store for 2026?

This year is shaping up to be even bigger for Xiaomi. In April, an updated SU7 will be launched, complete with more advanced driving assistance functions, including LiDAR across the entire family, and an improved driving range of up to 902 km (560 miles) on the CLTC cycle.

Within the first 15 days of pre-orders opening, Xiaomi reportedly secured 100,000 reservations for the refreshed model.

Also: Ford’s Jim Farley Was “Shocked” After Tearing Down Xiaomi And Tesla EVs

In total, Xiaomi sold 411,800 vehicles last year and is targeting 550,000 in 2026. This will also be the first full year of availability for the YU7 SUV, which could become its best-selling model.

Back in October, the YU7 notched 33,662 sales in a single month, even edging past the Tesla Model Y. Xiaomi’s third model, the YU9, will also make its debut this year as a range-extender EV.

India has long guarded its domestic car industry with near-impenetrable tariffs, making foreign vehicles a rare sight on its roads unless built locally. That’s about to change.The country is now getting ready to lower those duties on European Union cars, dropping them from a steep 110 percent to 40 percent.

Final terms of the trade agreement between India and the EU will be outlined later this week, but the current proposal outlines that tariffs on EU-made combustion-engine cars will fall to 40 percent for up to 200,000 units annually. Over time, that figure is expected to drop even further, eventually settling at 10 percent.

Read: India’s New Renault Duster Looks Like A Rich Man’s Dacia Duster

In order to protect local firms like Mahinda & Mahindra as well as Tata Motors, battery-electric vehicles would be excluded from the tariff cuts for the first five years. After that, European-made BEVs will also qualify for the reduced tariff structure.

Only cars priced above €15,000 (roughly $17,700) would be eligible for the reduction, a threshold designed to limit direct competition with mass-market offerings from firms such as Maruti Suzuki. These models dominate India’s affordable car segment and are critical to local industry stability.

According to Reuters, the deal is still under negotiation, with finer details yet to be finalized. Certain provisions remain subject to revision before the full announcement is made.

A Massive Market, Ripe for Growth

India now ranks as the third-largest new car market in the world, trailing only the United States and China. Yet European brands currently hold less than a 4 percent share of annual sales, positioning India as a key target for future expansion. Around 4.4 million new vehicles were sold in the country last year, with forecasts suggesting that number could climb to 6 million by 2030.

While the trade pact is expected to give EU carmakers a clearer path into the Indian market, it could also make things easier for Indian textile and jewellery exports. Those goods currently face US tariffs as high as 50 percent, and access to a new market could help take some pressure off.

Toyota has quietly announced pricing for the 2026 bZ Woodland will start at $45,300 before a $1,450 destination fee. That makes the model $10,400 more expensive than the smaller bZ and a whopping $5,305 pricier than the similar Subaru Trailseeker.

That’s a sizable difference, but the company is only offering the crossover-ified wagon in one well-equipped trim. However, customers can order an optional Premium Package. This stands in contrast to Subaru, which will offer the Trailseeker in three separate trims named Premium, Limited, and Touring.

More: Subaru’s New Trailseeker Costs $5,000 More Than The Outback

Toyota hasn’t published full specs yet, but the bZ Woodland will come equipped with LED lighting units and 18-inch alloy wheels. Buyers will also find a six-speaker audio system, a 14-inch infotainment system, and a wireless smartphone charger. Other highlights include ambient lighting and heated power fronts seats wrapped in SofTex upholstery.

They’re joined by the Toyota Safety Sense 3.0 suite of driver assistance systems. It includes a Pre-Collision System with Pedestrian Detection, Full-Speed Range Dynamic Radar Cruise Control, and Lane Tracing Assist. These features are accompanied by Automatic High Beams, Road Sign Assist, Proactive Driving Assist, and Lane Departure Alert with Steering Assist. Other safety systems include a Blind Spot Monitor with Rear Cross-Traffic Alert, a Panoramic View / Multi-Terrain Monitor, and Safe Exit Alert.

The bZ Woodland with the Premium Package costs $47,400 and adds a panoramic moonroof as well as a nine-speaker JBL premium audio system. Buyers will also find front radiant heaters as well as heated and ventilated front seats with a memory function on the driver’s side.

The Trailseeker Looks Like A Far Better Deal

While we’re waiting for Toyota to share more details, the Trailseeker looks like a far better deal as the base model has much of the same equipment as the bZ Woodland. Furthermore, the $43,995 Trailseeker Limited seems to be better equipped as it has a hands-free power liftgate and larger 20-inch wheels. It also sports heated rear seats and a Harman Kardon premium audio system.

The $46,555 Trailseeker Touring compares favorably to the $47,400 bZ Woodland Premium as well as both have a panoramic glass roof, ventilated front seats, and radiant leg warmers. Subaru also throws in a gloss black hood decal and a digital rearview mirror.

A Shared Powertrain With 375 HP

Both models ride on the e-TNGA platform and have a 74.7 kWh battery pack. The latter feeds a dual-motor all-wheel drive system developing a combined output of 375 hp (280 kW / 380 PS).

Toyota originally quoted a range of up to 260 miles (418 km), but Subaru pegs it at around 280 miles (451 km). The latter company also noted the Trailseeker accelerates from 0-60 mph (0-96 km/h) in 4.4 seconds, has a NACS port, and can get an 80% charge in as little as 28 minutes.

2026 Toyota bZ Woodland Pricing

H/T to Car & Driver

Cars spend a lot of time outside and that presents a big opportunity for electric vehicles equipped with solar panels. A number of automakers have explored the idea and Nissan is revisiting it with an Ariya concept.

Designed to celebrate Clean Energy Day, the crossover has photovoltaic panels on the hood, roof, and liftgate. These span a combined area of 40.9 square feet (3.8 square meters) and convert sunlight into DC power.

More: Nissan Turns Sunlight Into Free Miles With Its Smart EV Upgrade

This energy is fed into the Ariya’s battery pack and Nissan said real-world testing showed the panels can add up to 14.3 miles (23 km) of range on a sunny day. That might not sound like much, but the average American travels less than 40 miles (64 km) per day.

However, location matters a lot and the range can vary significantly. Nissan says year‑round averages could range from as little as 6.3 miles (10.2 km) per day in London to 13.2 miles (21.2 km) per day in Dubai. Even if you park in a garage, a two-hour drive on a sunny day could add up to 1.9 miles (3 km) of range.

While these aren’t life altering numbers, the automaker said the added range could enable drivers to reduce their charging frequency between 35 and 65 percent. The solar panels also help out in areas where charging infrastructure is limited.

The concept was created in partnership with Lightyear and Nissan’s Shunsuke Shigemoto said, “By exploring how vehicles can generate their own renewable energy, we are opening the door to new opportunities for customers – greater freedom, reduced charging dependency, and a cleaner future. This concept is not just a technical milestone; it’s a vision of how Nissan intends to lead the next phase of electric mobility.”

Rivian introduced a wide range of updates to the R1S and R1T for the 2025 model year, focusing on improvements beneath the surface while keeping the exterior mostly untouched. But according to a newly discovered patent, the R1S might be in line for another tweak in the form of a revised tailgate featuring a glass section that opens on its own.

Read: Rivian Patents Removable Roof Panels For Its EVs

According to documents uncovered by Car&Driver, Rivian has patented a new tailgate design that appears to give the R1S the ability to open either the entire hatch or just the glass panel. It’s a setup familiar to anyone who’s used the Toyota Land Cruiser or the closely related Lexus GX. BMW’s 3-Series Touring wagon also offers a similar function.

The Toyota 4Runner also has something similar, although its rear window can actually roll down just like a side window, rather than opening out as Rivian’s patent shows. It’s a useful feature, allowing you to retrieve or store items without having to open the entire tailgate.

Rivian’s patent drawings show that this independently opening glass would be integrated into the current R1S split tailgate. That means Rivian could add the new feature without altering the SUV’s distinctive two-part rear hatch, maintaining the utility and visual character of the original design.

Buttons and Dials Coming?

There may be more than just hardware updates in store. The same filing, as noted by Car&Driver,, shows an interior equipped with actual physical buttons and knobs, something the current R1S doesn’t offer. It’s possible these would supplement the screen-heavy layout with tactile controls for climate or audio settings, easing day-to-day usability.

The patent also hints at gesture-based controls, potentially including the now-common feature that lets drivers wave a foot under the rear bumper to pop the tailgate.

There’s no word on when the R1S, and perhaps the R1T too, could be updated for a second time, but it probably wouldn’t be at least for a couple of more years, particularly since Rivian has to focus on building the R2 and R3 models.

Interestingly, recent spy shots of the R2 revealed it will get a roll-down rear window just like the 4Runner, so Rivian is clearly thinking about improving practicality with its future models.

USPTO

Prior to launching the Tesla Cybertruck, Elon Musk suggested they could sell as many as 500,000 of them per year. However, as sales of the electric pickup never really picked up in the United States, Tesla has started selling the Cybertruck in more markets, the latest being the Middle East.

Earlier this month, the first Cybertrucks were delivered to customers in the United Arab Emirates (UAE). Roughly 60 units were handed over during a launch event held for the occasion.

Read: Tesla’s Running Out Of Cybertruck Buyers, So Musk’s Other Companies Are Buying It

While much of the early hype surrounding the electric truck has died down in the US, it’s a hot ticket in the Middle East, with many having already been imported into the region by enthusiastic buyers before Tesla made it official. Of course, the UAE and the broader Middle East remain relatively small markets and won’t help Tesla get anywhere near its early estimates for the Cybertruck.

As one of the world’s top oil producers, the UAE enjoys some of the lowest fuel prices globally, which makes electric vehicles a harder sell. With cheap gas and a strong car culture rooted in performance and presence, the appeal of a futuristic EV like the Cybertruck has more to do with novelty than necessity.

How Much Is a Cybertruck in Dubai?

Tesla Europe & Middle East/Twitter

In the UAE, pricing starts at AED404,900 for the dual-motor variant, roughly $110,000. That’s significantly more than the $79,990 price tag in the U.S. The top-end tri-motor Cyberbeast comes in at AED454,900, or about $123,000, which represents a smaller markup over its American counterpart at $114,900.

American Sales Crater

Back in the U.S., sales of the Cybertruck tumbled in 2025. Tesla moved just 20,237 units, down 48.1 percent from the 38,965 sold in 2024, the vehicle’s first full year on the market. The final quarter was especially tough, with only 4,140 trucks delivered. That’s a 68.1 percent drop compared to the 12,991 units shifted in Q4 of the previous year.

Jaguar hit the reset button hard in preparation for an all-electric luxury future, but a fresh report claims JLR is backtracking before it’s even launched the first of its new-generation cars. Sources close to the company allege engineers are trying to figure out how to sneak a petrol engine back into the picture to offer a hybrid model alongside the EV. Jaguar officials, for their part, deny any change in direction.

The Brit luxury brand is exploring range-extender electric tech that use a small combustion engine purely as a generator, according to UK newspaper The Times. In a range-extender hybrid the car’s wheels are still driven by electric motors, but a small combustion units acts as a backup power source for long trips when charging stops feel like a chore.

Related: Not Even Jaguar’s Dealers Are Buying Its $130K EV Plan

The potential payoff is big. Insiders who spoke to The Times suggest total range could jump from around 435 miles (700 km) in pure EV form to as much as 684 miles (1,100 km). That would go a long way toward calming buyers who like the idea of electric but still get nervous about road trips that involve more than one coffee stop.

Engineering Headache

Adapting JLR’s new JEA EV platform wouldn’t be easy because of the battery placement, Auto News reports. But companies like Renault-Geely collab Horse Powertrain have already spotted a niche for providing combustion engines to convert EVs into hybrids, and Porsche is ICE-converting its electric 718 sports cars mid-development, so we don’t doubt it could be done if Jag throws enough time and money at the problem.

This possible pivot comes after Jaguar’s dramatic rebrand and EV-only relaunch plan raised more than a few eyebrows. The new marketing campaign ditched traditional logos, embraced abstract visuals and promised a boutique lineup of high end electric models starting with $130k four-door production version of the Type 00 concept due to be revealed this year. Two more EVs, including at least one SUV come later.

Luxury EV sales slump

At the same time, real world demand for expensive Western EVs has cooled, especially in the United States and China. Porsche, for example, has already admitted it is leaning back toward hybrids and combustion models after EV sales failed to meet expectations. Jaguar’s global sales ambitions suddenly look much harder in that context and some dealers say they’re skeptical about the whole EV strategy.

Range extenders are already gaining traction in China, where buyers appreciate the electric drive feel but still want the safety net of petrol backup. In Europe, though, they’re less common, and under current rules, they don’t count as zero emissions cars, so could only be legally sold until 2035.

“Not happening”

Jaguar officially says nothing has changed and that its future remains electric only, but we don’t believe for a minute that Jag isn’t both concerned by current EV trends, and at least investigating how to answer to them.

Read: Jaguar Thinks Its $180K EV Gamble Could Finally Ditch Its BMW Complex

“Plans to reinvent Jaguar as an electric-only luxury automotive brand are unchanged,” a Jaguar spokesperson told The Times. “We are looking forward to unveiling the first new electric Jaguar later this year.”

Separately, a senior source told Autocar that the report was “rubbish,” and that Jaguar’s EV-only relaunch would proceed exactly as planned.

Jaguar

Mercedes-Benz took a swing with the EQE sedan, but like the larger and more expensive EQS, it missed the mark. The model will quietly exit stage left before it reaches a second generation, clearing the way for a more conventional electric replacement built on familiar ground, the next-gen E-Class

Read: The EQE Gives Way To A Proper Sedan, The E-Class EQ

Badged as the E-Class with EQ Technology, the new electric sedan was recently spotted undergoing testing under heavy camouflage in Europe. The spy shots don’t offer much clarity on what the final design will look like, but it’s reasonable to expect some styling cues from the electric GLC, reshaped into a more conventional three-box sedan profile

Grille Wars Aren’t Over Yet

That’s where these renderings by Nikita Chuyko at Kolesa come in, offering a preview of what the finished car might look like. As with the GLC EV, it features a massive illuminated grille that dominates the front end. While BMW has started backing away from oversized grilles, Mercedes is going all-in with them.

For what it’s worth, the silver finish of the grille shown does nicely complement the car’s silver paint finish, so it doesn’t stand out like a sore thumb. Whether that same grille design will flatter a darker paint job is still an open question.

The E-Class EQ is also likely to get its own lighting treatment. Unlike the oddly sculpted headlights on the gas-powered version, this electric variant may adopt a cleaner look, potentially highlighted by star-shaped LED daytime running lights.

Also: BMW’s Neue Klasse Plan Starts To Blur As You Look At The 2027 5-Series

It’s a similar story at the back. Although the rear fascia shares a lot in common with the gas-powered E-Class, it could have distinctive taillights with new light signatures.

Another key difference we noticed on the prototype, and one reflected in these renderings as well, is the addition of a fourth side window that stretches behind the rear door frame. That said, Mercedes could also take a page from the Maybach S-Class, which uses a three-window layout with the final pane extending deep into the C-pillar.

What About Power?

Carscoops understands Mercedes-Benz’s new electric sedan will use the same MB.EA platform as the GLC EV. That likely means it’ll share the same powertrain and battery options too. The only variant of the GLC with EQ Technology currently on sale, the GLC 400 4Matic, features a 94 kWh battery and twin motors delivering 483 hp and 590 lb-ft (800 Nm) of torque.

The sizeable battery is enough to give the SUV up to 444 miles (715 km) of driving range on the WLTP cycle. Given the slightly sleeker shape and lower profile of the E-Class EQ, it may boast an even more impressive driving range. An advanced 800-volt electrical architecture will also support charging speeds of up to 330 kW.

SHproshots

Electric vehicles come with some obvious perks, from impressive acceleration and near-silent driving to charging costs that are typically, though not always, lower than fueling up with gas. But there’s a flipside when things go wrong. Battery replacement isn’t just expensive, it can easily eclipse the value of the car itself.

Just ask the owner of this 2013 Tesla Model S, for example, now staring down a quote that’s far from reasonable.

Watch: Tesla Model S Cruises Past 430,000 Miles On Original Battery

This particular owner recently visited a Tesla service center in Madison, Wisconsin, to get estimates on a battery replacement. According to a post they shared on Reddit, they inquired about swapping out the existing 60 kWh pack for either the same model or a larger 90 kWh version. Both options came back with steep price tags that likely outstrip the resale value of the vehicle.

Battery Pricing Hits Hard

A replacement 60 kWh pack would cost $13,830. That includes $580.50 for labor, based on a 2.58-hour installation time. The rest, a hefty $13,250, covers just the battery itself. Not exactly light on the wallet for what is now Tesla’s smallest available battery on offer.

The price jumps significantly for the larger 90 kWh pack. The pack alone costs $18,000, with an additional $4,500 required to unlock its full capacity. Factor in installation and necessary replacement parts, and the total comes to $23,262.

That’s well beyond what most used Model S vehicles from the same year are currently worth. We found they typically range from $10,000 to $15,000, depending on trim and condition. From a financial standpoint, the upgrade cost doesn’t pencil out.

Reddit u/sirromnek

Reddit user u/sirromnek shared the experience, sparking discussion among other Tesla owners. While many have logged hundreds of thousands of miles on their original packs without issue, battery degradation isn’t unheard of. For some, the only path forward is a costly replacement.

While going directly to Tesla is an option, new batteries can also be purchased from third-party suppliers, often at a much lower price than Tesla offers. However, given that decade-old Tesla Model S sedans are barely fetching over $12,000, buying a replacement pack probably isn’t worth it.