Ford is making a big fuss about their upcoming $30k EV.
Affordable options already exist and can be bought now.
Ford is preparing to launch a $30,000 electric truck, and the steady drumbeat of promotion is starting to wear a little thin. Earlier this month, the Blue Oval released three glorified blog posts about the affordable mid-size pickup and a 14 minute video, which was approximately 10 minutes too long.
Before that, the company talked about failure and Henry Ford’s ill-fated stints at the Detroit Automobile Company and the Henry Ford Company. The automaker then said they’re pursuing similar bold efforts as it “works to design and assemble affordable electric vehicles.”
The thing is that $30,000 electric vehicles already exist and can be bought today. While the upcoming model will be notable for being a mid-size truck that introduces some new techniques and technology, it might not be as revolutionary as Ford would have you believe.
The Blue Oval will likely continue trickling out trivial details for months to come, but shoppers could easily head to their nearest Chevy dealer and snag an Equinox EV. While the model starts at $34,995, the company is offering $6,500 in incentives, and this lowers the price of entry to $28,495 before factoring in the $1,800 destination fee.
The bowtie brand also recently brought back the Bolt, which starts at $27,600 and has a $1,395 destination fee. This means you can get an electric hatchback with 262 miles (422 km) of range for $28,995.
Chevrolet isn’t alone as the redesigned Nissan Leaf starts at $29,990 before a $1,495 destination charge. It will eventually be joined by an even more affordable variant that has a smaller battery pack and a less powerful electric motor.
All three of these vehicles are available now, although they lack a truck bed. Ford is banking on the latter being a big differentiator, although early teaser images suggest this won’t be your typical pickup as the company is focusing on range and efficiency.
BMW M is planning to introduce around 30 models by 2029.
This includes new and facelifted M or M Performance vehicles.
The future of the manual looks bleak, given low global demand.
Last year, BMW announced a major product blitz that will see the company introduce over 40 new or updated vehicles by 2027. Unsurprisingly, BMW M is working on a major offensive of their own.
Speaking to CarSales, BMW M CEO Frank van Meel said “We’re working on up to 30 new models that will come out in the next two and a half years.” That’s a lot, but it’s important to note the number includes both M and M Performance vehicles.
While the executive didn’t say what to expect, other than the i3 M, spy photographers have snapped an assortment of prototypes in recent months. Besides the facelifted M5 and M5 Touring, the company is working on a new M3 and iX3 M.
They’ll be joined by redesigned versions of the X5, X6, and X7, which will spawn a mix of M and M Performance variants. We can also expect M Performance versions of the facelifted 7-Series.
The Rise Of M Performance EVs
Speaking of M Performance variants, van Meel said electrified models – such as the i4 M60 – have proven popular in countries where regulations on combustion engines make traditional performance cars expensive. As he noted, “In France, you have to pay 18,000 euros ($21,212) CO2 tax on a combustion engine M2.”
That’s ridiculously steep and it bodes well for the upcoming i3 M, which will feature a quad motor powertrain. However, the executive said he isn’t sure how customers will respond to the model. While only time will tell, van Meel believes the vehicle has “exactly the technology everyone has been waiting for … in a high-performance [electric] car.”
Despite the focus on electric vehicles, BMW M isn’t putting all its eggs in one basket. Quite the opposite as the executive said they have a “long tradition” of six- and eight-cylinder engines, and “we are planning to continue this because we have a big community worldwide, and also a lot of people that are maybe not ready yet, or live in environments where it’s really difficult, to charge the electric cars.”
Manual Seems Doomed
While internal combustion engines are sticking around, the manual might not be as lucky. As van Meel explained, “From an engineering standpoint, the manual doesn’t really make sense because it limits you in torque and also in fuel consumption.”
However, he added that from an emotional and customer standpoint, “a lot of people still love manuals, so that’s why we kept them, and we intend to keep them as long as possible.”
Unfortunately, the clock appears to be ticking as he said “It’s going to be quite difficult, in the future, to develop completely new gearboxes because the segment in the market is quite small, and the suppliers are not so keen on doing something like that.” This means manual transmissions will likely be safe for the “next couple of years,” but it will likely become “difficult to keep the manuals alive, especially in the next decade.”
EV owner satisfaction has reached an all-time high.
Best models come from Tesla, BMW, and Cadillac.
Most EV owners would consider getting another one.
Electric vehicles have come a long way in the past few years, and the progress is finally showing up where it matters most: in owner satisfaction. According to the latest data, these steady gains in technology and infrastructure are translating into record-high approval from drivers.
That’s the verdict from JD Power’s 2026 U.S. Electric Vehicle Experience Ownership Study, which found premium EV satisfaction climbed from 756 points last year to 789 in 2026. Mainstream EVs also improved two points to hit 727 out of 1,000.
The highest rated premium EVs were the Tesla Model 3 (804), Tesla Model Y (797), and BMW i4 (795). On the flip side, the new Audi Q6 e-tron came in dead last at 690. It placed well below the Lucid Air (740) and Rivian R1T (739).
Segment Standouts And Stragglers
On the mass market side of the equation, the Ford Mustang Mach-E took top honors with a score of 760. The electric pony car was followed by the Hyundai Ioniq 6 (748) and Kia EV9 (745). Interestingly, the two lowest rated EVs were the Chevrolet Blazer EV (711) and Honda Prologue (623). That’s a huge point spread considering both models are built by GM and have a lot in common.
Of course, things aren’t completely straightforward as the study examined ten different factors. This includes the “accuracy of stated battery range, availability of public charging stations, battery range, cost of ownership, driving enjoyment, ease of charging at home, interior and exterior styling, safety and technology features, service experience, and vehicle quality and reliability.”
Encouragingly, 96 percent of EV owners said they would consider buying or leasing another one and the study also found quality has improved. That’s especially true of premium EVs, which had 15.9 fewer problems per 100 vehicles compared to last year. This brought the total down to 75 and JD Power said this was driven by noise improvements as well as fewer problems with driver assistance technology.
Is Charging Still A Concern?
The study also found that EV drivers are becoming more satisfied with public charging. Scores climbed by over 100 points and this is being attributed to growing charging infrastructure as well as the opening of Tesla’s Supercharger network to other automakers.
Last but not least, EV drivers are more satisfied than those with plug-in hybrids. Premium EVs scored 114 points higher than their PHEV rivals, while mainstream electric vehicles had a 117 point advantage. Part of this can be chalked up to the cost of ownership as plug-in hybrid drivers have to deal with a more complex powertrain that involves gas and electricity.
In a statement, JD Power’s Brent Gruber said “Improvements in battery technology, charging infrastructure and overall vehicle performance have driven customer satisfaction to its highest level ever. What’s more, the vast majority of current EV owners say they will consider purchasing another EV for their next vehicle, regardless of whether they benefited from the now-expired federal tax credit.”
CHP warned cold weather drains EV batteries faster.
The alert came after a Rivian R1S ran out of charge.
The incident took place in snowy Truckee, California.
California is known for its beach vibes, but the state’s climate offers a little bit of everything. That’s especially true in the mountain town of Truckee, which reportedly received more than 10 inches of snow in the past 24 hours.
While snow is a fact of life in the Sierra Nevadas, some people aren’t used to the cold conditions. That appears to include a Rivian R1S driver, who discovered how weather can impact range.
On Facebook, the California Highway Patrol posted a short clip of an R1S that apparently ran out of juice in the middle of a snow covered intersection. Authorities didn’t say what happened, but the video was accompanied by a message saying “Cold weather drains batteries faster than you think. If you’re rolling over the Summit, make sure your charge level matches your confidence level.”
They also advised drivers to charge up, slow down, and carry snow chains. While that’s a good reminder, police appeared to mock EVs and the driver as the post was tagged #ItsElectric and #MakeGoodDecisions.
Last week, they joked about a Tesla driver who lost control and went down an embankment. In that post, they said “Chain control was lifted earlier this morning and some of you took that as a personal challenge to full send anyway.” It was accompanied by an assortment of tags including #MakeGoodDecisions, #DonnersGonnaDonner, and #SlowYourRoll.
This appears to be a common theme with the Truckee post, but the criticism isn’t limited to EV drivers. Some people seem to get a kick out of this as one popular comment was “My new winter goal is to not be featured on your social media page.”
Chain control was lifted earlier this morning and some of you took that as a personal challenge to full send anyway….
New report cites unspecified “technical problems”.
Volkswagen has invested billions in the revival.
Volkswagen is spending billions on Scout’s rebirth, but things might not be going according to plan. Quite the opposite as a new report out of Germany claims the company is postponing the launch by a year.
A report from Spiegel attributes the delay on “technical problems,” although specifics are hazy and said to include a financial component. However, in a statement to The Drive, a spokesperson said “Scout Motors has not shared any timing or product update announcements.”
That sounds like a carefully worded response that doesn’t confirm or deny anything, only the fact they haven’t announced any updates. Regardless, the company’s website says initial production is targeted to begin in 2027.
Still, Scout gives themselves plenty of wiggle room as the launch date is accompanied by a disclaimer that reveals the timeline is “based on current projections and is subject to change.” The automaker goes on to say the “anticipated production date is an estimate and may be affected by various factors.”
While the brand is staying tight-lipped, Scout introduced updated Traveler and Terra concepts at the Los Angeles Auto Show last year. They were minor evolutions of the original models that were introduced in October of 2024 and more closely preview the production truck and SUV.
Scout has shared little about the vehicles recently, but they’ll be offered with electric and range-extended powertrains. The former will have a range of approximately 350 miles (563 km), while the latter increases that distance to more than 500 miles (805 km) thanks to a gas engine that acts as a generator.
The company has reportedly received over 150,000 refundable reservations and roughly 85 percent are said to be for the range-extended variant. However, there’s still a lot we don’t know about the vehicles and it appears they could be running behind schedule.
Ford has released a new teaser video for their mid-size electric truck.
Arrives next year with an aerodynamic design and a focus on efficiency.
It will have LFP batteries as well as a new 48-volt low-voltage system.
Ford swung and missed with the F-150 Lightning, but the company continues to pour billions into electric vehicles. We’re starting to see some of the fruits of their labor as they’ve revealed more details about their next-generation of electric vehicles based on the new Universal EV platform.
Set to be launched on a mid-size electric truck in 2027, Ford is promoting the project with a 14 minute video that provides a few glimpses of the vehicle as well as a lot of talk without saying much.
The end result feels like a waste of time, but there are a few interesting nuggets of information including that the model’s “aerodynamic efficiency is more than 15% better than any other pickup truck on the market today and will ultimately result in longer range and lower cost for our customers.”
We can see a rounded front end as well as a curved roof, which enables air to ‘skip’ over the bed. The model also has 20% smaller side mirrors that result in an extra 1.5 miles of range.
The video goes onto say the truck will have large aluminum unicastings that deliver a 27% advantage in casting weight compared to competitors. The model will also have two structural components compared to the Maverick’s 146.
Ford then talks about the truck’s cost-effective lithium iron phosphate battery pack and mentions an upgraded regenerative braking system, which reportedly saves $100 in battery costs.
Digging Deeper
Putting the video aside, Ford noted most automakers have tackled range anxiety by adding large battery packs. This adds range, but it introduces a host of new problems as batteries account for roughly 40% of an EV’s total cost as well as around 25% of their total weight. As a result, bigger batteries mean heavy and expensive vehicles.
To keep prices low, Ford is betting on a small battery and a focus on efficiency. The latter saw them keep a close watch on weight, drag, and rolling resistance.
Ford also introduced a bounties system when developing the truck, which focused on “evaluating tradeoffs.” While there are always competing goals in vehicle development, Ford connected changes to a “specific value tied to the range and battery cost.”
How Much Is 1 mm Worth?
As the automaker explained, their aerodynamic and interior teams could easily see that “adding even 1 mm to the roof height would mean $1.30 in additional battery cost or .055 miles of range. ”This process repeated itself over and over again in other areas, allowing Ford to create an efficient and affordable pickup.
The focus on efficiency didn’t stop there as the Blue Oval noted “power conversion within an electric vehicle platform can account for a surprising amount of wasted energy in a vehicle while charging or even taking energy from the 400V battery and converting it to 48V for the low-voltage devices.” To address this, the truck has a “fully electric vehicle charging ecosystem” that was designed in-house and uses their own software.
This promises to increase efficiency, reduce charging times, and maximize the lifespan of the battery. The company also revealed the model has a bi-directional charging capability and the company’s first 48-volt low-voltage system. Furthermore, the model’s wire harness is 4,000 feet (1,219 meters) shorter and 22 lbs (10 kg) lighter than on their first-generation of electric vehicles.
The Skoda Peaq has been spied ahead of its summer debut.
Electric three-row crossover previewed by Vision 7S concept.
Expected 89 kWh battery could provide a 373-mile WLTP range.
Skoda recently confirmed its upcoming three-row electric crossover would be called the Peaq and now spy photographers have caught a lightly camouflaged prototype undergoing cold weather testing.
Previewed by the Vision 7S concept, the production model will debut this summer and sport a design reminiscent of the Hyundai Ioniq 9. While stickers provide plenty of misdirection, we can see angular air curtains as well as a trapezoidal lower intake sporting stylized lines.
The grille and headlight treatment is designed to throw people off as the camouflage hides a new “Tech‑Deck Face,” which appears to resemble the one used on the concept. A closer inspection appears to show C-shaped headlights that are connected by a lower band.
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Moving further back, we can see slender A-pillars that flow into a long, sloping roof. They’re joined by an expansive greenhouse, streamlined bodywork, and flush-mounted door handles. The model also has pronounced wheel arches, but the disguise appears to add some extra thickness.
The rear end has a stylish liftgate with a trapezoidal accent as well as a distinctive spoiler. The taillight graphics are fake, but presumably hide T-shaped lighting units that echo those found up front.
What About The Interior?
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Spy photographers didn’t get a look inside, but Skoda has previously said the seven-seater will bring “spaciousness and practicality to a whole new level.” We can also expect a relatively upscale cabin as the Peaq will become the brand’s range-topping model.
MEB Platform And Battery Expectations
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Powertrain details remain elusive, but the crossover will ride on the MEB platform and likely offer an assortment of powertrains. If the concept is any indication, the road-going model could have an 89 kWh battery pack and a WLTP range in excess of 373 miles (600 km). The Peaq may also offer a DC fast charging capability of around 200 kW.
The model could take a few cues from the Enyaq, which offers dual-motor all-wheel drive systems with outputs of 282 hp (210 kW / 286 PS) and 335 hp (250 kW / 340 PS). That being said, the newer Peaq could have more powerful and efficient motors.
Spy photographers recently snapped the facelifted Range Rover and now they’ve gotten a glimpse of the second-generation Velar. It will be a radical departure as the model becomes even sleeker and adopts a fully electric powertrain.
The redesigned crossover is expected to debut later this year, but it’s still covered in heavy camouflage. This hides a number of key details, but we can expect a rounded front end with a fully enclosed grille that is flanked by slender headlights. They’re joined by a clamshell hood and a wide lower intake.
The profile immediately stands out as the Velar has a rakish windscreen that flows into a steeply sloping roof. This results in a far more dynamic design, but it looks like this could come at the expense of cargo space and rear seat headroom.
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A closer inspection reveals a rear-mounted charging port as well as flush-mounted door handles. They’re joined by streamlined bodywork, which is disguised by subtle bumps.
The rear end is the most interesting angle as we can see a distinctive liftgate with an upright tail. We can also get a glimpse of a roof-mounted camera, which could indicate the Velar will eschew a rear window. That remains to be seen, but Polestar led the way and Jaguar is following suit.
While we’re hopeful that a rear window will be included, the model will have a spoiler and wraparound taillights. They’re accompanied by a minimalist bumper, which features horizontal reflectors.
What Will Power The New Velar?
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Land Rover has primarily been focused on promoting the Range Rover Electric, so little is known about the Velar at this point. However, the two models could have a lot in common.
If that’s the case, the Velar could have a 117 kWh battery pack as well as a dual-motor all-wheel drive system that produces around 542 hp (404 kW / 550 PS) and 627 lb-ft (849 Nm) of torque. That being said, we wouldn’t be surprised if there were multiple configurations on the Velar.
While there could be some similarities between the two models, it’s important to note the Velar will ride on the brand’s new electrified modular architecture (EMA). It will be built at the company’s Halewood plant and be a major test to see if Land Rover fans are ready to go electric.
Mercedes is planning to introduce dozens of new models.
S-Class Maybach arrives in March, AMG GT also due this year.
16 new models coming in 2026, while 14 are slated for 2027.
Mercedes held their capital markets day presentation yesterday and announced plans to stage seven world premieres in the next three months. That’s an impressive number, especially considering the company has already introduced the facelifted S-Class and GLC 53.
The automaker didn’t delve into many specifics, but confirmed the new Mercedes-Maybach S-Class debuts in March. The company added the AMG GT 4-Door arrives later this year, while the SUV variant follows in 2027. That year will also see the unveiling of the G-Class Cabriolet.
While details are light, a slide suggested Mercedes will introduce 16 vehicles this year. Six of them will be fully electric, while the others will have internal combustion engines.
Many of these will be “Top-End” vehicles, which implies we can expect a number of new S-Class variants including the aforementioned Maybach. Some of the others are presumably AMG versions.
As for the Top-End EVs, spy photographers have snapped a facelifted EQS on multiple occasions. It’s expected to feature starry lighting units, a new 800 volt electrical architecture, and an upgraded powertrain. The latter could combine an improved battery with more efficient motors.
2026 will also see the introduction of five Core ICE-powered vehicles and three EVs. One of the latter appears to be the new GLC EQ L for China, which was mentioned in one of the presentations.
On the Entry side of things, there will be a new ICE and EV model. It will join the CLA and GLB, suggesting this could be the redesigned GLA.
2027 will see the introduction of 14 models, three of which will be fully electric. A vast majority of these will become part of the brand’s Core family, while some of the Top-End models could be the facelifted SL.
Mercedes also mentioned a new long-wheelbase GLE for China, which will presumably be based on the facelifted crossover. However, it’s unclear when either model will arrive.
Financials
Fun stuff aside, Mercedes announced adjusted earnings before interest and taxes fell from €13.7 ($16.3) billion in 2024 to €8.2 ($9.7) billion last year. The company blamed the drop on challenges in China, tariffs, and foreign exchange headwinds. On the bright side, the company reduced research and development costs related to future architectures and technologies.
Investors probably won’t like the news, nor will they be thrilled by the proposed dividend of €3.50 ($4.15) per share. That’s significantly less than last year’s payout of €4.30 ($5.10).
Trump administration is taking aim at EV chargers.
It wants to significantly increase US parts content.
Rule would only apply to federally funded chargers.
The Trump administration has found a new way to hamper electric vehicles as Transportation Secretary Sean Duffy is eyeing an expanded “Buy America public interest waiver” for electric vehicle chargers. The proposal would increase the required domestic content from 55 percent to 100 percent.
Needless to say, that’s a tall order and would likely require significant changes to supply chains. The move would also likely drive up costs, while limiting options.
While there are obvious drawbacks, the government pointed to several benefits as they suggested the change would “strengthen domestic manufacturing, generate new American jobs, make U.S. businesses more competitive, and address potential national security concerns.”
They went on to say the administration believes manufacturers have the capacity to produce chargers in America with high domestic content.
Security Concerns In Focus
The Federal Highway Administration added the change would “protect Americans from foreign-made EV charger components that use technology with cybersecurity vulnerabilities.” Speaking of which, there have been growing concerns about vulnerabilities in American infrastructure.
Last year, the FHA warned everything from traffic signs to cameras and weather stations could be equipped with hidden cellular radios installed in batteries or inverters. The fear is these could be used for surveillance or conducting a targeted outage during the outbreak of hostilities.
What Happens Next?
The proposal hasn’t been finalized and the requirement would only apply to federally funded EV charger projects. For now, it appears there will be a comment period before the government makes its final determination.
In a statement, Secretary Duffy said “We’re ensuring that if Congress wants to see these chargers built, we put America First. Doing so will unleash American manufacturing, protect our national security, and prevent taxpayer dollars from subsidizing our foreign adversaries.”
Mercedes is issuing a third fire-related recall for the EQB.
A previous software fix didn’t work and fires continued.
The automaker will replace batteries in thousands of EVs.
Another day, another fire-related recall involving an electric vehicle. This has become a common occurrence, but the déjà vu goes much deeper as Mercedes is recalling the EQB for a third time.
The latest campaign is known as 26V073 and it replaces two recalls from last year that involved 7,531 vehicles. Unfortunately for owners, crossovers that were previously ‘repaired’ under those recalls will need to get the new fix.
According to the government, 11,895 EQBs from the 2022-2024 model years have a battery that may fail internally. If this happens, the vehicle could catch on fire while parked or being driven.
Software Fix Under Question
While there’s a lot of back story, the initial recalls were sparked by a series of thermal events. The company tried to address the problem with a software update, but two crossovers that received the upgrade caught on fire late last year.
This kicked off an investigation, which eventually determined the effectiveness of the software update to reduce fire risks could not be “fully confirmed.” As a result, Mercedes decided to conduct a new recall that will see thousands of batteries replaced.
The batteries were supplied by China’s Farasis Energy and the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration said they could experience an internal short circuit of a battery cell. This is being blamed on deviations in the production process, which resulted in batteries that are “considered to be less robust against different stress factors potentially occurring during the life of the vehicle.”
What Should Owners Do Now?
Since a high state-of-charge appears to be a factor, owners are being advised to limit battery charging to a maximum of 80 percent. They should also park outside and away from structures until the battery is replaced. Unfortunately, that’s easier said than done as a final remedy isn’t available at this point.
That’s bad news for owners, but notification letters will go out later this month. When replacement batteries are available, a second letter will be sent out. This impacts the 2022-2024 EQB 300 4MATIC, 2022-2024 EQB 350 4MATIC, and the 2023-2024 EQB 250+.
Ford had a disappointing 2025 as their bet on EVs backfired.
Booked billions in special charges related to failed projects.
Tariffs and supplier fires also weighed heavily on the automaker.
Ford has revealed their fourth quarter and full year 2025 financial results, and they’re a doozy. While officials tried to sugar coat things, there’s no hiding an $8.2 billion net loss for the full year, the company’s largest since the 2008 financial crisis, also known as the Great Recession. This compares to a net profit of $5.9 billion the prior year and it came despite revenues of $187.3 billion.
The company was dragged down by an $11.1 billion net loss in the fourth quarter, as well as lackluster demand for electric vehicles. Ford’s Model e division reported a full-year EBIT loss of $4.8 billion, although they noted it was an improvement compared to 2024.
EVs weighed heavily on the automaker last year as they booked a $10.7 billion special charge for “Model e Asset Impairment and EV Program Cancellations.” Another $1.2 billion was wasted on cancelled three-row EVs, while $3.2 billion went to the BlueOval SK joint venture disposition. The company also spent around $500 million on a fuel injector recall.
While EVs were front and center as Ford recently killed the fully electric F-150 Lightning, they weren’t the company’s only problem. Far from it as the automaker got hammered by tariffs as well as fallout from the Novelis fires. The latter impacted supplies of aluminum, which hampered F-150 production.
For the year, the company posted an adjusted EBIT of $6.8 billion, which was down from $10.2 billion in 2024. Adjusted earnings per share also fell from $1.84 to $1.09.
CEO Jim Farley said, “Ford delivered a strong 2025 in a dynamic and often volatile environment. We improved our core business and execution, made significant progress in the areas of the business we control – lowering material and warranty costs and making real progress on quality – and made difficult but critical strategic decisions that set us up for a stronger future.”
Speaking of which, the company is expecting an adjusted EBIT of between $8 and $10 billion for 2026. The automaker is also expecting to lose $4 to $4.5 billion on Ford e.
On top of that, we can expect special charges of around $7 billion in 2026 and 2027 due to their “updated EV strategy and expected disposition of BOSK [BlueOval SK] investment.”
Spy photographers snapped the ID. Polo R-Line earlier today and now they’ve followed up with images of the real deal. We’re talking about the ID. Polo GTI, which was previewed by a concept in 2023.
Spotted virtually undisguised, the model looks pretty tame at first glance. However, there are a few telltale cues that separate the GTI from the regular model.
One of the most notable changes is a unique front bumper, which features a pronounced air intake with a honeycomb mesh pattern. Moving further back, we can see sportier side skirts and what appear to be larger wheels. The latter have a two-tone design and are backed up by a braking system with red calipers.
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The boy racer upgrades continue out back, where there’s an extended spoiler and a revised bumper with a massive diffuser. The latter would appear more at home on an off-road focused crossover than a hot hatch.
The interior should largely carryover from the standard model, which means we can expect a 10.25-inch digital instrument cluster and a 13-inch infotainment system. They’ll likely be joined by a sport steering wheel and red accents. Customers can also expect a spacious boot that holds up to 43.9 cubic feet (1,243 liters) of luggage when the rear seats are folded down.
Volkswagen hasn’t been shy about details as they’ve previously revealed the ID. Polo GTI will arrive one year after the regular model and have a front-mounted motor producing 223 hp (166 kW / 226 PS). It will be powered by a 52 kWh nickel manganese cobalt battery pack.
Volkswagen has previously said the battery will provide a range of up to 280 miles (450 km), although the actual number could be lower on the performance variant. While that remains to be seen, the company has already confirmed a 130 kW DC fast charging capability.
Stellantis is selling their stake in NextStar Energy for just $100.
Move comes amid lackluster EV sales and changing regulations.
LG is shifting focus from EVs to energy storage systems.
Stellantis is pivoting away from electric vehicles as the company embraces the ‘power of choice.’ This has cost them billions and they’re selling their 49% stake in NextStar Energy to LG Energy Solution.
This is an interesting development as the NextStar Energy joint venture was established in 2022 and aimed to create Canada’s first large-scale battery manufacturing facility in Windsor. The plant was originally designed to employ approximately 2,500 people and have an annual production capacity of more than 45 gigawatt hours.
Battery module production began in the fall of 2024 and mass production of lithium-ion battery cells followed in November of 2025. While more than $3.7 billion ($5 billion CAD) has been invested into the facility, a lot has changed since 2022.
Electric vehicle adoption has grown more slowly than many automakers anticipated and the Trump administration recently eliminated federal tax credits. On top of that, tariffs have complicated things and automakers are now turning their attention away from EVs.
Stellantis didn’t go into many specifics, but called the move a “strategic decision” that was mutually agreed upon. They went on to describe themselves as a “committed customer” that “will continue to source battery products from NextStar Energy.”
Stellantis CEO Antonio Filosa said, “By enabling LG Energy Solution to fully leverage the Windsor facility’s capacity, we are strengthening its long-term viability while securing the battery supply for our electric vehicles. This is a smart, strategic step that supports our customers, our Canadian operations, and our global electrification roadmap.”
Those sentiments were echoed by LG Energy Solution CEO David Kim, who stated “LG Energy Solution sees growth opportunities in North America by situating a key production hub in Canada. Full ownership of NextStar Energy will enable us to respond swiftly to the growing demand from the ESS [Energy Storage System] market and position us to play a key role in Canada’s EV industry by securing additional North American-based customers.”
Despite the upbeat rhetoric, The Detroit News reports Stellantis sold their stake for just $100. That’s a token amount, especially given the sizable investment into the facility.
The facelifted Q4 Sportback e-tron has been spied in Europe.
It sports new bumpers, a revised grille, and an updated interior.
Model will likely have an improved powertrain and extra range.
Audi is wrapping up testing on the facelifted Q4 e-tron as spy photographers have snapped a Sportback prototype virtually undisguised. It looks instantly recognizable, but incorporates a number of updates.
Starting up front, we can see a lightly revised grille that is flanked by familiar headlights. They’re joined by a new bumper, which has updated air curtains as well as a revamped intake with a honeycomb mesh pattern.
The subtle changes continue out back as the crossover adopts a streamlined bumper that eschews “e-tron” badging. The faux vent has also been removed, while there are new triangular accents at the outside edges. Elsewhere, we can see a new diffuser with more pronounced vertical elements.
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The head- and taillights have varying degrees of camouflage, suggesting we can expect updated lighting units. We also wouldn’t be surprised to find restyled wheels and some other minor tweaks.
Spy photographers didn’t snap interior pictures this time around, but previous images have shown an all-new dashboard with a freestanding curved display. It appears to echo the one found in newer models such as the A6 and Q5.
This means we can expect an 11.9-inch digital instrument cluster and a 14.5-inch infotainment system. They could be joined by an optional 10.9-inch front passenger display.
Powertrain details remain elusive, but the model will likely benefit from more efficient motors, improved batteries, and upgraded charging technology. This should help to make the Q4 e-tron more competitive, which is important as the model has lost a lot of its luster since the Q6 e-tron arrived.
While specifics are few and far between, the current model features a 77 kWh battery pack as well as rear- and dual-motor all-wheel drive systems. The former produces 282 hp (210 kW / 286 PS), while the latter develops a combined output of 335 hp (250 kW / 340 PS). Customers can also expect ranges of between 258 and 288 miles (415 – 463 km).
Stellantis has announced they’re ‘resetting’ their business.
Company is dialing back on EVs and embracing choice.
Expects to lose up to $24.8 billion in second half of 2025.
Following the ouster of Carlos Tavares, Stellantis has been making big changes. As part of the shakeup, the company killed plug-in hybrids in North America and axed the fully electric Ram 1500 REV. Ram also brought back the 5.7-liter Hemi V8 and the supercharged 6.2-liter V8 in the TRX.
These are notable developments and they’re costing Stellantis a fortune. In particular, the automaker announced a $26.2 (€22.2) billion charge that is primarily related to their shift towards “freedom of choice.” This effectively means consumers can choose the powertrain of their liking as the company will offer internal combustion engines, hybrids, and EVs.
The revelation was part of a larger announcement, where the company revealed a “reset of its business.” We’ll learn more during Stellantis’ Investor Day event on May 21, but the automaker is dialing back on EVs as the “pace … needs to be governed by demand rather than command.”
CEO Antonio Filosa said, “The reset we have announced today is part of the decisive process we started in 2025, to once again make our customers and their preferences our guiding star.” He added the massive charges “largely reflect the cost of over-estimating the pace of the energy transition that distanced us from many car buyers’ real-world needs, means and desires.”
Filosa also slammed his predecessor as he noted the “impact of previous poor operational execution, the effects of which are being progressively addressed by our new team.”
Breaking Down The Numbers
Stellantis said $17.4 (€14.7) billion was due to re-aligning product plans with customer preferences and new emission regulations in the United States. It also reflects “significantly reduced expectations for BEV products.” Speaking of which, the company is writing off $3.4 (€2.9) billion related to cancelled projects.
Stellantis is also taking a $2.5 (€2.1) billion hit to “resize” their EV supply chain, while $6.4 (€5.4) billion is from other changes in the company’s operations such as workforce reductions in Europe.
For the second half of 2025, the company expects revenues of $92.2 – $94.6 (€78 – €80) billion. While that sounds pretty good, the company is expecting a net loss of $22.4 – $24.8 (€19 – €21) billion.
That’s a jaw dropping figure and Stellantis is responding by eliminating the annual dividend for 2026. The company’s board also authorized issuing up to $5.9 (€5) billion in bonds.
Needless to say, investors were spooked and Stellantis stock tumbled a staggering 23.69% to close at $7.28 (€6.16) per share.
A Few Silver Linings
Despite a lot of bad news, Stellantis revealed some positive developments including that second half consolidated shipments rose 11% to 2.8 million units. The company went on to note they saw growth in a number of key markets including North America, South America, Enlarged Europe, China, and the Middle East & Africa region.
The company is also addressing quality problems and this seems to be working. Stellantis said the “number of issues reported for vehicles in their first month of service decreased over 50% in North America, and over 30% in Enlarged Europe since the beginning of 2025.” The company chalked part of this early success up to improved methods and beefing up their engineering teams.
Furthermore, Stellantis is hoping a slew of new and updated products will drive sales. Key among them is the new Jeep Cherokee, Compass, and Recon as well as the facelifted Grand Cherokee and Grand Wagoneer. The Dodge Charger should also get a boost from a new twin-turbo inline-six, while the Hemi-powered Ram 1500 is already proving popular.
Ford has issued two new recalls for the Transit and E-Transit.
Both involve missing washers, but are entirely separate.
Recalls address slipping engines and a busbar connection.
Ford is already dominating the recall chart and we can add two more campaigns to their early lead. Both of them involve the Transit and one is hot stuff.
As you may have guessed, it involves a fire risk on the 2026 E-Transit. The van’s high-voltage battery pack could be missing washers, which can “cause high electrical resistance or electrical arcing.” This increases the risk of a fire as well as the potential for a loss of propulsion.
98 vehicles are impacted and the issue was traced back to missing washers on bolts used to secure busbar connections in the battery pack. Ford became aware of the issue last November, when a worker noticed two bolts were missing conical washers.
This kicked off an investigation, which eventually blamed the problem on a supplier sorting error that failed to detect the absence of washers during production. Thankfully, this appears to have been a rare oversight as Ford isn’t aware of any field reports and believes just 1 percent of the recall population is impacted, which equates to one van.
However, it’s better to be safe than sorry, so dealers will inspect and replace the busbar fasteners as needed. If there’s a bigger issue, technicians will replace the entire busbar.
Loose Engine Crossmembers
The second recall involves 1,403 Transit vans from the 2023 and 2024 model years. These vehicles have engine crossmembers that may not have been properly secured, which means the engine can shift and, potentially, result in brake failure or a loss of drive power.
The models were equipped with the off-road focused Trail package and the government says fasteners used to secure the engine crossmember to the vehicle body may not have included a washer. This can result in joint failure over time, causing the engine to slip out of position.
Last summer, Ford learned the Transit Trail modifier used substitute bolts that may not have included washers. This hadn’t been validated, so the automaker ran a series of tests to examine the possible implications. These “confirmed engine slip and loss of clamp load on assemblies with no washers.”
No problems have been reported and 1.1 percent of the vehicles are believed to be missing washers. Notification letters will go out later this month and dealers will replace the crossmember fasteners.
Genesis will introduce a bespoke platform next year.
It supports multi-energy configurations including EVs.
Architecture is designed to deliver a premium experience.
Genesis started out life as a high-end Hyundai, but it was eventually spun off as a luxury brand. The two companies have continued diverging ever since and a big differentiator is coming next year.
It’s a bespoke platform, which promises to deliver performance and refinement worthy of a premium brand. The architecture has reportedly been designed to be flexible and can accommodate both hybrid and electric powertrains.
Speaking to Autocar, Genesis Motor Europe’s Managing Director Peter Kronschnabl said, “It was decided that in order to fulfill the requirements of the brand’s driving dynamics, Genesis needs its own platform for … future models.”
Kronschnabl went on to suggest the architecture will be sporty as it will have “relatively direct steering” as well as a ride that’s firm, but comfortable. He added the new platform should enable Genesis to deliver driving dynamics that echo that of other premium brands.
It remains unclear what models will ride on the new architecture, but Genesis is working on an assortment of new vehicles including a high-performance sports car that was previewed by the Magma GT concept. The luxury brand is aiming to increase annual sales to 350,000 units by 2030 and this will be aided by the introduction of new hybrid, electric, and range-extended vehicles.
However, Kronschnabl suggested Genesis won’t go overboard and try to fill every niche known to man. As he explained, “We are not into that. At the moment, it’s very clear and segmented: we have the GV60, GV70 and the Electrified G80, and even with the new products we will not go to find the last niche, because this leads to confusion of customers.”
Canada is scrapping its EV sales mandate and changing course.
The 2035 target shifts from 100% EVs down to just 75% now.
Clean car incentives return as Canada distances from the U.S.
Canadian Prime Minister Mark Carney has introduced a new automotive strategy that “rewards the production of made-in-Canada vehicles and harnesses our world-class capabilities in artificial intelligence and technology expertise to build the cars of the future.”
As part of this effort, the country is revamping its electric vehicle mandate once again. The goal is to “rationalize emissions reduction policies” and put Canada on a path that will see 75% of sales come from EVs by 2035. That would then climb to 90% by 2040. This is a notable shift as the country was previously looking at reaching 100% by 2035.
Furthermore, Canada is repealing the Electric Vehicle Availability Standard and increasing emissions standards. The government said this will “allow manufacturers to use a wide array of technologies to meet the [new] standards and respond to consumer preferences in the near-term, while driving EV adoption over time.”
New Incentives For Canadians To Go Green
While the country is tapping the brakes on the electric vehicle transition, they’ll encourage Canadians to buy EVs with a new five-year program that will provide individuals and businesses with incentives to go green. Electric and fuel cell vehicles will be eligible for up to $5,000 CAD (3,658 USD), while plug-in hybrids can get up to $2,500 CAD ($1,829 USD).
Canada’s auto industry is facing huge pressures, leaving workers and businesses in a state of uncertainty. So we’re taking control — and launching a new strategy that will transform the industry to be a global leader in electric vehicles.
There’s a $50,000 CAD ($36,574 USD) limit on the final transaction price for vehicles made in countries Canada has a free-trade agreement with, but Canadian-made EVs and PHEVs have no price cap at all.
To further encourage adoption, Canada will invest $1.5 billion CAD ($1.1 billion USD) to improve their charging infrastructure. This aims to make it “easier and more convenient for drivers to charge their EVs across the country.”
Incentives For Businesses As Well
The government is setting aside up to $3.1 billion CAD ($2.3 billion USD) to “help the auto industry adapt, grow, and diversify to new markets.” There will also be tax incentives to encourage companies to invest in electric vehicles as well as clean technologies.
On top of that, the country aims to strengthen the competitiveness of their auto sector by rewarding companies that produce and invest in Canada. They’ll also maintain counter-tariffs on automotive imports from the United States and look to grow automotive imports from elsewhere.
China is front and center as vehicles will be imported from there in the near future. Ultimately, Canada hopes Chinese automakers will setup shop in the country and build vehicles locally. This could help fill the void left by American automakers, who have moved some production stateside.
Support For Autoworkers
Canada announced a handful of measures designed to protect autoworkers in an era of trade wars and electrification. In particular, there will be a new Work-Sharing grant that aims to support worker retention and prevent layoffs.
The country will also provide employment assistance and reskilling support for up to 66,000 people including displaced auto workers. This will be made possible by a $570 million CAD ($417 million USD) investment.
American Tariffs Push Canada To Embrace Other Countries
The government noted over 90% of Canadian-made vehicles and 60% of Canadian-made parts are exported to the United States. This is a huge problem as Canadian-made vehicles have faced a 25% tariff in America (on non-US content) since April.
The country said the tariff is “threatening Canada’s automotive manufacturing industry and the 125,000 direct jobs it supports.” Given this, the country is looking to develop a more independent economy and one that can ship Canadian-made vehicles to new export markets.
In a statement, Carney said “Canada’s new government is fundamentally transforming our economy – from one reliant on a single trade partner, to one that is stronger, more independent, and more resilient to global shocks. We are making strategic decisions and generational investments to build a strong Canadian auto sector, where Canadian workers build the cars of the future.”
Unifor welcomes elements of the new federal auto policy, while calling for bold steps to protect Canadian auto jobs and secure a future for workers at idled plants in Brampton and Ingersoll. #canlabhttps://t.co/r8CXSmPp0S
The United States has announced a Project Vault stockpile.
Designed for industry, it will store rare earths and critical minerals.
The move comes after China cut off access to rare earths last year.
President Trump has signed an executive order establishing Project Vault. It’s being billed as the critical materials equivalent of the strategic petroleum reserve.
Designed to ensure that American businesses and workers are never harmed by shortages of critical materials, the stockpile will be established by a $12 billion investment. It’s focused on rare earths and critical minerals, which have been dominated by China.
The White House hasn’t released the wording of the executive order, as of this writing, but President Trump said $10 billion of funding will come from export-import bank financing, while another $2 billion will come from the private sector. He also claimed taxpayers could end up making a profit on the loan interest.
The president added the government is working to streamline the permitting process for mines and is signing major critical mineral deals with countries from all over the world.
GM CEO Mary Barra was on hand for the signing and Trump said she’s doing a “fantastic job.” Barra returned the compliment and said, “Having a resilient supply chain is critical for our nation and it’s critical for all industry, especially the auto industry.”
Things then got a little awkward as one of the attendees claimed that if Trump hadn’t been elected, the “auto industry in America would be over.” He also slammed Democrats and their electric vehicle ‘mandates,’ which is a bit ironic for a signing event that will presumably benefit EVs.
Update: The Export-Import Bank of the United States released new details about the “supply chain security initiative” that establishes a Strategic Critical Minerals Reserve. It will be an independently governed public‑private partnership, which will store essential raw materials in facilities across the United States.
Specifics are few and far between, but the bank said the move advances “U.S. economic and national security objectives by reducing dependence on foreign‑controlled supply chains, strengthening the domestic industrial base, and ensuring uninterrupted access to materials essential for advanced manufacturing and critical technologies.”
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