In a move that could reshape the future of clean transportation policy in the U.S., Senate Republicans just voted to strip California of its long-standing authority to set its own vehicle emissions rules, including blocking its plan to stop sales of gas-powered vehicles.

The decision targets California’s ambitious clean-air mandates, which critics say are too aggressive for the current market to handle. Supporters of the state’s standards, however, argue that this vote undermines state rights and sets a troubling precedent for federal overreach.

More: Major US Dealers Launch War On New EV Sales Model

California has long set its own rules regarding air pollution standards. These included regulations on heavy-duty trucks, trains, and cars. It had even declared that it wouldn’t allow the sale of gas-powered new cars and trucks after 2035. But that authority was just revoked using the Congressional Review Act, or CRA.

This happened despite warnings from two nonpartisan agencies, the Senate parliamentarian and the Government Accountability Office, both of which warned the Senate that this move was likely illegal. Nevertheless, the Senate voted 51 to 44 to overturn the waiver that grants California the power it had to set its own rules.

A Shift With National Consequences

This is a huge move because California, by itself, equates to the fourth-largest economy on the globe. Automakers have largely followed California’s guidance on emissions to keep selling cars there. Several states have also taken up the same standards. Now, all of that is in question as Donald Trump’s signature will axe the waiver for good.

Reacting to the news, California Governor Gavin Newsom said, “The United States Senate has a choice: cede American car-industry dominance to China and clog the lungs of our children, or follow decades of precedent and uphold the clean air policies that Ronald Reagan and Richard Nixon fought so hard for. Will you side with China or America?”

The Conservative Pushback

Those on the other side of the political aisle obviously have a different view. “California has imposed the most ridiculous car regulations anywhere in the world, with mandates to move to all electric cars,” Trump said during his campaign, reports The Guardian. “I will terminate that.”

“The fact is, these EV sales mandates were never achievable,” John Bozzella, president and chief executive of the Alliance for Automotive Innovation, said in a statement. “There’s a significant gap between the marketplace and these EV sales requirements.”

How did the party of small government justify stepping in and imposing its will on a state this way? It says that since California has such a large sway on the auto industry that it was effectively setting Federal policy all along. This move stops that ability and returns that power to the Federal level alone.

“Over the past two decades, California has used its waiver authority to push its extreme climate policies on the rest of the country, which was never the intent of the Clean Air Act,” Senator Shelley Moore Capito, Republican of West Virginia, said to the New York Times.

The Hard Numbers

As we recently pointed out, data does seem to indicate that California’s goals surrounding the end of gas-powered new car sales are too ambitious. While EVs are gaining traction around the world, the U.S. is one of the slowest markets concerning adoption.

No doubt, that’s the result of several factors like distance between destinations, charging infrastructure, and pricing. Regardless of why the uptake is slower, it still makes California’s goals tough to imagine coming true. This new move from the Senate makes it appear altogether impossible now. 

Tesla boss Elon Musk has made plenty of wildly ambitious – and frequently inaccurate – claims about Tesla’s upcoming fleet of robotaxis. But now, after years of eyebrow-raising promises, the first of them is actually set to hit public roads next month. As part of a pilot program in Austin, Texas, Tesla will finally launch its long-hyped robotaxi service in a bid to close the wide lead Waymo currently holds in the autonomous vehicle race.

In 2019, Musk infamously claimed that by the end of that year, Tesla would have 1 million robotaxis on US roads. It does not currently have a single one, but next month, it will deploy approximately 10 robotaxis in Austin, and, if all goes well, could dramatically expand this to thousands of vehicles. Importantly, these will not be Tesla’s Cybercab, but rather versions of its current models equipped with the new Unsupervised Full-Self Driving system.

Read: Waymo’s Driverless Cars Kept Hitting Objects You See But They Don’t

During a recent interview with CNBC, Musk said it will be prudent for the company to be cautious in its roll-out of the system and that Tesla employees will monitor the fleet of robotaxis remotely.

“It’s prudent for us to start with a small number, confirm that things are going well and then scale it up,” Musk said. “We’ll be watching what the cars are doing very carefully and as confidence grows, less of that will be needed.”

To help ensure the roll-out of the robotaxi fleet is as smooth as possible, vehicles will be geofenced to certain areas of Austin. As the robotaxi fleet expands, Musk predicted that by the end of 2026, Tesla will have “hundreds of thousands, if not over a million Teslas doing self-driving in the US.” Like with all predictions from the world’s richest man, we’ll have to wait and see if this becomes a reality.

Buying Uber?

During the same interview, Musk was asked why Tesla doesn’t buy Uber. Musk sees no need to make such a move, noting the brand already has a large fleet of vehicles and everything it needs to run a successful robotaxi service. This will include the ability for private Tesla owners to add their vehicles to the fleet, meaning they can be used as robotaxis whenever the owner doesn’t need their car.

“We have millions of cars that will be able to operate autonomously,” Musk said. “And I should say that it’s a combination of a Tesla-owned fleet and also enabling Tesla owners to be able to add or subtract their car to the fleet, so that existing Tesla owners will be able to earn money by adding their car to the fleet for autonomous use.”

The path to mainstream electrification is all but inevitable. Despite that, many lawmakers are trying to slow it down. Add to that one of the automakers building thousands of EVs every year, General Motors. A newly uncovered email exposes the company as it urges employees to get political. It hopes that with enough support, the government will stop California from setting its own emission standards.

More: New Bill To Kill EV Tax Credits Will Only Benefit One Brand

The Golden State has long done exactly that. In 2022, it went as far as to tell automakers that they had a little over a decade. By 2035, it won’t allow the sale of new gas-powered cars and trucks. While that would seemingly be good for EV sales, the plan has several critics aside from General Motors.

The Golden State vs. Detroit

“We need your help!” GM said in an email to white-collar employees obtained by The Wall Street Journal. “Emissions standards that are not aligned with market realities pose a serious threat to our business by undermining consumer choice and vehicle affordability.” It’s worth noting that California isn’t alone in its thinking. 11 other states have signed up to follow the same plan. Now, GM and several lawmakers want to remove California’s ability to set its own standards and thus, cancel the ability for the other states involved.

In a statement, GM’s spokeswoman made the company’s stance clear: “GM believes in customer choice, and we continue to focus on offering the best and broadest portfolio of vehicles on the market”. That’s consistent with the automaker’s view, even when it supported California’s proposal in the past. Clearly, a national standard is in the best interest of automakers since they wouldn’t have to manage different regulations in different states.

Government officials say the standards set in California are simply out of touch with reality. Data seems to back that up, too. It set a target to have 35 percent of all vehicle sales be electric in 2026. Right now, EVs only make up 20 percent of new car sales, and that’s in a place where EVs are wildly popular when compared to other states.

EV sales in North America are slower than in most places across the globe. The transition to electrification appears like a sure thing, but probably further down the road than initially expected. 

A few months ago, Lexus unveiled the 2026 RZ in its European-spec form, featuring steer-by-wire technology and simulated gears. Now, the updated RZ is headed to the North American market, and it comes with several upgrades including a new and improved battery, more power, and increased driving range.

Three versions of the 2026 RZ will be available in the US. Leading the charge at the base of the lineup is the new RZ 350e. It comes with a 74.69 kWh battery pack and a front-mounted electric motor producing 221 horsepower, 20 more than the outgoing RZ 300e. Lexus claims this version can reach 60 mph (96 km/h) in 7.2 seconds and offers an estimated range of around 300 miles (482 km) on a single charge.

Read: 2026 Lexus RZ Gets Yoked Steer-By-Wire And Simulated Gears

Next up is the RZ 450e AWD, which retains the same 74.69 kWh battery but adds an additional electric motor at the rear wheels, boosting the total output to 308 horsepower. This reduction in 0-60 mph time to 4.9 seconds is matched by a range of 260 miles (418 km).

Finally, there’s the new flagship RZ 550e F Sport AWD with a dual-motor setup. It swaps in a slightly larger 76.96 kWh battery, bumps the horsepower to 402, and cuts the 0-60 time to a much quicker 4.1 seconds. However, with an estimated driving range of 225 miles (362 km), it’s safe to say the RZ 550e isn’t exactly setting the standard for range in the EV market.

All 2026 RZ models heading to North America will come equipped with an NACS plug, and Lexus claims the battery can be charged from 10% to 80% in under 30 minutes. Additionally, every model now comes standard with an 11 kW on-board AC charger, a noticeable upgrade from the 7 kW unit found in the previous generation.

Curiously, it does not appear as though new RZ models to be sold in North America will have the same steer-by-wire as those sold internationally, including in Europe. Lexus has made no mention of the system in its local press release, and images released of the locally-specced model show it with a normal steering wheel, rather than the yoke that accompanies the steer-by-wire setup.

Virtual Shifts and a Spiffed-Up Interior

What we do know is that the RZ 550e F Sport AWD is the only version to offer Toyota’s M Mode virtual gear shift, which uses paddle shifters and is supposedly designed to provide “a sportier, more responsive driving feel.” Whether or not that’s true remains to be seen, but it certainly sounds like something designed to make driving an electric vehicle feel just a little more interesting.

Inside, the 2026 RZ gets a few upgrades as well. A panoramic glass roof is now available, and it can switch from clear to opaque with the push of a button. The RZ 550e also gets some stylish black Ultrasuede trim with blue contrast stitching.

Lexus hasn’t revealed official pricing for the refreshed model yet, but it has confirmed that sales will begin later this year. Based on the pricing of the 2025 model year, the base models are expected to start around $45,000, with the new flagship RZ 550e likely pushing beyond $60,000.

Given the performance of the Hyundai Ioniq 5 N, affordability might not be the first thing that comes to mind. However, it’s now cheaper to lease in the States than before, as Hyundai prepares for the 2026 model release and works to clear out existing inventory, even though no major changes are expected.

Read: Hyundai Ioniq 5 N Owners Report Dangerous Acceleration After Software Fix

Leasing the Ioniq 5 N had previously been quite expensive, with monthly payments set at $899 for 36 months, plus a $3,999 down payment due at signing before taxes and delivery fees. This brought the effective cost to about $1,010 per month. That’s an eye-watering amount, and nearly double some of the lease deals we’ve seen for the Lucid Air in recent months.

Now, Hyundai has slashed the Ioniq 5 N lease to $699 per month for 36 months, keeping the $3,999 down payment at signing. This offer kicked in on May 9 and will run until June 2, so you’d better hurry if you’re interested.

From what we learned, Hyundai achieved this drop by cutting the Money Factor (the interest rate used to calculate the rent charge) to .00017 for 24-month/12,000-mile leases and .00016 for 36-month/10,000-mile leases, while also inflating the residual values (the car’s expected value at the end of the lease) to 52% and 45%, respectively.

For the 36-month/10,000-mile option with the down payment, the effective monthly lease comes out to $810 before taxes and delivery fees. If you opt for a zero down payment, the total rises to $848.17 due to the higher interest rate. Hyundai also offers a purchase option at the end of the lease for $32,484, plus an additional $300 fee.

Other Options

While this deal might be too good to refuse for some, it’s worth keeping in mind that Kia is gearing up to launch its facelifted EV6 GT, and it features many of the same features as the Ioniq 5 N. In addition to rocking the same basic dual-motor powertrain, it has been updated with the same Virtual Gear Shift function as the Hyundai and promises an ICE-inspired soundtrack, too.

If you’re looking to buy, the Ioniq 5 N starts at $67,675. On one hand, that’s fairly reasonable for an electric vehicle that offers practicality alongside supercar-level performance. On the other hand, it’s still significantly more expensive than the Tesla Model 3 Performance, which starts at $54,990.

Review: What’s It Like Living With The Hyundai Ioniq 5 N?

Plus, if you go for colors like Stealth Grey, Pearl White, or Deep Blue metallic, the flagship Model 3 qualifies for the $7,500 federal tax credit, bringing the price down to $47,490 before taxes and fees. Something to keep in mind.

That said, for those looking for an EV that prioritizes driver involvement in a way no other competitor currently does, the Ioniq 5 N remains a solid choice. With up to 641 horsepower, it can go from 0 to 62 mph (100 km/h) in just 3.4 seconds, and it even allows you to adjust the power split between the front and rear wheels for a truly customizable experience.

In the wake of the US-China trade war, Tesla temporarily halted shipments of parts from China to the US. However, with both countries now agreeing to a 90-day truce and significantly reducing their respective tariffs, Tesla is looking to resume the import of critical components from China. Elon Musk may want to keep this news under wraps from President Trump, though, as his stance on tariffs is far from favorable.

Read: Tesla’s CyberCab Promises 300-Mile Range with Surprisingly Small Battery

An unnamed inside source told Reuters that Tesla will start shipping Cybercab and Semi parts from China at the end of this month. The electric automaker will reportedly start trial production of the Cybercab in October before moving ahead with mass production in 2026. Tesla has grandiose ambitions for the Cybercab and is betting on hundreds of thousands of units being sold in the US, forming the core of its long-awaited robotaxi service.

As the electric car maker gears up for production, many details about the Cybercab remain under wraps. What is known, however, is that the vehicle will be a compact, two-seater, completely eliminating the traditional steering wheel and pedals. Tesla is keeping specifics to a minimum, but early reports suggest the Cybercab will feature a battery pack smaller than 50 kWh, yet still offering an impressive range of approximately 300 miles (483 km).

Progress on the Tesla Semi

Production of the Tesla Semi officially began in late 2022, but progress has been slow. Full-scale production is expected to kick off next year at a new factory adjacent to the existing Gigafactory in Nevada, which will significantly expand Tesla’s production capabilities.

While Elon Musk and President Trump have found common ground on many issues in recent months, tariffs remain a notable point of disagreement. Trump has famously called tariffs “the most beautiful word to me in the dictionary,” yet Musk has long championed free trade. In fact, according to Reuters, he urged Trump to lower tariffs, though he ultimately left the decision in the President’s hands.

One of the unanticipated consequences of the tariffs was their negative impact on domestic production. Tesla’s CFO, Vaibhav Taneja, noted that the tariffs hurt the company’s US investments, as the company had to import equipment from China to expand its local production lines.

We’ve got some bad news for Ram fans who were hoping to jump into one of the automaker’s two new electrified trucks. Both have been delayed again, their production debuts having already been pushed back at least once.

The all-electric 1500 REV and hybrid Ramcharger both had their global reveals back in 2023 and were originally slated to enter production in late 2024. That date was then pushed back to 2025, but now truck fans face an additional wait of up to two years to get their hands on one of the hi-tech pickups.

Related: A Secret Ram EV Truck You Never Heard Of Just Sparked A Multi-Million Lawsuit

Stellantis has delayed the Ramcharger’s introduction to the first quarter of 2026 and the REV won’t now land in dealerships until the summer of 2027 as a 28MY truck. The delay was first reported by Crain’s Detroit Business, which discovered two different reasons for the hold-ups.

The Ramcharger delay is due to Ram “extending the quality validation period” to get a handle on some quality niggles, a Stellantis spokesperson told CDB via email. Though the rep didn’t expand on what kinks needed straightening, the powertrain – an electric motor and battery setup charged by a massive combustion V6 – is an entirely new one for the automaker.

Stellantis makes no suggestion that the delay of the 1500 REV is related to quality issues with its fully-electric powertrain. Instead, the spokesperson places the blame squarely on market forces, specifically a “slowing consumer demand” for half-ton BEV pickups.

With technology and customer expectations evolving so quickly these days, let’s just hope the trucks still feel fresh and exciting when they finally start rolling off the line in Sterling Heights, Michigan – several years later than originally planned.

While the delays are disappointing, at least the trucks haven’t been canned altogether like the heavy-duty electric pickup Ram scrapped last year. And there is still plenty of good news coming out of Ram right now. We reported a few weeks back that the brand promised to announce 25 new products over the next 18 months, and the first one is scheduled for June 8.

One of those new models is a smaller truck, though it’s still unclear whether it will go into battle with midsize pickups like the Ford Ranger, or take aim at the small Maverick.

Despite the uncertainty created by newly imposed tariffs, sales of electrified vehicles are still surging, with BEVs (battery electric vehicles) and PHEVs (plug-in hybrids) flying off the lots in record numbers. And it’s not just North America leading the charge, as markets like China and Europe are seeing even more impressive growth.

As we reported last month, global sales of BEVs and PHEVs had already topped 4.1 million through the first three months of the year. Now, with April’s figures in, the total for the first four months stands at an impressive 5.6 million units, according to data from RhoMotion.

April alone saw 1.5 million electrified vehicles sold, marking a 29 percent increase compared to the same month last year. That said, it’s worth noting a slight dip of 12 percent from March, which might suggest that the initial rush to purchase before the full impact of tariffs hit has already cooled off.

Read: Electrified Sales Are Surging Globally But A Dark Cloud Is Gathering

Continuing to lead the charge was China. A total of 3.3 million BEVs and PHEVs have been sold this year, representing a 35% jump from last year. Sales slipped 9% in April compared to the month prior, but were up 32% compared to April 2024.

It’s worth noting that the US and China recently announced a reduction in tariffs, including eliminating some and suspending others for 90 days. However, this move primarily affects parts in the auto industry, as Biden’s previously imposed electric vehicle tariffs remains firmly in place.

Across the Atlantic, North America has seen steady, if not explosive, growth. Sales have reached around 600,000 vehicles this year, a 5% increase from last year. While we don’t have a breakdown for the US, Canada, and Mexico, it’s reported that sales in Mexico have nearly doubled year-to-date.

JAN-APR EV & PHEV SALES

After a rough 2024 for EV and PHEV sales in Europe, things are looking considerably brighter this year. In the first four months alone, sales have surged by 25%, reaching 1.2 million vehicles. BEVs are leading the charge, with a 29% increase in sales year-to-date, outpacing the 16% growth in PHEVs. Germany (+42%), Italy (+56%), Spain (+57%), and the UK (+32%) are all reporting significant increases in sales. However, France is still struggling, with sales down 14% so far this year, a decline largely attributed to cuts in consumer incentives.

As Charles Lester, Rho Motion’s data manager, points out, “Ongoing tariff negotiations are dominating talk in the electric vehicle industry, but quietly, domestic manufacturers in China and the EU continue to perform well and grow market share.”

Electric vehicles are evolving so quickly that even the newest models often seem to have a shelf life shorter than your last iPhone. Kia, not one to be left behind, did a little refresh of the EV6 last year, rolling out a facelift and a new GT version. This update borrowed some nifty tech from the Hyundai Ioniq 5 N, just to keep things interesting. But hey, if you’re still interested in the outgoing EV6 GT, now might be your moment to snatch one up.

According to Cars Direct, a new dealer bulletin from Kia has let slip that the 2024 EV6 GT models come with a pretty sweet incentive, specifically a $20,000 lease cash rebate. But there’s a catch: you’ll need to commit to a 24-month lease to get that offer. If you’re the kind of person who wants a slightly longer commitment, you can opt for the 36-month lease, which will knock your rebate down to $18,500.

Read: Massive Depreciation Makes Kia’s EV6 GT A Steal

Before you get too excited, here’s the downer. The 2024 EV6 GT isn’t eligible for the $7,500 federal EV tax credit, and neither is the facelifted model – at least for now.

The new rebates make the 2024 EV6 GT a seriously tempting option. Originally priced at $61,600, you can likely find models in Kia’s inventory going for under $60,000 not factoring in the lease discount. However, interested shoppers had better make a decision quickly, as the incentive will only remain valid until June 2.

Something to keep in mind though is that Kia made some very important changes to the 2025 EV6 GT. For example, its battery pack has grown in size from 77 kWh to 84 kWh, and its twin electric motors allow it to deliver 641 hp and 568 lb-ft (770 Nm). It also has the same Virtual Gear Shift feature as the Ioniq 5 N and produces similar ICE-inspired sounds.

Kia is also offering some tempting lease deals on the refreshed and slightly faster 2025 EV6 GT, including $12,500 in lease cash for 24-month leases and $10,000 off 36-month leases. If you’re leaning towards the new model, these incentives could make it even more appealing, though, of course, it all depends on the money factor (interest) and the residual value (the car’s estimated worth at the end of the lease term).

Still, make no mistake, the original pre-facelift EV6 GT is pretty impressive. It can hit 62 mph (100 km/h) in just 3.5 seconds, all while offering more interior space than some of its competitors. One downside, however, is its relatively low estimated driving range of just 218 miles (which holds up in real-world conditions), so that’s definitely something to keep in mind.

After making its debut in Europe, the updated Toyota bZ4x is finally hitting American shores, but not as we remember it. You see, while the European model retains the original name, the North American version will now simply be called the Toyota bZ. And this isn’t just a rebranding, as there are notable upgrades in styling, technology, and performance.

Sharper Looks and Subtle Design Tweaks

Starting with the design, the outgoing bZ4x already had Toyota’s “hammerhead” front end, but the new bZ steps it up with sharper LED headlights and more aggressive bumper intakes. These tweaks are complemented by fresh alloy wheel designs, available in 18- or 20-inch sizes, giving the crossover a more refined and polished appearance.

More: The World’s Biggest Carmaker Just Warned Of A Tremendously Bad Year Ahead

The rest of the exterior remains largely unchanged, but now the fenders are available with a body-color finish, giving a noticeable update to the overall design of the 184.6-inch (4,690 mm) long crossover. That said, body-colored fenders are only offered with the Wind Chill Pearl, Heavy Metal, and Black exterior colors, so your options are somewhat limited.

Tech and Comfort Inside

Inside, the dashboard sees a refresh with a larger 14-inch infotainment touchscreen now standard across the range, paired with dual wireless chargers and customizable 64-color ambient lighting. Toyota has also introduced paddle shifters behind the steering wheel, giving drivers the ability to adjust the level of regenerative braking.

More Power And Range

While the exterior and interior changes are relatively mild, the real action is happening under the hood. The bZ still rides on Toyota’s e-TNGA platform, but engineers have made significant improvements to both the powertrain and battery options.

More: America’s 2026 Corolla Cross Looks Sharper But It’s Missing Something

The dual electric motors in the AWD version deliver a combined 338 hp (252 kW / 343 PS), while the single motor in the FWD version produces 221 hp (165 kW / 224 PS). By comparison, the outgoing bZ4x offered 215 hp (160 kW / 218 PS) in the AWD version and 201 hp (150 kW / 204 PS) in the FWD. Like its predecessor, the AWD Toyota bZ comes equipped with the X-Mode function, enhancing grip on slippery surfaces.

More importantly, the Toyota bZ offers a 25% increase in driving range over the bZ4x, with an estimated 314 miles (505 km) between charges. This boost is thanks to a slightly larger 74.7 kWh lithium-ion battery pack, available with both FWD and AWD powertrains. There will also be a base FWD model featuring a smaller 57.7 kWh battery pack, offering a still-impressive 236 miles (380 km) of range.

Like its recently updated Subaru Solterra twin, the 2026 Toyota bZ is compatible with the North American Charging System (NACS), giving drivers access to the Tesla Supercharger network. Toyota claims the battery can charge from 10% to 80% in just 30 minutes when plugged into a fast DC charger, and it also features a new battery preconditioning function for more efficient charging.

Availability

The 2026 Toyota bZ is expected to land in U.S. dealerships in the second half of the year. The lineup will feature the XLE and Limited trims in both FWD and AWD configurations, with two battery options available. Pricing will be revealed closer to the release date.

Currently, the Toyota bZ remains the company’s sole EV offering in North America, standing alone among a sea of gas, hybrid, and PHEV models. But that won’t last long. Toyota plans to unveil its own version of the Subaru Trailseeker in the near future, expanding its EV lineup with a larger and more spacious crossover/SUV.

Toyota USA

Just days after news broke that nearly 28,000 Polestar 2 EVs are being recalled in the United States for a faulty rearview camera, the 2025 Polestar 3 is now facing similar issues. Things could get particularly bad for the majority-owned Geely brand if the Polestar 4 is the next model to be recalled, as it famously doesn’t even have a rear window, meaning it solely relies on a camera.

Polestar says that the vehicle’s infotainment display does not show the rearview camera image by default when the SUV is placed in reverse. In addition, if the vehicle is traveling forward at less than 10 mph since it was last placed in reverse, a 3D/360 view is incorrectly displayed, as opposed to the rearview image.

More: Volvo Drivers Might Actually Have To Use Mirrors After Glitch Hits 413K Cars

Curiously, whereas Polestar recently specified the 2’s issue was due to a synchronization error between the Parking Assist Camera and the infotainment system, it hasn’t specified what the cause of the issue in the 3 is. What we do know is that it can be remedied with a simple over-the-air software update that is being readied.

The automaker was alerted to a potential issue on February 10, 2025, after the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration’s (NHTSA) Office of Defects Investigation alerted it to three allegations of rearview camera failures.

In total, 3,665 Polestar 3 models are impacted by the recall. All of them were built between March 7, 2024, and April 23, 2025. Polestar says the software will be updated either by a dealer or through an over-the-air (OTA) update, free of charge. Owner notification letters are expected to be mailed on July 1, 2025.

Volvo is also dealing with some rearview camera issues of its own. It is recalling a total of 413,151 vehicles in the United States over a software issue that may prevent the image from being shown on the infotainment screen. Impacted models include the likes of the S60, V6, V60 Cross Country, S90, V90, V90 Cross Country, XC60, XC40, XC90, and C40.

Americans bought 1.3 million fully-electric cars, trucks and SUVs in 2024 and tax credits of up to $7,500 on new EVs was one of the major factors driving take-up. But those credits might to be around much longer judging by comments made by a senior Republican.

“I think there is a better chance we kill it than save it,” House Speaker Mike Johnson said of the tax credit system in an interview with Bloomberg this week. “But we’ll see how it comes out.”

Related: IRS Lets EV Buyers Claim Missed Tax Credits Retroactively

It’s been no secret that the new Trump administration is not a big fan of the credits, which were introduced during Barack Obama’s time in office and have undergone changes during Joe Biden’s era governing which EVs and which buyers are eligible. Other countries, including the UK and Germany, have already scrapped subsidies, believing EV demand is now strong enough for the segment to survive without them (sales are up in the UK, down in Germany).

Axing the credits would fit in with Trump’s policies of promoting fossil fuels and dismantling green initiatives started during the four years before his second stint at the White House began. And dropping credits would also help Republicans meet their target of saving $2 trillion from government spending, though it’s real impact would be almost imperceptible considering ‘only’ $2 billion was spent on EV subsidies in the first 10 months of last year.

The impact of canning the credits on US carmakers and customer demand for EVs, however, could be very significant. Electric cars are currently more expensive to make than gas cars and credits help bring the retail price closer to ICE money, though not all battery vehicles are eligible.

Take-up of EVs was already slower in the US in 2024 than it had been in 2023 and without the credit sweetener buyers might choose to buy a combustion car instead at a time when US-based automakers have invested billions in developing electric cars and batteries, and in some cases creating entirely new plants in which to build them.

Those points may help save the incentives because some Republican lawmakers might be unwilling to vote for something that could lead to job losses in their region, while others are already in favor of safeguarding some existing green initiatives.

The dream of a driverless Tesla fleet shuttling people around while their owners kick back at home has been around for years, always just around the corner, but never quite here. Now, as the company continues to promise that reality is almost within reach, the U.S. Patent Office may have just introduced another delay.

As it turns out, names like “Robotaxi” and “Cybercab” might be too generic to trademark, and that could complicate Tesla’s rollout plans.

Read: Tesla Stiffs Cybertruck Owners On Another Promised Feature

It’s worth noting that Cybercab and Robotaxi refer to different things in the Tesla world. The former is the two-door prototype the automaker unveiled last year. The latter is the software that could enable everyday Tesla owners to let their car go around picking people up and moving them around while the owner is busy working or doing just about anything else.

According to TechCrunch, the USPTO just issued a non-final office action on the trademark application for the name Robotaxi. Specifically, the office said that name “describes a feature, ingredient, characteristic, purpose, function, intended audience of applicant’s goods and/or services.” In layman’s terms, it’s too general. The office even cited Wikipedia, Zoox, and The Verge to prove it.

“This term is used to describe similar goods and services by other companies,” the agency wrote. That mirrors a similar decision it made in April regarding Tesla’s attempt to trademark “Cybercab.”

FSD Supervised ride-hailing service is live for an early set of employees in Austin & San Francisco Bay Area.

We've completed over 1.5k trips & 15k miles of driving.

This service helps us develop & validate FSD networks, the mobile app, vehicle allocation, mission control &… pic.twitter.com/pYVfhi935W

— Tesla AI (@Tesla_AI) April 23, 2025

In that motion, the USPTO pointed to multiple concerns, including the potential for consumer confusion. In fact, it even mentioned other companies that use the word Cyber, including ones that specifically build aftermarket products for the Cybertruck. In a way, Tesla did this to itself. For now, though, the names aren’t dead and gone.

In both cases, Tesla can argue its case with whatever evidence it thinks is relevant. No doubt, the two words do seem tied to the automaker a little more all the time. Tesla must respond within three months or the USPTO will abandon the application. That runs well past Tesla’s planned June rollout, so expect more news on this topic sooner rather than later.

President Donald Trump has long proclaimed that their new tariffs will encourage car manufacturers to build more of their vehicles in the United States. While some brands have indeed strengthened their commitments in the local market, Volvo has gone ahead and unexpectedly announced it will actually cut 5% of the workforce at its factory in Charleston, South Carolina.

The Swedish brand confirmed that these cuts do not form part of the redundancies it announced during the release of its first-quarter earnings last week. In total, the Charleston cuts will impact roughly 125 of the 2,500 employees who work there. It did not say who will lose their jobs or if the firings will impact production.

Read: Trump’s Tariffs Drive Volvo To Build A New Model In The US

Volvo’s South Carolina plant has the capacity to build 150,000 vehicles annually. However, it currently only builds the electric EX90 and the Polestar 3 there. It blamed the new job cuts on ever-changing trade policies, tariffs, and changing market conditions.

Despite slashing over 100 jobs, Volvo told Reuters that the US remains an important part of its long-term strategy and it’s still committed to boosting local output in the future. It also said it intends to eventually create 4,000 new jobs in South Carolina, but did not specify when these new jobs could be created.

It seems likely that Volvo is looking to slash any unnecessary expenses while global economies begin to adjust to America’s move away from globalization. As recently as last week, Volvo chief executive Hakan Samuelsson said the brand is already thinking about building an additional model in the US. While he did not specify which model this will be, the XC60 and XC90 are the most likely options.

Trump’s tariffs have also forced Volvo to rethink its local sales strategy. It will reportedly stop selling the S90 sedan in America from next year because it’s imported from China. This will allow Volvo to focus on models including the XC40, XC60, and XC90.

Mitsubishi is stepping up its EV game with not one, but two new electric models on the horizon, both of which are slated to arrive in the second half of 2026, each targeting a different market, First up, there’s an electric crossover inspired by the upcoming Nissan Leaf, which will be offered in North America. Then, Mitsubishi is also teaming up with Foxconn to develop a separate EV aimed at the Australian market.

More: Nissan Is Considering A Rugged New Truck-Based SUV

The Leaf-based crossover is expected to hit dealers in the U.S. and Canada by summer 2026. As the official teaser suggests, it will closely resemble the new Nissan Leaf, adopting a similar crossover silhouette with a sloping roofline and an identical LED lighting signature. For now, it’s unclear if there will be any other noticeable differences between this Mitsubishi EV and its Nissan counterpart, aside from the Mitsubishi badges.

Key Features of the Leaf-Based EV

This new EV will sit on the CMF-EV platform, the same one found under the upcoming Nissan Leaf, and will feature a single electric motor. That means, like the slightly larger Nissan Ariya, there won’t be an all-wheel-drive option here. However, Mitsubishi has confirmed that the Leaf-based model will include a NACS charging port and is targeting a range of over 300 miles (482 km).

In return, Mitsubishi is helping Nissan with a plug-in hybrid version of the Nissan Rogue (X-Trail), which is expected to arrive in 2026 as a rebadged version of the Mitsubishi Outlander PHEV. The Rogue plug-in hybrid will sit alongside gasoline and self-charging hybrid variants, with different styling cues to set them apart. Mitsubishi’s goal, of course, is to “strengthen its partnership with Nissan” through electrified vehicles.

Illustrations: Carscoops

In addition to expanding its EV lineup, Mitsubishi’s Momentum 2030 plan also includes a new approach to retail sales and an expanded dealer network in North America. This effort is designed to boost sales across the region.

New Foxtron-Developed EV for Australia

Mitsubishi has also signed a memorandum of understanding with Foxtron, an electric vehicle subsidiary of tech-giant Foxconn, confirming earlier reports about a potential collaboration. The result will be a new Mitsubishi EV that will be developed by Foxtron and manufactured by Yulon Motor in Taiwan.

More: Foxconn Will Build EVs In The US But You’ll Never See Its Name On Them

The yet-unnamed model will be introduced in Australia and New Zealand in the second half of 2026. Mitsubishi claims it will have “excellent driving performance as an EV”, adding that it will be equipped with “an advanced infotainment system”. While not confirmed, the new model could be a rebadged version of the Pininfarina-designed Foxtron Model B, first shown in 2022.

While the deal sounds nearly finalized, both Mitsubishi and Foxtron have stated they will continue discussions before sealing the deal. Beyond the Foxtron-developed EV for Oceania, Mitsubishi’s broader strategy includes its own developed models for ASEAN, Renault-based models for Europe, and Nissan-based models for North America.

Foxtron

While the VW Group produces many vehicles in the United States, every single Audi sold locally is built in either Europe or Mexico and exported to the US, meaning they are subject to President Trump’s 25 percent auto tariffs. The premium brand is working hard to avoid these tariffs and could build several of its vehicles locally.

A recent report out of Germany suggests that Audi may build the existing Q4 e-tron crossover, or its successor, at the Volkswagen plant in Chattanooga, Tennessee. This would be a logical option as the Q4 e-tron shares the same MEB platform as the VW ID.4, which is currently built in Tennessee.

Read: Audi Stops All US Vehicle Exports Over Tariffs

At the same time, it could alter production plans for the Q8 e-tron. This model was originally going to be built in Mexico, but it may now be manufactured in Columbia, South Carolina, which will be home to Scout and handle production of both the EV and EREV versions of the Terra and Traveler. While VW has been eager to distance itself from Scout to allow the new brand to sell direct-to-consumers, it clearly has enough influence over it to also have the site build an unrelated model from Audi.

According to a report from Automobilwoche, the VW Group is also eyeing a third potential location for building the Q6 e-tron, though details are scarce for now.

When asked about these plans, an Audi spokesperson didn’t exactly confirm anything but did admit that the U.S. market is one of their top priorities, sitting alongside Europe and China as a core pillar of their global strategy.

“We want to increase our presence in the U.S.,” they told Auto News. “We are currently examining various scenarios. We are confident that we will be able to decide on the specific details in consultation with the Group before the end of this year.”

Either way, the wheels are in motion for Audi to make a more significant push in the States, as it’s imperative for the company to do whatever it takes to dodge those tariffs, whether by relocating production, shifting models, or just flexing the power of the VW Group.

Rivian has revised its 2025 delivery forecast, blaming a shifting global trade environment that has been heavily influenced by Donald Trump’s second term as U.S. President. In a similar vein, Lucid is acknowledging rising costs due to tariffs but is holding firm on its production targets, expecting to produce 20,000 vehicles this year.

Read: Rivian’s Secret Stockpile Could Be Its Key To Defeating Tariffs

During the announcement of its first-quarter 2025 financial results, Rivian revealed a notable increase in gross profit, at $206 million to be exact. This marks the company’s second consecutive quarter of profitability, a significant milestone for the fledgling American EV manufacturer. It also makes Rivian eligible for a $1 billion investment from the Volkswagen Group, part of a broader partnership between the two companies.

Rivian’s First-Quarter Progress

The EV startup manufactured 14,611 vehicles in the first quarter, delivering 8,640 of them to customers. The company continues to make strides with its small R2 model, now building validation prototypes while expanding its manufacturing facility in Normal, Illinois.

The carmaker pointed out that while all its vehicles are manufactured in the U.S. and most of its materials either come from the US or are USMCA-compliant, the effects of tariffs, “evolving trade regulations,” and other policy changes have forced it to revise its delivery forecast.

Rivian now expects to deliver between 40,000 and 46,000 vehicles this year, down from an earlier projection of 46,000 to 51,000 vehicles. This adjustment means a potential reduction of up to 5,000 vehicles, equating to a 10% drop at the higher end of the original forecast and a 13% decline at the lower end.

On top of that, Rivian estimates that tariffs could add thousands of dollars to the cost of each vehicle. However, the company does appear to have one ace up its sleeve: a stockpile of batteries, which, according to reports, it’s been quietly accumulating since before the election. This stash could serve as a buffer against the pricing pressures triggered by Trump’s auto tariffs.

“This quarter we hit our second consecutive gross profit and our highest gross profit to date at $206 million,” added company founder and chief executive RJ Scaringe. “We have continued to make significant progress on R2, including vehicle validation builds underway and our Normal, Illinois manufacturing facility expansion on track.”

Despite Slow Start, Lucid Aims High

Meanwhile, Lucid wrapped up Q1 by building 2,212 vehicles, excluding 600 currently being shipped to Saudi Arabia. The company also delivered 3,109 vehicles during the quarter, posting $235 million in revenue. Despite the ongoing challenges, Lucid ended the quarter with a healthy liquidity position of $5.76 billion and is still on track to build approximately 20,000 vehicles this year.

The Ioniq 9, Hyundai’s first all-electric three-row SUV, has been priced from $58,955 in the United States and tops out at $76,490. While it’s a little pricier than the Kia EV9, with which it shares its platform, the Ioniq 9 has a much larger battery pack and offers more driving range than its Kia cousin.

All Hyundai Ioniq 9 models are underpinned by a 110.3 kWh NMC lithium-ion battery pack, including the base model. This version, known as the Ioniq 9 RWD S, pairs the sizeable battery with a 215 hp electric motor driving the rear axle, offering a quoted range of 335 miles (539 km), making it the range champion in the lineup.

Read: New Hyundai Ioniq 9 Lands With Three-Rows And Massive 110.3 kWh Battery

While paying $58,955, not including a $1,600 destination fee, may sound like a lot given the cheapest Kia EV9 starts at $54,900, it’s worth noting the base Kia only has a 76.1 kWh battery and 230 miles (370 km) of range. Even the higher-end versions of the EV9 make do with a 99.8 kWh battery, and the longest range offered by the EV9 is 304 miles (489 km) in the Light Long Range RWD version.

Five other versions of the Ioniq 9 have been announced in the US, all of which have all-wheel drive. The first of these is the Ioniq 9 AWD SE starting at $62,765 with 303 hp and 320 miles (515 km) of range. Sitting above is the more well-equipped AWD SEL, priced from $66,320 and complete with the same dual-motor powertrain and range.

Three versions of the Ioniq 9 Performance are then available. The base Performance Limited packs 422 hp, 311 miles (500 km) of range, and starts at $71,250. Sitting above in the range is the Performance Calligraphy, starting at $74,990. The flagship model is the Performance Calligraphy Design, priced from $76,490.

All buyers and lessees of the new Hyundai Ioniq 9 can choose to either receive a free ChargePoint Home Flex Level 2 charger or a $400 ChargePoint charging credit. Importantly, all models are eligible for the full $7,500 federal EV tax credit, meaning the cheapest Ioniq 9 effectively starts at $53,055 including destination.

US PRICING

Ford is pouring tens of billions of dollars into electric vehicles, betting big on a future that’s already here, but so far, the returns aren’t looking great. While the EV market overall continues to grow, Ford’s own electric sales are moving in the opposite direction. If the Dearborn automaker wants to close the gap with rivals like GM and Hyundai-Kia, let alone take a swing at Tesla’s lead, it needs to figure out how to boost local EV sales, and quickly.

A look at Ford’s most recent sales results does not paint a pretty picture for the automaker. In April, Ford managed to sell 4,859 EVs across the country. This represents a massive 39.4% decline from the 8,014 units it sold in April last year. Ford’s total EV sales for the first four months of 2025 are also down 2.9% from last year, with 27,409 units finding new homes. And that’s with Ford extending its popular Employee Pricing discounts for all.

Read: Ford Chief Says China Leads US By 10 Years In EV Batteries, Needs Their IP

A dramatic drop in demand for the Mustang Mach-E is the main reason why Ford’s sales collapsed last month. In April, 2,927 Mustang Mach-Es were sold, representing a 40.2% decline from the 4,893 sold in April 2024. Interestingly, sales are up by 0.4% year to date with 14,534 sales.

Sales of the F-150 Lightning have also dropped. In April 2024, Ford shifted 2,090 units, but this year, just 1,740. Year-to-date sales are also down 9.2% to 8,927. The E-Transits also had a very bad month with just 192 sales, a plunge of 81.5%.

Unlike its EVs, Ford’s hybrids are actually gaining ground. In April, the company sold 23,331 hybrid models, a 29.6% increase over the previous year. Year-to-date, hybrid sales are up 31.9%, with 74,404 units sold so far in 2025.

Outside of EVs, things are looking good for Ford. In April, the company’s total vehicle sales rose 16.2% compared to the same month in 2024, reaching 208,675 units versus 179,588 last year.

With the exception of EVs, Ford’s overall sales are up through the first four months of the year, despite the turmoil that the whole industry is facing since the introduction of Trump’s tariffs. Year-to-date, Ford has sold 709,966 vehicles in the US, or 3.2% more than the 687,671 it delivered in 2024.

America’s crumbling roads aren’t just a punchline anymore, they’re a $20 billion annual shortfall for the federal government, and lawmakers are now eyeing new ways to close the gap. One idea on the table? A national car fee that could, in theory, also help ease gas prices over time. But like most tax ideas these days, it’s already being shot down from inside the same party that introduced it.

The proposal comes from House Transportation Committee Chair Sam Graves, who wants to charge Americans an annual fee for simply owning and driving a car. The amount would vary by vehicle type, ranging from $20 a year for standard passenger cars to $200 for electric vehicles. Hybrids would fall in the middle at $100. The long-term goal, according to Graves, is to eventually replace the federal gas tax altogether.

Read: Volvo Just Suspended Its Forecast After Tariffs And EV Headwinds Wrecked Q1

“Nearly 40 states already have a special registration fee for EVs. It is time for the federal government to assess a fee on EVs that, for years, have not paid gasoline or diesel taxes, the primary source of Highway Trust Fund revenues,” said Graves. He went on to point out that gas and diesel taxes haven’t changed since 1993. Since they’re not indexed to inflation, the government has lost out on some $480 billion in federal revenue.

Interestingly, the proposal would make it so that EV owners are essentially paying what equates to about 1,111 gallons of fuel annually based on the federal gas tax of $0.18. According to the Department of Energy, the average car uses around 430 gallons of gas per year. So, yes, EV drivers would be picking up a disproportionately large tab.

Not Everyone’s On Board

That said, the proposal sounds like it might die before making it very far, though. Chip Roy didn’t mince words about his view of it saying, “Are you out of your fricking mind? Like, the party of limited government is gonna go out and, ‘say we’re gonna have [a car tax]? You know what I was told? ‘Don’t worry about it. We’ll get rid of it later in the highway bill,” Roy continued.

According to Politico, the message he received is that the car tax is “a gimmick to pay for this, so we know that we’re not actually gonna pay for it. That’s how this town works.”

After a little math, AmericanProgress.org believes the proposal could cost Americans $7 billion a year and, of course, shrink the debt by that same amount. However, they also point out that the broader bill containing this proposal includes a hefty tax cut for the wealthiest Americans. Over a 10-year period, the top 0.1% of earners would see an average tax reduction of $278,000.

Whether this proposal is a genuine attempt to modernize road funding or just another political mirage, it forces a real question: who should foot the bill for the nation’s crumbling infrastructure in an era of rapid tech shifts and lopsided tax codes? If the answer ends up punishing EV adoption while letting wealth glide by untouched, expect this road to be anything but smooth.

Lead image Sen. Grave / Lucid