Audi models with the S badge sure as special. Sure, they aren’t as quick or as thrilling as RS-badged models, but they offer a good mix of performance, comfort, luxury, and premium German build quality.

One of the more recent additions to Audi’s range of S-branded models is the SQ6 e-tron. First unveiled last year, it sits atop the all-electric Q6 e-tron family and serves as a rival to the likes of the Porsche Macan 4S, Mercedes-AMG EQE 53, and even lower-end versions of the Lotus Eletre.

Does the SQ6 e-tron feel fitting of the S badge and is it a legitimate top contender in its segment? To find out, I recently spent a week living with a blacked-out example. It revealed itself to be a strong all-rounder, but it did have a few niggles.

QUICK FACTS

Photos Brad Anderson/Carscoops

The Powertrain

In Australia, prices for the 2025 Audi SQ6 e-tron start at $151,400 (~$98,200), while in the US, it’s available from $72,900. On paper, the specs are very impressive.

All SQ6 e-tron variants, regardless of market, come standard with a 100 kWh lithium-ion battery pack which sends power to a pair of electric motors that combine to produce 360 kW (483 hp), or 380 kW (510 hp) with launch control enabled. The front motor also delivers 275 Nm (203 lb-ft) of torque, while the rear motor is good for 580 Nm (423 lb-ft). According to Audi, the SQ6 e-tron can run to 100 km/h (62 mph) in 4.3 seconds, or 60 mph (96 km/h) in 4.2 seconds.

Audi says the SQ6 e-tron can average between 17.5 – 18.6 kWh/100 km over the combined cycle and is good for a WLTP range of 568 km (353 miles). However, as I found out, both of those claims seem extremely ambitious.

Photos Brad Anderson/Carscoops

A Cabin Dominated By Screens

The SQ6 e-tron has Audi’s latest generation of interior, also featured in the new Audi A5 models. It has both its strengths and weaknesses.

Immediately standing out are the three massive screens. An 11.9-inch digital instrument cluster and a 14.5-inch MMI infotainment screen are housed within a curved panel, while a 10.9-inch touchscreen is positioned in front of the passenger.

Read: Audi’s Electrifying Crossover Coupe Arrives With A 509 HP Range-Topper

Like other Audi models sporting s virtual cockpit, the cluster is highly configurable and one of the best in the business. Similarly, the central infotainment screen is excellent, well shielded from the sun and provides snappy responses to inputs thanks to the Android Automotive operating system it uses; moreover, it also includes wireless Apple CarPlay and Android Auto as standard.

Photos Brad Anderson/Carscoops

The passenger screen offers plenty of functions, too, like displays for the navigation, entertainment system, and passenger-specific settings, including for the massaging seats. Speaking of the seats, they are trimmed in beautiful leather with electric adjustment and heating. However, the lack of ventilation seems like a glaring omission at this price point.

Elsewhere, the SQ6 e-tron comes standard with plush Alcantara across the central part of the dashboard and door cards. On the downside, other than the Alcantara and the fancy capacitive switchgear on the driver door for the lights, mirrors, and seat settings, the doors feel cheap. They are clad primarily in hard black plastic. Audi hasn’t even bothered to redesign the door handle trimming, leaving a blank plastic button that in older models housed the door lock and unlock buttons. I was also disappointed not to find any metallic speaker grilles, particularly since the model we tested came with a fancy Bang & Olufsen system.

The same piano black console is featured as in other new Audis. As we’ve come to expect, it looks nice when it’s clean, but it is prone to scratches. The steering wheel also has capacitive buttons that are a nightmare to get used to. On the plus side is a nice ambient lighting system that extends beneath the base of the windshield, comes with a charging display and even flashes when you switch on an indicator.

Overall, space and comfort in the front are good, but it’s obvious some cost-cutting measures have been made. The second row offers plenty of space and feels very airy thanks to the panoramic glass sunroof. But it’s a shame that climate control settings at the rear are limited to switches for the heated seats and fan speed controls.

Audi says the SQ6 e-tron can carry 526 liters (18.5 cubic-feet) of cargo in the rear, or 1,529 liters (53.9 cubic-feet) with the rear seats folded down. There’s also a small storage area in the frunk, but charging cables take up most of the available space.

Photos Brad Anderson/Carscoops

Quick And Agile, Like An Audi S Should Be

With up to 380 kW (509 hp) on tap, it should come as no surprise that the SQ6 e-tron feels pretty nifty in a straight line. With launch control enabled, I was easily able to match the claimed 4.3-second sprint to 100 km/h (62 mph). Much like the RS e-tron GT, it feels as if it starts to pull harder the faster you’re going. However, unlike the e-tron GT, the SQ6 e-tron doesn’t have a two-speed transmission.

Accompanying the acceleration is a spaceship-like soundtrack when you’re in Dynamic mode, which took me by surprise the first time. Similarly, I was surprised to see that as you accelerate, the speed reading on the head-up display begins to zoom in and grow bigger, adding a fun piece of theater to the experience.

Nevertheless, as impressive as the SQ6 is in a straight line, it’s around corners where it really shines. Despite tipping the scales at a portly 2,425 kg (5,356 lbs), it handles incredibly well and feels very agile. This is no doubt due in large part to how brilliantly Audi has optimized the feel of the electric power steering, giving it the perfect amount of weight.Contributing to the SUV’s handling are the grippy Bridgestone T005 tires.

Photo Credits: Brad Anderson/Carscoops

As with other Audi EVs, the SQ6 e-tron has paddle shifters behind the steering wheel to adjust the level of brake regeneration. For the most part, both the mechanical brakes and the regen work well. However, I frequently heard a clunking sound originating from the rear of the SUV when I quickly lifted off the throttle and touched the brakes, primarily when the SQ6 was still cold. It was a little disconcerting and should have been picked up during the vehicle’s development. It’s possible, though, that it was only something impacting the particular vehicle I tested.

Review: The Audi e-tron GT Is The Sports Sedan Electric Cars Forgot

Some of the driver-assistance systems also leave a little to be desired. For starters, unlike other markets, in Australia the SQ6 e-tron does not have any active lane centering. This is a glaring omission for a vehicle that costs AU$80,000 (~$51,800), let alone one that costs almost twice as much. Additionally, I experienced a couple of hiccups from the rear collision avoidance system when, while I was safely reversing into a parking space, it suddenly slammed on the brakes, seemingly thinking I was about to hit something, even though I wasn’t.

Efficiency and Charging

Efficiency isn’t the SQ6 e-tron’s strong suit – not that that comes as much of a surprise. During my week with it, I averaged 22.4 kWh / 100 km,despite primarily driving in Efficiency mode with regen on full, and occasionally also driving in ‘B’ mode to enable one-pedal driving. That’s worse than the 21.4 kWh / 100 km I averaged in the Lotus Eletre a few months ago, despite it being larger, heavier, and having more power. This reduces the Audi’s real-world range closer to roughly 450 km (280 miles).

On the plus side, the SQ6 e-tron’s 800-volt architecture supports DC fast charging speeds of up to 270 kW. That means it can charge from 10-80 percent in just 21 minutes. It also comes with an AC fast charger that can plug into a standard household socket. However, Australian-delivered models include the installation of a 7kW home charger as part of the purchase price, plus a one-year Chargefox public charging subscription, so that’s a nice perk.

Much like the e-tron GT, Audi has also fitted charging flaps on both sides of the SQ6 e-tron, making public charging that little bit easier.

Photos Brad Anderson/Carscoops

Verdict

From a performance standpoint, the SQ6 e-tron certainly feel like a true Audi Sport product. It’s seriously quick in a straight line and handles great for an SUV that weighs this much. Sure, it lacks the emotion of something like a petrol- or diesel-powered SQ5, but that’s part and parcel with high-performance EVs nowadays.

The dynamics are excellent, as is the steering and braking. Plus, you get the space and practicality that comes with an SUV. If all of the niggles were ironed out, it would be superb.

Amid ongoing pressure to shift away from imports, one of America’s largest automakers is taking a temporary detour. While President Donald Trump has been pushing US companies to rely less on foreign suppliers, General Motors is planning to import battery packs from Chinese manufacturer CATL.

The company says this decision is short-term, part of a broader strategy to eventually build its own battery packs domestically.

Read: GM’s EV Dream Plant Is Now A Gas Powerhouse In The Making

The move was initially reported by The Wall Street Journal, and later confirmed by the carmaker. CATL will supply GM with lithium-iron phosphate (LFP) batteries for the next-generation Bolt, which is expected to enter production later this year before arriving in dealerships in 2026.

GM says it plans to rely on CATL’s battery packs for around two years. After that, it expects its partnership with LG Energy Solution to support domestic production of more affordable battery systems.

“For several years, other U.S. automakers have depended on foreign suppliers for LFP battery sourcing and licensing,” a company spokesman confirmed. “To stay competitive, GM will temporarily source these packs from similar suppliers to power our most affordable EV model.”

2027 Chevrolet Bolt teasers

The Cost of Going Global

Of the 13 electric vehicles GM currently sells in the U.S., twelve are equipped with battery packs made domestically. The only exception is the Cadillac Celestiq, which uses a foreign-sourced pack.

By importing battery packs from China, GM will have to deal with duties of approximately 80 percent, according to Nunzio De Filippies from CargoTrans, a major logistics management firm. However, the automaker knows it needs to cut costs with its entry-level EV, and if it has to use Chinese batteries, then that’s what it’ll do.

Limited details are known about the next-generation Chevrolet Bolt, but GM has said it’ll cost slightly more than the old model, which started at $28,795 in 2023. It will be built at GM’s Fairfax Assembly plant in Kansas.

As electric vehicle plans get reshuffled across the industry, Ford is once again adjusting its timeline. Two major EVs are being pushed back, and the focus is shifting toward smaller, more budget-friendly models, including a compact electric pickup that’s now taking priority.

Read: Flip-Flopping Ford Delays Electric Truck And Axes 3-Row EV Plans, Will Build Hybrids Instead

Suppliers were recently informed by Ford that the planned full-size electric pickup, to be produced at the new BlueOval City assembly plant in Tennessee, has been pushed back from 2027 to 2028. This new model will be a successor to the F-150 Lightning. In addition, the next-generation E-Transit will no longer launch in 2026 as originally planned, but rather in 2028.

Another Round of Delays

This is not the first time Ford has delayed the two models. As noted by Yahoo!, the new E-Transit was originally set to launch “mid-decade” after it was first announced in 2022. Similarly, the new electric pickup codenamed T3 was originally scheduled to launch this year. Just 12 months ago, Ford also killed plans for a three-row electric SUV that would have rivaled the Kia EV9 and Hyundai Ioniq 9.

“F-150 Lightning, America’s best-selling electric truck, and E-Transit continue to meet today’s customer needs,” Ford said in a recent statement. “We remain focused on delivering our Ford+ plan and will be nimble in adjusting our product launch timing to meet market needs and customer demand while targeting improved profitability.”

Shifting Toward Smaller EVs

Ford is now favoring smaller EVs. It is hard at work developing a new low-cost EV platform that will underpin several different vehicles, starting with a new compact pickup truck in 2028. According to chief executive Jim Farley, small EVs currently make the most sense in the US.

“The pure EV market in the U.S. seems to us very clear: small vehicles used for commuting and around town, so to speak,” he said. “And commercial… we think that’s going to be a robust business, but we want to shrink the number of top hats. We’re going to have just a few. And we’ve made the adjustments in timing, we think, and to be in segments where we can actually make money on EVs.”

Despite the delay, Ford says its plant in Tennessee will start making prototypes of the new T3 electric pickup in 2027

A Familiar Name Might Return

There’s also a possible nod to the past in Ford’s future product line. As uncovered by Ford Authority, the company recently filed to trademark the name Ranchero, once a classic car-truck hybrid from Ford’s history. The filing, submitted on August 5, 2025, covers both electric and gasoline-powered vehicles.

While there’s no official confirmation, the move would follow a familiar pattern, as Ford has revived other heritage names like Maverick and Lightning in recent years. The timing also lines up with an anticipated announcement about the brand’s new EV platform on August 11.

It’s no secret that the values of many EVs fall off a cliff the moment they leave the showroom. However, the original owner of this 2023 Tesla Model 3 RWD is probably shaking their head and wondering where things went wrong after the car lost more than half of its value in just over 18 months and 35,500 miles (57,100 km).

Read: Tesla’s Latest Model 3 And Y Just Got Slammed

As an entry-level Model 3 RWD, this Tesla is fitted with its relatively small 57.5 kWh battery pack. However, it still gives the EV a respectable driving range of 272 miles (438 km), while sending juice to an electric motor with 271 hp and 310 lb-ft (420 Nm).

For most motorists out there, this is more than enough performance and more than enough range, particularly for a daily driver.

Not the Newest Version, But Still Well Equipped

As this is a 2023 Model 3 having being acquired new in late December of the same year, and not the updated Highland version, it misses out on he upgraded interior, as well as the more attractive new styling. But, that’s not to say it’s short on features, as it includes 18-inch wheels, the standard panoramic glass roof, heated front and rear seats, and the central 15-inch infotainment display.

Cars & Bids

Depreciation Hits Hard

The car was recently listed for sale through Cars & Bids with an original sticker price of $41,890. After attracting well over a dozen bids, it sold for a paltry $20,300. That’s some severe depreciation, particularly since the car is less than two years old.

Admittedly, it does have high mileage for its age, but 35,500 miles (57,100 km) is still relatively low for a used car, particularly one that’s worth just a touch over $20,000.

There’s no doubt that the arrival of the Model 3 refresh has impacted the resale value of original Model 3s. In addition, Elon Musk and the Tesla brand have become more divisive over the past year or so, due in large part to Musk’s deep involvement in politics.

Cars & Bids

A recent software update intended to improve Rivian’s navigation system has instead sparked frustration among some owners. Last month, the company rolled out an upgrade that brought Google Maps integration to its in-built navigation, including features like Google Places and real-time data on lane closures and accidents reported by the Google Maps community.

However, some Rivian owners have begun reporting that following the update, their GPS systems frequently freeze, leading to concerns that the rollout may have been a bit rushed by the carmaker.

Some Owners Affected, Others Not

Several Rivian owners have taken to Reddit to detail their experiences with the system. According to the original poster, their GPS has been freezing every other day after the Google Maps update. The only way to fix it is to perform a soft reset of the infotainment system, which can be done by holding down the far left and far right buttons on the steering wheel for roughly 15 seconds.

Read: Rivian’s Lawsuit Exposes The Car Industry’s Most Absurd Barrier

Multiple users have confirmed the same issue, reporting that a soft reset is the only way to get the navigation back on track. Interestingly, the glitch doesn’t appear to affect all Rivians. Owners of newer Gen2 R1S and R1T models say the updated system with Google integration works without problems. A few drivers of earlier Gen1 vehicles also reported no issues post-update.

In one case, an owner said the navigation tab on their infotainment display becomes unresponsive every two to three days and must be reset. Even when it does work, it keeps thinking their current location is at home, even if it’s not. Another R1S owner on the Reddit thread says they haven’t experienced any freezing issues, but the system’s search function no longer works.

Temporary Fixes While Rivian Investigates

In all likelihood, a software issue is to blame for the bug, and if Rivian is aware of the fault, it may already be developing a fix. Carscoops has reached out to the carmaker for a comment. In the meantime, owners dealing with the bug may have to continue resetting their systems every few days.

Self-driving cars are inching closer to mainstream use, and a recent regulatory milestone marks a significant step forward for one of the sector’s key players. Autonomous vehicle developer Zoox has received a notable exemption from the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA), officially certifying its vehicles for demonstration use.

Read: Zoox Robotaxis Could Eventually Become Part Of Amazon Prime

The decision represents a meaningful win for the Amazon-owned company and comes just as a federal investigation into its past regulatory compliance comes to a close.

In 2022, the NHTSA opened a probe into Zoox vehicles to see if they’d met federal safety requirements after being self-certified without having any traditional driving controls. Recently, Zoox applied for an exemption from a few NHTSA requirements, and it has now been approved.

A Shift in Policy for US-Based AV Companies

The exemption has been issued through the expanded Automated Vehicle Exemption Program and forms an important part of the Transport Secretary Sean P. Duffy’s Innovation Agenda, which aims to promote US technology and safety. Previously, foreign autonomous vehicles had been eligible for exemptions, but not those manufactured in the United States.

Importantly, this could pave the way for other US-based companies to receive similar NHTSA exemptions. Secretary Duffy is particularly eager to grow America’s autonomous vehicle capabilities, and this could prove to be a pivotally important way to do so.

“This is a win-win for safety and innovation. Under the leadership of President Trump, U.S. companies like Zoox have a process to create and test their latest technologies. America – not China – can and will drive the future of self-driving cars forward,” Duffy said.

Next Steps for Zoox

Despite the exemption, Zoox will need to revise or remove previous claims suggesting its purpose-built vehicles already complied with Federal Motor Vehicle Safety Standards. The updated certification allows testing under the exemption, but not without an adjustment in public messaging.

The NHTSA has been keeping a close eye on Zoox. In May 2024, it opened a probe into the company’s vehicles following two rear-end collisions and a braking-related recall. In May, Zoox also had to recall 270 vehicles shortly after a robotaxi was involved in a crash in Las Vegas.

High-end, luxury cars are perhaps more suited to all-electric powertrains than any other vehicle type, as they provide the silent running and solid performance many shoppers are looking for. With this in mind, it was only logical for Genesis to launch an all-electric version of its excellent G80 sedan, but as it turns out, virtually no one in the US has bought it. This has forced the carmaker to rethink its position in its US line-up.

Read: Genesis’ Flagship SUV Is Hiding A Secret Worthy Of Rolls-Royce

News of the G80 Electrified’s departure from the US market came shortly after it mysteriously disappeared from the brand’s website. After a little more digging, it’s been confirmed that the car has indeed been dropped from the U.S. market, leaving the brand without an electric sedan.

No G80 EV for America

“Genesis is no longer offering the Electrified G80 in North America at this time,” the carmaker confirmed to Carscoops in a statement. “The customer is at the core of every decision we make, and we remain flexible as we adapt to ever-changing consumer needs and market conditions. Our award-winning sedans and EVs remain important parts of the Genesis lineup, and we continue to offer the G70 sport sedan, G80 executive sedan with 2.5T and 3.5T powertrains, G90 flagship sedan, all-electric GV60 SUV, and the U.S.-assembled Electrified GV70 SUV, in addition to our GV70 and GV80 model lines.”

Much like the GV70 Electrified, but unlike the GV60, the G80 Electrified is not based on an all-electric platform. Despite this, Genesis still managed to slot in a sizeable 87.2 kWh battery pack driving a pair of electric motors with 365 hp, to give the G80 Electrified a solid 282 miles (454 km) of driving range.

Sales Simply Didn’t Follow

Genesis didn’t pinpoint a reason for killing off the car, but it’s probably due to its dismal sales. Last year, Genesis sold just 140 electric G80s in the US, and through the first half of 2025, it shifted just 77 units. Additionally, the car is subject to 15 percent import tariffs as it is built exclusively in South Korea and will not be one of the models that Genesis builds at Hyundai’s massive $5.5 billion plant in Georgia.

Electric cars tend to follow the familiar auto industry rhythm, each generation sticking around for six to ten years. But in China, where the EV market is evolving at breakneck speed, that timeline gets compressed. Just three years after the MG4 first hit the streets, it’s already getting a second-generation update. And this isn’t just a mild refresh.

The latest version brings a full redesign, a new platform, an overhauled interior, and most importantly, a semi-solid-state battery offering. Perhaps even more surprising of all, it starts at just 73,800 yuan, or just under $10,300.

Read: MG Storms Goodwood With Two New EVs And A Sexy Roadster

It’s been almost five months since the first photos of the new MG4 surfaced, but only now have sales started and technical specifications been confirmed. The biggest headline is the battery. Among the available options is a semi-solid-state unit developed by QingTao Energy, which marks the first time a mass-produced EV features a battery pack of this kind.

A New Type of Battery Tech

While not a true solid-state battery, which uses no liquid electrolyte, the unit powering the second-gen MG4 contains just 5 percent liquid electrolyte, less than the semi-solid-state batteries found in the Nio ET5 and IM L6 Max Lightyear. Its energy density isn’t particularly impressive at 180 Wh/kg, but the 70 kWh pack is reportedly enough to give the electric hatchback a range of up to 334 miles (537 km).

This battery will not be standard, and the pricing for it has not been announced. What we do know is that the cheaper versions will be offered with 42.8 kWh and 53.9 kWh battery packs, offering 271 miles (437 km) and 329 miles (530 km) of range, respectively.

The base 73,800 yuan ($10,300) version is known as the Comfort, while sitting above it in the range is the Ease, priced from 81,800 yuan, or around $11,400. The flagship version of the 42.8 kWh-equipped model is known as the Freedom, starting at 90,800 yuan or $12,600. The 53.9 kWh Smart version starts at 105,800 yuan or $14,700.

The updated MG4 has grown slightly in size compared to its predecessor. It now measures 4,395 mm (173.1 inches) in length, 1,842 mm (72.5 inches) in width, and 1,551 mm (61.1 inches) in height, with a wheelbase stretching to 2,750 mm (108.3 inches).

Better Looks, Better Cabin

Visually, the new MG4 adopts a far softer and more curvaceous design than the model it replaces. The cabin also looks impressively well-equipped and includes a 15.6-inch infotainment display, a small digital instrument cluster, a wireless phone charger, and a floating transmission tunnel. In typical EV fashion, it’s quite minimalist, but appears quite premium, particularly given the car’s price tag.

Elsewhere, the MG4 includes heated and ventilated front seats, a large panoramic glass roof with an electric sunshade, and rear seat backs that can recline up to 27 degrees. Synthetic leather is also found throughout, and there’s even a heated steering wheel.

While pre-sales of the new MG4 have just opened, MG hasn’t said when the first customer deliveries will begin. The timeline for international launches is not yet known, but we expect the small MG to arrive eventually in key markets like Europe and Australia.

Tesla and Elon Musk had hoped that the rollout of a long-awaited Robotaxi service in Austin, Texas, would mark a major step forward for the company, bringing fully autonomous driving technology to the public. Instead, the Robotaxi has landed Tesla in hot water. Both Musk and the company are now named in a lawsuit alleging they concealed the risks of self-driving systems and inflated the automaker’s valuation.

Read: This City Could Be Tesla’s Toughest Robotaxi Challenge Yet

The proposed class action, filed by a group of shareholders, claims that Tesla’s Robotaxi vehicles in Austin have been seen behaving erratically, speeding, hopping curbs, swerving into the wrong lane, braking unpredictably, and even letting passengers off in the middle of busy roads, according to The Economic Times.

Shareholders Say the Tech Isn’t Ready

According to the shareholders, Musk and Tesla have consistently overstated the effectiveness and prospects of the automaker’s autonomous driving technologies, boosting its stock price. The lawsuit also takes issue with Musk’s April 22 statement that Tesla was “laser-focused on bringing Robotaxi to Austin in June,” and that the service would deliver “scalable and safe deployment across diverse geographies and use cases.”

Where Musk Goes, Controversy Follows

The shareholders are accusing Tesla and Musk of securities fraud. Their filing argues that the Robotaxi program poses a “significant risk” to public safety and may violate traffic laws, opening the company up to tighter regulatory scrutiny. They also note that Tesla’s stock dipped around 6 percent following public reports of incidents involving the Robotaxi fleet.

Last week, Tesla expanded its Robotaxi service to a geofenced area of the San Francisco Bay Area. However, as Tesla does not have regulatory approval to operate completely autonomous vehicles in California, all vehicles in the local Robotaxi fleet have a human behind the wheel. So, in reality, it’s not a Robotaxi service at all, but rather a simple ride-hailing service.

Despite these hurdles, Musk remains characteristically confident. On Tesla’s earnings call in late July, he predicted that “half of the population of the US will be covered by Tesla’s Robotaxi by the end of the year,” suggesting that regulatory concerns and technical setbacks aren’t slowing down the company’s broader ambitions.

Despite early dominance in the electric vehicle market, Tesla is now struggling to keep pace in Europe. Recent industry sales data continues to show a troubling pattern, with the automaker losing ground in several key countries.

Sales have taken a hit in Belgium, the Netherlands, Sweden, Denmark, France, and Italy, and more importantly, the numbers are rapidly declining in two of the continent’s most crucial markets: the United Kingdom and Germany.

Read: Tesla Is Losing Europe Faster Than Elon Musk Can Tweet

According to the UK’s Society of Motor Manufacturers and Traders (SMMT), Tesla sold a total of 987 new vehicles in the country in July. That’s a steep fall from the 2,462 units sold during the same month last year, marking a nearly 60 percent drop. What’s particularly worrying about this is that the thoroughly updated Model Y is now available in the UK, but it has failed to reverse the carmaker’s fortunes.

BYD Outsells Tesla in the UK – By a Lot

Poor sales are one thing, but adding insult to injury for Tesla in the UK is the strong performance of one of its main rivals. Chinese electric vehicle maker BYD sold 3,184 new cars in the country in July, more than four times what it managed in the same month last year. That total puts it clearly ahead of Tesla for the month, underscoring how quickly the landscape is changing these days.

German Market Slips Further

Over in Germany, things are also looking bleak for Tesla. Sales there slipped 55.1 percent in July to just 1,110 units. Year-to-date, Tesla’s sales in Germany have also collapsed 57.8 percent to approximately 10,000 units. Then there’s the threat from BYD.

Data reveals that BYD sold 1,126 new vehicles in Germany last month, narrowly edging out Tesla. Its year-to-date sales have also soared nearly 390 percent to 7,449 units.

What makes the German decline even more concerning is that it happened despite the overall electric vehicle market growing by 58 percent in July, with 48,416 EVs registered. In other words, while more buyers are turning to EVs in Germany, fewer of them are choosing Tesla.

Tesla faces an uphill battle if it wants to stop the bleeding in Europe and retain its dominant market share. Unlike in the US, where the brand doesn’t have to deal with the threat posed by Chinese automakers, a growing number of EVs from China are flooding European shores, more often than not offering better features for lower prices.

New details and images have surfaced of Xpeng’s innovative P7 sports sedan, and as earlier glimpses suggested, it stands apart from anything else currently on the EV market. While sedans aren’t selling in the numbers they once did, models like the Xiaomi SU7 and the new Xpeng P7 prove there’s still strong interest in cars like these.

Read: Xpeng’s New Sports Sedan Packs More Power Than Expected

The exterior design of the new P7 is radical, to say the least. Its exterior design feels like a deliberate departure, with cues that seem to echo elements of the Tesla Cybertruck. The front fascia features a sharp full-width LED light bar, flanked by vertical daytime running lights for a dramatic first impression. Around back, the theme continues with a matching light bar, vertically stacked taillights, and a swooping rear glass that replaces the usual trunk lid structure.

Tech and Driver-Focused Dash

Perhaps of more interest than the exterior of the P7 is the interior, showcased in these new photos for the first time. The sedan comes with the same massive 87-inch augmented reality head-up display that Xiaomi recently premiered on the G7 SUV. There’s also a particularly sporty-looking three-spoke steering wheel with AMG-style dials to change certain modes and functions on the fly.

Adding to the high-tech atmosphere, the ambient lighting setup has been given special attention, while the central infotainment screen is mounted on a tilting panel that angles toward the driver. A slim digital gauge cluster sits just behind the wheel, and the bucket-style sport seats come with active side bolsters that inflate to keep the driver firmly in place during tight corners, a feature found in some high-end German performance models.

Performance Specs and Range Options

The P7 will be available with two battery options: a 74.9 kWh pack and a larger 92.92 kWh version. The standard configuration uses a single rear-mounted electric motor delivering 362 hp (270 kW). For those wanting more grip and performance, an all-wheel-drive setup adds a 224 hp (167 kW) front motor, bringing total output to 586 hp (437 kW).

Xpeng is targeting competitive range figures across the lineup. The base model promises up to 436 miles (702 km) on a single charge. Opting for the long-range rear-wheel-drive version increases that to 509 miles (820 km), while the dual-motor AWD variant lands at a still-impressive 466 miles (750 km).

Although specific charging times haven’t been confirmed, Xpeng says the P7 will support the same 5C fast-charging standard as the G7 SUV. That means just 10 minutes of charging could provide up to 271 miles (436 km) of added range, assuming similar conditions and infrastructure.

As for dimensions, the sedan measures 197.5 inches (5,017 mm) long, 77.6 inches (1,970 mm) wide, and 56.2 inches (1,427 mm) tall, with a 118.4-inch (3,008 mm) wheelbase, meaning it has a similar footprint to the Tesla Model S.

Also: EVs Are So Cheap In China Now Even Xi’s Worried

Pricing hasn’t been revealed yet, but based on current trends among Chinese EV makers, it’s safe to assume that the P7 will be priced aggressively, likely enough to make Western buyers take a second look at what they’re getting for the money, even as the approach sparks growing concerns within China about how sustainable it really is.

Three years ago, a former GM factory in Ohio seemed poised for a dramatic comeback. Foxconn, the Taiwanese electronics giant best known for assembling iPhones, purchased the site from Lordstown Motors with big plans to turn it into a hub for electric pickup trucks. But those ambitions never materialized. Now, the factory has quietly changed hands in a $375 million deal involving one of Foxconn’s existing partners.

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

Foxconn originally paid $230 million for the Lordstown facility, with the intent to make it a hub for its EV production and research in North America. It helped Lordstown build dozens of its all-electric Lordstown Endurance vehicles at the site, but the partnership quickly soured.

By June 2023, Lordstown had filed for bankruptcy. There were also intentions to manufacture Fisker’s Ocean SUV at the site, though those plans never progressed beyond early discussions.

Factory Sale and Shift in Focus

Recent Taiwan stock exchange filings reveal that Foxconn has sold the factory and land for $88 million. It also sold machinery and equipment for its electric vehicle subsidiaries for roughly $287 million. According to Tech Crunch, the factory has been sold to Crescent Dune LLC, which was formed in Delaware just 12 days ago.

Despite the transaction, Foxconn says it will continue operating the plant and plans to expand into “new business areas.” The Wall Street Journal reports that the facility will now pivot to manufacturing cloud computing hardware, specifically designed for AI applications.

Not Giving Up on EV Ambitions

While the decision to turn the factory from an EV hub into one focused on AI hardware may make it sound like Foxconn is backing away from the electric vehicle space, that doesn’t appear to be the case. The company plans to build a family of EVs, and has already previewed several of them as concepts.

As recently as this past March, it was reported that Foxconn planned to start building the electric Model C SUV in North America during the fourth quarter of this year.

It’s not just in-house EVs that Foxconn is interested in. The company is also expected to manufacture electric vehicles for two Japanese automakers, with speculation pointing to Mitsubishi and Nissan.

Though details remain unconfirmed, the partnerships could signal Foxconn’s continued commitment to becoming a major player in EV manufacturing, even as it diversifies its U.S. operations.

An all-electric version of the Nissan Juke is headed to Europe next year, bringing a new chapter to the popular compact crossover’s story. But while the EV is on the way, it may not be the only option on the table.

Read: Nissan’s Next Juke Is So Different, You Might Not Recognize It

As shifting sales trends continue to challenge Nissan’s electrification plans, the company appears to be reconsidering a full switch from internal combustion. That means gasoline-powered versions of the Juke might stick around a little longer.

Rather than phasing it out entirely, Nissan could keep the current combustion model in production alongside the upcoming EV. The move would mirror strategies seen elsewhere in the industry, where maintaining ICE variants has helped bridge the gap for customers not quite ready to go all-electric.

Shared Foundations

Nissan’s third-generation Juke will be underpinned by a shortened version of the CM-EV platform from the Renault-Nissan-Mitsubishi Alliance that’s currently used by the Nissan Ariya and Renault Megane E-Tech. It’ll be built at the carmaker’s Sunderland plant in the UK alongside the Ariya and Leaf, debuting with a radical design inspired by the Hyper Punk Concept from a couple of years ago.

Initially, Nissan had planned to completely replace the current ICE model with this EV. However, while recently speaking with Auto News, Nissan Europe’s head of product planning for minicars and small cars, Alexandre Armada, said that may no longer be the case.

“Given the very different path of transition to electrification across Europe, keeping the internal combustion Juke in production is an option on the table,” he said.

Sales Figures Suggest a Split Strategy

Keeping the combustion-powered Juke might be a smart move for Nissan. So far this year, it’s the brand’s second-best-selling model in Europe, behind only the Qashqai, which has sold 78,397 units.

Since the electric Juke is expected to come at a higher price point, it will likely see slower sales compared to the current version. In Europe, the Juke is currently available with a 1.0-liter three-cylinder gasoline engine producing 114 hp, as well as a 1.6-liter hybrid that delivers 143 hp.

What to Expect from the EV

Many key technical details about the Juke EV remain under wraps, but some rumors have suggested it could be offered with similar 63 kWh and 87 kWh battery packs as the Ariya. However, there’s also a chance that a smaller pack in the 40-55 kWh range could be offered, which could be well-suited to Europeans living in large urban centers.

The electric Juke will enter a competitive field, going up against models like the Jeep Avenger EV, Kia EV3, Renault 4 EV, Hyundai Kona Electric, Citroen C3 Aircross, Peugeot e-2008, and the upcoming Ford Puma Gen-E.

Tesla’s struggles in Europe are becoming harder to ignore and the outlook doesn’t appear to be improving anytime soon. A combination of factors, including Elon Musk’s polarizing public image, rising competition from established automakers, and the rapid emergence of Chinese EV brands, has led to a sharp decline in the brand’s popularity across several key European markets. As a result, its local market share has taken a significant hit.

New data reveals the extent of the damage. In July, Tesla registrations in the Netherlands dropped 62 percent year-over-year to 443 vehicles. In Belgium, they fell 58 percent to 460, and in Portugal, they declined 49 percent to just 284 units.

The impact was even more severe in Sweden, where registrations fell 86 percent to 163 vehicles. Denmark and France also saw steep drops of 52 percent and 27 percent, with Tesla selling 336 and 1,307 units in those markets, respectively.

Read: Tesla’s European Sales Bloodbath Continues, But One Country Is Over Hating Musk

Sales continued to slip in Italy as well, down 5 percent year-over-year to 457 vehicles. As noted by Reuters, sales declines in these major nations in not only July, but also in June, have also seen Tesla’s battery-electric vehicle market share fall from 21.6 percent to 14.5 percent.

Can Tesla Turn Things Around?

Amid the downturn, there were a couple of bright spots. In Norway, Tesla registrations surged 83 percent to 838 vehicles, helped in part by the introduction of 0 percent interest loans. Spain also saw a modest uptick, with sales rising 27 percent to 702 units.

Despite the challenges, Musk remains optimistic that Tesla can stage a rebound in Europe. While recently speaking with analysts, he said that the region’s stricter regulations on semi-autonomous driving systems make it harder to sell the Model Y than in the US.

“Our sales in Europe, we think, will improve significantly once we are able to give customers the same experience that they have in the U.S.,” he explained, citing Full Self-Driving capabilities as “a huge selling point” in the American market.

For Hawaiians looking to drive electric, be that a pure EV or PHEV, a new obstacle has rolled in. Matson, Inc., one of the state’s primary shipping providers and a major player in Pacific cargo routes, has decided to stop transporting electric and plug-in hybrid vehicles.

The company serves regions including Alaska, Guam, and Micronesia, but this latest policy shift puts the brakes on EV imports to the islands, at least for now.

Read: Thousands Of Chinese Cars Sank With This Ship And The Bill Keeps Climbing

In the wake of the Morning Midas shipping disaster in June, when a cargo ship sank due to a fire while carrying 3,048 vehicles, including 70 EVs and 681 hybrid, Matson has raised concerns about transporting vehicles powered by large lithium-ion battery packs.

The decision to halt EV and PHEV shipments comes despite the company previously forming a collaborative team to address the challenges of moving cars equipped with lithium batteries.

Immediate Suspension of EV Shipments

“Due to increasing concern for the safety of transporting vehicles powered by large lithium-ion batteries, Matson is suspending acceptance of used or new electric vehicles (EVs) and plug-in hybrid vehicles for transport aboard its vessels,” the company stated. “Effective immediately, we have ceased accepting new bookings for these shipments to/from all trades.”

As noted by The Maritime Executive, unlike the Morning Midas and other dedicated car carriers such as the Felicity Ace or Fremantle Highway, Matson’s vessels don’t feature large, open storage decks. Instead, all vehicles are shipped in individual containers. That setup, while practical for general cargo, complicates fire detection and suppression compared to specialized roll-on/roll-off car carriers.

Future Possibilities Still on the Table

Hawaii is currently home to about 37,000 electric vehicles, and demand continues to grow. Importantly, Matson’s ban may not be permanent. The shipping firm recently sent a letter to its customers saying it “continues to support industry efforts to develop comprehensive standards and procedures to address fire risk posed by lithium-ion batteries at sea and plans to resume acceptance of them when appropriate safety solutions that meet our requirements can be implemented.”

For now, though, those looking to ship an EV to the islands may have to explore other options, or wait until the industry finds safer ways to move high-voltage cargo across the Pacific.

Once the standout stars of Tesla’s lineup, the Model S and Model X helped shape the idea of what a premium electric car could be. With strong performance and early innovations, they embodied the leading edge of Tesla’s vision. But times change, and so do customer priorities.

After the arrival of the more affordable Model 3 and Model Y, interest in Tesla’s larger, pricier vehicles began to taper off. Today, the Model S and X together make up less than 3% of the company’s quarterly sales. Given that shift, it’s not surprising that both models have now been discontinued in Europe.

Read: Model S / X Get Small Tweaks And Big Price Hikes

In typical Tesla fashion, the brand hasn’t made a big deal of the demise of the two models, simply removing them from its new car configurator in Europe. It is still actively trying to sell Model Ss and Model Xs from its inventory, but once they are gone, they’ll be gone forever, unless, of course, Tesla decides to replace them with something new.

Interestingly, it’s been less than two months since Tesla updated the Model S and Model X, making several exterior and interior changes. Clearly, the brand doesn’t feel the need to sell the updated models in Europe, meaning they will only be available in the United States and Canada.

The changes made for the 2026 model are relatively minor, but do include revised front and rear fascias for the flagship Plaid models. Tesla also introduced a new color known as Frost Blue, changed the suspension bushings, improved the Active Noise Cancellation system, and added configurable ambient lighting to the cabin.

It’s hard to know how long Tesla plans to keep on building the Model S and Model X. As long as they remain profitable, they’re likely to stick around in North America. But the long-term outlook appears uncertain.

Looking further forward, Tesla might be wise to replace the two models with a new flagship sedan and three-row SUV. While the Model S and Model X remain good options for some they can’t hide their age and struggle to compete with newer rivals have hit the market in recent years, particularly in the three-row electric SUV segment.

Some believed that Elon Musk’s alignment with former President Donald Trump and the broader MAGA movement might encourage traditional conservatives to embrace electric vehicles. But a new study suggests the opposite has happened.

Not only has Musk’s political shift failed to win over right-leaning car buyers, it appears to have driven away support from the left as well, dampening enthusiasm for both Tesla and EVs more broadly.

Also: Tesla Drivers Say Musk Makes Them Look Like Fascists So They’re Suing

The study, published in the Humanities & Social Sciences Communications, analyzed data gathered from surveys conducted in August 2023, November 2023, May 2024, July 2024, and March 2025, set out to see if public perceptions about Musk have impacted the desirability of Tesla vehicles and other EVs.

Shifting Sentiment Across the Political Spectrum

Historically, EVs have been more popular among left-leaning consumers, which explains in part why Tesla is so popular in California. The first study of 633 adults found that liberal voters were positive to the idea of buying an EV, while conservatives were negative.

The second study also found that the more conservative you are, the less inclined you are to purchase an EV. No surprises there, and this general finding was also replicated in the third and fourth studies.

Things have since changed. The study found that the overall support for EVs among liberal voters has eroded as Musk continued to harm his reputation. At the same time, his shift to the right has done nothing to make conservatives more likely to buy a Tesla or any other EV.

The “Musk Effect” on EV Appeal

Lead author Alexandra Flores explained to The Guardian that Musk’s influence on EV perception is highly unusual. “The suspicion is that Elon Musk became so synonymous with EVs in the US that perceptions of him affected the entire class of vehicles,” she said. “This made them way less appealing to liberals—he really dragged down perceptions of EVs in general.”

Flores added that the researchers initially expected liberal support for EVs to hold steady, given their long-standing connection to environmental values. They also thought Musk’s rightward turn might make EVs more attractive to conservatives. “But the opposite happened,” she noted. “Over time, conservatives remained relatively steady in their lack of interest in EVs and Tesla, while liberals’ attitudes really dropped. They are now equally unlikely to buy an EV as they are a Tesla.”

No, this isn’t some kind of odd concept car aimed at previewing the future of mobility. Instead, it is the new i8 from Chinese automaker Li Auto, and it’s an all-electric SUV available from 321,800 yuan, or just under $45,000. We’re not sure how BMW will feel about the i8 badge being used on a vehicle like this, but Li Auto’s creation will no doubt leave legacy automakers scrambling to play catch-up.

Visually, the Li Auto i8 looks part-SUV and part-minivan. This is because it combines design elements and shapes from the existing L9 SUV, as well as the Mega, Li Auto’s flagship minivan. Like the Mega, the front of the i8 is highly unusual, featuring a full-width LED light bar running just under the windshield, rather than near the front bumper like most other new EVs hitting the Chinese market.

Read: Man Cruelly Turned His Hood Into An Aquarium And Left The Fish To Die In It

The flowing and smooth shape of the roof is also rather intriguing, while the rear is slightly more conventional. It comes complete with a light bar, a large tailgate, and, well, not much else of interest. According to Li Auto’s boss, the i8’s design was inspired by yachts, but we can’t really see the resemblance.

Entry-level versions have a 90.1 kWh NMC battery driving a pair of electric motors with 536 hp and 487 lb-ft (660 Nm) of torque. Li Auto says this version can travel up to 416 miles (670 km) on a charge, but that’s under the very generous CLTC cycle.

A larger 97.8 kWh NMC battery is available, boosting the range to 447 lb-ft (720 km). This version also offers extraordinarily high-speed charging that allows 310 miles (500 km) of range to be added in just 10 minutes. Aiding in the impressive range is a drag coefficient of just 0.218 Cd, lower than even the Tesla Model Y’s 0.220.

Li Auto says the i8 needs just 4.5 seconds to hit 100 km/h (60 mph). It also apparently consumes just 14.6 – 14.8 kWh/100 km, which is roughly in line with the much smaller Tesla Model 3.

As For The Cabin…

Like so many new Chinese cars, the interior is an absolute tech-fest. The i8 will be sold exclusively as a six-seater with a 2+2+2 layout. There’s no instrument cluster and instead, just a small screen sitting atop the center of the steering wheel and two huge 15.7-inch displays dominate the dashboard. Other nifty features include cooled wireless charging pads and the Li Auto Magic Carpet air suspension system, offering four adjustable ride heights.

The brand’s Li AD Pro assisted driving system comes as standard, while higher-end models get the Li AD Max system. Both systems include a LiDAR.

Earlier this year, Kia unveiled the all-electric EV4 in both sedan and hatchback guises. Fast forward to late July, and the South Korean carmaker has dropped details about one of the EV4’s most grueling tests from its development: a torturous 6,200 miles (10,000 km) stint at the fabled Nurburgring Nordschleife circuit in Germany.

Kia has released several images of the EV4 being tested on European roads in hatchback guise, curiously still wrapped in camouflage even though the finished car was presented several months ago. Unfortunately, there’s no imagery of it on the ‘Ring. What we do know is that the 6,200-mile (10,000 km) test session at the circuit formed part of a 68,000-mile (110,000 km) European road durability test.

Read: Kia’s First Electric Sedan Is Here To Beat The Model 3 At Its Own Game

The Nurburgring test aimed to simulate 90-95 percent of its maximum performance output, and it underwent multiple hypercharging sessions between laps. By the end of the track test, as well as the on-road testing, the EV4’s battery returned a state-of-health reading of 95 percent. EV4s sold to the public will be guaranteed to retain at least 70 percent of their original capacity after 100,000 miles (160,000 km) or eight years of regular use.

“To provide our customers a reliable, everyday EV, we had to validate the EV4’s durability both in real-world and extreme environments,” the manager of durability development at Hyundai Motor Europe Technical Center, Stephan Hoferer said. “With the rigorous testing – from icy roads to racetracks, we’re confident the EV4 will deliver dependable performance well beyond everyday needs.”

All EV4s are based on a 400-volt architecture and will be available with a front-mounted 201 hp electric motor in all trims. In the US, the base model will come standard with a 58.3 kWh pack, while the flagship variant gets a 81.4 kWh unit.

Evidently, the EV4 is not the type of car that owners will be taking to the track. But, if the Korean brand that in the past few years goes from strength to strength wants to spice it up with a hot, GT-branded version, it certainly has the know-how to do so.

Even if opinions on Tesla and its billionaire CEO are sharply divided, there’s little debate over the company’s track record in building some of the most capable electric vehicles on the road.

Alongside the cars themselves, Tesla also maintains a wide catalog of accessories, many of which are affordable, easy to install, and ship directly to buyers. The newest addition to that lineup may not be a technological leap, but it’s likely to catch on with owners.

Read: California EV Buyers Are Turning Their Backs On Tesla

Tesla’s online shop was recently updated to include a front lighting system designed for the front of both the Model 3 and Model Y. Given how handy the front storage compartment of the two best-selling Tesla models is, it’s perhaps somewhat of a surprise they don’t usually feature any kind of lighting system. Come to think of it, many EVs with storage frunks don’t include a light, so Tesla’s solution is a good one.

The kit, costing $100 in the US or CA$130 in Canada, includes a thin lighting strip that runs along the underside of the frunk’s rubber seal. Also included in the kit is a small power module that sticks to an area near the frunk’s emergency release switch connector. It then plugs straight in. The light strip is held in place by tape and includes IP67 dustproof and waterproof ratings.

Compatibility Limits

Importantly, the lighting kit is only available for 2020-2024 Model 3 and Model Y vehicles, meaning the newer ‘Highland’ Model 3 and ‘Juniper’ Model Y are not suitable for this kit. However, Not a Tesla App reports that a similar kit is being developed for these models.

As mentioned, there are dozens of other accessories offered for all Tesla vehicles, including the slower-selling Model S, Model X, and Cybertruck. Among the most popular are roof racks, all-weather floor liners, sunshades for Tesla’s panoramic glass roofs, and new storage cubby trays.