The all-electric age at Lamborghini might be about to short out before it even starts. After promising the Lanzador as its first-ever dedicated battery-electric model, the Italian marque is now wavering and could instead launch its high-riding GT as a plug-in hybrid.

According to multiple news reports, Sant’Agata will make the call within weeks on whether its sleek 2+2 grand tourer goes full battery or blends volts with V8 thunder in preparation for its production debut at the end of this decade.

Related: Lamborghini’s Next Surprise Might Be A V12 Supercar You Can Take Camping

Unveiled as a concept in 2023 as a rolling preview of Lamborghini’s electric future, the Lanzador looked like a mashup of the Urus SUV and Huracan Sterrato supercar, showcasing sci-fi surfacing and promising more power than a small solar farm.

Lambo claimed over 1 MW (1,350 hp / 1,369 PS) of output and next-gen 980-volt tech, pitching it as a figurehead for its post-gasoline ambitions. But somewhere between the concept stand and the balance sheet, reality hit. Lamborghini boss Stephan Winkelmann now admits the brand is rethinking the plan.

“We could do a BEV, but I think it is a bad offer for the next few years,” he told Autocar, adding that Lambo buyers “don’t see BEVs as an alternative today.”

Photos Lamborghini

If the decision tips hybrid, expect some familiar hardware under the skin. The plug-in systems from the new Temerario and Urus SE are ready-made for the job, combining a twin-turbo V8 with electric assist for both punch and conscience-soothing emissions.

Ironically, the Urus was also meant to go fully electric before Lamborghini quietly changed course earlier this year.

A move to PHEV power for the Lanzador would put Lamborghini slightly out of sync with Ferrari, which is preparing to unveil its first EV, the Elettrica crossover, soon.

But this isn’t exactly a company afraid to be loud or different. And Winkelmann is the kind of level-headed, pragmatic boss who goes where the money takes him.

“‘It’s not important what you can achieve in technology, it’s important what the customer wants,” the Lamborghini boss told Car Magazine recently.

Which powertrain would you give the green light to if you were in Winkelmann’s pointy shoes?

Source: Car Magazine , Autocar

Ferrari has used their Capital Markets Day event to unveil their 2030 Strategic Plan. It will have them pretty busy as the company is aiming to introduce four new cars annually between 2026 and 2030.

The automaker didn’t say much about the upcoming models, but promised each car will be “designed with a distinct positioning, tailored to different client profiles, in line with our strategy: Different Ferrari for different Ferraristi, and different Ferrari for different moments.”

More: Ferrari Drops First Details About It’s Upcoming EV Arriving In 2026

While Ferrari is embracing electrification, they believe in “technology neutrality” and giving customers “true freedom of choice in how their car is powered.” This means the brand will “continue to offer and innovate our V6, V8 and V12 combustion engines, in line with new global regulations, focusing on increasing specific power output and ensuring compatibility with alternative fuels.”

That’s good news for purists, and Ferrari said ICE-powered vehicles will make up 40% of their lineup in 2030. Another 40% will be hybrid, while the remaining 20% are electric.

Ferrari also used the event to talk about the next generation of hybrids. They’ll be a “combination of the finest combustion and electric technologies, featuring electrical and electronic components developed and manufactured in-house.”

The company is also working on reducing greenhouse gas emissions, targeting a 25% reduction in Scope 3 emissions by 2030, compared to 2024 levels. However, this isn’t being done in the way you’d think, as the drop will primarily be achieved by using recycled aluminum in engines and chassis.

Customization And Exclusivity

Putting powertrains aside, Ferrari isn’t chasing sales as they’ll continue to “sell one car less than the market demands.” This helps to make their vehicles special, as owning a Ferrari has to be an experience.

Speaking of which, the company said 100% of its vehicles are personalized by customers. Ferrari is celebrating this by announcing plans to open two new Tailor Made centers, in Tokyo and Los Angeles, in 2027. A new paint shop will also aid in customization requests, and it’s scheduled to open in 2027 as well.

Ferrari isn’t just focused on new models, as they’ve built approximately 330,000 vehicles since the company was founded. Of these, over 90% are still in existence and require maintenance.

The Financials

In other news, Ferrari raised their guidance as it’s already beating their 2026 profitability targets. Now, they’re expecting revenues in excess of €7.1 ($8.2) billion as well as earnings of more than €2.72 ($3.15) billion.

In 2030, the company expects to increase revenues to around €9 ($10.4) billion, while earnings climb to €3.6 ($4.2) billion. They’re aiming to achieve this thanks to a strong product mix, limited edition vehicles, customizations, and some growth.

Photos Ferrari

EV sales are on the rise in the UK, thanks in part to surging demand for vehicles from Chinese manufacturers such as BYD. Plug-in hybrids and traditional hybrids have also enjoyed strong growth, pushing total electrified vehicle sales beyond the combined total of petrol and diesel cars last month.

Read: EVs Poised To Exceed Half Of Europe’s New Car Sales Sooner Than Expected

In September, 72,779 new battery-electric vehicles were registered nationwide, marking a 29.1 percent jump from the 56,387 sold during the same month last year.

The pace hasn’t slowed over the course of the year either. So far, 349,414 BEVs have been sold, up 29.4 percent year-on-year. That now gives electric models a commanding 22.1 percent share of the UK’s new car market, a sharp climb from 17.8 percent a year ago.

Hybrid Uplift

The demand for plug-in hybrids has increased significantly. In September, PHEV deliveries increased by 56.4 percent to 38,308 units, and year-to-date, sales have reached 172,639, resulting in a 10.9 percent market share.

Regular hybrid models have followed suit, with sales rising 23.5 percent in September and 8.6 percent across the year to 222,669 units in total. The steady growth across all electrified categories shows that buyers are increasingly open to alternative powertrains, even if they’re not ready to go fully electric just yet.

While the electric tide rises, traditional fuels are losing ground. From January through September, petrol vehicle sales slipped 8.2 percent to 749,794, and diesel fared worse, down 14.3 percent to just 83,656.

China’s Growing Footprint

A major contributor to the electrified upswing has been BYD, whose presence in the UK has expanded dramatically. In September alone, the brand sold 11,271 cars, representing an eye-catching 880 percent increase compared with the same month last year.

Over the first nine months of 2025, BYD has sold 35,000 vehicles in the UK, capturing a 2.2 percent share of the market. That performance makes the UK its largest single market outside China.

To put BYD’s results for this year into perspective, it sold just 5,260 vehicles in the UK in the first three quarters of 2024.

MG, another Chinese brand with established roots in the UK, also enjoyed strong results. September sales jumped 62.71 percent to 14,577 units, while year-to-date growth sits at 4.11 percent, totaling 65,394 vehicles.

Other new Chinese entrants, including Changan, Chery, Jaecoo, Leapmotor, and Omoda, have also seen their sales increase, reflecting the growing influence of Chinese automakers across the UK market.

As for Tesla, its sales remained steady, rising 4.4 percent in September to 7,993 cars compared with 7,656 in the same month last year. Year-to-date, though, sales have dipped 3.4 percent to 36,160 units.

Ford just posted its seventh straight month of growth and capped off a successful third quarter. It wasn’t just one or two models that did the heavy lifting, either. Not only were traditional ICE vehicles like Bronco, Explorer, and Expedition big hits, but electrified cars, trucks, and SUVs smashed records. Here’s a look at the details.

More: Ford Sold More Than Twice As Many Electric Mustangs As Gas Ones

During the quarter, Ford and Lincoln sold a combined 85,789 electrified vehicles, which include both hybrid and pure battery-electric vehicles (BEV). That’s up 19.8 percent compared to last year, and it made up 15.7 percent of the brand’s sales mix. Last quarter, electrified cars made up just 13.5 percent of sales.

No doubt, some, well, scratch that, most of those sales came from buyers eager to grab a tax credit before it expired on September 30. Ford and GM, however, seem to have found a loophole to keep it alive a little longer, as we reported yesterday.

Battery Gains Build Momentum

That’s backed up in part by the huge gains Ford saw in its BEV sales. It delivered 30,612 EVs in the quarter. That’s a 30.2 percent increase over the same time period in 2024. Leading the way was the Mustang Mach-E, which recorded its best quarter since launching in 2020, climbing 50.7 percent to 20,177 units. The F-150 Lightning also posted a record quarter with 10,005 trucks sold. That’s up almost 40 percent.

Hybrids still make up the majority of Ford’s electrified sales. They accounted for 55,177 sales. The F-150 Hybrid continued its reign as the best-selling full-size hybrid truck in America with 22,212 sales. The Maverick Hybrid continued to dominate the midsize hybrid pickup segment with 63,516 sales, an 11.5 percent increase.

Andrew Frick, president of Ford Blue and Model e, said the results highlight the company’s balance across powertrains. “We saw strong performance in gas, hybrid, and electrified powertrains, while at the same time growing our paid software solutions, all embedded in vehicles such as Expedition, Explorer, and F-150.”

Balancing Old and New

While some big automakers are pivoting around a shifting market, Ford seems on track to move from strength to strength. It’ll likely outsell GM and Stellantis combined with regard to electrified sales this year. And it’s managing that while ICE-powered vehicles see success as well.

Rumors of the Volvo EM90 minivan launching in the United States have kicked into overdrive after the company made a recent filing with the United States Patent and Trademark Office. Not only that, but the vehicle depicted in the patent images appears to be a plug-in hybrid, while the EM90 introduced in China is all-electric.

Read: New Volvo XC70 Dumps Its Wagon Past And Goes Full Crossover

Car and Driver spotted the filings and noted that the the Volvo EM90’s design is nearly identical to its Chinese counterpart, save for one detail that stands out. While the EV wears its charging port on the left rear quarter, the U.S. patent drawings add an extra flap on the right rear side.

What’s Behind The Extra Flap?

That second hatch led to speculation that the model in question could be hiding a fuel filler, keeping the charging port in its original place and thereby creating a plug-in hybrid setup. On the other hand, several manufacturers, Audi among them, have opted for dual charging ports on their electric models to make public charging easier. With that in mind, Volvo could just as easily be following a similar path with the EM90.

Volvo’s Hybrid Plans

The emergence of this patent prompted suggestions that a plug-in hybrid EM90 could be the new hybrid Volvo has been promising to build at its Charleston factory in South Carolina. However, in a statement issued in response to the original story, Volvo denied any plans of selling the EM90 in the US and downplayed the possibility of it being the hybrid to be built in the US.

“[Volvo does] not have any plans to bring EM90 to the U.S. [Volvo] will share more details about the future hybrid to come to our Charleston plant at a later date,” the automaker said.

Of course, this begs the question as to why Volvo went to the trouble of patenting the vehicle in the US if it has no intention of selling it locally? It may have done so on the off chance that it reconsiders and decides to sell the EM90 in the United States.

The compact hatchback is one of the fiercest battlegrounds in the European market, and Peugeot isn’t letting its 308 go dull. The facelifted hatch and station wagon are already on sale across Europe, but a look through the configurator shows that the humble Style trim not only comes well equipped, it also clings to a feature Peugeot has stripped from the top-spec GT Exclusive.

More: Stellantis SUV Loses Its Logo To Keep Pedestrians Safe

That feature is the physical climate control panel, complete with two rotary dials and a set of tactile buttons positioned beneath the central touchscreen. The same setup can be found on the Style, Business and Allure trims. However, the GT and GT Exclusive models get the “Peugeot i-toggles” touch-sensitive shortcuts. This means that adjusting the temperature requires a glance at the screen and a tap on the right area, a process that feels more distracting on the move.

Buttons Where They Matter

Interestingly, the cheapest 308 Style comes standard with a 10-inch infotainment and 10-inch digital instrument cluster, although it doesn’t get the nicer materials found in higher grades. Equipment also includes dual-zone A/C, rear parking sensors, electrically folding and heated mirrors, and a six speaker audio.

Furthermore, the exterior retains the sporty bumpers and full-LED lights introduced by the facelift, combined with a set of black 16-inch alloy wheels.

On the other end of the spectrum, the flagship Peugeot 308 GT Exclusive trim is distinguished by the diamond-cut 18-inch alloy wheels, the sharper side skirts, the matching front bumper extension, and the illuminated section on the grille which is joined by an illuminated Peugeot shield and Matrix LED headlights.

More: Peugeot Stuffed A Fiat Engine Into Its Sporty 208 And 2008 GTs In Brazil

Inside, the GT Exclusive is equipped with an upgraded instrument cluster featuring 3D graphics, ambient lighting, Alcantara upholstery, and the 360 Vision & Drive Assist Plus Pack suite bringing Level 2 autonomous driving capability. Options include a 10-speaker Focal audio system, a sunroof, wireless smartphone charging, all-season tires, and a retractable towing hitch.

Powertrain Options And Pricing

The facelifted Peugeot 308 is available with mild-hybrid, plug-in hybrid, and fully electric powertrain options. The most potent version is the PHEV, with a combined output of 192 hp (143 kW / 195 PS). The Style trim is reserved for the mild-hybrid and fully electric options, so those who want the PHEV and physical climate controls have to upgrade to the Business or the Allure.

More: Stellantis Finds Clever Way To Make EV Batteries Charge Faster And Run Longer

The cheapest Peugeot 308 Style Hybrid 145 currently starts at €28,390 ($33,300) in France, while the range-topping GT Exclusive trim with the same engine costs €33,277 ($39,100). The most expensive option is the 308 GT Exclusive Plug-in Hybrid 195 priced at at €39,780 ($46,700), which is €461 ($540) more than the equivalent Electrique 156.

Fortunately, most automakers have realized that customers want regular buttons and switches for crucial functions instead of having to navigate through complicated infotainment menus or use touch-sensitive controls. In this context, we expect future Stellantis models to feature a practical solution for the climate controls – from their entry-level trim all the way to the range-topping guise.

Overall car sales in Europe grew by 5 percent to 790,000 last month, buoyed by continuing enthusiasm for electric cars across the continent. Plug-in hybrids saw particularly strong momentum, with registrations climbing to 83,900 in August, a 59 percent increase on the previous year that lifted their market share to 10.6 percent.

Related: Global Electric Car Sales Jumped 25 Percent While Canada Dropped By A Third

According to Jato Dynamics figures, battery-electric cars (BEVs) also posted gains, up 27 percent compared with August 2024, giving them a record 20.2 percent market share, up 3.6 percentage points year on year. That brings Europe’s total for fully electric registrations in 2025 to 1.54 million so far. Analysts caution, however, that the headline growth figures for BEVs may not tell the full story

Numbers With Caveats

“The data shows that there was strong demand for BEVs in August, however a 27 percent increase is less significant than it looks when you consider how widely they are being promoted across Europe,” said Felipe Munoz, Global Analyst at JATO Dynamics. “The new record market share for BEVs achieved last month has been partly distorted by the fact that Italy – typically a less enthusiastic adopter of BEVs – is usually quiet during August,” Munoz added.

Europe Car Sales

Jato Dynamics

China’s Growing Momentum

Yet Europe’s traditional manufacturers may find little comfort in these results. The bad news for Europe’s carmakers is that interest in Chinese brands is growing at an even faster rate, and it’s coming at the expense of some very big household names.

Audi shifted 41,300 units in August, and Renault moved 37,800. Both are major players in the market but were outmaneuvered by Chinese brands who registered 43,500 sales, up a massive 121 percent versus August 2024, Jato reports.

Granted, that ‘Chinese brands’ figure is made up of 40 different automakers, but Jato points out that 84 percent of the total was achieved by only five of them, namely MG, BYD, Jaecoo, Omoda and Leapmotor. Whichever way you cut it it’s bad news for Europe’s legacy brands, and is only going to get worse, though at least Stellantis’s deal with Leapmotor means it gets to celebrate the win.

Even on their own, the Chinese brands took some big scalps. MG registered more cars than Tesla and Fiat, BYD beat Suzuki and Jeep, and Jaecoo and Omoda outsold Alfa Romeo and Mitsubishi.

“European consumers are responding positively to the growing, competitive line-up from China’s car brands,” Jato analyst Felipe Munoz said. “It appears that these brands have successfully tackled the perception and awareness issues they have experienced.”

Hybrids, not just EVs

It’s not only in the EV segment that Chinese brands are making gains. They’re also doing great in the PHEV space, where they’re not hobbled by the same tariffs applied to their fully electric vehicles.

More than 11,000 Chinese-brand plug-ins were sold this August compared with only 779 in the same month last year, BYD is now the eighth most popular PHEV brand overall and the BYD Seal U, Jaecoo J7 and MG HS bagged three spots in the top 10 best-selling models list.

However, if you simply looked at the table of 10 most-registered models, you’d never guess how quickly China was moving forward. The list contains no names from the People’s Republic and continues to be dominated by Volkswagen and Renault.

The VW T-Roc (which has since been facelifted) was the region’s biggest seller, with the Dacia Sandero scooping second spot and Toyota’s Yaris Cross bagging third. Tesla’s updated Model Y was the best-selling EV, but its sales were down 37 percent and it was nowhere to be seen in the overall top 10 cars table.

Detroit’s Grounded burst onto the scene in 2023 with an electric RV based on the BrightDrop Zevo 600. Now, the company is expanding their lineup by introducing the C1 at Climate Week NYC.

More: Grounded G2 Debuts As BrightDrop-Based Electric RV With 250+ Mile Range

Designed for government and healthcare fleets, the C1 is based on Harbinger’s commercial-grade electric truck platform and available in three different configurations. In order to appeal to police departments, there’s a mobile command center that provides “secure communications, reliable power, and the mobility to coordinate responses during severe weather, large events, or multi-agency emergencies.”

Inside the Command Hub

The company didn’t offer much information, but images show the vehicle has a large open area with desks and an assortment of displays. We can also see a bathroom, a flexible seating area, and two enclosed spaces.

The C1 can also be transformed into a mobile clinic to enable “municipalities and nonprofits to deliver mammograms, vaccinations, screenings, and other preventative services.” In this configuration, we can see a reception area and a bathroom. There’s also an examination area with a desk and medical equipment.

The third and final configuration is aimed at disaster response and the company said it “provides resilience and adaptability with extended range, off-grid power, and modular interiors that can support shelter coordination, supply distribution, and emergency relief efforts.”

Levels of Customization

While specifics are few and far between, the C1 will be highly customizable as the company mentioned multiple wheelbases as well as three levels of upfit. The most basic is known as Core, which features a streamlined and cost-effective interior. The Advanced and Pro setups add more bells and whistles, including advanced communications equipment and increased range.

Speaking of which, the C1 will be offered with electric and plug-in hybrid powertrains. The former can be augmented by a gas-powered range extender as well as a roof-mounted solar panel and a dedicated ‘house battery.’

The company didn’t mention powertrain details, but Harbinger uses an electric motor that develops 440 hp (330 kW) and 1,140 lb-ft (1,550 Nm) of torque. They also offer a scalable battery pack, which comes in 35 kWh sections that can be increased to meet the task at hand.

As for the plug-in hybrid variant, it presumably echoes the Hybrid RV that was created by THOR Industries and Harbinger. It has an overall range of 500 miles (805 km) as well as an electric-only range of 150 miles (241 km).

Orders Already Open

There are more questions than answers at this point, but Grounded is currently accepting orders. Deliveries are expected to begin in the second quarter of 2026 and pricing will “vary depending on configuration and upfit.”

Bentley’s future has taken another unexpected turn. Earlier today, spy photographers snapped the brand’s electric crossover out testing, yet the company is abandoning plans to go electric-only. This is yet another about-face for Bentley, which was originally aiming to only sell EVs by 2030. The ultra-luxury brand then pushed that date back to 2035 and now, who knows.

More: Bentley Confirms First EV For 2026 But Pushes Back EV-Only Goal By 5 Years

Speaking to Autocar, Bentley CEO Frank-Steffen Walliser appeared to blame the change on Audi and Porsche. The three brands are closely related as they share platforms, powertrains, and components. As a result, their decision to continue offering internal combustion engines has impacted Bentley.

Gas Still On The Menu

That means we can expect gas-powered versions of the next-generation Bentayga, Continental, and Flying Spur. This is said to be a concession to North America and the Middle East, which aren’t keen on ultra-luxury EVs. As Walliser explained, “There is a dip in demand for luxury electric vehicles, and customer demand is not yet strong enough to support an all-electric strategy.”

Despite the change, Bentley is still embracing electrification and is planning to launch a new plug-in hybrid or electric vehicle every year starting in 2026. This kicks off with their electric Urban SUV and will presumably continue with a greater emphasis on plug-in hybrids.

Performance With A Plug

While that future is still hazy, spy photographers have already caught a hardcore version of the Continental GT Speed. It’s expected to revive the Supersports moniker and adopt a high-performance plug-in hybrid system that consists of a twin-turbo 4.0-liter V8, an electric motor, and a 25.9 kWh battery pack. This setup should give the model a combined output in excess of 771 hp (575 kW / 782 PS).

We might be living in the age of electrification, with all its highs and lows, but EV and plug-in hybrid drivers still need a shove when it comes to charging discipline. Pure battery-electrics have no choice but to plug in, yet plenty of PHEV owners treat their rides like ordinary gas cars and ignore the socket altogether, according to Toyota’s research arm. It’s baffling really; why pay extra for a PHEV only to use it as a glorified hybrid?

To address this curious habit and encourage better routines, the company has developed an app that applies behavioral science and game-like rewards, turning charging into less of a chore and more of a challenge. The Toyota Research Institute (TRI) says it works, and early findings back that up.

Shaping Better Charging Habits

Toyota explains that technology alone cannot deliver lower emissions. For BEVs and PHEVs to achieve their full environmental potential, owners must charge them consistently and, crucially, at the right times when clean energy sources are available.

More: This Toyota Prius Can Cut Emissions By Up To 90% Thanks To A Clever Trick

The smartphone application that can help reach this goal is called ChargeMinder and was developed by TRI’s Human-Centered Artificial Intelligence division. Being a prototype means it is not yet available for download from an app store, but is already delivering results in research trials.

Similar to a fitness app, ChargeMinder uses push notifications, streak tracking, and motivational messages to encourage owners to plug in at the right time. It also includes short quizzes to keep users engaged, while access to vehicle telematics and charging location data allows for more personalized suggestions.

Studies Suggest It Works

As noted by Dr. Laura Libby who works at the Toyota Research Institute, “small, targeted interventions can have a large impact on people’s decisions and actions”, adding that “behavioral interventions are inexpensive and can be deployed quickly”.

More: Diesel Is Dying And Toyota Already Picked Its Replacement

Toyota’s research arm performed “randomized controlled trials” in the US and Japan with EV drivers from 12 different brands. Findings showed that “behavioral science-based interventions significantly improved charging habits”, leading to lower carbon emissions. In short, an app that provides timely reminders and rewards good behavior can benefit both drivers’ wallets and the wider environment.

Numbers Tell The Story

The company reports that behavioral interventions increased PHEV charging by 10 percent among US drivers. At the same time, satisfaction scores climbed by 16 percent, reaching a perfect 100. In Japan, PHEV and BEV drivers shifted their charging to coincide with peak renewable energy hours by 59 percent, while also plugging in for an extra 30 minutes per day during daylight.

The next step for TRI is to expand ChargeMinder with more personalized, data-driven interventions. While Toyota hasn’t announced a public release timeline, it’s hard to imagine it won’t eventually roll it out to the world.

The automotive industry’s transition to electrification has been a lot rockier than many had predicted due to shifting customer preferences, ever-changing regulatory hurdles, and market-specific demands, forcing carmakers to respond. While the growth in sales of electrified vehicles has slowed somewhat, new data reveals they continue to gain popularity, accounting for a larger slice of the overall market.

Through the first eight months of this year, an estimated 12.5 million battery-electric vehicles and plug-in hybrid vehicles have found homes around the world. This represents a significant 25 percent spike over the year prior and has been led by surging demand in most important markets. However, North America is lagging behind.

A Continent Out Of Step

Read: The World Is Racing Toward EVs While America Barely Leaves The Driveway

According to data from Rho Motion, this year a total of 1.3 million BEVs and PHEVs have been sold in North America, which is just a 6 percent increase from last year. By comparison, sales in Europe are up 31 percent, those in China have increased 25 percent, and sales across the rest of the world have jumped 44 percent to roughly 1 million units.

Canada is dragging the rest of North America down. After the iZEV rebate was paused earlier in the year, Canadian BEV and PHEV sales have fallen one-third year-to-date. By comparison, sales are up in the United States and experienced a particular surge in August due to the impending end of the federal EV tax credit on September 30.

Slowing Momentum

In August alone, global sales of BEVs and PHEVs increased by 15 percent from the year prior, but this rate was the lowest jump since January. In total, 1.7 million BEV and PHEVs were sold in August, representing a 5 percent jump from July.

China, the world’s largest EV market, illustrates the slowdown. Sales still climbed 6 percent compared with August 2024, but the rise fell short of expectations. Last year’s numbers were inflated by unusual surges in July and August, when China broadened its trade-in scheme for new energy vehicles, making this year’s performance look softer by comparison.

Lead image: Stefan Baldauf & Guido ten Brink

Update: GM has unveiled the production version of the China-exclusive Buick Electra L7 sedan, releasing full powertrain specs. This story has been updated with new details and images.

While Buick’s presence in the US is now all about crossovers and SUVs, the brand is taking a different approach in China, where the traditional sedan still has a place. The all-new Electra L7 joins Buick’s portfolio in the world’s largest automotive market, bringing modern styling, a high-tech interior, and electrified powertrains.

More: Buick’s Electric Crossover Just Got A Lot Better In China

Electra is Buick’s sub-brand for new energy vehicles. It was formally announced in April 2025, with three concepts: a sedan, an SUV, and a minivan. The Electra L7 is the production version of the sedan, which evolves from the 2024 Electra L concept shown the previous year.

From Concept To Production

The model retains much of the design language introduced in the concept, though a few features have been streamlined for production. The lighting signature at both ends has been reworked, with more practical LED graphics. Furthermore, the sleek, flush door handles and traditional side mirrors replace some of the show car’s more experimental elements, bringing it closer to real-world usability.

Buick highlights its wing-shaped “Galaxy” headlights and turbine-style alloy wheels as standout features. The L7 wears a fastback silhouette focused on aerodynamics and measuring 5,032 mm (198.1 in) long, 1,952 mm (76.9 in) wide, and 1,500 mm (59.1 in) tall. A 3,000 mm (118.1 in) wheelbase gives it a spacious footprint, putting it slightly longer than the Tesla Model S and Mercedes-Benz EQE, though shorter than the BMW i5.

A Minimalist and Techy Interior

Inside, the L7 offers a minimalist but premium-looking cabin anchored by a floating island-style dashboard. It features two screens: a driver display and a tablet-style infotainment unit on the center console. Physical controls are limited to a few buttons on the lower console and steering wheel, which still retains multifunction stalks, including for the transmission control.

Luxury touches include Nappa leather upholstery and four-zone “suspension” seats, with the front passenger seat offering a dual 120-degree zero-gravity function. A 27-speaker Buick Sound system integrates headrest speakers and active noise cancellation.

The Electra L7 also gets a massive 50-inch augmented reality head-up display, and an array of AI-driven features. All of this runs on Qualcomm’s 8775 chip, which supports high-end infotainment and connectivity. Driver assistance tech will come from Chinese tech company Momenta, which has developed a suite of sophisticated ADAS capabilities using LiDAR.

Platform With Options

The sedan is just one of six new energy models Buick plans to launch in the next year, likely alongside production versions of Electra’s SUV and minivan concepts. All of them will be built on Buick’s Xiao Yao architecture, a flexible platform designed specifically for China. These underpinnings are compatible with fully electric, plug-in hybrid, and range-extender powertrains, in FWD, RWD, and AWD layouts.

More: Buick’s New Sedan Concept Rivals The S-Class In Size

At launch, the Electra L7 will feature a range-extender powertrain. It’s powered by a turbocharged 1.5-liter engine from SAIC, producing 154 hp (115 kW / 156 PS) and 230 Nm of torque. The engine doesn’t drive the wheels directly; instead, it acts solely as a generator to recharge the 40.2 kWh lithium-iron phosphate battery pack.

Propulsion comes from a 238 hp (252 kW / 343 PS) electric motor that Buick says delivers performance comparable to a 3.0-liter turbocharged V6. In EREV form, the Electra L7 accelerates from 0–100 km/h (0–62 mph) in 5.9 seconds and reaches a top speed of 200 km/h (124 mph).

More impressively, the Electra L7 delivers a combined range of 1,400 km (870 miles), including up to 302 km (188 miles) of EV-only driving under the (generous) CLTC cycle. Despite its performance, efficiency remains a highlight, with average fuel consumption rated at just 0.5 liters per 100 km (470 mpg).

In the near future, Buick plans to offer a fully electric version of the Electra L7. This variant will feature a CATL-supplied battery and a 900V electrical architecture, enabling support for ultra-fast charging. According to GM’s estimates, the system will be capable of adding up to 350 km (218 miles) of range in just 10 minutes, significantly reducing downtime during long trips.

Pricing and Availability

GM positions the new Buick Electra L7 as a “300,000-class” vehicle, suggesting a price near ¥300,000 ($41,800). Final pricing will be announced on September 28 when pre-sales open, with deliveries starting in Q4 2025.

As with other Electra-branded models, the L7 is likely to stay exclusive to China, so a US launch isn’t in the cards. Production will take place at the factory of the SAIC-GM joint venture in Wuhan.

Buick has sold over 10 million vehicles in China since 1998. Its local lineup offers a much wider choice of models compared to that in the US, including four SUVs, four sedans, one hatchback, and a range of minivans.

Update: Stellantis has clarified that CEO Antonio Filosa’s remarks were focused on Leapmotor’s sales performance in Germany in August and not the entire year. He was specifically referring to the Leapmotor T03, which ranked as the country’s best-selling Chinese electric vehicle that month, while Leapmotor overall claimed the top spot as Germany’s best-selling Chinese battery-electric brand, again for August.

“Antonio Filosa’s statement about Leapmotor’s sales of battery electric vehicle (BEV) in Germany in the month of August 2025 are accurate and confirmed by the national industry’s database (KBA),” the Stellantis spokesperson told us.

“In August 2025, in Germany, Leapmotor was the best-selling Chinese BEV brand and Leapmotor T03 was the best-selling Chinese BEV” he explained. The spokesperson also added,, “All other assessments from the competition cannot be linked to what was stated yesterday by our CEO”.

Original story continues below.

It seems a brewing rivalry has spilled into the press. Chinese automaker BYD has pushed back against comments attributed to Stellantis CEO Antonio Filosa, reportedly made on Thursday in reference to Leapmotor, though the original source of his remarks is still unclear. We’ve reached out to both sides for clarification.

A Question of Interpretation

According to BYD, Filosa was quoted as saying that “in Germany Leapmotor sold more than BYD.” While Stellantis does not own Leapmotor outright, it holds a minority stake and controls exports outside China through Leapmotor International, a joint venture in which Stellantis has a 51 percent share.

The Chinese automaker disputes the claim, citing its own sales data that show it still has a clear lead. Along the way, BYD also couldn’t resist pointing out how its numbers stack up against Stellantis’ own brands.

According to BYD, they sold 8,610 vehicles in Germany between January and August 2025, which is a far cry from the 3,536 sales of Leapmotor over the same period. These numbers can be broken down to 5,852 BEVs and 2,757 PHEVs for BYD, versus 3,088 BEVs and 448 PHEVs for Leapmotor.

More: Europe’s EV Buyers Are Dumping Tesla And China Couldn’t Be Happier=

We checked the official registration data from Germany’s Federal Motor Transport Authority (KBA), which confirm a similar picture. Between January and August 2025, BYD recorded 8,563 new registrations, compared with 3,531 for Leapmotor. In August alone, the gap narrowed, though BYD still came out ahead with 1,114 units versus Leapmotor’s 826.

It is possible the remarks were lost in translation, or that Filosa simply misspoke in Leapmotor’s favor. He may also have been referring to narrower metrics that have not yet surfaced. While overall sales figures for August are available, the detailed breakdown between BEVs and PHEVs has not been published. A clearer picture should emerge once both companies respond to requests for clarification.

BYD Compares Itself to Alfa Romeo and Jeep

While January–August sales alone would have been enough to counter the CEO’s alleged remarks, BYD went further, highlighting its performance against Stellantis-owned Alfa Romeo and Jeep.

The Chinese automaker bragged about outselling Alfa Romeo in Germany so far in 2025, a curious flex given the two brands operate in completely different segments and court completely different buyers. More specifically, the Italian marque reportedly sold 5,226 units, 5,222 according to KBA, including just 140 BEVs (Junior Elettrica) and 34 PHEVs (Tonale PHEV).

In the same vein, BYD said it sold more EVs and PHEVs than Jeep, 350 BEVs and 569 PHEVs, and claims it is closing in on overall volume, only 278 units behind. KBA data indicate that Jeep sold 8,884 units in Germany between January and August 2025, which is 321 more than BYD, a small gap that may reflect different cuts of the data or timing.

A Significantly Wider Range Of Products

A quick look at their local websites proves that BYD has a significantly larger lineup in Germany compared to Leapmotor. BYD currently offers the Dolphin Surf, Dolphin, Atto 2, Atto 3, Sealion 7, Seal, Seal U, and Tang EVs, plus the Seal U DM-i and Seal 6 DM-i PHEVs in the German market.

On the other hand, Leapmotor is currently limited to the T03 urban EV, the B10 electric crossover, and the C10 SUV in electric and range-extender versions. The range will expand soon with the the new B05 electric hatchback that debuted in Munich.

It will be interesting to see whether the marketing war between the two Chinese brands will continue with more statements in the future, and how both of them will evolve in terms of sales in export markets. On the global stage, however, the contest is lopsided: in the first half of 2025 BYD sold 2,145,954 vehicles, nearly ten times Leapmotor’s 221,664.

China is pulling further ahead of the United States and Europe in the race toward electrification, with a new study shedding light on how quickly vehicle fleets are expected to transition to EVs. While the U.S. and Europe are moving in the same direction, their pace is notably slower.

In a report published this week, EY, one of the world’s largest professional services and consulting firms, forecasts light vehicle sales through 2050 across the three major regions.

Europe On The Rise

One key takeaway is that in Europe, EV sales will surpass those of gasoline and diesel vehicles by 2028. The shift will accelerate from there, with electric vehicles projected to exceed half of all new light vehicle sales in Europe by 2032.

Read: Tesla’s EV Market Share Just Sank Below 40% But It Might Not Even Care Anymore

Interestingly, the study noted that until 2030, hybrids, including PHEVs, will continue to outsell BEVs in Europe until 2030. However, as CO2 regulations become stricter and more affordable pure electric cars hit the market, they’ll soon start to outsell hybrids too.

“The near- to mid-term future will feature a diverse mix of powertrains, shaped by regulatory shifts, tariffs, and evolving consumer behaviour,” explained Constantin M. Gall, EY Global Aerospace, Defense & Mobility Leader. “What’s clear is that e-mobility will remain central to the future of transportation.”

What About The US?

Compared to Europe, the switch to EVs in the United States will be much slower. EY forecasts a brief surge in sales this month ahead of the expiration of federal EV tax credits, but the long-term outlook has weakened. In an earlier projection, BEVs were expected to reach 50 percent of U.S. light vehicle sales by 2034. That milestone has now been delayed to 2039, with factors such as policy uncertainty, import tariffs, and the loss of incentives slowing adoption.

More: Europe’s EV Buyers Are Dumping Tesla And China Couldn’t Be Happier

Hybrids are expected to fill the gap. Their share of the U.S. market could climb to a peak of 34 percent by 2034 before giving way to wider EV adoption.

China Leads The Pack

In China, the shift is happening much faster. This year, combined sales of battery-electric vehicles and plug-in hybrids in the country are tipped to reach 50 percent and will surge past 90 percent by 2034. Interestingly, BEV sales alone are only expected to account for 50 percent of light vehicle sales by 2033, a year behind Europe, showing just how important PHEVs will remain in the country through the next decade.

“The EV transition is advancing—but unevenly,” Constantin M. Gall from EY said. “The US faces policy uncertainty, high costs, and infrastructure gaps. Europe is on a steady recovery path under strict emissions targets. China benefits from stable policy and a robust EV ecosystem. Hybrid technologies are proving essential in bridging the gap to full electrification.”

For automakers, the uneven timelines mean strategy can’t be one-size-fits-all. Success will depend on building flexible platforms that can serve fast-moving markets like China and Europe while keeping slower adopters in North America engaged.

Rimac Technology has used the Munich motor show to unveil e-axles and their next-generation solid state battery. These components will arrive in the coming years and be used by various automakers.

Starting with batteries, Rimac teamed up with ProLogium and Mitsubishi Chemical Group to create a solid-state power source that pushes the “boundaries of energy density and safety.” The company’s “Next-Gen” battery appears to have a 100 kWh capacity as well as an energy density of 260 Wh/kg. More interestingly, the battery will be able to go from a 10-80% charge in 6.5 minutes using a fast charger.

More: Rimac Goes Full Circle And Will Power BMW’s Next-Gen EVs

If everything works out, the battery should be available in the fourth quarter of 2027. There’s no word on who will use it, but Rimac has a number of automotive partners including BMW and Porsche.

Rimac also showcased an Evo battery, which is scheduled to arrive in mid-2026. It also has a 100 kWh capacity, but a lower energy density of 213 Wh/kg. Clients can also expect to wait over 16 minutes for the battery to go from 10-80% when using a fast charger.

Lastly, Rimac showed two hybrid batteries including a scalable unit that will arrive early next year. It appears to offer a capacity of between 1 and 17 kWh. The company also mentioned “interchangeable cell configurations” and an “integrated in cell-to-pack architecture with advanced safety and thermal management features.”

Besides batteries, Rimac introduced the Sinteg 300 and 550 e-axles. Designed for “performance-focused vehicles” ranging from hot hatches to SUVs, they produce between 201 hp (150 kW / 204 PS) and 483 hp (360 kW / 489 PS). The company added the 550 unit will go into production next year.

Rimac Technology COO Nurdin Pitarević remarked, “What we’re showcasing at IAA represents the convergence of breakthrough innovation and production readiness. These aren’t simply concept technologies; they’ve been developed to be production-ready solutions that will power hundreds of thousands of vehicles in the coming years.”

RNG Remains the Most Immediate, Cost-Effective Way to Decarbonize Heavy-Duty Transportation Washington, DC – Last calendar year marked the fifth consecutive year that commercial fleets in the State of California fueled by bio-CNG (renewable natural gas, or RNG) achieved a carbon-negative transportation outcome, according to a report released today by The Transport Project (TTP) and RNG Coalition alongside partner California Renewable Transportation Alliance (CRTA). Lowest …

The post RNG-Fueled Fleets in California Mark Five Years of Carbon-Free Outcomes appeared first on Alternative Energy HQ.

New heat-transfer system targets HVAC’s biggest inefficiencies, delivering up to 10x the performance without refrigerants, pumps, or significant energy input. When it comes to building a sustainable energy future, there are two sides to the equation: generation and demand. While most of the attention has been placed on producing more clean power, there’s an equally …

The post A New HVAC “Force” Cuts Energy, Boosts Efficiency appeared first on Alternative Energy HQ.

(WASHINGTON, DC) — The Trump administration has launched an unprecedented attack on America’s offshore wind industry, directing six federal agencies – including the Health and Human Services Department and the Defense Department – to draft plans to undermine renewable energy projects already underway. The White House, led by Chief of Staff Susie Wiles and Senior …

The post Sun Day Campaign Condemns Trump Administration’s “All-Out Assault” on Offshore Wind Industry appeared first on Alternative Energy HQ.

Ford is giving its European MS-RT range a sharper edge with two new electrified additions. The sportier-looking Ranger MS-RT now comes with a punchier plug-in hybrid option, while the Tourneo Custom MS-RT makes the jump to a fully electric version. Both models bring fresh powertrains without losing the bold styling and utility that define the lineup.

Starting with the street truck, the Ranger MS-RT PHEV generates a combined 277 hp (207 kW / 281 PS) and 697 Nm (514.1 lb-ft) of torque from a turbocharged 2.3-liter four-cylinder gasoline engine and a single electric motor. That’s a healthy 40 hp (30 kW) and 97 Nm (71.5 lb-ft) more than its diesel sibling, channeled through a 10-speed automatic and permanent e4WD system.

More: I Drove The Ranger Lobo Ford Should’ve Built For America

Besides packing an extra punch, the PHEV also has the ability to drive on electric power for up to 40 km (25 miles) thanks to the 11.8 kWh battery. Furthermore, the 3,500 kg (7,716 lbs) towing capacity and the 1 tonne (2,205 pounds) payload remain unchanged.

The street truck sits 40 mm (1.6 inches) closer to the ground than the standard Ranger, and benefits from a sportier suspension setup. Visually, all of the MS-RT bits are carried over, including the wide fenders, honeycomb grille, redesigned bumpers, diffuser, ducktail spoiler, and 21-inch diamond-cut alloy wheels. Ford has also introduced a new Turini Purple shade for the exterior.

Inside, the cabin features Eco leather and suede with blue stitching, a sports steering wheel, bucket seats, and illuminated MS-RT branding. Tech highlights include a 12-inch infotainment display, dual-zone climate control, and a suite of driver assistance systems.

Electric MS-RT Van

Fans of sporty vans will be happy to learn that the Tourneo Custom MS-RT is now available in fully electric, plug-in hybrid, and diesel forms. The EV is the most potent option with a single electric motor churning out 282 hp (210 kW / 285 PS).

More: $30K Ford Electric Truck Coming In 2027 Is Seriously Bad News For Slate

The eight-seater version of the Transit Custom received the MS-RT treatment last year, benefiting from a redesigned bodykit. This includes sportier bumper intakes, a splitter, side skirts, a diffuser, and a large roof spoiler inspired by the wild Ford Supervan. Inside, the front seats have heavier bolsters and integrated headrests, while all three rows get Eco leather and suede upholstery with blue contrasting stitching.

The Tourneo Custom MS-RT rides on special 19-inch alloy wheels, but unlike the Ranger, it retains the standard suspension setup.

Availability

The new additions to the MS-RT lineup will be available to order across Europe and the UK later this year, with the first deliveries expected in 2026. Pricing will be announced closer to their market launch.

All MS-RT versions of the Ranger and the Tourneo Custom undergo final assembly at the Ford Dagenham Estate facility in the UK. The models will make their public debut at the IAA Mobility Show in Munich between September 8-14.

Tesla’s grip on Europe’s EV market is weakening fast, and the latest Model Y isn’t slowing the slide. In July 2025, the automaker’s sales plunged 40 percent year-over-year across the European Union, the UK, and the EFTA countries (Iceland, Liechtenstein, Norway, and Switzerland), even as demand for electrified vehicles accelerated across the continent.

According to the European Automobile Manufacturers’ Association (ACEA), battery-electric, hybrid, and plug-in hybrid models together captured 59 percent of new registrations, marking an all-time high for electrified powertrains.

Losing Charge Where It Counts

The contrast could not be starker. Across the EU, EFTA, and the UK, Tesla registered 8,837 cars in July, a massive drop from nearly 14,769 a year earlier. Within the EU alone (since the UK formally exited the Union in January 2020), sales fell even further, down 42.4 percent to 6,600 units. That decline cut Tesla’s European market share from 1.4 percent to just 0.8 percent for the month

More: New Tesla Model Y Performance Turns Supercar Thrills Into A Bargain Family Affair

As Tesla stumbled, Chinese automaker BYD surged ahead. Its registrations across Europe soared 225 percent in July to 13,503 units, giving it a 1.2 percent share of the market and nudging it past Elon Musk’s brand. The rapid rise highlights how quickly Chinese manufacturers are capitalizing on Europe’s demand for affordable, well-equipped EVs, reshaping the competitive balance in the process.

Year-to-date figures still leave Tesla in front with a 1.5 percent share, compared with BYD’s 1.1 percent. But the gap has narrowed considerably, with Tesla down from 2.3 percent in 2024 and BYD tripling its position from 0.3 percent.

Can Tesla find a way to bounce back in the four months that remain until the year ends? Maybe, maybe not – but if it were our money, we wouldn’t bet on it. See, it’s going to be an uphill struggle as Chinese rivals (of which BYD is a prime example) have swarmed Europe with a wide range of hybrids and EVs that are both very competitive on their own right and priced to undercut the competition, thus enticing buyers.

The challenge is not limited to tough competition. Elon Musk’s divisive reputation among European consumers has dampened enthusiasm, while the updated Model Y has generated only modest interest. Tesla now added a new Performance trim to the lineup, but being the most expensive model in the range, it is unlikely to give sales much of a boost.

Europeans Are Choosing Electric

According to data from ACEA, European sales of electrified vehicles recorded sharp increases in July. More specifically, BEVs were up 39%, hybrids climbed 14%, and PHEVs gained 57%, showing that customer interest is growing.

More: China’s Cheap EVs Are Winning A Battle Legacy Brands Pretend Isn’t Even Happening

The year-to-date figures for the EU, EFTA, and UK regions paint a clear picture of the ongoing trend. Sales of vehicles with electrified powertrains are on the rise between January and July 2025, with +26% for BEVs (1,376,720 units), +25% for PHEVs (703,615 units), and +15% for Hybrids (2,755,421 units).

By contrast, traditional fuels are in retreat. Gasoline sales dropped 21 percent to 2,193,273 units, and diesels fell 26 percent to 658,486 units. Despite these shifts, the overall market has held steady at 7,900,877 units sold so far this year.

Source: ACEA