For all the talk about market forces shaping the car industry, it still seems that government incentives are doing most of the heavy lifting for electric vehicles. Or at least they were, until the end of September, when the federal tax credits officially ran out.

Read: Expiring EV Tax Credit Sent Tesla Sales Into Overdrive But Its Flagships Crashed

As much as 90 percent of all battery-electric and plug-in hybrid vehicles sold in the United States through the first nine months of the year are believed to have benefited from some form of tax credit, according to market research firm Rho Motion.

A Surge Before the Deadline

The end of the federal EV tax credit on October 1 set off a nationwide rush for qualifying models, driving record sales for several brands and pushing overall EV demand to new highs in August and September.

This year, the EPA determined that 20 battery-electric vehicles and a single plug-in hybrid model were eligible for the New Clean Vehicle Credit, valued at up to $7,500. These vehicles together accounted for 55 percent of all EV sales from January through September.

Leasing Loopholes and Fleet Boosts

Of equal importance in propping up sales was the lesser-known Qualified Commercial Clean Vehicle Credit, also valued at up to $7,500.

This credit was available for vehicles weighing less than 14,000 lbs and aimed at fleet and business buyers. This is also the credit that allowed car manufacturers to claim the tax credit themselves, and then to reduce the lease price on new vehicles.

Notably, leased passenger cars and trucks were not subject to the same sourcing and assembly requirements as purchased vehicles. They also didn’t need to be built in North America, which made leasing an especially attractive option for both manufacturers and buyers.

As the September 30 axing date for the credits drew closer, sales of electrified vehicles surged across the United States. As noted by Rho Motion, Ford sold 30,612 battery-electric vehicles in the third quarter, a huge 86 percent increase from Q2.

Additionally, GM’s BEV sales jumped 44 percent to 66,501 units. Tesla also reported a 27 percent sales increase, and Hyundai also enjoyed substantial growth, thanks to a more than doubling of demand for the Ioniq 5.

What Comes After the Incentives?

It remains to be seen how sharply BEV and PHEV sales will dip in the fourth quarter now that the tax credit has ended. Rho Motion expects demand to “decline sharply.”

The research firm also points out that tariffs, high local manufacturing costs, and relaxed fuel efficiency standards are likely to deter investment in domestic EV production, creating further pressure on demand in the months ahead.

Do you own a Kia EV6 with the optional Meridian sound system? If so, you might have noticed that the subwoofer isn’t delivering the deep, satisfying bass you’d expect. It turns out your EV’s subwoofer could be wired out of phase, limiting its punch.

Fortunately, one Reddit user uncovered a straightforward fix that anyone can perform with a few basic tools.

Read: Kia’s EV Sales Collapse As Shocking Drop Hits Key Models

The Redditor who discovered how to rectify the wonky subwoofer says he used to be a member of the Hyundai Tiburon forums. Roughly 20 years ago, members of those forums discovered that the stock subwoofer’s sound could be improved by reversing the positive and negative terminals.

Applying the same principle to the Meridian setup in his EV6, he found that the results were immediate, with stronger bass and a more balanced overall sound.

A Simple, DIY Adjustment

To carry out the fix, EV6 owners first need to open up the trunk where the subwoofer is stored. They then need to remove a piece of rear trim to gain access to a plug running into the sub.

Once they do so, it’s just a matter of using a small screwdriver to release the four wires, which are typically arranged red, black, red, black from top to bottom, and then reconnecting them in reverse order, black, red, black, red.

Shortly after the Reddit post gained traction, YouTuber Technically Jeff posted a clip of him performing the same fix, and he found it made a huge difference. Dozens of EV6 owners have jumped into the comments section to confirm that the fix transforms the subwoofer’s performance, making the listening experience much richer.

Meridian Sound Subwoofer fix
byu/nex703 inKiaEV6

Why It Happens

According to two audio specialists who spoke with The Drive, the problem likely stems from the EV’s active sound cancellation system. They explained that the subwoofer’s low frequencies are being partially canceled out by opposing frequencies from other speakers positioned throughout the cabin.

It’s not yet clear if the same issue is present on other Kia, Genesis, and/or Hyundai models with Meridian sound systems, but if you own one, it may be wise to take a look at the subwoofer to see if it, too, has been wired incorrectly.

The Lucid Gravity is one of the most luxurious and fastest electric SUVs to hit the market, but despite all it has going for it, one low-mileage example recently failed to sell at auction, as bidders were unwilling to meet the seller’s reserve. It seems that both the vehicle’s condition and the seller’s handling of inquiries turned off potential buyers.

This particular Gravity is a Touring model finished in Abyss Black, equipped with the Dynamic Handling Package, the Surreal Sound Pro audio system, and Lucid’s DreamDrive 2 driver assistance suite.

A look at the window sticker shows it had an MSRP of $121,050, and as it had only been driven 1,700 miles (2,735 km) at the time of the auction, it could have been expected to fetch bids of over $100,000, but that wasn’t the case.

Read: Uber And Lucid Partner For Thousands Of Robotaxis

After a week on the platform, bidding for the SUV topped out at $87,287. For the most part, the exterior looks to be in good condition, but there is a deep, three-inch gash on the tailgate, an eight-inch scratch on the passenger side rear door, and a three-inch scratch on one of the quarter panels.

There’s no word on what caused this kind of damage, but it appears as though it’s been intentionally keyed, and the panels will need to be resprayed, which could be a costly endeavor for any new buyer.

Cars & Bids

According to the seller, he listed the Gravity on behalf of his friend who owned it for two weeks but decided he preferred his old Tesla Model X.

However, some people in the comments section questioned whether this was true or not and suggested the seller was simply trying to flip the SUV.

Paperwork Problems

The seller also mentioned that the title for the vehicle had not yet arrived and could take up to two weeks to process. For any buyer, that delay would complicate the handover and slow the completion of the sale.

Inevitably further impacting the sale of this Gravity is that it’s possible to order a Grand Touring model directly from Lucid with immediate delivery for just over $100,000.

Cars & Bids

Toyota has come under plenty of criticism in recent years for not making the shift to electric powertrains as quickly as some of its competitors. However, the world’s largest car manufacturer continues to invest heavily in EV technologies, doubling down on its commitment to launch new models with all-solid-state batteries in 2027-2028.

Since 2021, Toyota has been working with Japanese mining company Sumitomo Metal Mining on the cathode materials needed for solid-state batteries. These batteries, primarily composed of a cathode, anode, and solid electrolyte, have long been considered the holy grail of electric vehicles.

Smaller, Lighter, Faster

Beyond improving range, solid-state batteries are expected to be smaller, lighter, and charge faster than today’s lithium-ion packs. The technology is also said to deliver higher output and longer life.

Toyota recently signed a new agreement with Sumitomo Metal Mining to accelerate the mass production of these cathode materials, taking another step toward commercializing the technology.

Read: Toyota Partners With Japanese Petroleum Giant To Develop Solid-State Batteries For EVs

Toyota and Sumitomo say that through the use of powder synthesis technology, they have been able to develop a “highly durable cathode material” that can be mass-produced for these batteries. The collaboration builds on Sumitomo’s experience supplying cathode materials for existing EVs, now adapted to the stricter requirements of solid-state production.

It’s not just its work with Sumitomo that will allow Toyota to commercialize solid-state batteries. Since 2013, it has also been working alongside Japanese oil product Idemitsu Kosan on the new technology.

Idemitsu Kosan is developing lithium sulfide for use in batteries and plans to build a large plant capable of producing 1,000 metric tons of the material annually. Mass production is expected to start in 2027.

A previous roadmap published by Toyota indicated that its first generation of solid-state batteries launching in 2027-2028 will allow for 1,000 km (621 miles) worth of range, all while having the ability to charge from 10-80 percent in just 10 minutes.

The second generation is projected to exceed 1,200 kilometers (745 miles), signaling a substantial leap in energy density and efficiency.

In a statement, Toyota and Sumitomo said they are currently focusing on improving the “performance, quality, and safety of cathode materials for all-solid-state batteries, as well as reducing costs for mass production.” They aim to “achieve the world’s first practical use of all-solid state batteries in BEVs.”

Global Race For Solid-State Supremacy

While Toyota hopes to lead the transition, several global automakers are pursuing the same goal. BMW, Honda, Stellantis and Mercedes are investing heavily in solid-state technology, with some already testing prototype vehicles. Recently, MG launched the second-generation MG4 with semi-solid-state batteries that use around five percent liquid electrolyte.

Note: For anyone wondering, the opening image shows a pear-shaped lab flask containing a sample of solid-state battery material. Toyota included the photo in a release about its all-solid-state battery program.

Despite online jokes about the shape, it’s actually a standard scientific container used for drying and storing chemical samples during testing and production. The powder inside is cathode or electrolyte material destined for Toyota’s next-generation solid-state EV batteries.

Moments after Ferrari revealed the first details of its long-awaited EV, currently known as the Elettrica, the company’s shares took a sharp dive on the Italian stock market, marking its worst trading day on record.

However, the sell-off wasn’t triggered by the car’s reveal or by news of fewer electrified models in Ferrari’s future lineup, but by weaker-than-expected financial results and a cautious outlook that rattled investors.

Markets React Sharply

The Italian brand’s shares plunged 16.1 percent after its annual Capital Markets Day and ended the day down 15.4 percent on the Milan stock exchange. They also fell by a considerable 15 percent on the New York Stock Exchange, higher than its previous largest single-day decline of 12.4 percent from February 2016.

Read: Ferrari Found A Way To Make Fake EV Noise Sound Honest

The company said it expects a net revenue of at least €7.1 billion ($8.2 billion) this year, slightly higher than a previous forecast of more than €7 billion.

It also confirmed that its net revenue is expected to increase to roughly €9 billion ($10.4 billion) in 2030 and predicts an EBITDA (Earnings Before Interest, Taxes, Depreciation, and Amortization) of at least €3.6 billion ($4.1 billion) by 2030.

As reported by CNBC, analysts from Citi commented that Ferrari’s updated guidance “falls below our ‘lower growth case’ estimates from our CMD preview and reflects conservatism from management, we think.”

Ferrari Elettrica

Lower EV Ambitions

Perhaps the most noteworthy announcement made by Ferrari is related to its electrification plans. In 2022, Ferrari announced that 40 percent of the vehicles it sold would have battery-electric powertrains by 2030. However, like many other car manufacturers, it has been forced to wind back these ambitions due to a slowdown in EV uptake in key global markets.

Now, Ferrari believes that pure-ICE models will account for approximately 40 percent of its sales, hybrid-powered ones for another 40 percent, and EVs for the remaining 20 percent in 2030. This means that Ferrari now expects to sell half as many EVs in 2030 as it had initially anticipated.

The company attributed the change to its “client centricity approach, the current environment and its expected evolution.”

The reception to the Elettrica may force Ferrari to adjust EV sales targets in the near future. The upcoming model’s underpinnings were shown during the event, alongside confirmation that it will deliver over 986 hp and have more than 329 miles (530 km) of driving range. Ferrari says it’ll hit 62 mph (100 km/h) in 2.5 seconds and reach a 193 mph (310 km/h) top speed.

Found beneath the skin of the new model will be a sizeable 122 kWh battery pack with an energy density of 195 Wh/kg at pack level and 305Wh/kg at cell level. It will also feature an 800-volt electrical architecture that supports 350 kW DC fast charging.

Although Yamaha has long been known for building some of the world’s finest motorcycles, its ventures into the car world have been surprisingly limited and often under the radar, like when it helped develop iconic engines such as Toyota’s 4A-GE and 2ZZ-GE, the Lexus LFA’s V10, Ford’s Taurus SHO V6, and even Volvo’s 4.4-liter V8.

That might soon change, as the Japanese brand prepares to showcase something unexpected at the upcoming Japan Mobility Show in Tokyo: a three-wheeled trike that looks like a cross between a Morgan 3-Wheeler and a Polaris Slingshot.

New Take On Three Wheels

Called the Tricera, the project was first previewed three years ago with a sleek-looking concept. The design of the three-wheeler has progressed since then and now looks far more suitable for real-world road use.

However, don’t get too excited just yet, as there’s not yet any confirmation that Yamaha will actually produce and sell it to the public.

Read: Yamaha’s Tricera Is A Morgan Super 3 For 2033

The design of the Tricera shares some similarities with Yamaha’s current range of motorcycles, including its circular headlights and two small DRLs running horizontally on the fascia. It also sports a complex nose and small covers over the front wheels.

Yamaha has then added a pair of small wind deflectors at the front and a set of tiny wing mirrors, which were not present on the original concept. The interior now looks much more suitable for the road and sports a set of dark red bucket seats, a steering wheel, and gold paddle shifters.

Powering the Tricera is an electric motor, although it’s unclear how much power it has or how large its battery pack is. What we do know is that Yamaha has developed a three-wheel steering system for it, aiming to achieve “a whole new level of unity” between the vehicle and the driver.

The company has also equipped it with an adaptive sound device that modifies the tone of the electric powertrain, adding a layer of sensory engagement that electric vehicles often lack.

More Concepts On The Way

Alongside the Tricera, Yamaha will display several other innovations at the Tokyo show. Among them is the Motoroid, a two-wheeled concept capable of bending and twisting like something out of a sci-fi film, as well as the Proto BEV, an all-electric sports bike concept that hints at where Yamaha’s electric design language might be headed next.

Electric vehicle shoppers are waking up to a new reality. With the federal EV tax credit now gone, many models have effectively become $7,500 more expensive overnight, whether bought outright or through the once-reliable lease loophole.

Read: Tesla’s Standard EVs Don’t Even Have A Radio, But Will You Care?

To soften the blow, several manufacturers are getting inventive, introducing aggressive discounts, cheaper trims, and in some cases, cutting slow-selling models altogether.

The end of the tax credit on September 30 led to a significant surge in EV sales across the United States; however, sales are expected to decline through the final quarter of the year. In a bid to try and prop up demand, Hyundai is offering a cash incentive worth up to $11,000 on the 2025 Ioniq 5.

Automakers Get Creative

Both General Motors and Ford have also been looking for ways to encourage shoppers to pick up the keys to one of their models.

For example, GM had been working on a plan for its lending arm to initiate the purchase of EVs at dealership lots and then apply for the $7,500 federal credit, rolling this money into lease terms for customers. However, it recently scrapped these plans, reports Reuters.

Nevertheless, it shows how creative some firms are getting to try and ensure EV sales don’t fall off a cliff. This week, Tesla also introduced lower-priced versions of the Model 3 and Model Y.

While both of these models were in the works before the Trump administration confirmed that the credit would be axed, they may help to convince some shoppers to buy an EV who would have otherwise been priced out of the market.

According to Ivan Drury, director of insights at Edmunds, automakers are taking varied approaches to a common problem.

“The overarching message of tax credits going away for EVs has had a very different set of approaches from each automaker,” he told Business Insider. “Which approach will be most successful? Debatable. Nobody’s looking to increase. That’s cuckoo talk at this point. You just want to maintain that basic level of sustainable sales, and this is the different methodologies that each of them have taken.”

Some brands have decided that cutting losses may be the most practical move. Both Stellantis and Acura have opted to discontinue certain EV models altogether. Acura recently confirmed it will pull the plug on its all-electric ZDX SUV, while Stellantis has shelved plans for the RAM 1500 REV.

It’s yet another reminder that even in an age of electrification, not every experiment makes it through the market’s growing pains.

Tesla’s latest move feels like a rare moment of self-awareness from a brand known for doubling down on its bad decisions. After years of criticism for removing traditional turn signal stalks from the Model 3, the company has finally relented and reintroduced them to the lineup.

What started as a questionable design experiment now has a costly fix, and this time, the solution comes straight from Tesla itself.

Read: Tesla Quietly Brings Back Turn Signal Stalks To Model 3 After Years Of Complaints

A couple of months ago, the carmaker started selling a turn signal stalk for its electric sedan in China, and last week, it introduced an updated Model 3 in select Asian markets that comes with the stalk as standard.

Sticker Shock

In the US, the stalk costs $595, which is the equivalent of 1.6 percent of the total purchase price of the new entry-level Model 3 Standard, though that one does include it.

That’s quite a lot of money, particularly since Tesla is only charging its Chinese customers 2,499 yuan, or around $350. Additionally, a small aftermarket startup, Enhance Auto, introduced its own turn signal stalks for the Model 3 last year and was able to price them between $343 and $363.

However, it’s important to note that Tesla doesn’t simply provide a signal stalk. Shoppers who make the purchase through the Tesla App will also receive a new steering wheel, which ditches the standard turn signal buttons.

Additionally, a new steering column control module has to be added to make the stalk functional. Installation fees are also included in the price.

Tesla says its retrofit package is compatible only with Model 3s built in 2024 and 2025 that were originally sold without a turn signal. From what we understand, the stalk is expected to return as standard equipment on all 2026 models, although that could vary depending on the production date.

While Tesla is unlikely to admit that ditching the turn signal stalk was a bad idea on the Model 3, the fact that the Model Y Juniper is sold with a stalk as standard tells us all we need to know. Tesla has clearly realized that it took minimalism a little too far.

It seems not every Tesla employee in Germany keeps their speed thrills on the autobahn. Reports from the company’s Gigafactory near Berlin suggest that some workers have been pushing their luck in the car park, with local officials now stepping in to curb the growing problem.

The employees are facing scrutiny from the local works council after repeated instances of staff driving at speeds of up to 80 km/h (50 mph) through the site’s parking lot. Conditions have apparently become so unruly that speed bumps are now being considered to rein things in.

Too Fast, Even for Tesla

According to Handelsblatt, staff were recently summoned to a meeting bluntly titled ‘Racetrack South Parking Lot,’ following claims that a few overzealous drivers have turned the area into an unofficial circuit.

Now it’s unclear if the workers are driving so quickly because they can’t wait to head home after a long shift, or because they’re that keen to clock in each morning. Given the long days Tesla is known for, it’s probably safe to assume the first.

Read: Tesla Sales Collapse In Two Of Europe’s Biggest Markets As Chinese Rival Pulls Ahead

To restore order, the works council recently installed digital speedometer signs reminding staff of the 30 km/h (18 mph) limit. Early signs suggest those reminders might not be enough, and further measures could be on the horizon.

Speaking with the German newspaper, the works council revealed that it is meeting with its design team about potentially making the driving lanes through the parking lot narrower and adding new zebra crossings. If these measures also fail to slow down drivers, then speed bumps may need to be installed.

“If we don’t get this under control, then at some point we’ll have to talk about speed bumps,” said the representative for works council. “And I don’t think any of us wants to do that.”

They also reminded the workforce that there’s a perfectly good outlet for their need for speed. “The highway is ten meters away, you can really blast through it in a fast car, that’s fun too. But please…wait this short distance before you step on the gas. Thank you!”

A Pattern of Odd Headlines

This isn’t the first unusual story to come out of Tesla’s German facility. In mid-2024, reports surfaced that around 65,000 coffee mugs ordered for the plant had mysteriously vanished. At the time, roughly 12,000 employees worked there, suggesting that, statistically speaking, each person had made off with about five Ikea mugs.

Sources: Handelsblatt

In a market where federal tax credits are no longer cushioning electric car prices, the upcoming 2027 Chevrolet Bolt arrives as GM’s latest attempt to keep affordable EVs within reach. Shown off quietly to existing owners, the 2027 model rolls in at $29,990 including destination fees, offering a handful of upgrades over its predecessor rather than any sweeping reinvention.

Read: 2027 Chevy Bolt Just Showed Up Completely Undisguised At A Tesla Station

This represents a modest price increase over the 2023 model that was discontinued two years ago, and although it remains the most affordable EV from an American brand, the new Bolt still sits several thousand dollars above the entry-level 2026 Nissan Leaf, which is due to arrive next spring starting at $25,360.

Production and Core Specs

At a recent event, Chevrolet confirmed that production of the 2027 Bolt will begin early next year at its Kansas City facility. As revealed in recent images, the electric hatch will include a standard NACS charging port, aligning it with the new industry standard.

It has also been confirmed to come standard with a new 65 kWh lithium-ion phosphate battery pack that will provide it with 255 miles (410 km) of driving range, according to GM’s own estimates. That represents a modest improvement over the outgoing model’s 247-mile figure.

Photos Chevrolet

Beyond boasting a better range than the outgoing Bolt, the new one’s DC charging speeds are no longer capped at 50 kW. Instead, it can charge at up to 150 kW, meaning the battery can be topped up from 10-80 percent in 26 minutes. That’s a big improvement over the old model and matches the charging speeds of the new Leaf.

Chevy has also equipped the Bolt with a new motor, borrowing the unit found in the Equinox EV and producing 210 hp. Performance times have yet to be announced, not that Bolt owners are the kinds of buyers that’ll be participating in traffic light races.

Pricing and Trims

The 2027 Bolt will debut first as a Launch Edition, starting at $29,990 with destination and delivery included. A slightly more affordable LT trim will follow next year priced from $28,995.

From a visual standpoint, the alterations made to the Bolt are less significant than many had expected. Indeed, it mostly looks like a facelifted version of the outgoing model. Key changes made include the fitment of new headlights, different taillights, and a unique tailgate with a redesigned bumper.

The interior is also very similar. However, Chevy has added a larger digital instrument cluster and moved away from gear selector buttons on the transmission tunnel, instead opting for an electronic column shifter.

A particularly welcome addition is a set of large physical dials for temperature and fan speed, providing straightforward control without touchscreen fuss. Two new storage compartments now sit within the dashboard, directly in front of the passenger, adding extra practicality to the cabin.

Legal trouble is circling Porsche in the United States, but this time, the controversy isn’t about its cars. The German automaker is under scrutiny over claims that its home charging units fail to deliver the charging speeds owners were promised.

The lawsuit, recently filed in the U.S. District Court for the Northern District of Georgia, takes issue with the Porsche Mobile Charger Plus and Porsche Mobile Charger Connect devices.

The Devices in Question

Both of these chargers are available to Porsche owners and allow for easy home charging. When plugged into an outlet providing at least 40 amps, they can charge a car’s battery in between 9.5 and 10.5 hours.

However, the new filing alleges that these units tend to overheat, potentially damaging outlets and creating a fire risk. It also claims that charging times can be nearly double what the company advertises, leaving owners waiting far longer than expected to hit a full charge.

Read: Porsche Settles Leaky Sunroof Lawsuit, But Some Owners Get A Better Deal Than Others

This isn’t Porsche’s first encounter with charger-related complaints. In 2023, the company faced a similar lawsuit over allegedly defective home chargers. To address that case, Porsche agreed to reimburse customers and introduced an updated unit featuring a temperature sensor. But the latest legal filing argues that these steps were cosmetic, not corrective.

“After the original complaint was filed in this case, PCNA offered reimbursement for third-party chargers and, most recently, replacement devices that merely add a temperature sensor,” the lawsuit states.

“These steps did not solve the underlying problem: charging times far longer than advertised, before and after the Charger Restriction, limiting consumers’ ability to use their vehicles when needed and as advertised.”

It has also been claimed in the new lawsuit that Porsche has long known about the problem, but has failed to address it and has not issued a “recall, repair, replacement, or other program.”

Plaintiffs Paul Herdtner of Kansas, owner of a 2020 Taycan 4S, and John Holby of Illinois, who owns a 2021 Taycan Turbo, are leading the case.

Sources: CarComplaints

It’s no secret that government incentives have played a huge role in fueling America’s appetite for electric vehicles. Without them, enthusiasm tends to cool fast.

So it’s hardly shocking that many former EV owners say they’d consider returning to battery power only if a generous incentive were back on the table, according to a recent study from The Harris Poll.

Read: Expiring EV Tax Credit Sent Tesla Sales Into Overdrive But Its Flagships Crashed

The survey, conducted between September 23 and 25, included responses from 2,095 adults across the United States. Of these, 1,675 participants, or about 80 percent, said they plan to buy or lease a new or used vehicle in the future. Within that group, 485 respondents, roughly 29 percent, said they were extremely or somewhat likely to choose an EV.

What Would It Take?

Among respondents who had previously owned or driven an electric vehicle but later switched away, 60 percent said they would need an incentive of at least $5,000 to consider returning to an EV.

A further 30 percent said they would need an incentive of between $2,500 and $4,999 to reconsider, while 11 percent said they would be willing to accept an incentive of less than $2,500.

Senior consultant at The Harris Poll, Greg Paratore, acknowledged that affordability remains the top concern for 64 percent of EV buyers.

Automakers Step In

While the removal of the new and used EV tax credit will impact demand for electric cars, Paratore noted that automakers could use the removal of the credit to build extra trust with consumers by helping to share the added cost burden.

For example, Hyundai recently announced it’s cutting prices of the 2026 Ioniq 5 by a significant $9,800 in the wake of the tax credit’s removal. Additionally, Hyundai is offering a $7,500 cash incentive on the remaining 2025 Ioniq 5s that it has in its inventory.

Meanwhile, Ford chief executive Jim Farley warned that EV demand in the U.S. could tumble by as much as half due to the tax credit’s removal. If that happens, electric vehicles could see their market share shrink to around 5 percent, a figure last recorded in 2022.

Long charging times have long been considered one of the biggest disadvantages of electric vehicles, particularly when compared to how quickly you can refuel an ICE-powered car. However, Chinese automaker Zeekr has just unveiled an updated version of the 001 shooting brake, turning it into one that appears to be the fastest-charging EV on the planet.

Now, when we say the 001 charges as quickly as it takes to refuel a combustion-powered car, don’t rush to take a stopwatch to verify it, but it’s close enough to be quite impressive.

Lightning-Quick Refill

Thanks to the implementation of a new 900-volt electric architecture and Zeekr’s ‘Golden Brick’ battery, one version of the 001 can be charged from 10-80 percent in just 7 minutes.

Read: Zeekr 007 EV Can Get 80% Charge In Just Ten Minutes

That figure is particularly remarkable given that this model has a reasonably sizeable 95 kWh battery pack, rather than a small one that can charge quickly.

Zeekr claims the new and improved 001 supports charging speeds of up to 1,140 kW. In the US, only Tesla’s Megachargers, developed for the Semi, can deliver those kinds of speeds, but in China, Zeekr has already started rolling out 1,300 kW stations.

Power To Match The Speed

Zekr will sell the new 001 with the 95 kWh pack exclusively in all-wheel drive guise. This version features dual electric motors that combine to deliver 912 hp, allowing for a 0-62 mph (0-100 km/h) sprint in a dazzling 2.83 seconds.

The 95 kWh model has a claimed CLTC range of 441 miles (710 km), which is more than adequate even under China’s rather optimistic standards.

A version with a 103 kWh pack, using CATL’s Qilin battery tech, will also be available, boosting range to 437 miles (762 km), but not quite matching the charging speeds of the Golden Brick battery. That’s not to say models with the 103 kWh pack don’t charge quickly. In fact, they can go from 10-80 percent in just 10 minutes.

Plenty of other upgrades have been made to the Zeekr 001. For example, it comes with a panoramic glass roof embedded with individual LEDs that’s designed to mimic the Starlight headliner you’ll find in a Rolls-Royce.

The new model also includes a large infotainment display, a 39.3-inch head-up display, a 13-inch instrument cluster, and an 8-inch display at the rear.

Final pricing details have yet to be announced, but Zeekr has announced that customer deliveries will start in the coming days.

After a promising start in the EV spotlight, the road ahead looks steeper for Lucid. Much like fellow American startup Rivian, Lucid is facing a difficult 2025, with financial pressures mounting after the $7,500 federal EV tax credit, which also helped lower lease payments, was scrapped.

The company behind the Air sedan and new Gravity SUV built 3,891 vehicles in the third quarter, falling short of projections and trailing the 5,621 average estimate from Bloomberg analysts. During the same period, it delivered a total of 4,078 vehicles, representing a significant jump from the 2,781 vehicles delivered in Q3 last year.

Read: Lucid CEO Reminds Everyone Tesla’s Model S Hasn’t Changed Since The Obama Era

Year-to-date, both production and delivery numbers are higher than in 2024. During the first nine months, Lucid produced 9,966 vehicles in the US and delivered 10,496. For context, the company delivered 10,241 vehicles across all of 2024, a 71 percent jump from 6,001 in 2023. While the momentum shows progress, it still trails what analysts had hoped to see.

Adding to that, Lucid confirmed it has built over 1,000 more vehicles awaiting final assembly at its facility in Saudi Arabia, an important piece of its long-term manufacturing strategy.

Leaving aside analyst forecasts, we’re talking under 10,000 cars in a span of nine months, a number that in no way is sustainable in the long term. For context, Tesla now sells that many vehicles roughly every four days in America, and even younger rivals like Rivian are comfortably outpacing Lucid’s output.

Shifting Gears With Gravity

While the latest numbers suggest growth, it’s also worth noting that Lucid is no longer a single-model company. The Gravity SUV has officially begun reaching customers, marking a key step in broadening its lineup. However, the company hasn’t disclosed how many units of the Air and Gravity were included in its third-quarter deliveries.

Even so, Lucid expects the Gravity to take the sales lead through the remainder of the year, potentially becoming the brand’s volume driver.

The next chapter for Lucid could prove even more critical. A mid-size electric SUV is set for unveiling next year, positioned to enter the market at under $50,000. The model could finally give Lucid a foothold in the more accessible end of the EV market, where volume growth matters most.

Provided the company secures the necessary funding, production of this new SUV will take place at Lucid’s Saudi Arabian facility.

BMW is in the midst of a dramatic overhaul of its line-up, preparing to launch 40 new or heavily updated models over the next two years. Yet, even with that packed schedule, the Bavarian automaker has found time to collaborate with a Slovenian manufacturer of electric stand-up paddleboards, bringing its Neue Klasse design language to a completely different kind of mobility.

While we suspect only a tiny fraction of BMW owners have even the slightest interest in stand-up paddleboarding, the company probably saw its partnership with SipaBoards as an opportunity to extend its design influence beyond the road.

Known simply as the BMW x Sipaboards, the motorized paddleboard is fitted with a compact 300-watt electric motor and a specially developed propeller. It can reach speeds of up to 4 knots, or roughly 7.5 km/h.

Read: BMW Is About To Kill Off Three Models

This motor does more than just propel the board forward, which can be particularly useful when paddling into a headwind or against a current. It also inflates the board automatically, sparing riders the usual pre-launch workout.

The board, which measures 3.65 meters in length and 0.82 meters in width, weighs just 14.9 kg (32.8 lbs) with the motor and is capable of carrying two people.

Apparently, BMW Group Designworks used Neue Klasse influences when designing the board. However, this doesn’t mean the board has features like the newly-designed lights or signature kidney grilles. Instead, the Neue Klasse influence appears to be limited to the large X motif across the base of the board.

Each board comes with a lightweight carbon fiber paddle with a Bluetooth remote control built directly into it. This allows the rider to choose between different power levels, light effects, and haptic feedback. A smartphone application has also been developed and includes GPS tracking.

Range and Pricing

Initially, the board will be sold exclusively with a pair of 90 Wh battery modules that offer up to 3.5 hours of riding time. Next year, a version with two 180 Wh batteries will become available, allowing for rides lasting as long as seven hours.

The price for this Neue Klasse-inspired board? €3,990 (about $4,633). After all, it’s still a BMW product, so it’s priced like one, even if it trades the highway for open water.

If you’ve ever wondered what a serious price slash looks like, this might be it. Hyundai has cut prices dramatically for the Ioniq 6, though the offer applies only to Australia. To clear remaining 2023 model-year stock, the all-electric sedan now costs up to AU$35,000 (equal to around $23,000 at current exchange rates) less than before, bringing it closer in price to China’s growing wave of EV competitors.

The Ioniq 6 range now kicks off from AU$49,990 ($32,815) drive-away for the Dynamic, with all on-road costs included. Previously, buyers needed to splurge AU$77,554 ($50,909) to get one on the road, a hard sell given that the Tesla Model 3 starts at $60,205 ($39,520).

Read: Hyundai Reveals New Ioniq 6, Teases Long-Awaited 6 N

Mid-range buyers benefit too. The Ioniq 6 Techniq’s price has been trimmed from AU$88,579 ($58,146) with on-road costs to AU$54,990 ($36,097), saving AU$33,589 ($22,049).

At the top of the line, the flagship Ioniq 6 Epiq now lists for AU$59,990 ($39,379), a reduction of AU$34,142 ($22,412) from its previous AU$94,132 ($61,791) figure, inclusive of all fees.

Slow Sales

Despite its specs, the Ioniq 6 has never proven as popular as the retro-themed Ioniq 5, mostly due to its divisive styling. This year, Hyundai has sold just 93 examples of the Ioniq 6 in Australia, a huge fall from the 330 sold in 2024 and the 417 that found new homes in 2023.

In a statement to Drive, Hyundai confirmed it still has 115 units of the 2023 Ioniq 6 in stock and hopes to clear them before the updated 2026 model-year version reaches showrooms.

Power and Range Options

Those who want to get behind the wheel of the base Ioniq 6 Dynamic get a 225 hp (168 kW) rear-mounted electric motor, a 77.4 kWh battery pack, and an estimated 381 miles (614 km) of driving range.

Step up to the Techniq and the Epiq, and the 221 hp (165 kW) rear motor is supplemented by a 74 kW front motor, resulting in a combined 320 hp (239 kW) and 446 lb-ft (605 Nm). The battery pack remains the same, and the range is reduced to 322 miles (519 km).

Concerns over Tesla’s electronic door handles have intensified after several recent fatalities were linked to situations where occupants couldn’t escape following a crash or fire. The incidents have not only landed Tesla in hot water with safety authorities, but have also sparked broader conversations within the auto industry about safety design and emergency accessibility.

Many owners are now asking themselves what they can do to ensure their vehicles are ready should the unthinkable happen.

Read: Crash Victim Trapped In Burning Tesla Sues Over Door Handles

Late last week, a Reddit user sparked discussion by asking how to rescue children from the rear of a Model Y in the event of a collision and fire.

“Me and my wife have a Juniper and with a baby on the way it got me thinking,” wrote a user on Reddit.

“You get into a crash. High voltage battery catches fire, inside is filling up with smoke, 12v battery dies. You use the manual release on the driver’s door to open the door and now you can get out. But how do you get your child/baby out of the backseat/childseat on the passenger side? 3 other doors are locked. No chance you’re reaching the manual release on that door from the driver’s seat,” they added.

To Tesla’s credit, the Model Y includes an easily accessible manual release for the front doors, located just ahead of the window controls. This means front-seat occupants can exit quickly, even if the electronic system fails. The same can’t be said for those in the back seats.

Hidden Escape Points

For whatever reason, the manual release at the rear of the 2020-2024 Model Y is much more difficult to access. To pull it, occupants need to remove the rubber mat at the bottom of the door pocket, press on a red tab to remove a plastic access door, and then pull the mechanical release cable forward. For a child, particularly in a panicked situation, access will be challenging.

Tesla redesigned the rear door’s manual release for the Model Y Juniper, although a plastic release cover still needs to be removed before accessing the release cable.

DIY Safety Mods

Some Model Y owners, inspired by the Reddit thread, have taken matters into their own hands. A few have attached small straps to the rear release cable so it’s easy to spot and pull, while others suggest connecting a rope that extends toward the front of the cabin, giving the driver a way to open the rear doors quickly in an emergency.

That said, these homemade solutions don’t help everyone. Tesla’s owner’s manual for the 2020-2024 Model Y reveals that “not all Model Y vehicles are equipped with a manual release for the rear doors.”

So, if the rear doors can’t be opened from the inside, nor from the outside after a crash and/or fire, that means the only way to free passengers in the rear will be to drag them out from the front seats, or to bust out the rear windows.

Many drivers see seamless smartphone integration as essential, but Rivian continues to stand firm on its decision to skip Apple CarPlay on its EVs. The company believes its own infotainment platform can deliver a more cohesive, personalized experience through key app integrations.

It’s not alone in this stance, with Tesla and GM taking similar positions, yet Rivian’s choice remains a point of debate among some customers.

Read: Rivian EVs Just Got Smarter But Apple Users Won’t Be Happy About It

According to Rivian’s chief executive RJ Scaringe, switching between CarPlay or Android Auto and the company’s built-in interface just doesn’t make sense for the experience they want to offer.

As standard, Rivian’s infotainment is based on the Android Automotive operating system, supporting major apps such as YouTube, Spotify, and, since last year, Apple Music.

One System to Rule Them All

“We’ve made the decision, which I’m very confident about, that in the fullness of time, customers will appreciate, which is that we wanted to have a seamless digital experience,” Scaringe said while recently speaking with The Verge.

“To not have the need to jump between CarPlay, which feels obviously like CarPlay, and so it feels the same in every car, and then what we create as a Rivian environment,” he added.

Over the next 18 months, Rivian plans to roll out several updates to its native infotainment setup, each designed to deliver what Scaringe calls a “richer, better experience for you as a driver or occupant of the vehicle.”

These new features will involve connecting different applications, providing “knowledge of ‘what’s the vehicle’s state?’, knowledge of ‘is it in drive, or is it parked? What are the conditions outside the vehicle? What’s your driving history?”

In time, Rivian says that everything a CarPlay user likes using, such as mapping or voice-to-text features, will be added to its own system.

Standing by the Decision

“We’re really convicted on this,” Scaringe said. “For some folks, that means they’re not going to buy a Rivian. We accept that. It’s a decision.” He explained that developing a vehicle involves countless choices, many of which won’t please everyone, but all contribute to the brand’s distinct identity.

“I say this all the time: part of building a product as complex as this is recognizing and being okay with the fact that we have to make a ton of decisions, like the products, like a vehicle has many millions of decisions together. Some of those decisions, not everyone’s going to agree with, and that’s okay.”

When asked about which additional Apple-related features might arrive in future updates, Scaringe mentioned that “messaging” and “vehicle access” access functions are already in development

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.

New details have emerged about Nissan’s reborn Xterra SUV, roughly six weeks after the Japanese automaker confirmed a new generation was in the works. The return of this rugged off-roader is likely to delight long-time fans, though its comeback appears to come at the expense of a new electric model that had been slated for US production.

Read: Nissan’s Next SUV May Finally Give 4Runner A Reason To Worry

Not long after chief executive Ivan Espinosa confirmed the Xterra’s revival at a national dealer meeting, Nissan Americas chairman Christian Meunier reaffirmed plans to bring the SUV to market in 2028. It’s set to feature a V6 hybrid powertrain and will be built at the company’s Canton, Mississippi, plant.

Old Name, New Life

It’s been more than a decade since the Xterra was killed off, and while little is known about the new model, it is expected to use a body-on-frame platform, the same underpinnings that’ll be used by the redesigned Frontier, as well as updated versions of the Pathfinder and Infiniti QX60.

Speaking with Bloomberg, Meunier hinted that a more premium, Infiniti-badged variant could also be in the cards. He said “dealers are super excited” about the Xterra’s return, though he acknowledged that shifting market dynamics have forced Nissan to rethink its electric vehicle plans. Weaker EV demand has led the brand to shelve a new project that had been planned for the same Mississippi facility.

EV Paused

The cancelled EV would have used batteries from SK On, which has a nearby facility, and was expected to hit the market in 2028. Meunier said that pausing plans for the model is “the right thing to do, adding that Nissan continues to weigh up the possibility of building EVs in the United States.

However, he acknowledged that doing so may only make sense if Nissan can achieve significant manufacturing cost savings, including finding another carmaker to partner with for EV production.

Illustration/Carscoops