When Hyundai pulled the wraps off the Elexio, a new electric SUV developed with joint venture partner BAIC and standing apart from the Ioniq lineup, most assumed it would remain a China-only model. That would have made sense, given how often collaborations like this one are designed for domestic markets.

Now, though, Hyundai has confirmed that the Elexio will also make its way to Australia. It’s expected to arrive next year, sitting between the Kona EV and the Ioniq 5 in the local lineup.

Read: Hyundai’s New Electric SUV Skips Physical Buttons Nearly Entirely For Massive Screen

Positioned as a direct rival to the Tesla Model Y and BYD’s Sealion 7, the Elexio marks new territory for Hyundai in Western market.

Whether Australian drivers will warm up to its distinctive styling and unconventional cabin design is still an open question. Yet with Chinese-built electric SUVs rapidly gaining traction Down Under, the Elexio could soon become a common sight on local roads, especially if the price is right.

Lineup And Power

Underneath, it rides on the Hyundai Group’s familiar E-GMP platform and comes with a single 88.1 kWh battery pack. Charging from 30 to 80 percent takes about 27 minutes, which is a slower than the Ioniq 5’s 10-to-80 percent top-up in about 18 minutes.

In China, the Elexio has a quoted driving range of 722 km (449 miles), but under the (considerably less generous) WLTP cycle, Hyundai is simply quoting a range of “over 500 km” (311 miles).

Australia is expected to receive three different versions of the Elexio. The base model will be a single-motor standard-range variant, the middle version will be a single-motor long-range model, and the flagship will be an all-wheel-drive long-range one, according to Drive.

Both two-wheel-drive options use a 160 kW (215 hp) motor, while the AWD variant steps up to around 230 kW (308 hp). The configuration mirrors that of the Kia EV5, which shares similar output figures across its own lineup.

Review: BYD Sealion 7 Performance Could Be Tesla’s Worst Nightmare

Inside, the Elexio wears clear Chinese design cues, though in this case, that’s not a bad thing. A 27-inch panel spans the dashboard, merging the main infotainment screen with a separate passenger display.

The driver gets a smaller readout set low near the windshield, while wireless charging pads and an eight-speaker Bose audio system round out the cabin’s tech package.

What Will It Cost?

In China, the Elexio starts at 119,800 yuan and tops out at 149,800, roughly US$16,900 to US$21,100 or about AU$25,700 to AU$32,200 if you’re counting in local currency. Tempting figures, but don’t get too comfortable. Those kinds of prices never make it past customs.

Hyundai hasn’t disclosed Australian pricing yet, though it’s safe to assume the local figure will be less charitable. Expect something between AU$55,000 ($36,000) and AU$65,000 ($42,600), a range that drops the Elexio right into the thick of the mid-size electric SUV contest.

It’s a crowded corner of the market, but one Hyundai seems quite happy to elbow its way into.

If you spend any time in Las Vegas, whether as a resident or a visitor, don’t be surprised if you see a Cybertruck in police livery gliding down the Strip. These aren’t movie props or promotional gimmicks, they’re among the first Tesla Cybertruck police vehicles to enter active duty in the United States.

The trucks have been overhauled by Unplugged Performance and delivered to the Las Vegas Metropolitan Police Department (LVMPD), where they’ve been adapted for duty in one of America’s busiest cities.

Who’s Picking Up the Bill?

One of the first questions that might come to mind when you hear about these Cybertrucks is, “Who’s paying for them?” Fortunately, it isn’t the taxpayer.

According to the LVMPD, all ten of the electric pickups were donated by Ben Horowitz and his wife. Horowitz, a tech entrepreneur and venture capitalist, is believed to be a billionaire and apparently a believer in electrified law enforcement.

Also: Cybertruck’s Light Bar Has Joined The Long List Of Things Falling Off Teslas

As for the Cybertrucks, each one comes equipped with a full suite of electronics required by the police department, including lights, sirens, and a PA system.

They also feature a series of upgrades to toughen up their looks and boost their off-roading credentials. For example, they’ve been fitted with new push bars, reinforced rock sliders, upgraded suspension components, and stronger brakes.

Counting the Savings

The LVMPD says these electric patrol trucks aren’t just about image, as they’re expected to save money too. The department estimates each Tesla Cybertruck will deliver a minimum of $47,540 in savings over its five-year service life compared with a traditional gasoline-powered police truck.

That includes annual fuel savings between $8,800 and $12,000, plus roughly $3,540 in reduced maintenance. Unless something falls off, that is. Whether those projections hold up once the trucks hit full duty remains to be seen.

Read: Las Vegas Gets First Cybertruck Police Fleet In America

“They will be at every area command… the trucks are high performance and built tough to handle everything from Fremont Street to Redrock Canyon,” LVMPD Sheriff Kevin McMahill said. “[The Cybertrucks are] practical, powerful and designed to make our job that much safer.”

Not only that, but the department claims it’s already seeing an uptick in recruitment thanks to the Cybertrucks. Apparently, nothing inspires future officers quite like a stainless-steel wedge these days.

Crashes on Houston’s busy freeways are an unfortunate reality of city life, and one earlier this week proved especially tragic. The driver of a BMW was killed, and the driver of a Tesla Cybertruck died in hospital after the two vehicles collided in Houston, Texas.

Shockingly, police say the BMW’s driver had mistakenly entered the freeway, traveling the wrong way after driving down an exit ramp and heading westbound in the eastbound lanes.

Watch: Cybertruck Ripped In Half By A Mercedes Built Like A Tank

The crash occurred around midnight on October 28 along the I-10 Katy Freeway. According to police, the BMW, whose specific model hasn’t been identified, slammed into the Cybertruck and burst into flames almost instantly. The force of the impact also pushed the Tesla into an 18-wheeler.

Initially, it was only the driver of the BMW who was declared dead on the scene, and the driver of the Cybertruck was taken to a nearby hospital in critical condition. Sadly, the Tesla driver succumbed to their injuries.

Houston Police Department Sgt. Rebecca Dallas told KHOU that the BMW driver had entered the freeway in the opposite direction, ignoring multiple Do Not Enter and Wrong Way signs along the ramp.

Investigators are expected to conduct an autopsy of the BMW driver to see if they were impaired at the time of the collision. The name of the driver who caused the crash hasn’t been released. However, the driver of the Cybertruck has been confirmed as a 38-year-old father of two young children.

Accidents Like This Are Far Too Common

Accidents like this are far from rare. More than 1100 wrong-way fatalities have been recorded across Harris County in the past decade, and last year alone, 233 people were injured in similar incidents throughout the area. Clearly, something needs to be done to reduce these numbers.

Local authorities may need to explore a combination of measures, from adding more signage to exit ramps to enhancing driver education. Small changes could go a long way toward preventing future tragedies on Houston’s highways.

For years, many traditional carmakers seemed content to ignore the quiet storm gathering in China’s automotive sector. The rise of new Chinese manufacturers barely registered on their radar, as if the disruption that had shaken the tech world could never reach the showroom floor.

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

That illusion has now been thoroughly dispelled. Most major automakers now grasp the scale of disruption these Chinese brands are set to bring to the global car market, and among the most outspoken voices acknowledging it is Ford’s chief executive, Jim Farley

Over the past year, Farley has been quite outspoken in his belief that Chinese brands have developed a significant lead in the electrification race.

How Big Is The Threat?

At one point, he was even driving a Xiaomi SU7 every day, not as a stunt but out of genuine admiration. For Farley, the challenge from China eclipses even the Japanese surge of the early 1980s.

“I think it’s exactly the same thing, but it’s on steroids,” Farley told Business Insider. “They have enough capacity in China with existing factories to serve the entire North American market, put us all out of business. Japan never had that. So, this is a completely different level of risk for our industry.”

In 1980, Japan produced over 11 million vehicles, a surge that prompted then-President Ronald Reagan to impose voluntary export limits on Japanese imports. Today, the circumstances are different but the unease feels familiar.

Chinese EVs are currently barred from sale in the United States, insulating local brands for the moment. Yet Ford, operating on a global stage, can’t rely on geography for protection.

The Chinese Tech Advantage

“[The Chinese] have far superior in-vehicle technology. Huawei and Xiaomi are in every car. You get in, you don’t have to pair your phone. Automatically, your whole digital life is mirrored in the car,” Farley added.

“We are in a global competition with China, and it’s not just EVs. If we lose this, we do not have a future Ford. The Chinese are the 700-pound gorilla in the EV industry. It is completely dominating the EV landscape globally and more and more outside of China.”

For now, Trump-era regulations, including the removal of the federal EV tax credit worth up to $7,500, have impacted demand for electric vehicles in the United States.

Still, Farley sees the slowdown as temporary. He expects EVs to hold about 5 percent of the U.S. market in the short term but believes that number will rise as lower-cost models reach production and public perception catches up with the technology.

The Kia EV4 made its debut at the New York International Auto Show back in April, touted as Kia’s straightest shot yet at the Tesla Model 3. It seemed poised to stir up the affordable EV segment, but that momentum has stalled before it even reached the showroom.

According to the Korean automaker, the EV4’s American launch has been postponed “until further notice,” a decision that leaves would-be buyers of reasonably priced EVs with one less option in an already tightening field.

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

Kia had engineered both sedan and hatchback versions of the EV4 for different markets. The United States was due to receive only the sedan, while Europe and several other regions would get both body styles.

What seemed like a straightforward rollout has since collided with market realities. The American car landscape looks markedly different from when the EV4 was unveiled in April, and even more so from when Kia first mapped out its export plans.

“Kia’s full range of vehicles offers meaningful value and inspiring performance to customers,” a Kia spokesman told InsideEVs. “However, as market conditions for EVs have changed, the release of the upcoming EV4 electric sedan will be delayed until further notice.”

What Could Have Been

The EV4 sedan had been set to land in local dealerships in the first quarter of 2026. Kia never got to the point of announcing local prices for it, but with the $7,500 federal EV tax credit now a thing of the past, the math likely stopped adding up.

Without that incentive, the EV4 would have faced a steep uphill battle against more established competitors.

As in other regions, the American-spec EV4, built on Kia’s E-GMP platform, would have come with a 58.3 kWh battery and a 201 hp motor powering the front wheels. That setup promises about 235 miles of range, or roughly 378 kilometers.

Above it sit the Wind and GT-Line models, both equipped with an 81.4 kWh pack capable of up to 330 miles (531 km) on a charge. These figures placed the EV4 squarely in Tesla’s neighborhood, at least, that was the plan before the pause.

Owning a Ford F-150 Lightning means saying goodbye to gas stations forever. That’s the promise, at least, though it comes with the unspoken reality of long waits while electrons trickle into the battery. On the bright side, your truck can double as a backup power source for your home, and if Ford’s to be believed, even earn a few bucks while it sits in the driveway.

Read: F-150 Lightning Production Halted Indefinitely As Ford Bets On Gas Trucks Again

The company is eager to promote its usefulness, recently dedicating an entire piece describing how owners can turn their EV into a “side hustle”.

How Does It Work?

For some time, Ford’s Energy Rewards program has provided customers with bonuses for charging their F-150 Lightnings during off-peak times. It also has a system that allows the truck’s battery to serve as a backup generator during outages and blackouts.

In select US markets, owners can now charge their Lightning when electricity is cheaper (typically overnight during off-peak hours) and use the stored energy to power their home when grid prices are higher during peak times.

That’s not all. Customers can also return excess power from the F-150 back to the grid and get incentives from participating utility providers. According to Ford, customers can save up to $42 per month, or almost $500 per year, by using its new Home Power Management software.

The program has been launched in partnership with DTE Energy in Southeast Michigan. DTE will provide eligible owners the means to transfer power from the EV to their home.

Everything happens automatically, too, meaning the software optimizes the flow of energy to and from the battery pack while retaining battery health.

F-150 Lightning Production Paused Indefinitely

While the system is clever, it hasn’t done much to change the Lightning’s overall fortunes. Despite being the best-selling electric pickup in America this year, sales still trail Ford’s early projections. Earlier this month, production was officially paused with no restart date in sight.

With the federal EV tax credit gone and fuel economy penalties no longer enforced under the Trump-era rollback, Ford appears to be easing away from the Lightning experiment. The company now plans to build over 45,000 additional combustion-powered F-150s next year, signaling a quiet retreat to familiar ground

Chinese automakers are no longer content with regional dominance, as they’re eyeing the world stage. And if you ask Carlos Tavares, the former head of Stellantis, they might actually pull it off.

The outspoken executive believes Chinese manufacturers could end up rescuing Europe’s car industry from its slow decline. Names like BYD and Geely, he says, may not just survive the global shake-up but emerge as the last few standing.

Read: The Guy Who Broke Stellantis Now Thinks It Might Break Up

Since stepping down from Stellantis nearly a year ago, Tavares has spent his time writing a memoir and touring the press circuit to promote it, offering a steady stream of predictions about where the auto industry is headed.

Will China Save Europe’s Factories?

He’s claimed that Stellantis itself might split apart and even floated the idea that Tesla could exit the car business entirely. Now he’s suggesting that within the next 10 to 15 years, Chinese brands could step in to save Europe’s automotive sector, though not without cost.

“There are lots of nice windows being opened up for the Chinese,” he told The Financial Times. “The day a western carmaker is in severe difficulty, with factories on the verge of closing and demonstrations in the street, a Chinese carmaker will come and say ‘I’ll take it and keep the jobs’, and they’ll be considered saviors.”

Tavares has experience dealing with Chinese car firms. He orchestrated Stellantis buying a 20 percent share of Leapmotor to help launch it into international markets. He also acknowledges that Leapmotor likely entered the deal because “they want to swallow us [Stellantis] some day.”

Trouble in Europe’s Auto Core

The former Stellantis boss hasn’t softened his criticism of Europe’s automotive policy. He argues that the European Union’s ban on new internal combustion cars by 2035 has forced local automakers into massive, and potentially wasted, investment.

According to Tavares, European car companies have poured more than €100 billion into electrification since the rule was introduced. He now predicts the EU will backtrack on the plan entirely.

More: Carlos Tavares Thinks Tesla Might Not Exist In 10 Years

“Who is holding the EU to account for the €100bn of investments that won’t be used? No one,” he said.

The global car industry is in such a dramatic state of flux that Tavares thinks most current brands won’t survive. In fact, he predicts that as few as five or six carmakers will survive.

These could include Toyota, Hyundai, BYD, and likely another Chinese firm, possibly Geely. In this scenario, the rest of the brands would likely be gobbled up by these conglomerates.

Interestingly, Tavares doesn’t include Stellantis among the survivors. Whether that’s professional detachment or a parting shot from a man who knows too much is anyone’s guess.

A Tesla driver in Illinois has been arrested after plowing into the rear of a Ford Explorer police cruiser that had stopped for a traffic investigation.

However, this was more than a simple case of a distracted driver rear-ending another motorist, as the Tesla owner told police that the vehicle’s Autopilot system was engaged and that he had fallen asleep behind the wheel.

Read: Tesla Quietly Settles Fatal Autopilot Crash Just Before Jury Could Weigh In

Local authorities say a 2022 Tesla Model Y caused the crash and shared images of the crumpled cruiser on Facebook. They show that the impact has caved in the SUV’s rear end and that both taillights have been knocked out of position.

In all likelihood, some damage has also been done to the frame, and there’s a good chance the Ford could be declared a complete write-off.

Autopilot or Absent Driver?

The South Barrington Police Department says the squad car was pulled over to the shoulder with its emergency lights flashing when the Tesla plowed into the back of it. The driver told officers he had activated Autopilot, dozed off, and didn’t wake up in time to react.

Two officers and the driver were taken to Ascension St. Alexius Medical Center in Hoffman Estates. All three sustained non-life-threatening injuries and were later released.

Driver Arrested and Charged

To make matters worse for the 43-year-old driver, he was found to be carrying a loaded handgun, despite not having a valid Firearm Owner’s Identification card. As a result, he was reportedly arrested and charged with unlawful possession of a firearm.

He was also cited for failing to yield a full lane or reduce speed when approaching an emergency vehicle. The Tesla owner was taken to Cook County Circuit Court, where he’s scheduled to appear on December 3.

If the driver did indeed fall asleep with Autopilot engaged, it could raise concerns about the effectiveness of Tesla’s driver monitoring system.

The electric carmaker will likely send engineers out to analyze the Model Y and determine whether the driver-assistance system was enabled at the time of the collision and if its warning systems functioned as they should have.

The EV1 from General Motors is widely regarded as the original mass-market, purpose-built electric vehicle, although it was never manufactured in significant numbers. In fact, only a touch over 1,100 were ever produced across two generations, and very few of them exist nowadays.

Given the car’s importance in the history of EVs, as well as its rarity, it perhaps comes as no surprise that when one hit the market this week, it attracted a lot of attention.

However, no one could have expected that it would sell for a staggering $104,000. To put it into perspective, that’s more than a brand-new Tesla Cybertruck.

Read: Study Says The Same Problems Faced By The EV1 Remain Today

GM never actually sold the EV1 and only leased it to customers. When it controversially decided to kill the project, it took back customer cars and crushed them. It’s understood that roughly 40 were kept by the company. While some remain in private hands, most were donated to universities and museums.

The example in question is a 1997 version that was listed for sale through Peak Auto Auctions in Atlanta after being towed. Very few details were provided about it but it’s clearly been sitting outside for a long time, and both the windshield and front side window are smashed.

Is It Worth Saving?

An investigation by The Autopian revealed the car had been marked as abandoned by the Clark Atlanta University Public Safety agency, which may explain why it ended up here.

It’s thought to be VIN V212 and was originally delivered in Arizona. At one point, it held the unofficial altitude record for an EV1, reaching 10,500 feet, GM Authority reports.

Given that the car has probably been sitting outside for a long time, potentially years, there’s a good chance it will need some serious TLC to be brought back to life. Sourcing replacement parts could be a tall order, but clearly, the winning bidder thinks the car is worth a lot of money.

Images: Peak Auto Auctions

Unlike every other Tesla, the Cybercab was envisioned without a steering wheel or pedals, created from the start as a vehicle meant to drive itself. Elon Musk said the company plans to build millions of these two-seat EVs, each priced under $30,000, hoping to turn self-driving technology from a futuristic experiment into something people could actually buy.

Read: Tesla Cybercab Is A $30,000 Robotaxi Without A Steering Wheel Or Pedals

Or at least, that was the idea. Tesla has now admitted it may have to fit the Cybercab with conventional controls if it wants to reach the production numbers Musk has promised.

When Autonomy Meets Reality

According to Tesla board chair Robyn Denholm, the company views the Cybercab as the long-awaited affordable model that investors have been pressing for, often referred to by the press as the Model 2.

Yet the minimalist two-seat layout limits its practicality, and Tesla’s initial pledge to sell it without traditional controls makes the task harder. The brand’s self-driving software remains well short of true Level 4 or Level 5 autonomy, so customers may be wary of a car that expects to handle everything on its own.

While speaking with Bloomberg, Denholm made clear that Tesla is flexible. “If we have to have a steering wheel, it can have a steering wheel and pedals,” she said, a comment that marks a shift from the original vision.

Regulation Hurdles

Regulations currently stand in the way of Tesla introducing a large number of Cybercabs onto US roads. In fact, the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) only allows manufacturers to deploy up to 2,500 autonomous vehicles per year without traditional controls.

Musk, who has poured significant sums into political campaigns, including major donations to Donald Trump, appears to have hoped that influence might soften the rules. So far, regulators haven’t moved.

His frustration surfaced recently when he referred to US Transportation Secretary Sean Duffy as “Sean Dummy” after the agency reopened a SpaceX contract connected to NASA’s moon mission.

Denholm has put on a brave face, noting that Tesla is willing to change its plans if that’s what regulations require.

“The original Model Y was not going to have a steering wheel, or pedals,” she said. “If we can’t sell something because it needs something, then we’ll work with regulators to work out what we need to do.”

The Super EV Concept previewed by Honda at the Goodwood Festival of Speed has morphed into this: the Super-One Prototype. Presented at the Japan Mobility Show this week, this model is a close preview of a new production model that’ll essentially serve as a successor to the Honda e.

Read: Honda’s Smallest Electric Car Can Power Your Home And More

Presented in Tokyo as the Super-One Prototype, the pint-sized electric city car will be sold across Japan, Asia, and Oceania as the Super-ONE, but sold in the UK as the Super-N.

It is based around Honda’s new N-One e: kei cars sold in Japan and has a sporty persona that’s bound to appeal to some performance car enthusiasts.

Honda hasn’t released powertrain details for the model, but says it’s equipped with a simulated seven-speed transmission and an Active Sound Control system that mimics the soundtrack of a “powerful” engine.

The virtual gear shifts and the ICE-inspired soundtrack will fire into life when the car is driven in Boost mode. Additionally, there’ll be dedicated interior displays and coordinated lighting sequences to enhance the thrill of driving.

A Sport Design to Match

It’s not just the driver-focused nature of the Super-One that makes it stand out from the old Honda e. It also has a fun exterior design. Looking more like a car that has been tweaked by an aftermarket firm for the Tokyo Auto Salon, the EV includes bulging wheel arches and sporty bumpers. It even has a small wing at the rear.

Found in the cabin are sporty seats trimmed in black, white, and grey upholstery. There’s also a small digital instrument cluster and a large central infotainment display similar to other Honda models.

The production model will hit the market next year, first launching in Japan, before being added to Honda’s UK range and in several other Asian markets.

“The Super-N Prototype promises to offer a great entry point to Honda EV ownership when it arrives in our market next year, building on the excitement we saw for the concept model at Goodwood this summer,” Honda UK head Rebecca Adamson said.

“By bringing Honda’s trademark ‘fun-to-drive’ performance to a compact all-electric model, we believe this is a unique proposition and we are excited for people to experience it from 2026.”

The SUV staring back at you here is the Honda 0 α, unveiled in a world premiere at the Japan Mobility Show and already edging toward production within the next two years.

It’s officially labeled a “prototype,” but as we’ve seen in the past, in Honda terms, that means pre-production rather than pure concept. It joins the 0 Saloon and 0 SUV that made their debut earlier this year, rounding out Honda’s latest attempt to reinvent itself for the electric age.

Read: Honda’s 0 Saloon EV Looks Like A Lambo Gallardo Sedan From The Future

Honda refers to the 0 α (Alpha) as a “gateway model” for its 0 Series range of electric vehicles. The production model will hit the market in 2027 and be available in markets around the world, with a particular focus on Japan and India.

It has a very similar design to the 0 SUV, but is slightly smaller. And, just like the two other 0 Series models, it looks unlike anything in Honda’s current range.

The most obvious points of difference between the 0 α and the 0 SUV are found at the front. This smaller model rocks a set of different LED taillights and DRLs, but retains an illuminated Honda badge. The lower bumper has also been redesigned and looks slightly more aggressive with a pair of body-colored elements.

From the side, the 0 α looks almost indiscernible from the larger model. It retains the same odd shape with an incredibly high rear window and thick rear pillars.

It also has the same rocker panels, the same basic doors, and the same flush handles. The most obvious difference is that it’s slightly shorter and lacks the tiny window behind the C-pillars of the larger model.

The similarities continue at the rear. Honda has equipped the 0 α with a U-shaped LED lightbar that stretches up the tailgate. Notably, the 0 α has a larger rear window than the 0 SUV, which should improve rear visibility. A curvaceous bumper also catches the eye.

What About The Tech?

Honda has yet to release any technical specifications about the new prototype. We know that the 0 Saloon and 0 SUV will share a platform with the Afeela EV that Honda co-developed with Sony. Presumably, the 0 α will also use the same architecture.

The carmaker notes that the 0 α also adopts the same ‘Thin, Light, and Wise’ approach of the other 0 Series models. Honda has previously said this approach will lead to the creation of an “ultra-thin battery pack” and a compact e-Axle.

The thin battery pack will allow Honda to reduce the height of the floors in its EVs and boost cabin space without impacting ground clearance.

As with the other 0 Series models, the 0 α should hit the market with at least 300 miles or 483 km of range. All 0 Series models are also tipped to hit the market with Level 3 self-driving capabilities that include an eyes-off function for highway traffic jams.

We also know the 0 Saloon and 0 SUV will come standard with NACS charging ports, although it’s unclear if the 0 α will as well given that Honda hasn’t mentioned any plans to sell it in North America.

Last year, Ford chief executive Jim Farley surprised many when he revealed that his daily driver was a Xiaomi SU7 quietly imported into the United States. Now, another American industry leader has joined the conversation about the Chinese electric sedan that’s been causing a stir both at home and abroad.

Rivian chief executive RJ Scaringe revealed his team recently tore down an SU7, and, likely Farley, he’s full of praise for it. However, he says that developing and building a vehicle like it in China is very different than doing the same in the US.

How Good Is It?

According to Scaringe, the SU7 is a “really well executed, heavily vertically-integrated technology platform” that is “nicely done.” He added that if he were living in China, it’s one of the cars that he’d personally consider buying.

Read: Rivian’s CEO Would Rather Lose You As A Buyer Than Add Apple CarPlay

One of the SU7’s most compelling advantages is its price. With a starting figure of 215,900 yuan, roughly $30,000, it undercuts much of the competition. After taking the car apart, Scaringe explained that Rivian “learned nothing from the teardown” about how Xiaomi keeps costs so low.

There was no hidden engineering trick or obscure cost-cutting secret waiting inside the panels. The real explanation, he said, is simple: China’s extensive government support.

China Plays By Other Rules

The distinction, according to Scaringe, comes down to the economic landscape in which Xiaomi operates. State backing shifts the financial balance from the ground up, creating an environment that’s nearly impossible to replicate in the US.

“The cost of capital is zero or negative, meaning they get paid to put up plants,” Scaringe told Business Insider. “It’s a very different opportunity.”

Government Grants Alter The Playing Field

While Rivian was provided a $6.6 billion loan for its new production facility in Georgia, Scaringe noted that automakers in the People’s Republic like Xiaomi receive outright grants from their own government, which is “just not something that exists in the US.”

He also noted that China’s lower labor costs further tip the scales.

“When you take the cost of capital down to zero or less than zero and you have a cost of labor that’s very low – you can do the math, you can build a spreadsheet that can arrive at exactly how they’re doing it,” he explained.

Scaringe added that the reality behind Xiaomi’s pricing isn’t mystical or secretive. “I think it’s like Wizard of Oz. I think when people think there’s a Wizard of Oz, it’s not helpful. It’s like there is no magic in the world. Everything could be analyzed and calculated.”

For as good as the Lucid Air and Gravity are, their price tags keep them out of reach for most buyers. Thankfully, the American brand is working on a more affordable mid-size SUV, and this is our first chance to see it from the rear.

The teaser image arrives almost exactly a year after Lucid first previewed the model’s front, timed to align with an important new partnership with Nvidia.

What Are We Seeing?

The image itself is deliberately dark, but there’s enough light to reveal a three-quarter rear view of what could be named the Earth.

Compared to the Gravity, it’s noticeably smaller, with a roofline that slopes sharply into a compact decklid. The more steeply raked rear glass gives it a sportier silhouette, setting it apart from its larger sibling and bringing it closer in profile to Tesla’s Model Y.

Read: Lucid Teases New Midsize EV That’s Big On Curves, Starting Under $50K

Additionally, Lucid has equipped it with simple horizontal LED taillights, no doubt cheaper than the complex units found on the Air and Gravity.

Other important details visible in this teaser include the newly designed door handle sitting flush with the bodywork and distinctive wheel arches.

Lucid plans to release more than one vehicle on its forthcoming mid-size platform, although details about the others are limited.

We know production of this new SUV will be handled by the carmaker’s AMP-2 factory in Saudi Arabia and should start before the end of next year. It’s expected to hit the market for less than $50,000.

Lucid x Nvidia

The company dropped this teaser of the mid-size model alongside a critical new partnership with Nvidia. Moving forward, Lucid will adopt Nvidia’s Drive AV platform, which promises eyes-off, hands-off, and mind-off Level 4 autonomous driving.

Lucid’s existing DreamDrive Pro system was developed in-house and has already been improved in the Gravity thanks to Nvidia’s systems, allowing for Level 2++ semi-autonomous driving.

To achieve Level 4 driving, Lucid will incorporate Nvidia’s full suite of sensors, including cameras, radar, and LiDAR. Starting with its mid-size models, each vehicle will include two Nvidia Drive AGX Thor accelerated computers running the Nvidia DriveOS operating system.

Lucid says “this next-generation AI computing platform, with its centralized architecture and redundant processors, will unify all automated driving functions, enabling a seamless evolution through the autonomy spectrum.”

The strengthened relationship between Lucid and Nvidia will also bring new automated-driving features to the Gravity via over-the-air software updates.

For Rivian’s earliest customers, timing proved to be an expensive lesson. In early 2022, the young EV maker frustrated reservation holders by announcing steep price hikes for the R1T pickup and R1S SUV just before their launch. As it turns out, that decision came with a hefty price tag of its own.

This week, Rivian confirmed it would pay $250 million to settle a class-action lawsuit filed shortly after those price increases were made public.

Read: Rivian Rethinks Doors Only After Tesla Traps Put Design Flaws In Spotlight

In March 2022, Rivian revealed that prices for the R1T would climb from $67,500 to $79,500, while the R1S would rise from $70,000 to $84,500. Price adjustments aren’t unusual in the auto industry, but few companies raise figures that sharply, Tesla’s occasional curveballs aside.

The real misstep came when Rivian initially applied the new prices to existing reservations. That move hit early adopters who had placed their deposits months earlier the hardest, and it didn’t sit well with them.

Rivian reversed course within days, sparing existing customers from the higher prices and limiting the increases to new buyers. But the damage was done.

Soon after, a lawsuit accused the company of including misleading statements and cost estimates in filings made before its 2021 IPO about the true expenses involved in producing the R1 lineup.

Now, Rivian has agreed to settle the case. The company will pay $250 million in total, with $67 million covered through its directors’ and officers’ liability insurance, and the remaining $183 million drawn from its cash reserves. The agreement still awaits final approval from the court.

Rivian maintains that it denies all allegations and states the settlement “is not an admission of fault or wrongdoing.”

Anyone who acquired Rivian Class A common stock between November 10, 2021, and March 10, 2022, qualifies as part of the settlement group.

The settlement comes at the worst possible time for the car manufacturer. While it had $4.8 billion in cash and equivalents at the end of June, it needs all the money it can get to successfully launch the mid-size R2, which could prove to be a make-or-break moment for the automaker.

Final sales results for the third quarter are now in, closing one of the most closely watched reporting periods the electric vehicle market has seen in recent years. No doubt, the Trump administration’s move to scrap the federal EV tax credit sparked a final buying spree that sent sales figures sharply upward.

Unsurprisingly, two familiar Tesla models held a commanding lead, but several other notable models experienced significant demand spikes.

How Big Was the Jump?

According to Kelley Blue Book data, U.S. EV sales hit an all-time quarterly high of 438,487 units, up 40.7 percent from Q2 and 29.6 percent higher year over year, surpassing the previous record from Q4 2024 by nearly 20 percent.

Electric vehicles also claimed a record 10.5 percent share of total vehicle sales, up from 8.6 percent in the same period last year.

Read: Federal Deadline Turns EV Into One Of VW’s Hottest Sellers

The Tesla Model Y was still comfortably the most popular EV in the United States, as 114,897 were sold during the period, a 29 percent increase from 89,077 delivered last year. Even so, Tesla’s overall market share slipped to 41 percent from 49 percent a year ago.

In second place was another Tesla, the Model 3, at 53,857 units. That result was actually down 7.8 percent year over year, suggesting some buyers may have shifted their attention toward the updated Model Y.

Top 10 Best-Selling EVs In Q3 2025

What About Non-Tesla Models?

The first non-Tesla entrant on the best-sellers list was the Chevrolet Equinox EV. A total of 25,085 were sold, a huge 156.7 percent rise from 9,772.

Positioned not far behind it were the Hyundai Ioniq 5 with 21,999 sales, the Honda Prologue with 20,236 sales, and the Ford Mustang Mach-E with 20,177 sales. The VW ID.4 was also a strong performer for the quarter, with 12,470 units, a 176 percent increase from Q3 2024.

A surprise inclusion among the best-sellers was the Audi Q6 e-tron. A total of 10,299 SUVs were sold during the quarter, an impressive result considering that model’s premium positioning that allowed it to outsell the Ford F-150 Lightning (10,005 units).

Other strong performers included the Rivian R1S with 8,184 sales, the Chevrolet Blazer EV (8,089), the Kia EV9 (7,510), and the Cadillac Lyriq, of which 7,309 found new homes.

Still, fewer than 10 models managed to exceed 10,000 sales in Q3 2025, underscoring how top-heavy the market remains. For most automakers, EV volume remains well below the levels needed for profitability.

The Best Sellers YTD

Year-to-date figures show total U.S. EV sales surpassed 1.04 million units, up 11.7 percent from about 935,000 a year earlier.

Tesla continued to lead with 451,160 units, down 4.3 percent year over year but still holding a 41 percent market share. Chevrolet followed in second place with 87,137 units, a 113 percent jump, while Ford ranked third with 69,600 (+2.8%) and Hyundai came in fourth at 57,167 (+31.1%).

Among individual models, the Tesla Model Y led the way with 265,085 units, down 8 percent year over year, followed by the Model 3 at 155,180, up 18 percent. Chevrolet’s Equinox EV climbed into third place with 52,834 sales, a massive 390 percent surge.

Ford’s Mustang Mach-E posted 41,962, the Hyundai Ioniq 5 reached 41,091, and the Honda Prologue recorded 36,553. Tesla’s Cybertruck ranked seventh at 25,973, edging out the Ford F-150 Lightning’s 23,034 and Volkswagen’s ID.4 at 22,125. The Chevrolet Blazer EV closed the top ten with 20,825 units.

What Happens Next

With federal incentives now expired, analysts expect a cooldown. “The training wheels are coming off,” said Cox Automotive’s Director of Industry Insights, Stephanie Valdez Streaty. “The federal tax credit was a key catalyst for EV adoption, and its expiration marks a pivotal moment.”

Cox Automotive projects a temporary dip in EV sales through late 2025 and early 2026 before growth steadies again over the long term.

John Halas contributed to this story.

BEST SELLING EVs JAN-SEP 2025

EV BRAND SALES USA 2025

EV MODEL SALES USA 2025

Cox Automotive

Lucid has come under fire in the past year for hitting customers with unexpected charges at the end of their leases, often for tiny areas of damage. What began as a few scattered complaints has grown into a avalanche, with more and more owners coming forward to share similar experiences online.

It’s worth noting that Lucid’s leasing arm, Lucid Financial Services, operates in partnership with Bank of America. The bank apparently employs independent inspection firms to assess vehicles when leases end, which adds another layer between Lucid and the customer.

Not too long after we brought you the story of one Lucid Air lessee being charged $2,400 for underbody damage, another lessee has taken to social media to describe their dismay after receiving an even heftier bill.

According to a post on Reddit, they scored a decent deal on an 18-month leases for an Air, but were shocked to be charged $3,800 at the end of the lease for what Lucid describes as “Excess Wear.”

Read: Lucid Owner Hit With Surprise Bill Months After Turning In Their Lease

The first charge, $300, makes sense because one of the key fobs was missing. Then came the single biggest of them all: $2,400 for a damaged front bumper. According to Lucid’s inspector, the bumper had two scratches, one six-inch and one five-inch.

Interestingly, the lower front bumper cover has a pair of 15-inch scratches but will be replaced free of charge. That’s the same part a separate lessee damaged recently and was charged $2,400 for.

Then there are the wheels. Lucid spotted a four-inch area of curb rash on the left front wheel and charged $200 to repair it. It then noticed 19 inches worth of curb rash on the right rear wheel, but rather than repairing it, charged $900 for a replacement.

Paint Chips Are Fine, But Not Curb Rash

On the bright side, the company appears to have accepted some areas of wear and tear on the cover. For example, there are some minor chips on the hood and front cowl and a small dent on the left front door that it hasn’t charged the customer for.

Lucid has offered some compelling leasing deals for the Air, but factoring in the end-of-lease charges, this customer saw their monthly costs effectively increase by $200.

Understandably, people on Reddit weren’t impressed by this incident. “Absolutely crazy! This is equivalent to going to a restaurant and charging for every salt grain added to the dish,” one person wrote.

Another chimed in with their own experience: “I’ve had three Maserati leases, one Ghibli, two GranTurismos that I know Ally/Chase lost a bunch of money from… scrapped them and curbed the wheel and even returned with a crack in the tail light, zero charge and even got my security deposit back on each one!”

If you’ve leased a Lucid yourself, we’d like to hear from you. Did your experience line up with these reports, or was the process smooth from start to finish? Share your story in the comments or reach out to us directly.

Amazon already fields thousands of Rivian-built electric delivery vans across the United States, but the next addition to its fleet will be much smaller, lighter, and human-powered. The company plans to deploy new pedal-assist quads from Also, the micromobility firm spun out of Rivian that’s carving its own niche in the urban logistics scene.

The TM-Q quad, unveiled this week alongside the two-wheeled TM-B, will hit the pavement in spring 2026.

Read: Rivian’s Spinoff Brand Also Is Selling A Futuristic Two-Wheeler With Pedals

Just like the TM-B electric bike that you can buy for a hefty $4,500, the TM-Q quad has a small battery, a generator, and two pedals. These pedals help to power the generator, and the pedal-by-wire drivetrain directs power to the rear.

However, whereas the TM-B has just two wheels, the TM-Q has four and can be configured in a variety of different ways. Amazon’s model has been previewed with a large cargo area at the rear that can reportedly hold more than 400 pounds of packages.

Importantly, it remains small enough to legally use bike lanes and could prove to be perfect for last-mile delivery services, particularly in large, densely populated cities. The e-commerce giant will use the T-MQ throughout the United States and Europe.

Rivian holds a minority stake in Also, and its boss, RJ Scaringe, will serve on Also’s board. The micromobility firm has received $105 million in funding from Eclipse and will make use of Rivian’s retail presence, economies, and scale.

Also says that the TM-Q has been designed, engineered, and tested to automotive standards. Consumer-focused versions of the quad will come without the cargo topper like Amazon’s model, and be available with several different rear beds, including one that has bench seating that fits up to four children.

“Amazon already operates more than 70 micromobility hubs in cities across the U.S. and Europe,” said Emily Barber, Amazon’s Director of Global Fleet.

“Micromobility solutions like pedal-assist e-cargo quads allow us to quickly deliver to customers in dense, urban cities, while helping reduce traffic and noise. Similar to our Rivian EDV partnership, working with ALSO provides an opportunity to continue to innovate in this space, building on our delivery logistics experience, paired with their advanced technology, safety, and performance features,” she added.

A slowing EV market has prompted Rivian to slash more than 600 jobs across its workforce, despite the company’s expansion plans and having several new models in the pipeline.

The layoffs, which represent about 4.5 percent of Rivian’s staff, were announced soon after the company lowered its delivery forecast for the year, now expecting to sell fewer vehicles than in both 2023 and 2024.

Read: Rivian Axes Staff As Trump’s Policies Rip A Hole In Its Revenue Plans

Most of the reductions are being made across commercial teams in Rivian’s servicing and sales divisions. Additionally, Chief executive RJ Scaringe told employees in an internal memo that the company is consolidating several departments into a single marketing organization, with Scaringe temporarily taking the helm himself.

“These are not changes that were made lightly,” Scaringe wrote. “With the changing operating backdrop, we had to rethink how we are scaling our go-to-market functions. This news is challenging to hear, and the hard work and contributions of the team members who are leaving are greatly appreciated.”

These job cuts, first reported by the Wall Street Journal, come just a month after Rivian made a separate round of layoffs, cutting approximately 225 jobs, also targeting its sales and service operations in both the United States and Canada.

Sales Crunch

Rivian reported a record 13,201 sales in the third quarter, marking a 32 percent rise over the previous period. That figure, however, was partly inflated by customers rushing to buy before the federal EV tax credit expired.

Deliveries are expected to drop sharply in the final quarter, with Rivian forecasting year-end sales between 41,500 and 43,500 vehicles. By contrast, the company delivered 50,100 units in 2023 and 51,579 in 2024, signaling a noticeable downturn as the broader EV market settles into a slower growth phase.

Next year, the electric car manufacturer plans to start production of the long-awaited R2. The upcoming model will be smaller than the current R1T and R1S and is expected to start at around $45,000. After it hits the market, Rivian will follow it up with the R3, R4, and R5.

While some Land Cruiser fans are thrilled that Toyota has added a smaller, more affordable model to the lineup with the FJ, many in America were disappointed to learn the new version won’t be sold locally.

Looking through the photos released by Toyota, we couldn’t quite put a finger on what the Land Cruiser FJ reminded us of, aside from the obvious Hilux Champ it’s based on. Then it clicked, after we came across a GM-built model from China that’s now going global.

Read: Toyota’s Baby Land Cruiser FJ Looks Retro Enough To Break Your Heart

The vehicle in question is sold in China as the Baojun Yep Plus and was developed through the GM–Wuling joint venture. It’s not a focused off-roader like the new FJ, nor is it powered by a traditional combustion engine, but rather by an electric powertrain.

Now, we’re not suggesting the FJ copied the Baojun Yep Plus, but it gives off a similar vibe, and to our eyes, it looks every bit as good, if not better, than Toyota’s baby FJ Cruiser.

From the side, the two share a similar silhouette, though the GM model is noticeably smaller at 157.3 inches (3,996 mm) long, 69.3 inches (1,760 mm) wide, and 68 inches (1,726 mm) tall, with a 100.8-inch (2,560 mm) wheelbase, compared with the Toyota’s 180.1 inches (4,575 mm) in length, 73 inches (1,855 mm) in width, and 77.2 inches (1,960 mm) in height, riding on a 101.6-inch (2,580 mm) wheelbase.

Technically, that makes it a baby version of the baby Land Cruiser FJ.

The Yep Plus has the same boxy proportions as the FJ, though its bumpers are smoother and more rounded since it’s not built for off-roading. It also forgoes the Toyota’s jagged wheel arch extensions, while the positioning of the headlights and taillights appears closely aligned.

That said, the FJ’s taillights sit quite high and jut slightly from the body, while the Baojun’s units are more neatly integrated into the rear fascia.

There’s no doubt that weaving retro cues into a new design, as GM and Wuling have done with the Yep Plus, helps it resonate with a wider audience. Toyota has taken a similar route with the FJ, giving it a retro-modern character that plenty of buyers would likely appreciate. It’s just a shame it won’t reach the United States.

Brazil Gets its own Baojun

In July, GM revealed that it would export the Yep Plus to Brazil, rebadging it as the Chevrolet Spark EUV. It will be sold as standard with a 42 kWh battery pack and a single rear-mounted electric motor with 101 hp and 133 lb-ft (180 Nm) of torque, giving it 249 miles (401 km) of range on the CLTC cycle.

While we’re not convinced it would sell in big numbers if launched in the U.S. as an affordable EV, it could find success with a small, efficient combustion engine paired with a more rugged makeover featuring wider fenders and extra plastic cladding. What do you think?

2025 Chevrolet Spark EUV

2025 Toyota Land Cruiser FJ