Following the ouster of Carlos Tavares, Stellantis has been making big changes. As part of the shakeup, the company killed plug-in hybrids in North America and axed the fully electric Ram 1500 REV. Ram also brought back the 5.7-liter Hemi V8 and the supercharged 6.2-liter V8 in the TRX.

These are notable developments and they’re costing Stellantis a fortune. In particular, the automaker announced a $26.2 (€22.2) billion charge that is primarily related to their shift towards “freedom of choice.” This effectively means consumers can choose the powertrain of their liking as the company will offer internal combustion engines, hybrids, and EVs.

More: Stellantis Quietly Kills Its Plug-In Hybrids In America

The revelation was part of a larger announcement, where the company revealed a “reset of its business.” We’ll learn more during Stellantis’ Investor Day event on May 21, but the automaker is dialing back on EVs as the “pace … needs to be governed by demand rather than command.”

CEO Antonio Filosa said, “The reset we have announced today is part of the decisive process we started in 2025, to once again make our customers and their preferences our guiding star.” He added the massive charges “largely reflect the cost of over-estimating the pace of the energy transition that distanced us from many car buyers’ real-world needs, means and desires.”

Filosa also slammed his predecessor as he noted the “impact of previous poor operational execution, the effects of which are being progressively addressed by our new team.”

Breaking Down The Numbers

Stellantis said $17.4 (€14.7) billion was due to re-aligning product plans with customer preferences and new emission regulations in the United States. It also reflects “significantly reduced expectations for BEV products.” Speaking of which, the company is writing off $3.4 (€2.9) billion related to cancelled projects.

Stellantis is also taking a $2.5 (€2.1) billion hit to “resize” their EV supply chain, while $6.4 (€5.4) billion is from other changes in the company’s operations such as workforce reductions in Europe.

For the second half of 2025, the company expects revenues of $92.2 – $94.6 (€78 – €80) billion. While that sounds pretty good, the company is expecting a net loss of $22.4 – $24.8 (€19 – €21) billion.

That’s a jaw dropping figure and Stellantis is responding by eliminating the annual dividend for 2026. The company’s board also authorized issuing up to $5.9 (€5) billion in bonds.

Needless to say, investors were spooked and Stellantis stock tumbled a staggering 23.69% to close at $7.28 (€6.16) per share.

A Few Silver Linings

Despite a lot of bad news, Stellantis revealed some positive developments including that second half consolidated shipments rose 11% to 2.8 million units. The company went on to note they saw growth in a number of key markets including North America, South America, Enlarged Europe, China, and the Middle East & Africa region.

The company is also addressing quality problems and this seems to be working. Stellantis said the “number of issues reported for vehicles in their first month of service decreased over 50% in North America, and over 30% in Enlarged Europe since the beginning of 2025.” The company chalked part of this early success up to improved methods and beefing up their engineering teams.

Furthermore, Stellantis is hoping a slew of new and updated products will drive sales. Key among them is the new Jeep Cherokee, Compass, and Recon as well as the facelifted Grand Cherokee and Grand Wagoneer. The Dodge Charger should also get a boost from a new twin-turbo inline-six, while the Hemi-powered Ram 1500 is already proving popular.

Ford is already dominating the recall chart and we can add two more campaigns to their early lead. Both of them involve the Transit and one is hot stuff.

As you may have guessed, it involves a fire risk on the 2026 E-Transit. The van’s high-voltage battery pack could be missing washers, which can “cause high electrical resistance or electrical arcing.” This increases the risk of a fire as well as the potential for a loss of propulsion.

More: Ford’s Work Van Just Got A Lot Smarter, But You’ll Pay The Price For 2026

98 vehicles are impacted and the issue was traced back to missing washers on bolts used to secure busbar connections in the battery pack. Ford became aware of the issue last November, when a worker noticed two bolts were missing conical washers.

This kicked off an investigation, which eventually blamed the problem on a supplier sorting error that failed to detect the absence of washers during production. Thankfully, this appears to have been a rare oversight as Ford isn’t aware of any field reports and believes just 1 percent of the recall population is impacted, which equates to one van.

However, it’s better to be safe than sorry, so dealers will inspect and replace the busbar fasteners as needed. If there’s a bigger issue, technicians will replace the entire busbar.

Loose Engine Crossmembers

The second recall involves 1,403 Transit vans from the 2023 and 2024 model years. These vehicles have engine crossmembers that may not have been properly secured, which means the engine can shift and, potentially, result in brake failure or a loss of drive power.

The models were equipped with the off-road focused Trail package and the government says fasteners used to secure the engine crossmember to the vehicle body may not have included a washer. This can result in joint failure over time, causing the engine to slip out of position.

Last summer, Ford learned the Transit Trail modifier used substitute bolts that may not have included washers. This hadn’t been validated, so the automaker ran a series of tests to examine the possible implications. These “confirmed engine slip and loss of clamp load on assemblies with no washers.”

No problems have been reported and 1.1 percent of the vehicles are believed to be missing washers. Notification letters will go out later this month and dealers will replace the crossmember fasteners.

Genesis started out life as a high-end Hyundai, but it was eventually spun off as a luxury brand. The two companies have continued diverging ever since and a big differentiator is coming next year.

It’s a bespoke platform, which promises to deliver performance and refinement worthy of a premium brand. The architecture has reportedly been designed to be flexible and can accommodate both hybrid and electric powertrains.

More: There’s A V8 Under This Genesis Coupe That’s Breaking Every Rule It Can

Speaking to Autocar, Genesis Motor Europe’s Managing Director Peter Kronschnabl said, “It was decided that in order to fulfill the requirements of the brand’s driving dynamics, Genesis needs its own platform for … future models.”

Kronschnabl went on to suggest the architecture will be sporty as it will have “relatively direct steering” as well as a ride that’s firm, but comfortable. He added the new platform should enable Genesis to deliver driving dynamics that echo that of other premium brands.

It remains unclear what models will ride on the new architecture, but Genesis is working on an assortment of new vehicles including a high-performance sports car that was previewed by the Magma GT concept. The luxury brand is aiming to increase annual sales to 350,000 units by 2030 and this will be aided by the introduction of new hybrid, electric, and range-extended vehicles.

However, Kronschnabl suggested Genesis won’t go overboard and try to fill every niche known to man. As he explained, “We are not into that. At the moment, it’s very clear and segmented: we have the GV60, GV70 and the Electrified G80, and even with the new products we will not go to find the last niche, because this leads to confusion of customers.”

Karma Automotive, which emerged from the remnants of Fisker Automotive, recently ended production of its range-extender Revero and is now turning its attention to a far more ambitious project. In late 2023, the American brand previewed the Kaveya, a hypercar-rivaling electric coupe, and to bring it to life, it’s teaming up with a local solid-state battery manufacturer.

That partner is Factorial, a solid-state battery company with close ties to several global OEMs, including Mercedes-Benz, Hyundai, Kia, and Stellantis. Its technology will form the foundation of Karma’s upcoming electric platform, which will debut in the Kaveya.

Read: Karma Is Moving On Up, Sets Sights On McLaren And Ferrari

Technical specifications for the battery pack are not yet known, but Factorial’s proprietary FEST (Factorial Electrolyte System Technology) solid-state design is engineered for compatibility with current lithium-ion manufacturing lines.

Up to 80 percent of the same production equipment can be reused, which could dramatically cut costs and speed up deployment. For a low-volume manufacturer like Karma, that’s a critical advantage.

Waiting Until the Tech Could Catch Up

Karma president and chief executive Marques McCammon says Karma delayed the launch of the Kaveya last year as it “did not yet see a clear path to fully delivering the uncompromising driving experience that should be expected from an American ultra-luxury vehicle company.”

Thanks to its partnership with Factorial, the company’s solid-state battery will offer better efficiency and a longer driving range compared with traditional lithium-ion batteries. When the Kaveya was first previewed, it was going to use a 120 kWh pack with over 250 miles (402 km) of range. In all likelihood, the new solid-state pack will be smaller and offer more range.

“Launching our first U.S. passenger-vehicle program with Karma is a meaningful milestone for Factorial,” said CEO Siyu Huang. “FEST was built to scale, and this milestone not only highlights the energy and performance solid-state technology can deliver but also underscores the global leadership of U.S. technology innovators. High-performance luxury vehicles require cutting-edge innovation, and this collaboration showcases what’s possible when performance leads.”

Hypercar Performance

Karma has already outlined some of the performance targets for the Kaveya. Dual electric motors will combine for a total output of 1,180 hp and 1,270 lb-ft (1,720 Nm) of torque. That should be enough to get the car from zero to 60 mph (96 km/h) in under 3 seconds, with a projected top speed north of 180 mph (290 km/h)

Xiaomi isn’t content with making an SUV that looks almost as good as Ferrari’s. The Chinese tech giant’s high performance YU7 GT has surfaced in official Chinese filings, and if the numbers are right, this thing has enough power to make some V12 Purosangue owners sweat into their designer driving gloves.

Related: A Xiaomi EV Was Spotted In America, And A US Maker Might Be Behind It

The regular YU7 is already turning heads by mixing sleek looks with serious EV grunt. Now Xiaomi has cranked the dial way past sensible. The GT version gets a dual-motor setup pushing a combined 738 kW, which works out to about 990 hp (1,004 PS). Its combustion Ferrari lookalike makes do with 715 hp (725 PS / 733 kW).

Okay, so that’s not quite as crazy as the 1,526 hp (1,547 PS / 1,138 kW) punched out by the hottest version of the YU7’s sedan brother, the SU7 Ultra, but we doubt anyone who buys one will feel it lacking in go.

Spec papers logged with Chinas’ Ministry of Industry, Information and Technology (MIIT) list the top speed as 186 mph (300 kmh) and we’d put money on that being artificially limited. The battery is a lithium pack from CATL but electric range details are still under wraps.

Subtle Menace

Visually, the GT dials up the drama with, chunkier bumpers with angrier air intakes and a large rear diffuser. Red brake calipers peek out from behind 21 inch wheels, and there are matching red GT badges on the rail and doors to make sure nobody mistakes this for the sensible family version.

The regular YU7 lineup already stretches from single-motor, rear-drive models with around 315 hp (320 PS / 235 kW)  up to dual-motor versions with as much as 681 hp (691 PS / 508 kW). Those cars helped Xiaomi rack up huge sales in China and even outranked the Tesla Model Y on home turf.

Priced to Shame Porsche

The YU7 GT sits higher, both in performance and, most likely, price. Early chatter from China point to a range between 450,000 and 500,000 yuan, or roughly $60,000 to $70,000. Porsche’s new Cayenne Turbo Electric makes significantly more power, with 1,139 hp (1,155 PS / 850 kW), but it starts at $163,000 in the U.S. and is expected to cost at least twice as much as the Xiaomi in China. No surprise, then, that Porsche is struggling.

Baldauf

Could the second-generation Tesla Roadster finally be on the verge of actually hitting the market? Well, if history is any guide, don’t hold your breath. It’s been more than eight years since it first showed up as a concept, but two recent trademark applications suggest things might actually be moving, and that the car could, just maybe, be inching closer to something.

Earlier this week, Tesla submitted two trademark filings with the United States Patent and Trademark Office, as first spotted by Business Insider. The first features three sharp lines that outline the sleek silhouette of the two-door, all-electric supercar. It could be used in marketing or possibly even serve as the foundation for a new badge.

Read: Tesla Chief Swears We’ll See A Demo Of The Roadster This Year

The second application depicts the ‘Roadster’ name in all-caps. It uses a custom font that’s slanted and has a sci-fi vibe, perfect for a vehicle like this.

Since its initial reveal in November 2017, details on the production Roadster have been scarce. Tesla originally promised a massive 200 kWh battery pack, claiming over 620 miles (1,000 km) of range per charge. Performance targets were just as ambitious, including a 0–60 mph (96 km/h) time of 1.9 seconds and a top speed north of 250 mph (402 km/h).

The electric car industry has advanced significantly since the Roadster was first previewed, so we expect it to reach the market with different performance and range figures. A 200 kWh pack, which would be extraordinarily heavy, seems unlikely, particularly given how much more energy-dense and efficient battery packs are now.

Last October, Tesla chief designer Franz von Holzhausen said Tesla would demo the new car before the end of 2025. That deadline came and went without anyone outside of the company seeing the new car in the flesh. He also said production would start within two years, but as with every promise made about the Roadster over the past decade, we’re taking that with a grain of salt.

Not long after updating the 2026 A5 and Q5 models for the US market, Audi has applied a similar round of changes to its electric offerings, the A6 e-tron and Q6 e-tron. Set to arrive in the second quarter as 2027 models, both come equipped with upgraded tech and features.

One of the most noticeable changes lies directly in front of the driver. Audi’s latest steering wheels come fitted with piano-black haptic-style buttons that work either by touch or swipe. They’re difficult to use and should probably be replaced altogether.

Read: Audi’s 2026 A5 And Q5 Fix One Of Its Most Annoying Interior Decisions

Audi hasn’t walked away from the design entirely, but at least it has scaled things back in the 2027MYs. Some of the more finicky haptic controls have been replaced with physical scroll wheels. The one on the right adjusts volume, while the left now controls gauge cluster menus and settings.

2027 Audi A6 e-tron

What Else is New?

As with the updated A5 and Q5, the electric A6 and Q6 models can be optioned with a dashcam through the Premium trim package, while the Premium Plus models include one as standard. The 4K dashcam is mounted at the base of the rear-view mirror and can be configured to automatically save recordings when triggered.

Audi has also added a new Technology package that includes an augmented-reality head-up display and a dedicated display for the front passenger. The infotainment system gets a few upgrades of its own. Navigation has been made more intuitive, and smartphone integration is smoother than before.

Similarly, the virtual cockpit has been tweaked with different displays and now has fewer icons. Regardless of the viewing mode selected, dedicated time and outside temperature displays will appear in the upper-right corner. Of more importance is the fact that a driver’s smartphone navigation, media, and telephone functions can be displayed directly onto the gauge cluster.

2027 Audi A6 e-tron and Q6 e-tron

For the 2027 A6 e-tron and Q6 e-tron models, Audi has also improved its voice control function, meaning it can now be used to operate things like the adaptive cruise control and air suspension. The central and passenger displays can now also be paired with controllers, making them even better for in-car gaming.

Driving Improvements

In terms of driving, Audi has improved the regenerative braking function to include a one-pedal mode. The S6 Sportback e-tron has also been updated to include a new Dynamic Plus driving mode that allows for controlled oversteer.

Three versions of the 2027 Audi A6 will be available. The standard 375 hp e-tron starts at $66,700, followed by the 456 hp e-tron quattro at $68,700. At the top sits the 543 hp S6 Sportback e-tron, priced at $79,600.

The Q6 e-tron comes in four versions. The base e-tron SUV quattro and e-tron Sportback quattro each produce 456 hp, with pricing starting at $64,500 and $68,300, respectively. Above those sit the SQ6 e-tron SUV at $73,200 and the SQ6 Sportback at $75,600.

2027 Audi Q6 e-tron

GM’s BrightDrop electric vans may not be done just yet. After nearly four months of uncertainty, an unexpected lifeline may be taking shape. GM had announced it would end production of the vans at its Ontario plant in Canada, effectively shutting down one of its more high-profile EV ventures. Now, a European engineering firm has reportedly shown interest in buying the facility and restarting production.

The company in question is Dumarey Group, a Belgium-based engineering and manufacturing firm. In 2020, Dumarey acquired GM’s propulsion engineering center in Turin, Italy, and now appears poised to deepen its relationship with the American automaker.

Read: GM And Stellantis Got The Cash, Now Canada Wants A Refund

According to a recent report, the group aims to build BrightDrop vans in Canada, then ship them across the Atlantic to European markets.

Limited details about the potential deal are known, but GM Authority reports the firm’s chief executive and founder, Guido Dumarey, plans to tour the Ingersoll plant soon.

A Fragile Hope for CAMI Employees

This could be great news for workers at the plant, many of whom have been facing an uncertain future since GM announced it would stop production. However, a significant number of the laid-off employees remain on GM’s callback list in case production resumes on a new vehicle at the CAMI facility. That means Dumarey would likely need to negotiate with GM to bring those workers on board.

Speaking with CTV News, Brendan Sweeney, managing director of a London-based non-profit agency, said Dumarey could be a good fit. However, he suspects it may only need a few hundred workers to handle production, meaning it’s unlikely the plant will return to the 3,000-strong workforce it had when it was building the Chevrolet Equinox and GMC Terrain.

“[Dumarey are] diversified,” Sweeney said. “They engage with a number of different technologies, including fuel cells, which is a really interesting play for Canada that, you know, might get a bit more gain more steam.”

The CAMI assembly plant began producing BrightDrop electric vans in 2022. Despite GM’s hopes, the program struggled to maintain momentum. Even after BrightDrop was folded into Chevrolet to bolster visibility and sales, the vans failed to establish a solid foothold in the EV delivery space.

The average new car now stands at $50k, and that’s a stretch too far for many American drivers, who in some case have drifted to used lots and rival brands. But Ford wants to throw them a lifeline, well, actually five lifelines, promising a wave of sub-$40,000 vehicles before the end of the decade.

Ford executives told retailers at this week’s NADA Show meeting that five new models priced under $40k will join the lineup by the end of the decade, Automotive News reports. That is not just one bargain hero car, but a whole lineup.

Related: Ford Just Killed A Popular SUV And Dealers Are Not Happy

The first arrival is one we already know about, a midsize electric pickup coming next year, a truck dealers are already buzzing about. Previous reports suggest it could land around the $30k mark, which in today’s market qualifies as almost suspiciously affordable and could leave startup Slate’s electric truck dead in the water.

Cross-Segment

But Ford’s plans go far beyond one electric truck. Andrew Frick, who heads up Ford Blue and Model e, told Auto News the new products will span cars, trucks, SUVs, and vans with a mix of powertrains. These will be brand new nameplates, not just cheaper versions of existing models.

“It will be across our lineup of cars, trucks, SUVs, vans, and it will be multi-energy,” Frick said. “That’ll start to fill in the product side, but we have work to do to help affordability in the near term more tactically.”

That sounds great, but dealers still have some short term pain to manage.

Short-term Gap

A big hole in the lineup is centered around the Escape (pictured below). Ford stopped building its entry level crossover in December, and although dealers still have stock to sell, at some point this year they’ll be left with a gap right where many first time and budget focused buyers used to land.

“We understand we’ll be selling Escape into this year, but at some point we’ll run out,” Frick explained. “That does not mean we cannot continue to drive profitable growth through the nameplates we have.”

Dealers have been clear they would love a proper replacement, and while they are dreaming, maybe even an affordable sedan too.

In the meantime, Ford plans to push more entry level trims of models like Explorer and Bronco, lean harder on certified pre owned cars, and offer longer loans and first-time buyer programs. Frick told said there are about 10 separate actions in motion to tackle affordability, so the next time you head down to your Ford dealer, don’t be afraid to bargain hard.

BMW learned a hard lesson in 2022 when it tried to charge a subscription fee for heated seats, prompting swift and widespread backlash. While the company walked that decision back within a year, it’s still firmly committed to the broader idea of subscription-based features.

In the case of the all-new iX3, BMW will ask its customers to subscribe to features such as the 360-degree camera and the Driving Assistant Pro package, which includes hands-free driving on highways and semi-autonomous features for urban settings, much like Tesla’s approach with its own systems nowadays.

Read: BMW iX3 M Coming As A Quad Motor Performance EV

This comes even as BMW concedes that offering heated seats as a subscription option was a mistake, and the fact that all new iX3s will have the hardware for advanced-driving assistance systems and the 360-degree camera.

Other features, such as real-time traffic updates and adaptive suspension, are also sold as subscriptions depending on the market. In Australia, adaptive suspension can be activated after purchase for A$29 (US$20) per month, with a one-month free trial to get drivers acquainted.

Why BMW Still Believes in Subscriptions

“The criticism we got was from the seat heating, so this was probably not the best way to start with it,” BMW head of product communications Alexandra Landers told Australia’s Drive. “However, we decided for the technology, everything is on board, but for the additional other systems, we also have costs for running. You have cloud use, and that is cost.”

“If you use it, we have to pay for it. It’s not everything important [to every customer], but the technology is important [to have in all vehicles], and we still believe in the option offer structure that you do not have to decide from the start if you want this ADAS [safety] system.”

Landers added that having subscriptions can be useful for owners who may change their mind about having a certain feature during their ownership. “For example, if they’re sitting in a traffic jam, and think ‘Oh, maybe I should have bought [ADAS] two years ago’. And then they can, you know, add it online.”

BMW will tie downloadable over-the-air software updates to its subscriptions. For example, as ADAS systems are improved, updates could be introduced to paying subscribers.

Some features, however, will reach certain regions before others. BMW confirmed that semi-autonomous driving functions will first roll out in Germany before expanding to other markets.

Performance Stays Unlocked

That said, BMW has ruled out certain types of paid upgrades entirely. Customers won’t be able to unlock more power or battery range through remote updates, as the automaker believes base vehicles should deliver full performance from the start.

“Because this is the thing we say, you buy a car with maximum power, and we are not a tuner. You just felt that 345 kilowatt (463hp), so why restrict it and then have [customers] pay [more] for it? That didn’t make sense for us as an offer strategy.”

Will Buyers Push Back?

It remains to be seen how customers will respond to the subscription offerings for the latest BMW models, particularly the new iX3. While locking the advanced semi-autonomous driving system behind a paywall isn’t unique in the industry, as Tesla does with its supervised Full-Self Driving suite, requiring a subscription for features like a 360-degree camera, is bound to be controversial.

A dissatisfied Rolls-Royce buyer in Texas has filed a lawsuit against the automaker, claiming her 2025 Spectre Black Badge failed just four months after delivery due to an serious battery defect. With the brand planning additional EVs, including an electric sedan and SUV, the legal dispute is a headache it’d rather not have to deal with.

Read: Spectre Black Badge Is The Most Powerful Rolls-Royce Ever Created

The complaint, filed against Rolls-Royce Motor Cars North America and authorized dealer Avondale Dealership, alleges that plaintiff Marci M. Donovitz paid $546,385 for a bespoke Rolls-Royce Spectre Black Badge in early 2025. She took delivery on June 23, 2025.

Buyer Says Car Failed in Four Months

Things soon turned sour. According to the filing, the vehicle “experienced a sudden and serious malfunction” in October, just months after delivery. The plaintiff claims the EV would “soon become inoperable” and sent it to the dealer for inspection.

The dealership reportedly informed her by text that parts had been ordered, but were on backorder with no estimated delivery date.

Rolls-Royce Spectre Black Badge

After 40 days with no progress, Donovitz retained legal counsel and sent a letter to Rolls-Royce requesting that it repurchase the vehicle and issue a refund. The company declined. As of February, the lawsuit states, the Spectre remains in the possession of Avondale Dealership and has not been repaired. The filing refers to the luxury EV as a “lemon.”

Also: California Court Strips Lemon Law Protections For Used Cars Under Warranty

It further claims the vehicle suffers from a “serious battery defect rendering it unsafe and undrivable.” It’s also claimed that Rolls-Royce and the dealer have failed to diagnose or repair the vehicle within a reasonable timeframe, and they’ve retained the car even as it depreciates.

Resale Value in Question

The complaint additionally alleges that Rolls-Royce was aware of reliability concerns and declining secondary-market performance related to the Spectre but failed to disclose this information to the plaintiff at or before the time of sale.

More: GM Buys Back Lemon C8 Corvette And Allows Customer To Upgrade To New Z06

Donovitz is seeking economic damages, including a full repurchase or rescission of the sale, damages for loss of use and enjoyment, diminished value, incidental and consequential losses, pre- and post-judgment interest, and attorney’s fees and legal costs associated with pursuing the case.

Canadian Prime Minister Mark Carney has introduced a new automotive strategy that “rewards the production of made-in-Canada vehicles and harnesses our world-class capabilities in artificial intelligence and technology expertise to build the cars of the future.”

As part of this effort, the country is revamping its electric vehicle mandate once again. The goal is to “rationalize emissions reduction policies” and put Canada on a path that will see 75% of sales come from EVs by 2035. That would then climb to 90% by 2040. This is a notable shift as the country was previously looking at reaching 100% by 2035.

More: Canada Walks Back EV Mandate Amid US Trade War

Furthermore, Canada is repealing the Electric Vehicle Availability Standard and increasing emissions standards. The government said this will “allow manufacturers to use a wide array of technologies to meet the [new] standards and respond to consumer preferences in the near-term, while driving EV adoption over time.”

New Incentives For Canadians To Go Green

While the country is tapping the brakes on the electric vehicle transition, they’ll encourage Canadians to buy EVs with a new five-year program that will provide individuals and businesses with incentives to go green. Electric and fuel cell vehicles will be eligible for up to $5,000 CAD (3,658 USD), while plug-in hybrids can get up to $2,500 CAD ($1,829 USD).

Canada’s auto industry is facing huge pressures, leaving workers and businesses in a state of uncertainty. So we’re taking control — and launching a new strategy that will transform the industry to be a global leader in electric vehicles.

We’ll reward the production of…

— Mark Carney (@MarkJCarney) February 5, 2026

There’s a $50,000 CAD ($36,574 USD) limit on the final transaction price for vehicles made in countries Canada has a free-trade agreement with, but Canadian-made EVs and PHEVs have no price cap at all.

To further encourage adoption, Canada will invest $1.5 billion CAD ($1.1 billion USD) to improve their charging infrastructure. This aims to make it “easier and more convenient for drivers to charge their EVs across the country.”

Incentives For Businesses As Well

The government is setting aside up to $3.1 billion CAD ($2.3 billion USD) to “help the auto industry adapt, grow, and diversify to new markets.” There will also be tax incentives to encourage companies to invest in electric vehicles as well as clean technologies.

On top of that, the country aims to strengthen the competitiveness of their auto sector by rewarding companies that produce and invest in Canada. They’ll also maintain counter-tariffs on automotive imports from the United States and look to grow automotive imports from elsewhere.

China is front and center as vehicles will be imported from there in the near future. Ultimately, Canada hopes Chinese automakers will setup shop in the country and build vehicles locally. This could help fill the void left by American automakers, who have moved some production stateside.

Support For Autoworkers

Canada announced a handful of measures designed to protect autoworkers in an era of trade wars and electrification. In particular, there will be a new Work-Sharing grant that aims to support worker retention and prevent layoffs.

The country will also provide employment assistance and reskilling support for up to 66,000 people including displaced auto workers. This will be made possible by a $570 million CAD ($417 million USD) investment.

American Tariffs Push Canada To Embrace Other Countries

The government noted over 90% of Canadian-made vehicles and 60% of Canadian-made parts are exported to the United States. This is a huge problem as Canadian-made vehicles have faced a 25% tariff in America (on non-US content) since April.

The country said the tariff is “threatening Canada’s automotive manufacturing industry and the 125,000 direct jobs it supports.” Given this, the country is looking to develop a more independent economy and one that can ship Canadian-made vehicles to new export markets.

In a statement, Carney said “Canada’s new government is fundamentally transforming our economy – from one reliant on a single trade partner, to one that is stronger, more independent, and more resilient to global shocks. We are making strategic decisions and generational investments to build a strong Canadian auto sector, where Canadian workers build the cars of the future.”

Unifor welcomes elements of the new federal auto policy, while calling for bold steps to protect Canadian auto jobs and secure a future for workers at idled plants in Brampton and Ingersoll. #canlabhttps://t.co/r8CXSmPp0S

— Unifor (@UniforTheUnion) February 5, 2026

As electric vehicles become a bigger part of the global conversation, Canada’s latest trade move has stirred plenty of debate at home. The government’s new agreement with China, which slashes tariffs on a limited number of EVs from 100 percent to just 6.1 percent, has sparked plenty of controversy. Still, a new poll suggests that most Canadians support bringing more Chinese-made electric vehicles into the market.

A recent poll conducted by Leger reveals that most Canadians are not only aware of the deal but also largely supportive of increased access to Chinese EVs.

Read: China Is Ready To Start Building Cars In Canada

According to the results, 70 percent of respondents said they were familiar with the agreement, and 62 percent expressed some level of support for allowing more Chinese electric cars into the market. Of those, 24 percent strongly backed the policy while 38 percent indicated moderate support.

Support Varies, But the Appeal Is Clear

The Canadian Press that shared the results highlighted that support was particularly strong in Quebec, where 72 percent of respondents favored the policy. That figure outpaces the national average and suggests regional dynamics may be at play when it comes to openness toward foreign electric vehicle brands.

The survey, conducted online between Jan. 30 and Feb. 2 among 1,570 respondents, found awareness of the agreement was notably higher among men and Canadians aged 55 and over.

It’s easy to see why many Canadians are in favor. Chinese manufacturers such as BYD, Chery, and Geely have made a name for themselves by delivering well-equipped EVs at competitive prices. Their cars have found traction in several overseas markets and are increasingly seen as value leaders in a segment often criticized for high costs.

Australia offers a telling example. There, Chinese EVs have become a regular sight, with many models priced comparably to traditional gasoline vehicles. Their arrival has not only expanded consumer choice but also pressured legacy automakers to trim prices to stay in the game. The same kind of market shake-up could easily play out in Canada.

Concerns Remain

Despite the support, Canadians do have their concerns about Chinese electric cars. For example, the poll shows many respondents are worried about vehicle quality and durability.

Three quarters of those surveyed reported at least one concern related to Chinese EVs, with additional worries tied to potential effects on Canada’s domestic auto industry, vehicle safety standards, and broader geopolitical tensions.

They also have concerns about data security and privacy. Shortly after the trade deal was announced, Ontario Premier Doug Ford suggested the vehicles could be used to spy on Canadians.

The tie-up between Canada and China will not result in local roads being overrun by Chinese cars. As part of the agreement, a cap will initially limit imports at the reduced tariff rate to 49,000 vehicles per year, with half of these priced below CA$35,000 (roughly $25,000). The 49,000-vehicle cap matches the number of Chinese-made EVs already imported into Canada in 2023.

You’ve probably noticed it too: e-bikes are everywhere these days, and not always in the safest hands. Across the country, cities are scrambling to respond to a rise in reckless riding, much of it by young teens weaving through streets and sidewalks with little regard for rules, or risk. Irvine, California, is now the latest city preparing to take a harder stance.

Read: Florida Wants To Make You Get A License To Ride Your E-Bike

The city council in Irvine has voted 6-1 in favor of new restrictions targeting e-bikes and scooter use. Among the most significant changes are stricter penalties for modifying e-bikes to exceed legal speed limits, expanded powers for local police to impound vehicles, and the potential for repeat violations to be treated as misdemeanors.

When Parents Share the Blame

Repeat offenders may soon find themselves facing more than just a warning. Fines could reach up to $500, particularly for riders caught flouting the new rules multiple times. Local officials also want to increase accountability among parents, especially those who knowingly allow their children to ride in violation of city ordinances.

A growing number of young locals have been seen riding their e-bikes dangerously on sidewalks, bicycle paths, and roads. As part of the changes, 20 mph speed limits will be enforced on bicycle paths and trails, and a 10 mph limit on sidewalks. Sidewalk speed limits would drop further to 5 mph when children are present in school zones.

Before authorities take the step to impound e-bikes of repeat offenders, Irvine Police Department lieutenant Shaheen Jahangard says officers will need to consider several important factors, Voice of OC reports.

“Discretion is going to depend on the circumstances of the situation — how compliant the juvenile is when they’re being detained or stopped for the violation, what the violation is, how egregious is it, are their parents or guardian able to respond to pick up their electric bicycle,” Jahangard said.

“There’s a lot of factors the officers will take into consideration before impounding an e-bike.”

In the past three years, 70 percent of bicycle collisions in Irvine have involved a juvenile rider, and 65 percent of them involved an e-bike. Cracking down on reckless riders seems like common sense, particularly as powerful e-bikes become increasingly popular among the youth.

It’s a new year, and for Porsche, it begins with a leadership shakeup that might reshape more than just boardroom priorities. The brand has a new CEO, Michael Leiters, and within days of stepping in, he’s reportedly reconsidering the future of the all-electric 718 Boxster and Cayman.

That would be a huge reversal of course for the automaker, but here’s the real kicker: new reports suggest the unceremonious end of Audi’s new Concept C sports car before it ever reaches production.

Read: Porsche’s New CEO Might Kill The Cayman, Boxster EVs Before They Even Launch

Leiters has reportedly begun a sweeping review of Porsche’s operations as sales slump in China and profit margins took a big hit. One of the biggest question marks is the electric 718 program, which has been plagued by delays, ballooning costs, and battery supply issues following the bankruptcy of Swedish cell supplier Northvolt.

Electric Sports Cars in Limbo

Insiders told German publication Handelsblatt that the battery issue has become particularly thorny, and finding a viable replacement would come with significant cost increases. Some within Porsche lay blame at the feet of former CEO Oliver Blume, saying he let the program’s problems drag on for too long.

More: Porsche Posts Its Biggest Drop In Sixteen Years

According to sources cited by Bloomberg, Porsche is now actively debating whether continuing development of the electric Cayman and Boxster even makes financial sense.

Audi CEO Gernot Döllner has tied much of his turnaround strategy to a new halo model known internally as Concept C and rumored to revive the TT nameplate and centering much of its future design around it. And the trouble is that it’s engineered around the same Porsche-developed EV platform intended for the electric 718.

Can Audi Go It Alone?

The shared architecture was supposed to deliver cost savings and accelerate development. Without it, Audi may be forced to either shelve the Concept C entirely or buy and finish the platform independently.

Insiders told the German publication indicate that such a move could cost Audi a nine-figure sum. There’s no telling how long it would take Audi to sort out the development and get a production car ready to roll. Help isn’t coming from any other direction, either.

Volkswagen Group’s next-generation SSP platform, which will underpin most future EVs across its brands, isn’t expected to be ready before mid-2028. All of this is going on as Porsche is struggling to manage shifting industry sands. Sales of the Taycan have fallen off a cliff in China, and tariffs are making things a lot harder in the U.S. as well.

Projections for China, once Porsche’s biggest growth engine, have been cut from 100,000 units to just 30,000 to 40,000 in 2026, with the brand recently deciding to shut down more than a third of its dealerships in the country.

More: The Concept C Is So Close To Production Audi Got It Street Legal

Audi, for its part, publicly showcased the Concept C in Milan last September during a high-profile launch event complete with celebrity appearances. At that event, Döllner described it as “the first visible evidence of Audi’s transformation as a company.” He emphasized that the model marks a break from the brand’s past design language and lays the groundwork for what comes next.

Concept C is Key to Audi’s Lineup

That foundation isn’t limited to design either. The Concept C’s tech platform is intended to underpin Audi’s future lineup. Originally, the sports car was scheduled to launch in 2027.

The big question now is whether Döllner will stick with Leiters’ cost-cutting approach or push ahead with Concept C, even if it means spending hundreds of millions to take over and finish the platform on Audi’s own terms by 2027.

For now, both companies are staying quiet. Porsche says no final decisions have been made, while Audi declined to comment on the Concept C’s future.

The last year has been full of stories surrounding dangerous door handle design. Now, China is banning retractable handles, beginning with electric vehicles. A newly uncovered video highlights why. After a collision with a truck, one Dongfeng eπ007 turns into a full conflagration in less than a minute.

While the video went viral today, Dongfeng itself confirmed that the crash actually occurred in Wenshan, Yunnan province, on March 19, 2025.

In it, we see the Chinese electric sedan, which, notably, serves as the base for Nissan’s popular N7, spins and slides off the road before it hits some construction fencing. Nothing about the crash looks particularly devastating, but apparently, somewhere along the line, the battery ends up punctured.

Why Seconds Count

The driver pops out of the car immediately, but can’t open the rear door. The handles won’t extend out of the body of the door itself. Then, his door also shuts and no longer responds to similar attempts to open it. 29 seconds after the initial impact, smoke is billowing from the passenger side of the car, and all of the doors are shut.

More: China Officially Bans Pop-Out Door Handles, And The World May Follow

The driver begins trying to break the window with his elbow. Another individual runs up, and the pair uses rocks to break the side windows. Then, the real work begins as they pull two occupants from the car rather quickly. 52 seconds after the initial crash, flames are clearly visible on the outside of the car, and the cabin is completely filled with black smoke.

A Race Against Time and Fire

Despite the flames, the individual who popped up out of nowhere to help managed to pull the final passenger out of the fully on-fire car. The occupants all have remnants of the fire visible on their clothing and faces.

Read: Dongfeng eπ 007 EV Offers Lambo Doors And Up To 536 hp From Just $22,400

The rescuer later said all three passengers suffered burns, with the injuries described as serious but not life-threatening. He himself sustained severe burns to his hands, saying five fingers were still bandaged months later and that the injuries may prevent him from returning to work as a truck driver.

Company Responds

On February 5, Dongfeng’s eπ brand issued a statement confirming the crash occurred in March 2025 and expressing sympathy to all those involved. The company said its team went to the scene at the time and cooperated with authorities.

Read: Electric Door Handles Face Global Scrutiny After Deadly EV Crashes

According to Dongfeng, the fire was triggered after a high-speed collision with a truck. The automaker also warned that circulating clips may not reflect the full context of the crash and could cause further distress to those involved.

It’s also worth noting that, while some reports from China claimed a front-seat passenger died in the fire, this has not been confirmed.

If it wasn’t clear before why accessible, fully operable manual door handles are important, this incident should clear it up.

The federal EV tax credit is no more, but California is stepping in with a plan to keep momentum alive in the country’s largest EV market. Governor Gavin Newsom has outlined a new set of state-level incentives aimed at first-time EV buyers, designed to pick up where the now-defunct federal tax credit left off.

However, the proposal rules out any repeat discounts for those who already own an electric vehicle, limiting eligibility to newcomers.

Read: Trump Killed The Federal EV Credit, So California Wrote Its Own

The initiative, which still requires approval from state lawmakers, would set aside $200 million. Under the current framework, passenger EVs priced at or under $55,000 would qualify, while vans, SUVs, and pickup trucks with a starting price below $80,000 would also be eligible.

Who Gets What and When?

California has yet to confirm the value of each incentive. What we do know is that the policy would require manufacturers to match the state’s contribution dollar-for-dollar. Like the old federal tax credit, the incentives will be offered immediately at the point of sale and will apply to new EVs purchased or leased. Additionally, Bloomberg reports there will be incentives for used EVs priced below $25,000.

Sarah Swig, a senior climate advisor to Governor Newsom, criticized the rollback of federal support. “The Trump administration’s reckless retreat has created unprecedented uncertainty for automakers and families alike,” she said.

“California is proud to partner with automakers who are committed to the transition to a zero-emission future through shared investment to keep costs down and drive the market forward.”

Expanding the EV Base

According to a spokesperson from the California Air Resources Board, limiting eligibility to first-time EV buyers will help to expand the market, “introducing new consumers to ZEV technology.” CARB added in a statement to InsideEVs that “research shows that once consumers make the switch to ZEVs, they typically don’t go back to dirty gasoline or diesel vehicles.”

In late 2024, Governor Gavin Newsom presented his first proposal for a new EV subsidy scheme in the state, in response to President-elect Trump’s threat to repeal the federal program. Newsom’s proposal would have excluded EVs from Tesla, which quickly drew the ire of Elon Musk. As part of the latest proposal, many Tesla models would be eligible.

Amid all the noise and high-concept EV launches, one company is quietly betting that simple might be the next big idea. Slate Auto has its skeptics, including Ram boss Tim Kuniskis, but tens of thousands of people have placed reservations for its back-to-basics electric vehicle, suggesting a real appetite for something more grounded and affordable.

Production of the Slate is scheduled to start at a converted factory in Warsaw, Indiana, before the end of this year, but well before this happens, the carmaker has brought one example to Jay Leno’s Garage, eager to show what makes it special.

Read: Slate Still Doesn’t Know What Its EV Truck Will Actually Cost

Joining the bright red and white Slate with Leno was the head of design at Slate, Tisha Johnson, and the company’s chief commercial officer, Jeremy Snyder.

According to Slate, its philosophy is to build an affordable vehicle, which is desperately needed now that the average new car in the US costs almost $50,000. During the interview with Leno, Snyder says the Slate will start in the “mid-$20s,” although the firm still doesn’t appear to have nailed down a final price.

When the EV was announced, it had a promised starting price of under $20,000, thanks largely to the $7,500 federal EV tax credit. Now that the tax credit has been axed, the price has increased.

Personalization is also a key part of what makes Slate interesting. Many exterior parts have exposed fasteners, making it easy to remove and customize panels. Buyers who prefer an SUV body style can purchase a conversion kit, either to install themselves or through a Slate service provider. This places the owner at the center of the experience, and also helps cut costs.

Slate is also placing right-to-repair at the forefront of the ownership experience. Owners won’t need to visit Slate service centers to have their vehicles repaired, whether under warranty or not, and can shop around and take them to their preferred mechanic. If desired, owners can easily repair the Slate truck themselves.

After months of spy shots and speculation, BMW’s all-new electric i3 is officially leaving the theoretical stage. The brand has begun pre-series production at its Munich plant, which means the future 3-Series EV is no longer just a prototype trying to evade Nürburgring photographers.

BMW released official images of camouflaged near-series cars to mark the milestone, confirming that production-spec hardware is now running through the factory. According to BMW, these early cars are built using full production processes, from the press shop to final assembly, to stress-test logistics, equipment, and workflows before series production begins in the second half of 2026.

Related: New i3 And 3-Series Reveal BMW’s Most Striking Split Yet

This is a bigger deal than it sounds. Until now, early i3s were assembled partly at BMW’s pilot plant near its Research and Innovation Centre. With Munich’s new body shop, paint shop, and assembly areas now complete, the i3 finally goes through every production step under one roof, just like a real car should.

The timing fits perfectly with what we’ve seen on the road. Spy shots have shown the electric i3 and the next combustion 3-Series testing side by side, wearing similar Neue Klasse styling but hiding very different bones underneath.

The i3 rides on BMW’s dedicated Neue Klasse EV platform first seen on the 2026 iX3 SUV, while the gas-powered 3-Series sticks with an updated version of today’s CLAR architecture.

Spot the EV

But you won’t need to get them on a ramp to tell them apart, you’ll just have to look closely. The electric i3 has a flatter roofline, different door and window shapes, and even a relocated charging port compared to the fuel door on the ICE model. Inside, though, both will share a futuristic cabin, including a freestanding display and BMW’s pillar-to-pillar Panoramic iDrive screen.

iX3 Powertrain

Powertrain details remain unofficial, but based on what we already know about the iX3, expectations are sky high. The i3 50 xDrive is rumored to deliver around 463 hp (469 PS / 345 kW) and an EPA range that should exceed 400 miles (644 km), backed by a massive battery and ultra-fast DC charging.

An entry-level rear-wheel drive version will follow, with a hotter, heavier, M3 EV also confirmed.

BMW says employee training is now shifting from virtual reality to hands-on work with real machinery, which tells us the launch clock is ticking. The camouflage may still be on, but the electric i3 has clearly entered its final dress rehearsal and the full disguise-free show starts later this year with first deliveries coming in early 2027.

BMW

President Trump has signed an executive order establishing Project Vault. It’s being billed as the critical materials equivalent of the strategic petroleum reserve.

Designed to ensure that American businesses and workers are never harmed by shortages of critical materials, the stockpile will be established by a $12 billion investment. It’s focused on rare earths and critical minerals, which have been dominated by China.

More: A Resource You’ve Probably Never Heard Of Is Quietly Crippling The Auto Industry

Things came to a head last year when China imposed export restrictions on rare earth elements in April. This forced a number of automakers and suppliers to scramble and some even had to temporarily stop production.

While the situation has improved significantly since those dire days, the United States has apparently decided they can’t depend on China.

Introducing Project Vault, a critical mineral stockpile for American businesses, unaffected by market disruptions. 💎🇺🇸 pic.twitter.com/Hd14JxujdP

— The White House (@WhiteHouse) February 2, 2026

The White House hasn’t released the wording of the executive order, as of this writing, but President Trump said $10 billion of funding will come from export-import bank financing, while another $2 billion will come from the private sector. He also claimed taxpayers could end up making a profit on the loan interest.

The president added the government is working to streamline the permitting process for mines and is signing major critical mineral deals with countries from all over the world.

GM CEO Mary Barra was on hand for the signing and Trump said she’s doing a “fantastic job.” Barra returned the compliment and said, “Having a resilient supply chain is critical for our nation and it’s critical for all industry, especially the auto industry.”

Things then got a little awkward as one of the attendees claimed that if Trump hadn’t been elected, the “auto industry in America would be over.” He also slammed Democrats and their electric vehicle ‘mandates,’ which is a bit ironic for a signing event that will presumably benefit EVs.

Update: The Export-Import Bank of the United States released new details about the “supply chain security initiative” that establishes a Strategic Critical Minerals Reserve. It will be an independently governed public‑private partnership, which will store essential raw materials in facilities across the United States.

Specifics are few and far between, but the bank said the move advances “U.S. economic and national security objectives by reducing dependence on foreign‑controlled supply chains, strengthening the domestic industrial base, and ensuring uninterrupted access to materials essential for advanced manufacturing and critical technologies.”

pic.twitter.com/71SqRqBQJS

— U.S. Export-Import Bank (@EximBankUS) February 2, 2026

Lead image Nissan