Police in Santa Monica are trying to send a clear message to electric dirt bike riders: if it’s not street legal, keep it off public roads. On Saturday, July 26, the Santa Monica Police Department (SMPD) impounded 12 off-highway vehicles, all of which officers say were being ridden illegally on city streets. 

While many of these bikes resemble electric bicycles, officials say they fail to meet even the most basic standards under California law. For example, they all lack pedals, are capable of high speeds, and were never certified for on-road use. SMPD says the crackdown comes after growing community concerns and complaints as, apparently, these riders have been causing disruptions. 

Read: City Cracks Down On E-Bikes With Strict New Rules

“These vehicles often exceed 40 mph, lack operable pedals, and are not classified as legal electric bicycles,” the department said in a public statement. “They are not permitted on public roads, bike paths, or sidewalks.” Essentially, these bikes are high-powered electric dirt bikes rather than everyday e-bikes. 

What Makes an E-Bike Street Legal?

California classifies e-bikes into three categories, with legal use tied to features like speed limits and whether the bike has functional pedals. Most of the impounded vehicles in question fell into a legal gray area. They were either originally sold as high-powered off-road bikes or everyday ebikes modified to go much faster than originally intended. 

Either way, these bikes are considered off-highway vehicles and can’t be legally ridden in places intended for bicycles or cars. “We’re increasing enforcement in response to serious safety concerns and community complaints,” the department said. “If your vehicle doesn’t have pedals or meet California’s e-bike standards, it doesn’t belong on the road.” 

Fines in Effect, Enforcement Underway

It’s unclear what the riders in this case will have to face to get their bikes back, but the fine for riding them starts at $100. Second-time offenders pay $200 and each offense after the first two costs $500. These fines went into effect on July 9, so this is one of the very first times that police have had the legal right to crack down on it. 

Credit: SMPD

Maserati’s lineup is a bit of a mess as the brand discontinued key models such as the Ghibli, Levante, and Quattroporte. This has left them with the overpriced Grecale and an assortment of sports cars.

That wasn’t supposed to be the case as Maserati was working on a new Quattroporte. However, development was reportedly halted in 2023. The model was then postponed, before Stellantis scrapped a huge investment in the firm, putting its future in further doubt.

More: Stellantis Pulls The Plug On Maserati’s Future After Cancelling $1.6B Investment

Hope might not be lost as a new report suggests Maserati could raid the Alfa Romeo parts bin and cobble something together. In particular, the redesigned Giulia and Stelvio could serve as the basis for the next-generation Quattroporte and Levante.

Speaking with Autocar, Alfa Romeo and Maserati CEO Santo Ficili said they’re pushing for “synergies” between the two brands and this could make their vehicles more closely related. This suggests the upcoming Quattroporte and Levante could be based on the STLA Large platform, which also underpins an assortment of other models including the Dodge Charger and Jeep Wagoneer S.

While the next Quattroporte was originally slated to be electric-only, Maserati now appears to believe that would be a mistake. As Ficili explained, “We need to talk with our customers, because they are a bit confused at this time” with so many options including hybrids, plug-in hybrids, and battery electric vehicles.

He went on to say going electric-only is a “question of timing,” but they’re not ready yet. As a result, he said “we need to consider MHEV and PHEV engines, depending on the development of the technology we want to follow.”

This could make the Giulia and Stelvio a prime base for future models as they’re slated to be offered with gas, plug-in hybrid, and electric options. The benefits wouldn’t end there as relying on Alfa Romeo and the STLA Large platform would speed development, while also cutting costs.

However, there are risks to this strategy as Alfa Romeo and Maserati models could become too similar. Alfa is no stranger to this as the Tonale is virtually identical to the Dodge Hornet.

That being said, Ficili acknowledged the need to keep Alfa Romeo and Maserati “separated.” However, he believes they can share a lot including “platforms, electronic architectures, software and probably powertrains.”

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

As For The Cabin…

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

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

Subaru may be putting more energy into electric crossovers lately, but fans of its performance cars could have something to look forward to as well. Alongside the new Uncharted, the updated Solterra, and the Trailseeker duo, Subaru is reportedly considering an all-electric version of the BRZ. If it moves ahead, the project might even bring the nameplate back to Europe after years of absence.

More: Subaru Finally Admits It’s Boring And Wants STI Back But Not How You Remember It

The original BRZ was introduced in late 2011, with the second-generation model following in 2020. Both featured non-electrified boxer engines, with Europe’s strict emission regulations eventually leading to the model’s discontinuation from the region. In fact, the current BRZ has only reached certain European markets in limited numbers, leaving Subaru without a sports car in its local lineup.

Electric BRZ Is on the Table

That could change in the future, as Subaru is actively considering a zero-emission BRZ that could satisfy enthusiasts. David Dello Stritto, General Manager of Subaru Europe told Autocar that the model could return with a fully electric powertrain.

“Our options are open,” he said, though he also made it clear that Subaru’s short-term priority lies in electric crossovers like the Uncharted. Only after that might it turn its attention to sportier projects.

Earlier this year, Stritto suggested that electrification might be the path forward for the Subaru STI division due to emission regulations: “With an EV, you’ve got the power and performance, and you’ve got an all-wheel-drive system. We’re working on more sporty models, and electrification allows us to do this.”

Inoue Masahiko, global EV manager at Subaru, admitted that an electric BRZ was under consideration as part of their partnership with Toyota: “We did consider electrifying the BRZ and GT86, but the win-win relationship is more important, and for the moment we can’t get the kind of benefits for both sides.”

A Concept Points the Way

The best indication yet for an electric Subaru sports car was the Sport Mobility Concept from 2023 with a two-door coupe bodystyle, futuristic styling, and a high-riding stance. The concept had a similar footprint with the BRZ but featured an electric powertrain that moved all four wheels.

More: Is This Subaru’s Next WRX Or Something Even More Extreme?

Subaru didn’t reveal the specifications of the Sport Mobility Concept. However, the dual electric motor setups of its current EVs generate as much as 377 hp (280 kW / 380 PS), which sounds more than enough for a sexy coupe.

What About A Hybrid?

Don’t count on it. Masahiko ruled out the possibility of fitting the current BRZ with a hybrid system, citing packaging constraints. Starting from scratch with a dedicated electric sports car, he said, would be simpler and more effective.

As for bringing small batches of BRZ units to Europe, Subaru has done it before with limited editions like the Final Edition (300 units for Germany) and the Touge Edition (60 units for Italy). But Masahiko made clear that importing more combustion-powered BRZs doesn’t make long-term sense under Europe’s regulatory landscape.

It remains to be seen whether the next sporty Subaru will still be twinned with a Toyota. Earlier reports from Japan suggested that a GR86 successor is being developed entirely in-house by Toyota, retaining a combustion engine at the front and a rear-wheel-drive layout.

Ford has become the latest automaker to report a hefty blow from tariffs enacted by the Trump administration. In their second quarter earnings report, the company revealed the increased fees cost them around $800 million.

More: Trump’s Tariffs Are Crushing VW’s Bottom Line

That’s substantially less than GM’s $1.1 billion hit, but the damage is far from over. If everything pans out as expected, tariffs could cost Ford about $2 billion this year alone. That would be enough to pay 20,000 employees $100,000 each or, possibly, address their embarrassing recallathon.

Strong Revenue, But Special Charges Drag Earnings

Beyond the tariff toll, Ford posted record second-quarter revenues of $50.2 billion. Despite this, the company “incurred a net loss of $36 million as a result of special items.” The company chalked the latter up to a “field service action and expenses related to a previously announced cancellation of an electric vehicle program,” which presumably refers to their axed three-row SUVs.

Ford has also adjusted its full-year outlook. The company now expects an adjusted EBIT of $6.5 to $7.5 billion, a drop from its earlier projection of $7.0 to $8.5 billion. This change reflects ongoing challenges, including those tied to supply chains, shifting demand, and the broader effects of trade policy.

Despite some mixed news, Ford CFO Sherry House said they’re transforming the Blue Oval into a “higher-growth, higher-margin and more durable business – and allocating capital where we can compete, win and grow.”

Trucks, Broncos, and a Boost in Market Share

Financial numbers aside, Ford said their truck portfolio delivered its best performance in 20 years and they also set a new record for Bronco sales. The automaker went on to cite high demand for the redesigned Expedition and Navigator, while the Ranger plug-in hybrid has been “well received across Europe.” Back in America, market share has climbed 1.7 points to 14.2%.

Ford noted electrified vehicles now account for nearly 14% of U.S. sales and they’ll be hosting an event on August 11. The company isn’t saying much at this point, but revealed they’ll “share more about our plans to design and build breakthrough electric vehicles in America.”

Motorcycle brands are struggling with a 15 percent fall in global demand, and Harley is faring worse than most. CEO Jochen Zeitz just revealed an 18 percent drop in registrations for 2025, along with news of a bargain-priced Hoglet that might just turn that slide around.

Related: Harley Rider Hits Deer At Speed And Somehow Never Falls Off

It’s no secret that Harley has been working on more affordable models for a while – the cheapest of its current bikes in the US costs around $10,000, making it irrelevant to many younger buyers. The brand will reveal the first of its budget machines later this year, ahead of sales starting in 2026, Zeit confirmed on a recent earnings call, adding that it was targeting a price “below $6,000.”

A Familiar Name, Revived

Called the Sprint – a name used on budget Harleys designed to combat Honda’s offensive in the 1960s – the new bike is due to be presented to dealers in October, and will be joined next year by a companion cruiser-style model presumably built around the same basic components.

No technical details were revealed, but in keeping with its price and aim of attracting new riders, it will have a much smaller capacity than the brand’s current 975-cc and up machines.

“Inspired by our heritage and the spirit of the iconic Harley Davidson Sprint motorcycle, this new bike embodies boldness, irreverence and fun, capturing the rebellious energy that defines the Harley-Davidson experience,” Zeitz said.

“We believe this motorcycle will not only be highly accessible, but also profitable, marking a significant step forward in driving Harley-Davidson’s future profitable growth and opening up a new path in motorcycle segment for the company in future years for its key markets.”

Harley hasn’t revealed where the bike will be manufactured or by whom. It has already found huge success marketing a circa-$3,000, single-cylinder bike, the X440, in India, but this is engineered and built by local company Hero Motorcorp and is not available in Europe or the US.

LiveWire Looks to Go Smaller

Zeit also confirmed that Harley’s struggling LiveWire electric sub-brand will also target younger, cost-conscious buyers by putting into production a pair of mini motos it showed in concept form earlier this year. The bikes, one intended for trails, the other for road use, can reach 30 mph (50 km) in 3 seconds, top out at 53 mph (85 km/h), and have a 100-mile (160 km) range.

The move comes at a critical time for LiveWire, which sold just 88 electric bikes in the first half of 2025, a steep 68 percent decline. The brand posted a $38.4 million loss over the same period, underscoring the urgency of finding a more viable product-market fit.

LiveWire

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It’s a great time to be a Skoda salesman. The Czech company’s registrations were up 13.6 percent in the first six months of 2025 due in no small part to the success of its electric SUVs, the Elroq and Enyaq. They’ll be joined this year by the smaller Epiq, but today Skoda reminded us that its big-selling sedans and wagons are also getting the EV treatment.

VW’s non-nonsense Czech brand is teasing the Vision O concept it will reveal in full at the Munich IAA in September. The ‘O’ tells us it previews the next-generation Octavia compact, which is due on sale before the end of the decade and features an EV drivetrain for the first time.

Related: Your Insane Appetite For SUVs Is Killing Skoda’s Dreams Of Fun Sports Cars, But There’s Hope

A single silhouetted image shows the unmistakable profile of a wagon, and one that looks sportier than anything Skoda has produced up until now. The windshield is swept back into a low roofline that drops slightly at the rear, where it’s met by a rear hatch angled to earn style and aero efficiency points, rather than luggage-carrying ones.

There’s a definite Audi feel to the design, which calls to mind the A6 e-tron Avant from sister company Audi, though the front and rear LED signature makes clear this is Skoda’s work. Skoda says the concept will show how the brand is developing its Modern Solid design language for the next generation of its cars.

Under the skin, the next Octavia isn’t twinned with the bigger A6 e-tron, which uses VW’s PPE platform, but the smaller VW ID.Golf that’s due to hit showrooms by 2029, around the same time as the Skoda. The Golf and Octavia EVs will ride on the Group’s SSP platform, and each gets 800-volt charging tech, but a longer wheelbase and overall length mean the Skoda will offer more interior and luggage space, and should cost slightly less. Owners have long argued that the Octavia is the best Golf.

Single and dual-motor powertrains will be on the menu when the production car hits the street in three to four years, but don’t expect it to render the current combustion Octavia obsolete immediately. The popularity of hybrid powertrains in Europe means the two models will likely overlap for some time.

The gallery below contains renderings Skoda released in 2023 when it first revealed plans for an electric Octavia.

Skoda

Not long ago, it looked like Maserati had quietly stepped away from the idea of an electric supercar. Reports suggested that the MC20 Folgore, originally expected to arrive this year, had been shelved. However, it turns out the project hasn’t been abandoned completely. Development has only been paused, not canceled, which means there’s still a chance the Folgore could see the light of day down the road.

More: Maserati’s Future Hinges On Alfa Romeo’s Lifeline

The MC20 Folgore was originally announced in 2020 during the debut of the V6-powered supercar. Things are not quite the same in 2025, though, with the market’s appetite for electric high-end performance models having cooled down. The situation wasn’t helped by Stellantis writing off €1.5 billion worth of investment in Maserati, leading to several pre-launch project cancellations, likely including the electric supercar.

Supercar on Standby

When asked recently about the project, Maserati CEO Santo Ficili explained the company’s current stance. “I don’t think it’s the right time to take this kind of supercar in the electrification direction. Let’s say we will see,” he told Autocar . He clarified that the Folgore’s development is well underway but has been put on hold to monitor how the market evolves.

There’s still a chance it could resurface as a battery-powered version of the recently unveiled MCPura, which made its debut at the Goodwood Festival of Speed earlier this month. For now, though,according to Ficili, everything hinges on whether there’s genuine demand for an electric supercar: “It’s crucial to have the customer ready to buy a car like this,” he noted.

With the development of the electric MC20 having reached an advanced stage, we can imagine it could hit the road if enough buyers with deep pockets reach out to Maserati and its specialized Fuoriserie division.

Still, Maserati’s CEO emphasized the fact that that the brand remains focused on the Nettuno powertrain: “We have this fantastic V6 engine that is to the satisfaction of our customers. We hold a different kind of power. This is our engine at this time.”

More: Maserati Could Still Shock Everyone With A V8 Revival

Ficili recently hinted at a new ICE-powered super-GT flagship with a manual gearbox developed in collaboration with Alfa Romeo. This model could be powered by an upgraded version of the twin-turbo 3.0-liter V6, although Davide Danesin, Head of Maserati Engineering, recently suggested that the brand might bring back the V8 engine for special projects.

The reason, Danesin explained, is that some of their customers are still looking for “pure mechanical cars” as they have a “bad feeling” about having a large battery pack on a supercar due to the added complexity and the extra weight.

Maserati

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

Read: California EV Buyers Are Turning Their Backs On Tesla

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

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

Compatibility Limits

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

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

Lexus is preparing to wind down production on several key models, signaling the end of an era for some of its longest-running nameplates. Most variants of the IS sedan, the RC coupe, and the fully electric UX SUV are on their way out, with production in Japan officially scheduled to stop in November 2025.

Those who visit the dedicated model pages on Lexus’ official website in Japan will see the following announcement:

“Thank you for considering our vehicles. Production of the IS 500 / IS 350 / IS 300h (AWD) / IS 300 / RC 350 / RC 300h, and RC 300 will end in November 2025. Sales will end once orders reach the production numbers for November. Depending on when you consider purchasing a vehicle, some packages may no longer be available. Please contact your Lexus dealer for details.”

More: The Last V8 Lexus Sports Sedan Marks The End Of An Era

A similar message (albeit with a more apologetic tone) appears on the page for the RC F Final Edition, which serves as a sendoff for the V8-powered coupe introduced in January 2025. This version was limited to just 200 units in Japan, and Lexus has confirmed that all of them have been spoken for:

“Thank you for your continued patronage of our products. We regret to inform you that the RC F ‘Final Edition’ has reached its limited number of 200 units and is now sold out. We would like to thank you for your continued patronage of the RC F. The RC ‘Final Edition’ will be on sale until production ends in November 2025.”

With this, only the rear-wheel-drive IS 300h will remain in production for the Japanese market, while all other IS and RC variants are being phased out.

An Aging Lineup But Changes are Coming

This development doesn’t come as a major surprise. Lexus recently introduced what are expected to be the final model year updates for both the IS sedan and the RC coupe. These vehicles date back to 2013, making them over a decade old. The IS received facelifts in 2017 and 2020, while the RC underwent a mid-cycle refresh in 2018.

More: Lexus Sedan’s Radical Redesign Could Finally Bring Back The IS Spirit

As reported by Creative Trend, a new generation of the IS is rumored for 2026. Despite earlier plans for going EV-only, the new IS is expected to offer both electric and hybrid powertrain options, following the example of the larger Lexus ES sedan.

The situation is a little bit more complicated for the RC coupe, which might not get a direct successor. Instead, Lexus is reportedly working on a sporty coupe that could potentially replace both the RC and the LC. The latter is also in its twilight years, as hinted at by the recently-unveiled LC 500 Pinnacle Edition. The end date for the LC production is expected in 2026 although a specific date has yet to be set.

UX 300e Also Set to Exit

Last but not least, the automaker has also announced that production of its smallest electric SUV will end in November 2025. We’re talking about the UX 300e, that was unveiled in 2019, a year after the debut of the gasoline and hybrid versions of the UX in 2018.

Japanese newspaper Nikkan Kogyo Shimbun reports that the UX 300h hybrid is expected to follow, with production ending during the 2025 fiscal year, which concludes on March 30, 2026. While Lexus hasn’t announced a successor, the UX remains a globally marketed model in a highly competitive segment. Its close ties to the Toyota C-HR and Corolla Cross suggest a next-generation version is likely in development.

The 2026 Kia EV4 won’t arrive in the United States until early next year, but spy photographers have already caught a high-performance hatchback in Europe. It combines performance and practicality in a bid to battle rivals such as the Volkswagen ID.3 GTX.

The prototype is heavily disguised, but we can see a few telltale signs indicating this isn’t your typical run-of-the-mill model. The most notable are the neon yellow brake calipers, which have been a fixture on the EV6 GT and EV9 GT. They’re joined by two-tone wheels that could be unique to the model.

More: 2026 Kia EV4 Arrives To Take On The Tesla Model 3 And VW ID.3 

While the black disguise hides most of the design, we wouldn’t be surprised to find sportier bumpers and additional body color accents. The EV4 GT could also come equipped with a revamped interior featuring a sport steering wheel, special seats, and plenty of GT badging.

The standard EV4 rides on the E-GMP platform and offers a 58.3 or 81.4 kWh battery pack. They’re joined by a front-mounted motor producing a modest 201 hp (150 kW / 204 PS). In sedan form, this should allow for ranges of 235 miles (378 km) and 330 miles (531 km).

shproshots

The EV4 GT will undoubtedly kick things up a notch, and we can expect it will have an 81.4 kWh battery that feeds a dual-motor all-wheel drive system. This could enable the car to have an output over 402 hp (300 kW / 408 PS), and some are speculating it could have up to 480 hp (358 kW / 487 PS).

Regardless of the final power figure, we can expect a sportier driving experience thanks to a retuned suspension. We also wouldn’t be surprised to find a virtual gear shift feature, which simulates shifts with engine sound effects, visuals, and a tactile sensation through motor torque adjustments.

Henrik Fisker’s dream of building an EV empire to rival Tesla collapsed last year, but if you browse one dealer’s website, you’d think you imagined the whole thing. It has more than 20 cars in stock with almost no miles, and the website blurb appears to make no mention that Fisker went belly up or that looking after one of the EVs in the years to come could prove tricky.

The dealer is Newport Fisker in Costa Mesa, California, whose inventory – first spotted by Daily Revs – is made up of 36 Teslas and 24 examples of the Ocean, the only model Fisker managed to get to production before financial troubles sank the company. All but one of those 24 is a virtually unused 2023 model, with most having just 50 miles (80 km) on their digital odometers.

Related: Rivian And Chase Rescue Fisker Ocean Owners From Drowning

Prices range from $22,990 to $27,990, down from the Ocean’s original $41-71k MSRP, which could potentially offer some good value for a brand new EV – even one that reviewers found was a bit rough around the edges. But it still might not be low enough to tempt most people to overlook the bankruptcy baggage, specifically concerns over how a buyer might deal with any technical problems down the road as there’s no factory left to support them.

Fifteen of the EVs are in fancy One trim, which delivered up to 564 hp (572 PS / 420 kW) for a sub-4-second zero to 60 mph (97 km/h) time and paired to a big 106 kWh battery for an EPA-rated range of 360 miles (580 km). The minimalist dashboard’s party piece was a 17.1-inch touchscreen that could rotate between portrait and landscape orientations on all but the base ‘Sport’ model.

Based on the huge number of recalls announced so far, anyone who does take the plunge can expect to encounter some problems at some point. But several commenters on Reddit who picked up the story say they’ve bought similar Oceans from Newport Fisker and are very happy with them so far. They also recommend new buyers check out YouTube channels such as Ocean Views by MTN Ranger for tips on keeping the EVs working.

Incredible as it may seem, Newport Fisker isn’t the only dealer with dozens of almost brand-new Oceans waiting for new homes. Lumin Fisker of Folsom, CA, has 26 examples, but they’re considerably more expensive, being priced at between $30,995 and $37,495. Would you take a gamble on a nearly-new Ocean if the price was low enough? And how low would that price have to be?

Newport Fisker

H/t to Daily Revs

After a brief hiatus, Chevrolet’s popular electric hatchback is almost ready to make a comeback. General Motors is reviving the budget-friendly Bolt, promising it will return “better than ever” as part of the 2027 model year lineup. Teasers of the upcoming version offer a more detailed preview than usual, though the design appears to lean more toward a thorough refresh than a full redesign.

One catch is that, while Chevrolet has confirmed the Bolt EV will be revealed in full this year, the 2027 model year designation likely points to a market launch in 2026

Back in December 2023, GM CEO Mary Barra confirmed that a new generation of the Bolt would debut in 2025, alongside a cryptic teaser that was focused on the model designation on the tailgate. Reports that followed in 2024 suggested that the Bold would return as a whole family of EVs. This time, however, Chevrolet has released clearer images that give a better sense of what’s coming.

More: Chevy’s Biggest Surprise Might Wear A Classic Name And Look Nothing Like The Original

Unlike the usual dimly lit teasers, the latest images show the 2027 Bolt out in the open, fully uncovered. Up front, it features a set of sharp-looking LED headlights with a familiar but more assertive appearance. These flank a slim grille with the Chevrolet emblem, while the lower bumper is textured and features a honeycomb-style cooling intake.

At the back, the taillights adopt a more conventional shape compared to the previous model, and are not attached to the rear glass anymore. Also visible is the updated NACS charging port on the front fender, which will allow Bolt owners to tap into Tesla’s Supercharger network. The black trim extending from the headlights remains a signature design detail, carried over from earlier versions.

Design Tweaks and Technology Updates

Chevrolet refers to the Bolt as “the first long-range, mass-produced EV available to customers at a truly affordable price.” The company says the upcoming version will build on that foundation with updates to the front fascia, rear lights, and charging hardware—plus “some other cool stuff” to be revealed later.

More: Chevy Has A New SUV For Budget Buyers But Not Everyone Gets It

Together, the comments and visuals suggest that the 2027 Chevrolet Bolt will be a heavily redesigned version of the original that debuted in late 2016 and received a mid-lifecycle update in 2021 before being discontinued in late 2023.

While early reports pointed to the new Bolt switching to GM’s Ultium platform, now no longer referred to by that name, it appears that the car will continue to use a revised version of its previous BEV2 architecture. This updated platform will incorporate newer tech, and GM is expected to use a lithium iron phosphate (LFP) battery pack to help keep costs down.

Production of the previous Bolt EV and EUV ended in late 2023 at the Orion Assembly plant in Michigan. The upcoming model is slated to be built at the Fairfax factory in Kansas City.

Chevrolet says more information about the 2027 Bolt will be shared in the coming months. A full unveiling is expected before the end of the year, although whether deliveries will begin this year or in early 2026 remains to be seen. Pricing is expected to come in slightly above the outgoing version, which started at $28,795.

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Even as the EV market continues to shift and evolve, Mercedes-Benz is moving ahead with plans to expand its electric lineup. Mercedes-Benz has been working on the new all-electric GLC with EQ Technology for quite some time, and we now finally know when it will be unveiled.

Read: Mercedes Previews New GLC EV With 320+ kW DC Fast Charging

As previously speculated, it will premiere at the IAA Mobility show in September, more commonly known as the Munich Motor Show. In an era where electric SUVs and crossovers are becoming increasingly popular, the GLC EV will play an important role for the German brand.

The upcoming GLC EV will effectively replace the EQC, a model that struggled to make an impression. It’s expected to match the overall size of the combustion-engine GLC, but with a distinctly updated design. Mercedes describes it as “a new face of the brand,” signaling a more modern and refined aesthetic.

Design Details Come Into Focus

Mercedes has released a single teaser image previewing the new model, but prototypes spied in recent months have offered us a better look at the model. The teaser hints at an illuminated front grille that gives the SUV a more prominent presence. Prototypes have also revealed reworked LED headlights and taillights, indicating a comprehensive redesign.

Key rivals to the GLC with EQ Technology include the Porsche Macan Electric and the BMW iX3, which will soon be thoroughly updated as part of the brand’s Neue Klasse era. Fittingly, the automaker has developed an 800-volt electrical architecture for the SUV that offers DC fast charging speeds of up to 320 kW. That means it will be possible to add roughly 162 miles (260 km) of range in just 10 minutes.

Launch Version and Future Plans

The first version arriving on the market will be the GLC 400 4Matic with EQ Technology. Mercedes hasn’t shared specific performance details yet, including motor configuration or acceleration times, but a more powerful variant is likely to follow not long after.

Other than presenting the electric GLC, in Munich Mercedes will also showcase the MB.Drive Assist Pro semi-autonomous driving system and offer rides in a specially-equipped CLA. The EQS and S-Class with Drive Pilot will also be available for demo drives. Joining the GLC with EQ on display be the radical new Concept AMG GT XX.

Less than a month ago, BMW announced a recall impacting more than 70,000 of its electric vehicles, revealing a software issue that could cause the high-voltage system to shut down unexpectedly. Fast forward to July, and the German brand has issued another recall for several of its EVs in the United States. This time, the recall is also related to battery cell modules that may have been assembled incorrectly.

Read: BMW Recalls Thousands Of EVs That Can Lose Power While Driving

According to the recall notice, the issue stems from the process of compressing individual battery cells to form a single module. In this case, BMW says the force used to combine the cells within the module may have exceeded its specifications. This means that over the lifetime of the vehicle, and when combined with repeated charging sessions, the module frame could fail.

What Can Go Wrong

If the frame does weaken or fail, it could lead to a shutdown of the high-voltage system. This would result in a total loss of propulsion, creating a potential crash risk. There’s also an increased chance of fire if a failure occurs.

The recall impacts a total of 136 vehicles. Oftentimes, only a small percentage of affected vehicles are thought to have the issue. That’s not the case here, as BMW believes that all 136 vehicles have battery cell modules that may not have been assembled to specifications.

Those include 2022-2025 BMW iX models manufactured from November 3, 2021, and February 14, 2024, as well as 2023-2024 BMW i7s built from June 12, 2023, to July 19, 2023, and 2022-2023 BMW i4s assembled from June 2, 2022, to May 11, 2023.

Notably, vehicles involved in the recall may not suffer from any issues for quite some time. In its analysis, BMW says that damage to the module frame of impacted models may not occur until the latter part of 2026. Nevertheless, it’s decided now is the time to issue a recall.

Owners will begin receiving notification letters on September 5. Dealers have already been instructed to replace the affected high-voltage battery cell modules on all impacted vehicles.

Long before electric vehicles became a common sight on roads, there was a time when resourceful hobbyists took matters into their own hands. Back then, converting gas-powered cars into EVs was a niche pursuit, often tackled with simple electric powertrains and a lot of trial and error.

Among the few small companies that specialized in these conversions was an American outfit called Jet Industries. Now, one of its creations is heading to auction.

Read: Dodge’s New Charger Coming To Europe And The Middle East In 2025

From the outside, this 1980 Dodge Omni 024 looks just like any other. But beneath its ordinary exterior, the original engine has been replaced by a compact 23-horsepower electric motor. That’s a laughable figure by modern EV standards, but this was the 1970s and 1980s, when the idea of an electric car was still closer to a science project than a production model.

Vintage Tech Under the Hatch

Pop the trunk and you’ll find a dedicated compartment that holds the battery pack. It’s unclear how many Dodge Omni 024s were converted by the Texas-based firm, but it’s certainly quite rare.

There’s also no word on how far it could travel on a single charge. What we do know is that rather than using a lithium-ion pack like most current EVs, this special Omni simply had a bunch of 12-volt lead-acid batteries in the rear, reportedly weighing upwards of 1,000 lbs.

Photos Mecum

Curiously, all of the batteries have been removed from the trunk of this Dodge, so it no longer runs. Mecum Auctions is handling the sale of the EV, but has not provided any photos of its underside. Chances are, there’s plenty of rust there, judging from the photos of the trunk.

A Rare Find, If Not a Valuable One

While the car’s uniqueness is undeniable, its value is likely modest. Given its condition and limited appeal beyond collectors of obscure automotive history, a sale price in the low thousands wouldn’t be surprising.

It may not run, and it’s definitely not fast, but if you’ve got a soft spot for oddball EVs and a high tolerance for rust, this relic might be calling your name. Check out the listing here, just don’t forget your trickle charger and a tetanus shot.

Photos Mecum

Fun retro style and a bargain price tag have helped make Renault’s 5 EV a massive hit, and now the automaker is looking to replicate that success one rung down the size and affordability ladder. The automaker has already shown next year’s Twingo in concept form, and now we’ve got pictures of the baby EV testing in prototype form.

Renault has bolted its Twingo badge to various small cars over the years, but the new one harks back to the 1993 original, an egg-shaped one-box hatch with distinctive frog-like eyes. But instead of two doors and a wheezy petrol engine, the new one has a practical four-door layout and zippy all-electric powertrain.

Related: Renault’s Updated Twingo Concept Hints At Next Year’s €20,000 EV

The 5’s baby brother goes on sale next year when it’s expected to cost less than €20,000 (£17k / $23k). That’ll make it slightly more expensive than the most basic Dacia Spring and Leapmotor 01, and put it into battle with the €19,990 Dolphin Surf from China’s BYD and – eventually – VW’s ID.1.

Renault previewed its budget EV with the Twingo E-Tech concept, which made its debut last year and was wheeled out again at the start of 2025, after some minor cosmetic surgery. The first shots of a prototype tell us the production car will stick close to the concept’s promise. Its wheels are pushed tight into each corner to free up as much interior space as possible, the windshield is swept back, just like the original Twingo’s, and the bulging headlights ensure it has the same friendly face.

The large charging port flap on the passenger fender is a different shape, sitting on the other side of the one on the concept, and this test car appears to have conventional door handles, whereas the show car had them concealed in the front door skin and the upper door frame next to the C-pillar. We’re hoping they’ll have migrated to their original concept positions by the time the car makes its production debut.

Nicolas Laperruque/SHProshots

We don’t get to see inside the Twingo this time, but the concept had a 7-inch digital gauge cluster and a separate 10.1-inch floating infotainment screen. Renault doesn’t make a habit of overpromising and underdelivering. It didn’t reveal any tech specs for the Twingo E-Tech, but common sense says it’ll identify on a shortened version of the same AmpR Small architecture found in the Renault 4 and 5.

If it gets the same 40 kWh battery and 94 hp (95 PS / 70 kW) single-motor setup as the base 5 it should be good for over 200 miles (320 km) of range and zero to 62 mph (100 kmh) in around 11 seconds, though 121 hp (122 PS / 90 kW) and even 148 hp (150 PS / 110 kW) upgrades could be an option tick away.

Renault

VW’s sporty Cupra brand just posted its best-ever half-year sales figures, but one plan that could have helped supercharge the company’s growth has just hit the skids. A project to launch Cupra onto the American market within five years is now off the table, it confirmed this week.

Related: Cupra’s Latest Concept Hints At Its Future

Citing “ongoing challenges within the automotive industry” and “evolving market dynamics,” Cupra has abandoned its US 2030 expansion strategy, and though it didn’t go into any more detail than that, a slowdown in EV take-up in America and import tariffs on cars exported there from Europe are surely behind the decision.

Under the terms of a deal just reached between the US and the EU, European cars will attract a 15 percent levy, up from just 2.5 percent before the tariff chaos started this spring.

Electric Crossovers and a North American Footprint

Cupra announced it would land on US soil with two electric crossovers, one a successor to the current combustion Formentor, and the second a bigger electric SUV. The larger model was to be built at a VW Group plant in North America, though possibly one in Mexico, whose output is now subject to hefty 30 percent tariffs. Another report suggested Cupra was talking to the US Penske dealer group about selling EVs, PHEVs, and combustion models.

But Cupra was eager to make clear this week that it wasn’t abandoning its ideas of expanding to North America altogether, merely putting them on indefinite hold. Four years from now, with another US president in the hot seat, the trade situation could look quite different.

“We’re not stopping, just postponing our U.S. launch and will continue to monitor market developments in the coming years to determine the best timing and approach, aligned with the brand’s long-term vision,” said Sven Schuwirth, Executive Vice-President for Sales, Marketing and Aftersales at Cupra’s parent company, Seat.

Tariffs Are Taking a Toll Elsewhere, Too

Cupra’s sales are already impacted by another set of tariffs because the China-built Tavascan is clobbered with a 21.3 percent duty when entering the EU, on top of the 10 percent applied to all imports. But despite the setback, increased production costs for all of its models, and greater competition, Cupra deliveries grew by 33.4 percent to 167,600 in the first six months of 2025.

Lead image Cupra/ChatGPT