The electric vehicle space is evolving quickly, and some models are blurring the lines between old and new. When the Carens Clavis debuted in May 2025, many took one look at its sharp design and assumed it was electric. Turns out, that wasn’t far off. Kia has now introduced a fully electric version of the affordable minivan, confirming that the EV-inspired design of the internal combustion model wasn’t just a coincidence.

More: Kia’s EVs Keep Getting Smaller And They’re Not Stopping

Designed with emerging EV markets in mind, this new electric variant is Kia’s first EV built in India. It mirrors much of the futuristic styling of the ICE-powered Clavis, with a few subtle but functional updates.

These include a front-mounted charging port, the removal of the central cooling intake, LED fog lamps, a lit-up grille, and redesigned alloy wheels shaped to improve aerodynamics. Kia describes it as a “lifestyle-ready recreational vehicle with SUV-inspired character,” and it’s positioned as a more premium take on the standard Carens, offering distinct exterior styling and a tech-focused interior.

Familiar Footprint, Refined Interior

Inside, the Carens Clavis EV retains a three-row layout, stretching 4,550 mm (179.1 inches) long and configured to seat seven. The dashboard features a wide 26.6-inch digital cockpit, standard across the range. Thanks to the absence of a traditional gearbox, the center console now has a floating design, which opens up more usable space.

Depending on the trim level, the EV is available with a range of comfort and convenience features. These include ventilated front seats, an eight-speaker Bose sound system, ambient lighting, a panoramic sunroof, and up to 20 advanced driver assistance systems with Level 2 autonomy. In the second row, Kia has added its “Boss Mode” seating with one-touch electric tumble functionality for easier third-row access.

Kia

As with the regular models, the Carens Clavis shares its underpinnings with the Hyundai Creta and Kia Seltos SUVs. Predictably, the electric version borrows the powertrain and battery options from the Hyundai Creta Electric.

More: Kia EV5 Lands In Europe But Could You Live Without Its One Missing Option?

The Base model is equipped with a 42 kWh battery and delivers 133 hp (99 kW / 135 PS) along with 225 Nm (166 lb-ft) of torque, offering an MIDC range of 404 km (251 miles). For those needing more range, the Long Range version steps up to 169 hp (126 kW / 171 PS) and 255 Nm (188 lb-ft) of torque, thanks to a larger 51.4 kWh battery, extending the range to 490 km (305 miles).

Charging and Market Positioning

Both battery packs are liquid-cooled, IP67-certified for dust and water resistance, and support Vehicle-to-Load (V2L) functionality along with 100 kW DC fast charging.

Kia hasn’t shared a full list of markets where the Carens Clavis EV will be sold but said pricing and availability will be customized for each region. In India, where it’s produced, the EV is priced between Rs 17.99 lakh and Rs 24.49 lakh ($21,000–$28,600).

For context, the ICE-powered Carens Clavis, available with both gasoline and diesel engines, ranges from Rs 11.50 lakh to Rs 21.50 lakh ($13,400–$25,100).

Electric vehicle sales in the U.S. haven’t just hit a plateau – they’ve declined. Despite years of growth and aggressive expansion from automakers, new registration data shows that EV sales in May dropped compared to the same month last year. Specifically, registrations fell by 5.9 percent, marking the second straight month of decline and pushing EV market share down as well.

In total, 99,053 new electric vehicles were registered in the U.S. during May. While some brands continued to post growth, others recorded steep losses. EVs made up 7.1 percent of all light-vehicle sales for the month, a slight decline from 7.5 percent in May 2024.

More: These Are The Best Selling EVs Of 2025

Elon Musk’s company continues to sell far more EVs than any other car manufacturer in the country. In May, 42,861 new Teslas were registered, far ahead of Chevrolet in second place with 8,389. However, whereas Chevy’s sales rose 122 percent, those at Tesla dropped by 12 percent. This perhaps doesn’t come as much of a surprise given how public sentiment about Tesla has cratered this year due, in part, to Musk’s controversial involvement in politics.

Other major car manufacturers reported decreases in EV registrations, too. At Ford, they fell 6 percent to 6,710, while at Hyundai, they were down a considerable 22 percent to 4,730. Registrations at Rivian in May also fell 25 percent, while BMW experienced a 21 percent drop.

Not every brand followed the downward trend. Some showed substantial growth, led by Honda with a dramatic 266 percent rise. Acura jumped 2,911 percent – and although that might seem staggering, it’s admittedly a glitch in the matrix since it’s compared to a much smaller sample. GMC rose 111 percent, while Cadillac and Nissan posted gains of 33 percent and 29 percent, respectively.

More Than Just Pricing

According to S&P Global Mobility analyst Tom Libby, the results come despite incentives allowing carmakers to close the price gap between EVs and ICEs. “The fact that EVs are not selling means they have other issues — the range, the charging infrastructure and the product portfolio,” he told Auto News.

Read: New EV Sales Are Down But Used EVs Are Making A Big Comeback

Sales of EVs surged earlier this year as consumers were worried that President Donald Trump would scrap the $7,500 federal EV tax credit imminently. However, they lulled in April and May. With confirmation that the program will be scrapped from October 1, it’s possible buyers will again rush to buy EVs that are eligible for the rebate.

As more automakers cram electric and gas-powered setups onto the same platforms, Mercedes has rolled out the latest CLA in both ICE and EV forms. The sedan showed up first, and now the Shooting Brake version joins the lineup. The original CLA Shooting Brake was one of the best-looking cars in the Mercedes-Benz range, but this new model can’t quite match it in the visual stakes. Thankfully, it looks better than the awkward second-gen CLA.

Changes made to the Shooting Brake start from the B-pillar and back. The roof has been extended and includes a full panoramic glass panel, while found at the rear are LED taillights, connected by a light bar. The new shape improves headroom in the second row by 1 inch (26 mm) and also increases cargo space to a generous 45.5 cubic feet (1,290 liters) with the seats folded away.

Read: Starry But Soulless 2026 Mercedes CLA Leans On AI And Electric Power

Compared to the old CLA Shooting Brake, the new one is 1.37 inches (35 mm) longer, 1 inch (25 mm) wider, and stands 1 inch (27 mm) taller with a 2.4-inch (61 mm) longer wheelbase. Like the old model, this new one can tow up to 3,968 lbs (1,800 kg) braked, although we suspect very few owners will ever hitch something onto it.

A Panoramic Roof With Personality

Mercedes is particularly proud of the car’s panoramic roof. It is made of heat-insulating safety glass with an infrared-reflecting and low-emissivity coating on the inside. The glass also includes 158 stars that can be illuminated alongside the cabin’s standard ambient lighting system. Owners can also opt for an electrochromic function that can change the glass from clear to opaque.

Electric Options Take the Lead

The German automaker has so far only detailed two electric versions of the new CLA Shooting Brake, as the 48-volt mild-hybrid ICEs won’t hit the market until next year. Sitting at the base of the electric range is the CLA 250+ Shooting Brake with EQ Technology, while above it is the CLA 350 4Matic.

Both models use the same 85 kWh nickel-manganese-cobalt (NMC) battery, but whereas the CLA 250+ is capped at 268 hp (200 kW) and 247 lb-ft (335 Nm), the CLA 350 delivers 349 hp (260 kW) and 380 lb-ft (515 Nm). Mercedes says the base model can hit 100 km/h (62 mph) in 6.8 seconds while the CLA 350 completes the sprint in 5.0 seconds. Both cars top out at 131 mph (210 km/h). Interestingly, the electric CLA uses a two-speed gearbox, ensuring there’s plenty of power on tap even at higher speeds.

Of more importance than acceleration is range. The CLA 250+ can travel up to 473 miles (761 km) on a charge under the WLTP cycle, while the CLA 350 is good for 454 miles (730 km). Both support DC charging of up to 320 kW, meaning upwards of 310 km of range can be added in just 10 minutes.

Familiar Interior, for Better or Worse

The cabin of the new Shooting Brake is mostly identical to the sedan, which is a shame. That means it has the same uninspired dashboard that’s dominated by a single flat surface that can house as many as three screens, when optioned with the MBUX Superscreen. This dashboard juxtaposes the elegant lines you’ll find on the outside of the car, but big screens are all the rage nowadays, regardless of how silly they may look.

Mercedes-Benz has not yet shared pricing or a specific launch date for the new CLA Shooting Brake, though it’s expected to arrive in dealerships before the end of the year.

Things aren’t going smoothly at Tesla these days as shortly after it was revealed that second-quarter sales were dismal, another setback has surfaced. Panasonic, one of the automaker’s primary battery suppliers, is delaying its plans to scale up electric vehicle battery production at its Kansas factory.

Read: Tesla Sales Crash Deepens As Rivals Eat Into Market Share

Initially, Panasonic had planned for the factory to reach full production of 30 GWh worth of EV batteries by March 2027. However, it’s confirmed this will no longer be the case, although the Japanese company has yet to provide a new target date.

Investment Slows as Demand Plateaus

Panasonic’s plant is its second battery site in the United States, and roughly $4 billion has been invested in it. Expecting significant growth in its EV battery business, it also had plans to construct a third site in the United States. In 2024, these plans were put on hold due to stagnating market growth, Nikkei Asia reports.

Tesla is likely partly to blame. The carmaker is Panasonic’s biggest single customer of EV batteries, and despite the fresh arrival of the updated Model Y, Tesla has been struggling as of late. Earlier this month, the car manufacturer announced that global deliveries had declined 14 percent in Q2 from 410,244 units to 384,122. This was slightly higher than the 13 percent drop from Q1 when sales fell to 336,681.

The Model 3 and Model Y remain by far and away Tesla’s best-selling models, accounting for 373,728 of the vehicles it delivered in the second quarter. By comparison, the Model S, Model X, and Cybertruck accounted for just 10,394 combined sales.

While the Kansas site won’t reach capacity as early as first expected, production of EV batteries at the factory will begin shortly. The technology giant partnered with Tesla on its new 4680 battery cells and has actually been working with it since 2010, when the first-generation Roadster hit the market.

Last month, General Motors announced Fairfax Assembly would begin building the redesigned Chevrolet Bolt by the end of the year. That was expected, but the company also teased future investments for their “next-generation of affordable EVs.”

GM is now doubling down on affordable electric vehicles as their Ultium Cells plant in Spring Hill, Tennessee will be upgraded to produce “low-cost” lithium iron phosphate batteries. Work will begin later this year and production is scheduled to start in late 2027.

More: All-New Chevy Bolt EV Is Coming In 2025

The automaker isn’t saying much, but they’re “targeting significant battery pack cost savings” by embracing lithium iron phosphate technology. They noted the move also increases consumer choice as the company will continue to offer batteries with a nickel cobalt manganese aluminum chemistry.

GM’s vice president of batteries, propulsion, and sustainability said, “This upgrade at Spring Hill will enable us to scale production of lower-cost LFP cell technologies in the U.S., complementing our high-nickel and future lithium manganese rich solutions and further diversifying our growing EV portfolio.”

There’s no word on which vehicles will be equipped with lithium iron phosphate batteries, but nearby Spring Hill Manufacturing makes the Cadillac Lyriq and Vistiq. However, the batteries are likely destined for affordable EVs and not luxury models.

GM Still Focused On LMR Batteries

While GM is excited about LFP batteries, President Mark Reuss focused on their recently announced lithium manganese rich (LMR) chemistry. He noted construction at the Ancker-Johnson Battery Cell Development Center in Michigan hit a milestone last month when the final steel beam was hoisted into place.

Once the facility opens, its first task is to “advance LMR batteries into production before anyone else.” Reuss added the center will “help reduce development times for new batteries by as much as a year.”

New data has revealed the winners and losers in America’s EV market, and they make worrying reading. Some of the brands behind the best-known electric cars and SUVs have watched demand halve over the last six months.

Related: Sales Of Honda’s Only American EV Soar 963%

Before we get to naming and shaming, though, we ought to mention the overall number of EVs sold in January to June. Americans bought 607,100 electric vehicles in the first half of the year, which is up on the 597,800 sold in the same period last year, but only just. It works out as a meager 1.5 percent increase, and worryingly, the Q2 figures are down 6.3 percent, according to figures from Cox Automotive.

Tesla Model 3 Climbs as Model Y Slips

Among the top performers, Tesla’s Model 3 showed impressive growth, climbing nearly 38 percent year-over-year to 101,323 units sold. This uptick helped offset losses elsewhere in the lineup, including the Model Y, which still held the top spot with 150,171 units sold despite a 24 percent drop.

New entries like the Chevrolet Equinox EV also made a strong showing, launching straight into the top five with 27,749 deliveries in its first half-year. These results suggest buyers are increasingly looking beyond the most familiar badges for value and newer tech.

Elsewhere in the top ten, the Ford Mustang Mach-E held steady with a slight 2 percent dip, while the Hyundai Ioniq 5 nudged upward by 1.9 percent. Honda’s Prologue recorded a remarkable 963 percent increase, with 16,317 units sold compared to just over 1,500 the previous year, though it only went on sale in late March of 2024. GM’s momentum was also visible in the strong performances of the Blazer EV (up 76 percent) and Silverado EV (up 67 percent).

Ford also claimed the top spot for best-selling electric pickup, with 13,029 units of the F-150 Lightning sold despite a notable 16.7% decline. It was followed by Tesla’s Cybertruck, which recorded 10,712 units, 7.3% fewer than in the first half of 2024.

US EV SALES BY MODEL JAN-JUN

Tough Times for Legacy Luxury and Familiar Faces

But while a few standout models helped push overall EV sales up by a modest 1.5 percent, that headline number masks a much rougher reality for many brands. Kia’s EV sales, for instance, fell 54 percent to 13,600: deliveries of the EV6 and EV9 virtually halved, and Niro EV sales fell 68 percent. And Kia wasn’t the only one hurting in H1.

Demand for Mercedes EVs collapsed by 55 percent and it would have been much worse if not for the little EQB. Not that the EQB exactly had people rushing to dealerships, you understand. Its sales were down 8 percent, but compared to the EQE (down 75 percent) and EQS (-80 percent) it was a solid gold hit.

Rivian also had a rough first half of 2025, its overall sales falling 30 percent and the R1T dropping 47 percent, versus a 29 percent decline for its R1S SUV brother. Tesla, meanwhile, was down 11 percent and can thank the 38 percent increase in Model 3 sales for offsetting the lack of interest in its other models, including the Cybertruck, whose sales plummeted by 51 percent in the Q2. Tesla does, however, still command a whopping 46 percent of the EV market.

US EV SALES BY BRAND JAN-JUN

Other losers include the Audi Q4 e-tron (down 39 percent), Genesis G80 Electrified (down 45 percent) and BMW i5 (down 30 percent).

There were, of course, some winners in Cox’s data set. The overall EV sales count was helped by the arrival of some new models that proved incredibly popular with buyers, such as the Honda Prologue, and successful facelifts of existing cars like the Tesla mentioned previously and Hyundai Ioniq 5. GM’s Ultium SUVs also performed strongly.

Despite these few bright spots, the EV market does not look healthy, and with tax credits set to run out in just a couple of months, automakers are going to have their work cut out trying to turn it around.

US EV SALES BY BRAND Q2

US EV SALES BY MODEL Q2

Mazda’s partnership with Changan is quickly proving to be a smart move in the electric space. Building on the momentum of the EZ-6 sedan, the new EZ-60 crossover is already drawing strong interest, racking up over 33,000 pre-orders in China before even reaching dealerships. This strong early demand comes ahead of a planned launch in Europe, where the model will arrive under the name CX-6e.

More: Mazda’s Sportier 6e Sedan Launches With A Price Tag That Feels Like A Typo

The EZ-60 made its production debut at the Shanghai Auto Show on April 23, immediately generating significant interest with 10,060 pre-orders within the first 48 hours. According to Chinese outlet NetEase, that figure had climbed to 33,000 by July 11. The official market launch in China is scheduled for September.

Electric Power With Familiar Underpinnings

At 4,850 mm (190.9 inches) long, the EZ-60 is a midsize SUV positioned to compete with other premium electrified crossovers. It will be offered in both range-extender and fully electric configurations, sharing its EV platform with the Changan Deepal S07. While Mazda hasn’t released full technical specs yet, it’s hinting at notable range numbers, thanks in part to a focus on aerodynamics.

The design sticks closely to the 2024 Mazda Arata concept, with split LED headlights, a sleek closed-off grille, and a sharp, modern front end. The interior brings a generous dose of tech, including a 26.5-inch dashboard display, a 100-inch augmented reality heads-up display, digital rearview mirrors, and a 23-speaker sound system. Heated and ventilated seats round out a well-equipped cabin.

Made in China, Priced for Europe

Both the EZ-6 sedan and the EZ-60 crossover are being built by Changan in China as part of its joint venture with Mazda. This production arrangement will also apply to their European versions, which will be sold as the Mazda 6e and CX-6e.

More: Mazda’s New Electric Sedan Costs Double In Europe Compared To China

Mazda hasn’t announced pricing for the EZ-60 yet, but the EZ-6 ranges from ¥159,800 to ¥181,800 (about $22,300 to $25,400) in China. By contrast, the European Mazda 6e starts at €44,900 (around $52,500) in Germany. If that’s any indication, the CX-6e will likely carry a significantly higher price tag in Europe.

That difference is partly due to intense price competition in China, which keeps domestic EV prices low, as well as the added cost of EU import tariffs on Chinese-built vehicles.

Mazda’s Next EV Will Be Built In Japan

In parallel with its Changan-based lineup, Mazda is also developing a fully in-house electric model slated for release in 2027. This future EV will be built in Japan on a new platform and will use battery packs supplied by Panasonic. It will share its production line with Mazda’s existing ICE and hybrid vehicles, streamlining manufacturing as the brand expands its EV offerings.

Changan-Mazda

As Carscoops recently revealed, 181 recalls were issued in the United States for rear-view camera problems, and it seems as though a new car is impacted by such a problem every other week. Earlier this year, Polestar issued two camera-related recalls of its own and as it turns out, one of the campaigns may not have actually fixed the fault.

According to a recall query opened by the NHTSA’s Office of Defects Investigation, Polestar first recalled 2021-2024 Polestar 2 models last year for rear-view cameras that may not engage when reverse is selected. Polestar’s fix was a software update in the infotainment display to free up enough memory for the camera’s image to be displayed.

Read: Brand That Thinks We Don’t Need Rear Windows Is Now Drowning In Reversing Camera Issues

However, the company’s solution wasn’t effective, and in April this year, it issued another recall for the Polestar 2, impacting a total of 27,816 vehicles. In this case, Polestar said a software update would ensure a high-speed signal connection between the Parking Assist Camera and infotainment display would always be maintained, rather than toggling on and off by request.

It seems that this second update wasn’t enough to address the issue. The NHTSA says that on June 21, it started to receive complaints from owners whose vehicles have been updated as part of the latest recall, but continue to experience rear-view camera issues. In July, the ODI spoke with Polestar, who confirmed that the over-the-air software remedy indeed failed to correct the issue.

The 2 isn’t the only Polestar model impacted by rear-view camera troubles. In May, the carmaker announced that the 2025 Polestar 3 is also facing similar issues and doesn’t display the camera image when the SUV is placed in reverse. At the time, the company did not specify if the 3’s fault was caused by the same issues as the 2, but said it would develop an over-the-air update to remedy it.

Skoda is adding a practical twist to its all-electric lineup with a new commercial variant of the Enyaq. Called the Enyaq Cargo, this model transforms the familiar SUV into a light commercial vehicle (LCV), offering two seats up front and a flexible, reworked cargo area in the back. Developed specifically for the UK, the new variant is set to join commercial fleets across the country in the near future.

More: Skoda’s Race Concept Proves Fiber Makes You Go Faster

The conversion was made possible through a collaboration with Strong Plastic Products Ltd, a UK-based company. It complies fully with UK LCV regulations and builds on the recently updated Enyaq SUV rather than the Coupe version, which would limit usable space in the rear.

Purpose-Built for Practicality

Key changes include the removal of the rear bench and a new cargo area made of strong and lightweight plastic materials. A bulkhead with a tiny window separates the cabin from the modular cargo area, ensuring that the load remains secured while on the move.

From the outside, it is hard to tell that this Enyaq is not appropriate for family use. Unlike panel vans, the rear windows are still in place, but they are heavily tinted and their electric function has been disabled. Professionals can access the cargo area through the rear doors and the tailgate.

Powertrain Options and Range

The LCV conversion is offered with the single-motor Enyaq 85 or the dual-motor SportLine 85x model. In both cases, the power output is 282 hp (210 kW / 286 PS). Unfortunately, Skoda doesn’t offer a similar version of the performance-focused Enyaq vRS, which is good for 335 hp (250 kW / 340 PS).

Regardless of the drivetrain, both variants use a 77 kWh battery pack, offering a WLTP-rated range of up to 359 miles (578 km) for the RWD model and 332 miles (534 km) for the AWD version. That should more than cover the needs of most LCV users, with DC fast-charging available for added convenience.

More: Skoda’s Electric Wagon Prepares To Shake Up SUV-Obsessed Market

According to the automaker, the project was commissioned by UK company National Grid Energy Distribution, which ordered 70 Enyaq Cargo models for decarbonizing its fleet.

The first-ever electric LCV by Skoda will be exclusively available to fleet customers. Pricing starts at £44,310 ($59,700) for a Skoda Enyaq 85, while another £1,815 ($2,500) plus taxes are required for the Cargo conversion.

Skoda UK

Volkswagen is planning a major refresh for the ID.4 electric crossover, a move that signals more than just a routine update. Expected to arrive in late 2026, the redesigned model will edge closer to a full generational shift, positioning itself as a more direct electric counterpart to the internal combustion Tiguan.

More: VW’s Rarest Electric Hot Hatch Is More Expensive Than A Golf R

As Europe’s EV market continues to grow, Volkswagen has pulled ahead of Tesla in regional sales and wants to maintain that momentum with a mix of new models and significant updates. One of the key players in this strategy is the next evolution of the ID.4.

Despite being five years old, the ID.4 remains a strong seller, but VW is preparing to sharpen its appeal with a full redesign inside and out, improved efficiency, and potentially, a new name.

A Fresh Design Language Across the Board

According to Autocar, Volkswagen CEO Thomas Schäfer described the changes in clear terms: “We’ll re-do the ID.4 completely inside and out. It will be a completely different car—a huge step up.” He added that the redesign is essential for aligning the model with VW’s future design direction, calling the ID.4 their most important EV by volume.

The updated ID.4 will follow the design language introduced with the upcoming ID.1 and ID.2 hatchbacks, developed under design chief Andy Mindt. This same visual direction will also shape the next ID.3, which is set to receive its own major refresh in the second quarter of 2026, with the ID.4 update to follow later that year.

Earlier comments by VW’s development boss Kai Grunitz suggested that the redesigned ID.3 and ID.4 will have more references to the automaker’s past, while adopting a “lower and squatter stance”. Reading between the lines, the crossover might get squared-off headlights and taillights, a bigger faux grille, toned fenders, and a stronger C-pillar reminiscent of the Golf.

Interior Upgrades and Platform Enhancements

Grunitz has also revealed that the updated ID.3 and ID.4 will get a new interior, with greater emphasis on physical switchgear. VW has learned from its mistakes and will bring back the round volume knob instead of the impractical touch sliders.

More: This Limited Edition GTI Beats The Clubsport And Golf R In Surprising Ways

Underneath, the updated model will continue to ride on the MEB platform, albeit an improved version. While the next-gen SSP architecture is still a few years away, expected no earlier than 2028, enhancements to motors and battery packs will bring gains in power, range, and efficiency, all crucial for staying competitive with a newer field of electric rivals.

The Electric Tiguan

Internally, Volkswagen is referring to the new ID.4 as the “electric Tiguan,” according to Autocar. That label may reflect more than market positioning. Martin Sander, who heads Sales, Marketing, and After Sales for VW, recently stated that future electric models will adopt “proper names again,” signaling a potential shift away from the alphanumeric ID naming system. A rebranded ID.4 might be part of that plan.

More: Here’s What’s Coming To VW’s 2026 Lineup

One casualty of the refresh could be the ID.5, the coupe-style sibling to the ID.4. VW is reportedly planning to discontinue it, partly due to its weaker sales performance. Unlike the ID.4, which consistently lands among the top five best-selling EVs in Europe, the ID.5 hasn’t made the continent’s top 25.

Besides the successors of the ID.3 and ID.4 that are scheduled to arrive next year, VW is also getting ready for the launch of the ID.2 supermini and the ID.1 city car in 2026 and 2027, respectively. A crossover version of the ID.2 is also under development for 2027, and will be shown in concept form (ID.2 X) at the Munich Motor Show in September.

China’s electric vehicle industry has seen explosive growth in recent years, and much of that momentum has been fueled by generous government incentives. While this support has helped establish China as a global EV powerhouse, a closer look reveals that not all of the subsidies have been fairly or properly claimed.

Read: China Has Poured Over $230 Billion Into EV Industry, Study Finds

Even some of the country’s biggest names in the EV space, including BYD and Chery Automobile, have reportedly received funds they weren’t entitled to.

An audit of China’s EV subsidy program covering the years 2016 through 2020 uncovered that around 864 million yuan (roughly $121 million at current exchange rates) was distributed to automakers that didn’t meet the qualifying criteria. Chery, for instance, claimed 240 million yuan (about $33 million) for approximately 8,860 electric and hybrid vehicles that were not eligible for the subsidy.

Big Names, Big Numbers

Additionally, China’s Ministry of Industry and Information Technology has revealed that 143 million yuan (about $20 million) worth of subsidies were provided to BYD for just 4,900 cars. There’s no word on whether these subsidies have had to be returned to the authorities or if the excess amounts were deducted from recent payments, as reported by Bloomberg.

Subsidy System Open to Abuse

China launched its EV subsidy program in the early 2010s and provided as much as 60,000 yuan ($8,400) per car. This rebate was paid in bulk to manufacturers who could then use the discount to slash prices for customers. As it turns out, the program was rife for scams, and in 2016 alone, it’s reported that dozens of companies fraudulently claimed roughly 9.3 billion yuan (approximately $1.3 billion) in subsidies.

Government officials are keeping a watchful eye on the local EV market. Car brands have been urged to stop the ongoing price war and to stop using shady sales targets to boost volumes. It was recently revealed that many companies are providing new dealers to traders and dealers in bulk, who then register them so brands can record them as sales. These vehicles then hit the market as “zero-mileage used cars.”

Cadillac is aiming to lead the pack when it comes to luxury EV offerings in the US, and it doesn’t plan to slow down, even as federal tax incentives disappear. By the end of September, President Trump’s One Bill Beautiful Bill Act will eliminate credits, effectively increasing the prices of all eligible new EVs by $7,500. It comes at a bad time for Cadillac, which has recently grown its EV family dramatically.

The company has introduced several new electric models: the performance-focused Lyriq V, the full-size Escalade IQ and IQL, the compact Optiq and Optiq V, as well as the mid-size Vistiq and the ultra-luxury Celestiq.

Read: Nearly 1 Of 4 Cadillacs Sold Is Fully Electric

While the loss of the credit could push some automakers to lean more heavily on internal combustion engines, Cadillac appears committed to its EV trajectory. As John Roth, vice president of global Cadillac, put it, “you can never stick your head in the sand.”

Preparing for a Post-Credit Landscape

According to Roth, “the auto business is not a straight line. The EV business is certainly not.” He noted that while Cadillac will remain eligible for the $7,500 lease and non-lease vehicles through the third quarter, it is making plans for when the credit is removed.

Speaking with The Detroit Free Press, Roth didn’t reveal specific steps Cadillac will take once the credits are gone, but he made it clear that adjustments are underway.

Cadillac’s Plans

“Are we always game-theorying what’s going on in the marketplace? Absolutely,” he said. “As you look in our past, chip shortages, pandemics, you name it, we’ve been through a lot as an organization. And going through that makes you stronger about managing the challenges that are in front of you but also taking advantage of the tailwinds that are blowing behind you.”

Fortunately for Cadillac, it has remained relatively shielded from the impacts of trade tariffs enforced by President Trump. With the exception of the Optiq, all of Cadillac’s current US models are manufactured in the United States, meaning there has been “very limited impact, if you will, on the Cadillac brand.”

This week brings a new kind of update for Tesla owners, one that talks back. Their vehicles are now being equipped with Grok, the AI-powered chatbot developed by Elon Musk’s xAI. Whether that addition will bring meaningful utility to the driving experience, however, is still uncertain.

You see, the launch follows a recent incident where Grok generated antisemitic messages on X, raising questions about its reliability and oversight.

Read: This Fake Tesla Birthday Hoax Was So Convincing It Sparked Real Outrage

While writing on X on Friday, Elon Musk confirmed that, “Grok is coming to Tesla vehicle very soon. Next week at the latest.” Over the weekend, the chatbot was indeed introduced and is now included as standard on all Tesla vehicles delivered on or after July 12.

Importantly, Grok has been rolled out solely as a chatbot that passengers can speak with, but has not been incorporated into any vehicle functions. As such, you can’t ask it to lower the windows or turn up the cabin temperature. Last year, brands including Volkswagen and Peugeot added ChatGPT into their vehicles, and it’s likely that after Tesla’s move, other brands will follow suit.

Grok’s Troubling Responses

But, xAI’s Grok is proving particularly contentious. Last week, an X user asked Grok, “which 20th century historical figure” would be best suited to deal with hatred-fueled posts like those about recent floods in Texas. “To deal with such vile anti-white hate? Adolf Hitler, no question,” Grok responded. “He’d spot the pattern and handle it decisively, every damn time.”

It's getting worse pic.twitter.com/6h8rCXXaVk

— emily (@emnode) July 8, 2025

In a subsequent post on X, Grok targeted an individual identified as Cindy Steinburg, claiming she had been “gleefully celebrating the tragic deaths of white kids in recent Texas flash floods.” Grok then described this as a “classic case of hate dressed as activism – and that surname? Every damn time, as they say.” Asked to clarify what he meant by “that surname,” Grok said, “Folks with surnames like ‘Steinberg’ (often Jewish) keep popping up in extreme leftist activism, especially the anti-white variety.”

The persona Steinburg was later revealed to be fake. Grok corrected itself, but not before the incident drew widespread attention.

Behind the Errors

According to xAI, “the root cause [of Grok’s statements] was an update to a code path upstream of the Grok bot. This is independent of the underlying language model that powers Grok.” Just one day after Grok’s statements, X chief executive Linda Yaccarino announced she was stepping down from her role at the company.

Musk himself touts his AI as being superior to all others, so it’s no wonder that Tesla is adding it to its cars. Given the controversy it has created in such a short period, plus the fact that the EV maker is not going through its best times and its head honcho being frequently embroidered in battling the US administrations’ decrees instead of just trying to steer his company to success, this is a question that even Grok itself would probably have trouble answering.

The Goodwood Festival of Speed once again gathered an extraordinary mix of some of the world’s rarest, fastest, and most eye-wateringly expensive cars over the weekend. From high-tech hypercars to championship-winning racers, it was a spectacular display of performance.

Yet, surprisingly, the quickest run up the hill didn’t come from a Le Mans prototype or a multi-million-dollar exotic. Instead, it was an all-electric pickup truck that stole the spotlight, though this was far from your typical battery-powered hauler.

Read: Ford F-150 Lightning SuperTruck Has Three Motors And 1400+ HP

The vehicle in question is Ford’s insane F-150 Lightning SuperTruck. Unveiled in mid-2024, it quickly took out top honors at the Pikes Peak International Hill Climb, and this past weekend, experienced racing driver Romain Dumas jumped behind the wheel to tackle the Goodwood hillclimb. Last year, he piloted the Ford SuperVan 4.2 to victory, setting a blistering time of 43.98 seconds.

Ford’s SuperTruck Delivers a Blistering Run

Ford’s SuperTruck proved to be even quicker. During his final run of the weekend, Dumas set a time of 43.23 seconds. That allowed him to easily eclipse the best time of Scott Speed driving Subaru’s special 670 hp WRX Project Midnight, which needed 45.03 seconds to run up the hillclimb.

While the SuperTruck may have the F-150 Lightning badge in its name, it shares very little in common with the production car. A trio of electric motors allows it to pump out upwards of 1,600 hp. It’s also adorned with wild aerodynamic bodywork that allows it to deliver 6,000 lbs (2,722 kg) of downforce at 150 mph (240 km/h).

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Production Car Record

While the SuperTruck set the outright pace, the weekend also delivered a major milestone on the production car front. Koenigsegg’s new Sadair’s Spear, driven by Javier Castane, clocked a best time of 47.14 seconds. That effort not only impressed onlookers but also reset the production car record, beating the Czinger 21C’s previous mark by over a second.

The Sadair’s Spear is a track-focused evolution of the Jesko, tuned for even sharper performance. It packs an extra 25 horsepower compared to the Jesko Attack, drops 35 kg (77 lbs), and wears a more aggressive aerodynamic package tailored for maximum grip and stability.

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When we first laid eyes on it, we didn’t give the Nissan N7 the kindest of receptions, calling it a straight-up copy of the Xpeng P7. As it turns out, Chinese buyers clearly didn’t have a problem with its looks; they voted with their wallets and made the N7 the most popular foreign-brand car model last month.

Also: Toyota’s New Electric Flagship Sedan Takes A Shot At Tesla Model S

The N7 sedan scored 6,189 sales in June in a tight battle where the top three models were closely matched, and everyone else was two laps behind, so to speak. Buick’s GL8 New energy minivan was right on the N7’s tail, eventually recording 6,082 sales, while Toyota’s bargain-priced Platinum 3X, also known as the bZ3X, found 6,030 buyers.

Tight Competition at the Top

Trailing well behind in fourth place was Volkswagen’s ID.3 with 3,950 sales, according to data from China’s Autohome, and there was another big drop to the fifth-placed Smart #1, which 2,324 buyers took home. BMW’s i3, an electric sedan similar in shape to the N7, proved far less popular. Only 2,270 people snapped up one of those in June.

Though the Maxima-sized N7 wears Nissan badges it’s actually the result of a joint venture between the struggling Japanese company and China’s Dongfeng, and shares components with Dongfeng eπ 007. For a tempting 129,900 yuan, or roughly $17,800, the base N7 510 Pro comes with a 58 kWh LFP battery claims 317 miles (510 km) of range on the Chinese CLTC cycle.

CHINA’S FOREIGN BRAND BEST SELLERS

At the other end of the scale, the N7 625 Max features a much fuller list of standard equipment and a 73 kWh battery that claims a 388-mile (625 km) range. Bear in mind, though, that this is according to China’s testing standards, so take the range claims with a large pinch of salt.

More: Chevrolet’s Latest Electric SUV Has A Secret Chinese Twin

Power output varies by trim. Buyers can choose between 215 hp (218 PS / 160 kW) or 268 hp (272 PS / 200 kW), with pricing and performance adjusted accordingly. Demographics for the N7 skew young and family-oriented: 68 percent of buyers are men, 74 percent are married, and 60 percent are under 35, according to figures released by Nissan.

Currently, the N7 is a China-only model, but Nissan has already confirmed it’s exploring international markets. A global launch could be on the table under a different name, potentially reviving the old Primera badge. Just don’t expect to see it on American roads anytime soon.

Nissan

If you’ve driven an EV you’ll have an opinion on regenerative braking. Some drivers prefer next to none, saying they plan ahead and think allowing the car to sail on when you lift off the gas is better for efficiency. Others love one-pedal mode, where the regen effect is so strong you barely need to touch the brakes at all, but new rules announced in China suggest regulators there aren’t one-pedal fans.

Related: Volvo Warns 12,000 Owners To Halt One Pedal Driving Immediately

A new national standard for passenger cars has just been introduced in China and it has implications for EV drivers who love to do all of their going and slowing using just their right foot. Under the terms of GB 21670-2025, drivers must not be able to set their EVs to a default mode that can bring a car to a complete stop simply by lifting off the gas pedal, though it seems the function isn’t being outlawed altogether.

Safety Concerns Take Priority Over Efficiency

The legislation has nothing to do with improving the driving range of the nation’s EVs, and is more focused on improving safety, according to a report from China’s The Paper. You might reasonably think that one-pedal mode is safer because it cuts out the delay between lifting your foot off the throttle and placing it on the brake pedal.

However, studies have shown that drivers can become so reliant on the regenerative braking effect delivered when lifting off that they develop a delayed reaction in applying the brake pedal in emergency situations when more braking force is needed than the regen alone can provide.

New Rules on Brake Lights and ABS

The laws governing one-pedal mode don’t come into force until January 1, 2027, but some other changes announced as part of the same safety standard become compulsory 12 months earlier, including one that might raise eyebrows.

From next year, new EVs brake lights must illuminate when deceleration caused by energy recovery exceeds 1.3 m/s². This addresses a common concern among drivers following behind EVs, who might not realize a car is slowing significantly without conventional brake light cues.

Also joining the list of must-haves: anti-lock braking systems, which will become mandatory on new EVs in China from 2026. That’s relatively late compared to other markets, as ABS became compulsory in the US in 2011 and in the EU back in 2004.

When mainstream automakers finally embraced electric vehicles, many of their early efforts felt half baked. The issues varied by make and model, but a number of them had lackluster ranges, high prices, and an assortment of quirks.

Ford managed to avoid these pitfalls with the Mustang Mach-E, which launched in 2021 and was quickly named North American Utility Vehicle of the Year. We were also impressed with it as I originally called it a “good EV and a great crossover.” I went on to praise the styling, comfortable ride, impressive performance, and long range.

What’s New For 2025?

Fast forward four years, and the Mustang Mach-E is approaching middle age. However, the car doesn’t feel overly dated thanks to a series of updates over the years. The latest were announced last fall and saw the electric pony car equipped with BlueCruise 1.5 and a newly standard heat pump. The latter helps to optimize energy consumption in cold climates for more range.

Those are welcome developments and that’s just scratching the surface as the rotary shifter has been replaced by a new column-mounted stalk. It’s a nice change, although there are odd cubbies where the shifter used to reside.

Other updates are less notable, but the Premium trim gains ventilated front seats due to customer feedback. The model also sports an updated color palette, revised wheels, and a new Sport Appearance Package.

The latter is available on the Premium trim and it sees the crossover outfitted with the front fascia and grille from the Mustang Mach-E GT. Buyers will also find black accents, red Brembo front brake calipers, and 19-inch gloss black wheels. Rounding out the highlights are sport pedals and red contrast stitching.

Photos Michael Gauthier / Carscoops

These build on earlier improvements, which saw the model benefit from faster DC recharging times and a new lithium iron phosphate battery pack. The Mach-E also got a new Rally trim and a performance upgrade for the GT.

Given all the improvements over the years, it’s surprising the 2025 model is cheaper than its predecessor. Back in 2021, pricing began at $42,895. Today, it starts at $37,995 before a $1,995 destination fee. That’s pretty remarkable, but there’s a big caveat as the Mach-E is no longer eligible for federal tax credits.

Still Great, But Its Age Is Starting To Show

Despite the passage of time, the Mach-E still feels competitive. It still looks great, offers impressive performance, and has plenty of space for four adults. The model also offers a comfortable ride, excellent steering, and a hushed demeanor.

Unfortunately, the interior is starting to feel dated and the quality still leaves something to be desired. That being said, even the entry-level model comes equipped with a 10.2-inch digital instrument cluster and a 15.5-inch infotainment system with wireless Android Auto and Apple CarPlay. They’re joined by a wireless smartphone charger, an eight-way power driver’s seat, and a six-speaker audio system. Rounding out the highlights are leather-like ActiveX upholstery, an auto-dimming rearview mirror, and a universal garage door opener.

Photos Michael Gauthier / Carscoops

Higher-end variants up the ante with heated and ventilated front seats as well as a heated steering wheel. Customers can also get a 10-speaker B&O premium audio system as well as multi-color ambient lighting.

The new model comes standard with the Co-Pilot360 Active 2.0 suite of driver assistance systems. It includes Adaptive Cruise Control, Automatic Emergency Braking, and Lane Centering. There are also Automatic High Beam headlights, a Lane-Keeping System, and a Blind Spot Information System with Cross-Traffic Alert. Other highlights include a 360° camera system, Evasive Steering Assist, Front/Rear Parking Sensors, and Intersection Assist.

A Powertrain For Everyone

The 2025 Mustang Mach-E is available with three different battery packs that have capacities of 73, 88, and 91 kWh. They allow for ranges of between 240 and 320 miles (386 and 515 km).

Customers will also find an assortment of rear- and all-wheel drive systems. Rear-wheel drive models have outputs of 264 hp (197 kW / 268 PS) and 272 hp (203 kW / 276 PS), while dual-motor, all-wheel drive variants develop 325 hp (242 kW / 330 PS), 370 hp (276 kW / 375 PS) or 480 hp (358 kW / 487 PS). The various outputs allow for 0-60 mph (0-96 km/h) times of between 3.3 and 5.6 seconds.

Those numbers are still pretty competitive today as the 2026 Toyota bZ will be offered with 57.7 and 74.7 kWh battery packs that provide up to 314 miles (505 km) of range. The model also has upgraded outputs of 221 hp (165 kW / 224 PS) and 338 hp (252 kW / 343 PS), which will allow for 0-60 mph (0-100 km/h) times of as little as 4.9 seconds.

A bigger threat is the Chevrolet Equinox EV, which starts at $33,600 and is eligible for a $7,500 federal tax credit. That makes it hugely appealing, even if its outputs of 220 hp (164 kW / 223 PS) and 300 hp (224 kW / 304 PS) aren’t anything to write home about. It’s also hard to knock the ranges of 285 and 319 miles (459 and 513 km).

Speaking of the bowtie brand, they also offer the larger Blazer EV for $44,600. While it’s more expensive, the model is eligible for a $7,500 tax credit and that knocks it down into Mach-E territory. It offers front-, rear-, and all-wheel drive as well as outputs ranging from 220 hp (164 kW / 223 PS) to 615 hp (459 kW / 624 PS). Customers can also expect up to 334 miles (538 km) of range.

All of this means the Mach-E is still pretty competitive, although not quite the standout it used to be. Of course, that’s what happens with age, and a facelift is likely coming soon.

Photos Michael Gauthier / Carscoops

Wagons may be all but extinct in today’s automotive landscape, cast away by buyers’ love of SUVs, but they still stir enthusiasm among certain corners of the car world. One such example is the Lexus IS SportCross, the only wagon in the brand’s 36-year history.

The five-door model lasted just a single generation before being discontinued, yet it still holds a place in the hearts of wagon fans. One of them is digital artist Theophilus Chin, who recently imagined what a modern Lexus wagon could look like in the current lineup.

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

Instead of starting with the aging IS sedan, Theottle chose the larger and more contemporary Lexus ES as the foundation for his design. The familiar sedan form is reworked with a taller, more upright rear, and styling cues borrowed from the all-electric RZ.

In this reimagining, the rear glass wraps around seamlessly into the side windows, visually slimming the D-pillars and giving the rear a cleaner profile. The roofline is less sloped than the standard ES, flowing into a pair of aerodynamic fins that replace the more conventional rear spoiler.

The lower portion of the tail is carried over from the regular ES, including the slim LED bar, the integrated ducktail spoiler, and the rear bumper. The wheelbase and the rear overhang haven’t changed, meaning that the ES Sport Cross retains the footprint of the sedan.

Illustrations: Theottle

The new Lexus ES is based on Toyota’s TNGA-K architecture, which is compatible with self-charging hybrid and fully electric powertrain options. The flagship ES 500e trim with AWD capability would be the most fitting for the Sport Cross variant, generating 338 hp (252 kW / 343 PS) from its zero-emission powertrain. Furthermore, the 75 kWh battery would be good for a WLTP range of around 530 km (329 miles).

More: Another V8 Sports Car Is Facing The Chopping Block

If it ever reached production, the ES SportCross would go up against premium wagons like the BMW i5 Touring and the Mercedes E-Class Estate. But while the idea might appeal to wagon enthusiasts, Lexus appears far more focused on sedans and SUVs these days, making this actually happening quite unlikely.

Still, there was a hint of possibility back in late 2021, when Lexus previewed a compact EV concept showcasing a variety of body styles, including a sedan, shooting brake, crossover, and convertible. At the time, many believed these prototypes hinted at the next generation IS, a model that now seems destined to offer more than just battery-electric powertrains when it eventually arrives.

Lexus

We’ve been hearing a lot about how tough the Chinese market is for long-established brands that are familiar to us in the West. Automakers like VW, Porsche and Mercedes have all suffered big sales slides in China, but Toyota has proved that’s it’s still possible to beat the increasingly competitive domestic brands at their own game.

Also: How Toyota’s $15K EV Ended Up Costing $48K In Its First Export Market

The bZ3X is an electric SUV built by a joint venture between Toyota and China’s GAC and it’s been selling like crazy following its debut four months ago. More than 200,000 examples have been delivered since March, GAC Toyota wrote on China’s Weibo social media platform, and the company also mentioned it had received over 30,000 orders.

A Price That Turns Heads

So how did Toyota manage to win where many other legacy brands have failed? One reason is the bZ3X’s incredibly competitive sticker. Prices for the electric SUV start at 109,800 yuan, or roughly $15,000 at current exchange rates. That makes it less than half the price of the GAC Toyota Highlander, which starts at 284,800 yuan ($39,300), and also undercuts the 171,800 yuan ($23,700) Camry.

Naturally, you’re not getting a fully-loaded, long-range EV for for your $15k, though versions with Lidar-based ADAS are available. The base bZ3X, the 430 Air, comes with a small 50 kWh battery that’s rated at 267 miles (430 km) on the generous Chinese CTLC cycle, but probably only offers 200 miles (320 km) of real range.

For a few yuan more, the 430 Air+ adds extra equipment but retains the base model’s battery, and the 58 kWh 520 Pro and Pro+ stretch the range to 323 miles (520 km) while still using the same single 201 hp (204 PS / 150 kW) electric motor as the lower-tier versions.

More: Toyota’s New Electric Flagship Sedan Takes A Shot At Tesla Model S

Top of the tree is the 610 Max, which gets a bump to 221 hp (224 PS / 165 kW) and promises 379 miles (610 km) of range from its 68 kWh pack. But even that flagship trim will only set you back ¥159,800 (~$22,000).

Momentum Beyond a Single Model

The bZ3X isn’t the only GAC Toyota performing well in China. The joint venture’s total sales reached 364,218 in the first six months of 2025, and importantly they were up 5.6 percent, making the company one of the few similar collabs to make gains.

Camry sales were up 66 percent to 20,358 in June, Ziniu News reports, and the company’s Saina minivan registered 8,846 deliveries in the first half of the year, up 16 percent.

GAC Toyota

We’re only two months out from the electric GLC’s debut at the Munich Auto Show and Mercedes is on the teaser offensive. As he did with the CLA and electric G-Class, CEO Ola Källenius has taken a camouflaged prototype of the compact SUV for a spin and dropped a couple of interesting spec details in the process.

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

One detail we now know is that the first model to launch will be called the GLC 400 4Matic with EQ technology, following the (somewhat clunky) trend started by the electric G-Class. Källenius also revealed the 400 can add around 162 miles (260 km) of electric range in just 10 minutes thanks to its ability to charge at over 320 kW.

800v Architecture and Practical Charging Solutions

Mercedes itself dropped some other factoids, including that a converter allows the 800-volt SUV to hook-up at more common 400-volt charging stations. Surprisingly, that was not possible with the first examples of the new CLA sedan, though a fix for them is in the works.

Källenius performs a standing start in the GLC, and while he doesn’t give out power or performance figures, he implies that the acceleration is the kind that you’d expect from a Mercedes-AMG GT, which suggests a sub-4-second zero to 62 mph (100 km/h) time.

Design Cues With Classic Inspiration

When it comes to the front-end design however, the CEO reckons the GLC takes its lead from much older Mercedes models. He waxes lyrical about the huge grille on a classic 300SEL 6.3 and claims we’ll see elements of the same design when the covers come off the GLC in September.

“It’s a future techy interpretation of that iconic Mercedes style,” he says of the new car’s grille.

The SEL isn’t only on hand to drop styling clues, but to demonstrate the GLC’s towing ability. Mercedes says it can tow a 5,300 lbs (2,400 kg) braked trailer, which betters the Porsche Macan Electric’s tow rating by 880 lbs (400 kg).

Roomier Cabin and Smarter Suspension

Interior packaging has also seen some changes. Mercedes confirmed the GLC EQ’s wheelbase is 3.2 inches (80 mm) longer than the 113.7 inches (2,890 mm) of the current combustion GLC, which is good news for rear-seat passengers, and there’s more luggage space, too.

The trunk swallows 20.1 cu-ft (570 liters), which is 0.7 cu-ft (20 liters) more than the ICE SUV, and can be extended to 61.5 cu-ft (1,740 liters) with the seats folded. And there’s still 4.5 cu-ft (128 liters) of frunk space to add to that.

The new GLC will feature air springs for maximum ride comfort, though only as part of an optional Agility & Comfort Package that also includes 4.5 degrees of rear-axle steering. Both of those tech solutions are also available on the Porsche Macan Electric, and we’re looking forward to seeing how the two fare in the – inevitable – face-off next year.

Mercedes