Model Y driver claims he had Autopilot engaged and fell asleep.
Police found a loaded pistol without a valid owner’s identification.
The 43-year-old was arrested and charged with several offenses.
A Tesla driver in Illinois has been arrested after plowing into the rear of a Ford Explorer police cruiser that had stopped for a traffic investigation.
However, this was more than a simple case of a distracted driver rear-ending another motorist, as the Tesla owner told police that the vehicle’s Autopilot system was engaged and that he had fallen asleep behind the wheel.
Local authorities say a 2022 Tesla Model Y caused the crash and shared images of the crumpled cruiser on Facebook. They show that the impact has caved in the SUV’s rear end and that both taillights have been knocked out of position.
In all likelihood, some damage has also been done to the frame, and there’s a good chance the Ford could be declared a complete write-off.
Autopilot or Absent Driver?
The South Barrington Police Department says the squad car was pulled over to the shoulder with its emergency lights flashing when the Tesla plowed into the back of it. The driver, Joseph Fresso, told officers he had activated Autopilot, dozed off, and didn’t wake up in time to react.
Two officers and Fresso were taken to Ascension St. Alexius Medical Center in Hoffman Estates. All three sustained non-life-threatening injuries and were later released.
Driver Arrested and Charged
To make matters worse for the 43-year-old driver, he was found to be carrying a loaded handgun, despite not having a valid Firearm Owner’s Identification card. As a result, he was reportedly arrested and charged with unlawful possession of a firearm.
He was also cited for failing to yield a full lane or reduce speed when approaching an emergency vehicle. Fresso was taken to Cook County Circuit Court, where he’s scheduled to appear on December 3.
If the driver did indeed fall asleep with Autopilot engaged, it could raise concerns about the effectiveness of Tesla’s driver monitoring system.
The electric carmaker will likely send engineers out to analyze the Model Y and determine whether the driver-assistance system was enabled at the time of the collision and if its warning systems functioned as they should have.
This EV1 is believed to be one of only a few dozen still existing.
General Motors crushed most EV1s but donated about 40 units.
Despite its age and condition, many enthusiasts still admire the EV1.
The EV1 from General Motors is widely regarded as the original mass-market, purpose-built electric vehicle, although it was never manufactured in significant numbers. In fact, only a touch over 1,100 were ever produced across two generations, and very few of them exist nowadays.
Given the car’s importance in the history of EVs, as well as its rarity, it perhaps comes as no surprise that when one hit the market this week, it attracted a lot of attention.
However, no one could have expected that it would sell for a staggering $104,000. To put it into perspective, that’s more than a brand-new Tesla Cybertruck.
GM never actually sold the EV1 and only leased it to customers. When it controversially decided to kill the project, it took back customer cars and crushed them. It’s understood that roughly 40 were kept by the company. While some remain in private hands, most were donated to universities and museums.
The example in question is a 1997 version that was listed for sale through Peak Auto Auctions in Atlanta after being towed. Very few details were provided about it but it’s clearly been sitting outside for a long time, and both the windshield and front side window are smashed.
Is It Worth Saving?
An investigation by The Autopian revealed the car had been marked as abandoned by the Clark Atlanta University Public Safety agency, which may explain why it ended up here.
It’s thought to be VIN V212 and was originally delivered in Arizona. At one point, it held the unofficial altitude record for an EV1, reaching 10,500 feet, GM Authority reports.
Given that the car has probably been sitting outside for a long time, potentially years, there’s a good chance it will need some serious TLC to be brought back to life. Sourcing replacement parts could be a tall order, but clearly, the winning bidder thinks the car is worth a lot of money.
GM is cutting thousands of jobs across Michigan, Ohio, and Tennessee.
Factory Zero takes the biggest hit as around 1,200 employees lose jobs.
It is also temporarily halting battery production at two Ultium Cells plants.
General Motors bet big on electric vehicles and now employees are paying the price. We recently saw this play out in Canada, where over a thousand workers lost their jobs when BrightDrop vans were axed last week.
The cuts are now happening stateside as approximately 1,750 workers will be laid off. According to CNBC, the hardest impact will be felt at Factory Zero in Michigan, where around 1,200 jobs will be eliminated. An additional 550 people will be let go at the Ultium Cells plant in Ohio.
On top of the indefinite cuts, there will reportedly be 1,550 temporary layoffs. These are said to be spread across Ultium Cells plants in Ohio and Tennessee, with the latter impacting 700 people.
In a series of statements, the automaker said the changes were “in response to slower near-term EV adoption and an evolving regulatory environment.”
This appears to be a reference to the elimination of the clean vehicle tax credit as well as the relaxing of regulations under the Trump administration.
Factory Zero builds the Chevrolet Silverado EV, GMC Sierra EV, GMC Hummer EV, and Cadillac Escalade IQ. These models weren’t exactly flying off dealer lots even when there was a $7,500 federal incentive.
Promises and Pauses
The company said they remain committed to U.S. manufacturing and believe their “investments and dedication to flexible operations will make GM more resilient and capable of leading through change.”
That remains to be seen, but GM is pausing battery cell production in Warren, Ohio as well as in Spring Hill, Tennessee this January. Both plants are scheduled to reopen in mid-2026 and the downtime will be used to upgrade the facilities to provide “greater flexibility.”
It’s not entirely clear what that means, but the company said “Impacted employees may be eligible to continue receiving a significant portion of their regular wages or salary, plus benefits.”
Corporate Optimism Meets Reality
The news comes roughly one week after CEO Mary Barra told investors the company “delivered another very good quarter of earnings and free cash flow.”
She added the automaker achieved their highest third-quarter market share since 2017 and were raising their full-year guidance.
Despite being upbeat, Barra warned of cuts by saying “it is now clear that near-term EV adoption will be lower than planned. That is why we are reassessing our EV capacity and manufacturing footprint.” Despite this and new investments in ICE-powered vehicles, she said “electric vehicles remain our North Star.”
US laws cap driverless production at 2,500 units per year.
Tesla may add steering wheels and pedals to meet rules.
Brand’s board chair says the automaker will follow regulations.
Unlike every other Tesla, the Cybercab was envisioned without a steering wheel or pedals, created from the start as a vehicle meant to drive itself. Elon Musk said the company plans to build millions of these two-seat EVs, each priced under $30,000, hoping to turn self-driving technology from a futuristic experiment into something people could actually buy.
Or at least, that was the idea. Tesla has now admitted it may have to fit the Cybercab with conventional controls if it wants to reach the production numbers Musk has promised.
When Autonomy Meets Reality
According to Tesla board chair Robyn Denholm, the company views the Cybercab as the long-awaited affordable model that investors have been pressing for, often referred to by the press as the Model 2.
Yet the minimalist two-seat layout limits its practicality, and Tesla’s initial pledge to sell it without traditional controls makes the task harder. The brand’s self-driving software remains well short of true Level 4 or Level 5 autonomy, so customers may be wary of a car that expects to handle everything on its own.
While speaking with Bloomberg, Denholm made clear that Tesla is flexible. “If we have to have a steering wheel, it can have a steering wheel and pedals,” she said, a comment that marks a shift from the original vision.
Regulation Hurdles
Regulations currently stand in the way of Tesla introducing a large number of Cybercabs onto US roads. In fact, the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) only allows manufacturers to deploy up to 2,500 autonomous vehicles per year without traditional controls.
Musk, who has poured significant sums into political campaigns, including major donations to Donald Trump, appears to have hoped that influence might soften the rules. So far, regulators haven’t moved.
His frustration surfaced recently when he referred to US Transportation Secretary Sean Duffy as “Sean Dummy” after the agency reopened a SpaceX contract connected to NASA’s moon mission.
Denholm has put on a brave face, noting that Tesla is willing to change its plans if that’s what regulations require.
“The original Model Y was not going to have a steering wheel, or pedals,” she said. “If we can’t sell something because it needs something, then we’ll work with regulators to work out what we need to do.”
The new model launches next year as the Super-ONE or Super-N.
Honda confirmed a simulated seven-speed powertrain setup.
Sporty design includes wide arches, bumpers, and a rear spoiler.
The Super EV Concept previewed by Honda at the Goodwood Festival of Speed has morphed into this: the Super-One Prototype. Presented at the Japan Mobility Show this week, this model is a close preview of a new production model that’ll essentially serve as a successor to the Honda e.
Presented in Tokyo as the Super-One Prototype, the pint-sized electric city car will be sold across Japan, Asia, and Oceania as the Super-ONE, but sold in the UK as the Super-N.
It is based around Honda’s new N-One e: kei cars sold in Japan and has a sporty persona that’s bound to appeal to some performance car enthusiasts.
Honda hasn’t released powertrain details for the model, but says it’s equipped with a simulated seven-speed transmission and an Active Sound Control system that mimics the soundtrack of a “powerful” engine.
The virtual gear shifts and the ICE-inspired soundtrack will fire into life when the car is driven in Boost mode. Additionally, there’ll be dedicated interior displays and coordinated lighting sequences to enhance the thrill of driving.
A Sport Design to Match
It’s not just the driver-focused nature of the Super-One that makes it stand out from the old Honda e. It also has a fun exterior design. Looking more like a car that has been tweaked by an aftermarket firm for the Tokyo Auto Salon, the EV includes bulging wheel arches and sporty bumpers. It even has a small wing at the rear.
Found in the cabin are sporty seats trimmed in black, white, and grey upholstery. There’s also a small digital instrument cluster and a large central infotainment display similar to other Honda models.
The production model will hit the market next year, first launching in Japan, before being added to Honda’s UK range and in several other Asian markets.
“The Super-N Prototype promises to offer a great entry point to Honda EV ownership when it arrives in our market next year, building on the excitement we saw for the concept model at Goodwood this summer,” Honda UK head Rebecca Adamson said.
“By bringing Honda’s trademark ‘fun-to-drive’ performance to a compact all-electric model, we believe this is a unique proposition and we are excited for people to experience it from 2026.”
Honda 0 α prototype previews a smaller global EV for Japan and India.
It shares design cues and platform with the 0 SUV and 0 Saloon.
Expected features include an ultra-thin battery and 300-mile range.
The SUV staring back at you here is the Honda 0 α, unveiled in a world premiere at the Japan Mobility Show and already edging toward production within the next two years.
It’s officially labeled a “prototype,” but as we’ve seen in the past, in Honda terms, that means pre-production rather than pure concept. It joins the 0 Saloon and 0 SUV that made their debut earlier this year, rounding out Honda’s latest attempt to reinvent itself for the electric age.
Honda refers to the 0 α (Alpha) as a “gateway model” for its 0 Series range of electric vehicles. The production model will hit the market in 2027 and be available in markets around the world, with a particular focus on Japan and India.
It has a very similar design to the 0 SUV, but is slightly smaller. And, just like the two other 0 Series models, it looks unlike anything in Honda’s current range.
The most obvious points of difference between the 0 α and the 0 SUV are found at the front. This smaller model rocks a set of different LED taillights and DRLs, but retains an illuminated Honda badge. The lower bumper has also been redesigned and looks slightly more aggressive with a pair of body-colored elements.
From the side, the 0 α looks almost indiscernible from the larger model. It retains the same odd shape with an incredibly high rear window and thick rear pillars.
It also has the same rocker panels, the same basic doors, and the same flush handles. The most obvious difference is that it’s slightly shorter and lacks the tiny window behind the C-pillars of the larger model.
The similarities continue at the rear. Honda has equipped the 0 α with a U-shaped LED lightbar that stretches up the tailgate. Notably, the 0 α has a larger rear window than the 0 SUV, which should improve rear visibility. A curvaceous bumper also catches the eye.
What About The Tech?
Honda has yet to release any technical specifications about the new prototype. We know that the 0 Saloon and 0 SUV will share a platform with the Afeela EV that Honda co-developed with Sony. Presumably, the 0 α will also use the same architecture.
The carmaker notes that the 0 α also adopts the same ‘Thin, Light, and Wise’ approach of the other 0 Series models. Honda has previously said this approach will lead to the creation of an “ultra-thin battery pack” and a compact e-Axle.
The thin battery pack will allow Honda to reduce the height of the floors in its EVs and boost cabin space without impacting ground clearance.
As with the other 0 Series models, the 0 α should hit the market with at least 300 miles or 483 km of range. All 0 Series models are also tipped to hit the market with Level 3 self-driving capabilities that include an eyes-off function for highway traffic jams.
We also know the 0 Saloon and 0 SUV will come standard with NACS charging ports, although it’s unclear if the 0 α will as well given that Honda hasn’t mentioned any plans to sell it in North America.
Rivian’s CEO praised the Xiaomi EV’s design after a teardown.
RJ Scaringe said he’d buy the SU7 himself if he lived in China.
He called it a well-integrated, nicely executed technology platform.
Last year, Ford chief executive Jim Farley surprised many when he revealed that his daily driver was a Xiaomi SU7 quietly imported into the United States. Now, another American industry leader has joined the conversation about the Chinese electric sedan that’s been causing a stir both at home and abroad.
Rivian chief executive RJ Scaringe revealed his team recently tore down an SU7, and, likely Farley, he’s full of praise for it. However, he says that developing and building a vehicle like it in China is very different than doing the same in the US.
How Good Is It?
According to Scaringe, the SU7 is a “really well executed, heavily vertically-integrated technology platform” that is “nicely done.” He added that if he were living in China, it’s one of the cars that he’d personally consider buying.
One of the SU7’s most compelling advantages is its price. With a starting figure of 215,900 yuan, roughly $30,000, it undercuts much of the competition. After taking the car apart, Scaringe explained that Rivian “learned nothing from the teardown” about how Xiaomi keeps costs so low.
There was no hidden engineering trick or obscure cost-cutting secret waiting inside the panels. The real explanation, he said, is simple: China’s extensive government support.
China Plays By Other Rules
The distinction, according to Scaringe, comes down to the economic landscape in which Xiaomi operates. State backing shifts the financial balance from the ground up, creating an environment that’s nearly impossible to replicate in the US.
“The cost of capital is zero or negative, meaning they get paid to put up plants,” Scaringe told Business Insider. “It’s a very different opportunity.”
Government Grants Alter The Playing Field
While Rivian was provided a $6.6 billion loan for its new production facility in Georgia, Scaringe noted that automakers in the People’s Republic like Xiaomi receive outright grants from their own government, which is “just not something that exists in the US.”
He also noted that China’s lower labor costs further tip the scales.
“When you take the cost of capital down to zero or less than zero and you have a cost of labor that’s very low – you can do the math, you can build a spreadsheet that can arrive at exactly how they’re doing it,” he explained.
Scaringe added that the reality behind Xiaomi’s pricing isn’t mystical or secretive. “I think it’s like Wizard of Oz. I think when people think there’s a Wizard of Oz, it’s not helpful. It’s like there is no magic in the world. Everything could be analyzed and calculated.”
Slate Auto will launch its $28K two-door electric pickup late next year.
It will rely on some 4,000 RepairPal-certified independent service shops.
The network covers warranty, accessory, and battery repair work.
Slate Auto is already treading water after its launch earlier this year. The removal of tax incentives makes its debut offering far less financially appealing than it would’ve otherwise been., and that’s a pretty big deal for a model that is build around it’s affordable pricing.
While it can’t control subsidies, the EV startup, backed by Amazon founder Jeff Bezos, can control how easy it is to own one of its vehicles. To that end, it’s just announced that it’ll give customers access to the Tesla Supercharger network and some 4,000 service locations on day one.
Like many other EV companies, Slate will sell directly to consumers. Without dealers, the brand would need to build and staff its own service locations. Now, a deal with RepairPal allows it to offer a network of roughly 4,000 independent repair shops across the USA for maintenance and repairs as needed.
According to Slate, these independent shops will handle everything from routine maintenance to accessory installations and even high-voltage repairs. Each one will get Slate-specific training, too.
In addition, the company is launching its long-promised Slate University, an online and app-based hub for tutorials, repair videos, and owner education. The platform will cater to both customers and service technicians.
Slate expects it to offer an evolving library of how-to guides and even some certification courses. “We want owners to feel confident before they even arrive at a service appointment,” CEO Chris Barman told Newsweek.
Supercharging the Experience
Charging is another area where Slate doesn’t want to over complicate things. Its product offerings will use the North American Charging Standard (NACS), giving drivers direct access to Tesla’s Supercharger network that consists of over 25,000 fast chargers nationwide and is widely regarded as the most reliable.
Essentially, Slate owners should have no issue going coast to coast so long as they’re okay with frequent stops due to the truck’s modest maximum range of 240 miles.
Production is set to begin late next year in Warsaw, Indiana, and Slate says that it already has over 100,000 reservations.
While we wait to see how many of those will actually convert to sales, it’s nice to see a new car company thinking ahead about the ownership experience.
Jaguar has quietly revealed their electric GT has been delayed until 2026.
Sedan will start around $130,000 and be the “most powerful Jaguar ever.”
It will ride on an all-new EV platform and have a range of up to 430 miles.
Jaguar is betting their future on an electric grand tourer, which was previewed by the Type 00 concept. The production model was supposed to be introduced late this year, but that’s no longer happening.
In an interview with ABC News, Jaguar managing director Rawdon Glover revealed that the ultra-luxury sedan has been delayed until 2026. The executive didn’t say why the electric model was pushed back, but it doesn’t bode well for the company.
That said, it wouldn’t be unreasonable to suspect that the recent major cyberattack played a part. The prolonged incident plunged Jaguar Land Rover into chaos in early September, and they’ve only recently resumed production.
It’s also worth noting that Jaguar is still testing the model as a prototype was spied on the Nürburgring last week. This could mean the GT isn’t quite finished and they wouldn’t have had things wrapped up in time for the originally scheduled debut.
Baldauf
Regardless of what caused the delay, Glover suggested they’ll start taking orders shortly after the debut. Deliveries will then start “relatively soon after that.”
How Much Will It Cost?
The car won’t be cheap as the executive implied the model will cost around $130,000. That’s nearly three times as much as the 2024 XF, but customers will be getting the “most powerful Jaguar ever.”
Glover didn’t go into specifics, but the company has previously said the car will ride on the Jaguar Electrical Architecture and have a range of up to 430 miles (692 km). Owners can also expect to get 200 miles (322 km) of range in as little as 15 minutes with a DC fast charger.
While Glover wasn’t ready to give details, he suggested the car will “drive really well.” He also implied it will buck trends as he said, “There aren’t many EVs that are really engaging to drive.”
Still Defending Jaguar’s New Look And Mission
The rest of the interview was largely focused on Jaguar’s new look and the controversial rebrand, which they’ve been defending for nearly a year. Glover said “We’ve got to create a car that has drama, has scale, has proportion … that will create a real visceral reaction when people look at it.”
The Type 00 concept has certainly done that and the executive noted seeing the car in person is a lot different than looking at it on your phone. As he explained, when viewed in the flesh, people can “understand the proportions, the drama, the scale of the vehicle.”
Glover went on to say the United States will likely become their biggest market and a “vast majority” of customers are “positive” about the design. However, he noted this comes after having the “time to explain and really walk through why the Type 00 looks the way it does.” That’s not ideal as beauty and desire shouldn’t need an explanation.
Getting back to the delay, Glover said new cars are still available and you’ll be able to get one for the “next 18 months or so.” That certainly seems to be the case as a quick search reveals over 2,100 new vehicles in stock. A vast majority of these are the F-Pace crossover, but there are still a few F-Types, I-Paces, and XFs around.
Mark Fields expects U.S. EV growth to continue at a slower pace.
Ford and GM are taking billion-dollar charges to realign strategies.
Experts believe adoption may recover once buyers adapt to prices.
The automotive industry never stays still for long. While electric vehicles are growing in popularity around the globe, they’re facing serious headwinds in the US.
The federal government is no longer subsidizing them, gas cars are no longer facing harsh penalties for missing economy regulations, and their pricing is still higher on average than that of an ICE car. Despite all that, Ford’s former CEO, Mark Fields, believes EV adoption will continue to steadily climb.
Is Growth Still Coming?
Speaking with CNBC on Friday, Fields said he expects “gradual growth” in all-electric vehicle demand after the Trump administration’s September decision to end the $7,500 new and $4,000 used EV tax credits.
The former Ford chief, who led the company from 2014 to 2017, believes long-term adoption remains inevitable as consumers increasingly shift toward renewable energy sources.
“You’re going to see these grow over time, but it’s not going to be at the pace that the automakers thought,” Fields said. “That’s why you’re seeing these big impairment charges that both Ford and GM and others have taken.”
GM announced that it’s taking a $1.6 billion charge associated with ‘strategic realignment’ of its EV game plan.
Ford’s current CEO, Jim Farley, also said earlier this month that the loss of tax credits could halve US EV sales in the near term. Like Fields, Farley believes adoption rates will continue to climb as more affordable models show up.
The former said that automakers “went full bore” into EVs without fully understanding customer demand. “You’re going to see more [charges] going forward as the industry adjusts to a new demand curve,” he commented.
That said, not everybody agrees that cutting subsidies will affect adoption as strongly as anticipated.
Former Tesla global sales chief Jon McNeill told CNBC earlier this month that European markets continued to grow despite similar subsidy rollbacks. It’s thus plausible that the US market could pick back up once buyers adjust to the new prices.
Lucid teases mid-size EV with sleeker styling than the larger Gravity.
It’s expected to start under $50,000 when production begins next year.
Nvidia Drive AV enables hands-off, eyes-off driving with dual Thor chips.
For as good as the Lucid Air and Gravity are, their price tags keep them out of reach for most buyers. Thankfully, the American brand is working on a more affordable mid-size SUV, and this is our first chance to see it from the rear.
The teaser image arrives almost exactly a year after Lucid first previewed the model’s front, timed to align with an important new partnership with Nvidia.
What Are We Seeing?
The image itself is deliberately dark, but there’s enough light to reveal a three-quarter rear view of what could be named the Earth.
Compared to the Gravity, it’s noticeably smaller, with a roofline that slopes sharply into a compact decklid. The more steeply raked rear glass gives it a sportier silhouette, setting it apart from its larger sibling and bringing it closer in profile to Tesla’s Model Y.
Additionally, Lucid has equipped it with simple horizontal LED taillights, no doubt cheaper than the complex units found on the Air and Gravity.
Other important details visible in this teaser include the newly designed door handle sitting flush with the bodywork and distinctive wheel arches.
Lucid plans to release more than one vehicle on its forthcoming mid-size platform, although details about the others are limited.
We know production of this new SUV will be handled by the carmaker’s AMP-2 factory in Saudi Arabia and should start before the end of next year. It’s expected to hit the market for less than $50,000.
Lucid x Nvidia
The company dropped this teaser of the mid-size model alongside a critical new partnership with Nvidia. Moving forward, Lucid will adopt Nvidia’s Drive AV platform, which promises eyes-off, hands-off, and mind-off Level 4 autonomous driving.
Lucid’s existing DreamDrive Pro system was developed in-house and has already been improved in the Gravity thanks to Nvidia’s systems, allowing for Level 2++ semi-autonomous driving.
To achieve Level 4 driving, Lucid will incorporate Nvidia’s full suite of sensors, including cameras, radar, and LiDAR. Starting with its mid-size models, each vehicle will include two Nvidia Drive AGX Thor accelerated computers running the Nvidia DriveOS operating system.
Lucid says “this next-generation AI computing platform, with its centralized architecture and redundant processors, will unify all automated driving functions, enabling a seamless evolution through the autonomy spectrum.”
The strengthened relationship between Lucid and Nvidia will also bring new automated-driving features to the Gravity via over-the-air software updates.
Canada is rumored to be ready to lift tariffs on Chinese EVs.
Government seeks a more open trade path with China.
Carney will meet Xi Jinping this week at the Asia-Pacific summit.
Canada could soon open the floodgates for a wave of inexpensive Chinese EVs, and you can practically hear the sound of Donald Trump grinding his teeth from across the border. The prospect alone has already stirred political tension, economic speculation, and a fair bit of cross-border irritation.
Prime Minister Mark Carney is reportedly preparing to roll back Canada’s 100 percent tariffs on imported Chinese electric vehicles, a policy originally put in place in 2024 under previous top Canadian Justin Trudeau.
The move, according to The Wire China, a Boston-based outlet founded by former New York Times Shanghai correspondent David Barboza, could be announced at any moment.
That tariff was originally intended to align Canada with its Western partners and shield both domestic and US auto industries from what were described as state-subsidized imports. But time moves on, alliances shift, and so do economic priorities.
Reset or Risk?
According to Ottawa insiders, Carney wants to “reset” Canada’s relationship with Beijing as he heads to this week’s Asia-Pacific Economic Cooperation (APEC) summit in South Korea, where he’s expected to meet with Chinese President Xi Jinping.
The outcome of that meeting could be a thawing of frosty trade ties and better access for Canadian exports while easing restrictions on Chinese EVs that are already proving irresistible in Europe.
“Relationships rebuild over time when they have been … when they have changed, when they’ve changed for the worse,” Carney said in comments reported by CBC. “And so we have a lot of areas on which we can build.”
If the 100 percent tariffs go, dropping import duty to the previous 6.1 percent, it would be a dramatic pivot that could reshape Canada’s electric vehicle market almost overnight.
Brands like BYD, NIO, XPeng, and Zeekr could swoop in with wallet-friendly options that would make even the most patriotic Canadian EV buyer think twice before spending Tesla or Rivian money.
The move would also leave Washington, and President Trump, fuming. The US itself still maintains a tough stance on Chinese EV imports, despite the fallout causing misery for American farmers who can no longer sell soy beans to China.
But Carney’s government may see things differently. Canada’s EV adoption targets are ambitious despite a recent softening, and affordable models are in short supply.
Chinese automakers, with their cost-efficient tech and fast-evolving battery platforms, could provide the shot in the arm Canada’s market needs.
Still, domestic automakers and unions, who are already bruised and battered from Trump’s tariffs, won’t be thrilled. Expect plenty of fretting from Ontario’s manufacturing belt, where many already fear competing with low-cost imports.
BYD Racco, the brand’s first kei car, has been unveiled in Japan.
Features upright stance with styling inspired by Japanese rivals.
Expected to offer 112 miles of range and generous equipment.
BYD is preparing to make its move into one of Japan’s most tightly defined and popular vehicle segments with the Racco, a tiny EV that marks the brand’s first kei car. The pint-sized newcomer was introduced earlier today at the Japan Mobility Show as BYD’s first model designed exclusively for overseas markets.
At first glance, the Racco doesn’t stray far from established kei design cues, and that’s no surprise given the strict size and proportion rules governing the segment.
The windowline and fin-shaped pillars echo the previous-generation Mitsubishi ek Space, while the headlights and stance appear to draw inspiration from the Daihatsu Tanto.
The Racco features a short hood, upright windshield, sliding doors, flat sides, and a near-vertical rear end with almost no overhang. It has a C-shaped LED lighting signature on both ends, and rides on 15-inch alloy wheels. Furthermore, it comes fitted with disc brakes on all four wheels.
The model measures 3,395 mm (133.7 inches) long, 1,475 mm (58.1 inches) wide, and 1,800 mm (70.9 inches) long, in line with the narrow framework for kei cars.
Inside the four-seater cabin amenities include a digital cockpit with a small instrument cluster and a larger free-standing infotainment that is not usually found in the segment. We also expect a comprehensive ADAS suite and a heat pump for the A/C.
Powertrain Specs
BYD didn’t release the detailed specifications of the electric powertrain, but confirmed that the Racco will be front-wheel-drive. We also know it will be fitted with a “Blade” Lithium iron phosphate battery pack, available in two different capacities (short-range and long-range).
According to reports, the 20 kWh battery will offer around 180 km (112 miles) of WLTC range although numbers remain unconfirmed. The EV is also expected to be compatible with fast charging of up to 100 kW. The floor-mounted battery will give it a lower center of gravity compared to ICE-powered kei cars, improving handling.
BYD plans to open pre-orders for the Racco in the summer of 2026, with sales commencing shortly after. Pricing is estimated to start at around ¥2.5 million ($16,500) before subsidies, positioning it squarely against the Nissan Sakura and Mitsubishi eK X EV.
New LCV For Japan
Besides the kei car, BYD has also unveiled a new light commercial vehicle designed to comply with Japanese regulations that allow it to be driven with a standard driver’s license.
The BYD T35 features a cab-over design and will be available in box van and flatbed configurations. It with fitted with a fully electric powertrain generating up to 201 hp (150 kW / 203 PS) and 340 Nm (251 lb-ft) of torque. The Blade lithium iron phosphate battery is good for a WLTC range of 250 km (155 miles).
The flatbed version is exhibited with a mobile sauna stove and cold bath chiller, both using power from the battery. The market launch of the BYD T35 in Japan is scheduled for 2026.
Kia set an electric range world record with its PV5 Cargo electric van.
PV5 was weighed down with 1,740 lbs / 790 kg of cargo for realism.
Two drivers completed a 22-hour journey on actual roads with traffic.
Diesel car sales are way down, but the stinky stuff is still the fuel of choice for many van operators due to a diesel engine’s durability, efficiency and long range. Maybe not for long though.
Kia’s new PV5 Cargo electric van has just set a Guinness World Record after traveling 430.84 miles (693.38 km) on a single charge.
That would be a solid, though hardly newsworthy feat in a car, but it’s more impressive in a brick-shaped van (albeit a slippery one) whose official range is only 258 miles (415 km). And it borders on a miracle when you learn that it was achieved while carrying the PV5’s maximum payload of 1,740 lbs, or 790 kg.
The record wasn’t a lab test or a hypermiling stunt. This was a real-world endurance run, conducted north of Frankfurt, Germany, under the same urban and extra-urban conditions any delivery van might face on a long working day – or two.
Behind the wheel of the PV5 were commercial vehicle journalist George Barrow, and Christian Nigemeier, a senior engineer at Hyundai Motor Europe Technical Centre.
Over the course of the 22.5-hour challenge, the duo completed 12 loops of a 36.2-mile (58.2 km) route, complete with traffic lights, roundabouts, and an elevation gain of 1,210 ft (370 m).
The record-breaking PV5 was in stock form, but fitted with a 71.2 kWh battery, the larger of the two available power packs.
A smaller 51.5 kWh battery is also available for businesses who don’t cover a ton of miles in a day or want to get anywhere in a hurry – it’s only rated for 184 miles (296 km) and takes 16.2 seconds to reach 62mph versus 12.4 seconds for the 71.2 kWh version.
The PV5 is the first member of Kia’s Platform Beyond Vehicle (PBV) family, built on the brand’s new E-GMP.S architecture, the commercial vehicle version of the platform used in passenger cars like the EV6 and EV9.
Like combustion commercials it’s designed for modular flexibility and can be ordered as a panel van, chassis cab or minivan.
Mercedes to replace the slow-selling EQE with the new E-Class EQ.
It features a more traditional design that echoes the ICE model.
Expected in 2027, it could share tech with the C- and GLC EVs.
Mercedes teased the E-Class with EQ Technology earlier this year and now spy photographers have caught a prototype undergoing testing in Europe. It will replace the slow-selling EQE and feature a more traditional design.
While the prototype is heavily disguised, it follows in the footsteps of the C-Class EQ and could easily be mistaken for that model.
However, a closer inspection reveals an assortment of changes including traditional door handles and side mirrors located at the base of the A-pillar. The E-Class is also longer and appears to have a flatter beltline.
The disguise hides a number of details, but we can expect an expressive front fascia with a bold grille that echoes the one found on the GLC and C-Class EVs.
We can also get a glimpse of a wide lower intake as well as temporary headlights. The latter will undoubtedly give way to starry production units, which have become a Mercedes hallmark.
The profile closely echoes the standard E-Class, but it looks like the electric variant might be even longer. While it’s hard to be certain at this point, the prototype appears to have extended rear doors and a larger greenhouse.
Baldauf
Out back, there’s a relatively plain rear end with a curved trunk and a subtle spoiler. They’re joined by a sporty bumper that features an integrated diffuser.
Spy photographers didn’t get a look inside, but the electric sedan could follow in the footsteps of the GLC. If it does, the model could sport a massive 39.1-inch MBUX Hyperscreen.
The company has also promised improved noise insulation as well as a Level 3 semi-autonomous driving system.
GLC EQ
Little else is known about the car at this point, but the electric GLC gives us some hints at what to expect. It features a 94 kWh battery pack as well as an 800-volt electrical architecture that enables the crossover to get up to 188 miles (303 km) of range in as little as ten minutes.
The GLC 400 4MATIC has a combined output of 483 hp (360 kW / 490 PS) and a WLTP range of up to 443 miles (713 km). The model also offers an intelligent air suspension and a rear axle steering system that turns the wheels up to 4.5 degrees.
We can also expect a heat pump as well as a ‘one-box’ braking system, which promises to deliver a “steady, assured brake pedal feel” regardless of whether the crossover is using traditional brakes or the regenerative braking system.
J.D. Power predicts a 60% EV sales drop in October from September levels.
Decline follows expiration of federal tax credits that boosted affordability.
EVs will make up 5.2% of new sales, down from September’s record 12.9%.
There was no getting around the fact that EV sales would take a massive blow without government subsidies. $7,500 is no small amount of cash, and tacking it onto the price of a car will make most vehicles way less appealing.
If J.D. Power is right, the loss of that credit has had an even larger impact on the EV market than many in the industry expected.
How Deep Is The Dip?
The research firm, working with GlobalData, predicts 54,673 EV retail sales for October. If that figure holds, it represents a 43.1 percent decline compared with October 2024, when 96,085 electric vehicles were sold. That would also mean a slide in market share from 8.5 percent to just 5.2 percent.
That’s a massive drop from the way September went. EVs hit a record 12.9 percent of the market that month, yet if October’s projected 54,673 EV sales come true, it would mark a 59.9 percent drop from September’s 136,211 units.
“The automotive industry is experiencing a significant recalibration in the electric vehicle segment,” said J.D. Power data analyst Tyson Jominy. “The recent EV market correction underscores a critical lesson: Consumers prefer having access to a range of powertrain options.”
Perhaps the wildest bit of this entire thing is that it could’ve been even worse for EVs. Many brands, including Hyundai, GM, and Tesla, rolled out different methods to ease the pain of losing the federal tax credit.
Had they not done those things, like cutting total costs, rolling out new cheaper models, and more… the hit would’ve no doubt been even harder.
Sales & SAAR Comparison
U.S. New Vehicle
October 20251, 2
September 2025
October 2024
Retail Sales
1,051,414 units (5.9% lower than October 2024)2
1,055,975 units
1,117,265 units
Total Sales
1,249,826 units (6.9% lower than October 2024)2
1,244,416 units
1,343,033 units
Retail SAAR
12.7 million units
14.1 million units
13.5 million units
Total SAAR
15.1 million units
16.3 million units
16.2 million units
SWIPE
¹ Figures for Oct 2025 are forecasts based on the first 16 selling days of the month. ² October 2025 has 27 selling days, the same as October 2024.
Automotive executives also believe the EV market will stabilize and continue to grow over time. Both Ford’s current CEO and former CEO agreed on that point recently. Obviously, only time will tell.
Rising Prices, Fewer Discounts
Another interesting find is that average transaction prices are climbing as the EV share drops. The typical new-vehicle sold in October is expected to hit $46,057, about $1,000 higher than last year. Incentive spending has slipped to $2,674 per vehicle, roughly five percent of MSRP.
Analysts say the pullback in incentives largely stems from fewer EV sales. “EVs usually carry far steeper discounts,” noted one researcher. Average EV discounts rose to $13,161 as brands tried to offset lost tax credits, while non-EV discounts fell to $2,423, helping boost overall profitability despite softer EV demand.
Rivian will pay to settle a lawsuit over 2022 price hikes.
Suit claims it misled investors about costs before its IPO.
Deal covers Class A shareholders from 2021 to early 2022.
For Rivian’s earliest customers, timing proved to be an expensive lesson. In early 2022, the young EV maker frustrated reservation holders by announcing steep price hikes for the R1T pickup and R1S SUV just before their launch. As it turns out, that decision came with a hefty price tag of its own.
This week, Rivian confirmed it would pay $250 million to settle a class-action lawsuit filed shortly after those price increases were made public.
In March 2022, Rivian revealed that prices for the R1T would climb from $67,500 to $79,500, while the R1S would rise from $70,000 to $84,500. Price adjustments aren’t unusual in the auto industry, but few companies raise figures that sharply, Tesla’s occasional curveballs aside.
The real misstep came when Rivian initially applied the new prices to existing reservations. That move hit early adopters who had placed their deposits months earlier the hardest, and it didn’t sit well with them.
Rivian reversed course within days, sparing existing customers from the higher prices and limiting the increases to new buyers. But the damage was done.
Soon after, a lawsuit accused the company of including misleading statements and cost estimates in filings made before its 2021 IPO about the true expenses involved in producing the R1 lineup.
Now, Rivian has agreed to settle the case. The company will pay $250 million in total, with $67 million covered through its directors’ and officers’ liability insurance, and the remaining $183 million drawn from its cash reserves. The agreement still awaits final approval from the court.
Rivian maintains that it denies all allegations and states the settlement “is not an admission of fault or wrongdoing.”
Anyone who acquired Rivian Class A common stock between November 10, 2021, and March 10, 2022, qualifies as part of the settlement group.
The settlement comes at the worst possible time for the car manufacturer. While it had $4.8 billion in cash and equivalents at the end of June, it needs all the money it can get to successfully launch the mid-size R2, which could prove to be a make-or-break moment for the automaker.
Kia revealed the first images of the upcoming EV4 GT with a wrap.
The design resembles the EV4 GT-Line with sportier visual details.
Electric hot hatch gets dual motors and sharper chassis tuning.
Kia has quietly unveiled the EV4 GT, ahead of its market launch in 2026. The performance version of the electric hatchback was shown with a special camouflage wrap that does little to hide its exterior design.
The GT is expected to pack a dual-motor all-wheel-drive setup and a round of targeted chassis upgrades. Together, these are designed to place the EV4 GT squarely in the path of both electric rivals such as the VW ID.3 GTX and long-standing combustion favorites like the Golf R.
The company used the unveiling of its new GT Wrap as the pretext for a series of teasers. The livery blends glossy black with matte gray and streaks of neon green, described by Kia as a look meant to “evoke energy and speed.”
The same fragmented design theme will carry across all electric GT prototypes during the later development stages.
Sharper Exterior Details
Beneath the custom camouflage, the EV4 GT stays close in shape to the existing GT-Line trim, with only subtle differences. Up front, the performance flagship gains vertical slits in the lower bumper intake, lending a more assertive look.
From the side, diamond-cut alloy wheels hide neon-painted brake calipers, while the rear adopts a GT-specific diffuser with a central vertical LED light cluster. The setup recalls the facelifted EV6 GT crossover, suggesting a family resemblance.
Kia hasn’t released interior photos yet, though early glimpses reveal sportier bucket seats accented in neon.
What Drives It?
The real transformation will happen beneath the surface. Sources point to a dual-motor AWD powertrain producing roughly 400 horsepower, paired with simulated manual shifts and an artificial rev limiter to give drivers more engagement.
The energy source is expected to be the familiar 81.4 kWh battery pack from the long-range FWD variant.
True to Kia’s GT philosophy, the EV4 GT will receive dedicated chassis tuning, including a stiffer suspension and a quicker steering ratio for more precise handling and livelier responses on winding roads.
Rivals of the Korean model will include the VW ID.3 GTX, Cupra Born VZ, and MG 4 X Power. It will indirectly compete with ICE-powered hot hatches like the VW Golf R and Toyota GR Corolla. Hyundai is also working on its own zero-emission hot hatch, the Ioniq 3 N.
Kia has also confirmed that every future GT model will be fully electric, marking the current K5 GT as the final performance model in the lineup to feature an internal combustion engine.
M-tuned BMW iX3 prototype caught testing with upgraded components.
Lowered suspension, larger wheels and beefier brakes hint at its performance.
An iX3 M60 could debut next year followed by a full-blown iX3 M in 2027.
BMW seems quite content with the early reception of the Neue Klasse iX3, and development is already pressing ahead on new versions of the electric SUV. Some of these will naturally lean hard toward the sharper end of BMW’s performance range, shaped by the M division.
Our photographers recently caught a performance-focused iX3 prototype testing on public roads near the Nürburgring. Compared with earlier development cars, this M-badged version looks further along, wearing components that appear nearly production-ready.
What’s BMW Testing Here?
BMW is believed to be preparing not one but at least two M versions of the iX3: an M Performance model expected to carry the iX3 M60 nameplate, and a full-blown iX3 M.
It’s not clear which variant was on test here, though the prototype’s sculpted hood, featuring what appear to be vents, hints that this could be the higher-performance M model.
SH Proshots
That raised section on the hood may serve as either an aerodynamic channel or a cooling duct. If so, because the standard iX3 includes a front trunk, BMW could be trading some of that storage space for M-specific power electronics and/or cooling.
Moving down from the hood, the front bumper sports a more aggressive design than the optional M Sport Package already offered for the standard iX3, though it avoids looking excessive.
There are also new side skirts and lower bumper extensions, with the front likely to reveal larger air intakes once the camouflage comes off. Subtle fender flares and a fresh set of five-spoke alloy wheels give the prototype a more athletic posture.
SH Proshots
At the back, this test car omits the optional spoiler extension shown at the IAA Mobility show in Munich but gains sharper contouring around the bumper.
A redesigned diffuser with a central opening rounds out the treatment, suggesting BMW is leaning toward functional restraint over visual drama, though the final design could still change as testing continues.
Beyond the visual tweaks, the SUV will also benefit from a sharper chassis setup for improved handling. The camouflaged prototype appears to ride on a lowered suspension and features larger perforated disc brakes.
The German carmaker typically introduces M Performance variants first, followed by full-blown M models. The iX3 M60 is expected to debut next year, likely featuring dual electric motors with output comfortably above the 463 hp (345 kW / 469 PS) of the iX3 50 xDrive, possibly pushing past the 600 hp mark.
BMW officials have already confirmed that their pure M electric cars will use a setup with four motors governed by an electronic control unit named the “heart of joy.” In theory, this architecture could deliver up to 1,341 horsepower, though that won’t apply to the iX3 M or its sibling, the i3M.
A more realistic figure for the iX3 M would be in the 700 to 800 hp range, with room for higher-output variants later on, perhaps including a Competition model that edges closer to 1,000 hp.
Don’t expect to see the iX3 M reach showrooms before 2027.
A total of 437,487 EVs were sold in the US during Q3 2025.
Topping the charts were the Tesla Model Y and Model 3.
Other strong sellers included the Ioniq 5 and the Prologue.
Final sales results for the third quarter are now in, closing one of the most closely watched reporting periods the electric vehicle market has seen in recent years. No doubt, the Trump administration’s move to scrap the federal EV tax credit sparked a final buying spree that sent sales figures sharply upward.
Unsurprisingly, two familiar Tesla models held a commanding lead, but several other notable models experienced significant demand spikes.
How Big Was the Jump?
According to Kelley Blue Book data, U.S. EV sales hit an all-time quarterly high of 438,487 units, up 40.7 percent from Q2 and 29.6 percent higher year over year, surpassing the previous record from Q4 2024 by nearly 20 percent.
Electric vehicles also claimed a record 10.5 percent share of total vehicle sales, up from 8.6 percent in the same period last year.
The Tesla Model Y was still comfortably the most popular EV in the United States, as 114,897 were sold during the period, a 29 percent increase from 89,077 delivered last year. Even so, Tesla’s overall market share slipped to 41 percent from 49 percent a year ago.
In second place was another Tesla, the Model 3, at 53,857 units. That result was actually down 7.8 percent year over year, suggesting some buyers may have shifted their attention toward the updated Model Y.
The first non-Tesla entrant on the best-sellers list was the Chevrolet Equinox EV. A total of 25,085 were sold, a huge 156.7 percent rise from 9,772.
Positioned not far behind it were the Hyundai Ioniq 5 with 21,999 sales, the Honda Prologue with 20,236 sales, and the Ford Mustang Mach-E with 20,177 sales. The VW ID.4 was also a strong performer for the quarter, with 12,470 units, a 176 percent increase from Q3 2024.
A surprise inclusion among the best-sellers was the Audi Q6 e-tron. A total of 10,299 SUVs were sold during the quarter, an impressive result considering that model’s premium positioning that allowed it to outsell the Ford F-150 Lightning (10,005 units).
Other strong performers included the Rivian R1S with 8,184 sales, the Chevrolet Blazer EV (8,089), the Kia EV9 (7,510), and the Cadillac Lyriq, of which 7,309 found new homes.
Still, fewer than 10 models managed to exceed 10,000 sales in Q3 2025, underscoring how top-heavy the market remains. For most automakers, EV volume remains well below the levels needed for profitability.
The Best Sellers YTD
Year-to-date figures show total U.S. EV sales surpassed 1.04 million units, up 11.7 percent from about 935,000 a year earlier.
Tesla continued to lead with 451,160 units, down 4.3 percent year over year but still holding a 41 percent market share. Chevrolet followed in second place with 87,137 units, a 113 percent jump, while Ford ranked third with 69,600 (+2.8%) and Hyundai came in fourth at 57,167 (+31.1%).
Among individual models, the Tesla Model Y led the way with 265,085 units, down 8 percent year over year, followed by the Model 3 at 155,180, up 18 percent. Chevrolet’s Equinox EV climbed into third place with 52,834 sales, a massive 390 percent surge.
Ford’s Mustang Mach-E posted 41,962, the Hyundai Ioniq 5 reached 41,091, and the Honda Prologue recorded 36,553. Tesla’s Cybertruck ranked seventh at 25,973, edging out the Ford F-150 Lightning’s 23,034 and Volkswagen’s ID.4 at 22,125. The Chevrolet Blazer EV closed the top ten with 20,825 units.
What Happens Next
With federal incentives now expired, analysts expect a cooldown. “The training wheels are coming off,” said Cox Automotive’s Director of Industry Insights, Stephanie Valdez Streaty. “The federal tax credit was a key catalyst for EV adoption, and its expiration marks a pivotal moment.”
Cox Automotive projects a temporary dip in EV sales through late 2025 and early 2026 before growth steadies again over the long term.
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