It’s been two years since Tesla began delivering the Cybertruck to customers, yet the company is still wrestling with one of the vehicle’s most persistent design headaches. We’re talking about its massive single windshield wiper.

Despite earlier attempts to fix it through mechanical and software updates, Tesla is now believed to be working on a third version of the wiper system to finally address lingering faults.

Read: Texans Roast Police Department’s New “Garbage Can” Cybertruck

A recent case in the US highlights the problem. When a Cybertruck owner brought their vehicle in for service, Tesla’s response revealed that “wiper performance is under active Engineering investigation,” according to a message from the company’s service department.

What’s Wrong With the Blade?

Complaints from owners began as soon as deliveries started. The wiper’s 4-foot blade is the largest fitted to any production vehicle, but users have flagged multiple problems. These include poor blade contact at the middle and top of the stroke, improper stowing at highway speeds, and washer fluid issues.

Performance drops further in cold weather, where salt, slush, and snow can overwhelm the system. Some owners have also noted that the wiper occasionally fails to clear the area in front of the forward-facing FSD cameras.

One post on X captured the frustration:

Love the Cybertruck. Hate the wiper system. Tesla needs to issue a voluntary service providing a free upgraded/redesigned wiper arm and sprayer. This is not a one-time event. Happens every time we hit salt/slush and snow. It’shighly unsafe. There were a few times today on I-70… pic.twitter.com/ajy2BYFQDA

— Spotted Model: Cars & Tech (@spotted_model) December 18, 2025

Updates Haven’t Solved It

Tesla recalled the wiper motors in June 2024 and has also updated the software, aiming to improve the blade’s movement and how it sits when not in use. A revised V2 blade has also been installed on many trucks, but that version appears to have its own reliability concerns.

The full scope of Tesla’s engineering investigation, initially reported by Not a Tesla App, hasn’t been made public. It’s unclear how long the company has been working on a fix or when an update might be introduced.

There’s speculation that a more substantial redesign could be underway. NotebookCheck notes that the original self-driving Cybercab concept featured a single wiper blade, similar to the Cybertruck. But a newer prototype, believed to be close to production, was recently spotted with a more conventional twin-wiper setup. That’s fueled suggestions that the Cybertruck might adopt the same configuration.

Sources: Not a Tesla App, NotebookCheck

Fuel economy regulations have shaped the auto industry for decades, setting benchmarks for combustion engines around the world. But when it comes to electric vehicles, formal efficiency standards have remained largely absent.

That’s beginning to change. In China, a new set of laws focused on EV energy consumption is set to take effect, requiring automakers to deliver more efficient electric models.

Read: China Is Banning Tesla-Style Door Handles

The regulations are designed around vehicle weight, assigning maximum energy usage thresholds for different categories. For example, a typical battery-electric passenger car weighing about two tons will need to consume no more than 15.1 kilowatt-hours per 100 kilometers.

That’s quite a low number and is around the same as you might expect to achieve in a new Tesla Model 3 during typical, everyday driving.

Efficiency Gets a Legal Backbone

According to local media, these new regulations will be approximately 11 percent stricter than the outgoing recommendations. Chinese authorities believe that thanks to the new efficiency standards, EV owners will see an increase in their average driving ranges of about 7 percent.

Importantly, the regulations are designed to prevent manufacturers from simply bolting on larger battery packs to achieve longer ranges. Instead, the focus will shift to improving the efficiency of existing systems and designs.

Chinese tech publication IT Home notes that this will be the first mandatory EV power consumption regulation in the world. The law is scheduled to take effect on January 1, 2026.

Behind the Policy Push

Work on the new standards has been ongoing for several months. In July, China’s Ministry of Industry and Information Technology, the National Development and Reform Commission, and the State Administration for Market Regulation met to work on the new laws, as well as new battery recycling standards.

Read: BMW And Porsche Just Lost China’s Luxury Market To A $100,000 Newcomer

Car News China notes that many EVs currently sold by major brands like BYD and Geely already meet the new efficiency standards. Models that fall short may need to be upgraded or pulled from production entirely until they’re brought into compliance.

Sources: IT Home, Car News China

Getting paid to shut a car door might sound like the setup for a joke, but in parts of Los Angeles, it’s become a legitimate line of work. As autonomous vehicles increasingly take to the streets, a small but growing number of local towing companies have found themselves serving as on-call assistants to robotaxis with limited physical capabilities.

Read: What Happened When Robotaxis Met A Citywide Blackout Is A Little Scary

For as much as $24 a pop, these companies are paid to close car doors left ajar by distracted passengers exiting Waymo’s self-driving vehicles. If the situation is more complicated, such as a car stranded mid-route, they can earn between $60 and $80 for helping get the vehicle moving again.

What Happens When Tech Forgets the Basics

A recent report highlights how tow truck drivers are now using an app called Honk, which contracts with Waymo’s autonomous EV fleet in the Los Angeles area.

If a rider exits without properly closing the door, the car won’t budge. It simply waits, parked awkwardly in the street, until someone shows up to finish the job. That someone often arrives thanks to a notification from Honk.

According to Cesar Marenco, owner of Milagro Towing in Inglewood, California, who spoke with The Washington Post, he handles around three jobs per week for Waymo through the Honk app, usually to shut a door or tow a vehicle that’s run out of charge.

It’s not exactly a money-maker. JKK Towing owner Evangelica Cuevas says that the Honk app doesn’t always provide them with the precise location of a vehicle, meaning they may have to walk around for up to an hour just to locate it.

When factoring in the fuel costs, receiving between $22 and $24 to close a door, or up to $80 to tow a vehicle, doesn’t always make it profitable.

The Cost of Chasing Robotaxis

Earlier this month, several of Waymo’s robotaxis stopped after a power outage at traffic lights throughout San Francisco. Several tow companies were alerted to the disruption. Not everyone believes the rates offered by Waymo are fair.

Jesus Ajuiñiga, manager of Alpha Towing and Recovery in San Francisco, told The Washington Post that he’s turned down Waymo calls. The rates, he says, don’t come close to the $250 he normally charges to tow an all-wheel-drive vehicle. And for some, that’s just too steep a compromise.

Things could start to change. Whereas the Jaguar I-Pace models primarily used by Waymo need their doors to be manually shut, the new robotaxis built by China’s Zeekr that Waymo is currently testing, have sliding doors like a minivan, meaning they can be opened and closed automatically.

It’s far from unusual for high-performance models from Porsche’s exclusive GT division to appreciate in value the moment they leave the showroom. That’s been the case with the current 911 GT3 RS, and it’s often true for limited-run, motorsport-infused builds.

But the electric Taycan Turbo GT isn’t following that playbook. Despite its credentials, it seems to be moving in lockstep with the value drop seen across the wider Taycan range.

Read: Taycan Goes Full Psycho Mode To Steal Porsche’s Lost Record From Xiaomi

The standard Taycan, just like its corporate cousin from Audi, the e-tron GT, has taken a beating in resale value since launch. EVs in general depreciate faster than most combustion cars, but the Taycan has faced a particularly steep drop.

Earlier this week, a near-new Taycan Turbo GT went up for auction and came in a staggering $82,000 below its original MSRP before the bidding stopped.

A Bad Day for Taycan Values

Bring a Trailer

The high-performance sedan was listed for auction on Bring a Trailer by Gaudin Classic, a Porsche dealer in Nevada. Prior to the auction, it had never been sold to a private owner and had just 141 miles (227 km) on the clock. It is also equipped with the Weissach package that includes a fixed rear wing, no rear seats, and more pieces made from lightweight carbon fiber.

A look at the car’s window sticker reveals it has an MSRP of $238,300, bolstered by nearly $10,000 in additional options. Among them is a $2,950 Shade Green Metallic paint finish, $1,380 satin black wheels, and $1,760 race-tex-finished inner door-sill guards. As Taycans go, this one ticks every box, but the final bid landed at just $167,000.

Harsh Market Reality

According to the seller, bidding came close to meeting the reserve, and they plan to negotiate with the top bidder to see if a deal can still be made. Whether or not it sells, the takeaway is as clear as ever. That’s a brutal level of depreciation for a car that hasn’t even gone through its first full charge cycle.

For as impressive as the Taycan Turbo GT is, there may not be many buyers eager to spend that much on a track-focused electric sedan that, for most owners, will likely never see a circuit. The Weissach package also means it has two fewer seats than some 911s, so it’s not exactly practical either.

What Makes This EV Special?

To be fair, the specs are hard to argue with. The Taycan Turbo GT uses dual electric motors to deliver 1,019 hp with launch control, peaking at 1,092 hp in two-second bursts.

Earlier this year, MotorTrend launched the Weissach model to 60 mph (96 km/h) in just 1.89 seconds using a one-foot rollout, making it the quickest car the publication has ever tested in its 76-year history.

Without rollout, the time comes to 2.1 seconds, beating the Tesla Model S Plaid, Ferrari SF90 Stradale Assetto Fiorano, and even the Lucid Air Sapphire.

Source: Bring a Trailer

A new report has put the spotlight on a troubling pattern of fatal crashes in the US involving Teslas, where passengers were unable to open the doors, trapping them inside. As the brand’s EVs grow more common on American roads, so too does scrutiny over their safety features, or in this case, the lack of physical fail-safes in the event of a crash.

Read: Tesla Sued Again After Doors Wouldn’t Open As Car Burned

The investigation zeroes in on Tesla’s electronic door handles, a signature design feature that has since been adopted by several other automakers, raising concerns about an industry-wide trend toward software-dependent safety mechanisms.

During an ongoing investigation into safety concerns about these door handles, Bloomberg found evidence that at least 15 people have died in the past decade in incidents involving Teslas where locked or inoperable doors were cited as a potential factor in the victims’ inability to escape.

More than half of those deaths occurred within the past year, suggesting the issue may be becoming more common, or at least more visible, as awareness grows.

Behind the Numbers

The report acknowledges a critical limitation. There is no publicly maintained federal database that tracks fatalities specifically linked to electronic door handle malfunctions. As a result, the findings aren’t meant to represent a definitive or exhaustive total.

Instead, Bloomberg built its list by reviewing every known fatal electric vehicle crash involving fire in the US, then analyzing whether evidence suggested that the doors could not be opened either by occupants or emergency responders.

In each of the 15 cases they flagged, nonfunctional door handles were cited as having “impeded either the occupants’ efforts to escape or rescuers’ attempts to save those inside the vehicle.”

One such incident happened in Virginia, where a Tesla Model 3 skidded off a snowy highway, hit a tree, and caught fire. Footage from inside the patrol car shows that the officer was unable to open the Model 3’s door, forcing him to bash open one of the windows and pull out the driver.

Audio from the Wreckage

One fatal crash occurred in Wisconsin last year, killing five people inside a Tesla Model S. Audio from three 911 calls was later obtained, including one placed automatically by an occupant’s Apple Watch.

At least two of the occupants can be heard screaming and crying for help in the recordings, with one clearly saying, “I’m stuck” as the fire spread through the vehicle, ultimately claiming their lives. It remains unclear whether the other three victims survived the initial impact before the blaze took over.

Tesla Responds to Design Concerns

Tesla, for its part, appears to have quietly acknowledged the concerns in part. In September, reports surfaced that the company was exploring revisions to its door handle system. Future models may include a combination of electronic and manual release mechanisms, something already standard in brands like Audi and Lexus.

Perhaps eager to reassure shoppers about the safety of its vehicles, Tesla recently launched a new page on its website focused purely on safety. There, the company explains that its vehicles are designed to automatically activate hazard lights and unlock doors in the event of a serious collision. It also notes that the vehicle can contact emergency services autonomously.

However, Tesla also includes a key disclaimer: these features “may not be available in all regions or for all vehicles based on build date.”

While Tesla appears to be making some moves to address the issue in the future, questions still remain, not just about the company’s design choices, but also about the regulatory landscape and the lack of clear oversight. The analysis doesn’t claim that electronic door handles are inherently unsafe, but it does point to the need for more reliable fail-safes in situations where delays can be deadly.

Authorities in Kemah, a small city just southeast of Houston, will soon be cruising the streets in an American-made pickup truck, though it’s not the kind most Texans are used to seeing.

Rather than another lifted, gas-hungry behemoth, the Kemah Police Department has added a Tesla Cybertruck to its fleet. The move didn’t exactly spark hometown pride. Judging by the comments on the department’s Facebook post, locals are having a field day with the decision.

Read: Vegas Cops Just Got 10 Cybertrucks And Elon Had Nothing To Do With It

A growing number of police forces across the United States have started to add Cybertrucks to their fleets. Just a couple of months ago, police in Texas took delivery of ten highly-modified Cybertruck police cruisers built by Unplugged Performance.

A Different Kind of Cop Car

By comparison, the Cybertruck delivered to cops in Kemah looks completely standard, except for the police livery. They say that the truck was donated by Enterprise Leasing and that it will be used for testing to see if the Tesla works as a patrol vehicle.

Importantly, the police say they didn’t spend any taxpayer money on the acquisition. That hasn’t stopped residents from weighing in, many of them voicing strong opinions in the comments section of the department’s Facebook post.

What Do Texans Think?

“Lmaooo imagine the battery dying tryna chase someone,” wrote one commentor, while another posted “Y’all ain’t catching anyone in that.” There’s no word on what specify Cybertruck variant this is, but even if it’s the base model, we’re willing to bet it could easily be used to catch most motorists in Texas.

One Facebook user left this gem of a comment: “Hey guys, if anyone’s missing their refrigerator I found it, it’s having an identity crisis and is now trying to identify as a cop car.” Another wrote, “Flood waters, here we don’t come!”

One comment summed up the skepticism in classic internet style: “If that thing is chasing me, ain’t no way I’m stopping for a garbage can.”

Whether or not the Cybertruck proves practical for police work in Texas remains to be seen. The vehicle does offer notable performance and strong safety credentials, both potentially valuable in patrol scenarios. The biggest question may be around charging logistics, especially for a force built around the consistency and familiarity of combustion engines.

The all-electric BMW M3 is no longer just a concept talked about in forums or teased through obscure patents. It’s taking shape in the real world, and these latest spy shots give us the clearest view yet of BMW’s upcoming super sedan.

The idea of an all-electric M3 might ruffle a few feathers among traditionalists, but there’s little need for panic. Alongside this electric version, BMW will continue to offer a combustion-powered M3 that carries over the same twin-turbo inline-six as the current model without being fully hybridized. Purists won’t be left out in the cold.

Read: The Electric M3 Ushers In A New Era Of BMW Design

The electric version, possibly named iM3, will be built on the new i3 platform that’s set to debut next year as BMW’s reimagined electric 3-Series sedan. As with that car, the M variant will follow BMW’s Neue Klasse design philosophy.

That includes abandoning the current M3’s polarizing grille in favor of something sleeker and, arguably, more cohesive.

Stephen Hancock

Judging by the latest prototype, the headlights look close to production spec. The daytime running lights are integrated cleanly into the headlight units and line up precisely with the redesigned kidney grilles.

There’s a strong sense of alignment here, literally and visually, something that hasn’t always been a given with recent BMWs.

It’s also hard not to be taken aback by just how beefy this prototype looks. Both the front and rear wheel arches sit nice and wide, giving it an ultra-aggressive look, perfectly fitting of an M-branded model. It may not sound as good as the current M3, but it’s definitely shaping up to have just as much visual presence.

What Will Power It?

Then there’s the matter of performance. We know that BMW is developing an electric powertrain with four motors for the new model, and has said its setup can deliver up to 1,341 hp.

That said, it’s unlikely the production model will hit those numbers. BMW is expected to limit output to around 700 hp, which keeps it safely below the upcoming electric M5 and maintains a performance hierarchy within the lineup.

Even so, with that kind of power it would comfortably outpace the next-generation combustion M3, which is projected to land somewhere near 550 hp. That performance edge could be a major talking point once both cars hit the road.

One key tradeoff will be weight. Spy shots from earlier this year suggest the electric M3 could come in as much as 465 kg, or 1,025 lbs, heavier than the current petrol version. That’s a significant increase, and how BMW balances that extra mass with chassis tuning will be crucial to the car’s driving character.

Stephen Hancock

It’s not often that a legacy carmaker attempts a reinvention as complete as the one Jaguar is now pursuing. Long seen as struggling to match Germany’s premium heavyweights like BMW and Audi, the British brand has decided to shift course entirely.

Rather than chasing premium volume, Jaguar now aims to sell fewer vehicles at significantly higher prices, offering a tighter lineup of upscale electric cars. The first product of this rebooted identity is due next year.

Read: Jaguar Rolls Out Its Future In A New Color Right After Firing The Man Behind It

Previewed by last year’s radical Type 00 Concept, this new model will be a low-slung, four-door fastback powered by three electric motors and producing around 1,000 hp. It’ll be unlike any other Jaguar from recent years and that’s exactly what Jaguar wants.

What’s the Strategy?

In an interview with Top Gear, Jaguar’s managing director Rawdon Glover acknowledged the current model wasn’t working. Competing head-to-head with Audi, BMW, and Mercedes-Benz in the so-called volume premium segment “didn’t work commercially,” he said.

Instead, Jaguar will now follow an approach closer to what Range Rover has done, with fewer models, each positioned higher up the market.

Also: JLR Denies Firing Gerry McGovern, But Won’t Say If He’s Still Employed Either

“In UK numbers, our average transaction price used to be about £55,000 (about $73,000 at current exchange rates),” Glover told TG. “This will be more than double that, so the centre of gravity in the UK would be about £120,000 ($160,000),” adding the launch edition of the road-going Type 00 will start at “£140,000 ($187,000).”

Jaguar notes that by pricing its vehicles in the mid-£100,000s, it’ll be able to carve out a space of the market above what the volume brands from Germany offer, but below ultra-luxury brands like Bentley, Rolls-Royce, and Lamborghini, which sell vehicles closer to £300,000 ($400,000).

During the same interview, Glover added that “the days of seven or eight models [in Jaguar’s line-up] are gone,” noting we should “expect a condensed range, all around similar price points.”

The change will come with a leaner product catalog. “The days of seven or eight models [in Jaguar’s line-up] are gone,” Glover said. He added that Buyers should expect a much more focused range, with models clustered at “similar price points”.

Inside Jaguar’s Flagship EV

SHproshots

The first model in this new era will also be Jaguar’s most important. While its design is expected to spark debate, early feedback suggests the brand is working on a genuinely refined electric vehicle.

Several UK publications have already experienced it from the passenger seat. Autocar, among them, noted that the prototype rides better than any EV currently on the market.

Underpinning the vehicle is the new Jaguar Electric Architecture and a battery pack estimated to have a capacity of around 120 kWh. There are then three electric motors, two at the rear axle and one at the front, combing to produce roughly 1000 hp. Of that total, 30 percent is directed to the front wheels, with the remaining 70 percent going to the rear.

Then there’s the trick suspension. All four corners feature three-chamber air suspension, which, according to reports, delivers a level of ride quality that surpasses even the most opulent Range Rovers in the JLR stable.

Bad Timing?

Still, the timing of all this raises questions. With the crucial American market going cold on EV adoption and Europe reconsidering the timeline for internal combustion phase-outs, Jaguar’s all-in electric pivot seems like a high-stakes bet.

Unless, of course, the real aim is elsewhere. China remains bullish on premium EVs, and for a brand like Jaguar, finding success there might be the difference between a daring reinvention and a costly miscalculation.

Sources: Top Gear, Autocar

Rewind a few years and Ford, like most of its rivals, charged full speed into the electric future. The goal was clear: catch up to Tesla and help turn the U.S. into a thriving hub for EV innovation. Fast forward to today, and the future looks very different.

Read: Jim Farley Warns Europe It’s Selling Its Future To Chinese Carmakers

Much of Ford’s early EV effort hinged on the F-150 Lightning. Promoted by some as a cornerstone of the brand’s future, and initially the most affordable electric pickup in the States, the Lightning carried a lot of weight on its metaphorical bed.

But just three years after it launched, Ford has pulled the plug. CEO Jim Farley recently confirmed that part of the reason comes down to simple economics: buyers aren’t lining up for EVs priced north of $50,000.

Are Expensive EVs the Problem?

During an interview with CNBC, Farley addressed Ford’s announcement that it will take a $19.5 billion charge in 2026, tied to its decision to pivot away from EVs and refocus on internal combustion models. According to him, the company’s electric lineup simply wasn’t aligned with what buyers actually want.

“More importantly, the very high-end EVs, the $50,000, $60,000, $70,000, and $80,000 vehicles, they just weren’t selling,” Farley said.

Back in 2021, when the F-150 Lightning was first revealed, the base price came in at a relatively digestible $39,974. But that didn’t last for long, as the Blue Oval made a series of price hikes. By 2025, the base model had swollen to $54,780, an increase of nearly 37 percent, pushing it out of reach for many of the truck buyers it was originally meant to appeal to.

Hybrids In Focus

While Ford is now shifting its focus away from EVs, that doesn’t mean it’s done with electric motors and battery packs. During the same interview, Farley said that the company is committed to “following customers to where the market is, not where people thought it was going to be, but to where it is today.”

As such, Ford will start to prioritize hybrid and extended-range EV models. There will be a “whole lineup” of new hybrid models, including a hybrid Bronco. Farley also pointed out that Ford has quietly secured the number three spot in U.S. hybrid sales, and dominates the hybrid truck space with an estimated 80 percent market share.

Farley added that the company expects its electric Model E division to reach profitability in 2029, three years later than initially expected. By 2030, he still expects half of Ford’s global sales to be electrified vehicles. But most of those, he clarified, will be hybrids and extended-range electrics, not pure battery EVs.

More than a dozen U.S. states are taking legal action against the federal government over what they argue is an unlawful freeze of funding for the national electric vehicle charging network.

At stake is billions of dollars already approved by Congress to expand EV infrastructure across the country, now stalled under the current administration.

Read: Trump Administration Rolls Out Updated EV Charger Program

The lawsuit, led by California Attorney General Rob Bonta and California Governor Gavin Newsom, includes 15 other states and the District of Columbia.

It alleges that the U.S. Department of Transportation, under the Trump administration, “has quietly refused to approve any new funding under two electric vehicle charging infrastructure programs,” in direct contradiction of federal law.

The Infrastructure Investment and Jobs Act, passed by Congress in 2022, was designed to deploy thousands of EV charging stations nationwide. But as of this spring, distribution of that funding has slowed to a halt.

In California alone, the program earmarked $59.3 million for medium- and heavy-duty EV freight corridors, $55.9 million for zero-emission freight transport routes, and $63.1 million for repairing and replacing out-of-service chargers.

What’s Being Contested?

The lawsuit argues that the administration’s failure to release these funds violates both the separation of powers and the Administrative Procedure Act, which governs how federal agencies implement laws passed by Congress.

Who Else Is on Board?

Backing California’s legal challenge are attorneys general from Arizona, Delaware, the District of Columbia, Illinois, Maryland, Massachusetts, Michigan, New Jersey, New York, Oregon, Rhode Island, Vermont, Wisconsin, and Pennsylvania. Their shared position is that the federal government can’t simply decline to carry out programs that were funded and mandated by law.

“The Trump Administration is unlawfully withholding funds from the Bipartisan Infrastructure Law — investments Congress approved to build America’s EV charging network, reduce pollution, and create thousands of good-paying jobs. We won’t stand for it,” Governor Gavin Newsom said.

“California will defend the Constitution, our communities, and the future we’re building. With 2.4 million zero-emission vehicles on our roads and critical projects ready to move forward, we’re taking this to court.”

Attorney General Bonta added to the criticism, calling the funding freeze a threat to public health and environmental progress. “This is just another reckless attempt that will stall the fight against air pollution and climate change, slow innovation, thwart green job creation, and leave communities without access to clean, affordable transportation.”

If you drive a Rivian R1T and have been looking for a way to harvest solar energy while on the move, or even when the truck’s parked, there’s now an interesting option on the table. A US-based company has just launched a solar tonneau cover that might suit those aiming to get off the grid without cutting ties to modern convenience.

Developed by Worksport, the ‘SOLIS’ solar tonneau cover will be available from mid-January, offering up to 250 watts of on-board solar capacity. Importantly, you won’t have to immediately use any of the energy generated by the solar panels.

Read: Rivian Goes Plum Crazy With A New Color And Something Extra

Instead, the system includes a compact storage unit that charges in about four hours, storing energy gathered by the panels. That stored energy can then be used to run tools, lights, camping gear, or small electronics. What it won’t do, for now, at least, is recharge the R1T’s main battery.

In the future, though, Worksport hopes to work directly with OEMs like Rivian, potentially enabling its solar systems to feed energy straight into the vehicle’s main battery in future versions.

Solar Tonneau Covers For All

The cover is made from aircraft-grade aluminum and, according to Worksport, “provides exceptional strength and durability – without excess weight.” Interestingly, it’s not just the R1T that the company sells these solar tonneau covers for.

Worksport says its solar covers are compatible with dozens of pickups, including models as far back as 2002. Trucks from Chevrolet, Dodge, Ford, GMC, Nissan, Ram, and Toyota are all on the list, covering popular models like the Tundra, Frontier, and Sierra 1500.

Prices for the SOLIS cover vary depending on the size of the truck’s bed, generally ranging from $1,999 to $2,499. It’s not cheap, but considering what many of these owners already invest in their trucks, it’s unlikely to cause much sticker shock.

The Rivian R1T, with its comparatively smaller bed, comes in at the lower end at $1,999. Buyers who want the full package, including the inverter and battery, will need to budget another $949.

Just days after dialing back its electric vehicle plans, and barely a week after abandoning its $11.4 billion battery venture with South Korean firm SK On, Ford has now cancelled another high-stakes battery deal. The automaker has scrapped a $6.5 billion agreement with LG Energy Solution, citing shifting market conditions and a cooling appetite for electric vehicles.

Read: Ford Pulled The Plug On More EVs Than You Realize

The cancellation came to light in a regulatory filing made by LG in South Korea. It lands shortly after Ford outlined a sharp pullback in its EV rollout, including the decision to shelve the all-electric F-150 Lightning. The $6.5 billion figure represents roughly a third of LG’s total revenue from the previous year.

The Scale Behind the Deal

Ford and LG originally signed the deal in October 2024. Under its terms, LG committed to supplying Ford with 34 GWh of batteries between 2026 and 2030, enough to power around half a million EVs annually, assuming each one carries a 75 kWh battery pack.

Beyond that, LG was also set to deliver an additional 75 GWh of batteries for Ford’s commercial vehicle lineup between 2027 and 2032. These packs were to be built at LG’s manufacturing plant in Poland, then fitted into vehicles destined for the European market.

In its regulatory filing, LG said, “this matter concerns the counterparty’s [Ford’s] decision to discontinue the production of certain electric vehicle (EV) models due to recent policy changes and shifts in EV demand forecasts, and the subsequent notice of contract termination.”

EV Demand Runs Cold

Since President Donald Trump returned to the White House for his second term, the EV market has quickly undergone a significant shakeup. Demand for EVs in the US remained strong through the first nine months of the year, but sales collapsed the moment the $7,500 federal EV tax credit was axed.

Also: The EU Blinked And Gas Cars Live To See Another Generation

More recently, the Trump administration has loosened fuel economy regulations, encouraging carmakers like Ford to build more ICE models. On top of that, the European Commission softened its stance on zero-emissions mandates, most notably by proposing a 90 percent CO₂ reduction target for new vehicles by 2035, rather than a full ban on internal combustion engines.

Ford chief executive Jim Farley recently said he expects EV sales to fall by as much as 50 percent in the US due to these key policy changes.

The Celestiq isn’t just Cadillac’s fanciest and most extravagant car in decades, it also carries the highest price tag in the brand’s history. And with only 25 examples scheduled for production in 2025, it’s one of the rarest Cadillacs ever made too. An ultra-luxury trifecta, really.

You can’t just hop onto Cadillac’s website and place an order, either. Buying a Celestiq involves direct contact with the brand, followed by a wait, possibly a long one.

The process is more aligned with how Rolls-Royce or Ferrari handles their customers, complete with a bespoke configuration experience where virtually every detail is customizable. No two cars will leave the factory looking the same.

Poll: Would You Spend Over $400K On A Cadillac Celestiq Or A Rolls-Royce Ghost?

Yet now, as picked up by Road&Track, one of these elusive machines has surfaced for sale, at a Cadillac dealership, no less. The car is currently listed through Cadillac Beverly Hills.

The dealership hasn’t confirmed whether the original buyer backed out post-delivery, or if there’s another story behind how it ended up on the lot. Either way, it presents a rare opportunity for someone to bypass the usual waitlist, assuming one still exists.

How Much Does Bespoke Cost?

Cadillac hasn’t really shared many details publicly, including exact pricing. For the 2025 model year, the starting figure was confirmed at around $340,000. That’s since crept up, with the 2026 Celestiq now beginning in the “low $400,000s”, and that’s before diving into options.

Read: Think The 2025 Celestiq Was Expensive? 2026 Says That’s Cute

What makes this particular Celestiq even more interesting is that its spec sheet provides a rare peek behind the curtain at individual option pricing. The exterior is finished in Abalone White Tricoat, a paint choice that adds $15,900 to the bill.

It has also been equipped with a flamboyant combination of blue and orange leather upholstery that cost $8,910, as well as a $1,525 Cadillac Crest headstone ornament, and a $4,000 Uranus Recycled Paper Wood ornamental finish.

Cadillac Beverly Hills

Inside, things get even more colorful. The cabin features a mix of bright blue and vivid orange leather, a combination priced at $8,910. There’s also a $1,525 Cadillac Crest headstone ornament, plus a $4,000 interior trim made from Uranus Recycled Paper Wood.

Would You Pay This Much?

The dealer is asking $418,575 for the rare luxury EV. That’s a lot of money, particularly since prices for the 2025 Celestiq the 2025 version started well below that before options were added. But with the 2026 Celestiq now beginning above $400,000, the dealer’s price isn’t entirely out of step.

There’s no doubt that the 650-horsepower Celestiq is special, but we wouldn’t be surprised if this car ends up sitting on the lot for quite some time. A buyer needs to be convinced to buy this, as opposed to a Rolls-Royce Phantom, and love the striking color combination, which we suspect will divide opinions.

Cadillac Beverly Hills

After Porsche’s recent round of price hikes, it looks like BMW will soon follow suit. According to a report from CarsDirect citing a dealer bulletin sent this week, BMW will be doing the same in the new year.

While it didn’t explicitly point to tariffs as the cause, the timing does invite speculation for certain models, even if the biggest increase happens to hit a model built right in the United States, where tariffs aren’t the go-to excuse.

Also: Porsche Keeps Making Customers Pay For Trump’s Tariffs

BMW’s internal notice reportedly states that most vehicles in its range will see a price increase of roughly 1 percent, though not every model is affected. The adjustment will result in MSRP hikes ranging from $400 to $1,500 and will go into effect on January 1, 2026.

The most significant increases apply to the M5 Sedan and Touring, both up $1,400, and the BMW X6 M Competition, which will now cost an extra $1,500. Interestingly, the i4, i5, iX, i7, 7-Series, Z4, and XM are excluded from the price hikes.

This isn’t the first time that BMW has increased prices over the past six months. Back in July, it announced that the MSRPs of most 2026 models would rise by as much as 1.9 percent, resulting in price hikes of $2,500 for vehicles like the BMW X5 M and X6 M.

Those two models are built in the States, alongside other SUVs at the automaker’s South Carolina facilities. So technically, they shouldn’t have been impacted by tariffs, or at least not significantly, unless imported components factored in. As usual, the truth sits in a grey area.

For buyers looking to sidestep the latest round of price changes, it may be worth checking local inventory for cars already on dealer lots. Vehicles delivered before the end of the year are likely to carry current pricing.

Tariffs may have influenced BMW’s pricing for 2026, but the broader pattern raises more pressing questions. This is the second increase in just six months, suggesting something beyond routine adjustments.

Annual price bumps aren’t unusual in the auto industry, particularly with new model years. But those are usually linked to updates or added content, not blanket, across-the-board hikes with no clear explanation, and certainly not with this frequency.

We’ve become quite accustomed to hearing about impossibly cheap EVs coming out of China, easily undercutting those from Europe, the US, Japan, and elsewhere.

The Dacia Spring fits that mould in one sense, as it’s built in China, but it arrives wearing a European badge and undercutting everything else on the market. It’s the cheapest EV currently on sale in the UK, thanks to the new £3,750 ‘Dacia Electric Car Grant’.

Read: Dacia’s EV Tortoise Just Got A Hare Transplant

For the freshly updated 2026 model, the Dacia Spring starts at just £12,240 ($16,415 at current exchange rates) including all on-road charges.

That makes it cheaper than the long-reigning Dacia Sandero, which has typically held the title of Britain’s most affordable car, unless you count outliers like the Citroën Ami quadricycle. Even the Leapmotor T03, another low-cost Chinese EV, can’t quite match it on price, starting from £15,995 ($21,400).

In the UK, the high-riding hatchback with the crossover aesthetics is offered in two forms: the Expression Electric 70 and the Extreme Electric 100. The total, on-the-road price for the base model technically starts at £15,990 ($21,400), while the flagship model starts at £16,990 ($22,800).

However, both are available with Dacia’s £3,750 ($5,000) grant, bringing the prices down to £12,240 ($16,415) and £13,240 ($17,700), respectively.

What’s New For 2026?

Several important upgrades have been made to the Spring for 2026. For example, Dacia has revised the chassis, suspension, and brakes, aiming to make the EV “feel more secure, more composed, and more capable across a wider range of everyday situations.”

Additionally, both models now include a new 24.3 kWh lithium-ion phosphate battery.

Both the Expression Electric 70 and Extreme Electric 100 feature single electric motors, but as their names suggest, the base model is capped at 70 hp while the range-topper delivers 100 hp.

This version also includes copper-accented styling, electric rear windows, a larger 10.1-inch infotainment display with wireless Apple CarPlay and Android Auto, and a vehicle-to-load function. Both models can travel up to 140 miles on a charge.

While the headlines might suggest an EV apocalypse is underway, with manufacturers pulling back and investments drying up, the reality is a bit more complicated. Sure, some markets are cooling and certain automakers are reconsidering their timelines, but the global picture paints a different story.

At least for now. The coming months could easily tip the scale again, especially in regions where policy and consumer behavior tend to swing fast.

Read: More Buyers Are Ditching EVs And Choosing Gas Again

New data shows that worldwide sales of battery-electric and plug-in hybrid vehicles have actually grown this year, bolstered by steady demand in China and across Europe.

According to figures from Rho Motion, approximately 18.5 million EVs and PHEVs have been sold globally between January and November 2025, representing a 21 percent increase from last year.

Where the Growth Is

Unsurprisingly, China leads the way with reported sales of 11.6 million, a 19 percent rise from the same period in 2024. While Europe remains a far smaller market, with 3.8 million EVs and PHEVs finding new homes, it experienced a higher growth rate with sales jumping 33 percent.

A closer look at Europe reveals that 35 percent more BEVs have been sold this year, and 39 percent extra PHEVs have been delivered. Contributing to this growth was France, where for the first time this year, year-to-date sales rose in November, although only by 1 percent.

EV Sales Jan-Nov 2025

Rho Motion

Italy also experienced a strong November with EV and PHEV sales jump to 25,000 units after an incentive program was launched, encouraging locals to sell their old ICE models.

Still, the trajectory in Europe could change direction quickly. On Tuesday, the European Commission revealed plans to drop the proposed 2035 ban on new combustion-engine vehicle sales, a reversal largely driven by industry lobbying.

What About America?

Things couldn’t be anymore different in North America, in particular in the US. While EV sales increased in November compared to October, the first month without the federal EV tax credit, they are still far below what they were when the $7,500 credit was still available.

Data from Rho Motion notes that sales in North America have fallen 1 percent this year, meaning it’s quickly turned into a global laggard when it comes to global EV adoption.

Following President Trump’s decision to rollback CAFE fuel economy standards, sales of EVs and PHEVs are unlike to grow at a significant rate, and may ultimately decline.

In contrast, the rest of the world, grouped together in the dataset, logged 1.5 million EV and PHEV sales this year, up 48 percent compared to 2024. While the volumes are smaller, the growth suggests that in many regions, electrification is still gaining ground, just not always where the spotlight is aimed.

Given Australia’s long-running affection for off-roaders and the popularity of models like the Ford Ranger and Ranger Raptor, it’s somewhat surprising that the Ford Bronco has never officially made it over there. That may soon change.

But rather than bringing in one of the two American-market Broncos, Ford could instead be planning to import a new, unrelated version just launched in China.

Read: Ford’s Electric Bronco Costs The Same As Ours And Gives You Twice The Power

Known as the Ford Bronco Basecamp, or Bronco New Energy, this model is the result of Ford’s joint venture with Jiangling Motors Corporation (JMC). It’s styled like a mash-up of the full-size US Bronco and the more compact Bronco Sport, yet it’s larger than both.

Importantly, unlike the Bronco sold stateside, Ford will build the Bronco Basecamp in right-hand drive configuration. According to the team from Wheelsboy, it will be exported to markets like Australia, as well as throughout Southeast Asia, the Middle East, and South America.

A New Angle on the Bronco

Unlike the American Bronco, which sits on a ladder-frame chassis, the Chinese version uses a unibody construction. That suggests it won’t be quite as competent in hardcore off-road situations, though it could be more agreeable on sealed roads.

And it’s no small thing, literally, as it measures 5,025 mm in length, or just over 197 inches, which makes it 101 mm longer than the Ford Everest already sold in Australia.

This shift in construction doesn’t just affect handling. It also reflects a different sort of appeal, likely aimed at buyers who want rugged looks with more livable day-to-day driving dynamics. As such, it feels less like a direct rival to traditional 4x4s and more like a large SUV with outdoorsy credentials.

EV And Range-Extender Power

The powertrains are particularly interesting. All-electric versions of the Bronco Basecamp are equipped with a sizeable 105.4 kWh battery pack and two electric motors that combine to deliver 445 hp and 424 lb-ft (575 Nm) of torque. This gives it more horsepower than the ICE-powered Bronco Raptor, and almost as much torque.

In China, the Bronco Basecamp is also available as a range-extender, featuring a 1.5-liter turbocharged four-cylinder engine with two electric motors and a 43.7 kWh battery pack. It delivers a combined 416 hp and 442 lb-ft (600 Nm), all while being able to travel up to 220 km (137 miles) on a single charge.

It’s not yet clear if Ford could bring both of these powertrain options to Australia, or if it’ll limit the range to just one. While this won’t be the American Bronco that many locals have been clamoring for, it could be the next best thing.

After years of policy wrangling and behind-the-scenes bargaining, the European Union appears poised to walk back one of its most ambitious climate mandates.

The bloc is reportedly scaling down its planned 2035 ban on combustion-powered petrol and diesel cars, a move that follows persistent pressure from industry leaders, particularly in Germany and Italy, and comes despite objections from brands like Volvo and Polestar that had supported the original plan.

Read: EU’s 2035 EV-Only Dream Hits A Hybrid Speed Bump

Following reports last week that lawmakers were softening their stance on the ban, the leader of the European People’s Party, Manfred Weber, told German newspaper Bild that the bloc has agreed to ease its mandate from a full ban on internal combustion engine (ICE) vehicles by 2035 to a 90 percent reduction instead.

Weber also stated that a full ICE ban wouldn’t be coming by 2040 either, though he didn’t clarify whether a new target year is under consideration.

While speaking at a press conference in Germany late last week, Weber said that the European Commission will present its revised proposal on Tuesday.

Plug-Ins Get a Lifeline Too

“The technology ban on combustion engines is off the table,” he told Bild. “All engines currently manufactured in Germany can therefore continue to be produced and sold.” Weber added that the EU can now pave the way for the continued sale of plug-in hybrid models, including those with longer driving ranges.

German Chancellor Friedrich Merz, also present at the press conference, endorsed the decision, saying it now offers the automotive sector “real planning security.”

Earlier in December, Merz had written directly to European Commission President Ursula von der Leyen, urging the body to allow continued production and sale of ICE-powered vehicles past the 2035 deadline.

That letter, according to European Commissioner for Sustainable Transport and Tourism Apostolos Tzitzikostas, was “very well received in Brussels.”

Although the Commission’s revised legislation has not yet been made public, Tzitzikostas recently hinted that alternative fuels may feature more prominently in the new framework, citing “zero- and low-emission fuels, and advanced biofuels” as possible avenues for compliance.

Sources: Bild, The Guardian

The auto industry’s pivot to electric vehicles was never expected to be seamless, but a recent shift in buyer sentiment suggests the transition may be hitting more resistance than anticipated. According to a new study, a growing number of car shoppers are once again leaning toward combustion engines, reversing some of the momentum EVs had built in recent years.

A report from professional services firm EY indicates that EV adoption is slowing worldwide, in part due to shifting policies like those recently enacted in the United States.

Read: Ford’s CEO Applauds Trump’s CAFE Rollback, Says They Were Forced Into EVs

Among consumers planning to buy a new or used vehicle within the next 24 months, about half now say they intend to purchase one powered by a combustion engine. That marks a 13 percent jump from the previous year, a sharp turn in consumer preference.

Declining Appetite for Electrics and Hybrids

That’s not the only surprising conclusion from this study. EY’s report also notes that the preference among new and used car buyers to buy a battery-electric vehicle has dropped by 10 percent, landing at just 14 percent overall.

The picture for hybrid models isn’t much brighter. Interest in those models has dipped by 5 percent, now sitting at 16 percent. And among those still considering an EV, more than a third, or 36 percent, say they’re either rethinking their decision entirely or planning to delay their purchase, citing geopolitical developments as a major factor.

It’s possible that this trend could continue. Less than a year into President Trump’s second term, several policy changes have already been implemented that are more favorable to internal combustion engine vehicles. These measures are expected to influence both consumer behavior and manufacturer output in the coming years.

Policy Reversals Take Hold

Earlier this month, he officially rolled back CAFE standards, opening the door for car manufacturers to build more combustion models. Automakers argue this aligns with actual consumer demand, claiming Americans still largely prefer these vehicles over their electric counterparts.

Europe is seeing a similar recalibration. Two years ago, the European Union announced plans to effectively ban the sale of new combustion vehicles by 2035.

However, this ban appears increasingly likely to be relaxed, opening the door for hybrid models, and combustion-engine cars using e-fuels to be sold beyond 2035. This will no doubt have a significant impact on EV sales throughout the region.

Sources: EY, Reuters

Unplugged Performance has never been shy about making bold claims, but this one caught attention even by their standards: earlier this year, the company declared its Road Warrior wheels for the Tesla Model 3 and Model Y to be the “world’s first indestructible wheel.”

Now, it’s aiming even higher with an even stronger version of the same concept, this time developed specifically for the Tesla Cybertruck.

Read: Tesla Tuner Dares You To Break Their New Wheels

While the original Road Warrior was already beefy, the updated Cybertruck-ready Forged UP-RW wheel steps things up with a significantly higher load rating. The Model 3 and Y variant of the wheel is rated at 950 kg (2,094 lbs), but this Cybertruck version is engineered to handle up to 1,450 kg (3,196 lbs)

According to Unplugged Performance, this wheel offers better resistance to “bending, cracking, and fatigue” than the current wheel, although it doesn’t make the same “indestructible” claim as it did earlier this year.

The design of the wheel may not be to everyone’s liking, but it does have a feature that we’re sure many will appreciate. Each wheel features a replaceable aluminum curb-guard ring designed to take any damage from parking mishaps.

Even better, that guard can be swapped out without removing the tire. So if you do scrape it, there’s no need to pay for a full wheel repair or replacement. For anyone who’s wrestled a low-profile tire off a rim, that convenience alone might be reason enough to consider the upgrade.

The California-based tuner also says its Road Warrior wheel for the Cybertruck is on par with Tesla’s available Core wheel when it comes to aerodynamics, performs better than the standard Cyberwheel, and is designed to fit the standard 20-inch Cybertruck tires.

For any Cybertruck owners out there who take their electric pickup off-roading, or simply those looking for something to help their Tesla stand out, these wheels may suit.

That said, the options list is short. The Road Warrior is currently only available in one finish: black spokes with a gray curb guard. Whether that works for you will depend on taste, but some buyers will surely wish for more variety.

As for the price, it’s not exactly a budget choice. A full set of 20-inch wheels will cost $3,195. Still, in the context of forged wheels, particularly those rated for a 1,450-kg load, it falls within expected territory. For some, the mix of utility, design, and spec could be worth it.