Lucid, Nuro, and Uber have used CES to unveil their production-intent robotaxi as well as the model’s in-cabin rider experience. The companies also announced on-road testing began in December, ahead of a scheduled launch in the San Francisco Bay Area later this year.

Based on the Gravity SUV, the Level 4 robotaxi features a next-generation sensor array that consists of high-resolution cameras, solid-state lidar sensors, and radar sensors. These provide a 360° view of the vehicle’s surroundings and the equipment is integrated into the Gravity’s body as well as a roof-mounted halo.

More: Uber And Lucid Partner For Thousands Of Robotaxis

Information is fed to the Nuro Driver, which is a Level 4 autonomous driving system. It’s supported by Nvidia’s Drive AGX Thor, which allows for “high-performance” computing and real-time AI processing.

Uber’s role is to own and operate the robotaxis – along with third-party fleet partners – and allow for rides using the company’s popular ride-hailing platform.

An Intuitive User Experience

While the companies are still being coy on specifics, they revealed a handful of details about the user experience. This begins as soon as the robotaxi approaches as the ‘halo’ has multiple displays that show the rider’s initials, ensuring people get into the right vehicle.

Riders are envisioned to hop in the second-row, where they’ll be greeted by a screen that says their name and where they’re going. There’s also a digital button that enables them to open the liftgate and store luggage in the back.

Once riders are ready to go, they can tap “Start Drive.” The screen will then display their estimated drop off time and animations showing what the vehicle is doing. This includes “maneuvers such as yielding to pedestrians, slowing at traffic lights, changing lanes, and dropping off a passenger.”

Riders will be able to access a handful of vehicle controls including settings for the climate control system, heated seats, and audio system. They can also contact support and tell the vehicle to pull over to the side of the road. Users can also view a traditional Uber-style map, which isn’t much of a surprise considering the ride-hailing giant developed the experience.

While a number of riders will likely be traveling solo, the companies said the robotaxi is also great for groups. It can accommodate up to six passengers and their luggage at a time.

We’ll likely learn more about the robotaxi in the coming months, but Lucid is expected to begin production later this year in Arizona. The vehicles will then be deployed in the Bay Area.

If everything goes according to plan, Uber will deploy at least 20,000 Lucid robotaxis over six years in dozens of markets around the world.

The Volkswagen Group is working on a slew of affordable electric vehicles and spy photographers recently caught up with the Skoda Epiq. It will debut later this year as an electric counterpart to the Kamiq.

Previewed by a thinly veiled concept at last year’s Munich Motor Show, the production model looks virtually identical and features a Modern Solid design with a vertical grille as well as split lighting units. The latter have upper LED daytime running lights and turn signals as well as lower boomerang-shaped headlights.

More: Skoda’s Smallest Electric SUV Comes With Gas-Car Pricing

They’re joined by a unique front bumper with eight oval-shaped holes. The model is also notable for having a gently sloping roof and a relatively plain rear end with T-shaped taillights as well as a small spoiler.

The “city SUV” should measure approximately 163.8 inches (4,160 mm) long and have a wheelbase that spans 102.4 inches (2,600 mm). While the exact numbers remain to be seen, the model is the Skoda equivalent of the Volkswagen ID. Cross.

Baldauf

Interior pictures don’t show much beyond a prominent freestanding infotainment screen. Still, the cabin is expected to mirror that of the ID. Polo, featuring a 10.25-inch digital instrument cluster alongside a 13-inch central display. Physical controls are likely to remain in place, along with a redesigned steering wheel.

The Epiq will ride on the MEB+ platform and likely have a front-mounted motor producing 208 hp (155 kW / 211 PS). It should be powered by a 52 kWh nickel manganese cobalt battery, which delivers a range of around 264 miles (425 km).

Additional powertrains are possible including an upgraded motor with 223 hp (166 kW / 226 PS). We can also expect a DC fast charging capability of up to 130 kW.

The crossover will be built in Spain and Skoda has previously suggested pricing will start around €26,000 ($30,400).

Volkswagen has a fresh lineup with a facelifted Golf, Jetta, and Taos. If that wasn’t enough new blood, the company launched a redesigned Tiguan not long ago.

While you’d expect these models to help boost sales, this couldn’t be further from the truth. Quite the opposite as the only vehicles that posted gains last year were fully electric.

More: VW ID.4 Gets A Stealthy Blackout Package But Something Bigger Waits In The Shadows

This is a tad surprising, but consumers rushed to take advantage of the expiring tax credit. This resulted in a significant boost in the third quarter as ID.4 sales skyrocketed 176% to 12,470 units.

Now, with the tax credit gone, sales of the electric crossover plunged 61.6% to a mere 248 vehicles. That’s a massive swing of 12,222 units in just six months.

While sales have fallen off a cliff, the ID.4 finished the year up 31.4%. However, that pales in comparison to the ID. Buzz, which jumped 428.4%. That being said, Volkswagen only moved 6,140 electric vans and has already announced the EV is skipping the 2026 model year.

The picture gets pretty bleak from there as every other vehicles saw sales decline last year. The Jetta was off by 24.4%, while the Golf GTI and R dropped by up to 34.7%.

VW US SALES 2025

Even the brand’s crossovers struggled as the Atlas and Atlas Coupe only generated a combined 102,608 sales. The Taos was down 13.6%, while the Tiguan dropped 16.7% as some buyers likely held off for the redesigned model.

For the year, Volkswagen sold 329,813 vehicles in the United States. That’s down 13% and it means the brand was outsold by Mazda (410,346).

Audi Had Another Dismal Year

Things were even worse at Audi, which saw sales fall 16% to 164,942 units. That means they were beaten by Cadillac (173,515), Lexus (370,260), and BMW (388,897).

The numbers are terrible as the only models that saw gains were the aging A7 (5%) and Q8 (5%). The Q6 e-tron shot up 1,681%, although that’s mostly due to a late launch and limited supply last year.

That being said, the model appears to be a hit as consumers snapped up 17,207 units. This is more than three times the number of Q4 e-trons sold as sales were down 38% to a modest 5,264.

Speaking of EVs, the e-tron GT tumbled 59%, while the new A6 e-tron Sportback found 3,931 buyers. The discontinued Q8 e-tron lineup is also getting pretty rare and this explains why sales have fallen off the map.

The rest of the numbers should be given some context as Audi is in the midst of a major product revamp. As a result, there’s a new A5, A6, Q3, and Q5. Most of these models are already on sale in the United States, but the Q3 arrives shortly.

That being said, there are still a number of outdated models weighing sales down. One of the worst offenders is the Q7, which saw sales drop 12% last year to a disappointing 18,381 units. To put that into perspective, Lexus sold 57,346 TX crossovers.

Solid-state batteries promise to be the next big thing and they’re finally coming to road-going vehicles. One of the first companies to offer them is Verge Motorcycles, which said customers can expect a significantly faster recharging time as well as nearly twice the range of conventional batteries.

Set to become available in the coming months, the solid-state battery will be offered in the Verge TS Pro. The company didn’t go into many specifics, but the battery is sourced from Donut Lab and will be offered in 20.2 and 33.3 kWh configurations. The former provides 217 miles (349 km) of range, while the latter increases that figure to 370 miles (595 km).

More: Stellantis’ Solid-State Battery With 18-Minute Fast Charging Is Almost Ready

When it comes time to recharge, a 200 kW NACS charger can deliver 186 miles (299 km) of range in as little as ten minutes. That’s pretty impressive and the company noted the “upgraded battery pack does not affect the motorcycle’s price.”

The good news doesn’t end there as Verge said the solid-state battery will “last for the entire lifetime of the motorcycle,” which is opposed to “thousands of charging cycles” for traditional batteries. The company also noted safety benefits as solid-state batteries “do not catch fire, making them much safer for users and charging locations.”

Solid-State Claim with Big Numbers

For their part, Donut Lab said they’ve created the “world’s first solid-state battery that is ready for use in OEM vehicle manufacturing.” The company went on to say the battery has an energy density of 400 Wh/kg and has been designed to last up to 100,000 cycles. That would seemingly equate to nearly 274 years of daily use.

The company also noted the battery has been “rigorously tested across extreme conditions.” At both -22° F (–30° C) and 212° F (100° C), it retained over 99% of its capacity.

Getting back to the motorcycle, the solid-state Verge TS Pro will start at $29,900 when it arrives in the first quarter. It will feature an electric motor developing 137 hp (102 kW / 139 PS) and 737 lb-ft (998 Nm) of torque. This will enable the bike to rocket from 0–60 mph (0-96 km/h) in just 3.5 seconds.

Sales data continues rolling in and the latest numbers are from Tesla. They leave a lot to be desired as deliveries slumped in the fourth quarter and fell for the year.

Jumping right into the numbers, Tesla delivered 418,227 vehicles in the fourth quarter of 2025. That compares to 495,570 units a year ago and this represents a 15.6 percent drop.

More: Tesla Shares Forecast Saying The Models Nobody Buys Will Double In Sales In Q4

Interestingly, sales of “Other Models” – including the Model S, X, and Cybertruck – plummeted from 23,640 to 11,642. That’s a decline of 50.8 percent and it shows the company’s wedge-shaped pickup continues to be a flop.

For the full year, Tesla delivered 1,636,129 vehicles. That’s down from 1,789,226 in 2024, marking an 8.6 percent decrease overall.

Tesla Q4 2025 Sales

Tesla didn’t have much to say about the disappointing numbers, but the company will reveal their full financial results on January 28. However, the Q4 numbers were worse than the original estimate of 422,850 vehicles. This also meant the full year sales total fell below projections.

While the numbers weren’t too far off, projections for Other Models was laughably wrong as they indicated the company would sell 34,848 units in the fourth quarter. However, they only managed to move 11,642, which means those estimates were off by nearly 300 percent.

Tesla 2025 Sales

On the bright side, the automaker did reveal one positive development and that was a record deployment of 14.2 GWh worth of energy storage products in the fourth quarter. That brought their full year number to 46.7 GWh, which is a substantial increase from the 31.4 GWh deployed in 2024.

While Tesla didn’t delve into specifics, the company’s problems are well-known. Outspoken CEO Elon Musk alienated a number of his customers by joining the Trump Administration and slashing the federal workforce in a sometimes haphazard fashion. The company also had to deal with increased competition and the elimination of federal tax credits, which caused sales to slump at Rivian.

BYD Outsells Tesla

Tesla’s disappointing showing means they’re no longer the best-selling electric vehicle brand in the world. As BBC News reported, BYD sold 2,256,714 EVs last year, which put them 620,585 units ahead of Tesla.

However, this shouldn’t come as much of a surprise as Tesla was barely hanging onto the title. The company’s 1,789,226 sales in 2024 was just ahead of BYD’s total of 1,777,965.

It’s also worth noting BYD had combines sales of 4,537,356 units in 2025, which includes sales of things like plug-in hybrids and buses.

2025 is firmly in the rearview mirror and that means sales data is starting to trickle out. Rivian is among the first out the door as they’ve revealed some disappointing results following the elimination of the electric vehicle tax credit in September.

Without further ado, the company delivered 9,745 vehicles in the fourth quarter of 2025 and that compares to 14,183 last year. This is a steep 31.3% decline, but there was little doubt sales would slow down following the elimination of the federal incentive.

Review: The 2025 Rivian R1S Is An Imperfect, But Promising Look At The Future

For the entire year, Rivian delivered 42,247 vehicles in 2025. That’s down from 51,579 trucks and SUVs in 2024, which represents a decline of 18.1%.

In terms of production, the company made 10,974 vehicles in the fourth quarter and 42,284 units for the year. That’s keeping pace with demand, but those numbers are down from 12,727 and 49,476 last year.

While the numbers aren’t good, the automaker said they’re in line with expectations. The company didn’t have much else to say, but noted their fourth quarter and full year 2025 financial results will be released on February 12th.

Investors seem to be taking the news in stride as Rivian stock is down 1.95% to $19.32 per share as of this writing. Furthermore, it’s worth noting the stock has climbed significantly over the past year as it was $13.25 on January 2, 2025.

A Busy Year Ahead

While 2025 wasn’t a great year for Rivian, the company has a lot planned for 2026. The highly anticipated R2 is scheduled to launch in the first half of the year and it’s slated to start at $45,000.

Rivian hasn’t released full details, but has previously said the model rides on an all-new platform and will be offered with two different battery packs, including one that provides more than 300 miles (483 km) of range. We can also expect single-, dual-, and tri-motor powertrains with the latter allowing for a 0-60 mph (0-96 km/h) time of less than three seconds.

Furthermore, the company recently announced a slew of new updates including Universal Hands-Free Driving. It’s coming to the R1 lineup soon and will allow for hands-free driving on more than 3.5 million miles (5,632,704 km) of roads in the United States and Canada. It will be part of a new Autonomy+ subscription that costs $49.99 per month or $2,500 as part of a one-time purchase.

Chinese cars were once the butt of jokes, but they’ve become a major threat to Western automakers. That’s clear today as data from China’s General Administration of Customs has revealed exports of electric vehicles soared 87 percent in November.

More: Europe Tried To Block Chinese Cars But Ended Up Helping Them Instead

That’s a huge increase compared to last year and the most popular destination in November was Mexico. Chinese EV exports to the country soared 2,367 percent to total 19,344 units. While the numbers don’t reveal which vehicles were responsible for the boost, the BYD Dolphin Mini has been a hit south of the border.

The small EV measures just 148.8 inches (3,780 mm) long and features a front-mounted motor developing 74 hp (55 kW / 75 PS) and 100 lb-ft (135 Nm) of torque. Customers can also get 30.1 and 38.8 kWh battery packs, which provide a NEDC range of up to 236 miles (380 km).

Mexico was followed by Indonesia and Thailand as the top markets for Chinese exports last month. The former country imported 17,503 vehicles, while the latter took in 13,517.

Focusing on Europe, exports to the UK soared 113 percent last month to 9,096. This means 121,555 Chinese EVs have arrived since the beginning of the year and this is an increase of 24 percent .

That pales in comparison to Belgium, where 195,309 Chinese EVs have been imported in the first 11 months of the year. However, it’s worth noting this is a 15 percent drop compared to 2024.

Where Most Chinese EVs Are Going

Asia remained the biggest market for Chinese EVs as exports climbed 71 percent to 110,061 units in November. They were followed by Europe and Latin America (including the Caribbean).

While Asian countries have imported nearly 1 million Chinese EVs through November, the big story is Europe’s 604,105. That’s 12 percent more than 2024 and the number shows why European automakers and politicians are so worried.

We broke the news on Kosmera’s big debut last week and now the company has revealed they’re actually bringing two cars to CES. While we’ve already seen the Porsche-esque sedan or liftback, the company also announced plans to show a “new energy hypercar.”

The startup isn’t saying much at this point, but promised the model will “blend classic supercar heritage with next-generation technology.” They went on to say both vehicles will be “stunning to behold, thrilling to drive, and exhilarating to enjoy.”

More: A Mystery Brand Called Kosmera Is Coming To CES

That’s not a lot to go on, but the teaser image suggests the hypercar will have a prominent grille that gives off Alfa Romeo and Bugatti vibes. We can also see curvaceous fenders, a sloping roof, and a sizeable rear spoiler.

The company added the car will have a high-performance powertrain that produces up to 469 hp (350 kW / 476 PS) per wheel. This means we’re looking at a combined output of up to 1,877 hp (1,400 kW / 1,903 PS).

Kosmera went on to say we can expect a nearly 1:1 power-to-weight ratio as well as a high-tech chassis that uses “aerospace-grade composites” as well as 3D-printed metals. This is said to give the hypercar “exceptional torsional stiffness.”

We can also expect an AI Coach, which is designed to turn normal drivers into experts on the track. As part of this effort, the car will apparently use an augmented reality heads-up display to show drivers the ideal racing line.

Kosmera added the model will have a “revolutionary active linear motor suspension system, which is planned to seamlessly transition between a smooth ‘zero-sensation’ ride and a rigid, race-ready chassis setup.” It will be accompanied by a mysterious “dual-steering-wheel unlock mechanism,” which provides further adaptability.

Before you get too excited, the models are being referred to as prototypes and static display vehicles, which will showcase the company’s exterior and interior design chops. These are intended to compete in the premium segment, although the company didn’t mention production plans or availability.

There’s another caveat. It’s unlikely that the cars will be offered stateside as we’ve previously discovered the Kosmera name was trademarked by China’s Xing Chen Future Automotive Technology Co Ltd. This suggests the closest Americans will get to seeing one of these vehicles will be at CES.

2026 is still weeks away, but that hasn’t stopped Dodge from accepting orders for the 2027 model year Charger Daytona Scat Pack. It starts at $72,495, which is an astronomical increase.

Dodge’s website is a confusing mess, but the 2026 Charger Daytona Scat Pack Coupe started at $59,995, while the sedan cost an extra $2,000. That means the price of entry has shot up by $12,500, although the sedan is only an additional $500 this time around.

More: 2026 Charger Daytona Spawns A 670 HP Sedan

That’s ridiculous considering no one wants an electric Charger and the company is still struggling to get rid of 2025 models. In fact, dealers across the country are listing brand-new 2025 Charger Daytonas for less than $40,000.

While Dodge appears to be actively discouraging sales, the 2027 Charger Daytona comes with a native North American Charging System (NACS) port. This enables it to be used with Tesla Superchargers and the company is also throwing in a J1772 to NACS AC adapter.

Dodge said we can expect to learn more next year, but the company declined to mention any other changes. That’s not an encouraging sign, but the automaker noted the Charger Daytona is the “world’s most powerful muscle car.”

It features a dual-motor all-wheel drive system producing 630 hp (470 kW / 639 PS) and 627 lb-ft (849 Nm) of torque. However, a PowerShot function can increase the output to 670 hp (500 kW / 679 PS) for ten seconds at a time. Buyers can also expect a range of up to 267 miles (430 km), which means charging stops should be pretty common.

Many of us are looking forward to Christmas and New Year’s, but CES is right around the corner. As a result, we’re seeing announcements trickle out including one for an all-new company called Kosmera.

Details are limited, but the company is planning to stage its international debut at the show. They’re promising to take a “fundamentally different approach to mobility,” which apparently contrasts with firms chasing an “autonomous and connected future.”

More: Sony Honda Mobility Bringing New Concept And Pre-Production Afeela 1 To CES

While would seemingly imply an analog driver’s car, Kosmera described themselves as “not just an automaker,” but a “technology-driven company developing a platform that connects people with real-world scenarios and digital services.”

That’s a head scratcher, but the company dropped an interesting teaser image. At first glance, it appears to show a stylish sports car that vaguely recalls the Porsche 718 Cayman.

Enhanced Teaser Image

However, after playing around in Photoshop, we were able to enhance the image to reveal it shows a four-door sedan or liftback. We can also see muscular rear haunches and a seemingly massive front overhang. The latter is presumably some sort of distortion, but you get the idea.

Doing a little more digging, we were able to uncover a trademark application from earlier this month. It was for the Kosmera name and was made by Xing Chen Future Automotive Technology Co Ltd. While this doesn’t tell us much, we know the mysterious model hails from China.

We’ll learn more next month as Kosmera’s exhibit opens on January 6.

The BMW iX1 will turn four years old in May, but major changes are in store as a Neue Klasse version is in the works. It promises to be a radical departure that ushers in some new technology we’ve already seen on the iX3.

More: BMW’s 2027 X5 Finally Shows Its Lights And What’s Hiding Inside

Spied at a charging station, the crossover adopts an all-new front end with a slender twin kidney grille. It’s accompanied by lighting units that closely recall those found on the iX3.

Further below, we can see a wide central intake that eschews the vertical element found on its larger counterpart. The bumper also appears pretty curvaceous, which should help to improve the model’s aerodynamics.

Moving down the sides, there are pronounced wheel arches and streamlined bodywork. We can also see flush-mounted door handles and a familiar greenhouse.

The rear end is heavily disguised, but there’s a new liftgate with a license plate recess that has been moved closer to the bumper. The model also sports a flatter spoiler and a more rounded design.

The Neue Klasse design continues inside the cabin, which has been equipped with Panoramic iDrive. It features a pillar-to-pillar display at the base of the windscreen as well as a freestanding infotainment system, which presumably measures 17.9 inches.

Elsewhere, we can see a new center console with a shifter and controls that appear to be lifted directly from the iX3. Additional details are hard to make out, but the crossover has a camera-mounted on the rearview mirror.

While it was initially believed BMW was working on a Neue Klasse facelift for the X1 lineup, this appears to be a redesigned iX1. This suggests the ICE and EV variants will diverge in a similar fashion to the X3 and iX3.

As a result, the connections to the iX3 will be more than skin deep and the two models will likely share a lot in common. This should include an 800V architecture, cylindrical-cell battery packs, and efficient electric motors.

We’ll likely get a better idea of what to expect once BMW rolls out additional versions of the iX3. So far, we’ve only seen the 50 xDrive variant, which has a dual-motor all-wheel drive system producing a combined output of 463 hp (345 kW / 469 PS) and 476 lb-ft (645 Nm) of torque. The model also sports a 108.7 kWh battery pack, which provides a WLTP range of up to 500 miles (805 km).

shproshots

Ford’s bad bet on electric vehicles continues to have brutal repercussions, so they announced plans to rationalize their “U.S. EV-related assets and product roadmap.” This will come with a steep price tag as the automaker announced plans to record about $19.5 billion in special items on their financial results.

Aside from wasting a ton of money, Ford revealed they no longer plan to “produce select larger electric vehicles where the business case has eroded due to lower-than-expected demand, high costs and regulatory changes.” This likely references today’s decision to axe the F-150 Lightning EV and eventually revive it as a range-extended pickup truck.

More: The F-150 Lightning Is Dead, But It’s Coming Back As A Range-Extended EV

The company also announced they will no longer build a previously planned electric commercial van for Europe. Plans for an electric van in North America have also been dropped, but they’re being replaced by an affordable commercial van that will offer gas and hybrid engines. This model will be built at Ford’s Ohio Assembly Plant in Avon Lake starting in 2029.

Ford previously abandoned three-row EVs, but they’re still committed to new electric vehicles based on the Universal EV Platform. These will be small and affordable, with the first variant arriving in 2027 for around $30,000.

Besides hitting the brakes on most BEVs, Ford confirmed they’ll “expand powertrain choice” by offering more hybrids and range-extended electric vehicles. The company expects the mix of these three powertrains will be approximately 50% of its global volume by 2030, which would be up from 17% this year.

To help fuel this projected jump in demand, Ford is planning a range of different hybrids. Some will focus on fuel economy, while others chase performance. We can also expect hybrids with exportable power, which has become popular with customers.

On the range-extended side of things, Ford implied the second-generation F-150 Lightning will be joined by range-extended versions of their larger SUVs. This likely means we can expect to see electrified versions of the Expedition and Navigator.

Ford went on to say that by the end of the decade, nearly every vehicle will offer a hybrid or “multi-energy powertrain choice.”

Given the shift away from EVs, Ford is renaming the Tennessee Electric Vehicle Center as the Tennessee Truck Plant. It will build new, affordable gas-powered trucks starting in 2029. This is a departure as the plant was originally supposed to build the next-generation F-150 Lightning.

Ford Battery Business

Despite throwing in the towel on most EVs, Ford announced plans to launch a battery energy storage system business. It will provides sales and service to support the electric grid and growing demand from data centers.

The pivot can partially be explained by the transition away from EVs as Ford has a lot of excess battery manufacturing capacity. As a result, they’re repurposing their Glendale, Kentucky plant to manufacture 5 MWh+ advanced battery energy storage systems. As part of the change, the facility will build “LFP prismatic cells, battery energy storage system modules, and 20-foot DC container systems.”

Ford also announced their BlueOval Battery Park in Marshall, Michigan will make residential energy storage solutions. They’ll be built alongside LFP prismatic battery cells for models based on the Universal EV Platform.

In a statement, Ford CEO Jim Farley said “This is a customer-driven shift to create a stronger, more resilient and more profitable Ford.” He added, “The operating reality has changed, and we are redeploying capital into higher-return growth opportunities: Ford Pro, our market-leading trucks and vans, hybrids and high-margin opportunities like our new battery energy storage business.”

Ford had high hopes for the F-150 Lightning, but demand didn’t live up to expectations. As a result, production was indefinitely halted earlier this year so employees could focus on building more profitable and popular pickups at the Dearborn Truck Plant.

This left the fate of the F-150 Lightning up in the air and now we know it’s already dead. In a rather matter of fact way, Ford announced “production of the current F-150 Lightning ends this year.” They then clarified production has already “concluded.”

More: Ford’s CEO Talks Tariffs And New Range-Extended Vehicles

However, this isn’t the end of the story. Quite the opposite as Ford announced a second-generation F-150 Lightning, which will be an extended-range electric vehicle. In effect, Ford is admitting going fully electric was a mistake and they’re now following in the footsteps of the Ram 1500 REV, which used to be known as the Ramcharger.

The Blue Oval hasn’t disclosed much about the new model, but the headline figure is hard to miss: more than 700 miles (1,127 km) of total range. To put that number into perspective, the current F-150 Lightning maxed out at 320 miles (515 km).

Ford went on to say the model will deliver the “pure EV driving experience” that customers love, while eliminating the need to stop and charge during long-distance trips. This will be made possible by an engine, which acts as a generator to recharge the truck’s battery pack.

The new model will presumably have a smaller and cheaper battery, but Ford confirmed the next Lightning will continue to offer “exportable electricity that can power everything from work sites to camp sites to homes during a power outage.” They added the new model “reinforces the F-Series legacy of innovation, giving owners the electric benefits they want with the reliability they need.”

In a statement, Ford’s Doug Field said “Our next-generation F-150 Lightning EREV will be every bit as revolutionary [as the original]. It delivers everything Lightning customers love – near instantaneous torque and pure electric driving. But with a high-power generator enabling an estimated range of 700+ miles, it tows like a locomotive. Heavy-duty towing and cross-country travel will be as effortless as the daily commute.”

The second-generation F-150 Lightning will be assembled at the idled Rouge Electric Vehicle Center in Dearborn. There’s no word on when it will arrive, but it could be a ways off.

Note: Sketch of the current F-150 Lightning pictured in the opening image.

Volkswagen has released a slew of details about the ID. Polo, ahead of its launch next year. The company has a lot riding on its success, as it’s the first of four compact electric models that VW believes will reshape its small car lineup.

Since we’ve already seen camouflaged prototypes at the Munich Motor Show, we’ll simply note the car has a “Pure Positive” design that promises to offer space worthy of the “next higher class of vehicle.”

More: VW Revives Polo Name For EV Era And Teases First Ever Electric GTI

In this case, the car measures 159.6 inches (4,053 mm) long, 71.5 inches (1,816 mm) wide, and 60.2 inches (1,530 mm) tall with a wheelbase spanning 102.4 inches (2,600 mm). Volkswagen noted this is roughly the same size as the MQB-based Polo, but the interior is 0.7 inches (19 mm) longer with a lot of that helping to improve rear seat legroom. There’s also more headroom as well as extra interior width.

Practicality gets a noticeable lift in the boot as well. The ID. Polo offers more cargo room than the ICE-powered model. It holds 15.4 cubic feet (435 liters) of luggage, but that can be expanded to 43.9 cubic feet (1,243 liters) by folding the rear seats down.

Three Powertrains at Launch

When the ID. Polo debuts next spring, it will be offered with three front-mounted motors. They’ll have outputs of 114 hp (85 kW / 116 PS), 133 hp (99 kW / 135 PS), and 208 hp (155 kW / 211 PS). The ID. Polo GTI will arrive one year later with 223 hp (166 kW / 226 PS).

The 114 hp (85 kW / 116 PS) and 133 hp (99 kW / 135 PS) variants will come equipped with a small 37 kWh lithium iron phosphate battery. These versions will also have an underwhelming DC fast charging capacity of 90 kW.

The two range-topping variants up the ante with a larger 52 kWh nickel manganese cobalt battery, which promises to deliver up to 280 miles (450 km) of range.

Volkswagen went on to say the battery uses cell-to-pack technology, which “eliminates the intermediate step via module housings and combines the cells directly into a battery pack – reducing price, installation space, and weight while increasing energy density by about 10 percent.”

It’s also worth mentioning buyers will find an upgraded DC fast charging capability of 130 kW.

New Platform and Tech

The ID. Polo rides on the new MEB+ platform, which is described as a “further developed” version of the existing architecture. It benefits from reduced complexity, higher efficiency, and less weight.

Volkswagen also said we can expect next-generation driver assistance systems including a “significantly enhanced” version of Travel Assist. It provides “assisted lateral and longitudinal guidance” as well as automated lane changes on highways. The system also has traffic light and stop sign recognition.

According to Volkswagen brand CEO Thomas Schäfer, “The ID. Polo marks the beginning of a new generation of Volkswagen: with fresh design, intuitive operation, top quality and first-class driving characteristics – and finally with a proper name again.” He added the company will launch six new electric vehicles next year and the ID. Polo’s €25,000 ($29,388) starting price will make “electric mobility accessible to many people in Europe.”

Volkswagen had high hopes for EVs as the company pivoted in the wake of the Dieselgate scandal. The ID.4 marked a solid start, but things quickly went wrong from there.

Plans to sell the ID.7 in America were abandoned, while the ID. Buzz failed to live up to expectations. As a result, huge markups have now given way to discounts of nearly $20,000.

More: VW Scraps ID.7 For North America Due To Frosty EV Climate

The company is now said to be considering offering range-extended powertrains in sedans and crossovers for Europe and the United States. The discussions are reportedly part of a larger conversation as the automaker is preparing a new five-year investment plan.

Bloomberg reports the details of these investments will be announced in March of next year. That’s a ways off, but a spokesperson told the publication they’re “monitoring market developments and has reserved the range extender concept for its future EV platform.”

They added that consumer demand will ultimately determine when and where range-extended vehicles are offered.

While we’ve seen a few range-extended vehicles in the United States, a number of new models are on the horizon. Besides the Scout Terra and Traveler, Stellantis is gearing up to launch range-extended versions of the Jeep Grand Wagoneer and Ram 1500.

Ford CEO Jim Farley has also praised them as he said they give customers an electric experience without range anxiety. More importantly, they enable companies to offer an “electric vehicle that’s fully comparable to an ICE vehicle in terms of cost.”

This is largely due to the fact that range-extended EVs can use a significantly smaller and cheaper battery pack. This is made possible by an engine, which acts as a generator.

After a botched rollout and years of lackluster demand, General Motors announced plans to end production of the slow-selling BrightDrop vans. The announcement was made in October and it appears dealers are having a fire sale to get rid of remaining inventory.

I originally noticed this after a local Chevy dealer was advertising a van for roughly $22,000 below MSRP. However, that’s a drop in the bucket as Chevrolet of Troy, Ohio has knocked $28,315 off a 2025 BrightDrop 400. This means you can get the $68,310 EV for as little as $39,995.

More: GM Kills Electric Van Leaving Over 1,000 Canadian Workers In Limbo

That’s barely more than a Ford Mustang Mach-E, which starts at $37,995. More importantly, it undercuts the Ford E-Transit Cargo by $13,265.

Of course, that’s far from the only example as Miami’s Bomnin Chevrolet has their $69,435 BrightDrop 400 listed for $40,435. That’s a discount of $29,000, which means you can buy a 2027 Chevrolet Bolt with the savings.

Ray Chevrolet of Fox Lake, Illinois isn’t as generous, but they’ve marked their BrightDrop 400 down $28,348. That means you can get the $69,935 delivery van for just $41,587.

If the standard model is too small for your liking, you can always upgrade to the BrightDrop 600. Kool Chevrolet has a very cool discount of $23,600 on theirs, meaning you can get it for $47,450. That’s significantly better than the original MSRP of $71,050.

It’s a similar story at Columbus’ Ricart Chevrolet, which has slashed $25,253 off the price of their 2025 BrightDrop 600. As a result, the $73,430 EV can be had for $48,177.

These huge discounts are made possible thanks to $21,500 in customer cash. The offer requires buyers to take retail delivery by January 2, so you might want to act fast if you want to own a testament to GM’s ill-fated belief in EVs.

According to multiple reports, the European Union is working on a new proposal that would create an “E car” category. These would be small electric vehicles that are less advanced than traditional models.

The details are still in flux, but a draft proposal is expected to be released soon and Nikkei says the “relaxed technical requirements” could help to lower costs for European automakers. This would enable them to better compete with the onslaught of Chinese companies that have invaded Europe.

More: China’s Car Brands Are Quietly Eating Europe’s Lunch

The report suggests a number of currently mandated safety systems could be removed from E vehicles. This could include things like drowsiness detection systems that are designed for use on long distance trips.

If everything pans out, prices of small electric vehicles could drop by 10 percent to 20 percent. This could result in a number of new European EVs priced from €15,000 to €20,000 (equal to around $17,500 to $23,300 at current exchange rates).

While the size and weight of E cars is still to be determined, the publication suggested that some Japanese kei cars could meet the criteria “without any specification adjustments.” This would be a boon to automakers as they could easily export existing models to Europe.

Automotive World reports Stellantis, Renault, and Volkswagen could be the biggest beneficiaries of the move. The companies already offer small electric vehicles and even more are in the works. However, it remains unclear if these upcoming models would qualify for the category.

It’s also important to note that any changes would likely be a ways off. Following the introduction of the draft proposal, we can expect bureaucracy to take hold and slowly advance the idea. At current estimates, it could be a “few years” before E cars are launched, assuming they get approved in the first place.

Sources: Automotive World, Nikkei

Subaru introduced the 2026 Uncharted earlier this year, and now the company has announced it will arrive at dealerships early next year for $34,995. That positions the new entry-level EV well below the Solterra, undercutting it by $3,500, and places it a full $5,000 beneath the upcoming Trailseeker.

Kicking things off is the Uncharted Premium FWD, marking the first front-wheel-drive Subaru sold in the United States in decades.

It features an edgy design that is largely identical to the Toyota C-HR. While it won’t win any points for originality, the model sports LED headlights, rain-sensing wipers, and a power liftgate. The crossover also has 8.2 inches (208 mm) of ground clearance and 18-inch alloy wheels with gloss black covers.

More: Subaru’s New Trailseeker Costs $5,000 More Than The Outback

Moving inside, drivers are greeted by a minimalist cabin that has a 7-inch digital instrument cluster and a 14-inch infotainment system with Android Auto and Apple CarPlay. The latter screen resides above a stubby center console with a rotary shifter and a dual wireless smartphone charger.

Elsewhere, there are heated front seats with 10-way power adjustment on the driver’s side. The Uncharted also sports an ambient lighting system, a leather-wrapped steering wheel, and a dual-zone automatic climate control system. Rounding out the highlights are a six-speaker audio system and digital key technology.

The EyeSight driver assistance system comes standard and provides Adaptive Cruise Control, Front/Rear Cross Traffic Alert, and Lane Departure Prevention. They’re joined by Proactive Driving Assist, Road Sign Assist, and Emergency Steering Assist. Other highlights include a Blind-Spot Monitor and Safe Exit Assist.

Power comes from a 74.7 kWh battery pack that feeds a front-mounted motor producing 221 hp (165 kW / 224 PS). It should enable the model to have a range in excess of 300 miles (483 km). When the battery is low, owners can use the NACS port and a DC fast charger to take it from 10% to 80% in as little as 28 minutes.

Uncharted Sport

The Uncharted Sport begins at $39,795 and features a lightly revised exterior with roof rails. Buyers will also find an upgraded cabin with StarTex upholstery and a heated leather steering wheel. The model also has an eight-way power front passenger seat and a driver’s seat memory function.

The mid-level crossover gains additional driver assistance systems as well. They include Lane Change Assist, Traffic Jam Assist, and a Surround View Monitor.

The big news is a dual-motor all-wheel drive system producing 338 hp (252 kW / 343 PS). That’s a huge improvement over the base model and range doesn’t take much of a hit as Subaru predicts the Sport will be able to travel more than 285 miles (459 km) on a single charge.

Uncharted GT

Last but not least is the $43,795 Uncharted GT. It’s notable for having a panoramic glass roof as well as 20-inch wheels with a gunmetal finish. Customers can build on that by getting an optional two-tone paint job for an extra $970.

Interior changes are relatively minor, but the range-topping trim sports heated and ventilated front seats as well as heated rear chairs. They’re joined by an 11-speaker Harman Kardon premium audio system and a digital rearview mirror with HomeLink.

While the powertrain carries over from the Sport, the larger wheels and additional equipment conspire to rob the model of range. However, Subaru expects owners will be able to travel more than 270 miles (435 km) between stops.

2026 Subaru Uncharted Pricing

Prices exclude a $1,450 or $1,600 destination fee

Nissan offered an early glimpse of the Juke EV earlier this year through a darkened teaser, and now fresh spy shots have caught the upcoming electric crossover out in the wild, testing on European roads.

More: New Nissan Juke Spied Looking Like A Japanese Ford Puma

Dressed in black and white camouflage, the prototype is loosely inspired by the Hyper Punk concept and features large headlights that are hidden behind disguise. We can also see a wide central intake, which appears to have a pronounced sensor.

Baldauf

Moving further back, there’s a rakish windscreen that meets an angular roof. The model also has an upward sweeping beltline and a compact greenhouse.

The front door handles appear to be flush-mounted, while the rear handles are integrated into the upper door trim. Elsewhere, there are aerodynamic wheels and thick side skirts that help to hide the battery pack.

Out back, there’s a liftgate with an angular rear window and a sizable spoiler. They’re joined by split lighting units that have upper turn signals as well as large, squared off brake lights with interesting graphics.

Baldauf

The Juke is expected to borrow heavily from the redesigned Leaf and ride on the same CMF-EV / AmpR Medium platform. This likely means it will use the car’s 52 kWh battery pack, which enables the model to have a WLTP combined range in excess of 271 miles (436 km).

We also wouldn’t be surprised if it uses the Leaf’s entry-level motor, which produces 174 hp (130 kW / 177 PS) and 254 lb-ft (345 Nm) of torque. This enables the model to accelerate from 0-62 mph (0-100 km/h) in 8.3 seconds, before hitting a top speed of 100 mph (161 km/h).

Nissan hasn’t said much about the upcoming model, but they’ve previously confirmed the compact crossover will be launched in fiscal year 2026. It will be built at the company’s Sunderland Plant alongside the Leaf.

Stellantis dealers are struggling to sell the Fiat 500X years after its demise, but they’re getting some much needed relief as the Italian brand has announced the Topolino is coming to the USA.

Also: Trump Saw These “Really Cute” Cars In Japan And Now Wants Them On US Roads

Technically, you could fit a couple of them in the same space as a single 500X, so inventory headaches might be minimal. But sarcasm aside, Fiat really has announced it’s bringing the bite-sized model to the States.

The company will share more details next year, but the Topolino is a small two-seat electric vehicle that has a front-mounted motor developing 8 hp (6 kW / 8 PS) and 32 lb-ft (44 Nm) of torque. It’s powered by a 5.4 kWh battery pack, which provides a range of 46 miles (75 km) under the World Motorcycle Test Cycle.

The European model has a top speed of 28 mph (45 km/h) and it can accelerate to that number in ten seconds flat. This would make it ideal for use in neighborhoods, where golf carts have exploded in popularity.

We’ll learn more about the US-spec model in the coming months, but the European Topolino rides on 14-inch wheels. The ultra-compact EV is also sold in Europe as the Citroen Ami and Opel Rocks, though those variants won’t be making their way here. Unless Dodge or Jeep get any weird ideas.

Also: For $5K, Transform Your Citroen Ami Into A Retro 1947 Type H Van

If you thought Japan’s Kei cars were small, just wait until Fiat’s Topolino starts showing up on American roads. The tiny two-seater measures 99.8 inches (2,535 mm) long with a wheelbase that spans 68.1 inches (1,730 mm).

That’s 43.1 inches (1,096 mm) shorter than the slow-selling 500e, which starts at $30,500 before a hefty $1,995 destination fee. Just imagine this thing next to an Escalade or an F-150.

Fiat Unveils Topolino Art Car

The announcement was accompanied by the unveiling of an art car at Miami Art Week. The one-off model was created in collaboration with Romero Britto, who is known for his “vibrant, colorful style that blends elements of cubism, pop art and graffiti.”

More: Fiat Topolino Micro EV Priced From Just $8k In Italy

Dubbed the Brittolino, the model features a colorful exterior with multiple sections that each has its own unique design. We can also see a contrasting blue roof and doors that have been replaced by ropes. They’re joined by Britto-branded wheels and silver bumpers.

Fiat CEO Olivier Francois said the Topolino “is now everywhere in Europe” and has made several appearances in the United States over the past year, where it has generated “tremendous excitement among consumers.” He added it has been such a hit that “I’m happy to share that we’ll be bringing the Fiat Topolino to the US.”