Bergen, Norway February 17th, 2025 — Since going into service in 2015, the MF Ampere has now sailed an astonishing distance equivalent to 17 times around the equator on batteries alone, solidifying its place as a groundbreaking achievement in sustainable maritime transport. A decade on and the Ampere continues to showcase the transformative potential of electric …

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Nissan made some interesting announcements during its Q3 financial results presentation for fiscal year 2024. Alongside plans to cut $2.59 billion through layoffs and efficiency measures following the collapse of merger talks with Honda, the automaker teased six upcoming models set to debut in 2025 and 2026.

A Rogue PHEV That Looks… Suspiciously Like a Mitsubishi

In 2025, the Nissan Rogue (X-Trail) will gain a plug-in hybrid variant, followed by a refreshed e-Power hybrid in 2026. The real curiosity, though, is the shadowy teaser image of the PHEV, which bears a striking resemblance to the Mitsubishi Outlander. Of course, it’s hard to say for sure from a heavily obscured preview, but the similarities are worth noting.

More: Honda-Nissan $60B Merger Officially Dead Over Control Issues, Mitsubishi Out Too

The current Nissan Rogue (X-Trail) that was introduced in 2020 is mechanically related to the Mitsubishi Outlander, but features a completely redesigned bodywork. This makes us wonder why the Nissan skin won’t be used in the plug-in hybrid derivative, with a possible answer being the maximum reduction in R&D and production costs.

The current-generation Nissan Rogue (also known as the X-Trail in some markets), introduced in 2020, shares its underpinnings with the Mitsubishi Outlander but wears completely different sheet metal. So why would Nissan suddenly abandon its own styling for the plug-in hybrid? One possibility is a push for maximum cost-cutting in R&D and production. Another? Maybe the resemblance is just a coincidence, and the Rogue PHEV is simply getting a fresh new look.

Rogue e-Power and the Next-Gen Leaf

The Rogue e-Power, set to arrive in 2026, seems to have a more distinct design. The teaser shows updated LED headlights and the familiar Rogue silhouette, suggesting a mid-cycle refresh. Under the hood, it will feature Nissan’s third-generation e-Power hybrid system, which the company claims is 20% more efficient than the first-generation version. Nissan also confirmed that this powertrain will make its way into the Qashqai.

Beyond the Rogue lineup, Nissan also previewed the next-generation Leaf, set to launch in 2025 as a fully electric crossover positioned below the Ariya. It will be joined by a new small electric hatchback for Europe that looks suspiciously like the next-gen Micra. Nissan has previously said this EV supermini will be engineered by Renault, strongly suggesting it’s a sister model to the Renault 5 E-Tech Electric, albeit with Nissan-specific styling.

More: 2027 Navara Will Be A True Nissan, Despite Mitsubishi Triton Roots

Furthermore, in 2026, Nissan will introduce facelifted kei car and large minivan offerings in Japan. These are likely updated versions of the Dayz and the Elgrand. Finally, the last new model in the slideshow is the Nissan N7 electric sedan that has already been unveiled in China.

Rounding out the lineup, Nissan will introduce updated kei cars and a refreshed large minivan for the Japanese market in 2026, likely facelifts for the Dayz and Elgrand. Lastly, the company highlighted the Nissan N7 electric sedan, which has already made its debut in China.

For those who want the full breakdown, you can watch Nissan’s entire presentation below, featuring President and CEO Makoto Uchida alongside CFO Jeremie Papin.

Smart is reportedly planning its first sedan that could debut later this year. The electrified model is rumored to adopt the Smart #6 moniker, joining an SUV-exclusive lineup after the discontinuation of the Smart Fortwo city car.

The Smart #6 will be positioned as the company’s flagship model, rivaling the Tesla Model 3. It will most likely debut in EV form, although a PHEV option could be added to the range, in line with Smart’s renewed product strategy.

Review: Smart #3 Brabus Is An Impressive EV That Puts The Model Y Performance On Notice

As is the case with the entire Smart lineup, Mercedes-Benz will be responsible for the design, leaving the R&D and the production to Geely.

Autocar reports that the sedan will share its underpinnings with the Zeekr 007 sedan and GT models. This means it will use the PMA2+ platform, a derivative of Geely’s widely-used Sustainable Experience Architecture (SEA).

Powertrain options will include single and dual electric motor setups, sourcing energy from 75 kWh and 100 kWh battery packs respectively. A Brabus variant could produce up to 637 hp (475 kW / 646 PS), matching the Zeekr sibling and becoming the most powerful Smart ever to be produced.

More: Zeekr 007 EV Can Get 80% Charge In Just Ten Minutes

The low-slung sedan will also be the most aerodynamic member of the lineup, surpassing the Smart #3 coupe SUV. The sleek bodywork will contribute to a rumored range of “well over 800 km (500 miles)” on the more optimistic CLTC cycle. This is consistent with the mechanically related Zeekr 007 sedan, which can cover up to 870 km (540 miles) between charges.

The Smart #6 is expected to break cover sometime in 2025, ahead of a market launch in early 2026. The automaker recently announced it will enter over 10 new markets this year, expanding its presence in South America, Africa, and Europe. In 2024, Smart sold 130,000 vehicles, with the majority being registered in China.

Note: The illustration below was created by modifying official sketches of the smart #3 coupe-SUV to resemble a low-slung four-door sedan. It is not related to, nor endorsed by Smart.

We’re barely six weeks into 2025, but it’s already clear that this year is shaping up to be another strong one for EVs and PHEVs. After a record-breaking 2024, which saw global sales of electrified vehicles soar by 26%, January has kicked off with significant growth, with all major markets showing notable year-over-year gains.

Read: EV And PHEV Sales Surged 26% Globally In 2024, But The Party’s Over In Europe

According to data from RHO Motion, an estimated 1.3 million EVs and Plug-in Hybrids were sold globally last month. That’s an 18% increase over January 2024, though it’s worth noting a sharp 35% drop from December 2024. The dip from December is largely due to a 43% drop in sales from China—the largest market for electrified vehicles. This decline isn’t surprising, given the Chinese New Year holidays, which traditionally slow car sales.

China’s Growth vs. December’s Slump

Despite the overall drop from December, comparing January 2025 to the same month last year tells a much rosier story. In China, approximately 700,000 EVs and PHEVs were sold, a 12% increase over January 2024. The EU, EFTA, and UK region also posted impressive numbers, with around 250,000 vehicles sold—a 21% jump from last year, though down 19% from December.

Germany Gets Back on Track, France Faces a Dip

Germany, Europe’s largest automotive market, has reason to smile this month. After a tough 2024, when sales were dragged down by the removal of several subsidies, the country saw a 40% boost in January sales compared to the previous year.

On the other hand, France isn’t seeing the same success. Sales there dropped by 52% from December, partly due to the introduction of a new weight tax on PHEVs. It seems the French government might be unintentionally driving consumers away from electrified vehicles.

North America: A Mixed Bag

Across the Atlantic, about 130,000 EVs and PHEVs were sold in the U.S. and Canada, marking a 22% increase from January 2024. However, sales are down 28% from December 2024. RHO Motion speculates that the tightening of eligibility for the full $7,500 federal EV tax credit could slow the market’s momentum throughout the rest of 2025.

It also seems that, for now, at least, despite the arrival of Donald Trump back in the Oval Office, demand for electric vehicles remains largely unaffected, proof, perhaps, that some trends are simply bigger than politics.

The electric revolution fizzled and many automakers have now abandoned or delayed plans to go electric-only. This has left a number of firms scrambling to churn out new models with internal combustion engines as well as hybrid powertrains.

Porsche is among them as they recently confirmed, “We will develop new combustion-engined derivatives [of our EVs] in order to give the right answer to customer demand.” Given this, it’s not surprising to learn the company has announced an “expansion of the product portfolio to include additional vehicle models with combustion engines or plug-in hybrids.”

More: Porsche Changes EV Plan, Will Give Electric Models ICE Powertrains Too

Porsche didn’t go into specifics, but said the move is designed to strengthen their profitability in the short and medium term. This effort also includes a renewed focus on Porsche Sonderwunsch (special request) and Porsche Exclusive Manufaktur. These are highly profitable programs steeped in personalization, so the company wants to maximize their profitability.

However, these initiatives come at a cost and this is on top of already expensive vehicle and battery development. Porsche warned these efforts will “lead to significant additional expenditures” and their impact for the 2025 financial year could total €800 ($826) million.

If that wasn’t bad enough, Porsche is expecting a “market-induced” drop in sales for 2025. The automaker also forecasted sales revenues of €39-40 ($40.2-41.3) billion for the year.

Porsche deliveries fell by more than 9,500 units last year and the company has previously pointed to China’s “continuing challenging economic situation.” The company blamed this for sagging Panamera sales, which were off by 13%.

Investors weren’t happy and Porsche AG stock closed down 6.45 % to €55.94 ($57.78) per share in Frankfurt.

Volvo has announced a record-breaking 763,389 sales in 2024, alongside its future product roadmap. The Swedish brand has confirmed five launches for 2025 and another five for 2026, promising to offer a lineup of various body styles across all segments.

Jim Rowan, Volvo Cars President and CEO, said: “The depth and the variety of our balanced product portfolio is one of our greatest assets. We will expand the lineup of fully electric, plug-in hybrid, and mild-hybrid cars, and continue to offer world-class products in all segments: SUVs, sedans, wagons, in terms of size: 30, 40, 60, 90. And we’ll do this in over 80 countries around the world.”

More: Volvo EX30 Getting An Overland-Inspired Cross Country Trim

Specifically for 2025, the CEO revealed they will be launching “five new or refreshed models”. The first one will be the Volvo EX30 Cross Country, a rugged version of the small electric SUV which is scheduled to debut on February 10.

Another new model that will arrive this year is the fully electric Volvo ES90 sedan. The CEO describes it as “one of the flagship models” that will demonstrate the automaker’s “technology capabilities”. The ES90 has already appeared in teasers and is expected to be introduced in March 2025, joining the EX90 SUV.

Volvo Cars

Volvo has also confirmed a new “long range PHEV” that will be dedicated to the Chinese market, without getting into specifics. Furthermore, the company promised to introduce “meaningful upgrades” for two of its existing models.

Chances are that the aging Volvo XC60 will be one of them, following the example of the recently-facelifted XC90 with a redesigned face, and a revamped interior.

More: Facelifted Volvo XC90 Has A Bigger Screen And A 2+1 Cupholder, But Is That Really Enough?

As for its much-anticipated electric counterpart – the Volvo EX60 – it will be one of the five launches scheduled for 2026. Jim Rowan said Volvo has made “great progress on this car”, describing it as a “game-changer”. Last year, Volvo said that the EX60 will ride on the new SPA3 architecture, which promises to bring “enhanced core computing capability” and a “far more scalable” design compared to the existing SPA2 platform.

The presentation included dummy models for two additional SPA3 offerings, likely for 2026. Still, it is hard to tell which ones they will be, as the new platform is theoretically compatible with models of all different shapes and sizes. Hopefully, at least one of them will be a wagon.

Record Sales But Challenging Times Ahead

In 2024, Volvo Cars achieved the “highest full-year retail sales, revenues, and core operating profit in its 98-year history”. More specifically, the automaker sold 763,389 cars which is 7.7% more compared to the previous sales record from 2023. Furthermore, Volvo’s operating profit excluding joint ventures and associates was SEK 27 billion (around $2.5 billion) in 2024, representing a 6% gain compared to the previous year.

Despite the positive results, Volvo describes 2025 as a “turbulent” year due to “challenging market conditions”. In a message to the shareholders, the CEO said:

“2025 will be a year of transition. The global car industry is facing several uncertainties: cyclical, structural, transformational and geopolitical. We have navigated this environment better and faster than many of our peers, but we and the rest of the industry will be severely tested this year. At the same time, we must keep our eyes firmly on the road ahead and not sacrifice the future on the altar of the present. In other words, we must be prudent, diligent and disciplined during a turbulent 2025, while paving the way for our long-term ambitions.”

WASHINGTON, D.C. (Feb. 7, 2025) – Late yesterday, the Federal Highway Administration?halted?new funding for state programs to install tens of thousands of new vehicle chargers along highways and at rest stops across the nation. A key part of the 2022 bipartisan infrastructure law, all 50 states have federally approved plans to build these fast chargers, …

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U.S. Domestic Solar Production Reaches Historic Milestone Washington, D.C. – The United States has surpassed 50 GW in domestic solar energy manufacturing capacity for the first time in history, enough to power approximately 37.5 million homes. This milestone marks an impressive progress—bolstered by clean energy investments in the Inflation Reduction Act and Bipartisan Infrastructure Law—by the renewable energy …

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We all fixate on the purchase price or monthly loan/lease cost when looking to get a new car, when the true cost of running a vehicle is affected by all kinds of other factors. Two years down the road the car that looked dirt cheap, might turn out to have cost you more than the one you crossed off your shopping list for being too expensive.

But which models really do have the lowest running costs, and which have the worst? A new study by Self set out to answer that question by crunching the numbers on 50 popular vehicles in the US on sale between 2022-24.

Related: Which Brand’s Cars Cost Least To Run Over 10 Years?

For each car, truck or SUV, analysts calculated the energy or ‘fuel’ costs, insurance and maintenance costs and the price of taxes and fees. We’ll get to the winners and losers in a second, but first let’s consider the cost of running the average vehicle based on the data.

Average running costs

The average annual total cost came to $6,462, more than 34 percent of which ($2,246) is swallowed by fuel, the single biggest expense. Insurance and maintenance accounted for just over 25 percent each, with annual taxes and fees making up the rest.

But those numbers are skewed when you break the cars down by fuel type. The total running costs of the average hybrid ($5,485) are slightly lower than those for the average EV ($5,517) and much lower than for the average ICE car ($6,544). But within those columns there are also big differences. The average EV costs much less in fuel than the other two, but is far more expensive to insure.

Running costs by powertrain

Which is why when we look at the big table of car models, yes, the Tesla Model 3 comes top with an annual running cost of $5,061, but the combustion Hyundai Elantra is only $43 behind. The Elantra costs $979 more in energy and $292 in servicing every year, but is $694 less expensive to insure and saves you $533 in taxes and fees.

Predictably, the pricey end of the table is dominated by trucks and SUVs, the most expensive of which is the Chevy Tahoe. One of those monsters will cost you a hefty $3,276 every year in gas, and $8,644 overall.

Running costs by model

Next, the study team used the same data to rank brands according to running costs, and again, Tesla came top, with a total annual cost of $5,517. Nissan grabbed second spot, despite its best performing single model making it no higher than eighth in the model table. The average Nissan costs $5,629, whereas the study says you’ll pay $5,759 for a Honda, $5,963 for a Subaru and $6,315 for a Hyundai even though the Elantra scored well in the by-model rankings.

Most expensive brand? That dubious honor goes to Lexus, whose cars will on average cost you more than $8k every year, though it should be noted that most other luxury brands are missing from this list, and would likely cost you far more.

Running costs by brand

Source: Self

The global market for battery-electric and plug-in hybrid vehicles is expected to see solid growth in 2025, at least if one research group is correct. According to Rho Motion, sales of EVs and PHEVs could jump 18% this year, surpassing 20 million units for the first time. Strong gains are anticipated in key markets, including the United States, Canada, China, and Europe.

North America’s Growth Faces Political Uncertainty

EV and PHEV sales in the U.S. and Canada could climb by as much as 16% this year, a prediction that might surprise some, given the potential policy shifts under President Trump’s administration. Rolling back fuel efficiency standards and cutting federal tax credits for new and used EVs could put a dent in demand, but for now, the market appears poised to push forward.

Read: EV And PHEV Sales Surged 26% Globally In 2024, But The Party’s Over In Europe

However, Rho Motion believes any legislative changes will take time to make a real impact, meaning 2025 should see continued growth before the effects of new policies begin to slow things down. By next year, combined EV and PHEV sales in the region could exceed 2.1 million units.

Europe Rebounds After Incentive Cuts

The European market, which includes the EU, EFTA region and the UK, also looks set for a rebound after a shaky 2024, when EV and PHEV sales dipped 3%, largely due to Germany pulling back on subsidies. This year, however, sales are expected to grow by 15% over 2024 levels, or 13% compared to 2023.

The boost is likely to come from stricter emissions standards taking effect (effectively forcing carmakers to sell more EVs and PHEVs) combined with the introduction of more budget-friendly EVs, some priced at or below €25,000 (~$26,000). Even with these improvements, automakers may still struggle to hit EU emissions targets, potentially facing hefty fines.

China To Remain EV Hotbed

China is expected to continue to lead the way in EV and PHEV sales, potentially topping 12.9 million units in 2025, representing a 17% rise from the year prior. The country is also expected to tip over the 50% market saturation mark of EVs vs ICEs this year.

“China’s grip on the global market isn’t going anywhere this year with several new plants set to open around the world, expanding its foothold internationally,” Rho Motion head of research Iola Hughes predicts.

“Car manufacturer bosses in the EU will be experiencing some sleepless nights in 2025 as long-anticipated emissions targets come into effect this year and few are adequately prepared with billions of euros of fines on the line. Following his inauguration, President Donald Trump’s legislative agenda is in full swing and though the removal of EV tax credits is going to impact the long-term market, little change will be seen this year as the electrification of vehicles is here to stay,” Hughes added.

For now, the EV market is still climbing, but the real question is how long it can keep up the pace with shifting policies and market shake-ups.

More than 80,000 Kia Niro models are being recalled in the United States because of vulnerable wires that could be damaged, impacting how the airbags deploy and the operation of the seatbelt pretensioner. For a brand as well versed as Kia at making solid cars, the issue does seem like a bizarre oversight.

According to the recall, the floor wiring assembly under the front passenger seat could be damaged if the seat is repeatedly slid backward and forward. If these wires are damaged, they could prevent the airbags or seatbelt pretensioner from working during a crash, lead to an inability to suppress the passenger front airbag if a child or small occupant is seated, or to the inadvertent deployment of the passenger side airbag even if the vehicle isn’t involved in a crash.

Review: 2024 Kia Niro EV GT-Line Is Expensive But Extremely Efficient

A total of 80,225 vehicles are impacted. These include 2023-2025 Kia Niro EV models assembled from August 10, 2022 to December 13, 2024, 2023-2025 Niro Hybrids built from June 21, 2022 to December 17, 2024, and 2023-2025 Niro Plug-In Hybrid models built from July 11, 2022, to December 16, 2024.

Kia became aware of the issue in November 2024 after a field report describing damage to the passenger floor wiring assembly which had triggered an airbag warning light. The carmaker quickly discovered the wiring was vulnerable to damage due to variances in the routing of the wiring. Niro models with electronically adjustable seats are not impacted. Kia has not received any reports of accidents or injuries, but is aware of 4 warranty claims.

Owners of impacted Kia Niro models will be alerted to the recall by first class mail from March 14. Dealers have been instructed to inspect the floor wiring assembly and replace it if necessary. They will also need to reroute the floor wiring assembly and install extra protective coverings to prevent any future damage.

Offshore wind supply chain faces systemic pressure as 2030 clean energy targets loom – Shoreline Wind report  Governments should provide clearer policies and integrate new tender criteria, while developers can empower smaller firms through standardized contracts, improved payment terms, and collaboration with specialist service providers    Smaller firms are particularly vulnerable, struggling to compete and …

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Last year, global sales of EVs and PHEVs soared to new heights, exceeding 17 million units for the first time. This represented a massive 25.6% increase over the previous year. However, a new study suggests that for the vast majority of car buyers in major markets around the world, very few buyers are interested in buying an EV or a PHEV as their next vehicle. Things may not be as they seem, though – but more on that later.

The study comes from Deloitte, a juggernaut of the advisory and consulting industry. It quizzed respondents about what kind of powertrain they’d prefer for their next vehicle. While the results varied between markets, gasoline and diesel-powered ICE models were by far the most popular. In most markets other than China, EVs and PHEVs were low on shopping lists.

First, The Results

In the United States, just 5% of people said they’re looking for an EV as their next vehicle, while 6% said the powertrain preference is a PHEV. By comparison, 62% of respondents said their preference is an ICE model while 20% may choose a regular hybrid. The results were similar in other markets. Across South East Asia, 53% would prefer an ICE, followed by 17% considering a hybrid, 13% pondering a PHEV, and 11% thinking about an EV.

Read: EV And PHEV Sales Surged 26% Globally In 2024, But The Party’s Over In Europe

In Germany, the same 53% of respondents want an ICE as their next vehicle, compared to just 9% for PHEVs and 14% for EVs. Things were different in China, where 38% said their preference is an ICE, followed by 16% in favor of a hybrid, 17% considering a PHEV, and a significant 27% leaning towards an EV.

Numbers Don’t Lie – But Do They Tell The Whole Truth?

While these results may be surprising, given the highly increased demand for EVs in 2024, as mentioned in the title, there’s a huge caveat as far as this study is concerned: the sample size was very, very small. In the US, just 937 people were quizzed about their powertrain preference and in China, only 939 people responded to the question. As such, it’s hard to make a sweeping declaration about just how many people do or don’t want an EV or PHEV as their next vehicle.

That said, the study did reveal some intriguing tidbits. For instance, brand loyalty appears to be on the decline. In the US, 54% of vehicle owners plan to switch to another brand for their next car. This figure is even more dramatic in China, where a whopping 76% are ready to jump ship. Globally, Deloitte notes that brand defection is on the rise, signaling a shift in consumer priorities.

The study also touched on the often polarizing topic of autonomous vehicles, and it seems skepticism is still alive and well. In the US, 52% of respondents expressed concerns about robotaxi services operating in their neighborhoods, while 64% were uneasy about autonomous commercial vehicles cruising down highways. Despite all the buzz surrounding self-driving tech, it’s clear that many consumers aren’t ready to hand over the wheel just yet.

Earlier this month the 2025 Global Cleantech 100 was launched, identifying 100 cleantech companies most likely to make a significant impact in the...

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EV sales dropped by 5.9 percent in the European Union in 2024, and even PHEVs were down 6.8 percent in a year when total sales edged up by 0.8 percent, new data shows. But let’s hear it for hybrids! Sales of non-pluggable, electrically assisted cars jumped 20.9 percent, giving them the second biggest market share by powertrain type, only just behind petrols.

Hybrids ended the year with a 30.9 percent slice of the sales pie, compared with 33.3 percent for petrol vehicles, according to the European Automobile Manufacturers Association (ACEA). Petrol sales actually dropped 4.8 percent, so it’s easy to imagine hybrids accelerating into first place by this time next year.

Related: Hybrid Sales Boom In Europe While EVs And PHEVs Lose Market Share

But the story is a bit more complicated than that because ACEA’s hybrid figures don’t distinguish between mild-hybrid and full-hybrid cars, despite separating plug-ins into a different column on the spreadsheet. 

To remind you, mild hybrids usually consist of nothing more than an ordinary combustion engine fitted with a starter-generator that can add a tiny power boost (normally up to 20 hp / 20 PS), giving almost no opportunity to drive under electric power alone and not making a night and day difference to real-world economy figures, though you might achieve a small saving.

We’re not saying the tech lacks merit, but it’s far less sophisticated than a full hybrid system. And while buyers might actively search out a full hybrid model, so many cars now come with mild-hybrid engines that buyers aren’t necessarily choosing to buy one over a non-hybrid car. They might just like the vehicle and take it as it comes. They might not even know it’s a hybrid.

European Union Sales 2024

But here’s one thing we took away from ACEA’s figures: Europeans overwhelmingly prefer buying cars that feel much like conventional cars, or cars they’re familiar with. Hybrids and mild hybrids don’t need plugging in, and they still need to fill up with gas as all petrol cars do. They just use less of it.

Together, petrol and hybrid vehicles account for over 64 percent of the car market. And, yeah, we could even throw diesel into that mix – its sales dropped 15 percent but it still commands an 11.9 percent market share. That’s getting on for 76 percent of buyers still not wanting the hassle (or expense) of a plug.

Source: ACEA

Global sales of electric vehicles (EVs) and plug-in hybrid electric vehicles (PHEVs) surged in 2024, exceeding 17 million units, representing a substantial 25.6% jump compared to the previous year. December alone set a new milestone, with sales climbing to a record-breaking 1.9 million units. But it’s not all smooth driving, as data from Europe shows the devastating effects of withdrawing EV subsidies. If Donald Trump removes similar incentives in the US, the same impact could be felt locally.

Read: The Best-Selling EV Brands And Models Of 2024

According to figures from Rho Motion, 17.1 million EVs and PHEVs were sold worldwide in 2024. A significant portion of this growth can be credited to China where cars with a plug continue to surge in popularity. In fact, out of the 17.1 million units sold globally, no less than 11 million of them were sold in China, representing a 40% increase over the prior year.

China’s Domination Continues

Plug-in hybrids saw a particularly sharp rise in popularity in China, with sales skyrocketing by 81%, compared to a more measured 19% growth for fully electric vehicles. Extended-range EVs are also gaining traction, driven by demand for better convenience and practicality.

More: Global EV Sales Projected To Rise 30% In 2025

In North America, EV and PHEV sales increased by approximately 8.8%, reaching a combined total of 1.8 million units. December was an especially strong month, with 185,000 vehicles sold across the U.S. and Canada, setting a new monthly record.

Subsidy Rollbacks Hit Europe Hard

Not every region saw such rosy growth. In the EU, EFTA, and the UK, EV sales declined by 3%. This is primarily because of the removal of subsidies in Germany, which has had a flow-on effect for much of Europe. Perhaps the only piece of good news to come out of this region is the fact that the UK’s overall EV market grew 20%, due in part to its impending ZEV mandate. The rest of the world accounted for 1.3 million EV and PHEV sales, representing a 27% gain.

Global EV And PHEV sales

Testing times ahead

According to Rho Motion, the “EV market in the US will be tested in 2025,” if the incoming Trump administration axes the $7,500 federal EV tax credit and relaxes EPA emission standards.

“What is clear is that Government carrots and sticks are working,” data manager Charles Lester said. “In N. America, the 9% growth can mostly be attributed to consumer subsidies and over in the UK, the ZEV mandate has highly incentivised manufacturers to push their low emission cars. Meanwhile, the removal of subsidies in Germany had a devastating impact on the whole European market, if the US follows suit, we may see the same there.”

Sales figures continue to trickle in and the latest come from Mercedes-Benz. They paint an interesting picture that shows a preference for gas-powered performance instead of eco-friendly EVs.

Starting with the latter, Mercedes-AMG posted a record fourth quarter with sales of 16,169 units. The G-Class also had its best year ever as customers snapped up 10,987 SUVs.

More: BMW XM Had A Terrible First Full Year With Just 1,974 Units Sold In The US

While that’s good news, Mercedes bet big on electric vehicles and this appears to be a bust. EQB sales were down 36% for the year, while the EQE lineup fell 39%. The range-topping EQS lineup was even harder hit as sales plummeted 52% to a disappointing 6,963 units. Even the eSprinter is struggling as the company only found 828 buyers.

Crossovers were unsurprisingly the best-selling models of 2024. The GLE took the sales crown with 67,928 units and was closely followed by the GLC, which racked up 64,163 sales. In a distant third place was the C-Class, which moved 35,590 units for a slight increase of 1%.

The company’s other sedans experienced a decline as the CLA was down 2%, while the E-Class was off by half as much. The S-Class fared far worse as sales fell 25% to 8,809 units.

Coupes and convertibles found solid footing as the new CLE lineup generated 14,333 sales. The AMG GT climbed 77% to 3,491 units, but the SL fell 56% to 1,608.

Overall, Mercedes-Benz USA finished the year on a positive note as passenger vehicle sales were up 9% to 324,528 units. That trailed BMW (371,346) and Lexus (345,669), but the brand beat Audi (196,576), Cadillac (160,204), Acura (132,367), Volvo (125,243), Lincoln (104,823), and Infiniti (58,070).

2024 Mercedes U.S. Sales

While major markets, including the United States and China, reported growth in electric vehicle sales throughout 2024, the same thing can not be said about Germany. In fact, sales of EVs plunged in the country last year, falling by 27.4%, as important subsidies were cut and the German economy struggled. According to one analyst, 2024 represented a “lost year for electro-mobility” in the country.

Germany is Europe’s largest and most important car market, but the figures don’t make for easy reading. In total, only 380,609 new battery-electric vehicles (BEVs) were sold in the country last year, a sharp fall from 2023’s numbers and a slump that dragged EV market share down to just 13.5%. For a country often regarded as a bellwether for automotive trends in Europe, it’s a bleak showing.

The Rise of Hybrids Amid EV Slump

As EVs struggled, traditional hybrids enjoyed a much rosier year in Germany. Hybrid sales jumped 12.7%, with 947,398 examples. That represents a 33.6% share of all new cars sold. Sales of plug-in hybrids also grew during the calendar year, rising by 9.2% to 191,905 units. Despite this jump, they still have a relatively small 6.8% share of the market.

Petrol-powered cars remain the most common powertrain type in Germany, accounting for 35.2% of all sales. Last year, 991,948 were sold, representing a 1.4% gain. Diesel car sales slowed by 0.7%, with 483,261 units – enough for a 17.2% share.

The main reason for the slump in EV sales across the country was the government’s controversial decision to drop subsidies in late December 2023. Local buyers had previously been offered up to €4,500 (~$4,700) when purchasing an EV, while manufacturers would receive €2,250 (~$2,300). Local transport minister Volker Wissing wanted to see the EV market stand on its own two feet without government assistance, but things haven’t panned out that way – at least not in 2024.

Read: EV Sales Sink 22% In Germany, Tesla Crashes 55%, But Hybrids Gain 20% In November

Not all hope is lost for Germans hoping to get some assistance in acquiring an EV, though. The nation will elect a new leader on February 23, and Chancellor Olaf Scholz has suggested a new support program on the European level could be introduced. Several politicians have joined the chorus, arguing that the auto industry needs more help, especially as the EU pushes forward with its plans to ban the sale of new combustion-engine cars in the coming years.

Winners and Losers in the Brand Race

Amid the turmoil, Germany’s auto market saw a mix of triumphs and tragedies among automakers. Unsurprisingly, Volkswagen held its dominant position, selling 536,888 cars (a 3.4% increase) and capturing a 19.1% market share. But not everyone shared in the good news. Tesla, for example, took a massive hit, with sales dropping 41% to just 37,574 units—proof that even the electric giant isn’t immune to subsidy cuts and economic uncertainty.

Meanwhile, Toyota saw an impressive 27% jump in sales, bolstered by its strong hybrid lineup, and Peugeot posted a massive 44% increase. On the flip side, luxury brands like Audi (-18.1%) and BMW (-0.1%) struggled to gain traction, while smaller players like Polestar (-49.4%) and BYD (-30.2%) got caught in the EV sales freefall.

Even smaller players in the market experienced widely contrasting outcomes. Lexus saw a remarkable 75.3% jump in sales, while Aston Martin (-46%) and Maserati (-48.3%) faced sharp declines. Surprisingly, some startups like Lucid delivered attention-grabbing results despite extremely modest volumes, with 392 units sold—a 296% surge—indicating that there’s still a niche audience willing to invest in ultra-premium electric vehicles, even amid a challenging market.

GERMANY SALES 2024

Zombies have invaded Stellantis and they’re just as hard to kill as the undead. However, multiple brands are defying the odds and continuing to exist long after they’ve stopped serving a purpose.

Chrysler is the poster child of this as their latest and greatest innovation is the 2025 Voyager. However, instead of being all-new, it’s simply a pre-facelift Pacifica with a $39,995 price tag.

More: The Stunning Halcyon Concept Is Why Chrysler Axed The Airflow

That’s hardly compelling, so it’s not surprising that U.S. sales dropped 7% last year to 124,683 units—a stark contrast to the nearly 600,000 vehicles the brand sold in 2005. That’s an 80% nosedive in two decades. The situation looks even worse when you consider the 300 is no longer with us and only a few hundred units remain in inventory.

While a mercy killing would almost be welcome at this point, Chrysler CEO Chris Feuell said the brand isn’t going anywhere. Quite the opposite as it’s “being well invested in” and has a “very bright future.”

Speaking to CNBC, Feuell said the company found a new audience with the Halcyon concept and stated some of the design elements seen on the car will carryover to production models. She went on to say we can expect a very modern and sleek styling language that isn’t overly complicated.

While the concept was largely a flight of fantasy, Feuell said they’re working on bringing a “real industrialized” version of the car to market. She added it will be affordable, although the price tag and timing is anyone’s guess.

In the near term, a facelifted Pacifica is due next year. It will reportedly offer an updated plug-in hybrid powertrain. A Pacifica EV will follow, but the gas-powered model will reportedly stick around until the end of the decade.

More importantly, a large crossover is slated to arrive in 2026 and fill a sizable gap that has been left vacant ever since the Aspen was axed. It will reportedly be offered in hybrid and electric guise, and dealers are said to be delighted. Of course, at this point, they’d be happy with almost anything.

It’s a new year, and with it comes a fresh round of updates to the federal EV tax credit program, courtesy of the U.S. Department of Energy and the EPA. This year’s headline? The Tesla Cybertruck has finally made the list of eligible vehicles. But don’t start celebrating just yet. The incoming Trump Administration has signaled it might pull the plug on these incentives altogether. Unsurprisingly, this looming uncertainty has sparked a mad dash among buyers eager to lock in their $7,500 credits before the opportunity slips away.

More: Tesla’s Global Sales Fall For The First Time In Over A Decade

The updated list for 2025 includes 18 eligible EV and PHEV models, a drop from last year’s 22. To qualify for the federal tax credit, vehicles must be manufactured in North America, have a battery capacity of at least 7 kWh, and meet specific price caps: $55,000 for cars and $80,000 for trucks and SUVs. These criteria mean that not every shiny new EV on the block gets a ticket to the tax credit party.

Tesla Leads the Pack (Mostly)

Among Tesla’s lineup, the Cybertruck’s dual-motor variant squeaks under the $80,000 limit with a starting price of $79,990, alongside a more affordable single-motor version arriving later this year. However, the top-tier Cyberbeast isn’t invited to the tax-credit club due to its MSRP of $99,990. Other eligible Teslas include the Long Range and Performance trims of the Model 3 and Model Y, as well as the Model X AWD.

Who Else Made the Cut?

Beyond Tesla, a few other notable entries have joined the roster. New to the list are the 2025 Genesis Electrified GV70, US-built 2025 Hyundai Ioniq 5 and Ioniq 9, and the facelifted 2026 Kia EV6 and EV9. Cybertruck competitors like the Ford F-150 Lightning (Flash, Lariat, and XLT trims) and Chevrolet Silverado EV (LT trim) are also included.

GM’s presence is strong, with offerings like the Cadillac Lyriq, Chevrolet Blazer EV, and Equinox EV making the list, along with the Acura ZDX and Honda Prologue, both built on GM platforms.

For plug-in hybrids, the list is short as just one model made the cut: the aging Chrysler Pacifica PHEV. It’s a far cry from the EV-heavy lineup that dominates the program today.

Who Missed Out?

Several previously eligible models have fallen off this year’s list, including the Volkswagen ID.4, Nissan Leaf, and Rivian’s R1T and R1S. Buyers eyeing these vehicles will need to dig a little deeper into their wallets, as the $7,500 incentive is no longer on the table for them.

Looking ahead, the federal EV tax credit program that was introduced in 2022 as part of Biden’s Inflation Reduction Act, faces an uncertain future. With Donald Trump’s presidential inauguration set for January 20, 2025, it’s unclear whether the program will survive or be significantly scaled back under the new administration.

QUALIFYING MODELS

FAQ: What You Need to Know About the EV Tax Credit

Who Can Qualify for the Credit?

The credit is available to individuals and businesses. To qualify:

• You must buy the vehicle for personal or business use, not for resale.
• The vehicle must primarily be used in the U.S.

Are There Income Limits?

Yes, your modified adjusted gross income (AGI) must be below these thresholds:

• $300,000 for married couples filing jointly.
• $225,000 for heads of households.
• $150,000 for single filers or others.

You can use your AGI from either the year you take delivery of the vehicle or the previous year, whichever is lower. Your modified AGI is calculated by taking the amount from line 11 of your Form 1040 and adding any foreign earned income (line 45 or 50 of Form 2555) or income excluded from gross income due to sources in Puerto Rico or American Samoa.

What Vehicles Qualify?

To qualify for the credit, vehicles must:

• Have a battery capacity of at least 7 kWh.
• Weigh under 14,000 pounds (gross vehicle weight rating).
• Be made by a qualified manufacturer (except fuel cell vehicles, which don’t require this).
• Be new, meaning it hasn’t been registered, titled, or previously used.
• Meet final assembly requirements in North America (use the VIN Decoder tool on the Department of Energy’s website to verify).

For vehicles bought after January 1, 2024, the dealer must be registered with the IRS Energy Credits Online system.

How Much is the Credit Worth?

• Up to $7,500 for vehicles meeting both the critical minerals and battery component sourcing requirements.
• Up to $3,750 for vehicles meeting only one of these requirements.
• Vehicles meeting neither requirement won’t qualify for any credit.

What About Price Limits?

The vehicle’s manufacturer suggested retail price (MSRP) must not exceed:

• $80,000 for vans, SUVs, and pickup trucks.
• $55,000 for all other vehicles.

MSRP includes the base price and manufacturer-installed options but excludes destination charges, dealer add-ons, taxes, and fees.

How Do I Claim the Credit?

The credit is nonrefundable, meaning it only reduces the taxes you owe, and you won’t get a refund if the credit exceeds your tax liability. Starting in 2024, you can transfer the credit to the dealer at purchase time to reduce the vehicle’s upfront cost.

How Can I Check If a Vehicle Qualifies?

Check the vehicle window sticker for details like battery capacity, weight, and final assembly location. You can also use the VIN Decoder tool on the Department of Energy’s website or ask your dealer for verification of the vehicle’s eligibility and credit amount.