For years, solid-state batteries have been viewed as the holy grail for battery-electric vehicles, promising better driving range, quicker charging, and improved safety. While it’s taken longer than many had predicted for solid-state battery packs to hit the market, Mercedes-Benz has demonstrated just how transformative the technology could be.

Read: Lucid Shatters World Record With A Drive So Long It Seems Impossible

The German automaker is testing solid-state packs in specially prepared EQS prototypes. One of these cars recently drove from Stuttgart, Germany, through Denmark, and into Malmo, Sweden, covering an impressive 748.8 miles (1,205 km) on a single charge, without stopping to plug in.

Solid-State Advantage

Compared to the battery in a standard EQS, Mercedes says its solid-state pack delivers 25 percent more energy while remaining similar in weight and size. The pack was developed in partnership with Mercedes-AMG High Performance Powertrains and the company’s F1 technology center in the UK, using lithium-metal cells supplied by U.S.-based Factorial Energy.

The 748.8 miles (1,205 km) driven in this EQS prototype exactly matches a recent Guinness World Record set by a Lucid Air Grand Touring, which covered the same 748.8 miles (1,205 km) on a single charge. What makes the feat notable is that Lucid’s car used a conventional 117 kWh lithium-ion battery, while Mercedes managed it with a solid-state pack that still had energy left over.

Range To Spare

Had Mercedes-Benz wanted to continue its journey with this EQS, it could have. They claim that at the end of the trip, the prototype had an estimated range of 85 miles (137 km) left. In theory, that means the electric sedan could have traveled up to 834 miles (1,342 km) without charging, well beyond anything currently on the market.

“The solid-state battery is a true gamechanger for electric mobility,” member of the board of management of Mercedes-Benz Group AG, Markus Schäfer, said. “With the successful long-distance drive of the EQS, we show that this technology delivers not only in the lab but also on the road. Our goal is to bring innovations like this into series production by the end of the decade and offer our customers a new level of range and comfort.”

China is pulling further ahead of the United States and Europe in the race toward electrification, with a new study shedding light on how quickly vehicle fleets are expected to transition to EVs. While the U.S. and Europe are moving in the same direction, their pace is notably slower.

In a report published this week, EY, one of the world’s largest professional services and consulting firms, forecasts light vehicle sales through 2050 across the three major regions.

Europe On The Rise

One key takeaway is that in Europe, EV sales will surpass those of gasoline and diesel vehicles by 2028. The shift will accelerate from there, with electric vehicles projected to exceed half of all new light vehicle sales in Europe by 2032.

Read: Tesla’s EV Market Share Just Sank Below 40% But It Might Not Even Care Anymore

Interestingly, the study noted that until 2030, hybrids, including PHEVs, will continue to outsell BEVs in Europe until 2030. However, as CO2 regulations become stricter and more affordable pure electric cars hit the market, they’ll soon start to outsell hybrids too.

“The near- to mid-term future will feature a diverse mix of powertrains, shaped by regulatory shifts, tariffs, and evolving consumer behaviour,” explained Constantin M. Gall, EY Global Aerospace, Defense & Mobility Leader. “What’s clear is that e-mobility will remain central to the future of transportation.”

What About The US?

Compared to Europe, the switch to EVs in the United States will be much slower. EY forecasts a brief surge in sales this month ahead of the expiration of federal EV tax credits, but the long-term outlook has weakened. In an earlier projection, BEVs were expected to reach 50 percent of U.S. light vehicle sales by 2034. That milestone has now been delayed to 2039, with factors such as policy uncertainty, import tariffs, and the loss of incentives slowing adoption.

More: Europe’s EV Buyers Are Dumping Tesla And China Couldn’t Be Happier

Hybrids are expected to fill the gap. Their share of the U.S. market could climb to a peak of 34 percent by 2034 before giving way to wider EV adoption.

China Leads The Pack

In China, the shift is happening much faster. This year, combined sales of battery-electric vehicles and plug-in hybrids in the country are tipped to reach 50 percent and will surge past 90 percent by 2034. Interestingly, BEV sales alone are only expected to account for 50 percent of light vehicle sales by 2033, a year behind Europe, showing just how important PHEVs will remain in the country through the next decade.

“The EV transition is advancing—but unevenly,” Constantin M. Gall from EY said. “The US faces policy uncertainty, high costs, and infrastructure gaps. Europe is on a steady recovery path under strict emissions targets. China benefits from stable policy and a robust EV ecosystem. Hybrid technologies are proving essential in bridging the gap to full electrification.”

For automakers, the uneven timelines mean strategy can’t be one-size-fits-all. Success will depend on building flexible platforms that can serve fast-moving markets like China and Europe while keeping slower adopters in North America engaged.

While Hongqi may be unfamiliar to most car buyers outside China, at home it is recognized as the nation’s leading premium brand. Founded in 1958, it is among the country’s oldest carmakers having established itself at the top of the market, with early models reserved exclusively for high-ranking government officials. The name itself translates to “red flag,” a direct nod to the Communist revolution that shaped modern China.

Read: China’s Hongqi Rolls Into Germany With Ambitious E-HS9 Electric Luxury SUV

Now Hongqi has its sights set far beyond domestic roads. The company is embarking on a major expansion into Europe, where it hopes to build recognition alongside other Chinese automakers like BYD, Chery, and Changan that are already moving aggressively into the region.

That ambition took center stage earlier this week at the Munich motor show where it unveiled the mid-size electric EHS5 SUV. While it could be easily discounted as yet another electric SUV with a rather generic Chinese design, it will play an important role in the automaker’s growth across Europe. By 2028, Hongqi plans to launch no fewer than 15 new electric and hybrid models across the continent.

Building A Foothold

The premium Chinese brand has already dipped its toes into Europe, with cars currently available in Norway, the Netherlands, and Poland. The broader vision is much bigger: more than 200 dealerships across Europe by 2028, paired with a steadily expanding product line.

Details about the full range of incoming models remain under wraps, but one partnership has been confirmed. Chinese automaker Leapmotor will supply Hongqi with an EV platform that will underpin several upcoming vehicles, the first of which is scheduled to debut in the final quarter of 2026.

The Hongqi EHS5

Visually, the new EHS5 has some strong points, and some weak points. From the front, it’s reminiscent of some models from Deepal and there’s nothing particularly inspired or unique about its profile. However, the rear-end is quite striking thanks to the curvy LED taillights.

Underpinning the EHS5 is an 85 kWh lithium-ion battery pack that’s said to give it a WLTP driving range of around 342 miles (550 km). Hongqi has yet to disclose full specifications for the SUV, but has said it can charge from 10-80 percent in just 20 minutes.

Power figures for the European model have yet to be announced, but in China, it’s available in 339 hp rear-wheel drive and 610 hp all-wheel drive specifications. Given that the Chinese model has a much larger 111 kWh battery, lower power figures are likely for the Euro-spec version.

Concept cars often spark the imagination, and the Volkswagen EVX is no exception. With its sharp angles and an aggressive stance, it looks every bit the futuristic coupe crossover. Yet despite its eye-catching form, the odds of it ever making it to production are near to zero. Designed by the specialists at Italdesign, the EVX takes shape as a 2+2 coupe based on the VW Group’s MEB+ platform.

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

Admittedly, calling the EVX a coupe might be stretching the definition, but in all fairness, it does at least come with two doors, unlike most crossovers that borrow the coupe label while offering little more than a sloping roofline.

It measures 166.5 inches (4,230 mm) long, 71.6 inches (1,820 mm) wide, and strands 58.6 inches (1,490 mm) tall, meaning it’s roughly 4.7 inches (120 mm) longer than a VW T-Cross, 2.3 inches (60 mm) wider, and sits 3.4 inches (87 mm) lower.

Breaking From the Mold

It seems that Italdesign, which is owned by the VW Group, was given a blank sheet when creating the car, not needing to draw on influences from existing VW models. This has allowed it to create a car that looks unlike any other VW Group product and, in the extremely unlikely event that it was ever produced, it would also stand out from all the cookie-cutter crossovers on the market right now. It reminds us a little of the latest-gen Toyota C-HR sold in Europe, but isn’t as quirky.

Found at the front is a blacked-out lower grille and two triangular air intakes housing small LED daytime running lights. There are also a pair of sharp LED headlights that catch the eye, as well as a shapely hood with plenty of curves and creases.

From the side, the concept shows off camera-based mirrors mounted on the A-pillars, two-tone wheels in silver and black, and muscular rear arches. The rear design keeps the drama going with a steeply angled rear window, slim LED taillights, and a blacked-out bumper.

Only in the Digital World?

For now, VW is displaying the EVX virtually at the Munich motor show. Whether such a design could ever make it to production remains uncertain, though it’s fair to say it would shake up the usual crossover formula if it did. So the real question is, if a model like this hit the road, would it turn your head or just feel like another electric crossover trying too hard?

Now that the luxurious Gravity SUV is on the market alongside the Air sedan, Lucid can start focusing its efforts on making more affordable models that’ll appeal to the masses. It has already confirmed a sub-$50,000 SUV is in the works, and has now said that the new mid-sized platform will also spawn two more models including a more rugged SUV that takes inspiration from the Gravity X concept.

Lucid released a single teaser image of its third model roughly 12 months ago. The SUV, potentially called the Earth, will have familiar Lucid design cues but be noticeably smaller than the Gravity. While recently speaking at the Munich motor show, Lucid interim chief executive Marc Winteroff revealed the Gravity X will shape the look and feel of one of its upcoming mid-size vehicles.

Read: Lucid Teases New Midsize EV That’s Big On Curves, Starting Under $50K

That influence could translate into standard off-road details such as a raised ride height, all-terrain tires, distinctive bumpers, protective skid plates, and tow hooks. The design points toward a crossover that blends Lucid’s sleek aesthetic with a more adventurous personality.Timing and challenges

Timing and challenges

Sadly, we’ll have to wait quite some time before this vehicle hits the market. Lucid plans to start production of its sub-$50,000 electric SUV by the end of next year, but speaking with Car and Driver, Winteroff confirmed that Lucid needs additional funding to make this happen. When it secures that backing, it’ll be able to ramp up production and likely be in a position to launch the off-road version in early 2027.

Once the midsize SUV and its rugged sibling are on sale, Lucid will move ahead with a third model that remains a mystery for now. The company confirmed it won’t be a sedan but it said it’s targeting a launch by late 2028. All three vehicles are expected to be produced at Lucid’s AMP-2 factory in Saudi Arabia.

While speaking about the mid-size models with CarBuzz, Lucid’s senior vice president of design and brand, Derek Jenkins, said the firm is eager to take the technology from its more expensive models and put them within reach of a larger customer base.

“We’re working on our mid-size program right now, and of course, these are going to be compact, lighter vehicles with every bit of focus on aero, efficiency, and space,” he said. “It’s not going to be as quick as Air, but it’s going to be impressive, and it’s going to be at a value that many more people can access. The whole idea is to take our technology and hit a wider swathe of consumers and accelerate that transition.”

Volvo may have walked back its commitment to transition to an all-electric brand by 2030, but despite that, it still acknowledges that EVs are the way forward, even if it takes the industry a little longer than originally forecast to make the shift.

Read: New Volvo XC70 Dumps Its Wagon Past And Goes Full Crossover

As electrification begins to grow and brands from China establish themselves as serious global juggernauts, the Swedish automaker’s CEO predicts that some Western carmakers will collapse.

Since April, Volvo has been led by Hakan Samuelsson. The 74-year-old Swede had previously steered the carmaker for almost a decade but stepped down as boss in 2022, only to be brought back on a two-year contract to steer Volvo through choppy waters. Samuelsson believes that “there’s no turning back,” against the inevitable electric transition of the industry and that new dominant players will emerge.

Industry Upheaval Ahead

“The industry will be electric – there’s no turning back,” he told Bloomberg. “It may take a bit longer in some regions, but the direction is clear. In (about) 10 years, cars will all be electric and they will be lower cost. There will be new dominant players, exactly as Ford, GM, Toyota and Volkswagen were in the old world.”

“In the new world, there will be two or three very strong Chinese brands,” Samuelsson added. “That makes the room for the old ones tougher. So this will trigger a (wave of) restructuring. Some companies will adapt to new circumstances and survive. Others will not.”

An Electrified Future

To ensure it can survive, Volvo is investing heavily in battery-electric vehicles and plug-in hybrids, ensuring it can cater to demand for different electrified vehicles around the world. According to Volvo’s boss, plug-in hybrids will serve as an important “bridge until charging is everywhere,” noting that it “may take some more years beyond 2030,” before EVs can dominate, depending on customer demand and charging infrastructure.

Chinese Ties As An Advantage

Volvo is in a unique position among European car manufacturers as its parent company, Geely, is Chinese and among those brands at the forefront of the EV revolution as the owner of brands including Lotus, Zeekr, Polestar, and Lynk & Co. Samuelsson noted that “the stronger the Chinese car industry becomes, the more valuable our connection with Geely is.”

“Chinese brands are already more than half the market in China, and they are entering Europe. That puts pressure on Europeans and Americans, who are competing in a shrinking part of the market,” he added. “China, whether we like it or not, will be a very big player in the car industry in the future, not just in China.”

The arrival of the new all-electric Mercedes-Benz GLC with EQ Technology marks more than just a significant model launch. It also signals the start of what Mercedes describes as the largest product offensive in its history.

Read: Star-Stricken Mercedes GLC EV Has A Grille Big Enough To Swallow A BMW iX3

Over the next three years, the company plans to launch more than 40 new models while working to significantly cut production costs. At the same time, it is making the controversial shift away from a pure luxury focus in order to pursue higher-volume, more affordable vehicles aimed at strengthening its financial position.

To prepare itself for a slew of new models, Mercedes has invested more than €2 billion ($2.3 billion) in its European assembly plants. Once the production ramp-up of the new electric CLA is completed at its Rastatt site in Germany, the brand will start building the GLC EQ in Bremen as well as the all-electric C-Class EQ in Kecskemét.

Expanding the Lineup

At the same time, the carmaker’s Sindelfingen plant will begin producing new electric models from Mercedes-AMG, including the production version of the recently unveiled Concept AMG GT XX.

While speaking at the launch of the new electric GLC, Mercedes-Benz chief executive Ola Källenius noted that “with the new electric GLC, the biggest product launch in our company’s history continues to gain momentum.”

Among the lesser-publicized additions is the upcoming VLE, an all-electric luxury MPV developed on the company’s new Van Electric Architecture. Designed to carry up to eight passengers, it highlights Mercedes’ intent to cover a broad range of segments. The lineup also expands with an electric “baby” G-Class SUV, a refreshed S-Class, next-generation versions of the GLA and GLB, and more.

Digitialization and AI

As Mercedes ramps up the production of several new models in Europe, it’ll integrate its MO360 and MO360 Data Platform production ecosystems into the plants, allowing for ‘digital twins’ of the sites to be made, where future improvements can be tested and verified before being implemented into the plants.

More: Mercedes Drops The “L-Word” And Is Ready To Flood The Streets With Mainstream Cars

Mercedes-Benz has also said that it will decrease production costs by 10 percent between 2024 and 2027. In addition to using digitalization to help achieve this, Mercedes will use artificial intelligence, increase the use of renewable energy, and push for greater production and logistics efficiency. 

It’s not just in the US where the federal government is backing away from previous electrification commitments. Last week, Canadian Prime Minister Mark Carney announced that the government will no longer implement a mandate that would have required 20 percent of all new vehicles sold in Canada by next year to be electric. Unsurprisingly, this news has been welcomed by GM.

Read: Canada Walks Back EV Mandate Amid US Trade War

While recently speaking at an EV conference in Vancouver, GM Canada president Kristian Aquilina noted that the transition to electric vehicles will be volatile and that policies should reflect customer demand.

Automaker’s Perspective

“When it comes to EV adoption, it’s not going to be linear,” he said. “It’s going to be a lot of noise in the system that causes adoption to be a little bit more volatile than what an idealistic straight-line adoption curve that is enforced by a mandate would suggest.”

“In summary, we would be pursuing a future whereby EV policy in this country is just a bit more reflective of the realities of consumer demand, rather than a forced outcome,” Aquilina added.

Canada’s original plan set out a gradual ramp-up of EV sales until 2035, when all light-duty vehicles sold would need to be either plug-in hybrids or fully electric. By scrapping the 2026 mandate, Carney’s government has signaled a shift in approach, though it has also launched a 60-day review of the country’s broader EV program. According to CTV News, internal government documents suggest that annual sales targets may still be amended.

Good for Carmakers, Bad for Drivers?

Not everyone sees the delay of EV mandates in the country as harmless. Adam Thorn, director of transportation at the Pembina Institute, argued that relaxing the mandate helps automakers but undermines long-term benefits for Canadians.

“While automakers are facing serious challenges due to U.S. tariffs, the government could have maintained the overall purpose of the regulation by adjusting existing compliance flexibilities to provide automakers some much-needed breathing room,” he said.

Thorn suggested options like extending credits for plug-in hybrids and charging infrastructure, modestly easing targets, or reconsidering tariffs on Chinese-made EVs, steps that could support the industry without weakening Canada’s overall electrification goals.

For much of the past decade, Tesla has dominated the U.S electric vehicle market, setting the pace for competitors and enjoying a head start that seemed unshakable. Even in 2025, it still holds a larger share than any other individual brand. But fresh sales data suggests that grip is loosening.

In August, Tesla’s share of U.S. EV sales slipped below 40 percent for the first time since October 2017, hinting that its early advantages may be running thin.

Read: Elon’s $1 Trillion Payday Only Requires A Little World Domination, Nothing Major

New data from Cox Automotive reveals that last month, Teslas accounted for 38 percent of all EV sales in the country. While any legacy automaker would be over the moon to have this kind of commanding domination over a specific market segment, it’s a significant fall from grace for Tesla, which once had an 80 percent share of total EV sales.

New Products, New Pressure

The upcoming Tesla Cybercab could give the company a lift in the U.S. market, but it faces tough odds of replicating the success of the Model 3 and Model Y. With only two seats and no traditional controls, the vehicle leans entirely on autonomous driving, a design choice that severely limits its mass appeal, not to not to mention the legal hurdles. Current regulations in most states still require conventional driver inputs, and the patchwork of laws governing self-driving cars means Tesla would face a slow, uneven rollout.

Meanwhile, rivals have been closing the technology gap and rolling out their own appealing, competitively priced electric models. That steady drip of competition has eroded Tesla’s once-unassailable lead.

Chasing an AI Identity

Some analysts argue that Tesla may not be particularly worried about protecting its auto market dominance, Reuters notes. In recent years, the company has been repositioning itself as a robotics and artificial intelligence firm, despite the fact that its automotive business still generates the bulk of its revenue.

“I know they’re positioning themselves as a robotics, AI company,” Cox Automotive director of industry insights Stephanie Valdez Streaty told Reuters. “But when you’re a car company, when you don’t have new products, your share will start to decline.”

The Market Heats Up

Data from August shows that the EV market grew by 14 percent in the US. No doubt a large contributor to this surge is the fact that the federal EV tax credit will be scrapped at the end of this month. While overall EV sales were up, Tesla’s growth slowed 3.1 percent.

Cox Automotive expects Tesla’s market share to keep shrinking as more legacy manufacturers gain traction. “These legacy manufacturers are all benefiting from this sense of urgency, and they’re able to have attractive offerings for their vehicles – and it’s working,” Streaty said. “I think we’re going to continue to see this momentum through September.”

Yet another Chinese electric SUV has launched in Europe, and this one has the potential to be quite popular. Known as the S05, it comes from the Changan-owned Deepal brand and will be available in three different guises, starting from €38,990 ($45,900) in Germany. With a sharp exterior design and a minimalist cabin, could it rock the establishment in the same way that many BYD models have?

All versions of the Deepal S05 to be sold in Europe come standard with a 68.8 kWh battery, which is quite small for an SUV of this size. The base model, known as the RWD Pro, features a single electric motor producing 268 hp and 214 lb-ft (290 Nm) of torque, allowing it a 0-100 km/h (62 mph) in 7.5 seconds and a 180 km/h (112 mph) top speed. None of those figures is world-beating, but they are definitely adequate for daily driving duties.

Read: Deepal G318 Is A Range-Extender EV With Up To 424 HP From Twin Electric Motors

The RWD Pro offers an estimated range of 301 miles (485 km) on the WLTP cycle. For those who want a little more equipment, the mid-tier RWD Max, priced from €41,990 ($49,400) in Germany, carries over the same powertrain and quoted range. At the top of the lineup sits the AWD Max.

More Power, Less Range

Thanks to the inclusion of a second electric motor, this model delivers 429 hp and 370 lb-ft (502 Nm) of torque, allowing it to reach 100 km/h (62 mph) in 5.5 seconds. Unsurprisingly, the added power cuts the vehicle’s range down to 276 miles (445 km).

Photos Stefan Baldauf & Guido ten Brink

While there’s nothing extraordinary about the exterior design of the S05, it does look reasonably sporty with sharp headlights, taillights, and an attractive shape. Like so many other EVs out of China, the interior is relatively sparse, but it does appear to be clad in some lovely leather. Notably, the vehicle features a 15.4-inch infotainment display, two wireless charging pads, and two cupholders.

Price and Positioning

Compared to the Model Y, the Deepal S05 from Changan is noticeably cheaper, as the Tesla starts at €44,990 ($53,000) in Germany for the base RWD version. However, the S05 is significantly pricier in Europe than it is in its home market, largely due to import tariffs, local taxes, and added fees. In fact, in China, the Deepal starts at just 119,900 yuan, which is the equivalent of just $16,800 or €14,300.

You can never have too much of a good thing, and Mercedes-Benz has finally realized this, spending the last couple of years developing a baby version of the G-Class. This new model, currently known as the Mini G, will feature a similar boxy design to the full-size G but will utilize a new platform. With Jaguar Land Rover also developing a smaller version of the Defender, there’s never been a better time to be a fan of the two brands.

Read: This Is Everything We Know About The Mercedes Mini G

Mercedes has remained tight-lipped about the smaller G-Class for quite some time now, but at the ongoing Munich motor show, company boss Ola Kallenius and tech leader Markus Schafer announced some very interesting details about it.

Built From The Ground Up

For starters, Schafer confirmed that it will have an entirely new platform, described as a “miniature ladder-frame chassis,” complete with the suspension and wheel size setup you’d expect from a traditional ladder-frame-based model, albeit “not ladder-frame to [the] extent” of the current G-Class.

“Over time, just looking at the car’s capabilities and what’s needed, I came more and more to the conclusion that everything has to be unique, the whole upper body and everything,” Schafer said according to Autocar. “You know, I can’t even take a door handle from [the current] portfolio, because the G-Class has such unique door handles.”

“So we spent a lot of time tuning this car, and over time we started to develop so many unique components to make sure it’s very, very good-looking car and very capable,” he added.

Holding Onto The Classic G Look

Ola Kallenius added that test mules of the new model will “be appearing on roads very soon.” He also flashed a darkened teaser image on a screen, revealing the baby G will have virtually identical taillights to its larger sibling, as well as a rear-mounted spare wheel.

Mercedes design boss Gorden Wagener noted the Mini G will look very familiar, noting “we will give a slightly different tweak: a bit more sharpness, a bit younger graphics, but still circle. So it’s really details,” he said. “But otherwise we stick to the G, and it’s a modern G – even a touch more modern than the big one.”

Electric Future

In every respect the Mini G is being engineered to stay true to the G-Class formula, but the one exception is under the hood, where Autocar reports it will launch exclusively as an electric vehicle, skipping combustion engines entirely. That sets it apart from the full-size G, which still offers both powertrain choices. When asked directly about the plans, Schäfer kept things vague, replying only, “Stay tuned. I don’t want to go into this detail.”

Opening image via gwagenspottersclub/Instagram

It’s been about three years since Polestar confirmed it would turn the O2 Roadster Concept into a production model called the Polestar 6. The sexy convertible was expected to share its powertrain with the Polestar 5 that was introduced in Munich, serving as a stylish halo car for the brand. That plan, however, has been pushed aside. For now, the EV maker is prioritizing vehicles it believes can move in far greater numbers.

Read: Polestar Teases Next Electric SUV To Be Built Alongside A Mysterious New Volvo

The most important of these is the new Polestar 7. A teaser released a few months back previewed a compact crossover that will be built at Volvo’s plant in Kosice, Slovakia.

Priorities Shift

Polestar chief executive Michael Lohscheller has confirmed that the 7, as well as a second-generation version of the best-selling Polestar 2, will take priority over the all-electric convertible. There’s no word on how far the Polestar 6 has been pushed back, but the marque’s boss confirmed that it still intends to build it.

A Compact Crossover With Broad Appeal

Speaking with Autocar, Lohscheller noted the Polestar 7’s design will adopt a more familiar SUV shape to other vehicles from the brand, “but at the same time, it will be distinguished and really stand out.”

He is also confident that the smaller 7 will attract more females to the Polestar brand, noting that currently it has “many, many more male” customers than females.

We know that the Polestar 7 will use a technology base from Volvo and be powered by electric motors that have been developed in-house. Working closely with Volvo on the model will help Polestar ensure its new compact crossover is perfect for the European market, which currently accounts for 75 percent of its total sales.

“It will have all the Polestar DNA with the right driving characteristics, chassis tuning, and we will bring all these ideas together in a sustainable way,” Lohscheller added.

What Comes Next For The 2

Details about the second-generation Polestar 2 remain sparse. The current version just received updates for the 2026 model year, but aside from incremental changes, it’s essentially the same car that first arrived in 2019.

Buying an electric vehicle from a carmaker that’s already gone under sounds like the kind of gamble best left to thrill-seekers, yet we suspect that the Fisker Ocean has become so absurdly cheap that plenty of buyers will probably talk themselves into rolling the dice.

Read: This Dealer Is Quietly Selling Dozens Of Nearly New EVs From A Dead Company For The Price Of Used Corollas

In late July, we discovered that Newport Fisker in Costa Mesa, California, was attempting to offload no less than 24 used Ocean, all of which had been heavily discounted to between $22,990 and $27,990. Fast forward to September, and the prices of many of these models have been slashed even further, with no less than four examples now available for just $17,990.

Bargain Pricing With Caveats

The blue Fisker Ocean you see here is one of them. While it officially has a sticker price of $21,990, that falls to $17,990 for those who are eligible to receive the used EV federal tax credit before the Trump administration ditches it at the end of September. This means it’s possible to buy a low-mileage electric SUV for roughly the same price as a new Nissan Versa.

This ultra-affordable Ocean has been driven just 9,200 miles and includes a tow hitch, a Level 2 home charger, and all-weather floor mats. There’s no word on whether the EV has received all of the recall repairs that Fisker has issued.

In terms of performance, it undeniably represents great value for money at under $20,000. This 2023 model is an Ocean One, meaning it has twin electric motors combining to deliver 564 hp, allowing it to hit 60 mph (96 km/h) in less than 4 seconds. It also features a large 106 kWh battery pack that gives it up to 360 miles (580 km) of range.

What if Something Goes Wrong?

If the deal sounds to good to be true and you wonder where the catch is, this could be the fact that the dealer notes that “should the vehicle prove defective following their purchase, the buyer and not the manufacturer, distributor, or retailer assumes the entire cost of all necessary servicing and repairs.”

In other words, once the Fisker’s keys are yours, so are the risks. If something goes wrong, you’re responsible for footing the bill to get if fixed.

So, would you take the plunge on a bargain-bin EV from a company that no longer exists, or does the thought of hunting down parts for a ghost-brand SUV make you run for the hills?

Automakers tend to dread recalls, but for FCA US, the latest round is a relatively small headache. Fewer than 100 vehicles are affected, though the fixes are important enough to warrant quick attention. The Jeep Wagoneer S was hit with two separate recalls on the same day, while the Dodge Charger Daytona was pulled into one of them as well.

In both cases, FCA says it has not received reports of crashes or injuries, but dealers have been instructed to carry out repairs at no cost to owners.

Rollaway Risk

The larger of the two recalls involves 26 Jeep Wagoneer S SUVs built between August 9, 2024, and March 18, 2025, along with 49 Dodge Charger Daytona models manufactured from August 2, 2024, through April 3, 2025.

Read: Jeep Dealers Beg Wagoneer S Buyers With Desperate Price Cuts

According to the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration, the issue lies with the Electric Drive Module, which may have been fitted with a Park Pawl Return Spring that wasn’t installed correctly. Federal safety rules require that a vehicle in Park should not roll more than 5.9 inches, or 150 millimeters, on a 10 percent grade with all brakes released. In this case, both the Wagoneer S and Charger Daytona can exceed that threshold, raising the possibility of an unintended rollaway.

Owners should be informed of the recall on September 25. FCA says that dealerships will replace the Electric Drive Module of all vehicles.

Interior structure concern

The second recall is limited to the 2025 Jeep Wagoneer S, impacting just eight units built on January 31, 2025. These electric SUVs may have been assembled with an incorrect cross car beam in the instrument panel. In the event of a crash, this could compromise the intended load distribution, increasing the risk of injury “in certain crashes.”

An investigation into the potential issue was opened on July 1, and by late August, the scope of vehicles impacted had been determined.

FCA will alert impacted owners to the recall from October 24, and dealerships have been instructed to replace the instrument panel cross car beam free of charge.

Mercedes-Benz doesn’t just have a rival to the second-gen BMW iX, unveiling the new GLC with EQ Technology in Germany, but it is also gearing up to launch an all-electric version of the C-Class to rival the new BMW i3. Now, an intriguing teaser has been released of this new model.

This darkened image was dropped during the unveiling of the new GLC and shows that just like the SUV, it’ll have a massive front grille. This grille, which can be illuminated through hundreds of small LEDs, will give the new electric C-Class an imposing stance on the road, but is bound to leave many brand loyalists scratching their heads. It features four illuminated horizontal slats, one more than the three found on the GLC EQ.

Read: New Mercedes C-Class EV Reveals Starry Rear And Techy Interior

Elsewhere, this teaser shows the electric C-Class will include the latest Mercedes-Benz headlights, complete with star-shaped LED daytime running lights. The overall proportions of the car are expected to be similar to the combustion-powered C-Class, which this model will be sold alongside.

Underpinning the sedan will be the MB.EA platform, also used by the GLC EQ. This means we can expect to see the same 94 kWh lithium-ion battery pack and 800-volt architecture, allowing for charging speeds of up to 330 kW. Perhaps most impressive is that the German brand is promising 497 miles (800 km) of driving range in the electric C-Class, likely set to be badged the C-Class with EQ Technology.

Baldauf

Technical Specs

Further powertrain details remain uncertain, but the C-Class EQ should be available in several different rear- and all-wheel drive configurations.

Little is known about the interior of the new model. It could hit the market with the same 39.1-inch seamless MBUX Hyperscreen as the GLC EQ, or it may be equipped with the slightly simpler Superscreen of the new-age CLA, complete with a 10.25-inch digital instrument cluster, a 14-inch infotainment display, and a 14-inch screen for the passenger.

Update: Fresh from the floor at the Munich Motor Show, we’ve added live shots of the new GLC with EQ Technology in all its illuminated-grille glory. Check out the gallery to decide for yourself whether it’s eye-catching, overdone, or maybe a bit of both.

While BMW has moved away from massive kidney grilles with its second-generation iX3 unveiled late last week, Mercedes-Benz has doubled down on the industry’s fascination with huge grilles, presenting the new GLC with EQ Technology at the Munich motor show. The all-electric SUV will join the Mercedes line-up in the first half of 2026, serving as a successor to the poor-selling EQC.

Photos Stefan Baldauf & Guido ten Brink

Stand Out Looks

Visually, the new GLC with EQ Technology has similar proportions and a familiar shape to the current ICE-powered GLC, but features all-new front and rear fascias for the Mercedes brand. The most striking element of the new design is a reinterpretation of the classic Mercedes grille, now offered in an illuminated version with 942 small squares illuminated by 140 individual LEDs. Some will love it, while others will think it’s cheap and tacky, but there’s no denying it’s eye-catching.

Read: Mercedes Is Making A New Model For Americans In America

The headlights are also all-new and feature star-shaped (see a theme here?) LED daytime running lights, a design element that will become a signature across the entire Mercedes lineup. Plenty is going on at the rear, too, including similar star-shaped LED lights and a two-piece roof spoiler.

Photos Stefan Baldauf & Guido ten Brink

Tech-Heavy Cabin

Mercedes has long built some of the finest interiors on the market, and it’s left no stone unturned in modernizing the cabin of the GLC for the electric era. The tech-heavy design is highlighted by the new seamless MBUX Hyperscreen, measuring 39.1 inches (99.3 cm) and stretching across the entire width of the dashboard.

Elsewhere, Mercedes has added an intricate ambient lighting system, but the real showstopper is the panoramic glass roof. It can shift from transparent to opaque across nine individually switchable segments, and for those who want something extra, an optional constellation of 162 illuminated stars creates what the brand calls a “magical experience.”

Positioned to the sides of the massive screen are gorgeous circular air vents, while located below it are two rectangular vents. There are also two cupholders and two wireless phone chargers on the floating console, making for what is a very minimalist design by Mercedes-Benz standards.

Power And Range

Now onto the mechanical stuff. The wheelbase of the GLC with EQ stretches 117 inches (2,972 mm), making it 3.1 inches (8 cm) longer than the combustion model. This boosts front and rear legroom and headroom. There’s also 570 liters (20 cubic feet) of cargo space in the rear and a 128-liter (4.5 cubic-foot) frunk.

All versions of the electric GLC use the same 94 kWh lithium-ion battery pack. Mercedes has confirmed the range will launch with a flagship GLC 400 4MATIC version delivering 483 hp through a twin-motor system, but four other versions will follow.

Performance times haven’t been announced, but Mercedes says the GLC with EQ Tech will be able to drive up to 443 miles (713 km) on a single charge under the WLTP cycle. That’s not the only impressive thing. Thanks to the new-generation battery pack, the GLC supports DC charging speeds of up to 330 kW, meaning 186 miles (300 km) of range can be added in just 10 minutes.

Photos Stefan Baldauf & Guido ten Brink

S-Class Suspension

Shoppers will be able to order the new GLC with the same Airmatic air suspension as the S-Class, complete with rear-axle steering and intelligent suspension control, aiming to improve comfort significantly. This system also communicates with traffic infrastructure to sense and respond to impending bumps in the road. The air suspension also uses Google Maps data to ensure the car is in its lowest possible setting for as long as possible, boosting efficiency. For example, if you’re on a highway and have to slow down for road works, the GLC will remain in its squatted position, whereas other cars using speed-sensitive air suspension often rise at lower speeds.

Mercedes-Benz is also boasting about a significantly improved brake regeneration system. Four different levels of recuperation are available, with the highest setting providing up to 300 kW of regen.

When Can I Get One?

Market-specific pricing details will be released at a later date. In the meantime, let us know what you think of the new GLC with EQ Technology below. Will it be a hit, or will it be a miss?

Soon, Porsche buyers will have not one, but two all-electric Cayenne EV body styles to choose from as the Coupe version is also receiving the same electric treatment as its more traditional SUV sibling. Captured up close in these new spy images nearly undisguised, the electric Cayenne Coupe will adopt many of its design elements from the regular Cayenne EV, albeit in a slightly sleeker and lower profile.

Read: Porsche’s Next Electric SUV Could Be The Most Controversial One Yet

As we’ve seen with other prototypes, including one being promoted by the German automaker itself, the electric Cayenne Coupe will look quite a bit different than the current ICE model that will remain in production, and have an arguably less attractive design inspired by the smaller Macan Electric. The changes start at the front with a new set of headlights.

Details in the Design

Alongside the new headlights, Porsche has developed an entirely new lower grille for the SUV, complete with what appear to be adjustable horizontal slats. There are also two bulbous air curtains directly below the headlights.

The sides of this almost completely undisguised prototype are also quite intriguing. Porsche has slapped on some black fenders, which cheapen the overall look of the model, while also installing black plastic rocker panels, which, again, don’t do the premium SUV any favors. Here’s hoping that painted arches and rocker panels are at least an option on the production model.

The rear is perhaps the most intriguing. Like the current combustion-powered Cayenne Coupe, the rear sits lower with a steeply raked window and a small decklid. The LED taillights of this prototype have the same pixel design as we’ve seen on others being tested by Porsche. However, the pixels are expected to be ditched in favor of a solid light bar for the production model.

Platform and Battery Tech

The Cayenne EV lineup rides on Porsche’s new PPE41C platform. While related to the PPE base used for the Macan EV, Porsche has heavily modified the setup with different motors and battery technology. Central to the system is a new 113 kWh (gross) battery pack developed with LG, using pouch-style NMC cells cooled on both sides to enhance performance.

This setup supports charging speeds of up to 400 kW, allowing a 10 to 80 percent top-up in just 16 minutes. With NACS compatibility on board, Porsche targets a range of at least 370 miles, placing the Cayenne EV among the longest-legged electric SUVs in its class.

Charging Made Easy

The Cayenne Electric will be available with an optional Porsche Wireless Charger, a weatherproof 11 kW inductive pad operating at 90 percent efficiency. The system automatically positions the SUV, lowers its suspension, and starts charging cable-free. It also supports hands-free use through the app or pre-set off-peak schedules.

Performance Outlook

Official figures have yet to be announced, but Porsche has confirmed that the flagship Turbo variants of both SUV and Coupe models will deliver close to, or even exceed, 1,000 horsepower. Lower trims will start around 400 hp, while S models are expected to land between 600 and roughly 700 hp. Practicality has also been factored in, with a towing capacity of 7,716 pounds (3,500 kilograms).

To add some theater, Porsche will offer an optional synthetic sound package. Instead of the Taycan’s futuristic whir, the Cayenne EV can be programmed to mimic a classic V8 rumble.

Launch Timing

It’s possible the Coupe will make its debut alongside the standard Cayenne EV in November, though a 2026 launch could also be on the table for the sportier looking variant. Whatever the reveal date, both models are expected to reach showrooms worldwide in the second or third quarter of next year.

John Halas contributed to this story.

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Throughout much of the year, Tesla sales have been on a downward spiral in many key markets, including Europe, the United States, and Australia. However, over in Japan, things are very different. In fact, throughout 2025, Tesla sales have jumped significantly, so much so that the American brand may soon surpass Nissan as the nation’s best-selling EV brand.

Read: Tesla’s European Sales Bloodbath Continues, But One Country Is Over Hating Musk

From January to August, approximately 6,590 new Teslas have been sold across Japan. This represents a massive 87 percent leap over the previous year, and has already topped the brand’s strongest year on record in Japan when it sold 5,900 vehicles in 2022. Tesla models proved particularly popular in August, with roughly 980 sales. That was more than double last August.

Closing in on Nissan

Year-to-date, Tesla is now only trailing Nissan by approximately 100 electric vehicle sales. Nissan has held the crown as Japan’s highest-seller of EVs for almost 15 years, reports Nikkei Asia, thanks to the Leaf.

Aggressive price cuts have contributed to Tesla’s surge in popularity. In May, it cut the price of the Model 3 by 453,000 yen (roughly $3,000), bringing its sticker price down to 3.99 million yen or $26,800. With government subsidies factored in, the actual outlay for buyers is even lower, which has helped broaden its appeal.

One advantage for Nissan is the upcoming launch of the next-generation Leaf. Sales won’t begin until later this year, which could be a double-edged sword: the new model may spark renewed interest once it arrives, but in the meantime it risks discouraging buyers from choosing the outgoing version still on sale.

New Locations

Elon Musk’s company has also been looking to grow its physical presence at locations across the country. According to Tesla Japan boss Richi Hashimoto, the company will open new dealerships in large shipping centers in a bid to further boost brand recognition. It currently has 25 locations in the country, and in 2026, this could double to roughly 50.

Currently, Tesla has a roughly 30 percent share of Japan’s EV market. Its network of Superchargers will also be expanded from the current 130 sites, ensuring that owners can easily and swiftly charge their EVs.

By the end of this year, it’s possible that Tesla may have sold as many as 10,000 EVs in Japan. Not bad for a company that’s struggling in many other markets, right?

Electric vehicles are often celebrated as a glimpse of the future, but real-world ownership can sometimes deliver a harsher reality. While the Rivian R1T has earned plenty of praise since its release, there have been recurring stories about reliability issues and inconsistent service experiences.

A recent account from one Rivian owner in the United States highlights the kind of breakdown that could make potential buyers pause before signing on the dotted line.

Read: Bricked Screens, Greasy Fingerprints – A Rivian Driver’s Frustrating Service Journey

According to this driver, his nine-month old R1T abruptly locked up while he was cruising through his neighborhood, leaving him no choice but to call for a tow. He shared the experience on Reddit, where he expressed doubts about the truck’s reliability and Rivian’s response in situations like this.

A Sudden Breakdown

The owner says that while he was slowing to a stop in the green R1T, the vehicle seized up, the wheels skidded, and the entire EV shuddered. Moments later, it randomly shifted into neutral, and every warning light was illuminated on the instrument cluster. The issues didn’t stop there as a “terrible smelling smoke” then started to enter the cabin from under the center console.

To make matters worse, he says he had to stay inside the pickup as smoke filled the cabin because if he dared to lift his foot off the brake pedal, he says the Rivian would roll have backward.

Understandably, the incident has left the owner rather shaken. In the past, he questioned what could have happened had the alleged catastrophic failure occurred while he was driving on the highway, or if there were other cars nearby. “I could have slammed into someone! I can’t trust this vehicle ever again. I wouldn’t let my family be in it,” he wrote in the post.

The Towing Headache

The process of towing the vehicle also proved to be quite a headache for the owner. He says he decided to use his roadside insurance to get the R1T towed to a local Rivian service center, but was then given a “five-minute lecture” from a Rivian representative for not calling the carmaker directly.

“When I called Rivian support to confirm that my tow truck could just take it straight to the service center I had to listen to the rep lecture me on how I should have called Rivian first and not have used my roadside insurance,” he said.

“Seriously a five minute lecture while my foot was on the brake, my hand was propping the door slightly ajar so I could air out the cabin, all the while trying to signal to traffic to go around (people were nicely stopping and asking if I was alright),” the owner added.

Also: Rivian Owner’s Quality And Service Nightmares Expose The Pain Of Being A ‘Beta Tester’

At the time of writing, the owner hadn’t provided any updates about their electric pickup, and didn’t mention if Rivian had looked at the EV to determine what the problem was. If the incident unfolded as the owner claims, then it seems likely the R1T suffered either a serious mechanical or electrical malfunction, which left it stranded.

Rough R1T Experience – Will never go Rivian again
byu/lekun inRivian

Lead image Reddit u/lekun

America’s auto policy is in flux yet again and it’s already messing with production schedules. General Motors is one of the first big names to blink. It will pause production of two electric models in December and scale back output well into 2026, a move that will bring temporary layoffs.

The decision follows policy changes from the Trump administration, which has scrapped the federal EVs tax credit and removed penalties for automakers that miss fuel efficiency targets. With fewer incentives in place, manufacturers have more reason to lean on gas-powered vehicles.

Read: Chevrolet’s Newest EV Sure Looks Familiar

According to a report from Reuters, GM’s production cuts will start in October and November when its assembly plant in Spring Hill, Tennessee, which is responsible for building the Cadillac Lyriq and Vistiq, is shuttered. In December, assembly of the two models will also be paused.

Production at this same plant will also be significantly curtailed through the first five months of 2026. This will force the company to temporarily lay off employees working on one of the two shifts at the plant

Ripple Effects at Other Sites

It’s not just this site in Tennessee that is impacted. GM has reportedly decided to indefinitely delay the start of a second shift at its plant near Kansas City. This site will be home to the next-generation Chevrolet Bolt, which is set to commence production later this year. While this move isn’t expected to impact the launch of the new Bolt, it does mean that The General will not ramp up production as much as it had initially planned.

Sales Momentum Meets Caution

GM’s electric lineup has been gaining traction, with August marking its strongest EV sales month to date at 21,000 units. The thing is, much of that surge is tied to the final days of the $7,500 federal tax credit, which expires at the end of the month. Without that incentive, demand for electric vehicles will likely ease.

The company admitted that changes are less about immediate EV demand and more about preparing for slower overall industry growth. In a statement to Reuters, GM said it is “making strategic production adjustments in alignment with expected slower EV industry growth and customer demand by leveraging our flexible ICE and EV manufacturing footprint.”

Still, executives are keen to emphasize that the automaker is not backing away from electrification entirely or they’re just putting on a brave face. According to GM head of North America Duncan Aldred, “the strength of our ICE portfolio will continue to separate our brands from the pack and give us flexibility and profitability that EV-only companies lack.”