Toyota has come under plenty of criticism in recent years for not making the shift to electric powertrains as quickly as some of its competitors. However, the world’s largest car manufacturer continues to invest heavily in EV technologies, doubling down on its commitment to launch new models with all-solid-state batteries in 2027-2028.

Since 2021, Toyota has been working with Japanese mining company Sumitomo Metal Mining on the cathode materials needed for solid-state batteries. These batteries, primarily composed of a cathode, anode, and solid electrolyte, have long been considered the holy grail of electric vehicles.

Smaller, Lighter, Faster

Beyond improving range, solid-state batteries are expected to be smaller, lighter, and charge faster than today’s lithium-ion packs. The technology is also said to deliver higher output and longer life.

Toyota recently signed a new agreement with Sumitomo Metal Mining to accelerate the mass production of these cathode materials, taking another step toward commercializing the technology.

Read: Toyota Partners With Japanese Petroleum Giant To Develop Solid-State Batteries For EVs

Toyota and Sumitomo say that through the use of powder synthesis technology, they have been able to develop a “highly durable cathode material” that can be mass-produced for these batteries. The collaboration builds on Sumitomo’s experience supplying cathode materials for existing EVs, now adapted to the stricter requirements of solid-state production.

It’s not just its work with Sumitomo that will allow Toyota to commercialize solid-state batteries. Since 2013, it has also been working alongside Japanese oil product Idemitsu Kosan on the new technology.

Idemitsu Kosan is developing lithium sulfide for use in batteries and plans to build a large plant capable of producing 1,000 metric tons of the material annually. Mass production is expected to start in 2027.

A previous roadmap published by Toyota indicated that its first generation of solid-state batteries launching in 2027-2028 will allow for 1,000 km (621 miles) worth of range, all while having the ability to charge from 10-80 percent in just 10 minutes.

The second generation is projected to exceed 1,200 kilometers (745 miles), signaling a substantial leap in energy density and efficiency.

In a statement, Toyota and Sumitomo said they are currently focusing on improving the “performance, quality, and safety of cathode materials for all-solid-state batteries, as well as reducing costs for mass production.” They aim to “achieve the world’s first practical use of all-solid state batteries in BEVs.”

Global Race For Solid-State Supremacy

While Toyota hopes to lead the transition, several global automakers are pursuing the same goal. BMW, Honda, Stellantis and Mercedes are investing heavily in solid-state technology, with some already testing prototype vehicles. Recently, MG launched the second-generation MG4 with semi-solid-state batteries that use around five percent liquid electrolyte.

Note: For anyone wondering, the opening image shows a pear-shaped lab flask containing a sample of solid-state battery material. Toyota included the photo in a release about its all-solid-state battery program.

Despite online jokes about the shape, it’s actually a standard scientific container used for drying and storing chemical samples during testing and production. The powder inside is cathode or electrolyte material destined for Toyota’s next-generation solid-state EV batteries.

Long charging times have long been considered one of the biggest disadvantages of electric vehicles, particularly when compared to how quickly you can refuel an ICE-powered car. However, Chinese automaker Zeekr has just unveiled an updated version of the 001 shooting brake, turning it into one that appears to be the fastest-charging EV on the planet.

Now, when we say the 001 charges as quickly as it takes to refuel a combustion-powered car, don’t rush to take a stopwatch to verify it, but it’s close enough to be quite impressive.

Lightning-Quick Refill

Thanks to the implementation of a new 900-volt electric architecture and Zeekr’s ‘Golden Brick’ battery, one version of the 001 can be charged from 10-80 percent in just 7 minutes.

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

That figure is particularly remarkable given that this model has a reasonably sizeable 95 kWh battery pack, rather than a small one that can charge quickly.

Zeekr claims the new and improved 001 supports charging speeds of up to 1,140 kW. In the US, only Tesla’s Megachargers, developed for the Semi, can deliver those kinds of speeds, but in China, Zeekr has already started rolling out 1,300 kW stations.

Power To Match The Speed

Zekr will sell the new 001 with the 95 kWh pack exclusively in all-wheel drive guise. This version features dual electric motors that combine to deliver 912 hp, allowing for a 0-62 mph (0-100 km/h) sprint in a dazzling 2.83 seconds.

The 95 kWh model has a claimed CLTC range of 441 miles (710 km), which is more than adequate even under China’s rather optimistic standards.

A version with a 103 kWh pack, using CATL’s Qilin battery tech, will also be available, boosting range to 437 miles (762 km), but not quite matching the charging speeds of the Golden Brick battery. That’s not to say models with the 103 kWh pack don’t charge quickly. In fact, they can go from 10-80 percent in just 10 minutes.

Plenty of other upgrades have been made to the Zeekr 001. For example, it comes with a panoramic glass roof embedded with individual LEDs that’s designed to mimic the Starlight headliner you’ll find in a Rolls-Royce.

The new model also includes a large infotainment display, a 39.3-inch head-up display, a 13-inch instrument cluster, and an 8-inch display at the rear.

Final pricing details have yet to be announced, but Zeekr has announced that customer deliveries will start in the coming days.

It’s always amusing when we’re writing about collector cars to check the huge sums buyers paid out for optional equipment. Fifty years ago, for example, anyone buying a C3 Corvette had to pay a hilarious $284 ($1,710 in 2025 money) for an AM/FM radio, then a highly desirable and expensive option.

Today, though, it’s something that we expect to see on even the cheapest, most basic modern car. Yet, AM/FM radio is one of the pieces of equipment Tesla has cut from its new entry-level models.

Related: Analog AM Radios In EVs Could Cost Automakers Nearly $4 Billion

Called Standard, the new base Model 3 and Model Y are designed to keep the barrier to entry of Tesla’s EVs low in the wake of federal tax credits disappearing at the end of September.

The Model 3 Standard costs $36,990, against $42,490 for the next trim up, now renamed Model 3 Premium RWD. And the Model Y Standard comes in at $39,990, versus $44,990 for the Y Premium.

The lack of a radio is far from the only difference between the new Standard and Premium Models. Base 3s miss out on the 8-inch second-row touchscreen, ventilated front seats and heated rears, power door mirrors and steering column, Autosteer, and frequency-dependent shocks.

They also downgrade to simple 18-inch steel wheels with covers, need 5.8 seconds instead of 4.9 seconds to reach 60 mph (97 km/h), and the driving range is cut from 363 miles to 321 miles (584-517 km).

Wheels aside (and an upgrade to 19s is available), the Model 3 Standard doesn’t scream “I was too cheap to upgrade!” in the same way its Model Y counterpart does. Because the Y Standard loses the facelifted Y’s front and rear LED light bars, and Tesla covers over the panoramic glass roof (which, in the ultimate insult, is still present) with a conventional headliner.

It also downgrades to textile seat surfaces, loses the adaptive headlights, subwoofer, and HEPA filter, and misses out on various bits of the same kit omitted from the 3 Standard spec.

But performance takes a much bigger hit than it does in the sedan. The boggo Y needs 6.8 seconds to reach 60 mph compared with 5.4 seconds for the Premium, and the range is reduced from 357 to 321 miles (575-517 km).

Test drive reveals more missing features

YouTuber Everyday Chris got his hands on the new Model Y Standard and points out some other differences in his video, including the very basic frunk, trunk, and door pocket liners, lack of electric frunk opener and rear parcel shelf, the single-pane door glass, and the fact that the max charging speed is down from 250 kW to 225 kW. You can also no longer recline the second row of seats from the trunk.

We’re guessing most owners will be more frustrated by that trunk-folding button having disappeared than they are by the radio getting a bullet. Still, according to a 2023 study, cutting the AM unit could save Tesla around $50–70 per car, since it no longer needs to shield radio waves from interference created by the electric motors.

This cost has led several automakers to consider junking radios, though lawmakers want to make AM availability in cars a legal requirement, because it’s viewed as essential for drivers in rural areas. Would you care if your next car didn’t have a radio, or have you never used yours since 2004?

Tesla

The latest generation of the Nissan Leaf has arrived in Japan, marking its official launch in the brand’s home market after making its first appearance in North America earlier this year.

The all-electric fastback crossover retains much of its global character but introduces a few domestic-market distinctions, including an Autech edition that leans more toward a sportier, higher-end feel, within the practical and monetary constraints of the category.

At 4,360 mm (171.7 inches) long, the Japanese Leaf is 44 mm (1.7 inches) shorter than the version sold in the United States. Like its European counterpart, it omits amber indicators, while the rest of the design remains the same. Only the range-topping model gets the distinctive Z-inspired LED taillights, which lend a sharper look to the rear end

More: Nissan Says An AWD Leaf Could Happen, But Isn’t Sure It Should

Inside, the Japanese Leaf comes equipped with twin 12.3-inch displays, though it skips the larger 14.3-inch setup offered elsewhere. What it lacks in screen size, it makes up for in equipment, featuring an optional dimming panoramic glass roof, a 10-speaker Bose Plus Sound System, and V2H (Vehicle to Home) capability.

Autech Adds Visual Drama

Nissan’s in-house Autech division has given the Leaf a sportier presence. The bespoke bodykit introduces a prominent splitter with aluminum accents that continue across the side inserts, mirror caps, and rear skirt. A black grille, blue daytime running lights, unique bumper detailing, and Autech badging round out the looks.

Nissan

The Leaf Autech also sits on exclusive 19-inch aluminum wheels and can be specified in Deep Ocean Blue paired with a Super Black roof. Buyers can also choose from Prism White with Super Black or a full Midnight Black finish.

More: Nissan Will Build A Leaf NISMO If Enough Of You Shout Loud Enough

As with most Autech models, the dark-themed interior is more premium than the standard Leaf. It stands out thanks to the black upholstery with blue stitching and piping. It also comes with a unique pattern and Autech embroidery on the seats, special seatbelts, and branded floor mats.

Even without the larger dual-screen cockpit seen in other markets, equipment levels remain generous, including cold-weather amenities such as heated rear seats.

Specifications And Range

At launch, the Japanese Leaf is available exclusively in B7 form, offered in two trims, X and G. Power comes from a single electric motor producing 215 hp (160 kW / 218 PS) and 355 Nm (261.8 lb-ft) of torque, sent to the front wheels. The Autech variant shares this setup, meaning there are no added performance or chassis tweaks beyond its sharper styling.

The 78 kWh battery promises an impressive 702 km (436 miles) of range under the WLTC cycle, which tends to be more optimistic than Europe’s WLTP (604 km / 375 miles) and America’s EPA estimate (488 km / 303 miles).

An entry-level B5 model, with a smaller battery and less power, will join the range later, along with a corresponding Autech version for those wanting the look without the higher spec.

Pricing

Pricing for the Japanese-market Leaf starts at ¥5,188,700 (around $34,000) for the B7 X trim, rising to ¥5,999,400 ($39,300) for the top-spec B7 G. The Autech commands a higher entry price at ¥6,513,100 ($42,700), with optional extras pushing it higher still. Deliveries across Japan are expected to begin in early 2026.

In the United States, pricing remains more accessible, with the entry-level S starting at $25,360 and the Platinum+ topping out at $38,990.

Nissan

Many drivers see seamless smartphone integration as essential, but Rivian continues to stand firm on its decision to skip Apple CarPlay on its EVs. The company believes its own infotainment platform can deliver a more cohesive, personalized experience through key app integrations.

It’s not alone in this stance, with Tesla and GM taking similar positions, yet Rivian’s choice remains a point of debate among some customers.

Read: Rivian EVs Just Got Smarter But Apple Users Won’t Be Happy About It

According to Rivian’s chief executive RJ Scaringe, switching between CarPlay or Android Auto and the company’s built-in interface just doesn’t make sense for the experience they want to offer.

As standard, Rivian’s infotainment is based on the Android Automotive operating system, supporting major apps such as YouTube, Spotify, and, since last year, Apple Music.

One System to Rule Them All

“We’ve made the decision, which I’m very confident about, that in the fullness of time, customers will appreciate, which is that we wanted to have a seamless digital experience,” Scaringe said while recently speaking with The Verge.

“To not have the need to jump between CarPlay, which feels obviously like CarPlay, and so it feels the same in every car, and then what we create as a Rivian environment,” he added.

Over the next 18 months, Rivian plans to roll out several updates to its native infotainment setup, each designed to deliver what Scaringe calls a “richer, better experience for you as a driver or occupant of the vehicle.”

These new features will involve connecting different applications, providing “knowledge of ‘what’s the vehicle’s state?’, knowledge of ‘is it in drive, or is it parked? What are the conditions outside the vehicle? What’s your driving history?”

In time, Rivian says that everything a CarPlay user likes using, such as mapping or voice-to-text features, will be added to its own system.

Standing by the Decision

“We’re really convicted on this,” Scaringe said. “For some folks, that means they’re not going to buy a Rivian. We accept that. It’s a decision.” He explained that developing a vehicle involves countless choices, many of which won’t please everyone, but all contribute to the brand’s distinct identity.

“I say this all the time: part of building a product as complex as this is recognizing and being okay with the fact that we have to make a ton of decisions, like the products, like a vehicle has many millions of decisions together. Some of those decisions, not everyone’s going to agree with, and that’s okay.”

When asked about which additional Apple-related features might arrive in future updates, Scaringe mentioned that “messaging” and “vehicle access” access functions are already in development

While carmakers keep tripping over themselves to pack ever-bigger screens and overcomplicated digital gimmicks into their cabins, a handful of budget models seem content to sit that trend out. One Reddit user in Germany stirred a discussion after noticing that the entry-level version of a Stellantis SUV doesn’t have an infotainment system or touchscreen of any kind and, unsurprisingly, their post went viral.

The model in question is the Opel Frontera, a revived nameplate that shares absolutely nothing with its old-school, ladder-frame predecessor based on the Isuzu MU. Instead, this new generation trades toughness for a modern, urban-friendly setup, sharing its platform with the Citroen C3 Aircross.

More: Stellantis’ Rugged SUV Could Rival Dacia’s Budget Off-Roader

According to Opel’s official German configurator, the base Frontera Edition leaves out several features available in the higher GS and Ultimate trims.

Simple Tech For Bigger Savings

Despite its minimalist approach, the most affordable Frontera still includes a 10-inch digital instrument cluster. However, where you’d usually find a touchscreen on the glossy black dashboard, there’s a smartphone holder instead.

The crossover comes with a basic radio, a microphone for voice commands and calls, and two front speakers that only function when a phone is connected via Bluetooth. A USB Type-C port offers quick charging on the move, while the manual air-conditioning system keeps things old-school with rotary dials on the center console.

Buyers who want more can opt for the Tech package, which adds the 10-inch touchscreen, DAB radio, navigation, a rearview camera, wireless charging, and a front armrest with storage. The Comfort package brings heated seats, a heated steering wheel, and automatic climate control, while the Design package adds a white roof, black roof rails, and matching white details for the 16-inch steel wheels.

Pricing The Basics

So how affordable is the entry-level Frontera? In Germany, the Edition trim starts at €24,190 ($28,300) for the Hybrid 110 with the 1.2-liter engine, and climbs to €31,190 ($36,500) for the Electric Extended Range 113 PS model. The optional Tech and Comfort packages add €1,000 ($1,200) each, while the Design pack will set you back another €450 ($525).

More: Stellantis Turns Its Cheapest SUV Into A Tree House With A View

Further up the range, the GS trim adds between €3,500 and €3,700 ($4,100) to the entry-level price, while the Ultimate trim costs only €300 ($350) more than the GS.

Interestingly, in France, the Frontera Edition includes an infotainment display as standard, even with a slightly lower base price of €23,845 ($27,900). Other small Opel models like the Corsa and Mokka also include screens across all trims.

Screen-Less Models Are Trending

Of course, Opel isn’t alone in the “screen-less” concept. Several automakers now offer base trims that rely on smartphone docking stations instead of built-in displays. Dacia has led the charge, with all its models, aside from the Bigster, offered in a basic “Essential” specification without a touchscreen.

Within the Stellantis family, the same philosophy applies to the Citroën C3, C3 Aircross, and Fiat Grande Panda, all of which share the Smart Car platform with the Frontera.

More: Dacia’s Tiny EV Declares War On Europe’s Overpriced Cars

A host of upcoming budget urban EVs, like the VW ID.Up (ID.Every1) and the Renault Twingo, are also expected to let drivers use their smartphones for multimedia and navigation. This will allow automakers to offer them at a lower starting price.

Do You Really Need A Screen?

While many buyers love the look of large infotainment systems, some prefer the simplicity of using their own device, which can be easily updated over time. There’s also a practical advantage: without a screen dominating the dashboard, essential controls like heating and ventilation remain physical, straightforward, and easy to use.

Beyond Europe, you’ll find countless screen-less models in Japan, India, Southeast Asia, and South America. In contrast, Chinese buyers have access to massive screens and high-tech features in the vast majority of passenger vehicles.

Opening Photo: Reddit

Porsche is gearing up for the launch of the long-promised Cayenne Electric, a standalone addition to the existing gasoline and plug-in hybrid line-up. The full reveal isn’t due until later this year, but Stuttgart couldn’t help itself and pulled the covers off the interior early, and it’s basically one giant OLED showroom.

The Cayenne Electric ushers in what Porsche calls the “interior of the future,” a design that will eventually filter into other models. Taking center stage is the Flow Display, a curved OLED screen that dominates the middle of the dashboard. Thankfully, not every control has gone digital, with physical switches reserved for essentials like temperature, fan speed, and volume.

More: Porsche’s Big EV U-Turn Wipes Out Billions And Sparks Investor Panic

Still, even with those tokens of tradition, it’s about as far from a classic Porsche cabin as you can get, unless you think Stuttgart’s heritage has always been mood lighting and oversized tablet screens.

Screens, Screens Everywhere

The curved touchscreen pairs with a 14.25-inch OLED digital instrument cluster, an optional 87-inch augmented reality head-up display, and a 14.9-inch passenger screen that allows app control and video streaming. Technology also extends to the Porsche Digital Key, which can be shared with up to seven users, and a new AI-driven voice assistant.

Porsche claims the new Cayenne Electric offers more personalization than ever, with 13 interior color combinations, four interior packages, five accent packs, extended ambient lighting, and five digital themes. Added to that are the new Mood Modes, which coordinate lighting, climate, sound, and seating to match the driver’s preferences.

Porsche

New materials also make the cut. Leather comes in Magnesium Grey, Lavender, or Sage Grey, while the vegan-friendly Race-Tex interior with Pepita-patterned textile is billed as a nod to Porsche heritage.

More: Porsche Gentrifying ICE Is Just The Start Of Rich-Only Features

Then there’s the hardware flex. Among the available options is the largest glass roof ever to be fitted to a Porsche, featuring a sliding front area and a Variable Light Control function with clear, semi-transparent, and matte settings. Another cool feature is the surface heating on contact areas such as armrests and door cards, complementing the heated seats and steering wheel. Finally, the standard-fit electrically adjustable rear seats prioritize passenger space or cargo.

And of course, if all that still feels too ordinary, Porsche Exclusive Manufaktur and the Sonderwunsch program will happily relieve you of more cash for something “one-off.”

Porsche

What To Expect Outside

Camouflaged prototypes, shown by Porsche and captured by spy photographers, confirm that the Cayenne Electric will arrive in both traditional SUV and coupe-SUV forms. The styling seems to combine the current Cayenne’s proportions with influences from the smaller Macan EV, along with a sharper aerodynamic edge.

More: Porsche Gives Cayenne EV A Fixed Wing And 1,000 HP To Silence Doubters

Beneath the bodywork, the large Electric SUV sits on an evolved version of the Premium Platform Electric (PPE). The flagship version is expected to push out more than 1,000 horsepower, eclipsing the 730 hp of today’s Cayenne Turbo S E-Hybrid.

Energy will be stored in a 113 kWh battery pack with 400 kW fast-charging, wireless charging capability and a range of over 370 miles (595 km). Photos of the interior reveal a 546 km (340-mile) estimate on the cluster with the battery not quite at full charge.

We also know that the Cayenne Electric will feature Porsche’s Active Ride Suspension and offer a towing capacity of up to 7,716 lbs (3,500 kg) matching the majority of ICE-powered midsize pickups.

With its debut scheduled for the end of 2025, expect Stuttgart to drip-feed more details over the coming weeks and months.

Porsche

After years of waiting, BMW’s Neue Klasse era is finally right around the corner. The second-generation iX3 is the first model to arrive, and soon, it’ll be followed up by the new i3, the all-electric version of the 3-Series. Not only does the Neue Klasse bring a new design language, but it also adds advanced new technologies that’ll be introduced across the rest of the BMW family.

Read: These Next-Gen BMWs Will Update Faster Than Your iPhone

By the end of 2027, more than 40 new or updated BMW models will arrive, all sharing the same core computing systems as the iX3. Many will also adopt the brand’s new Panoramic iDrive setup. The company is calling the iX3’s suite of tech features a “quantum leap” in its evolution.

A Faster Digital Future

“Every technology, everything on the iX3 is all-new,” BMW Neue Klasse boss Mike Reichelt said in an interview with Autocar. “We will roll out this technology across the whole portfolio, and fast. We have never done this before, but it is necessary when you look at the technology such as the computing power and the user interface. There have been so many big jumps.”

Reichelt emphasized that these leaps are too significant to be confined to just one generation. “The quantum leaps in technology in the Neue Klasse are so big that if we don’t integrate this technology in the current portfolio, it will feel like an old portfolio. With the Neue Klasse, we’ve made so much progress it’s like we skipped a model generation, so we have to do it across the range,” he added.

Not Your Usual Facelifts

One of the biggest changes will be to BMW’s upcoming facelifted models. Ordinarily, the tech updates in a refreshed model are relatively minor, with the focus instead being on refining the aesthetics. However, Reichelt confirmed that its next generation of updated models will be much more complex than a traditional facelift.

“Traditionally we’ve had one mid-life update in a product cycle of seven to nine years, mostly design but a bit digital [too],” he said. “Today, every year we’re updating the digital side, so it’s really important to get that into the car. We won’t change the body structure [of existing models], but we will integrate the most relevant aspects of Neue Klasse: the design language, Panoramic iDrive, ADAS, all the digital things.”

The second-generation BMW iX3 arrives not just as a sharper, more capable successor to the original, but also as the first model in the Neue Klasse lineup, the range that will shape the brand’s direction for the next decade. At the heart of this shift is software. Munich stresses that the digital backbone of these cars will be central to their evolution, with the iX3 designed to receive up to three major updates every year.

BMW positions the Neue Klasse as a major technological leap, thanks in part to what it refers to as the “Heart of Joy”, a high-performance control unit that all future models will use. It works alongside the company’s proprietary Dynamic Performance Control software and controls all driving-related processes within milliseconds, including control of the wheels and the steering.

Read: BMW Is Cranking Out Cars “Like Pretzels” And Says Even China Can’t Keep Up

According to Munich, this technology delivers more than just numbers on a spec sheet. Christoph Grote, BMW’s senior vice president of electronics and software, told Automobilwoche that the iX3 feels light, precise, and even playful on the road.

“I hardly know a BMW driver who has gotten out of the New Class iX3 after a few laps on the handling course without a broad smile on their face,” he said. “It’s difficult to put into words. You have to experience it. The car handles very easily, almost playfully, and with unprecedented precision.”

Always Evolving

But BMW also points to long-term potential. Every electronic system in the Neue Klasse is designed to be updated over the air, ensuring the iX3 will gain new capabilities long after it leaves the factory. The same will apply to all of its future Neue Klasse models.

“Most competitors can only update the infotainment system, but we can update the entire car – all control units, the drive system, charging, ADAS… This is an essential capability for the Software Defined Vehicle,” Grote said.

“Compared to our current production vehicles, the software volume in the New Class vehicles is roughly quadrupled. So it’s great that we already have so much experience with over-the-air updates, and that in the future, the update installation in a BMW will also be completed in approximately 20 minutes – across all drive types.”

BMW’s next-generation electronic systems are slated to reach 40 models by the end of 2027, all of them benefiting from frequent updates.

“On the functional side, we’re constantly evolving for our customers. We plan to release three updates per year, which will also bring tangible, new features to customers,” Grote said when speaking about the iX3. “This allows us to keep the vehicles looking fresh for a very long time without having to physically intervene on the car itself. Our customers will experience many exciting innovations in the New Class vehicles over the coming years.”

Photos Stefan Baldauf & Guido ten Brink

While there’s little doubt that Chinese car manufacturers and battery companies are pushing EV technologies to a new level, that doesn’t mean legacy brands aren’t also looking for how they, too, can make electric vehicles better. Stellantis is one of them and thanks to a partnership with Saft, a subsidiary of energy giant TotalEnergies, it’s unveiled a promising new tech.

Read: Stellantis Gives China’s Leapmotor A Way To Dodge Europe’s Painful EV Tariffs

This prototype, based on the Peugeot E-3008, has been fitted with a new kind of battery spawned from IBIS, the collaborative initiative launched by Stellantis six years ago. Unlike most EVs, it embeds the inverter and charger functionalities directly into the battery. It supports AC and DC charging while also supplying the vehicle’s 12-volt architecture and auxiliary systems.

Power With Less Weight

The claimed gains are significant. Stellantis reports a 10 percent improvement in energy efficiency compared with a conventional pack of the same size. Peak power rises from 201 hp (150 kW) to 231 hp (172 kW), while the system sheds 88 lbs (40 kg) and frees up 17 liters of space.

Charging performance also benefits, with times reduced by as much as 15 percent. On a standard 7 kW AC charger, for example, a full recharge drops from 7 hours to around 6.

Still On Trial

Although the figures are promising, development is still in its early stages. Testing of the IBIS system is expanding to include on-road trials, and if progress stays on track, Stellantis suggests the system could appear in production vehicles before the decade closes.

As chief engineering and technology officer Ned Curic explains, the thinking is straightforward. “This project reflects our belief that simplification is innovation. By rethinking and simplifying the electric powertrain architecture, we are making it lighter, more efficient, and more cost-effective. These are the kinds of innovations that help us deliver better, more affordable EVs to our customers.”

On July 1, Tesla launched its long-awaited robotaxi service in Austin, Texas, joining rival firms such as Waymo and Zoox. It was declared a triumph for Elon Musk by many, serving as the first step in a robotaxi rollout that’s expected to cover large parts of the United States. However, new information has revealed that the FSD-equipped Model Ys roaming the streets of Austin have already been involved in several accidents.

Recent data uncovered by Forbes lists no fewer than three accidents dated July 1. Although it was first assumed they all took place that day, it now appears the incidents happened at various points throughout the same month. Many of the specifics have been redacted by Tesla on the grounds of protecting proprietary information, though some basic details have been disclosed.

Early Crashes Logged

The first accident is listed as having occurred at 3:45 a.m. on an unspecified date in July. Tesla’s description says the Model Y “was stopped (while going straight) and damaged on the rear-right by an SUV front right. Police were called.” The second crash is listed at 12:20 p.m. and says “Tesla hit a stationary object with front-right at 8mph. Minor injuries, no hospital. Police called. Tesla was towed away.”

Read: Tesla’s California Robotaxis Are More Taxi Than Robot

In the third accident, which occurred at 3:15 p.m., “Tesla rear-right contacted front-right of an SUV while Tesla was making right turn, going 2 mph. No police.”

Robotaxi Hurdles

At least one other accident is believed to have occurred in July, but was not reported. Forbes notes that video footage showed one of the robotaxis tires hit the front side of a parked car in a parking lot. It’s unclear why this crash wasn’t listed, but it may have been because it occurred on private property or because the damage was limited to tire marks.

It’s unclear how many miles the cars being used in Tesla’s Austin robotaxi service have racked up, but at the end of July, Elon Musk said they had logged roughly 7,000 miles of testing. To put that into perspective, Waymo’s autonomous vehicles have covered more than 96 million miles since they were introduced several years ago.

Safety figures underline the gap as well. ArsTechnica reports that in Waymo’s first 50 million miles, the company recorded 60 serious accidents that either deployed airbags or caused injuries. Tesla’s record in Austin, while still in its infancy, shows just how steep the learning curve may prove to be.

The Lone Star State, a long-known global energy hub, is emerging as a cleantech capital. A wave of innovation has rolled in, positioning...

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As cars edge closer to taking over more driving duties, the question of how they interact with the people around them becomes increasingly important. Technology may be ready to let drivers take their hands and eyes off the task, but it also raises a new challenge: how does a car signal its intentions to those outside it? In that spirit, Opel has built a Grandland prototype with a lighting system designed to speak directly to pedestrians.

More: Skoda’s Illuminated Grille Shows Pedestrians When It’s Safe To Cross The Road

The test model is equipped with Level 3 driver assistance, which allows the person behind the wheel to disengage under certain conditions. Once the vehicle is in charge, though, a fresh layer of communication is needed to make sure people on the street understand what the car is about to do.

Lights As A Language

The Grandland prototype has been fitted with a new camera system that can detect objects and gestures, combined with an AI-backed “intention prediction” function. This allows it to better recognize real world scenarios like when a pedestrian emerges from parked vehicles or a child steps on the road when chasing a ball.

When operating in Level 3 autonomy (or higher), the SUV’s front and rear indicators shine in cyan. This color was chosen as it is not associated with any other vehicle function. When a pedestrian is detected in the path of the vehicle, it starts braking and the LED headlights change from white to magenta.

Furthermore, a small screen that normally displays Opel’s Blitz emblem shows a warning sign or a pedestrian alongside a halt gesture. When the car has come to standstill, the LEDs turns green and the display shows a walking figure. In more complex situations when the AI algorithm can’t figure out what to do, the driver is prompted to take control of the vehicle.

Rethinking Headlights

Philipp Röckl, Global Lead Lighting at Stellantis, explains the thinking behind the project:

“Headlights clearly play an important part in increasing road safety – but modern lighting systems are capable of so much more. For example, lighting signatures can easily be animated and used for animations. And the illuminated Blitz on the Grandland can be substituted by a display that can both show the illuminated emblem and be used to communicate with other road users and pedestrians. By using existing lighting elements, it makes it easy to add communication features once we will introduce autonomous driving features in our cars”

The Grandland with the unique equipment and lighting features follows a number of prototypes and production vehicles from other brands that examine the same issue.

The model was created in-house in Opel’s Russelsheim headquarters in Germany and was showcased at the International Symposium on Automotive Lighting (ISAL) in Darmstadt. It is the result of a collaboration between the Opel Concept Workshop and students from the TU Darmstadt university.

More: The Stellantis Hot Hatch You’ll Never Buy But Can Still Drive At Home

Stellantis and TU Darmstadt have formed a strategic partnership for joint research into new lighting technologies since 2022. As part of this, the automaker is currently funding three doctoral students at the university’s Department of Electrical Engineering and Information Technology.

On her part, Julisa Le, Stellantis’ Lead Innovation Engineer, said:

“We specifically chose colors that are not already associated with other vehicle functions to avoid misunderstandings. For example, red is intuitively understandable, but it is already used for stop lights or the rear lights of cars. Cyan and magenta have been thoroughly evaluated for perception purposes and are currently not present in any traffic situations. Both ensure clear, unambiguous communication with other road users.”

Opel

In recent years, Chinese carmakers have pushed boundaries not only with cutting-edge in-car tech and advanced powertrains but also with the blistering pace at which they bring new models to market. Yet according to BMW’s development director, Joachim Post, the German brand has now reached a point where it can move even faster than its rivals in China.

The brand’s Neue Klasse transformation is well underway. Not only is this new era bringing with it a radically different design philosophy, but newly launched EVs have a new platform, better motors, and more advanced batteries. As part of its overhaul, BMW is promising to release 40 new models and updates in the next two years.

Faster Than Fast

“Who can do that?,” Post asked while speaking with Handelsblatt. “Our colleagues in China can’t do that either. A single car can always be developed quite quickly. But that wasn’t the approach with the iX3 and the New Class. We have invested a lot of time and energy here to enable a major technology boost for the entire model range. Because we will only be successful if we integrate the technologies now developed into the entire model range.”

Read: Is BMW Teasing The Next i4 With This Mysterious Sedan?

With that foundation laid, the pace is now accelerating. “We can now bring cars onto the market the way you bake pretzels, as they say in Bavaria,” Post said. “Nobody will imitate us so quickly what we plan to do in the next two years. And that’s why I say, what we’re doing now is more than China Speed.”

Earlier this month, Audi said it was going “China speed” with the next-generation TT, announcing that it will hit the market just 30 months after being signed off. Evidently, German manufacturers know they must cut development times if they want to keep up in a rapidly evolving market.

AI In The Workshop

According to Post, one of the reasons BMW will be able to launch more models faster than ever before is because of AI. He explained that the technology “helps us massively,” especially in coding and software development, where tasks that once filled an entire day can now be completed in minutes. Moving forward, development times could be slashed further.

It isn’t just about saving time. According to Post, far fewer people will be needed for each new car. “Only 1,000 people will work on a new car,” he predicted, compared with the significantly larger teams required in the past.

“We’ve needed significantly more manpower in the past,” he said. “Now we can leverage much greater efficiency potential. And AI is helping us massively in this regard, for example, with coding. We’re gaining incredible speed in software development, and with it, we’re gaining additional speed in the entire development process. 

Knowledge That Stays

AI is also helping BMW retain valuable expertise. In the past, when an experienced engineer left the company, much of their know-how left with them. Now, Post explained, BMW can train AI systems to capture and preserve that knowledge, keeping it within the company and reducing the risk of competitors gaining an edge.

More than 115,000 examples of the hugely popular Xiaomi SU7 are being recalled in China due concerns with its driver-assistance systems. The move follows a high-profile crash about six months ago in which three college students were killed when their SU7 struck a concrete divider at 97 km/h (60 mph) while its Navigate on Autopilot system was active.

More: First Fatal Xiaomi SU7 Crash Sparks Questions About Self-Driving Tech And Locked Doors

China’s State Administration for Market Regulation has revealed that the driver-assistance system used by the SU7 has “insufficient recognition capability and may not adequately detect and warn drivers in certain scenarios,” as required by Level 2 or Level 2+ systems. It went on to specify that if the highway pilot assisted driving feature is enabled, it may not provide adequate warnings of performance in extreme scenarios.

Scale of the Recall

A total of 116,887 examples of the SU7 are being recalled, all of which were manufactured between February 2024 and August 2025. This accounts for roughly 38 percent of the 305,055 SU7s that had been sold across China as of July since the car’s early 2024 launch.

Xiaomi has confirmed that the fault will be corrected via an over-the-air software update, avoiding the need for physical servicing.

This recall coincides with the rollout of new safety standards in China for cars equipped with Level 2 driver-assistance systems. These regulations, which set stricter performance requirements, will come into effect in 2027.

Fatal March Crash

The most serious incident linked to the SU7 occurred in March on the Dezhou-Shangrao Expressway. Chinese media reported that at the time, the car was allegedly traveling at 116 km/h (72 mph) with the Navigate on Autopilot engaged.

The system was said to have flagged an “obstacle ahead” and initiated braking while approaching a construction zone. The driver intervened, steering left and applying moderate braking, then gradually turning back to the right. Moments later, the vehicle collided with a concrete divider and caught fire. All three occupants lost their lives.

Read: Chinese Smartphone Giant’s European EV Push Might Spell Trouble For Tesla

“A recall due to a faulty driver-assistance system may deter some Chinese consumers from buying Xiaomi cars,” said Chen Jinzhu, CEO of consultancy Shanghai Mingliang Auto Service, in comments to the South China Morning Post. “But the recall also shows Xiaomi’s commitment and confidence in resolving the issues.”

Katrina Morris has wanted to create an illegal passing public safety announcement involving NASCAR for a long time. It wasn’t until she engaged ROUSH CleanTech that her dream became a reality.

With ROUSH’s connections to and history in professional car racing, Morris, the executive director of Michigan Association for Pupil Transportation, explained that in just a month and a half after starting discussions the PSA was in the can, so to speak. MAPT and ROUSH CleanTech partnered on the campaign, set to air during National School Bus Safety Week on Oct. 20. The video will be sent to all national associations with the hope they share it with local media and post it on social media.

The PSA was filmed on Sept. 10 at the RFK Racing Museum in Concord, North Carolina. Participants of STN EXPO East toured the facility last year. In the video, NASCAR driver Ryan Preece speeds past several situations but tells the camera that even he has time to stop for a school bus.

“I could not have envisioned a better way for this to have happened,” Morris said, adding that if it wasn’t for ROUSH’s participation the video wouldn’t have come together. She noted that ROUSH was already thinking of other drivers to expand to the project with.

“It warms my heart because they’re not just thinking, ‘We did this, so now we’re done,’”  added Morris. “[They] want to expand. What can we do to make this grow? What can we do to help this issue that we’re all having and we’re all facing.”

Morris said she was able to speak with Preece about the dangers of illegal passing and the importance of the message he’s sending to motorists everywhere.

“Children’s lives are in danger every day,” Morris recalled telling Preece. “And he looked at me, and I said see, I got your attention … You guys doing this for us and lending us your voice is hopefully going to help us to get that message out even further.”

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Related: (STN Podcast E267) I Believe in This: Illegal Passing Drops & Michigan Pupil Transportation Leader Speaks
Related: Michigan’s Morris Presented with 2025 Grandolfo Award at STN EXPO
Related: NASDPTS Revises Illegal School Bus Passing Count After California Fixes Error
Related: NHTSA Releases Report on Nationwide Illegal School Bus Passing Laws

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In addition to ROUSH and Blue Bird, which provided the school bus, MAPT obtained sponsorships from the Ohio Association of Pupil Transportation, the School Transportation Association of Indiana, Michigan school bus contractor Dean Transportation, the National School Transportation Association, the National Association of Pupil Transportation, First Light Safety Products, National Association of State Directors of Pupil Transportation Services, BusRight, and Set Seg insurance company. Morris noted all sponsor logos were added to the bottom of the school bus to show appreciation.

“Ensuring the safety of our children is a responsibility we all share,” Todd Mouw, executive vice president of ROUSH CleanTech, said. “For ROUSH CleanTech, being part of this school bus safety campaign is our way of reminding drivers that stopping for a school bus isn’t just the law — it’s a commitment to protecting young lives. Together with NASCAR and Blue Bird, we can broaden our audience reach to spread awareness and make our roads safer for every child.”

Photos of the PSA filming, courtesy of Katrina Morris.

 

The post Michigan Association Films Illegal School Bus Passing PSA with NASCAR’s Preece appeared first on School Transportation News.

Electric motorcycles have so far failed to take-off quite like electric cars, but this doesn’t mean development has stagnated. In fact, the VW Group is testing innovative solid-state battery cells in a specially-equipped Ducati superbike, presented at Munich’s IAA Mobility event. These innovative battery cells don’t just have the potential to shake up the motorcycling industry, but the wider automotive world.

Read: This BMW Might Just Be The Coolest Electric Bike You’ll Never Own

Ducati, which is owned by the VW Group, is the sole supplier of bikes for the MotoE World Championship, which places it at the forefront of the industry. However, its racing bike still cannot match the weight of one of its ICE-powered racing bikes, nor does it offer an adequate amount of range. That’s where solid-state battery cells come in.

A Prototype With A Purpose

An overhauled version of Ducati’s V21L prototype was presented in Germany, now equipped with 980 QSE-5 cells from QuantumScape. These cells use a lithium metal anode and ceramic separator, promising significant improvements in energy density, fast charging capability, safety, and lifecycle over traditional lithium-ion batteries.

Solid-State For Motorcycles And Cars

The Italian bike manufacturer didn’t reveal how much the solid-state battery of the special V21L prototype weighs, nor what kind of range it gives the bike. However, if the setup can be perfected, it could eventually find its way into a road-legal production motorcycle. In the coming months, the solid-state technology will continue to be tested and the bike will hit the track.

“At Ducati, we have a long history of pushing the boundaries of technology to improve the riding experience both on the road and on the racetrack,” said chief executive Claudio Domenicali. “Our pursuit of innovation has allowed us to achieve incredible results, including the record of six consecutive MotoGP Constructors’ titles. The high energy density achieved with solid state technology is a perfect fit for a high-performance vehicle like a sport motorcycle.”

The link with QuantumScape is not new. VW has spent more than a decade working alongside the Californian battery specialist, with the same goal of bringing solid-state cells into road-going cars. The Ducati testbed, then, is not just about motorcycles. It is also a rolling laboratory for the broader push toward next-generation electric mobility.

In addition to building some of China’s most advanced electric cars, Xpeng has been quietly pursuing something far more ambitious: an electric vertical take-off and landing (eVTOL) aircraft. The project has been in development for over a decade, and the company is even constructing a purpose-built factory to produce them.

That long-term vision, however, hit turbulence this week when two of its aircraft reportedly collided and crashed at the Changchun Air Show.

The two aircraft involved in the incident are understood to be the same models designed to fold up and slot into the rear of the six-wheeled Land Aircraft Carrier. Each uses a six-rotor layout with propellers and arms that can fold away, and they are built to operate either under manual control or in autonomous flight mode.

Folding Wings and Six Rotors

It remains unclear whether the test flight was being conducted under manual control or via the autonomous system. What is known is that the accident happened during a rehearsal ahead of the public show’s opening on Friday. One passenger is reported to have been injured, though not seriously, according to Guancha.

Read: Xpeng’s $280,000 AeroHT Mothership Launches 2-Seater Drone From Its Boot

In a statement issued to CNEVPost, Xpeng said that the two aircraft were participating in a formation drill but collided after flying too close to each other. Fortunately, one of the aircraft landed safely, but the other sustained more significant damage and caught fire after it fell from the sky.

Ambitious Production Goals

Despite the setback, Xpeng wants to start production of the six-wheeled AeroHT ‘mothership’ and the eVTOL for paying customers by 2026. Prices will start at approximately 2 million yuan or about $281,000 at current exchange rates, and it’s said that the company has already received thousands of orders for the pricey recreational vehicles. The eVTOL can reportedly operate at up to 500 meters.

Both vehicles will be built at a 180,000-square-meter site in Guangzhou’s Development Zone. The new factory is designed to handle up to 10,000 units per year, underscoring the scale of Xpeng’s ambitions in taking mobility from the road to the sky.

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The post Crop Science Innovation in 2025: The Frontline of Climate Resilience appeared first on Cleantech Group.

Tesla has fought, and consistently won, court battles over its semi-autonomous Autopilot and Full Self-Driving (Supervised). That record changed recently when a Florida jury decided that the EV maker was partially to blame for a crash that ended in a fatality. Now, Elon Musk’s company is pushing for a new trial, arguing the verdict could stifle development of safety technologies.

A Fatal Florida Crash

The case stems from the death of 22-year-old Naibel Benavides Leon, who was killed in 2019 when a 2019 Model S slammed into a parked Chevrolet Tahoe in Miami-Dade county. Her boyfriend, Dillon Angulo, suffered serious injuries.

More: Over 10,000 Owners Sue Tesla Over This Widespread Complaint

The driver, George McGee, admitted he dropped his phone, took his eyes off the road, and believed the car would brake on its own. At the same time, he conceded that he was negligent and placed too much trust in the car.

Jury Finds Tesla Partly Liable

Despite that, a jury found Tesla 33 percent liable, awarding $42.5 million in compensatory damages and a staggering $200 million in punitive damages. Jurors were reportedly swayed by the plaintiffs’ argument that Tesla overstated the capabilities of Autopilot, even as the company repeatedly warned drivers to stay alert and keep their hands on the wheel. According to CarComplaints, Tesla admits that the whole thing was a tragedy but says it was entirely the fault of McGee’s “extraordinary recklessness.”

Tesla Pushes Back

In its filing, the company said “No other car in existence would have stopped when the driver was telling it to ‘go.’” Tesla argued that McGee was “reckless in the extreme by ignoring or overriding every safety feature in his car,” including by pressing the accelerator pedal, which overrides the system’s cruise control and braking functions. There’s no question that this is a sticky situation, but Tesla makes a few interesting points.

“For as long as there have been cars, there have been reckless, self-absorbed drivers like McGee,” Tesla said. “Those drivers should face every legal consequence for their wrongful conduct. Holding Tesla liable for providing drivers with advanced safety features just because a reckless driver overrode them cannot be reconciled with Florida law. That rule would impede the development of safety features, deter progress, and cost lives both now and in the long run.”

The Bigger Question

Ultimately, all of this seems to stem from the nomenclature and advertising of Autopilot. Were it called something else and marketed differently, it would seem more difficult to blame Tesla at all. The automaker is asking the judge to either order a new trial or reduce the damages, a move that will weigh driver responsibility against driver-assistance technology. The outcome could make a huge impact in the future of automakers and their relationship with autonomy.