A Waymo robotaxi rolled into an LAPD arrest as officers yelled.
LAPD said the incident ended quickly without disrupting the arrest.
Waymo called it a learning moment as its testing expands nationwide.
Autonomous driving may have come a long way in the last decade but, apparently, there’s room for improvement. Waymo, one of the leaders in the space, still has some bugs to work out – and one of them is how to handle active crime scenes.
Video from just a few days ago shows one of the firms’ robotaxis casually rolling through an intersection as police with guns drawn attempt to make a felony arrest.
Footage of the incident popped up via content creator Alex Choi. In the video, we see the car turning left at an intersection. Just off the road in the oncoming lane is a parked truck with the driver’s door open. Just to the left of the truck, a suspect is face down on the ground with officers holding him at gunpoint.
Strangely, the robotaxi actually slows down and appears to pause as it passes the suspect. Keep in mind that the car itself was in the line of fire at this point. The video ends after the car has left the scene, while the police move in for the arrest.
Police told NBC that the incident happened around 3:40 a.m. and that officers’ tactics were unchanged by the robotaxi’s interference.
For its part, the company responded that the entire situation lasted just 15 seconds. “Safety is our highest priority at Waymo, both for people who choose to ride with us and with whom we share the streets,” a spokesperson said.
“When we encounter unusual events like this one, we learn from them as we continue improving road safety and operating in dynamic cities.”
The company has logged more than 100 million miles of autonomous driving as of mid-2025 and boasts a strong safety record, but it hasn’t been immune from oddities and public-relations headaches.
Earlier this year, pranksters redirected 50 Waymos to the same San Francisco intersection, gridlocking traffic. In a separate incident, five Waymo vehicles were set ablaze during protests in Los Angeles.
The plan? At dusk, 50 people went to San Francisco's longest dead-end street and all ordered a Waymo at the same time.
Nio EC6 hit a concrete barrier in Shanghai and split through the rear.
Driver and passenger escaped without injuries after the violent impact.
Battery pack survived the crash and avoided any fire or thermal issues.
All too often, we read about EVs catching fire after relatively minor accidents, and in some cases, occupants were trapped inside. This story is a little different though, as a Nio EC6 was recently destroyed in a crash in China, but remarkably didn’t catch fire despite almost completely splitting in two.
This incident happened in Shanghai on Monday. It’s understood that the light pink-colored EC6 hit a concrete crash barrier side-on after cutting in front of another vehicle, causing it to clip the rear of the Nio.
Local reports suggest that the top edge of the barrow, approximately 120 mm (4.7 inches) wide, applied an extraordinary amount of pressure on the C-pillar and the area of the floor.
This force caused a split through the rear of the car. Remarkably, the driver and passenger of the Nio were not injured in the crash. Additionally, the battery pack wasn’t severely damaged and did not catch fire.
According to a statement released by Nio, immediately after the crash, the vehicle’s onboard safety systems reported the accident. Nio staff were alerted to the impact and quickly responded to the scene, helping the occupants receive medical treatment.
Perhaps in a thinly-veiled dig at Tesla, Nio says that the EV’s doors immediately unlocked after the collision, allowing the driver and passenger to free themselves.
Weibo
The car manufacturer also confirmed that the EC6’s driving assistance system was not enabled at the time.
The Nio EC6 was first unveiled in late 2019 before being thoroughly updated in February 2023. The example involved in this crash was one of the facelifted models.
It’s available with either a 75 kWh or 100 kWh battery pack and sold exclusively in dual-motor guise, producing a combined 483 hp and 516 lb-ft (700 Nm) of torque.
Influencers tore apart a Jeep Recon interior at the LA Auto Show.
Stellantis called the act destructive, citing a pre-production model.
The viral TikTok drew over 1.1 million views and 2,300 comments.
Stellantis has publicly condemned two influencers after a viral video showed them dismantling parts of the new fully-electric Jeep Recon during the 2025 Los Angeles Auto Show. The clip, which spread quickly across social media, reopened the debate over how pre-production prototypes ought to be treated at auto shows.
The automaker explained that the show car mocked for its poor build quality was a hand-assembled pre-production prototype, not the finished model, describing the creators’ actions as “destructive.”
Online Outrage or Honest Critique?
The viral video, posted by an LA-based channel called “The Middle Lane,” has drawn more than 1.1 million views and 2,300 comments on TikTok since November 22. It reportedly appeared on YouTube and Instagram as well, though it has since been removed from both platforms.
The creators blasted the build quality of the latest Jeep, saying they expected better fit and finish for a vehicle with an MSRP of $65,000. They are shown removing and then reattaching plastic pieces from the Recon’s interior, including trim around the center console and above the digital instrument cluster.
They also zoom in on uneven gaps between materials on the door panels and wiggle the infotainment screen and passenger grab handle, saying they were simulating “off-road use.”
In response, Stellantis released a statement: “The vehicle in question is a preproduction show car, built exclusively for reveals and events to highlight the design inspiration for the final product. These prototype units are typically hand-built and not intended to demonstrate final production, durability, quality, or integrity of materials.”
Kaileen Connelly, Senior Vice President of North America Communications at Stellantis, added in an email to the Detroit Free Press: “The actions taken to disassemble the all-new Jeep Recon on display at the LA Auto Show were both destructive and unprofessional.”
What the Creators Say
The Detroit Free Press later spoke with Luke Miani, founder of “The Middle Lane,” who said they were surprised by the video’s reach and the conversation it triggered. According to Miani, their intention had simply been to share “thoughts on many different cars.”
Addressing Stellantis’ statement, he explained, “I want to push back on the claims of ‘destructive’ conduct as the video clearly shows the clips holding certain interior parts together were loose and the parts easily pop out by hand without damage.”
He added that he looks forward to seeing the production version of the Recon, hoping that “the build quality is indeed improved.”
How the Public Reacted
Reaction online has been mixed. Some commenters expressed disappointment with what they perceived as poor craftsmanship, placing blame on Stellantis. Others defended the automaker, noting that the vehicle was a pre-production demo unit brought to LA for the show and never intended for close physical inspection.
The story also gained traction on Reddit, where many users criticized the influencers for “unprofessionalism,” while others argued that automakers should be more discerning about who gets access to display cars.
One self-identified “interior trim engineer” commented that building pre-production models is “way different” from production, describing a process where “employees are working on a table with a drill and some screws” long before an assembly line is operational.
The electric 2026 Jeep Recon is scheduled to enter production in early 2026 at Stellantis’ Toluca plant in Mexico. Initial deliveries in North America are expected shortly after, with global rollout planned for the final quarter of the year. The first version, a Moab trim exclusive to the US and Canada, will start at $65,000, with more affordable variants to follow
Ford CEO Jim Farley has hinted at a new electric sedan.
High-performance model could ride on a new EV platform.
The executive believes there’s still a huge market for sedans.
Ford’s future product roadmap has gotten messy as the company has killed or delayed a number of upcoming models. Most of these have been fully electric as the automaker axed their three-row EVs and recently halted F-150 Lightning production – at least temporarily.
Amid this chaos, Ford isn’t throwing in the towel on EVs. Quite the opposite as the company is working on a mid-size truck that will be launched in 2027 and ride on the all-new Universal EV Platform. The latter will eventually underpin a “family of affordable vehicles.”
That family could include a rear-wheel drive, high-performance sedan that would be affordable. Ford CEO Jim Farley hinted at the car in a recently posted video, which was taken a few months ago at Monterey Car Week.
Return of the Sedan?
The executive didn’t say much about it, but implied the mysterious model has a clean silhouette as well as a “cool closure” system in the back, which enables it to carry a lot of stuff. This suggests the car could be a liftback sedan, which would broaden its appeal in the crossover era.
Little else is known about the vehicle, but Ford has been hinting at a Mustang sedan since 2022. The company also reportedly showed dealers a rendering in 2024 and this could presumably be what Farley is talking about.
While that remains unclear, the executive said “There’s definitely a market for sedans, a huge market.” However, he said their previous generations of sedans failed in America because they were built on European platforms to European standards. This resulted in expensive cars, which cost the company a lot of money.
Fusion Died So Bronco and Maverick Could Live
Farley went on to point out that the Bronco and Maverick never would have happened if they continued making the Fusion. As he explained, they took the money from cars to invest it elsewhere. This has proven to be a wise move and Ford has focused on the “sweet zone” with Broncos, Mustangs, and Raptors.
Elsewhere in the interview, Farley shared praise for the Xiaomi SU7. He also talked about his dream of doing an off-road supercar.
We’ve covered the latter before, but in this interview he described it as a WRC [World Rally Championship] car for four people as well as something like a Raptor R without a pickup bed. He went on to say the model would be partially electric and have 1,000 hp (746 kW / 1,014 PS).
Of course, it’s all just a lot of talk at this point and Ford has been having problems executing their vision. Besides botched EV plans in America, the company’s European turnaround has stumbled with rebadged VWs. This is on top of 138 recalls and counting.
Malaysia’s first locally developed EV starts from $19,400.
Buyers must lease the 52.5-kWh battery for nine years.
Electric motor makes 201 hp with 277 miles of range.
Malaysian automaker Perodua has taken its first serious step into electrification with the launch of the QV-E, short for Quest for Visionary Electric Vehicle.
This subcompact crossover marks the brand’s first zero-emission model and comes with a subscription-based battery plan that trims the headline price, though it’s a hollow saving since you can’t drive an electric car without the very component you’re leasing.
The QV-E also holds a unique distinction as Malaysia’s first domestically developed electric car. Rival Proton’s e.MAS 7 SUV and e.MAS 5 hatchback are rebadged versions of Geely models, while Perodua has invested heavily in building something original. Development began in 2023, with research and engineering work totaling 800 million ringgit (around $194 million).
Everything started with a scale model of the EMO (Electric Motion Online) concept in May 2023, followed by the EMO-I hatchback mule a year later and the EMO-II crossover concept that surfaced in December 2024. By May 2025, the design had matured into a running prototype, giving the public its first clear look at what would eventually become the production QV-E.
Compact Footprint, Coupe-SUV Looks
Perodua
At 4,170 mm (164.2 inches) long and sitting on a 2,680 mm (105.5-inch) wheelbase, the QV-E blends compact dimensions with a sport-leaning stance. Its front end features sharp split LED headlights, a contoured hood, and muscular fenders.
The silhouette bears some resemblance to the previous-generation Toyota C-HR and the current Nissan Juke, particularly around the windowline. The front door handles are flush with the bodywork, while the rear ones are hidden on the C-pillars.
Moving to the rear, the sloping roof meets a full-width light bar and integrated diffuser. The crossover rolls on 18-inch alloy wheels and comes in only two shades for now: Ice Blue and Caviar Gray.
Plain Interior
Inside, the dashboard plays it safe, leaning more toward functional than inspiring. A pair of 10.25-inch screens, one for infotainment, the other for instruments, cover the basics without breaking new ground.
The floating center console, ambient lighting, and aluminum-look trim do their best to lift the mood, though the overall impression still feels more cost-conscious than cutting-edge. Safety is well covered with six airbags and a full ADAS suite.
A Single Powertrain Option
The Perodua QV-E sits on a modular platform developed with assistance from Magna Steyr. Power comes from a single electric motor rated at 201 hp (150 kW / 204 PS) and 285 Nm (210 lb-ft) of torque, driving the front wheels for a 0–100 km/h (0–62 mph) time of 7.5 seconds.
The lithium iron phosphate battery, supplied by China’s CATL, has a capacity of 52.5 kWh and claims up to 445 km (276 miles) of range under the optimistic NEDC cycle. The catch, of course, is that this essential piece of hardware isn’t actually included in the car’s price.
Buy The Car, Lease The Battery
The Perodua QV-E starts from 80,000 ringgit (equal to $19,400 at current exchange rates), but owners will have to pay an additional 275 ringgit ($67) per month for the battery as part of a nine-year lease contract.
Perodua CEO Zainal Abidin Ahmad says the Battery-as-a-Service (BaaS) model ensures “a lifetime guarantee on the battery for our customers’ peace of mind,” calling it a way to reduce ownership anxiety often tied to electric vehicles.
Production is set to take place locally in Malaysia, starting with 500 units per month before ramping up to 3,000 by the third quarter of 2026. Bloomberg reports that Perodua aims for 50 percent local parts content by early 2026, rising to 70 percent by 2030.
Electric vehicle adoption in Malaysia continues to gather pace, with the government targeting EVs to make up 15 percent of new car sales by the end of the decade.
Hyundai Ioniq 5 owner faces $12K bill after bottle spilled water.
Company denied warranty, citing damage from an external factor.
State Farm also refused coverage, claiming gradual wiring corrosion.
Most drivers think spilling a bottle of water in their car is annoying at worst. Maybe you get a damp carpet and some condensation on your windows. Maybe your floor mats start to smell like a gym bag.
What you probably do not expect is a repair bill that costs more than a used Honda Civic. But that’s exactly what happened to one Hyundai driver.
Mike McCormick was driving his Ioniq 5 on the freeway in Florida when a traffic snarl-up ahead forced him to hit the brakes. That move sent a water bottle in one of the rear cupholders flying forward and eventually to the floor, where its contents found their way into some wiring harness connectors, though it’s not clear if the bottle’s cap was on, off or somewhere in between at the time.
Within a few minutes of the water bottle performing its base jump, McCormick noticed various warning lights come up on the dash. Then the turn signals stopped working and by the time he got home he couldn’t shut the car off.
How One Bottle Became a Bill
After inspecting the two-year-old EV, a Hyundai dealer told him the underfloor and under-seat wiring harnesses would both have to be replaced. Annoying, but how much could a few wires cost, right? The answer is a whole lot, as the bill ballooned to a crazy $11,882.08.
And according to the company, the damage was caused by an “external factor,” and not a factory defect, meaning McCormick was on the hook for the whole repair cost.
Okay, you’re thinking, go to plan B: insurance. He tried that too, and State Farm denied his claim, suggesting that its investigation showed the damage to the wiring harness had occurred over time, rather than as a result of the one water bottle spill. Talk about rock and a hard place.
Why So Fragile?
WFTV Channel 9’s report on the story highlighted the vulnerability of the Ioniq 5’s wiring harness below the Ioniq 5’s seat by referencing another owner who was left with a five figure bill for new harnesses after a dealer found his had frayed.
And that’s not the only unexpected bill some of the EV drivers have come across. If you want to replace your own brake pads on the sporty Ioniq 5 N, maybe after a track day, you need access to special software and tools that can cost thousands of dollars. Some owners suggest cheaper unofficial workarounds, but those come with inherit risks, including the possibility of voiding your warranty or creating even costlier problems if anything goes wrong.
Do you think Hyundai or the insurance company should pay for the repairs to McCormick’s EV, or is it right that he’s being forced to foot the bill? Leave a comment and let us know.
Mahindra BE6 Formula E Edition debuts with extensive styling updates.
Redesign adds new bumpers, lights, cladding, and revised skid plates.
Formula E-themed cabin adds flair but no performance or chassis gains.
Mahindra has rolled out a fresh take on its BE6 electric SUV, arriving a year after the model’s debut in India. This new BE6 Formula E Edition celebrates the brand’s ongoing presence in the FIA Formula E championship, carrying a range of design tweaks.
When most carmakers release a special edition, the updates stop at paint colors, wheels, or graphics. Mahindra went a step further, reshaping parts of the body to make the BE6 Formula E Edition stand out for more than its decals.
What Sets It Apart?
The BE6 Formula E Edition features a distinct front bumper framed by round LED headlights and sharply contoured detailing. A new skid plate and a generous spread of dark liquid metal cladding make it look more like a dune-conquering rally car than a formula-inspired build.
The rear bumper has also been redesigned, joined by a double spoiler. Furthermore, the vertical LEDs have been blocked for a cleaner look.
The SUV sits on new 20-inch alloy wheels, though Mahindra also offers the familiar 19-inch set from the standard BE6. Along the profile, the glass roof and pillars wear racing-inspired graphics that contrast neatly with the four body colors on offer: Everest White, Firestorm Orange, Tango Red, and Stealth Black
The fully electric SUV has also gained Formula E badges on the front fenders and special branding on the windshield. The cabin combines black upholstery with Firestorm Orange inserts, FIA-branded seat belts and plaque, the Formula E logo on the dashboard, and a custom startup animation.
Equipment is generous, with a standard digital cockpit, dual wireless charging, a Harman Kardon audio system, and an ADAS suite.
Performance And Range
The Formula E special doesn’t get any performance upgrades over the high-spec BE6. The rear-mounted electric motor produces 282 hp (210 kW / 286 PS) and 380 Nm (280.3 lb-ft) of torque, sending the SUV from 0 to 100 km/h (62 mph) in 6.7 seconds and on to a 202 km/h (126 mph) top speed. A 79 kWh battery provides an estimated 500 km (311 miles) of real-world range.
The top FE3 trim adds adaptive suspension as standard, making it the most sophisticated version yet.
Pricing
Mahindra prices the BE6 Formula E Edition from ₹23.69 lakh ($26,500) for the FE2 and ₹24.49 lakh ($27,400) for the fully equipped FE3. Unlike the limited-run Batman Edition, this one will be widely available, though still exclusive to India. Orders open on January 14, with first deliveries due by February 14, 2026.
For younger fans, Mahindra even plans a BE6 Formula E Ride-On toddler car, arriving in April 2026 for ₹18,000 ($200).
Mahindra has competed in Formula E since the series began in 2014, claiming five victories and 29 podiums to date. While a championship title remains elusive, the team’s consistency has secured its place on the grid for the next era of the sport, continuing into the GEN4 generation for the 2026–2027 season
MEVCO’s Rivian R1T trucks will be auctioned in Australia after bankruptcy.
Some models were modified for mining, adding bull bars and extra gear.
Left-hand-drive Rivians can’t be legally registered for Australian roads.
Australia has long been a stronghold for pickup trucks, but Rivian’s all-electric lineup remains out of reach for local buyers. For now, at least. Without any right-hand-drive models in its range, the American EV maker hasn’t officially broken into the Australian market.
That could shift in a roundabout fashion, courtesy of a batch of Rivian R1T trucks that ended up stranded Down Under. They might soon be offered to the public. Just one small hitch; you can’t legally drive them on the road, which tends to put a dent in the whole ownership experience.
How Did They Get Here?
So, how did a bunch of Rivianland in Australia in the first place? The short answer is MEVCO, a Perth-based startup launched in 2022 with plans to supply fully electric light commercial vehicles to the mining sector.
The company purchased 13 Rivian R1Ts in 2024 for local trials, alongside three electric Toyota Hilux utes converted by SEA Electric. But MEVCO’s ambitions didn’t last. After struggling to raise funds and drowning in debt, the company collapsed into administration in September 2025.
As part of the liquidation, the entire fleet is now heading to auction. The Rivians will be sold through Grays Auctions in Western Australia, giving local EV enthusiasts a rare chance to pick up one of the U.S.-built trucks, if they can live with some serious restrictions.
Can You Actually Use One?
MEVCO via Drive.com.au
Under Australian law, left-hand-drive vehicles can only be registered for road use if they’re over 30 years old. There are limited exemptions for rare imports, but as these Rivians are mass-produced, they likely won’t qualify.
That means buyers will be confined to using them on private property, think farms, mine sites, remote tracks, or driveways outside the public road network.
Technically, converting them to right-hand drive could make them street legal, but that’s not a cheap process.
As reported by Australian outlet Drive.com.au, which broke the story, the Rivians will go under the hammer in Western Australia through Grays Auctions.
The Rivians in MEVCO’s fleet are second-generation models equipped with dual electric motors, with several adapted for use in Australian mining operations.
Press photos show a range of added gear, including a bull bar, sports bar, Kevlar underbody protection, wiring harnesses for auxiliary equipment, and a custom sliding drawer mounted behind the cabin.
Michael Fernandes, State Operations Manager for Grays Auctions in WA, told Drive.com.au, “We’re currently working closely with the administrator and completing our legal and compliance due diligence to ensure that when these vehicles hit the open market, ownership will pass to buyers as smoothly as these vehicles drive.”
He added that more details about the auction sale would be made available once the formal process allows.
Sierra returns to India with a design flair worthy of a Land Rover.
Production model keeps the concept’s styling and tech-filled cab
Launches with gas and diesel engines, with EV and hybrid to follow.
Tata has re-entered the Indian SUV segment with the comeback of the Sierra, reviving a nameplate that has been absent for more than two decades. The reborn Sierra arrives with near concept-car styling, modern technology, and a price tag that feels shockingly affordable for what it offers.
The new Sierra first appeared as a concept in 2023, and the production version remains remarkably faithful to that design. Its squared-off silhouette and rugged stance lend it Land Rover vibes, a detail made all the more interesting given Tata’s ownership of JLR.
Premium Looks
The strong B-pillar and wraparound rear glass nod to the original three-door Sierra of 1991, which stayed in production until 2003. Those retro cues meet contemporary details like glossy black cladding, aluminum-effect skid plates, sculpted rear haunches, and an upright tail capped with full-width LEDs.
Base models sit on 17-inch steel wheels, while top trims roll on 19-inch alloys with a more polished look. The overall design wouldn’t feel out of place alongside a modern-day Freelander or even a compact Defender.
Tata has also given us a glimpse of the upcoming Sierra EV that stands out thanks to a Tesla-like full-width LED bar and a grille-less look for the redesigned front bumper.
The Sierra measures 4,340 mm in length, 1,841 mm in width, and 1,715 mm in height, with a 2,730 mm wheelbase and 205 mm of ground clearance. That footprint plants it squarely among rivals such as the Hyundai Creta, Kia Seltos, Honda Elevate, Suzuki Grand Vitara / Victoris, Toyota Urban Cruiser Hyryder, Skoda Kushaq, and VW Taigun.
High-Tech Interior
Step inside and the Sierra greets you with a triple-screen setup: a 10.25-inch digital cluster, a 12.3-inch infotainment screen, and a matching 12.3-inch passenger display.
The options list runs deep, including a 12-speaker JBL system with a dashboard sound bar, ambient lighting, dual-zone climate control, wireless charging, ventilated seats, and what Tata calls the largest panoramic sunroof in its class.
Tata promises a roomy and comfortable five-seat cabin, finished with soft-touch materials and offering a 622-litre (22-cubic-foot) boot. The company has also placed strong emphasis on safety, even showcasing a crash test that recreated a vehicle-to-vehicle impact. Standard equipment includes six airbags and an ADAS suite with Level 2+ autonomous features.
Flexible Underpinnings
The Sierra rides on Tata’s new ARGOS platform (All-Terrain Ready, Omni-Energy, and Geometry Scalable architecture), designed to support multiple powertrain types.
At launch, the Sierra will be available with a naturally-aspirated 1.5-liter gasoline engine producing 105 hp (78 kW / 106 PS), a turbocharged 1.5-liter with 158 hp (118 kW / 160 PS), and a 1.5-liter turbodiesel with 116 hp (87 kW / 118 PS).
Transmission choices include a six-speed manual, a seven-speed dual-clutch, or a six-speed automatic. All versions are front-wheel drive for now, with selectable terrain modes, but all-wheel drive is planned. Later on, the lineup will expand to include fully electric, hybrid, and CNG options.
Priced To Sell
And that brings us to price, arguably the Sierra’s biggest talking point. Tata has announced a starting figure of ₹11.49 lakh (around $12,800 or about what you’d pay for a bespoke color at Range Rover), which positions it as strong value in its class.
Even so, it lands just above the Hyundai Creta, priced from ₹10.72 lakh ($12,100), which continues to dominate India’s SUV charts.
Orders for the Sierra open on December 16, with deliveries beginning January 16. For now, Tata says the model will be sold exclusively in India, with no export plans on the table.
The road version of AMG’s GT XX concept should make around 1,000 hp.
AMG’s Taycan and e-tron GT rival includes a realistic fake ICE soundtrack.
George Russell showed its drifting skills and sleek lines in a promo video.
Mercedes-AMG is steadily advancing development of its long-awaited all-electric GT 4 Door Coupe, and to give the project some star-powered visibility, it has enlisted Hollywood heavyweight Brad Pitt.
Fresh from his work on the upcoming Formula 1 film, Pitt made an appearance in Las Vegas during last weekend’s Grand Prix, where he took center stage in a new promotional push for the car.
The German brand brought along a lightly-disguised prototype of the new AMG GT 4 Door Coupe to Sin City, offering Mercedes F1 driver George Russell the chance to drive it down the Strip. The same car was also used in a commercial filmed with Pitt and Russell that highlights some of the car’s performance prowess.
In the video, Brad Pitt rocks up at a valet counter to pick up the keys to his ride, which is the camouflage prototype. The valet worker calls on the driver, none other than Russell himself, to bring the car up to Pitt.
In the process, Russell performs some epic burnouts and drifts through the hotel’s underground car park before bringing it up to the hotel’s entrance and handing it over to Pitt.
What Powers It?
The car featured is the road-going version of the AMG GT XX prototype that was unveiled earlier this year. Like that car, the production model has a sleek design that should nicely position it as a rival to the Porsche Taycan and Audi RS e-tron GT.
While the idea of an all-electric sedan from AMG will no doubt upset some purists, it’s clear the carmaker is eager to ensure it is fun to drive and provides more than enough driving thrills.
Underpinning the new AMG GT 4 Door Coupe is the AMG-EA platform using aluminum, steel and lightweight fiber composites in its construction. Like the concept, it should use a trio of axial flux motors combining to pump out upwards of 1,000 hp.
Lawsuit claims Model 3 doors failed to open after a fiery crash.
Witnesses tried rescuing the couple but couldn’t open the doors.
Complaint says Tesla sold cars with faulty door handle designs.
Another day brings another legal challenge for Tesla, this time centered on a tragic crash that once again raises questions about the company’s design choices.
The latest lawsuit claims that the electrically operated door handles of a 2018 Model 3 failed to function after a collision and subsequent fire, trapping one of the occupants inside and leading to her death.
It marks yet another serious concern for Tesla, one that could prove costly and push the automaker to reexamine how its vehicles handle emergency situations, particularly when power is lost.
Door Handles Under Scrutiny
Filed last week in the U.S. District Court for the Western District of Washington, the complaint outlines a sequence of events. On January 7, 2023, Jeffrey Dennis was driving his Tesla Model 3 with his wife in Tacoma, Washington, when the car reportedly accelerated suddenly and struck a utility pole at the corner of South 56th and South Washington Streets.
Shortly after impact, the EV caught fire. It’s alleged that several witnesses tried to open the Tesla’s doors to rescue the couple, but were unable to do so because they failed to operate without battery power. The lawsuit says that some witnesses even tried to break the Model 3’s windows with a baseball bat, but it also failed.
First responders eventually managed to extract the pair, though Wendy Dennis succumbed to her injuries at the scene. Jeffrey Dennis suffered severe burns to his legs.
The complaint says the Model 3 has a “unique and defective door handle design” that prevented rescuers from freeing the couple. It is also alleged that Tesla knew about the defect with the door handle but failed to address it, and continued to market and sell the popular EV.
The lawsuit doesn’t stop at the door handles. It also claims that Tesla’s Automatic Emergency Braking system failed to activate as the vehicle sped toward the utility pole. In addition, it accuses the company of using “a highly explosive battery chemistry” despite the existence of safer, more practical, and less costly alternatives.
Jeffrey Dennis is seeking financial relief for the wrongful death of his wife and his long-term injuries, as well as compensatory damages and punitive damages under California law.
RDW denies Tesla’s claim it committed to approving FSD by February.
Tesla urged fans to contact the regulator, sparking a backlash online.
Experts warn such tactics risk undermining regulatory independence.
Tesla took to X over the weekend to announce that Dutch automotive safety regulator RDW had committed to approving its Full Self-Driving (Supervised) system in February 2026. As it turns out, Elon Musk’s company jumped the gun, and the agency made no such commitment.
The claim sparked quick clarification from the regulator and a flurry of online chatter about Tesla’s ongoing bid to expand FSD beyond American roads.
While Tesla has been offering its Full Self-Driving system in the United States for years, it hasn’t been able to do the same in Europe.
Europe’s Roadblock
According to the carmaker, it has already provided FSD demonstrations “to regulators of almost every EU country” and believes the most effective path to rolling out the system across the continent is through the RDW, with the goal of securing an exemption for the feature.
In its X post, Tesla Europe & Middle East proclaimed that “RDW has committed to granting Netherlands National approval in February 2026.” The company even urged followers to contact the regulator directly to “express your excitement & thank them for making this happen as soon as possible.”
However, the regulator quickly pushed back. In a statement published on its website, the regulator explained that it expects Tesla to demonstrate FSD next February, but it denied making any commitment to approval.
Tesla has been working hard toward shipping Full Self-Driving (Supervised) in Europe for over 12 months now. We have given FSD demos to regulators of almost every EU country. We have requested early access, pilot release programs or exemptions where possible.
“We do not share details about ongoing applications from manufacturers, as this concerns commercially sensitive information,” it wrote. “Both RDW and Tesla are aware of the efforts needed to reach a decision on this matter in February. Whether this timeline will be met is yet to be determined in the coming period.”
Regulator Grows Tired of Tesla Fans’ Calls
The regulatory agency also asked Tesla’s fans to stop contacting it about FSD, noting that “it takes up unnecessary time for our customer service,” adding “this will have no impact whatsoever on whether or not the schedule will be met.”
Recently, Tesla boss Elon Musk said, “pressure from our customers in Europe to push the regulators to approve would be appreciated.”
Speaking with Bloomberg, the head of safe autonomy at the University of Warwick, Siddartha Khastgir, said it’s unusual to see a carmaker attempting to pressure the RDW.
“An approval process of an automated driving system is a deeply technical one to ensure the safety of the public,” he explained. “The sanctity of any such approvals is ensured by its independence and rigor, not force. While public sentiment is important for all authorities, this shouldn’t undermine the rigor of the approval process.”
The Iron humanoid robot walks and talks almost exactly like a human.
Xpeng believes the robot market is far bigger than the car market.
Other Chinese brands like BYD, Nio, and Chery are developing robots.
You might assume that Tesla has the humanoid robot stage to itself, but several Chinese automakers are also sprinting toward the same goal. Among them, EV startup Xpeng is taking the lead, planning to start production of its humanoid robot in late 2026 with ambitions to sell millions of them around the globe.
Over the past several years, Xpeng’s flagship robot has progressed from an autonomous dog similar to what Boston Dynamics pioneered, and has now entered its seventh generation and morphed into Iron, a humanoid robot very similar to the Tesla Bot.
Iron runs on Xpeng’s in-house Vision-Language-Action 2.0 AI model and made its debut at a lavish launch event in China.
In a rather theatrical move, Xpeng silenced skeptics who suggested the figure on stage was a person in disguise. After clips of Iron walking in a pristine white suit spread online, rumors surfaced that it was simply a performer inside the shell.
To dispel any doubt, Xpeng brought Iron out onto the stage and proceeded to cut open the robot’s leg, revealing the mechanical components found within.
The Robot Potential
Xpeng chief executive and co-founder He Xiaopeng believes that producing humanoid robots like Iron will eventually come down to the same cost as manufacturing cars. He also sees “the market potential for robots is greater than that for cars”, revealing that the robot will be present in Xpeng stores, office parks, and factories by the end of next year.
According to JPMorgan, Xpeng’s next big leap in 2026–27 depends on how well its wider AI empire comes together, a mix of robotaxis, humanoid robots, and even flying cars. The American bank’s report predicts the robotaxi arm alone could add between US$6 billion and US$19 billion in value by 2035, while the humanoid side might deliver as much as US$24 billion by 2027, assuming all those timelines hold.
It’s not just Xpeng diving headfirst into robotics.
Who Else Is Building?
As reported by the South China Morning Post, Chery is collaborating with AI developer Aimoga on a humanoid robot called Mornine. Meanwhile, BYD, GAC, and Seres are pouring millions into robotic projects of their own, and Nio has announced plans for a robotic dog
Across China, more than two million robots are estimated to be already operate in factories, and that figure is set to keep climbing as automation becomes a cornerstone of industrial strategy.
Hollywood rarely if ever does justice to the school bus industry. Movies and television often push the stereotypes of child-hating, curmudgeons behind the wheel. While this stereotype was largely absent in “The Lost Bus,” streaming on Apple TV, the film portrayed driving a school bus as a dead-end job. It is based on a true story, but the real-life details paint a more complete picture.
Matthew McConaughey stars as Kevin McKay, a school bus driver for Paradise Unified School District in Northern California, who saved a bus load of students and their two teachers (not one, like the movie portrays) from an elementary school that was in the path of the tragic 2018 Camp Fire—to date the deadliest wildfire in state history. McConaughey is a great actor, but from what I’ve read about McKay, the character doesn’t quite match the man.
I reached out to McKay for this column and never received a response. Still, I read that he was a consultant for the film. McKay is portrayed as down-on-his luck, barely able to rub two pennies together, divorced, caring for his ill mother, and at odds with his teenage son. The character is more concerned with getting additional hours than getting his bus back to the garage for a scheduled PM with the head mechanic. He nods in acknowledgement to his students as they board, but he appears distracted.
Journalist Lizzie Johnson, author of “Paradise: One Town’s Struggle to Survive An American Wildfire,” tells the full story. McKay was a former local high school football star who had a daughter as a teenager. His promising sports and academic careers derailed but he managed to carve out a successful stint as a manager of a Walgreen’s and later as a pharmacy technician, only to grow discouraged and quit after watching the opioid epidemic explode.
He returned to school—yes, like in the movie his beloved dog died, not long after his father succumbed to cancer—with the hope of becoming a teacher. The Paradise Unified poster seeking school bus drivers looked to be a perfect fit for his class schedule. He was also used to long commutes around Northern California visiting Walgreen’s stores.
Johnson’s book recounts the district’s hiring board asking McKay why he wanted the job. He discussed, Karen, his middle school bus driver in Paradise, who was always armed with a smile, an encouraging word and a bag of chocolate at Christmas. He left the officials in tears, as Karen had recently retired and they were planning on having lunch with her later in the day.
Johnson’s book portrays McKay as a caring, attentive driver, emulating Karen the best he could. That Kevin McKay was absent from “The Lost Bus.” By and large, school bus drivers are some of the most caring, dedicated and passionate people you’ll meet. Many of them climb the career ladder into administrative jobs. I know plenty of transportation directors who started in the industry behind the wheel.
I’ve read many opinions on social media from student transporters on “The Lost Bus.” The movie can’t be viewed through a lens of accuracy when it comes to student transportation operations. No audience is going to sit through a 30-minute scene of a pre-trip inspection. Transportation operations at Paradise Unified are also depicted as chaotic and unorganized. Actress Ashlie Atkinson plays “Ruby,” a nod to real-life Director of Transportation Rubina Hartwig.
I contacted Hartwig to get her perspective of the storyline. She also did not respond, but several years ago she told me the entire experience was too traumatic for her to speak publicly about. Completely understandable. She did attend the movie premiere in September along with McKay, his son, and teacher Mary Ludwig, played by actress America Ferrera. (The other teacher on board the real lost bus declined to be a part of the film.) The Paradise Unified superintendent’s office did tell me the district played no role in production and producers never reached out.
In the end, while biographical, “The Lost Bus” is a thrilling ride that relies on the imagination. Filmmaker Paul Greengrass told People magazine some moments were “either exaggerated or collapsed.” McKay added he shared his perspective and some of that made it into the film. McConaughey has said he used some aspects of McKay’s story but made the character his own. The realism in “The Lost Bus” is the overall theme of ordinary people doing extraordinary things. What the viewing public needs to realize is school bus drivers perform extraordinary acts multiple times a day for the entire school year. Those instances simply don’t make the news or a Hollywood movie.
Editor’s Note: As reprinted from the November 2025 issue of School Transportation News.
Ford’s new Bronco Basecamp starts at just over $32,000 in China.
The electric model delivers 445 hp and up to 404 miles of range.
A range-extended version offers 758 miles of total driving range.
Shortly after introducing range-extended and fully electric versions of the Bronco Basecamp in China, Ford opened the order books for its newest off-road offering. While most eyes may still be on the familiar Bronco lineup in the West, this China-market version makes a strong case of its own.
As we’ve come to expect from pretty much all new cars sold in China, the electrified Bronco is affordable by Western standards and is bound to make some US buyers feel stewing.
Although it bears more than a passing resemblance to a scaled-up and refreshed Bronco Sport, the Basecamp wasn’t drawn from the same blueprint. Instead, it was developed through Ford’s joint venture with Jiangling Motors Corporation (JMC), which has increasingly become the brand’s partner of choice for locally tailored models.
Ford’s foothold in China has eroded significantly over the past decade, with annual sales dropping from over 1.2 million units in 2014 to fewer than 200,000 last year. A model like this, combining familiar design cues with drivetrain options built to local tastes, might just help reverse that disastrous slide.
What Do You Get For The Money?
Ford has confirmed the new Bronco Basecamp will start at 229,800 yuan ($32,300), topping out at 282,800 yuan ($39,800). That pricing roughly mirrors the smaller Bronco Sport sold in the US, which starts at $31,695 and tops out at $40,115 before delivery charges and taxes. But in China, buyers get significantly more than just a roomier body.
Where the American Bronco Sport comes with either a 1.5-liter turbo three-cylinder or a 2.0-liter turbo four, the Basecamp goes fully electric with a 105.4 kWh battery and twin motors generating 445 hp. On a full charge, it’s rated for up to 404 miles (650 km).
Then there’s the range-extender version. This alternative setup pairs a 1.5-liter turbocharged engine with dual electric motors and a 43.7 kWh battery pack. The result is 416 hp and a claimed 137 miles (220 km) of electric-only range. Thanks to the engine topping up the battery as needed, total driving range stretches to 758 miles (1,220 km) on China’s optimistic CLTC cycle.
Longer, Wider, Better?
The new SUV shares its 116.1-inch (2,950 mm) wheelbase with the full-size four-door Bronco sold in the US, offering a noticeably longer body than America’s more compact Bronco Sport, which measures just 105.1 inches (2,670 mm) between the axles.
At 197.8 inches (5,025 mm) in overall length, it also outstretches both of its siblings, eclipsing the standard Bronco by over eight inches and the Bronco Sport by more than two feet.
This Chinese model is also laden with other important features. This includes a roof-mounted LiDAR as part of a suite of more than 30 sensors and cameras, enabling advanced driver assistance functions.
The cabin is also a far cry from the American Bronco and Bronco Sport and includes a 15.6-inch infotainment display, a digital gauge cluster, and a 70-inch head-up display.
It might not wear the Bronco badge in quite the same spirit as the American original, but for China’s EV-hungry buyers, that may not matter much. For now, Ford has no plans to export the Bronco Basecamp, and even if that changes, North America almost certainly won’t be on the list.
BMW’s iX3 50 xDrive completed a 626-mile drive from Hungary to Munich.
The team finished with 2 percent battery left, enough for another 12 miles.
The SUV used smaller 20-inch wheels and skipped HVAC to save energy.
BMW’s latest step into its electric future comes with more stamina than we expected. The second-generation iX3 , unveiled a few months ago with a projected range of 497 miles (800 km) under the WLTP cycle, has quietly outperformed even BMW’s own estimates, though, as always, there are a few caveats tucked in the fine print.
In a real-world run, the electric SUV managed to stretch its legs to more than 621 miles (1,000 km) on a single charge.
Eager to see how far their new creation could really go, a small team from BMW decided to take the iX3 on a proper road trip. They set off from the Debrecen plant in Hungary, where the model is built, and pointed it toward Munich, the automaker’s home base in Germany.
Not only did they complete the 626.1-mile (1,007.7 km) journey, but they did so with 2 percent charge remaining, which could have been enough to travel an extra 12 miles (20 km).
What Are The Caveats?
As you could have probably guessed, the team did everything they could to extend the iX3’s driving range. For example, they avoided highways during the journey, sticking to smaller and lower-speed roads where the SUV’s regenerative braking system would be most effective.
Additionally, the iX3 was equipped with smaller 20-inch wheels, rather than the 21- and 22-inch wheels it’s also available with. They also didn’t use the heating, cooling, or radio during the test, to save as much energy as possible.
BMW picked the iX3 50 xDrive, the only version announced to date, which has a pair of electric motors delivering 463 hp and 476 lb-ft of torque, meaning it can hit 60 mph (96 km/h) in just 4.7 seconds, and a sizeable 108.7 kWh battery pack.
Porsche reveals ’26 Cayenne Electric and Cayenne Turbo Electric.
Base car makes up to 435 hp, Turbo kicks out a massive 1,139 hp.
Adaptive air suspension is standard, inductive charging optional.
The original Cayenne supercharged Porsche’s sales, and 23 years later, the third-generation car is still the brand’s best-seller. But now the nameplate is heading into new territory with the launch of the 2026 Cayenne Electric, a battery-powered twist on the formula using lessons learned from the smaller Macan EV.
This isn’t just an electrified version of the familiar Cayenne. The new electric models ride on an entirely different platform, a version of the PPE architecture used in the Macan Electric, but stretched 5.1 inches (130 mm) to give a 119-inch (3,020 mm) wheelbase.
That wheelbase is also longer than the combustion Cayenne’s by the same amount, resulting in a healthy increase in rear legroom for passengers.
But enough about what the ruler says. Does the Cayenne Electric rule over its ICE brother when the light turns green? Damn right, it does.
There are two flavors at launch: the Cayenne Electric and the mighty Cayenne Turbo Electric. Both are all-wheel-drive, both are loaded with tech, and both are clearly designed to make you question why you ever cared about cylinders.
Most Powerful Porsche Ever
Let’s start with the showstopper. The $163,000 (plus $2,350 dest) Cayenne Turbo Electric’s dual-motor powertrain generates 844 hp (857 PS / 630 kW) in normal driving, but the Push-to-Pass boost, activated by a button on the steering wheel, throws in an additional 173 hp (177 PS / 130 kW) for 10 seconds at a time.
And the madness doesn’t end there, because with Launch Control activated, you can unleash up to 850 kW, which translates to 1,139 hp (1,155 PS) and 1,106 lb-ft (1,500 Nm) of torque.
Porsche says its most powerful production car ever goes zero to 60 mph (97 kmh) in 2.4 seconds – versus 3.1 seconds for the fastest combustion Cayenne, the Turbo GT – and gobbles up the standing quarter-mile in 9.9 seconds. Top speed? An ample 162 mph (260 km/h). Welcome to Porsche’s new performance reality.
The ‘regular’ $109,000 Cayenne Electric is plenty slower, but hardly tame. It produces 402 hp (408 PS / 300 kW) in normal driving and up to 435 hp (441 PS / 324 kW) when Launch Control is engaged. That output, and the 615 lb-ft (834 Nm) that goes with it, delivers you to 60 mph in 4.5 seconds and a top speed of 143 mph (230 km/h).
Brakes Optional
Both trims also deliver serious energy recuperation, with braking that can feed up to 600 kW back into the battery. Porsche claims that about 97 percent of routine braking situations never need to involve the physical brakes, though you can still opt for PCCB carbon rotors if you feel inclined.
Adaptive air suspension with Porsche Active Suspension Management is standard, and the Turbo adds a torque-vectoring rear differential. Both variants can be optioned with rear-axle steering and Porsche Active Ride, using active anti-roll bars, as on the Taycan, is also available.
The new 113 kWh battery pack is the heart of both models and is 13 kWh bigger than the one in the Macan Electric. Thanks to 800-volt architecture and improved cooling, the Cayenne Electric can charge at up to 400 kW under ideal conditions. A jump from 10 to 80 percent takes less than 16 minutes.
Porsche is also introducing optional inductive charging, becoming the first automaker to offer the tech on an EV in the US. Pull into your garage, park over the floor pad, and the SUV starts charging by itself at up to 11 kW.
Like A Scaled-Up Macan Electric
On the styling front, Porsche resisted the temptation to reinvent the Cayenne silhouette too radically. Instead, it sharpened it, bringing in some tricks from the Macan EV. The bonnet sits lower, the headlights are slimmer, the body lines crisper, and the doors feature frameless glass.
Out back, a 3D-effect light bar and illuminated Porsche lettering add nighttime pizzazz. Turbo Electric models get extra contrasting bits in a color called Turbonite, which sounds like something a Marvel villain would wear.
The Cayenne Electric’s new shape isn’t just for show. A drag coefficient of 0.25 makes it one of the most slippery SUVs in its class. Hidden aero flaps, a smart roof spoiler, and trick aero blades help it slice through the air and squeeze out more range. Porsche says the system constantly adjusts to changing speeds and loads, adding grip when needed and cutting drag when it’s not.
And if you’re more interested in cutting through rock trails than cutting through the air, an Off-Road Design package brings different front and rear bumpers to improve the approach and departure angles.
Inside, rear passengers get more legroom and electric seat adjustment as standard, interior surface heating, and a panoramic roof that uses liquid-crystal tech to alter its opacity.
Then there’s the digital experience. The new Flow Display stretches across the dash with two large OLED screens for gauge cluster and infotainment duties. A 14.9-inch passenger display is optional.
There’s also an epic 87-inch head-up display with augmented reality guidance available, a new AI-driven Voice Pilot, and an upgraded app system with streaming and gaming baked in. That’s a lot of tech, but at least Porsche kept physical buttons for things like climate and volume.
A Long Wait
US deliveries of the 2026 Cayenne Electric start in late summer 2026, by which time we’ll be able to fill in blanks that include those all-important EPA range figures and maybe confirmation of the rumored mid-ranking Cayenne S with around 592 hp (600 PS / 441 kW), designed to bridge the gap between the two launch models. We’re also expecting to see the GTS badge appear at some point, as it has recently on the Macan Electric.
But don’t worry, if you’re a committed ICE fan, the combustion and plug-in hybrid versions of the Cayenne aren’t going anywhere, as they will live on well into the 2030s.
All the pictures above show the Cayenne Turbo Electric. The images in the gallery below are of the regular Cayenne Electric.
2026 Recon is fully electric with dual motors, 650 hp and 620 lb-ft.
Trail-rated Jeep does zero to 60 mph in 3.6 secs, has 250-mile range.
Launches with $65,000 Moab trim: 33-inch tires, 9.1 inches clearance.
Jeep is taking another swing at zero emissions adventure with the 2026 Recon, the first fully electric, Trail Rated Jeep, one that packs sports car-level acceleration, and promises real off-road ability. But the timing might raise eyebrows.
With EV sales slowing, companies like Ram scrapping planned electric utilities and Jeep’s first EV, the Wagoneer S struggling for sales, is this the right moment to launch a $65,000 electric off-roader?
The Recon range will expand in time but for now Jeep is launching with just one trim, the dirt-lovin’ Moab. It comes with a single motor mounted at each end of the 112.9-inch (2,870 mm) wheelbase platform, the pair together pushing out numbers that are strong, even if they don’t set any EV records.
What Powers Jeep’s Electric Trail Machine?
The Recon delivers 650 hp (659 PS) and 620 lb-ft (841 Nm) of torque, which is 50 hp (51 PS) and 3 lb-ft (4 Nm) more than the priciest version of Jeep’s first US EV, the road-biased Wagoneer S that rides on the same STLA Large platform.
It also hits 60 mph (97 kmh) in a speedy 3.6 seconds and claims a 250-mile (155 km) range from its 100 kWh battery, compared with 3.4 seconds and 294 miles (473 km) for the Launch Edition Wagoneer S. But that inconsequential difference in acceleration, and rather more worrying range gap is the price you pay for genuine off-road chops.
Only the Recon gets Jeep’s Trail Rated stamp of approval, the one you’ll have seen on vehicles like the Wrangler, meaning it’s passed a series of tough tests to prove its ability to ford water and clear obstacles that would make a crossover cry.
Mud or Midtown?
To earn that Trail Rated badge the Moab features 33-inch tires and a 15:1 final drive at the rear for extra torque multiplication when things get messy. It has selectable locking differentials Selec-Terrain driving modes, including a Rock mode that’s exclusive to the Moab, and Selec-Speed Control to make light work of steep inclines or rocks.
The 100-kWh battery is protected by a full set of steel skid plates, and suspension components like large CV joints and half shafts have been beefed up to handle all that torque.
Unlike the solid-axle Wrangler, the Recon’s suspension is independent via short-long arm (SLA) at the front and integral link at the back. And it skips the combustion SUV’s vague recirculating ball steering for a modern rack and pinion setup.
That bodes well for on-road comfort, where the Recon operates mostly as a RWD vehicle, but what about those all important off-road angles? A 33.8-degree approach, 23.3-degree ramp and 33.1-degree departure angle are no match for the new V8-powered Wrangler Moab 392’s 46.7, 24.5 and 39.8-degree stats.
Some of that can be chalked up to the 193.3-inch (4,911 mm) Recon being almost exactly the same length as a Wrangler, but riding on a 5.5-inch (140 mm) shorter wheelbase, and having far less daylight beneath its floorpan.
The Recon loses the ground clearance battle by a big margin, 9.1 (231 mm) inches playing 11.1 inches (282 mm) in the Wrangler Moab, and up to 12.9 inches/328 mm on other Wranglers.
Classic Jeep Design With a Modern Edge
Still, that’s more trail ability than 99 percent of people will ever need, and at least the Recon looks the part. The design stays true to Jeep’s roots with a boxy stance, upright grille and four-square proportions.
The illuminated grille rings, flush door handles, and contrast roof options give it a modern edge without losing the heritage feel, buyers also getting the option to replace the standard dual-plane sunroof for an optional Sky One-Touch power top.
And yes, you can remove the doors, the swing gate glass and the quarter windows, for those really hardcore adventures without needing any special tools.
Try that in your Rivian R1S. Moab trim brings a few design tricks of its own, including tough-looking black coloring for the front and rear fascias, the fender flares, uniquer badge and an anti-glare hood graphic.
Jeep’s Biggest Screen
The cabin sticks to the adventure theme, blending durable materials with forward-looking tech and looking nothing like the inside of a Wagoneer S. A horizontal dashboard layout and grab handle nod to classic Jeep interiors, but a 26-inch digital display area stretches across the dash made up of a 12.3-inch digital cluster and 14.5-inch touchscreen – the biggest in any Jeep – running Uconnect 5.
That screen’s generous dimensions should make it easier to see the pitch and roll mapping on the automaker’s Trails App, as well as checking out the camera views. And if you want to bring your own camera, a modular accessory rail is ready for your GoPro.
Audio comes from a standard Alpine system, and Jeep has even relocated the speakers under the seats so the sound doesn’t vanish when you pop the doors off.
How Much Does It Cost?
The 2026 Jeep Recon EV will be built at Jeep’s Toluca Assembly Plant starting early next year, priced at $65,000 for the Moab trim. But expect that price to fall later as other trims, and less powerful motor setups become available – or just through massive discounts if the Recon proves as tricky to sell as the Wagoneer S.
No doubt, Jeep is taking a bold bet on a market that’s still figuring out what it wants. How do you rate the Recon’s chances?
Renault has introduced the new Trafic E-Tech Electric.
It features 201 hp and two different battery packs.
The long-range variant can travel around 280 miles.
Renault has used Solutrans 2025 to introduce the new Trafic E-Tech Electric. It’s the company’s version of the Flexis Panel Van and the styling is virtually identical.
That being said, the latest variant features an illuminated Renault logo that is flanked by “light guides” and slender turn signals. They’re joined by low-mounted headlights and a familiar front bumper.
Since we’ve already seen the van before, we’ll briefly mention it has black plastic accents, a dynamic beltline, and asymmetrical rear doors. They’re joined by three dimensional taillights as well as large side doors that are designed to accommodate Euro pallets.
Two different versions will be available including an L1 that measures 191.7 inches (4,870 mm) long and has a cargo capacity of 180.1 cubic feet (5.1 cubic meters). The L2 has a 15.7-inch (400 mm) longer wheelbase and this enables it to hold up to 204.8 cubic feet (5.8 cubic meters) of cargo. Renault added both models are 74.8 inches (1,900 mm) tall, which enables them to access underground parking garages.
A Straightforward Interior
While cargo takes priority, the cockpit isn’t too shabby as it features three seats as well as a “tube-shaped dashboard.” They’re joined by a three-spoke steering wheel, numerous storage compartments, and Zeta blue-jean upholstery with grey accents and contrast stitching.
Buyers will also find a 10-inch digital instrument cluster and a 12-inch openR evo infotainment system, which is angled towards the driver. The latter features “tailored navigation that takes into account vehicle dimensions and load to avoid unsuitable routes.” There’s also an electric route planner, which suggests the best charging stops. Customers can also upgrade to Google built-in, which will be offered as an over-the-air on-demand feature.
Two Batteries With Up To 280 Miles Of Range
The Trafic E-Tech Electric rides on a skateboard platform and features a rear-mounted motor producing 201 hp (150 kW / 204 PS) and 254 lb-ft (345 Nm) of torque. It’s powered by two different battery packs.
The long-range battery will be available at launch and features a nickel manganese cobalt chemistry. It enables the van to have a range of around 280 miles (450 km) under the Worldwide Harmonized Light Vehicles Test Procedure.
Later on, Renault will offer an “urban-range” lithium iron phosphate battery. This variant promises to be affordable and capable of traveling nearly 217 miles (350 km) on a single charge.
Buyers will also find 800V technology, which will enable the van to go from a 15% to 80% charge in approximately 20 minutes. They’ll be joined by Vehicle-to-Load (V2L) and Vehicle-to-Grid (V2G) capabilities.
Other highlights include a turning circle that is said to be equivalent to a Clio. The automaker is also aiming to use over 23% recycled materials on the van.
The Trafic E-Tech Electric will be built at the Sandouville plant, alongside the ICE-powered model. Production is slated to begin in late 2026 and the panel van will eventually be joined by chassis cab, platform cab, tipper, flatbed, and cargo box models.
Ford’s BlueCruise expands to the Puma, Kuga, and Ranger in Europe.
It enables hands-off, eyes-on driving across 135,000 km of highways.
Available from spring 2026 within the optional Driver Assistance Pack.
Ford is widening the reach of its “hands-off” driving tech, showing just how quickly features once kept for top-tier models are filtering into everyday vehicles. BlueCruise now targets the brand’s most accessible SUVs in Europe, giving buyers a taste of advanced driver assistance without having to climb the price ladder.
Besides the Puma and the fully electric Puma Gen-E, the system will soon be offered on the Kuga compact SUV and the Ranger PHEV midsize pickup as part of an optional Driver Assistance Pack.
Starting from spring 2026, Ford’s small and compact SUVs and its midsize pickup will also be offered with the hands-free system. That leaves only the VW-based Capri and Explorer EVs, the Transit/Tourneo range, and the ICE Mustang without access to the technology.
The BlueCruise, which is based on the Intelligent Adaptive Cruise Control, allows the driver to take their hands off the wheel while keeping their eyes on the road. It manages acceleration, braking, and steering, with cameras and sensors monitoring traffic, lane markings, and even the driver’s gaze and head position to ensure attentiveness.
In Europe, the BlueCruise can be activated on over 135,000 km (84,000 miles) of highways, which are marked as “Blue Zones”. For example, one could use it to travel from Stockholm to Rome, covering 2,000 km (1,500 miles) across six countries and totaling around 25 hours of hands-free driving.
Globally, Ford and Lincoln owners have logged over 888 million km (552 million miles) using BlueCruise-equipped vehicles. However, the majority of those were most likely covered in North America.
The company says that the tech will be available in “selected new model year vehicles” of the Puma, Puma Gen-E, Kuga, and Ranger PHEV starting in spring 2026. Subscription options and pricing for the Driver Assistance Pack will be announced closer to that date.
The BlueCruise is currently available in select European markets, including Austria, Belgium, the Czech Republic, Denmark, France, Great Britain, Germany, Greece, Hungary, Italy, the Netherlands, Norway, Poland, Portugal, Spain, and Sweden.
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