The Brussels Motor Show is in full swing, and Peugeot has brought a familiar face with a sharper edge. The refreshed 408 makes its debut with a sportier, more upscale design along with a few well-placed upgrades.

The changes are immediately apparent as the fastback crossover has been ‘defanged.’ As part of the makeover, the model adopts split lighting units with an upper section that has three “claws.” These serve as daytime running lights as well as animated turn signals.

More: Peugeot 408 Coupe Crossover Lands In Paris To Banish Boring Family Cars

The headlights reside below and are “almost invisible” as they’re surrounded by gloss black accents. This enables them to effectively blend into the background.

Designers gave the 408 a more expressive grille that features an illuminated logo on higher-end variants. The Lion badge also has a radar sensor hidden behind it, which helps to create a cleaner appearance.

Elsewhere, there’s a new bumper and a revised central intake. The latter trades a honeycomb mesh pattern for horizontal lines.

The rear end largely carries over, but the traditional logo has been replaced by illuminated “Peugeot” lettering. This is a first for the company and it’s joined by gloss black accents as well as revamped taillights.

Last but not least, the model rides on updated wheels ranging in sizes from 17- to 20-inches. Customers will also find a revised color palette that includes an exclusive new color known as Flare Green. It changes from bright yellow in sunlight to deep green in shadows.

Minor Interior Changes

While exterior styling changes are pretty noticeable, the same can’t be said about interior updates. These blend into the background, but include updated trim and upholstery.

The model also gains a new 10-inch digital instrument cluster, which sports improved graphics. It’s joined by a familiar 10-inch infotainment system.

An Updated EV With New Features

The E-408 carries over with a 58.2 kWh NMC battery pack, which feeds an electric motor developing 210 hp (157 kW / 213 PS) and 253 lb-ft (343 Nm) of torque. This enables the model to have a WLTP combined range of 283 miles (456 km).

While the powertrain will give you déjà vu, there are several new features including a battery pre-conditioning system. In cold weather, owners can tell the battery to heat up at the touch of a digital button. The GT trim takes this up a notch as navigating to a charging station will automatically trigger battery pre-conditioning at the perfect time.

Customers will also find a new Plug & Charge capability as well as a Vehicle To Load function that delivers up to 3.5 kW of power. The model also has a new “80% charge limit” function for AC charging at home.

Hybrid And Plug-In Hybrid Power Too

If you’re not ready to go fully electric, you can opt for a plug-in hybrid powertrain that consists of a 178 hp (132 kW / 180 PS) petrol engine, a 123 hp (92 kW / 125 PS) electric motor, a 14.6 kWh lithium-ion battery, and a seven-speed dual-clutch transmission. This enables the crossover to have a combined output of 237 hp (177 kW / 240 PS) and an electric-only range of up to 53 miles (85 km).

Customers can also opt for a hybrid variant, which has a petrol engine with 143 hp (107 kW / 145 PS). It’s connected to an electrified six-speed dual-clutch transmission and the model consumes 5.0 L/100 km (47 mpg US) in the WLTP combined cycle.

BMW just wrapped up its most successful year ever in the US, with more cars leaving dealership lots than in any other year in the company’s American history. But beneath the record-breaking headline, a more complicated picture is starting to emerge for EVs, as sales momentum falters following the White House’s decision to eliminate the generous federal tax credit that had helped keep demand afloat.

Read: The Sales Battle Between Mercedes And BMW Just Got Embarrassing

In 2025, BMW sold 388,897 vehicles across the country, a 4.7 percent increase from the 371,346 units it delivered in 2024. The gain came even though fourth-quarter sales slipped 3.4 percent, dropping from 117,506 to 113,512 units. MINI also posted growth, with a 9.3 percent year-on-year rise and a total of 28,749 cars sold.

EV Sales Crater

Then there’s the EV situation, which looked considerably less upbeat. BMW sold 42,484 fully electric vehicles in the US last year, down 16.7 percent from the 50,981 it managed in 2024. The decline was particularly sharp in Q4. After the federal government pulled the $7,500 EV tax credit, sales in the final three months collapsed by 45.5 percent to just 7,557 units.

BMW USA Sales 2025

Every one of BMW’s battery-electric models in the US saw a meaningful drop in sales. The i4, which remained the top-selling EV in the lineup, slipped 14.1 percent from 23,403 to 20,114 units. The i5 fell even more sharply, dropping 21.5 percent to 6,877. The i7 was down 15.3 percent to 2,905 units. The iX also struggled, with an 18.2 percent decline that left it at 12,587 sales for the year.

On a more encouraging note for the brand, BMW’s plug-in hybrids gained traction. Sales rose by 30.7 percent, climbing from 19,398 in 2024 to 25,351 in 2025. It wasn’t enough to offset the EV downturn, but it’s a sign that US buyers haven’t turned their backs entirely on electrification.

X Marks the Spot

The X3 led the lineup once again as BMW’s top-selling model, rising 11.3 percent to 76,546 units. That was just enough to slightly edge out the larger and more expensive X5, which posted 76,246 sales, a 5.4 percent increase over 2024.

Several other models also recorded solid gains. The 2 Series, which groups together the mechanically unrelated Gran Coupe and two-door variants, jumped 36.3 percent to 20,975 units. The 3 Series climbed 5.4 percent to 33,031, while the X6 posted a 26.6 percent increase, reaching 12,000 sales. As for the controversial XM, it recorded a 4.9 percent drop in sales compared to 2024.

Owning an electric vehicle or plug-in hybrid in Minnesota just became a pricier proposition. New legislation rolling out this month increases registration fees across the board, meaning drivers of EVs and PHEVs will see their annual costs jump, some significantly so, depending on the vehicle.

Up until now, electric vehicle owners in the state have paid a flat $75 annual surcharge in lieu of gas taxes, which are traditionally used to fund local road maintenance.

Also: Some States Give Up To $9,000 To Buy An EV, Others Charge You Hundreds

Under the updated rules that went into effect on January 1, 2026, that surcharge has doubled to a minimum of $150 for all EVs. Plug-in hybrid drivers, previously exempt due to their partial reliance on gasoline, are now included as well, with a new minimum fee of $75 added to their registration.

How Value Shapes the Surcharge

The updated surcharge isn’t flat. It scales based on the vehicle’s original sticker price and age. In the first year of registration, fully electric vehicles will be assessed an additional fee equal to 0.5 percent of the manufacturer’s suggested retail price (MSRP). For plug-in hybrids, the rate is set at 0.25 percent.

As vehicles age, the surcharge is reduced each year according to a sliding scale. By the second year, the calculation uses 95 percent of the original MSRP. That figure drops to 90 percent in year three, 80 percent in year four, and continues to decline by 10 percent increments. Once a vehicle is more than ten years old, the fee is based on just 10 percent of its original MSRP.

What Does It Mean for Popular Models?

For those considering an electric pickup like the Ford F-150 Lightning, the first-year fee could run as high as $325. By year two, that drops slightly to $309, and by year three it falls to around $253. Drivers of a Tesla Model 3, one of the state’s most common EVs, would be looking at $221 in the first year, followed by $210 in year two and $172 in year three.

As reported by Kare11, lawmakers have framed the new system as a way to ensure road infrastructure funding keeps pace with the shift away from internal combustion engines. Still, the move has raised concerns that it could dampen enthusiasm for EVs and plug-in hybrids at a time when adoption is just beginning to gain momentum.

The registration fee increases are not the only policy changes on the horizon. Beginning July 1, 2027, all public charging stations in the state that operate at 50 kW or higher will face a new tax of five cents per kilowatt-hour delivered. While relatively modest, the fee adds another layer of cost for EV drivers using fast charging options.

While the headlines might suggest an EV apocalypse is underway, with manufacturers pulling back and investments drying up, the reality is a bit more complicated. Sure, some markets are cooling and certain automakers are reconsidering their timelines, but the global picture paints a different story.

At least for now. The coming months could easily tip the scale again, especially in regions where policy and consumer behavior tend to swing fast.

Read: More Buyers Are Ditching EVs And Choosing Gas Again

New data shows that worldwide sales of battery-electric and plug-in hybrid vehicles have actually grown this year, bolstered by steady demand in China and across Europe.

According to figures from Rho Motion, approximately 18.5 million EVs and PHEVs have been sold globally between January and November 2025, representing a 21 percent increase from last year.

Where the Growth Is

Unsurprisingly, China leads the way with reported sales of 11.6 million, a 19 percent rise from the same period in 2024. While Europe remains a far smaller market, with 3.8 million EVs and PHEVs finding new homes, it experienced a higher growth rate with sales jumping 33 percent.

A closer look at Europe reveals that 35 percent more BEVs have been sold this year, and 39 percent extra PHEVs have been delivered. Contributing to this growth was France, where for the first time this year, year-to-date sales rose in November, although only by 1 percent.

EV Sales Jan-Nov 2025

Rho Motion

Italy also experienced a strong November with EV and PHEV sales jump to 25,000 units after an incentive program was launched, encouraging locals to sell their old ICE models.

Still, the trajectory in Europe could change direction quickly. On Tuesday, the European Commission revealed plans to drop the proposed 2035 ban on new combustion-engine vehicle sales, a reversal largely driven by industry lobbying.

What About America?

Things couldn’t be anymore different in North America, in particular in the US. While EV sales increased in November compared to October, the first month without the federal EV tax credit, they are still far below what they were when the $7,500 credit was still available.

Data from Rho Motion notes that sales in North America have fallen 1 percent this year, meaning it’s quickly turned into a global laggard when it comes to global EV adoption.

Following President Trump’s decision to rollback CAFE fuel economy standards, sales of EVs and PHEVs are unlike to grow at a significant rate, and may ultimately decline.

In contrast, the rest of the world, grouped together in the dataset, logged 1.5 million EV and PHEV sales this year, up 48 percent compared to 2024. While the volumes are smaller, the growth suggests that in many regions, electrification is still gaining ground, just not always where the spotlight is aimed.

After years of policy wrangling and behind-the-scenes bargaining, the European Union appears poised to walk back one of its most ambitious climate mandates.

The bloc is reportedly scaling down its planned 2035 ban on combustion-powered petrol and diesel cars, a move that follows persistent pressure from industry leaders, particularly in Germany and Italy, and comes despite objections from brands like Volvo and Polestar that had supported the original plan.

Read: EU’s 2035 EV-Only Dream Hits A Hybrid Speed Bump

Following reports last week that lawmakers were softening their stance on the ban, the leader of the European People’s Party, Manfred Weber, told German newspaper Bild that the bloc has agreed to ease its mandate from a full ban on internal combustion engine (ICE) vehicles by 2035 to a 90 percent reduction instead.

Weber also stated that a full ICE ban wouldn’t be coming by 2040 either, though he didn’t clarify whether a new target year is under consideration.

While speaking at a press conference in Germany late last week, Weber said that the European Commission will present its revised proposal on Tuesday.

Plug-Ins Get a Lifeline Too

“The technology ban on combustion engines is off the table,” he told Bild. “All engines currently manufactured in Germany can therefore continue to be produced and sold.” Weber added that the EU can now pave the way for the continued sale of plug-in hybrid models, including those with longer driving ranges.

German Chancellor Friedrich Merz, also present at the press conference, endorsed the decision, saying it now offers the automotive sector “real planning security.”

Earlier in December, Merz had written directly to European Commission President Ursula von der Leyen, urging the body to allow continued production and sale of ICE-powered vehicles past the 2035 deadline.

That letter, according to European Commissioner for Sustainable Transport and Tourism Apostolos Tzitzikostas, was “very well received in Brussels.”

Although the Commission’s revised legislation has not yet been made public, Tzitzikostas recently hinted that alternative fuels may feature more prominently in the new framework, citing “zero- and low-emission fuels, and advanced biofuels” as possible avenues for compliance.

Sources: Bild, The Guardian

The auto industry’s pivot to electric vehicles was never expected to be seamless, but a recent shift in buyer sentiment suggests the transition may be hitting more resistance than anticipated. According to a new study, a growing number of car shoppers are once again leaning toward combustion engines, reversing some of the momentum EVs had built in recent years.

A report from professional services firm EY indicates that EV adoption is slowing worldwide, in part due to shifting policies like those recently enacted in the United States.

Read: Ford’s CEO Applauds Trump’s CAFE Rollback, Says They Were Forced Into EVs

Among consumers planning to buy a new or used vehicle within the next 24 months, about half now say they intend to purchase one powered by a combustion engine. That marks a 13 percent jump from the previous year, a sharp turn in consumer preference.

Declining Appetite for Electrics and Hybrids

That’s not the only surprising conclusion from this study. EY’s report also notes that the preference among new and used car buyers to buy a battery-electric vehicle has dropped by 10 percent, landing at just 14 percent overall.

The picture for hybrid models isn’t much brighter. Interest in those models has dipped by 5 percent, now sitting at 16 percent. And among those still considering an EV, more than a third, or 36 percent, say they’re either rethinking their decision entirely or planning to delay their purchase, citing geopolitical developments as a major factor.

It’s possible that this trend could continue. Less than a year into President Trump’s second term, several policy changes have already been implemented that are more favorable to internal combustion engine vehicles. These measures are expected to influence both consumer behavior and manufacturer output in the coming years.

Policy Reversals Take Hold

Earlier this month, he officially rolled back CAFE standards, opening the door for car manufacturers to build more combustion models. Automakers argue this aligns with actual consumer demand, claiming Americans still largely prefer these vehicles over their electric counterparts.

Europe is seeing a similar recalibration. Two years ago, the European Union announced plans to effectively ban the sale of new combustion vehicles by 2035.

However, this ban appears increasingly likely to be relaxed, opening the door for hybrid models, and combustion-engine cars using e-fuels to be sold beyond 2035. This will no doubt have a significant impact on EV sales throughout the region.

Sources: EY, Reuters

China’s electric vehicle market isn’t just growing, it’s evolving faster than most can process. With new models rolling out at breakneck speed, the country’s automakers aren’t simply keeping pace with global trends, they’re driving them.

And they’re not building EVs in a vacuum either. Domestic demand, especially among younger and first-time buyers, is pushing the shift forward.

Read: Forget EVs, China’s Dumping Millions Of Gas Cars On The Rest Of The World

It turns out, more of these buyers are now leaning electric than ever before. A recent study conducted by Bloomberg Intelligence has revealed that 47 percent of prospective first-car buyers in the country plan to buy an EV within the next 12 months. This represents a massive spike from the 25 percent in February.

Widen the scope to include all prospective car buyers in the country, and the trend holds. A full 52 percent now say they intend to make their next vehicle an EV, compared to 34 percent back in both February and March 2024.

Interest in extended-range EVs, those that offer additional miles from an onboard generator or similar tech, is also gaining ground. As of the latest figures, 8 percent of surveyed buyers said they’d consider one for their next purchase.

Interestingly, the Bloomberg survey also found that plug-in hybrids are losing ground fast. Just 12 percent of respondents now say they’re considering one for their next car, a steep drop from 23 percent in February.

Conventional hybrids have slipped even further. Once viewed as a sensible middle option, their share has fallen from 15 percent in February to just 9 percent by November.

Demand for traditional combustion-engine cars hasn’t disappeared though, which comes as somewhat of a surprise. 19 percent said they’d opt for an ICE model for their next car. Admittedly, just 1,000 people participated in the survey, so it’s hard to make definitive conclusions based on this small sample size.

What’s Behind the Surge?

According to Bloomberg Intelligence analyst Joanna Chen, the competitive prices of EVs in China have contributed to the exceptionally strong demand for them.

“The country beats Europe and the US with battery electric vehicles already reaching price parity versus gasoline cars, while consumers’ strong interests in advanced tech features give local startups and tech giants Huawei Technologies Co. and Xiaomi Corp. stronger edge in the fierce market competition,” she said.

Boston, MA – Last night, the U.S. District Court for the District of Massachusetts ruled that Donald Trump’s executive order banning wind projects in the United States was unlawful and vacated the order. Donald Trump issued an executive order on the first day of his administration that paused all leasing, permitting and approvals for wind projects, killing tens of …

The post Federal Judge Vacates Trump’s Unlawful Wind Energy Ban appeared first on Alternative Energy HQ.

Nissan has introduced a new midsize SUV developed in partnership with Dongfeng in China, marking the latest addition to its growing, budget-conscious N-series lineup. Named the NX8, the model joins the existing N6 and N7 sedans and will be offered with a selection of electrified powertrains.

More: Nissan’s New Hybrid Sedan Is As Big An Altima For Thousands Less Than A Versa

The SUV’s exterior design follows the same styling language as its sedan counterparts, with clean surfacing and a grille-free front fascia. A full-width daytime running light runs across the split headlights and wraps around the front fenders, while OLED tail lights extend across the rear.

The overall shape leans toward conventional SUV proportions, marked by flush-fitting door handles and pronounced shoulders.

How Big Is It?

The NX8 measures 4,870 mm (191.7 inches) in length, 1,920 mm (75.6 inches) in width, and 1,680 mm (66.1 inches) in height, with a wheelbase of 2,917 mm (114.8 inches).

That makes it 222 mm (8.7 inches) longer than the Rogue (X-Trail) and 152 mm (6 inches) shorter than the Pathfinder. Interestingly, its wheelbase is 17 mm (0.7 inches) longer than the Pathfinder’s, which should translate to slightly better interior space.

Images reveal a suite of sensors along with a roof-mounted lidar unit, hinting at advanced driver assistance tech. Nissan hasn’t revealed the interior yet, but it’s expected to mirror the cabin layout of the N6 and N7, likely featuring a prominent touchscreen and soft-touch materials throughout. The company says the NX8 will offer a spacious five-seat configuration.

What Powers It?

Nissan has confirmed the NX8 will be classified as a NEV (New Energy Vehicle), with specifications recently published by China’s Ministry of Industry and Information Technology.

More: Nissan Thinks You’re Not Mature Enough To Appreciate What It Just Launched In Japan

The fully electric variants will be available with either a single motor producing 288 hp (215 kW / 292 PS) or a more powerful version at 335 hp (250 kW / 340 PS).

A plug-in hybrid or range-extender version will also be offered, pairing a 1.5-liter turbocharged engine making 146 hp (109 kW / 148 PS) with an electric motor rated at 262 hp (195 kW / 265 PS).

All variants will use the latest lithium iron phosphate battery packs supplied by CATL. While range figures and battery capacities have not yet been disclosed, the packs are said to support ultra-fast charging.

The market launch of the Nissan NX8 in China is scheduled for the first half of 2026 with pricing set to be announced closer to that date. As with the N6 and N7 sedans, the SUV will reportedly be exported to other markets in the near future.

When and Where Can You Buy One?

Nissan plans to launch the NX8 in China during the first half of 2026, with pricing to be confirmed closer to its market debut. As with the N6 and N7 sedans, the NX8 is expected to be exported to additional markets after its initial rollout. Whether that will include Western regions like Europe and Australia, however, remains to be seen.

As for pricing, we’ll have to wait for official figures, but if the N6 and N7 are any indication, it’s likely to stay within a very competitive range. The N7, for example, is priced between 119,900 and 149,900 yuan, or roughly $17,000 to $21,200 at current exchange rates.

Chinese automakers are steering the electric era into a new phase, flooding the market with low-cost EVs and plug-in hybrids at the Guangzhou Motor Show.

With prices starting between 100,001 yuan ($14,100) and 150,000 yuan ($21,100), this new generation of vehicles sends a message that’s hard to miss: China intends to own the mass market for electrification.

Read: The Company That Started The EV Price War Now Says It’s Gone Too Far

According to Nikkei Asia, many of China’s biggest automakers are getting ready to export these budget-friendly newcomers. For Western legacy brands still wrestling with production costs and emissions targets, those prices don’t signal healthy competition so much as the opening act of a global price reckoning.

The Global Push Begins

Several new EV and PHEV models took the stage at the show, among them the Leapmotor A10, which is expected to start around 100,000 yuan ($14,100) and head for export worldwide. The company’s Lafa 5 electric hatchback is set to launch at roughly the same figure.

Nio made a strong impression with its Firefly, shown for the first time in right-hand drive. Priced around 100,000 yuan ($14,100) in China, the Firefly will enter 17 new markets next year, reaching into Central America and beyond. GAC joined in with its Aion i60, a range-extender SUV starting at 109,800 yuan ($15,500).

Price Wars Continue

The Chinese automotive industry has been in a price war for the past few years, and there are no signs of cooling, as carmakers feverishly battle to gain market share. The lower end of the market is proving to be an especially fierce battleground, Nikkei Asia reports.

During the first nine months of this year alone, 2.35 million EVs and plug-in hybrids priced between 100,001 yuan ($14,100) and 150,000 yuan ($21,100) were sold in China. That makes it the nation’s largest market segment, up from fewer than 1.5 million in the same range last year.

By contrast, models priced between 150,001 yuan and 200,000 yuan ($21,100–$28,200) have held steady at around 2.3 million sales.

There has also been significant growth in even more affordable NEVs. The number of vehicles sold in the $11,300 – $14,100 and $11,300-or-less price brackets has doubled to over 1 million units.

While the growing number of affordable models is good for Chinese customers, it’s hurting the automakers themselves. During the July-September quarter, BYD’s net profit fell 30 percent, its first decline in four years. Great Wall saw a similar hit, with profits falling 30 percent despite a 20 percent rise in sales.

Exports, meanwhile, are accelerating. Over the first three quarters of this year, Chinese brands shipped 1.75 million EVs and plug-in hybrids abroad, an astonishing 89 percent increase from the same period last year.

Source: Nikkei Asia

Five years ago, Lotus vowed to go fully electric, rolling out a host of battery-powered models like the Eletre, Emeya, and Evija. Yet, like several other automakers now revisiting the middle ground, it seems the British brand can’t entirely turn its back on hybrids.

Read: Lotus Hyper Hybrid Can Run 100% On ICE-Power

The first compromise looks set to arrive in the form of a plug-in hybrid Eletre, blending the company’s electric ambitions with a dose of combustion practicality. About a year ago, Lotus offered a glimpse of its newly developed hybrid system but has since kept the details close to its chest. That quiet stretch appears ready to end.

Hybrid Plans Take Shape

During the company’s most recent earnings call, chief executive Feng Qingfeng confirmed that Lotus’s first plug-in hybrid will pack 912 hp. The model will reach Chinese showrooms in the first quarter of 2026, with European deliveries following later that year.

The company has so far committed to launching three PHEVs. If the first of these is a new version of the Eletre, the second may be a hybrid version of the Emeya sedan.

As for the third model, Lotus has confirmed it will be a smaller SUV, slotting below the Eletre. This model will be launched in 2027 and is currently known as the Vision X.

Inside the Hyper Hybrid

Lotus has named its new powertrain the ‘Hyper Hybrid,’ built around a 900-volt electrical platform designed for ultra-fast charging. The system allows the battery to charge from 10 to 80 percent in just ten minutes when connected to suitable infrastructure.

The company also notes that the combustion engine will serve as a generator for “on-the-drive” charging, replenishing the battery while the car is in motion.

Lotus has not provided any details about the combustion engine it will use. That said, it’s a safe bet that it will be a turbocharged four-cylinder, as reported by Autocar.

Expanding The Range

Feng explained that adding hybrid models broadens the company’s reach, particularly in regions where full EV adoption has been slower.

“The introduction of hybrid models offers more choice for luxury vehicle buyers and will help us expand into broader markets, including regions with slower EV adoption, such as Italy and Spain and Saudi Arabia,” he said.

Review: We Drove Lotus’ Electric SUV To See If It Can Silence Its Haters

In addition to offering performance comparable to its all-electric models, the PHEVs from Lotus will boast far greater driving ranges. Whereas the electric Eletre has a range of between 254 and 373 miles (409 – 600 km), models equipped with the Hyper Hybrid system will be able to travel up to 684 miles (1,100 km) between stops.

Sources: Lotus, Autocar

Update: We’ve added official images and technical details for the facelifted Astra and Astra Sports Tourer, just released by Opel.

SUVs may dominate sales charts across Europe, yet compact hatchbacks still hold a quiet appeal that refuses to fade. Following the facelift of the Peugeot 308, Stellantis is turning its attention to the updated Opel Astra, a sibling in spirit and a direct contender for the VW Golf’s enduring territory.

The sixth-generation Astra (L), launched in 2021, marked a clean break from its GM past, adopting Stellantis architecture for the first time. Four years on, it’s due for a mid-lifecycle update designed to keep it relevant in buyers’ minds and strengthen its position against Opel’s steadily expanding SUV range.

More: Irmscher Wants To Turn Opel Astra Into A Widebody Hot Hatch

The model remains instantly recognisable, with changes focused on the front end. The Opel Vizor grille now incorporates broader LED elements framing the illuminated Opel Blitz badge. Together, these create what the company refers to as the Opel Compass, a design signature that will appear across the lineup.

The Astra has also gained a redesigned bumper with glossy black trim between the intakes. The profile and rear end remain largely unchanged, but the new 17 and 18-inch alloy wheels add a fresh note.

Besides the traditional five-door hatchback, Opel has applied the facelift to the Astra Sports Tourer. Other wagons in the compact segment include the Peugeot 308 SW, Toyota Corolla Touring Sports, Hyundai i30 Wagon, VW Golf Variant, Seat Leon ST, and Skoda Octavia Combi.

More: Stellantis Wants To Rebrand Chinese EVs For Europe

The interior is basically the same, but the ergonomically designed Intelli-Seats that were previously limited to high-spec trims are now standard across the range offering greater comfort. The seats are upholstered in a recycled and recyclable material called ReNewKnit, and are available with multi-stage heating, electro-pneumatic lumbar support, massage, and memory functions.

While the Astra retains the dual 10-inch displays, Opel says that the cockpit and user interface of the infotainment have been made “clearer and more intuitive”.

Powertrain Parity

Opel didn’t get into details about the powertrain lineup, which is expected to mirror the facelifted Peugeot 308. That range includes a 1.5-liter turbodiesel producing 129 hp (96 kW / 130 PS), a mild-hybrid 1.2-liter turbo petrol with 143 hp (107 kW / 145 PS), a 1.6-liter plug-in hybrid delivering a combined 192 hp (143 kW / 195 PS), and a fully electric version rated at 154 hp (115 kW / 156 PS).

More: We Imagined Stellantis’ Tiny EV As Jeep, Dodge, And Chrysler Oddballs

The Astra Electric benefits from a larger 58 kWh battery that increases the WLTP range by 34 km (21 miles) to a more respectable 454 km (282 miles) and supports V2L (Vehicle to Load) functions for charging external devices.

The facelifted Astra will make its public debut at the Brussels Motor Show in January 9 ahead of its market launch in European markets. Details on pricing and availability will be announced soon.

The compact model faces a competitive field still led by the VW Golf and the related Peugeot 308, while also contending with the Toyota Corolla and Hyundai i30, as traditional players like the Ford Focus and the Renault Megane have recently abandoned the segment.

EV adoption in India, the world’s most populous nation, has been slower than policymakers anticipated, but the country’s Supreme Court now believes it may have found a new lever to accelerate change.

The judges have urged the government to consider a gradual phase-out of luxury ICE cars, arguing that a targeted approach could push cleaner mobility without disturbing the broader market.

Also: EU May Quietly Ban Gas Rentals Starting In 2030

The bench suggests that withdrawing luxury and premium models with combustion engines, including hybrids and plug-in hybrids, could act as a test case for a measured “phased transition” toward electric mobility.

According to Autocar India, EVs already account for around 12 percent of sales in the premium segments, far higher than the 2–3 percent share seen among mass-market models.

Could a Luxury Ban Spark an EV Shift?

Critics point out that luxury vehicles represent a tiny fraction of India’s automotive landscape, arguing that the proposed ban would have a limited impact on national emissions. Others blame the weak scrappage policy for the country’s aging fleet of cars and LCVs which poses a far bigger pollution problem.

Others point instead to the weak vehicle scrappage framework, which leaves aging cars and light commercial vehicles on the road far beyond their prime, an issue that poses a much larger pollution challenge.

More: ‘We’ll Be Driving Full Speed Into The Wall’ Warns Mercedes Chief On Europe’s EV Future

Even so, the court maintains that an EV-only requirement for high-end models would send a clear signal without harming affordability for the masses and disrupting the nation’s new car market.

As India Today reports, Justice Kant noted that carmakers already offer a range of premium electric models matching the comfort and performance of their combustion counterparts.

He explained, “Since these vehicles cater to a very small and affluent segment, imposing restrictions on high-end petrol and diesel cars can be a starting point. The common man will not be affected.”

The Government’s Willing To Discuss

Luxury brands such as Mercedes and BMW already maintain substantial zero-emission lineups, yet an internal combustion ban would inevitably reshape their operations in India, bringing possible ripple effects for local employment and supplier investment.

More: EU May Quietly Ban Gas Rentals Starting In 2030

For now, the idea remains a proposal without firm timelines. However, the Supreme Court has asked the government to review its National Electric Mobility Mission Plan, with another hearing scheduled for December.

India’s Attorney General confirmed that the administration is “alive to the idea,” citing ongoing coordination across 13 ministries and departments, covering everything from manufacturing incentives to charging infrastructure.

Sources: Autocar India, India

While the loss of the federal EV tax credit in the United States threw a wrench into sale figures in October, the global picture told a more upbeat story. New data shows worldwide sales of battery-electric and plug-in hybrid vehicles climbed 23 percent, powered by a surge in demand across Europe and China.

Read: Hyundai And Kia EV Sales Collapse After Tax Credits Vanish Overnight

According to data from Rho Motion, an estimated 1.9 million electric and plug-in hybrid vehicles were sold globally last month, a 23 percent rise over October 2024.

The figure, however, was slightly lower than the 2.1 million plug-in passenger cars and light-duty vehicles sold in September.

Unsurprisingly, Rho Motion’s data reveals that China continues to lead the way with a total of 1.3 million EVs and PHEVs sold last month, marking a 6 percent increase over the same month last year.

EV SALES 2005 YTD (JAN-OCT) VS 2024 YTD

• Global: 16.5 million, +23% 
• China: 10.3 million, +22%
• Europe: 3.4 million, +32%
• North America: 1.6 million, +4%
• Rest of World: 1.3 million, +48%

Over in Europe, October deliveries jumped 36 percent from last year to 372,786 units, including 32 percent growth in BEVs and an even steeper 47 percent climb in PHEVs. Although the total was down from the 427,000 vehicles registered in September, year-to-date EV growth across Europe remains at 32 percent.

Germany’s EV sales have risen 45 percent year-to-date, while the UK is up 31 percent. France, however, remains slightly in the red at minus 2 percent. Spain has more than doubled its tally, and Italy has matched Germany’s pace with a 45 percent year-to-date increase.

Beyond these regions, EV and PHEV sales in the rest of the world climbed 37 percent to 141,368 units. The contrast with North America, however, could hardly be sharper.

What Happened in North America?

After the Trump administration axed the EV tax credit worth up to $7,500 for newly-purchased and leased vehicles, sales in North America collapsed by 41 percent to 100,370, This follows record highs in August and September, when buyers rushed to secure incentives before the cutoff on September 30, 2025.

Month-on-month comparisons show how steep the drop was. Ford’s BEV sales fell 60 percent (Mach-E, F-150 Lightning, E-Transit), Hyundai’s plunged 77 percent (Ioniq models), Kia’s dropped 77 percent (EV6, EV9), Honda’s fell 83 percent (Prologue), and Subaru’s nearly vanished, down 97 percent (Solterra). Each brand also saw year-over-year declines.

In Canada, Rho Motion says EV sales have stayed sluggish through 2025, weighed down by reduced purchase incentives and the government’s decision in September to pause the 2026 EV mandate.

Market Outlook

Rho Motion data manager Charles Lester expects the European and Chinese markets to remain strong through the rest of the year: “In Europe, the overall year-to-date growth figure remains relatively high and we’re expecting strong sales towards the end of the year,” he told Reuters.

He added that the Chinese market should stay robust through November and December, aided by a “pull forward” effect as the country transitions from a full purchase tax exemption on new energy vehicles to a 50 percent exemption.

Smart might be eager to reconnect with its roots when the next-generation Fortwo arrives in late 2026, but the brand has a surprising second act in the works, one that ventures far from its comfort zone.

The company that’s a joint venture between China’s Geely and Mercedes-Benz is developing its first-ever sedan, a move that pushes into new territory. The four-door model is expected to join Smart’s lineup in the coming months, marking an important shift for the company best known for its pint-sized city cars.

More: Smart Just Killed Hopes Of A ForFour Comeback

Rumors of the Smart #6 first surfaced in early 2025, hinting that it might go head-to-head with the Tesla Model 3. Those reports now carry weight, as fresh photos of camouflaged prototypes have appeared on Chinese social media, offering an early glimpse of the newcomer.

One prototype was spotted by a Weibo user during road testing in Cixi, Ningbo. Its aerodynamic shape fits the modern electric sedan template, complete with a smoothly tapering roofline that blends into the rear deck.

Compared to other Smart models, the upcoming sedan sports aggressive headlights that will likely be connected by a full-width LED bar.

Weibo

We can also see the slim DRLs flanking the large bumper intake and the roof-mounted Lidar section. The rear looks more like a baby Mercedes, with an active rear spoiler reminiscent of the McLaren SLR.

The other prototype appears to be less advanced as it is covered in heavier camouflage. However, a photo under the rear reveals dual exhaust pipes, confirming the presence of a combustion engine under the hood. The sedan will most likely feature a range-extender powertrain, just like the one offered in the Smart #5 SUV.

More: Smart’s New #5 Compact SUV Isn’t Coming To The US And That’s A Mistake

Weibo

The powertrain in that model pairs a 1.5-liter turbocharged engine producing 161 hp (120 kW / 163 PS) with a single electric motor rated at 268 hp (200 kW / 272 PS). Battery options include 20 kWh and 41 kWh packs.

In the boxy Smart #5, the larger battery offers an electric-only range of 252 km (157 miles) and a combined CLTC range of 1,615 km (1,004 miles). The sleeker, more aerodynamic profile of the #6 should deliver even better numbers, benefiting from its streamlined shape and lower drag.

The sedan is expected to share its underpinnings with the Zeekr 007, using Geely’s PMA2+ architecture. The platform supports both single-motor rear-wheel-drive and dual-motor all-wheel-drive configurations, giving Smart flexibility in how it positions the car.

Judging by the current state of the prototypes, the Smart #6 seems to be nearing production readiness. What remains uncertain is whether it will stay exclusive to China or make its way into global markets.

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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.

The BlueCruise made its European debut with the Mustang Mach-E in 2023, before gradually expanding from the UK to 16 countries across the continent.

More: Ford Racing Is Readying A Secret ‘Road Car’ For January

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.

More: Ford’s Ranger Street Truck Just Got Louder And Greener With New PHEV Punch

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.

Toyota has announced plans to invest an additional $10 billion in the United States over the next five years. The company didn’t say where the money is going or what it will fund, but it will bring their total U.S. investment to nearly $60 billion.

While the automaker was coy on specifics, the move comes amid tariffs and pressure from the Trump administration to build more vehicles in the United States.

Just last month, the White House said “Toyota plans to export its U.S.-made vehicles to Japan and open its distribution platform in Japan to U.S. automakers.”

The country also decided to allow sales of American-made vehicles and “U.S. safety-certified vehicles” without additional testing.

An American Battery Plant

Putting politics aside, Toyota Battery Manufacturing North Carolina has officially opened and begun production. Located in Liberty, the $13.9 billion plant is the company’s eleventh manufacturing facility in America and Toyota’s only battery plant outside of Japan.

It’s expected to generate up to 5,100 jobs and be capable of producing 30 GWh of battery capacity annually. While the opening comes shortly after the clean vehicle tax credit was eliminated, Toyota noted the plant has 14 battery production lines that support not only electric vehicles, but also hybrids and plug-in hybrids.

Speaking of which, batteries made at the plant will be used in the Camry Hybrid, Corolla Cross Hybrid, and RAV4 Hybrid. It will also make batteries for the company’s upcoming three-row EV.

While production is just getting started, Toyota plans to open additional assembly lines by 2030. The company also noted that once construction is complete, the facility won’t just be a workplace as it will also house a pharmacy, a medical clinic, a fitness center, and on-site childcare.

Toyota Motor North America CEO Tetsuo Ogawa remarked, “Today’s launch of Toyota’s first U.S. battery plant and additional U.S. investment up to $10 billion marks a pivotal moment in our company’s history. Toyota is a pioneer in electrified vehicles, and the company’s significant manufacturing investment in the U.S. and North Carolina further solidifies our commitment to team members, customers, dealers, communities, and suppliers.”

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