Author: Shaun Williams

Amazon-owned robotaxi company Zoox has started allowing a limited number of passengers to hail rides in its fully autonomous, four-passenger vehicles across parts of San Francisco. The company confirmed to The Standard that these initial riders—friends and family of Zoox employees—are being invited off a waitlist to experience the service and provide feedback. The operating zone for these test rides includes portions of SoMa, the Mission, and the Design District, areas where Zoox has been testing its steering-wheel-free and driverless vehicles since November. The rides are currently free of charge as the company continues to collect data and improve user…

Stellantis is recalling nearly 25,000 Jeep Wrangler 4xe plug-in hybrid vehicles in the United States after an over-the-air software update caused some vehicles to lose power or become inoperable, according to a filing with the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA). The recall affects 24,238 Jeep Wrangler 4xe models from the 2023 to 2025 model years. Stellantis said the faulty update, issued on October 10, may disrupt communication between the Telematics Box Module and the Hybrid Control Processor, potentially leading to a sudden loss of drive power or rendering vehicles immobile. See also: Jeep Unveils 2026 Grand Wagoneer as U.S.…

A U.S. subsidiary of Chinese battery maker Gotion has scrapped plans to build a $2.4 billion facility in Michigan to produce electric vehicle battery materials, the Michigan Economic Development Corporation (MEDC) confirmed on Thursday, according to a report by Reuters. The project, first unveiled in October 2022, had been expected to create 2,350 factory jobs but faced mounting political backlash over its Chinese ownership. The MEDC said that none of the $125 million in state grants allocated to the project were ever disbursed. However, the state will seek repayment of another $23.6 million that had already been used for property…

Tesla has introduced new 3.99% APR financing on its most affordable 2026 Model Y Standard, expanding low-interest options to include the entry-level version of its popular electric crossover. The move is aimed at boosting accessibility for cost-conscious buyers, but there are a few key details to note. Previously excluded from Tesla’s promotional financing offers, the Model Y Standard now qualifies for the same 3.99% APR for 72 months that’s available on the vehicle’s premium trims. The new rate, down from 5.14%, translates to a typical monthly payment of around $599, effectively lowering total financing costs by roughly $1,500 on a…

Electric vehicle maker Lucid is facing growing criticism from customers who allege they were hit with unexpected and excessive end-of-lease damage charges for their vehicles, with complaints spreading across online forums in recent months. Lucid Financial Services, which manages the company’s leasing program in partnership with Bank of America, reportedly relies on third-party inspection firms to assess returned vehicles. These inspections have become a source of frustration for some lessees, who claim minor wear and tear has resulted in bills amounting to thousands of dollars. See also: Lucid Faces Renewed Scrutiny Over Inconsistent Lease Return Charges In one recent case…

Caterpillar has introduced the updated D6 XE hybrid dozer, a medium-class machine featuring an electric drive system that the company says makes it the most advanced hybrid dozer on the market. The machine operates more like an extended-range electric vehicle (EREV) than a traditional hybrid, using a Cat C9.3B diesel engine to generate electricity for motors that drive the tracks directly. The system delivers instant torque, precise controls, and 35% better fuel efficiency compared to the diesel-only D6T, significantly reducing emissions and operating costs. See also: Caterpillar Unveils Next-Generation CAT 793 XE Electric Truck at Newmont’s Cripple Creek Mine According…

Autonomous driving technology company Nuro said on Thursday that Co-Founder Dave Ferguson has been appointed Co-Chief Executive Officer, joining fellow Co-Founder Jiajun Zhu in leading the company’s next stage of global growth. Ferguson previously served as Nuro’s president. “As Nuro enters its next phase of growth, this is the right moment to evolve our leadership structure,” said Zhu. “This change reflects how we’ve been leading together for years, and I’m extremely excited to continue driving Nuro forward with Dave.” See also: Nuro Secures $203 Million Funding Round at $6 Billion Valuation https://twitter.com/nuro/status/1980983686079357161 The pair said in a joint statement that…

Italy has introduced a new round of state-backed incentives to encourage the adoption of electric vehicles, offering up to €11,000 for private buyers and €20,000 for small businesses purchasing fully electric models. Applications for the program are now open, the Ministry of the Environment and Energy Security announced. Under the scheme, private individuals can receive up to €11,000 toward the purchase of a new electric passenger car, while small businesses are eligible for up to €20,000 for light commercial vehicles. See also: Stellantis Cut Nearly 10,000 Jobs in Italy Over Four Years, Union Says Applicants must scrap an older combustion-engine…

Astara Auto Finland, the official importer of Kia vehicles in the country, has introduced an unusual promotional item for new Kia EV4 buyers — an air freshener that smells like petrol and motor oil. The initiative aims to make the transition to electric mobility “safe and familiar” for longtime combustion engine drivers. Developed in collaboration with Finnish perfumer Max Perttula, the scent blends the aroma of heavy motor oil with subtle petrol notes. Perttula explained that “the light hint of gasoline brings a long-lasting but subdued tone to the fragrance. Any more and the fragrance would have transformed into a…

Tesla has brought the Model S and Model X back to Europe after a brief absence, introducing subtle upgrades aimed at improving comfort, efficiency, and overall refinement. The refreshed versions of the two luxury electric vehicles are now available for order, with first deliveries expected in November. The Model S starts at €109,990, while the Model X is priced from €114,990. Both vehicles retain their signature designs, with exterior changes limited to new 19-inch or 21-inch wheels and updated ambient lighting inside the cabin. The Model X’s third-row seating has been reconfigured to provide better shoulder room, enhancing comfort for…

Tesla CEO Elon Musk said the automaker plans to expand electric vehicle production, driven by anticipated demand for autonomous driving. The announcement came as Tesla released its Q3 2025 financial results on Wednesday. Over the past five years, Tesla’s production strategy has shifted. The company initially targeted 20 million vehicles annually by 2030 but currently has a production capacity of less than 3 million vehicles, of which approximately 60% is utilized. Lower-than-expected demand has also prompted Tesla to reassess plans for new factories, including a previously proposed gigafactory in Mexico. See also: Tesla Prepares Broad Rollout of Full Self-Driving v14.2…

Alphabet’s autonomous driving unit, Waymo, has begun manual testing of its self-driving vehicles at Newark Liberty International Airport, taking a step toward introducing its robotaxi service to one of the main airports serving the New York City area. The testing phase, conducted with human safety drivers, is being carried out in partnership with the Port Authority of New York and New Jersey. The move underscores Waymo’s ongoing effort to expand its autonomous ride-hailing operations beyond its current markets in the United States. See also: U.S. Regulator Opens Probe into Waymo Robotaxis Over School Bus Incident Waymo has been steadily growing…