Author: Clara Weiss

Rivian has partnered with vehicle-grid integration platform ChargeScape to connect its electric vehicles with utility-managed charging programs across North America, allowing drivers to support grid reliability while potentially reducing their charging costs. The collaboration will enable Rivian owners to enroll in utility programs available through ChargeScape’s growing network of electricity providers, helping shift charging demand away from peak periods and providing additional flexibility to the power grid. Expanding Vehicle-Grid Integration Under the agreement, Rivian vehicles will be integrated into ChargeScape’s platform, which connects automakers, electric utilities and energy providers through a common vehicle-grid integration framework. The companies said the partnership…

Lucid has begun rolling out one of the most substantial software updates for its Gravity electric SUV, introducing hands-free driving capabilities alongside a range of navigation, charging, safety, and convenience enhancements. The over-the-air (OTA) update, known as Lucid UX 3.6, is now being deployed to Gravity owners across North America. The release expands the functionality of Lucid’s DreamDrive driver-assistance system while adding new tools designed to improve the overall ownership experience. Hands-Free Driving Added to Gravity The headline feature of the update is Hands-Free Drive Assist, available on Gravity models equipped with the DreamDrive 2 Pro package. According to Lucid,…

General Motors has released a detailed overview of bidirectional charging technology available across several of its electric vehicle models, highlighting how EV batteries can provide backup power for homes and support electricity grids during periods of high demand. The automaker said bidirectional charging capabilities are available on select models, including the Chevrolet Equinox EV, GMC Sierra EV and Cadillac LYRIQ, through vehicle-to-home (V2H) and vehicle-to-grid (V2G) applications. The technology enables electric vehicles to function not only as transportation assets but also as energy storage resources capable of supplying electricity when needed. Vehicle-to-Home Backup Power General Motors explained that vehicle-to-home functionality…

Carvana has secured the option to invest in electric vehicle startup Slate Auto, according to corporate filings reviewed by TechCrunch, linking the online used-car retailer to one of the latest entrants in the U.S. EV market. Documents filed with Delaware’s Division of Corporations show Carvana received a warrant to purchase shares in Slate Auto in 2025, around the same period the startup was assembling its $650 million Series C financing round. The filings do not disclose how many shares the warrant covers or whether Carvana has exercised its right to acquire them. Carvana declined to comment on the arrangement, while…

Hyundai Motor America has expanded its 2026 Tucson Hybrid lineup with the addition of a new Night AWD trim and two front-wheel-drive variants aimed at broadening the model’s appeal across different price points. The new Tucson Hybrid Night AWD arrives as the flagship version of the range, while newly introduced SE and SEL front-wheel-drive trims reduce the hybrid SUV’s entry price to $30,950. Hyundai said the Night AWD is available at dealerships now. Night AWD Adds Blacked-Out Styling Package The Tucson Hybrid Night AWD is based on the Limited trim and carries a starting price of $44,175, including Hyundai’s $1,600…

Ford plans to introduce five new vehicles in Europe by the end of the decade, including two all-electric models that will be developed through its partnership with Renault. The upcoming electric vehicles are expected to use Renault’s Ampere electric vehicle platform while incorporating Ford-specific design and engineering characteristics. Two Electric Models Planned The first of the Renault-based Ford electric vehicles is expected to launch in 2028, with a second model following thereafter. Ford has not disclosed details about the vehicles, though Chief Executive Officer Jim Farley has previously indicated that the models are likely to compete in smaller vehicle segments.…

Lucid has issued a recall affecting more than 2,000 Air Pure Rear-Wheel Drive (RWD) sedans in the United States and Canada due to a defect that could lead to a loss of propulsion while driving. According to documents filed with the U.S. National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) and Transport Canada, the recall covers 2,039 vehicles in the United States and 34 vehicles in Canada from the 2024 and 2025 model years. Issue Linked to Gen 4 Inverter The recall involves a specific version of Lucid’s Gen 4 inverter, which converts direct current (DC) electricity from the battery into alternating…

Volkswagen’s assembly plant in Chattanooga, Tennessee, is celebrating its 15th anniversary after producing more than 1.85 million vehicles since operations began in May 2011. The facility, which represents Volkswagen’s only vehicle assembly plant in the United States, has received approximately $4.3 billion in investment over the past 15 years and currently employs more than 4,000 workers. The anniversary comes shortly after the plant achieved a major production milestone. In April 2026, Volkswagen assembled its one-millionth Atlas-family vehicle, including both the Atlas and Atlas Cross Sport models. Production of the Atlas began in December 2016, and the SUV lineup has become…

Ford Motor and SK On are restructuring part of their North American battery partnership as Ford pivots toward energy storage and away from some planned electric vehicle battery production. SK Innovation said this week that SK On has completed the restructuring of BlueOval SK, the companies’ battery joint venture. Under the new structure, the Tennessee battery facility will now operate independently under the name SK On Tennessee, ending the original joint venture arrangement for that site. While SK On takes direct control of the Tennessee operation, Ford confirmed that its former BlueOval SK facility in Glendale, Kentucky, will transition into…

Nissan has abandoned plans to produce electric vehicles at its factory in Canton, Mississippi, according to a report by Nikkei, marking a major reversal in the company’s U.S. electrification strategy. Nissan North America confirmed that the automaker had discontinued the project following a strategic review, citing a sharp slowdown in U.S. electric vehicle demand after government EV incentives expired. See also: Nissan LEAF Robotaxi Pilot Planned in Tokyo Through Wayve and Uber Partnership The company had already suspended production of a new model year of the Japan-built Nissan Ariya for the U.S. market due to current market conditions. Nissan originally…

Rivian has started series production of its mid-size electric SUV, the R2, at its plant in Normal, Illinois, the company said, with first customer deliveries expected later this spring. Initial customer-specification vehicles have rolled off the production line but are still undergoing final quality checks and internal validation before being handed over to buyers. “We are on track to begin handing over keys to our first customers later this spring,” Rivian said in a statement, without specifying an exact delivery date. The R2 marks Rivian’s entry into a more affordable segment compared to its earlier R1 models, following a strategy…

Volkswagen will halt production of its ID.4 electric sport utility vehicle at its Chattanooga Plant in the coming days, shifting the facility’s focus to production of the second-generation Atlas combustion-engine SUV. The move comes as Volkswagen prioritizes higher-volume models in the U.S. market, where the Atlas remains one of the brand’s best-selling vehicles. The three-row Atlas is currently Volkswagen’s second-best-selling model in the United States after the Tiguan. Volkswagen said the Chattanooga plant will stop ID.4 production by mid-April, with remaining 2026 model year inventory expected to meet customer demand through 2027. “The Chattanooga plant has been, and will continue…