Author: Jacob Sullivan

Volvo Cars has introduced Plug & Charge functionality for its EX90 electric SUV in the United States and plans to extend the feature to the upcoming EX60 when deliveries begin later this year, simplifying the public charging experience for EV drivers. The technology allows charging sessions to start automatically when a vehicle is connected to a compatible charger, eliminating the need for mobile apps, RFID cards, or manual payment processes. Automatic Authentication and Payment With Plug & Charge activated, drivers only need to plug the charging cable into the vehicle. Authentication and payment are processed automatically between the vehicle and…

Rivian has confirmed another round of layoffs affecting several hundred employees as the electric vehicle manufacturer continues efforts to reduce losses and move toward long-term profitability. The company said the workforce reduction will impact less than 2% of its total employee base and primarily affect teams within its service and customer operations departments. Cost-Cutting Continues The latest restructuring comes as Rivian intensifies its focus on operational efficiency despite recent product launches and growing software revenue. “We recently restructured a handful of teams within Rivian as we work to profitably scale our business,” the company said in a statement. At the…

Rivian’s upcoming R2 electric SUV has achieved efficiency figures comparable to Tesla’s Model Y Performance, according to newly released U.S. Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) certification data, highlighting increasing competition in the high-volume electric crossover segment. The EPA figures show the Rivian R2 Performance AWD and the 2026 Tesla Model Y Performance both achieve a combined efficiency rating of 105 MPGe and consume 32 kWh of energy per 100 miles. However, Rivian’s vehicle is rated for an EPA-estimated driving range of 330 miles (531 km), compared with 306 miles (492 km) for Tesla’s Model Y Performance. Rivian Narrows Tesla’s Efficiency Lead…

A proposed US requirement mandating that vehicles produced within the North American trade zone contain at least 50% US-made components would likely present greater challenges for Mexico’s automotive sector than for Canada’s, Canadian Prime Minister Mark Carney has said. The proposal is being discussed as the United States, Canada and Mexico begin the review process for the United States-Mexico-Canada Agreement (USMCA). Vehicle Content Requirements Under Discussion According to Bloomberg, Carney said vehicles assembled in Canada already meet the proposed threshold on average, while many vehicles produced in Mexico would face greater difficulty complying with the requirement if it were implemented.…

Polestar has reintroduced the Polestar 2 to the Canadian market, offering a single Long Range Dual Motor variant priced from CA$69,900 (US$50,328) as the company expands its presence with a three-model lineup in the country. The return of the electric fastback completes Polestar’s Canadian portfolio, which now includes the Polestar 2, Polestar 3 SUV, and Polestar 4 coupe SUV. Orders for the 2027 model are now open. Single Fully Equipped Configuration For the Canadian market, Polestar is offering the Polestar 2 exclusively in a Long Range Dual Motor configuration. The model delivers 310 kW of power, accelerates from 0 to…

Lucid Group has appointed Silvio Napoli as its chief executive officer, effective immediately, as the electric vehicle manufacturer seeks to strengthen execution and navigate ongoing production challenges. Napoli’s appointment follows an earlier announcement in April that he would assume the leadership role. He succeeds Marc Winterhoff, who had been serving as interim CEO and will now return to his previous position as chief operating officer, reporting directly to Napoli. Leadership Transition Lucid Chairman Turqi Alnowaiser said the board remains confident in the company’s direction under Napoli’s leadership. “On behalf of the Board, we are pleased to have Silvio as CEO…

General Motors has unveiled the GMC HUMMER X concept alongside the opening of its new Advanced Design studio in Pasadena, California, presenting a pair of electric vehicle concepts intended to explore future design, manufacturing and mobility ideas. The concepts, which include both truck and SUV body styles, are not planned for production and serve primarily as design studies developed by the company’s advanced design and engineering teams. New Pasadena Design Campus Opens The GMC HUMMER X made its debut at GM’s new 148,000-square-foot Advanced Design campus in Pasadena. The facility spans three buildings and houses approximately 100 employees, including designers,…

Slate Auto will begin accepting non-refundable preorders for its low-cost electric vehicle on June 24, marking the next step toward customer deliveries planned for later this year. The electric vehicle startup, backed by investors including Jeff Bezos and Los Angeles Dodgers owner Mark Walter, informed prospective customers via email that preorder pricing and vehicle details will be announced on June 24. Customers who have already placed a refundable $50 reservation will receive priority access and an earlier delivery window before preorders open to the broader public. Preorders Open June 24 According to information published on the company’s preorder page, prospective…

Polar Semiconductor and Nexperia have entered into a manufacturing partnership under which Polar’s semiconductor foundry in Minnesota will produce next-generation power MOSFET devices for the Dutch semiconductor company. The agreement is designed to support rising demand for power semiconductors used in artificial intelligence server infrastructure, robotics, industrial equipment and automotive applications. Under the collaboration, Nexperia will develop a portfolio of power metal-oxide semiconductor field-effect transistors (MOSFETs) covering multiple voltage classes and package formats, while Polar Semiconductor will provide manufacturing capacity through its U.S.-based wafer fabrication facility. The companies did not disclose financial terms of the agreement, planned production volumes or…

Pursuit Attractions and Hospitality has launched what it describes as the world’s first electric Ice Explorer vehicle as part of its Columbia Icefield Adventure attraction in Jasper National Park, introducing an electrified glacier touring vehicle designed to reduce emissions and improve the visitor experience. The new Electric Ice Explorer is now operating on the Athabasca Glacier as part of the regular Columbia Icefield Adventure fleet. According to Pursuit, the vehicle charges through onboard bifacial solar panels and regenerative braking systems while operating in one of the world’s most environmentally sensitive tourism environments. The vehicle was developed in partnership with Noble…

Volvo Cars has officially opened U.S. orders for its new EX60 electric SUV following the model’s North American debut in New York City, as the company expands its lineup in the competitive mid-size electric vehicle segment. Customer deliveries in the United States are expected to begin later this year. The EX60 will initially be offered in P6 and P10 all-wheel-drive configurations, while a higher-performance P12 AWD version is scheduled to arrive later. Volvo said the EX60 is its longest-range electric vehicle so far. The future P12 AWD variant is projected to achieve up to 400 miles of range under the…

BMW has introduced a preferred pricing programme for BMW and Mini electric vehicle drivers using Ionna charging stations across the United States. Under the programme, drivers who start charging sessions through Plug & Charge or the My BMW App will receive a 20% discount on charging costs through Sept. 30, 2026. BMW said the discount is automatically applied within the vehicle’s digital ecosystem, aiming to simplify access to public fast-charging infrastructure for EV owners. The automaker said the initiative is intended to support the broader adoption of electric vehicles as reliable public charging networks become increasingly important for both daily…