Author: Jacob Sullivan

Rivian has raised its vehicle delivery forecast for 2026 after reporting stronger-than-expected second-quarter performance, signaling growing confidence despite a more challenging environment for electric vehicle sales in the United States. The electric vehicle manufacturer now expects to deliver between 65,000 and 70,000 vehicles this year, up from its previous guidance of 62,000 to 67,000 units. The revised outlook represents a notable increase from the 42,247 vehicles Rivian delivered in 2025. Strong Second Quarter Rivian said it produced 12,613 vehicles and delivered 12,194 vehicles during the second quarter, exceeding its earlier expectation of 9,000 to 11,000 deliveries. The company attributed the…

Polestar will be unable to sell new vehicles in the United States beginning with the 2027 model year after the US Department of Commerce declined to grant the company an exemption under the Connected Vehicle Rule. The decision means Polestar’s model-year 2027 vehicles and future variants will not be eligible for sale in the US market, while vehicles produced through the 2026 model year, including the Polestar 3 and Polestar 4, can continue to be sold. Exemption Request Rejected The Connected Vehicle Rule restricts the sale of connected vehicles manufactured by companies, or using certain software suppliers, that are controlled…

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…