Author: Jonathan Collins

Toyota Motor Corp., Lexus, and Subaru on Friday announced a recall of approximately 100,000 electric vehicles in the United States to address a potential safety hazard linked to windshield defrosters. The companies also said they are temporarily halting sales of certain models. The affected vehicles include the Toyota bZ4X, Lexus RZ 300e, RZ 450e, and the 2023-2025 Subaru Solterra, all of which share a common platform. The problem stems from an electrical control unit (ECU) software issue that could prevent the windshield defroster from adequately removing frost, ice, or fog, potentially reducing driver visibility in cold weather. Toyota said owners…

Volkswagen Group outlined a new semiconductor procurement strategy at the 4th Semiconductor Summit held during the IAA Mobility auto show, detailing a joint initiative with Rivian and Volkswagen Group Technologies to manage sourcing across more than 50 semiconductor categories. The strategy covers components such as microcontrollers, power transistors, and printed circuit boards, aiming to enhance supply chain resilience, reduce costs, and simplify procurement for Volkswagen’s future vehicle portfolio. Measures include transparent volume planning, bundled purchasing, and improved component tracking. “Semiconductors are a key driver of automotive innovation, powering electrification, enhancing performance and safety, and shaping the user experience,” Volkswagen said.…

Xpeng’s  flying car unit, Xpeng Aeroht, has obtained a key flight permit in the United Arab Emirates for its Land Aircraft Carrier modular flying car, marking a milestone in the company’s overseas expansion. The permit, described by Xpeng Aeroht as the first manned aircraft special flight permit obtained by a Chinese flying car firm outside China, allows the company to conduct manned flight tests across multiple UAE locations. Xpeng Aeroht plans to complete the vehicle’s inaugural flight in Dubai this October and aims to begin deliveries in the second half of 2026, the company announced at the IAA Mobility auto…

Battery materials startup LeydenJar has raised €13 million ($15.2 million) to expand production of its silicon anode technology for a leading U.S.-based consumer electronics company. The Netherlands-based company plans to use the funding, together with a €10 million commitment from the U.S. customer, to build the first phase of its PlantOne facility in Eindhoven, which is scheduled to open in 2027. Investors Extantia and Invest-NL led the financing round. “This funding marks a pivotal moment for LeydenJar,” said Christian Rood, CEO and Co-founder of LeydenJar. “We’re now moving from breakthrough lab innovation to full-scale production. Our technology is already integrated into…

Hyundai’s new flagship electric SUV, the Ioniq 9, has been awarded a five-star safety rating in the latest Euro NCAP crash tests, released in September 2025. The large SUV scored highly across all major categories, with particular strengths in child occupant safety and advanced assistance technologies. The five-door SUV, tested in its 4×4 GLS variant, achieved 84% for adult occupant protection, 87% for child occupants, 77% for vulnerable road users, and 83% for safety assist features. https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=3qqI_Cp7kyc&ab_channel=EuroNCAP Euro NCAP said the passenger compartment remained stable in frontal crash tests, offering good protection of the knees and femurs of both driver…

The U.S. federal government will bar states from allowing electric vehicles and other clean cars to use carpool lanes without meeting occupancy requirements beginning October 1, California officials said on Wednesday. California Governor Gavin Newsom confirmed that single drivers with the state’s Clean Air Vehicle decal will no longer be able to access carpool lanes or receive reduced toll rates in some areas. The incentive had been used by California and other states to encourage electric vehicle adoption. California Department of Motor Vehicles director Steve Gordon criticized the move, saying, “By taking away this program, hundreds of thousands of California’s…

Chinese automaker GWM is preparing to launch the ORA 5, a completely new electric hatchback under its ORA brand, later this year, according to filings with China’s Ministry of Industry and Information Technology (MIIT). The model is the first all-new ORA vehicle since 2022, signaling the brand’s renewed push in the highly competitive Chinese electric vehicle (EV) market. The ORA 5 features a distinctive retro-modern design with rounded headlights and a low hood, combining classic styling cues with contemporary proportions. The hatchback spans 4,471 mm in length, 1,833 mm in width, 1,641 mm in height, and has a 2,720 mm…

Amazon-owned Zoox said it has opened its fully autonomous ride-hailing service to the public in Las Vegas, offering free rides in its custom-built electric robotaxis on and around the Strip. Zoox vehicles — all-electric, autonomous, and designed without steering wheels or pedals — can now be hailed through the company’s mobile app. The launch marks a major step for the Foster City, California-based startup, which has spent six years developing its technology before unveiling its cube-shaped robotaxi. Testing began on public streets in Las Vegas in 2023, initially limited to a one-mile loop near the company’s depot, before expanding to…

EnviroSpark, a U.S.-based charging provider and charge point operator, said on Monday it has brought its 2,500th charger online across its network, marking a milestone in the company’s expansion of electric vehicle (EV) infrastructure in North America. The Atlanta-headquartered firm also said it has contracted an additional 1,000 plugs that are scheduled to come online soon. Since its founding in 2014, the company has deployed more than 8,000 charging plugs for other networks, with over 1,000 installed this year alone. “This milestone reflects the relentless dedication and talent of our incredible team,” said Frank Woodling, CEO of EnviroSpark. “Month after…

Bollinger Motors, a subsidiary of Bollinger Innovations, Inc., said it has completed the sale of 30 commercial electric vehicles (EVs) worth more than $1 million, marking another step in the automaker’s efforts to expand its presence in the U.S. fleet market. The $1,074,035 transaction involved deliveries to Ziegler Truck Group, Range Truck Group, logistics giant DB Schenker, and Larsen Enterprises. The order includes 20 Class 1 delivery vans, six Class 3 utility trucks, and four Class 4 B4 chassis cabs, the company said. Full payment has already been received from DB Schenker, while payments from Ziegler and Range Truck Group…

Volkswagen has introduced a new Black Package for the 2025 ID.4 electric SUV in the United States, adding black exterior accents and 20-inch alloy wheels as part of an effort to boost appeal amid softer demand. The Black Package, available on the S and S Plus trims, includes black-painted mirror caps, door handles, badging, and wheels. Pricing starts at $45,095 for the ID.4 Pro variant with an 82 kWh battery. All 2025 ID.4 models are assembled at Volkswagen’s Chattanooga, Tennessee plant. Volkswagen said the 2025 ID.4 lineup will be offered in five trims, all equipped with the 82 kWh battery.…

Lucid will expand its lineup with a new midsize electric vehicle starting at about $50,000, the company said, confirming earlier plans to target the mass-market segment dominated by Tesla’s Model 3 and Model Y. The new model, Lucid’s third after the Air sedan and Gravity SUV, will be built on a dedicated midsize platform. Speaking at the Munich Motor Show, interim CEO Marc Winterhoff said the vehicle will be based on the recently unveiled Gravity X concept, a rugged version of the Gravity SUV featuring off-road upgrades such as all-terrain tires, lifted suspension, tow hooks, and an integrated LED roof…