Author: Jonathan Collins

Serve Robotics Inc., a California-based developer of autonomous sidewalk delivery robots, said it has acquired Vayu Robotics Inc. to strengthen its technology for AI-based navigation and expand into new markets. The deal combines Serve’s autonomy stack and extensive real-world data with Vayu’s expertise in foundation model-based robotics and scalable simulation technology. The acquisition is expected to accelerate the adoption of learned autonomy for last-mile delivery, enabling safer, faster, and more reliable navigation. Serve said the integration will also lower operational costs and open opportunities to expand its robots into additional environments such as bike lanes and road margins. Vayu’s founders…

Tesla has introduced the Model Y L in China, offering buyers a larger version of its best-selling sport utility vehicle with enhanced comfort and upgraded features. The new model addresses one of the most frequent complaints among existing Tesla owners: overheating wireless phone chargers. See also: Tesla Model Y L Reviews Highlight Adult-Friendly Third Row and Automatic Folding Seats The Model Y L, which is longer than the original version, adds a more spacious interior, redesigned front seats with adjustable headrests, captain’s chairs in the second row, mechanical armrests, and B-pillar air vents for improved airflow. The design changes are…

Nissan said on Tuesday the 2026 LEAF will remain the lowest-priced electric vehicle in the United States, with the redesigned model starting below $30,000. Now in its third generation, the LEAF shifts from its original hatchback form to a compact SUV while extending driving range and adding more charging options. The company released pricing for three of the four trims, with the SV+ starting at $29,990, the S+ at $34,230 and the Platinum+ at $38,990. Nissan said the SV+ undercuts last year’s comparable trim by nearly $2,000, despite offering additional standard features and a longer range. A base model, the…

Tesla vehicles are among the least likely to be stolen in the United States, according to a new study by the Highway Loss Data Institute (HLDI). The analysis found that four Tesla models ranked in the top ten lowest-theft vehicles for the 2022–2024 model years. The Tesla Model 3 AWD recorded the lowest theft claim frequency, scoring just 1 on a relative scale where 100 represents the industry average. The Model Y AWD and Model 3 RWD followed closely with a score of 2, while the Model S AWD tied with the Toyota Rav4 Prime at 5. “This year’s findings…

Tesla’s self-driving Robotaxi service has drawn skepticism from industry observers, including John Krafcik, former CEO of Waymo and current board member at electric vehicle maker Rivian. The service operates in Austin, Texas, and the San Francisco Bay Area, offering driverless rides to select users. In Austin, the platform launched on June 22, initially serving a small group of invited guests, with its geofence and user base expanding in the two months since. In the Bay Area, regulatory restrictions prevent Tesla from marketing the platform as a “Robotaxi,” a distinction confirmed by CEO Elon Musk. Krafcik, who led Waymo for seven…

Leapmotor, a Chinese new energy vehicle (NEV) manufacturer backed by Stellantis NV, posted its first-ever half-year profit, driven by significant sales growth and improved operational efficiency. The company reported net income of RMB 30 million ($4.2 million) for the first half of 2025, making it the second Chinese NEV maker after Li Auto to achieve half-year profitability. Leapmotor delivered 221,664 vehicles in the first six months, up 155.7 percent from a year earlier. Deliveries for the first seven months reached 271,793 units, a 149.8 percent increase year-on-year. In response to the strong performance, Leapmotor raised its full-year 2025 sales target…

Lamborghini has introduced the Fenomeno, a limited-edition plug-in hybrid supercar that the Italian automaker says is its most powerful road car ever. The model blends a V-12 gasoline engine with three electric motors to deliver a combined output of 1,065 horsepower. Based on the company’s Revuelto platform, the Fenomeno features a 6.5-liter V-12 engine producing 823 hp and 534 lb-ft of torque, paired with an eight-speed dual-clutch transmission. Two electric motors power the front wheels, while an additional axial flux unit from Yasa assists the gasoline engine. Lamborghini said the car can accelerate from zero to 60 miles per hour…

Allianz UK said it will fully switch its vehicle fleet to electric models by 2030, with conventional fuel engines to be phased out. The company has already begun placing orders for new electric vehicles as part of the transition. This year, the insurer ordered 160 battery-electric vehicles, bringing its total to 307, or about 28% of its fleet. The orders follow a series of internal trials that included employee test drives, benchmarking exercises, and assessments of vehicles adapted for drivers with accessibility needs. Bethany Thomas, Head of Sustainability at Allianz UK, said: “This move is an important one for us…

BRP, the Canadian powersports company known for brands such as Ski-Doo, Sea-Doo and Can-Am, has unveiled the 2026 Can-Am Outlander Electric ATV, a model the company says will deliver top-tier performance while advancing its electric product strategy. The Outlander Electric uses BRP’s in-house Rotax E-Power drivetrain, the same modular platform featured in its electric motorcycles and snowmobiles. The company said the electric ATV produces 47 horsepower and 53 lb-ft of torque, with selectable ride modes for recreational, work and sport use. It also offers a towing capacity of 1,830 pounds, exceeding the ratings of some gasoline-powered ATVs from Polaris, Honda…

Paired Power, a U.S.-based developer of solar-powered electric vehicle (EV) charging systems, has received a patent for its PairTree™ solar canopy, designed to enable rapid, cost-efficient deployment of EV chargers, particularly in locations with limited or no grid access. The patent, U.S. No. 12,375,024, marks the company’s fourth since 2016 and highlights its focus on sustainable EV infrastructure. The PairTree™ system features a patented lift mechanism that allows solar panels to be assembled at ground level before being raised into position, reducing installation complexity and time. The modular canopy integrates a 4.6 kW solar array with a 42.4 kWh battery…

US Representatives Mark DeSaulnier of California and Greg Stanton of Arizona have introduced legislation to extend a federal programme allowing electric and alternative fuel vehicles to use High Occupancy Vehicle (HOV) lanes with only a single occupant. The proposed HOV Lane Exemption Reauthorization Act would continue the policy through 2031, aiming to reduce congestion, cut emissions and accelerate clean vehicle adoption nationwide. Without Congressional action, the exemption is due to expire on Sept. 30, 2025. “Solo EV drivers in Arizona have been able to use the HOV lane for years. The lane exemption programme doesn’t just incentivise the transition to…

Tesla has increased U.S. prices for all trims of its Model S and Model X by $10,000 while including a suite of premium features as standard, offering more than $15,000 in added value for buyers. The new starting prices are $94,990 for the Model S AWD, $109,990 for the Model S Plaid, $99,990 for the Model X AWD, and $114,990 for the Model X Plaid. Every trim now comes standard with Supervised Full Self-Driving (FSD), free lifetime Supercharging, a four-year premium service plan, and free lifetime Premium Connectivity. See also: Tesla Unveils Refreshed Model S and Model X With Design,…