Author: Michael Cartwright

Alef Aeronautics has released a video showing its Model A flying car prototype taking off, flying over four vehicles and landing again, shortly after Tesla presented its latest Roadster concept featuring flight-related capabilities. The California-based startup included an older Tesla Roadster among the vehicles in the demonstration and used the footage to comment on Tesla’s entry into the flying-car discussion. “Welcome, Tesla, to the flying car race; we’ve been here alone for eleven years.” Alef said the flight marked the 1,000th recorded flight of its prototype. The company also referred to the Tesla Roadster in a separate statement: “Tesla Roadster…

The UK government is considering setting a 60% target for fully electric cars among new vehicle sales in 2030 as part of its review of the Zero Emission Vehicle (ZEV) mandate. The proposal would reduce the existing 80% requirement, while the remaining 40% of new car sales would need to consist of hybrid vehicles, according to a report by the Financial Times. Under the reported proposal, new petrol-only and diesel-only cars would no longer be eligible for registration from 2030. The government has not yet announced a final decision, and the proposed target remains part of an ongoing consultation covering…

Nearly 12,000 California residents have purchased electric vehicles through the state’s MyFirstEV rebate program, according to a Reuters report and a statement from Governor Gavin Newsom’s office. The program offers rebates of up to $3,500 for eligible new zero-emission vehicles (ZEVs) and up to $1,750 for used vehicles. It received $135.5 million in state funding, matched by participating automakers. The initiative continues to offer rebates through participating manufacturers, including Ford, General Motors, Honda, Hyundai, Kia, Toyota, Lucid, Nissan, Rivian, Subaru and Volvo. Tesla models are no longer eligible for the remaining program funds, according to the reports. State Rebates Support…

Germany and France are proposing that automakers reduce fleet CO₂ emissions by 90% by 2035, rather than meeting the currently planned 100% reduction target, according to excerpts from a preliminary agreement paper reported by German media. Under the proposal, manufacturers would not be required to offset the remaining 10% of emissions. The initiative also calls for stronger “Made in Europe” requirements, linking public funding more closely to automotive production and value creation within Europe. The proposals are intended to form the basis of negotiations at EU level over the bloc’s automotive policy package. The reported agreement reflects a compromise between…

A coalition of 26 US states, counties and major cities, alongside environmental organizations, has filed a lawsuit challenging the Trump administration’s decision to weaken federal fuel economy standards for new vehicles. Led by California Attorney General Rob Bonta, the plaintiffs argue that the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) failed to meet its legal obligation to set standards at the maximum feasible level of fuel efficiency. The revised rules lower the target for average fleet fuel economy by 2031 from 50.4 miles per gallon (mpg) to 34.9 mpg. The change affects new passenger cars and light-duty vehicles and has implications…

Nova Scotia has introduced a new levy on electric vehicles and plug-in hybrids, requiring owners to pay CA$500 and CA$250 respectively every two years when vehicle permits are issued or renewed. The levy took effect on October 1, 2026, and applies to eligible passenger vehicles, light trucks and vans registered in the province. Conventional hybrids that cannot be externally charged are excluded. Nova Scotia Sets EV Levy at CA$500 The new charge is separate from the regular vehicle permit fee and is collected when an eligible vehicle is registered or its permit is renewed. Battery-electric vehicle owners pay CA$500 every…

California has launched its MyFirstEV incentive programme, offering residents buying or leasing their first zero-emission vehicle (ZEV) an instant rebate of up to $3,500 at the point of sale. The programme provides a $3,500 incentive for eligible new vehicles and $1,750 for used vehicles. The rebate is deducted directly from the purchase price at participating manufacturers, eliminating the need for consumers to claim the incentive after completing their purchase. Hyundai, Lucid and Tesla are the first manufacturers participating in the programme, with additional automakers expected to join in the coming months. New and Used EVs Qualify for Point-of-Sale Rebates New…

The Australian government has committed AU$40.5 million (approximately €24.8 million) to accelerate the electrification of Australia Post’s delivery fleet as part of the 2026/27 federal budget. The funding will support the rollout of larger electric delivery vehicles and expanded charging infrastructure, reducing the postal operator’s reliance on diesel-powered transport. Expanding Beyond Smaller EVs Australia Post’s existing electric fleet is primarily made up of two- and three-wheeled delivery vehicles. The new investment will enable the organisation to deploy larger electric vans, trucks and prime movers on a broader scale as part of its fleet transition strategy. https://evmagz.com/linfox-to-deploy-26-electric-heavy-trucks-across-major-australian-freight-routes/ The Australian government said…

The cost difference between charging an electric vehicle at home and using public charging stations is set to widen after the UK Government announced it will eliminate VAT on household electricity from October 1, 2026. Under the new policy, the VAT rate applied to domestic electricity bills will fall from 5% to 0%, reducing home charging costs for electric vehicle owners while leaving public charging subject to the existing 20% VAT rate. https://evmagz.com/uk-confirms-mileage-based-ev-road-tax-starting-in-2028/ Home Charging Becomes Even Cheaper Prime Minister Andy Burnham announced the measure as part of the government’s broader effort to reduce household energy costs. “We’re taking immediate…

California will launch a new point-of-sale rebate program later this summer to encourage first-time buyers of zero-emission vehicles (ZEVs), supported by $135.5 million in state funding and matching contributions from participating automakers. The initiative, called MyFirstEV, will provide eligible buyers with an instant rebate at dealerships. Purchasers of new electric vehicles priced up to $50,000 will receive a $3,500 rebate, while buyers of used EVs costing up to $25,000 will qualify for a $1,750 incentive. State Expands EV Incentives California said automakers will match the state’s $135.5 million investment, creating a combined incentive pool of $270 million. Governor Gavin Newsom…

A coalition of industrial companies, investors and industry associations has called on the European Commission to revise its state aid framework, arguing that clearer and more predictable incentives are needed to encourage investment in battery manufacturing and other clean technology industries across Europe. In an open letter sent ahead of the European Commission’s expected Electrification Action Plan on July 15, the group said current funding mechanisms do not provide sufficient certainty for companies planning large-scale manufacturing projects. The signatories welcomed recent EU industrial policy initiatives, including the proposed Industrial Accelerator Act and the Clean Industrial Deal, but said the existing…

The European Parliament is advancing proposals that could significantly speed up the deployment of electric vehicle charging infrastructure by easing permitting requirements for many high-power charging stations across the European Union. The measures form part of the proposed EU Grid Package, a legislative initiative aimed at accelerating the expansion of electricity networks and clean energy infrastructure needed to support Europe’s electrification goals. Simpler Rules for Fast-Charging Projects Under Parliament’s proposed position, charging stations with a total installed capacity of up to one megawatt built on so-called “artificial structures” would no longer require construction permits. Although the legislation has yet to…

The Netherlands has introduced a distance-based truck toll for heavy commercial vehicles, requiring trucks weighing more than 3.5 tonnes to pay a road usage charge based on the number of kilometres travelled. The new system took effect on 1 July 2026 and applies across almost all Dutch motorways as well as a number of provincial and municipal roads. While battery-electric trucks benefit from significantly lower rates than diesel vehicles, they are not exempt from the new toll. Distance-Based Charging The toll applies to N2 and N3 vehicle categories, covering trucks with a gross vehicle weight rating above 3.5 tonnes. Road…

The U.S. House Transportation and Infrastructure Committee has approved legislation that would establish the first federal regulatory framework for autonomous commercial motor vehicles operating across state lines. The BUILD America 250 Act, a five-year surface transportation reauthorization proposal, was advanced by the committee in a bipartisan 62-2 vote and includes a dedicated section focused on the safe integration of autonomous commercial vehicles into the national transportation system. If enacted, the legislation would create a nationwide regulatory structure for automated commercial trucking operations, replacing the current patchwork of state-level requirements. National Safety Standard for Autonomous Trucks The bill directs the U.S.…

The European Commission is preparing to impose countervailing duties on plug-in hybrid vehicles (PHEVs) imported from China, according to a report by German newspaper Handelsblatt, as Brussels seeks to address what it sees as a regulatory gap in its trade measures against Chinese automakers. The move would expand the European Union’s trade actions beyond battery-electric vehicles (BEVs), which have faced additional tariffs since October 2024 following an EU investigation into Chinese state subsidies. Existing Tariffs Target Battery-Electric Vehicles The EU introduced additional duties on Chinese-made battery-electric vehicles on October 31, 2024, after concluding that government support provided to Chinese manufacturers…

Seven European Union member states have called on Brussels to maintain the core provisions of its upcoming Automotive Package, pushing back against efforts by several countries and political groups to further relax the bloc’s vehicle emissions regulations. France, Spain, Denmark, Luxembourg, the Netherlands, Portugal and Sweden have jointly urged the European Commission to stay committed to a clear pathway toward vehicle electrification and preserve the planned 2035 zero-emission vehicle target. Seven Countries Defend EU Electrification Strategy In a joint letter obtained by AFP ahead of a meeting of EU environment ministers later this month, the coalition warned that any further…

The European Union’s automotive regulatory package may not be finalized until 2027 as lawmakers continue to debate key elements of the proposed legislation, including electric vehicle quotas for corporate fleets and future carbon dioxide emissions targets for automakers. According to a report by Automobilwoche, the European Parliament is not expected to vote on the package covering the automotive sector and vehicle fleets until November, with political groups remaining divided on several major issues. Industry associations and corporate lobby groups are also continuing to press their positions as negotiations progress. “Everything must be finalised by the end of the first quarter…

Ireland will introduce a new vehicle scrappage programme next month aimed at encouraging motorists to replace older internal combustion engine (ICE) vehicles with battery-electric vehicles (BEVs). The ICE2EV scheme, announced by Transport Minister Darragh O’Brien, will provide grants of up to €5,000 to eligible applicants who scrap older petrol or diesel vehicles and purchase a new battery-electric car. Backed by €10 million from the government’s Climate Action Fund, the programme is scheduled to open on July 1, 2026. Focus on Older Vehicles According to the Department of Transport, the scheme targets vehicles registered in 2013 or earlier, reflecting efforts to…

The European Union’s first standardized methodology for calculating greenhouse gas emissions from freight and passenger transport entered into force on Thursday, creating a single framework for measuring transport-related emissions across all modes. The CountEmissionsEU regulation is aligned with the international EN ISO 14083:2023 standard and is intended for companies that voluntarily disclose transport emissions. The framework aims to ensure that reported emissions figures are calculated using consistent and verifiable methods, allowing for greater comparability across the transport sector. Common Framework for Emissions Measurement The regulation introduces a door-to-door approach to emissions accounting, covering every stage of a transport journey regardless…

The European Bank for Reconstruction and Development (EBRD) has agreed a €35 million loan to GreenWay as part of a wider €113 million financing package aimed at expanding electric vehicle charging infrastructure across Poland, the Slovak Republic and Croatia. The investment will support the development, construction and installation of 2,700 fast and ultra-fast public charging points by 2028, helping address a shortage of charging infrastructure in Central Europe and supporting wider adoption of electric vehicles. Charging network expansion targets key transport corridors The new charging points will be located in densely populated areas and along major transport routes, improving access…