Category Archives: electric vehicles

California Starts MyFirstEV Instant Rebate Program

California Governor Gavin Newsom announced late last week that three automakers are now offering instant rebates through California’s MyFirstEV program. Californians can walk into any Hyundai, Lucid or Tesla dealer or sales center and buy or lease their first zero-emission vehicle (ZEV) with a $3500 discount on a new model or $1750 off used.

“California is once again leading with bold, decisive action and expanding access to the benefits of zero-emission vehicles with the launch of the MyFirstEV program,” said California Air Resources Board Chair Lauren Sanchez. “This program means more than just new technology for California families – it means cleaner air for their children, lower maintenance costs, and the opportunity to be part of California’s clean air future.” Continue reading

Posted in auto news, customer satisfaction, electric vehicles, global warming, marketing, news, news analysis, opinions, prices, public health, shows and events, Trump Truth Tests | Tagged , , , , , , , , , , , , | Leave a comment

Brawley GTS ROVS Recalled for Sudden Acceleration

“Consumers should stop using their vehicles immediately and contact Vanderhall North America for instructions on how to update their vehicles to at least firmware version 7.1.0 through the Vanderhall customer mobile app. The updated software was released on 15 April 2026, and can be identified by the Vanderhall logo. Owners requiring assistance updating their firmware should contact their dealer or Vanderhall directly for assistance,” Vanderhall said in a recall filing released by the Consumer Product Safety Commission. Continue reading

Posted in customer satisfaction, electric vehicles, public health, quality, recalls, software recalls | Tagged , , , , , , , , , , , | Leave a comment

SMMT – Battery Electric Cars Sales Set Record in England!

Well, with Europe and England melting, burning and experiencing droughts as the pernicious results of Climate Change, something is clearly going have to be done – now! This means more non-fossil fueled vehicles. Enter the next round of, well, heated debates. The age old problem here is WHO PAYS. AutoInformed votes for shared costs, and is wary of subsidies to industries that are literally destroying life on planet earth. There is some room for nuance, although Britain’s revolving door of Prime Ministers, and the near suicide by Brexit policies to withdraw from a collective union in AutoInformed’s view makes the future grim for inhabitants of Old Blighty. This is a global war that needs to be won by all. Continue reading

Posted in alternative fuels, auto news, AutoInformed Editorial, electric vehicles, environment, fuel economy or emissions, global warming, marketing, news analysis, opinions, results, sales, transportation | Tagged , , , , , , , , , , , , , , | Leave a comment

General Motors and Chinese SAIC Motor Lengthen JV to 2047!

This is GM’s latest commitment to selling vehicles in world’s largest auto market. GM led the way starting in 1997 among global automakers to profit from China, whose sage industrial policy required that advanced western automakers link with local partners via JVs so that Chinese jobs were created and profits shared with Chinese communities. This also transferred advanced western mass production technologies, engineering processes and prowess, to China so that it emerged as the preeminent Global Force in automobility. GM posted second-quarter 2026 sales of more than 357,000 units in China. Continue reading

Posted in auto news, economy, electric vehicles, engineering, global warming, manufacturing, milestones, mobility company, news analysis, opinions, sales, shows and events, software defined vehicles | Tagged , , , , , , , , , , , , , , | Leave a comment

Center for Automotive Research on “China Speed”

“China’s automotive growth is not the result of a single technology, company or policy,” said Elizabeth Krear, President & CEO of the Center for Automotive Research. “It reflects a coordinated system designed to move quickly and build scale. North America does not need to replicate that system, but it must become more intentional about reducing complexity, accelerating collaboration and investing in the capabilities that will define the next generation of automotive leadership.” Continue reading

Posted in auto news, AutoInformed Editorial, design and styling, economy, electric vehicles, electronics, engineering, manufacturing, mobility company, news analysis, opinions, shows and events, transportation, Trump Truth Tests | Tagged , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , | Leave a comment

Magna to Supply Chery with 800V 2-Speed eDrive

Magna (TSX: MG; NYSE: MGA) said today that it has secured an 800-volt electric drive (eDrive) program award with Chery, advancing the Canadian parts supplier advanced electrification strategy in China. The program will be produced at Magna’s new Wuhu plant bringing what is inarguably state of the art electric drive technologies into localized production for leading Chinese OEMs. Unlike U.S. based suppliers and automakers, Magna operates relatively unfettered by government policies in stark contrast to King Trump’s latest threatened 50% tariff tirade against Canadian goods. Continue reading

Posted in auto news, economy, electric vehicles, engineering, environment, global warming, manufacturing, milestones, news analysis, opinions, Trump Truth Tests | Tagged , , , , , , , , , , , , , | Leave a comment

Bosch Fuel-Cell System Begins Testing in Madrid

Urban public transit with a Bosch fuel cell has started test operations in Madrid. Equipped with a fuel-cell power module (FCPM) from Bosch, an Irizar bus has been transporting passengers through the Spanish capital for several weeks now. Vehicle operation will focus on routes where the fuel cell’s long range allows it to demonstrate its advantages. The operator is the Spanish bus company Alsa.

“The fuel cell is the perfect complement to battery-electric powertrains – even in bus operations,” said Thomas Pauer, member of the Bosch Mobility sector board and president of Bosch Power Solutions. Continue reading

Posted in alternative fuels, auto news, electric vehicles, engineering, environment, fuel economy or emissions, global warming, milestones, news, news analysis, public health | Tagged , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , | Leave a comment

EPA Certifies Higher Estimated Range for 2027 Volvo EX60

“After its debut earlier this year and the opening of U.S. order books in May, the EX60 positions Volvo Cars in the mid-size electric SUV segment, the largest and fastest-growing category in the electric vehicle market. The game-changing SUV offers impressive range, fast charging, and exceptional performance – all at a competitive price,” Volvo Car claimed. Continue reading

Posted in auto news, electric vehicles, environment, fuel economy or emissions, global warming, mobility company, new vehicle, news analysis | Tagged , , , , , , , , , , | Leave a comment

First Look – The 2027 Trendsetting Toyota Prius Hybrid

The 2027 Toyota Prius (NYSE: TM, 7203T)* is expected to arrive at Toyota dealerships this summer with a Manufacturer’s Suggested Retail Price, of $28,755 plus a Dealer Processing and Handling fee of $1295. The top of the range MSRP is … Continue reading

Posted in auto news, connected vehicles, customer satisfaction, electric vehicles, fuel economy or emissions, global warming, new vehicle, news analysis, public health | Tagged , , , , , , , , , , , | Leave a comment

Volvo Cars Posts Grim Q2 2026 Operating Results

Volvo Cars (VOLCAR B: STO. ADR OTC VLVCY) today released its financial results for the second quarter of 2026. The news was grim as revenue, free cash flow and retail sales showed drops of -17%. -5.2% and – 6% respectively compared to Q2 2025. However, the Q2 EBIT margin was a razor thin +1.1%, which buys the Chinese-owned company more time to revitalize itself. [10.6% EBIT Q2 2025 AutoCrat.]

“In this very challenging external environment, we made progress on our strategic actions,” claimed Håkan Samuelsson, president and CEO. “This gives us the momentum and confidence that the second half of the year will improve compared to the first six months.” Continue reading

Posted in auto news, economy, electric vehicles, environment, financial results, marketing, news analysis, results | Tagged , , , , , , , , , | Leave a comment

BMW iX5 Electric Vehicle Debuts in Spartanburg SC

“When we announced our investment plans for South Carolina in 2022, we made a clear commitment to the future of the BMW Group in the United States,” said Milan Nedeljković, Chairman of the Board of Management, BMW AG.

“Our strategic course remains unchanged. We will continue to pursue the same technology-open strategy that has made BMW successful and will continue to make us successful in the future,” said Nedeljković. [Flexibility to build different powertrains in one plant decreases the possibility of spending million of Dollars or Deutschmarks shareholder capital betting on one model or powertrain. It hedges expensive automotive bets. – AutoCrat.] Continue reading

Posted in auto news, electric vehicles, global warming, manufacturing, milestones, shows and events | Tagged , , , , , , , , , , , , , , | Leave a comment

Volvo Cars Q2 2026 Sales Drop ~6%

Volvo Cars (VOLCAR B:STO)* today reported global sales of 171,501 cars in the second quarter of 2026, down 5.6% from Q2 last year. This is partially due to the difficult operating environment across regions, especially in China, that global automakers are enduring along with the Trump mis-administration tax, trade and foreign policy strategies. [Part of the solution to the Chinese problem is that Chinese owned Volvo cars can export Chinese EVs to global markets, which it is increasingly doing – AutoCrat.]

“Overall market conditions remain challenging, specifically in China, but we are encouraged by the momentum for the fully electric cars in our largest market Europe,” said Erik Severinson, Chief Commercial Officer at Volvo Cars. “We see increased deliveries and order intake for our EX30, even in less electrified South European markets. This is reflected in our higher market share in the growing electric car segments compared to traditional petrol and diesel cars.” Continue reading

Posted in auto news, economy, electric vehicles, global warming, marketing, news analysis, opinions, results, sales | Tagged , , , , , , , , , , , | Leave a comment

Stellantis Pro One to Unveil an Autonomous Commercial Van

Stellantis (NYSE: STLA. STLAM.MI)* said today it will unveil a so-called “Box-on-Wheels,” a new autonomous concept that is part of its recovery plan* to becoming a provider of integrated logistics solutions. Stellantis Pro One debuts at IAA Hannover in September … Continue reading

Posted in auto news, autonomous vehicles, concept, connected vehicles, electric vehicles, milestones, mobility company, news analysis, shows and events, vehicle personalization | Tagged , , , , , , , , , , | Leave a comment

Abu Dhabi Autonomous Racing League to Run at Imola!

“A2RL began in Abu Dhabi with a clear conviction: the future of mobility must be tested openly, rigorously and at the limits of performance. Its international debut at Imola demonstrates how the UAE is translating bold R&D ambition into globally relevant technology platforms that can accelerate progress in autonomous mobility,” said H.E. Faisal Al Bannai, Secretary General of the Advanced Technology Research Council. Continue reading

Posted in auto news, electric vehicles, electronics, engineering, marketing, milestones, racing | Tagged , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , | Leave a comment

Mass Production eVTOL Soon? Joby Aviation and Toyota JV

“Toyota has been by Joby’s side for nearly a decade, providing invaluable guidance and support as we built the foundation for manufacturing our aircraft,” said JoeBen Bevirt (sic) founder and CEO of Joby Aviation. “Today’s announcement reflects the strength of our relationship and our shared confidence in the opportunity ahead. Together, we share a vision of making aerial mobility an everyday reality, and we look forward to delivering on that promise together.” Continue reading

Posted in alternative fuels, aviation, economy, electric vehicles, engineering, global warming, mobility company, news, shows and events, transportation | Tagged , , , , , , , , , , | Leave a comment