Electric Vehicles
- Kia's PV5 electric van combines futuristic looks and thoughtful design, positioning itself as a more accessible alternative to VW's expensive retro bus
- Hyundai is doubling down on EVs with new battery technology and improved charging infrastructure after its fifth consecutive record sales year in the US, while rivals scale back EV plans
- Tesla Semi pricing revealed at $290,000 for the 500-mile Long Range version, consistent with California's HVIP voucher program data
- Kia EV2 prototype performed well in cold weather testing, achieving impressive range and charging speeds in frigid conditions
- Xiaomi filed specifications for second-generation SU7 with higher range as it stops first-generation production
Product Launches
- Rivian R2 prototypes hit media revealing 656 HP and 10-80% charging in 30 minutes, positioned as a Tesla Model Y competitor; full pricing and specs to be revealed March 12
- Reviewers suggest R2 could be Rivian's breakthrough mass-market vehicle, comparable to Tesla's Model Y, depending on final pricing
Regulatory/Policy
- EPA preparing to finalize plan to delete its scientific finding on greenhouse gas dangers, potentially raising fuel costs 76 cents per gallon despite widespread public opposition
- House Committee approved legislation easing the path for more autonomous vehicles on US roads, establishing a federal framework for the technology
- UN draft agenda proposes unified global approach to self-driving regulation as robotaxi deployments accelerate
- EU agreed to lift tariffs on VW China's Cupra Tavascan imports with minimum price and quota requirements; China Chamber urges fair treatment for all brands
Industry Financials
- Honda reported $1.7B EV restructuring charge as automotive business posted operating loss of $1.07 billion from April-December 2025
- Norway's sovereign wealth fund returned to Tesla in Q4, purchasing 38 million shares after fully exiting three months earlier, also investing in Rivian and Ford
Company Operations
- Tesla promoted European executive to global sales lead after 13-year veteran engineering executive departed
- Nio Group registered 5 vehicles in Austria in its first full month on the market