Autonomous Vehicles
- Waymo is using DoorDash gig workers to solve a human problem in its robotaxi operations: closing doors that riders leave open after trips. Ars Technica
Electric Vehicles
Sales & Market Performance
- Tesla's US sales fell an estimated 17% year-over-year in January 2026 to 40,100 vehicles, marking the fourth consecutive month of declining domestic demand. Electrek
- Nio's flagship ET9 sedan dropped to just 59 registrations in January, its lowest-ever monthly result. EV Blog
Product Launches & Development
- Hyundai teased upcoming EVs with distinct designs that will stand out from current market offerings, similar to the IONIQ 5 and IONIQ 9. Electrek
- Audi is finalizing its most affordable EV, the A2 e-tron, a sibling to the VW ID.3 with its own unique design. Electrek
- Tesla announced the Powerwall 3P with a native three-phase inverter for the German market, eliminating the need for multiple units in European homes. Electrek
- Rivian announced plans to develop new electric delivery van (EDV) variants with higher driving range and AWD options. EV Blog
Recalls & Safety
- Mercedes-Benz recalled 11,895 EVs in the US (EQB 250+, EQB 300 4MATIC, and EQB 350 4MATIC) due to battery overheating risks that could lead to fires, recommending owners park outside. EV Blog
Trade & Regulation
- China's Ministry of Commerce confirmed several companies are expected to sign pricing agreements with the EU, hoping to lift heavy tariffs on imported EVs. EV Blog
Electric Bikes & Micromobility
- Trek launched a new automatic shifting e-bike, while studies show e-bike use has positive impacts on brain function. Multiple US cities are considering new e-bike regulations. Electrek
Industrial & Commercial EVs
- XCMG delivered the world's biggest all-electric wheel loaders (XC9260BEWL and XC9260BEWD) to Fortescue, part of a record $400 million electric equipment order for the Australian mining giant. Electrek
Financial Markets & Investment
- UBS upgraded Rivian to Neutral from Sell after the company's Q4 earnings beat expectations, raising its price target. EV Blog
- Deutsche Bank upgraded Rivian to Buy following strong Q4 results, with shares jumping up to 28% in early trading. EV Blog
- BlackRock closed 2025 holding 6 million shares in Lucid Motors, reaching a record high stake. EV Blog
- Renaissance Technologies became one of the largest institutional investors in Rivian, holding nearly 16.4 million shares by the end of 2025. EV Blog
- The SEC closed its investigation into Fisker in September 2025. TechCrunch
AI & Automation
- Li Auto replaced the head of its newly-created humanoid robots unit just two weeks after his appointment. EV Blog
Software & Technology
- The software defined vehicle (SDV) market is forecast to reach $1,902.9 billion by 2034 as the automotive industry undergoes digital transformation. MOVEMNT