Kia unveiled its full electric vehicle lineup, aiming to lead the EV market with new models like the affordable EV2 and the midsize EV5 SUV. The EV5 launches in Europe soon, while the EV4 hatchback will follow next year. Kia also showcased sporty models and introduced its first electric van. Visitors at the IAA Mobility Show can test drive several models, as Kia intends to popularize EVs further. The EV3 was the top-selling retail EV in the UK this year.

Can You Buy An EV From China As An American? (Nina Hernandez, 09-09-2025)

A woman showcased her new Chinese electric vehicle, the IM Motors L7, in a TikTok video. The vehicle features advanced displays and AI-controlled functions. Viewers expressed concerns about distractions while driving. In the U. S., importing such vehicles is complicated due to safety regulations, but Chinese brands may enter the market in the next five years.

Tesla gives up on Cybertruck wireless charging (Fred Lambert 09-09-2025)

Tesla has official scrapped plans to equip the Cybertruck with wireless charging, citing design challenges related to the truck’s high ground clearance. The gap between the vehicle and a wireless charging pad would significantly reduce charging efficiency, making the feature impractical.

This marks a shift from earlier signals, including owner’s manual references and 2023 prototypes that hinted at future wireless capabilities. While Tesla steps back from the idea, competitors like Porsche are moving forward with plans to offer optional wireless charging systems for upcoming EVs like the electric Cayenne.

NHTSA Rule Changes Favor Autonomous Cars (Steve Hanley 09-06-2025)

The National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) has announced a major regulatory overhaul aimed at enabling the next generation of autonomous vehicles. Revealed on September 4, the proposed reforms would modernize outdated federal safety standards, many of which still assume a human driver is behind the wheel, requiring elements like steering wheels, pedals, and windshield defrosters.

The changes specifically target Federal Motor Vehicle Safety Standards related to gear shifts, windshield systems, lighting, and reflective devices, systems historically designed with human operation in mind. NHTSA officials emphasized the importance of establishing a cohesive national framework to avoid a patchwork of conflicting state laws. The goal is to streamline innovation while maintaining critical safety benchmarks, clearing a regulatory path for autonomous technology to advance responsibly and at scale.

Tesla’s U.S. EV market share falls to eight-year low amid rising competition (Ashby Lincoln 09-09-2025)

Tesla’s once-dominant hold on the U.S. electric vehicle market hit a new low in August, with market share dropping to just 38%, the lowest since 2017. While Tesla’s sales grew modestly (7% in July, 3.1% in August), the broader EV market exploded by 14% in August, outpacing any of Tesla’s gains with competitors like Hyundai, Kia, Honda, Toyota, and Volkswagen gaining ground with aggressive incentives and new models that offer consumer compelling alternatives.

Industry insiders blame Tesla’s slide on an aging vehicle lineup, repeated delays in launching affordable cars, and Musk’s strategic pivot toward AI, robotaxis, and humanoid robots. Tesla built its empire by being first to market, but “first” doesn’t guarantee “forever,” and with rivals gaining momentum while Tesla’s refresh cycle lags, the EV landscape could look dramatically different in just a few years.

Qualcomm inks connected car deals with Google, BMW, and others (Ryan Daws 09-08-2025)

Qualcomm is enhancing connected cars through partnerships with companies like Google, BMW, and Mercedes-Benz. With Google Cloud, they are integrating advanced AI to improve in-car voice commands and user experiences. Their collaboration with BMW has introduced the Snapdragon Ride Pilot for automated driving, while the Snapdragon Digital Chassis powers the digital cockpits in new Mercedes-Benz models. Qualcomm is also partnering with Valeo to create integrated solutions for a wider range of vehicles, streamlining the development of advanced driving features.

Federal autonomous vehicle legislation introduced (SJ Munoz — July 28, 2025)

Rep. Vince Fong, R-Calif., introduced the America Drives Act to establish a national framework for autonomous vehicle trucking. This legislation would override state laws, allowing deployment of Level 4 and 5 autonomous commercial vehicles across state lines without human drivers. The Act aims to empower the Department of Transportation to implement practical regulations to scale this technology, enhancing supply chain efficiency and U.S. competitiveness. It includes exemptions from human-specific requirements like hours of service and drug testing. The OOIDA calls for greater transparency and mandatory safety testing. Concerns were raised about potential risks, such as phantom braking. The Autonomous Vehicle Industry Association supports the bill, emphasizing its benefits for supply chains and safety. The bill seeks to maintain U.S. leadership in transportation innovation while advancing policies prioritizing safety and technological progress.

Mercedes just pressed pause on EV orders in the US (Peter Johnson — July 30, 2025)

Mercedes-Benz has paused all US orders for its EQS and EQE electric vehicles, citing “current market conditions” as the company navigates anticipated policy chances under the Trump administration. The move follows the recent announcement that federal EV tax credits will expire at the end of September. While new domestic orders are no longer being accepted, Mercedes has sharply discounted its remaining US electrical vehicle inventory, slashing prices by as much as $15,000 in a final push to move product.

In a further shift, production of the EQS and EQE SUV models at the Mercedes Alabama production plant will be suspended beginning September 1. However, the facility will continue manufacturing electrical vehicles for export to internal markets.

Dealers and consumers in the US are no longer able to place new orders for these models, marking a significant pivot in the luxury automaker’s EV strategy.

China issues autonomous driving guidelines (Teresa Moss — July 28, 2025)

China has released ethical guidelines for autonomous driving technology, emphasizing transparency and data collection limits. Issued by the Ministry of Science and Technology, these guidelines require algorithms and models to be accessible and mandate that data collection stays within the necessary scope for driving functions. They also delineate liability, specifying whether the driver or system is responsible based on the system’s advancement. Dongfeng Motor and Huawei played roles in drafting these rules. In response to a fatal crash involving Xiaomi’s SU7 sedan, China banned terms like “autonomous driving” in ads. Preliminary findings indicated the car crashed after the driver took over from the ADAS system. Similar to the UK’s 2024 Automated Vehicles Act, China aims to prevent misleading language in marketing, ensuring drivers understand their car’s capabilities.

Lyft to add autonomous shuttles in 2026 as Uber inks more self-driving deals (Sean O’Kane — July 25, 2025)

Lyft plans to add autonomous shuttles from Benteler Group to its network in late 2026, in partnership with U. S. cities and airports. The shuttles will have no steering wheel or pedals and can carry up to nine seated and six standing passengers. Lyft is also working on adding autonomous vehicles from May Mobility in Atlanta this year.

US closes probe into Waymo self-driving collisions, unexpected behavior (David Shepardson — July 25, 2025)

The National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) concluded its 14-month investigation into Waymo’s self-driving vehicles late last week, closing the probe without taking further action. The investigation began after 22 reports of Waymo robotaxis potentially violating traffic laws, which led to 17 collisions. NHTSA noted that Waymo issued two recalls during this period, including the May recall affecting over 1,200 vehicles. This recall updated software to improve object detection and better avoid roadway barriers. The federal agency said that it relied on data from Waymo in reaching its decision to close the investigation.

Driverless Cars Are Changing the Future of Claims (Chris Bakes — July 24, 2025)

The rise of autonomous vehicles brings both promise and uncertainty in the automotive industry. As of 2025, only 13% of U. S. consumers trust autonomous cars due to concerns about control and unpredictability. However, statistics show that these vehicles cause fewer claims than human errors, which account for 90% of accidents. The shift toward automation is changing liability from drivers to manufacturers and software developers, requiring new insurance models and claims processes. Advanced technologies are reducing crashes, leading to fewer claims and a focus on improving claims handling and customer experiences in a safer, smarter future.

KEIGH NAUGHTON and BLOOMBERG 2-5-2025

Ford appears to be lagging in the electric vehicle market, having not introduced a new EV model in over two years. Like many other automakers, Ford has abandoned some of its EV goals, such as producing 2 million EVs by 2026, despite investing billions in developing new models. The EV market continues to face challenges, such as consumer range anxiety, concerns over inconsistent charging infrastructure, and, most significantly for Ford, rising EV prices. Bill Ford, the company’s executive chair, commented, “We are working very hard on EV affordability, because I think that will be the catalyst for much wider adoption.” Meanwhile, General Motors surpassed Ford in EV sales in the second half of 2024, and Tesla’s Cybertruck has now outsold Ford’s F-150 Lightning. Ford is expected to reveal its updated EV strategy for 2025 soon, including plans to generate a return on the billions invested in its electric vehicle initiatives.

Why Mercedes-Benz’s driver assistance system ranks higher than Tesla’s

ROBERT FERRIS 2-4-2025

Tesla’s Autopilot system, once a leader in advanced driver assistance, now ranks eighth per Consumer Reports, trailing behind Ford, GM, Mercedes-Benz, BMW, Nissan, Toyota, and Volkswagen. The system uses names like “Autopilot” and “Full Self-Driving,” but the features are not quite as advanced as some may believe, says Kelly Funkhouser of Consumer Reports. Advanced driver assistance systems automate tasks to aid driving but differ from true self-driving cars. Features include “automatic emergency braking” and “lane centering.” Each system has its pros and cons; the best in one aspect may not excel universally. Mercedes-Benz’s EQE 350 SUV system excels in many areas but lacks a driver monitoring camera, unlike Ford’s BlueCruise and GM’s Super Cruise. Adding this feature could boost it to the top rank.

Waabi and Volvo team up to build self-driving trucks at scale

REBECCA BELLAN 2-4-2025

Volvo has partnered with self-driving truck startup Waabi to develop new autonomous commercial trucks. This collaboration will complement Volvo’s existing joint venture with Aurora Innovation, which was announced last spring to launch the Volvo VNL Autonomous truck. Waabi’s technology, including its sensor suite and Waabi Driver software, will be integrated into the same truck model. The first autonomous trucks are set to be produced at Volvo’s Virginia facility later this year, with testing scheduled to begin in Texas. A public road demonstration is planned for the end of the year. “2025 is the year of trucking; it’s a make it or break it situation,” said Raquel Urtasun, founder and CEO of Waabi. “Trucking is only the beginning.”

Honda’s new EV production revolution begins with $1 billion investment in Ohio

MICHAEL WAYLAND 2-3-2025

Honda Motor is investing over $1 billion in Ohio to enhance its manufacturing for electric vehicles (EVs). This includes installing six large “giga presses” and a new manufacturing system for electric vehicle battery cases. Ohio will be the main hub for Honda’s global vehicle production, capable of making traditional cars, hybrids, and EVs in the same plant.

Honda aims to produce 220,000 vehicles annually at its Marysville plant, which will debut an all-electric Acura RSX crossover. The company plans to introduce several EV prototypes and has set environmental goals, including zero emissions by 2050 and exclusively selling zero-emission vehicles by 2040. “The Honda EV hub in Ohio is establishing the global standard for EV production for people, for technology and for processes,” said Mike Fischer, North American lead for Honda’s battery-electric vehicle projects. “As we expand EV production regionally and globally, this is the footprint and the characteristic performance that will be used.”

Tesla’s new cars suffer massive failures in autonomous driving

ALBERTO NORIEGA 1-30-2025

Tesla’s latest vehicles with the HW4/AI4.1 self-driving computers are facing failures in critical functions like cameras, GPS, and active safety, often within the first few hundred miles. Rooted in potential short circuits during the camera calibration process involving the low-voltage battery, these issues compromise vehicle safety and reliability. A software patch is seen as a temporary fix, but experts suggest replacing the faulty computers for a permanent solution, which could lead to long wait times for owners. This has overwhelmed service centers, delayed service appointments, and led to unsatisfactory responses from dealers, raising customer frustration. The failures pose a challenge to Tesla’s reputation, especially as autonomous driving is crucial to its strategy. Without a swift resolution, Tesla may face regulatory pressures and a weakened market standing.

Here’s what effective federal rules around autonomous driving vehicles could look like, according to a former DOT inspector general

LLOYD LEE 2-3-2025

The US has many state laws that autonomous vehicle (AV) companies must follow, and the federal government is not keeping up with regulations. Former DOT inspector general Eric Soskin suggested the government could develop federal guidelines to help. Companies like Waymo and Tesla face different state rules, complicating efforts to adopt AV technology. Soskin emphasized the need for performance-based standards, data sharing for cybersecurity, safety features for failures, and a fair liability system to support the growth of autonomous vehicles. The Autonomous Vehicle Industry Association has proposed a federal policy framework to accelerate AV development.