Electric BMW 3-Series arrives in 2026; undergoing cold-weather testing

Prototype for electric BMW 3-Series based on Neue Klasse platformThe second model in BMW's Neue Klasse electric-vehicle line is now undergoing cold-weather testing ahead of a 2026 debut. BMW started pre-production of the first Neue Klasse model, a compact crossover, in November, and on Friday confirmed that it will debut at the 2025 Munich auto show in September. BMW also confirmed the iX3 name for this model...

Study: Trump killing EV tax credits would decimate US industries

Rivian R2If the Trump Administration eliminates the federal EV tax credit, it could have a devastating effect on U.S. manufacturing, a new study warns. Produced by the REPEAT Project, a Princeton University group that analyzes environmental policy, the study found that killing the $7,500 tax credit would reduce EV demand, as well as endanger manufacturing...

VW ID.4, Audi Q4 E-Tron recall: 12V issue may strand drivers

2024 Volkswagen ID.4Volkswagen ID.4 and Audi Q4 E-Tron electric vehicles are being recalled because of an issue with their batteries—their 12-volt batteries, that is. In the 13,769 recalled vehicles—including a mix of 2024 VW ID.4 and 2024-2025 Audi Q4 E-Tron and E-Tron Sportback models—the 12-volt battery may not charge, even when there's plenty of...

BMW iX3 debuts in September as first Neue Klasse EV

Oliver Zipse with the new BMW iX3 prototypeThe first of BMW's next-generation electric vehicles will be unveiled in September at the 2025 Munich auto show, and will wear iX3 badging, the automaker confirmed Friday. BMW brought out a camouflaged prototype of this model, the first in a family of EVs dubbed Neue Klasse (German for "new class") at its annual financial results conference. CEO...

Longbow aims to make lightweight electric sports cars a reality

Longbow Speedster and RoadsterA new startup has emerged to take on the challenge of developing a lightweight electric sports car. U.K.-based Longbow on Wednesday provided the first details on its open-top Speedster and Roadster coupe, both of which it hopes to launch in 2026. It also confirmed the opening of reservations for both models in the U.K. (other markets weren't...

Electric Porsche Cayenne reveal set for late 2025

Electric Porsche Cayenne prototypeAn all-electric version of the Porsche Cayenne SUV will be revealed later this year, CEO Oliver Blume said in a Q&A following the announcement of the automaker's 2024 financial results Wednesday. "We are going to present it to the world for the first time at the end of the year," Blume said, adding that the reveal will take place on the West...

Toyota EV fast-chargers open for underserved communities

Toyota and EVgo Empact EV fast-charging stations for underserved communitiesToyota and EVgo on Tuesday announced the opening of new DC fast-charging stations for underserved communities. Located in Baldwin Park and Sacramento, California, the fast-chargers are part of Toyota's Empact plan for making electric vehicles more accessible to communities not reached by previous infrastructure projects, such as those in urban...

Northvolt goes bankrupt, Swedish battery maker collapses in Europe

Rendering of Northvolt Revolt Ett battery recycling plantOnce hyped as a potential cornerstone for an expanded European battery industry, Swedish battery maker Northvolt on Wednesday announced that it was filing for bankruptcy in its home country. "Like many companies in the battery sector, Northvolt has experienced a series of compounding challenges in recent months that eroded its financial position...

Trump EPA takes aim at Biden emissions regulations

The White House, Washington, D.C.  [Creative Commons license by dcjohn]The Trump Administration is looking to roll back stricter emissions standards put in place by the Biden administration covering both light-duty passenger cars and heavy-duty commercial trucks. The EPA said Wednesday in a press release that it was targeting greenhouse-gas emissions standards for model years 2027-2032, as well as rules further...

California GM EV owners could see $4,500 off home-backup hardware

GM Energy bidirectional charging home hardwareParticipation can All 2025 GM EVs eligible soon; a mix of 2024 and 2025 models eligible now Additional incentives if owners opt to suspend charging during high-load times Could help lay groundwork for future V2G program General Motors electric vehicle owners in certain parts of California could receive a $4,500 discount on home-backup power...