Volkswagen's new ID. Polo electric car reintroduces physical buttons for controls, contrasting with previous models, and features a modern interior with recycled materials, aiming to offer an affordable, spacious, and sustainable urban EV starting at less than $30,000, with sales beginning in April 2026.
In 2025, China's BYD surpassed Tesla as the world's largest electric car manufacturer, selling 2.26 million battery electric cars compared to Tesla's 1.63 million, marking a significant shift in the global automotive industry driven by China's growing EV market and challenges faced by Tesla in the US market.
Lamborghini's CEO Stephan Winkelmann announced that the luxury carmaker plans to continue using internal combustion engines for at least the next decade due to declining enthusiasm for electric vehicles among high-end buyers, and is considering whether to make its upcoming Lanzador model fully electric or a plug-in hybrid, amidst broader industry debates on emission regulations and electric transition timelines.
Lamborghini's CEO states that despite the technical capability to build powerful electric supercars, customer demand for traditional internal combustion engines like V12s and V8s remains strong, leading the brand to postpone full electrification and focus on hybrid models, while maintaining exclusivity and authenticity in their offerings.
Volkswagen has introduced a subscription service in the UK allowing ID.3 electric car owners to pay monthly or annually to unlock full engine power, offering a flexible alternative to higher upfront costs, with some controversy over the practice of paying for features that may already be present.
Tesla plans to develop more affordable vehicles and seek approval for its self-driving software in Europe amid declining sales, shrinking profits, and increased competition, with the company facing economic and political challenges that impact its growth and market value.
The UK is experiencing record growth in electric vehicle and heat pump adoption, driven by government policies and falling costs, as part of its efforts to reach net zero emissions by 2050. Despite progress, challenges remain in making electricity cheaper and further reducing emissions from transport and buildings, with potential solutions including removing certain costs from electricity bills to lower household expenses.
Tesla's electric vehicle sales in Germany and much of Europe have declined significantly, with registrations dropping over a third in Germany and substantial decreases in France and Spain, despite overall growth in electric vehicle sales in these markets. Norway remains an exception with increased Tesla sales, while competitors like BYD gain ground in Europe.
A Mustang Mach-E owner shares a simple menu adjustment that significantly improves the vehicle's range after a noticeable decline, emphasizing the importance of resetting driving history and adopting efficient driving practices to maximize electric vehicle autonomy and promote wider adoption.
Tesla's sales in Europe have dropped nearly 50% year-over-year despite surging electric vehicle sales and the availability of the new Model Y, with the company facing demand issues amid increasing competition and brand challenges, unlike other automakers whose sales are up.
Jaguar is urging the public to "trust and reserve judgement" as it undergoes a major rebrand, transitioning to an electric-only brand. The company released a new logo and a teaser video that has sparked debate for not featuring any cars, drawing both criticism and praise. This bold move aims to shift Jaguar's image and revive its brand, which has struggled within the Jaguar Land Rover group. The rebrand strategy, which includes a "design vision" reveal in Miami, is seen as risky but necessary to change Jaguar's "sage" image and boost its market presence.
This week, Jaguar unveiled a new brand identity to mark its transition to electric-only vehicles, featuring a redesigned word mark and logo. Meanwhile, Louis Vuitton disguised its New York flagship store with a luggage trunk facade during renovations. Rafael Pelli discussed the cultural and engineering significance of the Petronas Towers, and Dezeen announced the shortlists for its China Awards. In architecture, Kengo Kuma completed the UCCA Clay Museum in China, and popular projects included a unique accommodation block in Rwanda.
Automakers like Ford, GM, and BMW are exploring how electric car batteries can store excess renewable energy to help utilities manage power supply and demand fluctuations. This technology could reduce costs for car owners through benefits like lower utility bills and free parking, while also turning batteries into valuable assets for the energy grid.
Electric vehicles are becoming more affordable due to efficient manufacturing, falling battery costs, and increased competition, with prices now comparable to gasoline cars. Federal tax credits and state incentives further reduce costs, making EVs accessible to a broader range of consumers.
The customer-owned Lucid Air Sapphire has set a new world record for the quickest production sedan, completing the quarter-mile in just 8.930 seconds with an exit speed of 154 mph. With a 1.77-second 0-60 mph time and impressive acceleration, the car's drag racing capabilities have been validated in independent runs, showcasing its ability to compete with hypercars. The video also highlights the car's well-thought-out design, including its track mode options, efficient battery pre-conditioning, and car-to-car charging for easier battery refilling at the strip.