Sony and Honda's joint venture, Sony Honda Mobility, announced that their $90,000 Afeela 1 electric vehicle will begin customer deliveries in the US in late 2026, with a new SUV concept also shown that could lead to a 2028 production model. The company has started trial production and plans phased demo drives for early reservation holders, expanding sales to Arizona and California in 2027, with Japanese deliveries starting early 2027.
The first Afeela electric vehicle has begun trial production at Honda's Ohio plant, with a midyear debut planned. Despite modest specs and a crowded market, the vehicle emphasizes safety and entertainment features, including a built-in PlayStation 5, aiming to differentiate itself. However, its competitive specs and market positioning raise questions about its potential success.
General Motors is planning to lay off over 1,300 employees starting January 5, including many at the Ultium Cells battery plant in Lordstown, due to production adjustments following slower EV sales, with some layoffs being temporary while the company upgrades the facility.
Donut Lab has introduced the world's first all-solid-state battery for a production vehicle, currently powering Verge Motorcycles' TS Pro electric motorcycle, offering lighter weight, longer lifespan, faster charging, and lower costs, with potential applications in larger vehicles and future electric platforms.
Volkswagen has introduced a revamped interior for its upcoming affordable EV lineup, starting with the ID. Polo, featuring more physical buttons, an updated infotainment system, interactive lighting, and software enhancements, aiming to improve driver comfort and functionality.
Volkswagen's ID. Polo EV features a nostalgic interior with physical buttons, switches, and a knob for controls, marking a shift back to tangible controls in modern cars, alongside digital displays, as part of Volkswagen's commitment to reintroduce physical controls in their vehicles.
Rivian's Q4 2025 sales dropped 31.3% following the end of federal tax credits, with full-year sales down 18.1%, but the company remains optimistic about the upcoming launch of the R2 in 2026 and new features like Universal Hands-Free Driving.
A heavily modified 2022 Rivian R1T with a 310 kWh battery pack achieved over 500 miles at highway speeds during a record attempt to beat the Cannonball Run, demonstrating the challenges and engineering solutions involved in creating ultra-long-range electric trucks, including custom battery packs and cooling systems.
A small subset of 2025 Hyundai Ioniq 5 vehicles may experience a charging issue due to a voltage differential between battery cells, leading to the need for battery replacement. This issue is linked to manufacturing defects or BMS failures, but most EV batteries last well beyond 100,000 miles and are covered by an 8-year warranty, making such failures rare and manageable.
Mazda developed a 1990s concept for a suitcase-sized, electric go-kart designed for quick airport transit, inspired by a desire to avoid waiting for taxis, but it was never produced due to practical limitations. Modern technology could revive this idea with lightweight batteries and compact design, potentially turning airport travel into a real-life Mario Kart experience.
Volkswagen will not produce the 2026 model of the ID. Buzz in the U.S. due to slow sales, high prices, and market conditions, though the model is not canceled entirely. The EV faced challenges like tariffs, limited range, and policy shifts, leading VW to focus on current inventory and future models instead.
Volkswagen will not produce the 2026 ID.Buzz electric minibus for the US market, citing market conditions, but plans to bring it back in 2027. The decision allows VW to focus on current inventory and prepare for the next model year, amid challenges like policy changes and market competition. The ID.Buzz, popular for its design and affordability, faced sales and policy hurdles, prompting speculation about its future at a potentially lower price or with enhanced features.
The article discusses cars that never lived up to their potential, highlighting the Volkswagen ID Buzz as an example due to its disappointing interior quality and limited range despite its promising design and engineering capabilities.
The Volkswagen ID. Polo is an upcoming affordable subcompact electric car, starting at under $29,000, with a range of up to 280 miles on a full charge, featuring multiple battery options and a front-wheel drive layout, aimed at competing in the mass-market EV segment.
Volkswagen is preparing to launch the ID. Polo, an electric compact car set for 2026, featuring multiple power options, increased space, advanced assistance systems, and a new design language, marking a significant step in making electric mobility more accessible in Europe.
