Scooter Doll

Toyota is once again facing scrutiny under Chairman Akio Toyoda’s leadership, and two of the Japanese automaker’s largest shareholders have seen enough. Following a recent report of misconduct regarding inadequate vehicle verification testing amid a previous wave of certification violations, the descendant of Toyota’s original founder is on the hot seat.

Solar EV startup Aptera Motors has submitted an Offering Memorandum to the SEC that provides numerous details about its progress in bringing its sustainable mobility technology to market. The startup continues to rely on public investment to fund its SEV development, and the latest filing details just how difficult the road to scaled production is for startups.

The threat of EV tariffs between Europe and China continues to loom and is heating up. The EU has reportedly delayed sharing its decision on implementing fees on Chinese EV imports to avoid the topic during its current Parliament campaign phase.

Chevy is finally beginning sales of its long-anticipated Equinox EV, but before then, I got an invite to Detroit to test it out for myself. I was admittedly skeptical of this EV, but once I got behind the wheel, I realized that the new Equinox is a well-built model with plenty of features and enticing pricing to boot. Be sure to check out my driving impressions in the full video below.

Electric Vertical Takeoff and Landing (eVTOL) aircraft developer Archer Aviation is continuing to lay the global groundwork for commercial operations in a new territory: South Korea. The next-generation aircraft specialist has announced a new partnership with Korea’s leading mobility-as-a-service company, KaKaoMobility, to participate in the country’s Grand Challenge and bring eVTOL travel to the region quickly.

A new all-electric maritime specialist called Vessev has come out of stealth mode with an exciting new vessel called the VS—9. The electric hydrofoil boat offers a state-of-the-art design that delivers incredible efficiency, providing future tourists with a smooth and quiet ride as Vessev looks to commercialize into larger vessels that can transport 100 passengers at a time.

eVTOL jet developer Lilium has signed another pivotal partnership overseas that will bring aviation technology operations to the South of France and possibly other parts of Europe. The advanced air mobility startup is working with UrbanV out of Italy, and Aeroports de la Côte d’Azur forge to implement a vertiport network in the French Riviera, which could very well be the first region in Europe to enable regional eVTOL travel.

Austria-based contract manufacturer Magna Steyr has confirmed that several Chinese OEMs are discussing the possibility of local EV production ahead of further sales in Europe. The decision may be swayed by the looming threat of tariffs Europe may impose on China as several automakers continue to expand to new markets overseas.

A recent report out of South Korea states that Hyundai Motor Group is beginning development of a new hydrogen fuel cell EV supercar based on its N Vision 74 concept from a couple of years ago. The Korean automaker is working on a development mule ahead of planned production in 2026.

Ten days after the Biden administration introduced a 100% tariff on on several categories of Chinese goods, including EVs, China has threatened to retaliate with tariffs on its own vehicle imports. Those threats are also targeted at the EU, as China’s Ministry is requesting the results of a recent probe while imploring Europe not to take the same action as the United States.

Chevy is on the cusp of launching passenger versions of its all-electric Silverado EV, and I got to test out the First Edition RST before it hits the driveways of its first US customers. This Silverado pickup has tons of power and function with 440 miles of all-electric range to boot, but as much as the Chevy team got right on this one, plenty of aspects missed the mark. Peep the video below.

After months of teasing its new compact SUV, Kia has officially unveiled full images and specs of the EV3, and it looks like another winner from the Korean automaker. Launching later this summer, the EV3 takes much of the design and technology from its larger EV9 sibling and delivers it as a smaller, more affordable option to global consumers.

NY-based startup and EV infrastructure specialist Gravity has launched a new line of universal EV charger “trees” it hopes will bring convenient charging sessions curbside on city streets. The deployment will start modestly, but Gravity is targeting a street charging network that is ” more expansive than Tesla’s current Supercharger network.”

As Japan looks to make all new passenger vehicle sales 100% electric by 2035, local companies are pulling demand levers to help expedite the process. One of those companies is ENECHANGE, which has just introduced a new unlimited flat-rate EV charging subscription that will be available to drivers throughout Japan.

XPeng Motors is rolling out cutting-edge AI technology that it hopes will transform the automotive industry from “electrification to smartification.” The Chinese EV automaker held an AI Day event earlier today, detailing the impressive capabilities of XOS 5.1.0, “AI Tianji,” which it hailed as “the industry’s first AI-powered in-car OS.”

Criminals beware! The Chevy Blazer EV Police Pursuit Vehicle (PPV) is in the hands of the coppers, and it offers some serious torque and acceleration. We got the chance to not only get behind the wheel of this custom BEV for law enforcement but also ride along with some officers in a simulated chase. Check out the full video below.

The Broadmoor Pikes Peak International Hill Climb is just over a month away, and we’ve learned that the pace car will be all-electric for the first time ever. The Acura ZDX Type S will lead the annual 12.42-mile climb up Pikes Peak as the automaker continues its tradition in the pace position but with an all-electric spin this year.

Solar EV startup Aptera Motors announced it is leaving its “crowdfunding nest” of sorts, putting a bookend on three years of its Regulation A offering to pursue private funding. The startup shared a deadline for public investors while it engages in discussions with private financial group US Capital to help (finally) get its solar EVs into scaled production.

American automaker Rivian is upping the entertainment factor for current and future owners of its flagship R1 line of EVs. Today, Rivian shared it is integrating YouTube into its infotainment system, available for streaming on your vehicle’s center display. Additionally, the automaker is adding Google Cast capabilities, giving drivers and passengers the ability to mirror their favorite content in the EV from a smartphone or tablet.

Commercial EV technology developer REE Automotive has added some clout to its growing order book as global transportation provider Penske has signed on to help demonstrate the former’s PC-7 electric truck to its customers and help facilitate sales.

One week after reporting plans for a press event launching its new joint venture, Stellantis and Leapmotor have officially begun the new business venture together. The new JV, named “Leapmotor International,” will expand to sell Chinese EVs in Europe this fall, with additional markets to follow.

Electric and autonomous freight specialist Einride is expanding on previous plans to deploy more commercial vehicle technology and infrastructure in the Middle East. The mobility company has partnered with supply chain solutions provider DP World to help make its fleet of 100 electric trucks operate more efficiently in Dubai before potentially going autonomous soon.

Revived truck brand Scout Motors has set the timetable for the debut of its first-ever EVs. This summer, the public will catch a glimpse of an all-electric pickup and an SUV the Volkswagen sub-brand has been developing since its recent inception. Here’s what we know.

Sunreef Yachts is already a solar electric boatbuilder recognized for its sustainability efforts in the maritime industry but is now taking things a step greener. The company is now integrating recycled PET bottles into its solar electric yacht production process.