American EV maker navigating cost cuts, Cosmos delay, and robotaxi partnerships
A wave of updates across Uber, Waymo, Baidu, and others is redefining autonomous-vehicle deployment in major markets. Partnerships are shifting, apps are expanding beyond rides, and regulators are sharpening standards. The evolving ecosystem is accelerating, with major players preparing for broader rollout in 2028 and beyond.
Tesla is accelerating its AI and robotics agenda while its robotaxi rollout remains limited and costly. Quarterly data show robotaxi miles dwindling, even as Musk pushes Optimus and other AI initiatives. Analysts warn that regulatory hurdles and high CapEx complicate the path to scale.
Slate’s electric pickup has impressed a tester with its balanced chassis, strong on-road feel, and surprising efficiency. Despite a modest power figure, the truck shows promise in daily driving and highlights a new, more affordable EV approach.
A wave of Chinese automakers is expanding into Europe and the UK, challenging traditional premium brands. Zeekr, BYD and others are pursuing UK launches while major players like Geely, Volvo and Lucid push into premium segments. European and US automakers are restructuring to cope with China’s rising export power and shifting supply chains.
Zoox has received a temporary NHTSA exemption that allows it to charge fares for its purpose-built robotaxis and will start paid rides in Las Vegas on Aug. 10. The company can deploy up to 2,500 vehicles annually for two years under enhanced federal oversight while state and local approvals remain required for expansion.
Lucid Motors has postponed the Cosmos midsize EV to the second half of 2027 as part of a broader leadership overhaul and cost-cutting plan. The company reports a Q2 loss of about $1.26 billion with liquidity of roughly $3 billion and is tightening governance, cutting thousands of jobs, and delaying product launches to fix quality and manufacturing issues.
Manufacturers have unveiled or trialled several new electric and hybrid family cars. Mercedes-Benz has launched a seven-seat GLB EV in the UK with an 85kWh battery, claimed range up to 379 miles and prices from £46,100. Bentley has previewed its Torcal EV with about 300 miles EPA range and up to 850+ PS calibration; Honda has reintroduced the Prelude as a hybrid coupe and compared it with Toyota's GR86.
Tesla has revealed European specifications for the Semi, announcing a 342-mile range, 800 kW Megacharger support, and 1,073 bhp from three rear motors. BYD and others unveil competing electric trucks across 3.5–44 tonnes, highlighting chargers and efficiency as the race for long-haul electrification accelerates.
Major moves in autonomous mobility involve Bolt and Lucid, May Mobility, and Lyft-Waymo partnerships, with deals aimed at scaling fleets, public listings, and international expansion.
Ford and GM are expanding gasoline and V-8 options for 2027 pickups while trimming some features to cut prices. Ford adds a towing-capable BlueCruise on the F-150; GM rolls out new Small Block V-8s and a refreshed Silverado/Sierra lineup. The shift comes as regulators and markets weigh the future of electrification against demand for traditional powertrains.
Ceer has unveiled its Exobot sedan and SUV at a ceremony in King Abdullah Economic City, marking the first two vehicles from Saudi Arabia’s homegrown electric-vehicle brand. The launch signals a broader push under Vision 2030 to localize manufacturing, create jobs, and position the Kingdom as a regional EV hub.
Lucid has reported third-quarter results showing continued production and delivery challenges, with CEO Silvio Napoli steering cost-cutting and a shift in strategy as the Cosmos is delayed. Rivian surges in production, underscoring a competitive EV market while Lucid campaigns to widen its addressable market.