Battery electric compact crossover SUV since 2020; best-selling EV with 2.16M+ units
Slate Auto has unveiled a bare‑bones two‑seat electric pickup with a $24,950 base price and a two‑row SUV conversion starting at $29,950. The company has raised the base EPA range estimate to about 205 miles, is taking preorders with a $300 deposit, and plans production to begin in late 2026 with direct online sales.
Federal and local investigators have opened probes after a Tesla Model 3 drove across a Katy, Texas, lawn and crashed into a home on 19 June, killing 76‑year‑old Martha Avila. The driver, Michael Butler, has been arrested on suspicion of manslaughter and remains jailed on $150,000 bond; the victim’s family has filed a wrongful‑death suit naming Tesla and Butler.
Rivian has launched the R2, a mid-market electric SUV, signaling a strategic shift from its high-price lineup. Analysts say the move could broaden EV adoption and pressure rivals, as markets respond to strong electrified sales and growing competition.
Tesla has reported record second-quarter deliveries of 480,126 vehicles, a 25% year-on-year rise that exceeded Wall Street estimates. Production ran at 451,758 units, leaving the company to draw down inventory. Strong European demand, higher fuel prices and expanded availability of its driver‑assist systems have powered the rebound.
Tesla has posted strong production and delivery figures, with 451,758 produced and 480,126 delivered in the period, topping expectations while the stock declines as investors weigh stretched valuation. Rivian has launched a mid-market SUV, the R2, expanding its lineup and targeting the Model Y’s dominant segment. The new product shift comes as analysts note a widening competition in the EV space.
Major automakers have pulled several electric models and cancelled projects after federal tax credits ended in 2025, while Q2 2026 US EV sales have recovered sequentially to about 247,226 units. Higher fuel prices, state rebates and low‑cost entrants such as Slate, Fiat Topolino and Chinese brands in Europe are reshaping supply, pricing and consumer demand.
Omoda refreshes its flagship SUV with a Black Noble edition, revised suspension and upgraded interior. The model line gains a more powerful V2L system, a refreshed cabin, and improved driving dynamics as part of a broader UK expansion.
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.
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.
SpaceX plans to build a terrestrial cellular layer using EchoStar spectrum alongside its Starlink satellite network, aiming to challenge AT&T, Verizon and T-Mobile. The move follows a wave of satellites and small base stations, promising better coverage and higher bandwidth.
Chinese regulators have announced recalls affecting more than four million vehicles, largely driven by safety concerns over hidden, electronically operated door handles. Tesla has accounted for about 2.98 million cars; Xiaomi, Leapmotor, Xpeng and Geely are also recalling vehicles. Automakers will add warning labels and push software updates to improve emergency egress and driver monitoring.
Several manufacturers have launched or previewed new electric and hybrid models this month. Skoda has introduced the compact Epiq from £24,950; Mercedes has unveiled a seven-seat electric GLB with an 85kWh battery and up to 379 miles claimed range; Bentley has previewed the Torcal EV and a lighter Supersports coupe; Rivian has launched the smaller R2 SUV; Suzuki, Volvo, Leapmotor, Aion and Honda have released updated or new models aimed at family and city buyers.
Waymo plans phased testing in Munich this autumn, building high-definition maps and adapting software to the city’s conditions before a public launch by end-2027. The rollout in Munich marks another international expansion as Waymo targets a broader European footprint amid competition with Tesla and other AV players.
Tesla has launched its two-seat, steering‑wheel‑free Cybercab robotaxi in Austin and begun limited service in other Texas and Florida cities. Federal safety regulators have opened an audit of Tesla's self‑certification, investors have punished the stock after an underwhelming launch, and rivals Waymo and Amazon’s Zoox are intensifying the robotaxi race.
Automated vehicles have incorporated features like braking and monitoring, yet critics question whether they enhance safety or erode driver autonomy. Across reports, users describe discomfort with surveillance and the loss of control as robotaxis and autopilot systems become more common.
A wave of electric commercial vehicles is being unveiled at the IAA Transportation show and beyond. BYD’s E-Vali van and ETT 44 tractor lead a lineup expanding from 3.5 to 44 tonnes, with charging speeds up to 1.5MW and ranges up to 372 miles. Kia’s PV7 and PV5 prioritize space and flexibility, while Hyundai, Tesla, and others showcase advances in range, charging, and software. The market aims to slash emissions, boost fleet efficiency, and cut operating costs.