American EV maker on track with R2, vans, and charging ambitions
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.
Rivian Automotive has announced a public offering of 75 million shares, with an option for underwriters to purchase up to 11.25 million more. The move follows the company’s halt on a 2027 profitability target due to higher R&D costs for autonomy and next-generation tech, and arrives as Rivian launches its R2 SUV.
Ford has integrated Apple Maps directly into its universal electric vehicle platform, starting with a $30,000 midsize truck due in 2027. The move, part of Ford’s push for affordability and a simplified tech stack, will power navigation, EV routing, and battery preconditioning, with Latitude AI using map data for a next-gen hands-free system. Apple Maps runs natively in-vehicle, not via CarPlay, and aims to streamline features like home automation and fleet routing.
Lucid Motors has denied bankruptcy or going-private reports. It says liquidity remains strong enough to fund operations into 2027, with AlixPartners reviewing the business to improve execution and focus on the Gravity SUV. The firm has undergone leadership and workforce changes amid ongoing restructuring.
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.
A review of recent automotive pieces shows evolving sentiment around hybrid performance, affordability, and simplified interiors in new trucks and SUVs. Updates highlight continued experimentation with powertrains and consumer-focused pricing in 2026 models.
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.
Public market debut of Jersey Mike’s raises about $1 billion at a $7.3 billion valuation. Blackstone introduces broad employee ownership for corporate staff, while franchisees and store workers remain ineligible. Reformation mirrors a cautious IPO environment with steady demand but muted first-day gains. The wave of private equity-backed listings shows resilience amid volatile markets.
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.
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.
A digest of recent car industry moves: Rivian adds captain’s chairs in updated models; Ford explores new sub-$30k entry crossovers and a cheaper four-door pickup; 2026 cancellations signal potential discounts; rear-camera glitches prompt safety concerns; Mazda explores a new EV-based 6e with long range.
Chinese regulators have announced recalls affecting more than 4 million vehicles after finding hidden, electronically operated door handles can become difficult to open after severe collisions. Tesla accounts for about 2.98 million cars; Xiaomi, Leapmotor, Xpeng and Geely have also issued recalls. Automakers will add warning labels and push software updates to improve emergency egress and driver monitoring.
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.
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.
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.
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.