Geely's Geome Xingyuan, a compact EV hatchback priced under $10,000, became China's top-selling car in H1 2025, outselling Tesla's Model Y and BYD's Seagull. Its name means "Prosperous origin," fitting for a vehicle reshaping mass-market electrification. With 204,940 units sold, the Xingyuan thrives on affordability, urban design, and domestic loyalty. Though unknown in the West, it signals China's growing influence in global EV strategy and the rise of scalable, low-cost platforms.
Toyota developed the ChargeMinder app to encourage plug-in hybrid owners to charge their vehicles more consistently. Using behavioral science techniques like personalized reminders, gamification, and educational quizzes, the app increased user satisfaction and improved charging habits. In Japan, it boosted peak renewable charging by 59%, while U.S. trials saw a 10% rise in charging frequency and a 16-point jump in satisfaction.
Volvo's XC70 PHEV redefines plug-in hybrids with up to 200 km (124 mi) of EV range from a 39.6 kWh NMC battery, plus fast charging and bi-directional power. Its P1–P3 drivetrain pairs a 1.5L turbo engine with dual motors for seamless series-parallel operation. Built on Volvo's SMA platform, it launches first in China, with Europe expected next. The XC70 signals a battery-first strategy bridging hybrid autonomy and full electrification.
Elon Musk's $1B Tesla stock purchase, made via his personal trust, sparked a surge in share price and raised questions about how the buy was funded. Likely financed through margin loans, derivatives, or asset reallocation, the move increased Musk's net worth by up to $8.6B. The timing aligns with Tesla's proposed $1T compensation plan, suggesting a strategic gesture to boost investor confidence and governance optics.
Extreme H is the world's first hydrogen-powered off-road racing series, debuting in Qiddiya City, Saudi Arabia. Evolving from Extreme E, it features gender-equal teams, zero-emission Pioneer 25 SUVs, and green hydrogen supplied via electrolysis. The rugged desert course tests fuel cell performance on gradients up to 130%. Backed by Saudi Vision 2030, the series aims to prove hydrogen's viability and promote sustainable motorsport innovation.
BrightDrop Fades Out: What's Next for Retail EV Fleets?
21 Oct 2025 | GM has ended production of its BrightDrop electric vans, leaving retailers like Target and Walmart seeking alternatives. Fewer than 2,000 vans are in service, far below expectations. Ford's E-Transit, Rivian's RCV, and Mercedes' U.S.-built eSprinter are the most viable replacements. BrightDrop's failure highlights the challenges of scaling commercial EVs amid shifting incentives and slow fleet adoption.
Model Y Competitor? NIO's Onvo L60 Is Affordable EV for the Masses
21 Oct 2025 | The Onvo L60 is a mid-size electric SUV from NIO’s ONVO brand, designed for families and priced to undercut the Tesla Model Y. It offers up to 462 hp, 525 km range, and supports battery swapping via NIO’s Battery-as-a-Service (BaaS), lowering upfront cost to ~$21,200. Full ownership with battery is ~$29,300. Exports to Europe begin in 2025. With smart tech, spacious design, and flexible pricing, it signals China's EV push into the global mainstream.
From Horses to Horsepower: Why EV Skeptics Sound Like 19th-Century Farriers
21 Oct 2025 | Alan Gelfand's anti-EV stance echoes 19th-century farriers resisting the automobile. His business depends on ICE vehicles, making his critique more nostalgic than neutral. EVs require less maintenance, offer long-term savings, and are backed by expanding service networks. Like carriage makers before him, mechanics must evolve or risk irrelevance. The transition is disruptive - but history favors adaptation over defiance.
EV Depreciation: A Temporary Dip, Not a Long-Term Trend
20 Oct 2025 | EV depreciation concerns are real but overstated. Fleet failures and battery uncertainty skew resale data, yet modern EVs show strong longevity and lower operating costs. Automakers now offer battery health reports, extended warranties, and OTA updates to boost confidence. Policy support and LFP chemistry further stabilize value. As transparency improves, EVs will redefine long-term worth - not just match it.
17 Oct 2025 | Horse Powertrain, a joint venture by Renault, Geely, and Aramco, offers compact hybrid engines like the C1 to retrofit EV platforms. Designed as range extenders, these engines run on multiple fuels and meet Euro 7 standards. Though marketed as green tech, their real-world impact is debated - especially as studies show PHEVs are rarely charged. Horse may be a transitional solution, but 500-mile EVs are poised to dominate long-term.
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