Waymo has expanded its robotaxi service from three cities in September 2024 to 15 across the United States, now averaging 500,000 paid rides weekly. The company’s fleet of roughly 4,000 vehicles is concentrated in California and Texas, where 80% of the cars operate. Texas has seen a 49% surge in the past three weeks, largely due to the new Chinese‑built Zeekr‑derived Ojai minivans equipped with Waymo’s sixth‑generation self‑driving system. Tariffs on imported vehicles raise costs, but Waymo [...]

The EU’s 2025 tariff on battery‑electric cars from China has unintentionally spurred a surge in Chinese plug‑in hybrids in Europe. Bloomberg‑reported that Chinese brands captured 12 % of new‑car sales in August, driven by hybrids that avoid the tariff. German data shows a 27 % rise in hybrid demand, boosting overall sales by 4.6 %. The European Commission is now considering tariffs on hybrids, while Volkswagen is shifting production toward electric models amid rising EV demand and lower margins.

A High Court hearing in London concerning the future of startup carrier Global Airlines has been adjourned until October 7, giving the company time to pursue alternative strategies. Global Airlines, which aims to revive the Airbus A380 for affordable transatlantic flights, has only operated two round‑trip flights with Hi Fly more than a year ago, and its sole A380 has been parked for over a year. Creditors have initiated compulsory liquidation proceedings, citing mounting debts and lack of revenue. [...]

At Auto China 2024, Geely Auto announced a new ultrafast charging system that can raise an electric vehicle battery from 10% to 70% in 4.5 minutes and to 97% in 8 minutes and 40 seconds. The announcement follows BYD’s March launch of a “blade” battery that charges from 10% to 70% in 5 minutes, and CATL’s April rollout of a system that can reach 80% in 3 minutes and 44 seconds. Analysts note the rapid progress as [...]

Tesla will inaugurate its dedicated Semi factory in Sparks, Nevada, tonight, with a livestreamed handover event. Drone footage captured a line of new‑generation Class 8 electric trucks bearing customer logos, confirming orders from PepsiCo, U.S. Foods, Einride, DHL, WattEV and others. PepsiCo, the program’s anchor customer since the first deliveries in December 2022, already operates dozens of Semis. Einride placed a 500‑unit order in August, the largest single commitment, with deployments slated for California, Texas, New Jersey, Illinois and Georgia. IMC [...]

Police in Solano County, California, stopped a Tesla traveling at about 60 mph (97 kph) after a motorcycle officer observed the driver slumped and apparently asleep while the vehicle’s Full Self‑Driving (FSD) system was engaged. The officer pulled alongside the moving car, confirmed the driver’s condition, and issued a citation for unsafe speed. The California Highway Patrol (CHP) released video of the encounter, emphasizing that a sleeping driver’s safe speed is zero and that FSD is a Level 2 driver‑assistance [...]

Jeep is preparing to equip its 2028 Grand Cherokee with a new 3.0‑liter Hurricane inline‑six turbo engine, delivering roughly 420 horsepower and 468 lb‑ft of torque. This powerplant would replace the 5.7‑liter Hemi V‑8 that has been phased out of the conventional Grand Cherokee line. The Hurricane’s higher torque is expected to improve acceleration and long‑haul performance, while its smaller displacement offers better fuel efficiency. Stellantis plans to keep the brand’s focus on efficient turbo engines, with [...]