Articles tagged with "electric-SUVs"
Lucid Motors doubled EV output in 2025 after early Gravity SUV struggles
Lucid Motors significantly increased its electric vehicle production in 2025, doubling output to 18,378 units compared to the previous year. The company produced 8,412 vehicles in the fourth quarter alone, surpassing production in the first half of the year at its Casa Grande, Arizona factory. Deliveries also rose by 55% to 15,841 vehicles in 2025, signaling a recovery from earlier production and quality challenges, particularly with its new Gravity SUV. Despite these gains, Lucid’s actual production and delivery numbers remain well below the ambitious targets set in its 2021 public listing, which projected 135,000 vehicles delivered in 2025. The early part of 2025 was marked by difficulties ramping up Gravity SUV production and addressing significant quality and software issues, prompting interim CEO Marc Winterhoff to acknowledge customer frustrations and commit to resolving these problems. Looking ahead, Lucid plans to launch its first mid-sized EV on a new platform, priced around $50
energyelectric-vehiclesEV-productionautomotive-technologyLucid-Motorselectric-SUVssustainable-transportationBring on the Rebadges! Leapmotor at Auto Guangzhou - CleanTechnica
The article discusses Leapmotor’s vehicle lineup showcased at Auto Guangzhou and the potential for these models to be rebadged and localized for Western markets through the company’s partnership with Stellantis. Leapmotor’s cars, while described as somewhat plain or “vanilla” in design, offer a solid foundation that could be adapted with minor styling and trim changes to fit established European brands like Opel, Peugeot, Fiat, or Jeep. The vehicles emphasize comfort-oriented tuning suited to the Chinese market but could be modified for Western preferences, particularly with adjustments to steering and suspension. Several models are highlighted for their rebadging potential across different market segments. The Lafa 05 (B05) is noted for its affordability (starting around $13,100) and suitability for Western markets, while the smaller A10 (B03X) SUV/crossover could appeal to urban drivers and be positioned under brands like Fiat or Jeep. The B10 compact crossover offers rear-wheel drive, a 67 kWh battery, and
energyelectric-vehiclesbattery-technologyEV-chargingautomotive-materialsLeapmotorelectric-SUVsRivian will pay $250M to settle lawsuit over R1 price hike
Rivian has agreed to pay $250 million to settle a class-action shareholder lawsuit stemming from the company's 2022 price hikes on its R1 pickup truck and SUV. The lawsuit accused Rivian of making misleading statements about the costs of building the R1 electric vehicles in its 2021 IPO filings, which allegedly contributed to the stock price decline following the price increase announcement. While Rivian denies any wrongdoing, the settlement requires approval from a U.S. District Court judge. If approved, $67 million will be covered by the company’s directors’ and officers’ liability insurance, with the remaining $183 million paid from cash reserves; Rivian had $4.8 billion in cash as of mid-2024. The settlement arrives as Rivian faces challenges with lagging R1 sales, compounded by tariffs and the loss of federal EV tax credits. The company is restructuring, including layoffs of over 600 employees and CEO RJ Scaringe assuming interim chief marketing officer duties. Meanwhile, Riv
energyelectric-vehiclesRivianEV-manufacturingautomotive-industrysupply-chainelectric-SUVsWhy I Expect Tesla To Have Great 4th Quarter Auto Sales - CleanTechnica
The article from CleanTechnica highlights Tesla’s record-breaking third-quarter vehicle sales, with over 497,000 deliveries and 447,000 vehicles produced, alongside a record deployment of 12.5 GWh of energy storage products. The surge in US sales was partly driven by buyers accelerating purchases ahead of the expiration of the $7,500 federal tax credit, which pulled demand from the fourth quarter into the third. While Tesla’s Model 3 and Model Y performed strongly in both the US and China despite intense competition, the Model S, X, and Cybertruck continued to underperform. Globally, sales trends were mixed, with strong growth in markets like Norway, South Korea, and Australia, but declines in Canada and Germany. The article notes that the reduction of purchase incentives in early 2026 could further boost fourth-quarter demand. Looking ahead, Tesla is expected to introduce more affordable versions of the Model Y and Model 3, with prices potentially dropping below $35,000 for the
energyelectric-vehiclesTeslaenergy-storageelectric-SUVstax-creditautomotive-industryRivian’s best-case guess for 2025 sales is a 16% drop from last year
Rivian has revised its 2025 electric vehicle (EV) delivery forecast downward, now expecting to deliver no more than 43,500 vehicles, which would be nearly a 16% decline from its 2024 sales of 51,579 vehicles. This updated guidance was shared alongside third-quarter production and delivery figures, which showed a recovery with 13,201 vehicles delivered, up from earlier quarters. Despite this quarterly improvement, the company anticipates that 2025 deliveries will fall short of both 2023 and 2024 figures. Rivian’s sales challenges come at a pivotal moment as it prepares to launch its more affordable R2 SUV next year, aiming for high-volume production with expanded facilities in Illinois and a new factory in Georgia. The company initially projected 2025 deliveries between 46,000 and 51,000 vehicles but lowered estimates in May due to evolving trade regulations, tariffs, and their impact on consumer demand. The current narrowed forecast ranges from 41,
energyelectric-vehiclesRivianEV-salesrenewable-energyautomotive-industryelectric-SUVsTesla has its best sales quarter ever as EV tax credit expires
Tesla achieved its best-ever quarterly vehicle deliveries in the third quarter, delivering 497,099 cars—a 29% increase from the previous quarter and a 7% rise year-over-year. This surge was largely driven by buyers rushing to capitalize on the expiring $7,500 federal EV tax credit. Similar sales spikes were observed across other U.S. automakers, with EV sales doubling despite the credit’s expiration. The boost was crucial for Tesla, which had been facing declining global deliveries for two consecutive years, impacting its profit margins. Several challenges have contributed to Tesla’s recent sales stagnation, including a lack of new models aside from the delayed Cybertruck, which has underperformed compared to competitors like the GMC Hummer EV. Additionally, CEO Elon Musk’s controversial political activities and leadership in federal government cuts have affected the company’s image. Looking ahead, Tesla aims to introduce a lower-cost Model Y variant priced in the low $30,000 range, potentially attracting more buyers. However, sustaining
energyelectric-vehiclesTeslaEV-tax-creditclean-energyautomotive-industryelectric-SUVsStorm Clouds Are Gathering Over The Volkswagen–Rivian Bromance - CleanTechnica
The article discusses Volkswagen Group’s ongoing struggles with automotive software development, despite its strengths in manufacturing and electric powertrains. Volkswagen’s early electric vehicle, the ID.3, faced significant software glitches that delayed deliveries and affected usability, a problem that extended across its brands including Porsche, Audi, and Bentley. To address these issues, Volkswagen created an internal software division, CARIAD, but it failed to fully resolve the challenges. Consequently, Volkswagen sought external help, partnering with Rivian, a company noted for more reliable vehicle software, initially pledging substantial investment to leverage Rivian’s platforms. However, the partnership between Volkswagen and Rivian is reportedly encountering serious difficulties. According to German media, electric models planned to use Rivian’s software, such as Audi’s Q8 e-tron and A4 e-tron, face delays of at least a year, while Porsche’s K1 electric SUV launch is postponed indefinitely. Rivian’s software algorithms also do not easily transfer to internal combustion engine vehicles
energyelectric-vehiclesVolkswagenRivianautomotive-softwarebattery-electric-powertrainselectric-SUVsHow Volkswagen Group Outsells Tesla in Europe - CleanTechnica
The article from CleanTechnica explains how Volkswagen Group outsells Tesla in Europe primarily through a single underlying electric vehicle (EV) platform, the MEB, which underpins multiple nearly identical SUVs sold under three different Volkswagen Group brands: Volkswagen (ID.4 and ID.5), Skoda (Enyaq and Sportback), and Audi (Q4 and Sportback). These models share similar dimensions, batteries, and motors, differing mainly in design details, interior finishes, and brand-specific user interfaces. By leveraging brand diversification and targeting distinct customer groups, Volkswagen Group effectively increases its total sales volume, surpassing Tesla’s Model Y in several European markets. The article highlights that while Tesla’s Model Y is often viewed as technologically superior, Volkswagen Group’s marketing strategy and brand variety have proven more successful in attracting European customers. Sales data from early 2025 show Volkswagen Group’s combined MEB-based SUVs outselling the Model Y by a significant margin across multiple countries. The piece also notes that Volkswagen’s
energyelectric-vehiclesVolkswagen-Groupbattery-technologyautomotive-industryclean-energyelectric-SUVsElectric Vehicle Raffle Insanely Undersold — Get Your Tickets Now! - CleanTechnica
The Clean Energy nonprofit CCAN Action Fund is holding its seventh annual electric vehicle (EV) raffle, with a drawing scheduled for September 2, 2025. Despite the event’s popularity, over 4,500 tickets remain unsold with less than three weeks to go, offering participants exceptionally favorable odds of winning. Each $200 ticket grants three chances to win one of several high-end EVs, including first-prize options like the Rivian R1S SUV or R1T truck, the Lucid Air or Gravity, and the Porsche Macan SUV or Taycan. Second and third prizes include the Volkswagen ID. Buzz, Hyundai Ioniq 5, and for the first time, a Chevrolet Equinox EV. The raffle covers all state and federal taxes, tariffs, and fees on the prizes. The vehicles offered are noted for their performance, range, and versatility, appealing to a broad range of drivers from adventure seekers to urban commuters. Past winners have praised their EVs for
energyelectric-vehiclesEV-raffleclean-energysustainable-transportationelectric-SUVsrenewable-energyEV Sales Surge on Carvana - CleanTechnica
The article from CleanTechnica highlights a notable surge in electric vehicle (EV) sales on Carvana, a major online car retailer, during the second quarter of 2025. Carvana reported that 9% of its vehicle sales were battery electric vehicles (BEVs) and plug-in hybrid electric vehicles (PHEVs), a significant increase from just over 2% in Q2 2023. This growth is attributed largely to an expanded selection of electrified vehicles, with Carvana offering 66% more EV make/model combinations and doubling its PHEV options compared to two years prior. SUVs have become the dominant body style in this segment, making up nearly 44% of EV and PHEV sales in Q2 2025, up from 24% in Q2 2023, reflecting consumer preference trends. The article also discusses broader market dynamics affecting EV sales in the U.S., including Tesla’s recent sales decline amid political controversies and fluctuating demand influenced by EV
energyelectric-vehiclesEV-salesplug-in-hybridelectric-SUVsclean-energyautomotive-technologyBMW Bringing Compelling Electric Cars To Market - CleanTechnica
BMW, under CEO Oliver Zipse’s leadership since 2019, is aggressively advancing its electric vehicle (EV) strategy with the Neue Klasse lineup, which could include up to 40 new or updated models. While not all Neue Klasse vehicles will be fully electric—some will be plug-in hybrids, conventional hybrids, or even internal combustion engine models—the primary focus is on delivering “compelling electric cars” that uphold BMW’s reputation as “The ultimate driving machine.” This new generation emphasizes cutting-edge technology, including advanced software, high-performance computing systems, and innovative design, representing BMW’s largest single investment in a vehicle architecture in its 109-year history. The first Neue Klasse vehicle to enter production is the BMW iX3, a midsize electric SUV manufactured in Hungary. BMW claims the iX3 will set industry benchmarks with a WLTP range of up to 497 miles and ultra-fast charging capability of up to 400 kW, enabling rapid range replenishment—such as enough charge for
energyelectric-vehiclesBMWbattery-technologyelectric-SUVscharging-infrastructureautomotive-technologyRivian CEO RJ Scaringe’s voting control slips following divorce settlement
Rivian CEO and founder RJ Scaringe has transferred approximately 4 million shares and 6 million options to his ex-wife, Meagan Scaringe, as part of a divorce settlement finalized in July 2025. This transfer, valued at around $130 million based on Rivian’s current stock price, has reduced Scaringe’s voting power from 7.6% earlier in the year to about 4%, marking the lowest level since Rivian’s 2021 IPO. The shares involved included Class B stock, which carries 10 votes per share, but these were converted into Class A stock in the settlement, significantly diminishing the voting influence of his ex-wife. Despite this reduction, Scaringe still controls a substantial mix of shares, options, and Restricted Stock Units (RSUs), which could increase his ownership and voting power as they vest. The ownership landscape of Rivian has evolved since its IPO, with major stakeholders now including Amazon (14.2% ownership,
energyelectric-vehiclesRivianautomotive-industrybattery-technologyelectric-SUVselectric-trucksDeepal EO7 — Versatile, Electric, Available - CleanTechnica
The Deepal EO7 is a versatile electric vehicle marketed as a “Multi Truck,” capable of transforming between an SUV, station wagon, and ute, offering remarkable adaptability for various uses such as carrying large loads or camping. Its innovative design includes a sliding rear glass roof that opens the ute bed and a glass partition to seal the cabin, enhancing functionality. The rear seats fold flat to increase cargo space, and the front seats recline fully for sleeping, making it suitable for family travel or outdoor adventures. Styled in Italy and built in China, the EO7 combines aesthetic appeal with practical features. Performance-wise, the EO7 is powered by a 90 kWh battery available in rear-wheel drive (RWD) and all-wheel drive (AWD) versions, with fast charging capabilities (30–80% in 15 minutes) and impressive acceleration—0 to 100 km/h in under 4 seconds for the AWD model. The estimated driving range is 640 km for the RWD and
electric-vehiclesbattery-technologyelectric-SUVsfast-chargingautomotive-innovationall-wheel-drivevehicle-designRivian receives the next $1B from Volkswagen as sales struggles continue
Rivian has secured the next $1 billion tranche from Volkswagen as part of their ongoing partnership, following the EV startup achieving its second-ever gross profit in Q1 2025. This funding comes through a share sale and builds on a prior $1 billion convertible note provided by Volkswagen late last year. The two companies have a joint venture valued at up to $5.8 billion, with Rivian contributing employee expertise and its software and electrical architecture designs, which Volkswagen plans to use in its future electric vehicles. Despite this financial boost, Rivian continues to face significant sales challenges. The company reported delivering 10,661 vehicles in Q2 2025, a 23% decline compared to the same quarter in 2024, and only a marginal improvement over its difficult first quarter. Rivian has lowered its 2025 sales forecast to between 40,000 and 46,000 EVs, which would still represent a decrease from previous years. Contributing factors include increased production costs
electric-vehiclesRivianVolkswagenautomotive-technologyEV-saleselectric-SUVselectric-pickup-trucks