Toyota Begins Autonomous Driving Tests on Public Roads in Europe

After successful test runs in the U.S. and Japan, Toyota Motor Europe (TME) announced the beginning of autonomous driving (AD) on public roads in Europe. TME is testing its in-house developed autonomous driving technology in the city center of Brussels, Belgium.

Tesla Drops its Lower-Priced Model S, X Variants, Cuts Price of Model 3 Sedan

In order to streamline its pricing strategy and boost sales of its lineup, Tesla CEO Elon Musk announced that the lower priced variants of the Model X and S will be discontinued. Along with the changes, Tesla announced that it is adjusting prices across the board to simply options for customers.

Continental AG to Showcase a Low-Voltage 48V Full-Hybrid Solution

Leading German automotive component supplier Continental AG announced that it will use Ford’s Focus hatchback to showcase its all-new 48V full-hybrid technology.

BMW China and Beijing-based Mapping Company NavInfo to Develop HD Maps for Autonomous Driving

BMW China is looking to expand its autonomous driving in China and is partnering with Beijing-based navigation company NavInfo to develop high-precision maps necessary for driverless cars.

Lidar Startup Luminar Raises $100 Million in Latest Funding Round, Is Working with 12 of the World’s Largest Automotive Companies

Lidar startup Luminar Technologies announced a new $100 million investment and unveiled its new lidar platform called “Iris” for the automotive and commercial truck markets. Iris is a automotive grade low cost lidar solution designed specifically for high-volume production.

California Bill Could Increase EV Rebates up to $7,500

Democratic Assemblyman Phil Ting’s proposed bill could see rebates for zero-emissions cars trips up to $7,500.

An Electric BMW iX3 Might be Launched in the U.S. with a 75 kWh Battery

BMW plans on kicking off the expansion of its electrified portfolio with the introduction of its first-ever all-electric SUV next year

Toyota Testing New Solar Panels to Increase EV Range

Toyota, with some help from Sharp and Japanese national research organization NEDO, covered a Prius with its latest solar panels that increase range by 27.7 miles a day.

Elon Musk Believes Tesla’s Prices Will Rise When Autonomous Tech Increases

Musk recently took to Twitter to announce that prices for Tesla’s electric cars will “rise significantly” when the vehicles become fully autonomous.

Electrify America to Offer Free Charging to Buyers of Harley Davidson’s Electric Livewire Motorcycle

Electrify America, the company that was formed as restitution for the Volkswagen “Dieselgate” scandal to promote the adoption of electric vehicles in the U.S., is opening its EV charging network to buyers of Harley Davidson’s new Livewire electric motorcycle beginning next month.

Volkswagen Investing $2.6 Billion in Ford’s Self-Driving Arm Argo AI and Will Collaborate On Electric & Autonomous Vehicles

In one of the biggest collaborations between two global automakers and a tech startup, the Ford Motor Co and Volkswagen AG announced today that they will work together on electric and self-driving cars.

Ford, Volkswagen Promise Details on Electric & Autonomous Vehicle Partnership

Automakers Ford Motor Co and Volkswagen AG said on Thursday they are expanding their global alliance. Further details on a technology-sharing agreement are expected to be announced at New York press conference on Friday.

Ford, VW Tie the Knot to Work on EVs and Autonomous Cars

According to reports, Ford and Volkswagen could expand on their current alliance to include electric cars and self-driving technology.

Tesla Rival Xpeng Motors Launches a More Advanced Version of its G3 Electric SUV

Chinese electric vehicle startup Xpeng Motors unveiled its new G3 sport utility vehicle today, which offers a longer range and other technology improvements from the previous model. Xpeng is aiming to compete with Tesla and other domestic automakers in China with its more affordable lineup of advanced electric vehicles.

BMW Unveils the Fully-Electric MINI Cooper With a Long List of Tech and Not Much Range

BMW is the latest global automaker to unveil a fully-electric model as the auto industry continues its gradual transition to battery-powered cars. The automaker revealed today the fully-electric version of the iconic MINI Cooper. It was the world’s first look at the compact electric car.

BMW Installs 100 EV Charging Stations at U.S. National Parks

Automaker BMW donated 100 electric vehicle charging stations in and near some of the country’s most popular national parks. BMW announced yesterday that more than 90 of the charging stations have been completed with the remainder set to open later this month.