On June 26, 2025, Lei Jun announced the Xiaomi SU7 Ultra prototype achieved a Nürburgring Nordschleife lap record of 6 minutes 22.091 seconds, ranking third globally. The prototype boasts 1,548 horsepower and can accelerate to 62 mph in 1.98 seconds.

Redwood Materials launched Redwood Energy to repurpose used EV batteries for renewable-powered microgrids, addressing the increasing demand for clean power from AI data centers. On June 27, 2025, Redwood launched the world's largest deployment of reused batteries to power Crusoe Energy's AI data center in Nevada, generating 64 megawatt-hours of electricity.

An IIHS study released on June 27, 2025, reveals that new cars have significantly reduced forward visibility compared to 25 years ago, with tests on SUVs showing up to a 58% reduction within 10 meters. The Honda CR-V's forward visibility within 10 meters dropped from 68% in 1997 to 28% in 2022.

Mercedes-Benz unveiled the first AMG electric car, called Project XX, featuring axial flux motors developed by Yasa, allowing the car to produce 1,350 CV. These motors have a different design than traditional radial flux motors, resulting in higher torque and power density.

On June 26, 2025, BMW, Mercedes-Benz, and Stellantis are accelerating efforts to bring solid-state batteries to market, with BMW testing solid-state batteries in an i7 prototype. The companies are betting that this next-generation technology could deliver a decisive edge in the battery-electric vehicle race, potentially pushing EV ranges beyond 1000 km.

Serve Robotics launched its autonomous sidewalk delivery service in the Atlanta metro area in collaboration with Uber Eats, available in Midtown, Old Fourth Ward, and Downtown Atlanta. Serve plans to deploy 2,000 robots across the U.S. by the end of 2025.

Stefan Nicola reported on the difficulties in creating reliable self-driving cars, with predictions of ubiquitous driverless cars not materializing due to high costs and complexity. Tesla launched a “robotaxi” service with roughly 10 to 20 Model Y cars under human supervision in Austin, Texas.

Tesla's Robotaxi launch is compared to Waymo's valuation, with Waymo last valued at $45 billion, while autonomous technology drives most of Tesla’s $1 trillion value.

Lyft is engaging drivers in shaping strategies for integrating robotaxis through its Driver Autonomous Forum, convening drivers to provide input on policy, planning, and future job opportunities. The forum aims to gather feedback on the integration of autonomous vehicles and discuss challenges and opportunities in the AV expansion.

Tesla's 'Project Halo' modifies Model Ys for the Robotaxi network, featuring modifications including a second telecommunications unit for redundant GPS data and reliable connection to Tesla's support team. These modifications enhance camera protection and redundancy in communication systems for the autonomous vehicles.

On June 26, 2025, major U.S. automakers urged the US government and Congress to expedite legislation to simplify the deployment of autonomous vehicles. The NHTSA has not updated safety rules and has not relaxed the exemption limit of up to 2,500 unmanned vehicles per year.

Lamborghini will unveil a limited-edition hypercar, potentially named Fenomeno, at the Monterey Car Week in August 2025. The new supercar, based on the Revuelto, is expected to have more power than the Revuelto.

Skoda will unveil a concept car at the Munich motor show in September 2025, previewing the next-generation Octavia estate, based on the Volkswagen Group's SSP platform. Skoda plans to invest 5.6 billion euros in electromobility from 2023 to 2027 and has revised its target for zero-emission vehicle sales in 2030 from 70% to 50%.

A dyno test revealed the Chevrolet Corvette ZR1's 5.5-liter twin-turbo V-8 engine produced 1,028.60 hp and 839.85 lb-ft of torque at the rear wheels. Factoring in drivetrain losses, the engine is estimated to make closer to 1,180 hp and 920 lb-ft of torque at the crank.

The Mazzei Formula Five, a 1,500-horsepower supercar with a five-rotor engine, was tested on the road for the first time on June 27, 2025. The car, built from a kit, is road-legal and weighs 2,400 pounds.

L-Charge and Epic Charging launched a new off-grid EV charging service using transportable fast charging stations, powered by generators using various fuels. The partnership includes retail locations like Discount Tire to offer EV charging.

The Xpeng G7 is launching in the first week of July 2025, with a pre-sale price of 235,800 yuan (approximately 28,000 euros) and a range of 702 km. The article also discusses the increasing competition from new Chinese electric vehicles.

Autocar has named the Kia EV3 as the Best Electric Car of 2025, starting from £32,995, competing with the Volkswagen ID 3 and Cupra Born. The long-range version offers a claimed 375 miles.

The EU will implement new regulations for charging stations across Europe starting August 1, 2025, requiring stations over 50 kWh to offer universal payment options. The EN 18031 regulation will require cybersecurity protections for electronic payment devices.

On 2025-06-26, BMW of North America recalled an estimated 70,852 electric vehicles across its i4, i5, i7, and iX lines due to incorrectly coded electric drive motor software. This software issue can cause the high-voltage system to shut down, resulting in a sudden loss of drive power.

The 2025 Mazda6e EV, the successor to the Mazda6 sedan, has been revealed with a focus on human-centric interactivity and a classy interior for European buyers. Pricing starts at 44,900 euros.

Nascent Materials has emerged with a new manufacturing process for lithium-ion battery cathode materials, specifically LFP and LMFP types, aiming to enhance energy density by up to 12% and reduce manufacturing costs by 30%. Nascent recently secured a $2.3 million seed round.

On June 26, 2025, environmental groups raised concerns about a $6 billion Indonesian EV battery project in Halmahera, backed by CATL, Zhejiang Huayou Cobalt, and Antam. NGOs worry about environmental damage, deforestation, and impacts on local communities.

CATL is expanding its operations, particularly in Europe, due to intense competition in China's EV market, with plans to build new factories. The company's Hungarian factory, opening in 2025, will produce batteries for European automakers.

CarUX, a subsidiary of Innolux, will acquire 100% of Pioneer's shares for ¥163.6 billion (about NT$33.7 billion). The deal aims to expand CarUX's business in driver-focused systems like displays, audio, and navigation.

On June 25-26, 2025, major automakers criticized the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA), citing impediments to progress and struggles with modernization. The Alliance for Automotive Innovation called for significant reforms, stating that NHTSA's relationship with the industry, outdated safety regulations, and lack of a clear strategic roadmap for emerging technologies are stifling innovation.

Tata Motors plans to introduce 30 new models across electric and internal combustion engine segments by 2030. The company aims to almost double its current product range with a combination of ICE and electric vehicles.

Chinese automakers are increasingly focusing on Africa, particularly South Africa, with electric and hybrid vehicles, leveraging low prices and South Africa as a gateway. South African sales of new energy vehicles more than doubled from 2023 to last year.

The J.D. Power 2025 U.S. Initial Quality Study (IQS) indicates a slight improvement in initial vehicle quality, with problems per 100 vehicles (PP100) at 192. Lexus ranks highest overall with 166 PP100, and the infotainment category remains the most problematic at 42.6 PP100.

Several carmakers, including Mercedes-Benz, Audi, Volvo, and Renault, are rejecting Apple's CarPlay Ultra, which accesses additional vehicle information. Aston Martin is the only one that will use the latest version of CarPlay.

Mercedes has developed 'Labfiber Biotech Leather Alternative' from recycled GT3 race car tires, which is twice as strong as real leather and waterproof. Mercedes aims to offer Labfiber as an alternative to traditional leather, potentially in the production version of the AMG GT XX.

Hesai Technology's CEO, David Li, believes Lidar could be the future of airbags, discussing how Lidar sensors could enhance vehicle safety. Li highlighted the advancements in Lidar technology, including a significant cost reduction to $200 and below per unit.

The New York Times reported on the future of start-stop technology in cars, with the EPA considering eliminating credits for the feature, which turns off the engine at red lights. Research indicates it reduces fuel consumption by 5 to 10 percent.

Ford has filed a patent for an emergency responder assistance system in cars, using existing sensors to provide detailed information to emergency response units. The system detects occupants and compares their locations before and after a crash.