Huawei's Solid-State Battery; Volkswagen's Autonomous Taxis Coming in 2026

Latest Motoring and Tech News
Total 1441 words · 6 mins read

Key Takeaways

  • Huawei unveils solid-state battery with >500 Wh/kg, potentially enabling 3,000 km EV range.
  • Volkswagen's MOIA to launch autonomous ID. Buzz taxis in Europe/US (Los Angeles) in 2026.
  • Tesla completes Nevada LFP battery plant with 10 GWh annual capacity, for Megapack energy storage.
  • Cybertruck was 6.84% more efficient than Silverado EV towing, but range dropped to 124 miles.
  • Rivian R1T Tri-Motor Max: 0-60 mph in 2.7s, 850 hp, 329-mile range.

Top Stories

Huawei announces solid-state battery with high energy density.

Huawei announced a solid-state battery with an energy density of over 500 Wh/kg, potentially powering an EV for up to 3,000 km, though experts question these claims due to scalability and validation issues.

Volkswagen's MOIA to launch autonomous taxis in 2026.

Volkswagen's MOIA plans to launch fully autonomous ID. Buzz taxis in Europe and the U.S., including Los Angeles, in 2026, utilizing Mobileye self-driving technology.

Tesla completes LFP battery plant in Nevada.

Tesla has completed an LFP (lithium iron phosphate) battery plant in Nevada, with an initial production capacity of 10 GWh annually, primarily for Megapack energy storage systems.

Tesla Cybertruck vs. Chevrolet Silverado EV towing showdown.

A towing showdown between the Tesla Cybertruck and the Chevrolet Silverado EV revealed the Cybertruck was 6.84% more efficient while towing, achieving 2.03 kilometers per kWh, but its range dropped to 124 miles.

Rivian R1T Tri-Motor Max.

The 2025 Rivian R1T Tri-Motor Max accelerates to 60 mph in 2.7 seconds, features 850 horsepower and 1103 lb-ft of torque, and has an EPA-estimated range of 329 miles.

Car News Today

Praga Bohema hypercar sets lap records.

The Praga Bohema hypercar set three lap records in four days in the Czech Republic and Slovakia, achieving lap times of 1:35.09, 2:01.60, and 2:03.60, respectively, showcasing its performance capabilities.

Toyota Innova Hycross receives 5-star safety rating.

The Toyota Innova Hycross received a 5-star Bharat NCAP safety rating, excelling in adult and child occupant protection, with advanced safety systems.

Lamborghini developing plug-in hybrid Urus.

Lamborghini is developing a more powerful, plug-in hybrid version of the Urus, potentially named Urus Performante, expected to launch around 2027, with a twin-turbo 4.0-liter V8 engine and an electric motor.

Ram introduces 2026 Ram 2500 Black Express and Warlock.

Ram introduced the 2026 Ram 2500 Black Express and 2500 Warlock, based on the Tradesman grade, with the Black Express starting at $53,735 and the Warlock at $57,165, available in Q3.

Volkswagen launches eHybrid 4MOTION powertrain.

Volkswagen has launched the eHybrid 4MOTION powertrain for the Multivan and California models, featuring a 1.5L petrol engine, two electric motors, and a 19.7kWh battery, offering up to 95 km of electric range for the Multivan.

2026 Honda CR-V TrailSport.

The 2026 Honda CR-V TrailSport is being released, featuring all-terrain tires, a 2.0-liter engine paired with two electric motors, and a starting price of $40,195.

Honda SUV 0 prototype.

Honda presented the SUV 0 prototype, an electric vehicle that combines a bold design with advanced technology, including a connected infotainment system and level 3 assisted driving.

Kia Telluride 2026 model.

Spy photos reveal the redesigned 2026 Kia Telluride, showcasing a boxier, more angular design, including a new X-Pro model and vertical LED elements in the headlights and taillights.

Toyota developing new turbo four-cylinder engine.

Toyota is developing a new turbo four-cylinder engine, touted as a modern 2JZ, expected to be capable of producing V8 power.

Second generation Hyundai Venue.

The second generation Hyundai Venue is expected to go on sale in September 2025 with major revisions inside and out, including visual updates inspired by the Creta and Alcazar.

Mahindra Vision T concept.

Mahindra will unveil the Vision T concept on August 15, 2025, in Mumbai, at the Freedom NU event, which appears to be an evolution of the Thar.e concept, with a boxy design.

Subaru Forester vs. Nissan X-Trail comparison.

A comparison between the Subaru Forester and the Nissan X-Trail, two Japanese hybrid SUVs, highlights the Forester's off-road suitability and the X-Trail's 7-seat option and hybrid system.

2025 Rivian R1T Tri-Motor interior photos.

Car and Driver published interior photos of the 2025 Rivian R1T Tri-Motor, revealing minor interior tweaks for the 2025 model, including a large center screen and high-quality materials.

Mercedes-Benz GLC with seven seats.

Mercedes-Benz announced the international version of the GLC with seven seats, featuring a digital instrument panel, an 11.9-inch central screen, and a 550-liter trunk, with the GLC 260 L gasoline version delivering 204 hp.

BMW increases M2 CS production.

BMW is increasing production of the M2 CS due to high demand in the US, Germany, and China, with a twin-turbocharged 3.0-liter engine producing 523 horsepower and 479 pound-feet of torque.

GMC Yukon Denali renderings.

The 2027 or 2028 GMC Yukon Denali is expected to be all-new and possibly feature hybrid and/or plug-in hybrid powertrains, with renderings showing a new front fascia and upscale interior.

Jeep Renegade second-generation rendering.

A rendering of the second-generation Jeep Renegade, created by Digimods DESIGN, takes inspiration from the Jeep Compass and Cherokee, incorporating a bolder styling with angular fender flares and a new seven-slot grille.

EV Revolution

Mercedes-AMG to simulate ICE sounds in EVs.

Mercedes-AMG will simulate internal-combustion powertrains in its upcoming EVs, including fake gearshifts and V8-like sounds via speakers.

Guide to buying a used EV.

Car and Driver published a guide to buying a used electric vehicle (EV) in 2025, highlighting the benefits of lower cost and advising on assessing battery health and other factors.

Hyundai to reveal new electric crossover.

Hyundai will reveal a new electric crossover in the next few months, likely an electric alternative to the Bayon, based on the E-GMP platform, with launch confirmed for the third quarter of 2026.

Renault's leasing social 2025.

Renault announced the list of vehicles eligible for the social leasing program in 2025, offering three electric vehicles: Renault 5, Renault 4, and Megane, all assembled in France.

Seres 5 electric SUV.

The Seres 5, a 100% electric luxury SUV from China, offers 299 CV, accelerates from 0 to 100 km/h in 6.8 seconds, and promises up to 500 kilometers of autonomy, with a price of 63,500 euros.

Volkswagen ID.2 GTI.

Volkswagen is testing the GTI variant of the ID.2 electric hatchback, with the first GTI model based on the ID.2all concept, expected next year as the Volkswagen ID.2, featuring a 223-horsepower FWD powertrain.

Automakers altering EV assembly plant plans.

Some automakers are altering their EV assembly plant plans due to political and market challenges, while others proceed as planned, such as BMW producing full-electric Neue Klasse models in San Luis Potosi, Mexico.

2026 BMW i4 Gran Coupe review.

Car and Driver reviewed the all-electric 2026 BMW i4 Gran Coupe, expected to range from $60,000 to $72,000, with the eDrive40 model featuring a 335-hp motor and the M60 variant reaching 592 hp.

Market Watch

India's aggressive carbon emission limits.

India plans to cut car emissions by a third from 2027, which carmakers like the Society of Indian Automobile Manufacturers (Siam) are resisting, citing potential industry sustainability risks.

J.D. Power U.S. Initial Quality Study.

The 2025 J.D. Power U.S. Initial Quality Study showed Lexus topping the rankings with 166 problems per 100 vehicles, with a shift in complaints from mechanical issues to high-tech features.

Mitsubishi aims to increase European sales.

Mitsubishi aims to increase European sales by 20-30%, targeting 75,000 to 80,000 units annually, by leveraging two new Renault-based models, the Colt and ASX.

Rivian lays off over 100 salaried workers.

Rivian is laying off more than 100 salaried workers at its plant in Normal, Ill., as the company gears up to build a new vehicle next year.

Policy & Regulations

Canada cancels digital services tax on US tech firms.

Canada canceled its digital services tax on U.S. tech firms like Amazon, Google, and Facebook under U.S. pressure, aiming to resume trade talks after President Trump's suspension.

1X's Redwood AI and 1X World Model.

Robotics company 1X shared new insights into their Redwood AI and 1X World Model, which are helping their Neo humanoid robots learn how to perform various tasks in a home setting.

Tech in Motion

Software-defined vehicles (SDV) and the automotive industry.

Modern cars are becoming computers on wheels, with Tesla leading in software-defined vehicles (SDV) with over-the-air updates, while other manufacturers like Mercedes, BMW, and Volvo are following suit.

Singapore's ERP 2.0 OBUs to provide flash flood alerts.

Singapore's LTA announced that ERP 2.0 OBUs will provide real-time flash flood alerts to improve road safety, adding to other real-time information available on the OBU.

Apple introduces CarPlay Ultra.

Apple introduced CarPlay Ultra, an upgraded version offering greater vehicle integration and customization, debuting in Aston Martin's DBX707.

Rivian 2025.22 software update.

Rivian is preparing to release its 2025.22 software update in July 2025, which includes significant dynamics improvements for all Rivian vehicles, promising a more refined ride and improved handling.

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