Category: EV vehicles

  • NHTSA Warns Nissan Leaf Owners of Fire Risk During Fast Charging

    NHTSA Warns Nissan Leaf Owners of Fire Risk During Fast Charging

    Key Takeaways

    1. Nissan has issued an urgent recall for approximately 19,077 Leaf vehicles due to overheating issues during Level 3 fast charging, posing a fire risk.
    2. The overheating problem is linked to lithium-ion battery deposits causing increased electrical resistance, and owners are advised to avoid Level 3 fast charging until resolved.
    3. A complimentary software update will be offered by Nissan dealerships to fix the battery control system, with notifications to owners starting October 24, 2025.
    4. Nissan is facing production challenges with the new Leaf model, reducing output at its Tochigi plant by over half due to a critical battery shortage.
    5. The production delays and safety issues threaten Nissan’s restructuring efforts, which rely on the success of the new Leaf with improved range and SUV styling.

    Nissan is facing serious challenges with its electric vehicles in the United States. The company has issued an urgent recall due to overheating issues during Level 3 fast charging (DC charging). The National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) has confirmed this recall under campaign number 25V655000. Approximately 19,077 Nissan Leaf vehicles worldwide from the 2021 and 2022 model years, which have a Level 3 fast charging port (DC charging via CHAdeMO), are involved.

    Problem with Batteries

    The main issue stems from the lithium-ion battery, where increased electrical resistance due to deposits in the battery cells can lead to overheating during Level 3 fast charging. This overheating creates a serious safety hazard and raises the risk of fire incidents.

    To mitigate this problem, owners are advised to avoid using Level 3 fast charging until the defect is fixed. Nissan dealerships will provide a complimentary software update for the battery control system in the affected electric vehicles. The NHTSA plans to send notification letters to vehicle owners starting October 24, 2025. Nissan’s internal recall code for this issue is R25C8.

    Timing of the Recall

    This safety issue comes at a bad time for Nissan, as the company reported a considerable net loss last fiscal year. They are counting on the newly launched third generation of the Nissan Leaf to help them succeed in their restructuring efforts.

    The new Nissan Leaf features SUV styling for the first time and boasts a significant improvement over its predecessor, with a promised range of up to 373 miles/600 kilometers. This model is seen as a vital part of the company’s restructuring plan.

    Production Challenges

    However, this important new electric vehicle is facing serious production challenges. According to Nikkei Asia, Nissan has reduced production of the new Leaf at its Tochigi plant in Japan by over half for the period from September to November, affecting thousands of units that had to be canceled or delayed.

    The reason for these production cuts is a critical shortage of batteries. The Tochigi plant obtains its batteries from AESC, a subsidiary of Nissan. The production yield of these necessary batteries has not improved as anticipated, causing supply chain bottlenecks.

    It is still unknown how much the production of the Nissan Leaf at the Sunderland plant in the UK is impacted. Nevertheless, the delays in Japan underlines the significant challenges facing Nissan, whose restructuring efforts have been severely threatened by issues in their electric mobility sector.

    NHTSA | Nikkei Asia

    Source:
    Link

     

    Tags:
  • BYD Surpasses Tesla by 400K EVs in 2025 Sales Race

    BYD Surpasses Tesla by 400K EVs in 2025 Sales Race

    Key Takeaways

    1. BYD has surpassed Tesla in electric vehicle sales in 2025, leading by 400,000 units.
    2. BYD sold 1.61 million electric vehicles in 2025, a 37% increase from the previous year, while Tesla’s sales decreased by 6% to 1.22 million.
    3. BYD has outsold Tesla for four consecutive quarters, even as Tesla achieved record sales in Q3 2025.
    4. BYD’s plug-in hybrid electric vehicle (PHEV) sales accounted for 46.2% of its total sales in the first half of 2025.
    5. Tesla ended 2024 with 1.79 million sales, narrowly beating BYD’s 1.76 million, but struggles to regain the lead in 2025.

    BYD has taken the lead over all other electric vehicle manufacturers in 2025, surpassing Tesla by a significant margin. The gap between these two competitors stands at 400,000 units.

    Sales Performance

    Since the start of 2025, BYD has sold 1.61 million electric vehicles, marking a 37 percent rise compared to the same time last year. On the other hand, Tesla’s sales have dipped, with only 1.22 million deliveries, reflecting a 6 percent decrease. This means, as we enter the last quarter of the year, Tesla is trailing by 388,000 units.

    Quarter Performance

    Despite Tesla achieving record sales in the last quarter, it still fell short against BYD, which experienced its first year-on-year drop. The trends in the market show that BYD has been consistently outpacing Tesla for a while now, with Q3 2025 being the fourth straight quarter where BYD has outsold Tesla. Notably, these figures do not account for BYD’s plug-in hybrid electric vehicle (PHEV) sales, which represented 46.2 percent of their total sales in the first half of 2025.

    Year-End Comparison

    In contrast, Tesla managed to end 2024 on a high note, with sales reaching 1.79 million units, just beating BYD’s 1.76 million. At the close of Q3 2024, Tesla held a slim lead of 124,000 units. Recently, Tesla introduced the Model Y L in China, aiming to increase demand. This larger six-seat electric SUV reportedly saw around 10,000 daily orders at times in August. However, it seems unlikely that this new model will enable Tesla to catch up with BYD before the year concludes.

    Source:
    Link

     

    Tags: ,
  • Electric Mercedes-Benz Fire in Korean Garage Raises Safety Concerns

    Electric Mercedes-Benz Fire in Korean Garage Raises Safety Concerns

    Key Takeaways

    1. An electric Mercedes-Benz caught fire while charging in Suwon, South Korea, prompting a large emergency response.
    2. The fire spread to three nearby cars but was contained within an hour, with no fatalities reported.
    3. Investigations are ongoing to determine the cause of the fire, marking the second incident involving a Mercedes-Benz EV in South Korea.
    4. Despite recent incidents, electric vehicles are 60 times less likely to catch fire than gasoline-powered cars.
    5. Government discussions are underway about stricter safety regulations for battery-electric vehicles following these incidents.

    As the use of electric vehicles (EVs) increases, so does the likelihood of incidents involving them. Recently, a fire broke out involving an electric Mercedes-Benz in Suwon, South Korea, prompting the evacuation of local residents.

    Incident Details

    The EV was plugged in and charging while parked beneath a 15-story apartment building. The blaze ignited at around 8:04 AM and quickly spread to three other cars parked nearby.

    In response to the emergency, the city sent out 19 firetrucks and 57 firefighters to manage the situation. The fire was contained within an hour, aided by a fire blanket, and was completely extinguished by 10:16 AM.

    Casualties and Investigations

    Fortunately, there were no fatalities; however, a worker from the apartment complex suffered from smoke inhalation and needed medical care. Officials are currently looking into what caused the fire. The specific model of the electric vehicle involved has not been disclosed yet.

    This incident marks the second occurrence of a fire involving an electric Mercedes-Benz in South Korea in recent times. In August 2024, an EQE sedan that was not charging caught fire in an underground parking garage in Incheon, leading to the destruction of over 140 vehicles. This event has spurred government discussions about implementing stricter safety regulations for battery-electric vehicles (BEVs).

    Fire Statistics and Comparisons

    Despite these incidents, fires in electric vehicles are still relatively uncommon, especially when compared to gasoline-powered cars. According to Fire Statistics, electric vehicles are 60 times less prone to catching fire than traditional gasoline vehicles. Additionally, Tesla has reported only one fire for every 135 million miles driven by their cars from 2012 to 2023.

    Source:
    Link

     

    Tags: ,
  • Xiaomi Addresses SU7 Incident That Alarmed EV Owner

    Xiaomi Addresses SU7 Incident That Alarmed EV Owner

    Key Takeaways

    1. Xiaomi is taking precautions with its self-driving technology after a recall related to an incident involving one of its vehicles.
    2. A SU7 vehicle unexpectedly drove away from a parked position, leading to an investigation by Xiaomi after the owner reported the incident.
    3. The movement of the vehicle was traced back to a remote parking command sent from the owner’s iPhone 15 Pro Max, not a malfunction in the vehicle itself.
    4. Miscommunication from customer service added confusion, as a representative incorrectly identified the device involved in the incident.
    5. The incident has raised concerns about the need for stricter safeguards to prevent unintended activations of the driver-assist system.

    Xiaomi is taking every precaution with its self-driving electric car technology following a recall linked to a tragic incident involving one of its vehicles. This action comes after a peculiar situation arose that its Advanced Driver-Assistance System (ADAS) had not been tested for, which might have contributed to the unfortunate event.

    Quick Reaction to Incident

    The company swiftly acted to investigate when a SU7 owner reported that their vehicle unexpectedly drove away from its parking spot in front of their home. The owner claimed there was no interaction from them to make the SU7 move, and at the time, no one was inside the car.

    The footage shared by the owner showed the vehicle was parked when the incident occurred, while he and a woman were inside. When the car suddenly took off, the woman screamed, prompting the owner to run after it. The owner later told a reporter that when he contacted Xiaomi’s customer service, they suggested he might have mistakenly activated the car via his phone. However, he disagreed and released the full video evidence, emphasizing he did not touch his phone when the car started moving.

    Explanation from Xiaomi

    Xiaomi confirmed that the electric sedan did autonomously start moving, but after reviewing the logs, they informed the owner that the action was triggered by a command from an iPhone 15 Pro Max. “The backend data of the vehicle aligns with the operation logs of the iPhone 15 Pro Max, including response times and commands to exit, indicating no quality issues with the vehicle,” Xiaomi stated.

    The owner was initially doubtful of this explanation and wanted to see the complete logs. Upon examining the logs together with Xiaomi, it became clear that the company was indeed correct. An iPhone 15 Pro Max linked to the owner’s account had sent a remote parking command. Xiaomi’s driver-assist technology has a feature similar to Tesla’s Smart Summon, which can autonomously park the vehicle or “summon” it from its spot.

    Miscommunication and Future Safeguards

    It was this summoning command that was inadvertently triggered by the owner’s iPhone, causing the Xiaomi SU7 to move from its parked position, which understandably startled the owner, as shown in the video below.

    According to Xiaomi, an initial mistake by a customer service representative added to the confusion surrounding the incident. They stated, “During the investigation, with the user’s approval, we accessed vehicle data and operation logs from both phones that had control permissions (the female owner’s iPhone 16 Pro and the male owner’s iPhone 15 Pro Max). The backend data indicates that during the described timeframe, a parking assist command was sent from the iPhone 15 Pro Max, activating the parking assist feature, which requires the vehicle to be within Bluetooth range of the phone.” They noted that a customer service rep mistakenly identified the model of the device, which led to misunderstanding. They apologized for the error and pledged to enhance their service.

    Despite the clarification, the incident has sparked discussions about the necessity for more stringent safeguards to prevent unintended activation of Xiaomi’s driver-assist system when no one is inside the vehicle.

    Source:
    Link

     

    Tags: , ,
  • Tesla Insurance Faces Probe for Unfair Practices, Delayed Payouts

    Tesla Insurance Faces Probe for Unfair Practices, Delayed Payouts

    Key Takeaways

    1. Tesla’s insurance business faces scrutiny for approximately 3,000 regulatory violations since 2019.
    2. The California Department of Insurance (CDI) accuses Tesla and State National Insurance of unfair claims practices and significant delays in customer claims.
    3. Potential fines could reach millions, with penalties up to $10,000 for each violation.
    4. Issues in Tesla’s insurance services emerged just three years post-launch, with increased complaints and violations reported in recent years.
    5. Legal consequences may arise from the allegations, particularly affecting customers involved in a class action lawsuit regarding claim processing delays.

    Tesla’s insurance business is facing serious scrutiny due to alleged violations. The California Department of Insurance (CDI) claims that since launching in 2019, the company has racked up around 3,000 breaches of regulatory codes.

    Serious Accusations

    The CDI has charged Tesla along with its partner, State National Insurance Company, with “intentional unfair claims settlement practices,” “significant delays in responding to customer claims at every stage,” and “unjustified denials.” The regulatory body has concluded that Tesla has caused financial damage to its policyholders.

    Potential Fines

    The CDI has the authority to levy fines as high as $10,000 for each violation, suggesting that Tesla could face millions in penalties. Tesla and State National have a window of 15 days to reply to the CDI’s findings.

    Ongoing Issues

    Problems began surfacing just three years after Tesla initiated its insurance services. The CDI reached out to Tesla in 2022 when complaints from consumers regarding claims began to pile up. Some of the issues highlighted by the CDI included the Head of Claims position being unfilled for several months. Now, after three years and a six-month period of regulatory oversight, matters have worsened.

    The report states, “In 2025, the Tesla Companies have already received more complaints, more justified complaints, and have committed more violations than in the three previous years combined.”

    Legal Implications

    The consequences of the CDI’s allegations could lead to legal troubles for Tesla. Customers are closely monitoring the situation, especially those involved in a class action lawsuit against the EV manufacturer for delays in processing claims initiated in July.

    Source:
    Link

     

    Tags:
  • Tesla Teases New Roadster or Model Y Ahead of October 7 Reveal

    Tesla Teases New Roadster or Model Y Ahead of October 7 Reveal

    Key Takeaways

    1. Tesla posted a mysterious nine-second video on X, teasing an announcement for October 7.
    2. Speculation suggests the teaser may hint at the next-generation Roadster, featuring advanced performance technology.
    3. Another possibility is a refreshed or more affordable Model Y, with sightings of an updated version near Tesla’s Gigafactory.
    4. Some believe the announcement could involve new technology unrelated to cars, possibly related to AI or drones.
    5. The video has generated significant buzz in the electric vehicle community, keeping fans eager for the upcoming announcement.

    Tesla has stirred up fresh speculation with a mysterious nine-second video posted on X, announcing something for October 7. The video features a shiny, turbine-like object spinning quickly, with the Tesla logo in the middle, concluding with the date ‘10/7.’ However, the company hasn’t given any clues about what to expect.

    Next-Gen Roadster?

    Many commenters on the post think this teaser hints at the long-awaited next-generation Roadster, which Elon Musk has claimed will deliver exceptional performance, using SpaceX technology. Earlier in the year, Tesla submitted a patent for an adaptive aerodynamic system that incorporates built-in fans to enhance grip and control. This feature could assist the new Roadster in maintaining stability during its rapid acceleration.

    Model Y Updates?

    Another possibility is that the announcement might be related to a refreshed or more affordable Model Y. An updated version of this SUV was recently seen near Tesla’s Gigafactory in Texas, indicating that production could be in progress. Launching it now might allow Tesla to appeal to a broader audience and remain competitive as more budget-friendly electric vehicles enter the market.

    New Tech on the Horizon?

    Some people think the teaser might not be car-related at all. With Musk’s growing interest in AI systems, drones, and eVTOL aircraft, there are suggestions that Tesla could be gearing up to unveil new technology that’s outside of its typical offerings.

    No matter what it is, the short video has successfully created buzz. It has kept the electric vehicle community on its toes as they await Tesla’s upcoming significant announcement on October 7.

    Source:
    Link

     

    Tags: , ,
  • Colorado Provides Up to $9,000 Incentives for EV Buyers

    Colorado Provides Up to $9,000 Incentives for EV Buyers

    Key Takeaways

    1. Colorado is increasing its electric vehicle (EV) incentives by 50% to support residents affected by the end of the federal EV tax credit.
    2. Rebates for new EV purchases will rise from $6,000 to $9,000, and for used or leased vehicles from $4,000 to $6,000, effective November 3.
    3. Over 200,000 EVs are now on Colorado roads, with zero-emission vehicles making up 25% of new vehicle sales in 2025.
    4. The Vehicle Exchange Colorado (VXC) program has already helped more than 2,600 residents since its start in 2023.
    5. Colorado aims to have one million electric vehicles by 2030, with stricter eligibility requirements for the VXC rebates compared to the federal program.

    Coloradans impacted by the end of the federal EV tax credit as of September can find some comfort because their state is stepping in to help. The Centennial State has revealed a 50 percent increase in its current electric vehicle (EV) incentives.

    Improved Rebates for EV Purchases

    The Vehicle Exchange Colorado (VXC) program is set to raise its rebates on new EV buys from $6,000 to $9,000, while rebates on used or leased vehicles will go up from $4,000 to $6,000. An official statement shared that the goal is to keep e-mobility affordable for residents in Colorado. These enhanced incentives will apply to vehicles bought or leased starting on November 3.

    Positive Impact on EV Adoption

    The government highlighted that both federal and state stimulus programs have contributed to placing over 200,000 EVs on Colorado’s roads, with zero-emission cars making up 25 percent of new vehicle sales thus far in 2025. The VXC program began in 2023 and has already aided more than 2,600 Coloradans.

    Future Goals for Electric Vehicles

    Colorado’s aim is to have one million electric vehicles running in the state by 2030. However, the conditions for qualifying for the VXC rebates are stricter compared to the federal program. For instance, drivers are required to trade in older, high-polluting vehicles and must also have an income below 80 percent of their county’s median income.

    Source:
    Link

     

  • Affordable Tesla Model Y: A Slimmed-Down Option for Buyers

    Affordable Tesla Model Y: A Slimmed-Down Option for Buyers

    Key Takeaways

    1. Tesla is preparing to launch a more affordable model, often referred to as the “Model 2,” which was spotted on a highway in Florida.
    2. The new model features a simplified design compared to the Model Y, lacking certain exterior elements like LED light bars and incorporating basic headlights.
    3. Interior comfort features have been reduced, omitting items such as a panoramic glass roof and additional displays, leading to a less comfortable experience.
    4. The price of the new entry-level model is around $40,000, which is $5,000 less than the standard Model Y, but higher than the initially planned $25,000 model.
    5. The removal of government subsidies in the US has contributed to the increased pricing, reducing the price difference between the new model and the Model Y.

    Tesla is said to be getting ready to introduce a more “affordable” model, which was recently seen on a highway in Florida without any disguise. Fans and reporters have been waiting for a brand new entry-level vehicle, often called the “Model 2.” However, the prototype indicates that Tesla is going for a simplified version of the Model Y. As reported by Electrek, this new affordable Tesla cuts back on some comfort and equipment features, but its price is only a bit lower than the regular Model Y.

    Design Changes

    On the outside, the affordable Tesla model lacks the LED light bars found on the Model Y Juniper Refresh. Instead of continuous light strips, there are narrow individual headlights at the front and a basic black crossbar at the back. The new aerodynamic wheels also help improve efficiency slightly.

    Interior Adjustments

    Inside the car, several comfort features have been removed. There’s no panoramic glass roof, ambient lighting, or extra 8-inch display for the rear seats. Additionally, the system for seat adjustment and ventilation has been made simpler. While these changes may lower production costs, they also greatly cut down on comfort when compared to the standard Model Y.

    Price and Market Position

    According to a report from Reuters, the initially planned entry-level model priced around $25,000, internally known as the “Model 2,” has been scrapped. The cost of this low-cost Tesla model is now about $40,000, which is $5,000 less than the regular Model Y. The removal of government subsidies in the US has caused the entry-level pricing to rise, meaning the price difference is not as significant as before.

    Source:
    Link

     

    Tags: , ,
  • Tesla Cybertruck Now Available for Orders in the Middle East from $116K

    Tesla Cybertruck Now Available for Orders in the Middle East from $116K

    Key Takeaways

    1. Tesla’s Cybertruck is now available for orders in Saudi Arabia, Qatar, and the UAE, offering AWD and performance options (Cyberbeast).
    2. Pricing for the AWD Cybertruck starts at SAR 434,990 ($116,000) in Saudi Arabia, while the Cyberbeast starts at SAR 484,990 ($129,300).
    3. The AWD model has a range of 523 km, accelerates from 0 to 100 km/h in 4.3 seconds, and can tow up to 4,990 kg; the Cyberbeast does it in 2.7 seconds.
    4. Tesla introduced a more affordable Rear-Wheel Drive (RWD) Cybertruck earlier in the year, with a longer range of 563 km, but has since discontinued it in the US.
    5. The Cybertruck launch aligns with the rising interest in luxury electric vehicles in the Middle East, supported by government incentives and charging infrastructure expansion.

    Tesla’s fully electric Cybertruck is now ready for orders in several key Middle Eastern countries, such as Saudi Arabia, Qatar, and the UAE. The company is providing both the All-Wheel Drive (AWD) and a performance-oriented version known as the Cyberbeast, giving buyers choices that fit their driving preferences.

    Pricing and Specifications

    In Saudi Arabia, the AWD Cybertruck has a starting price of SAR 434,990 (around $116,000), while the Cyberbeast starts at SAR 484,990 (approximately $129,300). Tesla estimates that the AWD model can travel roughly 523 km on a single charge. It accelerates from 0 to 100 km/h in just 4.3 seconds and can tow as much as 4,990 kg. The Cyberbeast takes things a step further, achieving 100 km/h in merely 2.7 seconds.

    Previous Model Introduction

    Earlier this year, Tesla also rolled out the Rear-Wheel Drive (RWD) Cybertruck in Saudi Arabia at a more affordable starting price. This version boasts a slightly longer range of 563 km on a full charge, although its acceleration is not as fast compared to the other trims. Deliveries for this model are anticipated to kick off in late 2025. However, the company recently discontinued the RWD trim in the US last month, raising questions about how long it will remain available in other regions outside of North America.

    Growing Electric Vehicle Interest

    The introduction of the Cybertruck in the Middle East aligns with the increasing interest in luxury electric vehicles within this region. With more government incentives and an expanding network of charging stations, making the switch to electric vehicles is becoming more attractive. For Tesla and electric vehicle enthusiasts in the area, the Cybertruck presents an appealing choice with its long-range capabilities and impressive towing strength.

    South Korea also welcomed the AWD and Cyberbeast trims back in August, demonstrating Tesla’s ongoing efforts to expand into global markets.

    Tesla Middle East

    Source:
    Link

     

    Tags: , ,
  • Tesla Updates Model 3 and Model Y with New Features and Batteries

    Tesla Updates Model 3 and Model Y with New Features and Batteries

    Key Takeaways

    1. Tesla has introduced enhancements for the Model 3 and Model Y, including functional improvements and new batteries for better range.
    2. The Model Y now features a front camera and the return of the indicator stalk, with the Model 3 also adopting these changes based on customer feedback.
    3. The updated front camera includes a washer and a heating element to prevent fogging or icing.
    4. Battery advancements have been made for all Model 3 versions, with improved cell density, although specific capacity details are not disclosed.
    5. The Model Y’s new battery upgrade is only available for the “Long Range All-Wheel Drive” model, and prices for the updates remain unchanged.

    Tesla has recently introduced a number of enhancements for the Model 3 and Model Y. These upgrades include both functional improvements and new batteries that offer better range. The existing Model Y, known as Juniper, comes equipped with a front camera and the return of the indicator stalk. Now, the Model 3 will also include these features. This change, particularly regarding the indicator stalk, comes in response to feedback from customers who found the steering wheel button operation less than ideal. The updated front camera has a washer and a built-in heating element to help avoid fogging or icing.

    Battery Upgrades

    In addition to these features, Tesla has made advancements in the batteries across all Model 3 versions, although they are not disclosing specific details about battery capacity. The company merely mentions improvements in cell density. According to Tesla, the enhancements in range are as follows:

    The Model Y is also set to receive a new battery, but this upgrade is only available for the “Long Range All-Wheel Drive” model.

    Configuration Changes

    These updates can now be seen in the configurator. Interestingly, the prices remain unchanged.

    Source:
    Link

     

    Tags: , ,