GoKawiil
Tech News
ChargePoint's latest report finds that public charging infrastructure buildout continues to lag behind EV adoption, even as sales remain strong—over 1.8 million EVs sold globally between January and August. CEO Rick Wilmer said demand signals like high used-EV retention rates and steady RFP volume suggest the North American market is healthier than press coverage implies.
Volvo unveiled refreshed plug-in hybrid versions of its XC60 and XC90 SUVs, claiming preliminary EPA-tested electric ranges of 78 miles and 73 miles respectively—more than double their previous PHEV versions. The gains come from larger 41.2 kWh batteries integrated into the vehicle floor, similar to Volvo's EV designs, paired with more powerful motors. Volvo says these figures would make them the longest-range plug-in hybrids sold in the US.
A car shopper evaluating new electric vehicles describes being unable to find a model, even at higher price points, that avoids a cluster of recurring design irritations. The list includes oversized panoramic glass roofs that overheat cabins, touchscreen-only controls replacing physical buttons for everyday functions, smartphone or NFC-based key systems instead of traditional fobs, awkward electronic door handles, poorly tuned driver-assistance alerts, and EVs that lack proper one-pedal driving. The author cites specific frustrations with a Volvo EX30, including needing to use the touchscreen mid-drive for cruise control distance, headlights, and climate settings.
Several automakers are developing extended-range electric vehicles that run primarily on electric motors but carry a small gasoline engine solely to recharge the battery, not to drive the wheels. Stellantis will bring this setup to the Jeep Grand Wagoneer and Ram 1500 REV, promising up to 690 miles of range, while Hyundai, Genesis and Ford plan similar models for the Santa Fe, an unnamed Genesis SUV and a revived F-150 Lightning.
JD Power surveyed over 68,000 owners of 2026 model-year vehicles about 40 different automotive technologies and found that features requiring the least driver attention, such as smart ignition and AI-controlled HVAC systems, earned the highest satisfaction scores. Passenger-facing dashboard screens, often found in luxury brands like Mercedes, BMW, and Porsche, ranked among the least liked features.
Waymo has begun adding electric vehicles manufactured in China, made by Zeekr, to its robotaxi fleet even as the U.S. maintains steep tariffs and restrictions that effectively block most Chinese-made EVs from American consumers. The vehicles are imported and retrofitted with Waymo's self-driving technology before entering commercial service.
Polestar disclosed in an August 18th dealer letter that it was denied a US Commerce Department waiver allowing continued sales of its electric vehicles, despite officials reportedly signaling approval was likely. The rejection contrasts with sister brand Volvo, which received approval in May 2026 despite similar ties to Chinese owner Geely, forcing Polestar to halt US sales starting with the 2027 model year.
The National Highway Traffic Safety Administration has upgraded its investigation of brake failures in GM's eBoost brake-by-wire system to an engineering analysis, its most serious pre-recall step. The probe covers over 1 million vehicles, including Cadillac Lyriq EVs built with Honda, plus Chevy Colorado, GMC Canyon, Buick Enclave and Envision models, following hundreds of complaints, over 20 crashes or fires, and at least six injuries.