On this week’s Headlight News podcast, we cover how EV sales will be affected by $4 gas, Honda’s big financial hit, Mazda’s launch of the CX-5 hybrid and review the 2026 Toyota bZ Woodland Review.
EVs and batteries
Starting At $45k, Rivian R2 Isn’t a Game-Changing “Affordable” EV – But it Delivers Plenty of Power for the Money
Rivian finally has given us the numbers we’ve been waiting for. It’s new, more mainstream EV comes in at a markedly lower price than the original R1 family. But at a base price of $45,000 – plus delivery fees, the R2 is not quite the “affordable” EV many potential customers have been hoping for. Still, for the money, even the base Rivian R2 delivers serious performance and features, reports Headlight.News.
These Are the EVs That Have Been Cancelled or Delayed — So Far
Honda revealed it’s canceling three battery-electric vehicles it planned to offer in the U.S. But it’s just the latest manufacturer pulling back on its EV program as sales plunge following the phaseout of federal tax credits last September. Headlight.News looks at other EV programs that have been cancelled or delayed.
Honda Scraps Plans for 3 U.S. EVs as it Warns of Potential $16 Billion Loss
Honda scrapped plans to bring three EVs to the U.S. market, joining a growing list of manufacturers shifting plans following the phase-out of federal tax credits last September. Honda executives also warned the company could post losses of up to $16 billion due to factors that also include the cost of U.S. tariffs. More from Headlight.News.
Mercedes Aims to Make Vans Cool Again – And It’s Not Alone
Mercedes-Benz officially unveiled its new VLE series and is determined to prove that minivans aren’t just for soccer moms anymore. If anything, the automaker wants you to think of this all-electric people-mover as a “grand limousine,” and it certainly delivers the appropriate ride and features. But Mercedes isn’t the only automaker recommitting to the minivan market, reports Headlight.News.
Muscling Through the Snow in the 2026 Dodge Charger R/T Sedan
If you own a muscle car, chances are you live where the weather’s usually warm and the roads dry. But Dodge is determined to win over skeptics in the Snowbelt, as well, with the newest entry in its lineup. Headlight.News took the automaker up on its challenge, heading to the northern wilds of New England to drive the 2026 Dodge Charger R/T sedan. Here’s our review.
Mazda Bets on Hybrids – But Still Sees Room for the Rotary Engine
Is there a rotary engine in Mazda’s future? The iconic Wankel engine just might stage a comeback … someday … says the automaker’s U.S. CEO. But expect to see a lot more hybrids in the near future, according to Jim Donnelly, starting with the home-grown powertrain in the next-gen CX-5 now reaching showrooms. More from Headlight.News.
Genesis Set to Launch 641-HP GV60 Magma in U.S. This Summer
The new Genesis high-performance lineup will make its official debut in the U.S. this coming summer with the launch of the 641-hp GV60 Magma battery-electric vehicle. Headlight.News has more.
Hyundai, Kia Putting Brakes on 2026 EV Models
Sell or be killed. When talking about electric vehicles, that’s likely going to be the criteria for survival for the near future. Hyundai is doing just that, confirming the demise of an EV in its portfolio. Find out more at Headlight.News.
Dealers Sue to Prevent Scout Brand from Selling Direct to Consumers
Scout Motors, the electrified vehicle brand the Volkswagen Group is set to bring back to life, faces an assortment of lawsuits aimed at preventing it from selling direct to consumers, the approach embraced by rival start-ups Tesla, Rivian and Lucid. Headlight.News looks at who’s suing Scout and why.
February Sales Remain Steady Despite Storms; Future Sales Look Uncertain
New vehicle sales remained stable during February, but fallout from turmoil over Iran and around hangs over the economy. However, with the threat of a protracted conflict in the Middle East hanging over the industry, the numbers look more impressive. Get details at Headlight.News.
California’s Kindred Motorworks Resurrects Best of Automotive’s Past
The old car hobby is full of joys — yet rife with struggle. While a lot of vintage car aficionados revel in the joys of the fight to keep the cars alive, there exists another group who want the joy without the pain. These are the people for whom Kindred Motorworks was founded. Check out the company’s magic at Headlight.News.