On this week’s Headlight News podcast, we look at the new Tesla affordable trim level, Ferrari’s new EV, the departure of the Kia Soul and review the VW Tiguan R-Line Turbo. Check out the ‘cast and give us some feedback.
EVs and batteries
GM Kills Hydrogen Fuel-Cell Vehicle Program, Abandons Production Plans
General Motors has ended a program aimed at using hydrogen fuel-cell technology as an alternative to battery power, in the process scrapping plans for a $55 million factory in Detroit. The automaker will continue producing fuel-cell stacks for use in stationary applications, however. More from Headlight.News.
Slowing Sales Means We Won’t Be Seeing These EVs in the U.S.
Ferrari on Thursday revealed details about its first battery-powered model, the Elettrica. But the Italian automaker is delaying a second EV. And it’s not alone. Ford has scrapped several all-electric models, while Nissan pulled the plug on the 2026 Ariya. Acura just ended production of the ZDX and Stellantis has abandoned the all-electric Ram REV. Those are among a growing list of planned EVs that no longer will make it into production — or will be substantially delayed. Here are some of the others.
Ferrari Teases First EV – and the Elettrica Will Deliver 1,000 hp and Gobs of Instant Torque
Who says EVs are dead? Not Ferrari. The Italian manufacturer has, if anything, provided new insight into what’s coming with the launch of its first all-electric model. And, to start with, it’s revealed the appropriately named Elettrica will punch out as much as 1,000 horsepower yet still manage to deliver 330 miles of range. Headlight.News has more.
Tesla Disappoints with Cheaper Trim Levels Instead of New Entry-Level Model
Fans and investors alike were disappointed with the debut of less expensive variants of the Model 3 and Model Y, both dubbed “standard.” Both groups — and others — were hoping to see an all-new entry-level vehicle from the EV leader. Get details at Headlight.News.
Nissan Kills Off Plans for Electric SUV, Revives Rugged Xterra Instead
Even as it cuts back on plans to expand its EV line-up, Nissan says it’s bringing back the once-popular Xterra, a rugged off-road SUV it junked back in 2015. It could be joined by a new Infiniti model, both to be produced at Nissan’s underutilized plant in Canton, Mississippi. More from Headlight.News.
Tesla May Reveal “Affordable” Version of Model Y Today
Tesla CEO Elon Musk earlier this year promised to bring to market a more affordable EV and, with federal tax credits having ended last week this may be the perfect time to roll it out. The automaker’s account on X teased what could be a new, lower-cost version of the Model Y expected to debut on Tuesday. Headlight.News has more.
Rivian Chief RJ Scaringe Upbeat Despite Loss of Fed Tax Credits, Threat of Chinese Competition
Rivian CEO RJ Scaringe says he has “never been more confident than I am today” about the future of the struggling EV manufacturer. That’s despite a series of challenges facing the battery-electric vehicle sector in general – including the loss of federal EV tax credits and the rise of the low-cost Chinese competitors who are threatening to enter the U.S. market. A critical test will come early next year with the launch of Rivian’s more affordable R2 model line. But it’s also counting on joint ventures and alliances like those with Volkswagen and Amazon, reports Headlight.News.
Automakers Come Up With Their Own EV Deals to Offset Lost Federal Tax Credits
While federal EV tax credits expired on September 30, automakers hope to maintain sales momentum – or, at the least, head off a threatened slump – with makers like Hyundai, GM and Ford coming up with deals of their own, including big price cuts and incentives matching the lost federal tax credits. They could help boost demand, according to a new Harris poll. More from Headlight.News.
It’s No Longer “If,” But “When” Chinese Automakers Will Crack Open the U.S. Market
Tariffs enacted by Presidents Joe Biden and Donald Trump effectively closed the door on auto imports from China – only a few products now entering the U.S. But, despite the current hefty tariffs, observers expect that the Trump administration will soon open the American market up to Chinese products, while also encouraging manufacturers like BYD and Geely to set up U.S. manufacturing operations. While American motorists would likely welcome vehicles like the $20,000 BYD Dolphin, this could pose an “existential threat” to traditional automakers, reports Headlight.News.
Dodge May Drop 900-hp Charger Banshee While Other Electrified Stellantis Models Are Also at Risk
Stellantis is backing away from its aggressive electrification plans. It’s already abandoned the all-electric Ram REV pickup and a plug-in hybrid version of the Jeep Gladiator. Now, it appears, the 900-hp Dodge Charger Banshee could be among other battery-based models set to be axed. Headlight.News has more.
Stellantis Finally Pulls Out of its Sales Slump – But Federal Shutdown Weighs Over the Entire Industry
Strong sales by the Jeep and Ram brands helped Stellantis reverse its long sales slide during the third quarter, even as Volkswagen faltered in the face of a challenging economy. While U.S. auto sales are running stronger than expected, analysts still worry about the impact of tariffs and the federal government shutdown in the months ahead.