EV buyers

Nikkei Asia reports that the race among automakers to dominate Southeast Asia's electric vehicle market could leave ordinary drivers behind, as the rapid push for new EV models raises prices beyond what many consumers in the region can afford. The article highlights the tension between automakers' expansion plans and affordability for local buyers.

Electric vehicle sales in Europe jumped sharply in January, widening the gap with the United States, where EV demand has cooled. Reporting highlights how European buyers, supported by a broader range of models and tighter emissions rules, are adopting electric cars at a much faster pace than American consumers. Commentators are weighing what this divergence means for automakers' strategies on both sides of the Atlantic.

Tesla holds the leading position in Israel's electric vehicle market, while Chinese manufacturers are finding it difficult to gain a foothold. Reports indicate Israeli buyers remain hesitant about Chinese EV brands despite their competitive pricing, continuing to favour Tesla's established reputation. The trend highlights how brand trust, not just cost, shapes EV adoption in the country.

Volkswagen's most affordable electric models are reportedly overtaking orders for its petrol and diesel cars in Germany, a shift the company is said to be slowing as it balances the transition. The development is being covered by finance and climate-focused outlets, with commentators framing it as a sign that cheap EVs are reaching mass-market buyers faster than the automaker planned.

The Trump administration is moving to roll back federal fuel economy standards, a shift that could make gasoline-powered vehicles cheaper and more widely available alongside electric models. Supporters frame it as expanding buyer choice and easing costs on automakers, while critics argue it will slow the transition to electric vehicles and increase emissions. The debate is drawing attention from car buyers, manufacturers and environmental groups alike.

Chinese electric vehicles are gaining ground in Pakistan, reshaping the country's car market according to The Express Tribune. The trend points to growing Chinese influence in Pakistan's auto sector, as affordable electric models attract local buyers amid rising fuel costs and a broader shift toward Chinese brands in the region.

New reporting from InsideEVs says extremely fast electric vehicle chargers are on their way to the United States, but most cars on the road cannot yet handle the power levels they deliver. The article highlights a growing gap between charging infrastructure and vehicle capability, raising questions about whether the rollout of next-generation chargers makes sense while current EVs remain limited in how quickly they can recharge.

A new benchmark is taking hold in the electric vehicle market: 300 miles of range on a single charge is now standard for many new models, according to automotive outlet InsideEVs. The outlet asks whether 400 miles could be the next target as battery technology improves and buyers demand longer range. The discussion reflects how quickly EV expectations have shifted from novelty to mainstream capability.

A Guardian report says three-quarters of the UK's most popular plug-in hybrid cars cannot use the country's rapid electric-vehicle chargers, highlighting a compatibility gap as charging networks expand and petrol prices push drivers toward electrified vehicles. The finding raises questions about how practical plug-in hybrids are for quick top-ups, and adds to debate over whether buyers should opt for fully electric cars instead.

A large-scale analysis of 500,000 EV battery health checks compared 20 electric car models to assess how well their batteries retain capacity over time. One model stood out from the pack, outperforming the rest on long-term battery health. The findings give prospective buyers a data-driven way to compare durability across popular electric vehicles.

Volkswagen has confirmed that the successor to its electric ID.4 SUV will be called the ID. Tiguan, reviving its best-known nameplate for the EV era. The move signals VW's effort to make its electric lineup more familiar to buyers who know the petrol Tiguan, one of its top-selling models worldwide. Details on timing and specifications have not yet been announced.

Costa Rica's government has proposed eliminating the tax breaks that have made electric vehicles significantly cheaper in the country. The incentives have been credited with boosting EV adoption in a nation that markets itself as a green leader, and the plan is expected to spark debate among environmentalists, car importers, and buyers over whether it will slow the shift to cleaner transport.

New rebates for electric vehicles are being introduced, offering buyers fresh financial incentives to make the switch from petrol cars. The rebates come as governments and manufacturers push to accelerate EV adoption and cut transport emissions. Details on eligibility, amounts and which models qualify are expected to be closely watched by drivers considering an electric purchase.

Toyota's next-generation Corolla, expected around 2028, could be offered with a full range of powertrains including gasoline, hybrid, plug-in hybrid and fully electric versions. Reports suggest the automaker plans to keep its best-selling compact competitive across markets by letting buyers choose their preferred technology rather than forcing a single drivetrain. The news is drawing attention from auto enthusiasts and industry watchers tracking how mainstream manufacturers balance EV transitions with continued demand for traditional engines.

Kia's electric vehicle sales increased last month, a result described as surprising in automotive coverage. The gain comes despite broader reports of slowing EV demand in several major markets, with many automakers scaling back electric plans. Kia's EV lineup, including models like the EV6 and EV9, appears to have continued finding buyers. Industry watchers are now looking at whether the brand can keep the momentum going in the coming months.

Reuters has published a newsletter asking whether luxury electric cars can find buyers, examining demand for high-end electric vehicles from premium brands. The question comes as automakers ramp up luxury EV line-ups while sales in some markets have proven slower than expected, with affluent buyers remaining cautious about price, range and resale value despite growing overall EV adoption.

Koreans in their 20s are increasingly choosing electric vehicles over gasoline cars, according to Korea JoongAng Daily. The trend reflects a generational shift in the world's major carmaking nation, where younger buyers are reportedly more drawn to EVs for running costs and environmental reasons, leaving older drivers sticking with combustion models.

Volkswagen has announced details of the ID. UNYX 09, an electric SUV reported to offer a range of up to 755 kilometres, 370 kW of power, along with pricing information. The figures place the model among Volkswagen's longest-range electric vehicles, and the announcement is drawing attention from electric vehicle watchers comparing its specs and price against rivals.

InsideEVs argues that the real challenge for electric vehicles is not politics but age: older drivers remain far more reluctant to buy EVs than younger buyers, limiting the technology's growth potential. The piece suggests the industry's fortunes depend on shifting demographics rather than winning over skeptical policymakers or political camps.

BYD has confirmed that the pricing for Australia's cheapest electric vehicle is not permanent, signalling that current low prices are promotional and could increase in the future. Buyers are weighing whether to act now before the window closes, and the announcement has sparked discussion about EV affordability and discounting in the Australian market.

Volkswagen's next electric SUV, the 2027 ID.Tiguan, is positioned as the successor to the ID.4 and is planned for the US market. The model borrows its name from VW's best-selling gasoline SUV, signaling the brand's push to fold its electric lineup into better-known nameplates. Coverage so far focuses on the expected US arrival and what the switch means for VW's EV strategy.

BYD has revealed the price and specifications of the Atto 2 DM-i, a plug-in hybrid small SUV priced from $24,990. The DM-i system pairs a petrol engine with electric drive for low fuel consumption and extended range, positioning the Atto 2 as an affordable option for buyers not ready to go fully electric. Attention is on how the pricing compares with rival hybrid compact SUVs.

Automotive coverage is focusing on lithium iron phosphate (LFP) batteries and why battery chemistry is becoming a crucial consideration for electric vehicle buyers. LFP cells are cheaper, more durable and less reliant on scarce nickel and cobalt, and more automakers are adopting them in mainstream models, prompting shoppers to weigh chemistry alongside range and price.

Volkswagen has announced price cuts of up to $12,500 on its electric vehicles, a move aimed at making its EV lineup significantly more affordable for buyers. The steep discounts, reported by USA Today, underline the intensifying price competition in the electric car market as automakers fight for sales volume amid slowing demand growth.

Dodge's new electric Charger is being closely watched as a test of whether an EV version of the brand's iconic muscle car can win over traditional petrol enthusiasts and newer EV buyers at the same time. Commentators are asking whether the Charger's aggressive, 'bad boy' character survives the switch to electric power, or whether loyal fans and green drivers remain too far apart to please with one car.