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Volkswagen, Renault and other EU stalwarts prepare a slew of smaller, cheaper EVs to fight an influx of Chinese models Some of the world's biggest carmakers are squaring off for a titanic battle over small cars in Europe, as native stalwarts like Volkswagen and Renault fight to maintain their hold on the market against an influx of cheap electric vehicles (EVs) from BYD and its Chinese peers. Last month, BYD , which surpassed Tesla last year as the world's largest EV maker, launched its Dolphin Surf compact hatchback in Europe. The company's most affordable model, known in China as the Seagull, is priced from Euro22,990 (US$26,128) with a 322km range to Euro24,990 with a 507km range. A promotion this month lowers the starting price to Euro19,990. The compact segment was "the next frontier for electrification in Europe" and had huge potential, said Maria Grazia DaVino, BYD's regional managing director for Europe, at a launch ...

Cadillac is recalling over 40,000 Lyriqs with displays that can go blank. The 2023 and 2024 models will receive updated software to address the issue. The update can be delivered over-the-air or installed at local dealerships. The Cadillac Lyriq has been a hit for General Motors and has attracted new customers to the brand. However, the electric crossover is now the subject of a sizable recall. 41,376 vehicles from the 2023 and 2024 model years are impacted as they’re equipped with a 33-inch curved display that can go blank while being driven. This poses a safety risk as it could disable the instrument cluster, rearview camera, and other federally mandated safety features. More: 2026 Lyriq-V Boasts 615 HP, Is The Quickest Cadillac Ever The National Highway Traffic Safety Administration says GM opened an investigation in March after the government inquired into customer complaints alleging display...

Nissan’s N7 EV secures over 17,000 Chinese orders within its first month on sale. Prices for the N7 start at roughly $16,600 offering up to 317 miles of range. The electric sedan has a typical Chinese EV interior with a large infotainment screen. While the Nissan Ariya is a decent electric SUV, its sales haven’t exactly taken off the way the brand probably hoped. The Leaf, meanwhile, is well past its expiration date, though a successor is coming soon. Over in China, however, Nissan has launched an EV that’s actually generating real demand. That would be the N7, unveiled back in April and on sale shortly after. According to Nissan, as of May 31, it had secured 17,215 orders for the new N7 in China in just one month. The company also noted that 70 percent of those orders came from first-time Nissan owners. Read: Nissan’s New Electric Sedan Is As Big As A Maxima, Cheap As A Versa It’s an impressive figure,...

For the first time ever, Chinese auto manufacturer BYD has sold more electric vehicles in a single month in Europe than Tesla . What's happening? According to a press release from JATO Dynamics, BYD sold 7,231 EVs across 28 European countries in April, just edging out Tesla 's 7,165. Although it might not seem like an enormous victory, analysts say it marks a big shift. Felipe Munoz, a Global Analyst at JATO, offered up a take that may not come as a surprise to some. "China is not only the world leader in BEVs; its automakers are global leaders in plug-in hybrid vehicles too," Munoz explained . "To gain traction in Europe, its carmakers have responded to the threat posed by tariffs by focusing on other powertrains, such as plug-in hybrids, to maintain the momentum behind their global expansion plans." Car buyers in Europe have become more open to Chinese EVs in recent months, especially since bra...

A prototype believed to be Mercedes-Benz's next-generation EQV electric van has been spotted undergoing testing in Europe and is built on the all-new VAN.EA electric platform, this test vehicle hints at a design that significantly departs from the current combustion-powered V-Class. Major styling updates are expected, particularly in the front fascia and side profile, with the possibility of incorporating Mercedes' signature star-shaped daytime running lights. Notable changes on this test mule include repositioned air intakes and a higher, flatter hood. These modifications likely address crash safety standards and create additional storage space specifically designed for electric vehicles. The use of sliding doors and a wide tailgate suggests that practicality remains a priority for the brand. Blending Utility and Refinement The redesigned EQV is expected to feature a front design distinct from the current model. While the headlights are still hidden under ca...