MIKESCARINFO DAILY CAR NEWS
New Car Launches & Reveals
Slate EV Pickup Gets a Price: $24,950
Slate Auto revealed official pricing for its no-frills, two-door modular electric truck and says it can be profitable, making it one of the cheapest new EVs in America.
Source: CNBCRivian R2 Deliveries Begin
Rivian started customer deliveries of the R2, priced from $45,000 to $57,990. The cheapest configuration won't be available until late 2027.
Source: Top Electric SUV2026 Lexus ES 350h First Drives
The redesigned ES is fully electrified with no gas-only engine for the first time in 37 years. Reviewers call it calm, quiet and efficient, but short on driving excitement.
Source: AutoblogHonda Prelude Returns & Audi Q3, Mazda CX-5 Driven
The Prelude is back as a sport-compact coupe blending Civic Hybrid power with Type R-style suspension. The new Audi Q3's 255-hp turbo impresses, while the redesigned Mazda CX-5 gets a fresh cabin but still no hybrid.
Source: EdmundsNew Car Technology
Battery Prices Hit Record Low
Average EV battery packs fell to $99/kWh, the second straight year under $100, putting more affordable EVs within reach.
Source: MIT Technology ReviewSodium-Ion & Solid-State Gain Ground
CATL's sodium-ion packs operate from -40C to +70C and head to mass production by year-end, while the first mass-market solid-state EVs are expected in 2026.
Source: EVTech NewsTesla Model Y Passes New NHTSA ADAS Test
The 2026 Model Y is the first vehicle to pass NHTSA's new driver-assist benchmark covering pedestrian braking, lane-keeping and blind-spot intervention.
Source: CarBuzzHands-Free Tech Spreads
Mobileye's Surround ADAS and Audi's AR windshield overlays bring extended hands-free highway driving to more mainstream 2026 models.
Source: MobileyeIndustry Developments
Tariffs Push Prices Up ~10%
New-car sticker prices are up 10.4% year over year from tariffs; buyers pay about 5.9% more as dealers absorb some cost. Imported cars now cost $5,000-$8,900 more than last year.
Source: Kelley Blue BookSales Expected to Dip
Cox Automotive projects 15.6 million sales in 2026, down about 3% as higher prices cool demand.
Source: WardsAutoMajor June Recalls
Stellantis recalled ~1.08 million Jeep Wrangler and Gladiator models over a power-steering wiring fire risk. Ford recalled ~420,000 Expedition and Navigator SUVs for a seat-belt defect, with two Ford campaigns carrying do-not-drive warnings.
Source: How-To GeekKey Takeaways
- Affordable EVs are finally arriving. The Slate truck under $25K and record-low battery prices signal real relief for budget-minded buyers.
- Buy sooner if you can. Tariffs have pushed prices up about 10% and sales are softening — deals exist, but sticker prices keep climbing.
- Check your VIN. With 300+ recalls logged in 2026 and big Jeep and Ford campaigns this month, run a quick NHTSA recall lookup if you own any of these.
Comments
Post a Comment