by Eve Stevens | Jan 7, 2026 | Autos, Fleets |
News
Globally leading consultancy firm McKinsey & Company yesterday published its third biannual survey on autonomous vehicle technology, the first since 2023.
The report attempts to provide a comprehensive forecast of autonomous technology, offering a deep dive into the current trends and predictions dominating the fast-paced autonomous vehicle industry. Summarising its global findings from 2025, the report began: “Autonomous-vehicle technology is developing rapidly, but the future is still in flux.”
The 2025 report provided a number of significant insights, forecasting longer adoption timelines and notable geographical disparities in autonomous vehicle technology development.
Conducted in January 2025, the survey included 91 decision-makers from around the globe (43 from the European Union, 35 from North America, and 13 from Asia). Respondents represented a mix of start-ups, automotive and transportation experts, and institutions including universities and navigation companies.
Selected for their expertise in the field, these change agents included directors of product management, vice presidents of engineering, chief experience officers, and heads of strategy across multiple sectors.
The findings of the survey were clear: autonomous technology is ramping up across the globe. How and where this technology is ramping is a more complicated portrait.
Perhaps the most interesting takeaway from the report was its findings on predicted timelines. Relative to its 2023 survey, McKinsey forecast that autonomous vehicle adoption timelines have slipped by an average of one to two years across most use cases.
“While Level 4 robotaxis are now available in the first cities in the United States and China, the global rollout of robotaxis at scale is now expected to become a reality in 2030 rather than 2029”.
The same delay was predicted for private passenger cars and fully autonomous commercial trucks, which are now expected to reach viability by 2032 rather than 2030 and 2031, respectively.
Overall, the report concluded that robotaxis would be the first commercially viable application of Level 4 autonomy, rather than privately owned vehicles.
A second significant finding of the report was that autonomous deployment is expected to vary considerably across geographies, positioning China and the United States as the earliest adopters of autonomous pilots.
The survey provided several contributing factors for this geographical rift. The report stated:
“A number of factors are likely contributing to this regional divide, including faster development cycles, agile commercial organizations and start-up cultures, regulatory support, funding availability, a strong AI and software talent base, built environments that are more conducive to autonomous driving, larger market sizes, and a stronger willingness to test new technologies at scale”.
49% of the survey’s respondents argued that privately owned vehicles are likely to centre on Level 2+ functions rather than the more complex Level 3 systems. The report largely agreed that Level 3 autonomous functionality will be incorporated as a luxury or niche product rather than a mainstream service.
The jury has long been out on where the biggest pain points lie for widespread autonomous deployment—liability, technological limitations, or public opinion? According to the report, by far the greatest stumbling block for ADAS development is cost. Despite continued breakthroughs in AI, the high upfront cost of autonomous technology remains a significant barrier on the road to autonomy.
The report concluded with four tenets for autonomous success, urging industry players to maintain agility and flexibility while keeping a strong focus on customer value.
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by Eve Stevens | Jan 6, 2026 | Autos, Business |
News
The world’s leading AI chipmaker, Nvidia, has announced a new tech platform, Alpamayo, which promises to equip self-driving cars with “reasoning” capabilities.
Taking to the stage at Las Vegas’ CES, Nvidia’s CEO, Jensen Huang, laid out the next leg of the company’s AI roadmap, suggesting it is seeking opportunities to embed AI into physical hardware such as autonomous vehicles.
The company, valued at over $4.5 trillion, rose to prominence through its strategic focus on developing AI software, including a major partnership with OpenAI, the developer of the ChatGPT chatbot.
Now Nvidia is pivoting its focus to physical applications. Speaking on the CES stage in Las Vegas, in his signature black leather jacket, Huang said:
“The ChatGPT moment for physical AI is almost here.”
With this new technology in play, Nvidia claims its self-driving vehicles would act with human-like reasoning, equipped with the capacity to “think through rare scenarios, drive safely in complex environments, and explain their driving decisions.”
The chipmaker has partnered with automaker Mercedes to equip its driverless cars with Alpamayo technology, with vehicles debuting in the US in the first half of 2026 and plans to subsequently expand into Europe and Asia.
Paolo Pescatore, an analyst at PP Foresight, spoke on the recent announcement, praising Nvidia’s diversification as a way for the company to maintain its competitive edge. He said:
“NVIDIA’s pivot toward AI at scale and AI systems as differentiators will help keep it way ahead of rivals. Alpamayo represents a profound shift for NVIDIA, moving from being primarily a compute provider to a platform provider for physical AI ecosystems.”
In the aftermath of Huang’s CES appearance, Nvidia shares rose by a small margin in after-hours trading.
The company has also unveiled a more efficient AI superchip, the Rubin chip, set to roll out later this year. The new chip will slash the cost of running AI models to about one-tenth of Nvidia’s current leading chip technology. Speaking at a press event at CES, Huang said:
“Today, I can tell you that Vera Rubin is in full production.”
Nvidia announced that two of its partners, Microsoft and CoreWeave, will be the first to pilot the superchip, offering services powered by Vera Rubin in the coming year.
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by Eve Stevens | Jan 5, 2026 | Autos |
News
Chinese automaker BYD has usurped Tesla’s title as the world’s biggest electric car maker in 2025. As founder Elon Musk turns his attention to humanoid robots and autonomous driving technology, the American electric car maker is facing declining vehicle sales for the second year in a row, threatening its dominance in the electric vehicle sector.
Tesla delivered 1.64mn electric vehicles last year, a 9% shortfall from the previous year. Analysts have attributed the decline, among other factors, to the cancellation of EV tax credits as well as Elon Musk’s controversial involvement in US politics.
Meanwhile, Chinese automaker BYD is making considerable headway overseas following its successful entry into Latin American and European markets, having recently opened its first European production facility in Hungary.
While the Chinese group has previously outsold Tesla on a quarterly basis, this marks the first time it has overtaken its American rival on an annual basis; in 2025, BYD sold 2.26mn pure electric vehicles, up 28% from the previous year.
Tu Le, founder of consultancy Sino Auto Insights, argues that “BYD has cemented its place globally,” adding that low manufacturing costs and rapid Chinese innovation have created an industry that Western automakers are struggling to keep pace with. He added:
“BYD, along with the rest of Chinese EV Inc., has raised the stakes so high that it has become very difficult to design a vehicle capable of taking significant market share from them.”
As Tesla’s EV ambitions come under increasing pressure, Elon Musk is betting heavily on advancements in artificial intelligence and the commercialisation of humanoid robots to shift momentum back in Tesla’s favour. Musk claims his humanoid robots, named Optimus Prime, could have the capacity to “end global poverty.”
Alongside humanoid robotics, Musk is making a strategic pivot towards developing Tesla’s autonomous vehicle technology, known as FSD, or Full Self-Driving (Supervised).
Tesla’s own widespread commercialisation in Europe is hindered by a number of critical regulatory hurdles which have prevented the advent of FSD technology on the continent. Analysts predict the technology could be approved this year although the decision will depend on a variety of factors.
As both companies close the books on a politically divided and economically uncertain year, the contrast in strategy is becoming increasingly stark. Until Tesla secures regulatory approval and establishes a stronger foothold in the European market, Chinese automakers such as BYD are likely to maintain their competitive edge.
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by Eve Stevens | Dec 24, 2025 | Autos, Fleets |
News
Last weekend, Waymo came under fire after several of its vehicles were affected by a citywide power outage in San Francisco that left many of its vehicles stalled at intersections.
Waymo has since announced it will update software across its robotaxi fleet to better respond to outages, while also expanding its first responder engagement and emergency response protocols.
Saturday’s outage, which cut power to almost a third of the city, was caused by a fire at a substation. The incident resulted in “significant and extensive” damage, according to a report by utility provider PG&E.
As a result of the outage, many traffic signals ceased functioning, and several commuter train lines and stations were also affected.
Videos were posted on social media of Waymo vehicles stopped at busy intersections or stationary in lanes of heavy traffic.
Waymo responded to the incident, saying:
“The scale of the outage and the sheer number of disabled traffic lights were the primary contributors to citywide gridlock.”
As it currently stands, Waymo’s driver system, though largely fully autonomous, sometimes requests a “safest choice” confirmation to handle complicated four-way stops. Waymo said the outage created a “concentrated spike” in these requests, leading to a backlog and long response delays.
Waymo continued:
“We established these confirmation protocols out of an abundance of caution during our early deployment. While this strategy was effective during smaller outages, we are now implementing fleetwide updates that provide the Driver with specific power outage context, allowing it to navigate more decisively.”
It remains to be seen how Waymo’s updated software will respond to similar incidents at this scale.
While Saturday’s outage caused major disruption, there were no associated casualties, and Waymo has since resumed its robotaxi service in the Bay Area.
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by Eve Stevens | Dec 23, 2025 | Autos, Business |
News
Europe’s race to secure its electric vehicle future is increasingly centred on one question: how much of an EV should be made at home?
As Brussels prepares proposals to raise local content requirements for products such as cars and solar panels, senior figures from Europe’s emerging battery industry are voicing strong support, arguing that tighter rules are essential to counter China’s dominance in EV production and adjacent key technologies.
The debate has caused rifts in the automotive sector; some carmakers warn that “Made in Europe” requirements could drive up costs and slow the transition to electric vehicles. But many battery manufacturers say local sourcing is critical if the continent is to remain competitive in the long term.
That argument was underscored by two high-profile factory openings in recent weeks. Firstly, in Spain, Seat-Cupra inaugurated a new battery assembly plant in Barcelona, representing a key part of Volkswagen Group’s strategy to establish more independent EV supply chains in Europe.
Markus Haupt, Chief Executive of Seat-Cupra, said requiring a minimum share of European-made parts and materials was a “natural answer” to the competitive challenge posed by Asian manufacturers.
At full capacity, the Barcelona facility will assemble up to 300,000 battery systems a year, with around half of its battery cells sourced from Volkswagen’s own battery division. The batteries will power upcoming affordable electric models such as the Cupra Raval and the Volkswagen ID. Polo, both due to launch next year at prices starting around €25,000. Volkswagen hopes this move will help it take on lower-cost Chinese rivals from the likes of BYD and Geely.
France is taking a similarly assertive stance; battery start-up Verkor has opened its first gigafactory in Dunkirk, backed by significant state support. Its founder and chief executive, Benoit Lemaignan, argues that strict local content rules are vital to protect Europe’s battery sector and reduce dependence on Chinese imports, particularly for battery cells and critical raw materials.
French policymakers have gone further, calling for as much as 75 per cent local content in vehicles sold in Europe, aligning the EU more closely with the industrial strategies already adopted by the US and China. Verkor’s Dunkirk plant will initially focus on supplying batteries for just one model, the Alpine A390 SUV, mirroring the early-stage strategies used by Asian battery leaders.
Despite recent setbacks such as the collapse of Sweden’s Northvolt, supporters of the EU’s proposal argue that without firm policy backing, Europe risks falling permanently behind in one of the most strategic industries of the electric age.
by Eve Stevens | Dec 22, 2025 | Autos, Fleets |
News
Baidu has announced it will be teaming up with both Uber and Lyft to deliver autonomous robotaxis in London, consolidating the UK as the next hotbed for autonomous innovation.
On Monday, Uber announced it would begin pilot programmes in the UK capital following the unveiling of a strategic partnership with Baidu’s robotaxi unit, Apollo Go, back in July. Pilots are set to begin in early 2026.
In a post on X, Baidu said the partnership:
“marks Apollo Go’s foray into another major right-hand-drive market, building on the validated experience gained from expanding testing in Hong Kong since receiving the city’s first permit in late 2024.”
In a separate partnership, announced earlier this year, Uber is joining forces with American ride-hailing company Lyft, which will begin its own trials on dozens of Apollo Go RT6 vehicles in the early stages of 2026.
Lyft Chief Executive David Risher described the vehicles as “purpose-built for ride-share.”
Apollo Go represents a global leader in ride-share services, having completed more than 17 million rides across 22 cities as of November.
Yet they are not the only company competing for autonomous dominance in the UK; in October, Alphabet-owned company Waymo announced it would begin autonomous robotaxi trials in London. Initial pilots are officially underway as of this month.
Globally, autonomous robotaxi technology is expanding at breakneck speed, with many companies rolling out commercial operations in previously untapped markets such as Southeast Asia and Europe.
Chinese autonomous driving technology company Momenta has announced it will begin autonomous robotaxi trials in Europe in 2026, setting its sights on Munich as its initial pilot city.
As 2025 draws to a close, one thing is clear for the year ahead: in Europe, the race for autonomous deployment is very much on.
by Eve Stevens | Dec 19, 2025 | Autos, Business, Fleets |
News
Flying taxis may sound like a space-age fantasy, but they could be with us sooner than we think. China has recently approved its first flying taxis for commercial passenger service, granting EHang holdings and its subsidiary Heyi Aviation air operator certificates for short tourism routes.
As extensive piloting and some commercial operations scale in China, the future of flying taxis in the U.S and the U.K could also be just around the corner.
In Washington, the Trump administration has released a new framework designed to speed up the integration of flying taxis into U.S. airspace.
Transportation Secretary Sean Duffy positioned the decision as a strategic move to compete with the Chinese market. He said:
“America is not the only one that’s innovating. Some of our adversaries are chomping at our heels, or we’re chomping at their heels. The race is on, and that adversary, for the most part, is China.”
Among the U.S companies expanding their testing and network planning in major cities are Archer Aviation, Joby Aviation and Boeing-owned Wisk Aero.
U.S manufacturers have already begun to build out their flying taxi network in major U.S cities like Miami and Los Angeles, primarily envisioning they will be used in lieu of ultra-short haul flights or for short commutable routes and to link airports with metropolitan centres.
Across the Atlantic, UK manufacturer Vertical Aerospace believes flying taxis could be operating in London skies by 2028. Its Valo aircraft, unveiled recently, is a piloted, six-seat eVTOL designed for zero-emissions urban travel.
Capable of flying up to 150 mph with a range of around 100 miles, the company says Valo could cut journeys such as Canary Wharf to Heathrow Airport to about 12 minutes, compared with more than an hour by road.
Vertical Aerospace argues that while early services are likely to focus on premium airport transfers, costs could eventually fall to match those of traditional taxis as production scales and utilisation increases. The company plans to build 175 aircraft by 2030, although regulatory approval from the UK Civil Aviation Authority and the European Aviation Safety Authority remains a sticking point.
Whilst it may take time to win round the general public to these sci-fi contraptions if manufacturers, regulators and investors align, flying taxis may move from a promise into a practicality in recent years; U.S. firms are targeting initial operations overseas as early as 2026, while UK developers have set their sights on 2028.
by Eve Stevens | Dec 17, 2025 | Autos, Business |
News
In 2022, the European Union voted to impose a decisive vehicle emissions mandate banning the sale of all new petrol and diesel vehicles by 2035, including hybrids. The legislation reflected the EU’s united effort toward mass electrification and a clean energy transition.
Now, less than a decade out from its 2035 combustion engine ban, Europe is getting cold feet about its EV mandate, with Brussels voting yesterday to revise the goal.
Under the new revisions, 90% of new cars sold from 2035 must be zero-emission, as opposed to the original 100%. The remaining 10% of new cars sold after this date can be made up of petrol and diesel vehicles, as well as hybrids.
The move follows heavy lobbying from countries including Germany and Italy. Proponents argue that the revised figure will allow for greater flexibility for automakers and better reflect global market trends.
Many automakers, including Stellantis and Volkswagen, have been vocal about the need for greater flexibility, arguing that the current timeframe for the transition is unrealistic and out of touch with current market demand for electric vehicles. German automaker Volkswagen praised the European Commission’s new draft proposal, calling it “economically sound overall”.
Despite consistent growth in Europe, EV sales remain well behind the projected targets set out when the law was enshrined in 2023. According to the European Automobile Manufacturers’ Association (ACEA), market demand for electric vehicles is simply too low to meet the current 2035 targets and would result in “multi-billion euro” fines for manufacturers.
Opponents of the 90% figure have criticised Europe for undermining its progress towards electrification and critical clean energy goals. For many, the move represents not just an environmental setback but a commercially damaging decision that could disincentivise critical investment in EV infrastructure and production.
Chris Heron, Secretary-General of the trade association E-Mobility Europe, spoke out on the issue, saying:
“Hesitation or mixed signals risk undermining the investment certainty battery makers, manufacturers and grids need to scale.”
Automaker Volvo has criticised other OEMs for their slow approach to electrification, arguing that it has “built a complete EV portfolio in less than 10 years”. The company says it is fully prepared to go all-electric in line with the original 2035 targets, relying on hybrid vehicles only as a transitional measure.
While the current Labour government has reaffirmed its commitment to the UK’s 2035 vehicle emissions targets, it remains to be seen whether mounting pressure from automotive manufacturers will prompt a similar reassessment, or whether the UK will hold firm in the face of Europe’s ‘mixed signals’.
by Eve Stevens | Dec 15, 2025 | Autos |
News
The European Union has announced new legislation that could reshape how vehicles are designed, produced, dismantled and recycled across the EU, following a provisional agreement between the European Parliament and the Council on the Commission’s proposed Regulation on End-of-Life Vehicles.
The End-of-Life Vehicles (ELVs) Regulation comes ahead of the possible relaxation of Europe’s EV mandate, up for debate in Brussels this week, demonstrating Europe’s enduring commitment to a sustainable automotive sector despite EV trepidation.
The automotive industry is one of Europe’s largest consumers of raw materials, including steel, aluminium, copper and plastics. Yet every year an estimated 3–4 million vehicles effectively “disappear” from official records, with their final treatment unreported. The new ELV regulation aims to close this gap, ensuring valuable materials are recovered rather than lost or left to contribute to environmental pollution.
At the heart of the regulation is an attempt to build out a more circular economy whereby materials are re-used rather than wasted. Vehicles will need to be designed for easier dismantling, with manufacturers required to provide clear instructions for removing and replacing parts during use and at end of life. Improved treatment standards will help recover more and higher-quality materials, including a requirement that at least 30% of plastics from ELVs are recycled.
From 2036, at least 25% of plastics used in vehicles must come from recycled materials, with 20% of that share sourced directly from ELVs. Crucially, the rules will apply equally to vehicles manufactured in the EU and those imported, ensuring a level playing field.
The regulation is expected to deliver major material gains. The Commission estimates it could enable the recycling and reuse of hundreds of tonnes of rare earth elements, alongside 5–6 million tonnes of steel, 1–2 million tonnes of aluminium and up to 0.3 million tonnes of copper. This will reduce dependence on imports and strengthen Europe’s resilience to supply-chain disruptions.
Executive Vice-President for Prosperity and Industrial Strategy Stéphane Séjourné said in a press release:
“Boosting recycling and circularity is a key component of our plan to support the industrial competitiveness of the plastics industry. The adopted measures will help to create a concrete business case for the recycling supply chain across Europe.”
The regulation also promotes reuse, remanufacturing and refurbishment, increasing the availability of second-hand spare parts and offering more affordable repair options for consumers. Extended Producer Responsibility schemes will be harmonised across Member States, ensuring proper financing of ELV treatment and higher-quality recycling.
Enforcement provisions have been strengthened, including clearer criteria to distinguish used vehicles from ELVs and a requirement that only roadworthy vehicles can be exported outside the EU.
Jessika Roswall, Commissioner for Environment, Water Resilience and a Competitive Circular Economy spoke in a press release:
“In a time when access to raw materials is under increasing global strain, making better use of the valuable resources embedded in our old cars is good for our environment, competitiveness and resilience.”
Once formally adopted, the regulation will enter into force 20 days after publication, marking a major milestone in Europe’s transition to a circular automotive economy.
by Eve Stevens | Dec 9, 2025 | Autos, Energy & Charging |
News
Ford may have walked back its decision to go all-electric in Europe by 2030, but its commitment to electrification persists. Today, Ford announced a landmark alliance with French automaker Renault to co-develop a series of small electric vehicles for the European market.
The strategic collaboration should see jointly developed EVs rolling out as early as 2028, with plans to expand the partnership to include small commercial vehicles.
Small electric EVs have long had a stronghold in the European market, favoured for their affordability, efficiency, and practicality when navigating the smaller and irregular streets of many European capitals.
Ford and Renault hope this focus will give them a competitive edge against Chinese automakers, who have historically focused on larger, mid-size vehicles.
Ford Chief Executive Jim Farley spoke on the significance of the partnership as part of a wider battle to save Europe’s precarious automotive market. In an announcement today in Paris, he said:
“We’re in the fight for our lives and our industry, and [there is] no better example than here in Europe. Together, we can create a powerhouse of light commercial vehicles in Europe. We believe this is a big differentiation compared to the Chinese.”
Ford’s partnership decision was meticulously considered, with Farley admitting the company took a full year to weigh its options before reaching a consensus. Ford reportedly chose Renault thanks to the French automaker’s impressively efficient product cycles, having produced two electric models—the Twingo and the Dacia—in less than two years.
François Provost, Chief Executive at Renault, said:
“[Our] strategy at Renault is to be as competitive, and then to even be better, than our Chinese competitors in Europe.”
The latest electric line-up will be designed by Ford and will use Renault’s Ampere platform, launched as part of Renault’s “Renaultution” strategy and used for the Renault 5. Ford has been clear that it will not sacrifice its brand integrity in the design of its vehicles, emphasising the importance of preserving “distinctive driving dynamics” and “authentic Ford-brand DNA.”
The iconic Ford Fiesta, discontinued since 2023, is expected to make a comeback under the new partnership, debuting as an all-electric model with an estimated retail price of around £23,000.
Ford has asserted that this partnership with Renault will in no way affect its existing alliance with German automaker Volkswagen to co-develop electric vans in Europe.
by Eve Stevens | Dec 8, 2025 | Autos |
News
Subscription services are, for many of us, an accepted part of modern life; from streaming platforms such as Netflix or Spotify to meal subscriptions, gym memberships, and pay-as-you-go dating apps, the paid subscription model has transformed the way we consume, replacing traditional ownership with a flexible, ongoing service relationship.
Now the world of automotive is catching up, with more and more OEMs now offering subscription services and over-the-air updates at an extra monthly cost. As cars become increasingly software-defined, the shift from hardware-centric manufacturing to software-driven mobility is gathering pace. While digital services still account for only a modest portion of global automotive revenue, carmakers emphasize that in many cases, software carries far higher margins than metal.
Cars now communicate continuously with their surroundings, collect real-time data, and transmit it to the cloud, fuelling a constant cycle of updates. Over-the-air (OTA) upgrades allow automakers to add features, refine performance, and patch vulnerabilities without the car ever seeing the inside of a garage. This new architecture transforms the automobile from a static product into an upgradeable device, more akin to a smartphone or tablet.
Rather than relying solely on upfront sales, automakers can now sell features long after the car leaves the showroom, creating a business model that allows OEMs to generate revenue beyond the initial purchase. Heated seats, parking assistants, advanced driver aids, navigation enhancements, and even entertainment become additional services.
This new model is not without controversy. BMW made headlines earlier this year following its early subscription experiment, where customers in South Korea were charged extra for heated seats. Opponents criticized the scheme for gatekeeping features already built into the car’s hardware.
In the wake of this outrage, BMW has doubled-down on some of its early experiments, offering today a broader range of ConnectedDrive subscriptions, many tied to systems that require frequent data updates, such as parking assistance or traffic-camera alerts.
BMW head of product communications Alexandra Landers argues that there is logic behind pay-as-you-go digital features:
“For the additional ADAS systems, we also have costs for running. We have load usage, and that’s a cost. So, if you use it, you have to pay for it.”
BMW insists it will not charge for horsepower at this stage. Landers said:
“We are not a tuner… that didn’t make sense for us. We discussed that very intensively, but so far for base cars… you buy a car with maximum power.”
Beyond subscriptions, the move toward more connected vehicles has unlocked further revenue streams for automakers, most notably, data. Software-defined vehicles generate enormous volumes of information that can support usage-based insurance, traffic optimization, or hyper-local advertising once anonymized. This asset is a goldmine for manufacturers seeking to capitalize on today’s data-driven, hyper-connected reality.
For better or worse, the automotive industry’s road ahead is unmistakably digital. And while hyperconnectivity opens lucrative opportunities for automakers, they must not lose sight of the consumer in the labyrinth of hyper-connected services.
by Eve Stevens | Dec 3, 2025 | Autos |
News
Today, cars are less a vessel to get you from A to B and more an extension of our homes, living rooms, and phone screens. As vehicles become increasingly software-defined, equipped with features such as over-the-air updates, adaptive cruise control, smartphone integration, and more, they become highly adaptable, able to fix their own bugs and update themselves without the need for third-party intervention. The global trend is set: the future lies in SDVs.
In fact, software-defined vehicles are expected to account for 90% of all auto production by 2029. This increasing connectivity opens up exciting potential for automakers, creating new opportunities for infotainment, hyper-personalisation, and seamless connectivity between devices and our cars.
But with these opportunities comes a host of new risks, particularly with regard to cybersecurity. As vehicles become more connected, they also become moving targets for hackers and malicious actors.
According to research conducted by McKinsey, newly released cars can contain up to 100 million lines of code, and by 2030 software is expected to account for up to 30% of a vehicle’s total value.
This hyper-connectivity leaves vehicles vulnerable to cybersecurity breaches, leaving automakers scrambling to adapt as they enter a new era of connectivity.
Advancements in AI have been a double-edged sword for automakers. Incorporating AI into cyber teams boosts efficiency and improves workflows, allowing human agents to become mediators of a team of AI agents. Simultaneously, however, hackers and malicious actors are utilising AI to their own advantage.
Automakers have long been seen as an industry unwilling to adapt to increasingly sophisticated cybersecurity threats.
Hacker Eaton Zveare spoke at a hackers’ conference in Vegas earlier this year, exposing the automotive industry’s failure to remain vigilant against cyber threats:
“I target automakers just for fun,” he said. “They’re big, old companies; there’s a lot of infrastructure out there … They have thousands of subdomains, and each of those is just an exploit waiting to happen.”
In light of these accusations, automakers will have to adapt to remain vigilant to cybersecurity risks and elevate themselves from the butt of the joke when it comes to cyber defence.
Hitherto, automotive cybersecurity has largely been a reactive process but herein lies the problem. Automakers and their technology partners should take a more integrated approach to defence mechanisms, incorporating cybersecurity measures from the design and development stages of innovation. For SDVs to stand up to increasingly sophisticated cyber threats, automakers must take a predictive rather than reactive approach to cyber defence.
by Eve Stevens | Dec 1, 2025 | Autos, Business |
News
In the U.S., licensed female drivers outnumber licensed male drivers by about three million, and yet when it comes to safety features, the majority of vehicle testing is still carried out using outdated data and models designed to protect the average man.
According to government data, female drivers in the United States are 73% more likely to be severely injured in a car crash than their male counterparts, and are 17% more likely to die.
It seems that everything from seatbelt design to airbag placement has historically been determined through testing using dummies modelled on male physiques.
Taking into consideration the higher associated risks for female drivers, the federal Transportation Department has approved the use of a new female crash dummy, known as the THOR-05F.
The new model features more than 150 sensors and has been designed to more accurately reflect the average female body, with particular attention paid to the shape of the pelvis, breasts and legs.
Jonathan Morrison, administrator of the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration, spoke on the decision to endorse what the government has called a “more lifelike and durable” model. He said:
“Better understanding the unique ways in which women are impacted differently in crashes than men is essential to reducing traffic fatalities.”
Hitherto, the majority of safety testing in the U.S. has been carried out using the Hybrid III — a crash dummy based on the proportions of the average male in 1970: 5 feet 9 inches and 170 pounds.
In 2011, the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration updated its 5-star testing system, using a safety dummy based on female proportions; however, the majority of tests only required the female dummy to be used in the rear and passenger seats.
Despite endorsement from the U.S. government, whether the THOR-05F is adopted in National Highway Traffic Safety Administration car safety tests or Federal Motor Vehicle Safety Standards remains to be seen.
Legislation to be debated in Congress seeks to make its use compulsory, however a number of factors will dictate whether this becomes a reality. Firstly, some argue that the gap between male and female fatalities is already closing due to enhanced safety features in newer vehicles.
A representative from the not-for-profit group Insurance Institute for Highway Safety, Joe Young, opposed the decision, suggesting design improvements such as better crumple zones were largely closing the gender gap in newer cars. He said:
“While we’re continuously evaluating new tools that become available, we have no plans to adjust the dummies used in our consumer ratings crash tests at the moment.”
Whilst government endorsement is ostensibly a sign of increasingly inclusive automotive legislation, new advances in AI and virtual testing may offer more comprehensive and cheaper solutions to automotive safety concerns.
Virtual testing uses computer-generated humanoid models that allow accidents to be simulated digitally. These models can be augmented to reflect different sizes, muscle structures and bone densities, and can be run against an almost infinite number of real-life scenarios.
As advancements in AI are changing the world of automotive manufacturing, these new technologies could also have far-reaching impacts on automotive safety testing.
by Eve Stevens | Nov 26, 2025 | Autos, Fleets |
News
Uber is ramping up its investment in autonomous vehicle technology, launching its driverless robotaxi service in Abu Dhabi, the first of its kind in the Middle East.
The announcement, made on Wednesday, is part of a joint venture with Chinese company and global leader in autonomous driving technologies, WeRide. The partnership was originally forged in September of 2024.
Uber already offers robotaxi services in several US cities, including Austin, Phoenix, and Atlanta, through a partnership with Waymo, launched under Google’s Alphabet brand. The pair have also announced plans to enter Europe next year, beginning trials in London in 2026.
Uber promises that riders will be able to book fully autonomous vehicles via the Uber app when requesting an UberX or Uber Comfort. Unlike the free autonomous trials that began operation back in December, these cars will not come equipped with an onboard safety operator.
The news follows Uber and WeRide’s October announcement, which unveiled plans to begin a robotaxi service with safety operators on board in Riyadh, Saudi Arabia.
Speaking in an interview with CNBC, CEO and co-founder of WeRide Tony Han discussed the company’s dual-pronged approach to autonomous innovation, saying:
“WeRide is the only autonomous driving company in the world taking both Tesla’s approach and Waymo’s approach. For Waymo’s approach, we use Level 4 robotaxis with HD maps and a traditional machine-learning framework — that part we have already put into operation. For Tesla’s approach, we have just rolled out WePilot 3.0, which is comparable to Tesla’s FSD (Full Self-Driving), and our ADAS system has already been installed in several of Chery’s mass-production passenger cars.”
WeRide and Uber have also announced ambitious plans to scale up their robotaxi operations, with an expected 15 additional cities to be added within the next five years.
According to WeRide’s own filings, their autonomous-vehicle products have received driving permits in eight countries: China, UAE, Singapore, Switzerland, France, Saudi Arabia, Belgium, and the US.
by Eve Stevens | Nov 25, 2025 | Autos, Fleets |
News
Europe’s transport and mobility landscape is edging closer to full automation, as Estonian ride-hailing giant Bolt announces a strategic partnership with Chinese autonomous driving specialist Pony.ai.
The collaboration marks a significant step toward introducing driverless vehicles to European roads and reshaping how urban mobility will function on the continent in the coming decade.
At the heart of the agreement is Pony.ai’s Level 4 autonomous driving system, a technology designed to handle all driving tasks independently within specific environments. Once integrated into Bolt’s platform, this system will power a new generation of autonomous ride services that aim to operate without human drivers under specific conditions.
Markus Villig, Bolt’s founder and CEO, spoke on the benefits of autonomous technology:
“Autonomous vehicles will transform how people and goods move around, and Bolt is proud to partner with Pony.ai as the company scales its autonomous driving technology,”
Rather than rushing straight into large-scale deployment, the two companies plan a phased approach with initial trails focusing on real-world testing, rigorous safety assessments, and refining the passenger experience. This methodical rollout reflects the complexities of launching self-driving services in a region known for strict regulatory oversight and demanding safety standards.
Although no exact timeline has been confirmed, the first autonomous vehicles are expected to appear in selected cities across both EU member states and other European nations. The objective is to expand gradually while ensuring compliance with local regulations and maintaining high safety benchmarks.
Chinese autonomous technology firms are increasingly turning their attention to Europe as access to the US market becomes more challenging. Pony.ai already operates extensive driverless robotaxi services in major Chinese cities, supported by substantial fleets of autonomous cars and trucks, and now sees Europe as a key growth territory.
Additional autonomous driving companies have also set their sights on Europe as the next battle-ground for autonomous acceleration; Waymo announced they will be beginning autonomous fleet trials in London in 2026, whilst Uber and Chinese autonomous vehicle start-up Momenta unveiled they would start testing robotaxis in Germany next year.
Bolt and Pony.ai’s strategic partnership underscores the growing momentum behind autonomous transport in Europe. With ongoing political and regulatory uncertainty in the U.S., Europe may now position itself as a key player in defining the direction of autonomous mobility on the global stage.
by Eve Stevens | Nov 21, 2025 | Autos, Energy & Charging, Fleets |
News
China is accelerating its transition from diesel-powered trucks to electric alternatives at breakneck speed. Once almost entirely dependent on diesel for heavy freight, the country has seen a sharp rise in electric truck adoption, signalling profound changes for fuel consumption and emissions worldwide.
In 2020, diesel trucks dominated new sales across China. Fast forward to 2025, and electric vehicles now represent more than one-fifth of new heavy truck purchases. Analysts predict that this figure could climb beyond half of all new sales within the next year, meaning China’s energy sector will need to dramatically restructure in order to meet new electricity demands.
Heavy-duty trucks play a crucial role in economic activity but are also major contributors to carbon emissions. Historically, the sheer weight of batteries limited the practicality of electric models, making diesel and liquefied natural gas (LNG) appear more viable. However, advances in battery performance and declining costs have tilted the balance, making electric vehicles an attractive and commercially viable choice for fleet operators. Despite higher upfront prices, electric trucks now offer significant lifetime savings due to reduced fuel and maintenance expenses.
Alongside these economic efficiencies, the Chinese government is rewarding electrification efforts through a series of ambitious government incentives including programs that reward owners for trading in older vehicles.
Infrastructure development has further fuelled the shift, with key freight corridors now featuring rapid charging stations, and major cities investing in high-capacity charging hubs capable of powering heavy trucks in minutes. Battery manufacturers are also introducing innovative solutions such as battery-swapping systems, reducing downtime and improving operational efficiency.
As electric trucks gain popularity, China’s demand for diesel is already declining sharply. LNG, once viewed as a cleaner bridge fuel, is also beginning to lose momentum. Industry experts suggest this trend could ripple across international energy markets, reshaping trade flows and reducing fossil fuel dependency in freight transport.
This rapid acceleration towards electrification starkly contrasts with the situation in the U.S which has seen a slowed growth in EV adoption following the end of the EV tax credit. The gap highlights a growing divide in the global drive toward clean mobility.
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by Eve Stevens | Nov 20, 2025 | Autos, Fleets |
News
Pony.ai, a global leader in autonomous driving technology, today announced its line-up of fourth-generation (Gen-4) autonomous trucks, positioning itself at the forefront of China’s autonomous logistics transformation.
Set to hit Chinese roads in 2026, these long-range autonomous trucks will join Pony.ai’s existing fleet of robotaxis which already operate in several Chinese cities including Shenzhen and Guangzhou.
The announcement marks a new phase of maturity for autonomous freight in China, the world’s largest long-haul trucking market, offering what Pony.ai claims will be a safer and more sustainable alternative to human-driven freight transportation.
The autonomous trucks will utilize 100% automotive-grade components, reducing the bill-of-materials (BOM) cost per vehicle by as much as 70% compared to the previous generation, reducing waste and cutting manufacturing costs.
Pony.ai ambitiously claims the vehicles, developed with manufacturing partners including SANY Truck, will reduce per-vehicle carbon emissions by about 60 tons annually.
Much like Pony.ai’s Gen-7 robotaxis, the first two truck models will be built on battery-electric vehicle platforms and will be subject to the same rigorous testing and safety standards as their smaller counterparts.
Testing will include electromagnetic compatibility, reliability, high-temperature, and cold assessments, as well as evaluations against extreme weather and challenging road conditions.
Pony.ai stated in a press release:
“The Gen-4 autonomous trucks will elevate the safety and reliability of autonomous freight transport to a new level.”
Should these vehicles pass the extensive testing regime laid out by the company, the economic implications for freight providers could be substantial; early trials suggest that autonomous formations could cut freight costs per kilometre by 29% and boost profit margins by 195%, underscoring the strong economic case for autonomous trucking at scale.
Despite Pony.ai’s ambitious foray into heavy-freight autonomy, it remains to be seen how the public will respond to self-driving technology on this level. While impressive safety statistics and rapidly improving technology may be shifting public opinion on autonomous cars, the question remains whether the world is ready for mass autonomous deployment on a truly macro scale.
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by Eve Stevens | Nov 19, 2025 | Autos, Fleets |
News
Google began testing its autonomous ride-hailing service, Waymo, in San Francisco back in 2009. Since then, the Bay Area has become a hotbed for autonomous innovation, with Waymo now expanding its service to Californian freeways, as announced earlier this month.
Now, autonomous-vehicle enthusiasts in the City by the Bay will have the chance to hail a second autonomous transport service: Zoox. The project, backed by Amazon, began testing in 2017 and is characterised by its toaster-like vehicles with no steering wheels.
Under the Zoox Explorer programme, riders will be expected to add their name to a waitlist via the Zoox app, where they will await selection. In the initial stages, all rides will be free before the project is expanded to include a paid service.
In a statement to the press, Zoox CEO Aicha Evans said:
“Zoox has been testing our autonomous technology in San Francisco since 2017; it’s our home. A city of innovation and progress, with an amazing mobility ecosystem that we feel Zoox can really complement. We have seen incredible interest in Zoox in this market and are excited about this first step to bring our purpose-built robotaxi experience to more people.”
In the initial stages, Zoox will run in select neighbourhoods, including SoMa, the Mission, and the Design District before the service is expanded to other parts of the city.
Zoox began in 2014 and was acquired by Amazon in 2020 in a $1.3 billion deal. The company is currently offering a similar free service on the Las Vegas Strip as it awaits regulatory approval for a paid service.
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by Eve Stevens | Nov 18, 2025 | Autos |
News
A year ago, German legacy automaker Volkswagen announced a strategic partnership with American EV innovator Rivian under the joint venture RV Tech.
The collaboration aims to produce a new line-up of software-defined vehicles (SDVs), combining the automotive expertise of the German titan with the adaptability and tech-forward thinking of the electric-focused ex-startup.
While most automotive partnerships can take some time to get off the ground, the strategic alliance has defied convention, racing toward the beginning of manufacturing and prototyping at high velocity.
In the European and American automotive industries, the turnaround time for a new vehicle is typically around seven years— a reflection of the long product cycles and complicated regulatory hurdles that categorize the industry.
Many strategic partnerships have been announced with bravado, only to fizzle out or lose momentum after the initial stages of discussion.
The same cannot be said for Volkswagen and Rivian’s partnership, which in just a year has assembled a 1,500-strong engineering team working across two continents with engineering teams operating in the United States, Canada, Sweden, Serbia and Germany.
Winter testing for the next generation of SDVs will begin next quarter as the pair race toward their ambitious target of 30 million units.
The companies have reimagined the traditional SDV — a vehicle that improves via continuous software updates — by integrating Rivian’s advanced zonal architecture. This design reduces complexity by consolidating the vehicle’s electrical system, cutting the number of electronic control units from 17 to just seven.
The resulting SDVs promise enhanced infotainment systems, improved driver-assistance features, and seamless over-the-air updates that allow vehicles to adapt to new technologies over time and remain relevant long after purchase.
CEO of Volkswagen, Oliver Blume, spoke on the successful progress of the programme. He said:
“The joint venture is rapidly developing the architecture for our future software-defined vehicles. Every step toward achieving our ambitious goals is being executed with determination and clear focus.”
Founder and Chief Executive of Rivian, RJ Scaringe, was equally enthusiastic when speaking about the partnership’s progress:
“RV Tech has gone from strength to strength over the last 12 months and is raising the bar in automotive technology. We’re incredibly excited about the launch of R2 in the first half of next year, which will showcase the advancements the joint venture has made.”
Volkswagen’s ID.EVERY, an entry-level electric vehicle with a comparatively low price tag, is set to be the first Group vehicle incorporating the RV Tech architecture.
With testing scheduled for the first quarter of 2026, Rivian and Volkswagen are making significant headway in their shared mission for affordable and adaptable SDV technology.
As the partnership reaches this annual milestone, it seems this transatlantic allegiance is very much on track for SDV success.
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by Eve Stevens | Nov 17, 2025 | Autos, Energy & Charging |
News
With the EU’s EV mandate up for debate and the politicisation of electric vehicles casting doubt on the American EV market, the global outlook for EV uptake seems, at first glance, murky.
However, if we look more broadly at the global landscape, the race to electrify is only just beginning. In Latin America, EV adoption is steadily growing thanks to a huge influx of Chinese models from automakers such as Geely and BYD.
These Chinese models retail at around 60% of the price of a Tesla or an EV from legacy manufacturers such as Toyota and Kia.
EV adoption in Latin America, including Mexico and Central America, doubled in 2024 to around 4% and has continued to steadily climb. The International Energy Agency, in its Global EV Outlook 2025, attributed this success to government incentives and the relative affordability of Chinese brands.
BYD leads electric car sales in Brazil, Colombia, Ecuador, and Uruguay, and has recently carved out a considerable foothold in Argentina — the only Latin American country where imports from other regions still outweigh those from Chinese automakers.
Chinese success in the region can be attributed to gradually improving EV infrastructure and the adaptability of Chinese manufacturers, who have worked alongside local dealerships to offer competitive vehicles tailored to regional tastes; in Brazil, for example, BYD has launched the SONG PRO COP30, designed to run on biofuels derived from locally grown sugar cane.
Brazil continues to be the front-runner in EV uptake in the Latin American market, with Mexico following in second position. Peru is making significant headway following last year’s opening of the Port of Chancay, north of Lima, which has cut trans-Pacific shipping times for Chinese vehicles in half. In Chile, the story is much the same; in the first quarter of 2025, the EV market saw 126% growth.
Martin Bresciani, president of Chile’s automotive business chamber CAVEM, spoke on the success of Chinese manufacturers, saying:
“The Chinese have already demonstrated that they match global standards in quality.”
Uruguay represents another country that has firmly embraced Chinese models with Chinese market shares more than doubling in the country since 2023- now at 22%.
Although EVs make up a relatively small slice of the entire automotive market in Latin and Central America, the steady growth of sales remains a reason for optimism in the context of global electrification efforts.
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