Slate Price Slated Now for Mid $20,000’s
Slate Auto’s minimalist electric pickup which many considered would be the only American-made EV priced “under $20,000 will now cost buyers in the “mid-twenties.” The sharp price increase is triggered by the repeal of federal EV tax credits.
The price hike follows the passage of former President Donald Trump’s new energy bill, which eliminates the $7,500 federal incentive for electric vehicles starting September 30, 2025.
Originally a key marketing hook for the Indiana-built truck—known for its stripped-down design without paint, stereo, or touchscreen—the low price was only achievable with the credit factored in.
The startup, backed by Jeff Bezos, updated its website just days ago, replacing its bold price promise with more tempered language.
indiGOtech Acquires European Robotics Firm Clevon
Boston-based EV maker indiGOtech (GO) has acquired European unmanned delivery specialist Clevon to accelerate development of autonomous and driver-assistance technologies for its upcoming SmartWheels™-equipped Flow EVs. Backed by investors including FedEx, Foxconn, and FM Capital, GO aims to deliver affordable, ergonomic, and AV-ready electric vehicles purpose-built for delivery, ride-hail, and local fleets. Clevon brings years of real-world experience operating remote-controlled delivery robots across Europe and the U.S., with proven regulatory compliance and cross-continental remote-driving capabilities. The acquisition expands GO’s international footprint and strengthens its push toward safer, smarter urban mobility, with the Flow EV lineup expected to debut in 2027.
Guinness World Record Longest EV Drive Distance 649mi on One Charge EQS 450+
webCG Inc., a Tokyo-based member of the Kakaku.com Group, achieved a new Guinness World Record™ by driving 1,045 km (649 miles) on a single battery charge using a Mercedes-Benz EQS 450+. The test was conducted from June 18 to 19, 2025, surpassing the previous record of 949 km. The attempt aimed to promote awareness and understanding of electric vehicles and their potential. The full report is available on webCG, an online media platform for car enthusiasts.
Totally Solar Vehicle Charging In Lost Hills Found to Be Open
Tesla has unveiled a groundbreaking new charging site in Lost Hills, California, featuring 168 Supercharger stalls and an impressive 11 megawatts of solar power supported by 10 Tesla Megapacks. Constructed in just eight months, this massive site sets a new standard for sustainable EV infrastructure. Currently, 84 stalls are open and fully operational—powered entirely by solar energy and functioning completely off-grid. The remaining stalls and an on-site lounge are set to open later this year, offering even more convenience for travelers. Tesla celebrated the launch with a nod to safe and sustainable Fourth of July travel.
Nexperia 1st ESD Diodes for 48V Automotive Data
Nexperia introduced the first electrostatic discharge (ESD) diodes specifically designed to protect 48V automotive data communication networks, addressing a critical gap in protection for evolving EV and HEV architectures. The new portfolio includes six AEC-Q101 qualified diodes with reverse working voltages of 54V, 60V, and 72V, providing robust ESD protection while maintaining signal integrity at higher data rates. Housed in compact SOT23 packages and offering ultra-low capacitance (as low as 3.4 pF), these components help designers save PCB space and costs. Previously, manufacturers resorted to complex workarounds for ESD protection on 48V lines, but this new solution enables streamlined, high-performance protection for legacy protocols like CAN, CAN-FD, LIN, and FlexRay in modern EVs and HEVs.
In Race for EV Adoption, China Leads
As battery electric vehicles (BEVs) reach a plateau of technological parity around the world, the factors driving their success are shifting from engineering feats to policy frameworks, infrastructure availability, and brand trust. That’s the key takeaway from the 2025 E-Mobility Attractiveness Index, released jointly by consulting firm BearingPoint and the Handelsblatt Research Institute.
For the first time, the index compares the four most significant BEV markets — China, the United States, Germany, and France — combining objective data and consumer surveys to assess how attractive each country is for EV adoption.
China Sets the Pace
With a leading score of 133.5 (baseline 100), China topped the index, driven by state-backed industrial policy, low-cost electricity, and a dense network of charging stations. The United States followed with 114.4, ahead of Germany (108.4) and France (94.6).
According to Sven Jung, Director of Economic Analysis at the Handelsblatt Research Institute, China’s lead is rooted in “years of strategic government support, protection of domestic players, and a coordinated approach to infrastructure and innovation.” Still, Jung cautions, the lead is “not insurmountable” if other nations act decisively.
Charging Is the New Battleground
With technical differences in range, consumption, and charging speeds narrowing across global EV models, infrastructure — not hardware — now defines everyday usability. China and Germany have built out robust public charging networks that extend into rural areas, while the U.S. and France continue to struggle with gaps, especially in regions lacking private charging access.
“To move e-mobility from niche to mainstream, drivers must be able to forget where the chargers are,” said Jung. “And when they do need one, it should be fast enough not to interrupt their day.”
Policy: The Hidden Hand Behind Price
While cost remains a major barrier to BEV adoption, the report underscores how much of that cost is policy-driven. Chinese consumers benefit from generous subsidies and low-cost energy. In Germany, the removal of purchase incentives and high electricity rates have made BEVs less appealing.
European policymakers, the study notes, have an opportunity to reclaim momentum by reinstating targeted incentives, regulating electricity prices for EV owners, and accelerating investment in local battery and semiconductor production.
“Getting to mass adoption isn’t about just building better cars,” said Manuel Schuler, BearingPoint’s Global Leader for Automotive and Industrial Manufacturing. “It’s about governments creating an ecosystem where price, infrastructure, and power all align.”
Trust: The Intangible Advantage
Though often overlooked, consumer trust — especially brand loyalty — emerged as a critical differentiator. In each country, local brands scored highest: BYD in China, Renault in France, Volkswagen in Germany, and Tesla in the U.S. Yet these same brands often struggle abroad, particularly Chinese automakers, who face persistent skepticism in European markets despite competitive products.
BYD earned the highest brand-specific score in the index at 155.9, yet Schuler notes that without a stronger presence and clearer brand identity overseas, Chinese OEMs may continue to fall short of their global ambitions.
“They have the tech,” he said. “But winning hearts and wallets abroad requires more than just specs — it takes commitment, pricing, and a locally attuned brand strategy.”
About the Index
Originally launched in Germany in 2024, the E-Mobility Attractiveness Index evaluates how appealing BEVs are to consumers in terms of infrastructure, affordability, policy incentives, and brand trust. The 2025 edition is the first to expand internationally.
In a landscape where technical innovation has become table stakes, the next frontier in EV adoption is not what’s under the hood — it’s what surrounds it.
