Stellantis Under Scrutiny After EV Adoption Forecasts Prove "Overly Optimistic" [Accessibility Statement] Skip NavigationNYSE: STLANEW YORK, Feb. 18, 2026 /PRNewswire/ -- Levi & Korsinsky, LLP is investigating Stellantis NV (NYSE: STLA) concerning whether the company's prior public statements about the trajectory of its electric-vehicle programs were consistent with information available to management at the time. On February 6, 2026, Stellantis disclosed a €22–22.2 billion charge and acknowledged that its ...

EV adoption in Ethiopia is far higher than the global average thanks to a 2024 ban on importing of fossil fuel-powered vehicles https://t.co/Gx7XPg18av ...

RT ⭕️ CyberMike ⭕️ (@CyberMikeOG)Washington state boasts one of the highest Tesla ownership rates per capita in the U.S. Overall EV adoption here ranks #2 nationally at about 1,805 EVs per 100,000 people, trailing only California. We only have one Collision Service center. Washington state needs more Tesla Collision Centers. ...

Core Insights - Consumer intent to purchase vehicles remains strong for 2026, with 39% of U.S. adults planning to buy a car, indicating high priority for vehicle purchases [1][2][3] Consumer Intent and Trends - More than 80% of consumers intending to buy a vehicle expect to do so within the next 12 months, with 65% planning to trade in their current vehicle, supporting the used car market [2][3] - Among those planning a vehicle transaction, 87% intend to buy and 13% intend to lease, with younger generations showing a greater interest in leasing [3] Market Dynamics - Auto loan originations began to rise in 2025, driven by anticipation of tariffs and the end of the EV tax credit, with super prime and subprime segments leading this growth despite affordability challenges [4] - Affordability remains a significant obstacle, with 53% of consumers citing cost concerns and 44% citing economic uncertainty [5] Vehicle Preferences - Half of prospective buyers intend to purchase traditional gas-powered vehicles, while 33% prefer hybrids and 16% prefer electric vehicles (EVs), with Millennials showing a slight preference for hybrids [6] - Consumers interested in EVs cite lower fuel costs (72%), environmental benefits (66%), and new technology features (62%) as key reasons for their interest [7] Challenges to EV Adoption - Internal combustion powertrains dominate due to affordability and charging infrastructure challenges, with Millennials increasingly interested in hybrids and Gen Z leaning towards traditional gas vehicles [8]

Investment Thesis - The mineral industry, particularly rare earth minerals and lithium, is highlighted as a capital-intensive market with varying winners [1] - Lithium is identified as a crucial driver for electric vehicle (EV) adoption, with a significant demand forecasted [1] - Standard Lithium (SLI) is recommended as a Strong Buy due to its trading at a discount to future cash flows and potential for growth by 2026 [1] Stock Performance - SLI's stock price has shown a strong uptrend, breaking the $5 level and establishing it as a support level [2] - In comparison to competitors like Lithium Americas (LAC) and Piedmont Lithium (PLLTL), SLI has outperformed, with LAC and PLLTL experiencing declines of 46.2% and 99.84% over five years, respectively [2] - The performance of SLI is attributed to its asset base and the potential of the Smackover Formation [2]

Industry Overview - Global electric vehicle (EV) sales reached approximately 2 million units in November 2025, totaling around 18.5 million vehicles year-to-date, representing a 21% increase compared to the same period in 2024 [1][10] - EVs accounted for over one-quarter of all new cars sold worldwide in 2025 [1][10] - Europe experienced a significant growth in EV sales, with November sales up 36% year-over-year, driven by new incentives and a broader range of available models [2][10] Market Dynamics - China and Europe are expected to remain leaders in EV adoption, with emerging regions like the Middle East and Africa anticipated to see faster growth in 2026 due to improved financing and more affordable models [4] - The global EV penetration is projected to reach 26.7% in 2026 [4] - The expansion of charging infrastructure is critical for EV adoption, with ongoing investments from public and private sectors enhancing the viability of long-distance travel for EV users [5] Company Insights General Motors (GM) - GM is the top-selling automaker in the U.S., holding a 17% market share in Q3 2025, up 50 basis points year-over-year, and retained its 2 spot in the U.S. EV market with 67,000 deliveries and a 16.5% share [7][9] - The company benefits from the federal government's Auto Tariff Offset Process, enhancing its cost competitiveness and supporting U.S.-based manufacturing [8] - GM has a Zacks Rank 1, with a consensus estimate for fiscal 2026 EPS implying year-over-year growth of 12.9% [9] BorgWarner (BWA) - BorgWarner is a leader in clean and efficient technology solutions for combustion, hybrid, and electric vehicles, securing several new programs in Q3 2025 [11] - The company booked 17 awards over the past six months, broadening its customer base and increasing hybrid and EV exposure [12] - BWA carries a Zacks Rank 2, with a consensus estimate for fiscal 2026 sales and EPS implying year-over-year growth of 2.1% and 6.8%, respectively [13] Blue Bird Corporation (BLBD) - Blue Bird is a leading player in low- and zero-emission school buses, well-positioned to benefit from long-term trends such as a growing school-age population and ongoing federal funding for clean transportation [14] - The company expects fiscal 2026 revenues of $1.5 billion and adjusted EBITDA of $220 million, anticipating continued profitable growth [15] - BLBD carries a Zacks Rank 2, with a consensus estimate for fiscal 2026 sales implying year-over-year growth of 5.7% [16]

Core Insights - General Motors Company (GM) is adjusting its strategy in response to evolving regulatory frameworks and a decline in near-term electric vehicle (EV) adoption expectations, leading to underutilized EV capacity and increased variable costs [2][5] Group 1: Strategic Adjustments - GM is transitioning the Orion Assembly plant from EV production back to internal combustion engine vehicles, which is a significant shift in its manufacturing strategy [3][7] - The company has agreed to sell its joint venture-owned battery cell plant in Michigan to LG Energy Solution, contributing to a $1.6 billion special charge in the third quarter, with $1.2 billion related to noncash impairments [3][7] - GM is halting BrightDrop production at CAMI Assembly while evaluating future opportunities, reflecting the challenging business environment for this electric delivery and logistics subsidiary [4][7] Group 2: Financial Performance - GM's shares have outperformed the Zacks Automotive-Domestic industry and its peers, with a year-to-date gain of 42.8%, compared to the industry's growth of 16.2% [6] - The company is currently trading at a forward price/sales ratio of 0.39, which is significantly lower than the industry's 3.42, indicating that GM appears undervalued compared to its peers [9] Group 3: Earnings Estimates - The Zacks Consensus Estimate for GM's earnings per share (EPS) for 2025 and 2026 has increased by 12 cents and 31 cents, respectively, over the past 30 days, suggesting positive sentiment regarding future performance [10]

Group 1 - The performance of legacy auto companies in Q3 2025 may have surprised some investors [1] - There has been a steep decline in EV adoption, while sales of internal combustion engine and hybrid vehicles remain steady [1]

Group 1: Space Mobile Expansion - Space Mobile has expanded its US operations with two new manufacturing sites in Texas and Florida, enhancing production of space-based cellular broadband satellites [1] - The company's manufacturing footprint now includes five facilities in Texas, along with locations in Maryland and Florida, emphasizing investment in American space innovation and job creation [2] Group 2: Xcharge Partnership - Xcharge has partnered with Electroman, Saudi Arabia's largest EV charging operator, to deploy battery integrated fast charging infrastructure across the kingdom [2] - The rollout focuses on Xcharge's grid link system, which delivers nearly 200 kW of DC fast charging with minimal grid input, supporting solar integration and reliable charging in low power or off-grid locations [2] Group 3: Masimo Group Retail Expansion - Masimo Group's largest national retail partner has added two new UTVs, the T-Boss 900 Crew and the Buck 450, expanding its in-store lineup nationwide [3] - This expansion strengthens the company's retail presence by offering a more powerful premium crew model and an affordable utility option for first-time and value-focused buyers [3] Group 4: Fusion Fuel Green Contract - Fusion Fuel Green has signed a contract worth up to €1.7 million to provide engineering, installation, and equipment for a green hydrogen project in southern Europe [3] - The project will support the region's growing clean mobility and hydrogen infrastructure [4]

Core Insights - Blink Charging Co. has announced a new agreement with Miami World Tower to install 10 Blink-owned Series 7 ISO EV charging stations, enhancing EV infrastructure in Downtown Miami [1][3]. Company Overview - Blink Charging Co. is a global leader in electric vehicle (EV) charging equipment and services, providing innovative solutions for drivers, hosts, and fleets to transition to electric transportation [4]. - The company's principal offerings include the Blink Network, EV charging equipment, and related services, utilizing proprietary cloud-based software for operation and maintenance [4]. Collaboration Details - The partnership with Miami World Tower aims to support sustainability initiatives and provide advanced charging solutions for residents, thereby promoting broader EV adoption [3]. - Blink will manage the entire lifecycle of the charging stations, from installation to operation and maintenance, under its business model [3]. Location Significance - Miami World Tower is situated in Miami Worldcenter, a vibrant area known for elite shopping, dining, and entertainment, which enhances the accessibility and appeal of the new charging stations [2].