Most people don’t think twice about a spilled water bottle in the car. Maybe you roll your eyes, grab a towel, clean it up and move on. But for one Florida driver, a 20-ounce splash turned into an almost $12,000 repair bill. Michael McCormick adored his Hyundai Ioniq 5, the all-electric SUV he drove along Interstate 4. But after he tapped the brakes in traffic, the bottle on his back seat launched forward, hit the driver’s seat and sent water toward his ankles (1). Must Read Minutes later, warning lig ...

akinbostanci/E+ via Getty Images Listen below or on the go on Apple Podcasts and Spotify Micron (MU) earnings take it to a new high (0:45). EV check-in with Ford (2:40). Rivian rally (4:45). Tesla quietly drifting higher (6:30). Economic data catching up after government shutdown (8:30). Transcript Rena Sherbill: Brian Stewart, Seeking Alpha's Director of news. Happy Friday. Brian Stewart: Happy Friday, great to be here. Rena Sherbill: Always great to do a Wall Street Roundup with you. Yesterday, I d ...

Carmakers are adapting to Europe’s EV barriers https://t.co/fBnJ7KojkV ...

Core Insights - The electric vehicle (EV) market is experiencing significant consumer enthusiasm, driven by advancements in autonomous technology and the need for improved charging infrastructure [2][4][10] - Affordability and vehicle form factors are critical factors influencing consumer adoption of EVs, particularly for families seeking practical options [3][4] - Rivian is positioning itself competitively in the EV market with its upcoming R2 vehicles, targeting a price range of $45,000 to $55,000, and plans to enhance autonomy features [6][7][12] Industry Trends - The development of charging infrastructure is a key barrier to wider EV adoption, with many potential consumers waiting for improvements before making the switch [1][4] - The integration of autonomy in EVs is expected to accelerate adoption, as consumers value the convenience and time savings associated with autonomous driving [5][20] - Companies like Tesla and Rivian are leading the charge in autonomous technology, with Rivian's plans for a hands-free driving feature and Tesla's successful robo-taxi launch [8][11] Company Analysis - General Motors is highlighted as a strong player in the EV market, particularly with its full-size pickups and SUVs, despite some criticism regarding its transition strategy from internal combustion engines to EVs [10][12] - Rivian is recognized for its innovative approach, including in-house development of processors and software, which may provide a competitive advantage in the EV space [12] - The potential for personal vehicle autonomy is seen as a transformative opportunity, allowing consumers to utilize their vehicles in new ways, such as self-driving to pick up passengers [18][20]

Governments in America and Europe are pulling back on efforts to speed the transition from petrol to electric vehicles. But hitting the brakes poses risks for Western manufacturers https://t.co/sx3Zo95E95 ...

RT phil beisel (@pbeisel)It is striking (though not surprising) how poorly legacy automakers have invested in their future. Technology is reshaping transportation at an accelerating pace, yet most incumbents are not playing to win. They are playing to delay.Their first failure was cultural and structural: a broad rejection of the EV transition. By any rational measure, legacy OEMs could have simplified their product lines, collapsed complexity, lowered costs, and built more efficient vehicles. Instead, prog ...

Earlier this week, Ford scrapped the fully-electric F-150 Lightning and pivoted away from aggressive EV plans after losing $13 billion on the category since 2023. As consumer demand wanes and the company plans to take another $19.5 billion hit in Q4, Ford is shifting gears toward extended-range gas-powered vehicles and hybrids. Most Read on IEN: The ripple effects throughout the supply chain will be far-reaching, including its $6.5 billion deal with LG Energy Solutions to make some 500,000 batteries per y ...

ROMULUS, MI - FEBRUARY 13: Ford CEO Jim Farley pats a Ford F-150 Lightning truck before announcing at a press conference that Ford Motor Company will be partnering with the world's largest battery company, a China-based company called Contemporary Amperex Technology, to create an electric-vehicle battery plant in Marshall, Michigan, on February 13, 2023 in Romulus, Michigan. Part of a multi-billion dollar investment, the battery plant will provide approximately 2,500 jobs. (Photo by Bill Pugliano/Getty Imag ...

RT DeCharge (@DeCharge)DeCharge x @teslaownersSVWe are LIVE 👀https://t.co/Iju8fMHtdU ...

Core Insights - The U.S. automotive industry is experiencing a shift away from fully electric vehicles (EVs), as evidenced by Ford's recent announcement to scale back its EV-focused business strategy, including scrapping plans for a new electric truck and converting its F-150 Lightning to a hybrid model [1][2][9] Industry Challenges - Manufacturing costs for vehicles in the U.S. have risen due to higher labor costs, stricter environmental regulations, and supply chain issues, leading to increased investment risk [4][5] - Regulatory changes and the elimination of federal tax credits for EVs have added uncertainty to investment decisions in U.S. manufacturing [5][6] - Ford's flagship EV, the F-150 Lightning, has faced profitability issues, with the cost of production rising significantly from an initial price of $40,000 to around $55,000 for the 2025 model [6][7] Market Dynamics - Despite record-high EV sales in the U.S. this year, the market is still heavily influenced by consumer sentiment, which has shown signs of decline, particularly among gas and hybrid vehicle drivers [15][16] - The global EV market is dominated by China, which accounts for approximately 70% of global EV production, highlighting the competitive challenges faced by U.S. automakers [11][12] Future Outlook - While Ford is scaling back on larger electric vehicles, it plans to focus on smaller, more affordable models and expand its hybrid offerings [10][19] - Experts remain optimistic about the long-term potential of EVs, citing advancements in battery technology and the overall positive experience of EV ownership [18][19] - The U.S. EV industry has faced fluctuations before, and while current economic conditions may justify a pullback, there is a risk of falling behind when the market rebounds [20]