This briefing provides a curated update for electric mobility professionals, covering key developments from premium EVs, market strategies and policy changes to technological innovations and consumer trends shaping the industry.
Mahindra Electric Origin SUVs Unveil Big, Bold XUV 9S Electric
Source: Mahindra Electric Origin SUVs
Mahindra Electric has officially revealed its latest electric vehicle, the XUV 9S, positioning it as a “Big, Bold, Electric” offering in the competitive SUV market. This announcement signals Mahindra’s aggressive push into the premium electric vehicle segment, combining the rugged appeal of an SUV with zero-emission technology. The “Origin SUVs” branding suggests this model may represent a foundational or flagship design philosophy for Mahindra’s future electric lineup.
The XUV 9S appears to target consumers seeking substantial presence and performance in an electric package, potentially featuring advanced battery technology, extended range, and the high-ground clearance characteristic of Mahindra’s popular SUV designs. This launch comes at a crucial time as global automakers race to capture market share in the electric SUV category, with Mahindra leveraging its established reputation for durable vehicles to compete against both domestic and international EV manufacturers.
The 1999 Honda Insight Mk1: The 25-Year-Old Hybrid That Rivaled Today’s EVs
Source: Number 27
A quarter-century before electric vehicles became mainstream, the 1999 Honda Insight Mk1 pioneered hybrid technology with remarkable efficiency that remains competitive even by today’s standards. This groundbreaking two-seater achieved an EPA-estimated 70 MPG on the highway and 61 MPG in combined city driving through its innovative Integrated Motor Assist system, combining a lightweight aluminum body with a 1.0-liter three-cylinder gasoline engine and electric motor. Despite its technological achievement, the Insight faced limited market acceptance during an era when fuel prices were low and consumer preference favored larger vehicles.
The Insight’s story represents a fascinating case of being ahead of its time, launching when infrastructure and public awareness weren’t ready for alternative powertrains. Its distinctive aerodynamic design and manual transmission option delivered efficiency numbers that still impress today, yet production ended in 2006 after approximately 18,000 units sold globally. This pioneering vehicle now stands as a collector’s item and important historical milestone, demonstrating that the fundamental technology for highly efficient personal transportation existed decades before the current EV revolution gained momentum.
Chinese EV Makers Accelerate Overseas Push
Chinese electric vehicle manufacturers are significantly increasing their focus on international markets as domestic sales growth weakens. This strategic shift comes amid intensifying competition and price wars within China, prompting companies to seek volume and profitability abroad. Source: South China Morning Post
Profitability Concerns Cloud China’s 2026 EV Outlook
Market anxiety is growing over the challenging profit outlook for China’s EV sector heading into 2026. Despite strong production volumes, intense competition and price pressures are squeezing margins across the industry, raising concerns about long-term sustainability. Source: Bloomberg
Which Electric Vehicles to Avoid Buying – Part 2 | Learns Car Series
📰 Source: Learns
In the second installment of its critical car series, Learns provides an updated analysis of electric vehicle models that potential buyers should approach with caution. The video, released in late 2025, builds upon previous research to identify specific EVs that may have significant drawbacks in areas like long-term reliability, real-world range performance, charging speed, or owner satisfaction ratings. This guidance is particularly valuable as the EV market expands rapidly, making informed purchasing decisions more crucial than ever.
Infrastructure Firm Leads EV Transition in Road Operations
Egis is positioning itself at the forefront of electrifying road operations and maintenance, developing solutions to support the transition of transportation infrastructure to electric vehicle compatibility. The company is working on integrating EV charging and power management systems into existing road networks. Source: Egis
2026 Projected as Breakthrough Year for Used EVs
Industry experts are predicting 2026 will mark a significant turning point for the used electric vehicle market. As more EVs come off lease and warranty periods, the secondary market is expected to mature, providing more affordable options for budget-conscious consumers. Source: 6abc Philadelphia
Luxury EV Receives Lowest Customer Satisfaction Rating
Consumer Reports has identified a specific luxury electric vehicle model as receiving the lowest customer satisfaction rating in its category. The rating reflects owner feedback on reliability, driving experience, and overall value proposition in the competitive premium EV segment. Source: SlashGear
Nissan Leaf vs. Chevy Equinox EV: Which Affordable Electric SUV Wins?
Source: Edmunds Cars
In a head-to-head comparison of two of the most accessible electric vehicles on the market, Edmunds Cars pits the veteran Nissan Leaf against the newcomer Chevy Equinox EV. This battle goes beyond just price tags, delving into how these vehicles represent different philosophies in EV design. The Leaf, as a long-standing player, offers proven reliability and the benefits of a familiar nameplate, while the Equinox EV leverages GM’s latest Ultium platform technology, promising modern range, charging capabilities, and a design that appeals directly to the popular compact SUV segment.
The comparison likely scrutinizes critical factors for budget-conscious EV shoppers, including real-world driving range, interior space and comfort, technology and infotainment features, and overall value proposition. For many buyers, the choice may come down to prioritizing the lower entry cost and simplicity of the Nissan Leaf versus the modern specs, faster charging, and SUV-centric design of the Chevy Equinox EV. This analysis provides a crucial roadmap for consumers navigating the increasingly crowded sub-$40,000 EV market.
Canadian Public Skeptical of Government EV Mandate
Canadian consumers continue to show resistance to the federal government’s electric vehicle mandate, with many expressing concerns about affordability, charging infrastructure, and practicality in certain regions. This skepticism presents challenges for meeting the country’s ambitious electrification targets. Source: Carscoops
Cross-Border EV Drivers Seek Clarity on New Tax
Electric vehicle drivers who regularly cross international borders are calling for more detailed information about newly implemented tax regulations. The lack of clarity is creating uncertainty for travelers regarding compliance requirements and potential cost implications. Source: BBC
Per-Mile EV Tax Proposed as First Step in Broader Reform
Policy experts suggest that implementing a per-mile tax for electric vehicles represents just the initial phase of comprehensive vehicle taxation reform. As fuel tax revenues decline with electrification, governments are exploring new models to fund transportation infrastructure. Source: The Guardian
Nevada Implements EV Charger Grid Reporting Rules
Nevada has become the first US state to establish mandatory reporting requirements for electric vehicle charger grid connections. The new rules aim to provide better data on charging infrastructure deployment and its impact on the electrical grid. Source: EV Infrastructure News
Wireless Charging Companies Electreon and InductEV Plan Merger
Two pioneers in wireless electric vehicle charging technology, Electreon and InductEV, are aiming to combine forces through a strategic merger. The consolidation could accelerate development and deployment of wireless charging solutions for both stationary and dynamic applications. Source: Charged EVs
Napa County Expands EV Charging Network
Napa County is planning a major expansion of its electric vehicle charging station network in response to growing EV adoption in the region. The initiative addresses the increasing demand for public charging infrastructure in both urban and rural areas of the county. Source: The Press Democrat
Former Tesla Executive Reveals Chinese EV Teardown Insights
A former Tesla executive has shared what the company learned from conducting detailed teardowns of Chinese electric vehicles. The analysis revealed competitive advantages in manufacturing efficiency, cost control, and specific technological approaches employed by Chinese automakers. Source: Business Insider
The industry’s trajectory suggests 2026 will be a pivotal year marked by market maturation and intensified global competition.
