car buyers

Electric car sales in Europe have surged 52%, and Bloomberg attributes the boom in part to record-high gasoline prices, now around $10 a gallon. The shift suggests high fuel costs are accelerating Europe's move away from combustion-engine vehicles, with buyers and commentators debating whether pricing, emissions rules or fuel costs are the real driver of the surge.

The Trump administration has moved to roll back US fuel economy standards, arguing the change will make cars more affordable for American buyers. The question of whether vehicles will actually get cheaper is now at the center of debate, with industry groups, consumer advocates and analysts weighing the savings against higher fuel costs and the impact on electric vehicle development.

The US Department of Transportation has moved to weaken federal fuel economy standards, easing requirements on automakers to improve mileage for new vehicles. Supporters frame the rollback as cutting compliance costs that were passed on to car buyers, while critics say it will increase fuel consumption and emissions and slow the transition to more efficient vehicles. The change is expected to face legal challenges from environmental groups and some states.

Reuters has published a newsletter asking whether luxury electric cars can find buyers, examining demand for high-end electric vehicles from premium brands. The question comes as automakers ramp up luxury EV line-ups while sales in some markets have proven slower than expected, with affluent buyers remaining cautious about price, range and resale value despite growing overall EV adoption.

Volkswagen is extending its Tiguan nameplate into the electric era with a new model called the ID. Tiguan. The announcement signals the German automaker's plan to carry one of its best-selling SUV names into its ID electric lineup, following similar moves with models like the ID.4 and ID.7. Details on specifications, pricing and launch timing were not included in the initial report.

A new California law takes effect on October 1, aimed at making the car buying process slightly less of a headache for consumers. The change, reported by ABC10, is expected to streamline parts of the purchasing experience for buyers across the state, though details of the specific provisions were not outlined in initial coverage.

Automotive outlet CarBuzz has published a rundown of the best used electric vehicles currently on sale, arguing that the top picks are not the models buyers might expect. The piece suggests second-hand EVs now offer strong value as early models depreciate, prompting drivers shopping for an affordable electric car to reconsider which used models make the most sense.

A study by green transport group Transport & Environment finds that second-hand electric vehicles depreciate less than the car industry has claimed, retaining their value better over time. The finding challenges a common argument used against EV adoption, that used electric cars lose value quickly, and is drawing attention as buyers and policymakers debate the affordability and resale prospects of electric cars.

Volkswagen has announced price cuts of up to $12,500 on its electric vehicles, a move aimed at making its EV lineup significantly more affordable for buyers. The steep discounts, reported by USA Today, underline the intensifying price competition in the electric car market as automakers fight for sales volume amid slowing demand growth.

Lithium iron phosphate (LFP) batteries are increasingly shaping electric vehicle buying decisions, as automakers shift toward the chemistry for its lower cost, longer lifespan and improved safety, even at the expense of some range. Buyers are now weighing battery type alongside range and price when choosing a car, and the debate over which chemistry is best is gaining attention across the auto industry.

BMW has unveiled the new electric version of its 3 Series, with UK pricing starting at £47,925. The announcement marks the popular executive saloon's move into the fully electric segment, putting it in direct competition with rivals like the Tesla Model 3. Coverage is focused on the price point and what the car offers for buyers considering the switch to electric.

Cars.com has identified nine hybrid vehicles that are cheaper to finance than their equivalent gasoline-only models. The list highlights how hybrid pricing has narrowed or even reversed against conventional versions, making the electrified option the more affordable choice for buyers. Shoppers comparing monthly payments may find hybrids now the better deal on these models.

Dodge's new electric Charger is being closely watched as a test of whether an EV version of the brand's iconic muscle car can win over traditional petrol enthusiasts and newer EV buyers at the same time. Commentators are asking whether the Charger's aggressive, 'bad boy' character survives the switch to electric power, or whether loyal fans and green drivers remain too far apart to please with one car.

The Trump administration's rollback of US fuel economy standards has sparked a debate over affordability. Supporters argue weaker efficiency rules will make new cars cheaper for buyers, while critics say consumers will pay more at the pump and that automakers lose incentives to innovate. The move is renewing arguments over how environmental regulation affects household costs.

Online car retail is being transformed by artificial intelligence and automation, streamning browsing, pricing and financing for buyers. Yet one part of the process remains stubbornly offline: buyers still want to test drive or inspect a car in person before committing. Industry observers point to this gap as a limit on fully digital car buying, prompting retailers to blend AI-driven convenience with physical showroom experiences.