Drive Notes
Observations from the driveway: family logic, status signals, ownership rituals, and the small car opinions people take surprisingly personally.
Hoyeon Learned to Drift a Hyundai Stellar for Hope
For her feature-film debut in Na Hong-jin's Hope, Hoyeon earned a manual licence and trained with a racing instructor before sliding a rear-drive Hyundai Stellar through the movie's road chases.
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The Electric Lexus LFA Finally Moves at Goodwood
Lexus quietly moved its battery-electric LFA Concept from the Supercar Paddock to Goodwood's hill, giving the project its first public dynamic runs while leaving the production details under camouflage.
Global
Honda Ends the Prologue After 2026, Leaving Its U.S. EV Lineup Empty
Honda will conclude Prologue sales after the 2026 model year while continuing dealer service, parts, and warranty support. The exit closes Honda's short GM-platform bridge and leaves the brand without a battery-electric vehicle in U.S. showrooms.
National
ChargePoint and Onvo Plan 12 Northeast Highway Charging Sites
ChargePoint and Onvo plan ultra-fast charging at 12 travel plazas in Pennsylvania and New York. The partnership has useful highway real estate, but no public site list, port count, pricing, or opening schedule yet.
Northeast
Canada's Fast-Charging Buildout Is Outrunning Drivers, for Now
Canada added 390 DC fast-charging ports across 99 stations in Q2 2026 while national utilization fell to 9.5% from 11.3%. More plugs opened than demand could fill immediately, especially outside the busiest metro cores.
National (Canada)
California Offers Instant $3,500 First-Time EV Rebates
California's MyFirstEV program will knock $3,500 off qualifying new EVs and $1,750 off used ones at the dealership later this summer, backed by a $270 million state-and-automaker pool for first-time zero-emission buyers.
California
Africa's Richest Man Spotted With a Chinese BYD Leopard 8
Nigerian industrialist Aliko Dangote, Africa's richest person on Forbes Africa's 2026 list at about $28.5 billion, was photographed with a Fangchengbao Bao 8, BYD's body-on-frame plug-in hybrid SUV sold in China from roughly 379,800 yuan.
International
AAA: July 4 Gas Relief Hits, Then Prices Turn Up Again
AAA put the national average near $3.83 ahead of Independence Day, about 50 cents below early June, then reported a turn back to $3.84 on July 9 as oil markets priced in Middle East risk. The holiday dip was real. Cheap summer driving is not.
National
NHTSA Tells Robotaxi Makers to Stop Blocking First Responders
NHTSA Administrator Jonathan Morrison told autonomous-vehicle developers that driverless cars blocking emergency scenes, ambulances, and firefighters is a functional failure, and ordered solution briefings by the end of July.
National
Toyota's June Was Majority Electrified, With a Catch on RAV4
Toyota Motor North America sold 212,793 vehicles in June, and electrified models were 57.4% of the mix. RAV4 Hybrid hit an all-time monthly high while the broader RAV4 nameplate stayed soft year to date.
National
Honda and Acura's June Was a Hybrid Family Default Story
American Honda sold 133,781 vehicles in June, up about 17% and its best June in five years. CR-V led U.S. SUVs in the first half, hybrid CR-Vs hit a record, and Acura's gateway models carried the brand.
National
Canada's EV Affordability Program Passes $122 Million in Claims
More than $122 million in Electric Vehicle Affordability Program claims have been filed since February 16, with about $2.13 billion still available under the five-year, $2.275 billion replacement for iZEV.
National (Canada)
Chrysler Recalls 17,277 Pacifica Plug-In Hybrids Over Fire Risk
NHTSA recall covers 2020–2022 Chrysler Pacifica Plug-In Hybrid models after reports that the high-voltage battery pack may catch fire even when the vehicle is parked and off.
National
AAA Projects Record 72.2 Million July 4 Travelers Despite Higher Gas
AAA forecasts 72.2 million Americans will travel 50 miles or more for Independence Day 2026, with 61.4 million going by car as pump prices run higher than last year's holiday average.
National
U.S. Public EV Charging Crosses 250,000 Ports
Federal station data now lists more than 250,000 public charging ports at roughly 80,500 locations nationwide, including about 73,000 DC fast chargers and 180,000 Level 2 plugs.
National
Michigan Restarts NEVI Charger Build-Out After Frozen Funds Release
Michigan will install 60 additional NEVI-funded corridor charging stations after a federal judge forced release of $51 million in withheld National Electric Vehicle Infrastructure formula money.
Midwest
EPA Filings Reveal Tesla Cybercab Specs for the First Time
Tesla Cybercab EPA certification documents confirm a 48 kWh battery, 219-hp front motor, 3,113-pound curb weight, and a May 29 introduction-into-commerce date as Giga Texas production ramps.
National
BYD Hiring Signals Megawatt Flash Charging Push in Canada
BYD posted a Toronto-based Flash Charging business development role as it prepares to deploy megawatt charging in Canada alongside its planned dealer network under Ottawa's reduced Chinese EV tariff quota.
GTA
2027 Nissan Ariya Adds NACS Fast Charging in Canada
The refreshed 2027 Nissan Ariya for Canada adds a native NACS DC fast-charging port alongside the existing J1772 AC inlet, aligning with Tesla Supercharger access trends.
GTA
Federal 30C EV Charger Tax Credit Expires June 30
The 30C Alternative Fuel Infrastructure Tax Credit covers up to 30 percent of home EV charger installation, capped at $1,000, but only for eligible census tracts and only if equipment is installed by June 30, 2026.
National
DOT Proposes 100 Percent Domestic Content Rule for NEVI Chargers
The U.S. Department of Transportation proposed raising Buy America domestic content requirements for federally funded EV chargers from 55 percent to 100 percent, a standard industry groups say no commercial charger currently meets.
National
U.S. Fast-Charging Network Nears 74,000 Ports as IONNA Closes In on Ford Charge
EV Charging Stations tracking shows U.S. public DC fast-charging ports approaching 74,000 after May added more than 1,400 stalls, with IONNA at 1,132 ports and gaining on Ford Charge.
National
Permits Filed for 96-Stall V4 Supercharger Hub in Willows, California
Permit filings point to a 96-stall Tesla Supercharger site in Willows, California, on I-5 with phased construction, V4 hardware, solar canopies, and a Megapack battery storage system.
NorCal
Optimus Energy Acquires Duke Energy's South Carolina Fast-Charging Network
Optimus Energy Solutions acquired Duke Energy's South Carolina DC fast-charging network of 52 stations across 26 locations, migrating the former pilot sites to ChargePoint as the utility program ended.
South
GM Opens Vehicle-to-Grid Charging to Utility Partners
GM Energy now supports vehicle-to-grid in addition to vehicle-to-home, with PG&E and DTE Energy as launch partners and a target of 52,000 GM EVs supporting Northern California's grid by 2030.
NorCal
BUILD America 250 Act Proposes Federal EV Registration Fees
The House BUILD America 250 Act would add a $130 annual federal registration fee for covered electric vehicles and $35 for plug-in hybrids, with gradual increases capped at $150 and $50 before the fees sunset in 2036.
National
Stellantis Starts Road Testing Solid-State Dodge Charger Daytona
Stellantis and Factorial integrated FEST solid-state cells into a Dodge Charger Daytona development vehicle and began road testing on June 11, calling it the first automotive solid-state integration in North America.
National
GM Energy Pass Unifies Public Charging in One App
GM announced Energy Pass on June 9, building find-charge-pay access to Tesla Superchargers, IONNA, and Electrify America into the MyChevrolet, MyCadillac, and MyGMC apps, covering nearly 70 percent of U.S. DC fast chargers.
NationalArchive
Older notes, still available to read.
Walmart Fast-Charging Network Tops 500 Stalls
State of Charge tracking shows Walmart's company-operated DC fast-charging network reached more than 61 sites and 500 stalls by late May 2026, with 400-kW dual-port units offering both NACS and CCS1.
National
BMW iX3 Tops Norway Real-World EV Range Test
In the Norwegian Automobile Federation's summer 2026 El Prix test, the BMW iX3 traveled 781 km (485 miles) on one charge, beating its WLTP rating by 1.5 percent among 25 EVs on an identical route.
National
The Group Chat Always Says Toyota
You can research for weeks. Then someone posts a Camry photo in the family chat and the debate ends.
National
The First Luxury Car Is Never Just a Car
The first luxury car is a milestone purchase. That is exactly why it makes people nervous.
National
Road Rituals: Snacks, Playlists, Rest Stops, Parent Commentary
Every family road trip has unwritten rules about who controls the aux cord, when you stop, and whether the gas-station sushi is a joke or a tradition.
National
Dodge Charger Export to Europe
Dodge announced on June 8 that it will export the full Charger lineup to Europe, including Sixpack gas and Daytona EV models, after weak U.S. sales and with KW Automotive handling import and Iron Parts supplying spares.
National
Peugeot E-208 GTi at Le Mans
Peugeot revealed the production E-208 GTi at the 24 Hours of Le Mans, marking its first all-electric GTi after a 2025 concept debut and a century of the brand at the French endurance race.
National
Rivian R2 Customer Deliveries Begin
Rivian began first public R2 customer deliveries this week after an employee phase since April, opening with the $57,990 Performance Launch Package and rolling invitations ahead of lower trims through 2027.
National
The Driveway Has Subtext
The car in the driveway is never just transportation. It is a press release your relatives read before anyone says hello.
National
Why Reliability Became a Family Value
In a lot of households, "reliable" is not a spec sheet word. It is a moral one.
National
The Airport Pickup Test
Every family SUV claims to be spacious. The airport pickup is where that claim gets cross-examined under luggage, jet lag, and relatives who did not pack light.
National
The Costco Test
If a family car cannot survive a Saturday Costco run with a flat of water, a hot rotisserie chicken, and a cart full of judgment from the parking lot, it is not really a family car.
National
The Pacific Northwest Has Some of the Most Special Car Culture in the Country
Road & Track argues Oregon and Washington offer rally roots, grassroots tracks, and forest roads that rival California hype—and is hosting its first Northwest Shift Rally there in June.
PNW
Wheelsboy Is Showing Americans the Chinese EVs They Cannot Buy Yet
At Auto China in Beijing, American YouTuber Ethan Robertson toured foreign visitors through EV halls that U.S. shoppers mostly see only on screens—while tariffs keep the cars out of reach.
National
In China, Western Car Brands Are Becoming a "Brand for the Parents"
Younger Chinese buyers now see legacy American and European nameplates as outdated, while BYD, Geely, and Xiaomi win on tech and value.
National
Rivian Softens R2 Delivery Promise to "Soon After" June 9
Rivian told customers on X that R2 deliveries will begin soon after June 9, walking back launch-day language in its May 27 blog post while order invites and demo drives still start on schedule.
National
Why SUVs and Crossovers Own California Roads
A San Gabriel Valley dealer blog sums up what freeways already show: California buyers choose crossovers for space, AWD, safety tech, and resale—even as hybrids and EVs join the mix.
SoCal
Chinese EVs May Reach U.S. Showrooms Within a Few Years, CNBC Reports
Despite tariffs and political opposition, analysts and industry sources tell CNBC Chinese electric vehicles could enter the U.S. market through joint ventures, North American assembly, or cross-border pressure from Canada and Mexico.
National
LA Panel and Exhibit Explore Japanese Americans in the Import Car Scene
A JANM panel and the Cruising J-Town exhibit trace how Nikkei drivers, builders, and racers helped make Southern California's import scene what it is today.
SoCal
Toyota Expands Classic Car Restoration and Discontinued Parts Program
Toyota is reviving discontinued parts for eight models and restoring one classic annually, starting with a 1973-era Celica Liftback rebuilt by factory workers.
National
Inside South Korea's Underground Car Scene, Where Enthusiasm Meets Strict Rules
Road & Track's reporting on late-night meets, dawn Cars & Coffee gatherings, and track days shows how Korean enthusiasts keep car culture alive under tight laws and dash-cam scrutiny.
National
Polestar 2 Returns to Canada After a Tariff Timeout
The China-built Polestar 2 is back for the 2027 model year at $69,900, one trim, fully loaded, after sitting out 2026 because of import tariffs.
GVA
Fast EV Bargains That Undercut the Ferrari Hype
Ferrari's electric Luce may grab headlines at half a million pounds, but the used market is full of quick EVs at a fraction of the price.
National
Hyundai Slashes Kona and Ioniq 5 Prices in Australia, With Tradeoffs
Hyundai cut Australian pricing on the Kona Electric and Ioniq 5 to stay competitive, but removed the heat pump, portable charger, and in-car V2L outlet on some models.
National
Mitsubishi and Nissan Plan EV-to-Grid Power Trading by 2030
Two Japanese automakers want EV owners to charge cheap and sell power back to the grid when rates spike, with services targeted around 2030.
National
Audi Unveils the Nuvolari, a 1,001-HP Hybrid Supercar
Audi's limited-run Nuvolari pairs a high-revving V8 with three electric motors, targeting more than 350 km/h and deliveries in the first half of 2027.
National
2027 Cadillac Lyriq Adds NACS and a Modest Price Bump
The 2027 Lyriq rises just $200 but gains a native NACS port, opening Tesla Supercharger access across North America.
National
Long Island Gas Prices Jump 47% Ahead of Summer Travel
Drivers on Long Island are paying about $4.27 per gallon on average, up sharply from a year ago as summer road trip season collides with higher oil prices.
Northeast
Kia Prices the All-New 2027 Seltos From $24,990
The second-generation 2027 Kia Seltos starts at $24,990 for the LX FWD before destination, with a wider body, Telluride-inspired design, and turbo or naturally aspirated engine choices.
NationalBMW Adds M xDrive All-Wheel Drive to the M2 for the First Time
The BMW M2 gains optional M xDrive for late-summer 2026 deliveries, with a 480-hp inline-six, 0–100 km/h in 3.7 seconds, and production at BMW Group Plant San Luis Potosí in Mexico.
National
Honda and Acura Sales Climb as Hybrids Outpace the Prologue EV
Honda Group sales rose nearly 10% in May on hybrid strength, while the Prelude hit its monthly cap and the Prologue EV continued to slide.
National
Utah's Mirror Lake Scenic Byway Named America's Most Beautiful Road
A 42-mile alpine route east of Salt Lake City topped a new ranking based on traveler reviews, beating iconic drives in Colorado and California.
National
Lexus Crossovers Carry the Brand as GX and LX Sales Slip
The RX, NX, and TX posted solid May numbers while body-on-frame GX and LX models declined, even as the RZ EV more than doubled its year-to-date volume.
National
World Cup Summer Is Shaping Road Trip Plans
A GSTV survey finds most Americans still plan to drive this summer, with the World Cup pushing longer trips to matches and watch parties.
National
Toyota Expands Hybrid Lineup Across North American Markets
Toyota is broadening its hybrid portfolio with new trims aimed at suburban families and urban commuters across the U.S. and Canada.
National
Luxury EV Makers Target West Coast Metro Dealership Networks
Premium electric vehicle brands are increasing showroom presence in Los Angeles, Orange County, and Bay Area markets.
SoCal
Used EV Prices Continue Adjusting in Canadian Metro Markets
Secondary EV markets in Toronto and Vancouver are seeing price corrections as inventory grows and buyer preferences shift.
GTA
Chinese EV Imports Set to Reach Canadian Showrooms
Canada will allow 49,000 Chinese-built EVs per year at a 6.1% tariff, and dealers across the country are lining up to sell them.
GTA
Pacific Northwest Charging Corridor Gets Infrastructure Investment
New funding aims to improve fast-charging access along I-5 and key routes between Seattle, Portland, and Vancouver.
PNW
Chinese Automakers Are Racing to Fill Canada's EV Quota
BYD, Geely, and Chery are hiring dealers and scouting storefronts as Canada opens a 49,000-unit window for Chinese-built EVs.
GTA
Mercedes-Benz Picks Seoul as First Asian Stop on Its 140th Anniversary Tour
The new S-Class led Mercedes-Benz's anniversary tour into Gangnam before Beijing and Tokyo, highlighting Korea as a top global market for the brand.
National
Stellantis Explored Building Chinese EVs at an Idled Canadian Plant
Bloomberg reported Stellantis held talks about assembling Chinese-brand EVs at underused Canadian factory capacity amid its broader EV reset.
GTA
California Rewrites Car-Buying Rules With Used Returns and Pricing Reforms
New state laws add a three-day return window for used cars under $50,000, require honest advertised pricing, and let automakers opt out of recent lemon law changes.
NorCal
What Your Family Car Says at Thanksgiving
Thanksgiving is when the driveway becomes a family review panel. Nobody writes notes. Everyone has them.
National
Luxury Travel Companies Are Building Custom U.S. Road Trips
AFAR highlights operators from Black Tomato to All Roads North selling curated domestic road trips with five-star hotels, private guides, and fly-and-drive logistics starting in the five figures.
National