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An electric vehicle charging point in Stoke-on-Trent, England.
Nathan Stirk | Getty Images News | Getty Images

The U.K. government said Wednesday it wanted to create a net zero transport sector by the year 2050, as it looked set to publish details of a long-awaited decarbonization plan later today.

According to a news release from the government — the full report had not been made available as of lunchtime on Wednesday — a key part of the roadmap is a goal to “phase out the sale of new diesel and petrol heavy goods vehicles (HGVs) by 2040.”

If realized, this ambition — which is subject to consultation — would complement the government’s previously announced plans to stop the sale of new diesel and gasoline cars and vans by 2030 and require, from 2035, all new cars and vans to have zero tailpipe emissions.

Among other things, authorities are also targeting a net zero railway network by the middle of this century and want net zero aviation emissions by 2050.

The shift to a zero emission transport sector, the U.K.’s largest emitter of greenhouse gases, will require significant investment in areas such as charging infrastructure and the development of new systems and technologies.

In a written statement to the U.K. Parliament, Transport Secretary Grant Shapps said: “The plan published today is genuinely high ambition – technically and feasibly – for all areas of transport and notes that decarbonisation will rely, in part, on future transport technology, coupled with the necessary behavioural and societal change.”

Among those reacting to the plan were Helen Clarkson, CEO of international non-profit The Climate Group. “There is no world in which the decarbonisation of transport happens overnight,” she said, “so we await further clarity from the Government around the timelines for these plans and encourage them to look beyond ambition to action.”

Industry responds

Wednesday’s announcement drew a mixed response from a wide range of stakeholders within industry. Elizabeth de Jong, Logistics UK’s director of policy, said the government’s plan would “help to provide logistics businesses with confidence and clarity on the steps they must take on the pathway to net zero.”

“Consultation on proposed phase out dates for new diesel HGVs should enable business to move forwards with confidence,” she added.

Elsewhere, the Road Haulage Association said that while it supported the decarbonization of trucks, the government’s plan was “speculative, potentially damaging to business, and short on detail.”

Richard Burnett, the RHA’s chief executive, claimed that the proposal as it stood was “unrealistic.”

“These alternative HGVs don’t yet exist – we don’t know when they will and what they will cost,” he said. “It’s also not clear what any transition will look like – this is blue skies aspiration,” he added.

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Ford’s EV sales fell 25% in May despite employee prices and several other discounts

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Ford's EV sales fell 25% in May despite employee prices and several other discounts

Although US sales rose 16% in May, Ford’s EV sales fell short of expectations. Even with employee prices and other discounts, Ford sold just over 6,700 electric vehicles last month, 25% fewer than in May 2024.

Ford’s US sales rise in May, but EV sales struggle

Ford sold nearly 221,000 vehicles in the US last month, 16% more than the roughly 190,000 it sold in May 2024. SUVs and trucks led the growth, with sales up 25% and 11%, respectively.

Despite selling more hybrid and internal combustion engine (ICE) vehicles, Ford’s EV sales slipped 25% to 6,723 units in May.

The Mustang Mach-E was the only electric model with higher sales compared to last year, with 4,724 units sold (+11%).

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After retaking the title of “America’s best-selling electric pickup” from the Tesla Cybertruck in the first quarter, F-150 Lightning sales fell 42%, with just 1,902 units sold in May. The E-Transit took an even bigger hit with only 97 models sold last month, 97% fewer than the nearly 1,500 it sold in May 2024.

Ford's-EV-sales-May-2025
2025 Ford F-150 Lightning (Source: Ford)

Ford’s electric vehicle sales have now fallen by double digits for the past two months. After dropping by nearly 40% in April, a Ford spokesperson told Electrek that it was due to lower inventory resulting from model year changeovers.

CEO Jim Farley also said last month that the company’s “From America, For America” promotion, which includes employee prices, helped sell over 150,000 vehicles.

Ford's-EV-sales-May-2025
2025 Ford Mustang Mach-E (Source: Ford)

After initial success, Ford extended the employee pricing offer through July 4. Although the promotion will still be offered, Ford is planning to raise prices on vehicles built in Mexico, including the Mustang Mach-E.

The price hikes impact vehicles imported after May 2, which are expected to begin arriving at dealerships later this month.

Ford's-EV-sales-May-2025
Ford Mustang Mach-E (left) and F-150 Lightning (right) (Source: Ford)

The spokesperson said Ford’s price changes come as part of its “usual mid-year pricing actions combined with some tariffs we are facing.”

Through its Power Promise promotion, Ford is also offering those who purchase or lease a new EV a free Level 2 home charger, 24/7 live support, on-the-go charging options, and a battery warranty.

Looking to test one out for yourself? We can help you get started. Check out our links below to find Ford Mustang Mach-E, F-150 Lightning, and E-Transit models at a dealer near you.

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Watch BETA Technologies’ electric aircraft fly into NYC with passengers onboard [Video]

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Watch BETA Technologies' electric aircraft fly into NYC with passengers onboard [Video]

Electric aircraft developer BETA Technologies recently hit a notable milestone today when its ALIA CTOL plane completed its first demonstration flight with passengers onboard. The electric aircraft traveled 45 minutes before landing safely at JFK International Airport in NYC. Check out the full video from BETA below.

BETA Technologies is a fully integrated electric aircraft and systems developer based in Vermont. It’s now been four years since the company debuted its first electric vertical takeoff and landing (eVTOL) aircraft, the ALIA–250, which has since been renamed the ALIA VTOL.

BETA has also been developing an electric conventional takeoff and landing (eCTOL) plane called the ALIA CTOL. It has flown tens of thousands of test miles en route to evaluation flights for FAA certification. As we’ve reported in the past, that aircraft is targeting full approval for commercial operations this year.

Following a Special Airworthiness Certificate from the Federal Aviation Administration (FAA), the production-ready CTOL aircraft took to the skies for a test flight last November, piloted by BETA founder and CEO, Kyle Clark. Earlier this year, BETA flew an electric aircraft coast-to-coast from NYC to Los Angeles.s

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After BETA signed an agreement with 47G (Utah Aerospace and Defense) to establish advanced air mobility (AAM) operations in the state, it completed a demonstration flight route spanning 350 miles and six airports around Utah.

Today, BETA announced an even more important milestone, completing an all-electric flight in the ALIA CTOL aircraft into NYC with actual passengers onboard.

Electric aircraft NYC
Source: BETA Technologies

BETA’s CTOL electric aircraft lands in NYC with passengers

Per BETA Technologies, the successful demonstration flight took place in NYC this morning, assisted by a partnership between the electric aircraft developer and the Port Authority of New York and New Jersey.

This was a historic flight for the young aerospace company as it was the first time its ALIA CTOL aircraft was operated with passengers onboard. The NYC-bound electric aircraft transported a pilot and four passengers, including Republic Airways President Matt Koscal and Blade Air Mobility CEO Rob Wiesenthal (pictured above).

The executives took a 45-minute, all-electric flight together aboard the ALIA CTOL aircraft from Long Island into NYC, landing safely at JFK Airport. Wiesenthal spoke about his experience onboard:

This electric aircraft flight from Long Island to New York City highlights that quiet and emission-free flight is quickly becoming a reality benefiting Blade’s fliers, local residents, and other key stakeholders. I can think of no better way to demonstrate our company’s commitment to quiet, electric aircraft commercialization than my participation on this flight as a passenger myself.

BETA pointed out that today’s milestone of electric aircraft travel with passengers onboard in NYC is the culmination of six years of rigorous testing and development. It also offers an exciting glimpse into the future of sustainable travel as BETA moves ever-closer to commercial operations in the United States. BETA founder and CEO Kyle Clark also spoke about the company’s progress:

Flying our electric aircraft into one of the world’s busiest airports, with passengers, proves advanced air mobility is not some future concept, it’s here. Today’s flight is about more than technology; it’s about innovation and connecting communities in safer, quieter, and more efficient ways. After years of rigorous safety testing in all types of environments, we’re proud to stand here with the Port Authority and the city of New York to demonstrate exactly how this aircraft can serve cities by easing congestion, reducing emissions, and increasing accessibility.

The ALIA CTOL is the first AAM aircraft to obtain a market survey certificate from the FAA, enabling BETA Technologies to conduct demonstration flights under specific safety standards before being awarded full FAA certification for commercial operations.

Aside from BETA’s milestone in NYC, fellow electric aircraft developer Archer shared similar news earlier this week, beginning demonstration flights with a pilot onboard. Could we see commercial air taxi operations in the US by 2026?

Check out BETA’s video footage of today’s NYC flight below:

Source: BETA Technologies

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Hyundai emerges as ‘a major force’ in the US as the first IONIQ 9 deliveries kick off

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Hyundai emerges as 'a major force' in the US as the first IONIQ 9 deliveries kick off

With over 17 million vehicles sold since entering the market, Hyundai hit a milestone last month, emerging as “a major force” in the US. After delivering the first IONIQ 9 models last month, are Hyundai’s biggest years still ahead?

Is Hyundai a major force in the US?

“We’re not just meeting demand; we’re shaping the future of electrification,” Randy Parker, CEO of Hyundai Motor North America, said after reporting May sales.

Hyundai sold 84,521 vehicles in the US last month, representing an 8% increase from May 2024. The Korean automaker also hit a major milestone in May, surpassing 17 million vehicles sold since entering the market in 1986.

The company said in a statement that the feat “underscores Hyundai’s position as a major force in the US auto industry and sets the stage for continued success in the years ahead.”

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Hyundai’s electrified lineup, including hybrids and fully electric vehicles, continued driving growth. With 1,197 units sold, up 9%, the IONIQ 6 had its best May sales month so far.

Although IONIQ 5 sales slipped 12% last month with 3,898 units sold, they are still up through the first five months of 2025.

Hyundai-major-force-US
2025 Hyundai IONIQ 5 at a Tesla Supercharger (Source: Hyundai)

Through May, Hyundai’s electric SUV has remained a top seller, with 15,920 units sold, representing a 6% increase from the same period last year.

Last week, Hyundai began delivering the first IONIQ 9 models to customers, marking the launch of its new three-row electric SUV. Hyundai sold 302 IONIQ 9 models in May as output ramps up.

The new Georgia plant will initially be capable of producing up to 300,000 vehicles annually, but capacity could be increased to around 500,000 if needed.

Hyundai-IONIQ-9-deliveries
Hyundai delivers first IONIQ 9 models to US customers (Source: Hyundai)

Parker said, “The delivery of our first IONIQ 9 marks a powerful step forward in Hyundai’s EV journey at our Georgia Metaplant.”

Hyundai celebrated the grand opening of its new EV plant in Georgia earlier this year, where the 2025 IONIQ 5 and 2026 IONIQ 9 are built.

Hyundai-new-EVs-affordable
Hyundai IONIQ 9 (Source: Hyundai)

Although a Bloomberg report last week claimed Hyundai was considering raising vehicle prices due to Trump’s auto tariffs, the company denied the rumors. The price hikes were expected to take effect on June 2 with a 1% increase across the lineup.

For now, Hyundai’s electric vehicles are still some of the most affordable on the market with generous discounts and incentives.

Hyundai’s upgraded 2025 IONIQ 5, now with more driving range and an NACS port to access Tesla Superchargers, starts at $42,500. The extended-range trim, with up to 318 miles of range, starts at $46,550. With the potential $7,500 federal tax credit, you could potentially score one for under $36,500.

2026 Hyundai IONIQ 9 Model EV Powertrain Drivetrain Driving
Range
(miles)
Starting Price
(including destination fee)
IONIQ 9 RWD S 160-kW (215-HP)
Electric Motor
Rear-
Wheel
Drive
335 $60,555
IONIQ 9 AWD SE 226.1 kW (303-HP)
Dual Electric Motors
All-Wheel
Drive
320 $64,365
IONIQ 9 AWD SEL 226.1-kW (303-HP)
Dual Electric Motors
All-Wheel
Drive
320 $67,920
IONIQ 9 AWD 
PERFORMANCE LIMITED
314.6-kW (422-HP)
Dual Electric Motors
All-Wheel
Drive
311 $72,850
IONIQ 9 AWD
PERFORMANCE
CALLIGRAPHY
314.6-kW (422-HP)
Dual Electric Motors
All-Wheel
Drive
311 $76,590
IONIQ 9 AWD
PERFORMANCE
CALLIGRAPHY DESIGN
314.6-kW (422-HP)
Dual Electric Motors
All-Wheel
Drive
311 $78,090
2026 Hyundai IONIQ 9 prices and driving range by trim (*including a $1,600 destination fee)

The 2026 IONIQ 9 starts at $60,555 with a range of up to 335 miles. Like the IONIQ 5, it also features a native NACS port. With up to 2,472 liters (87 cubic feet), Hyundai’s three-row SUV boasts more interior cargo space than a Ford Explorer (2,492 liters).

While it’s still available, the IONIQ 9 qualifies for the $7,500 federal tax credit, meaning you could get one for as low as $53,055.

Ready to see why Hyundai’s EVs are some of the top sellers in the US? Test it out for yourself. You can use our links below to find Hyundai’s electric vehicles in your area.

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