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A Mercedes-Benz EQA photographed in Berlin on Jan. 20, 2021.

Sean Gallup | Getty Images News | Getty Images

The shift to zero-emission mobility should be viewed as a marathon not a sprint, according to the CEO of Germany’s Mercedes-Benz.

Speaking to “Squawk Box Europe,” Ola Kallenius sought to highlight the huge challenge facing the automotive industry in the years ahead as it shifts its focus toward electric vehicles (ESs).

“I think we have to realize that the transition to zero-emission driving is really a marathon, and I believe we’re maybe on kilometer eight or kilometer nine on that journey right now,” he told CNBC’s Annette Weisbach Thursday. “So it’s not something that we should look at as a sprint. The strategic direction is clear — we’re investing into the future, we’re going to go zero-emission.”

Kallenius said Mercedes-Benz’s EVs had received a “good reception” so far. The automaker’s EV models include the EQA, EQB and the EQE SUV. 

His comments came as the Mercedes-Benz Group reported earnings for the second quarter this week. Earnings before interest and taxes rose 8% to hit 5 billion euros, or roughly $5.48 billion.

When it comes to EVs, its battery electric vehicle sales reached 61,211 compared to 31,259 in the second quarter of 2022. Plug-in hybrid sales for the second quarter came in at 34,699, a slight increase on the 32,335 sold in the same period last year.

“We have a whole host of our, so to speak, first generation electric vehicles on the market now,” Kallenius told CNBC Thursday. “And there, we’re gaining momentum.”

The business was also, he explained, “investing in new architectures” that would appear toward the middle of the 2020s and “define our electric play for the second half of this decade.”

“So we are bullish on electric vehicles and zero emission driving and we’re putting billions into it,” he added.

However, Kallenius did stress the importance of maintaining what he called tactical flexibility when it comes to balancing EVs with traditional autos. “In this case, our production network is flexible to produce both high-tech electrified combustion engines and electric vehicles,” he added.

Read more about electric vehicles from CNBC Pro

The Mercedes chief’s comments come as major economies around the world formulate plans to move away from vehicles that use fossil fuels in favor of electric cars.

With the majority of cars on the road still using diesel or gasoline, any shift to low- and zero-emission mobility represents a massive task for lawmakers and businesses.

Despite this, some parts of the world are already seeing significant changes.

In the U.K., for instance, the Society of Motor Manufacturers and Traders said Thursday that electrified vehicle production — which includes hybrid electric, plug-in hybrid and battery electric cars — reached 170,231 between January and June 2023, a record for the first half of a year.

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Ford slashes F-150 Lightning prices by up to $4,000 and bumps up the range

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Ford slashes F-150 Lightning prices by up to ,000 and bumps up the range

Ford is cutting prices on the electric pickup by up to $4,000 to offset the loss of the federal EV tax credit. The 2026 Ford F-150 Lightning now offers more driving range at a lower price.

2026 Ford F-150 Lightning prices and range by trim

After the Tesla Cybertruck took the title as America’s best-selling electric pickup last year, the Ford F-150 Lightning is back on top in 2025.

Ford sold over 10,000 Lightnings in the third quarter, nearly double the roughly 5,400 Tesla Cybertrucks sold. Through September, Ford has sold over 23,000 electric pickups. According to Cox Automotive, Tesla has only sold 16,097 Cybertrucks this year, 38% fewer than it did during the same period in 2024.

After the $7,500 federal EV tax credit expired at the end of September, many automakers, including Ford, are bracing for less demand.

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To keep the momentum going, Ford is reducing prices for the 2026 F-150 Lightning by up to $4,000. Company spokesperson Martin Günsberg confirmed with Electrek that Ford is cutting prices on the flash trim by $4,000 and the Lariat by $2,000.

Ford-2026-F-150-Lightning-prices
The 2026 Ford F-150 Lightning STX (Source: Ford)

Ford introduced a new base STX model that replaces the XLT for 2026. The 2026 Ford F-150 Lightning STX starts at $63,345, the same as the 2025 STX, but it delivers an extra 50 miles of driving range.

A 123 kW extended range battery powers the STX, providing an EPA estimated 290 miles of range. In comparison, the XLT delivered 240 miles of range from a 98 kWh battery.

Ford-F-150-Lightning-STX-interior
The interior of the 2026 Ford F-150 Lightning STX (Source: Ford)

Ford also raided the F-150 parts bin to add a few off-road goodies like running boards from the Tremor, new wheels, and more.

The 2026 F-150 Lightning Flash will start at $65,995, down from $69,995. Meanwhile, the 2026 Lariat and Platinum trims will be priced from $74,995 and $84,995.

Ford F-150 Lightning trim 2025 Starting Price 2026 Starting Price Range
(EPA-est miles)
XLT $63,345 N/A 240
STX N/A $63,345 290
Flash $69,995 $65,995 320
Lariat $76,995 $74,995 320
Platinum $84,995 $84,995 300
2025 and 2026 Ford F-150 Lightning prices and range by trim (excluding destination fee)

Although Ford decided not to move forward with plans for a program to extend the $7,500 EV tax credit, the company is still offering significant incentives to compensate for the loss of it.

The 2025 Ford F-150 Lighting STX is eligible for up to $11,500 in savings in California and other ZEV states. Ford is offering a $9,000 lease cash bonus and an additional $2,000 Ford Power Promise cash bonus. Alternatively, Ford is offering 0% APR financing for 72 months plus an extra $2,000 Power Promise bonus nationwide.

With the 2026 Lightning arriving, Ford is offering big savings on 2025 models. The 2025 F-150 Lightning XLT is currently listed for lease as low as $279 per month in California. You can use our link to find offers on the Ford F-150 Lightning near you (trusted affiliate link).

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US, Europe, and China drive global EV boom to record highs

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US, Europe, and China drive global EV boom to record highs

Global EV sales passed the 2 million mark for the first time in September 2025, according to new data from EV research house Rho Motion – here’s how it breaks down.

A record-breaking September

Rho Motion’s data shows that 2.1 million EVs were sold worldwide in September, the highest monthly total ever recorded. The US, UK, South Korea, and China all hit major milestones, with tax credit deadlines, new registration cycles, and local incentives fueling the global boom.

“Global EV sales topped 2 million units in a single month for the first time, driven by record-breaking demand across major markets,” said Rho Motion’s data manager Charles Lester. “The US surged ahead as buyers raced to claim expiring tax credits, the UK hit new highs on the back of fresh registration plates and the Electric Car Grant, and South Korea set records thanks to Tesla, Hyundai, Kia, and rising BYD imports. Year to date, EV sales have reached 14.7 million – up 26%.”

EV sales by the numbers YTD (Jan–Sept 2025)

  • Global: 14.7 million (+26%)
  • China: 9.0 million (+24%)
  • Europe: 3.0 million (+32%)
  • North America: 1.5 million (+11%)
  • Rest of World: 1.2 million (+48%)

Europe surges on incentives

Europe had a record-breaking month with 427,000 EVs sold, up 36% year-over-year and 55% from August. The UK led the charge with record demand tied to the launch of new license plates and the government’s Electric Car Grant, introduced in July. BEV sales rose 30% year-over-year, while PHEVs jumped nearly 60%.

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Germany’s EV market is expected to get another boost in 2026 after the government approved a new €3 billion ($3.5 billion) incentive package targeting low- and middle-income households. It replaces the subsidy scheme that expired in December 2023. Italy and Spain also continue to see strong growth, with sales up two-thirds and more than double, respectively, compared to 2024.

US buyers rushed to beat tax credit deadlines

In North America, EV sales soared 66% year-over-year in September as US consumers scrambled to take advantage of federal incentives before they expired on September 30. The tax credits supported both purchases and leases.

But Rho Motion expects Q4 2025 demand to dip sharply as those credits disappear. Some automakers are already taking defensive steps: Hyundai has cut prices, while Mercedes-Benz has paused production of four EV models. GM has suspended a production shift at its Spring Hill, Tennessee, plant, and Volkswagen is stopping ID.4 production in Tennessee in October. Nissan has gone further, scrapping its plans to manufacture EVs in the US altogether.

China is the world’s EV powerhouse

China still dominates the global EV market, selling 1.3 million EVs in September, a record-breaking month powered by strong BEV demand. Pure-electric sales rose 28% year-over-year to 800,000 units, while PHEVs and range-extended EVs dipped by 2% to 470,000.

China has sold nearly 9 million EVs YTD, up 24% from 2024, cementing its position as the world’s largest and most mature EV market.


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First-ever Jeep extended range EV, Mazda gets in the price war, and antique hybrids

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First-ever Jeep extended range EV, Mazda gets in the price war, and antique hybrids

On today’s hyped up hybrid episode of Quick Charge, we’ve got the first extended range electric Jeep in North America – the 500-mile new Grand Wagoneer PLUS news that Mazda is getting into the plug-in price war, and a whole lot more.

Today’s episode is brought to you by Climate XChange, a nonpartisan nonprofit working to help states pass effective, equitable climate policies. The nonprofit just kicked off its 10th annual EV raffle, where participants have multiple opportunities to win their dream model. Visit CarbonRaffle.org/Electrek to learn more.

Prefer listening to your podcasts? Audio-only versions of Quick Charge are now available on Apple PodcastsSpotifyTuneIn, and our RSS feed for Overcast and other podcast players.

New episodes of Quick Charge are recorded, usually, Monday through Thursday (most weeks, anyway). We’ll be posting bonus audio content from time to time as well, so be sure to follow and subscribe so you don’t miss a minute of Electrek’s high-voltage daily news.

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Drop us a line at tips@electrek.co. You can also rate us on Apple Podcasts and Spotify, or recommend us in Overcast to help more people discover the show.


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Your personalized solar quotes are easy to compare online and you’ll get access to unbiased Energy Advisors to help you every step of the way. Get started here.

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