Connect with us

Published

on

Autonomous robotaxi startup Pony.ai continues to expand the reach of its autonomous operations – this time venturing outside of China into the NEOM development of northwest Saudi Arabia. The company announced a new joint venture with NEOM today that includes an $100 million investment to establish a local presence and implement robotaxi rides across the Middle East.

Pony.ai Inc. is a technology company founded in 2016 that specializes in fully-autonomous mobility. Its robotaxi development has been supported through partnerships with global OEMs like Toyota, GAC Group, and NIO Capital, helping it become one of the trailblazers of driverless rides in China.

Since the launch of its robotaxi app in December 2018, Pony.ai has become the first to commercialize autonomous taxi services in the Chinese cities of Beijing and Guangzhou and one of the first companies licensed to operate in other tier-1 cities, like Shanghai an Shenzen. It has also expanded US cities like Tucson, Arizona.

Today, Pony.ai announced further operational expansions into the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia and beyond, with the help of the region’s futuristic urban development, NEOM.

Pony Robotaxi
Credit: Pony.AI

Pony.ai robotaxis to bring sustainable travel to NEOM

The new partners shared details of the new joint venture today, which includes an $100 million investment in Pony.ai by the NEOM Investment Fund (NIF). Once the JV is successfully established, Pony.ai will setup a regional headquarters, complete with state-of-the-art R&D and manufacturing facilities in Saudi Arabia.

From there, the companies state Pony.ai will develop, manufacture, and operate a fleet of autonomous driving services led by advanced EVs in addition to the infrastructure to support their operations. This expansion strategy includes not only NEOM, but also key markets in the Middle East and North Africa (MENA). NEOM’s executive director of land mobility Terry Wong spoke:

The investment in Pony.ai is an essential part of our ambitious plans to build a smart, zero-emission, autonomous multi-modal transport system, connecting people and communities across NEOM, while incubating new technologies for the benefit of the world. With this investment, we are moving ever closer towards a new future for commuters and travelers – one that is safer, more convenient, and more sustainable.

Pony.ai is the latest innovator in advanced clean mobility joining the NEOM development, which is working to establish a multi-modal sustainable transport system powered by 100% renewable energy. Other technologies being implemented in the region include eVTOL air taxis and electric seagliders. Pony.ai co-founder and CEO Dr. James Peng also spoke to the new joint venture with NEOM:

We are delighted to partner with NEOM, to combine Pony.ai’s world-class autonomous driving technology and operations experience with NEOM’s vision to be the ‘the land of the future, where the greatest minds and best talents are empowered to embody pioneering ideas’ to develop, manufacture and deliver autonomous mobility services and vehicles to the region. As a leading global autonomous driving technology company, this major regional expansion for Pony.ai is a milestone for our global aspirations and our vision of ‘autonomous mobility everywhere’ and will advance the development of the global AV industry into a new stage.

Neither of the JV partners shared a timeline on when we may see Pony.ai’s robotaxi operations in NEOM and the rest of MENA, but we are sure to learn more as both entities push forward with their implementation of sustainable, autonomous technologies.

FTC: We use income earning auto affiliate links. More.

Continue Reading

Environment

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

Published

on

By

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.

Advertisement – scroll for more content

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).

FTC: We use income earning auto affiliate links. More.

Continue Reading

Environment

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

Published

on

By

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%.

Advertisement – scroll for more content

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.


The 30% federal solar tax credit is ending this year. If you’ve ever considered going solar, now’s the time to act. To make sure you find a trusted, reliable solar installer near you that offers competitive pricing, check out EnergySage, a free service that makes it easy for you to go solar. It has hundreds of pre-vetted solar installers competing for your business, ensuring you get high-quality solutions and save 20-30% compared to going it alone. Plus, it’s free to use, and you won’t get sales calls until you select an installer and share your phone number with them. 

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.

FTC: We use income earning auto affiliate links. More.

Continue Reading

Environment

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

Published

on

By

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.

Advertisement – scroll for more content

Got news? Let us know!
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.


If you’re considering going solar, it’s always a good idea to get quotes from a few installers. To make sure you find a trusted, reliable solar installer near you that offers competitive pricing, check out EnergySage, a free service that makes it easy for you to go solar. It has hundreds of pre-vetted solar installers competing for your business, ensuring you get high-quality solutions and save 20-30% compared to going it alone. Plus, it’s free to use, and you won’t get sales calls until you select an installer and share your phone number with them. 

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.

FTC: We use income earning auto affiliate links. More.

Continue Reading

Trending