This major European city is pushing out bikes to make room for cars
While Paris is expanding bike paths and shunning SUVs, it’s different in Berlin. Here, the car is king, at least for the city’s conservative government, which is unleashing a culture war against cyclists and drivers.
By contrast, German cities Hanover and Tübinger are planning to build more cycling infrastructure, with Hanover considered one of the most bike-friendly cities in the world with its vast bike lane network and no-car days. And other European cities are considering going the way of Paris by slapping hefty parking fees on SUVs, which are surging in popularity in Europe.
But Berlin’s government says that isn’t the way forward for the German capital: “We have no intention of increasing parking charges for SUVs. More generally, we have no plans to impose new rules on their owners,” said Kai Wegner, the city’s first right-wing governing mayor since 2001.
Putting a fine point on this isn’t, of course, surprising, since for the past year Berlin has been helmed by the Christian Democratic Union (CDU)’s Wegner. Le Monde writes that one of his campaign slogans was: “Berlin is for everyone, including car drivers.” Another poster read: “Berlin, don’t let the car be banned.”
After the party won the election, Wegner quickly set about undoing all the green transport projects set up by his left-leaning predecessors.
Some of the unraveling involved pulling the brakes on all bike infrastructure projects that “endanger” existing car lanes or parking spaces, writes Politico. The plan to add thousands of miles of cycling lanes was put on hold, as was the plan to pedestrianize the Friedrichstrasse, a roughly 2-mile thoroughfare of high-end shops, restaurants, and the former Checkpoint Charlie border crossing between East and West Berlin. A popular spot for Berliners and tourists alike, it was a natural testing ground for banning cars to make room for people. But some local business owners said they saw a drop in sales after the car ban, and the conservative government was more than eager to shut the project down and let the cars back in.
Part of the CDU’s rhetoric, too, is sounding awfully familiar these days in Europe, that bike networks and pedestrian zones exclude working-class people who need cars to commute to work in the city center each day, so removing parking lanes for bikes or shutting off roads to cars cut into their livelihoods. For Paris, the higher SUV parking fees exempt workers needing to commute, for example.
Still, all this tension, too, has resulted in Berlin cyclists reporting a rise in violence from drivers when out cycling or engaging in pro-bike protests, reports ExBerliner.
Already there are 1.23 million registered cars in Berlin, with each year some 10,000 more cars arriving in Berlin – with the city ranking as Germany’s most polluted city. Most people, however, prefer other forms of transit, with the last government survey from 2018 saying only 23% of daily journeys were made by private vehicle. Among other modes of transport: 27% by public transport, 31% by foot, and 18% by bicycle. Plus more people took to their bikes after the pandemic, with 17% more cyclists on roads now than in 2018.
Another major point of contention is the planned extension of the A100 highway through Berlin, which could see around 30 nightclubs and cultural venues being knocked down to build it – a move that is fiercely opposed by activists who want to protect this part of the city’s cultural heritage and prevent a flood of cars flowing into the city. And what is Berlin without an industrial club? While Berlin’s long-ruling Social Democratic Party (SPD) opposed the extension, the CDU sees it differently and has the final word.
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The redesigned 2026 Genesis GV70 EV is arriving with significant discounts of up to $14,000. Genesis upgraded the luxury electric SUV with a longer driving range and a refined design, both inside and out. Here’s how you can score some savings.
Genesis introduces 2026 GV70 EV discounts
After launching the updated model in Korea earlier this year, the new GV70 EV is now arriving in the US. The new 2026 Genesis Electrified GV70 is an improvement in nearly every way compared to the outgoing model.
Like the gas-powered model, the EV version features a revamped design with a new Crest grille, a revised bumper, and MLA technology added to the Two-Tone headlights.
Inside, the GV70 EV has been “reborn” with more space and luxury. A new 27″ screen combines the infotainment and driver display, while the climate control now has a separate screen. Other premium features like the crystal electronic shift dial remain.
Powered by a larger 84 kWh battery, the new GV70 EV offers a driving range of up to 423 km (263 miles) in Korea, an increase from 400 km (249 miles) in the outgoing model with a 77.4 kWh battery.
Although US specs have yet to be announced, the 2026 model is expected to feature slightly more driving range than the current 236-mile EPA rating for the 2025 GV70. It’s expected to provide closer to 250 miles of range. It will also include an NACS port for charging at Tesla Superchargers.
According to a recent note sent to dealers viewed by CarsDirect, the 2026 Genesis GV70 EV is already available with discounts of up to $14,000 for a 24-month lease.
The savings vary by trim, with up to $3,500 in lease cash available on the Standard trim and up to $ 5,250 on the Advanced trim. Meanwhile, the range-topping Prestige trim features up to $14,000 in lease cash discounts.
Although the discount is significantly higher, the Prestige model also has a higher lease rate of 5.4% compared to 0.1% for the Advanced trim.
If you choose the 36-month loan, lease cash drops to just $500 for the Advanced and $3,250 for the Prestige. The base Standard trim offers no lease cash, but has a lease rate close to 0%. Other special finance rates include 5.99% APR for 60 months and 6.49% for 72-month loans.
The national lease offer is $679 for 36 months based on the Standard trim with an MSRP of $65,830. With $5,999 due at signing, the effective monthly cost is $845. The offer ends on April 30.
If you’re looking for a cheaper lease option, the upgraded 2025 Hyundai IONIQ 5 is one of the most affordable EV lease deals right now. It starts at just $199 for 24 months with $3,999 due at signing.
Ready to score some savings while they are still here? We can help you get started. You can use our links below to find deals on the Genesis GV70 EV and Hyundai IONIQ 5 in your area.
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The 2025 edition of the ACT Expo hasn’t even started yet, but there’s already at least one big takeaway wort talking about: the Tesla-fighting Windrose electric semi truck from China Belgium is not coming to America … it’s already here. And it’s already in customers’ hands.
The Chinese Belgian heavy truck manufacturer announced plans to build its R700 Class 8 electric truck in the US in a bid to sidestep the heavy tariffs and trade restrictions on imported HDEVs last year – and last week, the company delivered the first-ever all electric, long-haul sleeper truck to a US fleet customer.
The trucks are deployed by JoyRide Logistics, a Phoenix-based carrier and the first US regional trucking company to operate fully electric sleeper trucks on long (-ish) distance routes that include overnight drives. The initial rollout is happening in Arizona, California, and Nevada, with nationwide expansion already “in sight,” according to both companies.
“This isn’t just a prototype or promise-this is a fully operational, long-range electric truck that’s ready to haul freight today,” says Wen Han, founder and CEO of Windrose. “We’ve validated our technology globally and are proud to bring it to the US – one of the most important logistics markets in the world.”
Meeting the needs
JoyRide Logistics LLC partners with a number of its Fortune 500 customers, many of whom have public ESG goals and are actively working to reduce Scope 3 emissions. The integration of the Windrose R700 electric semis into their fleets is a targeted effort to help achieve their stated sustainability goals.
“Partnering with Windrose allows us to stay ahead-not just on sustainability, but on total operational performance,” said Adis Danan, President at JoyRide Logistics. “We’re talking fuel savings, reduced maintenance, and a future-ready fleet that our customers can get behind. We want to make electric logistics efficient, scalable-and cool.”
Windrose brought one of its all-electric R700 Class 8 trucks to this year’s ACT Expo, giving journalists and fleet buyers a chance to see the truck first hand. At last year’s show, Windrose impressed with a preproduction truck featuring what appeared to be a slick UI, well-finished interior, and solid construction.
The R700 packs a 729 kWh battery is reportedly good for about 420 miles of range on a single charge with a full, 49 ton GVW. The company has shown concepts (some renderings, some mules) in long-haul, severe duty, and dump body configurations.
Windrose is backed by HSBC, Citi, Fountainvest, GSR Ventures, HITE Hedge, Goodman Group, and other world-renowned investors, and has now worked with Decathlon, Remy Cointreau, Nestle Wyeth Nutrition, and many other top brands. Watch this space for more.
Electrek’s Take
In a bid to shake the “Chinese truck” stigmas in the west, Windrose has moved its corporate offices and is now based in Antwerp, Belgium – but it doesn’t matter if they say they’re based on Venus. The fact remains they have a capable, competent battery electric sleeper truck in the US and in customers’ hands right now … and they are absolutely full speed ahead.
SOURCE | IMAGES: Windrose; via Access Newswire, CleanTrucking.
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Toyota is preparing to launch two new electric vehicles in China by mid-2026. The flagship Toyota bZ7 and Lexus ES are part of Toyota’s effort to regain market share from domestic electric vehicle (EV) leaders like BYD. Here’s our first look at the sleek new electric cars.
Meet the new Toyota bZ7 and Lexus ES EVs
At Auto Shanghai 2025 last week, Toyota announced plans to expand its electric vehicle (EV) lineup in China. According to Toyota, China is a “highly advanced market that leads the way in electrification.”
To keep pace, Toyota unveiled its new flagship electric sedan, the bZ7. The new bZ7 was developed locally with Guangzhou Automobile Group (GAC), Guangzhou Toyota Motor Co, and Intelligent ElectroMobility R&D Center by TOYOTA.
The bZ7 is over 5 meters long and will compete with the BYD Han L, Tesla Model S, BMW i5, and other premium EV models in China.
Toyota said the electric sedan will feature its “safe, reliable, and high-quality manufacturing” while infusing “China’s advanced tech.”
Although no other details were offered, Toyota said its new flagship EV will be equipped with the latest intelligent tech and is expected to launch within a year. The bZ7 will join the bZ4X, bZ3, bZ3X, and bZ5 in Toyota’s expanding EV lineup for China.
Toyota also unveiled the new Lexus ES at the event. The new model will be the first next-gen Lexus with EV and HEV powertrain options.
The eighth-gen ES is based on the LF-ZC concept, marking the beginning of the next generation of Lexus. The EV version will be available with FWD and AWD powertrain options, offering driving ranges of up to 685 km (425 miles) and 610 km (379 miles) on the CLTC cycle, respectively.
Inside, Lexus said the ES will debut with the world’s first Responsive Hidden Switches, which “seamlessly blends physical controls into the interior” for added convenience. It will also include a Lexus-first, Sensory Concierge, for a personalized in-car experience.
Lexus’ new electric sedan is 5,140 mm long, 1,920 mm wide, and 1,560 mm tall, approximately the same size as BYD’s Han L model (5,050 mm long, 1,960 mm wide, and 1,505 mm tall).
The ES is the second of three new Lexus electric vehicles set to debut by March 2026. It will follow the RZ and UX in the luxury brand’s EV lineup for China.
What are your thoughts on the new Toyota bZ7 and Lexus ES? Can they compete in China’s intensifying EV market? Let us know in the comments below.
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