Turns out, the smooth, silent ride of electric vehicles might have an unexpected downside—more passengers are reporting motion sickness compared to traditional gas-powered cars. Scientists say it’s likely due to the lack of engine noise and vibration, which our brains use to anticipate movement. As EVs become mainstream (they made up 22% of global new car sales in 2024), this quirk could become a bigger headache—literally—for riders.

Editor’s Note: If you’ve ever felt queasy in the backseat of an EV, you’re not alone. This isn’t just a niche complaint—it’s a design quirk that could affect how comfortable people feel about ditching gas cars. Automakers might need to tweak things like acceleration patterns or add subtle feedback to keep passengers from reaching for the sick bag. For now, it’s a reminder that even green tech can have unintended bumps in the road.

The Senate is considering scrapping a rule that penalizes automakers for not meeting fuel-efficiency standards—a policy that once pushed the industry toward greener cars like the Prius. Now, car companies are divided: some want the fines gone, while others worry it could stall progress on cleaner vehicles.

Editor’s Note: This isn’t just about fines—it’s about whether the U.S. keeps pressure on automakers to innovate or lets them off the hook. If the rule disappears, it could slow down the shift to fuel-efficient cars at a time when climate change is screaming for faster action. Not great for the planet, and maybe not even for automakers in the long run.

Volkswagen is jumping into the autonomous ride-hailing game with a new robotaxi designed for Uber’s fleet in Los Angeles—and they’re not wasting any time. The first 500 vehicles are set to hit the streets next year, signaling a bold move to compete with Big Tech in a market projected to be worth over $500 billion by 2035.

Editor’s Note: This isn’t just another futuristic concept—it’s a real-world play by Volkswagen to carve out space in the booming self-driving taxi market. With Uber as a partner and a fast rollout timeline, it shows traditional automakers aren’t sitting back while tech giants dominate. For consumers, it could mean more options (and maybe cheaper rides) in the not-so-distant future.

Toyota is hiking prices across its U.S. vehicle lineup starting in July, with an average increase of $270 per car. The move reflects broader industry trends as automakers grapple with rising production costs, supply chain snags, and inflation. While not a massive jump, it’s another pinch for buyers already facing steep car prices.

Editor’s Note: If you’ve been eyeing a new Toyota, your wallet’s about to feel a little lighter. This isn’t just about one brand—it’s part of a bigger story where cars keep getting pricier, and manufacturers are passing the buck to consumers. For shoppers, it’s another reason to weigh whether to buy now or wait (and hope prices ease). For the economy, it’s another sign that the "cooling inflation" narrative still has some hot spots.

Tesla is gearing up to enter the Indian market with its China-made electric vehicles, setting up shop in Mumbai and New Delhi by mid-July. The move comes as the company faces slower sales in Europe and China, making India a key new frontier for growth. The first batch of Model Y SUVs has already arrived from Tesla’s Shanghai factory, with additional parts sourced from the US and Netherlands.

Editor’s Note: Tesla’s India debut is a big deal—not just for EV enthusiasts but for the broader auto market. It signals India’s growing appeal as an EV hub and could push local competitors to step up their game. Plus, with Tesla tapping its China factory for supply, it’s a clever workaround to keep costs competitive in a price-sensitive market. If this rollout goes smoothly, it might just kickstart India’s electric revolution.

Remember when hybrid cars were the butt of jokes—too slow, too weird, or just a passing fad? Turns out, the joke’s on the skeptics. Hybrids have quietly gone from niche to mainstream, winning over drivers who want fuel efficiency without the range anxiety of full EVs. Carmakers are now scrambling to keep up with demand, proving that sometimes the "middle ground" ends up being the sweet spot.

Editor’s Note: This isn’t just about cars—it’s a sign of how consumer habits and tech evolve in unexpected ways. Hybrids were the underdogs, but their rise shows that practicality often wins over purism. For anyone watching the energy transition, it’s a lesson in flexibility: the future isn’t always all-or-nothing.

This roundup dives into the latest chatter in the auto and transport sectors, with a spotlight on China’s shifting auto sales and Canada’s airline industry. Think of it as a quick but insightful snapshot of where things stand—whether you're tracking market trends or just curious about how people and goods are moving (or not moving) these days.

The US auto safety watchdog is digging into Tesla's plans for rolling out robotaxis—essentially self-driving taxis—after the company provided some answers about how it intends to deploy the tech. Regulators want to make sure Tesla’s approach is safe and compliant before giving it the green light.

Editor’s Note: Tesla’s push for robotaxis could be a game-changer for transportation, but regulators aren’t just taking their word for it. This scrutiny matters because if self-driving cars hit the road without proper oversight, safety risks could skyrocket. It’s a classic case of innovation moving fast—maybe too fast—for the rules to keep up.

CarMax just reported earnings that highlight a surprising uptick in demand for used cars—suggesting budget-conscious buyers might be opting for pre-owned vehicles over pricier new models. Analysts on Bloomberg’s panel pointed to shifting consumer priorities and lingering economic uncertainty as possible drivers.

Editor’s Note: This isn’t just a blip for car dealers—it’s a signal of broader trends. If people are leaning into used cars, it could reflect tighter wallets, cooling interest in big-ticket purchases, or even a shift in how folks view car ownership. For investors, it’s a clue about where the auto market (and maybe the economy) is headed next.