News, deep dives, and analysis — every California story, newest first.
U.S. House Republicans have raised their proposed annual fee on electric vehicle (EV) owners to $250, up from $200, to address a shortfall in highway repair funds, as EV drivers bypass gasoline taxes that traditionally fund road maintenance. This proposal, part of a broader tax reform bill, also includes a $100 fee for hybrids and…
In a bold push to electrify heavy-duty trucking, Tesla is hiring over 1,000 workers at its Nevada Gigafactory to kickstart mass production of its long-awaited Semi truck by late 2025, Business Insider reports. This hiring surge signals Tesla’s determination to deliver on a vision first unveiled in 2017, promising a cleaner, high-performance alternative to diesel…
On April 25, 2025, Tesla settled a disturbing racial discrimination lawsuit filed by a Black female employee at its Fremont, California, manufacturing facility, exposing a troubling workplace culture at the electric vehicle giant. The plaintiff, Raina Pierce, accused the company of tolerating racist remarks and unfair treatment, with court records revealing a manager’s alleged use…
President Trump’s proposed tariffs on imported cars and auto parts could significantly inflate electric vehicle (EV) prices, potentially stalling the industry’s momentum in the U.S. market, according to a detailed analysis by The New York Times. However, EVs like the Tesla Model Y and Volkswagen ID.4, built domestically with fewer imported components, may emerge as…
On April 28, 2025, major automakers, including Ford, General Motors, and Hyundai, urged Congress to intervene and halt California’s ambitious plan to phase out gasoline-only vehicles by 2035, a policy adopted by 11 other states. Citing potential disruptions to vehicle shipments within months, the industry’s plea highlights a critical tension between regulatory mandates and the…
On April 25, 2025, San Francisco took a bold step toward its ambitious climate goals by unveiling the city’s first curbside electric vehicle (EV) chargers on Fillmore Street near Duboce Triangle. As reported by the San Francisco Chronicle, this initiative marks a pivotal moment for urban EV infrastructure, aiming to make charging as seamless as…
New York’s aggressive push to electrify transportation is gaining momentum, with the state’s Drive Clean Rebate program injecting $30 million to offer up to $2,000 off new electric vehicles (EVs) at the point of sale, combinable with the federal $7,500 tax credit. NYSERDA’s initiative aims to make EVs more accessible, countering price barriers and federal…
On April 24, 2025, Slate Auto, a Michigan-based electric vehicle startup, unveiled its game-changing Blank Slate pickup truck in Long Beach, California, promising to shatter the price barrier for EVs with a base cost of $20,000. Backed by Amazon founder Jeff Bezos, this radically simple, customizable electric truck targets everyday drivers and fleet operators, offering…
One email with the EV news that matters — Tesla, Rivian, BYD, and everything in between, straight from the newsroom. No spam, no fluff.
