Nissan Stops U.S. Ariya Focuses on Leaf 4 US
Nissan will halt U.S. production of the Ariya crossover for the 2026 model year, reallocating resources toward the launch of the all-new Leaf, which is set to debut as the lowest-priced EV in the U.S. market. The decision, influenced by 15% import tariffs on Japanese-built models, leaves Ariya’s return for 2027 uncertain.
A Nissan spokesperson confirmed the pause, noting that Ariya will remain available through existing inventory and continue to be supported with parts, service, and warranty coverage. The move reflects the automaker’s cost-cutting strategy under new CEO Ivan Espinosa, who assumed leadership in April 2025.
The announcement follows a wave of restructuring measures and came just one day after the resignation of Nissan’s U.S. sales and marketing chief, Vinay Shahani.
Orange EV and OptiGrid Launch Orange Juicer Charger
Orange EV and OptiGrid have unveiled the Orange Juicer, a battery-integrated DC fast charger that slashes fleet electrification timelines from years to weeks while reducing infrastructure costs. Using a 180-kWh onboard battery, the system draws power from existing on-site sources and delivers full fast-charging performance with up to 85% less grid input. The modular, brand-agnostic solution helps fleets bypass costly utility upgrades, avoid multi-year delays, and scale electrification more affordably. Paired with Orange EV’s electric yard trucks, the Orange Juicer provides fleets with faster, flexible deployment and significant cost savings.
MSI Enterprise-Grade EV Chargers
MSI, long known for high-performance computers, is entering the EV charging market with its new EV Life and EV Life Plus chargers. The products deliver up to 14.4 kW of power, support both SAE J1772 and Tesla’s NACS, and are designed to withstand extreme climates with IP55/IP67 durability. The EV Life model offers app-based control, while the EV Life Plus adds RFID authentication, Ethernet/Wi-Fi connectivity, and OCPP 1.6J support. Starting at $449 with a five-year warranty, MSI aims to disrupt the industry by combining enterprise-grade features with affordability.
Toyota Research Institute finds behavioral science boosts EV charging habits and carbon reductions
The Toyota Research Institute (TRI) has released new research showing that behavioral science-based interventions can significantly improve electric vehicle (EV) charging habits, unlocking greater carbon reductions. Using ChargeMinder, a prototype app developed by TRI’s Human-Centered Artificial Intelligence division, studies in the U.S. and Japan found that tailored reminders, positive reinforcement, and educational tools improved charging behavior.
In the U.S., plug-in hybrid drivers increased charging by 10% and reported a 16-point rise in satisfaction, reaching 100%. In Japan, EV drivers shifted charging to renewable energy hours by 59%, adding nearly 30 minutes of daytime charging per day. TRI researchers argue that behavioral interventions offer a fast, low-cost, and scalable way to complement advances in EV technology and infrastructure, ensuring electrified vehicles deliver their full climate benefits.
Veloz Campaign Successful
Veloz, a national nonpartisan nonprofit, announced that its Electric For All program, “The Way Forward is Electric,” has reached hundreds of millions of consumers with fact-based education on the benefits of electric vehicles (EVs) within just two months of its year-long campaign.
Launched in July, the initiative highlights cost savings, lower maintenance, charging convenience, and driving range. When Congress ended the federal EV tax credit early, Veloz quickly shifted its messaging to inform consumers they could still qualify by placing a down payment before September 30. The campaign directs consumers to ElectricForAll.org, a multilingual hub available in 15 languages, where users can find incentives, rebates, charging locations, and savings calculators.
The results have been significant: 425.5 million paid media impressions, nearly one million visits to ElectricForAll.org, and more than 220,000 visits to its incentive resources. The campaign is reaching consumers nationwide, cutting through misinformation and boosting confidence in EV adoption.
Backed by $43.5 million in funding from Electrify America and supported by automakers, nonprofits, utilities, and state agencies, the program is the largest EV public education effort in the U.S. Veloz leaders say the campaign is building lasting momentum for EV adoption beyond the expiration of federal tax credits, as national EV sales hit record highs in August and are expected to set quarterly records in September.
Stellantis and Saft Testi IBIS Battery System
Stellantis, in partnership with Saft, has unveiled the first prototype vehicle featuring IBIS (Intelligent Battery Integrated System) technology, marking a major advance in EV powertrain design. The Peugeot E-3008 prototype integrates inverter and charger functions directly into the battery, boosting efficiency by up to 10%, power by 15%, and cutting charging time by 15%. The system also reduces vehicle weight, saves space, simplifies maintenance, and enhances second-life battery reuse. With Phase 2 testing now underway under the France 2030 program, Stellantis aims to bring IBIS-equipped vehicles to market by decade’s end, with potential applications extending to rail, aerospace, marine, and data centers.