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Wallbox/Bidirectional Energy Multi-State
Bidirectional Energy, in partnership with Wallbox, has launched North America’s first multi-state bidirectional charging pilot program, enabling electric vehicles to function as flexible home and grid energy resources. The initiative, open to 180 homes across California and Connecticut, begins with Kia EV9 owners using Wallbox’s Quasar 2 charger and Bidirectional Energy’s virtual power plant (VPP) software platform.
The program allows participants to power their homes, send stored energy back to the grid, and earn incentives—up to $8,800 in California and $10,800 in Connecticut—alongside annual savings and earnings of more than $1,000. The Quasar 2, Wallbox’s 12.48 kW bidirectional charger, can also provide several days of backup power during outages, transforming EVs into home energy hubs.
“This program makes it easy and rewarding for drivers to unlock the full value of their EVs while supporting the grid,” said Frances Bell, CEO of Bidirectional Energy. Wallbox’s Douglas Alfaro added that the partnership “empowers EV owners to turn their vehicles into energy assets.”
Developed with local utilities, the pilot supports equitable energy access and encourages participation from priority communities. Homeowners in single-family or small multi-family residences can verify eligibility and enroll via Bidirectional Energy’s website, where installation and rebate management are handled seamlessly. The program is expected to expand to additional homes and vehicle models as part of a broader push to accelerate bidirectional charging adoption across the U.S.
GM Pulls the Plug on BrightDrop E-Vans
General Motors has announced it will cease production of its electric delivery van line under the BrightDrop name, just four years after launching the business. The decision, revealed alongside GM’s third-quarter earnings, reflects the automaker’s conclusion that the commercial electric-van market “developed much slower than expected.”
Production of BrightDrop vans at GM’s CAMI Assembly plant in Ingersoll, Ontario, has already been suspended, with over 1,000 Canadian jobs now in limbo.
GM cited multiple factors behind the move: weak demand for its electric vans, changes in the U.S. regulatory and tax-incentive landscape, and high inventory levels of unsold units.
The BrightDrop vans were once seen as a major growth play for GM in the burgeoning last-mile and commercial-EV sector but ultimately failed to gain traction. GM will continue servicing existing BrightDrop units but will move away from expanding the product line for now.
This step signals a re-harging of GM’s EV strategy, particularly in the commercial segment — underscoring how challenging the transition to electrified work vehicles remains.
Dover Fueling Solutions NACS Cable Option
Dover Fueling Solutions (DFS) has introduced a North American Charging Standard (NACS) cable option for its Wayne PWR DC fast charger, expanding compatibility to nearly all electric vehicles. The update allows customers to choose CCS1, NACS, or dual-connector setups, providing flexibility for Tesla and other NACS-equipped EVs. DFS says the move responds to growing demand for NACS and helps site operators future-proof their charging infrastructure. The Wayne PWR line now offers power configurations from 160kW to 640kW, supporting both new and retrofit installations. By offering multiple connector standards, DFS aims to simplify deployment, attract more EV drivers, and enhance site value for retailers.
Subaru Solterra Goes NACS
Subaru of America announced that Solterra EV owners now have access to over 25,000 Tesla Superchargers across North America. Starting with the 2026 model, the Solterra comes equipped with a North American Charging Standard (NACS) port and supports “Plug & Charge” functionality through the SubaruConnect app, allowing automatic vehicle recognition and charging initiation. Owners of 2023–2025 Solterra models will soon be able to purchase a Genuine Subaru NACS fast-charging adapter for Tesla Supercharger compatibility. The SubaruConnect app also enables payment setup, station location, and battery preconditioning. The 2026 Solterra EV features a range of up to 288 miles and can charge to 80% in about 28 minutes, even in cold conditions.
ALSO Micromobility: Rivian & Amazon Partnerships
Palo Alto-based ALSO, a vertically integrated electric micromobility company, unveiled its first lineup of small electric vehicles aimed at transforming short-distance travel. The debut includes the TM-B electric bike, two TM-Q four-wheel quads (consumer and commercial), and the Alpha Wave connected helmet. The TM-B features a modular frame, advanced DreamRide motor system, and built-in security and connectivity tools. ALSO’s commercial TM-Q targets logistics and fleet operators, while the consumer version offers a compact, car-free mobility option for families and individuals.
ALSO also announced partnerships with Rivian and Chase Slate for retail and financing, and a collaboration with Amazon to deploy thousands of pedal-assist e-cargo quads for urban delivery across the U.S. and Europe. The company’s ecosystem includes digital integration, vehicle-grade safety, and on-demand service support through Velofix, positioning ALSO as a next-generation platform for sustainable, small-scale electric mobility.
Toyota 2026 bZ Lineup Expands EV Charging Access
Toyota Motor North America announced major updates for its 2026 Toyota bZ electric vehicles, including extended driving range, improved performance, and broader fast-charging access through the newly standard North American Charging Standard (NACS) inlet and Plug & Charge capability. Starting with the 2026 model year, Toyota BEV drivers will gain access to over 25,000 Tesla Supercharger plugs across North America, alongside networks like IONNA, ChargePoint, and EVgo.
Owners of 2023–2025 bZ4X models will receive a complimentary NACS adapter from dealers beginning in November, ensuring backward compatibility and charging flexibility. The 2026 lineup will also include adapters for SAE J1772 and CCS chargers.
Additionally, all Toyota BEVs equipped with Toyota Audio Multimedia now support Apple Maps EV Routing through Apple CarPlay, offering real-time route planning that factors in charger availability, battery status, and elevation. Toyota says these updates aim to enhance convenience and confidence for its electric vehicle customers.
Uber Rebrands to “Uber Electric,” Offers $4,000 Grants
Uber is rebranding its eco-friendly service from “Uber Green” to “Uber Electric” and launching a new incentive program offering drivers $4,000 to switch to an electric vehicle. The initiative comes as the federal used EV tax credit expires, making the grant especially timely.
Drivers in California, New York City, Colorado, and Massachusetts automatically qualify, while those nationwide can receive $1,000 when purchasing a new or used EV through TrueCar. Uber also expanded its Battery-Aware Matching feature—which helps drivers avoid range issues—to more automakers and countries.
The company reports over 200,000 EVs on its platform globally and is encouraging riders to choose electric by offering 20% off their next EV trip with the promo code GOELECTRIC20.
TOPDON Enhances RLink J2534 and TopScan
TOPDON US has upgraded two of its most popular automotive diagnostic products—the RLink J2534 and TopScan—based on customer feedback to deliver greater flexibility and functionality. The new RLink J2534 now integrates the full diagnostic power of the TopScan app, offering all 10 modes of OBD2 testing alongside its existing programming and coding capabilities. Owners of RLink J2534 and RLink X7 devices will also receive one year of free access to the TopScan app (a $99 value).
Designed to support all J2534 protocols for OEM reprogramming and diagnostics, the enhanced RLink J2534 provides faster access to critical vehicle data across thousands of models. Vice President Chad Schnitz emphasized that the updates reflect TOPDON’s commitment to continuous improvement driven by customer input. Available now through TOPDON’s national distributor network, the new RLink J2534 continues the company’s mission to provide professional-grade diagnostic tools at accessible prices.
Ford Prioritizes Gas and Hybrid F-Series, Pauses F-150 Lightning Production
Ford Motor Company is prioritizing production of its gas and hybrid F-150 and Super Duty trucks to offset losses from a fire at key aluminum supplier Novelis’ Oswego, New York plant, which disrupted materials supply. Production of the all-electric F-150 Lightning at the Rouge Electric Vehicle Center in Dearborn remains paused, as Ford focuses on its more profitable, less aluminum-dependent models.
The September 16 fire severely damaged Novelis’ hot mill, which isn’t expected to restart until December 2025. The incident will cost Ford up to $2 billion in fourth-quarter earnings, with an additional $1 billion impact from tariffs—prompting the automaker to reduce its 2025 profit forecast from $6.5 billion to $6 billion.
Despite the F-150 Lightning’s 39.7% year-over-year sales increase in Q3 2025, the model remains a fraction of total F-Series sales. To recover, Ford plans to boost F-Series output by 50,000 trucks in 2026 by adding a third shift and creating 1,000 new jobs at the Dearborn Truck Plant, where workers from the EV facility will be reassigned.
Rivian Cuts Over 600 Jobs
Rivian Automotive is laying off more than 600 employees—about 4.5 % of its roughly 15,000-person workforce—as it navigates weaker electric-vehicle demand following the expiry of a U.S. federal EV tax credit.
According to CEO RJ Scaringe’s internal memo, the job cuts will focus on streamlining go-to-market operations, particularly sales, marketing, service, delivery and mobile operations, while manufacturing and core product development remain largely unaffected.
The move comes as Rivian prepares to launch its more affordable Rivian R2 electric SUV, targeting a ~$45,000 price point, which the company describes as an “inflection point” to scale up its sales volume.
Porsche U800-Volt High-Voltage Cayenne
Porsche has revealed the high-voltage architecture of its upcoming Cayenne Electric SUV, featuring an 800-volt system built on an evolution of its in-house Premium Platform Electric. The SUV offers a range exceeding 600 km (WLTP), with near-production prototypes achieving over 563 km in highway tests at speeds up to 113 km/h.
At the heart of the vehicle is a function-integrated 113 kWh lithium-ion battery, composed of six interchangeable modules with 192 large-format pouch cells. The high-nickel cathode (86%) and silicon-graphite anode enhance energy density and fast-charging performance, delivering 7% higher energy density than the current Taycan battery. The battery is structurally integrated into the chassis for improved rigidity and safety.
A dual-sided cooling system with predictive thermal management maintains optimal battery temperature under all conditions, while energy-efficient fans consume 15% less power than conventional designs. The Cayenne Electric supports ultra-fast charging up to 400 kW, adding over 300 km of range in just 10 minutes, and can also charge at 400-volt stations at 200 kW without a booster.
From 2026, Porsche will offer an 11 kW wireless charging option with up to 90% efficiency, enabling convenient inductive charging via the My Porsche app. Porsche emphasizes that the Cayenne Electric combines efficiency, high performance, and the brand’s signature driving dynamics.