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Lectron Achieves UL 2252 Certification For NACS And CCS Adapters
Lectron has announced that its comprehensive suite of AC and DC charging adapters has achieved UL 2252 certification, marking a significant milestone in hardware validation for North American Charging Standard (NACS) interoperability. The certified lineup includes NACS-to-J1772 and J1772-to-NACS AC adapters for Level 1 and Level 2 charging, alongside the Vortex Plus NACS-to-CCS and CCS-to-NACS DC fast-charging solutions. This certification ensures that Lectron’s hardware meets rigorous safety and performance standards as the industry converges toward the SAE J3400 designation.
The certification of these adapters provides a verified pathway for cross-standard charging across home, workplace, and public infrastructure. The Vortex Plus DC adapter features an automaker-approved interlock design, enabling non-Tesla electric vehicles to access over 25,000 Tesla Superchargers. Similarly, the CCS-to-NACS DC adapter allows NACS-equipped vehicles to utilize more than 12,000 existing CCS fast-charging stations. By securing UL 2252 compliance across both AC and DC portfolios, Lectron establishes a standardized safety baseline for the mixed-protocol charging environments currently defining the North American EV market.
J.D. Power 2026 EVX Study Reports Record Owner Satisfaction
The J.D. Power 2026 U.S. Electric Vehicle Experience Ownership Study indicates that battery electric vehicle owner satisfaction has reached its highest level since the study’s 2021 inception. Despite market volatility and the expiration of federal tax credits in late 2025, 96% of new BEV owners intend to purchase another electric model. Satisfaction gains are primarily attributed to significant improvements in public charging availability, which saw index scores rise by over 100 points year-over-year as mass-market brands gained access to the Tesla Supercharger network.
The Tesla Model 3 ranked highest overall and led the premium segment with a score of 804, followed by the Model Y and BMW i4. In the mass-market category, the Ford Mustang Mach-E secured the top position with a score of 760, outpacing the Hyundai Ioniq 6 and Kia EV9. Data confirms that BEVs continue to outperform plug-in hybrids in owner satisfaction, largely due to lower maintenance requirements and superior cost-of-ownership metrics. Quality improvements were most pronounced in the premium segment, which recorded a record low of 75 problems per 100 vehicles.
Polestar Accelerates Portfolio Expansion With Four-Model Offensive
Polestar (Nasdaq: PSNY) has initiated its most aggressive product cycle to date, confirming the launch of four new electric vehicles by 2028. Following a record sales year in 2025, the Swedish performance brand is targeting a low double-digit volume growth for 2026, supported by a 30% expansion of its global retail network. The strategy shifts focus toward high-margin segments and the high-volume compact SUV market to secure long-term profitability and operational stability.
The rollout begins in summer 2026 with the flagship Polestar 5, a four-door grand tourer utilizing a bespoke bonded aluminum platform for enhanced rigidity and performance. This halo model will be followed in Q4 2026 by a new variant of the Polestar 4. Designed as an estate-SUV hybrid, the upcoming variant addresses versatility requirements for a broader customer base and notably incorporates a traditional rear window, a departure from the digital-only rearview of the existing coupe variant.
Looking toward 2027 and 2028, Polestar will refresh its core lineup and enter new segments. An entirely redesigned successor to the Polestar 2 is scheduled for an early 2027 launch, developed at record speed to maintain the brand’s presence in the premium sedan sector. The expansion culminates in 2028 with the Polestar 7, a compact premium SUV. Planned for European production, the Polestar 7 targets the region’s largest EV segment, which currently represents approximately one-third of total battery electric vehicle (BEV) volumes.
Lucid Motors Reduces Workforce Twelve Percent
Lucid Motors is cutting approximately twelve percent of its global workforce to optimize operational resources and accelerate its path toward profitability. The layoffs primarily affect corporate and salaried positions, while hourly manufacturing, logistics, and quality teams remain exempt. Based on year-end 2024 staffing levels of 6,800 employees, the reduction impacts several hundred workers who will receive severance and transition support.
Interim CEO Marc Winterhoff confirmed that the restructuring does not alter the company’s core strategic goals. Lucid remains focused on the production ramp-up of the Gravity SUV and the upcoming launch of a mid-size EV platform priced near $50,000. Additionally, the company is maintaining its partnership with Uber and Nuro for a San Francisco-based robotaxi service slated for 2026.
The workforce reduction follows a period of executive instability after the resignation of former CEO Peter Rawlinson in February 2025.
On February 25, 2025, Peter Rawlinson stepped down from his positions as chief executive officer and chief technical officer at Lucid Motors. His resignation followed the successful launch of the Lucid Gravity SUV, a milestone Rawlinson cited as the appropriate time to hand over leadership after twelve years with the company
Following his departure from day-to-day operations, Rawlinson transitioned into the role of Strategic Technical Advisor to the Chairman of the Board. According to regulatory filings, this advisory agreement remains in effect through February 21, 2027. He continues to provide technical guidance to the board while the company searches for a permanent successor to interim CEO Marc Winterhoff.
Rivian R1 Software Update 2026.03 Expands Performance And Utility
Rivian has deployed over-the-air software update 2026.03, introducing a dedicated Apple Watch app and broadening access to high-performance drive modes across the R1 fleet. The new Apple Watch companion app enables Gen 1 and Gen 2 owners to control vehicle functions such as locking, venting windows, and monitoring charge status directly from their wrist. For Gen 1 owners, the app serves as a digital key, allowing for vehicle operation without a physical key or smartphone, provided the watch is connected via Bluetooth.
The update significantly enhances the base Dual-Motor variants by adding Sport Mode to both Gen 1 NMC and Gen 2 LFP battery configurations. This mode optimizes power delivery and acceleration, while a new firmware adjustment allows drivers to maintain a standard ride height while Sport Mode is active. Launch Mode has also been expanded to include Gen 1 Quad-Motor models and both generations of Dual-Motor Performance variants, providing track-focused acceleration stats and driver coaching visualizations.
Additional refinements include a revamped Kneel Mode with a new lower setting that drops the vehicle an extra inch compared to the previous low setting. The feature now supports a rolling trigger at speeds below 20 mph and remains active on steep grades. On the ADAS front, the update ensures that changing drive modes no longer disengages Highway Assist or Universal Hands-Free systems. New cold-weather indicators have also been added to the driver display to provide real-time transparency regarding energy used for battery pre-conditioning and temporary range reductions.
Slate Auto Targets Mid 20K for Blank Slate Pickup Pricing Reveal
Slate Auto has announced that official pricing for its flagship Blank Slate electric pickup will be disclosed in late June 2026. CEO Chris Barman confirmed the startup is currently negotiating with suppliers to maintain a target MSRP in the mid-$20,000 range. This update follows shifts in federal EV tax credit policies that previously influenced the company’s sub-$20,000 net pricing goals during its 2025 launch.
The Blank Slate design prioritizes a minimalist, utilitarian entry point that lacks standard equipment like interior screens or speakers, allowing for extensive aftermarket customization. Owners can configure builds via the company’s online portal or produce their own components using 3D printing. The vehicle’s architecture is designed to scale from a basic work truck to highly specialized configurations, including recreational and industrial applications.
Despite the focus on extreme cost-reduction and unconventional social media marketing, Slate Auto maintains its timeline for initial customer deliveries by the end of 2026. The late-June pricing announcement is expected to detail the specific features included in the base “blank” trim and provide an updated roadmap for production scaling. Following the mid-year reveal, Slate intends to open the full order book for the modular EV.
Tesla Slashes Cybertruck Entry Price By US$20,000
Tesla introduced a new base all-wheel-drive Cybertruck variant priced at $20,000 reduction from the previous entry point. The flagship Cyberbeast trim also received a $99,990. These adjustments aim to stimulate demand as quarterly sales volume persists at approximately 5,000 units, significantly below the initial 250,000-unit annual projection. The new AWD model replaces the discontinued RWD variant and retains core features such as bed outlets and a tonneau cover while substituting full air suspension for adaptive damping.
The price realignment follows a series of hardware recalls and a 2025 decline in Tesla brand reputation scores across key global markets. Performance of the stainless steel pickup has been hampered by the elimination of the $59,990 entry price remains $40,000 target announced at the vehicle’s 2019 unveiling.
Donut Lab Validates Solid-State Battery Performance Via VTT Research
Donut Lab has commissioned the VTT Technical Research Centre of Finland to conduct independent performance validation of its mass-production-ready all-solid-state battery (ASSB). The testing follows the technology’s debut at CES in January, where the company presented the cell as a viable alternative to traditional lithium-ion chemistries for serial vehicle production. VTT, a state-owned European research organization, performed comprehensive measurements of the battery’s technical capabilities in a laboratory environment to address industry speculation regarding its claimed performance metrics.
The validation reports will be released sequentially beginning February 23 at 2 pm CET. Donut Lab indicates the ASSB technology eliminates flammable liquid electrolytes, mitigating thermal runaway risks while enabling higher energy density for extended range and reduced vehicle curb weight. Technical documentation and a corresponding video series will detail specific performance features and integration flexibility for automotive OEMs. The data release aims to provide transparency for the world’s first commercially available solid-state solution capable of immediate integration into SDV and EV manufacturing workflows.