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BYD Seal 08 makes a splash for under $30K, and It gives the Tesla Model 3 a run for its money

The Tesla Model 3 has spent years defining what a premium and functional EV should cost; that’s what we’re used to. However, BYD seems to think that number is way too high. The Chinese automaker has unveiled a new flagship sedan, the Seal 08, that packs features you don’t normally expect from cars in this segment, blurring the line between affordable and luxury. And after reading its entire spec sheet, it’s actually the price that shakes me the most. So what exactly does BYD’s new flagship offer? Measuring 5,150 mm long and sitting on a 3,030 mm wheelbase, the BYD Seal 08 is a big car, a full five-seater luxury sedan aimed at buyers who want spacious and comfortable rides. The company offers it in two powertrains: pure electric and plug-in hybrid. Electric variants ride on BYD’s 800V platform with second-generation Blade battery tech, delivering around 562 miles of CLTC range on a single charge for the top trim. The PHEV model combines a 1.5T petrol engine with dual electric motors producing 400 kW, along with a 45.36 kWh battery pack good for 249 miles of pure-electric running and a combined range of 1,031 miles. Despite its size, the car has a turning radius of just 4.95 meters despite its size, while a DiSus-A closed dual-chamber air suspension system reads the road using preview sensors and pre-adjusts the damping before the wheels even hit a bump. How does pricing break down? Inside, what you get is thoroughly absurd for the money. I’m talking about dual zero-gravity front seats with massage and ventilation for every occupant, a 15.6-inch touchscreen, a 12.3-inch instrument cluster, and a 26-inch augmented-reality navigation display (via CarNewsChina). Now that you know everything, let me surprise you with the price. All this starts at 196,900 yuan (about $28,980)

How Volvo And BlackBerry Can Reverse The US Polestar Ban While Buyers Score Massive Deals

The automotive industry is no longer just about bending metal; it is fundamentally about software, data sovereignty, and national security. We are currently witnessing the messy collision of these forces with the recent US government restrictions on Chinese-connected vehicle software, which has effectively halted the sale of new Polestar vehicles in the United States. To the casual observer, the situation looks like a fatal blow to the Geely-backed EV brand. However, those of us who track the underlying enterprise software markets know that this is a resolvable engineering problem, not a permanent death sentence. In fact, due to the temporary market dislocation, this geopolitical regulatory hurdle has created one of the most compelling buyer's markets in the history of the EV space. As recently highlighted by Electrek, Polestar 4s are an incredible deal at $25K off right now, presenting a massive opportunity for consumers who understand the technological backstops the company has at its disposal. Let's break down exactly why Polestar found itself in the crosshairs, why its sister company Volvo escaped unharmed, how Polestar can engineer its way out of this using trusted platforms like BlackBerry QNX or NVIDIA DRIVE, and what other automakers must learn from this geopolitical software crisis. The Connected Car Cold War And Polestar's Misstep To understand the ban, we have to look at how modern vehicles operate. A contemporary EV is essentially a massive, rolling edge-computing node. It collects gigabytes of data per hour, utilizing high-definition cameras, LiDAR, and telematics systems to map its environment and monitor its occupants. The US Department of Commerce and various national security agencies have rightfully identified that if this data is processed by software stacks rooted in adversarial nations, it poses a significant surveillance and infrastructure threat. Polestar, despite its Swedish heritage and headquarters, relies heavily on the

Visteon Corp focus on <b>connected car</b> electronics as investors weigh long-term growth prospects

Visteon Corp focus on connected car electronics as investors weigh long-term growth prospects 03.07.2026 - 21:36:02 | ad-hoc-news.deVisteon Corp (ISIN US9283981064) is an automotive technology company specializing in cockpit electronics and connected car solutions for vehicle manufacturers worldwide. The company’s portfolio is aligned with the industry trend toward software-defined vehicles and digital user interfaces inside the car. For investors, the long-term positioning in electronics and software for mobility stands out as a key theme. Cockpit electronics and digital displays Visteon’s core business revolves around cockpit electronics, including instrument clusters, infotainment head units, and center-stack displays. These systems integrate information such as speed, navigation, audio, and vehicle diagnostics into digital interfaces that are designed to be intuitive and customizable. Automakers increasingly rely on such electronics to differentiate their models and offer a modern driving experience. The transition from analog gauges to fully digital instrument clusters has been one important shift in recent vehicle design. Companies that supply these systems must combine hardware expertise with software and user-interface design capabilities. Visteon works with global automakers to tailor cockpit solutions to different vehicle platforms, supporting various screen sizes, resolutions, and layouts. Connected car and software platforms Beyond hardware, Visteon develops connected car technologies that link vehicles to cloud services and mobile devices. This includes software platforms that enable over-the-air updates, connectivity for navigation and media streaming, and integration with voice assistants or smartphone apps. As vehicles become more connected, the ability to update functions remotely and add new features over time is increasingly important for automakers. Software platforms in the vehicle domain typically need to manage complex requirements such as cybersecurity, real-time performance, and compatibility with different hardware configurations. Suppliers like Visteon therefore invest in software architectures that can be reused across multiple car programs, which can help reduce development time and improve

Jianxiawo is back, yet Jiangxi's lithium balance holds firm

Jianxiawo is back, yet Jiangxi's lithium balance holds firm CATL's Jianxiawo restart will lift Jiangxi's near-term lithium output, but offsetting suspensions and deferrals elsewhere in the province leave Benchmark's Q2 lithium forecast supply balance and price forecast essentially unchanged. CATL secured the safety production permit for its Jianxiawo lepidolite mine in Jiangxi, China on 29 June, the last official hurdle to restarting a mine that has sat idle since August 2025, when its permit expired amid a province-wide enforcement crackdown. The restart arrives slightly ahead of the September timing Benchmark's Q2 Lithium forecast had initially assumed, with 62,500 tonnes LCE now forecast to be mined from Jianxiawo in 2026. This equates to roughly 1.5% of global mined supply, with the operation ramping toward its 150,000tpa nameplate capacity by 2029.

Bmw X1 vs Toyota Innova Hycross Comparison – Price, Mileage, Specs &amp; Features 2026

Bmw X1 vs Toyota Innova Hycross Bmw X1 sDrive18d M Sport 2.0 Diesel 52.90 lakh Toyota Innova Hycross Hybrid ZX (O) 7 seat 31.84 lakh Engine & Transmission Fuel Type/ Propulsion Number of Cylinders Engine Installation Pure Electric Driving Mode Engine Displacement Engine Type Max Engine Power Max Engine Torque Drive Layout Gearbox Type Number of Gears Lockable Differential/s Sport Mode for Automatic Gearbox Manual Shifts via Gear Lever on Automatic Gearbox Paddle Shifters for Automatic Gearbox Max Motor Torque Combined Max Power Fuel & Performance Official Fuel Economy Fuel Supply System Emission Standard Auto Start/Stop User Reported Mileage 0-100kph 20-80kph (in third gear/ kickdown) 40-100kph (in fourth gear/ kickdown) Fuel Tank Capacity E20 Compatibility City Fuel Economy as Tested Highway Fuel Economy as Tested Suspension & Steering Front Brakes Rear Brakes Type of Power Assist Steering Adjust Steering Adjust type Front Suspension Type Front Springs Rear Suspension Type Rear Springs Damper Control Ride Height Adjust Wheels Wheel Size Front Tyre Size Rear Tyre Size Spare Wheel Dimensions Length Width Chassis Type Height Wheelbase Boot Capacity Doors Comfort Power Windows 12 Volt Port Door Pockets Digital Instrument Cluster Vanity Mirror Electric Tailgate Release Cup Holders Headlight and Ignition on Reminder Interior Lamps Cabin Boot Access Bluetooth Connectivity Power Windows with One Touch-Down Powered Tailgate Steering Mounted Controls Rear Reading Lamp Power Windows with One Touch-Up Exterior Mirrors Electric Adjust Exterior Mirrors Electric Fold Remote Locking Keyless Entry Push Button Start Climate Control Rear AC Vents Third Row AC Vents Front Passenger Seat Adjust from Rear Rear Window Sun Shades Rear Windscreen Sun Shade Rear Power Outlet Sunroof Ambient Lighting Driving Modes Cruise Control Auto Parking Launch Control Dead Pedal Hands-free Boot Opening Scheduled Cabin Conditioning Cooled Glovebox Roof Grab Handles Bottle Holder in Doors Powered Backseat Recline Adjustment Foldable Seatback

Mg Windsor vs Mahindra Xuv 3xo Comparison – Price, Mileage, Specs &amp; Features 2026

Mg Windsor vs Mahindra Xuv 3xo Mg Windsor Essence Pro EV 18.60 lakh Mahindra Xuv 3xo AX7 Luxury 1.2 Petrol GDI AT 14.88 lakh Engine & Transmission Fuel Type/ Propulsion Number of Motors Motor Type Max Motor Power Max Motor Torque Drive Layout Gearbox Type Number of Gears Lockable Differential/s Number of Cylinders Engine Installation Engine Displacement Engine Type Max Engine Power Max Engine Torque Sport Mode for Automatic Gearbox Manual Shifts via Gear Lever on Automatic Gearbox Paddle Shifters for Automatic Gearbox Fuel & Performance Battery Capacity Claimed Range Charging Time Auto Start/Stop User Reported Range Fuel Tank Capacity Official Fuel Economy Emission Standard Fuel Supply System E20 Compatibility Drive Mode Types Terrain Modes Suspension & Steering Front Brakes Rear Brakes Type of Power Assist Steering Adjust Steering Adjust type Front Suspension Type Front Springs Rear Suspension Type Rear Springs Damper Control Ride Height Adjust Wheels Wheel Size Front Tyre Size Rear Tyre Size 4 Wheel Steer Turning Radius Spare Wheel Dimensions Length Width Chassis Type Height Wheelbase Doors Ground Clearance Boot Capacity Comfort Power Windows Vehicle to load (V2L) Glove Box Electric Tailgate Release Power Windows with One Touch-Down Digital Instrument Cluster Powered Tailgate Rear Reading Lamp Bluetooth Connectivity Steering Mounted Controls Trunk Light Vanity Mirror Power Windows with One Touch-Up Exterior Mirrors Electric Adjust Exterior Mirrors Electric Fold Remote Locking Keyless Entry Push Button Start Climate Control Rear AC Vents Third Row AC Vents Front Passenger Seat Adjust from Rear Rear Window Sun Shades Rear Windscreen Sun Shade Rear Power Outlet Sunroof Ambient Lighting Driving Modes Cruise Control Auto Parking Launch Control Dead Pedal Hands-free Boot Opening Driver rear view monitor (DRVM) Bottle Holder in Doors Roof Grab Handles Cooled Cup Holders Cooled Glovebox Cooled Storage Cup Holders Door Pockets Driver Armrest Storage Accessory Power Outlet Powered

Polestar not authorised to sell <b>vehicles</b> in the US from 2027

US Department of Commerce denies Polestar authorisation under Connected Vehicle Rule, threatening US sales from 2027 The US Department of Commerce has denied Polestar authorisation to sell vehicles in the US from 2027 under the Connected Vehicle Rule, which is designed to target the import and sale of vehicles featuring technology linked to China or Russia. As a result, Polestar has announced it will increase its focus on the European market. Polestar will not be authorised to sell vehicles in the US from model year 2027 under the Connected Vehicles Rule Polestar The Connected Vehicle Rule, finalised by the US Department of Commerce’s Bureau of Industry and Security (BIS) in January 2025, aimed to address concerns that internet-connected cars could collect sensitive data and potentially be remotely accessed through technologies such as cellular modules, Wi-Fi, Bluetooth, cameras, sensors and automated driving software. It applies to any automaker that is owned, controlled by, or subject to the direction of entities from China or Russia. Each of these companies is required to obtain authorisation from the Department of Commerce to continue selling connected vehicles in the US, with investigations conducted on a case-by-case basis. The BIS recently refused to grant Polestar authorisation to sell vehicles in the US from model year 2027 onwards. As a result, Polestar is expected to be unable to sell new vehicles in the US from this date under the current regulatory framework. The company has said it will continue to sell existing inventory and support existing customers, although the longer-term future of its US operations remains unclear. Polestar's response Following the BIS' decision, Polestar issued a statement saying that the company intends to increase its strategic focus on Europe by continuing to expand its sales network and preparing to localise the manufacturing of future models. Polestar noted

Polestar US Sales Sink 42% in H1 As 2027 Ban Looms | EV

Polestar sold 1,895 vehicles in the United States during the first half of 2026, a 42.2% decline from 3,280 units recorded in the same period a year earlier, according to estimates from Motor Intelligence. The Geely-backed brand has posted year-over-year declines in every month of 2026, extending a streak that began in July 2025 and now spans a full year. January fell 45%, February dropped 42%, March declined 46%, April slid 33%, May plunged 47%, and June fell 39%, according to the data. June’s 355-unit result was the highest monthly figure of the year but still well below the 581 units Polestar sold in June 2025. The sustained downturn comes as the brand faces a full ban from the US market starting with the 2027 model year. Polestar is now offering some of the steepest discounts in the EV market to clear remaining inventory. A Lineup Without the Sedan Polestar‘s US configurator now lists only two models, the Polestar 3 SUV and the Polestar 4 coupe-SUV. The Polestar 2, the brand’s original volume model and its entry point into the American market, is no longer available for purchase. The company pulled the Polestar 2 from its US configurator in April 2025 as tariffs on Chinese-built EVs made the China-produced sedan uneconomical to import. Polestar sold through its remaining inventory over subsequent months, and by early 2026 only single-digit units were moving through pre-owned channels. In February, Motor Intelligence recorded just three Polestar 2 sedans sold. The loss of the Polestar 2 stripped Polestar of its most affordable and best-known US product. The sedan had accounted for the majority of the brand’s American registrations since its 2020 launch and was Polestar‘s only model with meaningful brand recognition among US consumers. A redesigned Polestar 2 is planned for 2027. That model will

Drivers warned not to rely on <b>connected car</b> apps to recover stolen vehicles

Motorists are being warned not to rely on connected car apps to help recover stolen vehicles, with experts saying many systems are designed for convenience rather than security. The warning follows the experience of technology analyst Ian Fogg, whose Kia was stolen from outside his home despite being linked to the manufacturer's Kia Connect app. Although the system was able to identify where the vehicle had been, it was unable to provide real-time tracking to help recover it. Fogg told the BBC: "This car was incredibly easy to hack but incredibly difficult to track. It shouldn't be this easy to nick a car when they cost an order of magnitude more than a phone and have similar radio technology." Fogg repeatedly requested updates on the vehicle's location after the theft but only received information 24 to 48 hours after the car had already moved. Its last recorded location was in Lithuania. Kia also told the BBC that Kia Connect is "a customer convenience feature, not a certified security vehicle tracker", adding that it "does not provide live-tracking functionality for stolen vehicles." The manufacturer said any location data must be released in compliance with UK data protection laws. Car safety organisation Thatcham Research said there is a "genuine and growing gap" between what drivers expect connected car technology to do and what it is actually capable of during a theft. The organisation advises motorists to invest in independently certified stolen vehicle tracking devices, which have their own power source, provide genuine real-time monitoring and are linked to professional monitoring centres. It said dedicated tracking products exist because most connected car apps "are not engineered to perform the security function that owners may assume it provides." Around 55,000 cars were stolen across the UK in 2025, although thefts fell by 11% compared

UPC Court of Appeal strengthens central division in windscreen wiper dispute

Valeo may proceed with one of its claims against Bosch concerning windscreen wiper technology for cars at the Paris central division. The Court of Appeal clarified that the central division, rather than the local division in Düsseldorf, has jurisdiction over the claim because two Bosch companies are not based in UPC member states. The central division may now receive more cases. 3 July 2026 by Mathieu Klos Valeo has achieved a partial victory in its wiper dispute with Bosch. The Court of Appeal referred one of the two infringement claims back to the central division (case IDs: UPC-CoA-4/2026 and UPC-CoA-13/2026). Previously, the central division in Paris, under presiding judge and judge-rapporteur François Thomas, had declared that it lacked jurisdiction and referred the claim to the local division in Düsseldorf (case ID: UPC_CFI_809/2025). The Court of Appeal, presided over by judge Klaus Grabinski, has now overturned this decision. Judges Emmanuel Gougé and Ingeborg Simonsson also participated in the decision. At the heart of this jurisdictional dispute are two of the six defendant Robert Bosch companies, which are not based within the UPC’s territory. Robert Bosch Do Beograd is based in Serbia and Bosch Automotive Products Co. in China. Valeo had based the jurisdiction of the Paris central division on Article 33(1) of the UPC Agreement. This states that “actions against defendants having their residence, or principal place of business or, in the absence of residence or principal place of business, their place of business, outside the territory of the Contracting Member States shall be brought before the local or regional division in accordance with point (a) of the first subparagraph or before the CD”. Valeo argued that the non-UPC defendants could serve as anchor defendants to justify the jurisdiction of the central division. Robert Bosch had taken a different view and

[Gasgoo Express] BASF and Carlyle complete coatings business transaction

OEM Trends | OEM Trend - CLS: On July 2, a deputy director from the NDRC's Price Monitoring Center led a delegation to Xiaomi Group for a field survey. The visit focused on price trends in the new energy vehicle and smartphone markets, as well as identifying key industry challenges. Officials also solicited input on regulating automotive conduct and fostering orderly competition. - Fast Tech: On July 2, GAC Toyota rolled out its 10 millionth mass-produced vehicle — the bZ7 electric sedan — at its Nansha plant in Guangzhou, marking the joint venture as another automaker in China to surpass 10 million units in cumulative output. The bZ7 is the second mass-produced model under GAC Toyota's dedicated EV brand, bZ. Positioned as a mid-size electric sedan, it carries an official price tag between 154,800 and 214,800 yuan, offering multiple range options including 600 km and 700 km versions, along with intelligent driving configurations featuring LiDAR. - CLS: On July 2, Changan Automobile released its preliminary sales figures. First-half deliveries hit 1.1956 million units. Overseas deliveries jumped 35.1% from a year earlier to 402,000 units, while new energy vehicle deliveries totaled 456,000, up 5.2%. - Fast Tech: On July 2, SAIC released a technical breakdown explaining the Huawei "Giant Whale" battery platform used in its Z7 and Z7T models. The company clarified why it chose an upright cell architecture instead of the inverted cell design found in some market rivals: With upright cells, the terminals face upward, staying clear of high-risk undercarriage impact zones. This fundamentally mitigates risks like high-voltage arcing and thermal runaway caused by chassis scrapes. Furthermore, this architecture has been validated by the market over time, boasts a mature production system, and ensures higher consistency and stability in mass production quality. The platform also features 200 intelligent sensing

The 2027 Kia Niro Drops Its EV Option And Goes Back To Basics

Kia gave the 2027 Niro a sharper face, more tech, and one very telling change for America: the small crossover is now hybrid-only. That means the Niro EV is gone from the U.S. lineup, at least for the 2027 model year. So is the plug-in hybrid version, which had already faded from the American menu. What remains is a regular hybrid crossover powered by a 1.6-liter four-cylinder engine, an electric motor, and a six-speed dual-clutch automatic transmission. Total output stays at 139 horsepower, which means the Niro still will not scare anyone at a drag strip unless the other car is parked. View the 2 images of this gallery on the original article Still, the move says something interesting about the U.S. market. Kia is not walking away from electrification. It is simply turning the Niro into the practical hybrid option while letting its dedicated EV family do the battery-electric heavy lifting. In other words, Niro no longer has to be everything to everyone. That job apparently belongs to BMW, which has treated the BMW X5 lineup like a powertrain buffet, with gasoline, diesel, plug-in hybrid, and even hydrogen versions in different corners of the world. German indecision has rarely looked so thoroughly engineered. Kia's own strategy looks cleaner, though maybe a little awkward. The Niro started life as a fuel-sipping alternative for people who wanted crossover usefulness without crossover thirst. Then it became a hybrid, plug-in hybrid, and EV nameplate. Now, for 2027, Kia is bringing it back to one core idea: efficient, simple, everyday hybrid transportation. That sounds oddly sensible in a market where many buyers still like the idea of EVs more than the daily homework that can come with owning one. A regular hybrid does not need a home charger, a charging app, a route-planning ritual,

Tesla launches the six-seat Model Y Long Wheelbase in the US

Tesla is giving the Model Y a little more breathing room. The company has officially launched the Model Y Long Wheelbase in the United States and Puerto Rico, introducing a stretched version of its best-selling electric SUV with a three-row, six-seat layout that’s designed to make family road trips a lot more comfortable. A bigger Model Y with a focus on comfort The biggest change is inside the cabin. Instead of the traditional second-row bench, the new Model Y Long Wheelbase features heated and ventilated captain’s chairs with powered armrests, while the third row gets heated reclining seats with one-touch folding and child-seat anchors. Tesla says the redesigned interior also offers 89 cubic feet of cargo space, enough to fit luggage even when all six seats are occupied. Tesla has also made a handful of practical upgrades to complement the larger cabin. The company says the Long Wheelbase model gets a larger rear tailgate and bigger windows to improve outward visibility for passengers in every row, while an upgraded airflow system is designed to keep the three-row cabin comfortable during longer journeys. Performance hasn’t taken a back seat either. The SUV can sprint from 0-60 mph in 4.4 seconds while delivering an estimated 325 miles of range. Tesla has also upgraded the vehicle with adaptive damping, staggered tires, improved acoustic glass, and a revised suspension setup to deliver a quieter, smoother, and more stable ride. More screens, faster charging, and Grok AI onboard The cabin also gets a handful of tech upgrades. There’s now a 16-inch touchscreen up front, an 8-inch display for second-row passengers, a 19-speaker audio system, and upgraded 50W wireless charging pads with active cooling. Tesla has also bundled Full Self-Driving (Supervised) and integrated Grok AI into the package. The Model Y Long Wheelbase Launch Series starts

China issues safety requirements for combined driver assistance systems in intelligent ...

Gasgoo Munich- Recently, the "Safety Requirements for Combined Driving Assistance Systems of Intelligent Connected Vehicles" (GB 47955—2026) — a mandatory national standard organized and drafted by the Ministry of Industry and Information Technology — has been approved by the State Administration for Market Regulation and the Standardization Administration of China. It is slated to take effect on January 1, 2027. Since 2026, the market penetration of new passenger cars equipped with combined driving assistance functions in China has reached 70%, with models featuring Navigate on Autopilot (NOA) surpassing 30%. The Ministry of Industry and Information Technology has prioritized the development of the intelligent connected vehicle industry, having successively formulated two versions of the technical standard system and releasing a batch of critical standards for information security, software upgrades, and automated driving data recording systems. Building on earlier recommended national standards for single-lane and multi-lane driving control, the ministry initiated the development of this mandatory standard in 2024 through the National Automotive Standardization Technical Committee. Image Source: BMW The standard establishes a safety framework defined by clear requirements, comprehensive dimensions, and alignment with national conditions. First, it accounts for diverse product forms and technical paths, outlining specific safety requirements for three distinct categories of combined driving assistance systems: basic single-lane, basic multi-lane, and navigation-assisted driving. Second, drawing on China's unique traffic characteristics, it sets baseline requirements for safe system operation across functional performance, data recording, and manufacturer safety guarantees. Third, reinforcing the system's core "assisted" positioning, it mandates requirements for human-machine interaction, user manuals, and training — ensuring a foundation for proper collaboration between the driver and the system. Fourth, aligned with industry management needs, the standard establishes a multi-tiered evaluation system — encompassing track testing, road trials, and documentation review — to thoroughly assess system safety capabilities.

2 Spalding County teens arrested for allegedly stealing <b>cars</b>, shooting at homeowner

2 Spalding County teens arrested for allegedly stealing cars, shooting at homeowner ATLANTA, Ga. (Atlanta News First) — Two Spalding County teens were arrested last weekend after allegedly stealing two cars, breaking into several others and shooting at a homeowner who confronted them. Spalding County deputies said Leon McCampbell, 18, and a 16-year-old attempted to break into a car on the 100 block of Westridge Drive June 27 when the pair were confronted by a homeowner. The pair fired three shots at the homeowner and drove off in a previously stolen car. McCampbell and the other teenager were later arrested. Deputies said two cars had been stolen Saturday and a total of eight car break-ins occurred. Deputies also said they believe the two are connected to a string of break-ins earlier in the week. The pair were each charged with one count of possession of a firearm during the commission of a crime, four counts of theft by taking-motor vehicle and 18 counts of entering auto. McCampbell was additionally charged with one count of aggravated assault. Copyright 2026 WANF. All rights reserved.

Polestar EVs are a smoking deal at $25k off now that they're banned in the US

On the back of the Commerce Department’s incredibly stupid move to ban Polestar from selling EVs in the US, the Polestar 4 is now nearly the cheapest EV in America after a $25k discount, and the Polestar 3 has a pretty great discount applied too. Last week, the Commerce Department abruptly decided that Polestar, a Swedish company building electric cars in South Carolina (Polestar 3) and South Korea (Polestar 4) that run on American software made by Google, would be banned from selling cars in the US due to made-up cybersecurity concerns. It turns out, due to the company being owned by Geely Automotive, Commerce decided they shouldn’t be able to sell connected vehicles starting in the 2027 model year. Volvo, which is also owned by Geely but which sells both EVs and gas-powered vehicles, somehow avoided the same fate, as did Mercedes which has significant investment from China and is also not an EV-exclusive brand. But that dumb decision will at least make a few customers happy, as Polestar is now offering deep discounts on the Polestar 4, its quirky electric no-rear-window-having coupe, and the Polestar 3, its luxe SUV. The Polestar 4 is a smoking deal at just $31.4k to start The deal is available directly from Polestar’s website, where the discount is already applied, and marked as a “limited offer.” The $25k discount seems to apply to the full model line, either single or dual motor examples. Right now, the only competition at a lower price than the Polestar 4 is the Chevy Bolt EV at $27k (read our review here) and the Nissan Leaf at $30k (read our review here). The Polestar 4 is one of few electric sedans left for sale in the US, and is now one of the cheapest EVs in America, as

Right Now You Can Buy a Polestar 4 for Less Than a New Chevy Bolt

- Polestar's imminent exit from the U.S. market is resulting in some extremely enticing discounts on remaining inventory. - Polestar 4 models can be had for up to $25,000 off the sticker price, or a 39-month lease payment of only $399 per month. - The more expensive Polestar 3 is offered with up to $23,000 in rebates. Last week, fledgling electric-car maker Polestar was forced to exit the U.S. market due to a change in federal regulations surrounding connected car services, which affects vehicles manufactured in China and Russia. The U.S. government's decision to ban the Chinese-owned company from selling new cars on our shores has kickstarted a fire sale of existing Polestar 3 and Polestar 4 inventory at dealers across the country. Right now, you can qualify for up to $25,000 off a new Polestar 3 or Polestar 4. That would bring the price of a base, rear-wheel-drive Polestar 4 from $57,800 to a very attractive $32,800. For comparison, that's $195 less than a 2027 Chevy Bolt RS, one of the most affordable EVs on the market today. For Sale Near You See all results for new 2025 Polestar Polestar 3 for sale near 32256 If you want all-wheel drive, Polestar 4s with the dual-motor powertrain can be had for as little as $39,300. The Polestar 3, which originally had starting prices higher than those of the Polestar 4, is also available with a large $23,000 discount, bringing the base price of a $74,800 Long Range Dual Motor model down to $51,800 with no options. If you aren't able to pay cash for your new Polestar (or get financing from your bank or credit union), there are also compelling lease and finance deals. Polestar 4s are eligible for up to $19,000 in lease cash, bringing the monthly payment of

Coins in Motion: Building agentic blockchain payments for in-<b>vehicle</b> experiences

AWS for Industries Coins in Motion: Building agentic blockchain payments for in-vehicle experiences Agentic blockchain-based payments are poised to transform in-vehicle driving experiences. As vehicles become increasingly connected and autonomous, they are evolving from passive transportation tools into active economic agents capable of conducting their own financial transactions [see HBR Article, 2021]. Imagine your car automatically paying for highway tolls, electric charging sessions, parking fees, or even purchasing real-time traffic data, all without human intervention. In this post, we describe how this vision can become reality through blockchain-based micro-payment systems that enable vehicles to transact autonomously, efficiently, and securely. Specifically, we introduce a solution design and show how this can be applied to implement three exemplary use cases, namely agentic 1/ road toll, 2/ vehicle charging, and 3/ in-vehicle entertainment payments. Traditional payment infrastructure was never designed for the machine economy. Credit card processors charge 2–3% per transaction, making payments under a few dollars economically unviable. Banks operate on business-day schedules with settlement times measured in hours or days, creating friction for time-sensitive transactions. These limitations have constrained innovation in connected mobility services, forcing providers to bundle charges or require prepayment, both creating poor user experiences. Blockchain technology fundamentally re-imagines this paradigm and enables various use cases such as micro-payments, shopping agents, and bot-to-bot payments as depicted in Figure 1. By using stablecoins [see e.g. HBR Article, 2024] – digital currencies pegged to fiat money like dollars or euros – vehicles can conduct micro-payments with transaction costs measured in cents rather than percentages. A car can pay $0.15 for 5 minutes of parking or $0.03 for a single toll crossing, with fees that make such granular transactions economically sensible for the first time. Foundational concepts Understanding how blockchain technology enables this payment transformation requires grasping several interconnected concepts: Distributed ledger: