EDITOR’S PICK
Why Plug-In Hybrids Rarely Match Their MPG Claims
20 Feb 2026 | Synopsis
A German study finds plug-in hybrids use up to three times more fuel than manufacturers claim. WLTP tests start with a full battery, letting PHEVs run much of the cycle on electricity, inflating MPG figures. In real driving, engines activate more often – sometimes at high revs – to recharge the battery, sharply increasing fuel use. Toyota, Kia, Ford, and Renault performed closest to claims, while luxury brands like Porsche and Bentley fared worst.
Real-World Data Finds That Most EV Batteries Outlast The Cars They’re In Despite It Being One Of The Biggest Fears
20 Feb 2026 | Synopsis
A study of 8,000 EV battery tests across 36 manufacturers shows most packs retain about 95% of their original capacity, even after a decade. Vehicles over eight years or 100,000 miles typically held 70–95%. Mileage wasn’t a strong predictor of degradation – newer high‑mileage EVs often outperformed older low‑mileage ones. The results indicate EV batteries generally outlast the cars themselves, easing long‑standing consumer concerns.
Why Nudge Policies Failed
19 Feb 2026 | Synopsis
As critiques of behavioral “nudges” grow to address climate change, experts suggest shifting toward structural reforms, direct regulation, and incentive-based policies. These include taxes, subsidies, and mandates that reshape environments rather than subtly steer choices. Others advocate for “Nudge Plus,” which combines behavioral insights with deliberation, transparency, and citizen engagement, aiming for more durable, democratic behavior change.
General Motors CEO Issues Warning About Cheap Chinese EVs Entering The North American Market
19 Feb 2026 | Synopsis
General Motors CEO Mary Barra warns that a wave of low‑cost Chinese EVs entering North America could destabilize the market. Canada’s decision to allow up to 49,000 Chinese‑built EVs annually at reduced tariffs signals what she calls a slippery slope, putting pressure on Detroit automakers already struggling with EV demand and pricing. Barra argues the influx could trigger a race to the bottom that threatens U.S. industry competitiveness.
EV Owner Satisfaction Climbs to New High Amid Sales Slump, JD Power Finds
19 Feb 2026 | Synopsis
EV owner satisfaction hits its highest level since 2021, even as EV sales soften. J.D. Power finds 96% of new BEV owners would choose another EV, driven by better reliability, improved charging access, and stronger overall performance. Tesla Model 3 ranks highest overall, while the Ford Mustang Mach‑E leads mass‑market EVs after a major rebound.
EVWorld Exclusive
After the US Regulatory Rollback, What Drives the EV Transition Now?
20 Feb 2026 | 
The rollback of U.S. fuel-economy and emissions rules weakens policy pressure to electrify, shifting the EV transition from mandate-driven to market-driven. Consumers undervalue long-term fuel savings, so EVs must win on price, convenience, and performance. Clean-energy investment is diverging, but IRA incentives, global competition, and fleet economics keep EV manufacturing moving – more selectively, with slower rollouts and more hybrids.
Where and Why Tesla FSD Is Legal
19 Feb 2026 | 
Tesla’s FSD remains legal nationwide because it’s classified as a supervised Level 2 driver‑assistance system, keeping the human responsible. California’s crackdown on “Autopilot” branding forced Tesla to remove the feature but not FSD itself. Outside California and Texas, FSD is still allowed as long as drivers stay engaged and the system isn’t marketed as autonomous.
How Killing the Endangerment Finding Also Quietly Rewires America’s Financial System
19 Feb 2026 | 
The U.S. repeal of the climate endangerment finding gives banks, automakers, and fossil‑fuel companies short‑term advantages by removing climate‑risk oversight. But it isolates the U.S. from global regulators who treat climate risk as financial risk, leaving American banks more exposed to long‑term shocks, stranded assets, and systemic instability.
The Quiet Rise and Fall of America’s Most Hated Fuel-Saving Feature
18 Feb 2026 | 
Start-stop systems became one of the most common fuel-saving features in U.S. cars, cutting emissions cheaply and at scale. But drivers disliked the abrupt restarts and lack of explanation, leaving the technology politically vulnerable. When regulators removed key credits, headlines falsely claimed the feature was “banned overseas.” The real lesson: efficiency must be integrated, intuitive, and well‑explained to earn public support.
Rethinking Ocean Currents in an Era of Expanding Offshore Wind
18 Feb 2026 | 
A new modeling study finds that large offshore wind build‑outs will alter North Sea surface currents by slowing flow and reshaping wake patterns. The researchers do not assume harm; instead, they highlight how these changes can be managed through turbine spacing and siting. The work underscores that hydrodynamic shifts are real but navigable, enabling cleaner energy while guiding smarter marine planning.
