Why General Motors And BMW Still Want China’s EV Batteries

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August 9, 2025

Why General Motors And BMW Still Want China’s EV Batteries

All the noise about bringing manufacturing back to America is tone-deaf. That was already underway, driven by the Inflation Reduction Act. The law aimed to reduce U.S. reliance on China’s supply chains, in part by discouraging the use of Chinese batteries but also by investing in the cutting-edge technologies of the future, including clean energy.

Now, with EV tax credits set to expire on Sept. 30, General Motors and BMW think it makes more sense to return to buying cheap Chinese batteries, at least in the short term.

Welcome back to the Friday edition of Critical Materials, your daily round up of news and events shaping the world of electric cars and technology.

Also on the deck today: The Chinese government has intervened amid the country’s brutal EV price war. Plus, Shell will dismantle the Volta charging stations this year. Consolidation is coming for EV charging companies, as they focus on fewer but fancier and higher-powered stations.

Let’s begin.

30%: Why GM And BMW Are Buying More Chinese EV Batteries

Photo by: Chevrolet

General Motors and BMW likely would have used U.S.-made batteries for their upcoming EVs if the federal credits weren’t ending years ahead of schedule.

The $7,500 consumer tax credit helped buyers offset the high cost of EVs, which primarily comes from batteries, while automakers worked to bring more production stateside and localize the supply chain.

Then the U.S. government flipped the kill switch on clean energy programs. Now, GM and BMW are falling back on China’s expertise in battery manufacturing.

The Wall Street Journal reported on Thursday that GM will purchase lithium iron phosphate (LFP) batteries from CATL, the world’s largest battery manufacturer, for the next-generation Chevy Bolt EV.

Yes, they will face tariffs of about 80%, but CATL’s scale and expertise means they might still make economic sense for GM.

GM’s primary battery supplier, Korea’s LG Energy Solution (LGES), will start converting its battery plant in Tennessee for local LFP production at the end of this year. The conversion won’t be complete until the end of 2027.

The Bolt EV will have to be powered by CATL’s LFP batteries until the LGES plant can get up on its feet.

2026 BMW iX3 Prototype Drive

Photo by: BMW

BMW is in a similar situation. Its battery supplier Automotive Envision Supply Corporation—a Japanese battery maker with several plants in China—paused the construction on two plants early this year due to “policy and market uncertainty.”

AESC’s South Carolina factory was supposed to supply cells to BMW’s own battery assembly plant in Woodruff, SC.

Automotive News reported on Thursday that AESC will now import batteries made in its plants in China, which could be cheaper to produce there despite U.S. tariffs—the company already has an established supply chain network and the required scale to make cheap batteries in China.

Regardless of where the batteries come from, EV choices for buyers are about to get a lot more exciting. GM will launch the new Chevy Bolt EV early next year. And BMW’s Neue Klasse iX3 is imminent, too. In an early prototype drive earlier this year, an iX3 prototype blew us away.

60%: Shell Will Shut Down Its Volta EV Chargers

Volta’s network of more than 2,000 EV chargers will be dismantled by the end of this year, AdExchanger reported this week. Shell had acquired Volta Charging back in 2022 and now wants to focus on high-speed public fast-charging stations with Shell branding instead, the outlet reported.

The company’s charging stalls had a unique advertising feature, thanks to an additional screen, which was part of the reason Shell acquired the company in the first place. But Volta’s $2 billion valuation cratered fast as the business model didn’t quite take off, with Shell purchasing it for just $169 million.

While the removal of 2,000 EV charging stations is bad news, the consolidation trend in the industry is hardly surprising. As InsideEVs reported in July, U.S. charging networks are still expanding, but the emphasis has shifted to fewer, larger sites equipped with higher-powered stalls and amenities like restrooms, cafes and Wi-Fi.

90%: China’s EV Sales Slow Down After Govt. Acts On Price War

Photo by: Patrick George

China is cracking down on the predatory discounts carmakers were offering on their EVs, which risked putting smaller players out of business due to unhealthy competition.

As Bloomberg reported on Friday, China’s Passenger Car Association is seeing fewer models with price cuts, which has also resulted in car sales dropping, although not at an alarming rate.

Car sales grew about 6.3% in July in China, slower than the 15% rate that’s typically seen around this time of the year, PCA said.

Top government officials in China convened a meeting with the country’s biggest EV makers urging them to self-regulate and stop offering unreasonable discounts.

100%: EVs Are Moving Into High Gear. What Are You Looking Forward To?

Photo by: Nissan

Despite all the bad news for EVs lately, automakers are preparing to bring to market a whole range of new models. The next-gen Nissan Leaf will go on sale in the fall. The next-gen Chevy Bolt EV is expected to be available early next year. BMW’s first Neue Klasse model is right around the corner. And Ford is cooking something big, which we’ll learn more about next week.

Which one are you the most excited about? Do you care where their batteries come from? Do you even have EVs on your radar, or are you looking at hybrids?

Leave your thoughts in the comments.

Have a tip? Contact the author: Suvrat.kothari@insideevs.com

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Bovensiepen Zagato Confirmed For Monterey Car Week

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August 9, 2025

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Bovensiepen Zagato Confirmed For Monterey Car Week

Save for the occasional unique Rolls-Royce, most of us thought coachbuilding was a lost art that died many decades ago. It’s one thing to design a pretty concept for car shows and another to actually build it. BMW has a long history of unveiling beautiful one-offs at the Concorso d’Eleganza Villa d’Este, but none went into production until recently. There was last year’s Skytop, followed recently by the Speedtop. But what if you wanted something with Italian flair? Enter the Bovensiepen Zagato.

We first saw the M4-based stunner at the Villa d’Este and soon after at the Goodwood Festival of Speed. The coachbuilt BMW will debut in North America at Monterey Car Week on the Concept Car Lawn (August 8–17) and appear at The Quail, A Motorsports Gathering, on August 15.

Although a coupe, the car is actually based on the M4 Convertible, hence the absence of B-pillars. The Italian design house has worked on BMWs before (remember the Zagato Coupe and Roadster?), but this is its first project based on an M4. Zagato collaborated with Andreas and Florian Bovensiepen, sons of the late ALPINA founder Burkard Bovensiepen, to bring the car to life, double-bubble roof and all.

BOVENSIEPEN ZAGATO 01

For the sake of clarity, the car doesn’t come from the traditional ALPINA company, now under the BMW Group umbrella. Instead, the two brothers founded a separate company, Bovensiepen Automobile, also based in Buchloe, like the historic firm their late father started 60 years ago.

Americans will now get to see the G83-based coupe up close, wearing a new carbon fiber skin over its original body. The Bovensiepen Zagato has dual-layer bodywork because removing the BMW panels would’ve required re-homologating the car. You can imagine that it would’ve been a costly process for a newly founded company. Keeping the OEM panels also means the coupe is just as safe as its BMW counterpart.

Bovensiepen has offset some of the weight penalty by ditching the M4 Convertible’s clunky roof mechanism. The coupe is actually 50 kilograms (110 pounds) lighter than the G83, tipping the scales at 1,875 kg (4,133 lbs). While massive changes have been made, the laser taillights are a clear giveaway that it’s based on a 4 Series.

There’s no manual gearbox, as this is meant to be a GT. Fitting a third pedal would have been tricky anyway since the M4 Convertible comes exclusively with all-wheel drive. All of BMW’s xDrive cars come exclusively in automatic guise. Bovensiepen has unlocked an extra 79 hp and 50 Nm (37 lb-ft) from the S58 twin-turbo 3.0-liter inline-six. However, the convertible-turned-coupe is more about its unique design.

Bovensiepen hasn’t finalized pricing, but the few planned examples will reportedly cost €400,000 to €500,000. Rumor has it BMW charged wealthy buyers half a million euros for the sold-out Skytop and Speedtop. The targa convertible and shooting brake were both based on the larger M8.

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Ferrari LaFerrari Review and Exclusive Images

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August 9, 2025

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Ferrari LaFerrari Review and Exclusive Images

The LaFerrari looks every bit the hypercar – it’s mind-blowing. It looks so extreme and spaceship-like that the very sight of it is mouth-watering.

On the outside, it’s striking and bold, with a sleek profile that stays true to the classic Ferrari sports cars of the past. Walking around the car, we were able to follow the curves, vents and tiny details that have been carefully sculpted to create a beautifully smooth body.

Its prominent front wing is very F1-like, and aerodynamics obviously played a large part in how it was designed, with active aero features including front and rear diffusers, an underbody guide vane and a rear spoiler.

The aerodynamic features react automatically when the driving conditions suit, helping generate better downforce without creating unwanted drag.

If you’re more into your soft-tops and convertibles, there’s also a LaFerrari Aperta, a spider version which was introduced three years after the coupe we got to see. You don’t need us to tell you that it, too, is absolutely stunning.

LaFerrari Interior Design

So, getting inside the LaFerrari – it’s actually physically not as awkward as you’d think. It’s hardly a tight squeeze and you’re definitely not on your hands and knees trying to crawl out of it either, unlike some of the less practical supercars we’ve seen.

Once you’re in, carbon-fibre pretty much covers the cabin along with some bits of upmarket Alcantara, which gives the LaFerrari a very performance-orientated, but high-quality finish.

Its fully digital dashboard is distinctive and only adds to the spaceship-like feel on the inside, and the steering wheel is where most buttons and switches are – including the ‘Engine Start’ button and the Manettino dial, which gives you Sport, Race and Wet modes.

Something of note when we were inside the LaFerrari was the seating position; you sit very low, but it’s not necessarily a problem because the steering wheel and pedals are adjustable and can be moved towards or away from you – race-car style. There’s a nice degree of comfort and each customer has tailor-made seats fitted prior to delivery.

Being so wide, the view out the front is good but the rear view could be better, as with most hypercars. The harness is also a bit of a pain to get on quickly, but with 950bhp and hitting 218mph, the extra safety isn’t exactly a bad idea.

Ferrari LaFerrari seats and carbon fibre

So Fast, So Impeccable… Where Next?

So, a few years on from the outstanding LaFerrari’s debut, what can possibly compete with it? Where could we possibly go from here?

But, as far as an authentic all-rounder with an engaging drive, immaculate design and thunderous power goes, has any other hypercar quite hit the heights of the LaFerrari yet? We don’t think so.

The LaFerrari, as its name suggests, is the utmost expression of what Ferrari strives for – excellence. You could call it the King of Kings, as it proudly represents the pinnacle of Ferrari’s work to date, incorporating all that’s great about the Prancing Horse.

To stay up-to-date with all the latest news in the supercar world and for exclusive access to our galleries and reviews, be sure to check out our Facebook/Instagram pages.

Check out our review of the latest member of the Ferrari family, the F8 Tributo, or if you want an exclusive look at the Koenigsegg CCXR Edition we visited, which is the ONLY one of its kind in the world, check out our review and gallery!

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Admire the Scenery at The Views RV Park

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August 9, 2025

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Colorado is the home of some of the best mountains and ski resorts in the country. Visitors flock to this state throughout the year, and many people need a good place to set up camp! If you’re looking for a spot with unbeatable scenery and some of the best ratings, head for The Views RV Park & Campground.

As you might have guessed from the name, this campground offers stunning views from nearly every angle. Mountains loom in the distance, providing the perfect backdrop for majestic sunrises and sunsets. A mixture of native desert wildlife and lush greenery wind through the camp as well, ensuring that each site is surrounded by beauty and shaded spots.

Best of all, this park has a nearly flawless reputation. Visitors have raved about their experiences, making this one of the most highly regarded RV parks in the state of Colorado. It might be surprising that a small, out-of-the-way park has earned so much praise, but the feedback speaks for itself. Read on to learn why The Views RV Park is worth a visit.

Overview

The Views RV Park & Campground is located in Dolores, Colorado. This is a small town, tucked away from larger destinations like Denver and Colorado Springs. It is fairly close to Route 160 though, so you won’t have to travel too far off the beaten path to camp here.

You also won’t have to worry about finding water in the desert here. This RV park is nestled between two large bodies of water (The McPhee Reservoir and the Narraguinnep Reservoir). Smaller rivers and canals wind through the surrounding land as well, ensuring that wildlife (and visiting campers) have easy access to fresh water.

Now let’s take a look at The Views RV Park. It’s a fairly small park, with a grand total of 50 RV sites. These sites are quite spacious and they all come with full hookups. Big rigs are more than welcome here and there are pull-through and back-in sites available. Tent camping is also permitted here and visitors can even choose to stay in one of three rental glamping tents.

The main camping season here runs from April 15–October 31. It’s tricky to keep campgrounds open year-round in Colorado due to the cold winters and heavy snowfall. But if you’re doing a road trip during any other season, this place will be open for business.

The rates here are quite reasonable, especially when you consider how popular and scenic this park is. They could certainly get away with charging more for such a wonderful camping spot, but the prices remain fairly steady.

Larger campsites on the outer edge are slightly more expensive, while the smaller ones on the interior are cheaper. You’ll generally be looking at a range of $50-$65 per night depending on where your site is located. Weekly rates are available at a discount and you can also inquire about monthly reservations at theviewsrvpark.com.

Amenities

The campsites themselves are spacious and comfortable, but that’s just the tip of the iceberg. Visitors of The Views RV Park & Campground can enjoy a wide range of amenities designed for comfort and convenience.

A couple of glamping tent sites are on the property, complete with queen beds, microwaves, mini-fridges, and even a private porch. Primitive tent sites are also available, but the glamping ones are the premium choice.

The full hookups at each site make it easy to use your RV bathroom. But if you need some extra space, this campground also has a bathhouse and restroom facilities. These have been recently remodeled, so they are in great condition. Laundry machines are also located within this complex, making it easy to refresh your linens and wardrobe.

Many sites come with picnic tables and gravel patios. But if you need even more outdoor space to gather and relax, head to one of the fire pits or the pavilion. These have BBQ grills and chairs so you can cook outdoors or just enjoy a crackling fire.

As the name suggests, this park has some of the best views in the state. Mountains rise above the forests and plains, framed by mature trees within the campground. Be sure to bring your camera to capture the beauty of the sunsets here. This park also connects to a trail for hiking and mountain biking so you can admire the view from multiple angles.

If you want to host an event in this beautiful place, no worries. The Views RV Park & Campground also comes with a rental venue. This is perfect for outdoor events like weddings, family reunions, and celebrations of life. You can have a day to remember surrounded by stunning scenery.

Headed to one of the nearby reservoirs? Pick up a stand-up paddle board (SUP) from the camp hosts. SUPs are available to rent and they’re the perfect way to enjoy these bodies of water. There are so many ways to enjoy your stay here and the amenities make it even more special.

Nearby Activities/Attractions

In addition to being a great campground, The Views RV Park also puts you close to several interesting attractions. You’re fairly close to the borders of Utah, New Mexico, and Arizona, so this is a wonderful place to stay if you want to visit any of these states.

Colorado also has plenty of history built into the mountains and canyons. People have been living on this land for hundreds of years and the evidence is all around. If you want to learn more about the history of this region, visit the nearby Canyons of the Ancients. This National Monument includes ruins, artifacts, artwork, and educational material about past and present inhabitants of Colorado.

The two reservoirs provide an excellent spot to cool down if the desert heat starts to build. These spots are perfect for boating, swimming, fishing, or just relaxing on the beach.

Scenic hikes and nature trails abound here. You can explore the surrounding mountains, hike around the reservoirs, explore Mesa Verde National Park, or visit Colorado’s only geyser via the Geyser Spring Trail.

There are also local attractions, such as the Dolores River Brewery, The West Fork Gallery, and Dolores Outfitters and Jeep Rental. Additional convenience stores, gas stations, and grocery stores are located nearby for all of your camping needs. There are also several restaurants for you to sample during your visit. Some local favorites include:

Bring a big appetite and a bit of extra cash so you can try something delicious during your visit.

Reviews

As you can see, this RV park has a lot going for it. But it truly captured our attention when we saw the reviews it was getting! There are many worthwhile campgrounds across this country, but even the good ones usually average a score of 8. If a park scores in the 9 range, that’s certainly worth a closer look!

But The Views RV Park & Campground went above and beyond with an almost unheard of score: 9.9/10! In case you’re worried that this is a fluke, or cherry-picked from only a couple of reviews, let’s take a closer look at the breakdown.

91 visitors have reviewed their experience at this campground. Of this group, 86 of them rated it as “Excellent,” or 5/5. And the remaining five people gave it the next highest score of “Good.” Not a single guest rated their experience as “Average,” “Poor,” or “Terrible.” In a world where there’s almost always a 1-star review somewhere, a rating like this is almost unheard of!

The users of RV LIFE Campgrounds have only good things to say about their experience here. Many people said that it was clean, quiet, and beautiful. They also complimented the size and spacing of the sites, noting that there was plenty of room to enjoy their spot. There was no report of any issue with the amenities or hookups. And finally, it lives up to its name, delivering stunning sunset views over the mountains!

Colorado is a state that is famous for its mountains and beautiful vistas. So if you want a quiet and peaceful camp where you can take in the scenery, The Views RV Park & Campground is calling to you.

For more insider information about this park, including tips, answers to common questions, and detailed campground breakdowns, visit RV LIFE Campgrounds. The discussion here is entirely organic, so you can rest assured that you’re getting accurate feedback from real guests.

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Corvette ZR1X offers hypercar-level performance at $200,000

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August 9, 2025

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Corvette ZR1X offers hypercar-level performance at 0,000

Chevrolet recently unveiled the most powerful iteration of its performance car, in the form of the Corvette ZR1X. Now, the full pricing details for the American sports car have been revealed.

The 2026 Corvette ZR1X is offered with a starting price of $207,395 for the Coupe (inclusive of the $1,995 delivery fee), making it the first factory-built Corvette to be priced over $200,000. The convertible version of the ZR1X is priced at $217,395.

The prices for both the Coupe and Convertible is with Corvette’s 1LZ interior package. Customers wanting the 3LZ package will have to shell out an additional $11,000.

Alongside the price unveil, Chevrolet also announced a surprise special edition, called the “Quail Silver Limited Edition.” This new limited edition is only available to customers who choose the 3LZ interior package on their ZR1X.

The Corvette ZR1X Quail Silver Limited Edition is offered with a blade silver exterior paint scheme – offered for the first time on a Corvette since the 1960s. Other features include orange brake calipers, black exhaust tips, carbon flash-painted mirrors and exclusive sky cool and medium ash grey accents in the cabin. The Corvette ZR1X with the Quail Silver Limited Edition package is priced at $241,395.

The Corvette ZR1X is powered by a 5.5-litre twin-turbo V8 engine, paired with an electric motor. It produces a total output of 1,250 BHP, sending power to all four wheels. The ZR1X can sprint from 0-62 mph in under 2 seconds.

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2025 MG4 gets rounded styling under pressure to improve China sales; semi-solid-state battery in Sept

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August 9, 2025

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2025 MG4 gets rounded styling under pressure to improve China sales; semi-solid-state battery in Sept

Those familiar with the current MG4 might have gotten quite a bit of a shock looking at the new one that’s just been launched in China. The hatchback’s sporty, jutting design has been replaced by a more rounded look that takes several steps in the direction of the BYD Dolphin and Geely Xingyuan (yes, by that we do really mean the Proton eMas 5).

According to Autohome, this sea change was literally by design. During the launch, SAIC Innovation chief designer Shao Jingfeng said that the softer appearance was guided by the need to satisfy both global and domestic customers’ tastes.

“The cultural differences between China and the West are significant, presenting a significant challenge for designers,” he said. “If the design is too strong, the Chinese may not like it; if it is too soft, foreigners may not accept it. MG is, after all, a global brand, with products sold around the world. This poses a huge challenge for our current Chinese design team.”

2025 MG4 gets rounded styling under pressure to improve China sales; semi-solid-state battery in Sept

Shao added that the car’s resemblance to the Cyberster was deliberate and resulted from a conversation with MG’s new Global Design Centre vice president Jozef Kabaň. The latter was a former BMW and Volkswagen Group designer who penned, among other things, the Bugatti Veyron.

“After Kabaň joined us, we had an in-depth discussion. He told me how the Cyberster had drawn him to China. He said, “The sports car you’re launching is unique in the world.” He also mentioned that he was surprised by the bold use of such a simple and clear design. When I asked if we could continue this design for the second model, he agreed.”

Responding to a slightly sexist question from the media about whether such a “feminine” design would turn off male buyers, Shao said the popularity and pricing advantage of SUVs in China has made the market for sporty hatchbacks shrink anyway.

2025 MG4 gets rounded styling under pressure to improve China sales; semi-solid-state battery in Sept

“But this category is quite good. This small car is agile and nimble, suitable for both racing and sports use. Many young men would consider a hatchback as their first car, but the market is short on options. Furthermore, the few models available are heavily stigmatized as feminine,” he said.

The pivot towards appealing to the Chinese market is an understandable one, given that sales of the current model have slowed to a crawl not long after its launch in 2022. Car News China reported that as of February, monthly sales had fallen to just 13 across all of China, battered by strong domestic competition. The reorienting also shows that despite MG having a strong international following – the MG4 was at one point the most exported Chinese EV – the Chinese market is still king.

2025 MG4 gets rounded styling under pressure to improve China sales; semi-solid-state battery in Sept

A lot has also been made of the forthcoming semi-solid-state battery technology, reportedly due to be introduced next month. Li Zheng, general manager of the joint venture between SAIC and solid-state battery startup Qingtao, said the MG4 will use Qingtao’s second-generation battery with new cathode materials, balancing safety, energy density and longevity.

He added that the breakthroughs in positive electrode materials, voltage platforms and battery management would have taken five or even ten years longer without the joint efforts of engineers from both sides, as well as the deep integration between suppliers and carmakers.

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Looks like Rivian is working on a steer-by-wire system

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August 9, 2025

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Looks like Rivian is working on a steer-by-wire system

Rivian-R2-design — Rivian R2 steering wheel design (Source: Rivian)

Rivian has posted a job listing for a steering engineer, specifically mentioning work on a future steer-by-wire system for the company.

Steer-by-wire is an automotive concept that has been around for a long time, but hasn’t yet reached mass adoption. The idea is to replace (or supplement) mechanical linkages between the steering wheel and the wheels with electronic actuators instead.

There are a number of potential benefits to this, like allowing more customizability or adaptability to a steering system, reducing mechanical complexity, or adding speed-sensitive variable steering ratios.

Although there are also disadvantages, like a reduction in steering feel (although, since most cars are moving to electronic power steering, that was already gone anyway).

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But few cars have implemented steer-by-wire systems, or at least not fully committed to them, given that mechanical steering racks are a relatively solved problem and the general inertia of the car industry which would rather stick with a solution they know than switch to something better (haven’t we here, at this EV publication, heard *that* one before…). There’s also the matter of regulations, which have often been written to require mechanical steering systems, and may need updating to allow for steer by wire.

But, steer by wire made it into mass production with the release of the Tesla Cybertruck. This was big news when Tesla committed to this – at the time, it was the only thing on the road to exclusively use a steer by wire system, though there are other cars with partial steer by wire (for example, mechanical front wheel steering, and steer by wire rear-wheel steering).

But it seems to have opened the floodgates, as a number of other companies are working on or have since released steer by wire systems (Lexus, for example).

And now, it looks like Rivian is one of those companies – though we don’t know if it’s for the front or rear.

The company posted a job listing for “Sr. Staff Technical Program Manager, Steering Actuator System,” based at its Irvine, CA headquarters (spotted by Rivianforums). This wouldn’t be so exceptional, except that the job posting also specifically points out that “you’ll have full cradle-to-grave ownership of the SBW subsystem.”

So – we know they’re working on steer by wire, to some extent.

But a few other EVs, particularly large EVs like the Rivian R1 platform is, use steer by wire just for the rear wheels – for example the Hummer EV and Rolls-Royce Spectre. These systems are particularly helpful for giant vehicles, because it allows them to be more nimble and make turns that otherwise would require a lot more… negotiation in a giant land yacht.

So it’s possible that Rivian is only working on rear wheel steer by wire here, but we’d like to think there’s a chance it’s working on steer by wire for the full vehicle.

We also don’t know if this would show up on all of Rivian’s vehicles, or only on certain models – the R2 and R3 are in development, with R2 in pretty late stages, and the R1 just got a big refresh. But, perhaps even more interestingly (and very speculatively), VW has invested heavily in Rivian for technology help, so we wonder if we might end up seeing this in VW group vehicles, or Scout vehicles eventually…

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Step-by-step guide on entering a car design school – thoughts on automotive design

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August 9, 2025

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Step-by-step guide on entering a car design school – thoughts on automotive design

Hi- blog founder Lee here! If you are reading this in application season- good news! We have some advice for you. I will be offering some additional comments on this article (written by contributor Marco Braun. I spent many years on the other side of this process- as head of a Vehicle Design bachelor course, interviewing and selecting candidates. Some of the students I selected and taught now work for major OEM studios, such as Rolls Royce, Polestar, Volvo, Maserati and Koenigsegg. They also went on to complete Masters level courses to achieve this. I like to think I have a good instinct for candidates- and yes, there will always be human beings on the other side of every process such as this. It is never just by the numbers!

info about where I taught: Lahti Institute of Design

Lee

In this article, I will tell you all about the experience of studying transportation design. I myself was lucky enough to study at one of the world’s best universities for car design. However, many may not be lucky due to financial constraints. This is why I wrote this chapter. I will give you a complete overview of how to enter a car design school. After the chapter, you will know exactly how to enter the education program of an automotive designer and what really matters. You can set your priorities in your own design studies and adjust your skills. In this way, you will push your career towards becoming a professional car designer.

Where to study?

Where is the best place to study car design? Nowadays it is possible to study car design anywhere in the world. Whether it is in Brazil or India, talented car designers come from all over the world. The internet also makes it possible to learn online. On Instagram and Simkom you can see the status quo that should be achieved. However, there are still a few car design schools with an excellent reputation. The most successful car designers are graduates of those universities.

Art Center College of Design The Art Center College of Design has been a leader in art and design education for nearly 75years.
HFG PforzheimThe Pforzheim School of Design (Germany) is part of thePforzheim University of Applied Sciences. It is very competitive in terms of artistic aptitude
CCS – College for Creative StudiesThe College for creative Studies is one of the leading arts education institutions. It offers courses in, Product Design and Transportation Design.
Royal College of Art The Royal College of Art is the world’s most influential postgraduate institution of art and design. Find out about courses, research and innovation here.
Strate, School of Design Top tier ranking of the best car designschools in the world.

Note, it is not important where you study, but what you make of it. It is beneficial to study at one of these schools because they are well known and attract many talented students. Also, they maintain close contact with major car companies. However, strict eligibility for admission, financial constraints or other personal reasons sometimes make it impossible to study at one of these schools.

If you don’t have the opportunity to go to such a school, I can tell you this: To become a successful car designer, the choice of university is only of little importance. Self-motivation and the unconditional will to work on one’s skill is more crucial.

For example, a former fellow colleague of mine failed 3 times in the artistic preselection exam in Pforzheim. After that, he tried the exam again even though it was forbidden to take more than 3 attempts. He failed. Then he studied interior design in an average design school and completing his studies, got a job as an exterior designer at a famous car manufacturer in Germany. He only managed to do this because he was determined to become a car designer.

On the other hand, for example, many of my fellow students were busy doing other things alongside their studies. Some spent a lot of time on hobbies, others worked part-time. They didn’t focus 100% on their design studies. They fell by the wayside later and couldn’t find an internship or job. Therefore, it is not important where you study, but what you do with your studies. Many roads lead to Rome.

Excellent advice and a good chapter here Marco. I will add:
Yes, it is true it does not matter where you study design, or even if you study car design as a specialist subject at all. All good design degrees can and should produce potentially good car designers. I also know car designers who did not study at all, that do not even have a bachelors degree! Most of the skill has to be self-taught, and certainly it requires a lot of self-motivation. There is however, one hugely important contribution that “famous” schools will add to your potential for success- and that is connections. It really is a matter of who you know in life, and the best schools collaborate closely with, are visited by, and are known intimately by other car designers and the studios they work in. There are truly excellent design schools (for example Steiglitz Academy in Russia) which are not listed here- but which strived to maintain close links with industry through alumni. The alumni network of a school is the most important factor for you in choosing where to study. One of the best Masters courses in the world right now is at Umeå University in Sweden- and I would strongly recommend it to anyone looking to study car design. Local connection with Volvo/Polestar but globally many other OEM studios make them a great choice.

Lee

How to apply?

The application to a design college consists of 3 steps. First, the submission of the art portfolio. After the portfolio has been pre-selected, the artistic exam takes place. At the end a personal interview.

Art portfolio

If you are applying to a design school, you will need an artistic portfolio. Please gather information about the requirements of the respective university about like size, number and content that they require. Basically, it’s about showing your drawing skills and an interest in technical and artistic subjects. When creating your art portfolio, you need technical drawings such as objects and products AND also artistic drawings like drawings of people, hands etc. The goal is not only to show your passion for cars or industrial designs but also, to present your various artistic interests. Paintings, graphics or cartoon drawings do not belong in an art folder. You may decide to put in something like that, but only a few, to show the breadth of your abilities. From numerous portfolio discussions and preparation courses in which I have participated, I want to show you what really matters. The skills that should be shown in your artistic portfolio are also the basic skills for any car designer. Before you start studying car design, you should master those skills.

Here are some examples that you can use as a guide.

When you draw, you have to think about form as you want your drawings to show some volume. When you practice this, don’t stress the quality. Draw a lot, and quickly. Quantity over quality in this case. Take large-format drawing sheets and fill the whole sheet with sketches. Draw the same object several times in different views and perspectives.

Remember that it’s not about painting beautiful pictures. To paint beautiful pictures, you need two resources: patience and time. Maybe your grandma likes those paintings, however, if you want to develop a good understanding of form, it is useless. What you should also be doing is deconstructing objects. Think of each object as if it were made up of simple forms.

Seeing and grasping the forms correctly must be learned. The best way to learn this is to draw real objects. Do not use photos but use products in your environment. Why? The challenge is to transfer a three-dimensional object onto a two-dimensional canvas. Photographs have already anticipated this step.

You can also look at a real object from all sides and touch and feel it. You can turn and twist to be able to completely understand it three-dimensionally. Also, draw the object as if it were made of glass. Draw it in a transparent state and draw the hidden lines.

Pay attention to perspective and proportion. If the basic structure of your drawing is not stable, everything will fall apart visually and appear awkward. Therefore, pay attention to the correct perspective and proportion. Learn to study the relationships and distances between the individual shapes and transfer them to your drawing.

Qualifying Examination

After the portfolio has been pre-selected, the artistic exam takes place. The test differs from school to school. At the university in Pforzheim, it lasted one day. I was sitting in the same room with other competitors while we were working on several tasks. The first assignment was a still life that had to be drawn in 1 hour and 30 minutes. The next task required drawing a scenario out of the imagination, like an airport operation or a rush hour in the morning. A third task related to the specific subject is “automotive design”. In my exam car seats were brought in, which required to be drawn descriptively. Descriptively means to draw in perspective and from different views and angles.

If you pass the exam the first time, do not hang your head. It is not uncommon for the university to test whether you have stamina and can meet the high demands of the course.

Expert Discussion

After the exam, you will have an individual or group interview with the tutors. They will check your subject-specific general knowledge related to automobiles/automobile design. They will ask basic questions such as, “name three famous automobile designers” or “what is ABS”. Here you should show that you are enthusiastic about an automobile and motivation making it clear that you are the right one for the program.

Car Design 1:1 Coaching

The actual application process varies a lot- as Marco rightly pointed out. The advice here regarding drawing of 3D form is excellent- as that is what all designers are judged on. Often, young people mistake a portfolio to mean a list of achievements, or artworks that took the most time. Effort is not the key metric or measurement used by design schools to judge you. Quality and understanding of the world is. A portfolio of photography for example- is not going to get you into a car design school. Lastly- what is termed “expert discussion” here usually takes the form of an interview. This is sometimes a group, but often a one to one chat- and for example in my own process of selecting Vehicle Design candidates this was one of the most crucial steps. Attitude, knowledge, previous skills, or just simple enthusiasm for design- are all assessed in minutes during any interview. Interviewers are trying to asses your potential and motivations- not just your knowledge. Personally I value wide knowledge, travel, reading, and broad observations of the world as these are what make a good designer in any genre. I also asked questions that are not as related to cars as Marco has explained. A good school will seek this type of student. Be wary of narrow- technical questions- this is perhaps indicative of German engineering based thinking, but other schools may have a much more open approach. Most importantly, always be yourself in interviews- do not try to speak or act in a way that you think the interviewer wants you to. If a car design school does not select you- maybe it was difficult for the interview to see your potential or maybe you are just not ready yet.. It really is a case of 110% commitment and determination- and if you are not in that frame of mind yet, don’t give up. Lastly, don’t worry too much about schools, because when you are ready for this career- the industry will know it better than any school.

Lee

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Panasonic: no slowdown in EV battery demand

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August 9, 2025

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Panasonic: no slowdown in EV battery demand

Even without government incentives, Panasonic is counting on continued demand for lithium-ion batteries. By Megan Lampinen

As the US government scraps CAFE emissions fines and incentives for electric vehicles (EVs), the country’s prospects for an electric future are clouding. A study by Jesse Jenkins, Assistant Professor at Princeton University, estimates that there will now be 8.3 million fewer EVs and plug-in hybrids on US roads by 2030 than if incentives had remained in place. Combined with a volatile trade environment and tensions with China, a key source of EV materials, the outlook for EV suppliers has become increasingly challenging.

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Where to See the 2025 Perseid Meteor Shower and How to Pick the Best Viewing Spot

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August 9, 2025

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Where to See the 2025 Perseid Meteor Shower and How to Pick the Best Viewing Spot

The Perseid meteor shower is one of the best times to see meteors shoot across the sky with the naked eye every August. Some years, you can see more than 100 meteors an hour. This year, the number will be lower – about 25-50 meteors an hour – because the moon will be bright during the show. The meteor shower is popular for stargazers, both because it’s easy to spot the meteors by just looking at the sky, and because these meteors often leave long trails or even fireballs in their wake.

The meteors are the result of the Earth passing through the debris trail left by Comet Swift-Tuttle.

The peak dates for viewing the Perseid meteor shower 2025 are from August 11-13. Traveling by RV is an excellent way to view the meteors, because you have flexibility. You can move to another location if you notice that your chosen spot will be cloudy on the day of the meteors. You also have flexibility when you arrive. Rather than having to show up in the middle of the night to search the skies, you can nap or occupy yourself around your RV. Emerge to watch the shower, and then head straight to bed instead of having to drive home. An RV also gives you plenty of room if you want to bring along a telescope or amateur photography equipment. You’ll have space to make meals, and a convenient bathroom if you need one.

When and Where to See the Perseid Meteor Shower in 2025

The Perseid Meteor Shower 2025 will happen all across the U.S., but there are places where viewing will be better. For the best chance at seeing meteors, you’ll want to be away from cities and other sources of light pollution. The moon will be 84-86% illuminated, so some of the fainter meteor streaks won’t be visible even with less manmade light.

You’ll also want an area with clear skies so the meteors aren’t covered by clouds.

Here are the best times to view the meteor shower, depending on where you are in the country:

U.S. Time Zone	Perseids Peak Window (Aug 12-13)	Why It’s Best
Eastern	01:00 – 05:00 a.m. EDT	Radiant nearly overhead; waning gibbous Moon has sunk <10° above W horizon
Central	00:00 – 04:00 a.m. CDT	Same geometry one hour earlier locally
Mountain	11:00 p.m. – 03:00 a.m. MDT	Moon sets shortly after 03:00; darkest sky just before dawn
Pacific	10:00 p.m. – 02:00 a.m. PDT	Radiant climbs to zenith after midnight; Moon gone by 02:30

Areas in the U.S. like deserts and the Great Plains tend to have clear skies in August. It’s generally best to stay away from the coasts, where fog can roll in and obscure the show. Mountain regions can also be home to summer thunderstorms, making clear skies unpredictable. Some general areas to consider camping during the meteor shower include:

Great Basin & the Interior West (Nevada, Utah, and the Idaho high desert)
Northern & Central High Plains (Wyoming through Kansas and surrounding areas)
Pacific Northwest interior (Spokane, Boise, and other inland cities)
Desert Southwest (Arizona, New Mexico, West Texas)
Upper Great Lakes & Adirondacks
Southeast & Gulf Coast – higher humidity makes this the cloudiest possibility on this list, but try watching after midnight if you can’t get to the other regions

Top Places to Watch the Perseids in 2025 in the U.S.

Taking those areas as a guide, here are some more specific locations where you can camp and watch the Perseid meteor shower 2025. Many of them are remote, which gets you away from lights and possibly some crowds as well. They’re also well-suited for camping, and for a variety of outdoor adventures during the day before the big nighttime show.

Great Basin National Park (Nevada) – The park is at 7,000 feet in elevation and is known for having clear desert air. It’s a certified International Dark Sky Park and isn’t near any big cities, so there’s almost no light pollution. The park also has astronomy programs all summer long and is a well-known spot for stargazing.
Central Idaho Dark Sky Reserve (Stanley – Ketchum, Idaho) – This is the only Gold Tier Reserve in the U.S., meaning it still shows near-natural night skies. During the day, you’ll get sweeping views of the Sawtooth Mountains, and you can go hiking, boating, mountain biking, and enjoy lots of outdoor activities before the nighttime show.
Steens Mountain (Eastern Oregon) – The Steens Mountain Wilderness is a popular spot in southeastern Oregon for outdoor activities. It’s away from the coast, so night skies are less likely to be obscured by clouds, and there aren’t big cities nearby to interfere with the darkness.
Big Bend National Park (Texas) – Big Bend has the darkest measured skies in the Lower 48. The park’s vast horizons also make it possible to follow meteor paths across the wide open sky.
Cherry Springs State Park (Pennsylvania) – This state park is one of the best dark-sky fields in the East. The park has an astronomy field with 360° sight lines and regular public programs at night.
Baxter State Park (North Woods, Maine) – There are several campgrounds at the park, and you can watch for meteors with the silhouette of Mount Katahdin in the background. The Katahdin Woods & Waters National Monument is also a great option for meteor watching – it’s an International Dark Sky Sanctuary.

How to Pick the Best Spot for Meteor Shower Viewing Near You

If you want meteor shower viewing near you, you’ll want to consider a few things when you plan. Here’s how to pick the best spot to increase your chances of seeing shooting stars.

Dark Sky Areas

Look for designated dark sky areas. Several U.S. national and state parks are certified International Dark Sky parks, which means you won’t get much ambient light. You can also look for an area’s rating on the Bortle scale. The Bortle scale was developed by amateur astronomer John Bortle, and it ranks the light pollution in an area. The darkest skies get a 1 rating, while the brightest urban skies get a 9.

Light Pollution Maps

You can also find light pollution maps online to help you see how much light a region is getting. DarkSiteFinder has a light pollution map you can use to find less-illuminated places. This light pollution map is also a very helpful resource.

Go High

To decrease your chances of light interference, you’ll want avoid the lights of the city. You can also increase your chances of seeing meteors if you head to higher elevations. Check the weather report, because some mountainous areas are prone to thunderstorms. But if the forecast is clear, being up high gives you a better overall view.

Astronomy Weather Sites

If you’re looking for forecasts to help you determine if your site will be clear, try an astronomy-focused weather site like ClearDarkSky.com. It has forecasts used by observatories and other astronomers, and there are helpful instructions for how to read the charts. You can also consult astrospheric.com or use an app like Clear Outside or Sky Guide.

Why Traveling— Even Just a Few Hours — Improves Your Meteor Shower Experience

The best way to see a meteor shower is often to travel, even a short distance, from home. Lots of us live in or near large cities or suburbs, and a two-hour drive can get us out to the mountains, or the plains, or to other less lit-up areas.

Camping in an RV, trailer, or campervan gives you even more flexibility. You can drive until you find an area that’s suitable for meteor-viewing. Then, you simply need to find a nearby campground or boondocking area where you can set up. This is especially convenient considering that most of the prime viewing times are in the middle of the night. Take a nap beforehand, wake up for the meteor shower, and head back to bed without needing to drive several hours home at night.

The Perseid meteor shower 2025 is one of those awe-inspiring celestial events that remind us we are a small part of a vast universe. Watching the meteors means we can gaze at the amazing expanse of space at night. During the day, we can gaze at amazing mountains, deserts, plains, and other natural wonders.

You don’t need fancy gear to watch the Perseid meteor shower. You just need a good spot with clear skies and the time to sit and watch the stars. Taking an RV to see the meteors gives you the flexibility to take a nap or move locations if you want.

If you don’t have an RV, you can rent one on RVshare for your meteor journey! From spacious Class A motorhomes to tiny pop-up campers, you’re sure to find one that suits your group.

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30%: Why GM And BMW Are Buying More Chinese EV Batteries

60%: Shell Will Shut Down Its Volta EV Chargers

90%: China’s EV Sales Slow Down After Govt. Acts On Price War

100%: EVs Are Moving Into High Gear. What Are You Looking Forward To?

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When and Where to See the Perseid Meteor Shower in 2025

Top Places to Watch the Perseids in 2025 in the U.S.

How to Pick the Best Spot for Meteor Shower Viewing Near You

Dark Sky Areas

Light Pollution Maps

Go High

Astronomy Weather Sites

Why Traveling— Even Just a Few Hours — Improves Your Meteor Shower Experience

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