Tesla's Model 3 Standard RWD, helped by an NCM battery and revised 2026 subsidy benefits, is expected to enter the 30 million won range in effective purchase price in South Korea. The NCM model made at the Shanghai Gigafactory in China is set to receive a national subsidy more than about twice as high as the existing LFP model, which is expected to maximize price competitiveness.

• Tesla Model 3 seen as possible in 30 million won range in South Korea, raising industry tension • Tesla launches 7-seat 2026 Model Y, targeting the family SUV market

Tesla is launching a seven-seat version of the 2026 Model Y to target the SUV market. The seven-seat option costs an additional $2,500 and is available only on the premium all-wheel-drive Long Range model. Tesla launched a six-seat Model YL in China in 2025, and whether it will be released in the United States is uncertain.

• Elon Musk (일론 머스크): "Tesla FSD now available only by monthly subscription"

Tesla is ending fixed-price sales of its FSD software and switching to a monthly subscription model. Musk announced that after the 14th, FSD will be offered only as a $99-a-month subscription. Tesla is expanding its robotaxi business, but it still lags behind Waymo.

• With U.S. EV subsidies cut, the 'real winners' emerge... Why did Tesla and Porsche sell well?

U.S. electric vehicle sales fell 36 percent in the fourth quarter of 2025 from a year earlier due to the end of tax credits, but some models such as the Tesla Model Y and Porsche Taycan maintained growth. Experts analyzed that buyers of premium EVs were drawn more to the products themselves than to subsidies.

• Tesla Cybertruck, gap between Musk's expectations and reality • Elon Musk (일론 머스크): "Performance matters more than safety for the next Tesla Roadster"

Tesla's Cybertruck sold just 20,000 units, far short of its 2025 target, raising concerns over a failure to take off. With a sharp price rise and quality controversies including 10 recalls, the reservation-to-purchase conversion rate fell below 5 percent. Its expansion into global markets is also unclear.

Elon Musk has said he will not prioritize the safety of the Tesla Roadster, sparking controversy. He touted innovative performance, including a top speed of 250 mph and acceleration from 0 to 60 mph in under 1 second, but safety concerns are growing. The next-generation Roadster is scheduled to be unveiled on April 1, and Tesla plans to strengthen performance by filing a patent for a fan system.

• Genesis unveils its first electric sports car, the GV60 Magma, with 650 horsepower • Kia pushes development of ultracompact EV 'E1'... smaller and cheaper than the EV2 • Kia prepares a new flagship EV... possible EV7 and EV8

Genesis has launched the GV60 Magma, a high-performance electric vehicle with maximum output of 650 horsepower. It comes with a top speed of 264 km per hour and dedicated driving modes. It marks the first move under the brand's sub-brand Magma, with plans to target the luxury high-performance market through future global expansion and a broader lineup.

Kia is considering the EV1, an electric vehicle smaller than the EV2. The EV1 is likely to be released as an ultracompact EV targeting the European market. The EV2 is scheduled to be released in the fourth quarter, and the EV1 could be launched in 2026. Kia also has an EV lineup from the EV2 to the EV9 and is now preparing a new flagship model. The recently unveiled 'Vision Meta Turismo' concept car is cited as a clue, with a strong possibility it will be released as the EV7 or EV8. This is expected to strengthen Kia's position in the EV market.

• China's Dongfeng begins cold-weather testing of a 1,000 km solid-state battery • Even if it is China... Ford seeks to adopt BYD batteries, strengthening hybrids • China's Geely nears U.S. entry, to unveil EV lineup at CES 2026 • Mercedes halts U.S. launch of Level 3 self-driving, held back by strict conditions

Dongfeng Motor is testing a solid-state battery capable of 1,000 km of driving in extreme weather. The battery, with an energy density of 350 Wh per kg, was assessed as having strong safety and energy retention. China and Germany's auto industries are also speeding up solid-state battery development, with commercialization expected in 2027 to 2028.

Ford is strengthening its hybrid strategy in response to slowing EV demand and is considering sourcing batteries from BYD. If the partnership is finalized, Ford would pursue a second major partnership with a Chinese battery company, focused on vehicles produced outside the United States.

China's Geely Automobile Group signaled the possibility of entering the U.S. market over the mid to long term through CES 2026, making its presence felt. With software regulation cited as a key variable more than safety standards and tariffs, the size of the U.S. market is still assessed as an attractive target for Chinese automakers.

Mercedes is halting the U.S. launch of its Level 3 autonomous driving system, Drive Pilot. The system operated only under specific conditions and required an annual subscription fee of $2,500. It is expected to be replaced with the Level 2++ system MB.Drive Assist Pro.

• EVs more efficient than diesel even in extreme cold, Alaska field study

An Alaska research team compared electric and diesel vehicle performance in polar regions and found EVs outperformed in economy and reliability even in severe cold. Diesel vehicles had higher costs for fuel, idling, block heaters and maintenance, while EVs were cited as disadvantaged by a lack of charging infrastructure.

• Light and quiet... Aventon launches 16 kg ultralight e-bike 'Soltera 3 ADV' • Canyon unveils new e-mountain bike models with an aluminum battery • High-end in price and performance... electric aero road bike 'E-Noah' unveiled

Aventon has launched the ultralight e-bike 'Soltera 3 ADV', weighing 16.8 kg. It uses a Gates carbon belt drive instead of a chain for easier maintenance. It has a 250W motor, a 70-mile range and is priced at $1,499, targeting urban riders.

Canyon unveiled the Spectral:ON and Torque:ON, new electric mountain bikes with significantly strengthened battery safety. To address past recall issues, they use an 800Wh new battery with an aluminum housing and double sealing structure, and have IP57 water resistance. Prices start at 3,999 euros.

Bicycle maker Ridley unveiled the electric aero road bike 'E-Noah'. It uses the lightweight TQ HPR 40 electric motor, keeping the DNA of a high-performance road bike while adding electric assistance. Prices start at 7,099 euros.