China is running out of critical battery material: here are the countdowns

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We talk a lot here at Electrek about the exponential growth of electric vehicles and the massive strain that puts on the battery supply chain. Literally, the majority of that demand and production comes from China.

But there is a massive difference between processing materials and actually having them in the ground.

A new image from a gigantic materials mining and recycling company in China, gives us a sobering look at the reality of their domestic reserves. The data suggests that China’s own supply of the most critical battery metals isn’t just running low; in some cases, it’s already gone.

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Volkswagen’s new entry-level EV may not be so cheap after all

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The ID. Polo is arriving in 2026 as the first of a new family of entry-level Volkswagen EVs. It was initially expected to start at 25,000 euros ($30,000), but that may no longer be the case. At least, not right away.

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Tesla’s 4680 battery supply chain collapses as partner writes down deal by 99%

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A major link in Tesla’s 4680 battery supply chain has just snapped. South Korean battery material supplier L&F Co. announced today that the value of its massive supply deal with Tesla has been slashed by over 99%, signaling a catastrophic drop in demand for the automaker’s in-house battery cells.

This is arguably the strongest evidence yet that Tesla’s 4680 program, and the vehicle that relies on it, the Cybertruck, is in serious trouble.

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Lucid (LCID) EVs show up in record numbers as year-end push heats up [Video]

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A record 27 car carriers were spotted at Lucid Motor’s (LCID) manufacturing plant, loaded with Gravity and Air models ready for delivery as the year-end push heats up.

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Last call: check out these EVs before they’re gone for good in 2026

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A lot of mainstream auto media coverage right now is pushing the idea that some EVs are “dying.” What we’re really seeing is a wave of end-of-cycle, first-generation vehicles making way for their next-gen replacements — and, historically, that’s when buyers get the best deals.

If that’s what you’re after, these are the EVs you should be looking at right now.

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E-quipment highlight: Zamboni 552AC electric ice surfacer

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In the world of professional hockey, the only thing that might be more iconic than the legendary Stanley Cup might be the Zamboni – the mighty ice-smoothing machines that keep the rink fast, flawless, and game-ready. And, thanks to battery power, today’s Zambonis can do the job more quietly, cleanly, and efficiently than ever.

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And then there was one: Nikola workforce down to a single employee

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Nikola’s story of fraud, deception, and political intrigue is almost over – the bankrupt company that promised a revolution in hydrogen- and battery-powered heavy trucking has seen its workforce shrink from 874 to a single remaining employee.

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Samsung SDI shifts US focus from EVs to BESS solutions

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In what appears to be significant strategic pivot, Samsung SDI will begin supplying prismatic lithium iron phosphate (LFP) batteries for energy storage systems under a fresh US contract worth more than 2 trillion won (~$1.35 billion). The move will see the company shift US EV battery production lines to ESS output ahead of 2027.

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Toyota Hino-backed semi brand Tern adds 6×2 tandem axle variant

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After launching its first-ever battery-electric Class 8 truck at the 2024 ACT Expo, the Toyota Hino-backed Tern brand announced the launch of its second electric semi truck. Meet the new Tern RC8 6×2 80k tractor.

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Renault Group closes out 2025 with a new EV efficiency record

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First shown earlier this year as a styling concept, the Renault Filante Record 2025 technology demonstrator has been continually developed to prove that it’s got more than racy looks going for it. The concept drove more than 1,000 km in less than 10 hours, proving that extreme efficiency is possible at highway speeds.

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