Technology: Page


  • Acura "adventure-ready SUV" teaser
    Image attribution tooltip
    Courtesy of Acura
    Image attribution tooltip

    Acura plans bigger SUV, off-roader, and new generation of hybrids

    An 8-passenger SUV and V-6 hybrid powertrain are among the products in the pipeline for Honda’s luxury-performance brand.

    By • Oct. 15, 2026
  • Jeep Compass Electric 2026
    Image attribution tooltip
    Courtesy of Stellantis
    Image attribution tooltip

    Jeep to boost European model lineup

    The automaker commits to more SUVs across market segments, including the next-gen Jeep Renegade and Recon.

    By • Oct. 15, 2026
  • A Waymo robotaxi drives across an intersection in San Francisco, with the Bay Bridge and a building with a Chase logo towering in the background. Explore the Trendline➔
    Image attribution tooltip
    Justin Sullivan via Getty Images
    Image attribution tooltip
    Trendline

    Autonomous Vehicles

    Automakers continue to make big investments in autonomous vehicles. We’ve put together a curated list of stories showcasing the technologies and strategies propelling autonomy.

    By WardsAuto staff
  • A Rivian R2 crossover SUV sits on gravel, with green trees in the background.
    Image attribution tooltip
    Robin Warner/WardsAuto
    Image attribution tooltip
    Profile // Wards 10 Best Awards

    The Rivian R2 Performance is excellent from the start

    More than a sequel to the R1, the R2 Performance has an impressive power output at an affordable price, landing its propulsion system a prestigious award.

    By • Oct. 14, 2026
  • Dr. Michael Leiters, Chairman of the Executive Board of Porsche AG
    Image attribution tooltip
    Courtesy of Porsche
    Image attribution tooltip

    Porsche steers toward gas, leans less on sales volume for profitability

    The performance brand is no longer relying on a rapid shift to EVs and is instead renewing its focus and investments on combustion engines and plug-in hybrids.

    By Greg Kable • Oct. 13, 2026
  • Honda Hybrid Sedan Protype
    Image attribution tooltip
    Courtesy of Honda
    Image attribution tooltip

    Honda plans 15 next-generation hybrids by 2030

    Its future hybrid models will add performance and efficiency with reduced costs, the automaker says, and most of them are bound for North America.

    By • Oct. 13, 2026
  • A trophy with a stylized W-A is shown next to the words Wards 10 Best Engines & Propulsion Systems, as part of a logo.
    Image attribution tooltip
    Courtesy of WardsAuto
    Image attribution tooltip
    Wards 10 Best Awards

    Historic shift: 2026 Wards 10 Best Engines & Propulsion Systems awards go entirely to electrified powertrains

    It’s the first time in the awards’ 32-year history that no pure internal-combustion engine wins: Four BEVs, four HEVs, and two PHEVs claim the top honors in 2026.

    By WardsAuto • Oct. 13, 2026
  • An all-electric BMW iX4 sedan traveling on a highway with a body of water in the background in a BMW media photo.
    Image attribution tooltip
    Courtesy of BMW Group
    Image attribution tooltip

    BMW survey finds US drivers want much more EV range than they actually need

    Nearly three out of four drivers said a range of 75 miles is enough to cover their daily driving routine, but 42% want an EV that can go at least 300 miles on a charge before considering a purchase.

    By • Oct. 12, 2026
  • A Ford F-150 on display at the 2025 Detroit Auto Show with a Detroit Lions NFL team logo on the right rear door.
    Image attribution tooltip
    Courtesy of Detroit Auto Show
    Image attribution tooltip

    Top automotive conferences of 2027

    The major industry gatherings in the upcoming year will continue to focus on emerging technology, including a rollout of new hybrid powertrains, vehicle connectivity, software, AI and digital retail.

    By • Oct. 8, 2026
  • A computer display on an office desk showing a simulated OnStar Fleet Intelligence user interface.
    Image attribution tooltip
    Courtesy of General Motors
    Image attribution tooltip

    GM launches AI-powered platform for streamlining fleet management

    With OnStar Fleet Intelligence, General Motors bundles vehicle data and its ecosystem of connected services into a single unified system. 

    By • Oct. 8, 2026
  • Jaguar Type 01 EV Front
    Image attribution tooltip
    Courtesy of Jaguar Land Rover
    Image attribution tooltip

    Jaguar Type 01 blends radical styling with potent powertrain

    Bright color schemes are ditched with the production-bound electric car's debut, as the automaker looks for U.S. sales growth.

    By • Oct. 8, 2026
  • 2027 Mitsubishi Eclipse Sportback EV
    Image attribution tooltip
    Bengt Halvorson/WardsAuto
    Image attribution tooltip

    2027 Mitsubishi Eclipse Sportback EV review: Soft launch, strong vision

    Mitsubishi’s first electric vehicle in years is a pragmatic prelude to a brand remake.

    By • Oct. 7, 2026
  • Nissan UK Leaf AD Test Mule
    Image attribution tooltip
    Courtesy of Nissan Motor UK
    Image attribution tooltip

    Nissan UK launches first ‘real-world’ driverless pilot

    Part of a government-funded research project that originated at the University of Warwick, it aims to deploy an autonomous mobility service across the U.K.

    By • Oct. 7, 2026
  • Toyota Battery Center of North America
    Image attribution tooltip
    Courtesy of Toyota
    Image attribution tooltip

    Toyota brings all stages of EV battery testing to Michigan

    The collaborative facility will also serve as a development hub for everything from hybrid batteries to solid-state cells. 

    By • Oct. 7, 2026
  • The center infotainment screen showing the Pleos Connect interface in a Hyundai vehicle.
    Image attribution tooltip
    Courtesy of Hyundai Motor America
    Image attribution tooltip

    Hyundai’s Pleos Connect infotainment debuts for US in 2027 Tucson

    The Android Automotive OS-based system and in-vehicle AI agent are coming to U.S. models equipped with 17-inch or 12.9-inch center displays.

    By • Oct. 6, 2026
  • Range Rover Sport Electric 2027
    Image attribution tooltip
    Courtesy of Jaguar Land Rover
    Image attribution tooltip

    First electric Range Rover Sport debuts

    The Range Rover Sport Electric promises an emphasis on performance and agility compared to the larger Range Rover, but it won’t be offered in the U.S.

    By • Oct. 6, 2026
  • The front light bar of a Rivian electric vehicle showing the headlights on a black background.
    Image attribution tooltip
    Courtesy of Rivian
    Image attribution tooltip

    How Rivian’s Dynamic Adventure Lighting system improves visibility at night

    Rivian’s adaptive matrix headlights were the first to be activated by an automaker in the U.S., last year.

    By • Oct. 5, 2026
  • The 2027 Rivian R2
    Image attribution tooltip
    Robin Warner/WardsAuto
    Image attribution tooltip

    First Drive: 2027 Rivian R2 is downsized but not down character from R1

    Starting at a much lower price, the Rivian R2 attempts to attract a much larger swath of consumers. 

    By • Oct. 2, 2026
  • Two executives pose with workers at BMW's new Plant Irlbach-Straßkirchen battery factory in Bavaria to commemorate the start of cell production.
    Image attribution tooltip
    Courtesy of BMW Group
    Image attribution tooltip

    BMW lays out AI-based innovation roadmap to boost global competitiveness

    The automaker laid out a plan for profitability and long-term success at its Capital Market Day 2026 event this week in Munich, amid what it calls challenging market conditions.

    By • Oct. 2, 2026
  • Inside a Lucid Air with UX 3.0
    Image attribution tooltip
    Courtesy of Lucid
    Image attribution tooltip

    Lucid deploys Gravity UX to 2025 and newer Air models

    Owners of the 2022-2024 Lucid Air will have to schedule a $950 hardware upgrade to get the elevated user experience, called UX 3.0, but it’s free for newer eligible vehicles.

    By • Oct. 2, 2026
  • Three vehicles sit in front of a dealership, with signs that say "Proud Member of the VIP Auto Group," "We Will Satisfy You!" and "Making Your Experience... Truly Exceptional! plastered on the windows.
    Image attribution tooltip
    Permission granted by Ben Sporn/VIP Auto Group
    Image attribution tooltip

    A family dealership revolutionizes its operations with AI

    As VIP Auto Group's CMO, Ben Sporn has helped build AI-based solutions to overhaul the company’s e-commerce parts business and improve its fixed operations.

    By • Oct. 1, 2026
  • Aston Martin DBX GT 2027
    Image attribution tooltip
    Courtesy of Aston Martin
    Image attribution tooltip

    Aston Martin upgrades DBX with a GT version

    The V-8-powered luxury performance SUV gets a grand touring version promising even more comfort and refinement.

    By • Oct. 1, 2026
  • Ultium Cells LLC battery plant in Spring Hill, Tennessee
    Image attribution tooltip
    Courtesy of Ultium Cells
    Image attribution tooltip

    Ultium Cells boasts $1B investment for future affordable GM EV batteries

    The GM battery supplier, a joint venture with LG Energy Solution, says that it will be the first in the world to mass-produce LMR battery cells, which it has targeted for electric trucks and more.

    By • Sept. 30, 2026
  • An Ionna-branded electric vehicle charger painted light blue and orange installed in a parking lot.
    Image attribution tooltip
    Courtesy of Ionna
    Image attribution tooltip

    Automaker-backed EV fast-charging network has more than doubled in 2026

    Ionna also claims that it’s now the largest 400-kW EV charging network operator in U.S.

    By • Sept. 30, 2026
  • Lucid Gravity Grand Touring 2026
    Image attribution tooltip
    Courtesy of Lucid Motors
    Image attribution tooltip

    Lucid and Bolt partner for proposed European robotaxi service

    Mobility provider Bolt cited Lucid’s “world-class platform,” but the two companies will co-design the vehicle and software.

    By • Sept. 29, 2026
  • Volkswagen ID. Tiguan previewed, in camouflaged prototype form
    Image attribution tooltip
    Courtesy of Volkswagen
    Image attribution tooltip

    First drive: Volkswagen ID. Tiguan EV will be more than a new name

    Time inside the ID.4’s replacement shows revised styling, an upgraded MEB+ platform and a redesigned interior as the automaker moves the look and feel of its electric lineup closer to mainstream.

    By Greg Kable • Sept. 29, 2026