On May 6, news broke regarding the largest order to date for the 2026 Tesla Semi electric Class 8 trucks. In terms of scale, this order significantly surpasses all previous purchases of similar vehicles and, in essence, sets a new benchmark for the heavy-duty Class 8 segment in California.

   The announcement was made by WattEV, an American company recognized as a prominent operator in the electric freight sector that is simultaneously developing charging infrastructure. Over the coming years, the company plans to deploy a fleet of 370 Semi trucks across the state. The total value of the deal is estimated at approximately $100 million, and local experts are already hailing it as the single largest purchase of electric trucks in California history. This move serves as a clear indication of the accelerating transition of long-haul logistics toward a zero-emission model.

    The delivery schedule is staggered over a two-year period. WattEV expects to receive the first 50 vehicles in 2026, with the company aiming to have the entire fleet fully operational by the end of 2027.  Notably, more than 300 of these units have been earmarked for a specific joint project with the Port of Oakland; this initiative focuses on the complete electrification of short-haul port operations and regional freight routes—a goal that aligns perfectly with California’s broader objective of achieving carbon-neutral freight logistics.

 Speaking at the Advanced Clean Transportation (ACT) Expo, WattEV CEO Salim Youssef Zadeh emphasized that the selection was made following an open tender process. According to Youssef Zadeh, the decisive factors were the total cost of ownership, vehicle performance specifications, and the manufacturer's proven ability to fulfill delivery commitments. He also pointed out that the Semi is already in full-scale production and has been receiving high marks from fleet operators across the United States. Furthermore, Youssef Zadeh highlighted WattEV’s vertically integrated business model, which combines vehicle deployment, megawatt-scale charging infrastructure, and full-service leasing—thereby offering carriers a turnkey solution that allows them to avoid the financial risks associated with making substantial capital investments.       A key element of the program will be the new MCS charging hubs. These facilities will be constructed in Oakland, Fresno, Stockton, and Sacramento. These stations are capable of providing approximately 300 miles (or roughly 482.8 km) of range in about 30 minutes—an energy replenishment rate comparable to refueling a diesel semi-truck. Construction has already begun in Oakland; this specific site is slated to serve as the central hub for the Northern and Central California corridor, connecting the port with inland logistics centers and more distant destinations.

  The project draws upon practical experience: in Southern California, WattEV has already logged millions of miles using electric trucks and previously deployed the first Tesla Semi units at the ports of Long Beach and Los Angeles. The company is confident that combining efficient semi-trucks with strategically positioned fast-charging stations will demonstrate that fully electric long-haul trucks can not only match their diesel counterparts in terms of operating economics but actually surpass them, while simultaneously achieving a significant reduction in carbon emissions. Against the backdrop of this order, Tesla, for its part, is accelerating the ramp-up of Tesla Semi production capacity at its Nevada factory, with the aim of entering large-scale serial production as early as 2026.

Zero Motorcycles Unveils LS1: The Electric Scooter Redefining Urban Commutes

November 12, 2025 – Milan, Italy

In a bold pivot toward accessible electric mobility, Zero Motorcycles, the California-based pioneer of high-performance electric motorcycles, has launched the LS1 – its first-ever electric scooter. Debuted at the EICMA 2025 trade show in Milan earlier this month, the LS1 blends the company's signature engineering prowess with practical urban design, aiming to capture the hearts (and garages) of city dwellers across Europe. Priced under $10,000, this sleek two-wheeler promises up to 108 miles of range, swappable batteries, and effortless highway speeds, all while sidestepping the emissions and noise of traditional gas-powered scooters.

Zero, founded in 2006 as one of the world's first true electric motorcycle brands, has long dominated the premium e-bike segment with models like the SR/F and DSR/X, known for their blistering torque and zero-emission thrills. But as electric vehicle adoption surges in densely packed cities, the company is shifting gears under its "All-Access" initiative. This strategy, launched last year, seeks to democratize EV two-wheelers for everyday riders – from novice commuters to eco-conscious professionals – rather than just adrenaline junkies. The LS1, developed in partnership with Chinese manufacturer Zongshen, represents the latest milestone, leveraging cost-effective production while retaining Zero's premium DNA.

A Scooter Built for the Streets

At first glance, the LS1 doesn't scream "revolutionary" – and that's by design. Its minimalist, aerodynamic frame in matte black or silver evokes a modern, understated elegance, far removed from the hulking silhouettes of Zero's flagship motorcycles. Weighing in at a nimble 280 pounds (127 kg), the scooter features a compact chassis with a short wheelbase for razor-sharp handling in tight urban alleys and traffic jams. The low 30.3-inch (770 mm) seat height makes it approachable for shorter riders, while under-seat storage swallows a full-face helmet or a grocery run's worth of bags.

Power comes from an 11.3 kW (15 hp) air-cooled Z-Force 75-10 hubless motor, mounted low and central for optimal balance. It delivers instant torque – 32 lb-ft (43 Nm) – for punchy launches that outpace many gas equivalents, yet remain smooth and controllable for beginners. Top speed hits 62 mph (100 km/h), qualifying it for Europe's A1 license category and making it viable for suburban ring roads, not just stoplight sprints. Braking duties fall to a front hydraulic disc with J.Juan calipers and a rear drum, augmented by standard ABS and traction control for confident stops in wet Milan downpours.

The real game-changer? Batteries. Twin 1.86 kWh lithium-ion packs nestle into the floorboard, keeping the center of gravity low for stability at low speeds. They're fully swappable and removable for indoor charging – a boon for apartment dwellers sans garage. Standard setup yields 71 miles (115 km) of city range, but slot in an optional third battery for up to 106 miles (170 km). Recharging is straightforward: the included 800W onboard charger hits 0-95% in 4.5 hours or 20-80% in 3 hours via a household outlet. Opt for the $300 1,500W fast charger, and those times drop to 2.75 and 1.75 hours, respectively. Regenerative braking further juices efficiency on stop-go commutes.

Tech-forward riders will appreciate the 5-inch TFT display, which integrates smartphone connectivity via Zero's app for navigation, ride stats, and over-the-air updates. It's all wrapped in a direct-drive belt system for whisper-quiet operation – no more waking the neighborhood at dawn.

Why Now? Zero's Strategic Charge

The LS1 arrives amid a scooter renaissance in Europe, where two-wheelers claim 15% of urban vehicle sales and strict emissions zones like London's ULEZ are pushing gas models off the road. Zero's move taps into this, especially as EV scooter sales in the EU climbed 25% year-over-year in 2024. By pricing the base model at around €8,500 ($9,200) – with the extended-range version closer to €9,500 – it's competitively positioned against rivals like the Super Soco TC Max or NIU MQi GT, but with superior range and build quality.

Notably absent from the launch? U.S. availability. Zero cites America's car-centric culture and nascent scooter infrastructure as reasons, focusing initial rollout on Europe starting early 2026. "The LS1 is about precision and purpose," said Zero CEO Pierre-Martin Bos at EICMA. "It's electric mobility tuned for the rhythm of city life – accessible, efficient, and unapologetically stylish."

This isn't Zero's first flirtation with affordability; its X Line e-motos (like the trail-ready XB and XE) already target budget adventurers. But the LS1 signals a broader evolution: from niche performance to mass-market sustainability. As global fleets eye electrification – think delivery services or police patrols – the scooter's modular design could unlock B2B deals, much like how Uber's electric scooter partnerships have boomed.

The Road Ahead: Clean Rides for Crowded Cities

Early buzz from EICMA attendees has been electric, with riders praising the LS1's "soulful" ride – a nod to its instant power without the vibration of combustion engines. On X (formerly Twitter), Italian outlet Vaielettrico hailed it as a "compact powerhouse" for daily jaunts, while French site Cleanrider spotlighted its role in Zero's accessibility push. Skeptics, however, wonder if the 62 mph cap limits its appeal beyond city limits.

As climate mandates tighten – California's own push for 50% zero-emission motorcycles by 2035 echoes Europe's trends – the LS1 positions Zero not just as an innovator, but a practical partner in greener streets. For urbanites tired of gridlock and gas pumps, this scooter isn't just transportation; it's a quiet revolution on two wheels.

Zero Motorcycles invites test rides at select European dealers from Q1 2026. For more on the LS1, visit zeromotorcycles.com.

Livewire Drops the Mic: Meet the $9,999 S4 Honcho – Electric Rebellion on a Budget!

Buckle up, riders—Livewire just unleashed a beast that’s about to electrify the streets without torching your wallet. Say hello to the S4 Honcho, the scrappy, street-smart sibling of the premium S4 Del Mar… now packing 63 horsepower, 194 lb-ft of instant torque, and a jaw-dropping $9,999 sticker price.

Yes, you read that right. Under ten grand.

This Ain’t No Compromise – It’s a Revolution

Built on Livewire’s battle-tested Arrow architecture, the Honcho strips away the fancy bits and doubles down on what matters: raw performance, urban agility, and zero emissions.

The Numbers That’ll Make You Grin:

Built to Hustle, Not to Flaunt

No aluminum exotica here—just steel grit and cast wheels that laugh at potholes.

Suspension? A classic telescopic fork up front and twin shocks out back (preload adjustable, because you’re not that basic).

Brakes? Hydraulic discs front and rear—stop on a dime, not a prayer.

Tech? A crisp 5-inch TFT dash and full LED lighting so you look fast even at a stoplight.

Who’s This Bike For?

• New riders ready to skip the clutch and go full electric

• City warriors tired of $5 gas and oil changes

• Rebels who want to smoke 650cc dinosaurs at the light… silently

This is Livewire’s middle finger to overpriced entry-level bikes. It’s not just competitive—it’s dominant.

When Can You Ride It?

Production fires up in Q2 2026. Get your deposit ready—because when these hit the streets, the Honcho won’t just turn heads…

…it’ll steal souls.

[Reserve yours now → livewire.com] (Okay, not yet—but soon.)

Tesla reintroduced the Mad Max profile in the FSD 14.1.2 update, a mode removed in 2018 for safety reasons.
In this mode, Autopilot is prone to more abrupt and frequent lane changes, as well as minor speeding violations. Outside city limits, FSD limits speeds to 137 km/h (85 mph).
Opinions were divided, but the company stated that this mode is justified in situations where a person is in a hurry, such as running late for a flight. Even with manual control, the driver will speed, so isn't it better to entrust safety to automation?

Tesla accounts for half of the US electric vehicle market.
Despite the overall sales decline, Tesla accounted for 48.5% of US electric vehicle sales in the second quarter of 2025, representing half the market.
Tesla's sales totaled nearly 143,535 units, more than the combined sales of four brands.
Chevrolet, GM's flagship brand, ranked second with sales of over 27,000 vehicles. Including Cadillac and GMC, GM's combined market share in the US electric vehicle market reached 15.2%, up from 10.8% in the first quarter.
Ford and Hyundai accounted for 5.5% and 5.3% of the market, respectively.
The US electric vehicle market remains under Tesla's complete control, despite the growing number of automakers entering the second quarter of 2025.