BRIEFLY: Tax Credit Goes, Ford-GM Discounting, Togg In Germany & more | 01 Oct 2025

It's EV News Briefly for Wednesday 01 October 2025, everything you need to know in less than 5 minutes if you haven't got time for the full show.

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THE US FEDERAL $7,500 EV TAX CREDIT EXPIRES http://bit.ly/48HI2w6

FORD, GM PRESERVE $7,500 EV LEASE CREDIT https://bit.ly/3IqUPsp

TOGG LAUNCHES T10X AND T10F IN GERMANY http://bit.ly/4mI4msU

POLESTAR 2 WILL RETURN AS A NEW MODEL http://bit.ly/46K7QoL

BYD QIN L LAUNCHES IN MALAYSIA AS SEAL 6 http://bit.ly/4mQH44d

ILLINOIS LAUNCHES FOURTH $4,000 EV REBATE ROUND http://bit.ly/4pRTqf7

TESLA LAUNCHES FIRST V4 500 KW SUPERCHARGER http://bit.ly/4gU15FR

LOS ANGELES TO DEPLOY 500 ZERO-EMISSIONS BUSES http://cbsn.ws/4gRuz7a

FORD CEO CLAIMS CHINESE AUTOMAKERS GET ‘HUGE SUBSIDIES’ http://bit.ly/3KtPHEs

CIRCLE K OPENS FIRST 1MW TRUCK CHARGER IN SWEDEN http://bit.ly/3Koynkf

PATENT IMAGE SHOWS POSSIBLE VOLVO EM90 PLUG-IN HYBRID http://bit.ly/3VHzLAP

TESLA ROADSTER RESERVATIONS REFUNDS APPEAR DIFFICULT TO REQUEST http://bit.ly/3VHzFcr

LUCID AIR SAPPHIRE ACHIEVES RECORD ACCELERATION http://bit.ly/3VIjuM3
 
 
THE US FEDERAL $7,500 EV TAX CREDIT EXPIRES  
Despite the expiry of the federal $7,500 EV tax credit, automakers are proactively recalibrating strategies, including enhanced incentives and leasing deals, to cushion the transition for buyers. The industry is staying committed to electric futures, leveraging lessons from history to maintain long-term progress and adapt quickly to emerging market conditions.
 
FORD, GM PRESERVE $7,500 EV LEASE CREDIT  
Ford and GM have devised innovative leasing programs that extend the $7,500 federal incentive to customers beyond the program’s expiration, ensuring buyers continue to benefit from substantial savings. These initiatives show the brands' flexibility and customer focus, with Ford confirming incentives available through the end of 2025 while other manufacturers may soon follow suit.
 
TOGG LAUNCHES T10X AND T10F IN GERMANY  
Togg makes a strong debut in Germany, introducing two competitively priced electric models with advanced features, robust battery ranges, and five-star safety ratings. The brand is well-positioned for rapid growth, drawing interest from Germany’s large Turkish diaspora and planning expansion to France and Italy.
 
POLESTAR 2 WILL RETURN AS A NEW MODEL  
Polestar is reinventing its core model with a next-generation Polestar 2, building on a successful legacy and keeping loyal customers engaged through fresh updates. This move, alongside the upcoming Polestar 7 SUV, demonstrates Polestar’s commitment to mainstream appeal and a sustainable global strategy.
 
BYD QIN L LAUNCHES IN MALAYSIA AS SEAL 6  
BYD’s launch of the Seal 6 EV in Malaysia offers advanced technology, generous driving range, and comprehensive driver safety features at an accessible price. With ongoing software improvements and strategic exports, BYD is making high-quality electric mobility more attainable across new markets.
 
ILLINOIS LAUNCHES FOURTH $4,000 EV REBATE ROUND  
Illinois is continuing its successful support of EV adoption by launching a fourth round of rebates, with enhanced incentives for low-income residents and broad eligibility for electric cars and motorcycles. The program’s consistent growth demonstrates strong state commitment to green transportation and accessibility for all.
 
TESLA LAUNCHES FIRST V4 500 KW SUPERCHARGER  
Tesla’s new V4 Supercharger in California sets a benchmark for fast charging technology, offering up to 500 kW per stall and speeds that benefit the latest high-voltage vehicles. Non-Tesla EVs are expected to gain access soon, expanding premium ultra-fast charging to a broader customer base.
 
LOS ANGELES TO DEPLOY 500 ZERO-EMISSIONS BUSES  
Los Angeles is repurposing 500 zero-emission school buses for the 2028 Olympics, ensuring convenient, sustainable transit to most venues while showcasing innovative fleet logistics and energy resilience. These buses will also support backup power and grid services, underscoring the city’s commitment to clean mobility and infrastructure.
 
FORD CEO CLAIMS CHINESE AUTOMAKERS GET ‘HUGE SUBSIDIES’  
Ford’s CEO highlights how Chinese manufacturers, backed by substantial state support, drive global innovation and affordability in the EV sector. The influx of new players and technologies is helping accelerate industry progress worldwide and expanding consumer choice.
 
CIRCLE K OPENS FIRST 1MW TRUCK CHARGER IN SWEDEN  
Circle K inaugurates Sweden’s first megawatt truck charger, greatly enhancing fast-charging options for heavy vehicles and reinforcing its leadership in Scandinavian ultra-fast charging. The expanding network benefits both heavy and light vehicles, supporting sustainable commercial transport across the region.
 
PATENT IMAGE SHOWS POSSIBLE VOLVO EM90 PLUG-IN HYBRID  
Patent filings for the Volvo EM90 hint at a possible plug-in hybrid variant, suggesting Volvo’s ongoing exploration of flexible powertrain options for global markets. Future updates for the U.S. could bring new electrified models as Volvo invests in hybrid technology at its American facility.
 
TESLA ROADSTER RESERVATIONS REFUNDS APPEAR DIFFICULT TO REQUEST  
Tesla refunding Roadster deposits after years showcases the company’s policy to honor commitments, with customers remaining hopeful for an upcoming reveal and a vehicle that promises breakthrough performance. The anticipation for future Roadster developments keeps excitement high as Tesla aims for “the most impressive product demo of all time” by the end of 2025.
 
LUCID AIR SAPPHIRE ACHIEVES RECORD ACCELERATION  
The Lucid Air Sapphire set a new benchmark in electric performance, achieving a record 0–60 mph time and quarter-mile acceleration with its powerful three-motor setup and specialized tires. This accomplishment solidifies Lucid’s status among the world’s fastest production cars, demonstrating the extraordinary capability of modern EVs.