- Electric vehicles remain in focus with German automakers as the Volkswagen scandal continues to throw a spotlight on diesel emissions. There's also a touch more of reality on an EV future after German Chancellor Angela Merkel’s government backed a joint deal with automakers to invest heavily in incentives.
- Daimler (OTCPK:DDAIF) plans to unveil its long-range Mercedes-Benz electric vehicle at the Paris Auto Show in October. Sales of the Mercedes EV are expected to start in 2019.
- Audi aims to introduce a new EV model every year beginning in 2018. Electric crossovers and SUVs are a major part of Audi's strategy.
- A new all-electric flagship sedan is expected out of BMW (BAMXY) in 2021. In the meantime, BMW stepped up the driving range of its i3 with the 2017 model (114 miles). A two-pronged attack from BMW has the company investing heavily in self-driving car technology and mulling over partnerships.
- Porsche has the dreamy Mission E Electric sports car in the works. The concept version boasted nearly-Ludicrous stats (zero-to-62 mph in less than 3.5 seconds, 310 miles all-electric range, and 600 horsepower to all four wheels)
- The Volkswagen (VLKAY) brand is also making a major commitment to electric cars as part of its broad emissions-cheating mea culpa. Earlier this week, InsideEVs reported that the company is considering a second dedicated electric car platform that will bring larger models into the picture.
- Beyond all the EV developments in Germany aimed at the higher-price points - there's still Tesla Motors (NASDAQ:TSLA), Apple (see MacRumors' rundown), GM's (NYSE:GM) mass-market Bolt, and dramatic self-driving car partnerships involving Uber (UBER), Lyft (LYFT), Toyota (NYSE:TM), Google, and Fiat Chrysler (NYSE:FCAU) in the mix.
- Some analysts have suggested the best play on the EV production ramp is a bet on key suppliers. Now who has a sleeper pick to share?