Andrew J. Hawkins

Two days after the IRS published its list of EVs eligible for the federal tax credit, Rivian’s R1T truck and R1S SUV are back on. But the vehicles will only qualify for the half credit of $3,750, and only if you buy the version that costs less than the $80,000 MSRP cap. That’ll be tough, but it is technically possible. Two versions of the R1T, the dual motor with standard battery pack and the one with the larger battery, both retail for under $80,000, while only one version of the R1S will qualify.

The autonomous vehicle boom is fizzling. According to a recent report from F-Prime Capital, AV investments have “significantly slowed” in 2022, declining nearly 60 percent as compared to the previous year. That reflects an overall decline in robotics investment — $12 billion in 2022, down from $18 billion in 2021 — but it also speaks to the current reality facing many AV operators right now. They’re laying people off, struggling with regulators and a skeptical public, or shutting down altogether. In short, it’s tough out there for a robot car.

According to Bloomberg, the city of San Jose just approved a personal rapid transit (PRT) system in which pod-sized autonomous vehicles would travel on their own dedicated road back-and-forth between the airport and a nearby rail connection. It’s an incredibly dumb idea and a repudiation of proven high-capacity transportation systems like buses and trains. Nobody asked for this, and yet...

I held my tongue when Honda said its Honda e city car would only be available in Japan and Europe. I stayed mum when GM declined to bring its Wuling Mini EV to our shores. But I can be silent no longer. The Geely Panda Mini car in friendly ducky wrap must — MUST — be brought to these United States, post haste. Specifically to my house.