Introducing The Downshift, or TDS for brevity, The Drive’s morning news summary providing you with the top car news from around the globe.
Every piece in The Downshift comes with a link for a detailed story. Here’s your update for Thursday, August 13, 2026.
🔊 The newest episode of The Drivecast, The Drive’s weekly podcast, was released yesterday on Apple Podcasts, Spotify, and wherever you enjoy your podcasts.
📈 Worldwide sales of electric vehicles and plug-in hybrids increased by 9% in July compared to the same month last year, according to analytics firm Benchmark Mineral Intelligence, despite North America experiencing a 27% drop in EV sales during this period due to the cessation of federal incentives. [Reuters]
💵 In the past six months, the average price of new EVs in the U.S. has been on the decline. However, in July, the average price rose by 1.2% from the month before and increased by 1.6% year-over-year. This reflects a direct relationship with decreased spending on incentives by automakers. [Electrek]
📱 Mercedes’ Chief Software Officer, Magnus Östberg, has announced his departure from the company at the end of August. He joined in 2021 and played a key role in developing MB.OS, the automaker’s new operating system that first launched in the updated CLA. [Automotive News]
🏁 Meanwhile, Merc CEO Ola Källenius is promoting the upcoming AMG GT Black Series, which has been seen testing at the Nürburgring. He stated, “Sometimes you need to let the engineers get creative, and the next car like that is in development,” emphasizing that the new track-focused supercar “will be extraordinary and unlike anything else.” [Autocar]
🚙 Jeep has unveiled a new Grand Cherokee model called the Laredo Upland, featuring all-terrain tires and off-road styling at a more accessible price than the Overland or Trailhawk. [Stellantis]
🪫 General Motors and LG’s Ohio battery facility has been offline for the last seven months due to a reported lack of demand, but production is set to restart there next week. [Reuters]
🏎️ The Cadillac F1 team has announced that Marcin Budkowski will take over as team principal from Graeme Lowdon. [Racer]
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**Global Electric Vehicle Sales Maintain Growth Amid U.S. Support Challenges**
In recent times, the international electric vehicle (EV) market has seen remarkable expansion, with sales climbing even amidst difficulties such as varying government support and economic uncertainties. While the United States has shown a mixed response to EV proliferation, other regions are propelling this positive trend forward, resulting in a notable rise in global EV sales.
**Market Trends and Expansion**
Current reports show that global electric vehicle sales have hit unprecedented levels, with millions of units sold in 2022, and forecasts suggest ongoing growth in the years to come. The International Energy Agency (IEA) indicated that EV sales constituted about 10% of the overall automotive market in 2022, representing a significant increase compared to prior years. This increase is primarily driven by advancements in battery technology, reduced costs, and an increasing consumer shift towards sustainable transportation options.
**Regional Insights**
While the U.S. market has encountered hurdles, especially with shifting political dynamics and inconsistent incentives, other areas have enthusiastically welcomed electric vehicles. In Europe, nations such as Norway, Germany, and France have established strong policies to support EV adoption, offering generous subsidies, tax incentives, and investing in charging infrastructure. Norway stands out, having electric vehicles accounting for over 50% of new car sales, setting a global standard for EV adoption.
China holds the title as the largest market for electric vehicles, with sales dramatically increasing. The Chinese government has significantly invested in EV technology and infrastructure, resulting in a surge of domestic manufacturers and a wide variety of electric models available for consumers. In 2022, China represented more than half of global EV sales, fueled by consumer demand and government programs aimed at reducing air pollution and reliance on fossil fuels.
**Obstacles in the U.S. Market**
Conversely, the U.S. market has faced numerous challenges that have impeded the growth of electric vehicle sales. Despite rising consumer interest in EVs, the absence of consistent federal support and incentives has created uncertainty. The variable nature of tax credits, along with differing state policies, has complicated the decision-making process for potential buyers looking to enter the EV market.
Furthermore, the U.S. has fallen behind in developing a complete charging infrastructure relative to other regions. Although initiatives are in progress to enhance charging networks, many consumers interested in switching to electric vehicles remain concerned about the current accessibility of charging stations.
**The Electric Vehicle Future**
Despite the hurdles faced in the U.S., the international perspective for electric vehicles is still promising. Major automotive manufacturers are progressively pledging to electrification, planning to launch a broad range of electric models in the foreseeable future. Companies such as Tesla, Ford, and General Motors are boosting production and investing significantly in battery technology to enhance performance and lower expenses.
Moreover, advancements in renewable energy sources are predicted to further strengthen the growth of electric vehicles, making them an even more eco-friendly choice. As countries worldwide continue to emphasize climate objectives and reduce greenhouse gas emissions, the interest in electric vehicles is likely to rise.
**Conclusion**
The international electric vehicle market is on a positive trend, with sales continuing to grow despite insufficient support in the U.S. Other markets, especially in Europe and China, are leading the way towards a more environmentally friendly automotive future. As technology evolves and consumer preferences change, the electric vehicle sector is ready for more transformation, underscoring the necessity of supportive policies and infrastructure development to maintain this progress.