Polestar's electric cargo sled now exists as more than just a pretty 3D render. The EV maker has unveiled its first working prototype of the Re:Move it introduced half a year earlier. The three-wheeler hasn't changed much since March, but it's now clear just what the machine could do.

The Re:Move demo unit is about as fast a typical e-bike with a 15MPH top speed and a 2.2kWh battery. However, it can haul a lot more. The 400lbs maximum load isn't as heavy as the 600lbs Polestar claimed early on, but that still makes it a viable alternative to delivery vans in some cases. It's nimbler than vans, too, with a 29-inch width (easily enough for a bike lane) and a 23-foot turning radius.

You can also expect always-on lighting, brake lights and a horn, although indicators are optional in Polestar's vision. The Re:Move should be more eco-friendly thanks to composite frame covers that replace the usual plastic and flax.

Polestar still hasn't said how likely it is to produce the Re:Move, let alone offer pricing or availability. The automaker certainly has roles in mind for the Re:Move, however. It pictures the sled filling in for lighter delivery duties, such as online orders. The machine might also help in rural areas where there isn't much infrastructure for conventional vehicles. Don't be surprised if you see this or vehicles like it in villages where more 'conventional' EVs just wouldn't be an option. 

Despite its problems including inefficiency and pollution, Hyundai is betting big on hydrogen. The company has unveiled a new strategy called Hydrogen Vision 2040, including next-gen fuel cell technology and new concept vehicles include trucks, trailer drones and a 650 horsepower hybrid fuel-cell sports car developed in conjunction with its new partner, Rimac.

The most intriguing hydrogen product is the fuel cell Trailer Drone, a cab-less "hydrogen-powered container transportation system capable of operating fully autonomously," according to Hyundai. Powered by the modular fuel cell "e-Bogie" wheel sub-frame, it could travel up to 1,000 km on a tank of H2, "comparable to existing container transportation system." The trailer itself would contain the sensors and computers needed for autonomous driving. 

Hyundai

The e-Bogies could operate independently or be used in pairs to make up a Trailer Drone. Each bogie could turn independently, making the trailer more maneuverable than a normal semi on tight streets. They could also operate in platoons on the highway to boost efficiency. On arrival, the trailer could automatically unload itself by lifting onto legs, transformer style, while the e-Bogies drive away to the next task. The trailers could even be divided into three containers, making the majority of the trip connected then breaking away into independent e-Bogies to the final destination. 

Hyundai

The automaker is also interested in consumer tech, unveiling a 670 horsepower hydrogen plug-in hybrid sports car called the Vision FK concept developed in collaboration with Rimac. It's powered by Hyundai's next-gen fuel cell tech, mated to a large battery pack. As such, it could be plugged in for extra range or powered by hydrogen. Since a fuel cell could directly charge the battery (or powered the four independent motors), the operation would be a bit simpler than a gas-powered hybrid car. 

Hyundai said it would be able to go about 600 km (372 miles) on a charge, and be refueled again in just five minutes — not counting the battery recharge time. As it stands now, it's just a concept and Hyundai has no concrete plans to put it in production. 

Hyundai

Hyundai also unveiled its third-generation fuel cell stack technology, expected to arrive in 2023 and replace Hyundai's current Nexo fuel cell tech. They'll be available in a 100 kW unit that's 30 percent smaller than Hyundai's current 95 kW stack, and a 200 kW version similar in size to the current Nexo model but with more than double the output. 

The new fuel cells have a target life of 500,000 km (310,000 miles), up from 160,000 km for the current generation. Hyundai also expects the next-gen tech to cost around half of current fuel cells. They're also highly modular, meaning you can stack them to create "Power Unit Modules" with up to a megawatt of output "ideal for emergency power systems for large ships or IT companies," Hyundai said. Another "full-flat" system keeps the stack height under 10 inches for installation in the floor or ceiling of buses, trains or trams.

Hyundai

 One of the main problems with hydrogen power is the lack of infrastructure and Hyundai is addressing that with the H Moving Station concept. It's a heavy-duty vehicle designed to offer hydrogen refueling services in areas with limited infrastructure like rural areas or construction sites. It also unveiled the Rescue Hydrogen Generator Vehicle (RHGV). Rather than doling out hydrogen, it uses hydrogen fuel cells to generate electricity for stranded EVs or to power homes in the event of an emergency outage. 

All of this looks promising, but there's a reason most manufacturers are moving toward battery-powered EVs and away from hydrogen. Hydrogen is a highly explosive fuel that needs to be stored at very high pressures (either 350 or 700 bar), making infrastructure expensive and complex. On top of that, most hydrogen used in the US is created by reforming methane using steam, a process that produces significant amounts of CO2 that contributes to global warming. It also doesn't reflect well on the technology that some its greatest support comes from the oil industry. 

Renault unveiled the Megane E-Tech Electric at the IAA Munich Motor Show on Monday. While the specs seem decent enough, it's the safety functions that are the most eye-catching aspect of this electric vehicle.

The Fireman Access feature stems from a partnership between Renault Group and French firefighters that stretches back for over a decade. The EV includes special access to the battery for rescue teams. Renault claims this can allow first responders to put out a battery fire in five minutes, compared with between one and three hours for most EV battery blazes. There's also a switch under the rear bench that lets rescue teams disconnect the battery.

In addition, Renault put a QR code on the windscreen. The idea is that rescue teams can scan the code to see details about the car's structure. They can find out the locations of the battery and airbags, as well as information about where it's safe to cut into the vehicle. Renault says this information can help first responders save up to 15 minutes when attempting to free a crash victim, which could help save lives.

No two EVs are built the same, and first responders won't necessarily know the intricacies of each vehicle. So, providing information about the Megane E-Tech Electric's structure using a QR code is a smart move that it'd be nice to see more automakers adopt. The same goes for easy access to the battery to help put out fires faster.

The latest iteration of the Megane line is built on Renault's CMF-EV platform. For the body, designers took inspiration from the Morphoz concept the company showed off last year. There are two powertrain options, as CNET's Roadshow notes: a base model with 130 horsepower and a more advanced alternative with 215 hp and 221 pound-feet of torque.

You can choose between two battery packs as well. The 40 kWh option has a range of 186 miles (300 km), and the 60 kWh pack should get you up to 292 miles (470 km) of driving on a single charge, according to Renault. The company based the estimates on the European WLTP testing procedure. Plug the Megane E-Tech Electric into a 130 wW fast charging station, and you can add up to 186 miles of driving range in 30 minutes of charging time.

Elsewhere, the OpenR infotainment system is based on Android Automotive OS, so you'll have access to Google apps and Google Assistant. While you're on a longer trip, the system can help you locate charging stations that minimize your journey time, Renault says. The Megane E-Tech Electric orders open in February 2022, and sales start the following March.

Volkswagen has shown its closest look yet at the ID.Buzz minivan in the form of a self-driving prototype developed in collaboration with Argo AI, TechCrunch has reported. If you disregard the mild camouflage and lidar stack on top, you can finally get a good picture of how the production ID.Buzz, due to hit the US in 2023, will look. 

The electric minivan looks a bit more practical though less fun than the original concept. The rounded lines meant to evoke the classic '70s VW van have been squared off, and the bulgy fenders are considerably less so. It also appears, though it's hard to confirm with the camouflage, that VW has changed the concept's funky rear window configuration. Still, it does bear a resemblance, especially from the front-side angle where it looks the best. Seen with a driver, one also gets a sense of the ID.Buzz's relatively small size.

Volkswagen

As far as the autonomous tech goes, VW plans to use it in cities first as autonomous shuttles or for deliveries. Argo's AI system packs cameras, lidar modules, radar and an onboard computer to let it "see" up to 400 meters ahead for obstacles. 

Argo AI founder Bryan Salensky said that the system can navigate with or without GPS and can work without changes to roads and infrastructure. Its sensor array will allow it to "predict the actions of pedestrians, bicyclists and vehicles, and direct the engine, braking and steering systems so that the vehicle moves safely and naturally," Argo said. 

VW

We have heard this tune before, though, and there are still no real self-driving cars plying city streets and highways. Volkswagen and Argo plan to test and commercially scale the fully-electric self-driving van over the next four years at Argo's development center near Munich, with plans to develop a fleet by 2025. Argo is also working with Ford and Lyft on a 1,000-vehicle self-driving network with tests planned for cities like Miami and Austin. 

In 2019, Mercedes teamed up with Volvo automaker Geely to transform Smart into an EV-only brand with new vehicles to arrive in 2022. We're starting to see the fruits of this collaboration with the unveiling of Smart's "Concept #1" at the IAA Mobility 2021 motor show in Munich.

Smart

If you're familiar with Smart's tiny mobility vehicles, the first thing that stands out with the concept is its relatively large size. Designed by Mercedes, the four-seater has roughly the same dimensions (and kind of a similar look, to be honest) as Mini's largest vehicle, the Countryman. It also features smooth aerodynamic styling, a huge glass roof and a gold-tinted, tech-adorned interior that looks like it was designed by Chanel (it wasn't). 

Some other notable features include a rear scissor door that would allow for easy entry and makes for a cool look when all four doors are open. As they're highly impractical, don't expect to see them on a production version, though. It has a large, Telsa Model 3-like 12.8-inch touchscreen, 21-inch wheels and LED lightbars at the front and back. 

Smart

As for the EV aspect, it's built on Geely's Sustainable Experience Architecture (SEA) designed to be used across Geely's nine automotive brands, including Volvo, Polestar, Smart and Lotus. It should also support fast-charging tech and over-the-air updates.

And yes, Smart and its Daimler/Geely parents are planning to turn this concept into a production vehicle. The aim is to make multiple versions, including a long-range model, while offering the "highest level of dynamic handling" for enthusiasts. It will be made in China and go on sale there next year, but Smart has plans to bring it to Europe, as well. 

NASA just took an important step toward making flying taxis a practical reality. The agency has started flight testing with Joby Aviation's electric VTOL aircraft to help model and simulate future airspace with these taxis in service. The dry run began quietly, on August 30th, and will last through September 10th. The effort will include noise check using 50 microphones to gauge the "acoustic profile" of the air taxi throughout the course of a given flight.

This is the first eVTOL test as part of an Advanced Air Mobility campaign meant to spot gaps in the Federal Aviation Administration's rules and ensure the agency is ready for commercial use of flying taxis alongside delivery drones and other unconventional aircraft. The data from the flight program will help with a fuller set of campaign tests in 2022 involving both other taxis and more complicated flight situations.

The overall program could better prepare the US for a glut of low-altitude air traffic if and when flying taxis enter widespread use. The early testing is also a minor coup for Joby. It's ushering in crucial testing not long after buying Uber's air taxi business and taking a $394 million investment from Toyota. There's no telling if Joby will continue to play a prominent role, but this is clearly the kind of collaboration it was hoping for.

BMW’s Motorrad division has been on something of a roll in recent years, delivering fun and futuristic concept vehicles. Take the CE 04 electric scooter as an example. It looks like the company’s design team pulled the idea straight from Akira or Ghost in the Shell. Its latest project is no different.

Spotted by The Verge, BMW describes the CE 02 as “neither a classic motorcycle nor a scooter.” The company envisions it appealing to young people who may not have ridden a motorcycle before. Like its older sibling, it’s an all-electric vehicle.

BMW

BMW didn’t disclose the capacity of the onboard battery but said the EV can travel about 56 miles on a single charge, while an 11kW belt-drive engine affords it a top speed of 56 miles per hour. With its 15-inch front and rear disc brake wheels included, the entire frame comes in at approximately 264 pounds. This being a concept, you’ll notice in the photos BMW shared there aren’t pedals or footrests for a rider to plant their feet on. What the CE 02 does have is storage space for a skateboard you can use for that purpose instead. Good times.

BMW

BMW hasn’t said whether it plans to manufacture the CE 02. But if the automaker decided to make the electric mini-bike, it could find a more affordable niche under the CE 04, which will go on sale for around $16,000 in 2022.

If Audi's Skysphere concept is a driver's car with an autonomous option, the company's follow-up is the polar opposite. The automaker has introduced a Grandsphere concept electric sedan that uses Level 4 self-driving (full autonomy in limited conditions) to help you avoid driving "whenever possible" — this is a luxurious living room that just happens to let you take the wheel.

Invoke the driverless mode and the Grandsphere will 'reduce' the wheel and pedals to make it clear you're supposed to relax. The displays are really projections on wooden surfaces that adapt based on whether or not you're driving — you can watch media or participate in video conferences. While Audi's familiar MMI controls are available in an upright seating position, you can use eye tracking and gestures to navigate the infotainment system while you're reclining. VR glasses in the armrests help you immerse yourself in entertainment during your commute.

Audi

Audi is promising extensive personalization that would refine the interior as you step in, ranging from basics like climate control through to the media services you last used. The car would even display the news you were reading on your phone, according to the company.

The design itself is a large "2+2" seater with a grand tourer-like profile but a wheelbase longer than the stretched version of the A8. Like Mercedes' EQS, you won't be hurting for range — Audi is claiming 466 miles of driving with the 120kWh battery. An 800-volt charging architecture can give you 186 miles of driving in ten minutes, and bring the Grandsphere from a five percent charge to 80 percent in 25 minutes. It's not the fastest vehicle with a 0-62MPH time of "just over" four seconds, but you clearly wouldn't buy this to win drag races.

Not that you'll likely buy this car in the first place. As with the Skysphere and the upcoming Urbansphere concept, this is more to illustrate Audi's vision of its autonomous EV future. At least some of the technologies (such as that news display) are more what Audi aspires to build than something you could expect any time soon. It won't be shocking if some of the features or design cues make their way into production cars, however, and there's little doubt that many car brands will have to rethink their designs when manual driving becomes more of an exception than the rule.

The global semiconductor shortage is about to claim another casualty. Starting on Monday, General Motors will temporarily halt production at all but four of its North American factories due to chip supply constraints. The halt in production will affect many of the automaker’s most profitable vehicles, including the Chevy Silverado and GMC Sierra.

“During the downtime, we will repair and ship unfinished vehicles from many impacted plants, including Fort Wayne and Silao, to dealers to help meet the strong customer demand for our products,” a spokesperson for GM told the Detroit Free Press. “Although the situation remains complex and very fluid, we remain confident in our team’s ability to continue finding creative solutions to minimize the impact on our highest-demand and capacity-constrained vehicles.”

This is the second time GM has had to temporarily shut down production due to the global chip shortage. The company announced a similar two-week idle back in April. The shortage has affected nearly every automaker. The same month GM scaled back production, so did Ford, Honda and BMW. It has even affected Tesla, which recently delayed both the Roadster and Semi due to supply constraints. With the shortages expected to continue until at least 2023, and no immediate solutions forthcoming, GM likely won’t be the last company to change its production schedule.

Hyundai has bet big on EVs and that gamble is paying off with the Korean automaker pacing ahead of many larger companies in the industry in the race towards electrification. The company continued that trend Tuesday when its luxury brand, Genesis, announced that every new model made after 2025 will be an electric vehicle. The company expects to have eight EV models available for sale in 2030 and sell around 400,000 of them annually. 

These models won't necessarily be straight plug-ins as the company is pursuing a "dual-fuel" strategy, developing both battery electric vehicles powered by lithium-ion cells and those powered by hydrogen fuel cell technology. The GV60 will be Genesis' first true EV when it hits the streets later this year. Built on the same E-GMP platform as the Hyundai Ioniq 5 and Kia EV6, the GV60 is rumored to have between 226 and 436 HP, depending on model type, and offer both 2WD and AWD options, though Genesis has not officially released specs yet.