FLKON

F Ikon: The supercar from UAE with a Chevrolet Corvette powertrain

FLKON is a supercar brand made in the Emirates, engineered for true purists who live for the joy of driving. It is a road-legal machine designed to engage every sense, delivering an exhilarating connection between driver and car through precision engineering and uncompromising intent. Rooted in the ambition and craftsmanship of the UAE, FLKON exists to celebrate driving in its purest form.

The 5.5-liter Chevrolet V8 LT6 engine installed in the Corvette Z06 could soon appear in another exotic supercar. Its development was recently announced by the startup F lkon Cars. According to the project's creators, the car called F lkon will become the first national supercar of the United Arab Emirates.

Planned as a competitor to Ferrari and Koenigsegg models, F lkon does not even exist as a prototype yet - all photos and videos of the Arab supercar were generated using neural networks. To produce real F lkon cars, the startup from the UAE needs 88 million dirhams, or almost 20.5 million euros. F Ikon Cars plans to raise this amount by attracting investors.

The Corvette Z06's 5.5-liter Chevrolet V8 LT6 engine, with dual overhead camshafts in each head of the aluminum block, a flat crankshaft and a dry sump lubrication system, could soon appear in another exotic supercar. Its development was recently announced by the startup F lkon Cars. According to the project's creators, the car, called F lkon, will become the first national supercar of the United Arab Emirates.

Planned as a competitor to Ferrari and Koenigsegg, F lkon does not even exist as a prototype yet - all photos and videos of the Arab supercar were generated using neural networks. To produce real F lkon cars, the UAE startup needs 88 million dirhams, or almost 40 million marks. F Ikon Cars plans to raise this amount by attracting investors, who are promised a net annual income of 30 to 130 million dirhams (from 13.5 to 58.8 million KM).

If the money is raised, production of the supercar will begin in the Jebel Ali Free Zone in the UAE. According to the published marketing materials, the F Ikon will be a rear-wheel drive, mid-engine supercar, which is the best concept for true sports car enthusiasts. The F Ikon will be built on a carbon fiber monocoque, complemented by aerodynamic carbon fiber body panels with an aggressive design.

If the money is raised, production of the supercar will begin in the Jebel Ali free zone in the UAE. According to the published marketing materials, the F lkon will be a supercar with rear-wheel drive and a mid-engine, which is the best concept for true fans of sports driving. The F Ikon will be built on a carbon fiber monocoque, complemented by aerodynamic carbon fiber body panels with an aggressive design. To transfer the high power of the Chevrolet V8 5.5 liter LT6 engine, buyers will be able to choose between a 6-speed manual or 6-speed automatic transmission. 

A number of customization options are also available, including gold-anodized suspension links. The exact timeframe for the start-up of the F Ikon supercar has not been announced. It will likely depend on the startup's financing. Currently, the Arab entrepreneurs have raised 65 percent of the required amount.

Autonews and Mundoquatrorodas

ASTON MARTIN

Man buys Aston Martin DBS 770 Ultimate for $510,486, drives 1.1mi, sells for $350,007

This 2023 Aston Martin DBS is one of just 300 coupe units in 770 Ultimate edition form, and it features a gray exterior and a blue leather interior. It was purchased new by its original owner for $510,486 a few years back, and after driving it for just 1,100 miles, that same person decided to auction it off to the highest bidder.

As fate would have it, the car sold, and it did so for $350,007. Yes, a lot of Aston Martins tend to go for six figures that end in 007, for obvious reasons.

Look, anyone who’s an Aston Martin fan should know that if you’re on somewhat of a budget, the best thing you can do is wait a few years because these cars depreciate like nobody’s business. It doesn’t matter if it’s some special edition model or something more conventional. They just can’t hold their value as well as their rivals from Porsche, Ferrari or Lamborghini.

It’s why I’m sometimes amused by those who compare Aston Martin with Ferrari. There’s very little the former can do to match the prestige of the Italian supercar-maker, and collectors are well aware of this. It’s like the current 12Cilindri vs. Vanquish debate. You can talk all you want about how the latter is perhaps better looking or how it would be your choice if you had one – that's basically nonsense.

It’s always going to be the New York Mets versus the New York Yankees. It’s just the way it is.

Now, about this 770 Ultimate. It’s a cool car; there’s no doubt about that. It looks awesome, with the gray exterior, black-finished grille, and carbon fiber accents. It has a carbon fiber rear spoiler, carbon fiber roof strakes, quad exhaust outlets, a carbon fiber roof, LED headlights and taillights, plus a set of 21” twin five-spoke alloy wheels with Pirelli rubber and black-finished brake calipers. This DBS also features a factory-standard Adaptive Damping System.

Meanwhile, inside is where you’ll find heated and ventilated seats, carbon fiber trim accents, a 360-degree camera, keyless entry, dual-zone automatic climate control, a Bang & Olufsen sound system, 770 Ultimate branding (center armrest and door sill), and a whole lot of blue leather that extends from the seats to the dashboard, steering wheel, center console, and door panels.

As for performance, there’s a lot of it, but it’s mostly targeted at the straight-line Hyper GT lifestyle. There’s a twin-turbocharged quad-cam 5.2-liter V12 engine, sending 759 horsepower to the rear wheels via a rear-mounted ZF eight-speed automatic gearbox with a limited slip differential and active torque vectoring.

In terms of 0-60 times, the 770 Ultimate should be able to get you there in a little over 3 seconds, before maxing you out around roughly 211 mph (340 kph). It’s certainly not lacking in the speed department.

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PORSCHE

Bought a new car for 235,000 euros and sold it for 285,000 euros after 825 km

A buyer in the US bought a new Porsche 911 GT3 for 235,000 euros and resold it after only 825 kilometers for around 285,000 euros. The Autorevolution portal writes that the first owner bought the vehicle from a Porsche dealer in California.

The great sports car comes with a 4.0L six-cylinder boxer engine with 502 hp, a seven-speed PDK transmission, and has numerous additional options such as front axle lift, rear axle steering and adaptive sports seats.

The car changed hands via the auction platform Bring a Trailer. Although the 911 GT3 is not officially a limited model, Porsche traditionally produces smaller quantities of the vehicle. This leads to long waiting times, and in this case, an increase in the price of a used car.

So some Porsches and super sports cars are a good investment…

Autonews 

FORD

Ford F-Max 2026: new Front, new Cockpit

Ford Trucks raises the bar for competition in the extra-heavy truck segment with the launch of the new F-MAX in the European market. The updated version introduces a series of innovations in exterior and interior design, in addition to being powered by the Ecotorq GEN2 engine, which Autonews got to know up close at IAA Transportaion 2024. This engine promotes fuel economy that can reach 11.3%.

On the outside, the F-MAX features a redesigned front end, with a front grille that integrates with the cab, giving it a modern and aerodynamic look. The headlights with black bezels, now standard on the model, reinforce the aesthetic and functional appeal. One of the technological highlights is the Digital Mirror System, which improves the aerodynamic efficiency of the assembly and maximizes driving safety through its Sentinel mode.

Fuel consumption decreased by 11.3%...But, far from it: Ford Trucks takes the opportunity to surprise and suddenly publishes photos of an even more renewed F-Max online. The manufacturer refers to it as the "new F-Max" and, in addition to the modern design, cites a reduction in fuel consumption of up to 11.3% as the main feature of the new generation. The reason for this truly impressive efficiency gain is quickly explained: firstly, it is due to detailed aerodynamic improvements, such as the active closing of the front grille, spoilers on the A-pillars and the rearview mirrors with camera, already present in the current model, which, unlike competitors, are mounted on the door panels, below the side windows, in Ford Trucks, instead of above, on the edge of the roof. Secondly, it is due to the second-generation Ecotorq diesel engine, developed in-house.

The refined inline six-cylinder engine still uses a displacement of 12.7 liters, but now offers a maximum power of 510 hp and 2,600 Nm of torque – an increase of 10 hp and 100 Nm compared to its predecessor. It is coupled to a 16-speed automated transmission with overdrive, also developed in-house, which reduces the engine speed to around 1,200 rpm at 85 km/h in the tractor's standard configuration.

Transcontinental-style radiator grille...Ford Trucks didn't limit itself to just the technical aspects of the new model. The new F-Max also aims to impress drivers with its looks and comfort. "The redesigned F-Max grille integrates perfectly with the body, giving the vehicle a modern and elegant appearance," writes the manufacturer. And, in fact, the new front end, with its standard darkened headlights and body-colored grille, looks even more refined and harmonious than the previous model. In addition, the horizontal bars in the body color will certainly remind longtime Ford fans of the beloved Transcontinental. A subtle reference to the legendary 1970s model – which is already a reason to celebrate!

The interior features a 12-inch digital instrument panel and a 12.4-inch multimedia display that allows the driver to customize themes and information flow, as well as an induction cell phone charger. Security in parking situations has been enhanced with the inclusion of the Max Security Lock.

Modern cockpit, practical layout of the sleeping area...Inside, however, the last similarities with the historic pickup have definitively disappeared: in the new generation, the electronic ignition has been replaced by a start/stop button. The tachometer and speedometer have disappeared, giving way to a fully digital 12-inch instrument panel. Even the handbrake lever with its leather boot is gone; the electronic parking brake is now standard on the F-Max. The new minimalist look goes well with the robust Ford and reinforces its ambition to compete on an equal footing with already established European automakers. This is also demonstrated by the new 12.4-inch touchscreen multimedia display and the wireless smartphone charger.

To complement the engine's internal efficiency, the exterior design was meticulously revised by the brand's engineers from an aerodynamic perspective. The new front of the Ford F-Max now features a redesigned grille that integrates seamlessly with the cabin, giving it a modern and elegant appearance while channeling air more efficiently.

However, the most notable and safest aerodynamic innovation is the Digital Mirror System. By replacing bulky traditional rearview mirrors with high-definition cameras and internal screens, the Ford F-Max not only significantly reduces wind resistance, which translates directly into fuel economy, but also dramatically improves driving safety.

The new voice assistant could be really good, if it works well. According to Ford Trucks, it should be fluent in 13 languages ​​and control standard functions such as air conditioning, radio and hands-free phone system. These functions can also be controlled by the drivers of the new F-Max from the cab, using a handy 7-inch touchscreen on the rear wall of the cab. The cab, which the manufacturer claims has a volume of 13 cubic meters, also features a spacious refrigerator, a rear upper storage compartment and side walls illuminated by individually adjustable indirect ambient light. A cozy spot for a good night's sleep, especially since Ford Trucks, like many competitors, offers a Max Security Lock mechanical lock for the new F-Max. A practical feature that increases the anticipation for the first long trip in the new Ford.

by Autonews

VW

Golf Bentley W12-650

What is the Volkswagen Golf W12-650? Back in 2007, Volkswagen needed something jaw-dropping to show off at Worthersee GTI-Treffen – a GTI fan festival hosted in Austria every year until it was canned in 2024 amid friction with the local community.

So two months before GTI-Treffen, VW designers started raiding the group’s vast parts bin to create something truly astonishing. It started with the humble body of a fifth-generation Volkswagen Golf GTI, but the 2.0-litre four-cylinder engine wasn’t quite crazy enough.

So the 6.0-litre twin-turbocharged W12 engine from the Bentley Continental GT was shoehorned in. It would never fit under the Golf’s bonnet, so out came the rear seats and the whopping engine was slotted right behind the driver.

To put all 650hp to the ground it had the rear axle from a Lamborghini Gallardo and the automatic gearbox from the Volkswagen Phaeton luxury limousine, as well as the front brakes from an Audi RS4 to make sure it can stop properly.

The body was also widened by 6.3 inches to make way for both the side-mounted air intakes and the massive tyres, and the W12-650 also sits almost 3.0 inches lower to the ground than the standard Golf GTI.

All these changes come together to create a hot hatchback with as much power as a modern Lamborghini Urus, and one which does 0-60mph in less than four seconds. The W12-650 also achieved a top speed of 201mph, making it just as fast as the Lamborghini Gallardo.

I was hugely excited to get to see the W12-650 in the metal. Ever since I watched the feature on Top Gear back in 2007 with this car, I’ve been obsessed with it. The car has been wrapped red for the launch of the Golf GTI 50, but I reckon it looked way better in its original white paint. Despite this, the attention to detail is still fantastic.

I thought a concept car as complex as this hastily thrown together in two months would be falling apart 19 years later, but the build quality is really impressive. Nothing looks tacked-on or like an afterthought – it’s much closer to a production car from the outside than I expected.

And it just looks so cool. I always thought the Mk5 Golf GTI was the best-looking of the lot, but the W12-650 is on another level. The ridiculous flared arches and massive side vents are plain juvenile, and I love it for that.

Up close there are also some hidden details which you may have missed on TV, such as the roof vent behind the rear spoiler and the hidden vents behind the rear windows. The bootlid is also sealed shut, which I can only imagine makes maintenance a pain.

Stepping inside, it does become more obvious that this is just a concept car. None of the buttons or switches are real, but it does still look the part. The transparent switch guards on the dashboard give it a racecar vibe, as do the black and white Alcantara bucket seats.

The Golf W12-650 is an example of a car company making something just because it can. It’s a showcase of what can be done when the designers aren’t hamstrung by emissions regulations, or the need for a spacious boot or back seats.

Above all else, the W12-650 is dumb in the best possible way. Putting a 650hp W12 engine in the middle of a Golf was always going to end in chaos, and reviews of the car at the time were mainly centred on just how terrifying it was to drive. It was snappy, unpredictable and just downright hilarious.

It sometimes happens that before we're even allowed to get into a car, we're presented with a form marked "embargo." By signing it, we solemnly promise not to reveal anything about the car in question before a certain date. That's why you sometimes see many car websites publish a review at the exact same time: the embargo has expired. But an embargo on a car that's almost 20 years old is something new.

Because you're looking at the 2007 Golf GTI W12-650. In case you're wondering why everyone is suddenly writing about the car: it's because the embargo has expired. Because there's absolutely nothing new, except the color. Volkswagen's crazy project was originally white, but for the GTI's 50th anniversary, they wrapped the car in Tornado Red. This is the color of the original GTI. And the color is available for the first time on the eighth generation of the GTI. The name contains all the information you need to know. It's Volkswagen's over-the-top answer to the Clio V6. Volkswagen put a twin-turbocharged W12 engine with 650 hp in the back of this fifth-generation Golf. The rear axle and rear brakes come from a Lamborghini Gallardo, the front brakes from an Audi RS4, and the gearbox from a Volkswagen Phaeton. The car is 16 centimeters wider at the back, and the tires are 295 millimeters wide.

The best part: the car actually works. Concept cars are usually held together with a bit of chewing gum and duct tape, but not here. You can simply get in, turn the key, and drive away. It happens without any hesitation. Okay, we weren't allowed to exceed 30 km/h (19 mph), but that doesn't matter. We managed to cross it off our bucket list.

The W12 GTI has rear-wheel drive and accelerates to 100 km/h (62 mph) in 3.7 seconds. Its top speed is 325 km/h (201 mph). A production Golf has never been this fast. Air enters through the rear windows for the engine, and the roof acts as a giant spoiler. Volkswagen does mention in an old press release that these kinds of modifications can void your factory warranty. Good to know.

Because it's possible, actually. Every year, there was a big party in Wörthersee, Austria, where Volkswagen enthusiasts gathered. Almost every year, Volkswagen came up with something fun for the occasion. This was the most extreme toy they ever devised for the GTI meeting. Unfortunately, there were never any real plans to put the car into production.

by Autonews

 

TUNNING

“Fat” BMW M5? Mansory has the answer

The latest generation of the BMW M5 has gained a reputation for the wrong reasons. Due to the switch to a plug-in hybrid drive, the model is noticeably heavier than its predecessor, which has attracted a lot of criticism. In addition, many believe that the design is not among the most successful in the history of the M5 line, and the acceleration is no longer at the top of the class as it once was.

That’s because the model is significantly heavier than its predecessor due to the added electric trickery, because it is now a plug-in hybrid, if you haven’t heard. On top of that, it’s not exactly the prettiest M5 ever made, is it? And just so you know, it is slower than the previous generation in a straight-line acceleration, as the older M5 could simply humiliate it.

Based on the official numbers that BMW’s M Division released, the latest M5 (2026 and 2026 model years) can reach 60 mph (97 kph) in 3.4 seconds, which is not bad at all. However, keep in mind that the older one can do it in 3.1 seconds, and even in 2.9 seconds if we are talking about the crazy M5 CS. As for the firepower, it stands at a combined 717 hp (535 kW/727 ps) and 738 lb-ft (1,000 Nm) of torque, as that’s how much its electrified 4.4-liter TwinPower Turbo engine pumps out with the electric trickery.

The pictured BMW M5, however, is more powerful, as it has received some oily upgrades from Mansory. As a result, it now enjoys 838 horsepower (625 kW/850 ps) in total and a more impressive 848 lb-ft (1,150 Nm) of torque. Unfortunately, the tuner has refrained from announcing how fast it is with these mods, yet if the weight of the added features hasn’t gone up a lot, we reckon that it should be at least one-tenth of a second quicker than the standard M5.

As for the visual extras, these include a lot of add-ons at the front, sides, and rear, including those attached to the bumpers, the side trim, side skirt extensions, a pair of spoilers at the rear, a chunky diffuser, a fat apron, and a few other bits and bobs. New logos are also on deck and part of the makeover, and so are the wheels. This particular BMW M5 features a satin black look with the extras being presented in naked carbon fiber.

There are also three exhaust tips that have been mounted in the middle, privacy windows all around, and likely an interior job that is not visible at all in these pictures that @bornwithcamera shared on social media not long ago. The car in question is said to have been built by @herceg_automotive using Mansory’s parts, and it was probably a special commission from a wealthy client who wanted their latest generation BMW M5 to stand out more than it currently does.

According to official data from the BMW M department, the current M5 (models 2025/2026.) reaches 100 km/h in 3.4 seconds. While that is impressive, the previous generation did it in 3.1 seconds, while the extreme M5 CS lowered the time to just 2.9 seconds. The new M5 develops a combined 717 hp and 1,000 Nm of torque from an electrified 4.4L TwinPower Turbo V8 engine.

The example in the photos has gone a step further thanks to Mansory modifications. Power has been increased to 838 hp and 1,150 Nm of torque. Although the tuner has not released new acceleration figures, it is assumed that it could be at least a tenth of a second faster than the standard model, provided that additional modifications have not significantly increased the mass.

Visual changes include numerous additions to the front and rear bumpers, sill extensions, side inserts, two rear spoilers, a massive diffuser and new wheels. The car is finished in satin black, while the aero elements are made of visible carbon.

Also noticeable are three centrally mounted exhaust pipes, tinted windows and probably an additionally customized interior, although interior details are not shown. Allegedly, this M5 was assembled using Mansory parts on order from a wealthy client who wanted his car to look even more impressive.

by Autonews

NISSAN

2026 Nissan Pathfinder®

Adventure is a family thing, and the new Pathfinder is here to let your imagination take it further than ever. With proven strength, available advanced safety, room for gear and up to eight explorers, premium tech, and a capable V6 engine, it’s ready to go. Want to push your adventure even further? Get into Pathfinder Rock Creek® and take family exploits to the limits of imagination, and beyond. 

Once a stout, body-on-frame all-terrain vehicle, the mid-size Nissan Pathfinder, now in its fifth generation, finds itself more suited to hauling families and groceries in the suburban jungle. A V-6 engine provides good pep and decent fuel economy, and the Pathfinder's three-row interior is quiet when cruising the highway. But even its most rugged trim—the Rock Creek—won't go toe-to-toe with off-road-focused rivals such as the Ford Bronco, the Jeep Grand Cherokee L, or the Toyota Land Cruiser.

If your family is among the less adventurous, then consider the Pathfinder a decent choice for road tripping, errand running, and quiet commuting. Properly equipped, it can tow up to 6000 pounds, which adds a level of utility you can't get with a smaller SUV. Cargo space is also class competitive, which adds to the Pathfinder's practicality score.

Expert Tip: If the Pathfinder's top Platinum trim just isn't quite posh enough for you, there's a luxed-up mechanically similar cousin called QX60 that sold through Nissan's Infiniti luxury brand.

Nissan has given its three-row crossover a styling refresh for 2026 by redesigning the grille, the front and rear bumpers, the exterior lighting elements, and the wheels. The Pathfinder's interior also gets several upgrades, including a new 12.3-inch infotainment touchscreen, a more powerful wireless smartphone charging pad, and more upscale materials on the top Platinum trim.

Although Nissan equips the S and SV Pathfinders with desirable driver-assistance features, we'd recommend going for the more expensive SL trim if it fits your budget. We'd also suggest the SL Premium package, which adds a panoramic sunroof, 20-inch wheels, a hitch for towing, a 13-speaker Bose stereo, and second-row captain's chairs.

All Pathfinders are powered by a 3.5-liter V-6, which is paired with a nine-speed automatic. The V-6 makes 284 horsepower in most models but is cranked up to 295 hp in the Rock Creek trim. Front-wheel drive is standard on all but the Rock Creek, and all trims can be equipped with all-wheel drive. Upgrading to the all-wheel-drive system also adds a set of seven drive modes, including the off-road-focused Sand and Mud/Rut mode. We drove the 2026 Pathfinder in both Rock Creek and Platinum trims and found that the Rock Creek's all-terrain tires create a bit of extra road noise, but the driving experience is otherwise similar.

Acceleration is perky, and the V-6 engine is relatively refined. Handling is utterly forgettable and not in the least entertaining. We've also complained that the Pathfinder's ride isn't as smooth as its rivals, but Nissan's attention to sound-deadening elements makes the cabin extra quiet when cruising.

If adventure is the destination, Pathfinder's got the pull. Fueled by an enduring V6 engine, it can tow up to a maximum of 6,000 lbs., so you can bring the big toys.

In Comparison: At our test track, our front-wheel-drive Pathfinder SL test vehicle got to 60 mph in 6.7 seconds; the Platinum with all-wheel drive managed it in 6.6 seconds. Those results mean the all-wheel-drive Pathfinder is quicker than the Hyundai Palisade and the Toyota Highlander.

The S, SV, and SL models with all-wheel drive earned ratings of 21 mpg city, 27 mpg highway, and 23 mpg combined. The Platinum trim is rated for 20 mpg city, 25 mpg highway, and 22 mpg combined, while the Rock Creek version is good for 20 mpg city, 23 mpg highway, and 21 mpg combined. All front-wheel-drive Pathfinders are rated for 20 mpg city, 27 mpg highway, and 23 mpg combined.

On our 75-mph highway fuel economy test, the Platinum all-wheel-drive beat its EPA rating and returned 28 mpg; the Rock Creek model managed 25 mpg in the same test, some 2 mpg better than its EPA highway estimate. For more information about the Pathfinder's fuel economy.

NISSANCONNECT®...Welcome to your personalized ecosystem of connected driver experiences. Tap into features like Remote Engine Start, My Car Finder, Remote Vehicle Status, and more using the MyNISSAN App.

A 12.3-inch infotainment touchscreen is standard and runs the latest version of the NissanConnect software interface. Apple CarPlay and Android Auto are both standard and work wirelessly. SiriusXM satellite radio and in-dash navigation are also included. A 12.3-inch digital gauge display, a wireless smartphone charging pad, and a head-up display are optional features. A fairly basic six-speaker stereo is standard, but a 13-speaker Bose system is optional on the SL trim and standard on the Pathfinder Platinum.

Warranty and maintenance coverage...Nissan's warranty coverage provides nothing remarkable, especially when compared with Hyundai and Kia's famously long warranties of 10 years or 100,000 miles. There is a bright spot, however, as all new Nissans come with a complimentary scheduled maintenance plan covering up to three oil changes for the first 24,000 miles or two years.

Autonews

AUTONEWS

Want to boost uptake of battery EVs? Subsidize chargers at home and work—not the vehicles

Let's say you want to encourage more drivers to shift to battery-electric vehicles. What's the best way to do it? Globally, billions have been poured into incentives to encourage drivers to switch. The most popular approaches are rebates to cut the purchase cost and schemes to fund fast public chargers. The logic is simple: make EVs cheaper and public charging easier and consumers will follow.

But my recent research on Australian battery-electric vehicle policies suggests it's not simple. Highly visible policies subsidizing the upfront cost of new battery-electric vehicles represent surprisingly bad value for money.

What shifts the dial much more are quieter policies reducing annual running costs, boosting convenience and strengthening consumer understanding. The best return on investment comes from subsidizing home and workplace EV chargers. This is because of the large savings on annual operating cost and the certainty and convenience of charging cheaply at home or at the workplace.

As Australian policymakers review tax exemptions on new battery EVs, it's worth taking a hard look at what actually drives uptake in an economically efficient way.

Australia's slow start...Sales of battery and plug-in hybrid EVs rose to over 13% of new vehicles last December—the highest percentage to date.

But Australia is lagging. Battery-electric vehicles globally averaged more than 20% of new car sales last year.

To understand what drives uptake efficiently, I asked a panel of Australian industry experts to shortlist top policy contenders based on a systematic review of successful global policies. I ran benefit-cost analyses of the six shortlisted policies and projected how effective they would be over 30 years.

These policies were: purchase rebates, public and private charging, education programs, incentives to cut operating costs and fuel efficiency standards.

How do these policies rank?...Of the six, two clearly stood out as boosts to uptake—private chargers and education programs. Public chargers didn't give much economic return, but are essential to giving drivers certainty. 

Purchase rebates and cheaper operating costs: Popular underperformers...Purchase rebates give buyers some money back to effectively make the EV cheaper. These policies aim to support early adopters who might be deterred by higher upfront costs.

The problem is, they don't work very well. My analysis shows these policies have a benefit-cost ratio of just 0.88, returning just 88 cents in benefits for every dollar spent.

Why? Freeriders. Many well-heeled people who get the rebate would likely have bought the vehicle anyway. But the policies do little to drive change with other groups.

International studies similarly show broad-based rebates are often weak in encouraging people to buy battery-electric vehicles who weren't already planning to, while benefits disproportionately flow to higher-income households.

Incentives to cut operating costs had the same poor benefit-cost ratio of 0.88. These incentives—such as exemptions from road tolls and parking discounts—are more evenly spread, as they extend to secondhand owners.

Fuel efficiency: Exceptional on value, modest on uptake...At the start of 2025, the long-awaited New Vehicle Efficiency Standard came into effect, bringing Australia into line with other developed nations.

Low implementation costs give these standards the highest benefit-cost ratio of all policies assessed at almost 47.

Importantly, the policy is technology-neutral, meaning it acts to cut emissions across all vehicle technologies, including hybrids and internal combustion engines.

But while the standards are a highly cost-effective way to cut transport emissions, they won't drive the mass uptake of battery-electric vehicles. They function as a foundational policy—efficient, essential but insufficient on their own.

Rebates for home and work chargers: Strong boost to uptake...Incentives for home or workplace smart chargers are little discussed. But these policies had the highest total return on investment and a benefit-cost ratio of 1.86, as well as strong effects on uptake over time.

Why? Cost savings and convenience. Smart chargers let households charge cheaply at off-peak times or from rooftop solar, which also eases pressure on the grid. Owners strongly value the convenience of charging at home or work, rather than having to go to a public charger and wait for the car to charge. In the future, vehicle-to-grid technologies allowing owners to sell power to the grid will be another incentive.

The policy would be particularly effective in Australia, where off-street parking and rooftop solar are common. To date, Australia doesn't have a nationwide rebate for home chargers.

Public fast chargers: Important but not economically efficient...Australian governments prefer to fund public fast chargers rather than offer rebates for home chargers. This makes some sense, as fast chargers give drivers more certainty they can recharge away from home.

It's not very efficient, with a low benefit-cost ratio of 0.88. But public charging is more equitable than purchase rebates, as these chargers give renters and people in apartments a way to charge. The chargers boost confidence in the network, even if they are used infrequently.

While public fast-charging has a borderline economic benefit, it's essential on a social and psychological front.

Public education and exposure: Surprisingly effective...Information campaigns and public education are another underappreciated policy option. Test-drives and hands-on demonstrations let people new to the technology become comfortable.

Education policies tackle common information gaps and misconceptions around range, battery life, charging costs and safety.

These programs are cheap and highly effective, with a benefit-cost ratio of 3.05 and an initial boost to uptake.

Which way forward? In earlier research, we found different policies were more effective at different stages of battery-electric vehicle adoption. This means it's important for policymakers to put the right policies in place at the right time.

Until now, Australian policymakers have focused on building the network of public chargers and giving rebates to reduce purchase prices.

But as our research shows, it's not always the shiniest, most popular policies which do the heavy lifting.

We could get far better traction with less visible but more effective policies around private chargers and education programs—and making sure purchase rebates go to people who need them.

Provided by The Conversation