What’s Next in the EV Space
The electric vehicle (EV) landscape continues to evolve—and the next year is packed with exciting developments. From ultra-affordable pickups to luxury midsize SUVs and the rise of autonomous robotaxis, here’s a look at some of the most exciting changes coming soon.
Slate: The $25K Pickup Shaking Up the Market
Slate, an EV startup partially backed by Amazon founder Jeff Bezos, has made headlines by promising an “uber-cheap” electric pickup truck starting at just $25,000—undercutting the cheapest EVs in the U.S. by $5,000. This ultra-affordable price tag undercuts the cheapest
EVs currently available in the U.S. by $5,000—and none of those competitors offer a pickup at this price point.
Designed with simplicity and practicality in mind, Slate’s all-electric truck delivers 150 miles of range from a 52.7 kWh battery, with an optional upgrade to an 84.3 kWh battery for up to 240 miles of range. The vehicle features a rugged, molded gray body and a back-to-basics utility design where nearly every feature is optional—putting control and affordability directly in the hands of customers.
The response has been phenomenal: over 100,000 reservations were placed within just two weeks of the announcement.
But Slate isn’t stopping there. The company plans to offer over 100 modular accessories, giving customers the flexibility to customize their vehicle to fit their lifestyle. One of the most exciting options? The ability to convert the pickup into a 2-door SUV, blending utility with versatility.
With production slated to begin in the Midwestern U.S. and deliveries targeted for Q4 2026, Slate aims to build 150,000 vehicles by 2027. This bold venture will redefine what consumers expect from electric vehicles and had already sent a powerful message across the auto industry: affordable, innovative, and functional EVs are no longer a dream—they’re a reality.
Rivian: Charging into the Mainstream with the R2 and R3
Rivian, long celebrated for its rugged and refined adventure EVs, is accelerating into the mainstream with two highly anticipated new models: the R2 and R3. The R2, a sleek and capable midsize SUV starting at just $45,000, marks a bold step toward making Rivian’s signature performance and innovation accessible to more drivers than ever before.
Designed for everyday versatility and weekend adventures alike, the R2 offers single-, dual-, and tri-motor configurations, with the tri-motor variant rocketing from 0 to 60 mph in just 3 seconds. With a range starting at 300 miles and reaching up to 330 miles, the R2 delivers impressive performance without compromise.
Inside and out, the R2 is packed with thoughtful technology and design: a panoramic glass roof for open-sky views, clever dual gloveboxes for added storage, hidden rear glass for a sleek look, and full integration with Tesla’s North American Charging Standard—giving Rivian drivers access to the vast Supercharger network.
Production is set to begin in late 2025, with deliveries rolling out in early 2026. But Rivian’s momentum doesn’t stop there.
Enter the R3—an all-new, compact SUV expected to debut in 2027 with a starting price around $40,000. Built right here in the U.S., the R3 complements the R2 with its smaller footprint and versatile platform. Like its sibling, it will offer multiple drivetrain options, expanding Rivian’s appeal to a broader range of EV enthusiasts and everyday drivers alike.
With the R2 and R3, Rivian isn’t just building vehicles—they’re building the future of electric mobility, combining cutting-edge technology, thoughtful design, and thrilling performance at a price point that opens the door for many more to join the EV revolution.
Zoox: Scaling the Robotaxi Revolution
Zoox, an Amazon subsidiary, focuses on building autonomous vehicles for urban mobility. The company has been developing robotaxis designed for fully autonomous operation in dense city environments. In 2025, Zoox began piloting its self-driving vehicles in Las Vegas through an early rider program, currently limited to employees and their families.
And Vegas was just the beginning.
Zoox has taken a thoughtful, safety-first approach to expansion and now operates in seven major U.S. citieswith its fleet of retrofitted autonomous SUVs (with human safety operators):
- San Francisco Bay Area
- Las Vegas, Nevada
- Seattle, Washington
- Austin, Texas
- Miami, Florida
- Los Angeles, California (recently announced)
- Atlanta, Georgia (newest addition)
Public robotaxi service in Las Vegas and San Francisco is expected to begin later this year. Stay up to date at the Zoox Journal.
While many companies focus on personal EVs, Zoox is investing heavily in shared, autonomous mobility. Its growing manufacturing footprint in California’s Bay Area positions the company to serve a much larger market.
This shift could impact the car rental industry in major ways. As Zoox scales up production, consumers may favor on-demand, self-driving rides over traditional rentals. For travelers, the convenience of a vehicle that picks them up autonomously could replace the hassle of rental lines and unfamiliar roads. As production grows and costs drop, robotaxis could offer a more affordable, tech-forward alternative.
The Road Ahead
As we look to the future, the message is clear: EVs are getting more affordable, more advanced, and more accessible. At JVIS, we’re excited to support the technologies and innovations driving this shift. From prototyping to advanced manufacturing, we’re proud to help build the future at JVIS.
Begin your journey from concept to consumer: jvis.us/contact-us.