Toronto, Ontario — In this week’s EV/AV report: U.S. consumers desperate to benefit from subsidies drive EV sales through the roof, the U.S. Army orders autonomous tanks, robots arrive in Chicago and much more!
EV Credit Spike
U.S. automakers saw Q3 sales surge as buyers rushed to secure electric vehicles before the $7,500 federal subsidy expired on September 30. Dealers across the country reported packed lots and fast-tracked deals as shoppers tried to beat the deadline. Executives now warn the subsidy’s end could slash EV sales by nearly half, leaving the market facing a sharp correction.
Robot Delivery Rollout
Serve Robotics has rolled out autonomous sidewalk delivery bots in Chicago, working with Uber Eats to cover 14 neighborhoods and more than 100 restaurants. The launch in late September makes the Windy City the company’s first Midwest market and its toughest test yet, with robots facing snow, ice, and heavy pedestrian traffic. Serve says the expansion keeps it on track to field 2,000 AI-driven robots nationwide by year-end.
Battery Plant Going Live
NextStar Energy has received an occupancy permit for Canada’s first large-scale EV battery plant in Windsor, Ontario, clearing the way for production by the end of 2025. The milestone shifts the project from construction to operations, with final commissioning already underway. Ottawa sees the facility as critical to building a homegrown EV supply chain and reducing dependence on foreign battery imports.
Battle Bots
BAE Systems and Forterra are developing an autonomous version of the U.S. Army’s Armored Multi-Purpose Vehicle, aiming for a working prototype in 2026. The system pairs BAE’s armored vehicle expertise with Forterra’s AutoDrive software to handle driving, navigation, and obstacle avoidance. Its modular, open-architecture design could eventually be adapted to other combat platforms. This project demonstrates how autonomy is moving from experimental labs into high-stakes military applications.
Border Bots
Sweden’s Einride has completed the world’s first cabless, fully autonomous cross-border freight run, driving an electric truck from Sweden into Norway without a human onboard. The vehicle linked directly with Norway’s digital customs platform to automatically declare cargo and clear border formalities. The milestone proves that autonomous logistics can operate safely and legally across international boundaries.
