Good morning and welcome to our daily digest of automotive news from around the globe, starting with…

American Buyers Are Paying 22% More For Electric Vehicles Compared To Last Year

It’s widely recognized that the price of EVs must decrease if more converts are to be made. But it turns out that in 2022, American buyers are paying 22 percent more for electric vehicles than last year, as electric cars now cost on average $54,000, according to JD Power. It’s not just EVs, though, as ICE vehicles now cost 14 percent more than they did in 2021.

New Citroen C4 X Debuts In ICE And EV Versions As A Longer, More Stylish C4

The coupe crossover market is getting another entrant, as it quickly becomes the in-thing for automakers. The C4 X and all-electric e-C4 X could be briefly described as longer versions of the C4 and e-C4, sitting between the regular version and the larger C5 X. Most markets will only get the e-C4 X, but certain territories in Europe, the Middle East, and Africa will get turbocharged petrol and diesel versions.

Bowler’s Extreme Defender Is Lifted And Ready For Action

Bowler will now take your Defender 90, 110, or 130 and add an extreme package that will improve off-road abilities. The Fast Road suspension kit adds 2 inches to the ground clearance, clearing 16-inch beadlock wheels wrapped in 35-inch BFGoodrich tires. There are upgrades made to the body, including an external roll cage, LED lighting, rock sliders, and heavy-duty bumpers. Under the hood are a remapped ECU and race intercooler, good for 175 hp (130 kW / 177 PS) and 332 lb-ft (450 Nm) of torque.

Tesla Lays Off 200 Autopilot Workers, Closes San Mateo Offices In California

Tesla’s recent downsizing has seen 200 Autopilot workers get the boot, as the company closes its San Mateo, California offices. Those based there had been evaluating Autopilot data gathered from customer vehicles. According to Bloomberg, Tesla continues to perform this task in Buffalo, with the hourly rates being lower than the California office.

Lucid Adds Brick And Mortar Stores As Well As Pop-Up Locations In Effort To Connect With New Buyers

Lucid is taking the show on the road. In an effort to connect with more buyers, Lucid will be touring different cities across America, providing reservation holders a chance to experience the Air in the metal. The tour is in addition to a growing brick-and-mortar presence for Lucid, as it expands its stores across America and the world.

BMW Takes To Twitter To Remind Its Drivers To Use Their Turn Signals

Leaning into the meme storm, BMW took to Twitter to remind its drivers to use their blinkers. BMW used the opportunity when replying to itself in the comments to highlight some of the tech advancements the brand’s new vehicles have. But regardless, the tweet was seized by many who took to Twitter to mock the stereotypical BMW driver.

Florida Sheriff’s Office Shows Off Their Corvette Z06, Was Reportedly Seized From Drug Dealer

The Escambia County Sheriff’s Office showed off the “newest and freeist” addition to their fleet over the weekend, and it’s a C7 Corvette Z06. But if you expect to see the Z06 barreling down the highway in hot pursuit, you’re out of luck. The car is reported to have been seized from local drug dealers, and although it’s a powerful beast, it’ll be used to foster community engagement while also promoting public safety.

What Else Is Making The News

Daniel Ricciardo Producing TV Series Based On F1

McLaren Formula 1 driver Daniel Ricciardo is teaming up with Hulu to produce a 30-minute per episode scripted TV series based on the racing series. It’s the latest in a long line of F1 tie-ins, as Apple TV secured rights to a new F1 feature film starring Brad Pitt, and Netflix’s Drive To Survive continues to gain traction.

AI Will Not Be Allowed To Patent Inventions In The UK

The UK’s Intellectual Patent office has denied AI systems from being able to patent inventions. It comes after Stephen Thaler claimed his Dabus AI system was the inventor of a flashing light and a food container, reports the BBC.