Top 10 EV News February 2026: Tesla Cybertruck Cuts, Nissan Leaf Delay & Toyota Highlander EV

Washington, D.C., February 21, 2026 — The electric vehicle sector continues to evolve amid policy shifts, market adjustments, and new model announcements. Here’s a roundup of the top 10 EV developments making headlines this week, drawing from industry reports, automaker updates, and market analyses.

1. Tesla Slashes Cybertruck Prices Amid “Drama” in Sales Tesla introduced a more affordable dual-motor all-wheel-drive Cybertruck base model starting at around $62,000 (down significantly from prior trims), while cutting the top-tier Cyberbeast by $15,000 to $99,990–$102,000. This move aims to boost sluggish demand for the polarizing pickup, with some variants limited-time offers. The adjustments come as Cybertruck sales faced challenges in 2025, highlighting ongoing “drama” in the electric truck segment.
2. Toyota Unveils All-Electric 2027 Highlander with Impressive Specs Toyota revealed the next-generation Highlander as a fully battery-electric three-row SUV, ditching gas and hybrid options. Built in the U.S. (Kentucky) with American-made batteries, it promises up to 320 miles of range, 338 horsepower in AWD configs, vehicle-to-load capability, and fast charging. Sales are expected to start late 2026, positioning it as a direct rival to models like the Kia EV9 and Hyundai Ioniq 9 in the family EV space.
3. Nissan Delays Affordable Leaf Variant Indefinitely Nissan postponed the launch of a lower-priced Leaf S trim (intended for 2026) until at least 2027 or later. Supply chain issues, including rare earth materials and battery production challenges, plus softer EV demand, contributed to the delay. This affects accessibility in the entry-level EV market, where the Leaf has long been a pioneer.
4. Used EV Market Surges as New Sales Dip With federal EV tax credits repealed, used electric vehicles under $25,000 saw a 13.5% sales jump in late 2025, with nearly 40% of transactions in that price range. Inventory turnover is faster than gas vehicles, signaling a shift toward affordability amid cooling new EV demand.
5. JD Power: EV Owner Satisfaction Hits All-Time High The 2026 U.S. Electric Vehicle Experience (EVX) Ownership Study showed record satisfaction among BEV owners, with 96% willing to buy another. Tesla Model 3 topped overall (804/1000), followed by Model Y and BMW i4, while Ford Mustang Mach-E led mass-market brands. Public charging satisfaction also improved year-over-year.
6. BYD Sues U.S. Government Over Tariffs Chinese EV giant BYD filed a lawsuit challenging U.S. tariffs on battery anodes and other components, amid broader trade tensions. This follows new duties on China-sourced materials, impacting global supply chains and U.S. EV production costs.
7. Toyota Expands EV Lineup with C-HR, bZ Woodland, and More Alongside the Highlander EV, Toyota pushed incentives on its new compact electric C-HR (including $5,000+ rebates and low financing) and highlighted the bZ Woodland for outdoor use. These moves signal Toyota’s accelerated shift toward pure EVs after years of hybrid focus.
8. EV Market Slowdown: Registrations Slip, Forecasts Adjust U.S. EV registrations declined for the first time in a decade in late 2025, with analysts predicting a 2026 bottom before potential recovery. Tesla faced sales drops, while non-Tesla brands showed mixed results. February new-vehicle sales projections reflect lower EV retail share (around 6.6%).
9. Affordable EVs in Spotlight: Top 10 Lists and Deals Publications highlighted 2026’s most budget-friendly EVs, including models like the Toyota bZ, Kia Niro EV, and others starting under $50,000. February deals abound, with heavy discounts on Chevrolet Equinox EV, Hyundai Ioniq 5, and others to stimulate demand post-incentive changes.
10. Upcoming EVs: BMW iX3, Ferrari Luce, and More Teased BMW showcased its Neue Klasse-based iX3, Ferrari unveiled the Luce interior for its upcoming electric model, and other previews (including Acura RSX and Honda 0-series) point to a robust pipeline of 2026–2027 launches despite current headwinds.

The EV landscape remains dynamic, with trade policies, pricing strategies, and new family-oriented models shaping 2026. Affordability and infrastructure improvements continue to drive optimism for long-term growth.

I’m Ethan, and I write about the tech that’s actually going to change how we live — not the stuff that just sounds impressive in a press release. I cover AI, EVs, robotics, and future tech for VFuture Media. I was on the ground at CES 2026 in Las Vegas, walking the show floor so I could give you a real read on what matters and what’s just noise. Follow me on X for daily takes.

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