The electric vehicle (EV) landscape continues to evolve rapidly, as new models, infrastructure projects, and market milestones reshape mobility around the world. The latest developments covered by The Driven offer a snapshot of the trends defining late 2025 — from record-setting adoption rates to next-generation charging networks that aim to make EV ownership more seamless than ever.

BYD Redefines Electric SUV Standards

Among the most prominent stories is the BYD Sealion 7 Premium, which has quickly become one of Australia’s top-selling electric SUVs. Over 11,000 drivers have already chosen this model in 2025, positioning it as the country's second-best-selling EV, trailing only Tesla’s perennial leaders. Reviewers have lauded the Sealion 7 Premium for its blend of range, practicality, affordability, and comfort — characteristics that challenge long-time competitors in the mid-size SUV segment. The vehicle’s rapid uptake underscores how BYD’s strategy of delivering multiple models at competitive price points is helping to mainstream electric mobility in Australia.

Meanwhile, BYD has gained approval for a lower-cost variant of the same SUV. This new version will feature a smaller battery and less powerful motor, targeting a sub-$50,000 price point that is expected to expand accessibility for first-time EV buyers. Taken together, BYD’s momentum exemplifies a shift in how carmakers are structuring their lineups — offering diverse configurations to appeal to both high-performance and value-driven customers.

Tesla’s FSD Milestone and Expanding Supercharger Reach

Tesla announced that drivers using its Full Self-Driving (FSD) Supervised software have now logged over 10 billion kilometers globally. This achievement not only demonstrates the growing scale of Tesla’s autonomous driving data collection but also highlights the company’s continued dominance in EV software. The milestone arrives at a time when Tesla is preparing for expanded rollouts in 2026, aiming to improve safety and performance through machine learning.

At the same time, Tesla’s commitment to infrastructure is extending to new territories. The Northern Territory is set to receive its first Tesla Supercharger, representing a symbolic and logistical milestone for charging access in remote areas of Australia. As the company pushes its network further north, it helps to reduce one of the biggest remaining barriers to EV adoption: charging availability on remote routes. This expansion aligns with Tesla’s mission to enable coast-to-coast electric travel across the continent.

Zeekr and the Rise of New Entrants

Chinese automaker Zeekr is also making major strides. The company recently celebrated the delivery of its 1,000th unit of the 7X SUV in Australia. Marketed as one of the country’s fastest-charging vehicles, the 7X has drawn attention for its blend of design sophistication and charging performance. Zeekr’s expansion of its local dealer network further signals confidence in long-term growth and competition in Australia’s increasingly diverse EV ecosystem. More choice means consumers benefit from innovation in range, design, and energy efficiency.

Infrastructure Growth: Charging and Smart Energy Integration

Infrastructure, the backbone of any EV transition, is seeing major investments thanks to public and private collaboration. A recent announcement confirmed that three major projects focusing on ultra-fast charging, kerbside accessibility, and vehicle-to-grid (V2G) technology have received a combined $21 million in funding from the federal government through the Arena ‘Driving the Nation’ program. The funding aims to strengthen Australia’s charging landscape by filling critical gaps — supporting apartment dwellers, fleet operators, and rural communities.

In a complementary development, Jet Charge and Ikea have completed one of Australia’s largest electric delivery vehicle charging networks. This initiative marks a decisive step toward decarbonizing logistics and last-mile delivery, sectors that are often slower to electrify due to heavy usage demands. The Ikea partnership ensures that its fleet of delivery vans can operate nationwide with reduced emissions, while also setting an example for corporate sustainability in transport operations.

Beyond Roads: Electric Mobility on Water and in Global Contexts

Electric adoption isn’t limited to land vehicles. In the UK, the first fully electric, zero-emission ferry has set sail on the River Thames. With capacity for 150 passengers and 100 bicycles, the service offers a tangible glimpse into the future of clean maritime transport. It demonstrates how electrification can extend to urban waterways, combining reduced emissions with quieter, more efficient operations that improve the passenger experience.

Meanwhile, across the broader transport sector, the UK continues to lead with strong adoption of battery-electric vans. While Australians are still heavily attached to utes, the UK market’s tilt toward electrified vans reflects targeted government incentives and infrastructure readiness. Observers suggest that Australia could benefit from similar policy shifts that encourage cleaner commercial transport, which would help lower national emissions in freight and service industries.

Toyota Steps Up with Competitive Pricing

Finally, in a notable move from a traditional automaker, Toyota has slashed the price of its bZ4X, its first dedicated EV, by $10,000. The update also brings a larger battery and longer range — clear signs that Toyota is listening to market feedback and ramping up competitiveness. This repositioning hints at the brand’s growing recognition that the EV transition can no longer be delayed, especially as rivals capture early market share.

Powering Ahead

Taken together, these developments illustrate a rapid and diverse evolution of the global EV scene. Automakers from China, the U.S., Japan, and Europe are competing head-to-head in markets like Australia and the UK. Charging infrastructure is growing more robust and distributed, and governments are taking proactive steps to integrate EVs with smart energy systems.

From highways to harbors, the world is witnessing the steady electrification of transport — an undeniable signal that the age of combustion dominance is fading. Whether through new models, faster charging networks, or cleaner public transport, the electric momentum shows no sign of slowing down.