Electric Cars

The electric vehicle (EV) sector is currently experiencing a pivotal moment, with shifting dynamics in sales, incentives, and inventory. While recent figures showed a slight decrease in sales, experts anticipate a substantial surge in demand as the expiration of government-backed incentives approaches. This period offers unique opportunities for consumers, with dealers presenting attractive deals on new EVs amidst rising inventory. Simultaneously, the pre-owned EV market demonstrates resilience, with specific models maintaining strong demand due to their affordability. This evolving landscape is setting the stage for a more mature, market-driven EV ecosystem, transitioning away from reliance on subsidies.

Recent data from June revealed a 1.4% decline in electric vehicle sales, marking only the third such decrease on record, indicating a developing maturity within the market. This coincided with significant policy adjustments, including the scheduled termination of the federal EV tax credit—offering up to $7,500 for new vehicles and $4,000 for used ones—on September 30, 2025. Further contributing to this perception of diminishing demand were decisions to halt funding for EV charging infrastructure and revoke targets for EV market share by 2030. Despite these headwinds, the EV market share actually expanded to 8% in June, up from 6.9% in May, with a record 607,089 EVs sold in the first half of 2025, representing a 1.5% year-over-year increase, as reported by Cox Automotive.

This downturn in sales occurred despite unprecedented incentive levels, with average EV incentives reaching nearly $8,500—14.8% of the vehicle's price—in June. This figure is more than double the incentives offered for traditional gasoline-powered vehicles, with the average transaction price for a new EV at $56,910. The conclusion of these governmental tax breaks, coupled with the elimination of the 'leasing loophole' that previously boosted eligible sales, is predicted to ignite a buying frenzy in the coming weeks. Cox Automotive now forecasts that the EV market share will reach 8.5% by the end of the year, a slight revision from its earlier projection of 10%.

The current environment, marked by the impending end of federal subsidies, is expected to motivate prospective buyers to finalize their EV purchases swiftly. This urgency is compounded by the ample availability of new electric vehicles. Cox Automotive indicates that the supply of EVs in dealerships reached 125 days in June, an increase of 9.9% month-over-month. Although this is 14.8% lower than the same period last year, it marks the third consecutive month where EV inventory has surpassed that of internal combustion engine vehicles by over 30 days, far exceeding the ideal 60-day supply. This surplus has led to compelling offers, such as 0% financing for 60 months on the Chevrolet Equinox EV, which, after the federal tax credit, could start at $27,495. Similarly, the Subaru Solterra EV is available for lease at $299 per month for 36 months with a minimal down payment, and the Honda Prologue EV also offers 0% financing and eligibility for the full federal tax credit.

In stark contrast to the new vehicle market, the supply of used EVs remains constrained, with an average supply of just 41 days. This tightness is partly attributed to the $4,000 federal tax credit available for pre-owned electric vehicles. Notably, Tesla leads the used EV segment with the lowest supply at 33 days, while GMC has the highest at 74 days. Affordability plays a crucial role in the used market's appeal, with 43% of used EVs sold priced under $25,000. Popular models like the Tesla Model 3 and Model Y, with average prices of $22,998 and $29,111 respectively, are driving these sales figures.

The phasing out of the federal EV tax credit under the Inflation Reduction Act by the end of September is set to create a dynamic shift in the electric vehicle market. This transition will likely result in a temporary boost in sales as consumers rush to take advantage of remaining incentives. This period also signifies a critical evolution, moving the market towards demand-driven growth rather than incentive-led expansion. The focus will increasingly be on accessible EV options, such as the Chevrolet Equinox EV and Nissan Leaf. The future trajectory of EV adoption in the U.S. remains to be seen, especially as global markets, particularly China, continue their aggressive push towards electrification, potentially positioning the American market as an anomaly in the global automotive landscape if tariffs and disappearing incentives dampen local demand.

Bentley’s Mulliner division has completed the first customer-commissioned Batur Convertible, a magnificent showcase of bespoke craftsmanship and a poignant tribute to the brand’s revered W12 engine. This particular vehicle, one of only 16 units to be produced, stands as a testament to unparalleled personalization, featuring an exceptionally distinct interior and a visually arresting exterior. As Bentley transitions towards a future dominated by hybrid powertrains, the Batur Convertible elegantly symbolizes the zenith of the W12 era, marrying immense power with meticulous, individualized design. Its unveiling represents a significant milestone for the marque, highlighting their commitment to exclusive, handcrafted automotive artistry.

For discerning clientele seeking an automobile that transcends standard luxury, Bentley's Mulliner division offers an extensive range of customization options. To highlight Mulliner's bespoke capabilities, Bentley has embarked on producing highly limited-edition models, such as the Bacalar roadster and now, the Batur, available in both coupe and convertible configurations. The inaugural Batur Convertible destined for a customer is now complete, ready for delivery.

With production capped at 16 units for the Batur Convertible, two fewer than its coupe counterpart, this initial customer vehicle promises to be extraordinary even among such an elite collection. Its owner, whose identity remains undisclosed, opted for a highly distinctive aesthetic, applying contrasting colors throughout both the vehicle's exterior and interior spaces.

Dubbed the “One Plus One” interior by Bentley, this unique cabin layout features a driver’s seat upholstered in deep Beluga black leather and Alcantara, while the passenger seat offers a striking contrast in Linen gray. These opposing hues are echoed in the luggage compartment situated behind the seats, where Bentley has also thoughtfully included a bespoke two-piece luggage set. A vibrant Mandarin orange stitching weaves through the design, harmonizing the contrasting elements.

The dashboard and steering wheel also embrace this dual-tone palette, seamlessly integrating the dash with the door panels. The steering wheel further elevates its exclusivity with a machined-titanium center mark. This aerospace-grade material extends to the paddle shifters, the tactile rotary controls on both the steering wheel and center console, and even Bentley's iconic organ-stop air vent controls, underscoring a commitment to superior materials and refined details.

The exterior of this particular Batur Convertible is finished in a sophisticated Opalite blue, dramatically accentuated by a black-and-orange racing stripe. This stripe is meticulously painted onto the bodywork, with complementary stitching on the tonneau cover creating a seamless visual flow from the front to the rear of the vehicle. The grille and wheels are rendered in black, featuring subtle orange highlights that perfectly align with the racing stripe, completing the dynamic and cohesive design.

The Batur, named after Bali's Lake Batur, holds special significance as it represents the last production vehicle to house Bentley's formidable W12 engine, whose manufacturing ceased in July of the previous year. This distinctive powerplant is being phased out in favor of V8 plug-in hybrid powertrains across most of Bentley's lineup. Meanwhile, the Bentayga Speed has already transitioned, replacing its W12 with a twin-turbo V8, albeit without hybrid assistance.

In the Batur models, the twin-turbo 6.0-liter W12 engine delivers an impressive 740 horsepower, making it the most potent production W12 in Bentley's history. The coupe version is reported to accelerate from zero to 62 mph in just 3.4 seconds and achieve a top speed of 209 mph, with the convertible expected to exhibit comparable performance figures.

Bentley initially revealed the Batur Coupe in 2022, followed by the convertible's debut last year. Since then, extensive development work has been undertaken with a pair of prototypes. One of these, known as “Car Zero,” was showcased at the 2025 Goodwood Festival of Speed last month and is slated for display at the 2025 Monterey Car Week. Unlike the customer's bespoke creation, this prototype features a vibrant vermillion livery, distinguishing it as a test and display vehicle.

The inaugural Bentley Batur Convertible stands as a powerful symbol of bespoke automotive luxury, marking the conclusion of an iconic engine era while simultaneously showcasing the unparalleled customization capabilities of Bentley’s Mulliner division. This limited-edition marvel, with its distinctive two-tone interior and striking exterior accents, exemplifies the pinnacle of personalized design and engineering, offering its fortunate owner a unique piece of automotive history and a final, spectacular roar from the legendary W12 engine.