The reality of a breakdown during the hostile Dakar
The Dakar Rally is often portrayed as a heroic clash between man, machine and an unforgiving wilderness.
- Industry News
- 14 December 2025
Ascend Elements, a US-based engineered materials and lithium-ion battery recycling company, recently released consumer survey results on electric vehicles (EVs) and EV-battery recycling.
Some of the most surprising finds were that nearly half of US consumers mistakenly believe EV batteries aren’t recyclable. Another widely held misconception by more than 37% of Americans is that they do not know that recycled lithium-ion battery materials can be used to make new EV batteries.
From the survey, it has also transpired that American consumers have increasingly become more positive about EVs over the past three years. 46% say EVs will outsell gasoline-powered cars in their lifetime, 59% say EVs are better for the environment than fuel-powered cars and 59% say EVs will save them money over the lifetime of the vehicle.
Other interesting finds that were reported include:
According to a Reuters report, Ford and Renault have agreed to work together on a new generation of compact, lower-priced electric cars for Europe, while also expanding cooperation on commercial vans, as both manufacturers seek to defend their market positions against increasingly aggressive Chinese rivals.
As South Africa forges ahead in the automotive landscape, a notable divide has emerged in the growing realm of new-energy vehicles.
Kenya’s automotive industry recently made headlines when Tad Motors unveiled its first range of locally assembled electric vehicles (EVs), igniting discussions across Africa about the continent’s growing capacity for indigenous mobility solutions.