Rivian Automotive is starting to build a long-delayed electric vehicle plant in Georgia, despite tough challenges in the U.S. market. The company is investing $5 billion as it aims to persuade Americans to buy electric trucks. But Tuesday's groundbreaking comes just weeks before the federal government kills a $7,500 electric vehicle tax credit that President Donald Trump wanted to get rid of. Rivian officials say they're banking on making vehicles that buyers will find superior to traditional gas-fueled cars. A new Rivian SUV will start selling next year for $45,000. The Georgia plant is crucial to the company reaching a mass market and achieving profitability after years of losses.

Sales of Tesla electric cars fell sharply in the last three months compared to a year earlier as boycotts over Elon Musk's political views continue to keep buyers away. Tesla is also facing stiff competition from other electric vehicle makers, especially in Europe where China's BYD has taken a bite out of its market share. The 13% plunge in sales reported Wednesday adds to growing signs that Musk's embrace of U.S. President Donald Trump and far-right politicians in Europe has had a deep and enduring impact to Tesla's brand appeal. Sales fell to 384,122 in April through June, down from 443,956 in the same period last year.

US regulators are recalling nearly all Cybertrucks, the eighth recall of the Tesla vehicles since deliveries to customers began just over a year ago. The National Highway Traffic Safety Administration's recall, which covers more than 46,000 Cybertrucks, warned Thursday that an exterior panel that runs along the left and right sight of the windshield can detach while driving, creating a dangerous road hazard for other drivers, increasing the risk of a crash. The stainless steel strip is bound to the truck's assembly with a structural adhesive. The remedy uses an adhesive that's not been found to be vulnerable to "environmental embrittlement," the NHTSA said, and includes additional reinforcements.