The electric vehicle startup had a string of terrible news, capped by the abrupt departure of its CEO. Its troubles are raising questions about the startups that have entered the auto industry.

In a letter to the president, 12 governors asked that the White House order a ban on greenhouse gas-emitting cars and light trucks within 14 years.

As automakers from General Motors to Volkswagen bet big on an electric future, fears are rising about whether the world's supply of batteries can keep up.

The deal means both companies will be able to produce lithium-ion batteries for electric vehicles at a time when President Biden hopes to boost support for the industry as part of his climate plan.

In an interview with NPR's Morning Edition, Transportation Secretary Pete Buttigieg said the plan is "fully paid for" and that not making the investment is a "threat to American competitiveness."

Volkswagen of America will not, in fact, be renaming itself "Voltswagen of America." A statement to that effect was a joke "in the spirit of April Fool's Day," the company said.

Transportation — trucks, trains, planes and automobiles — is a major source of greenhouse gas emissions in the U.S. Electric vehicles offer a less...