Mazda has revealed the all-electric, RWD 6e for Europe, which goes on sale in late 2025.
The Tesla Model 3 rival offers 68.8 and 80 kWh batteries, and 300-345 miles of range.
Two power options are available, the most potent giving 255 hp and a 7.6-second 0-62 time.
Thinking of buying a new Tesla Model 3? If you’re based in Europe, you might want to hold off until the end of this year because Mazda’s new electric 6e looks like it might be worthy of your attention.
A European version of the Chinese EZ-6 that debuted last year, the 6e is a good looking sedan whose liftback rear end gives it a practical advantage over the Model 3. Moving on Mazda’s Kodo design language, the 6e features an LED framed grille whose lights flutter to indicate battery state while charging.
Frameless door glass, a low roofline and an active rear spoiler give the 6e a sporty look, and the rear-wheel drive chassis layout means the driving experience might well live up to that promise.
Not that the 6e is exactly blisteringly fast in either of its available forms. Mazda will offer the EV with two batteries. The smallest a 68.8 kWh unit that delivers up to 300 miles (483 km) of electric range, can charge at 200 kW and go from 10-80 percent in 22 minutes, or add 145 miles (233) of range in 15 minutes. A bigger, 80 kWh battery stretches the range to 345 miles (555 km) but needs 45 minutes to top up from 10-80 percent.
Go for the smaller battery and your 6e comes with 255 hp (258 PS) and can get you from zero to 62 mph (100 km/h) in 7.6 seconds. Choosing the bigger pack drops the output to 241 hp (244 PS) and adds two tenths to the 62 time. Both look like mild performers next to a Model 3, even the most basic of which clocks 62 mph in 5.8 seconds.
The cabin looks more inviting and less spartan than a Model 3’s, but places a similar focus on digital displays. A 10.2-inch unit handles instrument duties ahead of the driver along with a head-up display, and most vehicle functions are handled via a central 14.6-inch touchscreen.
The 6e goes on sale in mainland Europe in the second half of 2025, with UK sales starting early the following year.
Tesla has unveiled the most significant update of the Model Y since its debut in 2019.
The Tesla Model Y “Juniper” adopts futuristic styling cues and a more refined interior.
The best-selling EV also benefits from a revised chassis setup and a longer range.
The wait is finally over – Tesla has officially unveiled the redesigned Model Y “Juniper”. The world’s best-selling EV benefits from a host of upgrades, including refreshed styling and a more refined interior packed with technology. The improvements go beyond aesthetics, as the 2025 Model Y is quicker, quieter, and smoother, while boasting an extended range compared to its predecessor.
Styling-wise, the highlight of the facelifted model is the redesigned nose, featuring split headlights and a full-width LED bar inspired by the Cybercab. The bumper is similar to the Model 3 Highland but features slim intakes on the sides. Just like the Cybercab and Cybertruck, the Model Y doesn’t have a Tesla emblem on the hood.
At the back, the dark-finished full-width lighting unit continues the sci-fi theme, introducing Tesla’s first “indirect reflective body panel taillight”. There is also a cleaner design for the tailgate that reaches lower on the rear bumper, where it is joined by a larger diffuser.
While Tesla claims that the exterior is “completely redesigned”, the profile appears to be largely carried over, setting aside the new front fenders and small changes on the sensors. The overall length has been increased by 41 mm (1.6 inches) to 4,792 mm (188.7 inches). Furthermore, the EV rides on a new set of 20-inch Helix 2.0 wheels, while some markets also get the aero-friendly 19-inch Crossflow wheels finished in black.
Refined Interior
Moving inside, Tesla has retained the familiar minimalist design of the cabin, while introducing numerous improvements. The infotainment display is slightly larger at 15.4 inches (up from 15 inches), while there is an extra 8-inch touchscreen for the rear passengers. The new seat design and upholstery is said to provide greater comfort and support, adding a ventilated function at the front and a power reclining rear bench that can fold flat.
The dashboard, center console, and door cards have also been redesigned, with a new strip of ambient lighting, soft-touch finishes, and vegan suede inserts for the Launch Series. Unlike the Model 3 Highland, the steering wheel of the Model Y Juniper retains a traditional indicator stalk, although the gear selection has been integrated into the central display. Finally, there is a new audio system with hidden speakers which are said to provide better sound quality.
Tesla is proud of the NVH credentials of the new Model Y that have been significantly improved thanks to the sleeker bodywork with fewer panels, the acoustic glass, the new tires, and the retuned suspension. The revised chassis setup also includes a more responsive steering. Of course, the EV benefits from the latest version of Tesla’s Full Self-Driving capability, which remains available as an option.
Quicker And More Efficient
The 2025 Model Y will be initially available in two trims – the entry-level RWD and the Long Range AWD. Tesla hasn’t announced their battery capacity, but the WLTP range is estimated at 466 km (290 miles) and 551 km (342 miles) respectively. These figures are 11 km (7 miles) and 18 km (11 miles) more compared to the equivalent versions of the outgoing model, an increase that could be attributed to the improved aerodynamics. The maximum charging speed remains unchanged at 250 kW, adding up to 266 km (165 miles) in 15 minutes when plugged into a fast charger.
While we don’t have information on the output of the electric motors, both trims are quicker than before – the RWD completes the 0-100 km/h (0-62 mph) sprint in 5.9 seconds (-1 second), while the Long Range AWD needs 4.3 seconds (-0.7 seconds). In both cases, the top speed is electronically limited at 201 km/h (125 miles), which is slower than before.
Pricing And Availability
The updated Model Y has appeared on Tesla websites from various Asia-Pacific regions, stating that deliveries will commence in April or May depending on the market.
In Australia, the RWD trim is priced at AU$ 63,400 (US$ 39,300), while the Long Range AWD costs AU$ 73,400 (US$ 45,500), marking increases of AU$ 7,500 (US$ 4,600) and AU$ 3,500 (US$ 2,200) respectively compared to the pre-facelifted versions.
US pricing and availability is expected to be announced shortly.
Mercedes EV owners can use Tesla Superchargers in America from February 2025.
The addition of 20,000 chargers increases Mercedes’ available network to 110,000.
A $185 adapter is required, but Mercedes will fit NACS adapters to new EVs this year.
Mercedes drivers are about to get a whole lot more choice when it comes to juicing up their EVs. From February 2025, the number of charge points open to them will balloon when access to Tesla’s Supercharger network is granted.
The option to charge at 20,000 Superchargers across North America – while still retaining Mercedes’ no-hassle Plug & Charge functionality – brings the total number of Mercedes me Charge points to more than 110,000 across the region.
But while US Mercedes drivers will be able to plug in at Supercharger sites in only a few weeks’ time, those in Canada have to wait until “later” in 2025. And neither group of drivers can take advantage of the Tesla-Mercedes tie-up until they’ve purchased a certain piece of hardware from their dealers.
Existing Owners Need A $185 Adapter – And A Visit To The Dealer
Like many other automakers, Mercedes has promised to fit its new North American-market EVs with Tesla-style NACS (North American Charging Standard) sockets during 2025. But anyone who already owns an EQ-badged Benz, or buys one between now and the switchover, will need to pay $185 for a CCS to NACS adapter.
Granted, that’s not a huge amount for the convenience it offers, especially if you’re a Merc owner, but the likes of Ford and Hyundai, who will also adapt the same standard, are offering existing EV owners the adapter for free.
Cars will also need a free software update at their dealers (what, no OTA fix?) to allow them to use the Supercharger network. But once that’s completed, the chargers will be included in the list of sites visible on the dash display and integrated into Mercedes’ “Navigation with Electric Intelligence” feature that directs drivers to the most appropriate charging location.
“Magic Port” Rapid Charging Is Scarce
Tesla has come under fire for being slow to roll out Supercharger access to other brands, having first announced the plan in 2023. The automaker gave those brands the opportunity to switch to its NACS port and said it would fit a “Magic Dock” to its chargers, enabling an electric vehicle from the likes of Ford, GM, or Hyundai to enjoy rapid charging alongside Tesla models.
But by the end of 2024, only around 100 of Tesla’s circa 2,500 Supercharger stations in the US were outfitted with the Magic Dock, an investigation by Bloomberg Green discovered.
Audi, BMW, Fisker, Ford, Genesis, GM, Honda, Lucid, Mazda, Porsche, VW and others have committed to switch to the NACS port, while Hyundai’s facelifted Ioniq 5 already has one. Most brands are also working on, or have, such adapters.
Faraday X has announced plans for a luxurious minivan known as the Super One.
The company also teased the FX 6, which appears to be a sporty crossover.
Production could begin as early as this year, but that’s subject to funding and securing agreements.
Faraday Future’s new mainstream brand has teased two upcoming models and revealed its logo. Faraday X (FX) also made some pretty big promises, but we’re not holding our breath.
Starting with product, Faraday X confirmed plans for three models including an “AI-MPV” called the Super One. It’s billed as a “groundbreaking vehicle” that will “meet the dynamic and diverse needs of visionaries and their families.” The company also said it would deliver “twice the performance at half the price.”
Faraday rambled on with that nonsense, so details are virtually non-existent. The blurry teaser image is about as helpful as it simply shows a generic minivan covered in camouflage.
That being said, Engadget was given a preview and they said the Super One comes with two rows of leather seats. Rear passengers are the priority as there are heated, massaging seats with integrated footrests. The model also has a small fridge, although it sounds like the van is far from finished.
Faraday X also teased their FX 6, which is slated to start between $30,000 and $50,000. It’s billed as an “extra-large luxury AIEV” and it appears to be a curvaceous crossover with a sloping roof. We can expect to learn more about it in March.
Both models are slated to be joined by an entry-level FX 5, which has a targeted price of between $20,000 and $30,000. The company didn’t say much about it, but has previously referred to it as a “large-space sporty AIEV.”
Faraday was coy on performance details, but said “FX models could potentially offer two types of powertrains” including range-extended and battery-electric options. The company also said one of the models could go into production by the end of the year, although that’s “subject to securing necessary funding and agreements.”
That, of course, is Faraday’s Achilles heel as the company limps from one crisis to the next. The company is also said to have sold a mere “15 or 16” FF 91s, so that’s not exactly a stellar track record.
Volkswagen delivered 4.8 million units in 2024, with SUVs accounting for 47% of its sales.
The Tiguan was the best-selling VW, followed by the T-Roc that will be renewed in 2025.
China remains VW’s biggest market with 2.2 million sales in 2024 despite an 8.3% decline.
The Volkswagen brand recorded global sales of 4.8 million vehicles in 2024, reflecting a 1.4% decline compared to the previous year. Among these, 383,100 were fully electric vehicles, representing a 2.7% year-on-year drop.
The Volkswagen brand recorded global sales of 4.8 million vehicles in 2024, reflecting a 1.4% decline compared to the previous year. While the overall dip was modest, it underscores the growing challenges posed by increasing competition and evolving market demands. Of these sales, 383,100 were fully electric vehicles (EVs), a 2.7% decrease year-on-year, an unwelcome result for a company striving to strengthen its EV presence.
China remained Volkswagen’s largest market in 2024, with 2.2 million deliveries accounting for nearly 46% of all sales. However, this marked an 8.3% decline from 2023 as local brands intensified their competitive edge. In Europe, Volkswagen retained its position as the market leader with 1.25 million units, despite a slight decrease of 1.7%.
North America was the third biggest region for VW with 592,300 deliveries and a robust 18.4 percent increase compared to last year. Volkswagen also enjoyed a good year in South America, where it posted a 21.1 percent increase with 479,400 deliveries. The vast majority of South American sales took place in Brazil, where the Polo hatchback sold a record 172,510 units.
VW BRAND SALES GLOBAL
Region
Sales
Change
Europe
1,254,500 units
-1.7%
South America
479,400 units
+21.1%
North America
592,300 units
+18.4%
China
2,198,900 units
-8.3%
SWIPE
In Germany, Volkswagen continued to dominate, maintaining a 19.1% market share. According to the German Federal Motor Transport Authority (KBA), the brand held five spots in the country’s top ten best-selling vehicles chart with the Golf, T-Roc, Tiguan, Passat, and Polo.
Globally, the Tiguan was Volkswagen’s best-selling model in 2024, followed by the smaller T-Roc that will enter a new generation in 2025. SUVs accounted for 47 percent of global VW deliveries in 2024, explaining why the automaker continues to expand its lineup of high-riding models.
As for electric vehicles, the 383,100 deliveries of 2024 were 2.7 percent fewer compared to the 393,700 of 2023. The stop sale order for the VW ID.4 last year is certainly one of the reasons for the decline, as it resulted in 55% fewer sales for the electric SUV in the US market.
Martin Sander, Volkswagen Board Member for Sales, Marketing and After Sales, said: “Around the globe, 2024 was a difficult year with sluggish economic activity, political challenges and intense competition – particularly in China. Yet, we are beginning the new year with optimism. Not only do we have attractive products, but we are meeting the needs of a wide variety of customer groups with our extensive, diverse model range that covers all drive types.”
In the coming weeks we expect the 2024 sales numbers for the entire VW Group, which is expected to remain the second largest automaker in the world behind Toyota.
The motors have been developed in different sizes and suit a slew of applications.
The largest 21-inch motor weighs just 40 kg (88 lbs) yet packs a serious punch.
Other motors suit electric scooters, motorcycles, drones, and aircraft.
Most electric vehicles on the market have electric motors located between the wheels but a company named Donut Labs has just unveiled an in-wheel motor that could shake up future EVs. This intriguing motor, now in its second generation, can be used by any type of vehicle and can be produced in a variety of different sizes. Donut Labs also says its solution can significantly speed up the development cycle of electric vehicles.
The flagship motor presented at CES fits into a 21-inch loop and packs some serious punch, churning out up to 845 hp and 3,171 lb-ft (4,300 Nm). That’s not a typical torque figure, however, and is likely calculated at the wheels rather than at the crankshaft like an ICE. Nevertheless, the motor still packs a serious punch, which is made all the more impressive because it weighs just 40 kg (88 lbs).
Vehicles using these in-wheel motors would need one at each corner, and Donut could eliminate the need for traditional half-shafts, CV joints, and other components typically used by cars. While this all sounds rather wonderful, it’s worth noting that in-wheel motors add a significant amount of unsprung mass to a vehicle, and it’s no different here.
Four other in-wheel motors have also been presented by Donut Labs, each in different sizes. One is catered towards semi-trucks and delivers 268 hp and 2,212 lb-ft, another is a 12-inch unit for electric scooters with 20 hp, there’s a tiny 4.7-inch motor for drones with 4 hp, and a 17-inch motor designed for motorcycles and producing 201 hp.
Donut Labs believes the global electric transportation market could grow from $550 billion to $4.4 trillion by 2032, and its motors are already used by several vehicles. For example, its parent company – Verge Motorcycles – produces an electric motorcycle, and a Latvian company dubbed Oruga also manufactures EVs designed for off-roading with its motors. Australian firm Hyper Q Aerospace also uses these trick motors in its electric aircraft.
When combined with Donut’s in-house platform, the innovative new motors can apparently “reduce the resource requirements for vehicle development by up to 95% compared to the current level.”
Kia’s electric PV5 has been spied testing in Germany ahead of a launch later this year.
The panel van will be offered with different cab, roof, and body configurations.
A passenger van is also being developed to rival the non-Cargo versions of VW’s ID.Buzz.
Kia definitely isn’t getting cold feet about electric vehicles, and it’s not just SUVs the Korean automaker thinks need the EV treatment. These spy shots show the company’s PV5 van being developed to give models like the VW’s ID.Buzz Cargo a hard time.
Built around Kia’s e-CCPM (Electric Complete Chassis Platform Module) architecture, the PV5 is a production LCV version of an electric van concept shown 12 months ago. Like VW’s ID.Buzz, it’ll be available in both passenger van and commercial forms, but the PV5 will offer far more configurations than its VW rival.
And we don’t just mean in terms of motor and battery options, which Kia hasn’t revealed much about yet, incidentally. No, we’re talking about modular body sections that enable the PV5 to be configured with low- and high-roof body styles and potentially even as a truck.
When it revealed the concept, Kia said the body units were attached by mechanical couplings and electromagnetic fixture points, allowing owners to customize the PV5s, though looking at these spy shots suggests it might not be a DIY swap and the versatility is experienced at the point of ordering.
Only the brief glimpse of painted metal below the roof behind the sliding door helped us tell this LCV apart from the passenger-carrying minivan we saw last September, and which had a glass panel in the same location. That and the simple steel wheels that replace the alloys seen on the previous prototype.
Both versions feature the same dropped waistline at the front door to improve visibility, have tough, black plastic wheel-arch spats, and are bundled up in a mountain of camo that keeps much of the design details a secret. But we can see the DRLs tracking the line of the frunk and real headlights stashed in the bumper below.
A couple of frames even give us a taste of the inside of the PV5, one showing a large grab handle on the A-pillar and a huge rectangular touchscreen that’s much taller than the ones Kia uses on its current EVs, including the range-topping EV9 SUV.
The PV5 launches later this year and will be joined by a smaller PV1 and PV7. We’re also hoping the off-road PV5 Kia showed at SEMA also makes it to production. Would you take one over a VW ID.Buzz Cargo?
Note: the gallery below also contains shots of the concept and also a Carscoops rendering of how the PV5 could look.
This leasing deal is available throughout the US and valid until March 3.
New financing deals could help buyers save over $12,000 on a higher-spec ID.4.
It’s becoming harder and harder to resist leasing a new EV in the US, thanks to a growing number of competitive deals offered by automakers. The latest deal comes from VW and it’s for the outgoing 2024 ID.4. While this isn’t the current model year, the ID.4 has plenty going for it and can be quite the bargain.
Buyers can lease the ID.4 for just $149 per month for 24 months, with $999 due at signing. Factor in that $999, and leasing an ID.4 for the equivalent of just $190 per month is possible. It’s generally not advisable to put cash down on a lease because GAP insurance will only cover the remaining balance and not the downpayment if the car is totaled or stolen. Admittedly, the $999 downpayment for the ID.4 is relatively small, particularly compared to a recent leasing deal for the Nissan Ariya that had an exorbitant $3,329 downpayment.
The cheapest ID.4 to lease is the base Standard trim, carrying an MSRP of $39,735 and capped at 10,000 miles per year. To put this leasing deal into perspective, the entry-level Tesla Model Y Long Range Rear-Wheel Drive can be leased for $199 per month for 36 months with a $2,999 downpayment, equating to $282 per month.
Other compelling deals are on offer, Cars Direct notes. For example, the ID.4 Pro is being offered with $13,350 in lease cash and the lease rate has been cut from 4.4% to 0%. The good news doesn’t stop there for shoppers.
All 2024 ID.4 models have 0% APR for 72 months. Previously, the APR had only been 0% for the Standard and S RWD models. Thanks to this cut from the old 6.9% APR / 72-month financing deal on the ID.4 S Plus to this new 0% APR could represent a saving of up to $12,300.
VW has also announced it’s offering a $10,500 customer bonus for those who lease or purchase a new and unused 2024 ID.4. All current deals are valid until March 3, 2025. If you’d like to get behind the wheel of the electric SUV without breaking the bank, head to the VW website and type your postcode into the ‘Your Local Offers’ section to see which deals you may be eligible for.
A Mustang Mach-E owner claims his son was trapped inside the EV when the doors wouldn’t open.
When AAA couldn’t open the doors by jumping the battery the owner smashed a window to get in.
The Mach-E doesn’t have conventional door handles or an emergency key slot visible on the outside.
Technology is great when it works, but when it fails the results don’t only leave us frustrated. Sometimes tech breakdowns can induce sheer terror, as one Ford Mustang Mach-E owner discovered when a battery failure left his child trapped inside the EV.
In a post on Reddit, user @r3d_ra1n explained how all seemed well when his wife parked the 2021 Mach-E up with the battery showing a 25 percent charge. She exited the EV and closed her door before moving around to the other side of the Mustang to open another door to get her infant son, which is when the panic set in.
The Mach-E doesn’t have conventional door handles, just a touch-sensitive switch on the pillar, and on this occasion, neither the owner’s wife’s keyfob nor the Ford app on phones belonging to the wife or the poster would unlock and open the door. Not ideal when a helpless baby is inside and it’s a toasty 80 degrees (27 C) outside.
AAA was alerted but failed to open the car by applying a jump pack to the 12-volt battery in the frunk, which was unlocked via the emergency access door below the headlight. Ford Roadside Assistance was also called out, but before that second crew arrived – which was 90 minutes after the baby first became trapped – the owner had taken matters into his own hands and smashed a window to gain access.
With the window busted the owner was able to open the door using the internal emergency release. That manual release is intended to prevent occupants getting trapped inside but it’s obviously no good if the occupant is a lone baby, so it’s worrying that Ford didn’t think to fit an emergency key slot on the outside of the car, as most other automakers do. The 2021 Mach-E came with the same key fob as other Fords and included a physical emergency key hidden inside, but the blank is uncut because there’s no lock.
In a first update to his Reddit post the owner says the car was towed to a dealer, who noted various failure codes but put the problem down to a faulty 12-volt battery, which is a consumable item and therefore not covered by the car’s warranty. But having then gained a ton of attention on social media he says was contacted by Ford HQ who told him they were working on his case.
Approximately 500 Chinese workers have been brought to Brazil to build a local factory.
Some of these workers were found to have been living in “slavery-like conditions”.
BYD’s ongoing troubles in Brazil show no signs of abating after a labor inspector revealed the carmaker brought in hundreds of Chinese workers to build a factory using irregular visas. This news comes shortly after an investigation led by labor authorities indicated workers were living in “slavery-like conditions,” promoting fierce rebukes from BYD and Jinjiang, the contractor at the center of the stir.
According to Liane Durao, a labor inspector for Brazil’s Ministry of Labor, the 163 workers hired by Jinjiang for the local BYD factory and rescued from living in indecent conditions, are leaving or have already left Brazil. She added that BYD would be fined for each employee found to have worked in the “irregular” arrangement, but didn’t say what the fines would amount to.
Speaking with Reuters, Durao said that BYD has agreed to change the conditions of its employees working on building the factory. Approximately 500 workers were brought from China to Brazil. According to a source close to BYD, the carmaker was under the impression that work visas had been issued properly and that all employees had come to work voluntarily.
Soon after the scandal broke, BYD said it severed ties with Jinjiang. Representatives of the carmaker recently met with local labor authorities and contractors to speak about how to protect the rights of workers at the plant.
Labor inspectors found that 163 staff were housed in tightly packed dorms, did not have mattresses, and had to share just one toilet between 31 workers. They also had limited access to cooking facilities, and pots of prepared food were left in the open without refrigeration.
When asked about the situation in Brazil, China‘s foreign ministry spokesperson Guo Jiakun said the government requires Chinese-funded enterprises to operate in accordance with local laws and regulations.
BYD and Jinjiang denied the accusations and published a video that showed construction workers stating they “cherish” the work and wanted to stay at the site. No less than $620 million has been invested in the Brazilian factory. It will have the capacity to build 150,000 vehicles annually and is supposed to be up and running this year.
The new Staria Electric will likely use Hyundai’s latest 84 kWh battery pack.
Hyundai is expected to sell the EV in its home market as well as in Europe, Australia, and Thailand.
Production of the new model could kick off in mid-2026.
The Hyundai Staria family will soon welcome a new all-electric member. Hyundai already offers passenger and panel-van versions of the model, in ICE and a hybrid form, but now it’s the time to add an all-electric derivative into the mix.
This particular prototype was snapped at a parking lot in South Korea without an inch of camouflage, providing us with an unimpeded look at its design. Unsurprisingly, it looks mostly identical to existing models in the Staria range but does have a distinctive front end.
The Staria Electric does not need a front grille that stretches across almost its entire width. Instead, the EV gets a tiny grille in the middle of the bumper that’s no bigger than a license plate. Positioned next to this grille is the charging port while located towards the base of the bumper are two additional – and equally small – air vents. The main headlamps used by the Staria Hybrid appear identical to those found on the hybrid model, meaning they’re a little larger than the ICE models.
These photos from Clien also show the prototype’s two-tone paint scheme, with a silver lower half and a black upper half and top. The all-electric Hyundai ST1 and the related Iveco eMoovy LCVs, both based on the Staria, that were unveiled last year may provide us with some insight about the upcoming Staria Electric.
No technical details about the electric minivan have been confirmed at this stage, but it could feature a single electric motor putting out 215 hp (160 kW / 218 PS) and 350 Nm (258 lb-ft) of torque, just like the ST1 and eMoovy. Moreover, the LCVs’ 800V architecture supports ultra-fast charging and V2L functions. Chances are it will also be equipped with Hyundai’s fourth-generation battery pack. This is an 84 kWh unit that debuted in the Ioniq 5 N and has subsequently been added to the facelifted Ioniq 5 and Kia EV6.
Although we have no images of the interior, we expect it to be largely carried over from the rest of the lineup. If it takes after the 2024 Staria Hybrid, available features should include a digital instrument cluster and a 10.25-inch infotainment display, likely with version-specific graphics, automatic climate control, heated and ventilated seats, and an array of ADAS systems.
Hyundai is believed to be designing the Staria Electric with European markets in mind, but will also sell it in countries including Australia and Thailand. Production will reportedly start in mid-2026, with customer deliveries commencing later that year.
The flagship version of the new crossover is expected to pack 510 hp like the Model 3 Performance.
Tesla has fitted the prototype with basic aero covers, likely hiding upgraded brakes underneath.
The refreshed Model Y’s launch will likely start with standard trims before the Performance variant.
Tesla is deep into developing the thoroughly updated Model Y, and this new version of the world’s best-selling EV is shaping to be a significant upgrade over the current model. Several prototypes have been spotted in recent months, and earlier this week, a bright red model was filmed up close in Palo Alto, California. This prototype is particularly interesting because it could be the new Performance variant.
Several spy videos shared to X show the new Model Y under wraps with a Tesla engineer behind the wheel. As with other recent sightings, the car has no camouflage across the sides and instead, only some black covering up the front and rear fascias. Much like the refreshed Model 3, the new Model Y will be differentiated from the model it replaces with these new fascias rather than different door skins.
Although the front of the car is hidden by black cladding, some small but intriguing details are visible. For example, the front bumper looks different than any of the regular prototypes we’ve seen testing in the past. It appears to have sharper air vents on the sides, similar in shape to those found on the new Model 3 Performance. The rear fascia may also be hiding a small enlarged lip spoiler, adding to the SUV’s edgier look.
Tesla has also equipped this Model Y tester with some rudimentary aero covers. It’s hard to say exactly why it’s done this, as other prototypes have had their wheels exposed, and in all likelihood, the wheel options for the new Model Y will be identical to the Model 3. Indeed, these rims look like the same 19-inch ‘Nova’ wheels offered on the sedan, prompting Drive Tesla Canada to suggest the marque may be hiding them to shield the enlarged brakes and calipers of the Model Y Performance.
Although it’s unclear whether this prototype is the new Performance version of the the Model Y Juniper, one thing is certain: Tesla will introduce a new flagship variant of the SUV. The rollout strategy for the updated Model Y will likely mirror that of the revamped Model 3, where the standard version debuted first, followed by the Performance model a few months later. While nothing has been officially confirmed, this staggered timeline seems logical, giving Tesla time to perfect the Performance specs.
In terms of grunt, the new EV should rock the same powertrain as its lower sibling, meaning it should also deliver 510 hp and 546 lb-ft (740 Nm).
As promised, here is the mobile video of the ultra red Model Y Juniper that I saw yesterday.
The video is not the best because my window has washer fluid on it and I closed it while trying to open it all the way. The video was shot in 4k 60fps but X max upload size is 1080p. But… pic.twitter.com/eoGd4E6PT5
The next-gen Toyota Hilux made its spy debut in Thailand showing its redesigned bits.
The new model is widely expected to make its global debut in the second half of 2025.
Toyota has filed the Hilux Travo trademark, likely to be used in the new midsize pickup.
In many markets outside North America, the Toyota Hilux has cemented itself as one of the most popular choices in the pickup segment. Over decades, it has earned a reputation for rugged reliability and versatility. However, even icons need a refresh, and the current generation is long due for an overhaul.
A camouflaged prototype recently spotted in Thailand, along with a newly filed trademark for the name “Hilux Travo,” indicates that Toyota’s midsize pickup is entering the final stages of development. Sources suggest the next-generation Hilux is set for a global debut in the second half of 2025. While specifics are still under wraps, it’s evident that Toyota is working to maintain the truck’s durability while updating it to meet contemporary demands.
A Camouflaged Peek at What’s Coming
Spy photos, shared by Thai automotive site Headlighmag, give us our first real-life look of the next-gen Hilux in prototype form. the truck shows off an updated front and rear design while leaving the middle portion largely unchanged, signaling that Toyota has kept the existing cab structure, roof, doors, and greenhouse design intact. The spotted dual-cab model will almost certainly be joined by single-cab and chassis-cab variants when the truck launches.
The front end has undergone a complete redesign, embracing a sharper, more aggressive stance. Slimmer headlights, seemingly connected by a trim piece, complement a boxier grille and sculpted side sections of the front bumper.
The fenders also appear updated, incorporating plastic cladding for a rugged aesthetic. At the rear, the truck sports a redesigned bed with angular taillights and integrated steps on the bumper, adding both style and functionality. While interior details are scarce, we can anticipate a revamped cabin with higher-quality materials, updated technology, and overall improvements in fit and finish.
Toyota has been tight lipped about the debut of the next generation Hilux, but all signs point to a heavily updated model rather than a clean-sheet design. This aligns with the brand’s approach for the Camry sedan and the upcoming RAV4 SUV.
In the same context, the new Hilux is expected to ride on an upgraded version of its predecessor’s tried-and-true IMV ladder-frame platform rather than using the more modern TNGA-F architecture found in the Tacoma and the Land Cruiser.
Despite the carry-over chassis, Toyota engineers will likely work on the suspension and steering setup, resulting in a more refined ride and better handling. The potential introduction of electric power steering could pave the way for a more sophisticated ADAS suite. Additionally, the Hilux may benefit from the inclusion of disc brakes on both axles across the lineup, further modernizing the truck’s capabilities.
As for powertrains, it’s likely the new Hilux will stick with the mild-hybrid 2.8-liter four-cylinder diesel already available in the outgoing model, alongside non-electrified gasoline and diesel options depending on the market. Additionally, Toyota has showcased prototypes with fully electric and hydrogen fuel-cell powertrains and has officially confirmed that a Hilux EV will go into production in Thailand by the end of 2025, most likely based on the next-generation model.
Another sign of things to come is the Hilux Travo trademark, which was filed on December 23, 2024, with Thailand’s Department of Intellectual Property (DIP). Naturally, this has stirred speculation among local media that the “Travo” name will serve as a suffix for the ninth-generation model in the region, following the example set by the eighth-gen Hilux Revo and the seventh-gen Hilux Vigo. However, in most other markets, the truck is simply known simply as the Hilux. No extra frills, just the truck people know and trust.
A Long-Awaited Refresh
The current Hilux generation has been with us since 2015, staying relevant through a series of updates in 2017, 2020, and as recently as 2024. The latest revamp added a redesigned nose with a sculpted bumper and a modern grille, along with a mild-hybrid diesel, but the rest of the bodywork and the interior can’t hide the truck’s age, especially when compared to newer rivals.
Speaking of competitors, the Hilux is up against some serious heavyweights. The Ford Ranger, which debuted in 2021, is set to receive a mid-cycle update in 2025, keeping it fresh and highly competitive.
Other regional rivals include the Mitsubishi L200/Triton, Isuzu D-Max, Mazda BT-50, VW Amarok, the newly introduced Kia Tasman, and an ever-growing army of Chinese contenders like the GWM Cannon Ute and the BYD Shark. It’s clear that Toyota needs to bring its A-game with the next Hilux if it wants to maintain its spot at the top.
Scout announced it has over 50,000 reservations for its two new models.
Most reservations are for the Traveler SUV rather than the Terra pickup truck.
Across both models, buyers seem most interested in the range-extended EV powertrain.
After several years of teasers, Scout Motors finally showed off both of its products late last year. Now, it’s revealing a bit more about how the public reacted, and things look good. Here are some interesting details about what customers appear most interested in and how Scout is reacting.
Initially launched in 1961, the brand left the market for decades before VW bought and relaunched it. Now, it’s working to bring two models to market, the Terra pickup truck and the Traveler SUV. Each will be available with either an all-electric or an electric range-extended (EREV) powertrain that promises a range of up to 500 miles (805 km).
A new report says that over 50,000 clients have signed up and paid a deposit to buy a new Scout. Of them, the majority have requested the range-extended EV. That enables them to run solely on electric power alone or to add range via the on-board gas-burning generator. For Scott Keogh, Scout’s CEO, the EREV platform is a big part of why these cars are drawing so much attention.
EREV Puts An End To Range Anxiety
“This gives us a 50-state vehicle,” Keogh said Tuesday in a Bloomberg TV interview with Ed Ludlow. “The two challenges we see with electrification, charging infrastructure — and of course this takes that all off the table — and plus there’s convenience. I think with those two things, a range-extender makes a lot of sense.” He added that around 70% of the reservations have been for the Traveler SUV, which confirms the company’s own expectations.
VW CEO Oliver Blume laid out his view of the success while at CES. “The market response has been very, very positive,” he said.” The response was ‘This is heritage.’ … It is kind of a love story.” On his part, Keogh told CNBC “We’re super happy with the numbers. There’s been good reaction to the EREV.”
Leveraging a range-extended electric drivetrain is a smart move for Scout. Few other automakers have used it and there’s no doubt that it can reduce the range anxiety many prospective electric vehicle owners have. The charging network isn’t big and consistent enough for peace of mind for those who want to take a trip in their EV.
Flexible Enough To Respond To Any Policy And Market Changes
Gas-burning SUVs aren’t clean enough for others, so an EREV could be the best of both worlds. VW is currently building a $2 billion plant for Scout in South Carolina and, according to Keogh, it doesn’t need significant modifications to manufacture the range-extended versions.
Given the uncertainty concerning the incoming Trump’s administration’s stance on electric vehicles and the (quite possible) scrapping of tax credits, Scout’s CEO believes that “This gives you ultimate flexibility. Regardless of the way America goes, we are put in a position for the next 20 or 30 years to have a tech platform that can navigate it.”
Scout is also continuing to innovate. The brand says it’s now going to offer satellite internet connectivity, meaning you can stay connected while being off of the grid.
The robot mower has a 21.4 kWh battery pack and can operate for up to 10 hours.
John Deere has also presented an autonomous articulated dump truck at CES.
The company’s self-driving vehicles include a suite of sensors and a Nvidia GPU.
The automotive industry is in the midst of a revolution, with electric powertrains and autonomous driving systems now more commonplace than ever. While automakers battle to perfect self-driving cars and electric SUVs, industries like agriculture and landscaping are quietly deploying their own fleet of cutting-edge tech. At CES 2025, John Deere rolled out a range of autonomous and electric machines that might not just lighten workloads but could redefine how certain jobs get done.
Meet John Deere’s Robot Mower: The Quiet Giant
One of the most intriguing new products unveiled by John Deere is an electric robot lawnmower. Looking a little bit like a robot designed for a battlefield in a Hollywood movie, the lawnmower is powered by a 21.4 kWh battery. This should give it enough charge to be able to operate for up to 10 hours, making it perfect for large commercial-grade lawns.
The robot uses four pairs of stereo cameras to give it a 360-degree view of the world. Beyond the lawnmower being able to operate autonomously, the electric powertrain has its own advantages over traditional gas-powered mowers. For example, because it’s much quieter, workers could start jobs earlier in the morning.
While it seems unlikely that driverless cars will replace human-operated ones in the foreseeable future as full autonomy is still making baby steps that are often troubling, mowers like this could become commonplace much sooner. John Deere cites a recent study revealing that 84% of landscape business owners struggle to find and retain qualified labor.
Robots to the Rescue, Says John Deere
“Our agriculture, construction, and commercial landscaping customers all have work that must get done at certain times of the day and year, yet there is not enough available and skilled labor to do the work,” said John Deere Chief Technology Officer Jahmy Hindman.
“Autonomy can help address this challenge. That’s why we’re extending our technology stack to enable more machines to operate safely and autonomously in unique and complex environments. This will not only benefit our customers, but all of us who rely on them to provide the food, fuel, fiber, infrastructure, and landscaping care that we depend on every day” Hindman added.
Beyond the Lawn: Deere’s High-Tech Fleet
Three other self-driving vehicles have been presented by John Deere in Las Vegas. The first is the second generation of its autonomous tractor, complete with 16 cameras and a Nvidia GPU. John Deere is also looking to bring its autonomous vehicles to construction sites, unveiling an articulated dump truck that can carry over 92,000 lbs of materials. Vehicles like these are becoming more common in quarries and mine sites around the world, promising to improve productivity.
The second high-tech tractor presented by John Deere is specifically designed with orchards in mind. It’s diesel-powered and pulls sprayers through nut orchards. These typically need to be sprayed six to eight times per year, and John Deere added a LiDAR to ensure the truck doesn’t get lost or confused in densely packed orchards where GPS signals may be blocked.
Maybe you can’t stop progress, and things right now point to fully autonomous vehicles becoming, at some point, the new norm. While companies like John Deere claim that they will help business owners who need more skilled labor, we can’t help but wonder if they’ll eventually also cost all workers their jobs…
A study has found new car buyers are more satisfied with the shopping experience than ever before.
EV buyers had the highest satisfaction, while hybrid and ICE buyers were notably less satisfied.
Used car buyers weren’t very satisfied as they’re facing elevated prices and limited inventory.
Cox Automotive has released their latest Car Buyer Journey study and it found new vehicle buyers are more satisfied with the overall shopping experience than ever before. Buyers had a 75% satisfaction rate and the company chalked that up to a variety of factors including improved incentives, more inventory, and digital tools – among other things.
However, satisfaction varies depending on what you’re buying. 82% of new EV buyers were “highly satisfied,” which bested rates for hybrids (76%) and ICE-powered vehicles (75%). A large part of this is being attributed to the use of digital tools during the buying process. As Cox explained, 76% of EV buyers used digital tools, while only 42% of ICE buyers did. However, you might not want to read too much into that as 64% of hybrid buyers used digital tools and they were barely more satisfied than ICE buyers.
Interestingly, EV buyers are more engaged as they’re more likely to read and watch reviews. These customers also put more of an emphasis on safety and technology during their decision-making process.
Putting EVs aside, dealership satisfaction reached a record high of 81%. Furthermore, 42% of new car buyers said their latest purchase was better than their previous one.
However, satisfaction among all vehicle buyers declined 2% due to disgruntled used car shoppers. These customers are facing a number of headwinds including tight inventories, elevated prices, and high interest rates. Access to modern digital tools, that support a seamless buying experience, are also limited.
While the used car buying experience has plenty of room for improvement, Cox noted the “64% satisfaction rate among used-vehicle buyers was higher than at any time before the global COVID pandemic.”
Speaking of COVID, the shift to online paperwork is saving customers considerable time at the dealership. New car buyers save 49 minutes, while used car buyers save 40.
However, the study found buyers still value time spent at dealerships, especially test drives, vehicle pick-ups, and interactions with the sales team. Cox’s Vice President of Research and Market Intelligence, Isabelle Helms, said “It is a common misconception that most vehicle buyers today want a completely online car-buying process. The findings in the latest CBJ Study indicate that buyer satisfaction is influenced not merely by the time involved, but rather by the efficiency of the transactional aspects of the buying journey.”
Donald Trump is expected to abandon the $7,500 federal EV tax credit.
Elon Musk has previously throws his support behind the removal of EV subsidies.
Tesla might need the subsidies more than Musk realizes after sales fell in 2024.
Elon Musk spent more than $270 million to help get Donald Trump into office, likely believing that a Trump-run administration would help his companies, including Tesla and SpaceX. Musk’s personal wealth has soared by over $200 billion since the election, thanks primarily to the surging price of Tesla shares. However, according to one analyst, Tesla profits could fall by as much as 40% this year when Trump steps into the White House.
Ryan Brinkman from JPMorgan believes if the incoming President eliminates the $7,500 federal EV tax credit, which he is widely expected to do, it “poses a significant earnings risk for Tesla”. The EV maker had a strong Q4 but overall 2024 global sales weren’t as strong as expected, with 1,789,226 vehicles delivered, slightly fewer than in 2023. This marked the first time in over a decade that Tesla didn’t increase its annual sales.
According to Brinkman, “the slowing of deliveries even ahead of a likely subsidy removal we think has the potential to refocus investors on the deterioration in deliveries, revenue, gross profit, EBIT, EPS, and FCF estimates across all periods.” He added that Tesla could have the most to lose from the shifting regulatory backdrop and may see its profits fall by roughly $3.2 billion, or 40%.
The analyst added that during the Trump administration, shares of BEVs sales could fall in “nearly every geography,” and suggested that Tesla “does not appear to us on track to dominate the global auto industry amidst the electrification transition, which we view as only the starting point for present valuation,” as quoted by Business Insider. JPMorgan also estimates that in 2024, Tesla’s global share of BEV sales fell from ~15.5% to ~13.7%.
Curiously, Elon Musk has publicly supported the abolishment of the EV tax credit. He believes scrapping the credit will hurt rival brands, including GM, Ford, and Hyundai, which rely heavily on the subsidies to make their EVs more affordable. As Tesla has the first-mover advantage in the EV space and is the current market leader, it can develop and sell its EVs at a lower cost than most of its rivals and – in theory – could grow its share. We shall wait and see if he’s proven right, or whether JP Morgan analyst’s predictions of gloom come to pass.
2/ JPM note from this morning. This analyst has a Sell rating on $TSLA so it presents a more negative view than others with Buy or Hold ratings.
Tesla Inc 4Q Deliveries In Line w/ JPM But Below Street, Representing More Risk to 2024 Consensus EPS Which Has Already Fallen -36%;…
Mike Johns ordered a Waymo robotaxi in Los Angeles to take him to the airport.
Instead, it started doing circles, forcing Johns to contact customer support for help.
Waymo claims he wasn’t charged and that software updates will prevent similar glitches.
Waymo continues to lead the way in the development and introduction of robotaxis, but that doesn’t mean it’s perfected the technology. Not only did its autonomous cars spark an NHTSA investigation over crashes, but in August last year, dozens developed a weird habit of gathering together at a parking lot in San Francisco and honking their horns in the middle of the night. Last month, one of them took a passenger on a rather dizzying ride in Los Angeles.
In December, Mike Johns ordered a Waymo to ferry him to the airport, where he had to catch a flight. It picked him up, but then proceeded to drive around in circles in the parking lot rather than actually taking him where he needed to be.
Worried that he was going to miss his flight, Johns got in contact with Waymo’s customer support who quizzed him on what was going on. “It’s circling around a parking lot,” he told the operator. “I’ve got my seatbelt on, I can’t get out of the car. Has this been hacked? What’s going on? Why is this thing going in a circle? I’m getting dizzy.”
At one stage, the Waymo operator can be heard asking Johns if he had the Waymo app on his phone and instructing him to tap the My Trips button on the lower-left corner, presumably in an attempt to pause the ride. Johns replies that Waymo itself should be able to take over the car and shouldn’t need to use his phone.
After five long minutes of circling the same traffic island, Waymo’s team managed to regain control of the Jaguar I-Pace. The errant robotaxi finally snapped out of its loop and got Johns to the airport, though not without leaving him shaken and frustrated.
Speaking to CBS News, Waymo stated that it had identified the issue as a software glitch and assured everyone that it’s been addressed to prevent future looping incidents. To its credit, the company didn’t charge Johns for the ride.
“Where’s the empathy? Where’s the human connection to this?” John said after the weird experience. “It’s just, again, a case of today’s digital world. A half-baked product and nobody meeting the customer, the consumers, in the middle.”
The Pentagon’s updated list includes 134 companies that have some business operations within the US.
CATL is licensing its battery technology to Ford for its planned $3.5 billion battery plant.
News of CATL being added to the list slashed its market value by roughly $4.4 billion.
CATL, the world’s largest manufacturer and supplier of EV batteries, is one of several companies that the Pentagon will blacklist in June 2026 for alleged ties to the Chinese military. Tencent – China’s largest tech firm – has also been added to the list, meaning it will be unable to work with the U.S. Department of Defense and local U.S. businesses with military contracts.
The updated list now includes 134 companies, all of which have some business operations within the United States. CATL denies being a Chinese military company and said it’s planning to dispute its inclusion in the list. It may also pursue legal action after the move contributed to a 2.8% drop in its share price, cutting its market value by $4.4 billion.
Speaking with The New York Times, a CATL spokesman said the company has “never engaged in any military-related business or activities” and that being added to the Defense Department’s ‘1260H list’ “does not restrict CATL from conducting business with entities other than the Department of Defense and is expected to have no substantially adverse impact on our business.”
Many of the world’s most popular EVs use batteries sourced from CATL, and even some Teslas sold in several markets have CATL batteries. The business is also licensing its battery technology to Ford, which will use the tech to build battery packs at a $3.5 billion factory in Michigan.
According to senior China fellow at the Foundation for the Defense of Democracies, Craig Singleton, CATL’s control of data collected by EV charging stations and battery management systems may allow for Chinese government spying. He told The Washington Post that Chinese law requires CATL to provide government access to all of its proprietary and customer data.
The updated list was published shortly after China’s Commerce Ministry added 10 US firms to its “unreliable entities list.” In 2021, Xiaomi was added to the 1260H list but successfully sued the Pentagon and was removed, arguing it had no ties to the Chinese military.
The inclusion of Tencent on the list is also notable. It owns WeChat and is valued at more than $480 billion. After news broke of it being in the crosshairs of the Defense Department, its shares fell by approximately 7.3%, slashing $35.4 billion from its market value.
Hyundai’s new CEO views Musk and Trump’s friendship as a positive force for EV growth.
Munoz highlights US investments as strategic decisions, not reliant on Biden’s incentives.
The company’s new $5.5 billion Georgia factory will produce electric and hybrid vehicles.
The new president and chief executive of Hyundai isn’t concerned about Elon Musk’s close relationship with Donald Trump. Jose Munoz, who took the top job at the carmaker on January 1, added Hyundai has invested heavily in the US as it views it as its “most important market,” and not because of incentives provided under the Biden administration.
Elon Musk spent more than $260 million helping get Trump back into office and will co-lead a non-government agency aiming to cut wasteful government spending. While the billionaire business tycoon could get in the ear of Trump and try to urge the government to help Tesla and hinder its competitors, Munoz actually views the friendship between Musk and Trump as a positive.
“I don’t see that as a concern, honestly,” Munoz said in a recent interview with Bloomberg. “If anything, having someone who is close to the US industry and to the EV world, I think it should be positive for the industry. I think it’s in his own interest and probably in the interest of the country to trigger investments and growth and also to ensure that we maintain competitiveness in our country.”
Trump is expected to abolish the federal EV tax credit and Musk has previously supported scrapping the subsidy, too, believing it will help Tesla in the long run and hurt its rivals. Despite this, Munoz notes Hyundai made the decision to make significant EV investments in the US during the first Trump administration and not because of the favorable policies introduced by Joe Biden.
Local investments
“We haven’t invested in the US because of IRA (Inflation Reduction Act) or because of incentives in general,” he said. “It’s not a good policy to just simply make an investment because of the incentives, because they can come and go. We believe the US market is the most important for us today and it’s going to continue to be the most important in terms of not only the absolute but also the growth and therefore, investing and localizing is a good strategy. I think we are in a better place today than we were four or five years ago.”
Hyundai recently opened a $5.5 billion EV factory in Georgia. This site has already started to build the all-electric Ioniq 5 and it will ultimately house a further five EVs from the Hyundai, Kia, and Genesis brands. The site will also produce several hybrid models, and has a total capacity of 300,000 units annually but has the flexibility to expand to up to 500,000 units.
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