The Ioniq 6 N may start at the same price as the Ioniq 5 N in South Korea.
US pricing for the Ioniq 5 N starts at $68K, well above the Model 3 Performance.
While pricey, the Ioniq 6 N promises unmatched driver engagement for an EV.
American shoppers in the market for the 2026 Hyundai Ioniq 6 N could be in for some sticker shock if reports about prices in Korea prove to be accurate. While some had hoped it would offer a competitive alternative to the Tesla Model 3 Performance, early pricing leaks suggest it might land in a different tier altogether. Instead of undercutting the competition, the Ioniq 6 N may be priced more in line with Hyundai’s existing performance EV, the Ioniq 5 N.
According to recent reports, the Ioniq 6 N is expected to start at around 77 million won in South Korea, the equivalent of around $55,000. Sounds just about perfect, right? Well, the Ioniq 5 N also sells for 77 million won in Korea, but its price has been jacked up to $67,800 in the United States. If this rumor is true, that means the Ioniq 6 N may also start at around $68,000 when it lands stateside.
Expectations Versus Reality
That would come as somewhat of a surprise, given that the entry-level Ioniq 6 is almost $5,000 cheaper than the base Ioniq 5 in the US. Some had assumed this meant the Ioniq 6 N would also undercut the Ioniq 5 N, which is slightly bigger. Additionally, as the Ioniq 6 N is Hyundai’s second high-performance EV using many of the same parts as the Ioniq 5 N, one would have thought the firm would have been able to bring its costs down.
Hyundai Or Tesla?
A price tag of over $65,000 would make the Ioniq 6 N significantly more expensive than the Tesla Model 3 Performance, which starts at $54,990. Admittedly, the Ioniq 6 N has a healthy 131 hp advantage over the Tesla and is also equipped with far more driver-focused features, which should make it much more enjoyable to drive.
Interestingly, while the Hyundai has a big power advantage, the Tesla is slightly quicker off the mark, at least on paper, capable of hitting 62 mph (100 km/h) in 3.1 seconds in Euro-spec, compared to the Hyundai’s 3.2 seconds.
Pricing aside, the Ioniq 6 N has the ingredients for an intoxicating EV. It features an 84 kWh battery pack and two electric motors, typically delivering 601 hp but capable of producing 641 hp with the N Grin Boost function enabled.
Both the C8 Corvette ZR1 and Tesla Model S Plaid deliver over 1,000 horsepower.
In ideal conditions, the Tesla Model S Plaid runs the quarter-mile in 9.23 seconds.
Launching the Tesla is easy, but getting a perfect start in the Corvette is trickier.
High-horsepower showdowns are always a spectacle, especially when they pit cutting-edge electric speed against old-school combustion muscle. That’s exactly the case with the new Chevy Corvette ZR1, which has caused a stir in the performance car world with its 1,064-hp V8 and the largest turbochargers ever fitted to a production car.
But can all that power outmatch one of the fastest production EVs on the planet, the Tesla Model S Plaid, on a drag strip? A new test sets out to answer that question.
To most casual observers, the Corvette ZR1 may seem like the favorite. However, for those who are familiar with Tesla’s capabilities, the two are actually quite well-matched.
Thanks to a pair of mighty electric motors, the Model S Plaid delivers 1,020 hp and benefits from all-wheel drive. It is heavier than the Corvette, tipping the scales at 4,812 lbs (2,183 kg), compared to the ZR1 Coupe’s 1,665 kg (3,670 lbs). Despite this, the spec sheet would suggest that Tesla has the advantage. Tesla says it can sprint down the quarter-mile in 9.23 seconds, whereas Chevy says the new ZR1 needs 9.6 seconds.
Muscle vs. Electrons
In the first of a few drag races between the new Corvette ZR1 and the Model S Plaid, Drag Times gave the jump to the C8. Initially, the two pick up speed at similar rates, but as the race progresses, the Tesla pulls ahead to take a commanding win. In this race, the Tesla set a time of 9.243 seconds, whereas the ZR1 needed 9.8 seconds.
It was a similar story in the second race. However, the Tesla won even more convincingly as the YouTuber didn’t give it such a big head start. The Corvette driver also failed to match the time of his first run, running the quarter-mile in a somewhat disappointing 10.3 seconds. In the third and final race, the Tesla again set a 9.2-second quarter-mile, whereas the ZR1 was left trailing with a 10.2-second time.
As we’ve seen many times in the past, it’s much easier to set consistent acceleration times in a high-performance EV than it is in a gas-powered car. So for now, the Model S Plaid comes out on top. Now we just have to wait and see what the all-wheel drive hybrid ZR1X can do, with Chevy suggesting it’ll dip below the 9.0-second mark in the quarter-mile.
Opel has revealed the Mokka GSE, its fastest and most aggressive electric model to date.
The small SUV features sporty bumpers, yellow brake calipers, and 20-inch alloy wheels.
A 278 hp motor drives the front wheels, aided by a bespoke chassis and suspension setup.
Small electric performance cars are picking up speed, and in Europe, Stellantis has quietly assembled a diverse lineup across its brands. Among them are the Abarth 600e, the Alfa Romeo Junior Veloce, the Lancia Ypsilon HF, and the upcoming Peugeot 208 GTI. Now Opel is joining the mix with a sportier take on the Mokka.
This electric variant kicks off Opel’s revamped GSE sub-brand with sharper styling and performance upgrades.
The fastest electric Opel (Vauxhall in the UK) model to date looks more aggressive than the regular Mokka, taking inspiration by the GSE Rally prototype that debuted last May. Black inserts in the front and rear bumpers emphasize the air intakes, and GSE badging on the grille and side panels signals its performance focus. The standout, however, is the set of 20-inch alloy wheels with a clean, aerodynamic design and bright yellow brake calipers, which look especially large on a compact SUV.
Inside the cabin, the upgrades continue. The front seats are trimmed in Alcantara and shaped for extra support, matched by similarly finished door inserts. A reshaped steering wheel, aluminum pedals, and white and yellow accents help differentiate the GSE from its tamer siblings. The dual 10-inch screens in the digital cockpit now include performance-focused graphics unique to this model, providing real-time data while driving.
Performance Matches Rivals
Power comes from a single electric motor producing 278 horsepower (207 kW or 280 PS) and 345 Nm (254.5 lb-ft) of torque. These figures are in line with the top-spec versions of the Abarth and Alfa Romeo counterparts, as well as the earlier GSE Rally concept. The front wheels handle all that power with the help of a Torsen limited-slip differential.
Opel claims the Mokka GSE can accelerate from 0 to 100 km/h (0 to 62 mph) in 5.9 seconds, while its top speed is capped at 200 km/h (124 mph. This makes the Mokka GSE quicker than the more powerful but heavier Grandland Electric AWD.
Besides having almost double the power of the standard Mokka Electric, the GSE features a unique chassis setup. The suspension has been lowered by 10 mm and includes dual hydraulic shock absorbers for better damping. The rear axle is stiffer, the steering has been retuned, and stopping power comes from Alcon brakes with 380 mm discs and four-piston calipers.
The Mokka GSE uses the same 54 kWh lithium-ion battery pack found in the regular Mokka Electric. However, due to the performance enhancements and extra hardware, the WLTP range is expected to fall short of the standard model’s 406 km (252 miles). Even so, the GSE keeps its weight under 1,600 kg (3,527 pounds), which is not bad for a fully electric crossover with this level of performance.
Details about the market launch and the pricing of the Opel Mokka GSE in Europe will be announced in the coming months. The model will also be available in the UK, albeit with Vauxhall emblems.
The Lucid Air will gain access to Tesla’s Supercharger network later this month.
Owners shouldn’t use it as access requires a $220 adaptor and charges at 50 kW.
Lucid also introduced the 2026 Air, which features more range in Touring guise.
The Lucid Gravity is the brand’s white knight, but the Air is rolling into 2026 with a handful of updates. The biggest is access to the Tesla Supercharger network, although you’d have to be dumb or desperate to use it.
While that sounds odd, let us explain. Starting on July 31, Air owners can use a $220 NACS adapter to gain access to more than 23,500 Tesla Superchargers. That seems fantastic, but the Air is only capable of charging at speeds up to 50 kW. This means it could take up to an hour to gain 200 miles (322 km) of range.
That’s ridiculous for a ‘fast charger’ and you’d be far better off using a traditional CCS charging station. Depending on the trim, the Air supports a DC CCS fast charging capability of up to 300 kW and that’s six times higher than at a Tesla Supercharger.
Despite being terrible, Lucid’s Emad Dlala claimed “Access to the Tesla Supercharging network … is yet another major milestone.” However, if there are other alternatives, you should avoid Superchargers like the plague.
Besides Supercharger access, the 2026 Air Pure comes with an improved air conditioning compressor from the Gravity. It promises improved cooling as well as quieter operation.
Buyers will also find a newly standard Lucid Mobile Charging Cable Kit and optional 19-inch Aeronaut wheels, which are available in Platinum or Stealth. The Comfort and Convenience Package has also been updated to include a rear center console display and storage bin.
The $79,900 Air Touring builds on that and features higher density battery cells. They help to increase the EPA-estimated range over 6% to 431 miles (694 km).
Last but not least, the Air Grand Touring now comes standard with 20-way power front seats with heating, ventilation, and massage functions. Lucid said they “make road trips in the industry’s longest range electric vehicle, at up to 512 miles (824 km) of EPA-estimated range, even more comfortable and relaxing.”
Tesla is offering free transfers for its Full Self-Driving system for the Cybertruck.
Several Tesla Cybertrucks are available with discounts of over $3,000.
The electric pickup is also available with 0 percent APR financing.
Come September 30, not a single electric vehicle in the United States will qualify for a federal tax credit. As that deadline approaches, Tesla appears increasingly motivated to clear out as much inventory as possible.
The company has rolled out a number of incentives across its lineup, with a particular focus on the slow-selling Cybertruck. Even so, it’s unclear whether these perks will be enough to boost demand.
There are dozens of Cybertrucks in Tesla’s current inventory, some of which are eligible for the federal EV tax credit, and some of which aren’t. Regardless, almost all of them are being sold with generous price cuts, with some valued at upwards of $3,000. Eligible vehicles can get the tax credit regardless of whether they purchase the electric pickup or lease it.
In case discounts and credits aren’t enough to convince people to get behind the wheel of a Cybertruck, there’s another incentive on offer. All Cybertrucks that are leased from Tesla’s current inventory now come standard with a 20-inch Cyber Wheel upgrade as standard, complete with all-terrain tires.
0 Percent Financing, With Conditions
In addition, the Cybertruck is available with 0 percent APR financing. However, this is only available for “well-qualified buyers with excellent credit” who order a new Cybertruck with Full-Self Driving and provide a minimum down payment of 4 percent on terms of up to 60 months.
Tesla has also started advertising several offers that apply across its range, including for the Cybertruck. For example, all military members, first responders, teachers, and students can receive a $1,000 discount for being ‘American Heroes,’ and every new Tesla includes a free one-month trial of Full Self-Driving.
Free FSD Transfers
Perhaps the most intriguing offer currently available is that Full Self-Driving can now be transferred to a new vehicle free of charge. Usually, FSD is locked to the vehicle, rather than the owners who have paid for it. During promotional periods like this, Tesla often offers free transfers of FSD for brief periods, but this appears to be the first time the Cybertruck has been included. While that’s a step in the right direction, Tesla should make FSD free to transfer for all owners, all the time.
Tariffs cost GM $1.1 billion in the second quarter and could cost $5 billion this year alone.
The added fees weighed on the automaker, which reported revenues of $47.1 billion.
GM is committed to electric vehicles, but noted ICE models now have a “longer runway.”
President Trump’s trade war continues to cause self-inflicted injuries as American companies are getting slammed by higher fees. This includes General Motors, which revealed tariffs cost them $1.1 billion in the second quarter.
All told, the automaker is expecting tariffs to cost them between $4 and $5 billion this year alone. That’s a staggering figure and one that will likely result in price increases.
Tariffs aside, the company earned $47.1 billion in revenue in the second quarter and had an adjusted EBIT (Earnings Before Interest and Taxes) of $3 billion. GM went on to note the latter figure decreased primarily due to tariffs.
In North America, the company reported net revenues of $39.5 billion. This was aided by record crossover sales as well as strong demand for trucks. U.S. dealer inventories were also down in Q2, while EV sales were up significantly.
Other notable takeaways include lower than average incentive spending and average transaction prices in excess of $51,000. The automaker said this shows “robust demand across our portfolio.”
While the elimination of the clean vehicle credit will likely cause chaos, GM noted second quarter EV sales were up 111% from a year ago and they controlled 16% of the U.S. EV market.
Chevrolet became the second best-selling EV brand as sales jumped 146% in Q2. This is largely due to the affordable Equinox EV, which is the third best-selling electric vehicle in America so far this year. The company went on to note Cadillac is the best-selling electric luxury brand and the 5th largest EV brand in America – including both luxury and mainstream brands.
In a letter to shareholders, CEO Mary Barra acknowledged slower EV growth. However, she said “We believe the long-term future is profitable electric vehicle production, and this continues to be our north star. As we adjust to changing demand, we will prioritize our customers, brands, and a flexible manufacturing footprint, and leverage our domestic battery investments and other profit-improvement plans.” Speaking of flexibility, Barra noted ICE models have a “longer runway” than initially expected.
The electric M3 will feature Neue Klasse design with fresh front and rear styling.
Rumors suggest it will have four electric motors producing over 700 horsepower.
BMW plans to keep selling the inline-six M3 alongside the new electric version.
With the release of its all-electric M3, BMW’s M division will embark on a brave new future and try to convince gearheads it’s possible to have a fun and engaging EV. While it’ll be some time before anyone gets behind the wheel of this promising new model, recent spy photos offer a surprisingly detailed glimpse at what’s to come. So far, things are looking encouraging.
Visually, the electric M3 will mark one of the first entries in BMW’s Neue Klasse lineup, bringing with it a noticeably different design language compared to today’s M3. One of the biggest changes is at the front. The oversized and much criticized kidney grilles from the six-cylinder version appear to be on the way out.
A New Take on the Front End
Based on prototype sightings, these renderings from Kolesasuggest the electric M3, possibly named the iM3, will feature sharp headlights integrated cleanly into slim, illuminated kidney grilles. It looks excellent, which isn’t a word we’re used to using when it comes to modern BMW designs. The publication has also imagined the new sports sedan with a large secondary lower grille finished in black, adding to the aggressive looks.
The same testers also hint that the side profile of the new model will differ significantly from the G80 M3, drawing more from the design of the latest 5-Series. This will include door handles that sit flush with the bodywork and simpler lines. Then there’s the rear.
The taillights of the new model should be similar to those from the recent Vision Driving Experience demonstrator, but if these renders prove accurate, they’ll be slightly smaller and slimmer. A sculpted bumper with a pronounced diffuser gives the rear a more commanding and purposeful appearance.
Powertrain Possibilities
BMW hasn’t shared official specs for the iM3 just yet, but all signs point to a quad-motor layout. While the theoretical output of this setup could reach a staggering 1,341 horsepower, equivalent to one Megawatt, the Germans are expected to dial it back to somewhere in the range of 700 to 800 horsepower for production. Even at those numbers, it would make this the most powerful M3 to date, and possibly the quickest as well.
Cadillac has added a slew of EVs to its range, but is axing several of its ICE models.
At the current rate, the Escalade may be Cadillac’s final combustion-powered vehicle.
GM is working on plans for the fourth quarter once the federal EV tax credit ends.
Cadillac has expanded its electric lineup more than ever, but shifting consumer interest in the States could complicate its all-EV ambitions. As demand for electric vehicles tapers off, the company may need to revisit its goal of becoming an EV-only brand by 2030.
The final quarter of this year could be especially challenging, since the federal EVs tax credit is scheduled to end, likely making both new and used electric models less accessible to many buyers.
GM’s flagship brand has undergone a dramatic transformation over the past couple of years. It first launched the all-electric Lyriq SUV and more recently, it’s been followed up by the electric Optiq and the three-row Vistiq. Additionally, Cadillac wants to once again become the ‘Standard of the World’ with the Celestiq. It has also launched two electric versions of the Escalade, known as the IQ and IQL.
Flexibility in a Shifting Market
Even with these investments, Cadillac is approaching the market with cautious adaptability. According to global Cadillac vice president John Roth, the brand is staying open to adjusting its powertrain strategy as needed.
“It’s really important in this continuously evolving marketplace to make sure that you’re meeting customers where they are,” he said. “The auto industry is never a straight line, and so to put absolutes in the marketplace, you’ve got to have some flexibility to pivot when it makes sense to do so.”
As Auto News pointed out, more manufacturers are acknowledging that both gasoline and electric models need to be available side by side, with consumers ultimately setting the pace for the transition. Roth confirmed that GM is actively working on plans for the fourth quarter to prepare for the end of the tax credit.
A Shrinking Gas-Powered Lineup
While Cadillac has grown its fleet of EVs, its range of ICE models has shrunk dramatically. The company recently halted production of the XT4, and the XT6 is set to follow later this year.
The XT5 is expected to remain in the lineup only through 2027. Meanwhile, the factory that currently produces the CT4 and CT5 sedans is being converted to focus exclusively on EVs. This shift could eventually leave the Escalade as the last gas-powered Cadillac standing.
Demand for near-new Xiaomi YU7s has soared due to long wait times.
The entry-level YU7 Standard has a delivery time of up to 60 weeks.
The SU7 sedan allegedly retains over 88% of its value during the first year.
It’s not unusual for dealers and early owners of in-demand cars to take delivery, and then quickly try to sell them for a tidy profit. However, the vehicles in question are usually limited-run performance models or cars that’ll only be built for a short time. The Xiaomi YU7 doesn’t fit into either one of those categories, and yet, people are already trying to flip them.
Shortly after it was revealed that Xiaomi had received 289,000 orders for the YU7 an hour after the order books opened, several of the first cars have already found themselves listed for sale. There are currently about 80 YU7s listed for resale in China, and some have hefty markups. Evidently, it’s not just Americans who have to deal with eye-watering dealer premiums.
Early Listings, Fast Markups
As reported by CarNewsChina, prices for YU7s on the used market range from roughly 350,000 yuan to 390,000 yuan (about $48,300 – $53,800 at current exchange rates). While Xiaomi’s all-electric SUV still sounds like an excellent deal for those prices, prices for a new YU7 start at 279,900 yuan ($38,600) and top out at 329,900 yuan ($45,600).
Although the YU7 is positioned as a mass-market EV, the extraordinary demand means shoppers will be waiting a long time to take delivery. In fact, wait times for the entry-level model currently stand at 57-60 weeks, while buyers for the Pro have to wait 49-52 weeks. The flagship Max has wait times between 41-44 weeks.
Resale Value Could Stay Strong
Once more YU7 models start to land in the driveways of buyers, prices of used examples will inevitably start to fall. But, given how fond Chinese consumers are of the Xiaomi brand, depreciation could be minimal. Local data reveals that the Xiaomi SU7 sedan has ranked the highest of all Chinese cars for resale, retaining 88.91 percent of its value after the first year.
Tesla will face a five-day hearing in California over claims of misleading consumers.
California’s DMV accuses Tesla of overstating its driver-assistance system capabilities.
The regulator is reportedly seeking to suspend or revoke its dealer license in the state.
Tesla is facing mounting regulatory pressure in California as it prepares to defend how it markets its Autopilot and Full Self-Driving features. The hearing, set for next week, stems from earlier claims by the California Department of Motor Vehicles (DMV) that the company misled consumers about the true capabilities of its driver-assistance systems.
The outcome could have significant consequences for Tesla’s business in California, as regulators are weighing whether to suspend or revoke the company’s dealer license, which authorizes it to sell vehicles in the state.
The case dates back to July 2022, when the California DMV alleged that Tesla overstated what its Autopilot and Full Self-Driving systems could do. According to the complaint, marketing materials gave the impression that Tesla vehicles were “able to conduct short and long-distance trips with no action required in the driver’s seat.”
Hearing Could Affect Tesla’s Operations in California
In June 2025, a California judge declined to dismiss the claims, ordering Tesla to appear before an administrative law judge in Oakland. The five-day hearing is set to begin Monday. As reported by Bloomberg, the regulator is seeking to suspend or revoke Tesla’s dealer license in California, putting the company’s ability to sell vehicles in the state at risk.
Tesla’s legal team argues that the contested marketing language is protected under free speech, and that statements about the company’s autonomous driving capabilities were taken out of context – omitting the disclaimers and warnings that the Autopilot requires “active driver supervision.”
Robotaxi Ambitions Add to the Stakes
At the same time, Tesla is seeking regulatory approval to expand its robotaxi program in San Francisco. If granted, a fleet of Tesla Model Y vehicles would operate autonomously, albeit with human supervision and within a geo-fenced area, The move would place Tesla in direct competition with Waymo, which already provides similar services in the city.
Separate Trial in Florida Raises Broader Safety Questions
Meanwhile, Tesla is embroiled in a jury trial in Miami over a 2019 crash involving a Tesla Model S that struck and killed a pedestrian. The jury must decide whether Tesla’s Autopilot system shares blame with the vehicle’s distracted driver. Similar fatal crashes involving Autopilot are under regulatory investigation, with more trials expected in the coming years.
In the Miami trial, the plaintiffs called engineering professor and former Navy pilot Mary “Missy” Cummings as an expert witness. She criticized the Autopilot branding, saying it creates unrealistic expectations based on its aviation counterpart.
“It engenders a lot more inappropriate confidence in the car, because autopilot is such a good technology in aviation,” Cummings said. “Somehow, we feel like that is going to translate to a really effective tech in the car.” She added that the term leads to “a mismatch in the consumer’s head.”
Tesla maintains that remarks about autonomous driving without human involvement are “future-facing” and “don’t reflect the current technology”. The Tesla Autopilot is currently classified as a Level 2 ADAS, as it requires continuous driver supervision. Elon Musk has repeatedly predicted that Tesla would reach full autonomy (Level 5), but these goals have not materiliazed
Two of the wheels were torn off when this Cybertruck went off-road.
A local tow company had to use a crane to pull it back to the road.
It’s unclear if the Tesla truck driver suffered any injuries in the crash.
A dramatic rescue operation unfolded in California earlier this week when a Tesla Cybertruck had to be hauled out of a ravine after veering off the road in Cajon Pass. The futuristic pickup, already known for its unconventional design, looked far worse for wear by the time it was recovered, and likely won’t be returning to the road.
It’s understood that the driver of the Tesla lost control of the electric pickup on I-15 at roughly 3:15 a.m. on July 20. There’s no word on how the driver managed to lose control of the Tesla so horribly, but it ended up roughly 600 feet away from where it appears to have entered an area of shrubbery off to the side of the road.
A Tough Morning for Towing Crews
Rather than attempting an immediate recovery in the dark, officers from the California Highway Patrol left the Cybertruck in place until reopening the scene at approximately 7:31 a.m., reports VVNG. A local towing company, Armada Towing, was called to retrieve the Cybertruck.
A clip shared to social media by Armada Towing shows that pulling the Cybertruck away from its grave was no easy feat. Heavy straps had to be wrapped around the bodywork before a crane arm attached to the tow truck slowly winched it out of position. It was then lifted over the guardrail.
While the strong stainless steel bodywork of the Cybertruck appears to have withstood the crash quite well, two of its wheels have been ripped off, and it appears all of the airbags have been deployed. There are no details regarding the condition of the driver, but they were reportedly able to escape through the left rear passenger door, which was left ajar in the crash.
A new adapter allows Honda Prologue and Acura ZDX to access Tesla Superchargers.
Tesla app is initially required, with future integration planned in Honda’s native software.
Future Honda 0 Series models will include native NACS ports from 2026 onward.
Honda and Acura electric vehicle drivers now have a significantly broader charging network at their disposal. The Prologue and ZDX crossovers can officially plug into Tesla’s Supercharger network across North America, thanks to a newly approved adapter.
Both models continue to use the CCS (Combined Charging System) port but are now compatible with Tesla’s NACS (North American Charging Standard) through this accessory, which is available for $225.
The company says that the approved adapter has been “tested for performance and compatibility” with the Prologue and ZDX, ensuring a “reliable charging experience”. While aftermarket solutions are available, Honda says that “damage caused to a vehicle resulting from the use of an unapproved adapter may not be covered under vehicles’ limited warranties”.
The official NACS adapter is currently on sale through authorized Honda and Acura dealerships, as well as via the Honda DreamShop website, all priced at $225.
Initially, Honda and Acura EV owners will have to log into the Tesla app to use a Tesla Supercharger, but the automaker has promised future integration with the HondaLink and Acura EV applications. Furthermore, the standard Google built-in Maps on the infotainment allows owners to locate Tesla Superchargers.
Honda
As of June 2025, the company has sold 49,334 units of the Honda Prologue and 17,726 units of the Acura ZDX in the US market, meaning that the news affects a pool of 67,060 EV owners. Both electric crossovers were developed in collaboration with GM.
The first Honda models equipped with a North American Charging Standard (NCAS) port will be the production versions of the 0 Series sedan and SUV, scheduled to reach dealers in 2026.
The deal between Honda and Tesla was first announced in 2023, following a similar move by several other automakers. The Tesla Supercharger network now includes more than 23,500 locations across the United States. By 2030, Honda and Acura EV owners are expected to have access to roughly 100,000 DC fast chargers throughout North America, spanning multiple charging networks.
Hanoi will start banning gas-powered bikes from central districts on July 1, 2026.
The ban will expand to more areas by 2028 and cover the entire city by 2030.
Around 5.6 million of Hanoi’s 7 million motorcycles in use today still run on gas.
As scooters and motorcycles weave through Hanoi’s crowded streets, they reflect a way of life as much as a mode of transport. But starting in mid-2026, the Vietnamese capital will begin phasing out a familiar sight: combustion-engine two-wheelers. In a country where affordable motorbikes are deeply ingrained in daily life, this marks a dramatic transition, one that may set a precedent for other cities and countries in the region.
A new directive announced by Vietnamese Prime Minister Pham Minh Chinh says that gas-powered scooters and motorcycles will be banned from most of the capital’s downtown areas, starting July 1, 2026. The ban will then extend to a larger part of Hanoi from January 1, 2028, and then encompass the entire city by 2030.
A City Built on Motorbikes
It’s believed that Hanoi is home to approximately 7 million motorbikes and scooters, the vast majority of which are gas-powered. There are approximately 72 million motorbikes and scooters across the entire country. The ban aims to reduce toxic emissions and pollution levels in the city.
According to VNExpress, approximately 5.6 million of the motorbikes registered in Hanoi run on gasoline, and roughly 1.3 million are electric. There are also about 1 million cars on the city’s roads. While several companies sell electric motorbikes in Vietnam, including Selex Motors and VinFast, there’s reportedly a “woeful lack of infrastructure for charging.”
Is The Switch To Electric Achievable?
Many of the electric bikes currently available come with swappable batteries, similar to those found in abundance in Taiwan. One of the main issues of the electric transition is that there are no government incentives for purchasing electric motorcycles. However, registration fees are waived for electric cars.
The economics paint a challenging picture. Last year, the average Hanoi resident earned the equivalent of just under $6,250. A new electric scooter typically costs between $1,150 and $1,900, placing it out of reach for many. The former chairman of the Vietnam Automobile Transport Association has suggested the city offer financial support in the form of subsidies, grants, or low-interest loans to make the transition more accessible.
The GWM Ora 03 range now starts at £21,245 in the UK.
A New Electric Car Grant could exclude EVs built in Asia.
Leapmotor also recently announced a £3,750 EV discount.
The British government recently announced its long-awaited Electric Car Grant aimed at making new EVs a little more accessible to locals. Through the program, £650 million (about $876 million) worth of funding will be used to provide shoppers with grants of £1,500 ($2,000) or £3,750 ($5,000) for eligible EVs.
However, a full list of eligible vehicles has yet to be announced, leaving many brands uncertain about whether their vehicles will be included or not.
Not willing to rest on its laurels and wait, Great Wall Motor, known locally as GWM, has announced sweeping discounts of its own. All versions of the GWM Ora 03 are now available with a £3,750 (~$5,000) ‘Green Grant’, cutting their prices and making them even more accessible. The move comes shortly after Leapmotor also announced a £3,750 discount for its entry-level T03 city car.
While the Ora 03 may look a little funky, we discovered last year that it’s actually a very respectable EV. In the UK, the range starts at £21,245 (~$28,600) for the 03 Pure, down from the £24,995 (~$33,700) price tag prior to the Green Grant. It comes standard with a 48 kWh battery pack and offers up 193 miles (310 km) of range. Thanks to the price cut, it now undercuts vehicles including the Hyundai Inster and Renault 5.
Sitting in the middle of the range is the 03 Pro. Its starting price has been slashed from £28,995 (~$39,000) to £25,245 (~$34,000). For the money, shoppers receive a larger 63 kWh battery and 260 miles (418 km) of range. Topping out the range is the £29,245 (~$39,400) Ora 03 GT, which has the same powertrain as the 03 Pro and comes with unique exterior styling, massaging and ventilated front seats, an electric sunroof, and launch control.
Who Will And Who Won’t Qualify?
Qualifying for the local government’s Electric Car Grant could prove tricky for many car manufacturers, Autocar reports. For example, the available grants will vary depending on how clean the energy grid of the country where the vehicle is produced is, and where its batteries are made. Additionally, carmakers must also be a member of the Science Based Targets Initiative, where commitments must be made for carbon reductions and emissions scores must be below a yet-to-be-defined threshold.
While the government has yet to release a full list of eligible EVs, those built in Asia are expected to be excluded. That’s bad news for brands like GWM, but it should help European auto firms better confront their more competitively-priced Eastern rivals.
A mule for Bentley’s upcoming electric crossover has been spied on the Nürburgring.
It’s based on the Porsche Cayenne Electric, but the production model will have a unique design.
The Luxury Urban SUV will debut next year and go into production in 2027.
Bentley introduced their first electric vehicle earlier this month and it provoked strong reactions. While initial response to the EXP 15 concept was far from positive, the company used it to explore the idea of a crossover-ified ultra-luxury sedan.
Despite hinting at the brand’s new styling language, the concept isn’t going into production. Quite the opposite as Bentley’s first production EV will be a “Luxury Urban SUV.”
The mysterious crossover has now traded Northern Europe for the Nürburgring as development progresses. Unfortunately, the model is still a mule based on the upcoming Porsche Cayenne Electric. This doesn’t reveal much about the Bentley, although the British license plates are hard to miss.
Last year, Bentley introduced their Beyond100+ strategic plan and announced they’re now aiming to go fully electric in 2035. The electric crossover will lead the way and it will have a lot in common with the Cayenne.
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Porsche has been heavily promoting the upcoming model and recently said the electric crossover will “combine performance, everyday usability, long-distance comfort and off-road suitability in compelling fashion.” It will ride on the PPE platform and have a maximum towing capacity of up to 7,716 lbs (3,500 kg). The performance brand has also confirmed the model will offer an Active Ride system, which “keeps the body level at all times, even during dynamic braking, steering and acceleration.”
One of the biggest unanswered questions is performance specifications, but the Macan Electric gives us some hints. It has outputs ranging from 355 hp (265 kW / 360 PS) to 630 hp (470 kW / 639 PS). Buyers will also find a 100 kWh battery pack, which delivers EPA-estimated ranges of between 288 and 315 miles (463 and 507 km).
The crossover is scheduled to debut next year, before going into production in 2027. Bentley has trademarked the Barnato and Mayon names, indicating possible monikers for the model. Applications for both indicated they could be used for electric vehicles and other automotive-related equipment.
GM’s chief engineer debunks rumors about fully electric or plug-in hybrid Corvettes.
Says most electric vehicles are fast, but true sports cars must still feel engaging to drive.
Next-generation Corvette is expected to keep the V8 and self-charging hybrid system.
The mid-engined Corvette C8 has already passed the midpoint of its production run and talk of its successor is beginning to take shape. With the C9 rumored to debut around 2029, people have been speculating whether the next iteration might abandon its trademark V8 roots in favor of a fully electric powertrain.
Fortunately, recent comments from a top GM engineer suggest there’s no need to worry – at least not yet. The Corvette will hold onto its V8 rumble, embracing a more measured hybrid approach instead of going all-in on electric.
Tony Roma, Executive Chief Engineer for Global Corvette and Performance Cars at General Motors, recently spoke with Autocarto shed light on what’s next for America’s favorite sports car. While acknowledging that EVs are clearly part of the industry’s future, Roma dismissed the idea of a fully electric Corvette as something still firmly in the realm of “science fiction.”
A Corvette EV? Not Anytime Soon
The engineering boss made it clear that his team won’t be making an electric version just to comply with the European regulations, which are set to ban ICE-powered vehicles after 2035. If an EV does one day carry the Corvette name, he said, it will need to earn it. As he put it, “nobody wants” a Corvette badge on a car that doesn’t live up to its legacy.
Back in April 2025, General Motors’ new design center in the UK unveiled a Corvette-inspired concept. Presented as a design exercise, it sported a futuristic hypercar shape and a fully electric drivetrain.
According to Michael Simcoe, GM’s Senior Vice President of Global Design, it was meant to honor Corvette’s design heritage rather than serve as a preview of a future production model. Roma’s comments now confirm that this project isn’t headed for the assembly line anytime soon.
What Makes a Corvette, According to GM
For him, performance metrics alone aren’t enough. While electric vehicles can easily deliver blistering acceleration, he believes the Corvette should be focused on something more enduring: the experience behind the wheel, noting that “it has to be engaging” and that “the art of driving” remains central to the brand’s identity.
He emphasized the importance of a strong power-to-weight ratio, as well as cost and range, but placed even more weight on the “visceral connection” a driver feels with the car. Roma admitted he’s driven many excellent EVs, but said most of them lack the emotional spark that makes a great performance car memorable.
“The computer does so much of the work,” he explained. What he wants on a Saturday morning drive is simple: “to fire up an engine and listen to all those noises.”
In his view, the transition to electric will only happen when the alternative is truly better: “Our cars will be all-electric when an all-electric car is better than what we have right now. And until then, we’ll continue to do what we’re doing right now… Everybody should just take a deep breath and relax, and we’ll get there when it’s time.”
Simplicity Over Complexity in Hybrid Design
The chief engineer also dismissed the idea of turning to plug-in hybrid technology for Corvette, citing drawbacks like added mass, higher costs, and unnecessary complexity. He said such a system would only be worth considering if it allowed GM to meet specific regulatory targets based on electric-only driving range.
While speciality makers like Ferrari, Lamborghini, and McLaren are already offering plug-in hybrid supercars, Chevrolet has gone in a different direction with the Corvette E-Ray. Roma explained why.
“I won’t poke anybody in particular, but some of our competitors have been criticized for the games you have to play to get the car in the right mode, and which charging mode and this and that and the other. But when you drive an E-Ray, you just fire it up and drive it. It’s just a hybrid. It charges the battery for you. It does everything. If you want to override and make it charge the battery faster, there’s a button for that. But other than that, that’s pretty much it, and keep it simple, keep it usable.”
What Comes After the C8?
All signs point to the next-generation Corvette sticking with a V8 engine, possibly paired with a self-charging hybrid system. That keeps the formula intact while still allowing for incremental updates that improve efficiency and performance without losing the essence of what the Corvette is all about.
Although the C9 is expected around 2029, there’s still more to come from the current model. Roma recently hinted that the 1,250-horsepower ZR1X isn’t the C8’s final act. “It’s just the latest chapter,” he said, promising that the team continues to push the platform to “new performance highs.”
Buick could offer an electric subcompact crossover before the end of the decade.
The Envision might be killed off in America, although that’s not certain at this point.
Facelifted and redesigned models are due late this decade including an all-new Encore GX.
Buick has been on a roll as second quarter sales soared 19.3 percent and the brand is up 29.2 percent for the year. This follows a successful 2024, which saw sales climb 9.8 percent to hit 183,421 units in the United States.
This momentum has been fueled by new and updated models such as the Envista. The crossover starts at $24,600 and has quickly become the brand’s second best-selling vehicle.
While the fresh lineup has helped to boost sales, a new report suggests we won’t be seeing much from the brand in the future. However, AutoNewssays an electric subcompact crossover could arrive before 2029. Little is known about the model at this point, but the publication suggested it could be built alongside the Chevrolet Bolt at Fairfax Assembly.
That’s not a lot to go on, but General Motors recently announced plans to embrace lithium iron phosphate batteries for their “next-generation of affordable EVs.” The rumored Buick would seemingly fit that bill and the batteries are slated to go into production at the Ultium Cells plant in Spring Hill, Tennessee in late 2027.
Aside from one possible new addition, we can expect a handful of facelifts. The Enclave was redesigned for the 2025 model year and a freshening is expected in 2028. Around that same time, we can expect the Envista to see a “significant” facelift or even a possible redesign.
The publication added the best-selling Encore GX could be redesigned around 2029. That would be a relatively long lifecycle as the current model debuted at the 2019 Los Angeles Auto Show and was updated for the 2024 model year.
That brings us to the Envision, which is said to be Buick’s “biggest wild card.” The crossover is imported from China and is reportedly being hit with a steep 45 percent tariff. This has people questioning the model’s future in America and the publication suggests it might be dropped. That remains to be seen, but the compact crossover may be updated in 2026.
Scottsdale, AZ, is cracking down on the use of electric bikes and motorcycles.
The city has banned under 16s from using e-bikes capable of 21 mph or more.
All electric motorcycles must now be titled and registered for use on city roads.
Scottsdale, like cities all over the world, has got an e-bike problem as innocent pedestrians and the riders themselves are getting hurt in accidents involving electric bikes and motorcycles. The Arizona city has had enough of it, so it’s brought in multiple new rules designed to limit their use and hopefully cut down on injuries.
Starting July 1, anyone wanting to use an electric motorcycle on a city roadway has to have it titled and registered with the Sate of Arizona. That will be bad news to the city’s kids, some of whom have been roaming wild on off-road-intended bikes like the Sur Ron Lightbee without any license, registration or insurance, which is now compulsory.
Age Restrictions and Speed Limits
And the new legislation doesn’t stop there. Under the terms of Ordinance No. 4680 no one under the age of 16 is allowed to ride a class three electric bicycle, which is defined as one capable of going 21 mph (34 km/h) or faster. They will, however, still be able to ride class one electric bikes whose top speed is lower than that.
Dr. Anthony Pickett at Phoenix Children’s Hospital told Arizona’s Family that an increasing number of children are being injured on electric bikes and motorcycles – and they’re not just getting bruises or breaking a leg.
“The lion’s share [of injuries] unfortunately are pretty severe head injuries,” Dr Pickett said, going on to explain that it’s not only the risk of conventional traffic accidents that riders face, but other factors such as unseen potholes or a dog running out. Those dangers are amplified because e-bikes and electric motorcycles tend to be traveling faster than conventional pedal cycles, and the riders aren’t always wearing helmets.
Retailer Responsibilities and Enforcement
Bike shops must now fix a permanent label to any new class three bike sold making its status clear, and removing it is illegal. They also have to post a written notice explaining the new rules to potential customers.
Whether these changes will significantly alter behavior remains to be seen. They’ll certainly deter some riders, but not all because the violation is classed as a petty offense and carries a $100 fine as a result. It is a start, though, and if at first it doesn’t work, maybe penalties will get much harsher.
Mercedes has cut the prices of its EQ electric cars and SUVs to get stock moving.
Buyers can save around $4k on an EQS sedan and up to $15k on its SUV brother.
The brand has also stopped taking orders for its existing EQ lineup in America.
A year or two ago, Mercedes seemed confident that American luxury buyers were ready to embrace its new line of electric vehicles. That confidence hasn’t translated into sales. Mercedes’ luxury electric vehicle experiment has proved a flop in the US, and now the company has lopped thousands of dollars off the prices of its EQ EVs to get stock moving.
The discounts range from just over $4,000 to more than $15,000 on the EQE and EQS sedans and SUVs, which sales figures show American buyers haven’t taken to. Mercedes is offering a $9,950 saving on the EQE sedan, whose price falls from $76,050 including destination to $66,100, and a big $12,950 off its utility brother. The EQE SUV originally cost $79,050, but you can now bag one for $66,100.
Some of the Biggest Price Cuts Yet
The smallest savings to be had are on the EQS sedan, whose $105,550 price has dropped by $4,150 to $101,400. But the EQS SUV, which previously cost more than the sedan ($106,400), is now just $91,100, saving interested parties a massive $15,300, according to a story from CarBuzzcontaining prices since verified by Mercedes.
At the same time as it’s cutting prices to clear existing stock, Mercedes says it has stopped taking orders for all four EQE and EQS cars and SUVs, and that its Alabama plant, where the SUVs are built will stop producing US-market versions of the vehicles from September 1. It will, however, continue to build them for other markets.
Closing the order book and shutting production was the result of Mercedes wanting to “align with customer and market demand,” a spokesperson for the automaker told Car and Driver. “We are unable to share a timeline for when U.S. order banks for these models will reopen for competitive reasons,” they added.
What’s Next for Mercedes EVs in the US?
This isn’t the end of the EQ story in the US, though. The company’s all-new CLA electric sedan comes to America later in 2025 and will be followed within the next couple of years by a pair of SUVs built around the same MMA platform.
The electric GLC SUV, due to make its debut in Munich this September, and confirmed for production in Alabama, will also land in US showrooms in 2026, and the electric G-class remains on sale, though sales for that have also proved disappointing.
The one-off Elongation Evo features a fully carbon fiber add-on kit, from nose to tail.
It rides on massive 26-inch wheels beneath flared forged carbon fiber arches.
The rear features two Ferrari FXX-K-style winglets and an illuminated Mansory badge.
A few months back, an unusual Tesla Cybertruck caught the internet’s attention when Mansory unveiled a custom version called the Elongation. That build paired heavy use of carbon fiber with some dubious aerodynamic tweaks to the slopped brick-shaped truck. Now, Mansory has gone a step further with a new one-off creation: the Elongation Evo.
Built for the Middle East, the Elongation Evo features mostly the same parts as the ‘regular’ model, but adds more carbon fiber. In fact, the entire exterior of the all-electric pickup now features exposed forged carbon fiber. It makes the Cybertruck’s somewhat controversial stainless steel seem classy.
More Carbon, More Controversy
Like the Elongation, the Evo ditches the original hood and front fascia for a set of forged carbon fiber parts. There are also new LED daytime running lights. Mansory has then added new carbon trim over the pillars, window surrounds, door skins, and bed sides. The pattern used for the forged carbon is far from subtle, either, making the Evo look particularly striking.
Elsewhere, the tricked-out Tesla rides on massive 26-inch wheels tucked under widened arches, also made from forged carbon fiber. The overall look aims for dramatic, but the end result may feel more divisive than refined.
A Ferrari-Inspired Rear
The rear is particularly polarizing. Mansory’s designers obviously spent a little too long drooling over the Ferrari FXX-K and have added two winglets to the rear. While these elements play a genuine aerodynamic role on the Ferrari, they’re likely of little use here, if not outright counterproductive. A new diffuser has also been installed, along with an illuminated Mansory badge that leaves no doubt about who’s behind the build.
The interior of the Elongation Evo is identical to the Cybertruck Mansory presented in February, meaning there’s a mixture of black, white, and bright yellow upholstery.
While the Cybertruck has lost some of its allure in the United States, it’s said to be particularly popular in the Middle East. This is hardly a surprise given the affinity among locals for flashy cars, so the Elongation Evo should fit right in. In the States though, rolling up in something this conspicuous might invite more side-eye than admiration.
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