Over 20 million Polos have found homes since the nameplate launched more than 50 years ago. Now Volkswagen’s rebooting the whole thing as the ID. Polo, a fully electric seventh-generation hatch built on the new MEB+ EV platform with front-wheel drive, up to 283 miles (455 km) of range and a starting price that keeps it firmly in affordable territory.

Pre-sales are already live in Germany, where the entry-level Trend trim kicks off at €24,995. That’s the headline number Volkswagen‘s been keen to shout about, though if you want one right now, the only available order is the mid-spec Life trim, which starts at €33,795. More variants follow in the summer.

Related: VW’s 2026 ID. Buzz Adds 335 HP And Real Buttons, America Gets Neither

There are three power outputs at launch. The 114 hp (116 PS / 85 kW) and 133 hp (135 PS / 99 kW) versions come with a 37 kWh lithium iron phosphate battery offering up to 204 miles (329 km) of range and DC fast charging at up to 90 kW, with a 10-to-80 charge taking around 27 minutes.

The 208 hp (211 PS / 155 kW) variant steps up to a 52 kWh nickel-manganese-cobalt pack, pushing range to a provisional 283 miles (455 km) and accepting up to 105 kW DC charging, shaving that charge window down to roughly 24 minutes. A GTI variant with 223 hp (226 PS / 166 kW) is coming in 2027.

New Front-Wheel Drive Platform

The switch to the front-wheel drive MEB+ platform pays dividends in terms of space because unlike the bigger ID.3 Neo, there’s no motor stashed under the cargo bay floor. Luggage volume jumps 25 percent over the combustion Polo, from 351 to 441 liters, and with the rear seats folded you’re looking at 1,243 liters. The interior also gains 19 mm of extra space that passengers will actually notice, particularly those in the back.

VW’s tape measure says the Polo comes in at 4,053 mm (159.6 inches) long, 1,816 mm (71.5 inches) wide and 1,530 mm tall on a 2,600 mm (102.4 inches) wheelbase. That makes 131 mm (5.2 inches) shorter and 42 mm (1.7 inches) narrower than its most obvious rival, the Renault 5 E-Tech, but as good as identical in size to the Cupra Raval, which like the Skoda Epiq, shares the Polo’s platform and running gear.

On the outside the handsomely chiselled ID. Polo looks almost identical to the 2023 ID.2all concept, right down to its fat five-spoke wheels and blue paint. The rear door handles are hidden near the C-pillar to clean up the lines, and a wide transverse light bar at the tail is crowned with an illuminated red VW roundel to finish what the white lit logo at the front started.

Retro-Digital Interior

Inside, Volkswagen’s “Pure Positive” design language makes its production debut. Chief Designer Andreas Mindt says he wanted the cabin to feel like a familiar friend, and the approach blends a 10-inch digital cockpit with a 13-inch infotainment center touchscreen.

Physical buttons handle climate control, there’s a rotary audio dial between the front seats, and a “retro display” mode transforms the instruments into something that looks straight out of a post-facelift Mk1 Golf, complete with a classic speedo and a power gauge standing in for the rev counter. Nice touch.

Three trim levels cover the range. The Trend gets LED headlights, Side Assist, Lane Assist and a standard 90 kW DC charging capability. Life adds Adaptive Cruise Control, a rear camera, CarPlay, Android Auto and wireless phone charging. Style goes further with IQ.LIGHT LED matrix headlights, 3D tail lights, an illuminated VW logo front and rear, sport comfort seats, two-zone climate and the upgraded ID. Light strip that now runs into the door panels.

Massage Seats

Related: VW Spent Years Removing Knobs From Its Cars, The ID.3 Neo Puts Them Back

Optional tech potentially worth splashing for includes a 425-watt Harman Kardon sound system, a panoramic glass roof and something genuinely unusual for this class: a pneumatic massage function for the electrically adjustable 12-way front seats, with three programs to choose from. That’s a premium-saloon feature in a sub-€25,000 hatchback.

The ID. Polo also supports Vehicle-to-Load as standard, meaning it’ll push up to 3.6 kW out through a Schuko adapter to charge e-bikes or run outdoor kit. Depending on spec, it can tow up to 1,200 kg too.

Cut-Price Charging

On the charging side, Volkswagen’s subsidiary Elli is launching a new city tariff at €0.39 per kWh for public AC charging across more than a million European charge points, aiming to make street charging as predictable and affordable as a home wallbox. A dynamic home tariff called Naturstrom Flex can cut home charging costs by up to 30 percent by automatically charging when electricity prices are lowest.

Aside from next year’s GTI, shown below in disguised form, the ID. Polo lineup feels pretty complete for a launch. It’s practical, it’s priced right, and that retro display alone might sell a few cars.

VW

When Rivian unveiled the production R2 last month, the company briefly mentioned a Launch Package. With production now underway, the automaker has circled back and provided a few more details.

For a “limited time,” the Launch Package comes standard on the R2 Performance and effectively rewards early owners for their vote of confidence. As their way of saying thanks, Rivian throws in a handful of extra features at no-cost.

More: Rivian R2 Goes Into Production As A Make Or Break Electric Vehicle

Most of the upgrades are relatively minor, but consumers will receive a special key fob that resembles a carabiner and features a green anodized finish. It appears to be contrasted by a golden accent on the lower half.

Customers will also find a standard tow package, which is typically an option on the R2 Performance. It enables the electric crossover to tow up to 4,400 lbs (1,996 kg), which is considerably more than the Jeep Recon’s rating of 3,300 lbs (1,497 kg).

One of the biggest upgrades is a lifetime subscription to Autonomy+. This provides Universal Hands-Free driving on over 3.5 million miles (5.6 million km) of roads in the United States and Canada.

Autonomy+ normally costs $49.99 per month or $2,500 as part of a one-time purchase. As a result, it’s free inclusion in the Launch Package is a pretty big deal.

Last but not least, customers can get their R2 in Launch Green. The hue debuted on Launch versions of the R1 and will be an extra cost upgrade. Rivian hasn’t said how much it will cost, but noted the model will also be offered in Esker Silver, Catalina Cove, Half Moon Grey, Glacier White, Midnight, and Forest Green.

As a refresher, the R2 Performance starts at $57,990 and features a dual-motor all-wheel drive system developing 656 hp (489 kW / 665 PS) and 609 lb-ft (825 Nm) of torque. It enables the crossover to accelerate from 0–60 mph (0-96 km/h) in 3.6 seconds and travel up to 330 miles (531 km) on a single charge.

Other highlights include Matrix LED headlights, integrated tow hooks, and a rear liftgate with drop down glass. They’re joined by Compass Yellow accents and 21-inch wheels.

The interior is available in two colors known as Black Crater and Coastal Cloud. Both feature Birch wood trim and “soft textile accents.” They’re joined by 12-way power front seats with heating and ventilation as well as heated rear seats and a heated steering wheel. Buyers will also find a nine-speaker premium audio system and a flashlight integrated into the driver’s door.

Hyundai has introduced their “most luxurious electric SUV to date.” It’s the 2027 Ioniq 9 Performance Calligraphy Black Ink and it comes with a spec sheet almost as long as its name.

Designed to appeal to customers seeking “maximum luxury, exclusive design, and top‑tier performance,” the range-topping trim embraces the blackout trend as it sports a black chrome front skid plate, black badging, and black window surrounds. They’re joined by gloss black roof rails and black 21-inch wheels that are exclusive to the model and sport a turbine-style design. If that isn’t black enough, you can order the crossover in Abyss Black Pearl.

Review: The 2026 Ioniq 9 Calligraphy’s Biggest Threat Is Hyundai Itself

The dark theme continues inside, where customers will find a black H-Tex interior with black aluminum trim. Hyundai didn’t say much about equipment, but the crossover has a six-seat cabin with “Relaxation Seats” in the first- and second-row. They feature power adjustment, heating, and ventilation. There’s also a heated third-row.

Other highlights include an eco‑suede headliner, a digital rearview mirror, and a panoramic glass roof. They’re joined by a 14-speaker Bose premium audio system and a 10-inch head-up display.

Customers can also expect a 12.3-inch digital instrument cluster, a 12.3-inch infotainment system, and a wireless smartphone charger. Other highlights should include a heated steering wheel and a power liftgate.

Power comes from a 110.3 kWh battery pack that feeds a dual-motor all-wheel drive system producing 422 hp (315 kW / 428 PS) and 516 lb-ft (699 Nm) of torque. This should enable the model to have a range of approximately 311 miles (501 km) on a single charge. When the battery is low, a 350 kW DC fast charger can take it from 10% to 80% in as little as 24 minutes.

The 2027 Ioniq 9 Performance Calligraphy Black Ink will arrive at dealerships this summer and pricing will be announced closer to launch. However, we can expect the model to be even more expensive than the 2026 Ioniq 9 Calligraphy, which begins at $74,990 before a $1,600 destination fee.

The Hyundai Ioniq 5 N made the driving experience engaging, playful, and more akin to the experience of a combustion car. After plenty of praise surrounding the fake gearshifts and engine noise used in this model, Hyundai expanded the tech to the 6 N and Ioniq 9. Soon, it’ll find its way into more mainstream Hyundai EVs.

More: Hyundai’s N Rule Was Simple Until The Ioniq 3 Made It Inconvenient

“We really want to have a proper [driving] experience – not just the sound, but a bit of the boost,” Hyundai Europe product vice president Raf van Nuffel told Carsales. What he’s referring to is that Hyundai doesn’t just use fake engine sounds. It manages power so that when drivers call for a ‘gear shift’, the car feels like a clutch engaged and released.

The system can be switched off, so drivers won’t have to use it. That said, it’s a defining feature of models like the 5 N, and most enthusiasts seem to enjoy it. Introducing the feature to the Ioniq 9 and other mainstream cars down the road could help Hyundai stand out from a crowd of otherwise silent contenders. Importantly, the brand says it won’t extend the features to base models, but there’s a reason for that.

“It is not something that we limit to N, but we have certain requirements – we do need a minimum level of power to have this clutch-type feeling. We are not going to offer it across the range, but definitely [there is] more to come without always having to go for 600 horsepower,” van Nuffel said.

There’s little doubt that fake engine sounds have been divisive. Despite that, plenty of automakers use them now, and they’re not just limited to EVs. Combustion cars often pipe in faux exhaust noise to “enhance” the driving experience. Hyundai is taking that approach and adding in more than just audible sensations. Considering that owners can choose if they want them or not, this seems like a win-win.

Top Detroit automaker CEOs like Ford’s Jim Farley and GM’s Mary Barra earn hundreds of times what their company’s line workers do, but they look like they’re living on the bread line compared with Rivian’s boss.

Rivian founder and CEO RJ Scaringe was paid a shocking $403 million last year, company filings reveal. That compares with $27.5 million for Farley and $29.9 million for Barra over the same period. Rivian delivered 42,247 EVs in the United States last year, while Ford moved 2.2 million vehicles, GM 2.85 million domestically, and Tesla sold roughly 1.65 million globally in 2025.

Related: Mary Barra’s $29.9 Million Payday Came In The Same Year GM Lost $7.9 Billion On EVs

That makes Scaringe one of the most highly paid automaker bosses in the world, and means his pay package is thousands of times the size of the one awarded to the men and women who make Rivian’s cars and trucks. It’s not quite up there with Tesla CEO Elon Musk’s pay package, which could net him $1 trillion over the next decade, but it’s still huge.

Sales Down, CEO Pay Up

What makes Scaringe’s pay award all the more shocking is that it comes at a time when Rivian hasn’t exactly been going from strength to strength. Yes, it managed to post its first-ever gross profit in 2025 by cutting costs, and began production of the smaller R2 SUV, but its stock price is still way down from its 2021 peak, and sales slumped last year.

Of course, Scaringe didn’t scoop the whole $403 million in cash. The award consisted of $373.5 million in stock options, $26.6 million in stock awards, and a more modest $1.12 million taken as a salary.

Pay Could Hit $4.6 Billion

Rivian’s board last November voted to scrap a previous performance-related pay structure for Scaringe, laid out in 2021, that was later deemed unrealistically ambitious. Under the terms of the new deal, his salary is set to increase to $2 million, and he could net $4.6 billion through stock options if he grows the company’s stock price to $140 over the next 10 years.

But given that the stock has mostly hovered below $20 for the past three years, down from $130 when Rivian went public in 2021, Scaringe has his work cut out.

Chinese consumer electronics brand turned carmaker Dreame hasn’t even delivered its first vehicle, but it’s already talking about what comes next, and it might have rockets attached.

Dreame unveiled the Nebula NEXT 01 JET Edition during the company’s DREAME NEXT event in San Francisco, and yes it looks just like the Nebula Next 01X EV we’ve reported on before, and which is earmarked for sale in 2027.

Also: The Chinese Vacuum Brand That Built A 1,973-HP Sedan Just Showed Up At Berkeley With It

But compared with the production supercar-shaped four-door sedan, this one looks rather different at the rear. That’s where you’ll find a pair of rocket boosters that give the concept a claimed 0-62 mph (100 kmh) time of just 0.9 seconds.

Dreame says the concept, which explores where the company’s car development could go in future, represents more than a decade of development in autonomous systems, motors, AI, and robotics. It also represents someone in marketing being allowed unsupervised access to caffeine and hallucinogenics.

Twin Jets

The headline feature is that custom dual solid-fuel rocket setup mounted to assist acceleration. Dreame claims the system reacts in 150 milliseconds and produces up to 100 kN of thrust. But there’s plenty of other modern or futuristic tech onboard that isn’t just concept nonsense, including steer- and brake-by-wire, and solid-state batteries with an energy density above 450 Wh/kg that Dreame says is nearing production readiness.

For ADAS duties, the company introduced its DHX1 LiDAR unit. Dreame says it can detect objects from up to 600 m (1,970 ft) away, Autohome reports, and deliver detail clarity rather than traditional rough outlines of obstacles. The plan includes advanced assisted L2+ driving and eventually more advanced L3 autonomy.

Inside, the car is intended to act as a rolling smart-home hub. Dreame’s AI assistant is designed to connect with robots, appliances, and other devices, turning the vehicle into a mobile command center for your gadgets. Perhaps surprisingly for a car from a brand famous for its vacuum cleaner and robot window washers, the car isn’t capable of washing itself.

Dreame says vehicle manufacturing begins in 2027, but don’t expect rockets to be part of the specification when those first cars hit the road.

Dreame

It’s only been a little over two years since Renault pulled the wraps off the all-electric Scenic E-Tech, and already an update is on the way. The model, positioned a rung above the Megane in Renault’s expanding EVs lineup, is in line for some modest visual tweaks ahead of going on sale next year.

This camouflage-clad prototype was recently spotted on the streets of Europe, looking very similar to the refreshed Megane E-Tech we also saw recently. While most of the front fascia is shielded from view, we understand Renault’s designers have tweaked the Scenic E-Tech headlights, although we are rather fond of the current model’s lights.

Read: Renault’s Struggling Electric Crossover Is Getting A Second Chance

It appears that Renault has also adjusted the design of the SUV’s LED daytime running lights, which are stacked vertically below the headlights. The bumper looks slightly different too, though both it and the grille keep much of their current shape and proportion.

No obvious changes have been made to the sides of the SUV, which still sport flush door handles and sharp silver C-pillars. At the rear, there will be new LED taillights, although their final design remains hidden.

What Else Will Change?

Baldauf

The current Renault Scenic E-Tech is based on the firm’s AmpR Medium architecture, also underpinning the Nissan Ariya and Nissan Leaf. Powering the base model is a 168 hp electric motor and a 60 kWh battery, giving it a range of over 260 miles (418 km). A punchier version is also offered, delivering 215 hp and 221 lb-ft (300 Nm) of torque, and using a larger 87 kWh battery, boosting range to over 379 miles (610 km).

Given that these figures remain relatively competitive, particularly for the 87 kWh version, we don’t expect to see any significant changes made. With that being said, recent reports suggest the Megane E-Tech will switch from LG-sourced batteries to AESC ones. If this is the case, then it’s possible the Scenic E-Tech could make the same shift.

Baldauf

While the modern era of electric cars has led to the successful establishment of several new brands, such as Rivian and Lucid, many others have tried and failed. One of them is Bollinger Motors, a small company that had wanted to launch a pair of utilitarian, electric off-roaders and a delivery truck.

After struggling to get off the ground, Bollinger officially merged with California-based Mullen Automotive last year, but even that apparently wasn’t enough to save it. A US court recently ordered the auction of Bollinger’s assets because it had failed to pay several suppliers.

Read: Bollinger Gets A Patent For Their Unique Passthrough And Frunkgate

Key manufacturing equipment from Bollinger will be sold through an online auction. This will include battery testing and validation systems used by the car manufacturer, as well as vehicle lifts and tooling. More importantly, 20 examples of the Bollinger B4 Class 4 electric truck that had a list price of nearly $160,000 will be available, along with other vehicles, shop equipment, and inventory.

A Tale Of Troubles

Not only is Bollinger being forced to liquidate its assets, but the company is also being investigated by the Department of Labor and Economic Opportunity following dozens of complaints about unpaid wages or benefits.

As reported by Crains Detroit, the Michigan Economic Development Corp is also seeking to be repaid roughly $1 million of a $3 million award that was disbursed to the company in 2023. At the time, Bollinger said it’d invest $44 million into the state and create 237 jobs in Detroit.

Bollinger may not be gone forever, though. Last month, company founder and former chief executive Robert Bollinger bought back the intellectual property and prototypes of the original B1 and B2 electric off-roaders for less than $250,000. He was able to buy back these important assets after the company was ordered into receivership by a judge in Ohio. It’s unclear if Robert Bollinger plans to try to revive the B1 and B2, but he recently told The Detroit News that he believes there’s an opening in the EV market for vehicles like them.

While the modern era of electric cars has led to the successful establishment of several new brands, such as Rivian and Lucid, many others have tried and failed. One of them is Bollinger Motors, a small company that had wanted to launch a pair of utilitarian, electric off-roaders.

After struggling to get off the ground, Bollinger officially merged with California-based Mullen Automotive last year, but even that apparently wasn’t enough to save it. A US court recently ordered the auction of Bollinger’s assets because it had failed to pay several suppliers.

Read: Bollinger Gets A Patent For Their Unique Passthrough And Frunkgate

Key manufacturing equipment from Bollinger will be sold through an online auction. This will include battery testing and validation systems used by the car manufacturer, as well as vehicle lifts and tooling. More importantly, 20 examples of the Bollinger B4 Class 4 electric truck will be available, along with other vehicles, shop equipment, and inventory.

A Tale Of Troubles

Not only is Bollinger being forced to liquidate its assets, but the company is also being investigated by the Department of Labor and Economic Opportunity following dozens of complaints about unpaid wages or benefits.

As reported by Crains Detroit, the Michigan Economic Development Corp is also seeking to be repaid roughly $1 million of a $3 million award that was disbursed to the company in 2023. At the time, Bollinger said it’d invest $44 million into the state and create 237 jobs in Detroit.

Bollinger may not be gone forever, though. Last month, company founder and former chief executive Robert Bollinger bought back the intellectual property and prototypes of the original B1 and B2 electric off-roaders for less than $250,000. He was able to buy back these important assets after the company was ordered into receivership by a judge in Ohio. It’s unclear if Robert Bollinger plans to try to revive the B1 and B2, but he recently told The Detroit News that he believes there’s an opening in the EV market for vehicles like them.

Slate Auto burst onto the scene a year ago as they introduced their affordable electric truck on April 24, 2025. It generated a ton of interest thanks to a starting price of under $20,000 after federal incentives.

Fast forward a year and the company hasn’t said much since then. Sure, they post flashy videos on social media, but there’s a concerning lack of substance for a vehicle that’s supposed to be launched in the coming months.

More: Slate’s $28K EV Truck Is So Basic Even The Repair Network Is DIY

The last update came on April 16, when Slate revealed they received $650 million in funding and have secured over 160,000 reservations. That’s a lot, but you can reserve the vehicle for $50 and the fee is fully refundable. Furthermore, as we’ve seen with the Tesla Cybertruck, a huge number of reservations doesn’t always pan out to be a ton of orders – especially when the price jumps significantly.

Despite a lack of meaningful updates, the company has previously said the truck will have a 52.7 kWh battery that feeds a rear-mounted motor producing 201 hp (150 kW / 204 PS) and 195 lb-ft (264 Nm) of torque. That should enable the model to accelerate from 0-60 mph (0-96 km/h) in eight seconds, before hitting a top speed of 90 mph (145 km/h).

This is said to give the truck a range of 150 miles (241 km), but the company has mentioned an optional 84.3 kWh battery pack that increases the distance to 240 miles (386 km). When the battery is low, a 120 kW DC fast charger can take it from 20-80% in less than 30 minutes.

While we know a number of specifications, additional details are hazy. However, Slate has said the model will have 17-inch steel wheels, crank windows, and a universal phone mount as your smartphone will function as the infotainment system.

The company has also touted a handful of driver assistance systems such as active emergency braking, forward collision warning, and up to 8 airbags. More notably, the truck will be offered with a flat-pack accessory kit that transforms the vehicle into an SUV complete with a roll cage and a rear seat. The company has also promised over 100 accessories and an assortment of wraps.

While the silence is becoming deafening, Slate has promised to reveal more details in June. That’s when final pricing will be announced and when customers can begin pre-ordering the truck.

With the federal tax credit eliminated, Slate now says the model is expected to begin in the “mid-$20,000’s.” That’s significantly more than the original estimate of under $20,000 and it’s roughly on par with the $28,145 Ford Maverick. More worryingly for Slate, the Blue Oval is also working on a $30,000 electric truck, but they’ve been pretty tight-lipped about it themselves.

Hyundai and Kia have built some genuinely impressive electric vehicles over the last few years but one issue continues to plague many owners. A single part called the Integrated Charging Control Unit, or ICCU for short, manages charging between the high-voltage battery and the 12-volt system to ensure both systems work properly and in harmony.

The thing is that when the ICCU fails, the car can largely become a giant brick. Hyundai and Kia have issued recalls to fix ICCU-related issues but now a class action lawsuit claims that the fix is just using more bad parts.

More: Hyundai Fixed His ICCU Then Let Thieves Total The Rest Before He Even Saw It

The lawsuit, filed in U.S. District Court for the District of New Jersey, targets Hyundai Motor Company, Kia, Genesis Motor, and Hyundai Kefico, the supplier behind the charging control units. Affected vehicles include the 2022–2024 Kia EV6, 2022–2024 Hyundai IONIQ 5, 2023–2025 Hyundai IONIQ 6, 2023–2025 Genesis GV60, 2023–2025 Genesis Electrified GV70, and 2023–2024 Genesis Electrified GV80.

According to the filing reviewed by Carcomplaints, the central grievance isn’t that these cars have problems. It’s that they allegedly keep having them after a recall was meant to put the matter to rest. Two plaintiffs, Hayes Young of New Jersey and Roy Williams of Kentucky, say their recall service accomplished nothing.

Young says his 2023 IONIQ 5 SEL suffered a dead 12-volt battery in December 2025 that required replacement under warranty. He claims the problem returned, and his dealer allegedly pointed to the ICCU as the cause, yet no replacement was offered.

Williams says his leased 2025 EV6 entered limp mode after a loud bang, requiring a tow to the dealer. After battery charging, software updates, and eventually a battery replacement failed to solve things, the ICCU was reportedly replaced in March 2026.

The lawsuit also cites owner complaints involving charging plug damage during home charging and dashboard warnings like “Check Electric Vehicle System” and “12-volt battery voltage low stop safely.”

Importantly, none of the defendants (Hyundai, Kia, etc) has responded to the suit. Typically in cases like this, the automaker(s) will file a motion to dismiss but it may be several days or longer before the next step in the process takes place.

For years, California has set the pace for EV adoption in America, the bellwether other states watched. Now the bellwether is wobbling. Recent sales data reveal a significant decline in the state’s EV registrations through the first quarter of the year, driven by a sharp drop in demand for new Tesla models.

So far this year, a total of 57,111 zero-emission vehicles (ZEV) have been sold across the Golden State. This represents a significant 40.2 percent decline from the 95,520 sold over the same period last year, and comes on the back of an overall drop in new car registrations of 8.9 percent, falling from 457,525 to 416,810.

Read: Rivian Beat Four Major Automakers In EV Sales, And Its Biggest Model Hasn’t Even Launched Yet

The decline in demand for ZEVs means they accounted for just 13.7 percent of the total market in Q1 2026. By comparison, they had a 16.6 percent share in Q1 2022, peaking at 22 percent in Q1 2024 before falling slightly to 21 percent in Q1 2025.

Things look particularly troubling for Tesla. First-quarter registrations fell 24.3 percent to 31,958, down from 42,211 a year earlier. In raw volume, no brand lost more. In percentage terms, Tesla actually weathered the storm better than most of its rivals. Despite its own losses, Tesla’s slice of the EV pie grew from 44.2 percent in Q1 2025 to 56 percent last quarter, less because Tesla improved than because everyone else collapsed around it.

Most Brands Suffer

The collapse around Tesla is brutal. Over at Acura, ZEV sales fell from 1,279 to just 11 units in Q1, down 99.1 percent. Audi managed 210 registrations against 2,319 a year earlier, down 90.9 percent. BMW fell 58.9 percent, from 5,301 to 2,180. Chevrolet dropped 59.6 percent to 1,875. Ford was off 58.8 percent at 2,374. Honda plunged 81.6 percent to 832. Dodge mustered 16 units, down 79.7 percent. Hyundai held up comparatively well, off 30.4 percent at 3,586.

Only a handful of brands moved the other way. Lexus posted the standout figure, climbing 192.1 percent to 1,405 units, while Toyota grew 37.8 percent to 2,599 and Lucid added 37.1 percent to reach 1,315. Cadillac edged up 17.1 percent to 1,771.

Several factors have fed into the decline. Affordability concerns remain prevalent across the state, as they are throughout the country, while financing costs remain high due to current interest rates. Additionally, tariffs have driven higher prices, and overall inflation has spiked, while the phase-out of the federal tax credit has done the rest. None of this is mysterious, it all adds up.

Top 25 Selling Hybrid, ZEV, and PHEV Models

California ZEV Sales 2026

Alfa Romeo was set to launch redesigned versions of the Giulia and Stelvio this year. However, the company got cold feet after seeing other automakers deal with lackluster demand for electric vehicles.

Instead of pushing the models out and hoping for the best, Alfa embraced a radical rethink and is delaying the vehicles to give them additional powertrains. While the redesigned sedan and crossover ride on the STLA Large platform, which underpins the Dodge Challenger and allows for both ICE and electric powertrains, things are more complicated than just installing an engine.

More: Alfa Romeo Scraps New Giulia And Stelvio Plans To Start Fresh

According to Autocar, the vehicles had to be reengineered to “allow more cooling for combustion powertrains.” As part of the makeover, the models will reportedly be equipped with new fascias as well as a functional grille.

The exact details remain to be seen, but patent images of the Stelvio surfaced last year and showed the model would have slender headlights and a small V-shaped grille. The crossover also had sizable intakes, although they appeared to be largely blocked off.

Elsewhere, there was streamlined bodywork, pronounced wheel arches, plastic body cladding, and a rounded roof. The original Stelvio design also included an angular rear window, a large spoiler, and a distinctive taillight area.

A Powertrain For Everyone

The Giulia and Stelvio will reportedly be offered with an assortment of different powertrains. The lineup will reportedly kick off with turbocharged four-cylinder engines with mild-hybrid technology. The company is also said to be looking at the twin-turbo 3.0-liter inline-six that powers the Charger Scat Pack and produces 550 hp (410 kW / 558 PS).

Customers will also be able to opt for plug-in hybrid and electric options. Little is known about them, but the PHEVs could echo other Stellantis models.

The electric variants are also mysterious, but the automaker has previously said the STLA Large platform can accommodate 101-118 kWh battery packs as well as electric motors with outputs ranging from 168 hp (125 kW / 170 PS) to 443 hp (330 kW / 449 PS). While earlier reports claimed the Quadrifoglio variants could have a tri-motor powertrain producing more than 1,000 hp (746 kW / 1,014 PS), the publication threw water on that idea and noted “no model in the Stellantis stable currently produces that much power.”

That being said, the Maserati GranTurismo Folgore has a tri-motor powertrain producing 751 hp (560 kW / 761 PS) and 995 lb-ft (1,348 Nm) of torque. This enables the model to rocket from 0-60 mph (0-96 km/h) in 2.6 seconds and onto a top speed of 202 mph (325 km/h).

Numerous questions remain, but Alfa Romeo seems to believe that delaying the launch was the right move. As CEO Santo Ficili explained, “We need to consider the entire world because the brand is global” and not every market is ready to go fully electric. He went on to say, “We need to find a way to satisfy the needs of our customers” and that means electric, plug-in hybrid, and ICE options.

The Chinese auto industry has spent the better part of two years waiting for the price war to burn itself out. It hasn’t, and car companies are showing no signs of relenting. Facing declining sales, BYD is instituting significant price cuts, as are key rivals Geely and Chery.

Almost a year has passed since Chinese authorities sat down with the heads of more than a dozen carmakers and pressed them to call off the price war before it became a race to the bottom. The country’s market regulator called for efforts to “comprehensively rectify ‘involutionary’ competition,” borrowing a phrase Premier Li Qiang has used for the industry’s increasingly self-defeating behaviour.

Read: Dozens Of Chinese EV Brands Could Collapse In The Next Year

It appears little has changed. Data from Bloomberg reveals the average price reduction across BYD models increased to 10 percent in March. Meanwhile, Geely and Chery are running discounts of around 15 percent, though those have held roughly steady through the past twelve months.

China Doesn’t Have Enough Car Buyers

Overcapacity within China’s automotive sector is at the root of the problem. Last year, approximately 23 million new vehicles were sold in the country, but its car factories have the capacity to produce 55.5 million vehicles a year. This has prompted many local brands to ramp up vehicle exports. Last month, EV exports from China more than doubled.

Now facing greater scrutiny from regulators, companies, including BYD, are being forced to pay suppliers much more quickly than in the past. Prior to local authorities getting involved, automakers had been delaying invoice fulfillment for months at a time, allowing them to offer deep discounts to spark sales. Now, invoices must be paid more promptly, increasing liabilities on carmakers’ balance sheets. For BYD, this has pushed its debt-to-equity ratio to 25 percent.

“It seems to be good for the customers, but it’s not — manufacturers are losing money,” the secretary general of the International Organization of Motor Vehicle Manufacturers, François Roudier, said. “It hurts the full system.”

Jeep is preparing a mid-cycle update for its smallest SUV in Europe, arriving barely three years after launch. The facelifted Avenger has surfaced in a low-lit teaser, offering a first look at the latest interpretation of the brand’s seven-slot grille.

Jeep calls the revised grille a breakthrough, although it reads as a close relative of what is already on the newer Compass. The slots keep the Avenger’s chamfered profile, now with slimmer separations and no visible bezels, which cleans up the look without straying far from the original idea.

More: An American SUV Not Sold in America Was Italy’s Second-Best Seller

The main talking point is the addition of seven LEDs, echoing the Compass. These extend the Avenger’s slim daytime running lights, positioned above the primary headlamp units. For those wondering, the first Jeep to feature an illuminated grille was the Grand Wagoneer Concept from 2022.

Beyond the revised seven-slot treatment, the Avenger is likely to receive updated front and rear bumpers, along with fresh color choices and new alloy wheel designs. The roof rails shown in the teaser point to the Avenger 4xe The North Face special edition, although they could just as easily filter through to other trims in the facelifted range.

Review: Jeep Avenger EV Is A Fun Little Gem That’s Too Small For US

Jeep has said little about cabin changes. Even so, heavily camouflaged dashboards on test prototypes suggest the digital cockpit may be due an update. There is also scope for improved material quality, with softer finishes potentially replacing some of the harder plastics used in the current model.

We don’t expect big changes under the skin, as the Avenger is already available with ICE, mild-hybrid, and fully electric powertrain options from the Stellantis parts bin. The current lineup is crowned by an all-wheel-drive variant (mild-hybrid 4xe) featuring dual electric motors and a turbo 1.2-liter gasoline engine.

More: Jeep Gives The 2027 Renegade A New Face, But The Biggest Upgrade Is Hidden Inside

The Avenger is also set to expand beyond Europe, with a South American launch planned. Production will begin later this year at the Porto Real plant in Brazil.

It remains unclear whether the Brazilian-market model will adopt the same visual updates as the facelifted European version, which is built in Tychy, Poland. Either way, a region-specific powertrain is expected, tailored to local requirements rather than simply mirroring the European setup.

Ford has made a habit of creating wild all-electric performance machines, such as the SuperVan 4.2, the F-150 Lightning SuperTruck, and the Super Mustang Mach-E. It’s now revealed its latest other-worldly EV, and this one is all about smashing records on the drag strip.

Dubbed the Mustang Cobra Jet 2200, it’s the third all-electric Cobra Jet Ford has built, starting with the 1400 in 2021, and then the 1800 in 2023. As you may have guessed from its name, the new Mustang Cobra Jet 2200 churns out 2,200 hp, a truly astonishing figure that easily eclipses even the Rimac Nevera and Pininfarina Battista hypercars.

Read: You’ve Never Seen A Mustang Mach-E Like This One

Driving the Cobra Jet 2200 are two electric motors. These can each produce around 1,200 hp and weigh roughly half as much as they did in the Cobra Jet 1800 from just three years ago.

Despite being an EV, the Cobra Jet 2200 uses a centrifugal clutch to deliver torque in a controlled manner at launch. It also uses a two-speed transmission and includes a battery on the undertray and two additional battery packs at the rear. There’s also a battery at the front, which can be moved to adjust the weight distribution depending on track conditions.

The Power Of Electric

What’s particularly impressive about the Cobra Jet 2200 is that not only does it have way more power than the 1800, but it also weighs about 1,100 lbs (499 kg) less than its predecessor, tipping the scales at roughly 3,325 lbs (1,500 kg). According to Ford, the combination of immense power, the clutch, transmission, and the relatively light overall weight, the Cobra Jet 2200 apparently needs just 6.76 seconds to run down the quarter-mile, hitting up to 222 mph.

Ford Racing took the car to the NHRA 4-Wide Nationals in Charlotte over the weekend and performed several sub-7-second sprints down the quarter-mile. It quickly set a new world record for an EV with a time of 6.87 seconds at 221 mph, but in a subsequent run, it lowered it to 6.81 seconds.

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The classic muscle scene is seriously tribal, but the one thing guaranteed to get GM, Mopar, and Ford fans to unite is a race between a V8 and a modern EV. And that’s exactly what’s served up in this surprising video, where a Tesla Cybertruck ventures onto a drag strip.

In the left lane is a 1970 Chevrolet Chevelle Malibu, and while we don’t know the full details of the car in question, it’s obviously not rocking that year’s base inline-six. It rolled to the line wearing fat sticky rear rubber, aftermarket wheels, and the sort of stance that says this thing doesn’t spend much time below full throttle.

Related: In Florida, 148 MPH Gets You Arrested. In California, It Gets You A Ticket

The biggest factory motor available in 1970 Chevelles delivered 454 cubes (7.4 liters) of displacement, and modern builds on that big-block base can easily generate 500-600 hp (507-608 PS) in naturally aspirated form.

Cybersnooze

We’ve all seen enough EV videos to expect the Cybertruck to hook up instantly and erupt from the line, leaving the Chevelle struggling to get its tires hooked up. A few seconds later, the Tesla would be flashing across the finish with the Chevy trailing behind, its pride in tatters.

But that’s not how it worked out here. When the lights change, the Chevy gets the jump immediately and charges ahead, opening enough daylight to make it seem like the race might be over before the Tesla has fully woken up. For the first half of the quarter mile, the old-school muscle car looks comfortably in command.

Then the Cybertruck gets its act together. Once it’s moving and the motors are fully delivering, the giant stainless wedge storms downtrack and begins hauling in the Chevy at an alarming rate. What had looked like an easy Chevelle win suddenly becomes a blink-and-you-miss-it finish line showdown.

Times Come Second

You’ll need slowed playback to separate them by seeing whose numbers come up first, but the Chevelle appears to nose ahead at the line. In drag racing, that’s what counts. First across wins, even if the stopwatch tells a slightly different story.

And the stopwatch did tell a different story. The Cybertruck completed the quarter in 11.39 at 118.6 mph (191 km/h), that ET and trap speed suggesting it’s the top-spec Cyberbeast, which has a tri-motor setup and 845 hp (856 PS / 630 kW). The Chevelle registered 11.69 seconds at 114.9 mph (185 kmh).

So on this occasion, muscle fans got to celebrate taking an EV’s scalp, but you just know that if the Cybertruck sorted his reactions for a rematch, it would be a different story.

YouTube/@Wheels

As expected, Xiaomi unveiled the flagship version of its YU7 SUV, known as the GT, at the Beijing Auto Show. It’s nowhere near as extreme as the SU7 Ultra, but it has been developed in part at the Nürburgring and brings with it a slew of upgrades over lesser variants.

As our own spy images from earlier this month revealed, the YU7 GT looks a lot more aggressive than the standard version. For example, it has flared wheel arches and a much more menacing front fascia, complete with a new blacked-out grille and unique air intakes. Positioned on the hood is a special badge made from carbon fiber and 24-karat gold.

Read: Xiaomi Brings Its 1,000HP YU7 GT To Porsche’s Backyard Naked And Unafraid

Xiaomi will sell the YU7 GT with 21- and 22-inch wheels, and has also upgraded its brakes. Other styling and aerodynamic tweaks are also found at the rear, including a dramatic diffuser and a small lip spoiler.

For as much as the YU7 GT may resemble a Ferrari Purosangue, it’s under the skin where most of the action is happening. Xiaomi has equipped the YU7 GT with a new front motor delivering 386 hp and a new rear motor with 604 hp, resulting in a combined 990 hp.

Although that falls well short of the SU7 Ultra’s 1,527 hp, it’s still a ludicrous amount of power for a family SUV, easily outgunning EVs like the flagship Porsche Macan Turbo Electric and its 630 hp.

Not Just About Power

Xiaomi has yet to release full performance specifications for the GT, including how quickly it can lap Green Hell. What we do know is that it will run on to 186 mph (300 km/h), and it’s safe to presume the sprint from a standstill to 62 mph (100 km/h) will be dealt with in the low-2-second range.

Beyond upgrading the motors, Xiaomi has included a new air suspension system, rear-axle torque vectoring, and made tweaks to the traction control. Buyers eager to take their YU7 GTs to the track will also be able to configure it with optional carbon ceramic brakes from Brembo.

Prices have yet to be confirmed, but the model is expected to start between 450,000 yuan ($65,800) and 500,000 yuan ($73,100). Xiaomi will be hopeful that it helps to reinvigorate interest in the YU7, which has seen sales decline from a peak of almost 40,000 units last December to just under 15,000 in March.

Baldauf

Audi gave its Q4 e-tron electric SUV a major update in 2023, but now it’s time for another one. You’ll spot the new version by its segmented digital LED lights and body-color grille, but the important tweaks are inside and underneath, including the controversial decision of removing some physical controls.

More: Audi’s New RS6 Could Steal Its V8 From A Very Different Brand

A revised rear motor, new power electronics, smarter software, and lower-friction transmission oil combine for efficiency gains of around 10 percent over the outgoing model. The headline figure belongs to the Audi Q4 Sportback e-tron performance, which can travel up to 367 WLTP miles (591 km). The same model’s 82 kWh battery can now charge at up to 185 kW up from 175 kW before, which is enough for a 10 to 80 percent top-up in around 27 minutes.

That’s still well below the 250-ish kW you can shovel down the neck of a Genesis GV60, which can do the 10-80 sprint in less than 20 minutes, but it’s a welcome improvement all the same. As is the 18 additional miles (29 km) added to the range of the base 201 hp (204 PS / 250 kW) trim with the 59 kWh battery, though since Audi only quoted 263 miles (424 km) before, it’s still not exactly a road-trip weapon.

The base model is only available with a single motor and rear-wheel drive, as is the 282 hp (286 PS / 160 kW) mid-spec car, despite it previously being offered with a choice of two- or all-wheel drive. The top-line 335 hp (340 PS / 250 kW) is Quattro-only.

Bi-Directional Charging

The biggest practical upgrade for campers and outdoors people is bidirectional charging, a first for Audi, though one other brands have offered for a few years already. In select European markets, Vehicle-to-Home also allows the battery to feed energy back into a house, helping store solar power or trim electricity bills.

Another practical improvement comes in the form of a much more useful towing allowance. Quattro versions now tow up to 1,800 kg (3,970 lbs), up by 400 kg (882 lbs). The trunk still offers 520 litres, expanding to 1,490 litres with the rear seats folded, and an electric tailgate is now standard too, which you kind of expect with a premium car these days.

Passenger Screen And AI

Inside, Audi’s given the Q4 a more premium cabin with a panoramic display combining an 11.9-inch driver screen and 12.8-inch central touchscreen. There’s also an optional 12-inch passenger display, augmented reality head-up display, and ChatGPT integration. It brings the Q4’s cabin into line with other recent Audis like the bigger Q6 e-tron and the A5 and A6 sedans.

Wireless charging gets a boost with two cooled 15-watt pads up front, while Android Automotive underpins the infotainment system. Criticisms of the Q4 at launch focused heavily on the interior quality but Audi says the cabin’s been improved with softer materials, ambient lighting, and a redesigned centre console that should make daily use easier.

The controls story remains slightly conflicted. In the facelifted model, Audi has walked back some of the steering wheel’s touch-sensitive inputs, replacing them with proper scroll wheels. At the same time, the physical climate controls have been removed, leaving those functions buried in screen menus.

Audi

After more than two decades of soldiering on through countless updates, Japan’s most familiar workhorse is finally getting a proper rethink. The Toyota HiAce remains one of the world’s most popular commercial vehicles, but the current H200 generation has been on sale in Japan since 2004, making a strong case for a successor. A new model is rumored to debut by early next year, marking the biggest change in the nameplate’s history.

More: This Van Should Be Dead By Now, But Toyota Keeps Updating It After 22 Years

In 2019, Toyota introduced the H300 generation of the HiAce, though Japan stuck to the older cabover H200 van. The latter has received countless model year updates over the past 22 years, but it is inevitably getting closer to retirement.

What Will The Next HiAce Look Like?

The Toyota HiAce Concepts that debuted at the 2025 Japan Mobility Show are the best indication of the next generation model, which will finally give Japanese buyers access to a modern Toyota light commercial vehicle (LCV).

One of the concepts features a long-wheelbase, high-roof bodystyle, while the other is a standard van. Both have modern LEDs and clean surfacing inspired by the 2023 Toyota Kayoibako concept. Crucially, while the new HiAce will abandon the cab-over styling of the H200, it will have a shorter hood than the H300, making it more suitable for the tight roads of Japan.

Illustration: Thanos Pappas for CarScoops

Our exclusive rendering previews the upcoming production-spec HiAce as a white commercial van with a high roof and a long wheelbase, riding on black steelies. The narrow side windows of the concepts will likely be reserved for passenger-oriented trims, while the lighting units might gain simpler LED graphics for cost-saving reasons.

More: Toyota’s Next Corolla Cross Is Growing Up, And The RAV4 Should Be Worried

Toyota will most likely offer several bodystyle variants of the LCV, following the example of the current HiAce, which is available in different widths, heights, and lengths. It is safe to assume the new model will also serve as a base for passenger shuttles and even camper conversions.

Furthermore, the lineup will be joined by a smaller van based on the Daihatsu Kayoibako-K concept, designed for urban deliveries and short camping adventures.

TNGA Platform Brings Big Changes

2025 Toyota HiAce Concepts

Local media reports suggest the new HiAce will share components with the H300 generation currently sold in markets such as the Philippines, Thailand, and Australia. The LCV is expected to ride on the TNGA platform, with improvements in safety and ride quality over the aging H200.

Besides switching from a mid-engined to a front-engined layout, the HiAce will reportedly introduce a self-charging hybrid powertrain option. This will likely be more powerful and more efficient than the existing diesel and gasoline engines.

More: This 14-Year-Old Van Refuses To Die And Somehow Keeps Getting New Gear

As hinted at by the Global HiAce BEV concept from 2023, a fully electric version of the LCV was under consideration. However, the latest rumors suggest the zero-emission powertrain has been put on hold due to shifting market conditions.

According to Creative Trend, citing information from local agency Apollo News Service, the new generation of the HiAce is expected to debut in late 2026 or early 2027. We will keep an eye out for more information about the popular van and update this story accordingly.