Tesla’s European sales are, to put it lightly, in freefall. After months of steadily declining numbers, April was a particularly disastrous month for the electric vehicle maker. Key markets like Spain, Germany, Belgium, France, and the UK all saw significant drops, leaving Tesla wondering if it can get back on track anytime soon.

Germany, in particular, seems to be where Tesla’s problems are most evident. In April, the company sold just 885 vehicles in the country, down a staggering 45.9% compared to the same month last year. So far this year, Tesla has sold 5,820 vehicles in Germany, marking a 60.4% drop from 2024. Keep in mind, this is the country that houses Tesla’s only European factory, so things are clearly not going according to plan.

Read: Tesla Sales Crash Over 80% In Sweden And That’s Just The Beginning

It’s clear that public sentiment surrounding Tesla’s CEO, Elon Musk, plays a significant role in the company’s declining sales. This year, he’s spent a lot of time aligning himself with controversial figures like Donald Trump and making his presence felt in U.S. politics. Additionally, his public support for a far-right political party in Germany ahead of its recent federal elections has certainly contributed to some of the backlash.

Tesla has also been shifting the European supply of the best-selling Model Y to the recently updated ‘Juniper’ model. However, as local deliveries of this new model have already started, sales should be stronger than they are proving to be.

As Tesla struggled in Germany, some of its competition thrived. BYD, still a relatively new player in the country, sold 1,566 vehicles last month, a 755.7% jump over April 2024. Year-to-date sales are also up 384.5% to 2,791 units. MG sales were also up 34% in April. Polestar also reported a 47.1% increase in sales, with 303 units sold last month.

It’s not much better in the UK, where Tesla sales absolutely cratered in April. With only 512 units sold, the company saw a 62% drop compared to the year before. This is bad, even by bad-news standards.

Tesla’s struggles extend across several other European countries as well. In Spain, sales dropped 36%. In Belgium, it was 55%. France saw a 59% decline, Denmark 67%, and in Sweden, a jaw-dropping 81% drop in April. To put it bluntly, Tesla’s grip on the European market is slipping faster than the price of an electric car at a dealership going out of business.

Germany April 2025 Sales

While the VW Group produces many vehicles in the United States, every single Audi sold locally is built in either Europe or Mexico and exported to the US, meaning they are subject to President Trump’s 25 percent auto tariffs. The premium brand is working hard to avoid these tariffs and could build several of its vehicles locally.

A recent report out of Germany suggests that Audi may build the existing Q4 e-tron crossover, or its successor, at the Volkswagen plant in Chattanooga, Tennessee. This would be a logical option as the Q4 e-tron shares the same MEB platform as the VW ID.4, which is currently built in Tennessee.

Read: Audi Stops All US Vehicle Exports Over Tariffs

At the same time, it could alter production plans for the Q8 e-tron. This model was originally going to be built in Mexico, but it may now be manufactured in Columbia, South Carolina, which will be home to Scout and handle production of both the EV and EREV versions of the Terra and Traveler. While VW has been eager to distance itself from Scout to allow the new brand to sell direct-to-consumers, it clearly has enough influence over it to also have the site build an unrelated model from Audi.

According to a report from Automobilwoche, the VW Group is also eyeing a third potential location for building the Q6 e-tron, though details are scarce for now.

When asked about these plans, an Audi spokesperson didn’t exactly confirm anything but did admit that the U.S. market is one of their top priorities, sitting alongside Europe and China as a core pillar of their global strategy.

“We want to increase our presence in the U.S.,” they told Auto News. “We are currently examining various scenarios. We are confident that we will be able to decide on the specific details in consultation with the Group before the end of this year.”

Either way, the wheels are in motion for Audi to make a more significant push in the States, as it’s imperative for the company to do whatever it takes to dodge those tariffs, whether by relocating production, shifting models, or just flexing the power of the VW Group.

Rivian has revised its 2025 delivery forecast, blaming a shifting global trade environment that has been heavily influenced by Donald Trump’s second term as U.S. President. In a similar vein, Lucid is acknowledging rising costs due to tariffs but is holding firm on its production targets, expecting to produce 20,000 vehicles this year.

Read: Rivian’s Secret Stockpile Could Be Its Key To Defeating Tariffs

During the announcement of its first-quarter 2025 financial results, Rivian revealed a notable increase in gross profit, at $206 million to be exact. This marks the company’s second consecutive quarter of profitability, a significant milestone for the fledgling American EV manufacturer. It also makes Rivian eligible for a $1 billion investment from the Volkswagen Group, part of a broader partnership between the two companies.

Rivian’s First-Quarter Progress

The EV startup manufactured 14,611 vehicles in the first quarter, delivering 8,640 of them to customers. The company continues to make strides with its small R2 model, now building validation prototypes while expanding its manufacturing facility in Normal, Illinois.

The carmaker pointed out that while all its vehicles are manufactured in the U.S. and most of its materials either come from the US or are USMCA-compliant, the effects of tariffs, “evolving trade regulations,” and other policy changes have forced it to revise its delivery forecast.

Rivian now expects to deliver between 40,000 and 46,000 vehicles this year, down from an earlier projection of 46,000 to 51,000 vehicles. This adjustment means a potential reduction of up to 5,000 vehicles, equating to a 10% drop at the higher end of the original forecast and a 13% decline at the lower end.

On top of that, Rivian estimates that tariffs could add thousands of dollars to the cost of each vehicle. However, the company does appear to have one ace up its sleeve: a stockpile of batteries, which, according to reports, it’s been quietly accumulating since before the election. This stash could serve as a buffer against the pricing pressures triggered by Trump’s auto tariffs.

“This quarter we hit our second consecutive gross profit and our highest gross profit to date at $206 million,” added company founder and chief executive RJ Scaringe. “We have continued to make significant progress on R2, including vehicle validation builds underway and our Normal, Illinois manufacturing facility expansion on track.”

Despite Slow Start, Lucid Aims High

Meanwhile, Lucid wrapped up Q1 by building 2,212 vehicles, excluding 600 currently being shipped to Saudi Arabia. The company also delivered 3,109 vehicles during the quarter, posting $235 million in revenue. Despite the ongoing challenges, Lucid ended the quarter with a healthy liquidity position of $5.76 billion and is still on track to build approximately 20,000 vehicles this year.

We were all expecting Ferrari to pull the curtain back on its first EV, tentatively called the Elettrica, in October. But, as it turns out, the Italian automaker has decided to tease us with only a glimpse of the car’s “technological heart” during the fall, with the actual vehicle set to make its debut next spring.

Ferrari made this announcement during the release of its first-quarter financial report this week. CEO Benedetto Vigna offered little detail about the “technological heart” of the Elettrica, but it’s a safe bet he’s referring to the all-electric powertrain that will power the car.

Read: Ferrari’s First EV Spied Up Close While Charging

While we don’t yet know how many motors the EV will pack or the exact size of its battery, we do know that the battery modules, inverters, and electric motors will all be developed and built in Maranello. Sure, Ferrari could have opted to source these components from a third-party supplier, but instead, they’ve chosen to keep it all in-house, a move that speaks to the brand’s commitment to maintaining control over its technology.

Customer Deliveries: A Long Wait Ahead

In addition to announcing that the first part of the Elettrica’s unveiling has been scheduled for October before a launch next spring, Vigna confirmed that customer deliveries will start in October 2026, according to an Auto News report.

Several prototypes of Ferrari’s highly anticipated EV have been spotted in recent months, sporting a mix of parts from existing models. It’s still unclear how closely these test mules will resemble the final production version, but one thing is certain: the Elettrica won’t be your typical sports car. Instead, expect something more in line with the Purosangue SUV, just slightly smaller.

In its Q1 report, Ferrari says that it shipped a total of 3,593 new cars this year, 33 more than it shipped in Q1 2024. Revenue also increased by 13% to €1.79 billion (~$2 billion), and net profit jumped by 17% to €412 million (~$467 million).

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If you’re in the market for a used car, you’ll generally find the best deal on the private market, but that route isn’t for everyone. Many people prefer the convenience of buying through a dealer or directly from the automaker. For those looking to minimize the stress of buying a used car, Tesla’s used inventory might seem like an attractive option, though it’s not without its issues.

Read: Used EV Prices Plummet 32% As Tesla Price Cuts Impact Industry

The main drawback? You won’t even see the car until you’ve paid a non-refundable $500 deposit, plus anywhere from a few hundred to a few thousand dollars in transport fees. And by “see the car,” we mean no photos of the actual vehicle – nothing. Just trust the process, apparently.

Yes, we know Tesla isn’t viewed in the best light at the moment, but that doesn’t change the fact that it continues to build some of the finest EVs on the market. It also has some reasonably priced used examples it’s looking to offload, and plenty of them come with very generous warranties.

Five of the most tempting we’ve come across include three first-gen Model Ys and two first-gen Model 3s. The cheapest of the bunch is a 2020 Model 3 Standard Range Plus Rear-Wheel Drive with an asking price of $19,000. While the car has been driven 62,092 miles (99,927 km), a look through AutoTrader shows that similar Model 3s with around the same mileage generally have asking prices between $18,000 and $22,000, so this example is reasonably well-priced.

Perhaps of most interest to a potential buyer is that it will include a 1-year / 10,000-mile limited warranty from Tesla itself. Additionally, the balance of the original battery and drive unit warranty is fully transferable and lasts until September 2028 or 160,000 miles. Several used Model 3s and Ys have also been advertised with an additional basic vehicle limited warranty that extends until up to 2026 with 50,000 or even 80,000 miles.

Another 2021 Model 3 Standard Range Plus Rear-Wheel Drive has been listed for $19,800, but it has a battery and drive unit warranty lasting until October 2029 / 160,000 miles. However, the listing notes it is ‘repaired,’ without specifying what repairs have been made to it.

The three Model Ys in Tesla’s used inventory have also been listed as repaired vehicles. They all include the 1-year / 10,000-mile limited warranty and have battery and drive unit warranties that extend until August 2028 and December 2028.

Chevrolet’s EV lineup is expanding at full throttle, and after introducing electric versions of the Blazer, Equinox, and Silverado, the brand is adding another familiar name to its global roster, and this time, it’s the Captiva. However, before you get too excited, know that this is another one of those “for South America only” deals, so don’t expect it to land on U.S. shores anytime soon, if ever.

The Captiva name was first used in the mid-2000s for a compact SUV sold in certain markets like Europe, Australia, New Zealand, as well as parts of South East Asia, where it was also branded as the Daewoo Winstorm. After the original model was axed, GM revived the Captiva with a new version based on the Baojun 530, a Chinese model. Now, the Captiva has gone full electric, and it’s based on another Chinese offering.

Read: GM’s New Wuling Sunshine Is The Swiss Army Knife Of Chinese EVs

The model in question is the Wuling Starlight S (also known as the Xing Guang S), which is currently sold in China. Recent social media posts from General Motors in Brazil reveal that much of the Wuling’s design has been carried over to the Chevy, though it’s been tweaked just enough to better fit the Bowtie badge.

At the front, the Captiva EV sports narrow LEDs and turn signals, with the main headlamps placed lower down on the fascia. Despite being an electric vehicle, it still has a large black grille, a departure from the grille-free designs we’re used to seeing in more modern EVs. The rear end, however, is almost identical to the Wuling model, with the same taillights, tailgate, and black bumper.

The Captiva EV will be sold in markets like Latin America, the Middle East, and Africa, regions where its compact size and affordability are expected to hit the mark. Needless to say, the US remains firmly out of the picture.

Technical specifications for the new model have yet to be announced. However, we know that the all-electric version of the Starlight S has a claimed driving range of up to 317 miles (510 km) and can reach 62 mph (100 km/h) in 7.7 seconds. Similar specs can be expected for the Captiva EV, including the ability for the battery to be charged from 30-80% in 20 minutes.

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It hasn’t even been two years since the Ford Fiesta was unceremoniously retired, and yet, it may already be staging a comeback. This time around, though, the Fiesta could look very different. Instead of a traditional internal combustion comeback, the new version might arrive as part of Ford’s growing collaboration with Volkswagen, a partnership that has already produced models like the Explorer EV and Capri based on VW’s platforms.

VW’s head of sales and marketing, Martin Sander, says that the carmaker’s tie-up with Ford on EVs has already proven to be “very, very, very successful,” and is open to sharing technologies in a similar way in the future. Sander formerly worked at Ford in Europe and, as the Explorer EV and Capri use the same platform as the VW ID.4 and ID.5, Ford could conceivably develop new EVs with the same MEB Entry architecture as the ID.1 and ID.2.

Read: Ford Is Killing The Focus ST But Something Wilder Is Coming

Ford itself has not commented on the possibility of building a new entry-level electric hatchback, but Auto Express speculates that such a project is conceivable. Ford says it’s “confident in its ability to compete in the right segments,” so if it sees potential with an electric hatch, it may be wise to pursue it.

Looking at the numbers, the ID.2 could be a near-ideal blueprint for a new Fiesta. The ID.2all Concept is only 0.7 inches (or 18 mm) longer than the outgoing Fiesta, and it shares the same five-door layout. In terms of size and purpose, it’s almost a one-to-one match.

Of course, Ford would have to convince VW to let it use its underpinnings, even though a new Fiesta would likely snatch sales away from the ID.2, as well as the related Cupra Raval and Skoda Epiq. Unless VW thinks it will get something from the deal, it’s hard to see why it would be open to it. Admittedly, if a new Fiesta were sold in markets where the ID.2 won’t be, that would take away the threat of it stealing sales.

Meanwhile, Ford isn’t sitting still. A skunkworks team inside the company is reportedly working on a new budget-friendly EV aimed squarely at emerging rivals like BYD. This upcoming model could start at around $25,000 and may feature a lithium-iron-phosphate (LFP) battery pack, which offers cost advantages and improved durability compared to traditional lithium-ion batteries.

Regardless of the Fiesta’s return, Ford appears to be quietly assembling the pieces for a more affordable EV future, and it may not be long before we see what that actually looks like.

In a world racing toward the future on silent electric motors, the idea of electrifying a post-war Land Rover might sound like forcing a flip phone to run TikTok. Still, that’s exactly what UK-based company Inverted is doing, taking the legendary Land Rover Series I, II, and III and giving them a fully electric drivetrain while staying largely true to their iconic design.

Inverted already offers EV conversions for Range Rover Classic models and is using this expertise with old Land Rovers. The original Series I, Series II, and Series III models were built between 1948 and 1985 with 4-, 6-, and 8-cylinder petrol and diesel engine options. The EV specialist ditches these engines and slots in a 62 kWh battery pack that’s been split across the front and rear to optimize weight distribution.

Read: Electric Toyota FJ40 – Your Grandpa’s Off-Roader Gets A Tesla Heart

That battery sends power to a single electric motor producing 160 horsepower and a hefty 664 lb-ft (900 Nm) of torque. Thanks to that torque, these once-slow utility vehicles can now hit 60 mph (96 km/h) in a surprisingly brisk 8 seconds.

Even more interesting is that Inverted keeps the original transfer box, which still offers high and low range gearing and works seamlessly with the electric setup. A locking differential is also included, maintaining off-road capability.

Short Range That (Sort of) Fits the Mission

Inverted says its electric Land Rover models can travel up to 120 miles (193 km) on a full charge. That’s peanuts compared to most EVs on the market, but it’s worth remembering that very few owners of old Land Rovers like these use them as a daily driver. One hundred twenty miles is probably more than enough for the occasional trip through town.

The battery pack supports 6.6 kW Type 2 charging and 60 kW DC fast charging, allowing it to be charged from 20-80% in 38 minutes. Eco, Traffic, and Off-Road driving modes have also been incorporated, and new electric power steering has been added.

“Series Land Rovers are beautiful, iconic machines,” Inverted founder Harry Millington said. “But let’s face it, not everyone wants to wrestle with a choke on a cold morning or breathe in exhaust fumes that waft through the car. Our electrified versions preserve everything people love about these classics while making them more fun, more reliable, and infinitely more usable.”

Just don’t expect this upgraded nostalgia to come cheap. Inverted’s conversions start at £150,000 (roughly $199,000), though that price does include the donor vehicle. For collectors or enthusiasts who want a cleaner, quieter, and more practical take on the classic Land Rover, it’s a steep price, but also a unique way to bridge past and future without losing the charm of either.

The Cadillac Escalade has never been accused of being subtle, and that’s exactly why it continues to thrive in a market filled with increasingly subdued SUV designs. It remains one of the most audacious, head-turning vehicles on American roads, favored by those who want to be noticed from several lanes away. That kind of flash inevitably draws aftermarket attention, and now, one company is taking on the challenge with a new spin on the all-electric Escalade IQ.

That company is Waido, a name already familiar to fans of widebody kits and over-the-top custom builds. The latest project is previewed through a series of detailed renderings, showing off am extreme visual makeover for Cadillac’s electric flagship.

Read: Cadillac’s Wildest New Luxury Isn’t A Feature It’s Dinner Reservation In The Backseat

Waido kicks things off with a new front fascia featuring distinctive aero accents and an extended chin spoiler. The changes give the Escalade IQ a sharper, more aggressive look, well beyond what you’ll find in the showroom. Complementing the new front-end are flared wheel arches, adding some extra width to the SUV (not that it actually needs it). Waido has flared the rear arches, too, and showcased the Caddy on a set of aftermarket wheels.

Illustrations Waido

At the rear, the transformation includes a redesigned bumper, a new lip spoiler, and a small diffuser. Of course, no one is expecting a full-size electric SUV to suddenly benefit from track-ready downforce, but the visual drama adds to the overall package. And really, with a curb weight north of 9,000 pounds (4,082 kg), the Escalade IQ already puts more than enough pressure through its tires without any help from airflow trickery.

Waido was one of the first brands to unveil a widebody kit for the Tesla Cybertruck, priced from $9,990. here’s no word yet on what the Escalade IQ setup will cost, but given the extensive use of forged carbon fiber in these renderings, don’t expect it to land in budget territory.

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Update: As it turns out, there are a lot more unsold Launch Edition Model Ys floating around than we initially thought. When we looked into it last week, there were only 18 Launch Editions available across the USA. Well, we checked again, and now Tesla is showing that it has a whopping 328 in stock.

What’s interesting is that when the Launch Edition was first available to order, the white interior was supposedly “sold out.” Now, out of those 328 cars, 202 come with that very white interior. Meanwhile, Tesla’s overall Model Y inventory has also swelled to 626 examples of the Juniper, according to Tesla-Info stats. So, yes, a lot has changed since our last update. We’ve tweaked the article below to reflect the latest numbers.

Back in late January, Tesla rolled out its updated Model Y to the U.S. market with the limited-run Launch Edition. But, much like that one band you only get to see live in a tiny venue before they blow up, the Launch Edition was only available for a brief moment. The clock ticked down on those special editions in less than two months, before the more mainstream Long Range AWD version of the refreshed Model Y made its debut.

Read: At $59,990, New 2025 Tesla Model Y Juniper Launch Series Is $4K Cheaper Than The Old One

If you missed your chance to grab one, there’s plenty of hope, as at the time of publishing, at least 328 are listed in Tesla’s U.S. inventory. We’ve been keeping an eye on the numbers, and it looks like Tesla continues to quietly add more every few days. Apparently, the company didn’t manage to sell through all of its special edition Launch Series models, which isn’t all that surprising considering the recent dip in its overall sales.

A deeper dive into Tesla-Info’s current listings shows there are 626 examples of the 2026 Model Y sitting in inventory, ready for delivery without the need to go through the usual wait tied to custom orders. Among them, are the aforementioned Launch Series editions, all listed at the original $59,990 sticker price. That drops to $52,490 if you qualify for the $7,500 federal EV tax credit.

Buyers can choose from nearly every available color (except the new Diamond Black), along with the 20-inch Helix wheels or the smaller, more efficient 19-inch Crossflow rims. While the Launch Series comes fully loaded with all the major options, Tesla still offered some flexibility in choosing colors, wheels, and other select features. However, every model in this batch includes the $2,000 Acceleration Boost and the $8,000 Full-Self Driving Beta capability as standard.

These Launch Edition models are scattered across a variety of states, including Connecticut, Massachusetts, New York, Rhode Island, New Jersey, and Washington, among others.

All Model Y Launch Series models come equipped with dual-motor all-wheel drive and are rated for an estimated 327 miles (526 kilometers) of range with the 19-inch wheels, or 303 miles (488 kilometers) with the larger 20s. With the Acceleration Boost activated, they’ll go from 0 to 60 mph (0 to 97 km/h) in a quick 4.1 seconds with rollout, and reach a top speed of 125 mph (201 km/h).

More: Seres 5 Crushes Tesla Model Y In Comfort But Loses The Battle Where It Counts

Is the so-called Juniper Model Y better than the car it replaces? According to early reviews from both owners and journalists, the answer seems to be yes. The new Model Y is reportedly quieter, smoother to drive, and just looks more polished overall. Whether you’re a Tesla fan or not, there’s a growing consensus that the refreshed model is a strong step forward.

So, Is the Launch Edition Worth It?

Whether the premium for the Launch Edition is worth it really depends on how much you value the included standard features. Technically, it saves you several thousand dollars compared to fully optioning a standard Long Range AWD model, which isn’t the case for all the other inventory units currently available. If those extras don’t matter to you, the standard LR offers much better value. You can even add the Acceleration Boost for $2,000 through the app, so it’s not exactly a deal-breaker.

Plus, if you’re in a state like Massachusetts, which offers an additional $3,500 rebate for EVs priced under $50,000, the Launch Edition’s price tag will disqualify it from that sweet rebate.

John Halas contributed to this story.

Since Elon Musk aligned himself with President Donald Trump and began cutting funding and jobs through the so-called Department of Government Efficiency (DOGE), attacks and protests targeting Tesla have surged. Earlier this week, another Tesla vehicle was hit, and by Wednesday, the accused suspect had already been indicted by a federal grand jury.

On Monday, Ian William Moses was accused of starting a fire at a Tesla dealership n Mesa, Arizona. According to federal prosecutors, Moses placed fire-starter logs near the building, soaked them in gasoline, and sparked a blaze that damaged the showroom and destroyed a Cybertruck parked outside.

Read: Cybertruck Owner’s Nazi Salutes Destroy His Business Overnight After Brutal Yelp Firestorm

Security footage reportedly caught someone in a black mask, hooded sweatshirt, and baseball cap near the scene. About 90 minutes later, local police arrested Moses, who was allegedly wearing the same outfit. Authorities say he also had a hand-drawn map of the dealership in his pocket, which sounds like something out of a low-budget spy movie, minus the intrigue.

He’s now been charged with five counts of maliciously damaging property and vehicles in interstate commerce by means of fire. Each count carries a fine of up to $250,000 and a prison term between five and 20 years.

“There is nothing American about burning down someone else’s business because you disagree with them politically,” US Attorney Timothy Couchaine said in the case. “These ongoing attacks against Tesla are not protests, they are acts of violence that have no place in Arizona or anywhere else. If someone targets Tesla with violence, they will be found and confronted with the full force of the law.”

This indictment comes less than a month after U.S. Attorney General Pamela Bondi issued a public warning to would-be attackers of Tesla facilities or vehicles: “We will arrest you, we will prosecute you, and we will not negotiate. Crimes have consequences.”

Photos DOJ

The Ioniq 9, Hyundai’s first all-electric three-row SUV, has been priced from $58,955 in the United States and tops out at $76,490. While it’s a little pricier than the Kia EV9, with which it shares its platform, the Ioniq 9 has a much larger battery pack and offers more driving range than its Kia cousin.

All Hyundai Ioniq 9 models are underpinned by a 110.3 kWh NMC lithium-ion battery pack, including the base model. This version, known as the Ioniq 9 RWD S, pairs the sizeable battery with a 215 hp electric motor driving the rear axle, offering a quoted range of 335 miles (539 km), making it the range champion in the lineup.

Read: New Hyundai Ioniq 9 Lands With Three-Rows And Massive 110.3 kWh Battery

While paying $58,955, not including a $1,600 destination fee, may sound like a lot given the cheapest Kia EV9 starts at $54,900, it’s worth noting the base Kia only has a 76.1 kWh battery and 230 miles (370 km) of range. Even the higher-end versions of the EV9 make do with a 99.8 kWh battery, and the longest range offered by the EV9 is 304 miles (489 km) in the Light Long Range RWD version.

Five other versions of the Ioniq 9 have been announced in the US, all of which have all-wheel drive. The first of these is the Ioniq 9 AWD SE starting at $62,765 with 303 hp and 320 miles (515 km) of range. Sitting above is the more well-equipped AWD SEL, priced from $66,320 and complete with the same dual-motor powertrain and range.

Three versions of the Ioniq 9 Performance are then available. The base Performance Limited packs 422 hp, 311 miles (500 km) of range, and starts at $71,250. Sitting above in the range is the Performance Calligraphy, starting at $74,990. The flagship model is the Performance Calligraphy Design, priced from $76,490.

All buyers and lessees of the new Hyundai Ioniq 9 can choose to either receive a free ChargePoint Home Flex Level 2 charger or a $400 ChargePoint charging credit. Importantly, all models are eligible for the full $7,500 federal EV tax credit, meaning the cheapest Ioniq 9 effectively starts at $53,055 including destination.

US PRICING

Ford is pouring tens of billions of dollars into electric vehicles, betting big on a future that’s already here, but so far, the returns aren’t looking great. While the EV market overall continues to grow, Ford’s own electric sales are moving in the opposite direction. If the Dearborn automaker wants to close the gap with rivals like GM and Hyundai-Kia, let alone take a swing at Tesla’s lead, it needs to figure out how to boost local EV sales, and quickly.

A look at Ford’s most recent sales results does not paint a pretty picture for the automaker. In April, Ford managed to sell 4,859 EVs across the country. This represents a massive 39.4% decline from the 8,014 units it sold in April last year. Ford’s total EV sales for the first four months of 2025 are also down 2.9% from last year, with 27,409 units finding new homes. And that’s with Ford extending its popular Employee Pricing discounts for all.

Read: Ford Chief Says China Leads US By 10 Years In EV Batteries, Needs Their IP

A dramatic drop in demand for the Mustang Mach-E is the main reason why Ford’s sales collapsed last month. In April, 2,927 Mustang Mach-Es were sold, representing a 40.2% decline from the 4,893 sold in April 2024. Interestingly, sales are up by 0.4% year to date with 14,534 sales.

Sales of the F-150 Lightning have also dropped. In April 2024, Ford shifted 2,090 units, but this year, just 1,740. Year-to-date sales are also down 9.2% to 8,927. The E-Transits also had a very bad month with just 192 sales, a plunge of 81.5%.

Unlike its EVs, Ford’s hybrids are actually gaining ground. In April, the company sold 23,331 hybrid models, a 29.6% increase over the previous year. Year-to-date, hybrid sales are up 31.9%, with 74,404 units sold so far in 2025.

Outside of EVs, things are looking good for Ford. In April, the company’s total vehicle sales rose 16.2% compared to the same month in 2024, reaching 208,675 units versus 179,588 last year.

With the exception of EVs, Ford’s overall sales are up through the first four months of the year, despite the turmoil that the whole industry is facing since the introduction of Trump’s tariffs. Year-to-date, Ford has sold 709,966 vehicles in the US, or 3.2% more than the 687,671 it delivered in 2024.

Ford has been working on an advanced next-generation electrical architecture for its future models aimed at streamlining software functions, cutting costs, and allowing it to better compete with EV leaders like Tesla. However, much like VW’s Cariad subsidiary, Ford’s program has encountered many issues and, according to three sources familiar with the matter who spoke to Reuters, it has now been abruptly shut down.

Read: Flip-Flopping Ford Delays Electric Truck And Axes 3-Row EV Plans, Will Build Hybrids Instead

The internal name for this now-defunct system was FNV4. It was spearheaded by Doug Field, a former Apple and Tesla executive who joined Ford with much fanfare and, last year, took home a tidy $15.5 million for his efforts. Despite the impressive pedigree behind it, FNV4 reportedly became a financial burden. Ballooning development costs forced Ford to cancel the project altogether, though some elements will be repurposed in the company’s current software systems.

The Reuters report notes that the FNV4 program contributed to significant losses across Ford’s EV and software divisions at $4.7 billion in 2023, followed by $5 billion in 2024.

Software Isn’t Optional Anymore

In the modern era where electrification seems to be the all-encompassing future and consumers want new vehicles jam-packed with tech, it’s become increasingly important for brands to make their software systems as integrated and advanced as possible. However, since companies like Ford use hundreds of electronic parts from different suppliers, they often have components that cannot communicate with each other. And that makes it more difficult to roll out OTA updates.

Ford has been planning to adopt a ‘zonal’ system for its next-gen system. It consists of software ‘brains’ for certain parts of the vehicle that would communicate with a central ‘brain’, Reuters reports. This would have reduced the need for long and complex wiring harnesses and would have helped speed up over-the-air updates.

A Shift in Strategy, But Not a Full Retreat

In a video shared internally with employees who worked on FNV4, Ford said it would be shifting focus back to its existing electrical architecture, rather than pursuing the more ambitious redesign. That said, this isn’t a full retreat. A small advanced engineering team, essentially a skunkworks group, is still quietly working on what could eventually become a more refined version of the same concept.

In a public statement, Ford reaffirmed its commitment to staying competitive on vehicle tech: “We are committed to delivering fully connected vehicle experiences across our entire lineup, regardless of powertrain, while many others in the industry are bringing the most advanced tech only to electric vehicles.”

While the grand plan may have stumbled, Ford claims that it isn’t giving up on the idea of smarter, more connected vehicles. It’s just learning the hard way that building them isn’t as simple as hiring a few tech world veterans and hoping everything works out.

Update: Ford Responds

Following the Reuters report, Ford reached out to clarify. The company says the project wasn’t “killed,” but rather merged, a detail mentioned in both Reuters’ and our own reporting. Ford also emphasized that the zonal architecture is still very much in play.

“We simply made a decision to merge two of our electrical architectures into a common electrical architecture for use across many more vehicles, across all powertrain types,” a Ford spokesperson told us. “This is to enable the connected digital experiences that have been so well received in products like the F-150, Mustang Mach-E and Lincoln Nautilus and Navigator. Now, future EVs and vehicles like Bronco, Mustang, Super Duty, Ranger and Transit will have those capabilities too.”

“In parallel, our next generation advanced electric vehicle platform (known as Skunkworks project) has given us the freedom to reinvent from the ground up and create a next-gen zonal architecture, with massive hardware simplification and a nimble, in-house software platform suited for our future affordable electric vehicles.“

In early April, one of the first crash-damaged 2024 Dodge Charger Daytona models landed on our desks after it took a hefty side hit. It didn’t take long for the second one to show up just a few days later. Fast forward a few weeks, and now a third Charger Daytona is sitting at one of IAAI’s yards in the U.S., getting prepped for sale.

More: Want To Break Your Dodge Charger Daytona? Try Slamming Its Hood

This time, it’s the Charger Daytona Scat Pack model, and it’s currently in Atlanta, Georgia. The car was totaled with only 822 miles (1,322 km) on the odometer. Naturally, the insurer decided it wasn’t worth fixing, which, at least on the surface, seems like a bit of an overreaction. The damage doesn’t look that bad and could probably be patched up without much trouble at all.

The damage seems to be isolated to the rear of the car, most likely from a rear-end collision with another vehicle. There’s a chance the driver may have backed into something, but we’ll go with the rear-end theory for now. The rear bumper is broken, the tailgate has been knocked out of place, and one taillight is completely busted.

Some damage may have also been done to the rear crash structure of this Charger, but it’s hard to say based on these images alone. From what we can see, the car could be repaired with a new bumper, tailgate, taillight, and may also need a new rear window installed. Other than that, it looks mostly fine, and there’s no visible damage to the sides or front of the car. The impact also wasn’t severe enough to trigger the airbags.

Read: Can A HEMI V8 Save This Wrecked Dodge Charger Daytona EV From The Scrap Heap?

While the all-electric Charger hasn’t exactly set the world on fire nor gotten enthusiasts particularly interested, it’d be a shame if this car isn’t repaired. Yes, it’s electric, but it packs an impressive 670 hp and 627 lb-ft (850 Nm) of torque thanks to a pair of electric motors. It also features a 100.5 kWh battery pack and can hit 60 mph (96 km/h) in just 3.3 seconds, quicker than even an old Charger Hellcat Redeye with 797 hp.

And hey, if you’re feeling lucky and want to get your hands on what could be the next big project car, you can check out the listing for yourself over here.

IAAI

Electric vehicles may grab most of the headlines, but for BYD, plug-in hybrids are quietly doing the heavy lifting. While the Chinese automaker is well-known as one of the world’s leading battery-electric vehicle manufacturers, it actually sells more plug-in hybrids than full EVs. That detail matters a lot as the company looks to expand its footprint across Europe, where not every new car buyer is quite ready to cut the gas cord completely.

Read: BYD Seal U DM-I Plug-In Hybrid SUV Brings China’s PHEV Tech To Europe

China is still BYD’s biggest market by far, but the company has made it clear that global presence is the next step. To position itself as a serious competitor to established brands in Europe, it needs more than flashy EVs. A stronger dealership network and, crucially, a broader lineup of plug-in hybrids are key pieces still missing from the puzzle.

More Hybrids on the Horizon

Right now, BYD’s European plug-in hybrid portfolio is thin. The only PHEV it currently offers in the region is the Seal DM-i sedan. But that’s about to change.

At a recent event in Stuttgart, Maria Grazia Davino, BYD’s regional chief overseeing several central European markets, confirmed plans to bring at least two more plug-in hybrids to Europe in 2025. Germany is one of the key target markets.

“Not everyone is ready for electric. We need something else to convince the customer,” Davino told Reuters. “Every month, we find the best balance between what the customer wants and what makes distribution successful. In the near future, we will have two pillars: one fully electric, and the other DM-i.”

BYD is currently subject to EU tariffs on imported vehicles from China, but it’s already taking steps to blunt the impact. New production facilities in Hungary and Turkey will handle a good portion of European-bound vehicles, helping the company avoid those extra costs.

While its local sales have not taken off as quickly as it would have liked, there are signs of improvement. During the first quarter of 2025, BYD sold over 37,000 vehicles across Europe, an increase of around 8,500 units from Q1 2024.

In addition to bringing more PHEVs to Europe, BYD recently launched its new premium Denza brand. Positioned as a rival to the likes of Mercedes-Benz, BMW, and Audi, Denza will first start selling its Z9 GT, created as a competitor to the Porsche Taycan Sport Turismo. It will start local sales of the D9 van at a later date.

Even in a world increasingly obsessed with electric SUVs and software subscriptions, some carmakers still care about how a vehicle feels to drive. Mazda has confirmed that the next-generation MX-5 roadster will stick with the lightweight philosophy that made the current car so iconic, and it will be powered by a 2.5-liter naturally aspirated four-cylinder. But a recent patent filing suggests the company is already thinking ahead to an electric future, possibly one that still wears the MX-5 badge.

Read: Mazda’s Next Miata Hides A Big Surprise Under The Hood

This patent was filed with the US Patent and Trademark Office in October of last year and surfaced publicly in April. It includes diagrams of a compact, two-door sports car that looks very similar to today’s MX-5, but with an electric powertrain designed specifically to preserve the car’s famously nimble handling.

A New Approach to EV Packaging

Most electric vehicles rely on a skateboard-style platform, placing a large battery pack flat under the floor. That’s perfectly fine for a sedan or SUV, but it’s less ideal for a sports car, especially one where you want to sit low and feel connected to the road. Mazda’s proposed workaround is to stack the battery cells vertically in a column running through what would traditionally be the transmission tunnel, according to Motor1.

In the patent, Mazda explains that this layout places the center of gravity closer to the vehicle’s midpoint, helping to reduce yaw moment of inertia. This translates to better agility and more balanced handling. The design could also include additional battery modules behind the seats, along with a smaller pack positioned in front of the passenger. Rimac’s Nevera uses a similar configuration, placing cells both in the tunnel and behind the seats, though with more extreme performance goals in mind.

Centering the Mass, Preserving the Feel

Just as interesting as the position of the batteries in this potential new electric sports car from Mazda is the motor. Rather than the rear motor being mounted between the rear wheels, it would also be positioned in the center tunnel, transmitting power through a differential to the rear. This would also help to concentrate most weight in the center of the car.

As always, the fact that Mazda has applied to patent this system doesn’t mean it will reach production, let alone in the near future. However, if the MX-5 does eventually morph into an EV, it’s good to know it will continue to prioritize sports handling and fun-to-drive dynamics.

Just when it seemed like Nissan might spend the next decade quietly refining CVTs and adding fake engine noise to its hybrids, it dropped a surprise. Last week, Nissan proved to the world it can make a compelling electric sedan, unveiling the N7 at the Shanghai Auto Show. Admittedly, it’s part Chinese, sharing parts with the Dongfeng eπ 007, but it seems quite promising. It also happens to be very affordable.

Soon after the official reveal, Nissan has announced that prices in China for the N7 will start at 199,900 yuan, or the equivalent of around $16,400 at current exchange rates. For this figure, shoppers can get behind the wheel of the entry-level N7 510 Air.

Read: New Nissan N7 Is One Slippery Electric Sedan That Makes The EQS Look Exciting

Sitting above the Air in the lineup is the N7 510 Pro, starting at 129,900 yuan, or roughly $17,800. Then there’s the N7 510 Max, which comes in at 139,900 yuan ($19,200). As the names suggest, all three models feature a claimed 510 km (317 miles) of range on the CLTC cycle. They’re powered by a 58 kWh lithium iron phosphate (LFP) battery.

Buyers who need more range can opt for the 73 kWh LFP battery, available in the N7 620 Pro and N7 625 Max. These are priced at 139,900 yuan ($19,200) and 149,900 yuan ($20,500), respectively. Nissan claims these versions will travel 625 km (388 miles) on a charge, though that’s based on the CLTC standard, which is known for being quite optimistic.

Performance, as with many Nissan models, isn’t the main attraction here. The N7 is offered with either 215 horsepower or 268 horsepower, depending on trim. It runs on a 400-volt architecture, which helps keep costs down but also limits fast-charging speeds.

The interior is very different than other Nissan models, but very similar to plenty of other EVs coming out of China. There’s a large 15.6-inch infotainment display and a large digital instrument cluster. Throw in a couple of wireless charging pads, two cupholders, and a two-spoke steering wheel, and you get a very tech-focused, Chinese-inspired cabin. There’s also a notable absence of physical buttons, apart from the handful of switches on the steering wheel.

In terms of size, the N7 measures 193.5 inches long, 74.6 inches wide, and 58.5 inches tall, riding on a 114.8-inch wheelbase. For comparison, the last Maxima, which quietly exited stage about two years ago, came in at 192.8 inches long, 73.2 inches wide, 56.5 inches tall, with a 109.3-inch wheelbase. So the N7 is a touch longer, noticeably wider, a bit taller, and rides on a significantly longer wheelbase, which should translate to more cabin space, especially for rear passengers.

NISSAN N7 PRICES CHINA

Electric cars are no longer just science projects or niche status symbols, and BMW clearly knows it. As expected, the new all-electric Neue Klasse sedan from BMW will revive the i3 nameplate, but it will look and feel very different from the quirky original hatch that launched back in 2013. This time, BMW is aiming the new i3 squarely at the Tesla Model 3, and it might just become the most important vehicle in BMW’s next generation of EVs.

Read: BMW i3 Neue Klasse Sedan Spied For The First Time

BMW has confirmed that it will kick off the Neue Klasse era with the second-generation iX3, which has already been previewed by a concept. Once the iX3 arrives, BMW will follow it up with the new i3. Interestingly, the i3 will not just be offered as a traditional sedan, but will also come in a Touring estate version for those who still appreciate a good wagon.

In a recent interview with Autocar, BMW Group design boss Adrian van Hooydonk pointed out that the surprising success of the M3 Touring and M5 Touring proves that there is still life left in the estate segment.

Touring Models Are Back, Apparently

“I think the ‘touring is making a comeback,” he said. “Of course, we’ve propelled it with the M3 Touring and M5 Touring: they seem to be very popular, even in countries where tourings or estates are traditionally not very [popular]. So yes, there is new wind in that segment, and we’re very happy about that.”

Illustrations Sugar Design

“SUVs are half of our business,” van Hooydonk continued. “The other half are still sporty, elegant sedans or coupés, and obviously we care about that as well. That’s what we’re rooted in, and we are often seen as the benchmark – and for sure we want it to stay that way.”

The ‘i’ Stays, but It Means Something Different Now

BMW product boss Bernd Körber also weighed in, explaining that the company will continue to use the “i” badge for its EV models. According to Körber, the letter “i” started out representing several ideas, but one constant was electrification.

“Why the ‘i’? Because the i brand started out with more facets to it, but one element with the i3 and i8 was electrification,” he said. “So for us it’s a designator that we use to indicate within the common naming [strategy] that this is an electrified vehicle, with the ‘i’ in front of it. So we kept the ‘i’, put it in front and moved it from a kind of sub-brand to a model brand, and that will be the logic that we will follow from now on.”

The new BMW i3 is expected to launch with a rear-wheel-drive base model producing around 300 horsepower. All-wheel-drive versions will come later. BMW also plans to spin off an electric version of the M3, previewed earlier this year as the Vision Driving Experience concept, which will feature four electric motors for truly ridiculous performance.

Nissan is reportedly preparing to shut down production at its plant in Wuhan, China, following dwindling production of the Ariya and X-Trail models built there. It is another blow for the Japanese automaker, coming just days after news broke that Nissan is bracing for the worst financial loss in its history.

Read: Nissan’s New Frontier Pro Plug-in Hybrid Wants To Take On The World

News of Nissan’s plans first came from a local Chinese outlet. It’s understood that annual production at the plant has only hit 10,000 units since operations commenced in 2022. That’s pretty terrible, particularly since the plant has the capacity to build as many as 300,000 vehicles annually. Nissan is currently leasing the site from Dongfeng Motor.

Nissan’s Chinese Sales Were Way Off Target

According to Reuters, fierce competition from Chinese automakers has been a major factor behind Nissan’s underwhelming numbers. Domestic brands have surged ahead, leaving foreign companies like Nissan scrambling to keep up.

This isn’t the only Nissan plant in China that’s under serious pressure. In June last year, it closed its plant in Changzhou due to the jump in sales of Chinese EVs and dwindling demand for imported vehicles. This site had been operating alongside Dongfeng Motor since November 2020 and had the capacity to build 130,000 vehicles annually.

Nissan’s Is Between A Rock And A Hard Place

Nissan is in dire straits at the moment. We’re only a few months removed from its planned merger with Honda falling apart, and on May 13, it’s gearing up to release its full earnings report for the fiscal year that ended in March.

The forecast is grim. Last week, Nissan announced it expects to post a net loss of between ¥700 billion and ¥750 billion (roughly $4.91 billion to $5.26 billion), a massive jump from the ¥80 billion ($560 million) it had originally predicted.

Nissan is currently in survival mode and is implementing a massive restructuring. It has confirmed plans to cut 9,000 jobs, is closing plants, and has streamlined model lineups. It is also looking for a new partner, and could even join forces with Taiwanese tech giant Foxconn.

Nissan is currently in survival mode and is implementing a massive restructuring. It has confirmed plans to cut 9,000 jobs, is closing plants, and has streamlined model lineups. It is also looking for a new partner, and could even join forces with Taiwanese giant Foxconn.