Mercedes-AMG has stripped away some of the body cladding and camouflage of its long-awaited electric sedan, giving us our best look at the car yet. The car will push AMG into a new market and serve as a rival to the likes of the Porsche Taycan and Audi RS e-tron GT. So, is it worth getting excited about?

These new teasers show a prototype with a sleek and low-slung design that shares unmistakable similarities with the Mercedes Vision AMG Concept from three years ago. Like that car, the new electric sedan from Affalterbach has striking LED daytime running lights mimicking the shape of the Three Pointed Star. Similar DRLs are featured on the new CLA and will be added to other new Mercedes models, but AMG has enlarged them for this car.

Read: AMG’s New V8 Isn’t Just Coming Back It’s Coming For Everything

There’s no sign of a traditional front grille, although we can see some slats towards the base of the bumper that will provide some cooling.

The side profile of the car is certifiably sexy and has been paired beautifully with tightly-spoked wheels that should also aid in aerodynamic performance. At the rear, this prototype ditches the ugly temporary lights of other recent testers and gets a pair of circular LED taillights, which again have the star motif. There will also be an active rear wing.

The Good Stuff

While both the Taycan and RS e-tron GT represented dramatic departures for both Porsche and Audi, both cars are excellent, and AMG had better be at the top of its game to make a compelling rival to them. All the signs point towards it being just that.

Underpinning the all-electric cousin to the AMG GT 4-Door will be the new AMG.EA architecture with a battery pack from Sila Nanotechnologies in the US and electric motors from British firm Yasa. Mercedes-AMG is reportedly pursuing a four-digit horsepower figure, giving it enough power to compete with the flagship Taycan and RS e-tron GT models.

Fortunately for those who still want a thunderous engine, Mercedes-AMG will continue to sell this new EV alongside the ICE-powered AMG GT 4-Door.

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Even as the auto industry lurches toward electrification with all the grace of a three-legged shopping cart, Mercedes-AMG is reminding everyone that the V8 still has a pulse. The German brand copped a lot of flak for turning the C63 into a four-cylinder hybrid, and raised plenty of eyebrows when it confirmed a pair of high-performance EVs for production. However, enthusiasts will be pleased to hear that the AMG V8s we all know and love aren’t going anywhere, at least for the time being.

In fact, fans of AMG’s signature V8s can breathe a little easier, at least for now. According to AMG boss Michael Schiebe, there’s still a future for combustion engines, thanks in part to regulatory breathing room. With the European Union’s combustion ban not taking effect until 2035 and no firm ICE cutoff in the U.S., there are “some years to come with the V8,” he says.

Schiebe didn’t specify how many years the current engine might hang on, but it sounds like AMG isn’t just keeping the lights on. They’re actively working on a new generation of the V8.

Read: New Flat-Plane V8 Coming To Mercedes-AMG CLE 63, But It Won’t Sound The Same

Speaking with Car and Driver, Schiebe explained that the next-gen V8 could find its way into multiple future models. That’s opened the door to speculation, some hopeful, some wildly optimistic, that the engine could even make its way back into a revised C63.

“We are in the midst of developing our next generation of the V8 and I see a lot of positions within our existing portfolio, or maybe even new ones, where we could actually imagine to have a V8,” he said.

We’ve known about the next-generation V8 from Mercedes-AMG for several months now. According to reports, it will ditch the cross-plane crankshaft of the current V8 family in favor of a flat-plane crank. The company is also developing the engine to work with a 48-volt mild-hybrid system that could incorporate a starter motor into the gearbox, while also adding some extra power and better efficiency.

Schiebe reinforced the idea that AMG won’t go all-in on hybridization with this engine. In his words, they don’t “necessarily need to go that far on hybridization,” suggesting this new V8 will stay closer to its roots than some feared.

That strategy could also extend the life of models like the AMG GT 4-Door, which many assumed would quietly exit stage left as AMG’s all-electric performance sedan comes to market. But according to Schiebe, that might not be the case, at least not yet.

“Let’s see how long we continue with a GT 4-Door,” he said. “Maybe there is a successor, but I don’t want to speculate about that.”

So while AMG’s future is undoubtedly electric, the V8 isn’t on the chopping block just yet. If anything, it looks like the automaker is doubling down on its combustion credentials, if only for a little while longer.

Electric vehicle sales in Australia are shifting fast, and the usual frontrunners are no longer guaranteed a spot at the top. As more buyers look beyond the legacy names, newer players are gaining ground, especially those with sharper price tags and more features for the money.

In 2023 and 2024, the Tesla Model Y was comfortably the best-selling EV in Australia. However, new options from Chinese and Korean brands have led to a massive slump in local sales of the Model Y, so much so that in April, it was only the 8th best-selling EV in the country. Evidently, it’s not just in Europe where Elon Musk’s company is falling out of favor.

Read: Tesla Couldn’t Even Sell Its Model Y Launch Editions As Hundreds Are Sitting Unsold

Storming in as the best-selling EV by far in Australia last month was the BYD Sealion 7, according to a report from Carsguide. It is the latest addition to BYD’s Ocean series of models and undercuts the Model Y on price, starting at AU$54,990 (~$35,400) and topping out at AU$63,990 (~$41,200), compared to the new Tesla that starts at AU$63,400 (~$40,800) and AU$73,400 (~$47,200) for the flagship version. Last month, 734 Sealion 7s were sold across the country.

Next up is the MG 4. While it’s been around for a couple of years now, the electric hatchback remains popular with 363 units sold in April. This positioned it just ahead of the BYD Atto 3, with 355 sold. Kia’s newly-launched EV5 and EV3 have also been well-received by local shoppers, with sales of 342 and 336, respectively. The BYD Seal then shifted 325 units while the new Geely EX5 sold 325 examples.

Then there’s the Tesla Model Y. A total of 280 were sold last month, positioning it slightly ahead of the Tesla Model 3 with 220 sales. Rounding out the top 10 was the BYD Dolphin with 216 examples finding new homes.

Now, before you start thinking recent sales represent the imminent collapse of Tesla, it’s worth noting that throughout April in Australia, Tesla was selling a mix of the outgoing Model Y and the brand new version. As we can see from the official page, Tesla still has a healthy inventory of the old crossover.

Many shoppers are likely holding off on placing an order until the new Model Y lands in earnest, which will happen over the next couple of months. Nevertheless, April’s results will likely have some local Tesla executives a little worried.

BEST SELLING VEHICLES AUSTRALIA

Wider Market Trends

Australia’s total new car sales declined in April. A total of 90,614 new vehicles were sold across the country last month, representing a decline of 6.8% compared to the same month in 2024 and quite a dramatic fall from the 108,606 new cars sold in March.

EV SALES AUSTRALIA

When it comes to automakers making grandiose promises that go unfulfilled and selling features that don’t actually work, no brand does it better (or worse) than Tesla. For Cybertruck owners, one feature that should be standard at this price point is active lane centering. But it’s not available, and it won’t be for at least another year, if it ever arrives at all.

Read: Cheapest Cybertruck Ever Offers 350 Miles But Not The $40K Price We Were Promised

At the launch of the Cybertruck, Tesla offered Supervised Full Self-Driving (FSD) as standard on the Foundation Series models. Great, right? Well, not quite. For about a year, the feature was basically useless. Once Tesla started selling the non-Foundation Series models, customers had to choose between dropping $8,000 for FSD or sticking with the more basic Autopilot system. But here’s the rub: Autopilot in the Cybertruck doesn’t come with Autosteer, Tesla’s term for active lane centering.

The “Free” FSD Trial – A Clever Way to Upsell

Now, the EV maker has announced that it is offering a 1-year free trial of Supervised Full-Self Driving, and while that may sound good, it’s a little more complicated. In confirming this offer, Tesla revealed that Autosteer will not be available for the Cybertruck outside of the FSD system. That means that if you’re one of those Cybertruck owners who purchased it without FSD, you won’t get any form of Autosteer.

As noted by Electrek, Tesla likely hopes that through the 1-year free trial, it can convince existing Cybertruck owners to pay for FSD, after giving them the chance to experience the added features it offers over the standard Autopilot.

Unfortunately, for those who have no interest in paying for FSD, this essentially leaves them with an electric truck that has adaptive cruise control but no self-steering. That’s something you can get in far cheaper vehicles, making it a tough pill to swallow for Cybertruck owners who thought they were getting something special.

For those who are still holding out hope, Tesla is giving Cybertruck owners until June 6 to sign up for the free 1-year FSD trial. But, to keep things as Tesla-like as possible, you’ll need to subscribe to the program, and then cancel at any time. Why not add another layer of complexity to an already confusing situation?

Back in April, Renault gave us a bit of a price shocker when they announced that their widebody, all-electric R5 Turbo 3E, a tribute to the iconic 5 Turbo, would set buyers back an astonishing €155,000 (a little over $175,000 at current exchange rates). Naturally, many scoffed at the idea of an electric hot hatch costing more than a new Porsche 911 GTS, but as it turns out, demand for the car is, well, shockingly strong.

Read: Renault 5 Turbo 3E Is An Electric Hyper Hatch With Over 500 HP

At their recent Annual General Meeting in France, Renault shared some interesting news: within just one week of the R5 Turbo 3E’s launch, they had secured an impressive 850 orders for the 1,980 units they plan to produce worldwide. What makes this even more noteworthy is that these allocations aren’t as simple as a quick call to your local Renault dealer. Securing one of these hyper hatches is a bit more complicated – and a lot more costly than you might think.

A Hefty Deposit for a Hefty Price Tag

To get in line for the R5 Turbo 3E, prospective buyers need to fork over a non-refundable deposit of €45,000 (around $51,000). This means Renault has already pocketed a cool €38.25 million ($43.2 million) in deposits. The company has confirmed that these funds will help complete the development of the hot new EV, so it’s not just the customers who are investing in this electric dream.

Just a few days after Renault first announced that order books for the car would open, company boss Fabrice Cambolive took to LinkedIn to confirm that 500 customer reservations had already been placed alongside an additional 200 from its dealers. Evidently, there are more people out there willing to spend an extraordinary amount of money on an exciting Renault.

Impressive Specs for a Pricey Package

The R5 Turbo 3E is based around a carbon fiber monocoque with two in-wheel motors out back. Together, they churn out a combined 540 horsepower, propelling the sub-compact car to 62 mph (100 km/h) in just 3.5 seconds.

Under the hood, the 70 kWh battery pack and 800-volt electrical architecture should give the car a range of over 250 miles (400 km). And, if you’re in a hurry, a quick 15-minute charge can take the battery from 15% to 80%. So, while it may cost an arm and a leg, at least you’ll be getting some serious performance in return.

President Donald Trump has long proclaimed that their new tariffs will encourage car manufacturers to build more of their vehicles in the United States. While some brands have indeed strengthened their commitments in the local market, Volvo has gone ahead and unexpectedly announced it will actually cut 5% of the workforce at its factory in Charleston, South Carolina.

The Swedish brand confirmed that these cuts do not form part of the redundancies it announced during the release of its first-quarter earnings last week. In total, the Charleston cuts will impact roughly 125 of the 2,500 employees who work there. It did not say who will lose their jobs or if the firings will impact production.

Read: Trump’s Tariffs Drive Volvo To Build A New Model In The US

Volvo’s South Carolina plant has the capacity to build 150,000 vehicles annually. However, it currently only builds the electric EX90 and the Polestar 3 there. It blamed the new job cuts on ever-changing trade policies, tariffs, and changing market conditions.

Despite slashing over 100 jobs, Volvo told Reuters that the US remains an important part of its long-term strategy and it’s still committed to boosting local output in the future. It also said it intends to eventually create 4,000 new jobs in South Carolina, but did not specify when these new jobs could be created.

It seems likely that Volvo is looking to slash any unnecessary expenses while global economies begin to adjust to America’s move away from globalization. As recently as last week, Volvo chief executive Hakan Samuelsson said the brand is already thinking about building an additional model in the US. While he did not specify which model this will be, the XC60 and XC90 are the most likely options.

Trump’s tariffs have also forced Volvo to rethink its local sales strategy. It will reportedly stop selling the S90 sedan in America from next year because it’s imported from China. This will allow Volvo to focus on models including the XC40, XC60, and XC90.

Many car manufacturers are learning that it’s easier to convince someone shopping for an affordable and efficient car to opt for an EV than it is to persuade a diehard car enthusiast to buy a car that utilizes electrification, let alone a full EV.

This shift presents a unique challenge for enthusiast brands like BMW’s M division, but the company is confident it will continue to deliver the right products for its loyal customer base as the industry makes the inevitable switch to electrification.

Read: BMW’s Next M3 Will Offer New Type Of Gas Engine And EV

If BMW M can learn anything from the missteps of arch-rival Mercedes-AMG with the four-cylinder hybrid C 63 it’s that enthusiasts know what they want and, in this case, want that familiar sound and rev building they know and love when they’re behind the wheel of a sportcar. BMW M vice president Sylvia Neubauer acknowledged this is a challenge shortly after the M5 morphed into a plug-in hybrid, and it started working on M’s first fully-fledged EV.

“It’s been a challenge to keep this up,” she told Top Gear. “If you look at our following, which mostly consists of enthusiasts, they aren’t the most natural types to go electric”, Neubauer said.

“But I think we should not describe this target group as the only target group, because we are seeing a change already. Of course, the enthusiasts are the core group, and it’s going to be harder to convince them to switch, but we will have the right product for them,” she added.

What M’s VP is saying is that the best way to keep its core customers and at the same time attract new ones interested in EVs is (obviously, but also costly) to offer options that appeal to both. Thus, this is exactly what it will do with the next-gen M3. In addition to developing a ICE model with an updated version of the inline-six found in the current G80, BMW will offer an all-electric version of its sports sedan, potentially dubbed the iM3.

Key technical specifications about these two models remain under wraps, but it’s reasonable to assume the next ICE-powered M3 will push horsepower deeper into the 500s. The electric version will likely pack a lot more grunt, as BMW has already revealed its quad-motor setup can support up to 1,341 hp, even though the electric M3 likely won’t ever get even remotely close to that number.

Nevertheless, most diehard petrolheads would happily trade a straight line performance for a much more engaging powertrain – besides, even the current combustion M3 is anything but lacking in power.

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.