Faraday Future’s new mainstream brand has teased two upcoming models and revealed its logo. Faraday X (FX) also made some pretty big promises, but we’re not holding our breath.

Starting with product, Faraday X confirmed plans for three models including an “AI-MPV” called the Super One. It’s billed as a “groundbreaking vehicle” that will “meet the dynamic and diverse needs of visionaries and their families.” The company also said it would deliver “twice the performance at half the price.”

More: Faraday Future Announces New Mainstream Brand To Offer Affordable EVs – If It Gets Funding

Faraday rambled on with that nonsense, so details are virtually non-existent. The blurry teaser image is about as helpful as it simply shows a generic minivan covered in camouflage.

That being said, Engadget was given a preview and they said the Super One comes with two rows of leather seats. Rear passengers are the priority as there are heated, massaging seats with integrated footrests. The model also has a small fridge, although it sounds like the van is far from finished.

Faraday X also teased their FX 6, which is slated to start between $30,000 and $50,000. It’s billed as an “extra-large luxury AIEV” and it appears to be a curvaceous crossover with a sloping roof. We can expect to learn more about it in March.

Both models are slated to be joined by an entry-level FX 5, which has a targeted price of between $20,000 and $30,000. The company didn’t say much about it, but has previously referred to it as a “large-space sporty AIEV.”

Faraday was coy on performance details, but said “FX models could potentially offer two types of powertrains” including range-extended and battery-electric options. The company also said one of the models could go into production by the end of the year, although that’s “subject to securing necessary funding and agreements.”

That, of course, is Faraday’s Achilles heel as the company limps from one crisis to the next. The company is also said to have sold a mere “15 or 16” FF 91s, so that’s not exactly a stellar track record.

Cox Automotive has released their latest Car Buyer Journey study and it found new vehicle buyers are more satisfied with the overall shopping experience than ever before. Buyers had a 75% satisfaction rate and the company chalked that up to a variety of factors including improved incentives, more inventory, and digital tools – among other things.

However, satisfaction varies depending on what you’re buying. 82% of new EV buyers were “highly satisfied,” which bested rates for hybrids (76%) and ICE-powered vehicles (75%). A large part of this is being attributed to the use of digital tools during the buying process. As Cox explained, 76% of EV buyers used digital tools, while only 42% of ICE buyers did. However, you might not want to read too much into that as 64% of hybrid buyers used digital tools and they were barely more satisfied than ICE buyers.

More: Study Suggests Heavy Dependence On Cars Makes You Unhappy

Interestingly, EV buyers are more engaged as they’re more likely to read and watch reviews. These customers also put more of an emphasis on safety and technology during their decision-making process.

Putting EVs aside, dealership satisfaction reached a record high of 81%. Furthermore, 42% of new car buyers said their latest purchase was better than their previous one.

However, satisfaction among all vehicle buyers declined 2% due to disgruntled used car shoppers. These customers are facing a number of headwinds including tight inventories, elevated prices, and high interest rates. Access to modern digital tools, that support a seamless buying experience, are also limited.

While the used car buying experience has plenty of room for improvement, Cox noted the “64% satisfaction rate among used-vehicle buyers was higher than at any time before the global COVID pandemic.”

Speaking of COVID, the shift to online paperwork is saving customers considerable time at the dealership. New car buyers save 49 minutes, while used car buyers save 40.

However, the study found buyers still value time spent at dealerships, especially test drives, vehicle pick-ups, and interactions with the sales team. Cox’s Vice President of Research and Market Intelligence, Isabelle Helms, said “It is a common misconception that most vehicle buyers today want a completely online car-buying process. The findings in the latest CBJ Study indicate that buyer satisfaction is influenced not merely by the time involved, but rather by the efficiency of the transactional aspects of the buying journey.”

Cox Automotive

Cruise’s robotaxi dreams recently died a high-profile death, but May Mobility isn’t throwing in the towel. Quite the opposite as the Toyota-back firm has unveiled an autonomous minibus.

Created in partnership with Tecnobus, the model accommodates up to 30 passengers and can reach speeds of 45 mph (72 km/h). This makes it ideal for use in cities as well as at airports and corporate campuses.

More: GM Gives Up On Cruise, Ends Robotaxi Push

May Mobility didn’t say much else about the bus, but it has been equipped with an assortment of cameras and sensors. The company also confirmed it will be fully electric and have swappable batteries, which will minimize downtime.

The first buses are expected to be ready in the first half of 2026 and they’ll hit the road later that year. There’s no word on where they’ll be deployed, but the company said the model is homologated for use in Canada and Europe, which will enable them to enter new markets.

May Mobility CEO Edwin Olson said, “Our partnership with Tecnobus shows that we’re serious about expanding transit access and reducing urban congestion. It’s a strong example of how doing the right thing for communities can also be great for growing our business.”

In the meantime, May Mobility is focused on efforts in Ann Arbor and Detroit, Michigan as well as Sun City, Arizona and Martinez, California. The company also has a presence in Arlington, Texas, Grand Rapids, Minnesota, and Miami, Florida. These programs provide free or low-cost service using an autonomous Toyota Sienna.

Sales figures continue to trickle in and the latest come from Mercedes-Benz. They paint an interesting picture that shows a preference for gas-powered performance instead of eco-friendly EVs.

Starting with the latter, Mercedes-AMG posted a record fourth quarter with sales of 16,169 units. The G-Class also had its best year ever as customers snapped up 10,987 SUVs.

More: BMW XM Had A Terrible First Full Year With Just 1,974 Units Sold In The US

While that’s good news, Mercedes bet big on electric vehicles and this appears to be a bust. EQB sales were down 36% for the year, while the EQE lineup fell 39%. The range-topping EQS lineup was even harder hit as sales plummeted 52% to a disappointing 6,963 units. Even the eSprinter is struggling as the company only found 828 buyers.

Crossovers were unsurprisingly the best-selling models of 2024. The GLE took the sales crown with 67,928 units and was closely followed by the GLC, which racked up 64,163 sales. In a distant third place was the C-Class, which moved 35,590 units for a slight increase of 1%.

The company’s other sedans experienced a decline as the CLA was down 2%, while the E-Class was off by half as much. The S-Class fared far worse as sales fell 25% to 8,809 units.

Coupes and convertibles found solid footing as the new CLE lineup generated 14,333 sales. The AMG GT climbed 77% to 3,491 units, but the SL fell 56% to 1,608.

Overall, Mercedes-Benz USA finished the year on a positive note as passenger vehicle sales were up 9% to 324,528 units. That trailed BMW (371,346) and Lexus (345,669), but the brand beat Audi (196,576), Cadillac (160,204), Acura (132,367), Volvo (125,243), Lincoln (104,823), and Infiniti (58,070).

2024 Mercedes U.S. Sales

Zombies have invaded Stellantis and they’re just as hard to kill as the undead. However, multiple brands are defying the odds and continuing to exist long after they’ve stopped serving a purpose.

Chrysler is the poster child of this as their latest and greatest innovation is the 2025 Voyager. However, instead of being all-new, it’s simply a pre-facelift Pacifica with a $39,995 price tag.

More: The Stunning Halcyon Concept Is Why Chrysler Axed The Airflow

That’s hardly compelling, so it’s not surprising that U.S. sales dropped 7% last year to 124,683 units—a stark contrast to the nearly 600,000 vehicles the brand sold in 2005. That’s an 80% nosedive in two decades. The situation looks even worse when you consider the 300 is no longer with us and only a few hundred units remain in inventory.

While a mercy killing would almost be welcome at this point, Chrysler CEO Chris Feuell said the brand isn’t going anywhere. Quite the opposite as it’s “being well invested in” and has a “very bright future.”

Speaking to CNBC, Feuell said the company found a new audience with the Halcyon concept and stated some of the design elements seen on the car will carryover to production models. She went on to say we can expect a very modern and sleek styling language that isn’t overly complicated.

While the concept was largely a flight of fantasy, Feuell said they’re working on bringing a “real industrialized” version of the car to market. She added it will be affordable, although the price tag and timing is anyone’s guess.

In the near term, a facelifted Pacifica is due next year. It will reportedly offer an updated plug-in hybrid powertrain. A Pacifica EV will follow, but the gas-powered model will reportedly stick around until the end of the decade.

More importantly, a large crossover is slated to arrive in 2026 and fill a sizable gap that has been left vacant ever since the Aspen was axed. It will reportedly be offered in hybrid and electric guise, and dealers are said to be delighted. Of course, at this point, they’d be happy with almost anything.

Hyundai and Kia have a lot to celebrate as both achieved record sales last year. Starting with the latter, Kia sold 796,488 vehicles in the United States to beat their previous all-time sales record.

The Sportage was the most popular model as it achieved an all-time annual sales record of 161,917 units. It was followed by the K4/Forte (139,778) and Telluride, which also broke its annual sales record as customers snapped up 115,504 crossovers.

More: Tesla’s Global Sales Fall For The First Time In Over A Decade

Kia EV sales soared 74% and accounted for 7% of sales for the entire year. The EV9 found 22,017 takers, while the EV6 wasn’t far behind at 21,715.

However, everything wasn’t rosy as K5 sales fell 28% to 46,311 units. The Niro, Soul, and Seltos also posted declines.

Kia 2024 U.S. Sales

Moving onto Hyundai, they sold 836,802 vehicles in the United States last year to hit a new record. The company also achieved record retail sales of 742,009 units, while several models – including the Palisade, Ioniq 5, Tucson Hybrid, and Santa Fe Hybrid – posted their own yearly sales records.

The Tucson led the way with 206,126 sales, which was down 2% from last year. The model was followed by the Elantra (136,698) and Santa Fe (119,010).

While a surprising number of models posted year-over-year declines, the Ioniq 5 was up 31% to 44,400 units. Palisade sales soared 23% to 110,055 units and that’s notable as a redesigned model is on the horizon.

On the flip side, the Santa Cruz was down 13% to 32,033 units. The value-focused Venue was down 12%, while the Ioniq 6 was off 6%. Interestingly, the Sonata eschewed the K5’s fate as sales jumped 53% to 69,343 units.

Hyundai Motor North America CEO Randy Parker said, “This was an incredible record-breaking year for Hyundai, largely driven by the success of offering consumers a variety of product and powertrain options that fit their needs.” He went on to suggest this will continue thanks to new models such as the Ioniq 9.

2024 Hyundai U.S. Sales

The Norwegian Road Traffic Information Council (OFV) has revealed 128,691 new vehicles were bought in the country last year. That’s a relatively small number, but 114,400 of them were electric.

That’s nearly 89% and the OFV says the country is close to achieving its goal of having all new passenger vehicles being zero-emission by 2025. They went on to note the EV percentage jumped from an already impressive 82.4% in 2023.

More: Norway Sets World Record For EV Sales With 94% Market Share Last Month

Interestingly, customers who didn’t opt for an EV typically bought something eco-friendly. 5.3% of vehicles sold in Norway last year were a hybrid, while roughly 2.7% were plug-in hybrids. Furthermore, customers only snapped up 986 vehicles powered exclusively by gasoline.

While it’s impressive that Norwegians have embraced EVs to such a degree, the OFV said “the last few percentages to reach the 2025 target may be difficult to achieve.” They went on to emphasize the importance of government incentives such as tax exemptions.

NORWAY PASSENGER CAR SALES 2024

Getting back to sales, the Tesla Model Y was the best-selling vehicle in Norway as customers snapped up 16,858 units, accounting for just over 13% of the entire market. It was followed by the Tesla Model 3 (7,264) and Volvo EX30 (7,229). The Volkswagen ID.4 followed just seven units behind, while the Toyota bZ4X came in fifth place with 6,007 sales.

Chinese brands also performed well, accounting for nearly 10% of new car sales, with BYD ranking as the 13th largest automaker in terms of deliveries last year. Xpeng came in 15th place, meaning both automakers outperformed Peugeot, Mazda, Porsche, Kia, and Lexus. SAIC-owned MG also secured 10th place with 4,591 sales.

NORWAY BEST SELLERS 2024

Baojun is known for making cute and affordable EVs, but the company has just unveiled their “first intelligent flagship sedan.” It’s called the Xiang Jing (Enjoy Territory) and the model will be offered with plug-in hybrid as well as electric powertrains.

The company isn’t saying much about the car at this point, but it features a Porsche Taycan-like front fascia with a rounded bumper and slender headlights featuring horizontal daytime running units. They’re joined by vertical air curtains as well as a small lower intake.

More: GM’s Baojun Yep Is A Tiny Electric SUV That Starts At $11,240

Moving further back, we can see a panoramic glass roof, flush-mounted door handles, and aerodynamically optimized wheels. Designers also gave the car an expansive greenhouse as well as plenty of brightwork.

In terms of size, the Xiang Jing measures 197 inches (5,005 mm) long and has a wheelbase that spans 114.2 inches (2,900 mm). To put those numbers into perspective, the Honda Accord is 1.3 inches (33 mm) shorter and has 2.8 inches (71 mm) less between the wheels.

Despite being billed as a flagship sedan, Baojun said the car is a mainstream entry that will be aspirational and comfortable. The company went on to say it will “meet the diverse needs of urban commuters” ranging from “young families to elites.”

While there are more questions than answers at this point, the electric variant will reportedly have a lithium iron phosphate battery as well as a 249 hp (186 kW / 253 PS) electric motor. This could enable the model to hit a top speed of up to 106 mph (170 km/h).

The plug-in hybrid variant is slated to have a smaller lithium iron phosphate battery that delivers a CLTC range of 63 miles (101 km). However, it should be paired with a turbocharged 1.5-liter engine developing 141 hp (105 kW / 143 PS).

Dodge and Drop Top Customs partnered on Challenger convertibles in 2022 and the pair are joining forces once again. This time they’re working on a new convertible based on the electric Charger Daytona.

Drop Top Customs isn’t saying much at this point, but confirmed their design team is working with Dodge to create an “iconic convertible conversion” for the electric muscle car. The company went on to say the convertible will be unveiled around the same time as deliveries begin.

More: Dodge’s New Charger Coming To Europe And The Middle East In 2025

However, images are already on Facebook and they’re accompanied by a message saying it’s “about time to introduce the new Droptop Daytona!” As you can see, the resulting model is based on the two-door liftback and features a retractable black roof. While the images aren’t high quality, the soft top’s shape mimics the traditional hardtop but doesn’t look particularly good.

We’ll presumably learn more in the coming weeks, but the Challenger conversion cost $23,999 before shipping. This netted customers a power retractable roof with a heated rear window. The package also included fully operational quarter windows, a reinforced structure, and a slightly smaller trunk as roughly 20% of the original was taken over by the soft top mechanism.

While plenty of questions remain, the Charger Daytona R/T starts at $59,595 and features a dual motor all-wheel drive system with 456 hp (340 kW / 462 PS) and 404 lb-ft (547 Nm) of torque. Buyers will also find a 100.5 kWh battery that delivers 317 miles (510 km) of range.

Customers can also opt for the $73,190 Charger Daytona Scat Pack. It has 630 hp (470 kW / 637 PS) and 627 lb-ft (849 Nm) of torque, which lowers the 0-60 mph (0-96 km/h) time to 3.3 seconds. Unfortunately, the range also plummets to 260 miles (418 km).

Mini introduced the Cooper SE Convertible concept a couple of years ago, but fans hoping for a production model might be out of luck. While an electric drop-top was slated to go into production in 2027, the project has reportedly been quietly canceled.

According to BMW Blog, which cites industry sources, the decision to scrap the electric convertible isn’t backed by an official explanation. However, the publication speculates a cocktail of reasons likely sealed its fate, ranging from profitability concerns to rising competition from Chinese brands. That being said, weak demand would likely be at the top of that list.

More: Mini Cooper SE Convertible Is A One-Off EV Built For Enthusiasts

Convertibles already fight for a tiny slice of the market and that part of the pie gets even smaller when you go electric. Speaking of which, U.S. sales of the gas-powered Cooper / Cooper S Convertible were down 89.1% in the third quarter to 127 units. Through the first nine months of the year, sales are off 33.3% to 3,278 units.

However, the Cooper Convertible had a stellar 2023 as sales were up 64.8% to hit a total of 5,331 units. That made it Mini’s third best-selling model behind the Countryman and 2 Door Hardtop.

While only time will tell if we’ll get an electric Mini convertible, the company recently delayed the launch of the Aceman and Cooper SE in America. This was largely believed to be due to a 100% tariff on Chinese-made EVs rather than a problem with demand.

Regardless of what happens, convertible fans aren’t out of luck as the new gas-powered drop top will arrive early next year and start at $33,950. The entry-level variant features a turbocharged 2.0-liter four-cylinder engine developing 161 hp (120 kW / 163 PS) and 184 lb-ft (249 Nm) of torque. It’s connected to a seven-speed automatic transmission, which enables the car to accelerate from 0-60 mph (0-96 km/h) in 7.9 seconds.

The Hyundai Ioniq 5 has set a new record for the biggest altitude change by an electric vehicle. The feat was organized by Hyundai Motor India and saw the EV descend 19,035 feet (5,802 meters).

The trip started at India’s highest drivable point of Umling La in Leh Ladakh, which is 19,025 feet (5,799 meters) above sea level. Over the next two weeks, the car traveled to Kuttanad, Kerala, which is 9.8 feet (3 meters) below sea level.

More: Hyundai’s American-Made Ioniq 5 Costs More But Goes The Extra Mile

During those 14 days, the Ioniq 5 covered more than 3,045 miles (4,900 km). The car had to endure “challenging terrain and extreme climatic conditions” as well as multiple recharging sessions.

Hyundai was unsurprisingly coy about the latter, but the US-spec Ioniq 5 has an EPA-estimated range of up to 318 miles (512 km). This suggests the car would have required at least ten recharges to accomplish the record, although the actual number is presumably higher.

In a statement, Hyundai Motor India Managing Director Unsoo Kim said, “We are incredibly proud to see the Hyundai Ioniq 5 create history by achieving the Guinness World Record for the greatest altitude change by an electric car. This achievement is a testament to Hyundai’s unwavering commitment to innovation, technological excellence, and sustainability.” He added, “The Ioniq 5’s performance in such extreme conditions reflects its engineering prowess and durability.”

Hyundai didn’t say much about the record-breaking car, but the 2025 Ioniq 5 features revised styling, beefier batteries, and a new NACS port. There’s also a rugged XRT variant that is distinguished by unique fascias and “digital camo” accents. They’re joined by a 0.9-inch (23 mm) lift and matte black wheels wrapped in all-terrain tires.

The Leapmotor C10 lineup is expanding as the company has announced a new range-extended variant, ahead of its debut at the Brussels Motor Show. It promises to combine the “benefits of electric vehicles and traditional gasoline cars, offering extended range and superior fuel efficiency.”

Starting under the hood, there’s a 1.5-liter engine, a 28.4 kWh battery pack, and a 212 hp (158 kW /215 PS) electric motor. The battery provides an electric-only WLTP range of 90 miles (145 km), while the engine increases that distance to over 590 miles (950 km) combined.

More: New Leapmotor B10 Goes After Europe’s EV Market With Stellantis In Its Corner

Leapmotor didn’t go into many specifics, but said the crossover primarily operates as an electric vehicle. When the battery becomes low, the internal combustion engine activates to generate electricity and recharge the battery. The company added that in combined mode, the model has a fuel consumption rating of 0.4 L/100 km and CO2 emissions of 10 g/km.

If you’d prefer not to use gas, a DC fast charger can deliver approximately 45 miles of range (72.5 km) in 18 minutes.

We can expect to learn more next month, but the C10 REEV presumably echoes the fully electric variant. This means we can expect LED headlights, a panoramic glass roof, and 18-inch wheels. They’re joined by privacy glass and flush-mounted door handles.

The interior is a tad plain, but C10 buyers will find power front seats, a wireless smartphone charger, a 12-speaker audio system, and a 14.6-inch infotainment system. German customers can also get a higher-end variant that has heated and ventilated front seats, an ambient lighting system, a power liftgate, and larger 20-inch wheels.

Hyundai EV owners are getting a last minute Christmas gift in the form of a North American Charging Standard (NACS) adapter. It will be free to customers who have purchased or leased an eligible vehicle on or before January 31, 2025.

The adapter will enable users to charge at over 20,000 Tesla Superchargers. In order to secure one, owners will need to log into the MyHyundai portal and make a request starting in the first quarter of 2025. Hyundai will then ship out the adapter at no charge.

More: 2025 Hyundai Ioniq 5 Packs More Range, NACS Port And New XRT Trim

Eligible models include the 2024 and earlier Kona Electric, Ioniq hatchback, Ioniq 5, and Ioniq 6. They’re joined by the 2025 Ioniq 5 N, 2025 Ioniq 6, and 2025 Kona Electric. The 2025 Ioniq 5 is absent from the list as it’s the first non-Tesla vehicle on sale to have a factory-installed NACS port.

Hyundai Motor North America’s senior vice president of product planning and mobility strategy, Olabisi Boyle, said “These adapters will make DC fast-charging more convenient for current owners. Plus, the NACS port on new models like the upcoming Ioniq 9 along with improvements to our digital charging ecosystem, will further enhance the customer experience for future EV drivers.”

If you accidently lose your adapter or forget to request one, they’ll be available to purchase at Hyundai dealers in the future.

In related news, Genesis announced it is also participating in the program. Details will be released early next year, but it will likely benefit owners of the GV60 as well as electric versions of the GV70 and G80.

Kia America announced their program last fall and it will see EV6 and EV9 owners receive an adapter early next year. They’ll then gain access to Tesla’s Supercharger network around January 15.

Subaru has introduced the 2025 Solterra and announced pricing will start at $38,495 before a $1,420 destination fee. That’s a $6,500 drop, but the delivery fee climbs $75.

Thanks to the change, the Solterra Premium costs less than the Toyota bZ4X XLE AWD. That model begins at $39,150 and has a $1,395 destination fee that brings the combined price to $40,545.

More: 2025 Toyota bZ4X Gets $6,000 Price Cut, New Nightshade Edition

Pricing aside, the 2025 Solterra gains a new Onyx Edition. It costs $45,495 and is based on the range-topping Touring trim.

As the name suggests, the model echoes the bZ4X Nightshade Edition and features a host of dark flourishes. This includes black badging and 20-inch wheels with a black finish. They’re joined by an assortment of other black accents including the roof pillars, shoulder line trim, door frames, and rear spoiler. Buyers will also find black StarTex upholstery and black door trim.

All Solterras are equipped with a 72.8 kWh battery pack, which powers a dual-motor all-wheel drive system producing a combined output of 215 hp (160 kW / 218 PS) and 249 lb-ft (337 Nm) of torque. The Premium trim has an EPA-estimated range of 227 miles (365 km), while higher-end variants are limited to 222 miles (357 km) due, in part, to their larger 20-inch wheels.

Speaking of equipment, the Solterra Premium has LED headlights and 18-inch wheels. Customers will also find a 7-inch digital instrument cluster and an 8-inch infotainment system with Android Auto and Apple CarPlay compatibility. Rounding out the highlights are a leather-wrapped steering wheel, heated front seats, and a dual-zone automatic climate control system.

Since EVs aren’t ideal for long distance trips, customers who purchase or lease a new Solterra gain access to the Subaru Just Drive Rental program. Participating Subaru dealers will provide a free car for up to ten days, so you can get something gas-powered for your family vacation.

2025 Subaru Solterra Pricing

The Dodge Charger Daytona isn’t the only EV getting discounted ahead of launch as Jeep dealers are in a similar boat. They’re gearing up to release the performance-focused Wagoneer S, which starts at $70,200 before a $1,795 destination charge.

That’s an astronomical price tag and we’ve previously noted the 2024 Ford Mustang Mach-E GT starts at $54,995 and has a $1,995 destination fee. Despite being significantly cheaper, the electric pony car can be equipped with a $995 performance upgrade that makes it faster than its rival.

More: New Jeep Wagoneer S Packs A 600 HP Punch For $72k

While the models target different consumers, the Jeep looks like a tough sell. Some dealers appear to be acknowledging that as they’re already offering discounts on the EV.

Performance Chrysler Jeep Dodge Ram of Delaware, Ohio is advertising two Wagoneer S Launch Editions with a $1,000 discount. This lowers their price tag to $70,995 and $71,590.

Over in Minnesota, Bloomington Chrysler Jeep Dodge Ram has a $3,000 discount on their Launch Editions. This means they have prices between $68,995 and $69,590.

This is the exact opposite of what you’d expect at launch and the discounts could hint at lackluster demand. Of course, there are only a few examples listed at this point so it’s hard to draw any definitive conclusions.

However, this appears to be a trend at Stellantis as a handful of Dodge dealers are already discounting the Charger Daytona. As we reported last week, one dealer was offering their car for $3,713 under MSRP.

While the situation could change when dealers take delivery, the Wagoneer S is based on the STLA Large platform and features a 100.5 kWh battery pack. It feeds a dual-motor all-wheel drive system developing 600 hp (447 kW / 608 PS) and 617 lb-ft (836 Nm) of torque. This enables the model to accelerate from 0-60 mph (0-96 km/h) in 3.4 seconds, before hitting a top speed of 124 mph (200 km/h).

It’s also worth noting the EPA has quietly released ratings for the Wagoneer S. With Falken tires, the crossover has 303 miles (488 km) of range. That drops to 270 miles (435 km) with Pirelli tires, which will apparently be optional in the future. That’s a significant difference and it’s likely a case of performance rubber versus low-rolling resistance tires.

Spy photographers caught the facelifted Skoda Enyaq earlier this year, and now we’re getting an official glimpse at the updated EV with the release of its first teaser. It features a new Modern Solid design inspired by the Elroq, which debuted earlier this year, and will be available in two body styles.

The biggest changes occur up front as an illuminated Tech‑Deck Face replaces the traditional grille. The crossover also adopts split lighting units as well as an evolutionary bumper.

More: 2025 Skoda Enyaq Puts On A New Modern Solid Face

Designers didn’t stop there as the hood now wears “Skoda” lettering instead of a badge. Other highlights include dark chrome accents and an Enyaq-exclusive Olibo Green color.

The rear end appears to carryover, but prototypes have been spotted with a disguised tush. This suggests we can expect a handful of changes that will likely include new taillights and a modified bumper.

Regardless of what happens out back, Skoda said both models will benefit from improved aerodynamics. This promises to increase range, although the automaker declined to mention if there will be any powertrain updates.

If there aren’t any changes, we can expect an entry-level Enyaq 60 with a 62 kWh battery pack as well as a rear-mounted motor developing 177 hp (132 kW / 179 PS) and 229 lb-ft (310 Nm) of torque. This setup enables the crossover to have a WLTP range of 249 miles (401 km).

The Enyaq 85 has a larger 82 kWh battery as well as a more powerful motor producing 282 hp (210 kW / 286 PS) and 402 lb-ft (545 Nm) of torque. This increases the range to 352 miles (566 km), while also lowering the 0-62 mph (0-100 km/h) time to 6.7 seconds.

Buyers can also choose between two all-wheel drive variants. The Enyaq 85x has 282 hp (210 kW / 286 PS) and a 0-62 mph (0-100 km/h) time of 6.6 seconds, while the Enyaq vRS packs 335 hp (250 kW / 340 PS) and takes 5.5 seconds to hit 62 mph (100 km/h).

Baldauf

Lexus recently slashed the price of the 2025 RZ to $43,975 which meant it was $490 cheaper than the 2024 Toyota bZ4X. The mainstream brand is now addressing that discrepancy by cutting the cost of entry to $37,070 before a $1,395 destination and handling fee.

That’s $6,000 less than last year’s model, but the crossover still costs significantly more than the Chevrolet Equinox EV, which starts at $33,600 and has an EPA-estimated range of 319 miles (513 km). That compares to a mere 252 miles (406 km) for the most efficient version of the bZ4X.

More: 2025 Toyota bZ4X Gets $10,000 Lease Discount And 0% APR Before It Even Hits Dealers

The range-topping Limited trim starts at $41,800 for a reduction of $5,380. While the price cut isn’t as drastic as on the XLE, buyers will find three new driver assistance systems. They include Front Cross-Traffic Alert, Lane Change Assist, and Traffic Jam Assist. The latter system is the most notable as it allows for hands-free operation at speeds under 25 mph (40 km/h) on controlled access freeways.

The other big change for 2025 is a new Nightshade Edition. It starts at $40,420 and is based on the XLE with all-wheel drive.

The model has black badging, black door handles, a black spoiler, and 20-inch wheels with a black finish. Buyers will also find a leather-wrapped steering wheel as well as SofTex and fabric-trimmed seats with red contrast stitching.

The 2025 bZ4X is slated to arrive at dealerships early next year and customers will find a familiar powertrain lineup. Front-wheel drive variants have a 71.4 kWh battery pack that powers a 201 hp (150 kW / 204 PS) electric motor. All-wheel drive models have a slightly larger 72.8 kWh battery and a dual-motor setup producing a combined output of 214 hp (160 kW / 217 PS).

2025 Toyota bZ4X Pricing

President Trump is slated to return to the White House next month and new details are starting to emerge about his plan to cut support for electric vehicles. This will reportedly be a multipronged attack as the incoming administration is reportedly aiming to eliminate the $7,500 federal tax credit as well as funding for improving America’s charging infrastructure.

According to a document seen by Reuters, Trump’s transition team is also recommending imposing tariffs on battery materials. The goal is to increase U.S. production, although the administration is expected to negotiate “individual exemptions with allies.”

More: Trump Reportedly Wants To Kill $7,500 EV Tax Credit And Tesla Might Be Cool With It

The Trump administration is also expected to redirect funds designed to support electric vehicle adoption. Specifics are murky, but the money could flow towards other electrification efforts focused on “national defense supply chain and critical infrastructure.” This effort seeks to boost U.S. production of batteries and the critical materials used to make them.

Speaking of national defense, the document reportedly mentioned ending Department of Defense efforts to acquire electric military vehicles. There’s also a wider push that would reverse a Biden administration requirement that federal agencies buy zero-emission vehicles.

Besides eroding federal support for EVs, the transition team is reportedly recommending a plan to rollback fuel economy and emission standards to 2019 levels. Reuters said this would allow for “an average of about 25% more emissions per vehicle mile than the current 2025 limits and average fuel economy to be about 15% lower.” Unsurprisingly, the incoming administration also wants to neutralize California’s emissions wavier.

These would be drastic changes, but they’re simply proposals at this point. Some of them sound easier to enact than others, but only time will tell how everything pans out.

It’s also worth noting the Biden administration is in a mad dash to get money out the door before Trump takes office. Earlier today, the Department of Energy’s Loan Programs Office announced Ford’s BlueOval SK is getting a loan of up to $9.63 billion to build three battery plants – one in Tennessee and two in Kentucky – that will have the capacity to build more than 120 gigawatt hours of batteries annually.

This follows last week’s announcement that the Loan Programs Office had finalized a $1.25 billion loan guarantee to EVgo. It aims to support the deployment of approximately 7,500 chargers at roughly 1,100 stations across the United States.

Mercedes Benz-Vans has teased a new concept that previews the next-generation V-Class and Vito. It will debut in the spring of 2025 as a “luxurious, highly elegant, and spacious” vision of the future.

The company isn’t saying much else at this point, but the teasers show a stylish van that trades boxy looks for a curvaceous aesthetic. Details are hard to make out, but we can see a prominent hood ornament as well as a revamped greenhouse that eschews hard lines.

More: Mercedes Teases Future Electric Vans With VAN.EA Prototypes

They’re joined by a sloping roof and a heavily stylized body. We can also see metallic accents as well as ornate lighting units.

Little else is known about the concept at this point, but the model will ride on the new Van Electric Architecture known as VAN.EA. It’s modular and scalable, which will allow “clear differentiation between privately positioned vans in the luxury segment and commercial vans in the premium segment.”

The luxury segment is getting more attention this time around and the company said we can expect high-quality family vans, exclusive VIP shuttles, and “spacious limousines catering to the expectations of highly sophisticated customers.” In effect, it sounds like the company wants to grab a slice of the executive van segment, which has been dominated by aftermarket companies.

The redesigned vans are scheduled to arrive in 2026 and Mercedes has previously said they’ll offer front- and all-wheel drive as well as an 800 volt electrical architecture. They’ll also have a 22 kW AC charger and the latest version of the Mercedes‑Benz Operating System.

Some versions will have ranges “well over” 311 miles (500 km) and a Level 2 semi-autonomous driving system. A Level 3 system is slated to arrive before the end of the decade, while commercial vans will offer a Level 4 system for robotaxi use.

Update 12/27: As the debut of the next-generation CLA approaches, Mercedes seems less concerned with concealing the fastback sedan. Our spies have spotted what is believed to be the EV version undergoing testing in Germany. According to Mercedes-Benz, the ICE and electric variants will look nearly identical, with only minor differences, such as tailpipes (likely hidden under the bumper in non-AMG models anyway) and unique grille trims.

SH Proshots

The redesigned Mercedes CLA has been a familiar sight for the past 22 months, but the model is finally entering the homestretch. It’s now celebrating by stripping down and showing some skin. While the front and rear ends are heavily camouflaged, the latest prototype has an exposed body. It’s immediately familiar, but incorporates some cues from the EQE and EQS.

More: Mercedes Details New CLA’s Two EV And Three Hybrid Powertrains

The changes are readily apparent as we can see streamlined bodywork as well as flush-mounted door handles. The greenhouse has also been completely revamped and it’s an awkward mess as the third quarter glass extends into the rear door. As a result, there’s mismatched lines and an unappealing mix of shapes.

At the ends, there are star-infused lighting units which have become a hallmark of the modern Mercedes. They’re joined by an evolutionary single bar grille and new bumpers.

The redesigned CLA will debut next year and ride on the new Mercedes Modular Architecture. The company has revealed quite a bit in recent months and has previously confirmed an electric variant with a rear-mounted motor producing 268 hp (200 kW / 272 PS).

Customers can also opt for a 4Matic variant, which adds a 107 hp (80 kW / 109 PS) motor up front. It only has a ‘boost’ capability as the motor engages when extra power or traction is needed.

We’ll learn more about the electric powertrain closer to launch, but Mercedes has already confirmed the CLA has an 800-volt electrical architecture as well as a DC fast charging capability of up to 320 kW. The company also has plans to offer an optional 85 kWh silicon oxide battery.

If you’re not sold on the electric revolution, you can look forward to a new family of four-cylinder petrol engines. Americans will get a hybridized powertrain that consists of a 1.5-liter engine, a small battery, and an eight-speed dual-clutch transmission with an integrated electric motor. The engine produces 188 hp (140 kW / 190 PS), while the motor contributes an additional 27 hp (20 kW / 27 PS). Front-wheel drive comes standard, but all-wheel drive will be optional.

Baldauf