Rare Rimac Nevera appears for sale with bidding already past the $1 million mark
Original MSRP hovered near $2.3 million though final price may end up much lower.
Four electric motors produce 1,813 hp and launch the EV to 60 mph in 1.85 seconds.
It’s not every day that a multi-million-dollar electric hypercar pops up for sale in a public auction, but here we are. When your average crossover feels like the automotive equivalent of waiting in line at the DMV, something like a Rimac Nevera is more like flying private through a lightning storm with a jetpack.
Now, super-high-end cars aren’t accessible the way a Dodge Hornet is. They’re so desirable that wait lists often span years, not months. The Rimac Nevera is that sort of car, and while there are some questions about how popular it really is amongst 1-percenters, there’s no doubt that it’s a halo car. It makes over 1,800 horsepower, initially cost more than $2 million, and has looks to kill. Now, we’re about to see how much one goes for on the open market.
This particular example is a 2023 model, finished in a striking blue pearlescent paint and outfitted with blue leather upholstery and staggered 20-inch wheels. Like every Nevera, it uses four independent electric motors, each paired with its own gearbox. A 120 kWh battery pack powers the system, delivering a combined output of 1,813 horsepower. Rimac claims it can rocket from 0 to 60 mph (96 km/h) in just 1.85 seconds and cover the quarter mile in a barely believable 8.6 seconds.
Bringing it back to reality, six-piston calipers and electro-hydraulic CCM-R brakes handle stopping duties, while electronically adjustable dampers help keep the ride composed.
Beyond the Numbers
Photos BaT
What really stands out about it, beyond its insane performance, is the attention to detail. Befitting of a seven-figure car, it seems that every centimeter is all but perfect. The carbon fiber weave looks stunning, the door openings are large for easy ingress and egress, and the touch surfaces look like a pleasure to manipulate.
The previous owner is associated with the YouTube-famous Triple F Collection. You can watch this same car on their channel. The odometer shows 1,371 miles, and the car comes with its original window sticker indicating a price of €2,136,000 or roughly $2.3 million. The high bid on Bring a Trailer right now is $1,155,000.
That said, it wouldn’t be surprising if the car doesn’t sell at auction. Sometimes, a top bid on an auction site like Bring A Trailer just means the buyer has earned the chance to negotiate. If both parties can agree on a final number, it might sell off the platform after the auction ends.
Either way, it’s worth keeping an eye on. This is the fastest electric production car in the world, and it’s not every day you get to see one up for grabs—let alone watch people try to name their price.
Mazda just dropped a new teaser focused on its upcoming electric EZ-60 crossover.
The EZ-60 closely resembles the Arata concept shown at last year’s Beijing Auto Show.
It’s expected to be offered in Europe as the CX-6e in pure electric and range-extender forms.
Concept cars are all fun and games, but the percentage that make it to market in original form is very low. That figure ticked up just a touch today, though, as it appears like Mazda is going to bring the Arata concept to production almost unchanged. The production version will be called the EZ-60, at least in China, though it will wear a different badge in other markets. Mazda is hoping this one lands better than the underwhelming MX-30.
You might recall we recently reported that the European version of this electric SUV might end up being called the CX-6e. That tracks, because Mazda just pulled a similar move with the Chinese-market EZ-6 sedan, a car co-developed with its Chinese partner Changan, that’s being rebranded as the 6e in Europe. Since it’s built in China, it won’t be sold in North America.
Mazda released a short teaser to hype the EZ-60. The video shows the SUV’s silhouette rendered in digital wind tunnel graphics. In short, this crossover looks identical in profile to the Arata concept from the 2024 Beijing Auto Show. That car was aimed at the Chinese market and more specifically, the Tesla Model Y. Mazda called its design theme “soulful + futuristic x modern.”
In its post about the teaser video, Mazda stated, “Control the wind to shape the invisible, drive the electricity to the future.” No doubt, any EV benefits from good aerodynamic design and minimal drag. Clearly, Mazda is emphasizing that with the EZ-60.
A closer look at the teaser shows a long, teardrop-style rear section that should help cut through the air more efficiently. It’s noticeably more stretched out than current Mazda SUVs like the CX-50, CX-70, or CX-90. Inside, the EZ-60 will likely borrow heavily from the EZ-6 sedan’s cabin layout, which could mean a clean, minimalist setup with a few upscale touches to give it some premium feel.
Shared DNA with Deepal
At this point, Mazda hasn’t released drivetrain specs, but we have a decent idea of what to expect when details do land. Like the EZ-6 / 6e sedan, the EZ-60 will ride on Changan’s EPA1 platform, the same architecture underpinning the Deepal (a.k.a. Shenlan) SL03 sedan and the S7 SUV. That likely means the EZ-60 will share more than just a few bolts with the Deepal S7. Expect similar powertrain options and tech, including both all-electric and range-extender variants.
Assuming it follows the EZ-6 / 6e’s formula, the EZ-60 / CX-6e may come in a standard E-Skyactiv EV setup with 254 horsepower and a 68.8 kWh battery, good for an estimated 300 miles (480 km) of range. There could also be a long-range version offering 241 hp and an 80 kWh battery, stretching the range to about 342 miles (550 km). For buyers not ready to go full electric, a range-extender version is also likely, using a 1.5-liter gasoline engine paired with a smaller battery pack to provide backup power when needed.
That’s the general roadmap for now. As soon as Mazda reveals more concrete details, we’ll keep you posted.
Rivians and other EVs can be costly to repair after an accident, so one owner found a solution.
He replaced a damaged tail light himself and used paintless dent repair to fix body damage.
This solution could become a viable option for R1S and R1T owners facing similar situations.
How many times have we seen Rivian owners grumble about spending a small – or sometimes large -fortune on seemingly minor repairs after a fender bender or mishap? Dominic Wilkerson uses his Rivian R1T like the off-road-ready truck that it is. As such, he’s had a mishap or two on the trails.
In one recent incident, he accidentally damaged his rear tail light and tailgate. Rather than take it to Rivian for an expensive repair, he decided to tackle the job himself. The result? The total cost came in under $1,000, and the truck looks almost as good as new.
As Wilkerson points out, many Rivian owners (rightly) live in constant fear that any kind of damage, no matter how minor, will result in a total loss. And, honestly, those folks aren’t totally out of their minds. Rear-end damage to a Rivian can be both expensive and complicated to fix, as we’ve seen time and time again. But Wilkerson wasn’t about to roll over and accept that fate. He took matters into his own hands.
The Repair Process: Not As Hard As It Sounds
First, he needed a tail light, which he sourced from Rivian’s Seattle service center for $700. In the video below, he demonstrates exactly what it takes to replace the part. In short, it’s a simple procedure that most gearheads and shadetree mechanics can accomplish. The really tricky part of the entire process was fixing the dents he’d put in his tailgate.
As it turns out, though, he’s familiar with paintless dent repair. No, he didn’t tackle the job himself, but rather he sourced a high-quality PDR professional to do the work. For just $200, the technician managed to pull out the big dents in his tailgate and even straighten some imperfections in the middle of it.
While Wilkerson admits that it’s not technically perfect, it’s the kind of fix that most people wouldn’t notice from 10 feet away. His attitude about it now is that, while he might eventually get the rest fixed, part of him appreciates the “battle scars” that show his truck is actually used for what it was made for.
Why Not Use Insurance?
Now, some readers might be asking why Wilkerson didn’t just file an insurance claim. Well, he addressed that too. “By the time I go through the whole process, I’d be without my vehicle for weeks,” he explained. And that’s a very valid concern. Given the notoriously long repair wait times at Rivian service centers, it’s not surprising that many owners would rather avoid the hassle entirely.
On top of that, insurance companies are totaling more vehicles than ever before. A recent study says that there’s a 42 percent chance of damage leading to a total loss than there was just a few years ago. While Wilkerson’s incident might not have led to that outcome, doing it the way he did assured that it wasn’t even possible.
Canada is putting a magnifying glass on EV rebates headed to Tesla after a strange bump in sales.
Until it verifies every single sale associated with the rebates, it won’t send Tesla the money.
It’s also banned Elon Musk’s brand from future subsidy programs while US tariffs exist against it.
Earlier this month, Tesla sparked outrage among Canadian auto dealers after selling an astonishing 8,653 cars in just three days across four stores, which equates to roughly two cars per minute for three straight days, including the hours the stores were closed. The company then filed for C$43.1 million (US$30M) in rebates.
That all unfolded right before Canada ran out of cash in its EV rebate fund. The combination of factors led officials to wonder if Tesla gamed the system somehow. Now, the Canadian government is freezing payments to the EV maker led by US presidential adviser Elon Musk, while it sorts everything out.
Everyone suspected that, as funds in the EV rebate program dwindled, sales would rise a bit. That would be great for Tesla in Canada, especially since it was struggling to move cars early this year. But selling 8,653 cars in just three days? That’s not just a boost, it’s a bit of a red flag. Something felt off.
The Freeze and a Tariff Twist
On Tuesday, Canada’s Transport Minister Chrystia Freeland made the call to freeze C$43 million (equal to $30M at current exchange rates) worth of payments. “As soon as I became Transport Minister, I asked the department to stop all payments for Tesla vehicles in order to fully examine each claim individually and determine whether all are eligible and valid,” Freeland said in a statement to the Toronto Star. “No payments will be made until we are confident that the claims are valid.”
But Freeland didn’t stop there.
“I also directed my department to change the eligibility criteria for future iZEV programs to ensure that Tesla vehicles will not be eligible for incentives so long as the illegitimate and illegal US tariffs are imposed against Canada” she added.
Freeland has also directed changes to eligibility criteria for future rebate programs, potentially making Tesla vehicles ineligible for subsidies until issues regarding U.S. tariffs are resolved.
By linking the issue to US tariffs, the Canadian government is addressing a situation that is largely beyond Tesla’s control, as tariff decisions are made at the national level. While the embattled CEO may have a close relationship with the American President, he doesn’t have the power to end the tariffs on his own. Currently, Trump is planning additional tariffs for April 2. However, he’s already backtracked and flip-flopped on his plans multiple times. Perhaps he’ll reconsider his strategy if Musk begins to feel the pressure.
A Sting for Local Dealers
Back in Canada, Freeland also mentioned that the government would reimburse more than 200 independently owned auto dealers who were left out of about CA$10 million after fronting rebates to customers without being able to file for reimbursement.
Huw Williams, spokesman for the Canadian Automobile Dealers Association (CADA), welcomed the news.
“CADA has been shocked at the revelations that Tesla was somehow allowed to … take $43 million in rebates while locally owned dealers have been left holding the bag on funds advanced to customers on behalf of the federal government,” he told the Toronto Star. “While the news that Tesla payments are being frozen pending investigation is positive news, this should have happened months ago,” he added.
It’s worth mentioning that Elon Musk, who holds a Canadian passport and has sparked controversy by posting (and later deleting) on X that “Canada is not a real country,” has significantly benefited from Canadian EV rebates. Since 2019, Tesla has claimed $713 million in rebates, making it the largest recipient of these incentives by far.
Up until now, the Model Y Juniper has only been available in the Launch Edition in the USA.
However, inventory of the pre-facelift Model Y is quickly dwindling, with very few still on sale.
Tesla is likely preparing to release the “normal” versions of the updated Model Y in the States.
Time is running out for anyone still holding out for the outgoing version of the Model Y—whether it’s for its looks or the eye-popping discounts that stretch to nearly $9,000. Tesla still has a few left, but as of now, there are fewer than 50 available across the US, signaling that the normal Model Y Juniper is likely just around the corner. Of course, that number’s been fluctuating since the weekend, bouncing between 40 and 190, so don’t get too comfortable yet.
Early adopters have already had a taste of the Model Y Juniper, but it’s been limited to the Launch Edition trim so far. And as you’d expect from something called “Launch Edition,” it’s not cheap. The base price of this version is $59,990. You’re paying a premium for all the extras—think special paint colors and the $7,500 Full Self-Driving option, which is bundled in at no extra charge. But hey, at least you get all the bells and whistles.
Elsewhere in the world, the “normal” versions of the updated Model Y are already on sale. In the US, though, Model Y buyers have just two options: they can pay more for the fully-loaded Juniper Launch Edition, or snap up one of the old versions still lingering in Tesla’s inventory, since orders for the pre-facelift model are no longer being accepted.
According to Tesla-Info, there are just 43 pre-facelift cars left in the country and, logically, Tesla should be getting ready to launch the “normal” Model Y Juniper. No doubt, interested buyers will be happy about the news.
The updated Model Y is significantly nipped and tucked compared to the outgoing one. The footprint is nearly identical, but the exterior styling is dramatically different. The new car takes on much the same lighting design as the Cybertruck and the curves are a touch sleeker. The cabin has also been updated with higher-quality materials, more screens, LEDs, new ventilated front seats and more.
That said, if you’re still holding out for a deal on the older version, time is running short. As of now, there are no Standard Range versions left, but there are still 10 Long Range AWD models and 33 Performance variants scattered across the country, with discounts ranging from $1,610 to $8,750.
As we’ve pointed out before, the old 470 hp Model Y Performance is incredibly fast and very practical. And, for as little as $32K—if you qualify for the $7,500 federal tax credit, plus any additional state-level EV incentives—it’s essentially a steal for what you’re getting. So, if you’re on the fence, now might be the time to snag one before they’re gone, unless you absolutely have your heart set on the Juniper.
The Ford Mustang Dark Horse and Dodge Charger Daytona just raced head to head.
On paper, these two muscle cars each have their own performance advantages.
The winner in this gas versus electric race is decisive but the racing is still entertaining.
As we enter the era of electric muscle cars, the question on everyone’s mind is: How do we compare them? In the latest U-Drag, we get as close to a direct comparison as you can ask for. The Ford Mustang Dark Horse squares off against the Dodge Charger Daytona in a battle of over 1,100 horsepower. Strap in, it’s about to get interesting.
The Stats: Not Always What They Seem
First, let’s talk about numbers because they can be deceptive or very telling. The Ford Mustang brings 500 horsepower (372 kW) and 418 lb-ft (566 Nm) of torque to the table from its naturally-aspirated, Gen-5 5.0-liter Coyote V8 engine. It tips the scales at 4,016 pounds (1,821 kg) and, like any true muscle car, sends all that power to the rear wheels.
On the other side, we have the Charger—a different beast altogether. It’s all-electric and all-wheel drive. It makes 670 horsepower (499 kW) and 627 lb-ft (849 Nm) of torque. That’s a lot more than the Ford but the Dodge also weighs 5,972 pounds (2,708 kg). That’s nearly 33% heavier than the Mustang, which raises an important question: Does all that extra weight come with its own set of challenges?
In theory, all of that should add up to better acceleration from the Dodge, but better braking and handling from the Ford. On tarmac, the first part of that prediction sure enough proves true. The Dodge rockets away from the Ford and puts a car length or more on it before the braking zone. Then, the Mustang begins to gain ground as the two enter the corner, and that’s where things start to get interesting.
In the past, electric vehicles really struggled toward the top-end of the speedometer. Now, things are different and the Charger uses its brute force to roll away from the corner and keep its lead. In race two, things are mostly the same but the ending is a bit different. Once again, the Charger leads off the line and into the corner.
There, the Mustang begins to pull ahead as it corners harder and exits a bit quicker. In fact, it does so well that it has at least a car-length lead on the Dodge as the two head for home. Sadly for Ford, the Mustang just doesn’t have enough power to get away though.
Close, But Not Quite Enough
The Dodge slowly but surely reels in the pony car and takes this victory 2-0. It’s a tight race, but when it’s all said and done, the Dodge Charger Daytona claims the win. The Mustang, for all its handling prowess, simply doesn’t have the power to hold off its electrified rival. Still, let’s not forget: the Mustang might have lost the race, but it sounds way more exciting doing it, no matter how hard Dodge tries to fake it with its synthetic Fratzonic engine noises.
A Tesla owner just repeated Mark Rober’s fake road wall test.
In some tests, they achieved the same result and in others, not.
The differences appears to be due to newer versions of FSD.
Earlier this week, Mark Rober sparked off a giant online battle by testing autonomous driving tech. In a long video, titled Can You Fool A Self Driving Car?, he set lidar against optical systems like the ones Tesla uses. The result? Instant backlash, praise, confusion—basically, the whole internet lost its mind. Now, someone else has re-run the same test, and, unsurprisingly, the results are both familiar and a little bit different.
In short, lidar tends to see more clearly, and more accurately, in certain situations compared to optical systems. That shouldn’t be much of a surprise, as after all, it’s a high-definition radar system that can sense objects in complete darkness.
Nevertheless, when Rober’s video highlighted Tesla’s failure to detect a wall that looked like a real road, fans of the brand came out with their pitchforks, so to speak. To their credit, Rober’s test didn’t use Full Self-Driving (Supervised) but rather Autopilot.
That’s where Kyle Paul, a Tesla owner himself, comes into play. He decided to rerun the same test with the same general parameters, but this time using FSD rather than Autopilot. He printed out his own wall that looked just like the real road it sat on and drove his Model Y up to it multiple times.
In every test, the Tesla failed to see the wall until he was literally inches away from it. As Rober suggested in an interview, it’s plausible that the ultrasonic parking sensors noticed the wall rather than the autonomous driving tech.
That said, Paul then switched things up by bringing in a Cybertruck to run the same test. Interestingly, it passed the test with flying colors by stopping on its own every time it began to approach the wall. What’s the difference? Other than the obvious fact that FSD is more advanced than Autopilot, the Cybertruck was on Tesla’s latest FSD hardware called HW4. The Model Y, a 2022 year model edition, wasn’t as it was running HW3.
The Missing Pieces
Notably, some in the comment section pointed out the tests that Paul didn’t do. For instance, he didn’t test FSD with a mannequin or in the rain—two factors that could offer a more realistic sense of how the system performs in everyday conditions.
Nevertheless, this should at least help calm the noise around Rober’s video. There’s clearly some truth to the criticisms, and those who continue to challenge Tesla’s approach to autonomous driving aren’t entirely off the mark.
Cybertruck owners are reporting panels that are falling off unexpectedly,
Some buyers claim Tesla is delaying deliveries for additional inspections
Though not part of Tesla’s rail trim recall, it might be linked to a similar flaw.
In some ways, The Tesla Cybertruck is a marvel of engineering but in others, it’s also one with quite a few flaws Some owners are now reporting one we’ve not seen before: the front panel of their truck can just, well, fall off. And no, it’s not because some mischievous gremlins decided to make a run for it—it’s because the panels apparently aren’t sticky enough.
This isn’t the first time a panel has decided it wants to make a dramatic exit from the Cybertruck. In fact, the boomerang-shaped panel above the doors has a habit of detaching itself, so Tesla recalled every single Cybertruck to apply a more aggressive adhesive, along with a stud and a nut, to keep things in place. What’s surprising here is that the front panel is also popping off for some owners.
One owner took to TikTok to document the state of their truck. After leaving it for an unspecified amount of time, they returned to find the panel was only held on by the driver’s side. The rest of the panel was bowed out and completely detached from the truck, leaving the front bumper panel nearly fully exposed.
Buy a pack of glue, said the owner in a sarcastic way. Well, we think it was sarcastic. It wouldn’t be the strangest fix for a Tesla we’ve heard of, even from the automaker itself. In fact, it seems as though these panel issues are the reason so many owners are complaining about delivery delays. Tesla just released a full-scale recall of all Cybertrucks for panels that fall off.
After buyer one reported the situation on CybertruckOwners, several others popped in with similar stories. “My message said ‘factory hold that must be addressed with our service team before delivery’,” said one. “I was told “containment does not have a correction at this time (recall),” And that 1-2wks is general time frame,” said another.
Their complaints come from all over the place too. Some are in South Carolina, others are in California, and at least one says he has this issue in Canada.
Clearly, it’s a widespread problem even if it’s not the same exact issue for all trucks. Hopefully, Tesla can get this situation sorted out. It’s tough to call this truck ready for Mars… or even Earth, when the panels just fall off on their own.
Yet another Cybertruck owner joins the Musked Club!
In the 1970s-’90s, GM factory workers loathed assembling their poorly designed cars — and despised their management — so they would leave off vital nuts and bolts and parts — is that what’s happening at Tesla now? 😝 https://t.co/IOZLSSxnl1pic.twitter.com/BaiPmTc8OH
Tesla granted a new interview to Sandy Munro, revealing more about future product plans.
Executives doubled down on Elon Musk’s promised timelines and plans during the chat.
This comes at a crucial time when Tesla can certainly use all the good news it can get.
Franz Von Holzhausen and Lars Moravy are among Tesla’s top brass—Von Holzhausen is the senior design exec, and Moravy serves as the VP of engineering. In other words, these two are practically walking encyclopedias of Tesla’s product plans. And now, they’ve decided to spill a bit more of the proverbial tea in a fresh interview with teardown expert Sandy Munro.
In this conversation, the pair delves into the challenges of developing and producing ambitious vehicles like the CyberCab and Robovan. Speaking of the small people mover, expect the CyberCab to continue its march toward a 2026 release date. Both Von Holzhausen and Moravy agreed that Tesla would manage to begin testing for Level 5 autonomy later this year too. Sure, those rideshare cars will use a real human backup working remotely but let’s see how it goes before we critique it.
CyberCab’s Surprising Range and Production Details
Moravy shared that the CyberCab will likely be powered by a battery pack smaller than 50 kWh, and still manage to deliver around 300 miles of “real-world” range. That would be impressive as most cars with that type of range currently have much larger battery packs. For instance, the Model 3 Long Range RWD uses a 79.7 kWh battery and has 363 miles of range.
The production side of things isn’t being left behind either. Moravy mentioned that Tesla will continue to lean heavily on its signature casting process too. The CyberCab will feature a large casting at both the front and rear, as well as door shell castings to help tie everything together. That aids in Tesla’s goal to cut costs and reduce complexity. Another move toward that goal is that the team isn’t going to paint the castings. They say they have corrosion under control so there’s no need.
Robovan Is Not Quite Ready for Prime Time
Switching gears to the Robovan, Von Holzhausen gave Sandy Munro a glimpse into the vehicle’s interior, though it seems Tesla’s still working through the details. The team has tried different configurations, but the one shown in the video features a 14-seat layout, which is a bit… ambitious. It’s easier to pick up on additional details in the light of day too. For instance, the seats look very wide compared to an everyday car.
While it’s safe to say the final design could shift quite a bit before the Robovan hits the streets (whenever that may be), this video provides an interesting peek into Tesla’s ongoing projects. And while Elon Musk is off doing, well, whatever it is he does remotely, Von Holzhausen and Moravy are still hard at work shaping the future of the brand.
Analysts link Tesla’s falling sales to brand damage and Musk’s recent controversial behavior.
Elon Musk has no shortage of obsessions, but right now, one seems to be taking up most of his bandwidth—and no, it’s not Tesla. According to a person in Elon Musk’s inner circle, quoted by The Washington Post, “Elon thinks [DOGE] is the most important thing in the world to work on, and when he hyperfocuses on a goal, that’s what gets done. Nothing will pull him away unless he wants it to.”
Musk has a history of doubling down on whatever captures his attention, regardless of what’s happening behind the scenes. And lately, it’s hard to argue that Tesla’s been getting the lion’s share of his focus. The company that helped catapult Musk to billionaire status seems to be running on autopilot, while its CEO is off chasing other interests.
Tesla Takes a Back Seat
It’s no secret that Musk hasn’t put Tesla on the top of his priorities for the past few months. Actually, he’s been spending quite a lot of time making appearances, most of which were related to his new role as the head of the Department of Governmental Efficiency in the Trump administration. In fact, many Tesla fans started reaching out to him via X to ask what he’s been doing for the automaker recently.
Perhaps that’s why he and President Donald Trump created a Tesla pop-up store at the White House last week. Regardless, the Washington Post writes that Musk is unlikely to change course based on that insider’s opinion. Musk’s own actions seem to confirm that story. Sales are down in several markets, as is the brand’s popularity – and we’re not talking about a couple of measly basis points either. In some places, like Germany, polls suggest that nine out of ten people are already swearing off of the brand.
“If in fact Tesla’s deliveries are down year over year, I think it is related to brand damage that’s happened,” said Gene Munster, managing partner at Deepwater Asset Management. “Because I think people have strong opinions about Elon and they’ve gotten even stronger over the past two months.” Those opinions have led to countless acts of vandalism, violence, and other protests across the world.
It’s worth pointing out in all of this that the Washington Post, the only source of this information to date, is owned by Musk’s rival Jeff Bezos. While it’s unclear if the Amazon CEO had anything to do with this particular report, he’s reportedly been known to take an active interest in the paper’s coverage. Regardless, the optics don’t lie: Tesla’s current slump suggests the company could use a little more attention from its CEO.
President Donald Trump buys a Tesla with Elon Musk at The White House: “Number one, it's a great product — as good as it gets — and number two, because he has devoted his energy and his life to doing this and I think he has been treated very unfairly.” pic.twitter.com/dpO5h1Tdap
— Tesla Owners Silicon Valley (@teslaownersSV) March 14, 2025
Rivian and Chase Bank launched a buyback scheme for Fisker Ocean owners.
Fisker owners can sell their car to Rivian or even use it in a trade for a new EV.
Unfortunately, the deal offers no benefit to owners who already sold their car.
It’s been months since Fisker pulled the plug and left its customers high and dry, but now, there’s a glimmer of hope for those who were left holding the bag. Rivian, teaming up with Chase Bank, is offering Fisker buyers a way out of their unfortunate predicament. The deal? Sell your Fisker to Rivian or Chase, and you’ll likely make thousands more than trying to offload it on the open market.
Law firm Hagens Berman is reaching out to Fisker owners with the news that they can now sell or trade in their vehicles. Rivian is even allowing owners to use the sale of their Fisker as part of a down payment for one of their R1S or R1T models, if they’re interested in an upgrade.
Fisker owners are offered three options: selling to Rivian, trading in to Rivian, or selling to Chase if their car is in an inoperable state. According to the letter, the “fixed price will be an amount equal to the purchase price minus an amount for usage of the vehicle since… purchase.” The move looks like a serious lifeline for Fisker buyers who could’ve spent nearly six figures to get an early Ocean, only for Fisker to fold faster than a lawn chair.
According to posts on social media, Rivian and Chase are sending out this deal via snail mail to Fisker owners. In some cases, they’re offering over $36,000 for an SUV that will never again receive any sort of factory support.
It’s not hard to see why this marketing move makes sense. Rivian is targeting a group of buyers who are desperate to escape the financial mess Fisker left behind. At least Rivian has lasted long enough to build a second-gen car and looks far more healthy as a company than Fisker ever did.
While this isn’t exactly the fairy tale ending Fisker buyers were hoping for, it’s a way out for those who want to escape a rapidly depreciating investment. Rivian is capitalizing on the situation by offering a simple solution, making it much easier for disillusioned owners to make a fresh start.
Longbow is a new EV car company out of the UK that aims to launch two new sports cars.
Dubbed the Speedster and the Roadster, they prioritize lightweight design above all else.
Reservations are open for the Speedster starting at $110,000 and the Roadster at $84,000.
Celeritas Levitatis means the Speed of Lightness and it’s the hallmark of Longbow. This new automaker out of the UK believes that it has the solution for the overweight automobiles that crowd our streets. “Weight invites complexity, blunts agility, and dulls the senses,” it says. Fixing those issues required going back to the drawing board. What it’s come up with are two new electric sports cars that weigh less than a Mazda MX-5.
Meet the Speedster, an open-cockpit, windshield-free thrill machine, and the Roadster, which, somewhat counterintuitively given its name, has a fixed hardtop.
The Team Behind the Cars—and the Tesla Trolling
Longbow isn’t just a couple of enthusiasts in a garage with big ideas; it was actually founded by two former Tesla engineers, Daniel Davy and Mark Tapscott, along with the former CEO of an electric boat company. Their resumes include stints at Lucid Motors, BYD, Formula E, Lotus, Aston Martin, and Ariel—essentially, a greatest-hits lineup of performance and EV expertise.
And then there’s the name. Longbow’s Roadster is an undeniable swipe at Tesla’s long-hyped—and even longer-delayed—Roadster, which was supposed to debut in 2020, following the unveiling of a prototype even further back in 2017. Speaking to Top Gear, Daniel Davy made it clear that the name was a deliberate jab at Tesla’s continuously-delayed Roadster II.
“A lot of customers have put deposits down for a Roadster they can’t get,” Davy told the magazine. “So we thought we’d be the first electric Roadster to actually follow the Tesla Roadster. If people want to get their $250,000 deposit back for a 2020 car and put it into something better, they’ll get one sooner with us. They’re welcome to do it. Our Roadster’s going to be on the ground first.”
The Specs: Light, Fast, and Purpose-Built
First up is the Speedster. Devoid of a windshield or roof, the two-seater boasts an estimated range of 275 miles (WLTP). It’ll weigh just 1,973 pounds (895 kg) and rocket from 0-60 mph (0-96 km/h) in 3.5 seconds. That’s on par with some very fast supercars and identical to that of a Tesla Model Y Performance (though the latter is with a rollout).
Once Longbow finishes production of the Speedster, which is scheduled to start early next year, it’ll move onto a hardtop version called the Roadster. The latter weighs a bit more at 2,193 pounds, so it’s 0.1 seconds slower to 60 mph. It will have five additional miles of range though, for a total of 280 miles. Those figures sound great, but Longbow still hasn’t said anything about battery size or motor configuration.
A New British EV Player—or Just Another Dream?
The company says that, apart from being the “first-ever British electric sports car manufacturer”, it also introduces “a new category that re-energises an iconic automotive archetype with the official unveiling of the world’s first Featherweight Electric Vehicle (FEV)”. It also proudly states that, with the Speedster and Roadster, it “offers a unique take on the rich British tradition of lightweight sportscars, focusing on real-road performance with an unparalleled driving experience”.
Pricing and Availability
Reservations are open for both models. The Speedster will cost around $110,000 (₤84,995), which include local UK VAT (tax), while the Roadster goes for $84,000 (₤64,995 with VAT). Longbow promises some special versions, like the Luminary 1st Edition and Autograph Edition, which will be limited to just 10 and 25 examples respectively. It’s also only going to make 150 examples of the Speedster, so interested parties might want to make a reservations sooner rather than later in order to secure an example.
It’s worth noting that these promises are sincerely grand. Viewing them with a pinch of salt or maybe more could turn out to be very wise. It’s honestly hard to count just how many different companies have popped up with a cool car concept only to end up falling by the wayside before building a single production car. Hopefully, Longbow has figured out the secret sauce and will make it. We’re all for more innovation and more fast cars.
A new test confirms that all-wheel drive can matter more than sheer power.
The race featured the old Challenger Hellcat and the new Charger Daytona EV.
Dodge is ultimately offering more speed for fewer dollars at the moment.
In case it wasn’t obvious after several years of proof from various automakers, electric cars are seriously quick. All-wheel-drive EVs with gobs of power are understandably even faster. What might surprise some die-hard petrolheads, though, is that Dodge’s new Charger Daytona is quicker than a Challenger Hellcat Redeye.
The new Charger Daytona isn’t getting rave reviews. Whether that’s because of its electric motors, its lack of a V8 option, the inability to do a burnout, pricing, or something else, its welcome was lukewarm at best – and it’s likely why some dealers are offering massive discounts and Dodge itself is leasing it out at low rates.
What is not up for debate is how fast it is. According to Car And Driver, the Daytona Scat Pack with its 670 horsepower (499 kW) and all-wheel drive system managed to rocket from 0-60 mph (0- 96 km/h) in just 3.3 seconds. When the magazine tested the 797 hp (594 kW) Challenger Hellcat Redeye, which was rear-wheel drive, its best time was 3.8 seconds.
On the flip side, the Charger Daytona wasn’t as agile as a similarly rapid BMW i4 M50. Whereas the German electric sedan had a nicely tuned chassis and suspension, the Charger plowed through corners with “excessive understeer.”
It did manage to out-brake the BMW and the Hyundai Ioniq 5 N though. On the skid pad, it matched the Hyundai and was 0.01 off the mark set by the BMW. That mix of skills might not be exactly what everyone wants, but it does make the Charger Daytona appealing to those whose main priority is straight-line acceleration.
In the end, buying a new Dodge Charger Daytona is a quick way to smoke every stock Challenger (and probably Charger) Hellcat you come across, alongside some much more expensive machinery. Having four fat tire patches all gripping and ripping, as well as instantly available torque, is just too much for the old ICE-powered Hell Kitty to handle.
The Tesla Model Y remains one of the world’s most popular cars for many reasons.
In some states, it’s already relatively low price gets even better thanks to incentives.
The Performance, available for as little as $32,000, hits 60 mph in around 3.5 seconds.
Tesla is currently transitioning to its updated Model Y Juniper, but for now, the $59,990 Limited Edition of the refreshed crossover is the only option available in the United States. However, many pre-facelift models are lingering in stock, including several of the top-tier Model Y Performance trims. To clear out this inventory, Tesla is offering some huge discounts, and the deals are surprisingly good. In fact, in some states with additional incentives, you can snag one for under $33,000.
Before you click “Buy,” keep in mind that the updated Model Y offers several key improvements over the first generation. Beyond cosmetic changes like a new front and rear design, it features reduced noise, vibration, and harshness (NVH), a revamped suspension to address earlier complaints, and upgraded interior materials. Plus, a new Model Y Performance version is on the way.
Looking at Europe and China, where the standard versions of the new Model Y Juniper are already available, we expect the updated version to launch in the next month or so at a similar price point (without any discounts in the beginning) to the current model. Something to consider if you’re eyeing the older model.
Nearly $20,000 Off—With Some Catch
Right now, the brand has several Model Y Performance examples in stock and these aren’t cars that have been sitting around for a year or more. Most are 2025 model year cars and Tesla has hacked up to $8,000 off the price in some cases.
Stack on that the $7,500 federal tax credit and additional discounts available in states like Colorado ($3,850), Illinois ($4,000), New Jersey ($2,000), Vermont ($2,500), Massachusetts ($3,500) and others, and you’re looking at just shy of $20,000 off the MSRP of $51,490. That means this car can be yours for less than $33,000 before taxes and delivery fees, an absolute steal. Plus, with Tesla’s direct-sales model, there’s no haggling—just a simple press of a button.
To put that into perspective, that’s around the price of a near-base compact SUV. For example, the base 2025 Subaru Forester starts at $29,995, with the next trim, the Premium, starting at $32,310.
Keep in mind that Tesla’s Model Y Performance, believed to produce around 470 hp, can rocket from 0-60 mph (96 km/h) in 3.5 seconds with a rollout. That’s quicker than a new Ford Mustang Dark Horse, a Toyota Supra, a Porsche 911 Carrera and only 0.1 seconds slower than the Aston Martin Vantage. We’re talking about bonafide speed at what is essentially the price of a base Honda CR-V. There’s little question which is more fun to drive.
Not Just Speed. It’s Practical, Too
At the same time, it’s not as if this is some one-trick pony. The Model Y Performance offers a claimed 277 miles of range, five seats (or optionally seven for two very small kids), up to 76 cubic feet of cargo space with the rear seats folded down. That’s as much space for gear as some three-row SUVs. Furthermore, it also comes with a solid list of standard kit, including vegan leather, 21-inch wheels, and a full safety suite.
Of course, all of this comes with a caveat. Right now, anything related to Tesla—whether it’s owners, stores, or Supercharger stations—is under fire from several directions. To be clear, none of this is the fault of the owners, but it’s still something to keep in mind. At least, in this case, they can outrun just about anyone who might try to chase them down to slap a sticker on their car.
Protests against Elon Musk span multiple countries, escalating from vandalism to arson.
They include taking over dealerships, setting charging stations on fire, and sometimes guns.
Musk attributes the unrest to left-wing political groups, but evidence remains unsubstantiated.
It seems that electric vehicle owners are increasingly stepping away from Tesla, with less support for Elon Musk than ever before. This might seem surprising, given Musk’s status as the face of Tesla and the electric vehicle movement itself. A recent study pointed out that not only do more people on the political right align with Musk these days, but his connection with EV owners is also growing colder.
This shift in sentiment wouldn’t typically be a major deal, but Musk is no ordinary businessman—he’s the public face of Tesla, and his actions, both in business and politics, are sparking some serious unrest. Instead of staying in the safe zone of corporate leadership, Musk seems to have traded in his role as a CEO for that of a political lightning rod.
Protesters Are Taking Things Up a Notch
In the past few weeks, we’ve reported on several individual instances of protests against Musk. The assumed leader of the Department of Governmental Efficiency (DOGE) has sparked widespread animosity due to his involvement in government work and his political leanings (both provable and theorized).
Individual Tesla owners have faced eggings, vandalism with stickers, further vandalism with spray paint, and countless threats to those unwilling to sell their car. Protesters have gone well beyond just targeting individual owners as well.
“ vandals ” removed wheels from Teslas and offered a superb metaphor for the directionless company whose CEO Elon Musk spends every waking hour on toxic identity politics to soothe his overinflated ego while the overinflated $TSLA stock nosedives pic.twitter.com/2WqL8iaT3O
Charging stations across multiple states have become prime targets for vandals. Some have filled the ports with foam, completely severed the cords, tagged them with Nazi-centric graffiti, and even gone as far as setting them on fire. This arsonist behavior isn’t limited to charging stations, either.
It’s also happening at dealerships in both the USA and abroad. In one instance, a person fired several bullets into a dealership, damaging both Tesla’s stock and customers’ vehicles. What’s wild about all this is that the vast majority of these actions are carried out by individuals, not large groups. You’d think a few isolated incidents would die down quickly, but that’s clearly not the case. It seems to be fueling larger protests everywhere.
In New York City, protesters recently took over Tesla’s dealership in Manhattan. Police arrested six people in connection with the act, but supporters referred to it as “how we beat fascism.” In Chicago, a protest group marched supporters through the streets in an event called Take Down Tesla, Trump, and Tyranny. Several police officers lined up in front of the local Tesla dealership to protect it.
In doing so, they somewhat proved the protesters’ point. “Wonder if they’d protect my small business with that level of force? Oligarchy doing its thing,” one Reddit user commented, highlighting the power and influence Musk wields. In some rare instances, police have even gone so far as to protect individual vehicles.
— Read Starting Somewhere (@JPHilllllll) March 9, 2025
Other protests have seen citizens in various cities standing on dealership corners holding signs. Calls from different groups are pushing for the spread and intensification of the protests, while Musk, it seems, is doing nothing.
Musk’s Thoughts
An investigation has found 5 ActBlue-funded groups responsible for Tesla “protests”: Troublemakers, Disruption Project, Rise & Resist, Indivisible Project and Democratic Socialists of America.
ActBlue funders include George Soros, Reid Hoffman, Herbert Sandler, Patricia Bauman,…
In Musk’s view, a larger force is driving these protests. Specifically, he claims that five ActBlue-funded groups are behind them. ActBlue, a left-leaning political organization, is funded by figures like “George Soros, Reid Hoffman, Herbert Sandler, Patricia Bauman, and Leah Hunt-Hendrix,” according to Musk.
To some extent, Musk predicted resistance to his work at DOGE long before Trump won the presidency. In a podcast, he mentioned that such a move would provoke a sharp reaction. “The antibody reaction would be very strong. You’re attacking the Matrix at that point. The Matrix will fight back.” Whether it’s the Matrix—or just genuinely angry people—is still up for debate.
It’s worth noting that while conspiracies do exist, there’s no evidence at this point linking ActBlue, or any other major political entity, to these protests. It’s tempting to blame inconvenient events on shadowy conspiracies, but it’s often harder to accept the reality of the situation. High-profile political figures like Bernie Sanders—who have no direct connection to ActBlue other than shared political leanings—have also publicly and directly called Musk out.
At this stage, it’s unclear whether what we’re witnessing is a purely grassroots movement against Musk, a sordid conspiracy, or a mix of both. What’s certain, however, is that people are angry at Musk and they’re taking it out on Tesla dealers and owners, most of whom have absolutely nothing to do with Musk, his actions, or his political leanings. They’re simply being hurt by association with the brand.
For once, it seems Elon might actually be powerless to do anything about it.
Tesla sold over 8,600 cars in just three days at four stores before the rebate program ended.
The surge in sales amounted to more than $43.1 million in rebates claimed by Tesla.
The shocking numbers have raised doubts among dealers about the legitimacy of the sales.
Four Tesla stores in Canada each sold an average of 30 cars per hour, amounting to 120 cars per hour across all four locations—essentially one car every minute, 24 hours a day…for three straight days. And yes, this includes hours when the stores were closed.
This extraordinary surge in sales conveniently coincided with Canada’s impending end of its electric vehicle subsidies, and it led to Tesla filing for C$43.1 million (US$30M) in rebates. This sum represents more than half of the remaining C$71.8 million (US$50M) allocated for EV rebates. Naturally, these details have left officials scratching their heads, wondering just how Tesla managed to pull it off.
Keep in mind that Tesla is struggling when it comes to sales in Canada right now. According to the National Post, deliveries nosedived some 70 percent between December 2024 and January 2025. When the Canadian government announced that it would soon end electric vehicle subsidies, it was expected that Tesla would see a small bump up in sales. However, a giant spike like this is a different ballgame altogether.
In total, it reportedly sold 8,653 cars in three days across four stores in Canada. The sales figures come from Transport Canada, which is the body that accounts for the rebates. According to the The Star, an official from that governmental body openly said “Tesla didn’t sell those cars that weekend.”
The Impact on the Rebate System
While these sales are a win for Elon Musk’s company, they left rival brands without access to the same EV credits. Tesla’s $43.1 million in rebates consumed more than half of the remaining funds for EV subsidies. By the time other dealers attempted to claim their rebates, the money had run out. And there were plenty of them.
According to the Canadian Automobile Dealers Association (CADA), 226 dealerships submitted rebate claims for 2,295 electric vehicles but still haven’t been reimbursed, leaving them collectively out by C$10 million. Additionally, in regions like Quebec, many dealerships are closed on weekends, effectively locking them out of this “sales rush”.
Dealers Left Holding the Bag
Terry Budd, who owns eight dealerships in Canada, was understandably shocked by the news. He told The Star that he hadn’t received any formal notice about the iZEV program’s end, only a warning from CADA that the funds were running low. Budd estimates he’s out $150,000 for rebates he submitted, with another $25,000 for those that were never processed.
“The deal’s done, and we’re shy that money,” Budd said. “Nobody can tell us whether we’re going to be paid or not.” When told that a single Tesla store in Quebec had reportedly sold 4,000 cars over the weekend, Budd couldn’t believe it. “There’s no way they delivered or sold that many cars in a weekend,” he said. “They cleared everyone else out.”
Huw Williams, a spokesperson for CADA, added, “These dealers, in good faith, gave customers the money for a program that is always refunded. They shouldn’t be left making a payment on behalf of the Government of Canada.”
Unlike most other dealerships, Tesla’s Canadian stores are company-owned and directly controlled. This gives Tesla an advantage in navigating rebate claims and the sales process, unlike independent dealerships that run their own operations.
Canadian officials, however, are questioning how Tesla managed to achieve such a feat.
“Tesla had a run on the bank,” said Williams. “Somehow, Tesla gamed the system. What we can’t figure out is how this could have happened without setting off alarm bells.” He even went on to say that it defies logic that Tesla could sell that many cars and that “the registration gaming of this may be inappropriate.”
A Gray Area?
Notably, Transport Canada has stated that there’s no rule against Tesla submitting rebate paperwork in bulk after sold cars are delivered. This could be what happened, but there’s still a lot of uncertainty about the exact details. Maybe more will unfold in the coming weeks—perhaps a few more alarm bells will go off.
Volvo’s Saudi ad is AI-generated, with no cars shown and focus shifting to messaging.
AI reduced production time from months to weeks, making the process more efficient.
The ad uses a voiceover to connect its human-focused narrative to Volvo’s Saudi return.
In the ever-evolving world of advertising, where companies are constantly trying to outdo each other with the next big thing, Volvo has thrown a curveball in Saudi Arabia for a couple of reasons. First, it doesn’t actually feature a Volvo—or a car of any kind. Before anyone jumps to conclusions and assumes this is a rehash of what Jaguar recently did, hear this: the entire ad is a creation of artificial intelligence. It might even offer a glimpse into what we can expect from future brand campaigns.
Titled “Come Back Stronger,” the video ad is a surreal mix of vague, almost abstract clips. There are close-up shots of people, individuals running in the desert, and other scenes that seem completely unrelated to anything Volvo specifically does. What does tie it all together is the voiceover, which, to be fair, sounds like a car commercial—even if the visuals don’t match.
“They say some dreams are too ambitious but we’ve never believed in limits. Challenges didn’t hold us back, they pushed us forward. Every obstacle, every doubt, shaped us into something stronger because progress isn’t about the past, it’s about what’s possible. And what’s possible is everything. This isn’t just a return, it’s a comeback, and together, we vow to always come back stronger.”
So, what does all that mean when it comes to practical application? Volvo is hoping to sell more cars in Saudi Arabia with its new electrified lineup. That’s the long and the short of the entire ad campaign. Once again, Volvo greenlit this with zero cars in the video.
It’s unclear whether Volvo intentionally chose to leave cars out or if it simply had too much trouble getting the AI to generate a truly accurate Volvo model. According to Adweek, Osama Saddiq, the founder of Lion—the agency behind the ad—said, “This was a tough decision… to tell a deeply human story through the voices of Saudi locals… showing the car would have distracted from the narrative.”
Regardless of intention or execution, it’s clear that AI could soon become a powerful tool in the automotive world. Even Mercedes’ head of design has warned that AI might make designers obsolete within the next decade.
Behind-the-scenes storyboards from Lion show just how the company did the work. In addition, it said that by using AI it cut production time from months down to weeks. For many brands, that alone could be enough of an incentive to start experimenting with AI more frequently in the near future.
Several Tesla Supercharger stations burned up overnight in Littleton, Massachusetts.
Authorities are investigating the fire as a targeted arson case against the EV brand.
This marks the third arson case targeting Tesla-branded products within a single week.
Some electric vehicle owners may be in for an unpleasant surprise when they pull up to charge today only to find their intended station reduced to a charred wreck. That’s the unfortunate situation at the Tesla Supercharger station in Littleton, Massachusetts, where at least seven stalls were torched overnight. Authorities are now investigating the incident as an act of arson.
“Chief Matthew Pinard reports that the Littleton Police Department responded to and is investigating fires at a Tesla charging station at The Point Shopping Center that are believed to be suspicious in nature,” local officials told ABC News. “Responding officers observed that several Tesla charging stations were engulfed in flames and heavy, dark smoke.”
Authorities have made it clear that they suspect arson. “The Littleton Police and Fire Departments, along with the Massachusetts State Police Fire and Explosion Investigation Unit from the State Fire Marshal’s Office, are investigating and have determined that the fire was likely intentionally set,” they confirmed. This is an important detail, especially since Tesla has provided additional context that aligns with that conclusion.
While fires at electric vehicle or charging stations can happen, they’re extremely rare, and are typically the result of a thermal event caused by a faulty connection between a vehicle and charger. In this case, however, Tesla confirmed that no cars were plugged in at the time. Impressively, the company says the station will be fully operational again in less than 48 hours.
No customers were charging at time of the fire. Posts & wire will be replaced in <48hrs. Critical infrastructure for EV drivers. Arson investigation ongoing with @LittletonMAPD.
Interestingly, Tesla does seem to have a fast turnaround when things like this happen. When vandals attacked chargers about a week ago, the team said it would fix the issue within a day and press charges. Perhaps it’ll do the same if police find a suspect for the fires in Massachusetts.
Sadly, this marks the third arson attack in just a week. In Colorado, police caught a suspect with explosives and incendiary devices near a Tesla dealership—though, thankfully, no fires were set. In France, however, things took a darker turn. Police believe someone set fire to at least a dozen cars at a service center overnight on Sunday, including customer vehicles that were there for repairs.
A new study predicts car prices will rise significantly once Trump’s tariffs take effect.
Many vehicles could see price hikes of around $4,000, while EVs may rise up to $12,000.
Trump says the 25% tariff on imports from Mexico and Canada takes effect March 4.
If you’re thinking about buying a new car, you might want to hit pause and consider a few things first. A new study from the Anderson Economics Group (AEG) warns that prices are set to skyrocket due to Donald Trump’s 25 percent tariff on imports from Mexico and Canada, which is confirmed to take effect on March 4. And while that alone would be a blow to your wallet, it’s just adding to the chaos already simmering in the automotive industry.
The group based its findings on the proposed 25% tariffs against Mexico and Canada and a 10% tariff against China. Using those figures, it predicts that even small crossovers will see at least a $4,000 price increase. Large SUVs with “significant content” from Mexico would go up by roughly $9,000 and trucks would see a similar bump.
Electric Vehicles: The Biggest Losers
Electric vehicles will get hit hardest though. AEG believes they’ll see an increase of $12,000 on average. Combine that with the potential death of EV subsidies and that market could stall for some time. “That kind of cost increase will lead directly — and I expect almost immediately — to a decline in sales of the models that have the biggest trade impacts,” Patrick Anderson, chief executive officer of Anderson Economic Group, told Bloomberg. “You’ll see some model and trim types just disappear,” he said.
So, why are EVs getting hit harder than your standard gas guzzler? It’s all about the materials. “All electric vehicle makers are going to feel the pressure from those [tariffs], because they use way more steel and aluminum than a conventional combustion-engine car,” Marc Busch, professor of international business diplomacy at Georgetown University told CNBC. “So I have no doubt that this will get [Musk’s] attention, and I can imagine that that would be an added political pressure benefit in terms of retaliatory strikes by the European Union, Canada and others.”
Now, Tesla’s situation is interesting. They build their US-sold vehicles in Fremont, California, and Austin, Texas, but the parts? Many are sourced from China, Canada, and Mexico. For example, 15% of the Model Y’s components come from Mexico. They’re already scrambling to avoid a rise in the 25% tariff on Chinese graphite, a key material for lithium-ion batteries.
It’s worth noting that all three of the major US automakers produce vehicles in Mexico, Canada, or both. Ford manufactures the Mustang Mach-E, Bronco Sport, and Maverick in Mexico. Ram trucks are built in both Mexico and the USA, while GM’s Silverado is a product of all three nations involved.
Automakers Already Making Moves
In the meantime, automakers are doing what they can to counter the potential tariffs. Some are having suppliers build up stock. Others are storing parts in strategic locations to avoid getting hit with the tariffs. It’s clear that the automotive industry wasn’t expecting this and isn’t entirely sure what to plan for.
A union representative told Bloomberg that Ford is “racing product over the US-Canada border in anticipation of the tariffs.” In addition, it’s securing warehouse storage so that it can keep all of these parts secure and safe from the potential tariffs.
“We usually store them here (Ontariot, Canada) until we’re ready to send to the truck plants,” D’Agnolo said. “But they’re finding places in the states to store those engines so that they don’t get tariffed.”
Tick-Tock: Tariffs Set to Hit March 4
With the tariffs set to take effect on March 4, it seems like there’s little time left to avoid the impact. Politico reported that Trump told reporters at the White House earlier today, “There’s no room left for Mexico or for Canada” to negotiate. “They’re all set. They go into effect tomorrow.”
Buyers across the United States are having tax returns rejected due to paperwork errors.
Although the cars are eligible for rebates, dealers made mistakes on the paperwork.
It’s unclear how many buyers are out of their tax rebate, but the IRS could offer a solution.
Electric vehicles and plug-in hybrids promise savings on energy costs—and sometimes at the dealership, too. But while federal incentives have helped push adoption, they’re not guaranteed to last forever and might disappear soon. In 2024, many buyers factored these rebates into their purchase decisions, only to find out later that dealership paperwork mistakes left them empty-handed.
It seems as if every year, taxes regarding EVs change to one degree or another. That was certainly the case in 2024 too. Perhaps the biggest change is that buyers could get access to their rebate at the time of purchase. For this to work though, dealers had to enroll in the program and then use a specific portal to report when buyers took advantage of their rebate at the time of sale.
According to NPR, however, thousands of dealers failed to meet those guidelines. Those who didn’t enroll still needed to provide buyers with paperwork to obtain their tax rebate at the end of the year. In many cases, the form provided was out of date and, therefore, meaningless.
Kristina Meier, who bought a PHEV minivan last September, says that her dealer provided forms that worked in 2023 but not in 2024. Without the dealer properly submitting the paperwork on time, customers aren’t eligible for the tax rebate, even if they did everything else by the book.
A Slim Chance for a Fix
The deadline for a dealer to submit paperwork to the IRS is just three days after the sale, which means it’s currently impossible for Meier and others like her to claim their tax rebate. However, there’s still a glimmer of hope: the IRS has allowed retroactive submissions in the past.
If the agency does so again, it would allow buyers like Meier to get their tax rebate despite the dealer screwing up on the front end. Whether or not that will happen, however, remains unknown. For now, it’s unclear how many buyers are affected by this issue, but the more people speak up, the better chance there is the IRS might to do something about it.
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