The classic rickshaw, or tuk-tuk, could get a serious reinvention thanks to Hyundai. Last week, the car manufacturer announced a partnership with TVS Motor Company in India and unveiled concept versions of its new three-wheeler and micro four-wheelers. These vehicles preview models aimed at tackling India’s huge last-mile mobility market. They haven’t been confirmed for production yet, but could hit the streets in the future.

Perhaps the most interesting of the new EVs is the aptly named Electric Three-Wheeler Concept. It has a familiar footprint to classic rickshaws but adopts a retro-modern design, making it look unlike anything else on the market. According to Hyundai, the height of the body is adjustable, meaning that not even monsoons and flooded roads would be able to hold it back.

Read: Hyundai Creta Electric Debuts With 294-Mile Range

The front end of the concept includes a diagonal windshield, small LED headlights, and a configurable screen that can be customized to display different messages. It comes standard with larger wheels than a typical rickshaw, includes a towing hook, and promises a comfortable seating position for the driver. The three-wheeler also rocks a small cluster and a phone holder.

Intriguing features don’t stop there. Hyundai is investigating the use of a heat-reducing black paint for the roof. It’s also working on water-resistant materials to cover interior surfaces, ensuring the electric tuk-tuk would be comfortable in all conditions.

Hyundai’s four-door, four-wheeled concept maintains many of the same features as its smaller sibling but adds an extra front seat. The brand is looking to build the three-wheeler in partnership with TVS in India, while the four-wheeler is still under review but could be focused on global markets if approved. No technical details about the powertrains of the two vehicles have been announced.

“Hyundai Motor is a customer-centric brand, and caring for people in India is our first mission,” executive vice president and head of Hyundai and Genesis Global Design, SangYup Lee, said. “This commitment has driven us to explore designing micro-mobility solutions tailored to India’s unique environment, reimagining the iconic three-wheeler to enhance mobility experiences through thoughtful design.”

More than 80,000 Kia Niro models are being recalled in the United States because of vulnerable wires that could be damaged, impacting how the airbags deploy and the operation of the seatbelt pretensioner. For a brand as well versed as Kia at making solid cars, the issue does seem like a bizarre oversight.

According to the recall, the floor wiring assembly under the front passenger seat could be damaged if the seat is repeatedly slid backward and forward. If these wires are damaged, they could prevent the airbags or seatbelt pretensioner from working during a crash, lead to an inability to suppress the passenger front airbag if a child or small occupant is seated, or to the inadvertent deployment of the passenger side airbag even if the vehicle isn’t involved in a crash.

Review: 2024 Kia Niro EV GT-Line Is Expensive But Extremely Efficient

A total of 80,225 vehicles are impacted. These include 2023-2025 Kia Niro EV models assembled from August 10, 2022 to December 13, 2024, 2023-2025 Niro Hybrids built from June 21, 2022 to December 17, 2024, and 2023-2025 Niro Plug-In Hybrid models built from July 11, 2022, to December 16, 2024.

Kia became aware of the issue in November 2024 after a field report describing damage to the passenger floor wiring assembly which had triggered an airbag warning light. The carmaker quickly discovered the wiring was vulnerable to damage due to variances in the routing of the wiring. Niro models with electronically adjustable seats are not impacted. Kia has not received any reports of accidents or injuries, but is aware of 4 warranty claims.

Owners of impacted Kia Niro models will be alerted to the recall by first class mail from March 14. Dealers have been instructed to inspect the floor wiring assembly and replace it if necessary. They will also need to reroute the floor wiring assembly and install extra protective coverings to prevent any future damage.

The world has yet to see the results of the Rivian and VW partnership and already, other OEMs are reportedly interested in using the next-generation architecture. This news comes shortly after VW revealed it may also work with Rivian to share modules and bundle purchasing volumes.

While Rivian is one of the few electric startups to have developed, produced, and sold EVs, it remains unprofitable and desperately in need of a new cash injection. VW is investing $5.8 billion into the joint venture to use Rivian’s software technology across its future models, and others may follow suit, according to Rivian chief software officer Wassym Bensaid.

Read: VW Boss Wants To Deepen Ties With Rivian

“Obviously other OEMs are talking to us and we’re trying to figure out how to support that in the future,” he told Reuters. “Any other OEM who wants to make a leap from a technology standpoint, the joint venture today becomes one of the key partners with whom they can make that collaboration. I’d say that many other OEMs are knocking on our door.”

The New Standard?

According to analysts from Canaccord Genuity, the joint venture’s electrical system has the potential to become the platform of choice for Western car manufacturers – excluding Tesla. While Bensaid didn’t specify which OEMs have expressed interest in the platform, Rivian could conceivably sell or license its system to other brands, helping rivals reduce costs needed to develop in-house solutions while also serving as a valuable money-maker.

The new architecture will be much less complex than those VW currently uses. For example, whereas current VW models rock as many as 100 control units, Rivian’s setup will consolidate this to just seven control units. These will integrate semiconductors, sensors, and cabling, handling things like the infotainment systems to advanced driver assistance features. Among the first VW Group products to use the system will be Porsche’s new flagship SUV and the next-generation VW Golf.

The Tesla Model S Plaid offers extraordinary performance for the money. Sure, the $94,990 starting price puts it out of reach for many, but no other production car on the planet can accelerate as quickly as a Plaid for the money. However, perhaps one of the disappointing aspects of the flagship Model S is that it doesn’t look all the different from the standard model. That’s where Unplugged Performance comes in.

The Californian firm has become the go-to shop for modded Teslas in recent years, and it just unveiled its latest Model S Plaid build, this time for the world’s most famous podcaster, Joe Rogan. The comedian and podcast host has owned a Model S Plaid for several years, but recently, he decided the regular car was no longer quite doing it for him. Unplugged’s creation is known as the S-Apex.

Read: Joe Rogan’s 1969 Camaro Restomod Has An 860 HP Supercharged LSA V8

Immediately differentiating this Model S Plaid from a regular one is the bodykit. It’s a 19-piece kit made from prepreg carbon fiber that includes flared rear wheel arches, adding 80 mm (3.1 inches) to the width of the EV. The kit also includes carbon fiber fins behind the front wheels, a dramatic carbon diffuser, and a carbon rear lip spoiler. Rogan’s Model S Plaid has also been resprayed in a gorgeous shade of Pearl White with hints of blue and covered in paint protection film.

Unplugged has also installed a set of forged monoblock wheels measuring 21×10 at the front and 21×11.5-inch at the rear, wrapped in 285/30 and 305/30 Michelin Pilot Sport 4S tires. Beefed-up brakes with carbon ceramic discs have also been added – a welcome upgrade given the standard Plaid brakes aren’t exactly up for the task of slowing down this 1,020 hp electric beast. Forged billet suspension arms have also been installed.

Rogan also ordered a custom interior for his Tesla. Created in partnership with von Holzhausen, it’s clad in gorgeous white leather with several black Alcantara inserts.

Unplugged Performance

Last year, Tesla recalled more vehicles in the United States than any other carmaker, and while the vast majority were fixed with over-the-air updates, it’s probably an undesirable title the brand wishes it didn’t receive. Things haven’t gotten off to a great start in 2025, and shortly after Tesla had to recall 240,000 models in the US, regulators in China said that 1.2 million Tesla models now need repairs through two separate recalls.

The most significant recall impacts 871,087 Model 3 and Model Y vehicles built and sold in China. These EVs were assembled from January 3, 2022, to September 23, 2023, and are equipped with an electronic power steering system that may not provide enough steering assistance. A statement from China’s State Administration for Market Regulation (SAMR) says this could cause the electronic power steering to malfunction.

Read: Tesla Starts 2025 With Recall For 240,000 EVs, Some May Need New Computers

If there’s a slither of good news in this recall for Tesla, it’s the fact the issue can be resolved with a simple software update.

The second recall involves 335,716 vehicles and relates to a fault with the rearview camera. It’s the same issue that recently prompted a recall of almost 240,000 Tesla models in the US. Tesla says that when one of its EVs is powered up, a reverse current can cause a shorting failure on the car computer board, causing the rearview camera to malfunction. In China, the recall involves imported Model S and Model Xs, as well as locally-built Model 3s and Model Ys built between July 16, 2023, and December 14, 2024.

Most Teslas in this recall can be fixed by upgrading to software version 2024.44.25.3, but some will need to have a new computer installed at no cost at a Tesla service center.

Last year, global sales of EVs and PHEVs soared to new heights, exceeding 17 million units for the first time. This represented a massive 25.6% increase over the previous year. However, a new study suggests that for the vast majority of car buyers in major markets around the world, very few buyers are interested in buying an EV or a PHEV as their next vehicle. Things may not be as they seem, though – but more on that later.

The study comes from Deloitte, a juggernaut of the advisory and consulting industry. It quizzed respondents about what kind of powertrain they’d prefer for their next vehicle. While the results varied between markets, gasoline and diesel-powered ICE models were by far the most popular. In most markets other than China, EVs and PHEVs were low on shopping lists.

First, The Results

In the United States, just 5% of people said they’re looking for an EV as their next vehicle, while 6% said the powertrain preference is a PHEV. By comparison, 62% of respondents said their preference is an ICE model while 20% may choose a regular hybrid. The results were similar in other markets. Across South East Asia, 53% would prefer an ICE, followed by 17% considering a hybrid, 13% pondering a PHEV, and 11% thinking about an EV.

Read: EV And PHEV Sales Surged 26% Globally In 2024, But The Party’s Over In Europe

In Germany, the same 53% of respondents want an ICE as their next vehicle, compared to just 9% for PHEVs and 14% for EVs. Things were different in China, where 38% said their preference is an ICE, followed by 16% in favor of a hybrid, 17% considering a PHEV, and a significant 27% leaning towards an EV.

Numbers Don’t Lie – But Do They Tell The Whole Truth?

While these results may be surprising, given the highly increased demand for EVs in 2024, as mentioned in the title, there’s a huge caveat as far as this study is concerned: the sample size was very, very small. In the US, just 937 people were quizzed about their powertrain preference and in China, only 939 people responded to the question. As such, it’s hard to make a sweeping declaration about just how many people do or don’t want an EV or PHEV as their next vehicle.

That said, the study did reveal some intriguing tidbits. For instance, brand loyalty appears to be on the decline. In the US, 54% of vehicle owners plan to switch to another brand for their next car. This figure is even more dramatic in China, where a whopping 76% are ready to jump ship. Globally, Deloitte notes that brand defection is on the rise, signaling a shift in consumer priorities.

The study also touched on the often polarizing topic of autonomous vehicles, and it seems skepticism is still alive and well. In the US, 52% of respondents expressed concerns about robotaxi services operating in their neighborhoods, while 64% were uneasy about autonomous commercial vehicles cruising down highways. Despite all the buzz surrounding self-driving tech, it’s clear that many consumers aren’t ready to hand over the wheel just yet.

Like many automakers, Honda is diving into the the world of electric vehicles. But unlike some, Honda seems determined to ensure its future EVs still pack enough excitement to get your heart racing. This could eventually lead to an all-electric Type R. Does that prospect excite you, or does the idea of a Type R EV make you cringe?

Toshihiro Mibe, head of Honda’s BEV Development Center, admits that crafting an electric vehicle that captures the spirit of a Type R is no easy task. But Honda appears ready to tackle the challenge head-on.

Read: Honda’s 0 Saloon EV Looks Like A Lambo Gallardo Sedan From The Future

A New Type of Thrill?

“A battery and motor have different characteristics so we can’t come up with something exactly the same as before,” he told Auto Express at the unveiling of the new 0 Series EV prototypes in Las Vegas. “As an EV, how can we provide the joy of driving? We haven’t given up of course, but it’s not just about power, it’s about the sound, vibration, acceleration and the human experience. These are the joys of driving.” 

Honda will continue to sell the current FL5-generation Civic Type R for quite some time, but its long-term future is a little unclear. Honda will likely launch a 12th-gen Civic before the end of this decade and, given its history, we expect to be a high demand for a hotted-up Type R version. As it’s to early for the company to speak in detail about its future plans, we wouldn’t be surprised if it morphs into a hybrid, but there’s always the chance that it will cling on to an internal combustion engine alone.

If Honda needs to look for inspiration about how it can make the Type R nameplate relevant in the EV era, it’d be wise to look at Hyundai’s N division. While N also made its start with fiery hot hatches, it unveiled the all-electric Ioniq 5 N back in 2023 and proved to the world it’s possible to build an EV that’s fun to drive and largely mimics the thrills of an ICE alternative.

Review: What’s It Like Living With The Hyundai Ioniq 5 N?

As part of its 0 Series, Honda plans to launch seven EVs in the coming years. Could one of them bear the Type R badge? Or would it be better to let the iconic name retire gracefully along with the era of roaring combustion engines?

Note: The lead photo is a rendering by John Halas for Carscoops

By the end of this year, Rivian plans to roll out a hands-free autonomous driving system in its vehicles, with an even more advanced eyes-off system following in 2026. If it pulls this off, the company will join a growing list of automakers offering systems that aim to ease the burden on drivers—assuming, of course, they don’t hit too many roadblocks along the way.

While speaking at a press roundtable in San Francisco, Rivian CEO RJ Scaringe emphasized that Level 2 and Level 3 systems will provide significant value for customers. The brand’s current Rivian Autonomy Program offers semi-autonomous features, including radar cruise control and automatic lane centering, but it still falls short of Ford’s hands-free BlueCruise and Tesla’s Autopilot and Full Self-Driving systems.

Read: Rivian Offers Up To $6,000 Off If You Request A Trade-In Estimate

“We think there’s an enormous amount of value to customers, to having a robust first level two, but importantly, level three in very specific domains,” Scaringe said during the event, according to InsideEVs. “Imagine a world where you leave your house, you’re still in the vehicle, but you get to the highway, and you have all of your time…. You don’t have to be looking at the road. You don’t have to be grabbing the wheels to say, ‘I’m still here.’ The vehicle [will be] capable of doing that.”

Systems could be added to the upcoming R2 and R3 series

Scaringe added that Rivian is “highly focused on” launching the hands-free driving array in 2025 before following it up with an eyes-off, Level 3 system in 2026. Mercedes-Benz is the only car manufacturer currently offering an approved Level 3 system in some states in the USA, known as Drive Pilot. While it’s a highly effective system, the driver must be ready to take control at all times.

Rivian’s current R1T and R1S models use 11 cameras, five radar sensors, and 12 ultrasonic sensors to enable the various driver assistance functions. It’s possibly that only the recently-updated 2025 R1T and R1S models will get the new Level 2 and Level 3 systems rather than the company’s previous EVs. Other future models, like the smaller R2 and R3, could also launch with these trick self-driving systems.

Not too long ago, the Tesla Cybertruck was the must-have toy for America’s tech-obsessed wealthy, the kind of vehicle that promised to revolutionize trucks as we knew them Flash forward to early 2025, and one has been left abandoned in a Los Angeles parking lot, looking less like the future of automotive design and more like a forgotten relic of yesterday’s hype.

This particular Cybertruck appears to have been left in an LA parking lot sometime in the second week of January, where it’s clearly been sitting for several days. It seems like Tesla’s darling didn’t just lose its shine; it also got badly burned—literally. The truck has suffered significant fire damage, and almost every inch of it has since been vandalized with graffiti.

Read: Seattle’s Viral Tesla Cybertruck Heads To Auction After Months Of Internet Fame

While Cybertruck fans will probably hate seeing one in this state, I’d argue this wrecked example looks somehow better than a stock one. It almost resembles like an obscure piece of art, resting in an urban grave surrounded by high-rises, as if to represent the failures of modern-day life and capitalism. Or, perhaps we’re just reading a little too much into it…

Regardless, the damage done to the Tesla is extensive. It appears the initial fire started around the dashboard before spreading across much of the truck’s driver-side front corner. The frunk appears to have been cut open (probably by firefighters doing their thing), a tire has exploded, and part of the plastic aero disc has melted. There’s no word on whether the truck spontaneously combusted or perhaps if it was the victim of an arson attack.

It hasn’t taken long for local vandals to start tagging the truck with text like ‘Aso’ and ‘Beler.’ We have no idea what they mean – but in any case, it’s a sad thing to see a car, even one as divisive as the Cybertruck, in such a sorry state.

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A post shared by Miguel Osuna (@mi6uel_osuna)

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A post shared by Miguel Osuna (@mi6uel_osuna)

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A post shared by Miguel Osuna (@mi6uel_osuna)

Genesis isn’t content with simply building luxury models for the Hyundai Motor Group and has released some fabulous one-offs and concept cars in recent years. Soon after it unveiled a special GV80 off-roader at the Dakar Rally, it’s gone from sand to snow after revealing the GV60 Mountain Intervention Vehicle Concept.

Introduced at the World Economic Forum in Davos, Switzerland, this wild creation is based on the road-going GV60. It’s been equipped with huge snow tracks instead of wheels and while the brand hasn’t detailed the full extent of the mechanical modifications made to the EV, it’s safe to say some significant changes had to be made to the suspension to support these tracks.

Read: 2026 Genesis GV60 Magma Debuts This Fall With Over 640 HP

The upgrades made to the GV60’s body make it look fitting of a starring role in the next James Bond film. Just imagine, the British spy driving this thing through the snow, desperately fleeing from his enemies. These include carbon fiber fender flares and the fitment of skid plates at the front and rear. Genesis has also added new driving lamps to the front grille and a light bar on a custom roof rack.

The cabin of this crossover is also quite special. It’s been fitted with new sport seats and carries all the necessary medical supplies and communication systems needed for mountain rescues.

While using an EV in freezing conditions far away from any serious charging infrastructure may not seem like the best idea, the GV60’s vehicle-to-load system could be useful, allowing it to power auxiliary devices.

Last year, Genesis unveiled another special concept for the World Economic Forum. It was dubbed the X Snow Speedium Concept and built on the standard X Speedium Concept shown previously, adding a lovely shade of white and a roof rack to carry skis.

Obviously, the new GV60 Mountain Intervention Vehicle Concept will not spawn a production model, but it’s interesting to see how far Genesis can take the electric crossover.

Cracking into the trucking business is no easy feat, just ask Nikola. Not only was its founder and former CEO Trevor Milton convicted of fraud in 2022 and sentenced to four years in prison, but the company has so far failed to make a positive name for itself – despite spending years developing some interesting electric trucks. Now, it’s being reported that parts or all of Nikola could be sold.

Unnamed sources toll Bloomberg that Nikola is in financial trouble and needs a savior. While a final decision has yet to be made by management, it’s possible the company could be sold, or it may need to bring on new partners. It’s also possible it could be forced to raise new funds.

More: Canoo Goes Bust With Less Than $50,000 Left And Millions In Debt

Nikola shares have lost roughly 95% of their value over the past 12 months, and the firm desperately needs to turn things around. Current chief executive Steve Girsky is said to be leading the effort to save it from the cash crunch. In October, Nikola said it only had enough cash to fund its obligations through the first quarter of 2025. At the same time, Girsky noted that Nikola was “actively talking to lots of potential different partners who value what we do and value what we’ve built,” Bloomberg reports.

“Despite external headwinds in the EV sector, we have been relentlessly working to raise capital, reduce our liabilities, preserve cash and provide excellent service for our customers,” the company added in a recent statement.

Read: Sparks Fly After Disgraced Founder Picks ‘Diesel Brothers’ Star For Nikola Board

Since Milton was axed by the company he created, the company has continued to produce its battery-electric and hydrogen-electric (FCEV) trucks. It’s been led by Girsky since August 2023 and has had to make several recalls over the past couple of years. In July 2023, it was revealed one of Nikola’s trucks reignited roughly a month after previously being damaged during a fire at a parking lot in its Arizona headquarters.

Tesla’s refreshed Model Y, the world’s bestselling EV, is getting ready for its US launch. Just weeks after its international unveiling, the new Model Y Launch Series has appeared on Tesla’s website with a starting price of $59,990, excluding federal and state tax credits or delivery fees. While the outgoing Model Y remains available, this Launch Series edition comes fully loaded with every option as standard.

Read: 2025 Tesla Model Y Debuts With Cybercab Looks And Turn Signal Stalks

US deliveries have been penciled in for March, with the Launch Series offering the Long Range All-Wheel Drive powertrain and Tesla’s Acceleration Boost right out of the box. Exclusive to this edition are features like a unique badge, puddle lights and Launch Series branding on the wireless chargers. More notably, Full Self-Driving (FSD) is included at no additional cost, with all other upgrades, such as exterior and interior colors, a tow hitch, and larger wheels, are being offered as a no-cost options.

Price Breakdown: What You’re Getting

Factoring in the $7,500 federal EV tax credit, the new Model Y’s price falls to $52,490. For comparison, the outgoing Model Y Long Range All-Wheel Drive starts at $47,990, or $40,490 after the credit, which President Trump has previously indicated he will scrap.

While the Launch Series is pricier than the old equivalent model, it offers both 19- and 20-inch wheels as standard, whereas the old model’s 20-inch shoes are a $2,000 option. Additionally, the four color options – Stealth Grey, Pearl White Multi-Coat, Ultra Red, and Quicksilver – come at no extra cost. Interestingly, the new Glacier Blue color is not available in this edition.With the exception of the no-cost Stealth Grey, these colors command $1,000 and $2,000 premiums on the old Model Y. A steel tow bar can also be added at no extra charge, allowing the new EV to tow up to 3,500 lbs (1,587 kg).

It’s Actually $4,000 Cheaper Than Before

If you were to equip the pre-facelift Model Y Long Range AWD with all those options—Quicksilver or Ultra Red paint at $2,000, 20″ Induction Wheels at $2,000, a Tow Hitch at $1,000, a White Interior at $1,000, Acceleration Boost at $2,000, and Full Self-Driving (FSD) at $8,000—you’d spend $16,000 more than the base price.

That brings the total to $63,990 for the older Model Y, which is $4,000 higher than the new Launch Edition. In this scenario, the Launch Edition would actually save you money, but only if you had planned to add all those upgrades anyway.

The Tech Details

The Model Y Launch Series has an estimated range of 320 miles (515 km). In typical Tesla fashion, there is no mention of horsepower or torque figures, but we know the EV can hit 60 mph (96 km/h) in 4.1 seconds (with a rollout), thanks to the standard Acceleration Boost, and it reaches a top speed of 125 mph (201 km/h).

By comparison, the outgoing Long Range All-Wheel Drive model without the Acceleration Boost offers a slightly lower EPA range of 311 miles (500 km) and takes 4.8 seconds to hit 60 mph. Interestingly, it outpaces the new model in top speed, reaching 135 mph (217 km/h)—a 10 mph advantage.

As with the new Model Y launched in international markets, the US-spec model arrives with all of the same visual updates and interior improvements. Among the most significant upgrades are a new 15.4-inch infotainment display, redesigned seats with a ventilated function up front, and an overhauled dashboard with configurable ambient lighting. North American buyers will also get the turn signal stalks found on international models.

Tesla also says the new Model Y in the US gets the same retuned suspension as other markets, boosting comfort and providing better steering response.

The rest of the range, including the standard Rear Wheel

Y pic.twitter.com/Dnr4IxVujb

— Tesla (@Tesla) January 24, 2025

Electric vehicles often face unfair scrutiny for fire incidents, fueled by a handful of high-profile cases. Despite data showing EVs are actually less prone to spontaneous combustion than gas-powered or hybrid models, public perception can be hard to shake. That said, police and firefighters in Salem, Oregon, aren’t blaming faulty engineering for the fiery demise of a red Model X outside a local Tesla dealership. Instead, they believe it was the result of an arson attack.

Authorities were alerted to the fire at a Tesla store at approximately 3:45 a.m. on the morning of January 20. While they were able to extinguish the burning Model X, they were not able to save it from total destruction.

Read: Cybertruck Went Up In Flames At Tesla Dealership In Georgia Hours Before Vegas Blast

It’s unclear where the blaze started, but an image shared online by Salem police shows that much of the Model X’s rear end has melted and the rear window has shattered. There’s no word on whether the Tesla’s battery pack also caught fire or not.

The police suspects that this was a case of arson as the glass front door of the Tesla store was also smashed out. There’s a good chance the store was equipped with plenty of surveillance cameras, and any evidence will be used to identify and catch the perpetrators.

The Salem Police Felony Crimes Unit has been tasked with investigating the inferno and is asking anyone with information about the case to contact the Salem Police Tip Line at 503-588-8477.

This isn’t the only Tesla to meet a fiery fate in recent weeks. On December 31, a Tesla Cybertruck parked at a dealership in Georgia caught fire in the early hours of the morning. In that case, authorities suspect the blaze originated in the vehicle’s battery pack, although investigations are ongoing.

Image Credit: Salem Police Department

An all-electric version of the Range Rover is just around the corner, but an electric Land Rover Defender is not on the agenda for the British brand – at least not for the current-generation model.

Jaguar Land Rover has been building the current L66- generation Defender since 2019 offered with several different petrol and diesel engines, including a four-cylinder plug-in hybrid. Given the growing demand for high-end EVs, it could make sense for an electric version to be launched as a potential rival to the also electric Mercedes-Benz G580.

Electrifying the Current Defender? Not So Simple

According to JLR’s Chief Commercial Officer, Lennard Hoornik, electrifying the current Defender (built on the D7x platform) is far more complicated than it sounds. In an interview with Autocar, he explained that the existing platform simply isn’t suitable for an electric powertrain without major compromises, meaning we may have to wait until next decade for its replacement

Read: What Do You Want To Know About The Land Rover Defender With The Inline-Six?

“Electrifying the current ‘L663’ car, on its D7x platform, is not what we want,” Hoornik said. “The L663 is brilliant at what it does, and we do have a [four-cylinder] plug-in hybrid version already, but it’s not easy to find the extra space you need within that chassis for batteries, given the axle packaging and capability that it needs.”

Space, Space, and More Space

Hoornik went on to emphasize how difficult it is to fit the necessary EV components into the existing Defender’s architecture. The problem isn’t just about stuffing in batteries where they’ll fit; it’s also about maintaining the Defender’s off-road capability, which requires careful packaging of its axles and other components.

JLR has committed to offering electric models for each of its newly-formed subbrands, including Range Rover, Discovery, Jaguar, and Defender. “[We] remain committed to that,” Hoornik said, “but finding the space on the current Defender platform is really, really hard, so we will need to use something different.” He said that “the EV will need to come at quite a significant step in the evolution of the Defender.”

While Hoornik didn’t specify if this significant step will come with a new generation of Defender, that would be the most likely route the brand takes. Either that or it may have to build a distinct Defender EV sitting atop a unique architecture, selling it alongside the current ICE model.

Rivian is aiming to persuade hybrid and ICE vehicle owners to make the leap to one of its EVs. To sweeten the deal, it’s offering discounts of up to $6,000, but like most deals, there’s a catch. It’s not as simple as just walking into a Rivian dealership and driving away. You’ll have to jump through a few (admittedly minor) hoops to snag those savings.

The Discount Breakdown

For those looking to get into the R1T or R1S with the Dual motor configuration and Max battery pack, the starting discounts are $3,000 in the U.S. or C$4,300 in Canada. Want a little more power? If you’re eyeing the Dual motor with Max battery and the Performance Upgrade, you can snag a discount of up to $4,500 in the U.S. or C$6,500 in Canada.

Read: Biden Admin Finalized Rivian’s $6.6 Billion Loan Before Trump Took Office

But the real sweet spot comes with the Tri-motor models, where the discounts are maxed out at $6,000 in the U.S. and C$8,600 in Canada.

How to Qualify

To get these savings, Rivian says you need to request a trade-in estimate for your current vehicle, though you don’t actually have to trade it in. The catch? You have to place a new order for an eligible R1 model through Rivian’s online store between January 21 and March 31, and take delivery of the vehicle on or before March 31. So, yes, not much time to think this one through. And just to add a few more conditions, demo vehicles, pre-owned vehicles, and custom builds are not eligible for discounts.

The Price of Entry

If you’re looking to actually buy one of these discounted vehicles, you’ll need to dig deep into your pockets. You see, while there are plenty of eligible R1S and R1T models available now through Rivian’s inventory, they are all relatively high-spec models, none of them are cheap.

The least-expensive R1S models we’ve found are a pair of R1S Dual motor models with the Max battery, each priced at $89,900, or available to lease for an estimated $1,099 per month. Depending on where you live, Rivian may have to charge a transfer fee of $350 or $800 to transport the selected vehicle to a nearby retailer.

Prices for eligible R1T Dual models also start at around $90,000. If you’ve got your eye on the Tri-motor version, be prepared to fork out more—prices in inventory range from $100,900 to $111,300 for the highest-priced models.

In other words, Rivian’s discounts might look enticing, but you’ll still be spending a pretty penny to take one of these EVs home. Still, for those itching to switch to an electric vehicle, the savings might be worth the leap, provided you’re okay with the price tag and the tight deadlines.

It’s been over four years since Volkswagen rolled out its all-electric ID.3 and ID.4. At the time of their arrival, many had thought these two vehicles could give Tesla a serious run for their money. However, things haven’t panned out that way, and 2025 is shaping up to be another difficult year for VW EVs.

Much like 2024, the German brand will not launch a single new EV this year. In fact, the most recent addition to its electric lineup was the ID.7 sedan, which debuted in Q3 2023. Looking ahead, VW’s next significant release—the long-awaited ID.2—isn’t set to hit select markets before 2026, and North America is unlikely to be one of them. Priced under €25,000 (~$26,000), the ID.2 is expected to offer interior space comparable to a Golf while remaining as compact and affordable as the smaller Polo.

Read: Range Anxiety, You Say? VW ID.7 Does 585 Miles On A Single Charge

“For the next year or so, VW is forced to sell old technology to new customers,” German-based automotive analyst Matthias Schmidt told Bloomberg. “That’s going to be difficult.”

And difficult it has been. Across key markets, including the USA, Europe, and China, VW is facing EV sales headwinds. In Europe, slashed subsidies in critical regions like Germany have dampened demand. Meanwhile, in China, a market that’s essential to VW’s long-term EV ambitions, the automaker is losing ground to nimble local competitors. Even luxury offerings like the Audi Q8 e-tron and Porsche Taycan are failing to gain traction in a market increasingly dominated by more affordable, mass-market EVs from Chinese brands.

Betting Big on China

A key part of VW’s push to crack into China’s EV market is its new partnership with Xpeng. The two companies are working on a joint electrical and electronic (E&E) architecture that will underpin all EVs produced by VW in China. The first models launched through the partnership should launch in 2026 and will include two mid-range VWs, one of which will be an SUV. The VW Group hopes to grow annual Chinese sales from 2.93 million last year to 4 million by 2030.

“The introduction of new models is one solution, but it is just as important to maintain our broad portfolio,” VW spokesperson Stefan Voswinkel added. “We have worked hard over the past few years and have really good models with high-performance software and high quality.”

While these models may help VW in China, they won’t be sold elsewhere. In the US, the VW Group is working towards the arrival of the Scout Terra and Traveler. However, both models will be sold exclusively through a direct-sales model, bypassing traditional VW dealerships, a decision that’s already sparked intense backlash from dealers in California. Despite the controversy, the electric pickup and SUV have strong potential to resonate with American buyers. That said, don’t get too excited just yet, as production isn’t slated to begin until 2027.

Scout Motors has drawn a firm line in the sand against the California New Car Dealers Association (CNCDA), rejecting its demands to abandon direct-to-consumer sales. The revived off-road-focused brand, operating independently of Volkswagen Group of America (VWGoA), has called out the CNCDA for making “egregious misstatements” about its sales plans. Scout insists it has no intention of using traditional dealerships, maintaining that direct sales are central to its strategy.

In late December, the CNCDA demanded that Scout stop taking orders for the Terra and Traveler, alleging that the brand was violating Californian law by selling the pickup and SUV directly to consumers. In a sharp response shared by TheDrive, Scout’s general counsel, Neil Sitron, made it clear the CNCDA’s claims were not only wrong but fundamentally misunderstood the company’s operations—specifically by incorrectly asserting that VW Group of America was responsible for selling Scout models.

Read: VW Dealers Furious As Scout Sells Terra And Traveler Direct To Consumers

“VWGoA is not authorized by Scout Motors to sell, and will not be selling or distributing, Scout-branded EVs in California or in any other state. Scout Motors and the Scout brand exist and operate independently of VWGoA and its brands such as Volkswagen and Audi,” Sitron said.

Sitron clarified that Volkswagen Group of America has no role in Scout’s management or operations. He also dismissed the CNCDA’s claim that Volkswagen invested “billions of dollars” into Scout’s South Carolina production plant, emphasizing that the facility is entirely Scout’s project. He also rejected the idea that VW dealers are entitled to sell Scout vehicles, stating, “Volkswagen-brand dealers have no right to Scout-branded vehicles, nor do any other franchised dealers.” Scout, instead, remains focused on its “customer-first vision” to deliver a seamless, transparent, and modern buying experience.

Automaker’s direct-sales plan

In his letter, Sitron left no room for compromise: “Scout Motors will not do business with anyone that threatens or tries to intimidate it, either directly or indirectly.” He further warned, “should the CNCDA decide to act on its threats, Scout Motors will vigorously defend against them.”

Californian VW dealers plan to file a lawsuit, claiming that Scout’s sales strategy violates local franchise laws. Scout believes that selling vehicles directly to consumers is essential for the brand’s success, noting that EV buyers want transparent pricing and an easy digital experience. It will also allow vehicle purchase transactions to be completed in minutes and handle all reservations, sales, delivery, and servicing directly.

While the CNCDA seems determined to challenge Scout’s approach, the company has made one thing abundantly clear: it has no plans to back down. Scout’s choice to bypass traditional dealerships could signal a major shift in the automotive industry, pitting long-established systems against the changing expectations of today’s buyers.

Terra and Traveler Reservations Open

For now and despite the brewing legal conflict, Scout is moving ahead with its plans. Reservations for the Terra pickup and Traveler SUV are already open, with interested buyers able to secure their spot for a $100 reservation fee. Production for both models is set to begin in 2027 at Scout’s Production Center near Columbia, South Carolina.

Wagons may have fallen out of favor in markets around the world, but Chinese carmaker Zeekr still thinks they have a place, revealing the estate version of its sleek 007. Officially known as the 007 GT, the new model will be launched in China in the second quarter of this year and will also be sold in Europe, where it’ll be badged the Zeekr 7 GT.

Much like the 007 sedan, the GT’s front end is dominated by an LED light bar that encompasses the headlights, DRLs, and can be configured to display text. Changes have been made to the bumper, meaning it now has a pair of vertical air curtains on either side as well as a larger lower grille with vents that can open and close.

Read: Chinese SUV Beats Porsche Macan To Become Euro NCAP’s Safest EV In 2024

The sporty touches continue down the sides of the 007 GT, where there are new rocker panels and edgy new C-pillars. The roofline stretches further back, creating a beautiful Shooting Brake shape. Positioned above the rear window are two aerodynamic fins as part of a small spoiler. Like the sedan, the 007 GT’s taillights are simple LED stripes.

The GT shares its underpinnings with the existing 007. That means it features Geely’s trick Golden battery that supports charging speeds of up to 500 kW, meaning 311 miles (500 km) of range can be added in just 15 minutes. This is made possible in part due to the 800-volt electronic architecture.

Underpinning the 007 is the Sustainable Electric Architecture (SEA), offered in rear- and all-wheel drive configurations with horsepower varying between 416 hp and 637 hp. In all likelihood, the GT model will be offered with these same power outputs. The sedan has a maximum range of 540 miles (870 km) on the CLTC cycle, and the GT should be similar.

Additional pricing and availability details for the sexy estate will be announced close to its launch, so stay tuned.

The Dacia Sandero was Europe’s best-selling new car last year, but the brand isn’t willing to rest on its laurels. A fourth-generation version has been penciled in for 2027, and according to the brand’s CEO, it will include an all-electric version.

An electric version of the Sandero has great potential for the brand if it’s priced right. The existing model is the cheapest hatchback in its segment in Europe, and in some markets like Germany and France, it starts at less than €10,000 (~$10,400). While the sales growth of EVs slowed last year, they continue to rise in popularity across many key markets, and an affordable Dacia EV could tick the boxes of many buyers.

Read: 2024 Dacia Spring EV Gets Duster-Inspired Looks And An Overhauled Interior

While recently speaking about Dacia’s 2024 sales, boss Denis Le Vot said the new model will use the same CMF-B architecture as the current car, noting that it’s still fresh.

“There is no reason not to continue on the same platform,” he said to Car Magazine UK. “The platform is new, starting five years ago, and the electronic architecture is younger than that as it popped up as General Safety Regulations 2 arrived.”

By using this platform, Dacia could equip the electric Sandero with similar motor and battery technologies to the Renault 4 and Renault 5. Importantly, prospective buyers shouldn’t expect to see the Sandera EV launched with ultra-fast charging and a huge driving range. According to Le Vot, Dacia needs to achieve “accessible mobility.”

An affordable EV for the masses

“Every car maker is trying to put out its top solution for electric, which means 500-600km of range and a 20-minute charge on the highway, right? We are certainly not going to do that,” he said. “Why? Because we have a social role here. Our job is accessible mobility and that includes electric. We brought out the Spring because of that.”

The Dacia Spring has been around since 2020 and was thoroughly updated last year. The urban EV for the masses is smaller than the Sandero and is one of Europe’s cheapest new EVs. It features a tiny 26.8 kWh battery pack and a single electric motor available in 44 and 64-hp guises. Low-spec models come with an 11 kW AC charger, while higher-end models add DC fast charging, but it’s capped at just 30 kW.

Le Vot revealed Dacia is investigating different battery chemistries to ensure the electric Sandero is affordable. He suggested a sodium-based battery may make sense because they’re cheap.

“We’ll find a way here with the range offered and between the density of energy and charging capacity to find something which is different,” he said. “The idea is that we will be accessible with it.”

America’s 47^th president, Donald J. Trump, has wasted no time wielding his powers on the automotive industry, signing an executive order to scrap Joe Biden’s EV “mandate” shortly after his inauguration. While no such mandate exists, Trump will scrap several pro-EV policies and pull funding from electric vehicle charging networks.

A key order signed by Trump on Monday is to scrap the Biden administration’s push for 50% of all new vehicles sold in the US to be electric by 2030. While this was only ever a goal and not legally binding, many car manufacturers had thrown their support behind it.

Read: Trump Administration Promises “Consumer Choice In Vehicles”

The new president is widely expected to scrap the $7,500 federal EV tax credit as part of his war on the EV ‘mandate,’ although his executive order did not specify this. What it did say is that he is “considering the elimination of unfair subsidies and other ill-conceived government-imposed market distortions that favor EVs over other technologies and effectively mandate their purchase by individuals, private businesses, and government entities alike by rendering other types of vehicles unaffordable.”

Trump’s executive order also aims to “promote true consumer choice,” claiming this is “essential for economic growth and innovation.” He is also looking to terminate “state emission waivers that function to limit sales of gasoline-powered automobiles.”

Charging funds scrapped

Federal funding for electric vehicle chargers will also be pulled under the new administration. In 2021, Biden allocated $7.5 billion to establish a national network of EV chargers, hoping that as many as 500,000 would be built by 2030. Trump’s executive order says, “all agencies shall immediately pause the disbursement of funds” made available “through the National Electric Vehicle Infrastructure Formula Program and the Charging and Fueling Infrastructure Discretionary Grant Program.”

In addition, the processes, policies, and programs for issuing grants, loans, and contracts will be reviewed.

Tailpipe emission standards are also likely to be loosened under the Trump administration. He has ordered an immediate review of the development of domestic energy resources that, according to Trump, restrict “consumer choice of vehicles.” Further details still need to be announced but reports suggest the new administration wants to rollback fuel economy and emission standards to 2019 levels. This could allow for roughly 25% more emissions per vehicle mile than current 2025 limits.