To say the Dodge Charger Daytona has sparked debate would be putting it mildly. The Charger’s transformation into an EV hasn’t exactly been met with universal applause, and early sales reflect that sentiment with some dealers already letting them go for well below MSRP.

Still, a few have made it to the streets (or rather, the drag strips), giving us our first glimpse of how this electric muscle car performs where it truly matters.

This blacked-out Charger Daytona recently appeared at The Strip at the Las Vegas Motor Speedway and in its first race, was lined up against a black Tesla Model Y (though it’s not clear if it’s the mid-trim Long Range AWD or the flagship Performance variant). The Charger appears to be the entry-level R/T version rather than the flagship Daytona Scat Pack.

Read: Dodge Charger Daytona Lease Drops To As Low As $249 With $4K Down, 0% APR For 6 Years

According to Dodge, the Charger Daytona R/T delivers 456 hp and 404 lb-ft (547 Nm) of torque, with a temporary boost to 496 hp for 15 seconds using the PowerShot function. That puts it above a standard Ford Mustang GT in terms of power, helping it hit 60 mph (96 km/h) in 4.7 seconds. On paper, those numbers are impressive—but real-world performance is where reputations are made.

The Tesla, on the other hand, is a pre-facelift model. If it’s the Performance variant, it should deliver 456 hp and 497 lb-ft (674 Nm) of torque, with a 0-60 mph time of just under 4 seconds. Typically, these versions run the quarter-mile in well under 12 seconds, which suggests this one likely isn’t a Performance.

Furthermore, it seems to be missing the usual Performance model cues, like the distinctive wheels and red brake calipers. Unless the owner swapped those out, it’s probably the Long Range AWD model, which produces 384 hp and 376 lb-ft (510 Nm). If that’s the case, the outcome is even more embarrassing for Stellantis’ so-called “muscle coupe.”

The Race

In the race, the Tesla gets the jump off the line and takes a relatively easy win, crossing the quarter-mile in 12.54 seconds at 111.52 mph (179.46 km/h), whereas the Dodge needed 12.87 seconds at 111.84 mph (179.99 km/h). While being beaten by a Model Y is admittedly a little embarrassing, the Dodge’s time is roughly on par with a Mustang GT that can run the quarter-mile in the mid-12-second range. Sure, it cannot match the V8 rumble of the Ford, but the silent rush of an EV does have its fans.

Would the Scat Pack Have Fared Better?

The outcome raises an interesting question: Would the more powerful Daytona Scat Pack have given the Tesla a better fight? With 630 hp and 627 lb-ft (849 Nm) of torque, jumping to 670 hp with PowerShot, the Scat Pack is built for speed. Dodge claims it can run the quarter-mile in 11.5 seconds, which could have turned the tables in this electric rivalry.

Maybe next time, Dodge. For now, the Model Y gets to keep its bragging rights.

Production of the Scout Terra and Traveler models isn’t scheduled to begin until 2027, but Jay Leno recently had the opportunity to jump behind the wheel of the new Traveler with Scout chief executive Scott Keogh. During the interview, Keogh revealed a few interesting titbits about the duo, including the chemistry of the battery packs in development.

Earlier this month, Keogh confirmed that the BEV and EREV versions would have different battery chemistries, without providing any additional details. In this clip, he reveals the electric versions will use a nickel-manganese-cobalt (NMC) battery pack while the EREV will utilize a smaller lithium-iron-phosphate (LFP) battery pack. The BEV should have around 350 miles (563 km) of range, while the EREV will be able to travel up to 500 miles (804 km) thanks to the range-extending ICE.

Read: Scout’s Extended-Range EVs To Offer About 500 Miles Of Combined Range

According to Keogh, the intention behind the EREV model is for the small gasoline generator and the electric motor to work together so seamlessly that drivers won’t even notice when the engine is being used. This will be aided by the fact that the engine will be located at the rear of the vehicle, reducing NVH.

Off-Road Chops

The boss of Scout also talks up the off-roading credentials of the Terra and Traveler models, noting they will have electronically locking differentials and sway bars that can be disconnected at the touch of a button. He also reveals that an adjustable air suspension will be an optional extra on both models.

As neither of the two Scout models are production vehicles, Leno was only allowed to drive the Traveler around an airport in LA. Indeed, the cars brought to Leno’s Garage don’t even have seatbelts. Keogh says that approximately 70% of shoppers are opting for the Traveler. He also confirmed previous reports saying that the majority of people are ordering the range-extender.

If you’re on the lookout for a new hybrid and EV and are a Costco member in the US, you might want to take a look at the Costco Auto Program, as they might be able to get you a very competitive deal. The program has partnered with dealerships across the United States and is offering compelling discounts on models like the Volvo EX90, Chevrolet Silverado EV, and even the Chevrolet Corvette E-Ray.

The Costco Auto Program allows members to browse through a large inventory of used and new cars at dealerships. The program promises to make the car buying experience easier, as Cosco does the price haggling for you and arranges prices with dealerships for its members. It’s also now encouraging shoppers to get behind the wheel of an electrified vehicle, launching a new EV Marketplace with several limited-run deals.

Read: Bread, Milk, And… A Chevy Equinox? How GM Is Using Costco To Boost EV Sales

Between now and April 30, 2025, Costco Gold Star and Business Members who use the service will get a $1,000 discount on any 2024 or 2025 Chevrolet Silverado EV, Blazer EV, Equinox EV, GMC Sierra EV, or Hummer EV SUV/Pickup. Executive Members will be eligible for a $1,250 discount.

Those shopping for something a little more sporty can pick up a 2024 or 2025 Chevrolet Corvette E-Ray with a $2,750 discount for Gold Star and Business Members, and a $3,000 discount for Executive Members. The newly-arrived 2025 Volvo EX90 is also available with a competitive discount. Gold Star and Business members can pick up the keys to the all-electric SUV with a $1,500 promo, while a $2,000 discount is available for Executive Members.

It’s not just good deals Costco members will find in the EV Marketplace. The retailer has also launched several educational articles on the platform asking popular questions related to EVs, including queries about public charging infrastructure and driving range.

Polestar is keen to lure customers away from EV market leader Tesla and is offering incentives worth as much as $20,000 to buyers willing to jump ship and lease the new Polestar 3 SUV. While there are a few hoops that shoppers will need to jump through, the process should be relatively simple and cuts a significant chunk off the Polestar 3’s $68,900 starting price.

Read: Kia Tries To Woo Tesla Owners With Discounts

Anyone in the US who currently owns or leases a Tesla can qualify by providing Polestar with registration or insurance documents showing the VIN, name, address, and expiration date. This offer is only available from February 21 to February 28, but if buyers can provide the necessary details, they’ll receive a $5,000 Polestar Conquest Bonus toward the lease of a new 2025 Polestar 3.

Stackable Savings for Bigger Discounts

In addition to this bonus, the carmaker continues to offer its $15,000 Polestar Clean Vehicle Noncash Incentive, bringing total savings up to $20,000 off a lease. Even if you don’t own a Tesla, you’ll still be eligible for this $15,000 discount if you sign a Polestar 3 lease by February 28.

The deals appear to be offered for the entire range of the Polestar 3, but the availability of different variants differs depending on where you live in the US. That’s important as Polestar insists vehicles must be delivered by the end of February 28 to be eligible for the two discounts.

A Closer Look at the Polestar 3 Lineup

The 2025 Polestar 3 range kicks off from $68,900 for the Long Range Single Motor model, offering 350 miles (563 km) of range alongside 299 hp and 361 lb-ft (489 Nm) of torque. It joins the Long Range Dual Motor that had served as the entry-level version in 2024, starting at $74,800, while the Polestar 3 with the Performance package starts at $80,800.

Lease prices vary depending on the model and incentives. Factoring in the $15,000 Polestar Clean Vehicle Noncash Incentive, you could lease a Long Range Dual Motor with an adjusted capitalized cost of $55,795, paying $599 per month for 27 months, with $5,599 due at signing. That”s an effective monthly payment of $806, and over the lease term, buyers would pay $21,762 excluding the downpayment. However, Polestar has not disclosed the monthly payment for Tesla owners who can stack the additional $5,000 discount.

But Is It Really Worth It?

From a financial perspective, it’s essential to look beyond the flashy discounts and focus on the effective monthly payment. Polestar’s incentives are attention-grabbing, but buyers should be cautious about other financial details like the APR on leases or the residual values, as these could easily offset the discounts.

More: Tesla Rolls Out Regular 2026 Model Y In Europe, Cuts Prices By Up To $2,100

For example, the well-equipped Model Y Juniper Long Range AWD Launch Edition—with every option ticked on, including the $8,000 FSD (Supervised), 20-inch wheels, $2,000 Performance upgrade and more—is currently available for $796 per month on a 36-month lease with 10,000 miles per year and no downpayment. This price will certainly drop further once Tesla releases the standard versions of the refreshed Model Y.

Tesla is no stranger to legal troubles and is now the subject of another lawsuit, although this time it comes from Down Under. According to a new suit in Australia’s Federal Court, Tesla Motors Australia has overstated the driving ranges of its EVs, overpromised on self-driving features, and has vehicles suffering from instances of phantom braking.

The latter has plagued Teslas for quite some time and has been the subject of other lawsuits, including in Germany. Just last week, a German court ruled that Tesla’s Autopilot system is “defective” and not “suitable for normal use” due to phantom braking problems.

Read: Court Rules Tesla’s Autopilot Defective For Normal Use After Phantom Braking

In this case, Aussie law firm JGA Saddler describes phantom braking as a “dangerous phenomenon [that] would terrify you and your passengers and could, if it causes an accident, result in serious injury and/or death.”

In addition, the director of JGA Saddler, Rebecca Jancauskas, has taken issue with Tesla selling its long-promised Full-Self Driving features without delivering on the promises its made for the system. She also asserts that many Tesla vehicles sold in Australia cannot achieve 75% of their advertised driving range, and believes the automaker has known about its defects for years but has so far failed to address the problems or pay any compensation to owners.

“It is hoped this claim underscores the importance for all EV manufacturers to be truthful in their marketing, deliver on their promises, and ensure their products are safe and reliable,” Jancauskas told Yahoo! News.

The class action is open to anyone who has purchased or leased a Tesla Model 3 or Model Y with the controversial Tesla Vision system since May 2021.

“Tesla made promises about their vehicles’ safety, performance and features such as their ‘full self-driving,’ but it appears some of these promises are falling flat,” Jancauskas added. It’s unclear how many owners and lessees have signed up to be part of the class action.

While EV sales continue to grow around the world and are expected to reach record heights this year, demand has not matched the expectations of many automakers. This has forced a number of brands to make production changes and delay investments. The latest to follow suit is BMW, which announced it will delay its plans to start producing the all-electric Mini in the UK.

While Mini is already building an EV, it was scheduled to also be manufactured at the firm’s historical Oxford plant from 2026. In 2023, BMW announced a £600 million ($758 million) investment into the site to allow it to begin building the three-door Mini Cooper EV and the Mini Aceman. By 2030, the factory was scheduled to shift entirely to EV production.

Read: Future Mini EVs Could Go RWD Thanks To BMW

However, BMW says it’s delaying the introduction of these new models to the Oxford plant, and has also decided not to accept a £60 million ($76 million) grant from the British government to aid in its production plans.

“Plant Oxford is at the heart of Mini production, manufacturing and exporting a range of models, which are sought after in the UK and around the world,” BMW said in a statement. “However, given the multiple uncertainties facing the automotive industry, the BMW Group is currently reviewing the timing for reintroducing battery-electric Mini production in Oxford.

“We have informed the UK government of our decision to review the timeline for reintroducing battery-electric production in Oxford. As part of this discussion, we agreed not to take the previously announced grant, but we remain in close dialogue about our future plans.”

BMW did not provide an indication as to when production of the electric models in Oxford could start. However, it did say that it continues to use the previously-announced investments to “make the plant future-ready” and is committed to establishing a new “state-of-the-art logistics facility,” BBC reports.

The world will soon get its first detailed look at the Kia PV5 van on February 27. But even before the official debut, spy shots have surfaced of an unexpected variant, one that could shake up the commercial EV market. While Kia has so far teased only the Passenger Van and Cargo Van versions, this prototype reveals a small flatbed truck. It seems Kia is aiming to cover all the bases with its new EV family.

This disguised prototype was snapped during ongoing winter testing in Europe. While the front end has been shielded from view, it appears largely identical to the van versions of the PV5. Kia’s engineers have hidden the distinctive LED daytime running lights, but the main headlamps positioned lower down on the fascia are visible.

Read: Kia’s Road-Ready PV5 Looks Just Like Last Year’s Concept

In addition, we can see the prototype has the same tiny hood of the van, identical wing mirrors, and the same small corner windows behind the A-pillars. The familiar design continues along the side with the same doors and side windows as the van. However, whereas the PV5 models that Kia has already revealed are vans, this prototype ditches the rear cab in favor of a large bed.

Clearly designed with commercial customers in mind, this PV5 has a cage behind the front cab and a bed that looks to be at least five feet long. It stretches out far beyond the line of the rear axle and looks quite practical for anyone who will need an EV to lug around large loads.

We know that all Kia PV5 models will be underpinned by the brand’s Electric Complete Chassis Platform Module (e-CCPM) platform. However, Kia has not provided important technical details about the EV, including the size of the battery pack and how much power it will have. We suspect that entry-level models will rely on a small electric motor at the front axle, while other versions could also have an electric motor at the rear.

SHProshots

No longer satisfied with being the luxury brand within the Hyundai Motor Group, Genesis is venturing into the world of motorsport and working on several high-performance models through its new Magma sub-brand. The first of these models will be the GV60 Magma and it’s just been filmed on the move during winter testing in Europe.

The pressure is on Genesis to ensure the GV60 Magma is exceptional. As you probably already know, the GV60 shares its underpinnings with both the Kia EV6 and Hyundai Ioniq 5, and both of these have received high-performance versions in the form of the EV6 GT and Ioniq 5 N. Fittingly, Genesis has brought along an Ioniq 5 N for this latest round of testing with the GV60 Magma, benchmarking it against Hyundai’s lauded EV.

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

Much like the Ioniq 5 N, the GV60 Magma should use the latest 84 kWh battery pack introduced by the Hyundai and since added to the Kia EV6 range. It should also use the same upgraded front and rear electric motors as the Ioniq 5 N. Power details have yet to be confirmed, but the Hyundai delivers a peak of 641 hp, while the facelifted EV6 GT offers up 645 hp. The GV60 Magma should at least match them.

Performance should be extraordinary. The Ioniq 5 N needs just 3.4 seconds to run to 62 mph (100 km/h), and the Genesis should be around the same. Then there’s the matter of synthetic gear shifts. Will the GV60 Magma get them or not? This system was first launched in the Hyundai and received praise from driving enthusiasts around the world. It was then added to the updated EV6 GT late last year. We suspect the Genesis will have the same system, too, adding some extra driving involvement into the EV experience.

It’s not just the Hyundai that Genesis is testing its new flagship EV against. This clip also shows that a Porsche Taycan joined the Magma, alongside a second prototype that looks suspiciously like the soon to be unveiled Hyundai Ioniq 6 N.

Screenshot via CarSpyMedia

Images: Baldauf

Stellantis has unexpectedly hit the brakes on activities at the Brampton Assembly Plan in Canada, catching many by surprise. The facility was set to become the production hub for the next-generation Jeep Compass, but the model’s North American launch could now be delayed as Stellantis reevaluates its strategy.

Plans for the new Compass were already in motion. The compact crossover is designed to be underpinned by the STLA Medium platform, allowing Jeep the flexibility to offer it in both ICE and BEV guises. Pilot production was originally slated to begin on January 20 but was pushed back to May last year. Full-scale manufacturing was then scheduled for February 2026.

Read: 2026 Jeep Compass To First Hit Production Line In Italy

However, Stellantis spokesperson Lou Ann Gosselin confirmed to Carscoops that work on the new Compass in Canada is now on hold. All activities at the Brampton plant, including the retooling that began after production ended for the Chrysler 300, Dodge Charger, and Dodge Challenger, have been paused.

“As we navigate today’s dynamic environment, Stellantis continues to reassess its product strategy in North America to ensure it is offering customers a range of vehicles with flexible powertrain options to best meet their needs,” the spokesperson told us “As a result, the Company is temporarily pausing work on the next generation Jeep Compass, including activities at the Brampton Assembly Plant. This does not change our previously announced investment plans for Brampton.”

An unnamed source has told Auto News that Stellantis could be reevaluating whether it should launch a battery-electric version of the new Jeep Compass in North America. It could decide what to do with the new model in March, and the Compass may have a delay of eight to twelve months.

No Changes to the European Launch

Crucially, the halt at Brampton won’t impact Stellantis’s plan to start production of the new Compass at its Italian plant. “The next generation Jeep Compass, the brand’s most globally available model, will debut in Europe with production beginning in Melfi (Italy) this year,” Gosselin told us.

Union Worries

Unifor, the union representing workers at the Brampton site, has expressed its concerns about the temporary pause at the facility.

“The company has reassured the union that vehicle production plans are still in place for Brampton, although the timing of this announcement raises very serious concerns for Unifor members both in the plant doing the retooling work and those on layoff,” it said. “The chaos and uncertainty plaguing the North American auto industry, which is under the constant threat of tariffs and a dismantling of EV regulations from the United States, are having real-time impacts on workers and corporate decisions. We have been saying this as a union from day one that the threats are also dangerous to our economy and to Canadian jobs.”

In the final few days of the Biden administration, the government approved a huge loan of $6.6 billion to EV startup Rivian for the construction of its long-planned manufacturing plant in Georgia. However, as President Donald Trump continues to slash federal expenditures, the viability of the loan is under threat.

Rivian has big plans in Georgia. Its planned production facility will spawn roughly nine million square feet and have a capacity of up to 400,000 electric crossovers and SUVs every year. It will also employ up to 2,000 people during construction and as many as 7,500 when operational. However, during a recent interview, Georgia Governor Brian Kemp admitted he’s not sure about the future of the federal loan.

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

“You know, they secured that loan at the tail end of the Biden administration and, you know, I think there’s no secret that the Trump administration is taking a look at all those things,” Kemp told WSB-TV 2. “So I don’t really know where that stands right now.”

Rivian plans to start drawing on the loan next year and remains confident the money will still be available for it. “We’re working hard to onshore US manufacturing, providing thousands of American jobs here in Georgia,” the firm said. If the loan is pulled, it “threatens chaos,” according to Georgia Democratic Senator Jon Ossoff.

Despite concerns, Kemp added the state still wants to help Rivian with the plant and will ensure that taxpayers are protected. “We got parameters in, and whether it’s the incentives, the side itself to protect taxpayers regardless of what happens with that side,” he said. “Rivian keeps telling us they’re coming and, you know, we’re taking them for their word at that.”

Rivian has already started hiring for the site and wants to start production in 2028. The factory will handle manufacturing of the R2 and R3 models, a pair of more affordable EVs that could be the make or break for the brand, which continues to lose money on every R1S and R1T it sells.

From the moment Elon Musk started to dip his toes into politics and public affairs, there’s been a growing trend of anti-Tesla sentiment among those who oppose him and his views. Of course, there are also plenty who support him, and many of them are quite vocal, but a recent study out of the UK indicated that some shoppers are being turned away by his antics.

At the same time Musk has courted a growing amount of controversy, some are also growing tired of the much-hyped Tesla Cybertruck. Bring a distaste for Musk and the Cybertruck together and you get the Cybertruck Hunters, a TikTok page doing their best to poke the bear that is the world’s richest man.

Read: Activists Project ‘Heil Tesla’ Onto Musk’s Own German Gigafactory

The TikTok page in question was only started a few days ago, but its mission is clear: the TikTokers drive around at night looking for Cybertrucks to target. When they find one, they pull up behind it and shine a projector onto the EV’s stainless steel tailgate.

They then proceed to display images and statements critical of Musk and the Cybertruck. It’s pretty clever and is similar to what recent Tesla protestors did in Germany, projecting Musk’s infamous Nazi-esque salute on the carmaker’s German factory.

@cybertruck_hunters

♬ original sound – cybertruck hunters

Musk Hate

All kinds of different messages are being displayed on the back of Cybertrucks. One reads, ‘I wonder if everyone who’s passing me think I am a Nazi?,’ before cutting to a clip of Musk making his controversial hand gesture at President Trump’s inauguration. It then reads, ‘Or do they think I am just an arrogant prick?’

Another message reads ‘Tesla Cybertruck, The Most Recalled Truck In 2024.’ Others are even more critical, with one showing an image of Musk and then stating ‘Figures the guy who made a truck shaped like a coffin… Gets pleasure out of killing 3.2 million Sudanese children.’ This appears to be in reference to Musk’s Starlink shutting its internet service in Sudan last year amid a huge humanitarian crisis.

@cybertruck_hunters

♬ Solitude (Felsmann + Tiley Reinterpretation) – M83 & Felsmann + Tiley

There are some more political messages being displayed too. One states that ‘Musk has called DEI ‘another word for racism’ and has criticized it as immoral and illegal, which might explain why he designed the Cybertruck for white pricks.’ One of the funnier messages says, ‘Don’t think of this as a truck… think of it as a small (explicit) enlarger.’

We’ve reached out to the TikTok account seeking additional information about their goals and what has triggered their disdain for Musk and the Cybertruck – although, judging from their context, the latter is probably clear…

@cybertruck_hunters

♬ this is Elon musk – العربي موراتا

@cybertruck_hunters

♬ original sound – Cindy Noir✨

It’s been over a year since Kia unveiled its PV5 Concept at CES, and now, it has showcased the all-electric van in production guise before its global premiere on February 27. Like so many other new Kia models introduced in recent years, the road-going version looks almost identical to the striking concept that previewed it.

Both passenger and cargo versions of the PV5 will be built and sold by Kia. They have mostly similar designs, but there are some differences between them. Characterizing both models are bold front fascias with sharp LED daytime running lights flowing down from the base of the windshield. There is no traditional grille in sight and instead, a charging flap slap bang in the center of the PV5’s nose. The main headlamps are positioned on either side of this charging port.

Read: Kia PV5 EV Spotted In Minivan Form Ahead Of 2025 Debut

Kind of like the Hyundai Staria, the windows of both the passenger and cargo versions of the PV5 are absolutely huge, and should give the van’s cabin a very airy and spacious feeling. Chunky door handles not present on the original concept have been added to the production model. Obviously, the cargo model ditches the rear side windows and also adopts twin side-opening tailgate doors to allow for easy loading and unloading.

For as unconventional as the front of the Kia PV5 is, the rear is mostly typical of a normal van with vertical LED taillights and large doors.

Kia says that the PV5 will be sold in several different configurations and that additional versions, in addition to the passenger and cargo models, are in the works. There will also be specialized conversion options available, ensuring customers can spec out their PV5 to suit their specific needs.

Unfortunately, Kia has yet to showcase the finished cabin of the PV5, nor has it offered any details about the all-electric powertrain. We suspect it will be offered in single and dual-motor configurations and should offer Vehicle-to-Load and Vehicle-to-Grid compatibility. All versions will be underpinned by Kia’s Electric Complete Chassis Platform Module (e-CCPM) platform.

Zeekr doesn’t sell any of its electric vehicles in the United States and for as long as President Donald Trump remains in power, it’s unlikely it will anytime soon. However, Zeekr is behind the latest robotaxi being tested by Waymo in the US, and early this month, the Chinese company issued not one, not two, but three recalls for it on the same day.

The Waymo robotaxi is known as the RT, of which 30 examples were built in China between December 16, 2024, and January 8, 2025, with plans to bring them into the States. One of these models landed on US shores on January 27, 2025, but upon examination, it failed to meet several Federal Motor Vehicle Safety Standards.

Read: USA’s New Tariffs Could Hit Waymo’s Chinese-Built Robotaxis

The first recall relates to safety concerns about the inflatable curtain and passenger airbags. During front impact testing at 40 km/h (25 mph) on a 30-degree angle when occupants were unbelted, Zeekr found that the crash test dummy shifted towards the right A-pillar, and while the airbags stopped the dummy’s head, they failed to provide enough protection.

To resolve this issue, Zeekr will fit a physical stop in the passenger seat rail, reducing movement from 300 mm (11.8 inches) to 50 mm (1.9 inches).

Other Recalls

Then there’s the second recall. In this case, an issue with the Occupant Weight Sensor (OWS) can cause the airbag control module to disable the passenger airbag. The system may also be unable to correctly determine the weight of a passenger to decide whether to activate or disable the airbag. Zeekr says it will update the software of the single vehicle shipped to the US to fix the fault.

Zeekr also needs to rectify a second airbag-related issue, which was the subject of the third recall. Side-impact tests have shown the inflatable curtain airbag can get stuck on the A-pillar trim during deployment, meaning it may not completely cover the rear side window. New C-pillar chutes will be installed to rectify the fault.

The remaining 29 Zeekr RT models will be fixed at the factory before being shipped over to the US.

For several years, the VW and Audi brands were expected to stop selling combustion-powered models in Europe by 2033 as part of a broader industry shift to battery-electric vehicles. However, a new report claims that certain ICE models from the VW Group could stick around longer than expected because the EV market hasn’t developed as quickly as many had expected.

While global EV sales reached record heights around the world last year, they stalled across Europe. Indeed, whereas EVs had previously accounted for 14.6% of total new car sales in the region previously, they dropped to 13.6% in 2024. This has allegedly prompted VW to reconsider its switch to an EV-only lineup, and it’s possible popular models like the Golf, T-Roc, and Tiguan could receive facelifts in the 2030s.

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

Many of the car conglomerate’s next steps will be determined by the broader industry. It’s possible that plans to phase out combustion engines across Europe by 2035 could be delayed, and if this happens, it would allow the VW Group to extend the lifecycles of several of its models.

Changing Plans

According to insiders who spoke with Handelsblatt, executives from VW and Audi no longer think 2033 is a realistic date to axe all ICEs because of concerns about EV growth rates across the industry. “Nobody would set the targets in stone like that again today,” the publication’s sources said.

VW’s final planned generation of combustion engines will be introduced this year, meaning it could phase them out completely after any newly launched ICE models end their respective seven-to-eight-year production runs. However, unnamed sources say there are now discussions about giving them vehicles second facelifts next decade, which could extend their lifecycles by an extra two to three years.

Similar discussions are being had at Audi. “Internally, we are currently working on ensuring that fixed dates, such as the introduction of new electric platforms and the end of combustion engine production, can be postponed if necessary,” an insider said.

Porsche is also questioning its commitment to EVs. It has killed off the combustion-powered Macan in Europe and replaced it with the new-generation EV, but may be considering relaunching an ICE version of the popular SUV. The luxury brand had hoped that this year 50% of its sales would be for electrified vehicles, but now that seems unlikely to happen.

Street takeovers in the US are usually home to powerful homegrown muscle cars, like the Dodge Charger, Ford Mustang, and Chevy Corvette. However, during a recent takeover, someone showed up in a Tesla Cybertruck and tried to do donuts in the middle of a large intersection. It didn’t go well.

It’s unclear if this Cybertruck is the entry-level All-Wheel Drive version or the flagship Cyberbeast, but regardless, it has AWD and an advanced traction control system that helps minimize traction loss. This comes in handy when you’re driving on slippery surfaces, but not when you’re trying to impress onlookers at a takeover.

Watch: Reckless Teens Destroy Chevy Camaro During Street Takeover

In this clip shared to social media, the driver of the white Cybertruck can be aggressively driving in circles in the intersection, eager to kick out the rear end of the electric truck. Even though the road is wet, the tires of the Tesla refuse to break traction, making for a lackluster display. At the same time the driver tries and fails to do donuts, cars can be heard revving in the background, many of which are probably easily capable of kicking up tire smoke and pirouetting on the spot.

While the driver of this Cybertruck failed to do donuts, the truck is actually capable of performing them – you just need to know the correct mode to switch into. In fact, Tesla has even created an off-road guide for the truck that reveals the ideal settings to do donuts.

Video Reddit

According to the carmaker, the Cybertruck needs to be in Baja mode with power biasing the rear wheels, stability control set to ‘Minimum’ and the Terrain slider set to ‘Smooth.’ With these settings engaged, it’ll happily spin up the wheels and send plumes of thick tire smoke into the air.

It’s probably a good thing the driver in question didn’t know how to kick out the tail of the Cybertruck. Had they known how, they could have easily lost control, and careened into the spectators crowding around the intersection.

Breaking into a heavily contested EV market like China is no easy feat, but Chinese tech giant Xiaomi has done what many established automakers couldn’t: launch a first-ever electric vehicle that outsold the Tesla Model 3—at least in China. Sales data from the China Passenger Car Association (CPCA) between April 2024 and January 2025 confirms that Xiaomi’s SU7 managed to edge out the Model 3, a major feat for the company’s automotive debut.

Production of the sleek SU7 began in April 2024, with customer deliveries starting shortly after. It enjoyed a very strong start, with no less than 30,000 examples sold across April, May, and June. In April, 7,058 units were sold, which was enough to surpass the 5,065 Model 3s sold during the same month. What’s perhaps most impressive is that demand for the SU7 steadily rose throughout 2024 and never failed to die off, as can often be the case with new EVs.

Read: Xiaomi Wants To Sell More Than 300,000 Cars In 2025

The Tesla Model 3 ended the April-June period with 38,446 units, easily eclipsing the SU7. Across July-September, the Tesla maintained its edge, with 52,052 examples finding new homes across the country. By comparison, 39,790 SU7s were sold during the same three months. Sales of the Xiaomi then surged in October, November, and December, easily eclipsing the Model 3.

Whereas Tesla managed to sell 52,241 Model 3s during this period, Xiaomi sold 69,697 SU7s. This included 20,726 in October, 23,156 in November, and 25,815 in December. Strong demand for the Xiaomi has continued into 2025 and 22,897 were sold in January. While that’s down on December’s figures, the Chinese New Year holiday period usually leads to a drop in vehicle sales. In January, Tesla sold just 8,009 Model 3s.

Overall, according to X user Troy Teslike, who cited official figures from the China Passenger Car Association, Xiaomi delivered 162,384 SU7s between April 2024 and January 2025, surpassing the 152,748 Model 3s Tesla sold in the same period.

For the first time, total sales of the Xiaomi SU7 have surpassed Tesla's Model 3 in China since deliveries began in April 2024.

Sales in China (Apr 2024 – Jan 2025):
• Tesla Model 3: 152,748
• Xiaomi SU7: 162,384

Xiaomi, best known for its smartphones in China and Europe,… pic.twitter.com/dQrVEjwyL2

— Troy Teslike (@TroyTeslike) February 15, 2025

Can Xiaomi Beat The Tesla Model Y?

The Chinese brand is also chasing after Tesla with its second model. In December, it previewed the new YU7, a direct rival to the Tesla Model Y. Like the SU7, it could undercut the Tesla on price while coming standard with more features and a more premium design.

Given how popular crossovers and SUVs have become in recent years, it’s entirely possible the YU7 could outsell the SU7. Whether or not it can top the Model Y is a different story. Last year, the Tesla was China’s best-selling new car with 480,309 examples finding new homes. Matching or exceeding that won’t be easy for Xiaomi.

It’s no secret that the radical Jaguar Type 00 concept won’t make it to production as a sleek two-door coupe but instead as a luxury four-door EV with serious ambitions. Following multiple spy shots of what is arguably Jaguar’s most important model in years, a series of detailed renderings have surfaced, offering a glimpse at what the final car might look like. And if these images are anything to go by, the world is in for a a bit of a shock.

Read: Electric 2027 Jaguar Type 00 Sedan Caught Testing In First Real Spy Shots

Quite often production models look significantly different than the concept models that preceded them. However, in the case of the Type 00, these renderings by artist Nikita Chuyko from Kolesa, based on recently spied prototypes, suggest it will stay remarkably true to its original shape and proportions. Whether or not that’s a good thing will depend on personal taste, but it will certainly result in a car that will stand out in the market.

Familiar Face, Updated Details

The renderings depict a front end nearly virtually identical to the concept, complete with sharp split LED headlights and the absence of a traditional grille. A prototype spotted recently featured unconventional five-spoke wheels, though these renderings opt for the concept’s original design. They may be a bit flashy, but in a world where Mercedes-Maybach offers equally extravagant wheel choices, Jaguar’s approach doesn’t seem out of place.

Nikita Chuyko / Kolesa

As seen on the prototype, a large charging port sits on the driver’s side front fender. While the concept omitted wing mirrors entirely, the production model naturally includes them, though they appear relatively conventional despite the car’s otherwise dramatic styling. Additional details include pop-out door handles and compact side windows.

The most noticeable departure from the concept is at the rear. The show car’s minimalist horizontal slats in place of traditional taillights have been replaced with what will likely be a full-width LED light bar, bringing the design more in line with modern EV trends.

More: Even Jaguar’s Designers Weren’t Convinced By Controversial Rebranding, Leaked Letter Claims

Technical details remain scarce at this early stage, but Jaguar has previously stated that it is aiming for an estimated WLTP range of around 478 miles (770 km) and ultra-fast charging capabilities. If they can deliver on those promises while maintaining the concept’s striking presence, the Type 00 could make a powerful statement for the brand’s electric future.

When Will It Go On Sale?

Jaguar’s flagship electric sedan, potentially named Type 0, Type 1, or even I-Type, as some have suggested, is poised to enter production in the second half of 2026, with an estimated price between $150,000 and $200,000.

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The mayor of Toronto is doing what she can to hit back at proposed tariffs on Canadian products from the Trump administration, announcing that Tesla taxi owners will be restricted from its Zero Emission Grand Program. Mayor Olivia Chow says she is sending a message to the White House with the change, and to Elon Musk, Tesla’s boss and President Trump’s right-hand man.

Toronto’s Zero Emission Grand Program incentivizes taxi and limousine owners to switch to a zero-emission vehicle before 2030. If they buy a zero-emission vehicle, they’ll pay reduced licensing fees, but Toronto is no longer interested in subsidizing Teslas. While recently speaking, Major Chow acknowledged there’s little the city can do on a municipal level to hit back at the US, but this is one small way to do so.

Read: Trump Now Threatens Canada With Up To 100% Car Tariffs

The change is very much a symbolic measure. According to city spokesperson Shane Gerard, there are just 21 zero-emission taxi and limousine owners currently benefiting from fee reductions. Of these, just nine use a Tesla. The Toronto Star reports the current licensing fee reductions to these nine Tesla owners only amounts to CA$4,677 ($5,185).

It’s not just Toronto’s mayor who is eager to send a message to the Trump administration. Deputy Mayor Mike Colle wants to get rid of a Tesla dealership in the Eglinton-Lawrence ward. However, he didn’t say how.

“The owner of Tesla is the second most powerful man in the Trump administration who is hell-bent on destroying the Canadian economy with punishing tariffs,” Colle said.

Since Donald Trump first announced a series of widespread tariffs against Canada, much of the nation has started to support a ‘Buy Local, Buy Canadian’ campaign, including in Toronto. “For now, the best we can do is send a message to the White House,” Mayor Chow said.

The chief executive of Scout Motors has revealed important new details about the extended-range EVs, which are proving to be more popular than the BEV variant. According to Scott Keogh, the EREV will have roughly 150 miles (241 km) of electric-only driving range and about 500 miles (805 km) of combined range.

Keogh previously served as the chief executive and president of VW Group of America, but in August 2022, moved to Scout Motors. The newly-formed company has already previewed the Terra and Traveler models, but remained relatively tight-lipped about the EREV versions, until now.

Read: Scout’s Range-Extender Engine To Be Mounted Behind The Rear Axle, Like A Porsche 911

While recently speaking with Motor Trend, Keogh revealed some tantalizing new details about the EREV and the BEV. For starters, he confirmed that the BEV will have a battery in the 120s or 130s kWh range, whereas the battery of the EREV will be smaller, in the 60s or 70s kWh. He noted that the battery chemistries could be different and that whereas the BEV will need roughly 3.5 seconds to reach 60 mph (96 km/h), the EREV will likely need an extra second, at around 4.5 seconds.

Keogh added that Scout anticipates both the Terra and Traveler BEVs to offer around 350 miles (563 km) of range, while the EREV will boost that to 500 miles (805 km), including 150 miles (241 km) of all-electric range.

The VW-owned brand is also eager to ensure both models are versatile and practical. Keogh says both the BEV and EREV will have the same payload capacity at around 2,000 lbs (907 kg), and added that towing will also be “about the same,” without providing an exact figure. He also confirmed the EREV will have a four-cylinder engine, but failed to offer any other details about it.

Keogh also threw out some interesting “ideas” about the upgradability of the EREV. During the interview, he said that owners could theoretically fit a larger gas tank, a smaller tank, or perhaps upgrade the engine to deliver more power or range. He also said that the battery chemistries could be improved over time, ensuring the vehicle remains modern and up-to-date.  

The road to commercializing solid-state batteries across the automotive industry has taken longer than many expected, but a growing number of carmakers are developing these advanced batteries for their next-generation EVs. They include Chinese leader BYD, which says its solid-state batteries will initially be rolled out in 2027 before mass-scale adoption from 2030.

Over the weekend, the China All-Solid-State Battery Innovation and Development Summit Forum was held and during the event, the CTO of BYD’s Lithium Battery company, Sun Huajun, revealed its solid-state batteries will use sulfide electrolytes. He did not say what kind of energy density BYD is targeting, but last year, the firm did begin pilot production of 20 Ah and 60 Ah solid-state batteries.

Read: BYD Ignites Self-Driving Price War, Fits ‘God’s Eye’ ADAS Tech To $9,600 EV

As BYD continues development of its solid-state batteries, it could begin introducing them in 2027 for its mid and high-end electric vehicles. As these advanced new batteries become cheaper to produce, BYD could begin to roll them out to its more affordable EVs between 2030 and 2032, CarNewsChina reports. In the long term, the company expects solid-state batteries to cost about the same as existing battery technologies.

Other Battery Efforts

However, this doesn’t mean the end is near for other batteries. Speaking at the same event, BYD chief scientist and chief automotive engineer, Lian Yubo, said lithium iron phosphate batteries aren’t going anywhere in the next 15 to 20 years, noting that they will remain important for affordable EVs.

Many other Chinese car manufacturers are hard at work on solid-state batteries. In October last year, Chery said it currently has solid-state battery prototypes with an energy density of 400 Wh/kg, and expects to increase this to 500 Wh/kg. It plans to install these new batteries into cars in 2026 before beginning large-scale production the following year. Chery says these batteries could give its EVs up to 932 miles (1,500 km) of range on a single charge.

There’s plenty of interest from legacy brands as well. For example, both Toyota and Nissan have invested heavily in solid-state batteries and plan to roll them out over the coming years.