The World Car Awards have been presented at the New York Auto Show and they were a truly global affair. So much so, that most of the winners aren’t even available in the United States.

While that’s disappointing, the Kia EV3 was named 2025 World Car of the Year. The model beat the BMW X3 and Hyundai Inster to win top honors, earning Kia their second consecutive World Car of the Year award following last year’s crowning of the EV9.

2025 Kia EV3 Review: Everything We Love About The EV9 Made More Affordable

The EV3 isn’t offered in America, but it’s coming as long as tariffs don’t get in the way. That being said, we tested it earlier this year and came away pretty impressed.

Electric vehicles had a strong showing this year as the Volvo EX90 was named 2025 World Luxury Car. It bested the Porsche Macan and Porsche Panamera to take top honors.

The electric crossover starts at $79,995 and features a 111 kWh battery pack as well as a dual-motor all-wheel drive system with 402 hp (300 kW / 408 PS) and 568 lb-ft (769 Nm) of torque. This enables the model to hit 60 mph (96 km/h) in 5.7 seconds and travel up to 310 miles (499 km) on a single charge.

Moving on, the Hyundai Inster / Casper Electric was named World Electric Vehicle. It’s a pint-sized urban crossover that has 113 hp (85 kW / 115 PS) and is primarily offered in the East.

The EV trend continues as the BYD Seagull / Dolphin Mini was named World Urban Car. The hatchback costs less than $10,000 in China and the Seagull Intelligent Driving Edition offers up to 252 miles (405 km) of range.

World Car Design of the Year, unsurprisingly, went to an EV. It was the Volkswagen ID. Buzz, which is interesting as the electric van has been around for a few years now. That doesn’t exactly seem fair, but the model bested the Kia EV3 and Toyota Land Cruiser / Land Cruiser 250 for the title.

Last but not least, there’s the only non-EV to win an award. It was the Porsche 911 GTS, which was named 2025 World Performance Car.

The sports car starts at $169,800 and features a hybridized powertrain that consist of a turbocharged 3.6-liter flat-six, an electric motor, and a small battery pack. This gives the model a combined output of 532 hp (397 kW / 539 PS) and 449 lb-ft (608 Nm) of torque. This enables the coupe to accelerate from 0-60 mph (0-96 km/h) in 2.9 seconds before hitting a top speed of 194 mph (312 km/h).

GM had high hopes for their BrightDrop brand, but that enthusiasm waned and the vans were rolled into the Chevrolet lineup. While that move was designed to boost sales and availability, it hasn’t helped much as hundreds of unwanted vans have been piling up.

More: BrightDrop Becomes Part Of Chevrolet

Given the growing inventories, it’s no surprise that the company is temporarily halting production at CAMI Assembly in Ingersoll, Ontario. The Canadian plant started BrightDrop production in late 2022 and employs more than 1,200 people.

Temporary Layoffs and Production Shifts

According to Unifor, GM will initiate temporary layoffs on April 14 and then bring workers back for limited production in May. Production will then end again to allow for retooling for assembly of the 2026 model.

When production resumes in October, the plant will be dropped down to a single shift for the foreseeable future. The union says this will result in the “indefinite layoff of nearly 500 workers.”

Unifor National President Lana Payne described the moves as a “crushing blow” and called on the automaker to “do everything in its power to mitigate job loss during this downturn.” She also called on the government to step up and support Canadian auto workers as well as Canadian-made products.

Payne was particularly adamant about the latter as she pitched the 400 and 600 vans as a “smart choice for Canadian business, government agencies, and for our economy.” That’s a not so subtle hint that she wants the government to buy some of the electric delivery vans.

While BrightDrop’s struggles are far from new, Payne used the opportunity to attack the Trump administration. She accused the United States of creating “industry turmoil” and  said “Trump’s short-sighted tariffs and rejection of EV technology is disrupting investment and freezing future order projections.” She went on to claim this is “creating an opening for China and other foreign automakers to dominate the global EV market.”

Pricing Dilemma

As for the vans themselves, BrightDrop’s offerings start at $77,900, providing up to 614.7 cubic feet (17,406 liters) of cargo space and a combined range of up to 272 miles (438 km).

However, rival electric vans are far cheaper as the Ford E-Transit Cargo starts at $51,000 while the Mercedes eSprinter can be had for $61,180. That’s a bit of an apples to oranges comparison, but it’s not hard to see why hundreds of BrightDrop vans are sitting on dealership lots.

Despite the problems, Unifor noted the company is committed to CAMI Assembly and the 2026 vans will be getting “upgrades.” What those are remain to be seen, but hopefully a smaller battery pack is on the way to reduce pricing.

Update: Volkswagen has just released a few more teaser images of its trio of concept electric vehicles set to debut at the upcoming Shanghai auto show, offering a still shadowy—but intriguing—glimpse of what’s in store later this month.

Momentum continues to build for the Shanghai Auto Show as Volkswagen will use the event to introduce three new concepts. They’ll highlight the company’s “In China, for China” strategy and be presented by their Chinese joint ventures.

The company didn’t go into many specifics, but confirmed there will be two crossovers. One will be an EV from Volkswagen Anhui, while the other is a B-segment SUV with a range-extended powertrain from SAIC Volkswagen. Rounding out the lineup is an electric notchback from FAW-Volkswagen.

More: ID. Every1 Concept Previews VW’s Cheapest EV

The teasers aren’t very revealing, but they suggests the models will have slender headlights that are connected by an illuminated bar. That’s not much to go on, but the company said the concepts will embody their new “China DNA – both in terms of technology and design and in relation to development time, which has been cut by more than 30 percent.”

Speaking of the latter, Volkswagen confirmed the concepts preview upcoming production models. These will be launched starting next year.

Volkswagen’s design boss Andreas Mindt said, “We have adapted our established European design values – stability, likability and the ‘secret sauce’ – to the Chinese market. The result is a design philosophy that honors the heritage of our brand while at the same time reflecting the desires and expectations of a new generation of customers in China.”

His sentiments were echoed by Volkswagen brand CEO Thomas Schäfer who said, “Our aim is to remain the leading international automaker in China. We have everything that it takes to be successful: shorter development times, strong partners, sophisticated local development, production and infrastructure as well as the right products and innovations for our Chinese customers.”

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Smart has introduced the #5 Brabus, ahead of its launch at the Shanghai Auto Show later this month. It’s a high-performance electric crossover that will be offered in several markets outside of North America.

Set to become Smart’s range-topper, the #5 Brabus follows in the footsteps of the regular model but adopts unique 21-inch monoblock wheels with a two-tone finish. We can also see red brake calipers, red accents, and a ton of Brabus badging.

More: Smart’s New #5 Compact SUV Isn’t Coming To The US And That’s A Mistake

The interior is high-tech and luxurious, as there’s a 10.3-inch digital instrument cluster and dual 13-inch displays. Drivers will also find an Alcantara-wrapped steering wheel with illuminated Brabus lettering.

Elsewhere, there are microfiber and Dinamica seats with red contrast stitching. They sport heating and ventilation up front as well as heating out back.

Rounding out the highlights are a panoramic glass roof, a microfiber headliner, and sporty pedals. Customers will also find red seat belts, a 256-color ambient lighting system, and a 20-speaker Sennheiser Signature audio system with more than 2,000 watts of power.

Smart didn’t release detailed specifications, but confirmed the crossover has a 100 kWh battery pack that feeds an all-wheel drive system with a combined 637 hp (475 kW / 646 PS). This enables the hot Smart to rocket from 0-62 mph (0-100 km/h) in 3.8 seconds and claim a WLTP range of 336 miles (540 km). That’s faster than a BMW M3, and there’s even a Brabus mode featuring simulated engine sounds to “further enhance the driving experience.”

When the battery is low, customers can take advantage of the crossover’s 400 kW DC fast charging capability. It enables the battery to go from a 10% to 80% charge in as little as 18 minutes.

The Smart #5 Brabus will go up for order in Germany on April 24, and pricing starts at €60,900 ($66,850). UK orders are slated to begin in the fourth quarter, although there’s no word on pricing there yet.

Lancia unveiled the redesigned Ypsilon last year, but the company is already updating their new five-door hatchback. This is a boon for consumers as the model is getting more efficient.

Starting with the Ypsilon Electric, the 54 kWh nickel-manganese-cobalt battery now comes with an “enhanced chemistry.” That isn’t the only change as the model also sports a more efficient powertrain.

More: Lancia Ypsilon Range Detailed, Mild Hybrid Starts From €24,900 In Italy

The company didn’t elaborate, but the EV now offers a WLTP range of up to 264 miles (425 km). This is an increase of 14 miles (22 km), which works out to be a roughly 6% improvement.

The Ypsilon Hybrid, on the other hand, gains marketing muscle as the company is being “more transparent about the actual power output.” That’s an odd statement, but the company said the combined output climbs from 99 hp (74 kW / 100 PS) to 108 hp (81 kW / 110 PS).

While that sounds like a healthy increase, Lancia explained the change by saying it was “made in anticipation of the Euro 7 regulation which, starting in November 2027, will require all hybrid models to state their combined output, and not merely that of the combustion engine.” This means that despite ‘gaining’ 9 hp (7 kW / 10 PS), nothing has changed and “everything under the hood is the same.” This includes actual performance and fuel efficiency.

That’s a bit disappointing, but Lancia said the move gives customers “more clarity and greater perceived value.” Speaking of the latter, pricing remains unchanged and both variants are now available.

The Hyundai Motor Group stormed the Seoul Mobility Show with an impressive array of concepts and production models. Besides the redesigned Nexo and facelifted Ioniq 6, Genesis brought a beautiful G90 coupe and convertible.

That brings us to Kia, which introduced a couple of PV5 Spielraum concepts. Named after the German word for “play space,” the vans are built for digital nomads.

More: The PV5 Is Kia’s Idea Of An Electric Minivan

The first is the Spielraum Studio concept, and it’s essentially a store on wheels. The rear doors open to reveal shelves that can display products, while the cargo area has a clothes rack as well as clear cases holding shoes.

The oddities continue inside with a smart mirror, coffee machine, and what appears to be a refrigerator. They’re joined by a round chair as well as an LG Styler, which is billed as a “clothing care solution designed for garment caring, focusing on sanitization and deodorization through TrueSteam technology.”

Since AI is the latest buzzword, artificial intelligence has been incorporated into the concept to monitor your schedule and calculate the remaining travel time to your destination. It also recommends settings for the LG appliances housed within.

The Spielraum Glow Cabin concept goes in a different direction thanks to a lounge-like interior with a wraparound sofa and covered walls. Kia says this variant was “designed to cater to the growing demand for car picnic experiences,” so it features a refrigerator, oven, and wine cellar. We can also see what appears to be a cooktop and storage compartments.

This would make for an interesting tailgating vehicle, and Kia noted the appliances are covered by color-changing MoodUP panels. Users can adjust their look via the LG ThinQ app.

It’s no coincidence that Kia and LG teamed up for the concepts as the two firms have decided to “collaborate on the implementation of mobility space solutions based on PBV (Platform Beyond Vehicle) technology.” The companies didn’t go into many specifics, but we can expect to find LG’s AI and appliances in PBV vans.

The firms said the tie-up will enable owners to transform their vehicles into a personalized office, studio, or lounge. We can expect to learn more in the future as the partnership is slated to bear fruit in the second half of 2026.

Honda used CES to introduce the 0 SUV concept, and as the model is inching closer to production, a camouflaged prototype was recently shown at a Red Bull event in Japan. While it sports a familiar design, there are a handful of notable styling changes.

Starting up front, the road-going model has new headlights with familiar pixel-like accents. They’re joined by door-mounted mirrors as well as gloss black cladding with turn signals on the front fenders.

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

Elsewhere, there are larger flush-mounted door handles and a revised rear end. The latter now incorporates reverse lights and a third brake light.

The 0 SUV will ride on a new dedicated EV platform and, according to Honda, features a “spacious cabin with outstanding visibility and flexibility.” We can also expect advanced driver assistance systems and a digital user experience powered by the new ASIMO OS.

Honda hasn’t revealed many specifics, but has previously said the 0 Series will use a steer-by-wire system that enables “outstanding handling.” Production is slated to begin in Ohio next year and the crossover will eventually be offered in global markets, including Japan and Europe.

The 0 SUV will be followed by the 0 Saloon and it’s slated to be introduced in North America in late 2026. The sedan has a lot in common with the crossover, but sports a wedge-shaped design that aims to set it apart from other EVs on the market.

Faraday Future has released a revealing teaser image of their upcoming Super One minivan. It’s slated to go into production later this year and become the first member of the value-focused Faraday X lineup.

Scheduled to debut in June, the van has a massive grille that would make Lexus blush. It appears to be slightly recessed and sport a fully enclosed design with illuminated accents.

More: Faraday Future Teases New FX 6 Crossover And Super One Minivan

Additional details are hard to make out, but we can see slender headlights, a sculpted hood, and pronounced wheel arches. Previous teasers have also revealed a generic minivan shape as well as an expansive greenhouse.

Faraday hasn’t said much of substance about the van, but they’ve billed it as an “AI-MPV” that will “meet the dynamic and diverse needs of visionaries and their families.” The model is also slated to deliver “twice the performance at half the price.”

The Faraday X lineup is designed to compete in the $20,000 – $80,000 price range and previous reports have suggested the van will come with two rows of leather seats. Second-row passengers take priority and they’ll reportedly be greeted by a small fridge as well as heated and massaging seats with integrated footrests.

Little else is known about the van at this point, but the company has previously suggested there could be electric and range-extended powertrains. Faraday has also hinted at taking refundable reservations in the second quarter of this year.

However, everything’s still up in the air as Faraday Future recently said the FX family is “contingent on securing appropriate funding and finalizing necessary agreements.” That’s not reassuring when the automaker has a terrible track record and posted a $355.8 (£273.9 / €328.5) million loss last year.

The teaser campaign for the redesigned Jeep Compass is kicking into high gear as the company has tapped photographer Alessandro Dobici to do a shoot at the Melfi plant, where the crossover will be built. The resulting images are a fashionable black and white blur.

While Jeep isn’t saying much, they promised the Compass will retain a seven-slot grille and trapezoidal wheel arches. The teasers also show a Recon-like front fascia with slender headlights as well as lenses that feature a grille motif.

More: New Jeep Compass Shows Its Face, Debuts This Spring

Speaking of the grille, it appears to incorporate some illuminated accents. Elsewhere, we can see a pronounced rear spoiler and what appears to be wheels with another grille motif.

The interior pictures don’t reveal much, but we can see familiar “Since 1941” wording. We also get a glimpse of contrast stitching and “Jeep” embroidery.

The automaker was coy on specifics, but said the Compass will play a “crucial role” in their electrification strategy. Jeep went on to say customers can expect an “expanded engine range with e-Hybrid, e-Hybrid plug-in, and fully electric options.”

Jeep kicked off the teaser campaign last October, when they revealed a sketch of the model and some initial details. At the time, they said the Compass would be based on the STLA Medium platform and go into production in Italy in 2025. They later confirmed a European debut for this spring.

A North American launch was originally slated for 2026, but reports have suggested the model is on hold as it was supposed to be built at Brampton Assembly in Canada. With a 25% tariff on imports, the model’s U.S. prospects look grim so Stellantis is said to be rethinking its product strategy.

Lotus is gearing up to launch the 2026 Eletre and Emeya this summer, and the company has announced a handful of welcome changes. While the updates aren’t too dramatic, they better communicate power and equipment.

As part of the change, there are new “600” and “900” monikers. The former has a dual-motor all-wheel drive system with 603 hp (450 kW / 612 PS), while the latter boasts 905 hp (675 kW / 918 PS).

More: Lotus Eletre Priced At A Shocking $229,900 Due To New Chinese EV Tariffs

That isn’t the only revision as Lotus has established six “clearly defined trim levels” called the 600, 600 GT, 600 GT SE, 600 Sport SE, 900 Sport, and 900 Sport Carbon. While the availability of these trims varies by market, they help to establish a hierarchy.

The entry-level Eletre 600 comes equipped with LED lighting units, 20-inch wheels, and an active air suspension. They’re joined by a 29-inch head-up display, a 15-speaker audio system, and a four-zone climate control system. Customers will also find a Jasper interior with LotusWear Performance Fabric seats.

The 600 GT adds larger 22-inch wheels, six-piston brake calipers, highway assist, and a parking package. The 600 GT SE goes even further with an electrochromic glass roof, illuminated side sills, adjustable ambient lighting, and an upgraded 23-speaker audio system. The 600 Sport SE takes things in a more dynamic direction thanks to a handling package, an active rear spoiler, soft-close doors, and upgraded front seats featuring ventilation and massage functions.

The Eletre 900 Sport is essentially a high-performance and decontented version of the Sport SE, while the 900 Sport Carbon adds interior and exterior carbon fiber trim, a composite hood, soft-close doors, and the aforementioned front seats.

The Emeya trims are largely identical, but the model has a larger 51-inch head-up display as well as different wheels that appear to max out at 21-inches.

Aside from the new names and trims, the Eletre features a revised color palette. It now includes Akoya White and Zenith White.

In terms of performance, the Emeya 600 accelerates from 0-62 mph (0-100 km/h) in 4.15 seconds before hitting a top speed of 155 mph (250 km/h). Likewise, the Eletre 600 hits 62 mph (100 km/h) in 4.5 seconds and can eventually top out at 159 mph (256 km/h).

The 900 variants have the same top speeds, but the Emeya 900 hits 62 mph (100 km/h) in a mere 2.78 seconds. The Eletre 900 accomplishes the task shortly thereafter at 2.95 seconds.

The Emeya has a 102 kWh battery pack that allows for a WLTP range of up to 379 miles (610 km). The Eletre’s 112 kWh unit allows for a slightly less impressive range of 373 miles (600 km).

Both models are currently available to order and UK pricing starts at £84,990 for both the Eletre and Emeya.

The Renault–Nissan–Mitsubishi Alliance has been put through the wringer and things appeared to be on shaky ground. However, Renault and Nissan have now announced a series of “strategic projects.”

Starting with the fun stuff, Nissan will be getting a version of the upcoming Renault Twingo. It’s slated to arrive in 2026 and will feature unique styling created by the Japanese automaker.

More: Renault’s Updated Twingo Concept Hints At Next Year’s €20,000 EV

Little else is known about the model at this point, but the Twingo will be launched next year and cost less than €20,000 ($21,639). The EV is also expected to feature a 7-inch digital instrument cluster and a 10.1-inch infotainment system.

Outside of Europe, Renault plans to take over Renault Nissan Automotive India Private Ltd by acquiring the 51% stake currently held by Nissan. This transaction is expected to be completed later this year and Renault sees the move as a “key opportunity” to expand its international business. Speaking of which, four new models are expected to be built at the Chennai plant.

While Renault is taking over, Nissan will continue to have a presence in India. As such, the Chennai plant will continue building models such as the Nissan Magnite.

Five-seat Nissan C-SUV that will be built at Chennai plant

On the corporate side of things, Renault and Nissan have amended their alliance agreement to allow for greater flexibility of cross-shareholdings. In particular, the minimum shareholding threshold will be lowered from 15% to 10%. The change could allow Nissan to sell part of their Renault stake to raise funds for their restructuring.

While it remains to be seen if Nissan will do this, “any sale of shares would have to be made within a coordinated and orderly process with the other company, in which such other company or a designated third-party benefits from a right of first offer.”

Speaking of giving Nissan flexibility, the company is being released from its commitment to invest in Ampere. The investment was announced in July of 2023 and would have seen Nissan fork over as much as €600 ($649 / £502) million.

The amendments and termination of the Ampere investment are subject to certain conditions being fulfilled, but these are expected to occur by the end of May. When this happens, Nissan should be in better shape for the future.

Renault Group CEO Luca de Meo remarked, “As a long-time partner of Nissan within the Alliance and as its main shareholder, Renault Group has a strong interest in seeing Nissan turnaround its performance as quickly as possible. Pragmatism and business-oriented mindset were at the core of our discussions to identify the most effective ways of supporting their recovery plan while developing value-creating business opportunities for Renault Group.”

Skoda introduced the Elroq last fall and now the company is gearing up to introduce the all-new RS variant. As part of this effort, they’ve released a revealing teaser video that gives us a glimpse of the electric crossover ahead of its debut on April 3.

Set to be unveiled at Milan Design Week, the Elroq RS has been given a sporty makeover as it features a high-gloss black Tech-Deck Face as well as a unique front bumper. The latter has a sportier central intake with painted triangular accents. They’re joined by horizontal black bars that flow into the vertical air curtains.

More: Skoda’s New Elroq EV Aims For The Mainstream Sweet Spot

Moving further back, we can see new front fender badging and aerodynamically optimized wheels with a Mamba Green accent. While the rear end appears to carryover, the blacked out bumper suggests it could be updated as well.

The styling changes continue inside as we can see a perforated flat-bottom steering wheel with vRS badging. Elsewhere, there are two-tone front seats with vRS embroidery on the headrests. We can also expect a familiar digital instrument cluster and a freestanding infotainment system with a 13-inch display.

Powertrain details remain elusive, but the current range-topper is the Elroq 85. It features an 82 kWh battery pack as well as a rear-mounted motor producing 282 hp (210 kW / 286 PS) and 402 lb-ft (545 Nm) of torque. This allows the model to accelerate from 0-62 mph (0-100 km/h) in 6.6 seconds and have a WLTP range of 361 miles (581 km).

The GMC Sierra EV lineup is expanding for 2026 as the company is adding new AT4 and Elevation trims. This gives customers more choice as well as a significantly lower starting price of $62,400.

Kicking things off is the entry-level Sierra EV Elevation, which has a streamlined but no frills design. GMC didn’t go into many specifics, but said the model comes equipped with a power eTrunk, a MultiPro tailgate, and 18-inch wheels featuring a two-tone finish.

More: 2025 GMC Sierra EV Denali Gets $7,500 Price Cut Thanks To New Battery

Buyers will also find an After Dark interior with a 16.8-inch infotainment system. Sadly, the Denali’s beautiful wood trim is replaced by a cloth strip that looks like it was stolen from a 1980’s office chair.

The Elevation will be available with Standard and Extended Range batteries, although GM didn’t provide range estimates. Both will be powered by a dual-motor all-wheel drive system and the Extended Range variant will have 645 hp (481 kW / 654 PS) and 765 lb-ft (1,036 Nm) of torque.

2026 GMC Sierra EV AT4

The off-road focused Sierra EV AT4 starts at $79,300. It’s distinguished by a lifted suspension and 18-inch wheels that are wrapped in 35-inch all-terrain tires. This combination gives the truck an additional 2 inches (51 mm) of ground clearance.

The off-road upgrades don’t end there as the AT4 comes standard with a 4-Wheel Steer system, which significantly improves maneuverability and makes it feel like you’re driving a significantly smaller pickup. Buyers will also find a gimmicky CrabWalk function as well as a trim-exclusive Terrain Mode.

Rounding out the highlights are an illuminated front badge and standard Super Cruise. The model also has a unique Forest Storm interior, which appears to include embroidered headrests as well as special seats with contrasting white accents.

2026 GMC Sierra EV Elevation

The Sierra EV AT4 will be offered with Extended and Max Range batteries. The former has 625 hp (466 kW / 634 PS), while the latter boasts 725 hp (541 kW / 735 PS). While their horsepower ratings vary, both versions have 775 lb-ft (1,050 Nm) of torque.

The Sierra EV Denali returns for 2026 with Standard, Extended, and Max Range batteries. Thanks to the addition of an entry-level battery, the base price plummets from $89,900 to $69,700. It’s also worth noting the Extended Range variant falls from $89,900 to $77,900 for a $12,000 savings.

GMC was coy on detailed performance specs, but the Denali Max Range will have 760 hp (567 kW / 771 PS) and 785 lb-ft (1,063 Nm) of torque.

The 2026 Sierra EV is expected to arrive at dealers this summer and, when it does, customers will find several new colors including Coastal Dune, Deep Bronze Metallic, Magnus Matte, and Glacier White Tri-Coat Metallic.

2026 GMC Sierra EV Pricing

Tesla is facing a number of headwinds as the company has to deal with an onslaught of Chinese competitors as well as customers who are fed up with Elon Musk. The combination has resulted in attacks in the United States as well as plummeting sales in Europe.

Amid that background, Tesla is eyeing new markets to improve its fortunes. The latest is Saudi Arabia as the company has sent out RSVPs for their opening in Riyadh.

More: Tesla Cybertruck Joins Dubai Police, Looks Terrible In White

The event takes place on April 10 and guests are invited to explore the company’s lineup and “step into a world powered by solar energy, sustained by batteries, and driven by electric vehicles.” The Cybercab and Optimus robot will apparently be in attendance, and Tesla noted employees will be on hand to answer questions about ownership, home charging, and more.  

While Tesla is a newcomer to Saudi Arabia, the company already has a presence in the Middle East. In particular, there are stores and superchargers in Israel, Jordan, Qatar, and the United Arab Emirates.

Tesla’s entrance into the market is interesting to note as Saudi Arabia’s Public Investment Fund has poured billions into Lucid. Part of this helped to fund a plant in the country, which has begun semi knocked-down assembly of the Air. However, it’s slated to become a fully fledged production facility “after the middle of the decade.”

That isn’t the only thing making the situation awkward as Reuters noted Musk was originally banking on Saudi money to take Tesla private. This led to his infamous “funding secured” tweet, which turned out to be nonsense.

The publication also noted EVs only account for 1% of sales in the oil-rich country. This suggests Tesla’s sales problems are far from over.

Rivian has a lot on their plate, but that hasn’t stopped them from creating a new spin off. Known as Also Inc, the micromobility business will be focused on “small, lightweight vehicles that are designed to meet the global mobility transportation challenges of today and tomorrow.”

According to the automaker, they started a stealth micromobility program several years ago as they recognized the “massive need for small electric form factors.” The company went on to say “as these efforts advanced, it became clear that Rivian’s approach had the potential to unlock a large opportunity that deserved to be its own company, optimized around different products, brand positioning, and markets.”

More: Rivian R1 Lineup Gains 850 HP California Dune Edition

While little of substance is known about Also, it received a $105 (£81.5 / €97.6) million investment from Eclipse Ventures. However, Rivian will retain a “substantial minority ownership stake” and expects “opportunities for future collaboration” such as using Rivian stores to showcase Also products.

Rivian CEO RJ Scaringe will serve on Also’s Board of Directors as its Chairman and he released a statement saying, “For the world to fully transition to electrified transportation, a range of vehicle types and form factors will be needed.” The executive added, “I am extremely excited about the innovations developed by the Also team that will underpin a range of highly compelling micromobility products that will help define new categories.”

As for what’s coming from Also, Scaringe mentioned that the first product will launch in early 2026, with the “product portfolio and incredible technology” being unveiled later this year. How exactly that will all unfold remains to be seen.

The announcement has been met with a shrug on Wall Street as Rivian stock is down 1.82% as of this writing. However, with so few details, it’s hard to get excited about Also, which could simply become an also-ran.

California is one of the largest markets for electric vehicles and that means there’s a lot of demand for charging infrastructure. However, they’re up to the challenge as the California Energy Commission recently announced 178,549 public and shared private chargers have been installed statewide.

That’s an impressive number, especially when you consider there are only an estimated 120,000 gas nozzles in the state. That means there are 48% more EV chargers than gas dispensers.

More: America’s EV Charging Infrastructure Has Doubled In Less Than Four Years

However, things aren’t that simple as a vast majority of chargers (162,178) are Level 2 units that can take hours to deliver a notable charge. This makes them ideal for home use and the California Energy Commission estimates there are more than 700,000 Level 2 chargers in single-family homes.

The remaining 16,971 or 9.5% are DC fast chargers. While their speed can vary, some fast chargers can deliver over 100 miles (161 km) of range in 15 minutes or less.

California credits their impressive charging infrastructure to “dedicating billions to support clean transportation goals” including approving a $1.4 billion investment plan to create the most extensive charging and hydrogen network in the country. There are also other efforts such as a $55 million project to install fast charging stations at businesses and other publicly accessible locations across the state.

California Energy Commission Chair David Hochschild said, “The California EV driver experience is getting better by the day. The state will continue to heavily invest in EV infrastructure, with particular emphasis in hard-to-reach areas, making these vehicles an easy choice for new car buyers.”

That’s good news for residents of the Golden State, where approximately 25% of new car purchases are zero-emission vehicles. Of course, any change to federal incentives could put a damper on sales.

H/T to CBS News

Cadillac introduced the 2026 Vistiq last year and it’s set to arrive at U.S. dealerships this spring. Dealers are now preparing for its arrival and some are already offering discounts on the three-row electric crossover.

While most seem to be sticking to MSRP, Cadillac of Las Vegas has three crossovers listed for $2,000 below sticker. It’s a similar story at Mount Kisco Cadillac in New York, which has their $80,215 Vistiq Luxury listed for $78,215.

More: 2026 Cadillac Vistiq Packs Is A Three-Row Luxury EV With Blackwing Levels Of Power

Looking deeper into the matter, it appears the EV will be launching with a $2,000 “Competitive Cash Allowance.” That’s a welcome discount, but it doesn’t make much of a dent as pricing starts at $77,395 before a $1,395 destination fee.

That’s more than $50,000 cheaper than the Escalade IQ and the Vistiq comes nicely equipped with LED lighting units, an Illuminated grille, and 21-inch wheels. Buyers will also find a power liftgate, soft-close doors, and a panoramic dual pane sunroof.

The interior echoes the Lyriq and sports a 33-inch curved display, a 23-speaker AKG audio system, and heated, ventilated, massaging front seats wrapped in Inteluxe upholstery. They’re joined by a heated steering wheel, heated second-row seats, and a power tilt/telescoping steering column. Customers will also find a wireless smartphone charger, a universal home remote, and a 126 color ambient lighting system.

The Vistiq comes with a host of standard driver assistance systems including Super Cruise, Automatic Emergency Braking, and Rear Cross Traffic Braking. Other highlights include Blind Zone Steering Assist, Traffic Sign Recognition, and an HD Surround Vision system.

Power comes from a 102 kWh battery pack, which feeds a dual-motor all-wheel drive system developing 615 hp (459 kW / 624 PS) and 650 lb-ft (880 Nm) of torque. This enables the crossover to accelerate from 0-60 mph (0-96 km/h) in 3.7 seconds and have a range of up to 305 miles (491 km).

Michael Gauthier / Carscoops

Tesla owners are feeling the wrath of many people over Elon Musk’s political transformation and it appears a number of them have had enough. That’s according to new data, which has shown a surge in trade-ins.

Citing Edmunds data, Reuters is reporting that “Tesla cars from model year 2017 or newer accounted for 1.4% of all the vehicles traded in until March 15.” That’s up from 0.4% last year and marks a significant increase.

More: Used EV Prices Are Crashing and Tesla’s Leading the Way Down

CNBC noted this is a record level of Tesla trade-ins towards vehicles from other brands. So what’s behind the increase? There’s likely a variety of factors at play, including new competitors in the EV space.

Of course, there’s little doubt that Musk’s close association to President Trump and his status as de facto leader of the Department of Government Efficiency is also playing a role. Sheryl Crow famously ditched her Tesla and said “There comes a time when you have to decide who you are willing to align with.”

Attacks on Tesla dealerships have been grabbing headlines and U.S. Attorney General Pamela Bondi recently stated that “If you join this wave of domestic terrorism against Tesla properties, the Department of Justice will put you behind bars.” However, Tesla owners have also been targeted by hate.

Multiple owners have reported being flipped off or sworn at, while other cases are far more serious. These involve actual vandalism, which can range from vehicles getting keyed to set on fire.

More: Hundreds Of Tesla EVs Pile Up In Canadian Parking Lots After Suspicious Sales Rush

Regardless of what’s behind the shift, Edmunds’ Jessica Caldwell said the change in “Tesla consumer sentiment could create an opportunity for legacy automakers and EV startups to gain ground.” In essence, those turned off by Musk could replace their EVs with models from competitors – which might be good news for the latter, but obviously not for Tesla which is not in the best of shapes when it comes to sales lately.

Rivian introduced the R2 a little over a year ago and it’s slated to arrive in the first half of 2026 with a base price of around $45,000. Fast forward to today and there’s excitement about a possible R2T as Rivian has filed a trademark application for the moniker.

Unfortunately, you shouldn’t get your hopes up as this isn’t a new development. Quite the opposite as Rivian originally filed an application for the R2T trademark in October of 2018. However, it was abandoned on June 20, 2022.

More: The 2026 Rivian R2 Looks Even Better Up Close

Shortly before that happened, Rivian filed another application for the R2T trademark. This one appears to be far more detailed as it applies to “land vehicles” as well as a dizzying array of parts and components. These range from sun visors and mud flaps to motor vehicle bodies, electric motors, and insignia for vehicles.

The latest application is active, but it doesn’t mean fans should get overly excited about it. Automakers routinely trademark possible names for their vehicles, especially ones that are similar to names already in use. In particular, BMW used to have a trademark for the X8 moniker, but it was cancelled early last year.

That’s not to say there couldn’t be an R2T in the future, but Rivian has their plate full at the moment. Besides the R2, the company has already announced plans for an R3 and R3X. The models are slated to be built at a new manufacturing plant near Social Circle, Georgia and production could begin as early as 2028.

Attacks on Teslas have become a common occurrence and now the federal government is getting heavily involved. As part of this effort, U.S. Attorney General Pamela Bondi has announced charges against three people for the “violent destruction of Tesla properties” using Molotov cocktails.

While the Department of Justice didn’t release many specifics, one of the defendants was involved in an attack on a Tesla dealership in Salem, Oregon. The government says this person was armed with a suppressed AR-15 rifle and was arrested after throwing approximately eight Molotov cocktails.

More: Man Arrested After Alleged Molotov Cocktail Attack And Shooting At Tesla Store

The second individual was arrested in Loveland, Colorado after allegedly attempting to light Teslas on fire with Molotov cocktails. The government also claimed the “defendant was later found in possession of materials used to produce additional incendiary weapons”.

Lastly, a person in Charleston, South Carolina allegedly wrote “profane messages against President Trump” around Tesla charging stations. They then lit the chargers ablaze with Molotov cocktails.

Salem Police

Attorney General’s Statement

Attorney General Bondi was direct in her response to the situation, stating: “The days of committing crimes without consequence have ended. Let this be a warning: if you join this wave of domestic terrorism against Tesla properties, the Department of Justice will put you behind bars.” Her office added they’re “committed to ending all acts of violence and arson directed at Tesla properties and otherwise.”

The news comes two days after Bondi released another statement saying that “The swarm of violent attacks on Tesla property is nothing short of domestic terrorism. The Department of Justice has already charged several perpetrators with that in mind, including in cases that involve charges with five-year mandatory minimum sentences.”

As for the three people charged in this latest round, they now face prison sentences ranging from five to 20 years, depending on the specifics of their actions.