Tesla’s new 0% APR financing deal applies only to the Model 3, not other models.
Full Self-Driving transfers are back for those upgrading from a previous Tesla vehicle.
Tesla is rolling out a pair of what it hopes will be high-impact incentives. In an effort to drive sales before the end of Q2, it’s offering 0% APR financing on Model 3 and the return of Full Self-Driving (Supervised) transfers. Both offers are appealing on paper, but like most things Tesla, there are some strings attached.
The headliner here is the 0% APR deal, which is only available on the Model 3. Not the Model Y, not the S, not the X, just the entry-level sedan. Qualifying depends on options and tax incentives, but it appears to be available with $0 down in some states.
It’s also capped at 60 months. That’s about $6,000 down (over the loan term) on the cheapest rear-wheel-drive Model 3, and you’ll also need top-tier credit to lock it in. Still, it’s a rare move in today’s high-interest environment, and one that could tip the scales for shoppers on the fence.
Also back, for a limited time: FSD transfers. If you previously bought Tesla’s Full Self-Driving beta package for anywhere from $7,500 to $12,000 and are thinking about upgrading to a new vehicle, you can bring that feature with you, no need to repurchase. There’s no word on when the deal will end, but we expect it won’t live into the third quarter, so interested parties will want to move sooner rather than later.
These moves, of course, come at a time when Tesla is navigating a tougher sales climate. Competition is getting better, opposition is getting fiercer, and tariffs could drive prices up more, too. Obviously, Tesla wants to clear inventory and keep customers inside the family with these deals.
While these two deals are good for those interested, they’re not the only ones we’ve seen in recent months. The new Model Y is available in China with 0% APR, and the old Model Y is the subject of massive discounts too. Even the opinion-splitting slab-sided Cybertruck is available for thousands off of MSRP right now. Clearly, Tesla knows it needs to move metal, and it’s doing all it can to achieve that goal.
Vox Populi, Vox Dei … FSD Transfer is back
All countries (in NA), all S3XY + @cybertruck (excl Foundation Series & Launch Series)
Slate’s $28K EV truck is still in development, but Ford’s Maverick is available now.
The Maverick offers better range, towing capacity, and features than Slate’s EV.
Production of the Slate EV is expected to begin towards the end of 2026.
There’s no denying that Slate Auto is turning a lot of heads right now. Their new truck, which can be optioned into a SUV, sounds promising as it strips away the excess in an effort to create an affordable, practical runabout. It even boasts an electric drivetrain to keep running costs low.
All sounds good, right? In theory, it’s an appealing prospect, but here’s the thing: what Slate is selling for the future (plus a whole lot more) is already available today in the form of the Ford Maverick.
Pricing: Promises vs. Reality
Let’s start off with its biggest selling point, the reason why the internet went wild in the first place: the price. The newly announced Slate pickup promises a starting price of “around $28,000,” but that’s far from set in stone. Assuming nothing changes, and that’s a tariff-sized assumption, if you factor in the $7,500 federal tax credit, the base price could theoretically drop to about $20,500.
But again, that’s all hypothetical. Given that the Trump administration has repeatedly suggested eliminating these credits, who knows what will happen in late 2026 when it supposedly hits the market.
On the other hand, as you’re reading this, you can walk into any Ford dealership and drive off with a 2024 Maverick XL for $23,920. That’s for the 250-hp 2.0-liter EcoBoost four-cylinder-equipped model. Because it’s available and if you click on Ford’s page, that’s the model it directs you to. If you’re looking at the 2025MY, prices start from $26,995 for the 191-hp 2.5-liter hybrid FWD variant, and $27,570 for the 250-hp EcoBoost AWD. And that’s before factoring in any additional deals or potential incentives, plus delivery fees, of course.
Range and Efficiency
Now, let’s talk efficiency and range. Slate’s truck promises 150 miles of range in its base form, powered by a 52.7 kWh battery. No doubt, the optional 84.3 kWh battery, offering up to 240 miles of range, looks more promising, but it’ll cost you extra. According to the Detroit company, charging it will take somewhere between 4 to 8 hours.
For the sake of comparing base models, we’ve focused on the 2024 Maverick XL with the 2.0L turbo, which is the most affordable option you can buy right now. This base trim delivers 26 mpg according to the EPA. Meanwhile, the hybrid variant with a 191-hp engine can achieve up to 42 mpg combined.
And let’s not forget the convenience factor. You can fill up the Maverick at any gas station in America in about 3 minutes. No waiting around for hours as your truck “recharges,” praying that the charging station isn’t busy or, you know, completely broken. If you do the math, the Maverick’s EPA numbers give you nearly 430 miles of range, while Slate’s truck promises to hit just over a third of that, assuming, of course, it’s not freezing outside or anything.
SPECS
Model
Maverick
Slate
Wheelbase
121.1 in.
108.9 in.
Length
199.7 in.
174.6 in.
Width
77.9 in.
70.6 in.
Height
68.7 in.
69.3 in.
Bed Length
54.4 in.
60.0 in
Bed Volume
33.3 cu ft
35.1 cu ft
Frunk Volume
–
7 cu ft
Seats / Doors
5 / 4
2 /2
Motor
2.0L Turbo
Single Electric
Drive
FWD / AWD
RWD
Power
250 hp
201 hp (150kW)
Torque
277 lb.-ft.
Range
429 miles
150 – 240 Miles
Fills Up In
3 Minutes
4-8 Hours
Towing
2,000 lbs
1,000 lbs
Payload
1,500 lbs
1,400 lbs
* Manufacture specifications
SWIPE
Now, Slate’s concept has some cool ideas like swappable body panels and modular bits, but let’s be honest: fun, quirky features don’t always survive the realities of potholes, payloads, and subzero mornings.
Speaking of payloads, let’s break down the specs. The Slate can tow up to 1,000 lbs and haul 1,433 lbs of cargo. Meanwhile, the base Maverick doubles the towing capacity at 2,000 lbs and has a 1,500-lb payload capacity. The Slate boasts a five-foot bed, while the Maverick’s is a bit more compact at 4.5 feet.
That said, the Maverick can seat five people at all times, even with the bed in use, while the Slate takes the cargo volume crown with 35.1 cu.ft and an additional 7 cu.ft in the frunk, compared to the Maverick’s 33.3 cu.ft.
Slate’s EV Is Laughably Bare Bones, Doesn’t Even Have Speakers
We won’t get too deep into the quality and features since we’ve only seen the prototype in pictures, not in person, and things might change when it hits production. But judging by the close up photos from our pals at The Autopian, this thing could make a 1980s Lada Niva look posh. To be fair, their motto is “We built it. You make it.” So, maybe “luxury” is all in the eye of the beholder.
But it’s not that you won’t get an infotainment screen, you won’t get anything. No power windows, no cupholders, no speakers, no radio, no armrest, no glovebox – all of these are “extras.” In fact, customers will have the option to choose from over 100 of these “accessories”, as you can see for yourself in the configurator.
We’re honestly surprised they even bothered with seats and a steering wheel. This thing is laughably bare-bones, even by decades-old standards. In contrast, the base Maverick at least comes with all the modern creature comforts you’ll actually need – and then some.
A Real Truck vs. Wishful Thinking
In the end, the Maverick is a real truck, with a real bed, and a real warranty that’s sold by a brand that has been around for over a century. Contrast that with Slate’s trucklet: an unproven EV with startup dreams and very little track record, though they’ve certainly done an excellent job going viral. We’ll give them that.
Of course, Slate’s vision still deserves some credit. It’s trying to solve a real problem: new vehicles are getting too expensive. But the Ford Maverick proves you don’t have to sacrifice practicality or usability to hit that sweet spot. You can walk into a showroom today and drive out with a functional, fuel-efficient pickup that actually exists.
You don’t have to wait for something that maybe will show up someday, hoping it somehow avoids the massive pitfalls other companies have stumbled into when it comes to service and customer care.
Maybe Slate will pull it off. Maybe it won’t. But until then, the best budget truck-slash-crossover EV isn’t a futuristic trucklet. It’s wearing a Blue Oval and parked at your local dealer.
Tesla has made its FSD Supervised ride-hailing service available to some employees.
For now, only testers in Austin and San Francisco can try the service.
The company says it’s already completed 1.5k trips and 15k miles of driving.
Tesla just took a big step forward toward bringing robotaxis to the public. Strangely, it didn’t come with a bunch of fanfare from its CEO either. Instead, the company quietly confirmed on X that it has made its ride-hailing service available to some employees.
“FSD Supervised ride-hailing service is live for an early set of employees in Austin & San Francisco Bay Area,” read the post. Those cities are both very important for Tesla as the brand has facilities in each. A short video posted along with the announcement tells us a bit more about how it works.
A rideshare app allows users to click a big button that simply says “Pick Me Up.” Once the car arrives, users get a notification and a reminder to buckle up in the car. Cybertruck-styled font shows a new script that calls the service “Robotaxi.” The video seems to indicate that, for now, a human safety driver is in the driver’s seat during the testing.
Once in the car, it appears riders get a message on the rear-seat infotainment system to confirm their name, address, and arrival time. Riders click a button in the car that says “Start Ride,” and off goes the car. According to Tesla, it’s already completed 1.5k trips and 15k miles of driving.
FSD Supervised ride-hailing service is live for an early set of employees in Austin & San Francisco Bay Area.
We've completed over 1.5k trips & 15k miles of driving.
This service helps us develop & validate FSD networks, the mobile app, vehicle allocation, mission control &… pic.twitter.com/pYVfhi935W
Interestingly, the Robotaxi nomenclature helps us understand an important point. The Cybercab refers to the vehicle, and Robotaxi is a service that can leverage more of Tesla’s models. No doubt, they’ll share software and functionality to a degree.
Perhaps the biggest surprise here isn’t that this is happening but that it’s seemingly on time. Elon Musk has famously been overly optimistic about true Level 5 driving tech. This time, it seems like his promise that a paid version of this service will go live in June could end up coming true. Even then, though, we expect a full-scale rollout to take a good long while.
The California New Car Dealers Association (CNCDA) has filed a lawsuit against VW and Scout.
It says the two are bypassing dealer franchise laws in the state by selling directly to consumers.
Scout previously rejected the CNCDA’s demands, but now vows to defend itself in court.
The latest episode in the ongoing feud between dealers and Scout Motors has escalated into a full-blown lawsuit. The California New Car Dealers Association (CNCDA) has filed suit against Volkswagen and Scout, accusing them of bypassing the law. Specifically, the CNCDA wants VW and Scout to sell their vehicles through dealerships instead of direct-to-consumer sales.
Forget about free-market dynamics, dealers are fighting for their slice of the pie, and they’re taking it to court to make sure they get it.
Brian Maas, CNCDA President, stated that “VW dealers would welcome the opportunity to sell Scout trucks and SUVs, but their manufacturer business partner is denying them that opportunity, in direct violation of California law.” The accusation here is that VW’s Scout Motors is allegedly breaking the law by allowing customers to buy vehicles directly from them, bypassing the traditional dealer model.
Is VW Picking and Choosing?
Maas didn’t stop there. He added, “Volkswagen can’t pick and choose which vehicles to sell on its own or through its franchised dealer network, reserving the most profitable or desirable vehicles for itself. Illegal competition will harm not only dealers but also the communities and car buyers that they serve.”
It didn’t take long for Scout and VW to respond, and unsurprisingly, both disagree with the CNCDA. After the dealer association sent a cease and desist letter to the automakers last year, Scout responded with a strongly worded letter. “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,” said Scout’s general counsel, Neil Sitron.
And if you thought Scout was backing down, think again. Sitron added, “Scout Motors will not do business with anyone that threatens or tries to intimidate it, either directly or indirectly…. should the CNCDA decide to act on its threats, Scout Motors will vigorously defend against them.”
Now, it looks like Scout will have to do exactly that – defend itself in a court of law. The CNCDA is accusing the automakers of unfair competition, false advertising, and is seeking civil penalties that could top $35 million.
It gets more interesting as Maas claimed that this suit “sends a message to every automaker.” That message could end up being “here’s how to sidestep dealers.” Tesla, Lucid, and Rivian have already proven that dealers aren’t necessary. If Scout and VW win this lawsuit, it’ll show legacy automakers a new path to direct sales, a model that consumers seem eager to engage with.
After disappointing sales, perhaps it’s Tesla’s way of admitting that it needs a wider audience.
Sales and marketing strategies tend to follow similar paths, especially when it comes to products that compete in the same space. Let’s face it, in today’s world, creating a brave ad that grabs attention without annoying someone is practically a lost cause. So, most companies stick to what works by playing it safe with formulas that won’t ruffle too many feathers.
But every so often, one company will mimic another so closely that it’s hard not to notice. That’s exactly what appears to be going on with Tesla , which seems to be quietly rebranding the image of its Cybertruck in a way that’s undeniably familiar.
When the Cybertruck first debuted, it was all about looking like it came from the future. Tesla marketed it as though it were built for Mars. Even the press photos of it showed it off on barren landscapes as if it had survived some apocalypse.
Now, though, those futuristic images are no longer the star of the Cybertruck’ssales page. Instead, you’ll find the slab-sided truck in more mundane, everyday scenarios…the same kind of scenes, and even some of the same props, that Ford uses to market the F-150.
Take, for example, the hero image Tesla currently uses for the Cybertruck. It’s towing an Airstream trailer. That looks almost identical, save for the actual scenery in the background, to an image Ford uses with an F-150 towing a camper.
Then, there’s a photo looking down into the bed of the Cybertruck where it holds some fence fabric and other building materials. Don’t be too shocked, but Ford has an F-150 ad with the same type of fence fabric and building materials.
None of this situation, first reported by Business Insider, should be all that shocking or damning. After all, no one bats an eye when sports car companies showcase their models on race tracks, or when crossover ads feature a family cruising through the city.
The nature of automotive advertising requires some similarity across the space. Still, the images are almost too on the nose in this case not to notice. It highlights a change in the way that Tesla approaches Cybertruck sales, too.
The Real Shift
Ultimately, the reality is that to sell anywhere near the number of trucks that Ford does, the Cybertruck will need to appeal to traditional truck buyers. Right now, it’s done a solid job of appealing to Tesla lovers and to those who want something more novel than an everyday pickup. That’s why it was the best-selling EV truck in 2024.
Buick just unveiled the all-new Electra-GS concept for the Shanghai Auto Show.
It’s all-electric, has four doors, and was created by GM’s China design team.
It’s the latest in a series of Electra concepts, offering a glimpse into Buick’s future.
Buick has just unveiled a glimpse of what might shape its design direction for the next few years. Named the Electra-GS, it’s a four-door electric sedan that, according to Buick, “draws inspiration from the mythical centaur”, which was a creature from Greek mythology with the upper body of a human and the lower body and legs of a horse. Designed in China, it’s still unclear whether Buick is considering any kind of production run.
“The ELECTRA GS is more than a concept. It’s a design manifesto,” said Stuart Norris, Chief Design Officer at SAIC-GM and Vice President of GM China Design. “It’s a bold statement that Buick will continue its success in the electric era with sculptural dynamism, cutting-edge technology, and uncompromised sophistication.”
What does that look like in practical terms? Mostly a sleek sedan featuring a heavily slanted rear window with design elements that seem to blend influences from the BYD Seal and Han. That makes sense, given that China is a major market for Buick. The automaker doesn’t provide any specifics about the powertrain, only noting that it’s electric.
Really, though, the focus here is on styling. Buick says it measures 208.7 inches (5,300 mm) long with a 126-inch (3,200 mm) wheelbase. That’s not only longer than both the Tesla Model S and the Lucid Air, but also the long-wheelbase version of the current Mercedes S-Class. Again, that makes sense, as Chinese customers often prefer long-wheelbase cars. The cabin is full of luxury appointments, too.
Inside, It’s All About the Details
Visibility inside? No problem. Buick says the low dash makes sure you won’t be doing any acrobatics to see through the windshield. The seats, meanwhile, are heavily contoured to hug your body. It also gets two separate screens: one for the driver, serving as the instrument panel, and another that doubles as the infotainment system for both the driver and front passenger.
It’s all very stylish, but whether it’s too subdued for anyone’s tastes is open to debate. At the very least, it’s not screaming “look at me!” but more like, “I know I’m classy, but I’m too cool to show off.”
This concept comes after what appeared to be a great start to the year for Buick. It was finally selling cars in North America, where it desperately wants to regain market share. Of course, President Trump’s tariffs hurt the American automaker since it imports many of its cars from Korea and China before selling them in the States.
Interestingly, this is only the latest of several Buick Electra concept cars. Last year, it introduced the Electra-L and Electra-LT concepts, and in 2022, it announced the Electra-X concept. It’s unclear if the automaker will build another 20+ Electra concepts to fill out the rest of the alphabet or if Buick will build a genuine smashing success in the USA first.
Tesla is quietly shifting Cybertruck workers to other model lines amid slow truck sales.
Internal cuts show multiple Cybertruck teams reduced by more than half at Texas.
It has delivered fewer than 50,000 units despite claims of over a 1 million reservations.
The Tesla Cybertruck was designed to turn heads, and it certainly does, but these days, it’s attracting the wrong kind of attention, and that’s showing up in the sales numbers. Blame it on the much higher-than-promised price, the shorter-than-promised range, or the string of vandalism incidents targeting owners. Whatever the cause, Tesla is reportedly adjusting production now that it has too many Cybertrucks and not enough buyers.
While Elon Musk might have once boasted about having over a million Cybertruck reservations, the brand has only sold around 50,000 as of March. That means that not only does it have a lot of them sitting around, but it also needs to reduce its production to control the Cybertruck inventory.
According to Business Insider, Tesla has quietly reduced the Cybertruck production team by more than half. The report, which cites two employees familiar with the situation, says Tesla has been lowering its production targets since December 2024. Some staff have been reassigned to the Model Y line, where demand remains stronger. “It feels a lot like they’re filtering people out,” one worker said. “The parking lot keeps getting emptier.”
All of this seems to corroborate what we’re seeing Tesla do with its bevy of Cybertrucks. Just days ago, Carscoops reported that Tesla was using the pickup to advertise the new Model Y. It’s towing a Model Y behind a Cybertruck and using it as a rolling billboard. Perhaps the automaker is now recognizing the need to shift its focus onto more affordable models.
That could be one reason it recently introduced a new base-model version of the Cybertruck with rear-wheel drive only. Priced at a whopping $70,000, though, it’s far from the originally promised $39,990 price tag of the Cybertruck. Will this shift work out for Tesla? Only time will tell.
Tesla is offering up to $11,990 off many Cybertruck models in the United States.
Some discounted models also come with lifetime free Supercharging and FSD Beta.
Canadian buyers are getting similar discounts up to CAD $16,590 on select models.
If you want to make it painfully obvious that public opinion doesn’t faze you, there’s one simple way to do it: drive a Cybertruck. Now, for those in the market, Tesla is making it a little bit easier to take that leap with a range of discounted vehicles. And it’s not just about slicing prices. Some of these deals include lifetime access to Supercharging and Full Self-Driving, adding value to the package.
It’s no secret that Tesla has struggled to sell the Cybertruck at the rate it hoped it would. Elon Musk claimed it had over 1 million reservations. As of earlier this year, it appears it’s converted under 50,000 of those reservations to sales, though.
For one thing, it’s far more expensive than initially promised. Sure, inflation has something to do with that, but even according to that metric, it should cost tens of thousands less. Maybe that’s one more reason why Tesla just put steep discounts on it. Right now, American customers can get the 2024 Cyberbeast Foundation Series for $11,990 off MSRP. Along with that, Tesla is throwing in free lifetime access to its Supercharger network.
Here’s perhaps the most interesting part, though. It’s not just the top-of-the-range, year-old Cybertruck that is on sale. The standard 2024 AWD Cybertruck is also available with a similar discount. That makes it $89,990, and it still benefits from lifetime Supercharging and, in some cases, these trucks already come with Full Self-Driving (Supervised).
Granted, you’re getting a 2024 model while we’re already well into 2025, but Tesla isn’t a conventional automaker. There are no dramatic, huge updates from one year to the next. According to DriveTeslaCanada, Canadian buyers can also take advantage of similar deals. Tesla is currently offering CA $16,590 off the Cyberbeast and CA $13,790 off the AWD Cybertruck in Canada.
Inventory Snapshot: What’s Available Now?
At the time of writing, Tesla lists just under 4,500 Cybertrucks in inventory across the United States, including both new and demo units. That number is subject to change, of course. In Canada, availability is much lower, with only 72 trucks currently listed.
Put all of the side conversations away, and this doesn’t seem like too bad of a deal. They’re especially attractive for those who don’t qualify for tax credits or who are already considering buying a Cyberbeast. Why not get one with a steep discount and free Supercharging for life?
The only catch is that you’ll be piloting one of the most divisive vehicles on the planet, and Tesla doesn’t have much it can do if your truck becomes the target of someone else’s anger.
Tesla pickup suffered severe interior and exterior destruction while parked in LA this January.
The listing reveals cabin burns were primary damage with graffiti and glass damage secondary.
Dashboard, steering wheel, and infotainment system are missing while rear seats remain salvageable.
It’s no secret that Tesla and its Cybertruck flagship are divisive topics today. Whether it’s the design, the rollout, or the broader image of the brand, reactions are rarely lukewarm. That divisiveness has made the truck a frequent target of protests, and occasionally, more extreme actions. Now, one infamous Cybertruck that went up in flames and was later covered in graffiti is now headed to auction.
The estimated sale price? Around $82,000. And by our extremely scientific calculations, it’ll only cost about $81,999 to fix. A steal, really, assuming you’ve always wanted a post-apocalyptic sculpture that used to be a truck.
This EV experienced its life-ending event in January in an LA parking lot. Carscoops reported on the situation quickly after it happened. The truck sat idle largely in the same state that you see here. The hood is cut up, the driver’s side has fire damage, broken glass, and holes in the firewall. The tires are burned up, and there is graffiti across the entire car.
It’s unclear how the damage began, but it could’ve been that a fire in the cabin started the cascade. From there, it would make sense that firefighters cut the hood. The high-voltage cutoff is under it and near the windshield. From that point forward, anyone around the scene could’ve added the additional vandalism after the fact.
Notably, the salvage auction does say that an “interior burn” was the primary damage and that vandalism is the secondary damage. To that end, the cabin doesn’t look like it’s in much better shape than the exterior. The steering wheel is gone, the dash is missing some panels, and the infotainment system is reportedly inoperable. Hey, at least the back seats look salvageable.
As we pointed out in our initial coverage, the truck almost looks like an obscure art piece. No doubt, it could serve as an exhibit that demonstrates the odd time we’re all living in and the way people reacted to this truck and Tesla as a whole. Depending on your point of view, it might even belong in a gallery as a reflection of public sentiment toward Tesla and its polarizing design direction.
So, what do you think? Would you throw in a bid on this fire-damaged, heavily graffitied Cybertruck? If nothing else, it’s a conversation starter. Let us know what you’d pay for it in the comments.
ADAC found EVs break down less often than combustion cars, even with more EVs on the road.
Surprisingly, battery issues are the leading cause of breakdowns for both EVs and ICE cars.
Tires are the only category where electric car face more breakdowns than combustion vehicles.
The electric-versus-combustion debate isn’t just about performance or emissions anymore—it’s also about dependability. And according to Europe’s largest roadside assistance organization, the German Automobile Club (ADAC), electric cars might be quietly winning that fight.
Its workers, sometimes known as “Yellow Angels” thanks to their bright uniforms, responded to more than 3.6 million breakdowns over the last year making this study. They recorded the details of each call, and that mountain of data shows that electric vehicles are breaking down less often than internal combustion cars.
EVs Show Fewer Breakdowns
For the first time in 2024, the ADAC said it had enough data to make a confident call on EV reliability, and that call favors electric. With another year of data behind them, the case has only grown stronger. While it responded to more EV calls for service than ever before, those accounted for just 43,678 out of the 3.6 million total or just 1.2%.
The organization pointed out in its recent study that the rise is likely due to the increased popularity of electric vehicles. In addition, the results should be more accurate since some of the EVs on the road are a year older now.
Crucially, 2024 marked the first year ADAC felt it had enough data to confidently say EVs were more reliable. With another year of records, that finding looks even stronger. “For cars first registered between 2020 and 2022, electric vehicles experienced 4.2 breakdowns per 1,000 vehicles,” German outlet Handelsblatt reports. For combustion cars in the same age range, that figure was 10.4.
Common Weak Spot For ICE and EVs
Interestingly, the most common issue for both types of propulsion was the same: the 12-volt batteries. They were the issue in 50 percent of the breakdowns for EVs and 45 percent of the breakdowns for combustion cars. In almost every single category over the last few years, combustion cars have seen more or equal issues when compared to EVs, including the electrical system, engine management, and lighting.
The one area where EVs seem to have more problems is when it comes to tires. Specifically, 1.3 calls for service out of 1000 were due to an EV with tire issues, while combustion cars saw just 0.9 in the same population. It’s worth pointing out that newer EVs do not seem to suffer from the same problem.
Of course, EVs are also devoid of potential ICE issues regardless of age. They don’t have oil to replace, nor the complex propulsion system that an internal combustion engine is, and as a result, they have fewer pieces that can break.
The ADAC acknowledges the challenges with comparing EVs and ICE cars at this point. The data is limited since all-electric vehicles just haven’t been around all that long, thus we can’t know just yet how reliable they’ll all be after they’re 10+ years old. Still, this is a good indication that EVs are improving and could indeed be a more practical mode of transportation, even when we ignore their effect on sustainability. For more detailed information.
McMurtry Spéirling drove upside down using nothing but active downforce from fan technology.
It’s the first demonstration of its kind after years of theorization that it’s possible to do such a thing.
The demo opens new possibilities for performance safety and accessible driver-focused engineering.
Somebody call Jim Hall, because his wild idea of using a fan to stick a car to the road just got its ultimate validation—this time, upside down. More than half a century after the Chaparral 2J used fans to create ground-hugging downforce at any speed, the McMurtry Spéirling has shown just how far that tech can go. To put it plainly, it drove upside down, held to the surface not by gravity, but by sheer aerodynamic force.
The Spéirling is a small but intensely capable electric supercar. Pretty much every time we talk about it, it’s breaking another track record. This time, though, it’s setting an all-new benchmark. It’s the first car in history to drive upside down while held to the ground by downforce alone.
999 Horses, Zero Chill
As a reminder, this tiny terror makes 999 hp (745 kW) and weighs just 2,200 lbs (1,000 kg). If those figures weren’t bonkers already, the car leverages a fan system that sucks the chassis to the ground. It can create an incredible 2,000 kg (4,400 lbs) of downforce at 0 mph (0 km/h). That’s how it just pulled off the coolest thing we’ve seen on four wheels in a while.
During the demonstration, if you can call it that, the Spéirling drove up a ramp onto a specially built platform. There, it engaged its “Downforce on Demand” system, sucked itself to the ground, and the the platform rolled. Only when the platform was 180 degrees from right-side-up did it stop. At that point, the driver moved the car forward while staying on the platform. Then, the entire rig finished rotating back to its original position, and the McMurtry drove off like it was another day at the office.
Behind the wheel for the stunt was Thomas Yates, Co-founder and Managing Director of McMurtry Automotive. “That was just a fantastic day in the office! Strapping in and driving inverted was a completely surreal experience,” he said. “The 2,000 kg of downforce that the fan system can generate is truly astonishing to experience, and it’s great to show the reason why our Spéirling continues to take records around the world.”
Yates added that this was just a taste of what the tech could achieve. “This demonstration was an exciting proof of concept using a small purpose-built rig, but is perhaps just the beginning of what’s possible. With a longer inverted track or a suitable tunnel, we may be able to drive even further! Huge congratulations and thanks to the entire McMurtry Automotive team, especially the engineers involved in the car and fan system’s design, they are the heroes of today.”
The Safety Implications
Perhaps the most interesting part of the stunt is what it implies for real-world performance—and more importantly, safety. Traditional race cars rely on speed to build downforce. That means during slower sections, spins, or emergency maneuvers, they lose grip when it’s needed most. McMurtry’s fan system flips that logic by providing full downforce even when the car’s barely moving.
“The amount of grip and downforce available means that application of the brakes will often see them (the driver) stop almost immediately, often while still on the tarmac,” says McMurtry. What that means for customers is a safer and more approachable experience.
Which brings us to one of the brand’s core goals: making record-breaking performance accessible to actual driving enthusiasts. And with this kind of tech, it’s not just about going faster. It’s about being able to do so with control, confidence, and—if you really want to flex—upside down.
Authorities in Washington are investigating a badly damaged Tesla Supercharger.
They believe that an arsonist might have planted a bomb to destroy the station.
FBI joins local investigators to determine if Tesla station was deliberately targeted.
Just a few years ago, the idea of someone targeting a Tesla charging station in a bombing attack would’ve seemed unthinkable. Today, it’s just the latest sign of growing anger aimed directly at Elon Musk. Authorities in Washington State believe an explosive device might have been planted at a Supercharger station, destroying part of the site and taking the entire location offline. Now, Tesla, the FBI, and local law enforcement are all trying to figure out what happened.
According to Lacey Police, a call came in around 1:30 a.m. reporting a “loud noise in the Sleater Kinney area.” When officers showed up at the local Target on 655 Sleater Kinney Rd, they found a severely damaged Supercharger station. Photos from the scene show one of the main cabinets of the charging station in several pieces. A Supercharger stall also has a piece missing.
The Lacey Police Department is calling the incident “malicious mischief” and said that it’s working with the FBI to sort out exactly what happened. In response to news of the event, Tesla itself responded on X to say that it’s working with the LPD and FBI to provide security camera footage. “Don’t mess with critical infrastructure,” it concluded.
Restoring Power—and a Bit of Normalcy
Notably, Tesla says it’s also working with Puget Sound Energy to get the Supercharger station back to full functionality so hopefully, those who rely on it won’t be without power for too long. This is, sadly, far from the first example of this sort of damage in recent months.
Protests span across not just the USA, but the world at this point. While most have been peaceful, a growing handful of incidents in the States and abroad are violent and or dangerous. Elon Musk has blamed the surge in Tesla-related vandalism on backlash to his leadership of the Department of Government Efficiency (DOGE), which has become a lightning rod thanks to deep federal budget cuts and significant government job losses. He has also claimed that criticism from Democratic leaders has fueled hostility toward Tesla and its supporters.
It’s becoming clear that some protesters see Tesla as a proxy for Elon Musk himself—an easy, visible target to vent frustration. Unfortunately, that means owners, many of whom have no connection to Musk’s politics or public persona, are getting caught in the crossfire. In response to the uptick in vandalism, the FBI has launched a task force to investigate attacks on Tesla property. Even so, the broader wave of unrest shows no signs of slowing down.
We're on-site with @LaceyPolice and @FBI, and reviewing camera footage. Also coordinating with @PSETalk to get the Superchargers back online asap. Don't mess with critical infrastructure.
Tesla owners everywhere are increasingly dealing with vandals and bullies on the road.
Several recorded incidents clearly show how easily perpetrators get caught on camera.
Those targeting Teslas should remember they’re almost always being filmed from every angle.
Not too long ago, road rage incidents were mostly fleeting anecdotes – heated moments that vanished as quickly as they came. A decade or so ago, dashcams were still niche gadgets and the idea of catching someone’s highway tantrum on video was far from routine. Of course, bullying Teslas wasn’t as popular then either. Now, the combination brings us a new situation where those who want to bully a Tesla need to recognize that they’re on camera. Several cameras in fact.
Recently in Florida, one Tesla driver experienced this firsthand. While the original video has since been taken down from the Facebook group that shared it, it captured a driver in a Mazda sedan cruising up beside a Cybertruck before abruptly cutting it off on the highway for no appreciable reason. Perhaps they forgot Teslas come equipped with more cameras than a low-budget reality show. Either way, the footage shows the Mazda driver clearly sizing up the truck just before swerving ahead.
It then captured the passenger in the Mazda giving the Cybertruck driver the bird. Of course, it also caught the very unique touches on the sedan including a decal on the door, a kayak and storage bin on the roof, and a disc golf goal on the hitch. The driver found the Mazda owner on social media only a few hours later but declined to comment based on their concerns about their safety.
Tesla owners everywhere are making this point all too clear these days. On a separate occasion, a group of people walked by a Cybertruck. Some flipped the Tesla the bird and one person appeared to draw on the vehicle with a black marker. The owner of the pickup has every right to post online and to try to hold these folks accountable.
The only thing better than Brandon Joseph Belez getting arrested and prosecuted for keying this Tesla is knowing this video will be the first thing every potential future employer will see right before offering the job to anyone else not this stupid. pic.twitter.com/crGT7mU0bf
In another Cybertruck-related incident, a person vandalized the side of the pickup before walking away. Once again, the cameras caught everything. In this case, though, the owner ended up finding out who the perp was. In fact, the person evidently ended up with two charges of criminal mischief.
Keep in mind that this isn’t only a Tesla-centric thing. Rivian’s vehicles come equipped with full 360-degree recording. BMW offers a similar feature, and automakers like Mercedes and MINI have integrated dashcams available too. Subaru, Toyota, and Lexus also offer built-in options, some more robust than others.
Road rage has never been a good idea, but now it’s not just dangerous, it’s incredibly easy to document. Whether you’re flipping off a stranger, cutting someone off, or dragging a disc golf basket around while doing it, there’s a good chance someone’s camera system is rolling. And depending on the car, it might be recording from multiple angles, all in high definition, ready for both the internet and the authorities.
The Mustang Mach-E GT Performance puts out 480 hp and 700 lb-ft while and weighs 4,950 pounds.
The Charger Daytona Scat Pack delivers 670 hp using Powershot but tips the scales at nearly 6,000 pounds
A U-drag race evaluates their acceleration, braking, and cornering in one intense head-to-head battle.
The idea of two American hallmarks of the automotive industry going all-electric might have sounded like a bad sci-fi subplot just a few decades ago, but here we are, watching it happen in real time. The Mustang Mach-E GT Performance and the Dodge Charger Daytona are taking their rivalry to the track in a U-drag race to determine which EV carries its weight (literally) better.
As a reminder, a U-drag race is exactly what it sounds like. At the end of a quarter-mile conventional drag race, the competitors have to turn around and race back to the start line as fast as they can. Essentially, the test helps us understand acceleration, braking, and handling in one convenient competition.
Our entrants are two of the most controversial American cars this side of a Tesla. First up, the Ford Mustang Mach-E GT Performance, which delivers 480 horsepower (357 kW) and 700 lb-ft (948 Nm) of torque. It weighs in at around 4,950 pounds (2,245 kg), making it over 1,000 pounds (453 kg) lighter than its rival.
In the other corner, there’s the Dodge Charger Daytona, weighing in at a hefty 5,974 pounds (2,709 kg). Sure, it’s heavier – by a lot – but it makes up for it with sheer muscle. When the driver hits the special “Powershot” button, the Charger unleashes 670 horsepower (499 kW) and 630 lb-ft (853 Nm) of torque, turning that mass into serious forward momentum.
Specs are nice, but we’re here for results. Off the line, the Mustang jumps ahead, its lighter weight helping it put its power down quicker. But it’s short-lived. The Dodge claws back ground almost immediately and overtakes before the first leg is over.
By the end of the quarter-mile, the Dodge is more than a full car length ahead. In the bend at the end, the Mustang is quicker to make the turn, but not quick enough. The Dodge has a large enough lead that it exits the corner ahead and stretches that lead to the finish line.
Round Two: Dodge Power, Ford Control
Race two goes largely the same way, but with one notable change: the Charger struggles during the braking segment and nearly moves into the Mustang’s lane. The consensus is uniform; the Charger is faster, but much more unruly. It feels like an old-school muscle car, says one host.
Of course, that’s not really a good thing in this case. It’s not the performance that we all love about old-school muscle cars, but rather the unwieldy nature that the new Charger mimics. That sounds like it’s in line with other comments we’ve heard about it. Hopefully, we’ll get our first chance to drive one soon.
For now, the Charger wins on speed, but the Mustang makes a case for balance – just not enough of one to cross the line first.
A man attacked a Cybertruck on camera while the truck’s owner stood just a few feet away.
Rather than confront the vandal, the owner alerted police to their whereabouts.
Officers arrested the man in a new and very swift case of Tesla attackers being held accountable.
Tesla owners need to be more diligent now than ever before. With Elon Musk as the public face of the brand, emotions run high on both sides of the fence, and sometimes those feelings get misdirected. In California, someone attacked a Cybertruck, not knowing that its owner was mere feet away at the time. Now, the attacker is trouble with the law.
The incident took place near a Cinemark theater in San Jose. After the Cybertruck owner parked and stepped away, a Hyundai Ioniq 6 pulled into a nearby spot. Several people climbed out, including a man in a pink and grey sweater. He then approached the Cybertruck and, for reasons unclear, kicked it twice—hard—while recording the act on video.
It just so happened that the owner, Instagrammer Tigran Gertz, was standing so close he appears in one of the videos. He called out to the man, but got no response as the suspect walked away. In a post about the incident, Gertz says he followed the man into the theater and called the police. He gave officers his account of what happened and showed them the footage from the Cybertruck’s cameras.
Not long after, officers allegedly paused a movie screening to locate and arrest the suspect. Gertz filmed the moment police escorted the man out of the theater and into a patrol car. “Most people get away with vandalism, but not this guy,” Gertz said in his post, confirming that he plans to press charges.
No doubt, the video from the Tesla’s Sentry Mode played a large role in the arrest, as officers didn’t have to take Gertz’s word because they could plainly see what had transpired.
Tesla Cybertruck dashcam captured a Lexus LX600 in an aggressive road rage confrontation.
Video from the Tesla shows the Lexus driver brandishing what appears to be a firearm.
The incident highlights how pointless road rage is when cameras record everything around us.
There’s no shortage of things to be angry about these days, and let’s be honest—it gets the best of all of us now and then. Nevertheless, when you’re behind the wheel, keeping your emotions in check isn’t just good manners; it’s basic safety. When things spiral, you end up with situations like this: a Lexus driver pulling what appears to be a holstered firearm on a Tesla driver in broad daylight.
The original clip was posted by an X account called DonaldTNews. In it, we see a Lexus LX600 driver pull up alongside a Tesla. This isn’t just any Tesla either; it’s the Cybertruck, which, like everything Elon-related, has become wildly divisive. The Lexus driver appears to shout at the Cybertruck’s occupants while they’re moving along a highway. He even goes so far as to wag his finger at them like a disappointed gym teacher.
He then drives slightly into the Tesla’s lane and appears to attempt to hit the Cybertruck. Things only get crazier from here. After dropping back in traffic momentarily, the Lexus driver speeds up again and this time points something out the window at the Tesla. It’s hard to make out, but it appears to be a firearm, perhaps with a holster on the business end.
Others have surmised that it’s actually a stun gun of some sort due to its boxy nature. Nevertheless, it appears to be a firearm of sorts, and Texas, where this video seems to be from, is well-known for its gun-friendly population. Finally, the Lexus driver appears to intentionally swerve toward the Cybertruck before sitting behind it long enough for the video to end.
A guy in a Lexus pulls a gun on a Cybertruck driver!
It’s worth noting that there’s no way of knowing whether the Cybertruck driver did something that infuriated the one in the LX600h. However, there is nothing they could’ve done short of perhaps hitting the Lexus and trying to run that would make the Lexus driver’s reaction anything close to reasonable.
Considering the current political noise surrounding Elon Musk, Tesla, and the recent fallout from Musk’s connections to Trump’s administration, the incident could’ve been sparked by something far more inane.
Road rage is just about as pointless as on-road behaviors go. In this day and age, they’re even more so because tons of cars have onboard cameras built in. At the time of this writing, several people online are trying to help authorities track down the Lexus driver, and for what? They achieved nothing with their antics. Stay safe out there, folks.
Rare Rimac Nevera appears for sale with bidding already past the $1 million mark
Original MSRP hovered near $2.3 million though final price may end up much lower.
Four electric motors produce 1,813 hp and launch the EV to 60 mph in 1.85 seconds.
It’s not every day that a multi-million-dollar electric hypercar pops up for sale in a public auction, but here we are. When your average crossover feels like the automotive equivalent of waiting in line at the DMV, something like a Rimac Nevera is more like flying private through a lightning storm with a jetpack.
Now, super-high-end cars aren’t accessible the way a Dodge Hornet is. They’re so desirable that wait lists often span years, not months. The Rimac Nevera is that sort of car, and while there are some questions about how popular it really is amongst 1-percenters, there’s no doubt that it’s a halo car. It makes over 1,800 horsepower, initially cost more than $2 million, and has looks to kill. Now, we’re about to see how much one goes for on the open market.
This particular example is a 2023 model, finished in a striking blue pearlescent paint and outfitted with blue leather upholstery and staggered 20-inch wheels. Like every Nevera, it uses four independent electric motors, each paired with its own gearbox. A 120 kWh battery pack powers the system, delivering a combined output of 1,813 horsepower. Rimac claims it can rocket from 0 to 60 mph (96 km/h) in just 1.85 seconds and cover the quarter mile in a barely believable 8.6 seconds.
Bringing it back to reality, six-piston calipers and electro-hydraulic CCM-R brakes handle stopping duties, while electronically adjustable dampers help keep the ride composed.
Beyond the Numbers
Photos BaT
What really stands out about it, beyond its insane performance, is the attention to detail. Befitting of a seven-figure car, it seems that every centimeter is all but perfect. The carbon fiber weave looks stunning, the door openings are large for easy ingress and egress, and the touch surfaces look like a pleasure to manipulate.
The previous owner is associated with the YouTube-famous Triple F Collection. You can watch this same car on their channel. The odometer shows 1,371 miles, and the car comes with its original window sticker indicating a price of €2,136,000 or roughly $2.3 million. The high bid on Bring a Trailer right now is $1,155,000.
That said, it wouldn’t be surprising if the car doesn’t sell at auction. Sometimes, a top bid on an auction site like Bring A Trailer just means the buyer has earned the chance to negotiate. If both parties can agree on a final number, it might sell off the platform after the auction ends.
Either way, it’s worth keeping an eye on. This is the fastest electric production car in the world, and it’s not every day you get to see one up for grabs—let alone watch people try to name their price.
Mazda just dropped a new teaser focused on its upcoming electric EZ-60 crossover.
The EZ-60 closely resembles the Arata concept shown at last year’s Beijing Auto Show.
It’s expected to be offered in Europe as the CX-6e in pure electric and range-extender forms.
Concept cars are all fun and games, but the percentage that make it to market in original form is very low. That figure ticked up just a touch today, though, as it appears like Mazda is going to bring the Arata concept to production almost unchanged. The production version will be called the EZ-60, at least in China, though it will wear a different badge in other markets. Mazda is hoping this one lands better than the underwhelming MX-30.
You might recall we recently reported that the European version of this electric SUV might end up being called the CX-6e. That tracks, because Mazda just pulled a similar move with the Chinese-market EZ-6 sedan, a car co-developed with its Chinese partner Changan, that’s being rebranded as the 6e in Europe. Since it’s built in China, it won’t be sold in North America.
Mazda released a short teaser to hype the EZ-60. The video shows the SUV’s silhouette rendered in digital wind tunnel graphics. In short, this crossover looks identical in profile to the Arata concept from the 2024 Beijing Auto Show. That car was aimed at the Chinese market and more specifically, the Tesla Model Y. Mazda called its design theme “soulful + futuristic x modern.”
In its post about the teaser video, Mazda stated, “Control the wind to shape the invisible, drive the electricity to the future.” No doubt, any EV benefits from good aerodynamic design and minimal drag. Clearly, Mazda is emphasizing that with the EZ-60.
A closer look at the teaser shows a long, teardrop-style rear section that should help cut through the air more efficiently. It’s noticeably more stretched out than current Mazda SUVs like the CX-50, CX-70, or CX-90. Inside, the EZ-60 will likely borrow heavily from the EZ-6 sedan’s cabin layout, which could mean a clean, minimalist setup with a few upscale touches to give it some premium feel.
Shared DNA with Deepal
At this point, Mazda hasn’t released drivetrain specs, but we have a decent idea of what to expect when details do land. Like the EZ-6 / 6e sedan, the EZ-60 will ride on Changan’s EPA1 platform, the same architecture underpinning the Deepal (a.k.a. Shenlan) SL03 sedan and the S7 SUV. That likely means the EZ-60 will share more than just a few bolts with the Deepal S7. Expect similar powertrain options and tech, including both all-electric and range-extender variants.
Assuming it follows the EZ-6 / 6e’s formula, the EZ-60 / CX-6e may come in a standard E-Skyactiv EV setup with 254 horsepower and a 68.8 kWh battery, good for an estimated 300 miles (480 km) of range. There could also be a long-range version offering 241 hp and an 80 kWh battery, stretching the range to about 342 miles (550 km). For buyers not ready to go full electric, a range-extender version is also likely, using a 1.5-liter gasoline engine paired with a smaller battery pack to provide backup power when needed.
That’s the general roadmap for now. As soon as Mazda reveals more concrete details, we’ll keep you posted.
Rivians and other EVs can be costly to repair after an accident, so one owner found a solution.
He replaced a damaged tail light himself and used paintless dent repair to fix body damage.
This solution could become a viable option for R1S and R1T owners facing similar situations.
How many times have we seen Rivian owners grumble about spending a small – or sometimes large -fortune on seemingly minor repairs after a fender bender or mishap? Dominic Wilkerson uses his Rivian R1T like the off-road-ready truck that it is. As such, he’s had a mishap or two on the trails.
In one recent incident, he accidentally damaged his rear tail light and tailgate. Rather than take it to Rivian for an expensive repair, he decided to tackle the job himself. The result? The total cost came in under $1,000, and the truck looks almost as good as new.
As Wilkerson points out, many Rivian owners (rightly) live in constant fear that any kind of damage, no matter how minor, will result in a total loss. And, honestly, those folks aren’t totally out of their minds. Rear-end damage to a Rivian can be both expensive and complicated to fix, as we’ve seen time and time again. But Wilkerson wasn’t about to roll over and accept that fate. He took matters into his own hands.
The Repair Process: Not As Hard As It Sounds
First, he needed a tail light, which he sourced from Rivian’s Seattle service center for $700. In the video below, he demonstrates exactly what it takes to replace the part. In short, it’s a simple procedure that most gearheads and shadetree mechanics can accomplish. The really tricky part of the entire process was fixing the dents he’d put in his tailgate.
As it turns out, though, he’s familiar with paintless dent repair. No, he didn’t tackle the job himself, but rather he sourced a high-quality PDR professional to do the work. For just $200, the technician managed to pull out the big dents in his tailgate and even straighten some imperfections in the middle of it.
While Wilkerson admits that it’s not technically perfect, it’s the kind of fix that most people wouldn’t notice from 10 feet away. His attitude about it now is that, while he might eventually get the rest fixed, part of him appreciates the “battle scars” that show his truck is actually used for what it was made for.
Why Not Use Insurance?
Now, some readers might be asking why Wilkerson didn’t just file an insurance claim. Well, he addressed that too. “By the time I go through the whole process, I’d be without my vehicle for weeks,” he explained. And that’s a very valid concern. Given the notoriously long repair wait times at Rivian service centers, it’s not surprising that many owners would rather avoid the hassle entirely.
On top of that, insurance companies are totaling more vehicles than ever before. A recent study says that there’s a 42 percent chance of damage leading to a total loss than there was just a few years ago. While Wilkerson’s incident might not have led to that outcome, doing it the way he did assured that it wasn’t even possible.
Canada is putting a magnifying glass on EV rebates headed to Tesla after a strange bump in sales.
Until it verifies every single sale associated with the rebates, it won’t send Tesla the money.
It’s also banned Elon Musk’s brand from future subsidy programs while US tariffs exist against it.
Earlier this month, Tesla sparked outrage among Canadian auto dealers after selling an astonishing 8,653 cars in just three days across four stores, which equates to roughly two cars per minute for three straight days, including the hours the stores were closed. The company then filed for C$43.1 million (US$30M) in rebates.
That all unfolded right before Canada ran out of cash in its EV rebate fund. The combination of factors led officials to wonder if Tesla gamed the system somehow. Now, the Canadian government is freezing payments to the EV maker led by US presidential adviser Elon Musk, while it sorts everything out.
Everyone suspected that, as funds in the EV rebate program dwindled, sales would rise a bit. That would be great for Tesla in Canada, especially since it was struggling to move cars early this year. But selling 8,653 cars in just three days? That’s not just a boost, it’s a bit of a red flag. Something felt off.
The Freeze and a Tariff Twist
On Tuesday, Canada’s Transport Minister Chrystia Freeland made the call to freeze C$43 million (equal to $30M at current exchange rates) worth of payments. “As soon as I became Transport Minister, I asked the department to stop all payments for Tesla vehicles in order to fully examine each claim individually and determine whether all are eligible and valid,” Freeland said in a statement to the Toronto Star. “No payments will be made until we are confident that the claims are valid.”
But Freeland didn’t stop there.
“I also directed my department to change the eligibility criteria for future iZEV programs to ensure that Tesla vehicles will not be eligible for incentives so long as the illegitimate and illegal US tariffs are imposed against Canada” she added.
Freeland has also directed changes to eligibility criteria for future rebate programs, potentially making Tesla vehicles ineligible for subsidies until issues regarding U.S. tariffs are resolved.
By linking the issue to US tariffs, the Canadian government is addressing a situation that is largely beyond Tesla’s control, as tariff decisions are made at the national level. While the embattled CEO may have a close relationship with the American President, he doesn’t have the power to end the tariffs on his own. Currently, Trump is planning additional tariffs for April 2. However, he’s already backtracked and flip-flopped on his plans multiple times. Perhaps he’ll reconsider his strategy if Musk begins to feel the pressure.
A Sting for Local Dealers
Back in Canada, Freeland also mentioned that the government would reimburse more than 200 independently owned auto dealers who were left out of about CA$10 million after fronting rebates to customers without being able to file for reimbursement.
Huw Williams, spokesman for the Canadian Automobile Dealers Association (CADA), welcomed the news.
“CADA has been shocked at the revelations that Tesla was somehow allowed to … take $43 million in rebates while locally owned dealers have been left holding the bag on funds advanced to customers on behalf of the federal government,” he told the Toronto Star. “While the news that Tesla payments are being frozen pending investigation is positive news, this should have happened months ago,” he added.
It’s worth mentioning that Elon Musk, who holds a Canadian passport and has sparked controversy by posting (and later deleting) on X that “Canada is not a real country,” has significantly benefited from Canadian EV rebates. Since 2019, Tesla has claimed $713 million in rebates, making it the largest recipient of these incentives by far.