The Genesis GV60 – the Hyundai Motor Group’s most premium cousin to the Hyundai Ioniq 5 and Kia EV6 – has been updated before its global launch this year. The mid-life update for the electric crossover is relatively minor but does bring some new features that shoppers should welcome.

No significant changes have been made to the overall shape and size of the GV60, and the alterations made to the front and rear fascias are hard to spot. Look a little closer, and you will notice that the front bumper is new and looks slightly sportier than the outgoing model. Genesis has also changed the front grille, positioning it slightly lower, re-shaping it, and making it smaller. The split headlights also feature the firm’s new Micro Lens Array technology.

Read: Genesis Confirms GV60 Magma Launch For Next Fall

The Korean brand has also crafted new 21-inch wheels for the GV60 and has now finished the fenders in the same color as the rest of the body, rather than black plastic as before. While this is only a smaller change, it makes the EV feel slightly more premium. The rear bumper also now matches the rest of the body, rather than being in a contrasting shade of silver.

Making the interior of the new GV60 stand out is the firm’s new 27-inch Integrated Cockpit display that includes the infotainment system and instrument cluster, just like the facelifted GV70. Genesis has rounded out the changes with a newly designed steering wheel.

Genesis has yet to announce market-specific details for the new GV60, nor has it confirmed powertrain or pricing details. The outgoing model had the 77.4 kWh battery pack as the original Ioniq 5 and EV6 models, but both of these have been refreshed and now come standard with an 84 kWh. In all likelihood, the GV60 will get this same enlarged battery.

In certain markets, the current car is available in Standard RWD guise with 225 hp and 258 lb-ft (350 Nm) or as a dual-motor model with 429 hp / 483 hp with Boost Mode enabled. Similar power figures can be expected for the new car.

Korean sales of the new GV60 will start later this quarter before it lands in other markets like Australia in Q3. Genesis hasn’t said when the updated EV will touch down in the US.

Electric vehicle batteries have come a long way in recent years, but researchers around the world continue to explore and develop new ways to make them even better. Recently, a team from the Daegu Gyeongbuk Institute of Science and Technology (DGIST) in Korea created an innovative new lithium metal battery that has a “triple-layer solid polymer electrolyte.” It’s capable of extinguishing itself in a fire and retains strong performance even after many charging cycles.

A Smarter, Safer Battery Design

Let’s break it down. In traditional solid polymer electrolyte batteries, lithium can form small, tree-like structures called dendrites during charging and discharging. While the name might sound harmless, dendrites can damage the internal connections in a battery, significantly increasing the risk of fires and explosions. This long-standing challenge has made it difficult to maximize the potential of lithium metal batteries—until now.

Read: CATL’s New EV Chassis Can Withstand 75 MPH Impact Without Catching Fire Or Exploding

In a peer-reviewed study recently published in the journal Small, the DGIST team detailed their innovative triple-layer electrolyte structure designed to enhance battery safety and performance. This clever design includes soft outer layers that ensure good contact with the electrodes, while a strong middle layer improves the battery’s structural integrity.

The electrolyte is further enhanced with a fire suppressant (decabromodiphenyl ethane), a high concentration of lithium salt, and zeolite, which bolsters its overall strength. While the specifics may sound highly technical, the result is a safer, more reliable battery.

A Battery That Lasts Longer and Protects Itself

The innovation doesn’t stop at fire safety. According to the team behind its development, including principal researcher Dr. Kim Jae-Hyun, the battery design boasts exceptional longevity, retaining approximately 87.9% of its performance after 1,000 charging and discharging cycles. That’s a significant improvement compared to most current batteries, which typically lose 20–30% of their capacity over the same number of cycles.

To put it in perspective, theoretically, an EV with a 300-mile range using this new battery would still retain 87.9% of its capacity, providing over 260 miles of range, even after 300,000 miles of driving.

Additionally, researchers report that the battery can extinguish itself in the event of a fire. This unique combination of durability and safety has the potential to make a substantial impact on the battery industry.

Principal researcher Dr. Kim Jae-Hyun explained the potential impact: “This research is anticipated to make a significant contribution to the commercialization of lithium metal batteries using [solid polymer] electrolytes, while providing enhanced stability and efficiency [to] energy storage devices,” Dr. Kim said. In simpler terms, this technology could lead to safer, longer-lasting batteries for a range of applications.

More Than Just EVs

While electric vehicles are an obvious use case for this technology, the applications extend much further. These advanced batteries could be used in everything from smartphones and wearable devices to large-scale energy storage systems. So, whether you’re scrolling TikTok, tracking your steps, or powering an entire grid, this battery tech might just make your life a little safer—and a lot more efficient.

President Joe Biden is moving to ban new offshore oil and gas drilling in most U.S. coastal waters, an effort to block possible action by the incoming Trump administration to expand offshore drilling.

(Image credit: Manuel Balce Ceneta)

As President, Jimmy Carter's priorities included energy efficiency and shifting away from foreign crude oil. The actions he took were criticized then, but laid the groundwork for a country to address climate change now.

Porsche built its reputation with internal-combustion sports cars, but at the turn of the 20th century Ferdinand Porsche, whose son Ferry would later start the sports-car brand, tinkered with electric motors—including in-wheel hub motors. The first electric-vehicle boom occurred at the turn of the 20th century, before internal combustion...

In the 1980s, economist Julian Simon won his bet with biologist Paul Ehrlich on mineral prices. But what does the long-term data tell us about supply and demand for resources?<br><br><a href="https://ourworldindata.org/simon-ehrlich-bet" target="_blank"><img src="https://ourworldindata.org/cdn-cgi/imagedelivery/qLq-8BTgXU8yG0N6HnOy8g/0ca9751d-f29d-46bb-8e3f-31eaf6087d00/w=1350"/></a>

While Tesla’s panoramic glass roof on the Model Y may not be everyone’s cup of tea, it’s hard to argue with its resilience. Crash tests, as well as real-world accidents, have repeatedly shown that the Model Y’s roof is incredibly strong. Elon Musk has even said it can support the weight of an elephant, and it looks like Tesla’s commitment to safety may have helped to avoid two potentially fatal accidents in North America over the past couple of weeks.

A Yukon Takes Flight Straight Onto a Model Y

The most recent incident happened in Ontario, Canada, where a gray Tesla Model Y became the unlikely victim of a chaotic multi-vehicle crash. According to the Burlington Ontario Provincial Police (OPP), the Tesla driver had pulled onto the left shoulder due to slowing traffic on the westbound QEW near Royal Windsor Drive. Moments later, a GMC Yukon rear-ended the Model Y after being struck by a pickup truck, somehow launching itself onto the Tesla’s roof.

Watch: Tesla Model Y Juniper Caught With Split Headlights And Rear Light Bar

Photos OPP

From the photos, it seems as though the front of the Yukon struck the left corner of the Model Y’s rear, and due to the size discrepancy between the two (and perhaps because of the Model Y’s sloped roof), the Yukon slid over the glass panel and landed on top of the electric crossover. In a posting on social media, the Model Y’s driver, who was inside the vehicle with her husband and two children, reported that all four occupants walked away unharmed.

The damage done to the Model Y is pretty extensive and most of the driver side has been destroyed and, in all likelihood, won’t be repairable. Importantly, the roof remained strong and didn’t cave in, like a weaker metal roof may have.

Chevy Lands On Top Of Another Model Y

This isn’t the only recent case of an SUV unexpectedly turning a Tesla Model Y into a landing pad. Just before Christmas in Orange County, California, a black Chevy hit a white Model Y and also ended up precariously perched on the Tesla’s roof. In this instance, the EV’s roof also appears to have withstood the impact valiantly. A red Toyota GR Corolla and a silver Hyundai were also involved in the crash.

With both Teslas keeping their occupants safe in these crashes, we can’t help but wonder if the bulbous design of the SUV’s rear-end somehow served as a ramp, allowing the SUVs to slide onto them easily. What do you think? Would a similarly-sized SUV with a more upright rear-end suffer the same fate?

Back in 2020, Elon Musk floated the idea of building a tunnel out of Giga Texas—because when you’re Elon, a simple road just won’t cut it. Fast forward to today, and not only is the tunnel nearly finished, but Tesla has added a uniquely Tesla-esque flourish to it. As Cybertrucks and other models roll off the production line, they’ll make their grand exit through what can only be described as the frunk of a giant Cybertruck.

The Boring Company (TBC) was working on this throughout 2024. A video from June shows the company’s Prufrock-3 boring machine carving its way under State Highway 130, connecting Tesla’s production facility on one side of the highway to its logistics site on the other. By mid-summer, TBC had moved on to the finishing touches, and now, as 2025 begins, we’re finally getting a look at what the public-facing end of this tunnel will look like.

More: Tesla Cybertruck Explosion Outside Trump Hotel Kills One, Injures Seven – Musk Responds

The tunnel’s exit is unmistakably Tesla in design. Large, angular metal panels emulate the distinctive shape of a Cybertruck, complete with a sloping hood and even a strip of lighting meant to mimic the vehicle’s daytime running lights.

Full timelapse of Prufrock-3 retrieval onto The Monster inside Giga Texas pic.twitter.com/6MyJNdPFBw

— The Boring Company (@boringcompany) June 13, 2024

Birthing tunnel

— Cybertruck (@cybertruck) December 16, 2024

It’s unclear exactly how much of the giant Cybertruck-shaped exit is viewable from the highway but it’s a fun touch regardless. In fact, Tesla’s attitude around the tunnel is fun too. On X, the Cybertruck account calls it the “birthing tunnel,” and jokes that “pre-canal” trucks are birthed via “CT Section.”

The tunnel itself is a sleek and minimal affair, lined with clean white panels and designed to fit a single vehicle at a time. That’s perfectly fine since it’s a one-way tunnel designed specifically for one purpose.

When cars make it to the end of the tunnel, they’ll go on their first post-production validation test drive before shipping and delivery. TBC might not be doing as much as Musk once proposed, but at least this is a quirky little project.

Giga Texas’ @boringcompany Cybertunnel testing out its lights … specifically the @cybertruck daytime running lights! Work continues to get the tunnel completed & operational. pic.twitter.com/SmOIpR9ESl

— Joe Tegtmeyer 🚀 🤠🛸😎 (@JoeTegtmeyer) January 3, 2025

Photos Joe Tegtmeyer/X

At the tail end of 2024, Jaguar lifted the veil on its Type 00 concept, a car previewing its next-generation electric sedan. It’s been the talk of the automotive industry since its premiere, not just because it looks like nothing Jaguar has ever built before, but because the British carmaker has tossed aside the traditional design playbook to craft something genuinely original. Let’s just say it’s not the sort of car you’d mistake for your neighbor’s XE in the Whole Foods parking lot.

Meanwhile, Tesla’s Cybertruck—love it, hate it, or begrudgingly accept its existence—has spent the past year cementing its place as the poster child of automotive controversy. With its unapologetically radical design, it’s arguably the most unconventional mass-market production vehicle to hit the roads in the last decade.

While the Jaguar Type 00’s styling isn’t quite as unorthodox as the Cybertruck’s, it’s unquestionably distinctive. So much so, in fact, that one designer took it upon themselves to combine the two, resulting in the so-called “Jaguar Cybertruck.”

Read: Radical Jaguar Type 00 Concept Previews Make-Or-Break MY26 Electric Sedan

The project, created by Studio Enemy, takes the form of a smaller two-door version of the Cybertruck and seamlessly grafts on the front and rear fascias of the Type 00. The front end has the same split LEDs as the Jaguar, although the top ones now sit diagonally across the front for added drama. A little faux grille has been added alongside a blacked-out lower bumper section where the sharp design elements continue.

A tapered roof just like the road-going Cybertruck has been retained, while the absence of rear doors accentuates the length of the wheelbase. And, because this is still a Jaguar-inspired design, Studio Enemy swapped Tesla’s infamous plastic aero covers for the much more refined and posh alloys found on the Type 00 concept.

Illustrations Studio Enemy

The rear end of the Type 00 is perhaps the most radical part of its design, and it has also been used for the truck conversion. It features the same horizontal slats and the designer has added two pronounced LED light bars. There’s also a retractable cover, similar to the tonneau cover of the Cybertruck.

2026 Jaguar Type 01: Everything We Know About The $130,000 Electric Sedan

In Tesla’s case, the production Cybertruck stayed virtually identical to the concept that first previewed it, making it one of the rare instances where the promises of a concept car translated directly to reality. As for the Jaguar Type 00, the road-going version is also expected to remain largely faithful to the concept’s design, albeit in a four-door sedan form rather than a coupe. However, we’ll have to wait until the end of 2025 to finally see it in the flesh.

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Note: This story contains renderings by Studio Enemy that are not endorsed by Jaguar or Tesla.

The Soul EV introduced the idea of zero emissions driving to Kia buyers, but its replacement, the 2025 EV3, promises to be better in every way, and doesn’t cost any more to buy.

On-paper at least, the EV3 seems to tick every box. It borrows its EV9 big brother’s confident, modern design, delivers a great driving range and is well equipped. But it’s got some strong rivals in the Volvo EX30 and Skoda’s new Elroq.

QUICK FACTS

What’s Under The Hood?

Choosing an EV3 at launch in Europe means first deciding how far you want to go between charges, though every version lasts longer than the old Soul EV. The base Standard Range battery – only available in the entry-level Air trim (pictured on the left above) – measures 58.3 kWh and is good for 270 WLTP miles (435 km) on a charge, which is probably fine for people planning to use the SUV for urban duties.

Related: New Kia EV3 Confirmed For US, Gets Sporty GT Too

But if you do want to stretch its legs, or don’t have easy access to a charger at home, the Long Range option adds a bigger 81.4 kWh battery that can take an Air to 375 miles (604 km). Plusher GT-Line (right of pic) and GT-Line S (center) models only come with the bigger pack, but their extra weight and bigger wheels reduces the range to around 362 miles (583 km), which is still great. Even the EV9 with its huge 96 kWh battery can’t touch those numbers.

Kia is working on adding dual-motor and even faster GT versions, but those will come later. At launch the only power option is a single, front-mounted motor making 201 hp (204 PS / 150 kW).

How Does It Drive?

Kia’s European cars have a different suspension tune to those in the US and Korea, and tend to err on the sporty side of comfortable. But the engineers took a more relaxed position with the EV3 and the result is a car that rides bumps incredibly well in Air form on the stock 17-inch wheels. GT-Line cars upgrade to 19 inches and don’t feel anywhere near as supple, but even they aren’t uncomfortable, and the shorter tire sidewalls sharpen the steering.

The EV3 isn’t the kind of car that encourages you to go crazy as soon as the road turns twisty (maybe that will change when the GT arrives), but it has a well-rounded chassis package that’s still fun to to drive, feels well suited to family use and is good match for the single-motor drivetrain.

Fastest of the bunch is the lightest, the Air SR, which runs from zero to 62 mph (100 km/h) in 7.5 seconds, while the bigger battery adds a 0.2 second penalty and the heavier GT trim the same amount again. So you won’t be hanging with a Rimac Nevera from the lights, but you always feel like you’ve got enough go to keep up with real traffic, to nip through gaps and overtake when you need. The base EV, remember, takes more than 9 seconds to hit 62. Tapping the steering wheel paddles lets you switch in multiple stages between almost no regenerative braking effect to virtually one-pedal driving.

What’s The Interior Like?

If you’re a fan of the way Kia has shrunk the EV9’s exterior styling down to work on the EV3, you’ll love the smaller car’s cabin, too. As on the three-row SUV, you get a pair of 12.3-inch screens, one for the instruments and a second that’s a touchscreen, separated by a smaller display used to operate some of the climate control functions.

It looks great and works well with a couple of minor exceptions. One is that the main touchscreen is a bit of a stretch away and the second is that the climate section is partially hidden behind the steering wheel, though you do at least get hard keys on the dash to tweak the temperature.

Another minor complaint is just how grey it is inside the Air-spec cars (shown above). There’s acres of light-medium grey plastic everywhere, which helps make an otherwise stylish cabin look a little drab. The fact that the GT-Line cars have extra trim that lifts the ambience, plus a sportier three-spoke wheel, might be enough to persuade you to upgrade.

2025 Kia EV6 Review: Facelift Is Better Than Ever, But We’d Wait For The EV5

But even the base £32,995 Air is well equipped. It gets a heated wheel and front seats, parking sensors and a rear camera, various electronic safety features and wireless Apple CarPlay and Android Auto. Stepping up to £39,495 GT-Line, as Kia expects most drivers to do, brings 19-inch wheels, privacy glass, artificial leather and lumber support for the seats, a wireless phone charger, LED headlights and a digital key.

On GT-Line cars you also get a strange slide-out, front-seat armrest that’s meant to work as a table for your laptop, but it does ruin the armrest storage space and kind of looks like a kitchen counter. And lastly, £42,995 GT-Line S trim adds ventilated relaxation seats, a 360-degree camera, power tailgate, sunroof, head-up display, a Harmon Kardon audio system and the option of a £900 heat pump.

How Roomy Is It?

You don’t expect limo-like comfort from an affordable SUV riding on a compact 2,680-mm (105.5 inches) wheelbase. But the EV3 is a surprisingly useful family tool. It’ll accommodate four adults easily and dropping the two-deck cargo area floor to its lower setting gives a handy 460 liters (16.2 cu-ft) of luggage space.

Volvo’s EX30 only offers 318 liters (11.2 cu-ft), though the Skoda Elroq just tops the Kia by serving up an additional, though hardly deal-breaking, 10 liters (0.35 cu-t). A sliding rear seat would have made the EV3 even more practical, but then the Volvo and Skoda don’t get that feature either.

How Long Does It Take To Charge?

One of the few EV3 disappointments is that it makes do with 400-volt electrics rather than inheriting the 800-volt setup used by the more expensive EV6 and EV9. The result is slower charging speeds, the SR battery models charging at a maximum of just 101 kW and needing 29 minutes to fill from 10-80 percent, while the LR pack can accept a slightly better 128 kW so only needs 2 additional minutes to go from 10-80 despite its bigger capacity.

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

A Skoda Elroq charges at between 145-175 kW depending on the model, so can be topped up a few minutes faster, though the difference isn’t huge. But it’s a shame the EV3 can’t fill up in 18 minutes like the 800-volt EV6 can.

Verdict

Kia has done it again. In the EV3 it’s built a fantastic small EV that’s great to look at, well built, comfortable, and has a usefully large range and trunk. A dual-motor option and sporty GT model coming later will broaden its appeal, and some extra interior color and faster charging would be welcome, but most buyers looking for an affordable electric SUV are going to find the EV3 just fine the way it is.

European drivers can get their hands on a an EV3 now, but America won’t be able to buy one for at least a year, the one upside being that it will cost far less – around $30,000-35,000 when it does go on sale. And by the time the EV3 does arrive stateside, both Europe and America will also be introduced to the bigger EV5 already on sale in China. Based on our experience with the EV3, it could be the best family EV of its generation.

Photos: Chris Chilton/Carscoops, Kia UK

A ballistic missile that redefines EVs. That’s most likely what Lamborghini would like us all to say about its first production electric vehicle. Coincidentally, that’s how we defined the Hyundai Ioniq 5 N when we tested it last year. Given that it has generally received raving reviews from the press, the House of the Raging Bull probably wants to see what all the fuss is about, because it is seems to be benchmarking it.

A recently surfaced video from a Lamborghini production facility, captured by YouTuber Varryx, reveals familiar scenes. Test drivers come and go in various supercars made in the building including, the Temerario and Revuelto. In fact, a few models from other brands make appearances too, such as a Ferrari and a McLaren.

More: Lamborghini Delays First EV Until 2029

That’s no surprise, as automakers often benchmark their upcoming models against their main rivals. It’s the light-blue Hyundai Ioniq 5 N that really sticks out though. Boasting 641 hp (478 kW), it’s the fastest thing Hyundai has ever built to sell to the public. Across the automotive world it’s been a revelation for electric vehicles because it’s not just quick, but is also heavily engaging. That said, it makes sense that Lamborghini would like to discover what makes it so good.

Electric supercars aren’t exactly flying off of the shelves. Cars like the Aspark Owl, Hispano Suiza Carmen, and the Nio EP9 make great headlines but none have truly set a new standard for supercars in general. On top of that, reports indicate that even the highly rated Rimac Nevera doesn’t have as many suitors as the brand would like.

More: Frank Stephenson Is A Big Fan Of The Lamborghini Lanzador’s Design

With all of that in mind, the Italian brand needs to be sure that its first EV, the Lanzador, which is due before the end of the decade, will be worthy of the badge on the hood. CEO Stephan Winkelmann has previously said that a Lamborghini is, in no small part, defined by “how much emotion you experience when you drive.”

There is no question that maintaining that emotional connection is vital for the brand. After all, EVs such as the Ioniq 5 N already have supercar-like levels of performance – and the likes of the Tesla Model S Plaid and Lucid Air Sapphire enter hypercar territory.

Thus, straight-line performance is no longer enough. Lamborghini will need more than that to really stand out and demonstrate that, even with an electric powertrain, it can still build cars that are exciting to drive while staying true to its rich heritage.

Kudos to them for not hesitating to bring a Hyundai in for testing in an effort to make the best car possible. Skip to the 21:01 mark in the video below to see the Ioniq 5 N leave the Lamborghini factory.

H/T to Carbuzz

Our first-ever LATAM Cleantech 25 showcases the emergence of a dynamic cleantech ecosystem across Latin America. Historically, this region has not been seen...

The post Cleantech Innovation in Latin America: Now Is the Time appeared first on Cleantech Group.

The Dodge Challenger and Chevrolet Camaro are now long out of production, leaving Ford’s Mustang as the last true muscle car standing. You’d think this would send Mustang sales soaring. After all, it’s now the only game in town. Instead, the pony car just suffered its worst sales year ever.

To twist the knife, the all-electric Mustang Mach-E SUV outsold the classic sports car, officially becoming the best-selling vehicle with “Mustang” in its name—even if purists would argue it’s not a real Mustang.

Mustang sales have been a roller coaster over the last few years, and not the fun, thrill-ride kind. Back in 2022, Ford’s muscle car hit rock bottom with just 47,566 units sold. That handily beat the Camaro but trailed the long-in-the-tooth Dodge Challenger at the time. In 2023, Ford retook the Muscle Car sales crown with 48,605 sales. Now, things are taking a big dip in the wrong direction.

More: Hyundai Crashes Into Ford Dealership, Wrecks Brand New 2000 Mustang SVT Cobra R

For the full year of 2024, Ford sold just 44,003 Mustang sports cars, marking a 9.5 percent decline from the previous year. To put it bluntly, two of the Mustang’s worst sales years in history have occurred in the past three years. Ford hasn’t shared any clear plans to reverse this slide, but they’ll need to act fast if they want to keep the Mustang’s legacy alive.

The Mach-E Steps Up

As Motor1 rightly points out, the fourth quarter was a big issue for Ford’s Mustang and one that looks a lot like the last quarter of new Chevrolet Camaro sales. That’s potentially an issue but for now, the Mustang Mach-E electric crossover is helping the brand’s bottom line.

In 2023, Ford sold 40,771 units of the Mach-E. Fast-forward to 2024, and sales jumped 26.9 percent to 51,745 units. Generous dealer incentives likely played a big role, but it’s still an impressive feat. The Mach-E’s success even eclipsed other Ford staples like the Ranger (46,205 units sold, up 42.9%) and the F-150 Lightning (33,510 units, up 38.7%). It also outsold every single Lincoln model. Say what you will about the Mach-E’s Mustang nameplate—the increase in sales demonstrates a source of success for Ford.

Bright Spots in the Lineup

The Mach-E wasn’t the only Ford model on the rise. The Explorer continued its reign as America’s best-selling three-row SUV with 194,094 units sold—a modest but solid 3.9% increase over 2023. The rugged Bronco saw 109,172 sales (+3.3%), while the Maverick pickup had a standout year with 131,142 units sold, marking an impressive 39.4% growth.

Across all of its models, electric vehicles, and hybrids saw the largest sales increase year over year. EVs were up 34.8 percent, hybrids (Ford and Lincoln combined) were up 40 percent, and internal combustion cars (Ford and Lincoln Combined) only managed a 0.2 percent bump. 

Across all of its models, electric vehicles and hybrids saw the largest year-over-year sales increases. EV sales rose by 34.8 percent, hybrids (Ford and Lincoln model combined) climbed 40 percent, while internal combustion vehicles (also Ford and Lincoln combined) managed a meager 0.2 percent bump.

Overall, the Ford brand recorded a modest 3.1 percent increase in sales in 2024, rising from 1,914,094 to 1,974,009 units delivered.

Hyundai and Kia have a lot to celebrate as both achieved record sales last year. Starting with the latter, Kia sold 796,488 vehicles in the United States to beat their previous all-time sales record.

The Sportage was the most popular model as it achieved an all-time annual sales record of 161,917 units. It was followed by the K4/Forte (139,778) and Telluride, which also broke its annual sales record as customers snapped up 115,504 crossovers.

More: Tesla’s Global Sales Fall For The First Time In Over A Decade

Kia EV sales soared 74% and accounted for 7% of sales for the entire year. The EV9 found 22,017 takers, while the EV6 wasn’t far behind at 21,715.

However, everything wasn’t rosy as K5 sales fell 28% to 46,311 units. The Niro, Soul, and Seltos also posted declines.

Kia 2024 U.S. Sales

Moving onto Hyundai, they sold 836,802 vehicles in the United States last year to hit a new record. The company also achieved record retail sales of 742,009 units, while several models – including the Palisade, Ioniq 5, Tucson Hybrid, and Santa Fe Hybrid – posted their own yearly sales records.

The Tucson led the way with 206,126 sales, which was down 2% from last year. The model was followed by the Elantra (136,698) and Santa Fe (119,010).

While a surprising number of models posted year-over-year declines, the Ioniq 5 was up 31% to 44,400 units. Palisade sales soared 23% to 110,055 units and that’s notable as a redesigned model is on the horizon.

On the flip side, the Santa Cruz was down 13% to 32,033 units. The value-focused Venue was down 12%, while the Ioniq 6 was off 6%. Interestingly, the Sonata eschewed the K5’s fate as sales jumped 53% to 69,343 units.

Hyundai Motor North America CEO Randy Parker said, “This was an incredible record-breaking year for Hyundai, largely driven by the success of offering consumers a variety of product and powertrain options that fit their needs.” He went on to suggest this will continue thanks to new models such as the Ioniq 9.

2024 Hyundai U.S. Sales

It’s a new year, and with it comes a fresh round of updates to the federal EV tax credit program, courtesy of the U.S. Department of Energy and the EPA. This year’s headline? The Tesla Cybertruck has finally made the list of eligible vehicles. But don’t start celebrating just yet. The incoming Trump Administration has signaled it might pull the plug on these incentives altogether. Unsurprisingly, this looming uncertainty has sparked a mad dash among buyers eager to lock in their $7,500 credits before the opportunity slips away.

More: Tesla’s Global Sales Fall For The First Time In Over A Decade

The updated list for 2025 includes 18 eligible EV and PHEV models, a drop from last year’s 22. To qualify for the federal tax credit, vehicles must be manufactured in North America, have a battery capacity of at least 7 kWh, and meet specific price caps: $55,000 for cars and $80,000 for trucks and SUVs. These criteria mean that not every shiny new EV on the block gets a ticket to the tax credit party.

Tesla Leads the Pack (Mostly)

Among Tesla’s lineup, the Cybertruck’s dual-motor variant squeaks under the $80,000 limit with a starting price of $79,990, alongside a more affordable single-motor version arriving later this year. However, the top-tier Cyberbeast isn’t invited to the tax-credit club due to its MSRP of $99,990. Other eligible Teslas include the Long Range and Performance trims of the Model 3 and Model Y, as well as the Model X AWD.

Who Else Made the Cut?

Beyond Tesla, a few other notable entries have joined the roster. New to the list are the 2025 Genesis Electrified GV70, US-built 2025 Hyundai Ioniq 5 and Ioniq 9, and the facelifted 2026 Kia EV6 and EV9. Cybertruck competitors like the Ford F-150 Lightning (Flash, Lariat, and XLT trims) and Chevrolet Silverado EV (LT trim) are also included.

GM’s presence is strong, with offerings like the Cadillac Lyriq, Chevrolet Blazer EV, and Equinox EV making the list, along with the Acura ZDX and Honda Prologue, both built on GM platforms.

For plug-in hybrids, the list is short as just one model made the cut: the aging Chrysler Pacifica PHEV. It’s a far cry from the EV-heavy lineup that dominates the program today.

Who Missed Out?

Several previously eligible models have fallen off this year’s list, including the Volkswagen ID.4, Nissan Leaf, and Rivian’s R1T and R1S. Buyers eyeing these vehicles will need to dig a little deeper into their wallets, as the $7,500 incentive is no longer on the table for them.

Looking ahead, the federal EV tax credit program that was introduced in 2022 as part of Biden’s Inflation Reduction Act, faces an uncertain future. With Donald Trump’s presidential inauguration set for January 20, 2025, it’s unclear whether the program will survive or be significantly scaled back under the new administration.

QUALIFYING MODELS

FAQ: What You Need to Know About the EV Tax Credit

Who Can Qualify for the Credit?

The credit is available to individuals and businesses. To qualify:

• You must buy the vehicle for personal or business use, not for resale.
• The vehicle must primarily be used in the U.S.

Are There Income Limits?

Yes, your modified adjusted gross income (AGI) must be below these thresholds:

• $300,000 for married couples filing jointly.
• $225,000 for heads of households.
• $150,000 for single filers or others.

You can use your AGI from either the year you take delivery of the vehicle or the previous year, whichever is lower. Your modified AGI is calculated by taking the amount from line 11 of your Form 1040 and adding any foreign earned income (line 45 or 50 of Form 2555) or income excluded from gross income due to sources in Puerto Rico or American Samoa.

What Vehicles Qualify?

To qualify for the credit, vehicles must:

• Have a battery capacity of at least 7 kWh.
• Weigh under 14,000 pounds (gross vehicle weight rating).
• Be made by a qualified manufacturer (except fuel cell vehicles, which don’t require this).
• Be new, meaning it hasn’t been registered, titled, or previously used.
• Meet final assembly requirements in North America (use the VIN Decoder tool on the Department of Energy’s website to verify).

For vehicles bought after January 1, 2024, the dealer must be registered with the IRS Energy Credits Online system.

How Much is the Credit Worth?

• Up to $7,500 for vehicles meeting both the critical minerals and battery component sourcing requirements.
• Up to $3,750 for vehicles meeting only one of these requirements.
• Vehicles meeting neither requirement won’t qualify for any credit.

What About Price Limits?

The vehicle’s manufacturer suggested retail price (MSRP) must not exceed:

• $80,000 for vans, SUVs, and pickup trucks.
• $55,000 for all other vehicles.

MSRP includes the base price and manufacturer-installed options but excludes destination charges, dealer add-ons, taxes, and fees.

How Do I Claim the Credit?

The credit is nonrefundable, meaning it only reduces the taxes you owe, and you won’t get a refund if the credit exceeds your tax liability. Starting in 2024, you can transfer the credit to the dealer at purchase time to reduce the vehicle’s upfront cost.

How Can I Check If a Vehicle Qualifies?

Check the vehicle window sticker for details like battery capacity, weight, and final assembly location. You can also use the VIN Decoder tool on the Department of Energy’s website or ask your dealer for verification of the vehicle’s eligibility and credit amount.

In just three and a half years, Chinese technology giant Xiaomi has gone from consumer electronics to building one of the most hyped electric sedans on the market. The company now has grand ambitions, targeting a sales boost by more than two-fold and the recent launch of its first SUV is an important piece in its strategic plan. It’s also working on an intriguing third model.

During a recent New Year’s Eve broadcast, Xiaomi founder and chief executive Lei Jun revealed the brand delivered over 135,000 examples of the electric SU7 sedan in 2024. That’s a particularly impressive figure when you consider that the car only launched in March, and Xiaomi had initially hoped to sell 100,000 units through 2024.

Read: Xiaomi YU7 SUV Looks Like A Ferrari Purosangue And McLaren Rolled Into One

Sales of the SU7 have steadily increased throughout the year. In June, it sold 14,296 examples, and while sales slowed slightly in July, August, and September, they rebounded strongly in October with 20,726 deliveries. In November, sales again increased to 23,156 units.

To celebrate the 15^th anniversary of Xiaomi, the company has taken the wraps off a special hot pink version of the SU7. Available exclusively through the Xiaomi EV app from January 1, it also comes equipped with unique pink and silver wheels.

Xiaomi SU7 15th Anniversary Edition

Xiaomi’s second model was recently unveiled in the form of the YU7 SUV. While technical specifications remain under wraps, it will probably have very similar specs to the SU7 sedan. This includes options for 73.6 kWh, 94.3 kWh, and 101 kWh battery packs. All versions of the YU7 will be sold with dual-motor all-wheel drive, featuring a front 295-hp motor and a rear 386-hp motor, for a combined 681 hp.

The YU7 will cost slightly more than the SU7 but will still be well-priced, at least according to Chinese media which claim prices will be set around the ¥250,000–300,000 (~$34,200 – $41,000) mark. Deliveries will start in June or July.

A prominent electric vehicle industry group in the UK is pushing for the government to ban traditional hybrid cars alongside more conventional petrol and diesel vehicles which are already facing the chopping block in 2030. The group, Electric Vehicles UK (EVUK), believes allowing non-plug-in hybrids to be sold after this date would be a “catastrophic misstep.”

The UK’s Department of Transport has pushed forward its ICE ban from 2035 to 2030. From 2035, all non-zero-emission new cars will be prohibited, but there’s still a debate about what vehicles will be available for consumers to buy between 2030 and the end of 2034.

Read: UK Goverment Ready To Soften Unrealistic EV Mandate

In an impassioned plea with the British media, the EVUK’s chief executive, Dan Caesar, said he is not opposed to PHEVs being available between these dates but thinks traditional hybrids and mild-hybrids should be banned alongside conventional ICEs.

A “Catastrophic Misstep”?

“The inclusion of full hybrid technology would be a catastrophic misstep and make a laughing stock of the UK Government’s world-leading zero-emission vehicle policy,” he told The Guardian. “If lobbyists do persuade government to include full hybrids it would be a big backwards move. The ramifications for the nascent EV industry and for fragile consumer confidence could be profound. Holding the line and creating certainty around EVs has the potential to be a key measure towards revitalizing a sluggish economy.”

Andy Palmer, the former boss of Aston Martin and Nissan, is an advisor to the industry group and said that while hybrids are “a better solution” than mild hybrids, they still use “a technology that belongs to the late 1990s.” He also said that mandating the sale of only vehicles with a plug – like PHEVs and EVs – will help to stimulate the expansion of the country’s charging network.

The Government Is Still Undecided

The Department of Transport says it’s continuing to hold consultations with the industry about which kind of vehicle powertrains should be allowed after 2030. “We are consulting with industry on which cars, including which types of hybrid cars, can be sold alongside fully zero-emission vehicles from 2030,” it told The Telegraph.

“Drivers are already embracing electric vehicles faster than ever and 2024 was a record year for the UK new car market, with the strongest overall growth of any major European market. Industry will help us shape the transition to zero emissions vehicles in a way that works for businesses, drivers and the environment. Together we can capitalize on the clean energy transition to support thousands of jobs, make the UK a clean energy superpower and rebuild Britain.”

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