It’s not hard to buy a used kei car outside of Japan, but for the past 20 years buying a new one in the West from an official franchised dealer has been almost impossible. Honda rights that wrong this summer when its Super-N lands in Europe with a bargain price and a full factory warranty.

If you haven’t met the Super-N before, it’s a pint-sized electric hatch based on Japan’s Super-One kei car and inspired by the now legendary City Turbo II hot hatch of the 1980s. More importantly, it starts at just £18,995 (equal to around $25,100 or €21,900 at current rates), making it both Honda’s cheapest EV in Europe and one of the cheapest EVs on sale in Britain.

At that price it should undercut rivals like the Renault Twingo E-Tech (sub-£20k est) and is only £345 ( $456 or €398) more than BYD’s most basic Dolphin Surf.

The Super-N measures just 3,599 mm (141.7 inches) long and 1,573 mm (61.9 inches) wide, yet Honda claims it can comfortably accommodate four adults while delivering the kind of packaging genius the brand built its reputation on. It has the same fold-up “magic” rear seat base that made the Honda Jazz so much more useful than a Ford Fiesta back in 2001, for example.

Related: Mugen’s Super-One Looks Like A Race Car. Its Motor Disagrees

In normal driving mode, the compact e-Axle produces 63 hp (64 PS / 47 kW), enough to get the little electric hatch from 0 to 62 mph in a leisurely 14.5 seconds. But press the BOOST button and output jumps to 94 hp (95 PS / 70 kW), cutting the sprint time to 10.0 seconds.

Seven Fake Gears

No, that won’t trouble a hot hatch. But in a car weighing only 1,097 kg (2,420 lbs), it’s going to feel pretty eager squirting away from city stoplights. Especially since Honda has even added a simulated seven-speed transmission and an artificial engine soundtrack. We first saw this kind of tech in the Hyundai Ioniq 5 N, but even Porsche has jumped on the trend, this week adding it to the updated Taycan.

The Super-N’s range means the city is its natural habitat. A tiny 29.6 kWh battery delivers a WLTP combined figure of 128 miles (206 km), though Honda says urban driving can stretch that to 199 miles (320 km). Fast charging to 80 percent takes around 30 minutes.

Bose Hifi Is Standard

For enthusiasts, though, the biggest attraction isn’t the range or the price, or the fact that the CarPlay/Android Auto-enabled infotainment system is hooked up to a standard Bose audio system. Or that Honda plans to offer multiple exterior graphics packages to make the little box stand out even more.

It’s the fact that Honda has leverage its existing kei catalog to bring a quirky, affordable, lightweight small car to Europe that genuinely looks like it’ll be fun to drive and own. If only America could buy one too.

Honda

In an era when it seems almost inevitable that any new car will cost more than the one it replaces, Subaru has once again bucked the trend by remaining firm on the pricing of the all-electric Solterra.

After several significant updates for 2026, the 2027 Subaru Solterra carries over largely untouched. Every version still runs a 74.7 kWh lithium-ion battery good for up to 288 miles (463 km) of range. Dual motors and all-wheel drive are standard across the board, but the cheaper Premium and Limited cars are held to 233 hp, while the Limited XT and Touring XT make 338 hp.

Also: Subaru Trailseeker Becomes A Thrillseeker In Our 0-60 Test

That more powerful version recently lost a title it held only briefly. It was the quickest production Subaru on sale at 4.9 seconds to 60 mph (96 km/h) until the new Trailseeker showed up and did the job in 4.4.

The base Solterra Premium opens at $38,495, unchanged from before, though it skips the five-year trial of SubaruConnect Safety and Remote services that the pricier trims include. Standard equipment runs to 18-inch wheels, heated front seats, a leather-wrapped steering wheel, dual-zone climate control, ambient lighting, and a 14-inch infotainment display. Black StarTex water-resistant upholstery is fitted as standard.

Prices for the Limited and Limited XT are $41,395 and $42,895, respectively, both offering the same features except that the XT uses the 338-hp dual-motor powertrain. Added features over the Premium include a heated steering wheel, heated rear seats, and a Harman Kardon audio system. A key change made for 2027 is that all models painted in Elemental Red Pearl are paired exclusively with Gray StarTex upholstery, while Midnight Tide Mica versions have Black StarTex upholstery.

Read: Subaru’s 2026 Solterra Got 25% More Range And No One Raised The Price

The Touring XT stays at the top of the range, now starting at $45,855. That’s $300 more than last year, but only because black and blue leather is now standard. Order a 2026 model with the then-optional leather, and you paid the same money.

2027 Subaru Solterra US Pricing

BMW has officially opened orders for the new i3 in Europe, ahead of its launch this fall. Citing high demand, the company is accepting takers for the i3 50 xDrive First Edition.

Based on the M Sport variant, the special edition features a handful of extras including an Iconic Glow grille and AC Charging Professional. The latter increases the AC charging rate from 11 kW to 22 kW.

More: BMW’s Electric M3 Concept Stands Next To The E30 And Hopes You Approve

Bigger changes occur inside as the First Edition adds a heated steering wheel, a tri-zone climate control system, and a 3D head-up display. They’re joined by fancier front seats, an automatic trunk, and a Harman Kardon premium audio system.

An assortment of options will be available including heated rear seats, a panoramic glass roof, and an electrically operated tow bar. The model also offers Motorway Assistant, which allows for hands-free driving at speeds up to 81 mph (130 km/h).

Customers will also find six color choices as well as three wheel options. The latter measure 19- and 20-inches.

Power comes from a 108.7 kWh battery pack, which feeds a dual-motor all-wheel drive system developing a combined output of 463 hp (345 kW / 469 PS) and 476 lb-ft (645 Nm) of torque. This enables the First Edition to accelerate from 0-62 mph (0-100 km/h) in 4.7 seconds and have a WLTP range of up to 563 miles (906 km).

When the battery is low, owners will be thankful for 800V technology and a 400 kW DC fast charging capability. It enables the model to get 263 miles (423 km) of range in as little as ten minutes.

Board Member Jochen Goller said, “The new BMW i3 is a groundbreaking car for us” and “we can already tell from the high level of interest … that it will be very well-received by our customers.” He went on to call it an “extremely significant” launch and say the start of orders is an “important next step.”

The i3 50 xDrive First Edition will be priced from £57,905 OTR ($76,553) in the United Kingdom, which is £4,900 ($6,478) more than the regular i3 50 xDrive. In Germany, it carries a €9,440 ($10,828) premium and begins at €75,340 ($86,420).

Slate Auto is promising to deliver America’s most bare-bones electric pickup while so far keeping one crucial detail under wraps. Now it looks like the internet may have done what the company wouldn’t and uncovered the price ahead of the production truck’s official June 24 debut.

According to a report from The Autopian, eagle-eyed readers digging through the source code of Slate’s preorder website discovered text apparently referencing a starting price of $24,950.

Related: Slate’s EV Pickup Is So Cheap It’ll Make You Wrap It At Home

The figure wasn’t displayed publicly on the page itself, but was reportedly buried within metadata connected to site content, and read: “The Slate Truck has all the essentials for the CONFIDENTIAL price of $24,950 (reminder: we’re all still under NDA and prohibited from sharing this).”

Whether this counts as a genuine leak, an accidental oversight, or a carefully planted breadcrumb is up for debate. But it is backed up by a second leak spotted by an Autopian reader, this one more visible – if only temporarily – on Slate’s retail site that mentioned the same price.

If accurate, a $24,950 starting price would make the Slate Truck one of the cheapest new vehicles available in America, as well as one of the most basic. The standard model is designed around simplicity, featuring a regular cab layout, manually operated windows, and a stripped-back interior intended to keep costs under control.

Buyers wanting more creature comforts, a bigger battery or an SUV top can add them later. Slate’s entire business model revolves around offering a basic platform that owners can customize with accessories and upgrades over time.

Slate Playing David To Ford’s Goliath

This Slate news lands just as Ford begins teasing its own affordable electric pickup. Ford’s compact truck is expected to arrive around 2027 with a starting price near $30,000. Unlike the Slate, it appears to feature a proper second row as standard, a large touchscreen, and all the modern conveniences buyers now expect. Wind-up windows almost certainly won’t be among them.

That leaves the two trucks chasing value-focused customers from very different directions. Ford seems to be pursuing affordability through manufacturing efficiencies and a highly optimized platform. Slate is taking the opposite approach by deleting as much equipment as possible and trying to build cult appeal.

Unfortunately, neither electric truck is likely to achieve the low-$20,000 (or even sub-$20k) transaction price many shoppers hoped for. The disappearance of federal EV tax credits following policy changes last fall means the sticker prices will only head one way, and that’s up. Would a $25k price be low enough to tempt you into a Slate Truck, or would you be happy to shell out more for Ford’s equivalent?

Slate Auto

The Rivian R2 is finally available to lease, but shoppers expecting a budget-friendly path into the brand may be in for a surprise. While the automaker’s newest electric crossover starts well below the larger R1S on paper, the real-world lease numbers tell a different story. In fact, whether you put thousands down or nothing at all, the R2 still ends up costing about $1,000 a month to drive.

The 2026 R2 Performance is currently advertised at $829 per month for 36 months with $5,724 due at signing, which includes fees and the first month’s payment. Against its $57,990 MSRP and a 10,000-mile annual allowance, and stripping that first payment out of the upfront total, the effective monthly cost works out to roughly $965.

Read: Rivian’s R2 Configurator Is Live, And A Spare Tire Costs $755

Understandably, many shoppers prefer to evaluate leases with little or no money down. Rivian’s payment estimator shows that removing the down payment increases the monthly payment to $939 for the same 10k miles and 36 months. The amount due at signing falls to roughly $2,334 including the first month, but the effective monthly cost still lands at approximately $978. In other words, the difference between putting money down and keeping that cash in your bank account is only about $13 per month over the life of the lease.

That figure becomes even more interesting when compared to Rivian’s own lineup. CarsDirect points out that less than a month ago, the R1S Dual Standard was available for $799 per month with $5,694 due at signing. That translated to an effective monthly cost of around $935 despite the SUV carrying roughly $19,000 more MSRP than the R2.

Today, that comparison is harder to spot because Rivian quietly increased R1S lease pricing. The same R1S now lists at $899 per month with $8,794 due at signing, resulting in an effective cost of roughly $1,118 monthly. The MSRP remains unchanged, but the lease economics have shifted dramatically.

That points to why some customers say they’re going to wait. Lease programs can change quickly, and lower-priced R2 trims are still on the way. On Reddit, the theme of comments was clear. “1-1.1k/month with no down including taxes and fees is rough. Probably gotta wait for deals,” said one. “I make a good living, but offering a lease at what is essentially 10% APR ($40k in payments over three years) is ridiculous, and I fear they may have miscalculated,” said another.

That said, the hype around the R2 is big. Rivian will likely have little trouble delivering all the examples they can make this year. Once that demand slows, the deals could roll in quickly.

Photos Rivian

Following a preview earlier this month, Peugeot has unveiled the e‑208 GTi. The hot hatch packs a surprising punch and is the brand’s first fully electric performance variant.

Starting with the powertrain, the model has an M4+ motor developing 277 hp (207 kW / 281 PS) and 254 lb-ft (345 Nm) of torque. It enables the car to accelerate from 0-62 mph (0-100 km/h) in 5.5 seconds, before hitting a limited top speed of 112 mph (180 km/h).

More: Peugeot’s Next 208 Wants To Reinvent The Wheel

The motor is powered by a 54 kWh battery pack, which gives the vehicle a combined WLTP range of up to 233 miles (375 km). However, on the standard Michelin Pilot Sport 4S performance tires, the range drops to 219 miles (352 km). Other highlights include a best in class power‑to‑weight ratio and a 100 kW DC fast charging capability, which enables the battery to go from 20–80% in less than 30 minutes.

Sticking with the performance theme, the e‑208 GTi has been lowered by 1-inch (25 mm) and features a wider track. The model also sports unique springs and dampers, a mechanical limited‑slip differential, and an additional anti‑roll bar. The latter resides out back and joins the front anti‑roll bar found on the regular model.

Since we’ve already seen the car before, we’ll briefly mention it features a unique front lip and a revised gloss black diffuser with an F1-inspired rear fog light. They’re joined by red accents, extended wheel arches, “perforated” 18-inch wheels, and 208 GTi badging on the C-pillars.

The red theme continues inside as there are red carpets, floor mats, seatbelts, and stitching. They’re accompanied by special sport seats that pay tribute to the 205 GTi 1.9 and feature a “central red insert and red mesh detail” evocative of the 205 GTi 1.6.

Elsewhere, there’s a leather and Alcantara steering wheel, red‑themed displays, and red ambient lighting – although seven other colors are also available. Peugeot also mentioned a “sound ambience” system, which is linked to your speed and can be deactivated.

The company is currently accepting orders and pricing starts at €42,900 ($49,646) in France including taxes. That undercuts the 600 Abarth, which begins at €46,900 ($54,280).

As impressive as the all-electric Lotus Eletre is, it’s never been very popular, in part because of its price, but also because few people are willing to pay a premium for an electric SUV like it. This prompted Lotus to launch a hybrid version in China earlier this year, and it’s now touched down in Europe.

Known as the Eletre X, the plug-in hybrid model is arguably what the Eletre should have always been. It uses a 2.0-liter turbocharged four-cylinder engine, two electric motors, a 70 kWh battery pack, and has a 900-volt architecture, resulting in a combined 939 hp and 690 lb-ft (935 Nm) of torque. This gives it 34 more ponies than the all-electric Eletre R, although it is down on that model’s 985 lb-ft (1,335 Nm).

Read: Lotus Built A 939 HP Hybrid SUV For Me, Apparently

Lotus says the Eletre X can hit 62 mph (100 km/h) in 3.3 seconds and power from 50-99 mph (80-160 km/h) in just 3.88 seconds. Perhaps more important than the straight-line performance is that, thanks to the generous battery pack and the 52-liter fuel tank, the plug-in hybrid Lotus can travel more than 745 miles (1,200 km) between stops. All-electric range also sits at a solid 217 miles (350 km). What’s more, it takes just 9 minutes to charge the 70 kWh pack from 20-80 percent at a 350 kW DC charger.

Two Versions On Offer

Two different versions of the Eletre X plug-in hybrid will be offered. The figures of 939 hp and 690 lb-ft (935 Nm) are reserved for the H1000 model, but an H550 entry-level version will also be offered. This model is capped at 542 hp but retains the same 690 lb-ft (935 Nm) of torque. It can hit 62 mph in 4.9 seconds and tops out at 130 mph (210 km/h), whereas the H1000 is good for 143 mph (230 km/h). The H550 includes the same 70-kWh pack, 900-volt system, and driving range.

Among the key features retained from the electric version are a 48-volt active anti-roll control system, dual-chamber air suspension, dual-valve adaptive dampers, front double-wishbone suspension, and huge Brembo brakes.

Then there’s the all-important pricing. In Germany, the base all-electric Eletre starts at €95,990 ($111,600), while the new Eletre X H550 starts at €96,990. Importantly, the H1000 starts at €119,990 ($112,800), whereas the flagship electric version is much pricier at a touch over €150,000 ($174,400), so the H1000 seems like quite a good deal.

Dodge announced a handful of changes to the 2027 Charger Daytona Scat Pack last winter and now the company has revealed more information about the larger Charger lineup. Highlights include 25 new customization options and a NACS port for the EV.

Starting outside, ICE-powered models can be equipped with a new Satin Black painted hood. Buyers will also find new dual stripes – in Satin White, Satin Black, and Gloss Red – as well as expanded graphic choices. The latter include “Charger” blade stripes and strobe stripes in the aforementioned colors.

More: The Charger EV Still Isn’t Selling, So Dodge Hiked Prices By Over $12,000

Rounding out the exterior highlights is a new Mopar accessory glass roof sunshade. Buyers will also find a Brembo braking system that now offers orange and black calipers.

One of the coolest updates resides inside Scat Pack models. For 2027, they can be equipped with new Petrol Blue leather sport seats that feature “Digital Slash” perforation and red contrast stitching. They’re a nice departure from the usual black or red.

Last but not least, all Chargers can be equipped with new Demonic Red seat belts. They help to add an extra splash of color to the cabin.

Pricing for the 2027 Charger starts at $49,995, which is the same as last year’s model. However, the electric Charger Daytona Scat Pack soars to $72,495, which is an increase of $12,500. As we’ve previously noted, Dodge appears to be actively discouraging sales of the slow-selling EV with the massive price hike.

As a refresher, the Charger R/T has a twin-turbo 3.0-liter Hurricane inline-six developing 420 hp (313 kW / 426 PS) and 468 lb-ft (634 Nm) of torque. It enables the model to accelerate from 0-60 mph (0-96 km/h) in 4.6 seconds and run the quarter-mile in 12.9 seconds.

Upgrading to the Scat Pack rewards buyers with a high output engine developing 550 hp (410 kW / 558 PS) and 531 lb-ft (719 Nm). Thanks to the extra power, the dash to 60 mph (96 km/h) falls to 3.9 seconds while the quarter-mile comes in 12.2 seconds.

The Charger Daytona Scat Pack is the performance champ as it sports a dual-motor all-wheel drive system with 670 hp (500 kW / 679 PS) and 627 lb-ft (849 Nm) of torque. 60 mph (96 km/h) comes in 3.3 seconds, while the quarter-mile blows past in 11.5 seconds. However, you’ll have to keep trips short as the model only has 267 miles (430 km) of range.

Dodge is currently accepting orders for the 2027 Charger and cars will begin arriving at dealerships in the third quarter.

2027 Dodge Charger Pricing

Data from Edmunds suggests the shift from gas to electric is gaining momentum at the dealership level. In January of this year, 67.1% of new EV purchasers at dealerships traded in a gas car. In April of this year, that figure had jumped to 72.1%. And it’s not just a first-time fad. Repeat EV purchase data also show an increase.

Numbers for January 2026 show that 26.2% of buyers traded in an old EV for a brand-new one. That figure leaped to 35.4% in April. Worth noting: this uptick comes despite the removal of the federal $7,500 EV tax credit and several state-level incentives. So, is this a definitive trend, then?

Read: America’s Used EV Market Is Heating Up For One Simple Reason

Speaking to CNBC, Ivan Drury, Senior Director of Insights at Edmunds, says it’s too early to draw a concrete conclusion, or to say whether it’s just the effect of the Middle East War and its resulting runaway fuel prices. “Oil and gas prices started rising after the U.S. and Israel attacked Iran on Feb. 28. About three more months of high gas prices and elevated EV trade-in numbers will give a better indication of whether customers feel pinched enough at the pump to consider a switch…” says Drury.

Car Prices Are Rising, But Especially EVs

With auto prices rising across the board, whether you buy a brand-new car or a used one, the chances are you’ll be paying more for it now than you would have six months ago, and much more than in 2020.

According to Cox Automotive, their Manheim Used Vehicle Value Index is approximately 4% higher than at the same time last year. And they’ve seen EVs leading the charge, with price increases notably higher than regular gas-powered vehicles.

“Additionally, we continue to see EV prices rising faster and holding higher than non-EVs. Three-year-old EV prices have outpaced non-EVs for six weeks in a row and are 11% higher than they were at the start of the year. The longer gas prices remain elevated, the more we expect consumers to turn to fuel-efficient vehicles.

“As EV lease maturities continue to increase throughout the summer, it will be critical to follow EV price trends—especially if the Middle East conflict remains unresolved.” says Jeremy Robb, Chief Economist at Cox Automotive. So, it seems that buyers are willing to pay more upfront if it means lower running costs, which EVs have offered for quite some time now.

Unsurprisingly, ICE SUVs Have Appreciated Least

It’s no surprise to see that out of all the categories analyzed by Cox Automotive, used gas-powered SUVs and CUVs have appreciated by just 0.3% on average since last year. Given their gas-guzzling tendency and resultant tugging at pocket strings, it’s to be expected.

Equally unsurprising is the fact that compact cars, a relatively fuel-efficient segment in the internal combustion engine class, saw the second-highest increase, at 7.6%. As Drury would likely agree, the data points in an interesting direction — but it’s still too early to call it a structural shift rather than a gas-price reaction.

Chinese automakers have spent the last few years steamrolling into Europe with bargain prices, generous equipment, and monthly lease deals looking almost too good to ignore. But there’s a growing catch buyers are starting to notice. Those bargain EVs can lose value frighteningly quickly once they leave the showroom. 

Fresh figures from Germany’s DAT vehicle valuation group show Chinese EVs and plug-in hybrids are depreciating twice as fast as the industry average. And the rate of depreciation is only getting worse.

Related: They Nicknamed It The Temu Range Rover, Car Insurers Are Pricing It Like The Real One

That creates headaches for almost everyone involved. Owners face painful trade-in figures, manufacturers risk swallowing losses through guaranteed buyback schemes, and leasing companies suddenly discover the cars returning are worth far less than expected.

Martin Weiss from DAT told Autonews Europe that “it is not enough to launch a good product.” Brands also need strong support systems behind the scenes if they want used buyers to remain confident years later. Part of the problem is uncertainty. Plenty of European buyers wonder whether some Chinese brands will actually stick around long term. Concerns about servicing, replacement parts, and dealer networks continue making cautious used buyers think twice.

Not Just Chinese EVs Suffering

But it’s not only Chinese brands feeling the pressure. Britain’s EV market is also watching residual values tumble across the board, in part due to the influx of cars from China, the Financial Times reported recently. Quoting figures from Indicata, it claimed the average three-year-old EV as of last month was worth 38 percent of its original value, compared with 46 percent in Germany, France and Spain. In contrast, a same-age petrol car in the UK retained 45 percent of its value, and a hybrid, 51 percent.

Carmakers are under huge pressure to increase EV sales, so many are throwing massive discounts at new models to hit UK government targets. That’s pushed a Chinese car, the Jaecoo 7, to the top of the UK sales chart for the first time ever, but it leaves nearly-new EVs looking overpriced beside heavily incentivized factory-fresh cars.

Ironically, rapid technological progress is also hurting values. Chinese brands especially release updates at breakneck speed, meaning today’s cutting-edge EV can suddenly feel old-fashioned months later. Great for innovation perhaps, but brutal if you’re trying to protect resale values.

Aiways, Porsche, Audi

The Rivian R1S and R1T have always been aimed at a particular type of buyer, one who hikes, camps, and treats the outdoors as a destination rather than a backdrop. Or, more honestly, one who wants to look like they do. Given that, it’s a little surprising Rivian has taken this long to revive one of the better interior options it ever offered, the one that turns the cabin into something resembling a private forest.

The cabin, aptly named Forest Edge, was offered a few years ago before quietly disappearing from the R1 family. It’s now back in both the R1S and R1T, but only for a limited time. Rivian hasn’t said exactly how long the window will stay open, though it should find plenty of takers.

Read: Rivian’s R2 Configurator Is Live, And A Spare Tire Costs $755

A rich shade of green vegan leather covers most of the cabin’s key surfaces, including the seats, door panels, and center console lid. It also climbs up the pillars and across the headliner. To keep the look from tipping into the overbearing, Rivian has paired it with Brown Ash Wood trim on the doors and dashboard, along with plenty of black faux-leather panels and a few subtle yellow accents tying everything together.

What Else Is Included?

Shoppers who want a Forest Edge interior will only be offered the chance to pair it with three exterior paints: Glacier White, Half Moon Grey, or Forest Green. In addition, models with the Forest Green configuration include the Darkout Package with 22-inch Sport Dark wheels as standard, but also available with optional 20-inch All-Terrain Dark wheels. The Sound + Vision package also comes pre-equipped, adding Rivian’s Dynamic Glass Roof and premium audio system.

Perhaps the most notable downside about the Forest Green option is that it’s only available on Dual-Motor with Max Pack configurations, which, as standard, start at $83,990 for the R1S and $79,999 for the R1T. The Forest Edge Package adds $9,000 to the price tags of both, lifting their MSRPs to $92,990 for the R1S and $88,990 for the R1T.

For Slate Auto, it’s been a wild ride since its inception four years ago. Initially, it planned to bring an EV to market for less than $20,000. Then Donald Trump cancelled the $7,500 tax credit that made such a price feasible. Now, the company is about to open up order books on June 24, but there’s still something missing… the price buyers will have to actually pay.

Today, the electric vehicle startup backed by Amazon’s Jeff Bezos sent an email to prospective buyers saying that preorders will begin in June. Specifically, they’ll open on June 24, and those who jump on board early will evidently get a “delivery window before non-reservers.”

More: Slate Auto Replaces CEO Just Months Before Launching $25K–$30K EV

That date is about a month away as of this writing, and there’s still no official base price for the small electric pickup truck. The number is apparently dropping the same day orders open. For now, Slate only says the truck will start somewhere in the “mid-$20,000” range.

If not knowing the price was one hurdle for hand-raisers, the preordering and reservation process might be another. According to a post on Slateforums, on June 24, those with an existing reservation will have an assigned delivery window and a link to finish their preorder.

Customers will need to pay a $300 non-refundable deposit (minus their $50 reservation fee if they have one already). Those with a reservation have 30 days starting on the 24th to submit their deposit. Slate evidently has over 160,000 reservation holders.

Photos Slate

If those 30 days pass, they can still preorder, but their delivery window will shift further back in the queue. Importantly, the deposit will go toward the final price of the vehicle. The email to customers claims that in the fall of this year, they’ll have the option to pick their wrap and accessories, select financing, finalize the purchase, and then choose how they’d like to take delivery of their Slate.

Read: Slate’s New Electric Truck Is So Basic Even The Repair Network Is DIY

Keep in mind that even for those who do make a reservation and follow through on the preorder, they’ll have to wait to get delivery until mid-2027. Between now and then, Slate says it’ll offer customers the chance to see the vehicle up close, but there’s no word on exactly how that’ll take place or where those locations will be. Hopefully, the preorder rollout answers the bevvy of questions piling up.

Photos Slate

A few months after the first photos and details about the Nio ES9 emerged, the huge SUV has been officially launched and priced in China. It’s the automaker’s most luxurious model built to date and could be enough to make local shoppers forget about European alternatives.

All versions of the ES9 use an advanced 900-volt electrical architecture and come standard with a 102 kWh battery sourced from CATL. Power is provided by a pair of electric motors that combine to deliver 697 hp, allowing the ES9 to hit 100 km/h (62 mph) in just 4.3 seconds. The driving range will vary from 580 km (360 miles) to 600 km (373 miles) and 620 km (385 miles), depending on the trim level.

Read: Tesla Once Tested 90-Second Battery Swaps, Nio Scaled It To 176,000 In A Day

Importantly, the ES9 has been designed to support Nio’s battery-swapping technology, meaning the 102 kWh pack can be replaced in just 3 minutes at one of the company’s swapping stations. Buyers can opt for Nio’s battery-as-a-service rental program to reduce the ES9’s starting price to 390,000 yuan ($57,500). Those who opt to own the ES9 and its battery pack outright will need to pay a minimum of 498,000 yuan ($73,500). Either way, it’s pretty cheap for what you get.

The ES9 is massive, measuring 5,365 mm (211.2 inches) long, 2,029 mm (79.8 inches) wide, and 1,870 mm (73.6 inches) tall, with a 3,250 mm (127.9-inch) wheelbase. Given its size, it is perhaps no surprise that it sits on large 23-inch wheels. In general, the SUV’s design is quite homogeneous with other Nio models, meaning it includes a set of rather simple split headlights, simple body lines and creases, and a light bar at the rear.

A Cabin For Ultimate Comfort

It’s in the cabin where most of the exciting stuff is found. The dashboard has a large central 15.6-inch infotainment display and a 48-inch screen stretching across the dash. There’s also a large head-up display and loads of premium materials. As with other premium SUVs, those in the second row get treated to a true first-class experience.

Not only are there a pair of captain’s chairs, but there are also large entertainment screens and a 42-point massage system, including massaging footrests that fold down from the rear of the front seats. Nio has also added a panoramic glass roof and a 47-speaker audio system.

New electric vehicles from China have become synonymous with their incredibly low price tags, but this particular Denza Z9 GT broke from the script. Presented at the recent Cannes Film Festival, it sold at a charity auction for an eye-watering €700,000 ($814,200), nearly five times the going rate for a standard Z9 GT in Europe.

So why is this Denza worth so much more? Well, the car is a one-off, built by BYD in partnership with Swiss jeweler and watchmaker Chopard. The powertrain was left alone, but the rest of the vehicle received a generous dose of bespoke detail intended to push it well past the standard model.

Found throughout the cabin are violet-colored amethyst stones, including around the central infotainment screen and used as toggles on the center console and the seat controls.

Read: BYD’s New Denza Z Has Maserati Looks And Lamborghini Power For Toyota Money

The Z9 GT’s interior also includes a combination of high-grade leather and wooden accents, as well as a 20-speaker audio system from Devialet. Chopard’s logo has been incorporated into the headrests, the carpets, and the wireless phone charging pad. The Swiss brand also handcrafted two custom timepieces to match the car, including the 36 mm Happy Sport in 18-carat gold with diamonds, as well as the 41 mm Alpine Eagle in rose gold.

Hypercar Power For Your Next Roadtrip

A custom set of luggage was also handcrafted by Shiro for the car. As for the exterior, it stands out from other Z9 GT models you’ll see thanks to gold accents running along the sides and used on the wheels and brake calipers.

Also: BYD Boss Brags Z9 GT Is ‘Ten Times Better’ Than Premium Euro Rivals

The bespoke Chopard model is based on the flagship Denza Z9 GT, which uses three electric motors that combine to produce 1,150 hp. The EV also uses BYD’s Blade Battery 2.0 and supports Flash Charging, meaning the battery can be charged from 10 percent to 97 percent in just nine minutes.

This one-off marked the European launch of the Z9 GT, which in standard form opens at €117,500, or $136,700 at current exchange rates, in Germany. That figure sits well above its Chinese prices of between 269,800 yuan and , around $39,800 today, yet still a relative bargain compared to what it offers as well as the competition like the Porsche Panamera.

Skoda has just unveiled its long-awaited, entry-level electric Epiq SUV, some two years after it was first showcased to the world. With the potential to outsell other popular Skoda EVs, including the Enyaq and Elroq, the new Epiq looks fun, has solid specs, and most importantly, is affordable.

Underpinning the Skoda Epiq is the VW Group’s familiar MEB+ platform. Depending on the market, three versions will be offered: 30, 40, and 55. The two base models use a 37 kWh lithium-ion phosphate battery and can be configured with either a 114 hp or a 133 hp motor, both driving the front wheels exclusively. By comparison, both the base Enyaq and Elroq are rear-wheel drive.

Read: Skoda’s Most Dramatic Concept Just Became Its Most Sensible Production Car

Driving range for the Epiq 35 and 40 models is capped at roughly 190 miles (306 km). The main difference between the two is that the 35’s charging speeds are limited to 50 kW at a DC charger, while the 40 boosts this to 90 kW.

Sitting at the top of the range is the Epiq 55. It uses a larger 52 kWh NMC battery supporting a driving range of 272 miles (438 km) and peak DC charging speeds of 105 kW, allowing the battery to be charged from 10-80 percent in around 25 minutes. The Epiq 55 also sports a more powerful front-mounted motor with 208 hp.

One common complaint among Skoda’s current electric SUVs is that they don’t offer a one-pedal driving mode. This has been solved with the Epiq. The SUV has also been designed to be reasonably aerodynamically efficient, with a drag coefficient of 0.275.

Cute And Fun Looks

Visually, the Epiq immediately stands out from other existing Skoda models and looks all the better for it. It features a sharp front fascia with a blacked-out lower grille and aggressive headlights and DRLs. Black body cladding extends across the wheel arches, down the sides, and fills the rear bumper. Skoda will offer six different paint options for the Epiq.

A Normal Skoda Cabin

As for the cabin, it shares a lot in common with the Enyaq, Elroq, and other Skoda models. There’s a familiar 13-inch infotainment display on the dashboard, as well as a two-spoke steering wheel. While physical controls are few and far between, there are some physical toggles positioned below the central air vents for important vehicle patrols. As with other Skodas, umbrellas are also hidden in the door panels, like a Rolls-Royce.

What About Prices?

Then there’s the all-important price. In Europe, the Epiq will start at €25,900 ($30,000) for the base Epiq Essence 35, bringing it to price parity with the similarly-sized combustion-powered Kamiq. In the UK, prices start at £24,950 ($33,400) for the Epiq SE L 40, as the base 35 model won’t be sold there. Prices increase to £27,700 ($37,100) for the SE L 55 and Edition 40, then to £30,450 ($40,800) for the Edition 55, and finally to £31,450 ($42,100) for the First Edition 55.

The Model Y still sits at the top of the American EV charts by a margin that borders on embarrassing for the rest of the industry. More than 357,000 found buyers last year, north of five times the volume of the Chevy Equinox EV, which finished 2025 as the best-selling non-Tesla EV. However, there’s some unwelcome news for those shopping for a new Model Y.

While the price hikes are relatively small, they may be enough to convince some to look elsewhere for their next EV. The entry-level Model Y RWD and AWD trims continue to start at $39,990 and $41,990 respectively, but the mid-range Premium RWD climbs $1,000 to $45,990, an increase of 2.2 percent.

Read: Tesla’s Model Y Just Became The First Vehicle To Pass America’s New Safety Tests

Tesla has applied the same $1,000 walk to the Premium AWD, which now lists at $48,990, while also bumping up the MSRP of the Model Y Performance from $57,490 to $57,990. All prices exclude delivery fees and local state taxes.

Getting Ready To Launch The Six-Seat Model Y L?

In typical Tesla fashion, the company has offered no explanation for the increases, and they have not been paired with the kind of model-year refresh other automakers usually point to when they tap the price tag. This is the first Model Y hike since 2024, which leaves the increases comfortably below the current 3.8 percent annual inflation rate.

The Model Y line-up may soon grow in the United States with the launch of the three-row Model Y L, first introduced in China and since added to the line-up in several other markets, including the UK and Australia. A prototype of the six-seat Model Y was recently spotted being tested on US roads, perhaps indicating that a local launch is imminent. If it does indeed land locally, prices will likely start just north of $50,000.

Following its unveiling in January, the 2027 Volvo EX60 celebrated its North American debut in New York City. The automaker has also begun accepting orders, and pricing starts at $58,400 before a $1,395 destination fee. That’s nearly $20,000 less than the EX90 and $3,100 cheaper than the BMW iX3.

Kicking things off is the EX60 P6 Plus, which features a streamlined design and a minimalist interior. The latter sports an 11.4-inch digital instrument cluster and a 15-inch infotainment system with Gemini as well as Google built-in. Buyers will also find a 21-speaker Bose audio system, Pilot Assist, and a Safe Space technology suite.

More: Volvo’s New 400-Mile SUV Debuts With One Feature Tesla Owners Will Be Jealous Of

The EX60 P6 Ultra begins at $65,000 and has an upgraded interior with ventilated Nappa leather upholstery as well as a heated second row featuring integrated booster seats. They’re joined by an electrochromic panoramic roof and a 28-speaker Bowers & Wilkins premium audio system.

From 369 HP To 503 HP, And Up To 322 Miles Of Range

Both models are equipped with a rear-mounted motor producing 369 hp (275 kW / 374 PS) and 354 lb-ft (479 Nm) of torque. It enables the crossover to accelerate from 0-60 mph (0-96 km/h) in 5.7 seconds, before hitting a top speed of 112 mph (180 km/h).

The motor is powered by an 83 kWh battery pack, providing a range of up to 307 miles (494 km). When the battery is low, owners will be thankful for the 800V architecture and 320 kW DC fast-charging capability, which enables the P6 variants to get 155 miles (249 km) of range in as little as 10 minutes. The battery can also go from 10-80% in a mere 16 minutes. It’s also worth noting that the EX60 has a native NACS port for easy access to the Tesla Supercharger network.

Moving up the trim ladder is the EX60 P10 AWD Plus and Ultra. They retail for $60,750 and $67,350, respectively.

As the name suggests, the P10 features a dual-motor all-wheel drive system. It produces 503 hp (375 kW / 510 PS) and 524 lb-ft (710 Nm) of torque, which enables the EV to hit 60 mph (96 km/h) in 4.4 seconds and a top speed of 112 mph (180 km/h).

Upgrades extend beyond the motors as the P10 has a beefier 95 kWh battery that increases the range up to 322 miles (518 km). Buyers will also find an improved DC fast-charging capability of 370 kW, which provides up to 165 miles (266 km) of range in as little as ten minutes. The EV can also go from 10-80% charge in around 16 minutes.

The EX60 P12 AWD will arrive later with a 117 kWh battery and a dual-motor all-wheel-drive system pumping out 670 hp (500 kW / 680 PS) and 583 lb-ft (790 Nm) of torque. This will give the crossover a range of up to 400 miles (644 km) and a 0-60 mph (0-96 km/h) time of 3.8 seconds.

With all that being said, you can configure your EX60 and order it here.

2027 Volvo EX60 US Pricing

*Prices exclude a $1,395 destination fee

Tesla has never been known for offering particularly exciting or flamboyant paint schemes, generally opting for subtlety over pizzazz. However, the Model 3 and Model Y have just been updated with two new shades of blue in the United States, and both look superb.

The first new color is dubbed Marine Blue, and it’s available for the Premium Rear-Wheel Drive and Premium All-Wheel Drive versions of the Model 3 and Model Y. Marine Blue is a deep shade that replaces Deep Blue Metallic, which was brighter and a little more eye-catching.

Read: Americans Pay $37K For The Cheapest Tesla, Canada Got A Chinese One For $29K

As before, those shopping on a budget and looking to buy the entry-level Rear-Wheel Drive or All-Wheel Drive versions of the Model 3 or Model Y don’t get this new color and still only have Stealth Grey, Pearl White Multi-Coat, and Diamond Black to choose from.

In the US, Marine Blue adds $1,000 to the price of applicable Model 3s and Model Ys. In Canada, it costs CA$1,300 (US$940).

Exclusive Performance Color

The second new color introduced by Tesla is Frost Blue Metallic. It’s exclusive to the Model 3 Performance and Model Y Performance. This isn’t the first time this color has been offered by Tesla, as it was previously available on the Model S and Model X before those models were discontinued. Of all the colors that Tesla offers, Frost Blue Metallic might be our favorite, alongside Ultra Red.

What’s more, Frost Blue Metallic is a no-cost option in the US. It’s also been launched for the Model 3 Performance in Canada, though it’s not yet clear whether it will be added to the Model Y Performance locally.

Prices have finally been confirmed for AUDI’s all-electric E7X in China. As we’ve come to expect, it’s incredibly cheap given how large it is and all the technologies crammed into it. If only the car manufacturer could build and sell something like this in Western markets.

The base E7X has been priced from 289,900 yuan ($42,600) and is known as the Pioneer. It comes with a 100 kWh battery pack and a 900-volt electrical architecture, providing it with 705 km (438 miles) of driving range on the CLTC cycle. It can also hit 100 km/h (62 mph) in 5.82 seconds. Power comes from a rear-mounted electric motor with 402 hp (300 kW) and 369 lb-ft (500 Nm) of torque.

Read: China Gets The AUDI E7X With 671 HP And A 59-Inch Display, America Gets The Q7

Positioned above this model is the Pioneer Pro, which comes equipped with more features, including air suspension. It is priced from 319,800 yuan ($47,000) and has the same 5.82-second sprint time to 100 km/h, but a slightly longer range of 691 km (429 miles).

A longer-range version of the RWD model has also been confirmed, priced from 349,800 yuan ($51,400) and featuring a larger 109 kWh pack. This boosts the driving range to 751 km (476 miles), although the heavier battery means the 0-100 km/h time has swelled to 6.25 seconds.

Cheap And Big

Two all-wheel-drive versions of the AUDI E7X will also be offered. The first uses the 100 kWh pack and produces a combined 670 hp, slashing the 0-100 km/h to just 3.9 seconds. Priced from 349,800 yuan ($51,400), this model has a 636 km (395 miles) driving range. Sitting at the top of the range is a 670 hp version with the 109 kWh pack and a 660 km (410 miles) range, priced from 379,800 yuan ($55,800).

To put these prices into perspective, a new 2026 Audi Q3 in the United States starts at $43,700 and uses a 2.0-liter turbocharged four-cylinder engine with 255 hp and 273 lb-ft (370 Nm) of torque. The largest electric SUV that Audi sells in the US is the Q6 e-tron priced from $64,500, but it’s significantly smaller than the E7X.

Buying a new car is almost always a terrible financial decision. But losing nearly $50,000 in a single year after just a few thousand miles takes things to an entirely different level of painful. Unfortunately for Edmunds, that’s exactly what happened with its 2024 Charger Daytona Scat Pack.

Unlike many magazines and websites, that simply borrow their long-term test cars from automakers, Edmunds buys them with real cash. True, it got a small discount from Dodge on the as-tested price of $85,965, but it still paid a hefty $82,000 to get behind the wheel of Detroit’s first electric muscle car.

Related: The Last Dodge Challengers Were Supposed To Age Into Money, Not Lose $14,000 With Delivery Mileage

But 12 months later when it came time to move the car on, Edmunds was shocked to find its Daytona was worth just $35,000. That’s almost a 60 percent hit, and not because the road test team had put a lifetime’s worth of miles on the EV. It had covered less than 7,000 miles (11,300 km), which is the kind of distance some drivers do in six months.

Even worse, the massive financial hit came after most of the Edmunds staff spent a year actively disliking the thing. Reading through their long-term test notes would be enough to send anyone wavering over which pony car to buy straight into the arms of a V8-powered Ford Mustang Dark Horse.

Digital Headaches

Complaints ranged from glitchy infotainment and strange drivetrain clunks to awkward ergonomics and bizarre software behavior. One editor described the fake Fratzonic exhaust sound as “an insult to V8s everywhere,” while another said the car was simply “boring,” which is probably the most brutal criticism you can level at something wearing a Charger badge.

Others hated the turning circle, massive dimensions, inconsistent regen braking, and handling that apparently couldn’t back up the car’s straight-line punch. But the year didn’t pass without the Charger getting some praise. Several staffers liked the styling, roomy hatchback practicality and surprisingly good range. The 670 hp (679 PS /500 kW) Daytona managed 255 miles (410 km) in real world use, comfortably beating its pathetic official EPA estimate of 216 miles (348 km).

“The Charger was a big, expensive disappointment,” the outlet said, summing up the year-long experience. “We won’t miss having this thing in our fleet.”

Dodge