Tesla’s Model Y proves its safety claims after two SUV-on-roof crashes leave occupants unharmed.
In Canada, a full-size GMC Yukon was rear-ended, sending it onto the electric crossover’s roof.
Another Model Y in California held strong as a Chevy perched on its roof during a multi-car pile-up.
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.
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?
The Boring Company is finishing a tunnel construction project designed for Tesla.
It includes a tunnel leaving the Giga Texas factory that goes under the highway nearby.
The exit resembles a giant Cybertruck, with Tesla cheekily calling it a “birthing tunnel.”
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.
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.
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.
The designers of the Jaguar Type 00 concept clearly weren’t afraid of making something unique.
Tesla also broke the mold of what a pickup looks like when it launched the Cybertruck.
Of course, this is just a design exercise as we highly doubt Jaguar will ever build a pickup truck.
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.”
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.
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.
PROS ›› Price, electric range, comfortable ride, modern design, cargo space, generous equipment CONS ›› Rear seats don’t slide, currently only one motor, 400-volt electrics, muted interior colors
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
› Model:
2025 Kia EV3
› Starting Price:
£32,995 (equates to $41,850, US prices TBC)
› Dimensions:
4,300 mm (169.3 in.) L
1,850 mm (72.8 in.) W
1,560 mm (61.4 in.) H
2,680 mm (105.5 in) Wheelbase
› Curb Weight:
1,885 kg (4,155 lbs)*
› Powertrain:
Single electric motor, 58.3 kWh or 81.4 kWh battery
› Output:
201 hp (204 PS / 150 kW) and 209 lb-ft (283 Nm)
› 0-62 mph:
7.5-7.9 seconds (0-100 km/h)*
› Transmission:
Single speed
› Range:
361-375 miles (581-604 km) WLTP
› On Sale:
Now (Europe, late 2025 for US)
*Manufacturer
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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.
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.
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.
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.
A Lamborghini test driver was spotted leaving the brand’s facility in a Hyundai Ioniq 5 N.
The brand often benchmarks Ferraris, but this is its first time testing a Korean car.
This move likely ties to Lamborghini developing its first electric vehicle, the Lanzador.
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.
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.
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.
Ford Mustang sports car sales hit an all-time low, totaling just 44,003 units in 2024.
Mustang Mach-E electric crossover outsold its namesake sports car by over 7,700 units.
Ford EV and hybrid sales surged, but gas-powered vehicles saw nearly stagnant growth.
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.
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 sold 836,802 vehicles in the United States last year to achieve a new annual record.
Kia America also posted record annual sales of 796,488 units.
The success was largely due to crossovers, but sedans and EVs also helped.
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.
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
DECEMBER
YEAR
Model
2024
2023
2024
2023
EV9
1,951
1,113
22,017
1,118
EV6
2,111
1,249
21,715
18,879
Rio
0
1,279
1,917
26,804
K4/Forte
11,911
9,576
139,778
123,953
K5
5,639
4,866
46,311
64,772
Stinger
0
11
0
5,452
Soul
3,650
3,399
52,397
61,263
Niro
1,792
2,441
30,094
36,300
Seltos
3,737
4,425
59,958
60,053
Sportage
15,427
11,133
161,917
140,780
Sorento
9,432
7,739
95,154
88,625
Telluride
12,488
9,441
115,504
110,765
Carnival
5,165
3,603
49,726
43,687
Total
73,303
60,275
796,488
782,451
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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.
The new list of PHEVs and EVs that qualify for the federal tax credit includes 18 vehicles.
Among the new entries for 2025 are the Tesla Cybertruck, and the Hyundai Ioniq 9.
Models like the VW ID.4, the Nissan Leaf, and the Rivian R1T/R1S are no longer eligible.
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.
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.
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
Make and Model
Model Year
MSRP Limit
Max Tax Credit
Acura ZDX
2025
$80,000
$7,500
Cadillac Lyriq (Luxury & Sport Trims)
2025
$80,000
$7,500
Cadillac Optiq
2025
$80,000
$7,500
Chevy Blazer EV (LT, RS, & SS)
2024-2025
$80,000
$7,500
Chevy Equinox EV (LT & RS)
2024-2025
$80,000
$7,500
Chevy Silverado EV (LT)
2025
$80,000
$7,500
Ford F-150 Lightning (Flash)
2022-2025
$80,000
$7,500
Ford F-150 Lightning (Lariat)
2022-2025
$80,000
$7,500
Ford F-150 Lightning (XLT)
2022-2025
$80,000
$7,500
Genesis Electrified GV70
2025
$80,000
$7,500
Honda Prologue
2025
$80,000
$7,500
Hyundai IONIQ 5
2025
$80,000
$7,500
Hyundai IONIQ 9
2025
$80,000
$7,500
Kia EV6
2026
$80,000
$7,500
Kia EV9
2026
$80,000
$7,500
Tesla Cybertruck Single Motor
2025
$80,000
$7,500
Tesla Cybertruck Dual Motor
2025
$80,000
$7,500
Tesla Model 3 Long Range AWD
2025
$55,000
$7,500
Tesla Model 3 Long Range RWD
2025
$55,000
$7,500
Tesla Model 3 Performance
2025
$55,000
$7,500
Tesla Model X AWD
2025
$80,000
$7,500
Tesla Model Y Long Range RWD
2025
$80,000
$7,500
Tesla Model Y Long Range AWD
2025
$80,000
$7,500
Tesla Model Y Performance
2025
$80,000
$7,500
Source: EPA
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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.
The brand’s auto arm sold more than 135,000 SU7s last year.
Xiaomi is adding an electric SUV next to the SU7.
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.
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 15th 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.
The UK government is still deciding what powertrains will be legal between 2030 and 2035.
After a five-year transition period, only zero-emission new cars will be available from 2035.
Electric Vehicles UK believes allowing traditional hybrids would be a “big backwards move.”
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.
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.”
Both the Porsche and Ferrari have around 1,000 hp, but the EV has the added advantage of instant torque.
The Taycan Turbo GT and SF90 Stradale are very well matched when launching off the line.
In a rolling drag race, the combustion-powered duo start to pull away.
Not too long ago, there was a time when supersport motorbikes were by far the quickest road-legal vehicles on the planet. However, while most flagship bikes from the past decade have remained capped at around 200 hp, the horsepower wars among carmakers have continued to rage.
First, flagship hypercars like the McLaren P1 and Porsche 918 Spyder started giving bikes a run for their money. Now, we’re living in an era where all-electric sedans are among the quickest-accelerating cars on the planet. To demonstrate this, CarWow recently lined up the new Porsche Taycan Turbo GT alongside a Ferrari SF90 Stradale and a Yamaha R1M. The results are eye-opening – although not unsurprising.
The Ferrari SF90 Stradale is the only true supercar on test and its twin-turbocharged V8 and three electric motors combine to deliver 986 hp. However, that’s less than the 1,019 hp mustered up by the Porsche Taycan Turbo GT with its launch control system enabled. The Yamaha R1M is good for 200 hp by comparison, but is also much lighter.
In the first race, all three competitors got a great start but the Ferrari edged ahead. However, the Porsche soon closed the gap and was neck-and-neck with the SF90. The rider of the Yamaha did a good job of hanging with the Ferrari and Porsche but finished slightly behind.
The SF90 got the jump off the line in the second race, but just like in the first race, the Taycan started to pull slightly away as the speeds started to build, taking the victory. In the third, the Porsche and the Yamaha got the best launches as the driver of the Ferrari turned off all the assistance systems and got a bunch of unwanted wheelspin, impacting the hybrid’s getaway.
The tables are turned in a rolling drag race from 10 mph. While the Porsche has the power advantage over the Ferrari, it doesn’t perform as well in a roll race and is left behind by the other two.
Premium EVs accounted for roughly 10% of all Chinese EV sales this year.
In 2025, car manufacturers will likely focus on updating existing models.
Just four months ago, premium EV maker Human Horizons collapsed.
For most of the past year, it’s seemed like every other week, a major Chinese car manufacturer has revealed a new and innovative premium EV. However, some analysts expect fewer all-new premium models to be launched in 2025 due to weakening demand across the local market.
China’s luxury EVs are usually priced over 300,000 yuan (about $41,000), with several different car manufacturers competing in this segment. These include Xpeng, Nio, Li Auto, Zeekr, and BYD. All of these brands produce compelling models, but the segment is small, and there’s limited potential for it to grow. The founder of CnEVPost, Phate Zhang, believes this will force companies to slow down their launches of new premium models.
“I think automakers will slow down their launches of new premium models in 2025 and focus on upgrading their existing models,” he told the South China Morning Post. “This market segment is not easy to expand. Coupled with the overall slowdown in the EV market, sales of high-end EV models have faced considerable challenges this year.”
Vehicles in China’s premium EV segment accounted for roughly 10% of total EVs sold through the first 11 months of the year. While sales of these models have grown over recent years, this growth has started to slow, according to China Passenger Car Association data. Ongoing price wars are also making it difficult for new offerings to enter the market and prove competitive.
“Few of the companies have succeeded in entering the premium market, with most of the rest suffering from weak sales and huge investment losses,” Jiangxi New Energy Technology Institute researcher Zhang Xiang said. “This has set an alarm for the carmakers.”
Several local brands started to feel the pinch of slowing sales growth in 2024. Last August, Human Horizons filed for bankruptcy, having sold fewer than 8,000 of its premium EV models in 2023, while in December, Geely’s Jiyue EV brand was on the brink of collapse. While growth has slowed, China’s EV market is expected to swell considerably this year. In fact, sales of new-energy vehicles – which include BEVs, PHEVs, and FCEVs – may increase by 28% this year and hit 15.78 million sales.
Nearly 9 in 10 new passenger cars sold in Norway last year were electric vehicles.
The Tesla Model Y was the best-selling vehicle, followed by the Model 3 and EX30.
Chinese brands gained prominence, with BYD and Xpeng outselling Peugeot, Mazda, and Kia.
The Norwegian Road Traffic Information Council (OFV) has revealed 128,691 new vehicles were bought in the country last year. That’s a relatively small number, but 114,400 of them were electric.
That’s nearly 89% and the OFV says the country is close to achieving its goal of having all new passenger vehicles being zero-emission by 2025. They went on to note the EV percentage jumped from an already impressive 82.4% in 2023.
Interestingly, customers who didn’t opt for an EV typically bought something eco-friendly. 5.3% of vehicles sold in Norway last year were a hybrid, while roughly 2.7% were plug-in hybrids. Furthermore, customers only snapped up 986 vehicles powered exclusively by gasoline.
While it’s impressive that Norwegians have embraced EVs to such a degree, the OFV said “the last few percentages to reach the 2025 target may be difficult to achieve.” They went on to emphasize the importance of government incentives such as tax exemptions.
NORWAY PASSENGER CAR SALES 2024
RANK
BRAND
YTD-24
SHARE
1
Tesla
24,259
18.9%
2
Volkswagen
14,000
10.9%
3
Toyota
13,678
10.6%
4
Volvo
11,118
8.6%
5
BMW
6,952
5.4%
6
Skoda
6,533
5.1%
7
Hyundai
5,782
4.5%
8
Audi
5,501
4.3%
9
Nissan
5,484
4.3%
10
MG
4,591
3.6%
11
Mercedes-Benz
4,021
3.1%
12
Ford
3,545
2.8%
13
BYD
2,669
2.1%
14
Polestar
2,053
1.6%
15
XPeng
1,962
1.5%
16
Peugeot
1,939
1.5%
17
Mazda
1,608
1.2%
18
Porsche
1,523
1.2%
19
Kia
1,509
1.2%
20
Lexus
1,498
1.2%
OFV
SWIPE
Getting back to sales, the Tesla Model Y was the best-selling vehicle in Norway as customers snapped up 16,858 units, accounting for just over 13% of the entire market. It was followed by the Tesla Model 3 (7,264) and Volvo EX30 (7,229). The Volkswagen ID.4 followed just seven units behind, while the Toyota bZ4X came in fifth place with 6,007 sales.
Chinese brands also performed well, accounting for nearly 10% of new car sales, with BYD ranking as the 13th largest automaker in terms of deliveries last year. Xpeng came in 15th place, meaning both automakers outperformed Peugeot, Mazda, Porsche, Kia, and Lexus. SAIC-owned MG also secured 10th place with 4,591 sales.
Tesla just recorded its best fourth-quarter sales performance in company history.
Despite that, the EV maker sold fewer cars in 2024 compared to its total in 2023.
The company’s stock has tumbled over 20% in a week, raising concerns among investors.
Tesla’s fourth-quarter sales results are in, and, as expected, they’re a bit of a mixed bag. On the upside, the company set a new record for quarterly sales. On the downside, it missed projections and sold fewer cars in 2024 than in 2023, marking its first-ever annual sales decline in over a decade amid growing competition in the global electric vehicle market. Unsurprisingly, this has contributed to a drop in the company’s stock price. Let’s break it all down.
First, Tesla delivered 495,570 vehicles in the fourth quarter of 2024. That’s an improvement over its previous record-breaking quarter (Q3 of 2024), which saw 462,890 deliveries. However, analysts had projected that Tesla would deliver closer to 500,000 vehicles. To match its 2023 total sales , Tesla would have needed to deliver more than 510,000 cars in Q4, meaning it fell short of what was necessary to avoid a year-over-year decline.
2024 vs. 2023: The Numbers Game
As a result, Tesla fell short of its goal of surpassing the 1.8 million deliveries achieved in 2023, ending 2024 with exactly 1,789,226 vehicles delivered. The breakdown of these numbers is particularly noteworthy: 1,704,093 of those deliveries came from the Model Y and Model 3. This means the Model S, Model X, and the newly launched Cybertruck collectively accounted for less than five percent of Tesla’s total sales.
In addition to its vehicle deliveries, Tesla reported strong performance in its energy business. The company says that it delivered a record 11.0 GWh of energy storage products in the fourth quarter of 2024. It hasn’t released financial results yet which could shed some additional light on how the brand is doing. Those will come out on January 29 after the market closes.
Tesla Stock Faces Continued Pressure
Tesla’s latest sales report hasn’t done much to stabilize the company’s ongoing stock slump. As of this writing, Tesla shares have dropped 6.8% for the day, capping off what’s been a rough week. Over the past five trading days, TSLA has fallen from a high of $465 per share to just $375.
It’s unclear what might stop the bleeding, or so-to-speak, at least in the short term. Perhaps the alliance between Elon Musk and Donald Trump will come into play but we’ll have to wait a little while longer to see how that shakes out.
Refreshed Model Y And New Sub-$30K EV
One factor working in Tesla’s favor is the imminent launch of the updated version of its bestselling Model Y, codenamed Project Juniper. Expected to hit most global markets in the coming months, this refreshed model should help boost sales and bolster confidence as the company moves into 2025.
Additionally, CEO Elon Musk has expressed optimism about the company’s future, predicting more than 20% growth in sales for 2025. Adding to this, a recent Deutsche Bank report revealed that Tesla’s Head of Investor Relations, Travis Axelrod, confirmed the planned launch of a lower-cost vehicle priced under $30,000 in the first half of 2025. With the introduction of this budget-friendly model alongside the updated Model Y, could reignite Tesla’s sales momentum and help the company regain its footing in the crowded EV market.
A new $1,000 loyalty discount is available to existing Nissan and Infiniti owners.
All 2025 Nissan Ariya models come with wireless smartphone charging as standard.
Prices for the 2025 Ariya start at $39,770 and top out at $53,370.
Just a week after Nissan announced the 2025 Ariya with a slightly higher price tag, dealers are already offering incentives for their electric SUV model. The Nissan Ariya is quite a compelling option for those in the market for an electric SUV of this size.
The 2025 model is currently available with a $1,000 loyalty discount for current Nissan and Infiniti owners, as revealed by a dealer bulletin. This incentive is available to those purchasing or leasing the 2025 Ariya. Financing could be a great option for some, as the electric Nissan SUV is offered with a 2.19% APR for 36 months or 3.19% for 60 months, the same rates as the outdated Nissan Leaf.
Only time will tell if the new $1,000 discount is enough to convince existing Nissan or Infiniti owners to sign on the dotted line for a new Ariya. However, an ever bigger deal might be on the horizon for potential Ariya buyers, as Nissan might announce a $7,500 cash incentive when leased, Cars Direct notes. If the Japanese carmaker makes it official, leasing a 2025 Ariya is the best option.
Prices for the 2025 Ariya start at $39,770 for the Engage FWD variant with the base 66 kWh battery pack. This is a small price hike from the $39,590 starting price of the 2024 model but is still significantly cheaper than 2023 models, which started at $43,190 and rose to as high as $60,190 for the Platinum+ e-4ORCE. The current range continues to top out with the Platinum+ e-4ORCE, although it’s now available from $53,370.
Nissan did not make any noteworthy changes to the 2025 Ariya. In fact, all it did was add wireless phone charging as standard to all variants and eliminate several mid-range versions.
The Chinese carmaker is bringing the 001 FR, 009, and Mix to CES this month.
Zeekr sold a record 222,123 vehicles in 2024.
Geely recently shuffled around its brands, meaning Lynk & Co now sits under the Zeekr umbrella.
Zeekr has no immediate plans to start selling its cars in the United States, but that doesn’t stop them from bringing a trio of their models to this month’s Consumer Electronics Show (CES) in Las Vegas. This will kick off what it hopes will be a year of record-breaking sales that may help establish it as one of China’s most important premium EV brands.
Attendees at CES will have the opportunity to see the Zeekr 001 FR, 009 Grand, and Mix from up close. The company is also scheduled to host a press conference and panel discussion were it’s expected to announce several new technologies and provide further details about its ongoing global expansion.
This isn’t the first time the Chinese carmaker made an appearance at CES. It brought the 001 to the show in 2023 and last year, had the 007 sedan on display and announced a technology partnership with Intel.
Zeekr has big plans for 2025, as it’s aiming to deliver 320,000 vehicles. This represents a 44% increase over the 222,123 vehicles it delivered last year, an impressive figure when you consider it’s only been three and a half years since the brand launched the 001.
Its sales increased dramatically throughout 2024. In December alone, it delivered 27,190 vehicles, a fourth consecutive record month of sales and more than double the number of cars it sold in December 2023. During the fourth quarter, deliveries hit 79,250.
The company is charging into 2025 shortly after it was announced that Geely would shift Lynk & Co under the Zeekr umbrella. These two brands aim to grow cumulative sales to 1 million over the coming two years. This won’t just necessitate a big increase in sales at Zeekr, but also at Lynk & Co. During the January-November 2024 period, Lynk & Co delivered 259,356 vehicles, a 33.31% increase over the year prior.
BYD continued to rapidly expand in 2024, selling 4.27 million vehicles, an impressive 41.3% jump over the 3 million sales in 2023. However, the company is not expected to usurp Tesla as the largest seller of battery-electric vehicles.
The Chinese car-making giant sold 1,764,992 EVs in 2024, a 12% increase over 2023. 2,485,378 were plug-in hybrid vehicles, a 72.8% surge compared to 2023.
December was a record-breaking month for the company, selling 509,440 vehicles. Tesla has yet to release its delivery figures for 2024 but is expected to have shipped roughly 1.81 million vehicles, clinging on to the top spot in EV sales. However, BYD is expected to surpass Ford and Honda for cumulative 2024 sales, positioning itself as one of the world’s largest car manufacturers.
Bloomberg reports the vast majority of BYD’s sales come from China, with roughly half a million coming from overseas markets.
The rise of BYD in recent years has been nothing short of spectacular. Not too long ago, the company was a small brand selling bland, boring vehicles in China, but thanks in part to the local government’s heavily subsidized EV programs, BYD has established an enviable manufacturing footprint and launched several compelling vehicles. It also operates numerous sub-brands catering to different areas of the market.
BYD is also a battery giant. According to Car News China, it’s the second-largest battery supplier in China and supplies packs to companies including Toyota, Nio, and Tesla. The company installed a total of 194.7 GWh worth of batteries in vehicles and energy storage facilities last year.
The Hyundai Creta has just received a fully electric version for the Indian market.
The electric SUV will be offered with two battery options – 42 kWh or 51.4 kWh.
Rivals include EV-dedicated offerings like the Suzuki eVitara and the Mahindra Be 6.
Hyundai has unveiled a new EV in India, based on one of its most popular SUVs in the region. The Creta Electric adds a zero-emission powertrain option to the SUV’s lineup, with mild visual tweaks distinguishing it from the ICE-powered versions.
The Hyundai Creta Electric features a redesigned nose with a split-grille design. The grille is fully blocked with a pixelated pattern, while the lower bumper intake has active aero flaps. The rear bumper also features a pixelated pattern above the aluminum-style skid plate, alongside more discreet plastic cladding.
The profile is carried over from the ICE-powered Creta, although the EV rides on a new set of 17-inch wheels with an aero-optimized design. It is also available in the pictured Ocean Blue metallic shade.
Hyundai didn’t reveal the specifications of the fully electric powertrain, which is most likely a single electric motor powering the front axle. It does say though that the 0-100 km/h (0-62 mph) sprint is completed in 7.9 seconds, making the EV faster than the ICE-powered Creta N Line.
The Creta Electric will be offered with two battery options, with a capacity of 42 kWh or 51.4 kWh. The range figures are 390 km (242 miles) and 473 km (294 miles) respectively, measured under to the local ARAI protocols.
As reported by Autocar India, the battery can charge from 10-80 percent in 58 minutes using a DC charger, while a 10-100 percent charge takes 4 hours in a standard 11 kW AC wallbox. The SUV has a small frunk where owners can store the charging cables and other small items. As for the charging port, it is located behind the Hyundai emblem on the front bumper.
Inside, the Creta Electric gains a new steering wheel with a gear selector that appears to be sourced from the Ioniq 5. A knob on the center tunnel gives access to three driving modes – Eco, Normal, and Sport. The EV also benefits from new graphics for the digital cockpit that comprises dual 10.25-inch displays. Furthermore, there is a plug under the rear bench that can power any kind of electronic devices through the V2L function.
The Hyundai Creta Electric will compete with EV-dedicated rivals including the Suzuki eVitara, Mahindra BE 6, and Tata Curvv EV.
The electric SUV will be formally unveiled at the Bharat Mobility Show in India on January 17. At the moment it is not clear if Hyundai plans on offering it to other markets as well. The current second-generation Hyundai Creta was introduced in 2019, and received a mid-lifecycle update in India in 2024.
Some media reports claim authorities are investigating the blast as a possible act of terror.
The Tesla Cybertruck appears to have been carrying several fireworks at the time.
Elon Musk says the automaker is investigating the matter and has “never seen anything like this.”
Update: The Las Vegas Metro Police Department has disclosed that gasoline canisters, camp fuel canisters, and firework mortars were found in the Cybertruck’s bed. Authorities believe these items were connected to a detonation system allegedly triggered by the driver. The vehicle had been rented in Colorado through Turo.
According to ABC News, the sheriff stated that Tesla CEO Elon Musk assisted with the investigation by remotely unlocking the Cybertruck after it auto-locked during the explosion. Musk also provided investigators with video footage showing the suspect at charging stations along the route from Colorado to Las Vegas.
The original story follows.
We have now confirmed that the explosion was caused by very large fireworks and/or a bomb carried in the bed of the rented Cybertruck and is unrelated to the vehicle itself.
One person has been killed and at least seven injured after a Tesla Cybertruck exploded and caught fire while parked outside the Trump International Hotel in Las Vegas, Nevada. Local authorities and the FBI are investigating the incident but do not believe there is any further threat to locals.
The explosion occurred shortly after the electric pickup truck pulled up in front of the hotel’s lobby. CCTV footage shared to X captured the devastating blast. In the clip, fire can be seeing ripping through the Tesla and it appears that several fireworks were also set off by the explosion.
Several videos are also circulating online that show the aftermath of the blast and the ensuing fire. ABC News reports that police are investigating the explosion as a possible act of terror. The driver of the Tesla was killed.
An individual who witnessed the explosion and fire said they saw the Tesla pull up to the lobby before it “lowered itself like a bus.”
“I and my husband were literally standing where the luggage is in the footage. I just saw it pulled up, and it lowered itself like a bus, and boom it goes. It first looked like fireworks or something but then I immediately feared our life thinking it could be a bomb and ran,” they wrote on X.
🚨New footage of the Tesla Cybertruck exploding in front of the Trump hotel
While posting to his social media company, Elon Musk said “the while Tesla senior team is investigating this matter right now. Will post more information as soon as we learn anything. We’ve never seen anything like this.”
“Earlier today, a reported electric vehicle fire occurred in the porte cochère of Trump Las Vegas,” he said. “The safety and well-being of our guests and staff remain our top priority. We extend our heartfelt gratitude to the Las Vegas Fire Department and local law enforcement for their swift response and professionalism.”
Cybertruck blew up in front of Trump hotel in Las Vegas. Those are our luggage by the door and that’s where we were when it happened. pic.twitter.com/KaVZXfGLNK
The recall impacts Equinox EV models built from August 13 to October 16, 2024.
Impacted models don’t produce enough pedestrian alert sound, increasing the risk of a collision.
Dealerships will need to re-calibrate the EV’s body control module.
The Chevrolet Equinox EV is involved in another recall in the United States, just two months after a handful had to be repaired for door strikers that could crack under pressure. This recall is much more widespread than October’s, impacting 7,606 examples across the United States.
Like all other EVs on the market, the Equinox EV is required to have a pedestrian alert sound system. However, Chevrolet has revealed the system in the Equinox EV may have been improperly calibrated and may not produce enough exterior sound when the SUV is traveling between 20 km/h (12.4 mph) and 30 km/h (18.6 mph). The carmaker rightly points out that if pedestrians can’t hear an approaching Equinox EV between these speeds, there’s a heightened risk of a collision occurring and a pedestrian being injured.
The recall impacts 2025 Equinox EV models manufactured between August 13, 2024, and October 16, 2024. GM has blamed the fault on incorrect software calibrations in the body control module. It opened an investigation into a potential problem on October 8, 2024, after an audit found the pedestrian alert sound on 2025 models was not up to spec. A decision to issue a recall was made on December 5.
Owners will be alerted to the recall from January 27, 2025. Curiously, customer-owned vehicles will need to visit a GM dealership to have the body control module’s software correctly calibrated, while unsold vehicles may receive the same update over the air. GM hasn’t specified why the over-the-air update isn’t available for all vehicles.
October’s recall for the Equinox EV also encompassed the 2025 Chevrolet Blazer and Blazer EV models. Chevy revealed these vehicles had door strikes that were improperly heat-treated and did not meet its hardness specifications, meaning the doors could swing open while driving or during a crash. Fortunately for GM, none of these vehicles had been delivered to customers at the time of the recall and were still on dealership lots.
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