A few hours ago, Audi revealed a brand-new concept at its Facebook page. Dubbed the Q6 e-tron Offroad, it is the German automaker’s take on how a capable off-roader should look.

From the sole picture we have of its exterior, we can see that the concept is based on the Q6 Sportback e-tron, with very slim headlights at the top of the front end, although it differentiates itself with slim running lights further down the bumper and quad-LED lights that, we presume, were added to emphasize its off-road character. The same applies to the immensely wide wheel arches that house dark alloy wheels with beefy off-road tires and, at least from what we can see, a much longer suspension travel than the regular model.

More: Audi Confirms New Q3, A7, And PHEVs For 2025

Unfortunately, there’s no official press release at this moment, so all the information we have comes from Audi’s very laconic post. What it reveals is that it is fully electric (no surprise there) and it sports all-wheel drive (ditto), as well as “newly developed” portal axles (they didn’t care to elaborate on that).

All that, and the obviously high ground clearance, should make it quite capable off the beaten path, although Audi is keen to stress that it’s a concept and not a production vehicle. Nevertheless, that doesn’t necessarily mean that it won’t spawn a road-going version sometime in the future, given the increased popularity of hardcore off-roaders, but truth be told, we wouldn’t bet on it.

Then again, there’s always the chance that it was developed with Dakar and rally-raid racing in mind – possibly in the new Stock category which demands that entries are not bespoke creations but rather based on production cars. Land Rover has already announced that it will compete in 2026 with a racer based on the 626 hp Defender Octa, and other manufacturers are expected to follow suit. However, the long stages in rally-raid events might pose quite a challenge for an all-electric car going flat-out, which would certainly make it even more interesting if Audi decides to race with one.

For what it’s worth, the Q6 Sportback e-tron quattro features a dual-motor setup with 383 hp (285 kW / 388 PS) that’s enough to propel it from 0-62 mph (0-100 km/h) in 5.9 seconds and go up to 395 miles (636 km) on a single charge. Given the concept’s extreme nature, though, we wouldn’t be surprised if it is actually based on the 510 hp (380 kW / 517 PS) SQ6 Sportback e-tron, which can hit 62 mph (100 km/h) in just 4.3 seconds, reach a 143 mph (230 km/h) to speed, and travel 377 miles (607 km) between charges.

In any case, we expect a full release, hopefully including technical specs, to come out at some point, and will update this story accordingly, so stay tuned.

Tesla’s refreshed Model Y, the world’s bestselling EV, is getting ready for its US launch. Just weeks after its international unveiling, the new Model Y Launch Series has appeared on Tesla’s website with a starting price of $59,990, excluding federal and state tax credits or delivery fees. While the outgoing Model Y remains available, this Launch Series edition comes fully loaded with every option as standard.

Read: 2025 Tesla Model Y Debuts With Cybercab Looks And Turn Signal Stalks

US deliveries have been penciled in for March, with the Launch Series offering the Long Range All-Wheel Drive powertrain and Tesla’s Acceleration Boost right out of the box. Exclusive to this edition are features like a unique badge, puddle lights and Launch Series branding on the wireless chargers. More notably, Full Self-Driving (FSD) is included at no additional cost, with all other upgrades, such as exterior and interior colors, a tow hitch, and larger wheels, are being offered as a no-cost options.

Price Breakdown: What You’re Getting

Factoring in the $7,500 federal EV tax credit, the new Model Y’s price falls to $52,490. For comparison, the outgoing Model Y Long Range All-Wheel Drive starts at $47,990, or $40,490 after the credit, which President Trump has previously indicated he will scrap.

While the Launch Series is pricier than the old equivalent model, it offers both 19- and 20-inch wheels as standard, whereas the old model’s 20-inch shoes are a $2,000 option. Additionally, the four color options – Stealth Grey, Pearl White Multi-Coat, Ultra Red, and Quicksilver – come at no extra cost. Interestingly, the new Glacier Blue color is not available in this edition.With the exception of the no-cost Stealth Grey, these colors command $1,000 and $2,000 premiums on the old Model Y. A steel tow bar can also be added at no extra charge, allowing the new EV to tow up to 3,500 lbs (1,587 kg).

It’s Actually $4,000 Cheaper Than Before

If you were to equip the pre-facelift Model Y Long Range AWD with all those options—Quicksilver or Ultra Red paint at $2,000, 20″ Induction Wheels at $2,000, a Tow Hitch at $1,000, a White Interior at $1,000, Acceleration Boost at $2,000, and Full Self-Driving (FSD) at $8,000—you’d spend $16,000 more than the base price.

That brings the total to $63,990 for the older Model Y, which is $4,000 higher than the new Launch Edition. In this scenario, the Launch Edition would actually save you money, but only if you had planned to add all those upgrades anyway.

The Tech Details

The Model Y Launch Series has an estimated range of 320 miles (515 km). In typical Tesla fashion, there is no mention of horsepower or torque figures, but we know the EV can hit 60 mph (96 km/h) in 4.1 seconds (with a rollout), thanks to the standard Acceleration Boost, and it reaches a top speed of 125 mph (201 km/h).

By comparison, the outgoing Long Range All-Wheel Drive model without the Acceleration Boost offers a slightly lower EPA range of 311 miles (500 km) and takes 4.8 seconds to hit 60 mph. Interestingly, it outpaces the new model in top speed, reaching 135 mph (217 km/h)—a 10 mph advantage.

As with the new Model Y launched in international markets, the US-spec model arrives with all of the same visual updates and interior improvements. Among the most significant upgrades are a new 15.4-inch infotainment display, redesigned seats with a ventilated function up front, and an overhauled dashboard with configurable ambient lighting. North American buyers will also get the turn signal stalks found on international models.

Tesla also says the new Model Y in the US gets the same retuned suspension as other markets, boosting comfort and providing better steering response.

The rest of the range, including the standard Rear Wheel

Y pic.twitter.com/Dnr4IxVujb

— Tesla (@Tesla) January 24, 2025

Last fall, General Motors and Hyundai announced they were exploring a partnership focused on joint product development, manufacturing, and future clean energy technologies. Specifics were few and far between, but the ultimate goal was to “reduce costs and bring a wider range of vehicles and technologies to customers faster.”

Fast forward to today and Reuters is reporting Hyundai could supply electric commercial vehicles to GM. The announcement was made during an earnings call, where Hyundai Chief Financial Officer Lee Seung Jo said “We are considering re-badging our commercial EVs and supplying GM… The deal will pave the way for our entry into the North American commercial vehicle market.”

More: GM And Hyundai Want To Make Cars Together

Officials didn’t go into specifics, but discussions presumably revolve around the ST1 or PBV family of products, which includes the PV5 van. While Ford and Ram offer large commercial vans, GM has the ancient Chevrolet Express and GMC Savana. BrightDrop was also recently folded into Chevrolet, giving them large commercial vehicles that start at $77,900 and offer up to 614.7 cubic feet (17,406 liters) of cargo room.

A tie-up with Hyundai would enable them to offer something smaller and presumably more affordable, which could tackle rival vans such as the Ford E-Transit, Mercedes eSprinter, and Ram Promaster EV. It’s also worth mentioning that GM has a history of van partnerships and offered a rebadged Nissan NV200 as the Chevrolet City Express.

There’s no word on when we might see badge engineered Hyundai vans, but the company aims to sign binding agreements in the first quarter of this year.

In other news, the company reportedly announced it will build hybrids at the Hyundai Motor Group Metaplant America in Georgia. The facility currently builds the Ioniq 5 and will make the Ioniq 9 starting later this year.

Speaking of U.S. production, Hyundai will use its American plants to help minimize costs from possible tariffs applied by President Trump. However, it’s too early to say what the impact could be.

From being dogged by a data leak scandal last month to facing the ire of US dealers who want a piece of the Scout pie, it’s been a challenging few weeks for the Volkswagen Group. Let’s not forget that the brand enters 2025, reeling from layoffs as the company attempts to plug an overcapacity crisis in a bid to secure VW’s long-term future.

Things do seem bleak for the second-largest auto manufacturer in the world. Perhaps it was always going to get worse before it got better. And Volkswagen AG realizes that it’s on track to be penalized by some truly monumental fines from the European Union.

A $1.6 Billion Bill Is Coming

Speaking to analysts on a call on Wednesday, VW’s head of investor relations, Rolf Woller, spoke about potential penalties for exceeding the EU’s emissions targets. The company estimates that, if they are to fail in meeting those targets, they’ll be landed with a 1.5 billion Euro ($1.6 billion at current exchange rates) bill.

Read: VW Slashes Manager Bonuses By 10% For Two Years, Plans More Cuts Through 2030

And it’s looking increasingly likely that they won’t be able to meet the EU’s target. Volkswagen didn’t launch any new EVs last year, nor will they offer anything this year. Instead, we’ll have to wait until 2026 until the new ID.2 makes an appearance. Bloomberg relates how Woller also spoke on VW’s shrinking bottom line, which is further eroded by VW having to sell more EVs at the expense of more profitable combustion-engine models.

Meanwhile, demand for EVs across Europe is waning. Despite the increase in electric vehicle sales across the globe, the slowdown in segment growth hasn’t been as anticipated, with key regions such as Germany and Italy slashing EV subsidies. Meanwhile, VW’s existing battery-powered offerings are facing stiff competition from cheaper Chinese alternatives.

Manufacturers Ask The EU To Be Lenient

VW isn’t the only company that has raised the alarm over the European Union’s strict emissions targets. Earlier this year, some of the world’s largest automakers announced they wanted to pool their EU emissions with Tesla in a bid to avoid the proposed fines.

More: Toyota, Stellantis, Ford, And Mazda May Pay Tesla $1 Billion To Avoid EU Emissions Fines

According to documents released by the EU Commission, Toyota, Ford, Mazda, Stellantis, Subaru, and Leapmotor intend to create a ‘Superpool’ with Tesla. Meanwhile, Mercedes-Benz is looking to pool with Smart, Volvo, and Polestar. As of now, VW hasn’t announced any plans to pool with any other manufacturer’s fleets.

For a company that is undergoing some fairly intense restructuring under CEO Oliver Blume, the looming bill from the European Union comes at a somewhat inopportune time. Either way, analysts will be keen to observe how the industrial giant that is Volkswagen AG tackles the next two years.

If you’re on the fence about picking your next new car, safety is likely a significant consideration. And if you’re thinking about switching to an EV from an ICE, you may wonder just how much safer (or riskier) electric cars are over their combustion counterparts. It’s precisely this question that the folks over at ANCAP (Australasian New Car Assessment Program) have been trying to answer, and the results may be surprising.

Armed with data from their own crash tests, ANCAP has ruled that, yes, EVs score proportionally higher on crash tests than ICE vehicles. But that comes with a caveat: namely, the operative phrase being “proportionally higher.”

Read: These Two Cars Managed To Earn A Shocking Zero-Star Safety Rating

Put simply, there are 57 EVs that have been tested by ANCAP, with only six of those falling short of the maximum score. But when it comes to ICEs, the pool is larger: of 117 combustion-powered cars, 18 fail to get full marks.

While statistically there are more five-star EVs than five-star ICE cars that have been tested (around 89 percent vs 85 percent), the difference isn’t that great. There are a few other factors to consider too. Firstly, most electric vehicles are relatively new models. Newer cars equals newer safety tech, which can often swing it in these tests. In addition, most of the EVs that are tested feature a higher MSRP, and will naturally come loaded to the rafters with crash protection.

Meanwhile, fighting in the ICE pool are cheaper entry-level cars that have fallen short of ANCAPs tests, with the Mahindra Scorpio, MG5 (zero stars each), and Suzuki Swift (one star). Three star ICE cars like the Hyundai i30 Sedan, MG3, Jeep Gladiator, and Jeep Wrangler failed to help the cause.

Meanwhile, there are no zero-, one-, or two-star awarded EVs on sale in Australia and New Zealand. The lowest you can get are four star examples, specifically the BMW i4, Hyundai Kona Electric, Fiat 500e, Opel Mokka and Citroen C4 (the last two only on sale in NZ). The sole three-star EV on sale down under is the Jeep Avenger.

Speaking to Drive, ANCAP Chief Executive Officer Carla Hoorweg said that the disparity seen between EVs and ICEs isn’t that big when it comes to overall safety. But when it comes to price, with EVs being more expensive, it just doesn’t make sense to sell a low-scoring electric car: “I would say there’s also probably a factor of play there where… how are you going to go from a sales perspective if you’re bringing a one-star EV into Australia – it’s an expensive product.”

Tesla has just delivered some unwelcome news for Canadian buyers—steep price hikes are coming across nearly its entire lineup. The sharpest increase targets the Model 3 Performance, which will soon cost CA$9,000 (equal to US$6,200 at current exchange rates) more. Curiously, the Cybertruck remains the lone Tesla unaffected by these changes.

The updated prices, now reflected on Tesla’s Canadian website, will officially take effect on February 1, 2025. For prospective buyers, this means there’s a tight window to lock in current prices before the increases hit.

A Closer Look at the Price Hikes

The Model 3 takes the brunt of these adjustments, with price increases ranging from CA$4,000 to CA$9,000 (US$2,800 to US$6,300) depending on the trim. For example, the cost of the Model 3 Performance will rise from CA$70,990 (US$49,400) to a hefty CA$79,990 (US$55,600).

More: Trump Could Hit Canada And Mexico With Tariffs By Feb. 1, Driving Car Prices Up Thousands

Meanwhile, the Model Y, Model S, and Model X are set to experience a flat CA$4,000 (US$2,800) increase across all trims. Despite these adjustments, the Cybertruck maintains its current pricing, with the top-tier “Cyberbeast” model remaining Tesla’s most expensive offering at CA$165,990 (US$115,400).

What’s Behind the Price Changes?

Tesla hasn’t offered a direct explanation for the price increases, but the February 1 date coincides with U.S. President Donald Trump’s proposed 25% tariff on Canadian goods entering the U.S. starting that same day. In response, the Canadian government has indicated plans to impose similar tariffs on U.S. imports. Whether Tesla’s timing is a preemptive move or mere coincidence remains unclear.

Read: Toyota World’s Most Valuable Car Brand, Tesla Falls To 4th Over Aging Cars, Musk

As reported by local website Drive Tesla Canada, Tesla increased prices of all Model 3 and Model Y trims by CA$1,000 (US$ 700) just over a week ago. Furthermore, Canada’s federal incentive program that slashed EV prices by CA$ 5,000 (US$ 3,500) has been discontinued, although the increased prices of Tesla models would make them ineligible anyway.

Below you can see the price change for every Tesla model in Canada, effective February 1st, 2025.

CANADIAN PRICES

Cadillac’s electrification journey is entering a new phase as the company has introduced the first fully electric V-Series. We’re talking about the 2026 Lyriq-V and it’s the quickest road-going Cadillac ever created.

Jumping right into the numbers, the high-performance crossover has a 102 kWh lithium-ion battery pack that feeds a dual-motor all-wheel drive system producing an estimated 615 hp (459 kW / 624 PS) and 650 lb-ft (880 Nm) of torque. Those numbers carryover from the three-row Vistiq, but the Lyriq-V weighs 346 lbs (156.9 kg) less, as it tips the scales at 5,980 lbs (2,713 kg).

More: Cadillac Aims To Become America’s Best-Selling Luxury EV Brand In 2025

This enables the model to accelerate from 0-60 mph (0-96 km/h) in approximately 3.3 seconds in Velocity Max mode. That makes it the quickest Cadillac, as it’s a tenth of a second faster than the CT5-V Blackwing.

Unfortunately, the performance comes at a cost as the range is an estimated 285 miles (459 km). That’s quite a bit less than other all-wheel drive Lyriqs, which have EPA ranges of 303 and 319 miles (488 and 513 km).

When the battery is low, a DC fast charger can deliver up to 75 miles (121 km) of range in as little as 10 minutes. At home, a 7.7 kW AC charger gives up to 19 miles (31 km) per hour, while an 11.5 kW charger increases that to 27 miles (43 km) per hour. The available 19.2 kW charger is even better as it delivers up to 44 miles (71 km) of range per hour.

Performance upgrades extend beyond the powertrain as engineers installed a quicker steering ratio and a lowered multi-link suspension with continuous damping control. During a media briefing earlier this month, Lyriq-V chief engineer Dave Stutzman told us the changes allow for comfort as well as “confidence and control” for spirited driving.

The performance features don’t end there as the model has Launch Control and a customizable V-Mode. They’re joined by a Competitive Mode, which enables a “suite of traction management features specifically engineered to increase vehicle agility.”

When it comes time to stop, Brembo front brakes are called into action. They measure 15.35 inches (390 mm), which makes them nearly 2.8 inches (71 mm) larger than the discs found on the standard model. Besides the beefier brakes, the Lyriq-V offers red calipers with a V-Series logo.

Part of what makes a V-Series so special is the sound it makes. For the Lyriq-V, Cadillac created a “unique, multi-layered sound experience” that can be heard inside and out. During the briefing, officials said some elements were borrowed from their LMDh race car and noted the sound can ‘move around’ the cabin by using speakers in various locations. It will be interesting to hear what Cadillac has come up with but, if it doesn’t float your boat, you can shut it off.

A Slightly More Aggressive Design

Styling changes are relatively minor, but the Lyriq-V is distinguished by a unique front fascia and a revised intake with a mesh insert. They’re joined by sportier side skirts and additional body-color trim.

Designers also gave the model a unique chin spoiler as well as V-Series badges on the rear doors and tailgate. Customers can further up the ante with carbon fiber accents and an exclusive Magnus Metal Frost paint job.

The crossover rides on 22-inch wheels that have a dark finish as well as an etched V-Series logo. They’re wrapped in summer-only performance tires, but all-seasons are also available.

A Classy Cabin With Sporty Touches

The Lyriq’s interior has been highly praised and the performance variant doesn’t mess with success. However, drivers will be greeted by a unique steering wheel that features a V-Series logo as well as an aluminum Regen On Demand paddle. They’re accompanied by special front seats and upholstery.

A 33-inch display is the star attraction and it sports a ‘V-ified’ infotainment experience. Buyers will also find paperwood trim and illuminated V-Series door sill plates. The model will also become the first Cadillac to have a dual-plane augmented reality head-up display. Rounding out the highlights are a fixed panoramic glass roof, Super Cruise, and a 23-speaker AKG audio system.

Arrives Later This Year For Less Than $80,000

The 2026 Cadillac Lyriq-V will be built in Spring Hill, Tennessee and production will begin in the first quarter of this year. Pricing starts at $79,990 including destination, which sounds like a pretty good deal considering the all-wheel drive Lyriq begins at $64,115. The model is also significantly cheaper than the Tesla Model X Plaid, which starts at $94,990 but offers better range and performance.

Polestar is a relatively young player in the automotive industry. Launched as a standalone brand by Volvo and its parent company, Chinese auto giant Geely in 2017, it has spent the past eight years trying to establish itself while missing several sales targets along the way. In August 2024, Polestar appointed a new CEO, Michael Lohscheller, to help steer the company toward profitability.

Now, Lohscheller has an interesting (to say the least) plan: he wants to win over Tesla customers who are fed up with Elon Musk’s politics.

Musk has been at the center of multiple controversies, many of his own making. Very recent events aside, he’s polarized consumers with his support of President Donald Trump. On top of that, he’s made his opinion of politics in other nations well known too. In December of 2024, for example, he openly endorsed Germany’s far-right AfD party, while he has also made some controversial comments concerning the political landscape in the UK.

More: Polestar Pins Turnaround Hopes On Porsche Macan-Sized SUV

Lohscheller thinks this might play into the hands of Polestar. Speaking to Bloomberg News, he said that, “We get a lot of people writing that they don’t like all this. It’s important to listen closely to what they say. And I can tell you, a lot of people have very, very negative sentiments.” In fact, he was even more willing to condemn Musk’s support of the AfD.

“For Germany, somebody outside of Germany endorsing right-wing political parties is a big thing. You want to know what I think about it? I think it’s totally unacceptable. Totally unacceptable. You just don’t do that. This is pure arrogance, and these things will not work.” That said, he did temper his language by saying that Musk was very successful and that he’d done “incredible things with Tesla.”

While Lohscheller’s condemnation of foreign interference in national politics is pointed, it highlights an interesting contradiction. As CEO of Polestar, owned by Chinese automotive giant Geely, he represents a brand tied to one of the world’s most politically influential nations. At a time when China’s role in global industries faces scrutiny, critics might question whether his rebuke of Musk’s “arrogance” fully aligns with Polestar’s own context.

On the flip side, Lohscheller sees an opportunity here to take advantage of disgruntled Tesla owners who want out of any association with Musk. He’s told his salespeople to specifically target such individuals in an effort to get them into a Polestar. Ultimately, whether they come from Tesla or any other brand, Lohscheller just needs customers in seats right now.

Polestar is actively burning through some $110 million a month. It’s surviving in part thanks to almost a billion in funding from banks. To turn things around, though, it’ll need to continue to cut costs while it introduces new models and, hopefully, gains market share. 

Nissan was one of the original proponents of electric vehicles as they introduced the Leaf in 2009. Despite a massive head start, the company doesn’t have much to show for it other than the Ariya.

That’s not to say the automaker didn’t try as we’ve seen numerous projects announced and then delayed or killed off entirely. The most memorable example is the Infiniti LE from over a decade ago but, more recently, the company delayed a pair of electric sedans that were slated to be built in Canton, Mississippi.

More: Nissan Delays US-Built Electric Sedans, Plans Rogue-Sized EV

The revisions continue today as Auto News is reporting Nissan has decided against building a subcompact electric crossover in Canton. The model was reportedly codenamed the PZ1L and it would have been larger than the Leaf, but smaller than the Rogue.

While it sounds like America will miss out on the model, the vehicle is still slated to be built at the company’s Sunderland plant in England. However, Nissan still has plans to build two other electric crossovers at their U.S. facility.

Nissan’s Brian Brockman told Auto News they want to focus on the other EVs that will be made in Mississippi. He went on to suggest they’ll be better suited for the U.S. market and sell in higher volumes.

While a number of questions remain, it’s believed slower than expected electric vehicle adoption played a role in the decision. President Trump’s return to the White House has also added a lot of uncertainty as he has promised to “end the Green New Deal” and “revoke the electric vehicle mandate.” He’s also expected to try eliminating the $7,500 clean vehicle tax credit, which would make EVs significantly more expensive.

Nissan teaser from 2021

Electric vehicles often face unfair scrutiny for fire incidents, fueled by a handful of high-profile cases. Despite data showing EVs are actually less prone to spontaneous combustion than gas-powered or hybrid models, public perception can be hard to shake. That said, police and firefighters in Salem, Oregon, aren’t blaming faulty engineering for the fiery demise of a red Model X outside a local Tesla dealership. Instead, they believe it was the result of an arson attack.

Authorities were alerted to the fire at a Tesla store at approximately 3:45 a.m. on the morning of January 20. While they were able to extinguish the burning Model X, they were not able to save it from total destruction.

Read: Cybertruck Went Up In Flames At Tesla Dealership In Georgia Hours Before Vegas Blast

It’s unclear where the blaze started, but an image shared online by Salem police shows that much of the Model X’s rear end has melted and the rear window has shattered. There’s no word on whether the Tesla’s battery pack also caught fire or not.

The police suspects that this was a case of arson as the glass front door of the Tesla store was also smashed out. There’s a good chance the store was equipped with plenty of surveillance cameras, and any evidence will be used to identify and catch the perpetrators.

The Salem Police Felony Crimes Unit has been tasked with investigating the inferno and is asking anyone with information about the case to contact the Salem Police Tip Line at 503-588-8477.

This isn’t the only Tesla to meet a fiery fate in recent weeks. On December 31, a Tesla Cybertruck parked at a dealership in Georgia caught fire in the early hours of the morning. In that case, authorities suspect the blaze originated in the vehicle’s battery pack, although investigations are ongoing.

Image Credit: Salem Police Department

An all-electric version of the Range Rover is just around the corner, but an electric Land Rover Defender is not on the agenda for the British brand – at least not for the current-generation model.

Jaguar Land Rover has been building the current L66- generation Defender since 2019 offered with several different petrol and diesel engines, including a four-cylinder plug-in hybrid. Given the growing demand for high-end EVs, it could make sense for an electric version to be launched as a potential rival to the also electric Mercedes-Benz G580.

Electrifying the Current Defender? Not So Simple

According to JLR’s Chief Commercial Officer, Lennard Hoornik, electrifying the current Defender (built on the D7x platform) is far more complicated than it sounds. In an interview with Autocar, he explained that the existing platform simply isn’t suitable for an electric powertrain without major compromises, meaning we may have to wait until next decade for its replacement

Read: What Do You Want To Know About The Land Rover Defender With The Inline-Six?

“Electrifying the current ‘L663’ car, on its D7x platform, is not what we want,” Hoornik said. “The L663 is brilliant at what it does, and we do have a [four-cylinder] plug-in hybrid version already, but it’s not easy to find the extra space you need within that chassis for batteries, given the axle packaging and capability that it needs.”

Space, Space, and More Space

Hoornik went on to emphasize how difficult it is to fit the necessary EV components into the existing Defender’s architecture. The problem isn’t just about stuffing in batteries where they’ll fit; it’s also about maintaining the Defender’s off-road capability, which requires careful packaging of its axles and other components.

JLR has committed to offering electric models for each of its newly-formed subbrands, including Range Rover, Discovery, Jaguar, and Defender. “[We] remain committed to that,” Hoornik said, “but finding the space on the current Defender platform is really, really hard, so we will need to use something different.” He said that “the EV will need to come at quite a significant step in the evolution of the Defender.”

While Hoornik didn’t specify if this significant step will come with a new generation of Defender, that would be the most likely route the brand takes. Either that or it may have to build a distinct Defender EV sitting atop a unique architecture, selling it alongside the current ICE model.

Tech advocates tell us driverless cars will be safer than human drivers and that even today’s more primitive driver assist tech prevents accidents. But the first few weeks of 2025 have delivered multiple news stories reminding us why almost all of the currently available systems still need a driver overseeing them by law.

The latest of those concerns Chevy’s Equinox EV, whose adaptive cruise control might not activate the brakes when the SUV is confronted with a hazard, the NHTSA says. The report indicates that the EV has no problem sensing the need to slow down, but an incorrect software calibration means the brakes might not get the message.

Related: US Escalates Ford BlueCruise Probe After Fatal Mach-E Crashes

Around 2,890 all-wheel drive models not fitted with GM’s fancy Super Cruise system will need to drop by their local dealership to have the software updated, though strangely unsold cars will be updated remotely.

Front-wheel drive versions of the electric SUV and all-wheel drive ones whose owners did pony up for Super Cruise aren’t included in the recall. All new examples of the Equinox built since early December were produced with the new software included.

But what about those other drive-assist stories I alluded to at the top of this post? First, we heard the NHTSA was looking into Tesla’s Actually Smart Summon remote parking feature after receiving reports of EVs not noticing posts and parked cars while driving unoccupied. And this week the agency escalated its probe into Ford’s BlueCruise system in the wake of two fatal accidents involving Mustang Mach-Es being driven at night.

The Equinox – which was recalled more than once during 2024 – isn’t the only Chevy EV making recall headlines this week. The automaker’s electric Silverado truck and its GMC Sierra twin have also come under the NHTSA spotlight. Five examples of the 2024 pickups might not have had a rear seatbelt securing bolt tightened and will need to be checked out at a service center.

Rivian is aiming to persuade hybrid and ICE vehicle owners to make the leap to one of its EVs. To sweeten the deal, it’s offering discounts of up to $6,000, but like most deals, there’s a catch. It’s not as simple as just walking into a Rivian dealership and driving away. You’ll have to jump through a few (admittedly minor) hoops to snag those savings.

The Discount Breakdown

For those looking to get into the R1T or R1S with the Dual motor configuration and Max battery pack, the starting discounts are $3,000 in the U.S. or C$4,300 in Canada. Want a little more power? If you’re eyeing the Dual motor with Max battery and the Performance Upgrade, you can snag a discount of up to $4,500 in the U.S. or C$6,500 in Canada.

Read: Biden Admin Finalized Rivian’s $6.6 Billion Loan Before Trump Took Office

But the real sweet spot comes with the Tri-motor models, where the discounts are maxed out at $6,000 in the U.S. and C$8,600 in Canada.

How to Qualify

To get these savings, Rivian says you need to request a trade-in estimate for your current vehicle, though you don’t actually have to trade it in. The catch? You have to place a new order for an eligible R1 model through Rivian’s online store between January 21 and March 31, and take delivery of the vehicle on or before March 31. So, yes, not much time to think this one through. And just to add a few more conditions, demo vehicles, pre-owned vehicles, and custom builds are not eligible for discounts.

The Price of Entry

If you’re looking to actually buy one of these discounted vehicles, you’ll need to dig deep into your pockets. You see, while there are plenty of eligible R1S and R1T models available now through Rivian’s inventory, they are all relatively high-spec models, none of them are cheap.

The least-expensive R1S models we’ve found are a pair of R1S Dual motor models with the Max battery, each priced at $89,900, or available to lease for an estimated $1,099 per month. Depending on where you live, Rivian may have to charge a transfer fee of $350 or $800 to transport the selected vehicle to a nearby retailer.

Prices for eligible R1T Dual models also start at around $90,000. If you’ve got your eye on the Tri-motor version, be prepared to fork out more—prices in inventory range from $100,900 to $111,300 for the highest-priced models.

In other words, Rivian’s discounts might look enticing, but you’ll still be spending a pretty penny to take one of these EVs home. Still, for those itching to switch to an electric vehicle, the savings might be worth the leap, provided you’re okay with the price tag and the tight deadlines.

Vans are no longer just the humble workhorses of the road—they’ve been hitting the gym and trading in their steel-toed boots for a pair of sportier sneakers. Opel’s British arm, Vauxhall, has introduced a GS trim for the facelifted Vivaro, bringing fresh styling and interior upgrades to the table. This sporty-looking LCV is available with both turbodiesel and fully electric powertrains, with the diesel option offering the most muscle.

The GS trim was first introduced in 2022 as part of Vauxhall’s response to the growing demand for sportier vans in the UK. Now, it returns as part of the facelifted Vivaro lineup, competing with similar offerings like the Ford Transit Custom MS-RT.

More: Stellantis To Convert Used Diesel Vans To Electric For Less Than €20k

The GS trim gives the Vivaro a more aggressive appearance thanks to a bespoke bodykit. This includes an aerodynamic front bumper extension, side skirts with integrated front mudflaps, a reworked rear bumper, and a piano-black roof spoiler. It also rides on newly designed black 18-inch Y-spoke alloy wheels and features the GS emblem prominently on the tailgate. The trim is available in two paint colors named Quartz Silver and Mercury Grey, and comes in both Panel Van and Doublecab body styles.

While the styling components are likely compatible with other Stellantis van models, such as those from Citroen, Peugeot, and Fiat, the GS trim remains exclusive to the UK-spec Vauxhall Vivaro for now.

Inside, the seats are upholstered in a tear-resistant “hand-crafted eco-leather” material with the GS logo on the seatbacks and red contrasting stitching. Equipment includes an infotainment system with a 10-inch touchscreen display, dual-zone climate control, wireless charging, front and rear parking sensors, a rearview camera, a heated steering wheel, and a heated driver’s seat.

Powertrain Options: Diesel or Electric

Under the hood, the Vivaro GS offers a choice of three powertrains. On the diesel side, there’s a 2.0-liter four-cylinder engine available in two outputs: 143 hp (107 kW / 145 PS) paired with a five-speed manual transmission or 178 hp (132 kW / 180 PS) mated to an eight-speed automatic. The latter option is the most powerful diesel variant in the Vivaro lineup, though it doesn’t come with any chassis upgrades.

For those considering the electric option, the Vivaro Electric GS is equipped with a single electric motor producing 134 hp (100 kW / 136 PS) rather than the newer and more powerful setup found in other Stellantis EVs. It’s powered by a 50-kWh battery pack, providing a WLTP-certified range of up to 209 miles on a full charge.

The Vauxhall Vivaro GS is now on sale in the UK. Pricing starts at £39,990 ($49,500) for the diesel version and £48,940 ($60,500) for the electric model. These prices exclude taxes but include the UK Government’s Plug-in Van Grant for the electric version.

Vauxhall

Volvo is dusting off its Cross Country badge to add some overlanding appeal to its little EX30. These new spy shots show a gnarlier-looking version of the junior electric SUV testing in the snow ahead of a launch in the first half of this year.

The Cross Country badge first appeared in the mid-1990s, when a pre-SUV Volvo applied it to a V70 wagon with a suspension lift and some tougher-looking body trim. Although the name has been used on and off since then on cars like the V60 wagon, Volvo doesn’t currently sell any Cross Country SUV models.

Related: New Volvo EX30 Getting The Cross Country Treatment For 2025

As with previous cars wearing the badge, the EX30 Cross Country will offer a little more off-road ability, but its true mission is to simply look like it’s a heap more capable in off-highway situations.

These images show a small increase in ground clearance compared with the 171 mm (6.7 inches) offered by the existing EX30, black plastic trim on the nose, arches, and tail, a roof rack, and a new set of 18-inch alloys.

Look familiar? If it does that’s because Volvo previewed the Cross Country in June 2023, revealing images of an EX30 dressed exactly like this. It said at the time that 18-inch rims wrapped in off-road tires would be optional, while buyers not ticking that box would get 19s and road-biased rubber. Volvo also promised skid plates to protect the EV’s battery and motor.

Back in ’23, Volvo said the Cross Country would be available to buy in MY25 trim during the 2024 calendar year, but it was a definite no-show during the last 12 months, meaning a debut must be imminent. The introduction of all EXs to the US was pushed back a year to 2025 so that Volvo could relocate production from China to Belgium to avoid tariffs.

There’s no indication from the automaker regarding how much the EX XC will cost or which powertrains it will be mated with. But to be true to the off-road theme Volvo might restrict it to the 422 hp (428 PS) bi-motor, all-wheel drive setup from the EX30 Twin Motor Performance that starts at $44,900. A single-motor EX is also available in other markets and comes to the US later, sending its 268 hp (272 PS) to just one axle.

Images in the gallery below were released by Volvo in June 2023.

Images: SH Proshots

Citroen is resurrecting its most famous car as an EV. A new report claims Citroen is at the early stages of bringing back the iconic 2CV as a charming, low-cost electric vehicle to battle models like the Dacia Spring, and the result could launch in 2028 to coincide with the 80th anniversary of the original.

More than 3.8 million units of the 2CV, nicknamed the tin snail for its shape and slothful performance, were built between 1948 and 1990. It’s universally recognized and much loved, but somehow the model missed out on being rebooted during the same late 1990s, early 2000s retro boom that gave us cars like the New Beetle Mini, Fiat 500 and Dodge Challenger. And in 2019 Citroen said it wasn’t interested in making a new 2CV.

Related: Citroen Partners With Caselani To Turn Berlingo Into A Modern 2CV Van

But Autocar claims a senior Citroen source confirmed the project is happening, although it’s at the early stages. The report also says Citroen has been moved to act after watching rival Renault score a bullseye with the new 5.

The EV-only 5’s retro charm and temptingly low price has made it a hit with buyers, who have snapped up far more of them in the car’s native France than they have of Citroen’s own new, small EV, the e-C3. And to rub salt in the wound, the 5 was recently crowned Europe’s Car Of The Year, relegating the C3/e-C3 to third place in the process.

Now imagine a reskinned e-C3, an EV using the same Stellantis Smart Car platform also found on models like the Fiat Grande Punto, but displaying some classic 2CV styling cues like bug-eye headlights, a curving roofline and maybe even covered rear wheels. It’s easy to see the appeal, both to Citroen and to buyers. And since the original 2CV was also available as a van, there’s potential to attract commercial customers, too, with some rear bodywork mods.

What other classics would you you like to see automakers resurrect as EVs? How about a BMW 02, Fiat X1/9, Jeep Grand Wagoneer or Citroen Mehari? Leave a comment and let us know.

Note: the images at the top of this page and in the gallery below are by Dejan Hristov and are neither related to nor endorsed by Citroën. You can read more about his hypothetical 2CV reboot by clicking here.

The Dodge Charger Daytona was always going to be controversial as it’s the first electric muscle car. It’s also the first full reinvention of the Challenger in nearly two decades, marking a significant shift.

Dodge’s ‘Brotherhood of Muscle’ has been grumbling ever since. However, cars are starting to land at dealerships and into customer hands.

More: Dodge Charger Daytona Convertible Is A True Electric Hair Dryer

Corey Jones appears to be one of the first as he recently brought his car to Sammy’s Tire in Illinois to have it equipped with 26-inch Forgiato wheels. There’s no word on which ones, but the company offers two different wheels designed specifically for EVs. They’re aerodynamically optimized and offered in 20- and 22-inch configurations.

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However, those are tiny compared to the ones fitted on Jones’ Charger Daytona. They certainly standout, although the clearances look a little tight.

We’ll likely see plenty of modified Chargers in the coming months but, in the meantime, we’ll remind you the R/T starts at $59,595. It features a 100.5 kWh battery pack as well as a dual motor all-wheel drive system with 456 hp (340 kW / 462 PS) and 404 lb-ft (547 Nm) of torque. This enables the model to accelerate from 0-60 mph (0-96 km/h) in 4.7 seconds and travel 317 miles (510 km) on a single charge.

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A post shared by Corey Jones (@cj_on_32s)

If money is no object, you can get a Charger Daytona Scat Pack for $73,190. It has an upgraded dual-motor all-wheel drive system producing 630 hp (470 kW / 637 PS) and 627 lb-ft (849 Nm) of torque. This lowers the 0-60 mph (0-96 km/h) time to 3.3 seconds, but the range plummets to 260 miles (418 km).

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A post shared by Corey Jones (@cj_on_32s)

Even before Polestar confirmed last week that it was working on a compact premium SUV to rival the Porsche Macan, a flurry of reports suggested this new Polestar 7 would indirectly replace the ageing 2 crossover. But the automaker’s CEO has clarified that in fact the 7 and 2 badges will live side by side.

The Swedish brand’s boss, Michael Lohnscheller, told Autocar today’s Polestar 2 would get its own direct replacement “towards the end” of the decade. The new crossover will arrive shortly after the 7, which appears not to be on the cards until at least 2028. When we suggested a 2027 date based on our earlier reports, Polestar asked us to avoid references to the date, without offering any concrete timeline.

Related: Polestar Pins Turnaround Hopes On Porsche Macan-Sized 7 SUV

Since Lohnscheller told Autocar the 7 gets priority, the 2 surely can’t arrive until 2028 or 2029. So today’s 2 crossover – which dates to 2020 – will have to soldier on for at least another three years. Lohnscheller, seemed unconcerned, told the UK mag the model had “years to go” following a MY25 update and explained that it’s his favorite of the brand’s cars.

Both the 7 and the second-generation 2 will ride on a new (probably Geely) platform, and Polestar has already confirmed the SUV will be built in Europe, rather than Asia or the US. Their arrival will boost the brand’s lineup to six cars, and make life complicated for buyers trying to work out where each fits in the hierarchy, the 7 being smaller than the 3 SUV. The other models are the 4 sedan (already here), 5 four-door coupe and 6 sports car (both coming this year).

Lohnscheller also told Autocar he had tasked new design chief Philipp Römers with putting more emphasis on Polestar models’ performance when he starts sketching the next wave of EVs.

“What we’ve achieved so far is really good,” he told the magazine’s Steve Cropley, “but I’m asking Philipp to highlight the performance of our cars a little more. I don’t believe they look quite as capable as they actually are. They should look a little more confident; they are maybe bit too modest.”

And maybe still too Volvo-like, we’d suggest. But where do you think Polestar should look for design inspiration? Leave a comment below and give us your thoughts.

Volvo USA is heading into 2025 with two new electric crossovers, a refreshed XC90, and an assortment of renamed vehicles. The company has also dropped the Recharge moniker on all its plug-in hybrids. They’ll simply be known as the T8 going forward and Volvo said the change will reduce confusion between hybrids and EVs.

Sticking with name changes, the electric XC40 Recharge becomes the EX40 while the XC40 moniker will still be used for mild-hybrid variants. The EX40 also gets a slightly higher 205 kW DC fast charging capability as well as a larger capacity 82 kWh battery on the Twin Motor version.

More: Volvo Finally Begins US Production Of EX90 Electric SUV

The C40 Recharge is going on a short hiatus as it’s being dropped for 2025. However, it will return for the 2026 model year as the EC40. Volvo didn’t explain their reasoning behind the move, but the company only sold 1,420 C40s in the United States last year.

Getting back to 2025 model year updates, the EX30 is new to America and it starts at $44,900. It features a 69 kWh battery pack as well as a dual-motor all-wheel drive system with 422 hp (315 kW / 428 PS) and 400 lb-ft (542 Nm) of torque. This enables the crossover to accelerate from 0-60 mph (0-96 km/h) in 3.4 seconds and have an EPA range of 253 miles (407 km).

The EX90 is also new for 2025 and U.S. models are built in Charleston, South Carolina. Pricing starts at $79,995 and that nets buyers a 111 kWh battery pack as well as a dual-motor all-wheel drive system with 402 hp (300 kW / 408 PS) and 568 lb-ft (769 Nm) of torque. This enables the model to hit 60 mph (96 km/h) in 5.7 seconds and travel up to 310 miles (499 km) on a single charge.

Lastly, there’s the facelifted 2025.5 XC90. It was introduced last September with a new front fascia and modernized Thor’s Hammer headlights. The model also sports an updated interior with a new infotainment system, higher quality materials, and NVH improvements.

Pricing starts at $58,450 and the entry-level variant has 247 hp (184 kW / 250 PS) and 266 lb-ft (360 Nm) of torque. It enables the all-wheel drive crossover to accelerate from 0-60 mph (0-96 km/h) in 7.3 seconds.

It’s been over four years since Volkswagen rolled out its all-electric ID.3 and ID.4. At the time of their arrival, many had thought these two vehicles could give Tesla a serious run for their money. However, things haven’t panned out that way, and 2025 is shaping up to be another difficult year for VW EVs.

Much like 2024, the German brand will not launch a single new EV this year. In fact, the most recent addition to its electric lineup was the ID.7 sedan, which debuted in Q3 2023. Looking ahead, VW’s next significant release—the long-awaited ID.2—isn’t set to hit select markets before 2026, and North America is unlikely to be one of them. Priced under €25,000 (~$26,000), the ID.2 is expected to offer interior space comparable to a Golf while remaining as compact and affordable as the smaller Polo.

Read: Range Anxiety, You Say? VW ID.7 Does 585 Miles On A Single Charge

“For the next year or so, VW is forced to sell old technology to new customers,” German-based automotive analyst Matthias Schmidt told Bloomberg. “That’s going to be difficult.”

And difficult it has been. Across key markets, including the USA, Europe, and China, VW is facing EV sales headwinds. In Europe, slashed subsidies in critical regions like Germany have dampened demand. Meanwhile, in China, a market that’s essential to VW’s long-term EV ambitions, the automaker is losing ground to nimble local competitors. Even luxury offerings like the Audi Q8 e-tron and Porsche Taycan are failing to gain traction in a market increasingly dominated by more affordable, mass-market EVs from Chinese brands.

Betting Big on China

A key part of VW’s push to crack into China’s EV market is its new partnership with Xpeng. The two companies are working on a joint electrical and electronic (E&E) architecture that will underpin all EVs produced by VW in China. The first models launched through the partnership should launch in 2026 and will include two mid-range VWs, one of which will be an SUV. The VW Group hopes to grow annual Chinese sales from 2.93 million last year to 4 million by 2030.

“The introduction of new models is one solution, but it is just as important to maintain our broad portfolio,” VW spokesperson Stefan Voswinkel added. “We have worked hard over the past few years and have really good models with high-performance software and high quality.”

While these models may help VW in China, they won’t be sold elsewhere. In the US, the VW Group is working towards the arrival of the Scout Terra and Traveler. However, both models will be sold exclusively through a direct-sales model, bypassing traditional VW dealerships, a decision that’s already sparked intense backlash from dealers in California. Despite the controversy, the electric pickup and SUV have strong potential to resonate with American buyers. That said, don’t get too excited just yet, as production isn’t slated to begin until 2027.