Kia is quickly expanding its electric vehicle portfolio, covering more segments than ever before. The latest addition to this lineup is the Kia EV2, a small electric SUV that’s set for a 2026 debut, primarily targeting European markets. Unveiled as a concept during the 2025 Kia EV Day in Barcelona, the EV2 offers a glimpse into what we can expect from the production model.

The Concept EV2 shows “the brand’s vision for a future B-segment all-electric SUV”. The zero-emission equivalent of the Stonic will be smallest member of Kia’s EV lineup, at least until the debut of the Picanto-sized Kia EV1 at some point in the future.

Fitting In and Standing Out

The compact dimensions of the Kia EV2, which is smaller than the EV3, mean it will target the lower end of the market. It’ll compete with electric options like the Jeep Avenger and the Mini Aceman. The concept’s exterior features cheeky proportions and a modern design, with elements like quad headlights, rugged plastic cladding, and slim, low-mounted taillights.

More: Kia’s Road-Ready PV5 Looks Just Like Last Year’s Concept

The production EV2 is expected to look very similar to the concept, albeit with a few toned-down features. Judging from earlier Kia offerings we expect the final design to have thicker pillars, larger mirrors, and flush door handles.

Futuristic Cabin, Practical Design

The concept has a futuristic four-seater cabin with a focus on practicality. The suicide rear doors, the lack of central pillars, and the flat floor provide easy access. By folding the rear seats and sliding the front bench backwards, occupants can relax, stretch their legs, or sit on the floor when the vehicle is parked.

Other cool features include the triangular portable speakers on the doors, the wireless charger on the lower portion of the dashboard, the pop-up luggage dividers, and the message lighting on the side windows for communicating with other road users. Naturally, some of these elements won’t make it to production, with the suicide doors and the window lighting being the prime candidates to be ditched in the road-going version.

More: New Mini Aceman EV Is Big On Space, Small In Size

While Kia didn’t announce the technical specifications of the EV2, the production model will most likely ride on a shorter version of the E-GMP architecture. The SUV is expected to be available with a single electric motor and a smaller battery pack compared to the slightly larger EV3, allowing it to be more affordable.

Kia President and CEO, Ho Sung Song, promised that the EV2 will offer technology and practicality “beyond its size”, adding it will support their goal of “making electric vehicles truly accessible for everyone.”

Pricing and Availability

The EV2 is expected to be priced from around €30,000 ($31,400) in Europe when it arrives in 2026. Kia said it will also go on sale in “other regions” without getting into specifics. Still, don’t expect to see the EV2 in North America, unlike the EV3 and EV4 which are expected to be available Stateside.

Road rage incidents are nothing new, but when they involve a Tesla Cybertruck, an elderly businessman, and a 17-year-old, they’re bound to make headlines, even in a place as laid-back as the Cayman Islands. A 72-year-old man is now at the center of a police investigation after being caught on camera attacking a motorist who reportedly cut in front of him and his Tesla Cybertruck. While police arrested the 17-year-old involved, the older driver walked away with just a warning, something that didn’t sit well with locals.

The altercation occurred about a week ago on Grand Cayman. According to local reports, Larry McGean was driving his Tesla Cybertruck with his wife when a teenage driver in a Hyundai Kona merged into his lane. McGean allegedly had to slam on the Tesla’s brakes to avoid a collision and didn’t take too kindly to the driving of the 17-year-old.

Watch: Road Raging Range Rover Driver Crashes After Flipping Off Motorist

According to the Cayman Marl Road, McGean approached the driver of the Kona. Footage shared on social media shows the expat in a heated argument with the young Hyundai driver before McGean appears to open the door and lunge toward him. Although the next moments are unclear, it seems that as McGean forced his way into the cabin, the teenager quickly put him in a chokehold.

An ambulance that was passing by at the time stopped and the crew helped to separate the two men. McGean’s face was cut in the incident. Despite allegedly being the aggressor, he was let off with a warning for intended prosecution of Common Assault. In contrast, the 17-year-old driver of the Hyundai was arrested on suspicion of Assault Causing Bodily Harm.

Local police are appealing to motorists who witnessed the scuffle to get in contact with them and to provide any useful information they can. However, authorities have come under fire from many locals for not yet arresting McGean, despite footage showing his involvement in the fight. It has also raised broader concerns about how wealthy expats are treated compared to local Caymanians.

The incident continues to attract attention both online and locally, with many awaiting further updates from the police investigation.

Electric vehicles are gaining traction, but not all models leave their owners equally satisfied. A new study reveals that EV owners in the US are generally pleased with their vehicles, with the BMW iX emerging as the top-rated model. Despite an 11% drop in sales last year to 15,383 units, the all-electric German SUV has won over its owners, outscoring many more popular EVs in terms of overall satisfaction.

J.D. Power’s 2025 U.S. Electric Vehicle Experience Ownership Study rated vehicles on a 1,000-point scale across several key areas. These included battery range, cost of ownership, driving enjoyment, range accuracy, public charging access, ease of home charging, design, safety and tech features, service experience, and overall quality and reliability. This year, the study surveyed 6,164 owners of 2024 and 2025 BEV and PHEV models to gather their feedback.

Read: 2026 BMW iX Facelift Debuts Cheaper $75k Base Model, New Grilles

The BMW iX scored 790 out of a possible 1,000, earning the top spot overall and leading the premium BEV category. Close behind was another BMW model, the i4, with a score of 783. It was followed by the Rivian R1S at 770, the Tesla Model 3 at 767, and the Polestar 2 at 764. The average rating for premium BEVs was 756, with the Tesla Model Y (749), Audi Q8 e-tron (722), and Cadillac Lyriq (717) falling below this benchmark.

Leading the way among mass-market BEVs was the Hyundai Ioniq 6 with a rating of 751. However, one could argue the Tesla Model 3 and Y should be considered mass-market BEVs, too, rather than premium offerings. Other strong performers included the Kia EV6 (743), Chevrolet Equinox EV (737), and Hyundai Ioniq 5 (728).

Other Findings

The study also quizzed owners about the education and training they received from dealerships or the manufacturer. While 69% of first-time BEV buyers did receive some education, greater efforts can be made and this could boost ownership satisfaction.

The vast majority of EV owners are also eager to stick with an EV. In fact, 94% said they are likely to consider buying another EV as their next vehicle. According to the executive director of J.D. Power’s EV practice, Brent Gruber, “once consumers enter the EV fold, they’re highly likely to remain committed to the technology.”

The BMW iX’s top ranking underscores how satisfaction doesn’t always correlate with sales figures, highlighting the importance of the ownership experience in shaping consumer loyalty.

It’s no secret that Chinese car manufacturers are leading the charge when it comes to electric vehicles (pun fully intended). What’s surprising, though, is that they’ve managed this without selling a single car in the United States, the world’s second-largest and most lucrative car market. So, how are they pulling it off? By focusing on just about every other major region instead.

More: Porsche’s High Prices And Outdated Tech Are Killing Its Sales In China, Could It Happen Here?

According to recent data from Rho Motion, Chinese brands now command a staggering 76% share of the global EV and plug-in hybrid (PHEV) market, thanks to aggressive expansions into new territories. In Europe, their market share varies by country, but they’ve made particularly strong gains in less developed markets around the world.

Gaining Ground in Europe

In Germany, Europe’s largest car market, Chinese manufacturers accounted for about 4% of the 578,000 EVs sold last year. The numbers are slightly higher in the UK and France, where they captured 7% and 5% of total EV sales, respectively. In the Netherlands, Sweden, Norway, and Belgium, Chinese EVs make up 6%, 5%, 8%, and 3% of the market. Meanwhile, their presence is even more pronounced in Spain and Austria, where they hold 10% and 11% of total EV sales.

Dominating Emerging Markets

Outside Europe, Chinese automakers are enjoying even more significant success. In Brazil, a remarkable 82% of all EVs and PHEVs sold in 2024 came from China. Similarly, they have a 77% share of the market in Thailand and a 70% share in Mexico. They also account for 75% of all EVs and PHEVs delivered in Indonesia, 52% in Malaysia, 74% in Nepal, and 64% in Israel. They’re also popular in Australia and New Zealand, accounting for 26% and 15% of sales.

Why Are They Winning?

Part of this success can be attributed to the fact that many of these countries lack a strong local car industry, giving Chinese brands an easier path to market dominance. Additionally, China’s electric vehicle industry has benefited from at least $231 billion in government subsidies and aid from 2009 through the end of 2023. This substantial financial support has allowed Chinese EVs and PHEVs to be more affordable than those from traditional automakers, giving them a competitive edge.

It was only a matter of time before the Tesla Cybertruck found its way into police service. That moment has arrived with confirmation from the Las Vegas Metropolitan Police Department that it’s adding 10 Cybertrucks to its fleet and they won’t just be used for promotional activities.

It’s not uncommon for police forces worldwide to adopt flashy, expensive vehicles, often sparking controversy if taxpayer money is involved. In this case, however, the Las Vegas Metropolitan Police Department emphasizes that all 10 Cybertrucks are being “donated by an anonymous supporter,” sidestepping any budget-related backlash.

According to the department, some of the Cybertrucks will be used by local SWAT teams, while others will serve as regular patrol cars for Las Vegas police officers. A pair of renderings showcase how the modified Cybertrucks could look, and even though it’s hard to stand out in Las Vegas among all the flashing lights and craziness, these Teslas will no doubt turn heads.

Read: First Police Tesla Cybertruck Hits The Streets In Irvine, But $132K Price Sparks Backlash

The version previewed for SWAT use is finished in a new desert color and sits on black aftermarket wheels with huge mud-terrain tires. It also looks to feature reinforced armored doors and windows, off-road tracks, and custom bumpers. It’s unclear if the finished product will look like this, as this rendering appears to be based on an upgraded Cybertruck from Unplugged Performance unveiled back in late 2023.

The regular police cruiser version looks a little more tame and, once again, has been previewed with a single image based on Unplugged Performance’s Cybertruck cop car unveiled last year. Modifications include new flashing light bars, custom wheels, and LED spotlights.

“Imagine when we’re out and we’re charging these things, and officers will be approached by people from all over the community to see this thing,” Sheriff Kevin McMahill told Fox 5 Vegas. “It’s an opportunity [to] inject humanity, to increase our community partnerships. This is also a tremendous recruitment tool.”

Unplugged Performance’s Tesla Cybertruck Police Car

In recent years, Lucid chief executive Peter Rawlinson has become the face of the innovative electric vehicle brand, but soon after the Gravity SUV was launched, the British engineer stepped aside. Current chief operating officer Marc Winterhoff will replace him on an interim basis as Lucid’s board looks for a permanent new CEO.

Rawlinson joined Lucid in 2013, having previously served as the vice president for vehicle engineering for the Tesla Model S. He has proven instrumental in growing the company and was there when it was rebranded from Atieva in 2016 to Lucid. Despite the encouraging growth, Lucid remains a small player in the EV space but it has big plans for 2025.

Read: Lucid CEO Says “The Market Sucks” For Cheap $25,000 EVs

“Now that we have successfully launched the Lucid Gravity, I have decided it is finally the right time for me to step aside from my roles at Lucid,” Rawlinson said. “I am incredibly proud of the accomplishments the Lucid team have achieved together through my tenure of these past twelve years. We grew from a tiny company with a big ambition, to a widely recognized technological world leader in sustainable mobility.”

Rawlinson won’t leave the company, and will now serve as Strategic Technical Advisor to the Chairman of the Board.

Financial Results

On the same day Rawlinson stepped down as CEO, Lucid announced its full-year 2024 and fourth-quarter financial results. Last year, Lucid produced a total of 9,029 vehicles and delivered 10,241. Q4 revenue reached $234.5 million, while annual revenue topped $807.8 million, and Lucid ended the quarter with roughly $6.13 billion in total liquidity.

2025 is shaping up to be a very important one for Lucid. Production of the Gravity SUV will ramp up, and the company is aiming to produce approximately 20,000 vehicles this year. Winterhoff hasn’t said what proportion of new sales will be for the Gravity, but given the strong demand for luxury SUVs, it’s possible that it could prove to be more popular than the Lucid Air sedan.

All versions of the Lucid SUV have a huge 123 kWh battery, enough to give the Gravity an impressive 450 miles (724 km) of range. It also uses a trick 926-volt electrical architecture that supports DC fast charging of up to 400 kW.

To say the Dodge Charger Daytona has sparked debate would be putting it mildly. The Charger’s transformation into an EV hasn’t exactly been met with universal applause, and early sales reflect that sentiment with some dealers already letting them go for well below MSRP.

Still, a few have made it to the streets (or rather, the drag strips), giving us our first glimpse of how this electric muscle car performs where it truly matters.

This blacked-out Charger Daytona recently appeared at The Strip at the Las Vegas Motor Speedway and in its first race, was lined up against a black Tesla Model Y (though it’s not clear if it’s the mid-trim Long Range AWD or the flagship Performance variant). The Charger appears to be the entry-level R/T version rather than the flagship Daytona Scat Pack.

Read: Dodge Charger Daytona Lease Drops To As Low As $249 With $4K Down, 0% APR For 6 Years

According to Dodge, the Charger Daytona R/T delivers 456 hp and 404 lb-ft (547 Nm) of torque, with a temporary boost to 496 hp for 15 seconds using the PowerShot function. That puts it above a standard Ford Mustang GT in terms of power, helping it hit 60 mph (96 km/h) in 4.7 seconds. On paper, those numbers are impressive—but real-world performance is where reputations are made.

The Tesla, on the other hand, is a pre-facelift model. If it’s the Performance variant, it should deliver 456 hp and 497 lb-ft (674 Nm) of torque, with a 0-60 mph time of just under 4 seconds. Typically, these versions run the quarter-mile in well under 12 seconds, which suggests this one likely isn’t a Performance.

Furthermore, it seems to be missing the usual Performance model cues, like the distinctive wheels and red brake calipers. Unless the owner swapped those out, it’s probably the Long Range AWD model, which produces 384 hp and 376 lb-ft (510 Nm). If that’s the case, the outcome is even more embarrassing for Stellantis’ so-called “muscle coupe.”

The Race

In the race, the Tesla gets the jump off the line and takes a relatively easy win, crossing the quarter-mile in 12.54 seconds at 111.52 mph (179.46 km/h), whereas the Dodge needed 12.87 seconds at 111.84 mph (179.99 km/h). While being beaten by a Model Y is admittedly a little embarrassing, the Dodge’s time is roughly on par with a Mustang GT that can run the quarter-mile in the mid-12-second range. Sure, it cannot match the V8 rumble of the Ford, but the silent rush of an EV does have its fans.

Would the Scat Pack Have Fared Better?

The outcome raises an interesting question: Would the more powerful Daytona Scat Pack have given the Tesla a better fight? With 630 hp and 627 lb-ft (849 Nm) of torque, jumping to 670 hp with PowerShot, the Scat Pack is built for speed. Dodge claims it can run the quarter-mile in 11.5 seconds, which could have turned the tables in this electric rivalry.

Maybe next time, Dodge. For now, the Model Y gets to keep its bragging rights.

Mercedes recently confirmed plans for an affordable “G-Class,” which will slot beneath the regular model. However, if you’re willing to make a few tradeoffs, you can get a baby G-Class even quicker.

This pint-sized cutie is known as the Bodo G-Wagon / E-Wagon and it’s a golf cart that closely echoes its namesake. The attention to detail is impressive as the model is instantly recognizable as a G-Class and even comes with working lights, turn signals, and windshield wipers. They’re joined by a spare tire carrier as well as stylish two-tone wheels.

More: Mercedes-Benz Garia Golf Cart Redefines The Term “Sports Car”

While the interior isn’t as nice as the real thing, it’s still pretty impressive for a golf cart as it sports a digital instrument cluster and a small infotainment system. There’s even a dual screen rear entertainment system, although it looks very basic.

Screens aside, there are power windows and locks as well as a heater and air conditioner. There’s even a rearview camera and stylish metal accents.

Mecum

While the G 580 with EQ Technology has a 122 kWh battery pack and a quad-motor all-wheel drive system with 579 hp (432 kW / 587 PS), the Bodo relies on a 10 kWh battery and a 20 hp (15 kW / 20 PS) motor. This enables the model to hit a top speed of 35 mph (56 km/h) and travel up to 80 miles (129 km) between charges.

This particular golf cart is being auctioned by Mecum on March 21, but one dealer has the vehicle listed for $21,900 new. That’s more than a new Chevrolet Trax, but it’s a small price to pay to be the ultimate baller on the back nine.

Mecum

Throughout most of history, large luxury vehicles had at least one big advantage over, say, sports cars or lesser models: they were quiet inside. That’s typically part of the premium experience. However, according to several Cybertruck owners, Tesla’s latest creation seems to have missed that memo.

One owner took their concern about excessive wind noise to their local Tesla service center, and the proposed solution was surprisingly low-tech: tape. Yes, plain old tape, the same stuff you might use to wrap gifts or patch a torn page, was suggested as the fix for a high-tech, futuristic vehicle.

The customer in question anonymously posted about their experience on a Facebook Cybertruck group. “Is it just my truck?! They said nothing [sic] to do about it. Is that normal? Only from the driver side,” they wrote. Their comment was specifically aimed at the response they got to their request.

Read: Cybertruck Gets Magnetic Wraps That Let You Change Color In Minutes For $2K

In the document from the service center the customer details their complaint. “Wind Noise – I already service this issue and was said this is standard. After driving your loaner, I found that the noise in my car is much stronger then in others.” They had tested another Cybertruck and found it to be noticeably quieter, confirming that the noise wasn’t just a quirk of the model but a specific issue with their vehicle.

This is where the tape comes into play. The tech working on it says in the document that they’ve verified it is a problem. However, due to the “body fitment specifications,” no adjustment to the panels is possible. The tech noted that “the noise heard is normal air turbulence that is expected with higher speed. No further action required at this time.”

The only action they performed is described as “found that taping off the panel gap between driver front fender and frunk reduced the noise.” Does that mean that the frunk is no longer accessible? That wouldn’t be too good. Of course, being that this is a post from an anonymous source, the whole thing could be fabricated, but the comments on the post suggest that it isn’t.

Several Cybertruck owners report the same wind noise issue. “The wind noise on mine is super loud, especially on windy days like yesterday,” said one commentator. “I bought decibel meter. About 50mph sound is 70db. Goes to 73 at 80mph,” said another.

On the other hand, some in the comment section said they didn’t have issues. Still, we’ve documented them in the past here as well. Clearly, not every Cybertruck is within the 10 micron accuracy window Elon Musk once called for.

Notably, wind noise complaints go beyond the Cybertruck when it comes to Tesla. Model 3 and Model Y buyers often complain about similar issues and have even taken to forums to discuss solutions that involve other DIY measures.

It’s worth pointing out that EVs can sometimes exhibit what sounds like excessive wind noise when in reality it’s comparable to what one gets in an everyday ICE car. The difference being that an ICE drivetrain can muffle that wind noise to a degree.

Honestly, I can see where the service technician is coming from here. They have no other way to satisfy the customer and taping panel gaps or transitions is a proven and effective way to eliminate some wind noise. I did it to my very own Ford Flex over some worn-out trim pieces a month ago. It works quite well and is hard to spot when done right. 

In early February, a curious line item appeared on the State Department’s largest contract of 2025: “Armored Tesla (Production Units)” with a staggering price tag of $400,000,000. The entry showed up on an official procurement document, sparking immediate denials from the Trump administration, which insisted that the deal originated under Biden. But now, newly surfaced evidence suggests that might not be entirely accurate.

According to a report from NPR, which says it obtained a new document from the State Department, the budget breakdown for the 2025 fiscal year tells a different story. It shows just $483,000 allocated for electric vehicles, along with an additional $3 million designated for support equipment like chargers, for a total of nearly $3.5 million. No mention of hundreds of millions for armored Teslas.

More: Cybertruck Crushes Safety Tests With 5-Star Rating (Updated)

NPR says it also spoke to a former White House official who believes the Trump administration did intend to buy $400 million worth of Teslas. “I don’t think this is a clerical error. It was likely someone who is new in [the] State [Department] who decided, ‘OK, we’re gonna do this with Tesla,'” they said on the condition of anonymity.

Interestingly, a spokesperson for the State Department told NPR on Monday that the $400 million was “an estimate” and that “the Department of State has no intention to move forward with the solicitation.” They also pointed out that the proposal was in its early stages and was not yet a full contract but was meant “strictly to gather information.”

For his part, Elon Musk also claims to know nothing about this deal so it’s plausible the truth is in the middle.

I’m pretty sure Tesla isn’t getting $400M. No one mentioned it to me, at least.

— Elon Musk (@elonmusk) February 13, 2025

Perhaps someone in the Trump administration genuinely believed Tesla was the best choice for armored vehicles, and the plan was quietly dropped after public scrutiny. Or maybe the budget line was just an ambitious placeholder. Either way, the deal seems to be off the table for now—but given the rapid twists in this saga, that could change at any moment.

For what it’s worth, the document submitted to the White House from the State Department listed several concerns about converting an EV to an armored personnel carrier. Beyond just protecting the battery to the point that assailants couldn’t pierce or damage it, the department wrote “finding an electric vehicle that can hold the weight of armor and have viable range for protection driving are other initial challenges.”

For now, it seems the State Department’s armored Tesla fleet is on ice. But as the political narrative continues to shift, this story might not be over.

Tesla is struggling to sell cars in Europe, with sales plummeting by 50.3% in the EU and 45.2% in the combined EU, EFTA (Iceland, Liechtenstein, Norway, and Switzerland), and UK markets in January 2025 compared to the same month last year. Surprisingly, this drop comes at a time when BEV sales across all of Europe surged by 37%, showing that demand for zero-emission vehicles isn’t the problem.

More: Tesla Vows To Prosecute Vandals Over Swastikas, But Owners Have Little Recourse

According to data from the European Automobile Manufacturers’ Association (ACEA), Tesla sold 9,945 units in January 2025, down from 18,161 in January 2024. The drop was especially severe in Germany, where sales fell by 59.5% to just 1,277 units, and in France, with a 63% decrease to 1,143 units.

To put this in perspective, Tesla’s performance was so poor that even China’s SAIC Motors managed to sell more than twice as many cars in January, with 22,994 deliveries.

What’s Behind Tesla’s Fall?

Several factors could explain Tesla’s underwhelming performance. One likely reason is the growing negative publicity surrounding Elon Musk’s controversies, including the infamous salute and his outspoken political views, which have stirred debate across Europe. His support for Germany’s far-right AfD party and a jailed activist in the UK has reportedly damaged his public image, which in turn could be impacting Tesla’s brand perception in the region.

Another contributing factor could be the timing of the Model Y update. With the bestseller getting a significant refresh for 2025, many customers might be holding off, leading to reduced demand for the outgoing version. Additionally, Tesla had to retool its production lines for the new Model Y, which may have caused temporary supply disruptions.

Inventory shortages could also be to blame. According to Bloomberg, Tesla might be dealing with low stock levels in certain markets due to an aggressive push to boost year-end numbers in December 2024.

BEV Sales Soar Across Europe

Despite Tesla’s struggles, the overall demand for fully electric vehicles in Europe continues to grow. ACEA reports that 124,341 BEVs were sold in the EU and 166,065 units in the broader Europe+EFTA+UK region in January 2025. This represents a healthy market share of 16.7% in Europe+EFTA+UK, up from 11.9% in January 2024.

More: Hybrids Close To Outselling Petrol Cars In Europe Says New Data, But That’s Kinda Misleading

Still, the region’s favorite powertrain type is HEVs (self-charging hybrids) with a 34.9% market share, followed by gasoline (29.2%). In contrast, the market shares of diesel (8.8%) and PHEVs (7.6%) have declined compared to last year, now falling behind BEVs.

In the EU alone, the combined market share of gasoline and diesel cars fell to 39.4% in January 2025, down from 48.7% the previous year. Overall, new car registrations in the EU decreased by 2.6% to 831,201 units, largely due to declining sales in key markets such as France (-6.2%), Italy (-5.8%), and Germany (-2.8%).

Production of the Scout Terra and Traveler models isn’t scheduled to begin until 2027, but Jay Leno recently had the opportunity to jump behind the wheel of the new Traveler with Scout chief executive Scott Keogh. During the interview, Keogh revealed a few interesting titbits about the duo, including the chemistry of the battery packs in development.

Earlier this month, Keogh confirmed that the BEV and EREV versions would have different battery chemistries, without providing any additional details. In this clip, he reveals the electric versions will use a nickel-manganese-cobalt (NMC) battery pack while the EREV will utilize a smaller lithium-iron-phosphate (LFP) battery pack. The BEV should have around 350 miles (563 km) of range, while the EREV will be able to travel up to 500 miles (804 km) thanks to the range-extending ICE.

Read: Scout’s Extended-Range EVs To Offer About 500 Miles Of Combined Range

According to Keogh, the intention behind the EREV model is for the small gasoline generator and the electric motor to work together so seamlessly that drivers won’t even notice when the engine is being used. This will be aided by the fact that the engine will be located at the rear of the vehicle, reducing NVH.

Off-Road Chops

The boss of Scout also talks up the off-roading credentials of the Terra and Traveler models, noting they will have electronically locking differentials and sway bars that can be disconnected at the touch of a button. He also reveals that an adjustable air suspension will be an optional extra on both models.

As neither of the two Scout models are production vehicles, Leno was only allowed to drive the Traveler around an airport in LA. Indeed, the cars brought to Leno’s Garage don’t even have seatbelts. Keogh says that approximately 70% of shoppers are opting for the Traveler. He also confirmed previous reports saying that the majority of people are ordering the range-extender.

If you’re on the lookout for a new hybrid and EV and are a Costco member in the US, you might want to take a look at the Costco Auto Program, as they might be able to get you a very competitive deal. The program has partnered with dealerships across the United States and is offering compelling discounts on models like the Volvo EX90, Chevrolet Silverado EV, and even the Chevrolet Corvette E-Ray.

The Costco Auto Program allows members to browse through a large inventory of used and new cars at dealerships. The program promises to make the car buying experience easier, as Cosco does the price haggling for you and arranges prices with dealerships for its members. It’s also now encouraging shoppers to get behind the wheel of an electrified vehicle, launching a new EV Marketplace with several limited-run deals.

Read: Bread, Milk, And… A Chevy Equinox? How GM Is Using Costco To Boost EV Sales

Between now and April 30, 2025, Costco Gold Star and Business Members who use the service will get a $1,000 discount on any 2024 or 2025 Chevrolet Silverado EV, Blazer EV, Equinox EV, GMC Sierra EV, or Hummer EV SUV/Pickup. Executive Members will be eligible for a $1,250 discount.

Those shopping for something a little more sporty can pick up a 2024 or 2025 Chevrolet Corvette E-Ray with a $2,750 discount for Gold Star and Business Members, and a $3,000 discount for Executive Members. The newly-arrived 2025 Volvo EX90 is also available with a competitive discount. Gold Star and Business members can pick up the keys to the all-electric SUV with a $1,500 promo, while a $2,000 discount is available for Executive Members.

It’s not just good deals Costco members will find in the EV Marketplace. The retailer has also launched several educational articles on the platform asking popular questions related to EVs, including queries about public charging infrastructure and driving range.

Cast your minds back to 2022 and you might recall a fantastically swoopy electric crossover coupe from Toyota called the bZ Compact SUV concept. Well, next month, that concept becomes a production reality and could give the automaker’s EV fortunes a real boost.

Toyota today confirmed it would reveal an “all-new exciting and surprising” BEV on March 11 (March 12 central European time) and released a single teaser image and a video that don’t give an awful lot away, but do reveal enough that we can be sure it’s the 2022 concept come to life.

Related: Toyota bZ Compact SUV Concept Brings Eye-Catching Styling To Europe

They show a sleek fastback shape and a set of curvy hips and front fenders. The roofline is low, but the body appears to be hoisted well clear of the ground to deliver the “elevated driving dynamics” Toyota refers to in its limited blurb. The automaker also promises “surprising space, comfort and versatility,” and claims it will have a strong emotional appeal.

Toyota doesn’t mention the crossover’s name, but judging from recent reports, there’s a good chance it won’t be named bZ because even its bZ4X big brother is rumored to be ditching the absurd jumble of numbers and letters for something more sensible later this year.

The teaser also doesn’t tell us much about the new EV’s tech specs, but we can look at the concept’s dimensions to get an idea on size. Back in 2022, Toyota said the bZ Compact SUV measured 4.54 m (178.7 inches) long and 1.56 m (61.4 inches) tall. If the production version sticks to those numbers it’ll come in at 152 mm (6 inches) shorter and 90 mm (3.5 inches) lower than the Toyota bZ4X.

No power figures or battery capacities were given for the concept but Toyota’s new Urban Cruiser electric SUV, which is smaller in size than the new crossover, has a choice of 49 kWh and 61 kWh battery packs.

Single-motor, front-wheel drive versions of the Suzuki e-Vitara clone make 142 hp (106 kW / 144 PS)  with the small battery and 172 hp (128 kW / 174 PS) with the bigger one, while the optional dual-motor powertrain boosts total output to 182 hp (135 kW / 184 PS).

The gallery below contains one teaser shot of the new production crossover and multiple images of the 2022 bZ Compact SUV concept.

Polestar is keen to lure customers away from EV market leader Tesla and is offering incentives worth as much as $20,000 to buyers willing to jump ship and lease the new Polestar 3 SUV. While there are a few hoops that shoppers will need to jump through, the process should be relatively simple and cuts a significant chunk off the Polestar 3’s $68,900 starting price.

Read: Kia Tries To Woo Tesla Owners With Discounts

Anyone in the US who currently owns or leases a Tesla can qualify by providing Polestar with registration or insurance documents showing the VIN, name, address, and expiration date. This offer is only available from February 21 to February 28, but if buyers can provide the necessary details, they’ll receive a $5,000 Polestar Conquest Bonus toward the lease of a new 2025 Polestar 3.

Stackable Savings for Bigger Discounts

In addition to this bonus, the carmaker continues to offer its $15,000 Polestar Clean Vehicle Noncash Incentive, bringing total savings up to $20,000 off a lease. Even if you don’t own a Tesla, you’ll still be eligible for this $15,000 discount if you sign a Polestar 3 lease by February 28.

The deals appear to be offered for the entire range of the Polestar 3, but the availability of different variants differs depending on where you live in the US. That’s important as Polestar insists vehicles must be delivered by the end of February 28 to be eligible for the two discounts.

A Closer Look at the Polestar 3 Lineup

The 2025 Polestar 3 range kicks off from $68,900 for the Long Range Single Motor model, offering 350 miles (563 km) of range alongside 299 hp and 361 lb-ft (489 Nm) of torque. It joins the Long Range Dual Motor that had served as the entry-level version in 2024, starting at $74,800, while the Polestar 3 with the Performance package starts at $80,800.

Lease prices vary depending on the model and incentives. Factoring in the $15,000 Polestar Clean Vehicle Noncash Incentive, you could lease a Long Range Dual Motor with an adjusted capitalized cost of $55,795, paying $599 per month for 27 months, with $5,599 due at signing. That”s an effective monthly payment of $806, and over the lease term, buyers would pay $21,762 excluding the downpayment. However, Polestar has not disclosed the monthly payment for Tesla owners who can stack the additional $5,000 discount.

But Is It Really Worth It?

From a financial perspective, it’s essential to look beyond the flashy discounts and focus on the effective monthly payment. Polestar’s incentives are attention-grabbing, but buyers should be cautious about other financial details like the APR on leases or the residual values, as these could easily offset the discounts.

More: Tesla Rolls Out Regular 2026 Model Y In Europe, Cuts Prices By Up To $2,100

For example, the well-equipped Model Y Juniper Long Range AWD Launch Edition—with every option ticked on, including the $8,000 FSD (Supervised), 20-inch wheels, $2,000 Performance upgrade and more—is currently available for $796 per month on a 36-month lease with 10,000 miles per year and no downpayment. This price will certainly drop further once Tesla releases the standard versions of the refreshed Model Y.

Tesla is no stranger to legal troubles and is now the subject of another lawsuit, although this time it comes from Down Under. According to a new suit in Australia’s Federal Court, Tesla Motors Australia has overstated the driving ranges of its EVs, overpromised on self-driving features, and has vehicles suffering from instances of phantom braking.

The latter has plagued Teslas for quite some time and has been the subject of other lawsuits, including in Germany. Just last week, a German court ruled that Tesla’s Autopilot system is “defective” and not “suitable for normal use” due to phantom braking problems.

Read: Court Rules Tesla’s Autopilot Defective For Normal Use After Phantom Braking

In this case, Aussie law firm JGA Saddler describes phantom braking as a “dangerous phenomenon [that] would terrify you and your passengers and could, if it causes an accident, result in serious injury and/or death.”

In addition, the director of JGA Saddler, Rebecca Jancauskas, has taken issue with Tesla selling its long-promised Full-Self Driving features without delivering on the promises its made for the system. She also asserts that many Tesla vehicles sold in Australia cannot achieve 75% of their advertised driving range, and believes the automaker has known about its defects for years but has so far failed to address the problems or pay any compensation to owners.

“It is hoped this claim underscores the importance for all EV manufacturers to be truthful in their marketing, deliver on their promises, and ensure their products are safe and reliable,” Jancauskas told Yahoo! News.

The class action is open to anyone who has purchased or leased a Tesla Model 3 or Model Y with the controversial Tesla Vision system since May 2021.

“Tesla made promises about their vehicles’ safety, performance and features such as their ‘full self-driving,’ but it appears some of these promises are falling flat,” Jancauskas added. It’s unclear how many owners and lessees have signed up to be part of the class action.

“We will press charges for vandalism at Superchargers,” says Tesla. Those are the first words from an automaker dealing with a spate of issues including protests, property damage, and more. What’s worse is that the brand can’t do anything for countless owners who have also suffered from the trend. That includes at least one Cybertruck defaced in Lower Manhattan with a swastika.

The last few months have seen the ire grow against Elon Musk and the electric brand he helms. Both customers and critics have open—and loudly—called for the public to ditch Tesla’s cars. On top of that, radical activists have threatened owners and vandalized vehicles as well as Supercharger stations. On Sunday, one Tesla owner found their local charging station with the word “Nazi” painted over the Tesla logo and a Swastika symbol at the bottom.

Read: TikTokers Are Hunting Cybertrucks With Anti-Musk Messages

“This graffiti at my local Supercharger would suggest that perhaps Elon Musk is damaging Tesla’s brand,” the poster wrote. Within just three hours, the official Tesla Supercharger account saw the post and responded, stating that the graffiti would be removed by the next morning. In fact, it went even further.

When another commenter pointed out a security camera that might have captured the vandal in the act, Tesla made it clear that it would press charges for such behavior. In fact, this was the second instance of vandalism it responded to within the past week. In another case, someone sprayed foam into the charging plugs at several Supercharger stations.

This graffiti at my local Supercharger would suggest that perhaps Elon Musk is damaging Tesla’s brand. pic.twitter.com/LLL5AcDeOE

— Quinn Nelson (@SnazzyLabs) February 23, 2025

Targeting More Than Just Tesla Property

There’s a separate issue, though, as vandals aren’t only targeting Tesla property but private vehicles too. It’s unclear who owns the Cybertruck recently painted with a swastika in Lower Manhattan, but many people saw the vehicle and posted about it online. One person simply captioned their post, “Not a great car to own in NYC these days.”

More: We Compare The 2026 Tesla Model Y Side-By-Side With Its Predecessor

The threads about the angular pickup drew a mix of grim humor and political commentary including “Look, it’s the new SS package,” and “it draws the eyes away from the panel gaps.”

The humor was dark, but the implications were serious. No matter how one might feel about Musk or Tesla, it does appear that the groundswell of anger toward one or both is increasing. A recent poll made it clear that Musk’s popularity has swung wildly from one side of the aisle to the other over the last year. While Musk and Tesla could be well within their rights, there is little doubt at this point that public perception is shifting.

The Musk Effect on Tesla’s Brand

Since being brought on board Donald Trump’s administration as a Senior Advisor for the Department of Governmental Efficiency (DOGE), Musk has become an increasingly polarizing figure. His controversial statements, perceived ties to far-right ideologies, and alleged dog-whistle moments have fueled strong reactions which cause some critics to argue that Tesla’s brand is suffering not because of its cars but because of its CEO. 

The Cybertruck defacement and Supercharger vandalism highlight the volatile intersection of technology, politics, and public perception. With Musk at the helm, Tesla isn’t just an EV company – it’s a symbol in an increasingly divided conversation. One thing is clear though: the discourse around Tesla and Musk doesn’t look to be cooling down anytime soon.

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Ram introduced the 1500 Ramcharger nearly 16 months ago and it’s finally inching closer to launch. As part of this effort, the company recently held a media briefing and revealed more details about the range-extended pickup.

Unfortunately, it’s not all good news as the truck is a bit less impressive than originally announced. Besides being bumped to the 2026 model year, the Ramcharger’s dual-motor all-wheel drive system has been downgraded from 663 hp (494 kW / 672 PS) to 654 hp (488 kW / 663 PS). The torque output remains unchanged at 615 lb-ft (833 Nm), but the 0-60 mph (0-96 km/h) time has climbed from 4.4 to 4.5 seconds.

More: 2025 Ram 1500 Ramcharger Is An Electric Truck That Actually Makes Sense, Thanks To A V6 Engine

While less performance is far from ideal, some stats have improved. In particular, the DC fast charging capability has climbed from 145 kW to 175 kW. Despite this, Ram still says owners can expect approximately 50 miles (80 km) of range in around 10 minutes.

This appears to be the bulk of the changes, so we’ll remind you that the Ramcharger has a 92 kWh battery pack and a 3.6-liter V6 engine that acts as a generator. This gives the truck a targeted range of up to 690 miles (1,110 km), which is far more than traditional EVs.

Despite being electrified, the Ramcharger promises to be work-ready thanks to its sturdy STLA Frame platform. It enables the truck to tow up to 14,000 lbs (6,350 kg) and have a payload capacity of up to 2,625 lbs (1,191 kg). Contractors can also look forward to a bed-mounted onboard power panel, which can provide up to 7.2 kW of juice on the job site.

Aside from a few spec updates, Ram released a new video showing charging information on the 12.3-inch digital instrument cluster as well as the 12- or 14.5-inch infotainment system. The automaker also revealed a few new pictures of powertrain components as well as images showing charge scheduling, driving history, and a vehicle-to-home functionality.

The Ram 1500 Ramcharger will arrive in the second half of the year and it’s slated to be followed by the fully electric 1500 REV in 2026.

In a sweeping policy shift, Donald Trump’s administration has just reportedly ordered the shutdown of all electric vehicle charging stations at federal buildings across the United States. This decision effectively flips the switch on hundreds of EV chargers across the country, with approximately 8,000 charging ports, managed by the U.S. General Services Administration (GSA).

This directive also includes plans to offload recently acquired EVs from the federal fleet. Combined, these moves signal a sharp reversal from the sustainability initiatives championed by the previous administration.

Read: Trump’s Budget Cuts Threaten Biden’s $6.6B Rivian Loan For EV Factory

An internal GSA email, reportedly viewed by Colorado Public Radio, reveals that the agency now deems all GSA-owned charging stations as “not mission critical.” As a result, the agency will shut down these chargers at which point they’ll be inoperable to all users.

This includes both federal workers with a federally owned EV and federal employees who could previously charge their own personal vehicle at these same stations. Some regional offices have already begun taking chargers offline, with a formal announcement expected soon.

The GSA is responsible for managing federal assets including a fleet of approximately 650,000 vehicles. Under the Biden administration, it embarked on a plan to transition to zero-emission vehicles. That included the procurement of over 58,000 EVs and the installation of more than 25,000 charging ports. It never came anywhere close to achieving those figures though and this new directive puts that plan to a swift end.

The GSA is preparing to offload the EVs it currently has in the fleet but it’s unclear where they’ll go. Technically, it could simply take the vehicles out of the fleet and put them into storage rather than sell them. In addition, the GSA manages some chargers for separate federal agencies so those departments might need to ditch their EVs.

It’s also uncertain how the agency will replace the vehicles being phased out; possibilities include purchasing new gas-powered models or reallocating older ones from retirement.

This development follows Trump’s recent suspension of the National Electric Vehicle Infrastructure (NEVI) program, a $5 billion initiative aimed at expanding the nation’s EV charging network. Taken together, these decisions could slow the overall adoption rate of electric vehicles in the US as a whole. One thing is for sure, it certainly won’t speed it up.

Solid state batteries are often touted as a holy grail for EVs as they promise to be safer and have higher energy densities than their lithium-ion counterparts. However, they’ve largely been limited to the lab.

That’s starting to change as Mercedes has begun road-testing a “slightly modified” EQS with a lithium-metal solid-state battery. It uses cells from Factorial Energy and sports a floating cell carrier.

More: Dodge Charger Daytona Getting Solid State Batteries By 2026, But There’s A Catch

As the company explained, “When the battery charges, the materials expand, and when it discharges, it contracts.” To support this, the battery has “pneumatic actuators that interact with the cell volume change during charging and discharging, which affects the battery’s performance and lifespan.”

Mercedes went onto say the battery uses a solid electrolyte instead of a liquid one, which enhances cell safety and allows for the use of new anodes like lithium metal. This has the potential to increase the gravimetric energy density of EV batteries up to 450 Wh/kg. That should pave the way for lighter, more compact batteries.

In the case of the EQS, the battery allows for a range of up to 621 miles (1,000 km), which is 25% more than a lithium-ion battery of the same size and weight. In particular, a regular EQS 450+ with a 118 kWh battery pack has a range in excess of 497 miles (800 km) under the worldwide harmonized light vehicles test procedure.

The prototype will be subjected to an assortment of tests in the coming months and Factorial Energy CEO Siyu Huang said, “Being the first to successfully integrate lithium metal solid-state batteries into a production vehicle platform marks a historic achievement in electric mobility. This breakthrough demonstrates that solid-state battery technology has moved beyond the laboratory and into real-world application, setting a new benchmark for the entire automotive industry.”

Her sentiments were echoed by Mercedes’ Chief Technology Officer, Markus Schäfer, who stated “Developing an automotive-scale solid-state battery underlines our commitment to innovation and sustainability.”