Tesla didn’t have the best financial year in 2024, but during an earnings call today, it painted a rosier picture for 2025. The company promises to roll out more affordable EVs in the first half of the year while making major strides in its self-driving tech. It also highlighted a new milestone, as for the first time ever, Tesla has reduced the average cost of building its vehicles to below $35,000.

The numbers, however, tell a less celebratory story. For the first time in over a decade, Tesla’s global sales dipped in 2024, and that decline was reflected in its earnings. The company posted $25.707 billion in revenue for Q4, well down on Wall Street expectations of $27.2 billion. Furthermore, Q4 net income dropped 71 percent to $2.3 billion.

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

Overall, Tesla’s profits took a hit in 2024, with net income dropping to $8.4 billion, marking a 23% drop from 2023 and an even steeper 40% decline from its record $14.1 billion profit in 2022. Still, total revenue for 2024 managed a slight uptick, reaching $97.7 billion, a modest 1% increase over the previous year’s record.

More Affordable Teslas

The bigger news, though, is what Tesla has planned for 2025. In the first half of the year, it’s set to launch “more affordable” models. Precise details about these models haven’t been confirmed, although Tesla has been talking about them for quite some time.

Speculation had been rife over the past year that these models could be stripped-down versions of the Model 3 and Model Y, but that doesn’t appear to be the case from Tesla’s wording. According to the carmaker, “these vehicles will utilize aspects of the next generation platform as well as aspects of our current platforms and will be produced on the same manufacturing lines as our current vehicle line-up.”

This leaves open the possibility of these base models potentially taking the form of the recently rumored Model Q. Again, this hasn’t been confirmed, but pricing can be expected to start around the $30,000 mark, making them more affordable than the Model 3 and Model Y.

Interestingly, Tesla said the approach of using parts of its next-gen platform and current platforms at existing production lines, “will result in achieving less cost reduction than previously expected,” but will allow the company to grow “vehicle volumes in a more capex [capital expenditure] efficient manner during uncertain times.”

Tesla’s Self-Driving Plans For 2025

There were some other titbits revealed during the earnings call. For starters, Elon Musk said that starting in June, Tesla will begin operating a paid, unsupervised Full-Self Driving service in Austin, Texas. He didn’t say if vehicles used in this service will be owned by customers operated by Tesla directly, nor did he divulge any details about pricing.

Musk is hopeful Tesla will be able to expand this service to other US cities towards the end of the year, but said it needs to prove the system’s safety in Texas first and show regulators that its vehicles are safer in autonomous mode than not.

Elon Musk also claims Tesla has received interest from several car manufacturers about licensing its FSD system. In typical Musk fashion, however, he provided no other details.

Porsche has set a new Guinness World Record for the longest continuous vehicle drift on ice by an EV, using a Taycan GTS as its weapon of choice. For 46 minutes, Porsche Experience instructor Jens Richter completed 132 laps of an ice track, covering 10.87 miles (17.503 km) in a seemingly never-ending powerslide that we can only dream of having the skills to replicate.

The record was set at the Porsche Arctic Center in Levin, Finland, and the Taycan GTS was equipped with Michelin winter tires with one-millimeter spikes. While a new Guinness record was achieved, it didn’t come easy. Richter had to abandon his first attempt after drifting for roughly 6.8 miles (11 km) because the ice track had started to deteriorate.

Read: Porsche Taycan Cross Turismos Set Guinness Record For Greatest Altitude Change In An EV

However, as darkness began to fall, the temperatures dropped, ensuring the track could withstand the rigors of a heavy EV sliding across the surface for 46 minutes straight. The previous record of 9.2 miles (14.809 km) was smashed.

“With our new Guinness World Records title on ice, the Taycan has once again proven its sideways driving qualities,” Richter said after the stunt. “And this time even with all-wheel drive. The fact that the Taycan GTS can be controlled so well even under extreme conditions speaks volumes for its excellent chassis and balanced performance.”

Other Drifting Records

For as impressive as the new record is, it’s far from the longest drift ever performed, nor is it even the longest drift recorded by a Porsche Taycan. In late 2020, a Porsche Experience instructor in Germany drifted a rear-wheel drive Taycan around a paved circuit for 26.2 miles (42.171 km), setting an outright Guinness record for the longest EV drift. However, not even that comes close to the outright drifting record.

In 2017, a BMW M5 drifted around a skid plan for more than eight hours straight, covering a distance of 232.5 miles (374 km). That feat was made all the more impressive because the car had to be refueled mid-drift by another M5, just like how a fighter jet is refueled in mid-air. An EV won’t threaten that record anytime soon though, unless charging technology improves significantly, allowing for ultra-quick charging in the future.

A month after Lucid announced pricing for its Gravity SUV and started production of its second EV, the brand has revealed more details about its trick powertrain and class-leading charging technology. They’ve also confirmed that from January 31, it will be fully supported by the Tesla Supercharger network across the United States and Canada without any charging adapter needed.

Underpinning the Gravity is a 926-volt architecture that allows it to charge at up to 400 kW while plugged into a suitable DC fast charger, if you can find one. Nonetheless, the new Lucid SUV can still charge at up to 225 kW when plugged into a Tesla V3 Supercharger. At peak charging speeds, Lucid says the Gravity can add 200 miles (320 km) of range in less than 12 minutes.

Read: Lucid Starts Gravity SUV Production With 800 HP, 440 Mile Range, And $95,000 Price

All Gravity models feature a 123 kWh battery pack that uses cells co-developed by Lucid and Panasonic. Despite the sheer size of the thing, it has an EPA-estimated range of 450 miles (724 km) thanks in part to the low 0.24 drag coefficient. The innovative powertrain also supports bi-directional charging at up to 19.2 kW through the NACS charge port, enough for the Gravity to charge another EV.

Ticking The Boxes

“Lucid Gravity is the first SUV that truly compromises nothing,” Lucid chief executive Peter Rawlinson said in a statement. “It reimagines what an SUV can be, offering an unprecedented combination of comfort and space, ride and handling, practicality and range, and with today’s announcements, exceptional charging performance and convenience. With seating for up to seven full-size adults and space for their luggage, the Lucid Gravity truly is the ultimate vehicle for the whole family.”

The Grand Touring is the first version of the seven-seater to hit the market. It features a pair of electric motors that combine to produce 828 hp and is fitted with 20-inch front and 21-inch rear wheels as standard. However, 21- and 22-inch, and 22- and 23-inch staggered setups are also offered. The Gravity can tow up to 6,000 lbs (2,722 kg), perhaps making it the ultimate, seven-seat luxury EV.

The next-generation BMW X5 won’t just spawn new ICE models and an all-electric iX5, but also a hydrogen-powered model according to a new report, which says it’s set to launch in 2028. Hot on the heels of a hugely successful 2024 that saw BMW top the US luxury segment, the new X5 family may help to boost the brand’s sales even higher.

We’ve known about the new X5 and iX5 models for quite some time. In July 2024, several prototypes were spied testing under thick camouflage, previewing their new Neue Klasse-inspired design. However, unlike the smaller iX3 which will use the Neue Klasse platform, the X5 range is expected to be based on an upgraded version of BMW’s existing Cluster Architecture (CLAR).

Read: BMW To Launch A Hydrogen Car In 2028 With Toyota’s Help

According to a report from Autocar, the existing platform was chosen because of the necessity of combustion-powered X5 models, and the Neue Klasse platform has been developed predominantly for EVs. However, this isn’t to say the iX5 will be behind the iX3 on the technology front. It’ll still use BMW’s sixth-generation motors, an 800-volt electrical architecture, and round battery cells boasting improved energy density.

For customers who aren’t interested in an X5 with a traditional ICE or as an EV, there will be a hydrogen-powered version. It will use a powertrain developed alongside Toyota, and while limited details are known, it’ll most certainly boast many improvements over the iX5 Hydrogen prototype from a couple of years ago. That vehicle boasted a front-mounted fuel-cell stack, and two hydrogen tanks, making a respectable 396 hp.

On the more affordable corner of the new X5 range, you’ll find 48-volt mild-hybrid versions with 3.0-liter turbocharged straight-six petrol and diesel engines. At launch, the X5 M60 will sit on top of the ICE range, rocking a turbo 3.0-liter straight-six plug-in hybrid in Europe, but the US will likely get a twin-turbo 4.4-liter V8. A high-performance iX5 M Performance with more than 600 hp is also on the cards.

US Sales Jump

Last year, BMW’s US sales jumped 2.5% to 371,346, thanks in part to a 12% growth in demand for its EVs. While speaking with Auto News after the recent National Automobile Dealers Association’s convention in New Orleans, BMW of North America chief executive Sebastian Mackensen expressed hope for this year.

“We’re going very optimistically into ’25 and think it will be a great year for BMW in the US,” Mackensen said. He added that BMW is well-positioned to meet shifting customer preferences. “If they want a BMW which drives with an electric drivetrain, we have great options. If they want a BMW which has a combustion engine, we have great options as well” he told the publication.

Just days after it was confirmed that BMW, Geely, SAIC, and BYD, were suing the European Union, it’s been revealed that Tesla is doing the same. The action was taken by Tesla’s subsidiary in China and comes in response to EU tariffs placed against electric vehicles built in China and exported to Europe.

In the filing made with The European Court of Justice, Tesla did not provide details about its argument against the tariffs. What we do know is that the case will be heard by the second-highest court in the EU, the General Court, in a process that could take roughly 18 months.

Read: BMW Teams Up With Chinese EV Makers To Fight EU Tariffs In Court

Tesla is one of many car manufacturers impacted by the European Union’s tariffs against Chinese-made EVs. However, the tariffs levied against it are significantly smaller than those of its rivals. Following an investigation that stretched on for over a year, the EU found that Chinese brands had benefited from government subsidies, giving them a competitive advantage and allowing them to sell EVs cheaper than many Western carmakers.

Tesla was hit with an additional tariff of 7.8% in October last year following the probe, in addition to the pre-existing 10% levy. By comparison, BYD was hit with a 17% tariff hike, Geely got 18.8%, and SAIC received a hefty 35.3%. The EU found that Tesla had received the smallest amount of Chinese government support, hence why its tariff is smaller.

Although Tesla is an American company, it builds Model 3s in Shanghai and exports them to Europe. According to The Financial Times, Tesla accounted for approximately 28% of all Chinese-made EVs imported to the EU in 2023.

Olof Gill, a spokesperson from the European Commission responded to Tesla’s filing, saying, “We’re prepared to defend our case in court as necessary.”

The classic rickshaw, or tuk-tuk, could get a serious reinvention thanks to Hyundai. Last week, the car manufacturer announced a partnership with TVS Motor Company in India and unveiled concept versions of its new three-wheeler and micro four-wheelers. These vehicles preview models aimed at tackling India’s huge last-mile mobility market. They haven’t been confirmed for production yet, but could hit the streets in the future.

Perhaps the most interesting of the new EVs is the aptly named Electric Three-Wheeler Concept. It has a familiar footprint to classic rickshaws but adopts a retro-modern design, making it look unlike anything else on the market. According to Hyundai, the height of the body is adjustable, meaning that not even monsoons and flooded roads would be able to hold it back.

Read: Hyundai Creta Electric Debuts With 294-Mile Range

The front end of the concept includes a diagonal windshield, small LED headlights, and a configurable screen that can be customized to display different messages. It comes standard with larger wheels than a typical rickshaw, includes a towing hook, and promises a comfortable seating position for the driver. The three-wheeler also rocks a small cluster and a phone holder.

Intriguing features don’t stop there. Hyundai is investigating the use of a heat-reducing black paint for the roof. It’s also working on water-resistant materials to cover interior surfaces, ensuring the electric tuk-tuk would be comfortable in all conditions.

Hyundai’s four-door, four-wheeled concept maintains many of the same features as its smaller sibling but adds an extra front seat. The brand is looking to build the three-wheeler in partnership with TVS in India, while the four-wheeler is still under review but could be focused on global markets if approved. No technical details about the powertrains of the two vehicles have been announced.

“Hyundai Motor is a customer-centric brand, and caring for people in India is our first mission,” executive vice president and head of Hyundai and Genesis Global Design, SangYup Lee, said. “This commitment has driven us to explore designing micro-mobility solutions tailored to India’s unique environment, reimagining the iconic three-wheeler to enhance mobility experiences through thoughtful design.”

More than 80,000 Kia Niro models are being recalled in the United States because of vulnerable wires that could be damaged, impacting how the airbags deploy and the operation of the seatbelt pretensioner. For a brand as well versed as Kia at making solid cars, the issue does seem like a bizarre oversight.

According to the recall, the floor wiring assembly under the front passenger seat could be damaged if the seat is repeatedly slid backward and forward. If these wires are damaged, they could prevent the airbags or seatbelt pretensioner from working during a crash, lead to an inability to suppress the passenger front airbag if a child or small occupant is seated, or to the inadvertent deployment of the passenger side airbag even if the vehicle isn’t involved in a crash.

Review: 2024 Kia Niro EV GT-Line Is Expensive But Extremely Efficient

A total of 80,225 vehicles are impacted. These include 2023-2025 Kia Niro EV models assembled from August 10, 2022 to December 13, 2024, 2023-2025 Niro Hybrids built from June 21, 2022 to December 17, 2024, and 2023-2025 Niro Plug-In Hybrid models built from July 11, 2022, to December 16, 2024.

Kia became aware of the issue in November 2024 after a field report describing damage to the passenger floor wiring assembly which had triggered an airbag warning light. The carmaker quickly discovered the wiring was vulnerable to damage due to variances in the routing of the wiring. Niro models with electronically adjustable seats are not impacted. Kia has not received any reports of accidents or injuries, but is aware of 4 warranty claims.

Owners of impacted Kia Niro models will be alerted to the recall by first class mail from March 14. Dealers have been instructed to inspect the floor wiring assembly and replace it if necessary. They will also need to reroute the floor wiring assembly and install extra protective coverings to prevent any future damage.

The world has yet to see the results of the Rivian and VW partnership and already, other OEMs are reportedly interested in using the next-generation architecture. This news comes shortly after VW revealed it may also work with Rivian to share modules and bundle purchasing volumes.

While Rivian is one of the few electric startups to have developed, produced, and sold EVs, it remains unprofitable and desperately in need of a new cash injection. VW is investing $5.8 billion into the joint venture to use Rivian’s software technology across its future models, and others may follow suit, according to Rivian chief software officer Wassym Bensaid.

Read: VW Boss Wants To Deepen Ties With Rivian

“Obviously other OEMs are talking to us and we’re trying to figure out how to support that in the future,” he told Reuters. “Any other OEM who wants to make a leap from a technology standpoint, the joint venture today becomes one of the key partners with whom they can make that collaboration. I’d say that many other OEMs are knocking on our door.”

The New Standard?

According to analysts from Canaccord Genuity, the joint venture’s electrical system has the potential to become the platform of choice for Western car manufacturers – excluding Tesla. While Bensaid didn’t specify which OEMs have expressed interest in the platform, Rivian could conceivably sell or license its system to other brands, helping rivals reduce costs needed to develop in-house solutions while also serving as a valuable money-maker.

The new architecture will be much less complex than those VW currently uses. For example, whereas current VW models rock as many as 100 control units, Rivian’s setup will consolidate this to just seven control units. These will integrate semiconductors, sensors, and cabling, handling things like the infotainment systems to advanced driver assistance features. Among the first VW Group products to use the system will be Porsche’s new flagship SUV and the next-generation VW Golf.

The Tesla Model S Plaid offers extraordinary performance for the money. Sure, the $94,990 starting price puts it out of reach for many, but no other production car on the planet can accelerate as quickly as a Plaid for the money. However, perhaps one of the disappointing aspects of the flagship Model S is that it doesn’t look all the different from the standard model. That’s where Unplugged Performance comes in.

The Californian firm has become the go-to shop for modded Teslas in recent years, and it just unveiled its latest Model S Plaid build, this time for the world’s most famous podcaster, Joe Rogan. The comedian and podcast host has owned a Model S Plaid for several years, but recently, he decided the regular car was no longer quite doing it for him. Unplugged’s creation is known as the S-Apex.

Read: Joe Rogan’s 1969 Camaro Restomod Has An 860 HP Supercharged LSA V8

Immediately differentiating this Model S Plaid from a regular one is the bodykit. It’s a 19-piece kit made from prepreg carbon fiber that includes flared rear wheel arches, adding 80 mm (3.1 inches) to the width of the EV. The kit also includes carbon fiber fins behind the front wheels, a dramatic carbon diffuser, and a carbon rear lip spoiler. Rogan’s Model S Plaid has also been resprayed in a gorgeous shade of Pearl White with hints of blue and covered in paint protection film.

Unplugged has also installed a set of forged monoblock wheels measuring 21×10 at the front and 21×11.5-inch at the rear, wrapped in 285/30 and 305/30 Michelin Pilot Sport 4S tires. Beefed-up brakes with carbon ceramic discs have also been added – a welcome upgrade given the standard Plaid brakes aren’t exactly up for the task of slowing down this 1,020 hp electric beast. Forged billet suspension arms have also been installed.

Rogan also ordered a custom interior for his Tesla. Created in partnership with von Holzhausen, it’s clad in gorgeous white leather with several black Alcantara inserts.

Unplugged Performance

Last year, Tesla recalled more vehicles in the United States than any other carmaker, and while the vast majority were fixed with over-the-air updates, it’s probably an undesirable title the brand wishes it didn’t receive. Things haven’t gotten off to a great start in 2025, and shortly after Tesla had to recall 240,000 models in the US, regulators in China said that 1.2 million Tesla models now need repairs through two separate recalls.

The most significant recall impacts 871,087 Model 3 and Model Y vehicles built and sold in China. These EVs were assembled from January 3, 2022, to September 23, 2023, and are equipped with an electronic power steering system that may not provide enough steering assistance. A statement from China’s State Administration for Market Regulation (SAMR) says this could cause the electronic power steering to malfunction.

Read: Tesla Starts 2025 With Recall For 240,000 EVs, Some May Need New Computers

If there’s a slither of good news in this recall for Tesla, it’s the fact the issue can be resolved with a simple software update.

The second recall involves 335,716 vehicles and relates to a fault with the rearview camera. It’s the same issue that recently prompted a recall of almost 240,000 Tesla models in the US. Tesla says that when one of its EVs is powered up, a reverse current can cause a shorting failure on the car computer board, causing the rearview camera to malfunction. In China, the recall involves imported Model S and Model Xs, as well as locally-built Model 3s and Model Ys built between July 16, 2023, and December 14, 2024.

Most Teslas in this recall can be fixed by upgrading to software version 2024.44.25.3, but some will need to have a new computer installed at no cost at a Tesla service center.

Last year, global sales of EVs and PHEVs soared to new heights, exceeding 17 million units for the first time. This represented a massive 25.6% increase over the previous year. However, a new study suggests that for the vast majority of car buyers in major markets around the world, very few buyers are interested in buying an EV or a PHEV as their next vehicle. Things may not be as they seem, though – but more on that later.

The study comes from Deloitte, a juggernaut of the advisory and consulting industry. It quizzed respondents about what kind of powertrain they’d prefer for their next vehicle. While the results varied between markets, gasoline and diesel-powered ICE models were by far the most popular. In most markets other than China, EVs and PHEVs were low on shopping lists.

First, The Results

In the United States, just 5% of people said they’re looking for an EV as their next vehicle, while 6% said the powertrain preference is a PHEV. By comparison, 62% of respondents said their preference is an ICE model while 20% may choose a regular hybrid. The results were similar in other markets. Across South East Asia, 53% would prefer an ICE, followed by 17% considering a hybrid, 13% pondering a PHEV, and 11% thinking about an EV.

Read: EV And PHEV Sales Surged 26% Globally In 2024, But The Party’s Over In Europe

In Germany, the same 53% of respondents want an ICE as their next vehicle, compared to just 9% for PHEVs and 14% for EVs. Things were different in China, where 38% said their preference is an ICE, followed by 16% in favor of a hybrid, 17% considering a PHEV, and a significant 27% leaning towards an EV.

Numbers Don’t Lie – But Do They Tell The Whole Truth?

While these results may be surprising, given the highly increased demand for EVs in 2024, as mentioned in the title, there’s a huge caveat as far as this study is concerned: the sample size was very, very small. In the US, just 937 people were quizzed about their powertrain preference and in China, only 939 people responded to the question. As such, it’s hard to make a sweeping declaration about just how many people do or don’t want an EV or PHEV as their next vehicle.

That said, the study did reveal some intriguing tidbits. For instance, brand loyalty appears to be on the decline. In the US, 54% of vehicle owners plan to switch to another brand for their next car. This figure is even more dramatic in China, where a whopping 76% are ready to jump ship. Globally, Deloitte notes that brand defection is on the rise, signaling a shift in consumer priorities.

The study also touched on the often polarizing topic of autonomous vehicles, and it seems skepticism is still alive and well. In the US, 52% of respondents expressed concerns about robotaxi services operating in their neighborhoods, while 64% were uneasy about autonomous commercial vehicles cruising down highways. Despite all the buzz surrounding self-driving tech, it’s clear that many consumers aren’t ready to hand over the wheel just yet.

Like many automakers, Honda is diving into the the world of electric vehicles. But unlike some, Honda seems determined to ensure its future EVs still pack enough excitement to get your heart racing. This could eventually lead to an all-electric Type R. Does that prospect excite you, or does the idea of a Type R EV make you cringe?

Toshihiro Mibe, head of Honda’s BEV Development Center, admits that crafting an electric vehicle that captures the spirit of a Type R is no easy task. But Honda appears ready to tackle the challenge head-on.

Read: Honda’s 0 Saloon EV Looks Like A Lambo Gallardo Sedan From The Future

A New Type of Thrill?

“A battery and motor have different characteristics so we can’t come up with something exactly the same as before,” he told Auto Express at the unveiling of the new 0 Series EV prototypes in Las Vegas. “As an EV, how can we provide the joy of driving? We haven’t given up of course, but it’s not just about power, it’s about the sound, vibration, acceleration and the human experience. These are the joys of driving.” 

Honda will continue to sell the current FL5-generation Civic Type R for quite some time, but its long-term future is a little unclear. Honda will likely launch a 12th-gen Civic before the end of this decade and, given its history, we expect to be a high demand for a hotted-up Type R version. As it’s to early for the company to speak in detail about its future plans, we wouldn’t be surprised if it morphs into a hybrid, but there’s always the chance that it will cling on to an internal combustion engine alone.

If Honda needs to look for inspiration about how it can make the Type R nameplate relevant in the EV era, it’d be wise to look at Hyundai’s N division. While N also made its start with fiery hot hatches, it unveiled the all-electric Ioniq 5 N back in 2023 and proved to the world it’s possible to build an EV that’s fun to drive and largely mimics the thrills of an ICE alternative.

Review: What’s It Like Living With The Hyundai Ioniq 5 N?

As part of its 0 Series, Honda plans to launch seven EVs in the coming years. Could one of them bear the Type R badge? Or would it be better to let the iconic name retire gracefully along with the era of roaring combustion engines?

Note: The lead photo is a rendering by John Halas for Carscoops

By the end of this year, Rivian plans to roll out a hands-free autonomous driving system in its vehicles, with an even more advanced eyes-off system following in 2026. If it pulls this off, the company will join a growing list of automakers offering systems that aim to ease the burden on drivers—assuming, of course, they don’t hit too many roadblocks along the way.

While speaking at a press roundtable in San Francisco, Rivian CEO RJ Scaringe emphasized that Level 2 and Level 3 systems will provide significant value for customers. The brand’s current Rivian Autonomy Program offers semi-autonomous features, including radar cruise control and automatic lane centering, but it still falls short of Ford’s hands-free BlueCruise and Tesla’s Autopilot and Full Self-Driving systems.

Read: Rivian Offers Up To $6,000 Off If You Request A Trade-In Estimate

“We think there’s an enormous amount of value to customers, to having a robust first level two, but importantly, level three in very specific domains,” Scaringe said during the event, according to InsideEVs. “Imagine a world where you leave your house, you’re still in the vehicle, but you get to the highway, and you have all of your time…. You don’t have to be looking at the road. You don’t have to be grabbing the wheels to say, ‘I’m still here.’ The vehicle [will be] capable of doing that.”

Systems could be added to the upcoming R2 and R3 series

Scaringe added that Rivian is “highly focused on” launching the hands-free driving array in 2025 before following it up with an eyes-off, Level 3 system in 2026. Mercedes-Benz is the only car manufacturer currently offering an approved Level 3 system in some states in the USA, known as Drive Pilot. While it’s a highly effective system, the driver must be ready to take control at all times.

Rivian’s current R1T and R1S models use 11 cameras, five radar sensors, and 12 ultrasonic sensors to enable the various driver assistance functions. It’s possibly that only the recently-updated 2025 R1T and R1S models will get the new Level 2 and Level 3 systems rather than the company’s previous EVs. Other future models, like the smaller R2 and R3, could also launch with these trick self-driving systems.

Not too long ago, the Tesla Cybertruck was the must-have toy for America’s tech-obsessed wealthy, the kind of vehicle that promised to revolutionize trucks as we knew them Flash forward to early 2025, and one has been left abandoned in a Los Angeles parking lot, looking less like the future of automotive design and more like a forgotten relic of yesterday’s hype.

This particular Cybertruck appears to have been left in an LA parking lot sometime in the second week of January, where it’s clearly been sitting for several days. It seems like Tesla’s darling didn’t just lose its shine; it also got badly burned—literally. The truck has suffered significant fire damage, and almost every inch of it has since been vandalized with graffiti.

Read: Seattle’s Viral Tesla Cybertruck Heads To Auction After Months Of Internet Fame

While Cybertruck fans will probably hate seeing one in this state, I’d argue this wrecked example looks somehow better than a stock one. It almost resembles like an obscure piece of art, resting in an urban grave surrounded by high-rises, as if to represent the failures of modern-day life and capitalism. Or, perhaps we’re just reading a little too much into it…

Regardless, the damage done to the Tesla is extensive. It appears the initial fire started around the dashboard before spreading across much of the truck’s driver-side front corner. The frunk appears to have been cut open (probably by firefighters doing their thing), a tire has exploded, and part of the plastic aero disc has melted. There’s no word on whether the truck spontaneously combusted or perhaps if it was the victim of an arson attack.

It hasn’t taken long for local vandals to start tagging the truck with text like ‘Aso’ and ‘Beler.’ We have no idea what they mean – but in any case, it’s a sad thing to see a car, even one as divisive as the Cybertruck, in such a sorry state.

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A post shared by Miguel Osuna (@mi6uel_osuna)

Genesis isn’t content with simply building luxury models for the Hyundai Motor Group and has released some fabulous one-offs and concept cars in recent years. Soon after it unveiled a special GV80 off-roader at the Dakar Rally, it’s gone from sand to snow after revealing the GV60 Mountain Intervention Vehicle Concept.

Introduced at the World Economic Forum in Davos, Switzerland, this wild creation is based on the road-going GV60. It’s been equipped with huge snow tracks instead of wheels and while the brand hasn’t detailed the full extent of the mechanical modifications made to the EV, it’s safe to say some significant changes had to be made to the suspension to support these tracks.

Read: 2026 Genesis GV60 Magma Debuts This Fall With Over 640 HP

The upgrades made to the GV60’s body make it look fitting of a starring role in the next James Bond film. Just imagine, the British spy driving this thing through the snow, desperately fleeing from his enemies. These include carbon fiber fender flares and the fitment of skid plates at the front and rear. Genesis has also added new driving lamps to the front grille and a light bar on a custom roof rack.

The cabin of this crossover is also quite special. It’s been fitted with new sport seats and carries all the necessary medical supplies and communication systems needed for mountain rescues.

While using an EV in freezing conditions far away from any serious charging infrastructure may not seem like the best idea, the GV60’s vehicle-to-load system could be useful, allowing it to power auxiliary devices.

Last year, Genesis unveiled another special concept for the World Economic Forum. It was dubbed the X Snow Speedium Concept and built on the standard X Speedium Concept shown previously, adding a lovely shade of white and a roof rack to carry skis.

Obviously, the new GV60 Mountain Intervention Vehicle Concept will not spawn a production model, but it’s interesting to see how far Genesis can take the electric crossover.

Cracking into the trucking business is no easy feat, just ask Nikola. Not only was its founder and former CEO Trevor Milton convicted of fraud in 2022 and sentenced to four years in prison, but the company has so far failed to make a positive name for itself – despite spending years developing some interesting electric trucks. Now, it’s being reported that parts or all of Nikola could be sold.

Unnamed sources toll Bloomberg that Nikola is in financial trouble and needs a savior. While a final decision has yet to be made by management, it’s possible the company could be sold, or it may need to bring on new partners. It’s also possible it could be forced to raise new funds.

More: Canoo Goes Bust With Less Than $50,000 Left And Millions In Debt

Nikola shares have lost roughly 95% of their value over the past 12 months, and the firm desperately needs to turn things around. Current chief executive Steve Girsky is said to be leading the effort to save it from the cash crunch. In October, Nikola said it only had enough cash to fund its obligations through the first quarter of 2025. At the same time, Girsky noted that Nikola was “actively talking to lots of potential different partners who value what we do and value what we’ve built,” Bloomberg reports.

“Despite external headwinds in the EV sector, we have been relentlessly working to raise capital, reduce our liabilities, preserve cash and provide excellent service for our customers,” the company added in a recent statement.

Read: Sparks Fly After Disgraced Founder Picks ‘Diesel Brothers’ Star For Nikola Board

Since Milton was axed by the company he created, the company has continued to produce its battery-electric and hydrogen-electric (FCEV) trucks. It’s been led by Girsky since August 2023 and has had to make several recalls over the past couple of years. In July 2023, it was revealed one of Nikola’s trucks reignited roughly a month after previously being damaged during a fire at a parking lot in its Arizona headquarters.

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

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.

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.