Reading view

There are new articles available, click to refresh the page.

Genesis Is Perfecting The GV60 Magma, Benchmarks It Against Hyundai Ioniq 5 N And Porsche Taycan

  • A host of visual updates will make the crossover stand out from the regular GV60.
  • It’s unclear if Genesis will use the same fake gear shifts as the Ioniq 5 N and EV6 GT.
  • If the Magma combines the premium character of Genesis with the fun of the 5 N, it could be brilliant.

No longer satisfied with being the luxury brand within the Hyundai Motor Group, Genesis is venturing into the world of motorsport and working on several high-performance models through its new Magma sub-brand. The first of these models will be the GV60 Magma and it’s just been filmed on the move during winter testing in Europe.

The pressure is on Genesis to ensure the GV60 Magma is exceptional. As you probably already know, the GV60 shares its underpinnings with both the Kia EV6 and Hyundai Ioniq 5, and both of these have received high-performance versions in the form of the EV6 GT and Ioniq 5 N. Fittingly, Genesis has brought along an Ioniq 5 N for this latest round of testing with the GV60 Magma, benchmarking it against Hyundai’s lauded EV.

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

Much like the Ioniq 5 N, the GV60 Magma should use the latest 84 kWh battery pack introduced by the Hyundai and since added to the Kia EV6 range. It should also use the same upgraded front and rear electric motors as the Ioniq 5 N. Power details have yet to be confirmed, but the Hyundai delivers a peak of 641 hp, while the facelifted EV6 GT offers up 645 hp. The GV60 Magma should at least match them.

Performance should be extraordinary. The Ioniq 5 N needs just 3.4 seconds to run to 62 mph (100 km/h), and the Genesis should be around the same. Then there’s the matter of synthetic gear shifts. Will the GV60 Magma get them or not? This system was first launched in the Hyundai and received praise from driving enthusiasts around the world. It was then added to the updated EV6 GT late last year. We suspect the Genesis will have the same system, too, adding some extra driving involvement into the EV experience.

It’s not just the Hyundai that Genesis is testing its new flagship EV against. This clip also shows that a Porsche Taycan joined the Magma, alongside a second prototype that looks suspiciously like the soon to be unveiled Hyundai Ioniq 6 N.

Screenshot via CarSpyMedia

\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\

Images: Baldauf

Stellantis Halts New Jeep Compass Production Plans In Canada, Still Launching In Europe In 2025

  • The STLA Medium platform will support the next-generation Compass, offering powertrain flexibility.
  • Despite pausing work in Brampton, Stellantis will push ahead with building the new Compass in Italy.
  • Unifor warns that uncertainty in the North American auto industry poses risks to Canadian jobs.

Stellantis has unexpectedly hit the brakes on activities at the Brampton Assembly Plan in Canada, catching many by surprise. The facility was set to become the production hub for the next-generation Jeep Compass, but the model’s North American launch could now be delayed as Stellantis reevaluates its strategy.

Plans for the new Compass were already in motion. The compact crossover is designed to be underpinned by the STLA Medium platform, allowing Jeep the flexibility to offer it in both ICE and BEV guises. Pilot production was originally slated to begin on January 20 but was pushed back to May last year. Full-scale manufacturing was then scheduled for February 2026.

Read: 2026 Jeep Compass To First Hit Production Line In Italy

However, Stellantis spokesperson Lou Ann Gosselin confirmed to Carscoops that work on the new Compass in Canada is now on hold. All activities at the Brampton plant, including the retooling that began after production ended for the Chrysler 300, Dodge Charger, and Dodge Challenger, have been paused.

“As we navigate today’s dynamic environment, Stellantis continues to reassess its product strategy in North America to ensure it is offering customers a range of vehicles with flexible powertrain options to best meet their needs,” the spokesperson told us “As a result, the Company is temporarily pausing work on the next generation Jeep Compass, including activities at the Brampton Assembly Plant. This does not change our previously announced investment plans for Brampton.”

 Stellantis Halts New Jeep Compass Production Plans In Canada, Still Launching In Europe In 2025
Brampton Assembly Plant

An unnamed source has told Auto News that Stellantis could be reevaluating whether it should launch a battery-electric version of the new Jeep Compass in North America. It could decide what to do with the new model in March, and the Compass may have a delay of eight to twelve months.

No Changes to the European Launch

Crucially, the halt at Brampton won’t impact Stellantis’s plan to start production of the new Compass at its Italian plant. “The next generation Jeep Compass, the brand’s most globally available model, will debut in Europe with production beginning in Melfi (Italy) this year,” Gosselin told us.

Union Worries

Unifor, the union representing workers at the Brampton site, has expressed its concerns about the temporary pause at the facility.

“The company has reassured the union that vehicle production plans are still in place for Brampton, although the timing of this announcement raises very serious concerns for Unifor members both in the plant doing the retooling work and those on layoff,” it said. “The chaos and uncertainty plaguing the North American auto industry, which is under the constant threat of tariffs and a dismantling of EV regulations from the United States, are having real-time impacts on workers and corporate decisions. We have been saying this as a union from day one that the threats are also dangerous to our economy and to Canadian jobs.”

 Stellantis Halts New Jeep Compass Production Plans In Canada, Still Launching In Europe In 2025

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

  • President Donald Trump has several federal loans in his crosshairs as he cuts expenses.
  • The planned Rivian factory will have the ability to produce up to 400,000 EVs each year.
  • Rivian plans to start production at the nine-million-square-foot site in 2028.

In the final few days of the Biden administration, the government approved a huge loan of $6.6 billion to EV startup Rivian for the construction of its long-planned manufacturing plant in Georgia. However, as President Donald Trump continues to slash federal expenditures, the viability of the loan is under threat.

Rivian has big plans in Georgia. Its planned production facility will spawn roughly nine million square feet and have a capacity of up to 400,000 electric crossovers and SUVs every year. It will also employ up to 2,000 people during construction and as many as 7,500 when operational. However, during a recent interview, Georgia Governor Brian Kemp admitted he’s not sure about the future of the federal loan.

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

“You know, they secured that loan at the tail end of the Biden administration and, you know, I think there’s no secret that the Trump administration is taking a look at all those things,” Kemp told WSB-TV 2. “So I don’t really know where that stands right now.”

Rivian plans to start drawing on the loan next year and remains confident the money will still be available for it. “We’re working hard to onshore US manufacturing, providing thousands of American jobs here in Georgia,” the firm said. If the loan is pulled, it “threatens chaos,” according to Georgia Democratic Senator Jon Ossoff.

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

Despite concerns, Kemp added the state still wants to help Rivian with the plant and will ensure that taxpayers are protected. “We got parameters in, and whether it’s the incentives, the side itself to protect taxpayers regardless of what happens with that side,” he said. “Rivian keeps telling us they’re coming and, you know, we’re taking them for their word at that.”

Rivian has already started hiring for the site and wants to start production in 2028. The factory will handle manufacturing of the R2 and R3 models, a pair of more affordable EVs that could be the make or break for the brand, which continues to lose money on every R1S and R1T it sells.

\

TikTokers Are Hunting Cybertrucks With Anti-Musk Messages

  • TikTok protestors are targeting Cybertrucks with messages aimed directly at Elon Musk.
  • The messages include clippings of Musk’s controversial hand gesture at Trump’s inauguration.
  • Many users are also critical of the CEO’s stance on diversity, equity, and inclusion initiatives.

From the moment Elon Musk started to dip his toes into politics and public affairs, there’s been a growing trend of anti-Tesla sentiment among those who oppose him and his views. Of course, there are also plenty who support him, and many of them are quite vocal, but a recent study out of the UK indicated that some shoppers are being turned away by his antics.

At the same time Musk has courted a growing amount of controversy, some are also growing tired of the much-hyped Tesla Cybertruck. Bring a distaste for Musk and the Cybertruck together and you get the Cybertruck Hunters, a TikTok page doing their best to poke the bear that is the world’s richest man.

Read: Activists Project ‘Heil Tesla’ Onto Musk’s Own German Gigafactory

The TikTok page in question was only started a few days ago, but its mission is clear: the TikTokers drive around at night looking for Cybertrucks to target. When they find one, they pull up behind it and shine a projector onto the EV’s stainless steel tailgate.

They then proceed to display images and statements critical of Musk and the Cybertruck. It’s pretty clever and is similar to what recent Tesla protestors did in Germany, projecting Musk’s infamous Nazi-esque salute on the carmaker’s German factory.

@cybertruck_hunters

♬ original sound – cybertruck hunters

Musk Hate

All kinds of different messages are being displayed on the back of Cybertrucks. One reads, ‘I wonder if everyone who’s passing me think I am a Nazi?,’ before cutting to a clip of Musk making his controversial hand gesture at President Trump’s inauguration. It then reads, ‘Or do they think I am just an arrogant prick?’

Another message reads ‘Tesla Cybertruck, The Most Recalled Truck In 2024.’ Others are even more critical, with one showing an image of Musk and then stating ‘Figures the guy who made a truck shaped like a coffin… Gets pleasure out of killing 3.2 million Sudanese children.’ This appears to be in reference to Musk’s Starlink shutting its internet service in Sudan last year amid a huge humanitarian crisis.

@cybertruck_hunters

♬ Solitude (Felsmann + Tiley Reinterpretation) – M83 & Felsmann + Tiley

There are some more political messages being displayed too. One states that ‘Musk has called DEI ‘another word for racism’ and has criticized it as immoral and illegal, which might explain why he designed the Cybertruck for white pricks.’ One of the funnier messages says, ‘Don’t think of this as a truck… think of it as a small (explicit) enlarger.’

We’ve reached out to the TikTok account seeking additional information about their goals and what has triggered their disdain for Musk and the Cybertruck – although, judging from their context, the latter is probably clear…

@cybertruck_hunters

♬ this is Elon musk – العربي موراتا
@cybertruck_hunters

♬ original sound – Cindy Noir✨

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

  • The South Korean brand has yet to announce the technical specifications of the EV.
  • Several different configurations will be offered to suit different customer needs.
  • All PV5 models should offer Vehicle-to-Load and Vehicle-to-Grid features.

It’s been over a year since Kia unveiled its PV5 Concept at CES, and now, it has showcased the all-electric van in production guise before its global premiere on February 27. Like so many other new Kia models introduced in recent years, the road-going version looks almost identical to the striking concept that previewed it.

Both passenger and cargo versions of the PV5 will be built and sold by Kia. They have mostly similar designs, but there are some differences between them. Characterizing both models are bold front fascias with sharp LED daytime running lights flowing down from the base of the windshield. There is no traditional grille in sight and instead, a charging flap slap bang in the center of the PV5’s nose. The main headlamps are positioned on either side of this charging port.

Read: Kia PV5 EV Spotted In Minivan Form Ahead Of 2025 Debut

Kind of like the Hyundai Staria, the windows of both the passenger and cargo versions of the PV5 are absolutely huge, and should give the van’s cabin a very airy and spacious feeling. Chunky door handles not present on the original concept have been added to the production model. Obviously, the cargo model ditches the rear side windows and also adopts twin side-opening tailgate doors to allow for easy loading and unloading.

For as unconventional as the front of the Kia PV5 is, the rear is mostly typical of a normal van with vertical LED taillights and large doors.

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

Kia says that the PV5 will be sold in several different configurations and that additional versions, in addition to the passenger and cargo models, are in the works. There will also be specialized conversion options available, ensuring customers can spec out their PV5 to suit their specific needs.

Unfortunately, Kia has yet to showcase the finished cabin of the PV5, nor has it offered any details about the all-electric powertrain. We suspect it will be offered in single and dual-motor configurations and should offer Vehicle-to-Load and Vehicle-to-Grid compatibility. All versions will be underpinned by Kia’s Electric Complete Chassis Platform Module (e-CCPM) platform.

\\\\

China’s Zeekr Recalls 1 EV In America

  • The Chinese brand has announced three recalls for a single RT robotaxi shipped to the US.
  • Zeekr built 30 RT robotaxis in December and January, but most remain in China.
  • The RT is thought to be underpinned by an advanced 800-volt electrical architecture.

Zeekr doesn’t sell any of its electric vehicles in the United States and for as long as President Donald Trump remains in power, it’s unlikely it will anytime soon. However, Zeekr is behind the latest robotaxi being tested by Waymo in the US, and early this month, the Chinese company issued not one, not two, but three recalls for it on the same day.

The Waymo robotaxi is known as the RT, of which 30 examples were built in China between December 16, 2024, and January 8, 2025, with plans to bring them into the States. One of these models landed on US shores on January 27, 2025, but upon examination, it failed to meet several Federal Motor Vehicle Safety Standards.

Read: USA’s New Tariffs Could Hit Waymo’s Chinese-Built Robotaxis

The first recall relates to safety concerns about the inflatable curtain and passenger airbags. During front impact testing at 40 km/h (25 mph) on a 30-degree angle when occupants were unbelted, Zeekr found that the crash test dummy shifted towards the right A-pillar, and while the airbags stopped the dummy’s head, they failed to provide enough protection.

To resolve this issue, Zeekr will fit a physical stop in the passenger seat rail, reducing movement from 300 mm (11.8 inches) to 50 mm (1.9 inches).

 China’s Zeekr Recalls 1 EV In America

Other Recalls

Then there’s the second recall. In this case, an issue with the Occupant Weight Sensor (OWS) can cause the airbag control module to disable the passenger airbag. The system may also be unable to correctly determine the weight of a passenger to decide whether to activate or disable the airbag. Zeekr says it will update the software of the single vehicle shipped to the US to fix the fault.

Zeekr also needs to rectify a second airbag-related issue, which was the subject of the third recall. Side-impact tests have shown the inflatable curtain airbag can get stuck on the A-pillar trim during deployment, meaning it may not completely cover the rear side window. New C-pillar chutes will be installed to rectify the fault.

The remaining 29 Zeekr RT models will be fixed at the factory before being shipped over to the US.

 China’s Zeekr Recalls 1 EV In America

VW And Audi Could Keep Selling ICE Models In Europe Beyond 2033

  • Initial plans called for ICE models to be scrapped early in the next decade, but they are being reconsidered.
  • The reason is that the industry has not shifted to battery-electric vehicles as quickly as some had expected.
  • As a result, newly launched VW Group products could receive two facelifts and survive for almost a decade.

For several years, the VW and Audi brands were expected to stop selling combustion-powered models in Europe by 2033 as part of a broader industry shift to battery-electric vehicles. However, a new report claims that certain ICE models from the VW Group could stick around longer than expected because the EV market hasn’t developed as quickly as many had expected.

While global EV sales reached record heights around the world last year, they stalled across Europe. Indeed, whereas EVs had previously accounted for 14.6% of total new car sales in the region previously, they dropped to 13.6% in 2024. This has allegedly prompted VW to reconsider its switch to an EV-only lineup, and it’s possible popular models like the Golf, T-Roc, and Tiguan could receive facelifts in the 2030s.

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

Many of the car conglomerate’s next steps will be determined by the broader industry. It’s possible that plans to phase out combustion engines across Europe by 2035 could be delayed, and if this happens, it would allow the VW Group to extend the lifecycles of several of its models.

Changing Plans

According to insiders who spoke with Handelsblatt, executives from VW and Audi no longer think 2033 is a realistic date to axe all ICEs because of concerns about EV growth rates across the industry. “Nobody would set the targets in stone like that again today,” the publication’s sources said.

VW’s final planned generation of combustion engines will be introduced this year, meaning it could phase them out completely after any newly launched ICE models end their respective seven-to-eight-year production runs. However, unnamed sources say there are now discussions about giving them vehicles second facelifts next decade, which could extend their lifecycles by an extra two to three years.

 VW And Audi Could Keep Selling ICE Models In Europe Beyond 2033

Similar discussions are being had at Audi. “Internally, we are currently working on ensuring that fixed dates, such as the introduction of new electric platforms and the end of combustion engine production, can be postponed if necessary,” an insider said.

Porsche is also questioning its commitment to EVs. It has killed off the combustion-powered Macan in Europe and replaced it with the new-generation EV, but may be considering relaunching an ICE version of the popular SUV. The luxury brand had hoped that this year 50% of its sales would be for electrified vehicles, but now that seems unlikely to happen.

 VW And Audi Could Keep Selling ICE Models In Europe Beyond 2033

RTFM: Cybertruck Fails Miserably In Doing Donuts At Street Takeover

  • The driver of this Cybertruck pulled off some uninspired circles while trying to break traction.
  • Interestingly, Tesla even provides owners with official instructions on how to do donuts.
  • To spin the rear wheels, the truck must be in Baja mode with power shifted to the back.

Street takeovers in the US are usually home to powerful homegrown muscle cars, like the Dodge Charger, Ford Mustang, and Chevy Corvette. However, during a recent takeover, someone showed up in a Tesla Cybertruck and tried to do donuts in the middle of a large intersection. It didn’t go well.

It’s unclear if this Cybertruck is the entry-level All-Wheel Drive version or the flagship Cyberbeast, but regardless, it has AWD and an advanced traction control system that helps minimize traction loss. This comes in handy when you’re driving on slippery surfaces, but not when you’re trying to impress onlookers at a takeover.

Watch: Reckless Teens Destroy Chevy Camaro During Street Takeover

In this clip shared to social media, the driver of the white Cybertruck can be aggressively driving in circles in the intersection, eager to kick out the rear end of the electric truck. Even though the road is wet, the tires of the Tesla refuse to break traction, making for a lackluster display. At the same time the driver tries and fails to do donuts, cars can be heard revving in the background, many of which are probably easily capable of kicking up tire smoke and pirouetting on the spot.

While the driver of this Cybertruck failed to do donuts, the truck is actually capable of performing them – you just need to know the correct mode to switch into. In fact, Tesla has even created an off-road guide for the truck that reveals the ideal settings to do donuts.

Video Reddit

According to the carmaker, the Cybertruck needs to be in Baja mode with power biasing the rear wheels, stability control set to ‘Minimum’ and the Terrain slider set to ‘Smooth.’ With these settings engaged, it’ll happily spin up the wheels and send plumes of thick tire smoke into the air.

It’s probably a good thing the driver in question didn’t know how to kick out the tail of the Cybertruck. Had they known how, they could have easily lost control, and careened into the spectators crowding around the intersection.

 RTFM: Cybertruck Fails Miserably In Doing Donuts At Street Takeover
Tesla’s instructions for doing donuts in the Cybertruck

Xiaomi SU7 Outsells Tesla’s Model 3 In China

  • Between April 2024 and January 2025, Xiaomi sold 162,384 SU7s across the country.
  • Tesla managed to sell 152,748 Model 3s over the same period in China.
  • Xiaomi will soon go after the Tesla Model Y with its YU7 electric SUV.

Breaking into a heavily contested EV market like China is no easy feat, but Chinese tech giant Xiaomi has done what many established automakers couldn’t: launch a first-ever electric vehicle that outsold the Tesla Model 3—at least in China. Sales data from the China Passenger Car Association (CPCA) between April 2024 and January 2025 confirms that Xiaomi’s SU7 managed to edge out the Model 3, a major feat for the company’s automotive debut.

Production of the sleek SU7 began in April 2024, with customer deliveries starting shortly after. It enjoyed a very strong start, with no less than 30,000 examples sold across April, May, and June. In April, 7,058 units were sold, which was enough to surpass the 5,065 Model 3s sold during the same month. What’s perhaps most impressive is that demand for the SU7 steadily rose throughout 2024 and never failed to die off, as can often be the case with new EVs.

Read: Xiaomi Wants To Sell More Than 300,000 Cars In 2025

The Tesla Model 3 ended the April-June period with 38,446 units, easily eclipsing the SU7. Across July-September, the Tesla maintained its edge, with 52,052 examples finding new homes across the country. By comparison, 39,790 SU7s were sold during the same three months. Sales of the Xiaomi then surged in October, November, and December, easily eclipsing the Model 3.

Whereas Tesla managed to sell 52,241 Model 3s during this period, Xiaomi sold 69,697 SU7s. This included 20,726 in October, 23,156 in November, and 25,815 in December. Strong demand for the Xiaomi has continued into 2025 and 22,897 were sold in January. While that’s down on December’s figures, the Chinese New Year holiday period usually leads to a drop in vehicle sales. In January, Tesla sold just 8,009 Model 3s.

Overall, according to X user Troy Teslike, who cited official figures from the China Passenger Car Association, Xiaomi delivered 162,384 SU7s between April 2024 and January 2025, surpassing the 152,748 Model 3s Tesla sold in the same period.

For the first time, total sales of the Xiaomi SU7 have surpassed Tesla's Model 3 in China since deliveries began in April 2024.

Sales in China (Apr 2024 – Jan 2025):
• Tesla Model 3: 152,748
• Xiaomi SU7: 162,384

Xiaomi, best known for its smartphones in China and Europe,… pic.twitter.com/dQrVEjwyL2

— Troy Teslike (@TroyTeslike) February 15, 2025

Can Xiaomi Beat The Tesla Model Y?

The Chinese brand is also chasing after Tesla with its second model. In December, it previewed the new YU7, a direct rival to the Tesla Model Y. Like the SU7, it could undercut the Tesla on price while coming standard with more features and a more premium design.

Given how popular crossovers and SUVs have become in recent years, it’s entirely possible the YU7 could outsell the SU7. Whether or not it can top the Model Y is a different story. Last year, the Tesla was China’s best-selling new car with 480,309 examples finding new homes. Matching or exceeding that won’t be easy for Xiaomi.

\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\

Is This What Jaguar’s Type 00 Electric Sedan Will Look Like?

  • Jaguar is moving up-market with its new all-electric sedan, aiming to rival Bentley and Maybach.
  • The dramatic four-door will offer ultra-fast charging and roughly 478 miles of WLTP range.
  • Some of the Type 00 concept’s most edgy design elements will be toned down for production.

It’s no secret that the radical Jaguar Type 00 concept won’t make it to production as a sleek two-door coupe but instead as a luxury four-door EV with serious ambitions. Following multiple spy shots of what is arguably Jaguar’s most important model in years, a series of detailed renderings have surfaced, offering a glimpse at what the final car might look like. And if these images are anything to go by, the world is in for a a bit of a shock.

Read: Electric 2027 Jaguar Type 00 Sedan Caught Testing In First Real Spy Shots

Quite often production models look significantly different than the concept models that preceded them. However, in the case of the Type 00, these renderings by artist Nikita Chuyko from Kolesa, based on recently spied prototypes, suggest it will stay remarkably true to its original shape and proportions. Whether or not that’s a good thing will depend on personal taste, but it will certainly result in a car that will stand out in the market.

Familiar Face, Updated Details

The renderings depict a front end nearly virtually identical to the concept, complete with sharp split LED headlights and the absence of a traditional grille. A prototype spotted recently featured unconventional five-spoke wheels, though these renderings opt for the concept’s original design. They may be a bit flashy, but in a world where Mercedes-Maybach offers equally extravagant wheel choices, Jaguar’s approach doesn’t seem out of place.

\\\\\

Nikita Chuyko / Kolesa

As seen on the prototype, a large charging port sits on the driver’s side front fender. While the concept omitted wing mirrors entirely, the production model naturally includes them, though they appear relatively conventional despite the car’s otherwise dramatic styling. Additional details include pop-out door handles and compact side windows.

The most noticeable departure from the concept is at the rear. The show car’s minimalist horizontal slats in place of traditional taillights have been replaced with what will likely be a full-width LED light bar, bringing the design more in line with modern EV trends.

More: Even Jaguar’s Designers Weren’t Convinced By Controversial Rebranding, Leaked Letter Claims

Technical details remain scarce at this early stage, but Jaguar has previously stated that it is aiming for an estimated WLTP range of around 478 miles (770 km) and ultra-fast charging capabilities. If they can deliver on those promises while maintaining the concept’s striking presence, the Type 00 could make a powerful statement for the brand’s electric future.

When Will It Go On Sale?

Jaguar’s flagship electric sedan, potentially named Type 0, Type 1, or even I-Type, as some have suggested, is poised to enter production in the second half of 2026, with an estimated price between $150,000 and $200,000.

Toronto Cuts Tesla Taxi Subsidies To Hit Back At Trump And Musk

  • Toronto cuts Tesla taxis from its Zero Emission Grant Program to protest Trump’s tariffs.
  • The move is largely symbolic as there are only 9 Teslas currently used as taxis in the area.
  • Existing Tesla owners are eligible for a $3,300 (CA$4,677) reduction in taxi licensing fees.

The mayor of Toronto is doing what she can to hit back at proposed tariffs on Canadian products from the Trump administration, announcing that Tesla taxi owners will be restricted from its Zero Emission Grand Program. Mayor Olivia Chow says she is sending a message to the White House with the change, and to Elon Musk, Tesla’s boss and President Trump’s right-hand man.

Toronto’s Zero Emission Grand Program incentivizes taxi and limousine owners to switch to a zero-emission vehicle before 2030. If they buy a zero-emission vehicle, they’ll pay reduced licensing fees, but Toronto is no longer interested in subsidizing Teslas. While recently speaking, Major Chow acknowledged there’s little the city can do on a municipal level to hit back at the US, but this is one small way to do so.

Read: Trump Now Threatens Canada With Up To 100% Car Tariffs

The change is very much a symbolic measure. According to city spokesperson Shane Gerard, there are just 21 zero-emission taxi and limousine owners currently benefiting from fee reductions. Of these, just nine use a Tesla. The Toronto Star reports the current licensing fee reductions to these nine Tesla owners only amounts to CA$4,677 ($5,185).

It’s not just Toronto’s mayor who is eager to send a message to the Trump administration. Deputy Mayor Mike Colle wants to get rid of a Tesla dealership in the Eglinton-Lawrence ward. However, he didn’t say how.

 Toronto Cuts Tesla Taxi Subsidies To Hit Back At Trump And Musk

“The owner of Tesla is the second most powerful man in the Trump administration who is hell-bent on destroying the Canadian economy with punishing tariffs,” Colle said.

Since Donald Trump first announced a series of widespread tariffs against Canada, much of the nation has started to support a ‘Buy Local, Buy Canadian’ campaign, including in Toronto. “For now, the best we can do is send a message to the White House,” Mayor Chow said.

 Toronto Cuts Tesla Taxi Subsidies To Hit Back At Trump And Musk

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

  • All-electric Scout models will hit 60 mph in around 3.5 seconds, while EREVs will need 4.5 seconds.
  • Both BEV and EREV models will have roughly the same payload and towing capacities.
  • The EREV could be a good option for those not yet ready to make the switch to a full EV.

The chief executive of Scout Motors has revealed important new details about the extended-range EVs, which are proving to be more popular than the BEV variant. According to Scott Keogh, the EREV will have roughly 150 miles (241 km) of electric-only driving range and about 500 miles (805 km) of combined range.

Keogh previously served as the chief executive and president of VW Group of America, but in August 2022, moved to Scout Motors. The newly-formed company has already previewed the Terra and Traveler models, but remained relatively tight-lipped about the EREV versions, until now.

Read: Scout’s Range-Extender Engine To Be Mounted Behind The Rear Axle, Like A Porsche 911

While recently speaking with Motor Trend, Keogh revealed some tantalizing new details about the EREV and the BEV. For starters, he confirmed that the BEV will have a battery in the 120s or 130s kWh range, whereas the battery of the EREV will be smaller, in the 60s or 70s kWh. He noted that the battery chemistries could be different and that whereas the BEV will need roughly 3.5 seconds to reach 60 mph (96 km/h), the EREV will likely need an extra second, at around 4.5 seconds.

Keogh added that Scout anticipates both the Terra and Traveler BEVs to offer around 350 miles (563 km) of range, while the EREV will boost that to 500 miles (805 km), including 150 miles (241 km) of all-electric range.

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

The VW-owned brand is also eager to ensure both models are versatile and practical. Keogh says both the BEV and EREV will have the same payload capacity at around 2,000 lbs (907 kg), and added that towing will also be “about the same,” without providing an exact figure. He also confirmed the EREV will have a four-cylinder engine, but failed to offer any other details about it.

Keogh also threw out some interesting “ideas” about the upgradability of the EREV. During the interview, he said that owners could theoretically fit a larger gas tank, a smaller tank, or perhaps upgrade the engine to deliver more power or range. He also said that the battery chemistries could be improved over time, ensuring the vehicle remains modern and up-to-date.  

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

BYD To Roll Out Solid-State Batteries In 2027 Before Widespread Use In 2030

  • Advanced solid-state batteries could eventually reach price parity with current batteries.
  • BYD’s mid and high-end electric vehicles will be the first to use the new battery technology.
  • Several other Chinese brands and legacy automakers are also developing the tech.

The road to commercializing solid-state batteries across the automotive industry has taken longer than many expected, but a growing number of carmakers are developing these advanced batteries for their next-generation EVs. They include Chinese leader BYD, which says its solid-state batteries will initially be rolled out in 2027 before mass-scale adoption from 2030.

Over the weekend, the China All-Solid-State Battery Innovation and Development Summit Forum was held and during the event, the CTO of BYD’s Lithium Battery company, Sun Huajun, revealed its solid-state batteries will use sulfide electrolytes. He did not say what kind of energy density BYD is targeting, but last year, the firm did begin pilot production of 20 Ah and 60 Ah solid-state batteries.

Read: BYD Ignites Self-Driving Price War, Fits ‘God’s Eye’ ADAS Tech To $9,600 EV

As BYD continues development of its solid-state batteries, it could begin introducing them in 2027 for its mid and high-end electric vehicles. As these advanced new batteries become cheaper to produce, BYD could begin to roll them out to its more affordable EVs between 2030 and 2032, CarNewsChina reports. In the long term, the company expects solid-state batteries to cost about the same as existing battery technologies.

 BYD To Roll Out Solid-State Batteries In 2027 Before Widespread Use In 2030

Other Battery Efforts

However, this doesn’t mean the end is near for other batteries. Speaking at the same event, BYD chief scientist and chief automotive engineer, Lian Yubo, said lithium iron phosphate batteries aren’t going anywhere in the next 15 to 20 years, noting that they will remain important for affordable EVs.

Many other Chinese car manufacturers are hard at work on solid-state batteries. In October last year, Chery said it currently has solid-state battery prototypes with an energy density of 400 Wh/kg, and expects to increase this to 500 Wh/kg. It plans to install these new batteries into cars in 2026 before beginning large-scale production the following year. Chery says these batteries could give its EVs up to 932 miles (1,500 km) of range on a single charge.

There’s plenty of interest from legacy brands as well. For example, both Toyota and Nissan have invested heavily in solid-state batteries and plan to roll them out over the coming years.

 BYD To Roll Out Solid-State Batteries In 2027 Before Widespread Use In 2030

Kia EV4 Revealed With Radical ‘Long-Tail’ Sedan And Hatchback Designs

  • The new models join the growing lineup of Kia EVs, including the EV3, EV5, EV6, and EV9.
  • Kia has yet to release images of the EV4’s cabin, but it should resemble its other electric cars.
  • The company says the sedan and hatch versions will cater to different lifestyles of customers.

Kia is set to officially launch the all-electric EV4 series on February 27 at the Kia EV Day event in Spain—but if you were hoping for a dramatic reveal, the company has already pulled back the curtain early. Shown in both sedan and hatchback forms, the EV4 expands Kia’s growing lineup of electric vehicles, staying remarkably faithful to the original concept with its bold and unconventional design.

Read: Kia EV2, EV4, And PV5 Teased Ahead Of Feb 27 Debut

Both body styles share the same front-end styling, featuring vertically stacked headlights and LED daytime running lights that extend up the nose. A blacked-out lower grille section completes the look, adding to the car’s sharp, futuristic aesthetic.

A Sedan With Supercar Inspiration?

The side profile of the sedan is perhaps the most interesting. Kia’s designers have seemingly taken inspiration from some of the most iconic supercars of all time, adopting a ‘long tail’ design that includes a slowing rear window and a large rear overhang. Combined with a glass roof and thick black C-pillars, the EV4 sedan looks unlike any other car in the Kia family.

There’s plenty differentiating the sedan and hatchback versions of the EV4, too. For example, the sedan has vertical taillights not dissimilar to the headlights, whereas the EV4 hatchback has a slightly more appealing set of LED taillights and a light bar. The five-door model also ditches the long-tail design of the EV4 sedan for something a little more conventional and, in our eyes, something more attractive. It has a different pillar design and a smaller, more vertical rear window, as well as a rooftop spoiler.

 Kia EV4 Revealed With Radical ‘Long-Tail’ Sedan And Hatchback Designs

Sportier GT-Line Trim and What’s Next

Both the sedan and hatch will be available in a GT-Line trim, which brings a more aggressive appearance with unique 19-inch wheels and redesigned front and rear bumpers. While Kia hasn’t yet shared images of the EV4’s interior, it’s likely to follow the brand’s current EV design language, incorporating a widescreen panel that houses both the infotainment system and digital gauge cluster.

“The Kia EV4 is a clear reflection of our commitment to rethink mobility, and expand the boundaries of what design can achieve,” the executive vice president and head of Kia Global Design, Karim Habib said. “By offering both saloon and hatchback variants, we are bringing to our customers, the unique experience of modernity and practicality that defines the Kia EV family, in a way that suits their varied lifestyles and needs.”

With a distinctive styling and dual body styles, the EV4 adds another compelling option to Kia’s growing EV lineup. Now, all that’s left is to see if its performance and pricing live up to the design.

\\\\\\

Chevy Blazer EV.R NASCAR Is A Monstrous 1,300 HP Concept

  • The EV.R is based on the NASCAR Next Gen chassis with a 78 kWh liquid-cooled battery.
  • GM’s wild prototype racer also has an advanced programmable all-wheel drive system.
  • Chevrolet will pace this weekend’s Daytona 500 race with the road-legal Blazer EV SS.

Chevrolet seems to have taken a page out of Ford’s playbook and wants the world to take notice of its EVs, creating a high-powered, track-only prototype based on the Blazer EV. Ford has taken similar steps in recent years, debuting one-offs launching one-offs like the Mustang Mach-E 1400 Prototype, F-150 Lighting SuperTruck, SuperVan 4.2, and most recently, the Mach-E NASCAR.

Chevy’s special prototype, known as the Blazer EV.R NASCAR, has been shown ahead of this weekend’s Daytona 500, and is very similar to Ford’s electrified creations.

While the Blazer EV.R NASCAR shares a name with the road-going Blazer EV, it’s a whole different beast. Indeed, it’s built around NASCAR’s Next Gen chassis and features a 78 kWh liquid-cooled battery that feeds juice to three six-phase electric motors. All up, the prototype churns out a raucous 1,300 hp, sent to the pavement through a programmable all-wheel drive system.

Read: Chevrolet Blazer EV SS Launching Soon, Will Be A Lyriq-V For The Masses

The prototype’s design closely mirrors the standard Blazer EV SS, but with a much sharper focus on performance. It’s decked out with dramatic aerodynamic enhancements, all aimed at keeping it glued to the pavement at high speeds. While the front end maintains the familiar Blazer EV look, it gets a more aggressive splitter for added downforce.

Chevrolet’s designers and engineers have also crafted new center-lock wheels for the prototype, clad in Goodyear Racing Eagle tires. The one-off has also been transformed from a four-door into a two-door and does without side windows because who needs windows in a race car, right?

 Chevy Blazer EV.R NASCAR Is A Monstrous 1,300 HP Concept

Standout features at the rear of the Blazer EV.R NASCAR prototype include the massive wing and the diffuser. There’s no word on how much downforce the car delivers, but it’s bound to be a hefty amount.

“NASCAR and its manufacturer partners are passionate about emerging technologies, and working to remain on the forefront of innovation,” NASCAR vice president of vehicle design Brandon Thomas said. “With the Blazer EV.R NASCAR prototype, Chevrolet and its engineers meshed new technologies with the NASCAR Next Gen platform – and the result is a powerful, exciting vehicle that we believe fans will love when they see it at Daytona International Speedway.”

While the EV.R NASCAR prototype is pure racing fantasy, Chevrolet isn’t forgetting about the consumer side of things. The Blazer EV SS, the flagship model, is set to hit dealerships soon, offering up to 615 horsepower and a zero-to-60-mph time of just 3.4 seconds. Range? You’re looking at a solid 303 miles on a full charge, all for $62,490, including destination fees.

\\\\\\\\

Acura Delays EV-Only Future, Considers Adding Hybrids

  • Acura originally aimed for 60 percent of its sales to come from EVs by 2030.
  • The vice president of sales confirms the brand is flexible with its EV goals.
  • Honda may share its hybrid tech with the premium Acura lineup in the future.

Acura is still eager to go all-electric in the future, but the road to that goal is starting to look a little bumpier than expected. The company is now acknowledging it might need to introduce hybrid models before fully embracing an EV-only lineup. This shift reflects a broader trend in the industry, where hybrids are seen as the necessary bridge between traditional combustion models and the fully electric future that everyone’s been talking about.

The Japanese automaker had initially predicted that by 2030, 60% of its total sales would be EVs. However, during a recent interview, Mike Langel, Acura’s assistant vice president of national sales, admitted that the company’s plans are becoming more flexible. This is likely because the shift to EVs has been slower than many had expected.

Read: Acura Turned The RSX Into An Electric SUV

“Our long-term plan is to sell all electric vehicles, but we are very flexible on what that path looks like,” Langel told Auto News. “It could definitely be a windy road, but the end goal remains the same. There’s still a big market and we’re introducing more models, but I wouldn’t commit to a number [of EVs by 2030]– we’re flexible with that.”

Honda’s $300 Million Bet on EVs and Hybrids

Acura’s parent company Honda knows the shift to EVs won’t be without headwinds. It recently added an extra $300 million to its investment at an EV Hub on Ohio, where the company plans to produce both ICE and hybrid models alongside new electric vehicles.

While Acura hasn’t confirmed it has new hybrids on the horizon, AutoForecast Solutions analyst Sam Fiorani has told Auto News that, “An Acura hybrid is absolutely coming.” He explained that the market is “not moving fast enough for Acura to go all electric as quickly as it planned and they’re going to have to fall back on hybrids.”

Fiorani also speculated that Honda might be rethinking its entire powertrain strategy, citing the example of the RDX, which was expected to be phased out by 2026. However, Fiorani believes there’s still a market for the model, suggesting that it could be sold alongside a similarly sized EV “for years to come.”

 Acura Delays EV-Only Future, Considers Adding Hybrids
Acura RSX Prototype

Past Acura Hybrids

This wouldn’t be Acura’s first foray into the world of hybrids. It has previously offered hybrid versions of the MDX and RLX, but no longer sells them. Of course, there was also the hybrid Acura NSX, also sold as a Honda in some markets. By comparison, Honda currently has several hybrids in its local range, including for the Accord, CR-V, and Civic. The upcoming Prelude will also be sold exclusively as a hybrid.

For now, Langel says Acura remains focused on the electric ZDX it launched with the help of GM and its Ultium platform. It has also recently revived the RSX nameplate and will use it for a compact electric crossover due to hit the production line later this year. Acura has also launched its new ADX crossover, offered with a turbocharged 1.5-liter four-cylinder.

 Acura Delays EV-Only Future, Considers Adding Hybrids

The Next Genesis G70 Could Go All Electric

  • Genesis is shifting focus to all-electric models as part of their new strategy.
  • It has reportedly decided against a hybrid G70 but is considering an EV.

The Genesis G70 is still one of the best sports sedans on the market, offering great all-round performance with levels of luxury and refinement not usually found at its price point, though, admittedly, its sales haven’t exactly reflected that. But as all good things must come to an end, it seems the G70’s days are numbered. According to a fresh report out of Korea, its replacement will be an electric vehicle.

Genesis has been building the G70 for seven and a half years and has been already axed in some markets, including Europe, where the brand is now selling off its remaining stock as it transitions to an all-electric lineup. With Genesis committed to offering only electrified models going forward, turning the G70 into an all-electric vehicle is a logical move.

Read: Genesis Confirms GV60 Magma Launch For Next Fall

A Korean YouTuber by the name of MotorsJason claims Genesis previously considered making a hybrid G70, but has since decided to go the battery-electric route. The next-generation G70 could also use Hyundai Motor Group’s eM architecture, designed as a successor to the current E-GMP.

Hyundai has been working on this new platform for a couple of years now, and it’s expected to be used by future models like the Kia EV8, the Hyundai Ioniq 3, and the Genesis GV90. It promises to support the automaker’s latest driver-assistance systems and the new Cell-to-Pack battery system which replaces traditional modules.

 The Next Genesis G70 Could Go All Electric

Limited details about the potential electric G70 are known, but It may follow in the footsteps of the GV60 and receive a high-performance Magma version, perhaps serving as a compelling alternative to the Tesla Model 3 Performance.

Carscoops has reached out to Genesis seeking additional information and we’ll update this story when we hear back.

If the electric G70 is green-lit for production, early reports suggest it could carry a starting price of around 70 million won in its home market, or just under $50,000.

 The Next Genesis G70 Could Go All Electric

EV And PHEV Sales Soar 18% Globally In January

  • Sales increases were reported across Europe, the U.S., Canada, and China in January.
  • Rho Motion reports strong EV demand in the U.S. despite political shifts under Trump.
  • Last year, 17 million EVs and PHEVs were delivered globally, setting a new record.

We’re barely six weeks into 2025, but it’s already clear that this year is shaping up to be another strong one for EVs and PHEVs. After a record-breaking 2024, which saw global sales of electrified vehicles soar by 26%, January has kicked off with significant growth, with all major markets showing notable year-over-year gains.

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

According to data from RHO Motion, an estimated 1.3 million EVs and Plug-in Hybrids were sold globally last month. That’s an 18% increase over January 2024, though it’s worth noting a sharp 35% drop from December 2024. The dip from December is largely due to a 43% drop in sales from China—the largest market for electrified vehicles. This decline isn’t surprising, given the Chinese New Year holidays, which traditionally slow car sales.

China’s Growth vs. December’s Slump

Despite the overall drop from December, comparing January 2025 to the same month last year tells a much rosier story. In China, approximately 700,000 EVs and PHEVs were sold, a 12% increase over January 2024. The EU, EFTA, and UK region also posted impressive numbers, with around 250,000 vehicles sold—a 21% jump from last year, though down 19% from December.

 EV And PHEV Sales Soar 18% Globally In January

Germany Gets Back on Track, France Faces a Dip

Germany, Europe’s largest automotive market, has reason to smile this month. After a tough 2024, when sales were dragged down by the removal of several subsidies, the country saw a 40% boost in January sales compared to the previous year.

On the other hand, France isn’t seeing the same success. Sales there dropped by 52% from December, partly due to the introduction of a new weight tax on PHEVs. It seems the French government might be unintentionally driving consumers away from electrified vehicles.

North America: A Mixed Bag

Across the Atlantic, about 130,000 EVs and PHEVs were sold in the U.S. and Canada, marking a 22% increase from January 2024. However, sales are down 28% from December 2024. RHO Motion speculates that the tightening of eligibility for the full $7,500 federal EV tax credit could slow the market’s momentum throughout the rest of 2025.

It also seems that, for now, at least, despite the arrival of Donald Trump back in the Oval Office, demand for electric vehicles remains largely unaffected, proof, perhaps, that some trends are simply bigger than politics.

 EV And PHEV Sales Soar 18% Globally In January

Ram’s 2025 ProMaster EV Priced From $56k With 110 kWh Battery And Only 164 Miles Of Range

  • The new ProMaster EV is offered in Cargo Van and Step Van guises locally.
  • All models have a front electric motor with 268 hp and 302 lb-ft of torque.
  • Prices for the new Step Van version kicks off from $69,995 before destination.

Ram has opened up order books for the 2025 ProMaster EV cargo van in the United States before it lands in dealerships in the second quarter. It will be offered in two different versions and is actually the first EV from Ram to actually hit the market. However, this being a large cargo van with the drag coefficient as woeful as a beluga whale, it doesn’t have a particularly impressive driving range.

Prices for the ProMaster EV start at $56,495, excluding a $1,995 destination fee. The standard cargo van version is offered with a 12-foot cargo area and an extended 13-foot cargo area, both of which share the same 159-inch wheelbase. Each ProMaster EV cargo variant also has a rated payload capacity of 3,020 pounds (1,369 kg).

Read: Ram ProMaster City Could Get An Electric Successor In The U.S.

Ram also offers the new ProMaster EV in Step Van guise. This model is much pricier, starting at $69,995, excluding destination. It comes standard with the usually-optional Safety & Convenience Group as standard, but the payload has been reduced to 2,876 lbs (1,304 kg).

\\\\\\\\\\\\

The Powertrain

All 2025 Ram ProMaster models come with the same 110 kWh battery pack under the floor. This motor drives a single electric motor with 268 hp and 302 lb-ft (409 Nm) of torque, all of which is driven through the front wheels. The regular Cargo Van version offers 164 miles (264 km) of range while the Step Van ups that to 180 miles(290 km). Neither of those figures is impressive compared to consumer-focused EVs, but they’re better than the 159-mile (256 km) range of the 2025 Ford E-Transit.

“Our freedom of choice approach with powertrain extends to the Ram Professional lineup with an appropriate solution for last-mile delivery in the Ram ProMaster EV,” Ram boss Tim Kuniskis said of the new model. “With front-wheel drive and a low step-in height, the ProMaster is a solid player and continues to perform well in a wide variety of business sectors such as the growing home delivery environment, construction services wholesale & IT Services among others.”

\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\

Tesla’s FSD Almost Crashes Cybertruck Into Oncoming Traffic As Musk Plans Robotaxis

  • Tesla’s Full Self-Driving system failed to avoid an oncoming pickup truck during a drive.
  • Quick driver intervention prevented what could have been a serious head-on collision.
  • It’s uncertain whether faulty software or the camera-only system caused the near-miss.

Tesla plans to introduce a paid-for robotaxi service in Texas this June, featuring models fitted with its Full Self-Driving system. It will be an important step in Elon Musk’s long-promised goal of bringing unsupervised self-driving cars to the market. But while Tesla’s autonomous tech has steadily improved over the years, a newly surfaced video is yet another reminder that “Full Self-Driving” still isn’t quite what it claims to be.

This particular clip was posted by on the Cybertruck Owners Club forum. According to the owner, he was driving with his dad and decided to demonstrate how the system repeatedly misidentified his driveway as belonging to the plant nursery placed next door. Unfortunately, the test didn’t go as planned.

Read: Crashed Cybertruck Owner Claims They “Nearly Got Killed” Due To FSD Failure

Initially, FSD seems to be operating as expected and drives smoothly down the country road as it approaches his driveway. The Cybertruck then begins to slow down and turns on the left signal. At the same time, a silver Chevrolet pickup can be seen approaching the Tesla in the other lane and just as it’s about to pass, the Tesla quickly steers to the left, directly into the path of the Chevy.

 Tesla’s FSD Almost Crashes Cybertruck Into Oncoming Traffic As Musk Plans Robotaxis

Fortunately, the driver was able to react quickly enough to avoid what could have been a serious collision. A look at the screen of the Cybertruck shows it was in ‘Hurry’ mode at the time and that the driver-assistance system identified the oncoming pickup. However, for a split second, the Cybertruck’s computers plotted a path directly into the Chevy.

It’s hard to say whether this was triggered by the Full Self-Driving software, Tesla’s insistence to only use cameras instead of more sophisticated radars and lidar sensors, or perhaps a combination of both. Whatever the reason, this near-miss, as well as many others, show that FSD has a long way to go before it’s safe to use unsupervised.

As Tesla pushes ahead with its robotaxi plans, these glitches remain a glaring problem. If the system still struggles with something as basic as recognizing an active traffic lane, it’s fair to question how ready it really is for the road—let alone for carrying paying passengers without a driver.

Video u/Chasesmithrel

2027 Porsche 718 Cayman EV Rendered To Reality

  • Porsche is developing single- and dual-motor versions of the Cayman EV.
  • The brand has reportedly been finding it hard to match the dynamics of the ICE version.
  • It looks as if Porsche will take heavy design inspiration from the existing Taycan.

Porsche may have changed its strategy to include more gas-powered models in the years to come, but it’s not turning its back on electric vehicles. Development of its all-electric 718 series of Cayman and Boxster models is charging ahead, much to the dismay of purists who aren’t thrilled about seeing their favorite mid-engined sports car go electric. But if any brand knows how to make an electric sports car actually exciting, it’s Porsche.

In late January, the first prototype of the Cayman EV was snapped up close, revealing a design that’s easily identifiable as a Porsche, but has many points of difference from the current Cayman. A new set of renderings provide us with an excellent idea of how the finished product could look. Visually, it could be quite compelling.

Read: Porsche 718 Cayman Electric Spied For First Time

These renderings from digital artist Nikita Chuicko (Kelsonik) that are based on recent prototypes spied on the road show that the front of the Cayman EV could take inspiration from both the 911 and the all-electric Taycan sedan. It features a grille and air intakes similar to those of the Cayman GT4, paired with headlights reminiscent of the Taycan. The nose also appears slightly shorter than the current Cayman, but the proportions remain well-balanced.

\\\\

Illustrations Nikita Chuicko / Kelsonik

Porsche will also look at its current range for design inspiration at the car’s rear. Gone are the oval-shaped taillights we’ve come to expect from the sports car series, and sitting in their place are simple horizontal LEDs. Significant changes have also been made to the car’s rear bumper and diffuser. Look closely, and you’ll also notice the charging port is directly in the center of the rear fascia, as seen on the prototype from a couple of weeks ago.

Both single- and dual-motor versions of the Cayman EV should be offered to customers. There’s no word on how much the car will have, but it’s safe to assume it’ll outperform the current car, but perhaps not the flagship GT4 RS.

\\\\\\\\

Images Baldauf

Rivian Warns Canadian Buyers, Buy Now Before $10,000 Price Hike

  • Rivian announces price increases for R1T and R1S in Canada, reaching up to CA$10,000.
  • The company attributes the increases to shifts in the exchange rate between CAD and USD.
  • Customers must act by February 25 to lock in current prices before the change takes effect.

If you’re in Canada and eyeing a new Rivian R1S or R1T, you might want to move quickly. Starting February 25, the American EV maker is raising prices on its two models by as much as CA$10,000 (equal to around $7,000 at current exchange rates), a significant jump that could make an already pricey vehicle even harder to justify.

As it stands, the Rivian R1T starts at CA$101,900 (~$71,300) for the entry-level Dual Standard, CA$111,900 (~$78,300) for the R1T Dual, and CA$142,900 (~$100,000) for the R1T Tri. The R1S SUV is a little more expensive, starting at CA$109,900 (~$77,000) for the Dual Standard, CA$119,900 (~$84,000) for the Dual, and CA$150,900 (~$105,600) for the Tri motor version.

Read: Trump Now Threatens Canada With Up To 100% Car Tariffs

A recent email sent to Canadian customers revealed that prices will soon jump by up to CA$10,000 (~$7,000). Rivian didn’t specify if the price hike will be across the entire range. What it does say is that the reason behind the new pricing is the recent changes in the exchange rate between the US and Canada. There’s a good chance the ongoing tariff drama with the US is also a factor.

In the months since Trump’s 2024 election win and following repeated threats to hit Canada with hefty tariffs, the value of the Canadian dollar has fallen against the US. Despite the 25% tariffs recently delayed by 30 days, following Canada’s agreement to implement new policies to protect its border with the United States, the value of the Canadian dollar against the US dollar took a hit.

In its email, Rivian encouraged potential buyers to place their orders before the “price adjustment” kicks in. That might be a strategic way to push hesitant customers into committing, but given the steep increase, it’s probably worth considering if you were already on the fence.

Earlier this week, Ford chief executive Jim Farley described the ongoing tariff issues as generating “a lot of cost and a lot of chaos.” In the US, as many as 20% of all new cars could be hit directly by tariffs against Canada, Mexico, and China.

 Rivian Warns Canadian Buyers, Buy Now Before $10,000 Price Hike

Jay Leno Drives 2026 Tesla Model Y, Performance Trim Coming Soon

  • All-new acoustic glass promises to reduce cabin noise of the Model Y by as much as 20%.
  • Jay Leno spoke about the new Tesla with the brand’s design and engineering bosses.
  • US deliveries of the Model Y Launch Series will start in March, with more trims to follow.

The heavily updated Tesla Model Y is a crucial vehicle for the leading electric automaker. The original Model Y didn’t just dominate the EV market, it became the best-selling vehicle worldwide, regardless of powertrain, in 2023. That title is expected to carry over into 2024 (pending final numbers), and with a series of key upgrades, the new version aims to cement its position at the top. Safe to say, a few legacy automakers are watching nervously.

Read: At $59,990, New Tesla Model Y Juniper Launch Series Is $4K Cheaper Than The Old One

Since Tesla unveiled the refreshed Model Y online last month, details about the updates have been trickling out. The company has now released a video highlighting key improvements to the ‘Juniper’ update, which appears to be marketed as a 2026MY in North America rather than a 2025 model. Tesla also handed the car over to Jay Leno for a test drive through Los Angeles. This marks the first time Western media has had the opportunity to experience the new Model Y in motion, as previous coverage was limited to static presentations

More Than a Model 3 Lookalike

According to Tesla’s chief designer, Franz von Holzhausen, the new Model Y has been given more of its own identity. While the outgoing version closely resembled an upsized pre-facelift Model 3, the latest update introduces several unique design elements. Notably, it adopts a Cybertruck-inspired LED light bar up front, and the taillights and tailgate have been completely redesigned, now incorporating a full-width light strip.

Tesla also claims that new acoustic glass significantly reduces cabin noise by as much as 20% compared to the previous model. The roof features an improved Low-E (low-emissivity) glass with micro deposits of silver, which helps block 25–30% more heat from entering the cabin. Other interior refinements include an upgraded audio system with up to 16 speakers in higher trims, plus separate Bluetooth connections for the front and rear screens.

Smoother Ride, Smarter Features

Ride quality has been another focus for Tesla engineers, with a new suspension system designed to improve comfort and handling. Practicality has also been enhanced: the trunk opening is slightly larger, and a new drain plug in the frunk allows it to be used as an ice-filled cooler. Tesla is even developing a range of accessories tailored for the frunk’s expanded functionality.

Technology upgrades include Autopilot 4.0 as standard, featuring a more powerful onboard computer and improved exterior cameras. Meanwhile, Tesla has also backtracked on one controversial design decision, as the new Model Y retains a traditional turn signal stalk, unlike the button-based system in the latest Model 3. According to Tesla, it listened to feedback from its owners and decided a stalk was better than signal buttons on the steering wheel. Leno, a longtime Tesla owner, seemed particularly pleased about that.

More Variants Coming Soon

Both Franz von Holzhausen and vice president of vehicle engineering at Tesla, Lars Moravy joined Jay Leno to talk through the updated Model Y. Leno has owned plenty of Teslas over the years and seems quite impressed with many of the changes made.

During the video, Tesla executives confirmed that the updated Model Y lineup will expand over time. “We’re starting with the Launch edition. All the other variants—the Dual-Motor base edition, Rear-Wheel Drive, Performance, seven-seater options—those will come later in the year,” said Moravy.

Tesla’s Sales In China Fall As BYD Soars In January

  • A total of 63,238 Teslas were sold in China or produced there for export.
  • Sales were impacted by the Chinese New Year holiday, which fell earlier this year.
  • BYD sold 300,538 BEV and PHEV models locally, marking a 49.16% increase.

Tesla isn’t just contending with slowing sales across Europe, it’s now seeing a decline in China as well. New sales data reveals that the American EV maker’s deliveries in China fell by 11.5% last month, while key domestic rivals like BYD, Changan Automobile, and Xpeng saw their numbers climb.

In January, Tesla sold 63,238 vehicles in China and other markets that receive Chinese-built Teslas, according to data released by the China Passenger Car Association (CPCA). While that’s still a solid figure, it’s a noticeable drop from the 71,447 vehicles delivered in January and a sharp decline from the 93,766 in December.

Read: Tesla Sales Crash Up To 63% In European Markets, Is Musk Or New Model Y To Blame?

While Tesla won’t be thrilled with the dip in sales, there are some external factors at play. This year’s Chinese New Year holiday ran from January 28 to February 4, a period when car sales traditionally slow. Last year, the Chinese New Year holiday was from February 10-17 and, as such, did not impact January’s sales figures.

Additionally, CNEVPost reports that Tesla’s Shanghai plant halted Model Y production in January to prepare for the launch of the heavily updated version. The production lines won’t be back online until February 14. Part of the facility used for the Model 3 was also temporarily closed from January 26 to February 3.

 Tesla’s Sales In China Fall As BYD Soars In January

Tesla wasn’t the only automaker affected by seasonal trends. BYD, China’s surging EV giant, also saw a drop in sales compared to its record-breaking December. However, it still managed a slight increase from January. In total, BYD sold 300,538 battery-electric and plug-in hybrid vehicles locally last month, up 49.16% from February 2023 but down 41.62% from its massive December tally of 514,809 units.

Despite the slump, Tesla’s Chinese sales could rebound soon. The company is understood to have secured as many as 70,000 orders for the new Model Y in the first five days after its local unveiling. It’s unclear when local customer deliveries will begin.

 Tesla’s Sales In China Fall As BYD Soars In January

Decade-Old Tesla Model X Faces $5,000 Price Hike, Loses $7.5K Tax Credit Too

  • Prices for the Model X All-Wheel Drive and Model X Plaid rise by $5,000 in the US.
  • The new starting price makes the Model X ineligible for the federal EV tax credit.
  • Tesla added free Supercharging, but it’s tied to the owner’s account with restrictions.

The Tesla Model X may be a decade old, having been introduced all the way back in 2015, which in automotive years is the equivalent of a flip phone at a tech convention, but that hasn’t stopped Tesla from cranking up its price in both the United States and Canada. In typical Tesla fashion, the company didn’t provide a reason for the price increase. The only silver lining for U.S. buyers is that it mow comes with free Supercharging.

In the U.S., the base Model X All-Wheel Drive has jumped from $79,990 to $84,990 before delivery fees and taxes. The Model X Plaid, meanwhile, now starts at $99,990, up from $94,990. That $5,000 increase on the entry-level model is particularly significant because it pushes the price past the $80,000 cap for federal EV tax credits, meaning it’s no longer eligible for the $7,500 incentive. In other words, after factoring in the lost rebate, the Model X effectively costs $12,500 more than it did before.

Read: Tesla Hits Canadian Buyers With Massive Price Hikes Of Up To CA$9,000

It’s a similar story in Canada. The Model X All-Wheel Drive is now CA$7,000 (equal to $4,900 at current exchange rates) more expensive, bringing the new sticker price to CA$121,990 ($85,100). The Plaid has also gone up by CA$7,000 ($4,900), now sitting at CA$142,990 ($99,800).

 Decade-Old Tesla Model X Faces $5,000 Price Hike, Loses $7.5K Tax Credit Too

Free Supercharging Returns—With a Catch

Interestingly, Tesla has brought back free Supercharging for the Model X. In December, Tesla re-introduced free Supercharging for the Model S, likely in an attempt to drive up sales for the aging electric sedan, which is probably the same reason it now offers it for the Model X. But as always, there are a few strings attached.

The free Supercharging is tied exclusively to the first owner’s Tesla account, meaning it won’t transfer to any future buyers. Commercial use is also excluded, so if you were thinking of putting your Model X to work as a rideshare vehicle, you’re out of luck.

And, as expected, owners are still on the hook for idle and congestion fees at Supercharger stations. Tesla even reserves the right to revoke free Supercharging if they determine there’s “excessive charging” or unpaid fees, as nothing says “free” like a few disclaimers.

 Decade-Old Tesla Model X Faces $5,000 Price Hike, Loses $7.5K Tax Credit Too

Couple In Their 70s Bought New Cybertruck, Hated It, And Are Selling It After 68 Miles

  • The elderly couple, in their 70s, struggled with the Cybertruck’s size and tech features.
  • After driving it for only 68 miles, they decided it just wasn’t a good fit for them.
  • The Cybertruck Cyberbeast sports a 123 kWh battery and three motors delivering 845 hp.

When the Tesla Cybertruck began arriving in the hands of buyers about a year ago, it was nearly impossible to get one unless you had placed an order years in advance or were willing to pay a small fortune to scalpers for a used one. Now? Not so much. You can place an order and take delivery within weeks or, if you prefer, snag a barely used one for much less than the original MSRP.

Take this particular 2024 Cybertruck Cyberbeast, for instance. Delivered to a couple in their 70s just weeks ago, they roe it for exactly 68 miles (109 km) before they decided it wasn’t for them. Now, it’s up for auction. According to their son, who has been tasked with selling it, the couple weren’t accustomed to the Cybertruck’s steer-by-wire system and thought the electric pickup was too big.

“This truck was barely driven,” their son wrote in a comment on Cars&Bids. “My parents who are in their 70s, found it too large for their comfort and were not accustomed to the steer-by-wire. The feel and driving wasn’t to their liking so they decided to sell it.”

Read: Tesla Slashes Cybertruck Lease Prices By 25% In Just 3 Months

A look at the window sticker confirms this is the flagship Foundation Series model, complete with Tesla’s Full-Self Driving system. It originally carried an MSRP of $121,985, but given the way prices have been trending, it’s likely to sell for significantly less. The truck also sports a matte black wrap and tinted windows.

\\\\\\\

Obviously, since the Cybertruck has barely ever been driven, it’s about as close to new as you’ll find. The interior features Tesla’s signature minimalist design, with white panels on the dash and doors, plus seats wrapped in vegan leather. It could use a quick clean, but there’s no visible wear or damage.

The exterior looks pristine as well, aside from a minor quirk: the aero covers on the wheels aren’t quite centered on the bespoke tires. It’s hardly a dealbreaker, but it’ll definitely stand out to anyone who notices such things. Then again, this is a classic Tesla quirk that most owners have probably dealt with at some point, but it should be an easy fix with a quick adjustment.

As a Cyberbeast, the truck rocks a huge 123 kWh battery pack that drives three electric motors, delivering an impressive 845 hp for a 0-60 mph (0-96 km/h) with a rollout in 2.6 seconds. Tesla says it’s good for 301 miles (484 km) of range when fitted with all-terrain tires like this one.

So, if you’re after a low-mileage Cyberbeast and don’t feel like waiting for a factory delivery, this one’s up for grabs on Cars & Bids. Just be sure you’re comfortable with the size and its quirks and features, such as the steer-by-wire.

\\\\\\\\\

Images: Cars&Bids

Onvo’s L80 SUV Could Look Something Like This

  • Many of the L80’s key design elements will take inspiration from the L60 SUV.
  • Technical details about the new model have yet to be confirmed by Nio or Onvo.
  • Onvo is tipped to unveil the new model this quarter before launching it in May.

It hasn’t been long since Nio debuted the L60, the first electric vehicle from its new Onvo sub-brand, and already, it’s working on its next move. The L80, which is expected to go head-to-head with popular compact crossover rivals like the Tesla Model Y, is in the works, and a fresh batch of renderings gives us a glimpse of what to expect.

A single spy shot of the L80 has been circling throughout the Chinese media in recent weeks. It shows a heavily-disguised prototype wrapped in black body cladding. While the camouflage does a good job of hiding the intricacies of the SUV’s design, it cannot hide the fact that the L80 is much larger than the L60 it’ll be sold alongside. Indeed, whereas the L60 is a strict five-seater, the L80 will have three rows and be sold as either a six-seater or a seven-seater.

Read: Nio Drops Onvo L60 Price To Obliterate Tesla’s Model Y, Starts At $21K

These renderings from Sugar Design show how it may look. Like the L60, it could come standard with split headlights that include separate LED daytime running lights running along the line of the hood, whereas the main headlamps are located further down. Given the L80 has three rows, it’s no surprise the roof sits more upright than the L60 and stretches further back, increasing interior space.

 Onvo’s L80 SUV Could Look Something Like This
Onvo L80
 Onvo’s L80 SUV Could Look Something Like This
Onvo L60

The rear of the L80 shares a strong resemblance to the L60, with curvy LED taillights and a glossy black lower bumper. While not a complete overhaul, these details suggest a familiar yet refined look, staying true to the Onvo design language.

As of now, technical details on the L80 remain scarce. However, CarNewsChina reports that Nio plans to unveil it before the end of Q1, meaning we might finally get a full look at the vehicle in just a few weeks. If all goes as planned, the L80 could be launched in China as early as May.

Cadillac’s New Optiq Is Just $83 Cheaper To Lease Per Month Than The Larger Lyriq

  • The 2025 Cadillac Optiq is cheaper to lease than the Tesla Model Y Launch Series.
  • All Optiq models come with the same 85 kWh battery pack and 300 miles of range.

The 2025 Cadillac Optiq is now available to lease in the U.S., offering a more affordable entry point into Cadillac’s EV lineup than its larger sibling, the Lyriq. But Cadillac isn’t just looking to compete with itself, as the Optiq’s lease pricing also makes it a compelling alternative to the class-leading Tesla Model Y. So, is this the luxury EV lease deal you’ve been waiting for, or should you keep shopping?

The automaker has announced that the 2025 Optiq is available to lease for $489 per month for 36 months / 10,000 miles, with $4,779 due at signing, based on its MSRP of $54,390 with delivery. This works out to an effective $622 per month before taxes and fees. That’s expensive compared to some recent leasing deals for other EVs and only marginally cheaper than the 2025 Lyriq, which commands $569 per month for 36 months with $4,889 due at signing, equating to $705 per month.

Of course, we’ll remind you that putting money down on a lease isn’t always the smartest move, but those are the manufacturer’s numbers, and they’re a starting point for negotiation.

Read: 2025 Cadillac Optiq Starts At Pricey $52,895 But Should Get Full EV Tax Credit

How does the electric Cadillac compare to the Tesla Model Y? Well, Tesla has only released leasing details for one version of its updated ‘Juniper’ model, named the Long Range All-Wheel Drive Launch Series. It’s available for $699 per month on a 36-month lease, with $2,999 down, which works out to an effective $782 per month. If you match the downpayment to the $4,779 required for the Optiq, the monthly payment drops to $642, or $774 when factoring in the upfront cost.

 Cadillac’s New Optiq Is Just $83 Cheaper To Lease Per Month Than The Larger Lyriq

If the new Model Y feels too expensive, Tesla still offers the pre-facelift Long Range All-Wheel Drive model for $346 per month on a 36-month lease, with $4,779 down, a deal that significantly undercuts the Optiq. That said, the Cadillac does seem to offer a more premium and luxurious experience compared to the Model Y’s minimalist approach.

A More Affordable Alternative?

For those looking to lease an EV without breaking the bank, there are even cheaper options. CarsDirect points out out that in some regions, the GM-based 2024 Acura ZDX can be leased for just $299 per month for 24 months with $2,999 down. That brings the effective monthly cost to $424 before taxes and fees, making it nearly $200 cheaper per month than the Optiq. We’ve also seen even better deals being discussed on Leashackr, with some lessees reporting offers as low as $265 per month for 24 months with a 7,000-mile annual limit and just $2,000 due at signing.

All versions of the Cadillac Optiq have an 85 kWh battery pack and two electric motors with 300 hp and 354 lb-ft (479 Nm) of torque. Cadillac quotes a driving range of 300 miles (483 km) for the Optiq, slightly down on the 320 miles (515 km) of the new Model Y Launch Series.

 Cadillac’s New Optiq Is Just $83 Cheaper To Lease Per Month Than The Larger Lyriq
2025 Tesla Model Y

Scout Sued In Florida By VW, Audi Dealers Over Direct Sales Plan

  • The lawsuit disputes Scout’s claim that it will operate independently of the VW Group.
  • Scout has fiercely defended its direct-to-consumer sales model in recent weeks.
  • The brand’s two models will be manufactured at a purpose-built factory in South Carolina.

Scout Motors isn’t close to beginning production of the Terra and Traveler models, let alone bringing them to the market, but already, the company is facing a legal challenge for its proposed direct-to-consumer sales model. Soon after drawing the ire of dealers in California and South Carolina, Scout is now the subject of a lawsuit filed by several VW and Audi dealerships across Florida.

The lawsuit, filed on February 3, names dozens of Audi and VW dealerships across The Sunshine State, and alleges that Scout’s sales plans are unlawful. It takes specific aim at the EV brand’s reservation system where buyers can lock in an order for the SUV and pickup truck. According to the lawsuit, this violates state law.

Read: VW Dealers Are Furious, Scout Couldn’t Care Less

“Florida has a clear definition of the word ‘sell’ and Scout Motors is actively selling in violation of state law,” attorney John Forehand described. “If you take a buyer deposit in Florida, it’s the same as making a sale, and that’s simply not allowed.”

This lawsuit also takes issue with Scout’s structure, notes The Verge. The dealers describe Scout as not being an independent company, given that the Volkswagen Group owns it. However, Scout, and VW, continue to insist the brand will operate as an independent entity, and as such, it isn’t obligated to sell its vehicles through an established network of dealerships.

 Scout Sued In Florida By VW, Audi Dealers Over Direct Sales Plan

One of the lawyers involved in the suit notes that if a manufacturer owns 30% or more of a company in Florida, that firm is considered to be a “common” entity. He adds that the VW Group owns more than 30% of Scout, meaning it falls into this definition.

Scout Motors hasn’t commented on this new lawsuit. However, a spokesperson reiterated comments made by Scout’s VP for Growth, Cody Thacker, late last year, noting that a direct sales plan is best for the brand.

“Just as utilizing franchised dealers may be appropriate for some brands and their customers, utilizing a direct sales model best supports our customers and our strategic customer-first vision as we launch a new vehicle platform, a new production center, and a new retail network to bring the Scout Traveler SUV and Terra truck to market.”

 Scout Sued In Florida By VW, Audi Dealers Over Direct Sales Plan

This Is What BMW’s First Electric M3 Sounds Like

  • The quad-motor prototype sounds like a cross between an inline-six and a jet engine.
  • BMW M is currently developing the driving dynamics of the controversial new model.
  • Engineers started the EV project by building an electric M2 with 1,000 hp.

BMW has provided the world with its first opportunity to hear the long-awaited all-electric M3 that’s currently in development. The new model will be sold alongside the combustion-powered M3 and be based on the automaker’s Neue Klasse platform.

This clip forms part of BMW M’s ongoing series detailing the development of its first EV. The CEO of M, Franciscus van Meel, says the current BMW M3 EV prototype was spawned from a 1,000 hp electric M2-based model that BMW first began experimenting with. He says that the prototype M2 EV was fun to drive in a straight-line, but lacked the controllability an M car needs. That’s where this i4-based prototype comes in.

Read: 2027 BMW M3 EV Begins Testing, Could Pack Over 700 HP

The video shows the prototype being tested on frozen lacks to fine-tune its driving dynamics. The most intriguing part comes in the final few seconds when the car is taken to a test site, and the driver pins the throttle, giving us a first taste of its sound. The electric M3 sounds very different from any other high-performance EV so far.

When cruising, it almost sounds like a normal ICE, and as the driver accelerates, it becomes much louder and starts to sing. It’s hard to describe the sound, but it’s a bit like a cross between a combustion engine, a jet, and an electric motor. We’re not the biggest fans of some of the synthetic sounds produced by certain EVs in the market, but BMW’s solution seems a little more authentic and should give the M3 EV some added personality.

Technical details about the production model remain limited, but it will likely feature four electric motors, providing it with advanced torque vectoring technology. It’s also possible BMW may have dialed back power from the 1,000 horses of early prototypes to around the 700 hp mark. If that’s the case, then the car would still have a healthy power advantage over the current flagship M3 CS with 543 hp.

\\\\\\\\\\\\\\

Baldauf

Jaguar I-Pace EV’s Tragic End, From World Car Of The Year To Scrapyard Junk

  • Last year, Jaguar said it would buy back almost 3,000 I-Pace models in the United States.
  • Similar buyback schemes have been announced in other countries, including the UK.
  • The I-Pace has been recalled on at least five separate occasions for battery-related issues.

The Jaguar I-Pace was supposed to be a game-changer, a premium electric crossover that hit the market years ahead of its European rivals, earning the prestigious World Car of the Year title in 2019. With its sleek design and early-mover advantage, it had all the makings of a success.

Yet, despite the accolades, sales never took off, and the I-Pace quickly gained a different kind of reputation: one riddled with countless recalls, reliability issues and even fires. Now, a growing number of these EVs are meeting an unceremonious end in scrapyards.

Read: Jaguar Is Buying Back 2,760 Faulty I-Pace EVs Over Fire Risk

Over the years, the I-Pace has been recalled in several markets at least five times for battery failures, and late last year, Jaguar announced that it would be buying back almost 2,800 examples from owners across the United States. Similar buyback programs have been launched elsewhere around the world, including the UK, where these particular I-Paces seem to have ended up.

These photos were recently snapped at a scrapyard in the UK by Threads user Ev_Newt, showing at least a couple dozen Jaguar I-Paces stacked alongside each other in a very somber-looking car graveyard. These examples appear to have been customer-owned cars that simply couldn’t stand up to the rigors of everyday life. It’s a sad sight to see and shows just how disposable some new cars have become.

Battery-related problems have plagued the I-Pace for several years. The batteries, sourced from LG, are said to be prone to thermal overload and can catch fire. While Jaguar has attempted various software fixes, including diagnostic data to identify packs at risk of spontaneously combusting, the British carmaker has essentially thrown in the towel by offering buybacks in several countries.

More recently, Jaguar has shifted its focus to a new era that’s got the world talking. After a hugely controversial PR campaign surrounding its rebirth, the British marque revealed its Type 00 Concept in December last year. It previews an electric four-door sedan that’ll hit the production line later this year. Jaguar is targeting an EPA-rated range of around 430 miles (692 km) for the Type 00. Hopefully, it’ll be equipped with a more reliable and safe battery pack than the I-Pace.

Good old JLR. Only company that could build an eV that isn’t reliable (or any more so than the fossil crap they make) or that they can recall and fix.

Instead these Jaguar iPace at my local car scrap yard, Charles Trent-recalled, refunded and now to be recycled. 🙄

Are the… pic.twitter.com/YdSPiJUJgg

— eVNewt⚡️🔋🚙 (@newt7215) January 28, 2025

Lead image Ev_Newt / Threads

Alpine Working On A 2+2 Electric GT For 2028

  • The new model could serve as an electric alternative to the Porsche 911.
  • The Alpine A310 will be underpinned by the Alpine Performance Platform.
  • Like the A390 crossover, the EV will be powered by three electric motors.

Alpine is working on a series of EVs, including an all-electric successor to the A110 sports car and the production version of the A390 crossover concept. It’s also developing a new 2+2 tourer, rumored to be called A310 and set for a 2028 launch.

The A310 will sit between the A110 and the A390 in terms of size. It’ll be underpinned by the new Alpine Performance Platform, which will be also used by the next A110 EV, and will be positioned as a larger and more practical sports car, much like how the Porsche 911 offers increased practicality over the smaller 718 Cayman. 

Read: Everything We Know About The Electric Alpine A390

Like the A390, the new Alpine A310 will use three electric motors. This setup consists of a single motor at the front axle and two motors at the rear. Horsepower and torque details remain unconfirmed. A complex torque vectoring system is also expected to be used by the upcoming Alpine model, ensuring it handles and drives like a proper sports car.

While speaking with Autocar, Alpine marketing director Bruce Pillard noted that “adding two more seats in a car will make a huge difference,” when compared to the limited appeal and volume of the two-seat A110. He went on to describe the new model as a “true Alpine,” that will be “an icon of future sports cars.”

 Alpine Working On A 2+2 Electric GT For 2028
Alpine A110 Ultime

A390 influences

As spy photographers have yet to snap the new A310 in testing, limited details about its design are known. It could have a front fascia similar to the A390, including an LED light bar at the front, and it may also hit the market with wheels that illuminate when the torque vectoring system fires into life, promising to help excite onlookers given the vehicle’s lack of an exhilarating exhaust note.

Other electric Alpines are in the works, including larger models the brand hopes will allow it to crack into the US market.

 Alpine Working On A 2+2 Electric GT For 2028

Tesla Sales Drop 12% In California But It Still Crushes The Competition

  • Tesla sold 203,221 vehicles in California last year, down from 230,010 in 2023.
  • Due to the decline in sales, Tesla’s market share dropped from 60.1% to 52.5%.
  • The Model Y was California’s best-seller, delivering twice as many units as the RAV4.

For years, Tesla has been the undisputed heavyweight of California’s growing electric vehicle market. It’s dominated sales charts, crushed the competition, and made itself synonymous with EVs in the Golden State. But 2024 told a slightly different story. While Tesla still leads the pack by a huge margin, its sales dropped 12% over the year, even as overall EV and PHEV sales grew. That’s now five consecutive quarters of decline for Tesla in its home turf.

Last year, a total of 203,221 new Tesla models were sold across California. That represents an 11.6% decline from the 230,010 units it delivered in 2023. This slide dragged Tesla’s share of the state’s zero-emission vehicle (ZEV) market down from 60.1% to 52.5%, a 7.6% drop. Meanwhile, nearly every other major automaker managed to increase its slice of the EV pie.

More: Average EV Transaction Price $6,300 Higher Than Gas Cars

Even the California New Car Dealers Association took notice, stating, “Things aren’t looking so golden for EV automaker Tesla in the Golden State. Tesla’s dominance in the electric vehicle market continues to falter as the brand reported its fifth consecutive quarterly registration decline.”

California: Top 25 Selling BEV and PHEV Models in 2024
RankModelTypeRegs.
1Tesla Model YBEV128,923
2Tesla Model 3BEV53,056
3Hyundai loniq 5BEV16,879
4Ford Mustang Mach-EBEV10,874
5Toyota RAV4PHEV9,474
6Tesla CybertruckBEV9,019
7Rivian R1SBEV8,721
8Tesla Model XBEV8,585
9BMW i4BEV8,396
10Jeep WranglerPHEV7,978
11Honda PrologueBEV6,955
12BMW iXBEV6,027
13Ford F-Series LightningBEV5,590
14Kia EV6BEV5,564
15Toyota bZ4XBEV5,495
16Volkswagen ID.4BEV5,396
17Cadillac LyriqBEV5,235
18Mercedes EQE SUVBEV5,167
19Kia EV9BEV4,924
20Mercedes EQBBEV4,841
21Nissan AriyaBEV4,638
22Chevrolet EquinoxBEV4,448
23Hyundai loniq 6BEV4,272
24Lexus RZBEV4,088
25Chevrolet BoltBEV4,032
CNCDA
SWIPE

Tesla Still Reigns Supreme

Despite the sales decline, Tesla remains the dominant force in California’s ZEV market. Sure, its market share slipped, but it still accounts for more than half of all ZEV sales. Its closest competitor, Hyundai, grew its market share from 4.4% to 5.9% with 22,718 units sold, surpassing Chevrolet, which saw its share drop from 5% to 3.8% with 14,553 units. In fact, Chevy fell to sixth place, overtaken by luxury brands like BMW (18,664 units, up 29%) and Mercedes (17,369 units, up 10.5%).

Kia posted a 74.1% increase in ZEV sales, reaching 13,943 units, while Cadillac saw an impressive 296.9% jump—largely thanks to the Lyriq—hitting 5,235 units. Volkswagen, on the other hand, took a nosedive, with sales plummeting 55.6% to 5,440 deliveries.

Read: At $59,990, New 2025 Tesla Model Y Juniper Launch Series Is $4K Cheaper Than The Old One

The Tesla Model Y also comfortably remained California’s best-selling EV last year, with 128,923 registrations. That positioned it well ahead of the Tesla Model 3 with 53,056 registrations and the nearest-non-Tesla product, the Hyundai Ioniq 5, with 16,879 units sold.

 Tesla Sales Drop 12% In California But It Still Crushes The Competition
CNCDA

The Model Y was also the best-selling car last year regardless of powertrain. The Toyota RAV4 was in second place, with 65,041 registrations recorded throughout the year. That positioned it slightly ahead of the Toyota Camry with 55,027 sales and the Honda Civic with 53,049 units sold, just six fewer than the Tesla Model 3.

ZERO EMISSION VEHICLE SALES CALIFORNIA
Brand20232024% Diff.
Tesla230,010203,221-11.6%
Hyundai16,95622,71834.0%
BMW14,46518,66429.0%
Mercedes15,72417,36910.5%
Ford16,07017,3177.8%
Chevrolet19,14514,553-24.0%
Kia8,00813,94374.1%
Rivian10,27712,02017.0%
Audi8,25010,16123.2%
Honda07,006
Other3,6246,62782.9%
Toyota6,7205,953-11.4%
Nissan4,6275,86526.8%
Volkswagen12,2595,440-55.6%
Cadillac1,3195,235296.9%
Lexus1,8424,088121.9%
Jaguar1742,8431533.9%
GMC2282,7251095.2%
Subaru2,0092,63231.0%
Porsche2,3582,254-4.4%
Polestar3,1221,957-37.3%
Genesis1,534$1,75914.7%
Acura01,118
Volvo2,9981,017-66.1%
MINI8648710.8%
Mazda878-90.8%
Ram04
TOTAL382,670387,3681.2%
CNCDA
SWIPE

Bipartisan Bill Could Allow Scout To Sell Cars In South Carolina

  • The company’s SUV and pickup truck models will be built at a $2 billion plant in South Carolina.
  • Several politicians want dealer laws changed to promote consumer choice and market freedom.
  • Scout Motors has vigorously defended its right to sell directly to consumers.

Soon after we reported that Scout Motors will be unable to sell its upcoming EVs directly to consumers in its home state South Carolina, a bill has been introduced in the South Carolina House of Representatives that could change this. It could also pave the way for several other car manufacturers to implement a direct-sales model, avoiding the need to establish a dealership network.

The bill aims to amend the South Carolina Code of Laws and has been sponsored by three Republicans and four Democrats, including Marvin ‘Mark’ Smith and Terry Alexander. It proposes to amend section 56-15-45 of the bill to allow car brands that own or operate a manufacturing plant and never had dealer franchise agreements to sell vehicles directly to customers. The bill says this will “promote consumer choice and market freedom.”

Read: South Carolina Gave Scout $1.3B, Yet Taxpayers Can’t Buy Its EVs In SC

Politicians supporting the legislation change note it would only apply to manufacturers who have not previously had dealership agreements in place and do not intend to impact the existing franchise dealer system.

Speaking with Auto News, executive vice president of the South Carolina Automobile Dealers Association, E. Sims Floyd Jr, said Scout just “wants to compete against the dealers,” adding, “the net of it is they want to change the law, there’s no middle ground there.”

Unsurprisingly, Scout is very supportive of the proposed law change.

 Bipartisan Bill Could Allow Scout To Sell Cars In South Carolina

“We envision a future where Scout vehicles are made by South Carolinians, for South Carolinians, purchased directly from Scout Motors by South Carolinians,” a spokesperson said. “Right now, outdated blanket government restrictions render that impossible. Ironically, and sadly, the people who build Scout vehicles won’t be able to buy them under current regulations.”

The legislation was introduced on January 16 and has been referred to the Committee on Labor, Commerce and Industry. The bi-partisan bill will need to pass the committee before it can be ratified and sent to the Governor, who must approve it before the laws can be changed.

Scout Is Determined To Go Direct

Scout Motors is following the lead of Tesla, Lucid, and others in attempting to sell its EVs directly to consumers in the US. These plans have generated plenty of controversy among current VW dealers, many of whom believe they’re entitled to sell Scout products, given it’s part of the VW Group. However, the general counsel of Scout, Neil Sitron, recently offered a strong rebuke against the California New Car Dealers Association which demanded that the carmaker drop its direct sales plan.

In the letter, Sitron said Volkswagen Group of America “is not authorized by Scout Motors to sell, and will not be selling or distributing, Scout-branded EVs in California or in any other state.” Scout also said it will vigorously defend itself should dealers act on their threats to take the matter to the courts.

Not having the ability to sell its vehicles in South Carolina would be particularly unfortunate for Scout as that’s where the Terra and Traveler will be built. South Carolina approved a $1.3 billion round of funding in 2023 to help Scout build a manufacturing site roughly 18 miles (29 km) north of Columbia.

\\\\\\\

VW Drops 2025 ID.4 Base Model, Raising Starting Price By $5K

  • VW has launched the 2025 ID.4 exclusively with the flagship 82 kWh battery pack.
  • The lineup previously included a 62 kWh entry-level model starting at $39,735.
  • For the 2025 model year, pricing now begins at $45,095 with the Pro RWD variant.

The ID.4 has not been the strong seller in the US that VW had hoped for. Last year, sales collapsed from almost 38,000 in 2023 to just over 17,000, primarily because the brand paused production and sales for several months due to leaky door handles. Last month, sales recommenced, and now, VW has announced prices for the updated 2025 ID.4. Shoppers are in for some more bad news.

For this year, VW has made some changes to the ID.4 line-up. Gone (for now…) is the entry-level ID.4 Standard, which in 2024 had started at $39,735. As such, the 2025 ID.4 family now starts with the ID.4 Pro, priced from $45,095 in rear-wheel drive guise and $48,995 with all-wheel drive. This also means the 2025 ID.4 has a $5,360 more expensive starting price than last year.

Read: VW Lifts ID.4 Stop Sale Order, Which Caused Q4 Sales To Plummet 94%

However, this more affordable version of the ID.4 won’t be gone forever. VW says that models with the entry-level 62 kWh will be announced at a later date. The carmaker did not indicate where prices could kick off.

Admittedly, the ID.4 Pro is a more attractive model than the old ID.4 Standard. Whereas that sub-$40,000 model had a range of just 206 miles (331 km), the ID.4 Pro extends that to 291 miles (468 km) with rear-wheel drive, or 263 miles (423 km) in all-wheel drive trim, thanks to the fitment of a large 82 kWh battery pack. When compared to the 2024 model, this year’s ID.4 Pro RWD is $220 more expensive, while the AWD model’s price has been jacked up by $240.

 VW Drops 2025 ID.4 Base Model, Raising Starting Price By $5K

Sitting above the Pro models are the rear-wheel drive Pro S and AWD Pro S. Prices start at $50,195 for the RWD, or $200 more than last year. The price of the AWD Pro S has increased by $220, to $54,095.

A new addition to the range is the flagship VW ID.4 Pro S Plus. It starts at $57,295 and builds on the regular Pro S models with 21-inch wheels, a black roof, silver accents on the front and rear bumpers, and power-folding mirrors with distinctive lighting. Found inside the cabin are heated rear seats, a 14-speaker Harmon Kardon audio system, three-zone climate control, and an overhead camera view.

\\\\\\

Tesla Slashes Cybertruck Lease Prices By 25% In Just 3 Months

  • The base AWD Cybertruck can be now leased for as low as $987 with no downpayment.
  • Leasing a Cyberbeast without a downpayment now costs $1,232 per month for 36 months.
  • Cybertruck Foundation Series buyers now get a free vinyl wrap as Tesla moves inventory.

Tesla has once again lowered the cost to lease a Cybertruck in the States, the second significant price cut in just two months, as it looks to clear out existing inventory of its electric pickup. And if you’re in the market for one of the Foundation Series models, Tesla is now sweetening the deal with a free exterior wrap.

Lower Leasing Costs (Again)

First, let’s start with leasing. Back in November, Tesla debuted a lease option for the Cybertruck, starting at $999 per month with a $7,500 downpayment for the entry-level All-Wheel Drive variant. A month later, that dropped to $899, while the high-performance Cyberbeast became available for $999 per month with the same upfront cost. Now, Tesla has slashed the All-Wheel Drive lease price even further to $749 per month, though the Cyberbeast’s rate has inched up by—brace yourself—a whole dollar, now sitting at an even $1,000.

Read: Tesla Cybertruck Burned And Covered In Graffiti In LA

We strongly advise against signing a lease with a downpayment—why hand over a pile of cash upfront when you don’t have to and risk losing it if something happens to your vehicle? Luckily, Tesla lets buyers adjust or even skip the downpayment entirely.

The default lease for a base Cybertruck runs $749 per month for 36 months with $7,500 down, which effectively works out to $957 per month when you factor in that initial payment. Opt to skip the downpayment, and you’re looking at $987 per month instead. It’s a bit more per month, but at least you won’t be out thousands if the truck gets stolen or totaled.

 Tesla Slashes Cybertruck Lease Prices By 25% In Just 3 Months
 Tesla Slashes Cybertruck Lease Prices By 25% In Just 3 Months

If you want to drive around in the flagship Cyberbeast without making any downpayment, you’d better be prepared to part ways with $1,232 per month for 36 months before taxes and excluding delivery fees.

Free Wraps For Foundation Series

Along with the lease price cuts, Tesla has also confirmed that newly purchased Foundation Series Cybertrucks now come with a free vinyl wrap, worth $6,000 at participating centers. Tesla has been struggling to sell all of the early production models, which likely explains the extra incentive. In fact, reports from December revealed that Tesla even started buffing off the “Foundation Series” etching from unsold trucks, allowing them to be rebranded as standard Cybertrucks—knocking a cool $20,000 off the price in the process.

 Tesla Slashes Cybertruck Lease Prices By 25% In Just 3 Months

Aston Martin’s EVs Could Vibrate Just Like An ICE

  • Aston Martin’s first EV will launch this decade, but it’s unclear what form it’ll take.
  • CEO Adrian Hallmark acknowledges that the weight of EV batteries remains a concern.
  • Saudi-owned American carmaker Lucid will supply Aston with batteries and electric motors.

There are a lot of ways car manufacturers can attempt to spice up their EVs for driving enthusiasts. Hyundai has done this by a,.dding fake exhaust sounds and a synthetic dual-clutch gearbox to its Ioniq 5 N, and while Aston Martin doesn’t yet have an EV, it’s already started to think of ways to make an EV fun. This could include making it vibrate like a car with an internal combustion engine.

While recently speaking about Aston Martin’s first EV, which is set to arrive later this decade, chief executive Adrian Hallmark said agitating the body of an EV will help drivers form an emotional connection with it. The use of such technology could even make it feel like drivers are behind the wheel of a V12-powered Valkyrie, even if there’s no ICE.

Read: Aston Martin’s First EV Might Be Delayed Once Again

“If you mapped the telemetry of a V12 engine (even a Valkyrie naturally aspirated race engine), measure the frequencies and then built those into the body structure of the vehicle linked to the throttle position and torque load of the electric-motors, and then suppressed digitally by counter waves the nasty high-pitched, cheap sounding electrical frequency noises, you would feel exactly like you’re in a Valkyrie V12 Le Mans car,” Hallmark told Top Gear.

Of course, simply producing an EV that drivers can connect with won’t be enough. Hallmark acknowledged that the weight of EVs remains a burden. However, he did say that this problem could be sold with solid-state batteries that weigh up to 30% less than current batteries.

 Aston Martin’s EVs Could Vibrate Just Like An ICE

“So you can get there, but it requires some significant steps in technology or process to be able to get to the feeling you get in a [Lamborghini] Huracán STO or [Ferrari 488] Pista,” he said.

Aston Martin is remaining tight-lipped about what form its first EV will take. Regardless of whether it’s a sports car, a grand tourer, or perhaps an SUV/crossover, it will use battery technology and electric motors from Lucid.

 Aston Martin’s EVs Could Vibrate Just Like An ICE

Xiaomi’s Electric SUV Is Bigger Than New Tesla Model Y And Has More Range

  • The electric SUV is 8 inches longer than the Tesla Model Y but promises up to 472 miles of range.
  • Xiaomi has yet to confirm battery pack sizes for its first all-electric SUV.
  • Both dual-motor all-wheel drive and a single-motor rear-wheel drive SU7 will be available.

Eight weeks ago, Xiaomi dropped the covers on its long-awaited electric SUV, known as the YU7. While it arguably should have named it the SU7, rather than using that badge for its electric sedan, its second EV has the potential to be the brand’s most popular model. And based on recent Chinese government filings revealing additional details about it, it’s well-placed to give the Tesla Model Y a serious run for its money.

Data from China’s Ministry of Industry and Information Technology reveals that all-wheel drive versions of the YU7 have quoted CLTC range figures of 416 miles (670 km), 466 miles (750 km), and 472 miles (760 km). While the Chinese testing cycle is known to be wildly optimistic, these figures compare well against the recently updated Tesla Model Y.

Read: Xiaomi YU7 SUV Looks Like A Ferrari Purosangue And McLaren Rolled Into One

The new Model Y, complete with a Cybercab-inspired design, launched in China a few weeks ago and has already proven to be hugely popular. It’s offered in rear-wheel drive and Long-Range All-Wheel Drive configurations. The base RWD model has a quoted range of 368 miles (593 km), while the AWD has a CLTC estimated range of 447 miles (719 km). Xiaomi has yet to disclose a range figure for the YU7 RWD, but the flagship AWD variants edge out a comparable Model Y. Curiously, Xiaomi is yet to announce the capacities of the YU7’s available battery packs, although such details should be confirmed in due course.

 Xiaomi’s Electric SUV Is Bigger Than New Tesla Model Y And Has More Range

That’s impressive when you consider the YU7 is quite a bit larger than the Tesla. You see, whereas the new Model Y is 188.8 inches (4,797 mm) long, the YU7 is 196.8 inches (4,999 mm) long. It also has a 118-inch (3,000 mm) wheelbase compared to the (113.7-inch) 2,890 mm wheelbase of the Tesla. That should give it more second-row space than the Model Y.

Final prices for the Xiaomi YU7 are unknown at this point, but local media suggest it should start at around ¥250,000 (~$34,700). If true, that would allow it to undercut the Model Y RWD which starts at ¥263,500 (~$36,600). Obviously, higher-end versions of the YU7 will be a little pricier, but should be close to the ¥303,500 (~$42,200) starting price of the Model Y Long Range All-Wheel Drive.

Unfortunately for those not living in China, Xiaomi doesn’t sell its cars outside its home market and likely won’t for quite some time. In mid-December, a report emerged suggesting that Xiaomi could expand to international markets in the future, but will first do so by selling limited models to test responses from different countries.

\\\\\\\\

Hyundai’s Best January Ever Sees EV Sales Surge 15% As Ioniq 5 Rockets 54%

  • Hyundai’s best-selling model in January was the Tucson, shifting an impressive 15,025 units.
  • Other strong performers included the Ioniq 5 and Ioniq 6, both recording sales increases.
  • Despite the record month, sales of the Kona, Palisade, and Santa Cruz dropped last month.

While some sectors of the auto industry are navigating uncertainty, thanks in part to shifting policies and market fluctuations, Hyundai is charging full speed ahead. The company just logged its best January sales ever, moving 54,503 vehicles across the US last month. That’s a solid 15% jump over January 2024, fueled largely by surging demand for its hybrids and EVs. Hybrid sales skyrocketed by 74%, while EV sales saw a healthy 15% boost.

Hyundai’s best-selling model last month was the Tucson with 15,025 units sold. This marks a huge 35% gain over the same month last year when 11,116 examples found new homes. The Elantra also performed well, with 8,866 units sold, a 28% increase, allowing it to cement its position as Hyundai’s second-best-selling car. Closely following the Elantra was the Santa Fe, with 8,296 units sold in January, compared to 6,021 the year prior.

Read: Hyundai’s American-Made Ioniq 5 Costs More But Goes The Extra Mile

Strong sales of the Santa Fe and Tucson were buoyed by the increased demand for the hybrid variants, with deliveries jumping 160% and 89%, respectively. Other strong performers included the Sonata with 4,757 sold (+52%), the Ioniq 5 with 2,250 sales (+54%), and the Ioniq 6 with 871 finding new homes (+15%). Sales of the Venue also jumped by 11% to 1,600 units.

Hyundai USA January Sales
ModelJan-25Jan-24% Chg
Elantra8,8666,900+28%
Ioniq 52,2501,465+54%
Ioniq 6871760+15%
Kona4,3656,577-34%
Nexo0230%
Palisade6,6877,638-12%
Santa Cruz1,7862,487-28%
Santa Fe8,2966,021+38%
Sonata4,7573,121+52%
Tucson15,02511,116+35%
Venue1,6001,435+11%
Total54,50347,543+15%
SWIPE

Some Sales Declines

However, it wasn’t good news for all Hyundai models. Sales of the Kona fell by a significant 34% from 6,577 to 4,365 units, Palisade sales dropped 12% from 7,638 to 6,687, and 28% fewer Santa Cruz models were sold in January, totaling 1,786 units.

“Hyundai is kicking off the year with record-breaking sales, achieving our best January ever across multiple models and fuel types,” Hyundai Motor North America chief executive Randy Parker said. “From the strong retail and total sales performance of the Santa Fe HEV, Tucson HEV, IONIQ 5 and IONIQ 6 to record-setting results in HEV and EV vehicle sales, we continue to see incredible demand for our electrified and ICE products.”

 Hyundai’s Best January Ever Sees EV Sales Surge 15% As Ioniq 5 Rockets 54%

Aston Martin’s First EV Might Be Delayed Once Again

  • The company was initially planning to launch its first EV in 2025 but has already delayed it.
  • Adrian Hallmark says Aston hasn’t decided if the EV will be all-new or based on an existing model.
  • Aston Martin is planning several new hybrid models in the meantime.

Aston Martin says it remains committed to launching an EV but won’t be pressed on an exact date for its launch. In all likelihood, the few (if any) luxury buyers holding out for an EV from the British brand will have to wait a few years, at the very least. But, let’s be honest, just how many people are champing at the bit to buy an electric Aston when the brand sells mega ICEs like the DB12, Vantage, Vanquish, and DBX707?

The car manufacturer has been exploring EVs for quite some time. In 2023, Canadian businessman and part-owner of Aston Martin, Lawrence Stroll, said the first electric Aston Martin would hit the market in 2025. However, the company soon pushed back the launch of that model to 2026 and then, in April last year, indicated it probably wouldn’t arrive until 2027.

Read: Aston Martin Pushes EV Debut Back To 2026, Kills Lagonda

Now, Aston Martin boss Adrian Hallmark says the firm will launch an EV “in this decade.” That doesn’t tell us much, but there’s a good chance the EV has been pushed back yet again.

Limited details are known about this EV. During a recent interview with Autocar, Hallmark said Aston Martin’s initial plan called for launching an EV based on an existing model. However, he appeared open to the brand making its first EV a dedicated new model.

“For a company of our size, you have to either replace an existing nameplate and take the brave pill, or create the niche [and do] an incremental model as the first one,” he said. “We haven’t fully decided. The original plan was to go with an incremental model, but we’re looking to other options.”

 Aston Martin’s First EV Might Be Delayed Once Again

Hybrids Galore

Hallmark underlined the importance of the company being flexible in the years ahead during the same interview. As such, it will launch more hybrids before the EV arrives. There will also be new hybrids launched “through to 2035.”

“[The way to electrification is] not as clear-cut as three or five years ago, but the general direction is absolutely towards electrification,” he said. “Our commitment is towards carbon-neutral or net zero. But to get there we will double down and add incremental products in the hybrid space before we get to full electric.”

When Aston Martin does decide to launch an EV, it will do so with the help of Lucid. In mid-2023, Aston Martin inked contracts with the EV startup worth over $450 million, giving it access to Lucid’s advanced electric motors and battery packs.

 Aston Martin’s First EV Might Be Delayed Once Again
❌