The world will soon get its first detailed look at the Kia PV5 van on February 27. But even before the official debut, spy shots have surfaced of an unexpected variant, one that could shake up the commercial EV market. While Kia has so far teased only the Passenger Van and Cargo Van versions, this prototype reveals a small flatbed truck. It seems Kia is aiming to cover all the bases with its new EV family.

This disguised prototype was snapped during ongoing winter testing in Europe. While the front end has been shielded from view, it appears largely identical to the van versions of the PV5. Kia’s engineers have hidden the distinctive LED daytime running lights, but the main headlamps positioned lower down on the fascia are visible.

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

In addition, we can see the prototype has the same tiny hood of the van, identical wing mirrors, and the same small corner windows behind the A-pillars. The familiar design continues along the side with the same doors and side windows as the van. However, whereas the PV5 models that Kia has already revealed are vans, this prototype ditches the rear cab in favor of a large bed.

Clearly designed with commercial customers in mind, this PV5 has a cage behind the front cab and a bed that looks to be at least five feet long. It stretches out far beyond the line of the rear axle and looks quite practical for anyone who will need an EV to lug around large loads.

We know that all Kia PV5 models will be underpinned by the brand’s Electric Complete Chassis Platform Module (e-CCPM) platform. However, Kia has not provided important technical details about the EV, including the size of the battery pack and how much power it will have. We suspect that entry-level models will rely on a small electric motor at the front axle, while other versions could also have an electric motor at the rear.

SHProshots

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 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.”

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.”

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.

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.

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✨

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 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.

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).

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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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.

“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.

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.

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.  

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.

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.

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.

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.

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?

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 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.”

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.”