One of the benefits of owning an electric vehicles is reduced maintenance compared to ICE-powered cars. That’s the theory, at least. In practice, one owner has found his Kia EV6 to be less of a technological marvel and more of a recurring electrical problem. His 2024 model has chewed through multiple 12-volt batteries in just a year, prompting him to file a lemon law claim.

While the EV6 has been broadly praised as being an excellent EV, it’s not without fault. Over the years, there are have been several reports of battery failures. We’re not talking about the expensive high-voltage battery pack that powers the motors, but rather the 12-volt battery. According to one Facebook group user, he has gone through three of four of these batteries and says he’s initiated a lemon law claim.

Read: First Look At 2025 Kia EV6 GT With Ioniq 5 N Power And Simulated Gearbox

Most Kia EV6s delivered in the United States come standard with traditional lead-acid 12-volt batteries, rather than AGM (Absorbed Glass Mat) batteries, which are generally considered to be far more superior. AGM batteries use a fiberglass mat to hold the electrolyte, offering better cycling performance and longer lifespan.

The most recent battery installed in this particular EV6 appears to have been one of the lower-grade OEM lead-acid units, and it clearly failed well ahead of schedule.

A photo he shared on the EV6 owner’s Facebook page shows acid leaking from the failed battery and corroding the tray beneath it. According to the owner, his EV6 Wind RWD has only about 4,500 miles on the odometer after one year of ownership and yet it’s already gone through multiple 12-volt batteries.

More: Rivian Owner’s DIY Taillight Repair Saves Thousands And Teaches Us A Lesson

The general consensus among other EV6 owners appears to be that the original 12-volt batteries from Kia aren’t up to par, and it’s better to just install an AGM and move on. What’s puzzling is that the dealership handling this particular case hasn’t done so, especially since, according to users on the Kia EV Forums, the Korean carmaker began equipping EV6s with AGM batteries from the factory as of late 2024.

If there’s one automaker that’s decided to go all-in on electric vehicles—and do it quickly—it’s Kia. Few legacy brands have cranked out as many notable EVs in such short order, and Kia’s made it clear they’re not just dabbling. The company’s goal is to sell 1.6 million EVs per year by 2030, and depending on your location, there’s already a variety of sleek, electrified options to choose from.

The EV6 was the first of a new generation of electric vehicles from Kia and quickly proved itself to be a solid Tesla rival. It’s since followed it up with the larger seven-seat EV9, and, more recently, the smaller EV3 and EV5. Of that bunch, the EV5 may turn out to be the most important.

Why? Because while the EV6 is a solid product, it doesn’t follow the traditional SUV formula—it has a more coupe-like styling that puts it somewhere between a crossover and a hatchback. That’s where the EV5 comes in. It’s a more conventionally shaped, all-electric compact SUV, and it undercuts the best-selling Tesla Model Y on price in many markets. To find out how it performs day to day, we spent a week living with the entry-level EV5 Air Standard Range model.

QUICK FACTS

Photos Brad Anderson/Carscoops

Bargain Price

Perhaps the most important thing about the new EV5 is its price. For many years, legacy brands couldn’t compete with Tesla on that front. Then, new competitors from China started to undercut Tesla’s offerings. The EV5 has done the same thing.

In Australia, prices for the EV5 start at AU$56,770 (~$33,500), including all on-road costs. That makes it significantly cheaper than the entry-level Model Y Rear-Wheel Drive, which carries a AU$64,347 (~$40,300) tag. This also means the EV5 is far cheaper than the EV6, which is priced from AU$78,564 (~$49,200). Indeed, even the flagship EV5 GT-Line, starting at AU$75,990 (~$43,600) is cheaper than the base EV6. It seems inevitable that the EV5 will poach sales from its sibling.

Unfortunately, though, Kia has no plans to sell the EV5 in the United States.

FWD And AWD Options

Three different powertrain configurations are available. The base model, which we tested, has an electric motor at the front axle, rated at 215 hp (160 kW) and 229 lb-ft (310 Nm) of torque. This motor receives its juice from a 64.2 kWh lithium-iron-phosphate battery and has a claimed WLTP driving range of 400 km (249 miles).

Review: 2025 Kia EV3 Makes Everything We Love About The EV9 More Affordable

To put that into perspective, the cheapest Model Y has a quoted range of 466 km (290 miles). However, Kia buyers who aren’t satisfied with 400 km (249 miles) of range can opt for the 2WD Long Range version, which retains the same 215 hp (160 kW) motor, but uses a large 88.1 kWh battery. This model boosts the range to 555 km (345 miles), and yet, at AU$63,990 (~$40,100), it’s still cheaper than the Tesla.

The EV5 is also sold in Earth AWD Long Range and GT-Line AWD Long Range versions. This models add a 94 hp (70 kW) and 125 lb-ft (170 Nm) motor to the rear axle, resulting in a combined 308 hp (230 kW) and 354 lb-ft (480 Nm). They have the same 88.1 kWh pack, but the range drops to 500 km (311 miles) for the Earth and 470 km (292 miles) for the GT-Line. On paper, then, the EV5 sounds like the perfect electric family SUV.

Photos Brad Anderson/Carscoops

Basic Interior, But Good Tech

Stepping into the EV5 for the first time, there’s no mistaking that this is a base model. But, for most, it will be more than adequate.

Sharp lines and edgy surfaces dominate the design of the cabin. This is most apparent with the dashboard itself, which is very striking. Unfortunately, almost the entire dash is made from hard black plastic, with not a square inch of soft-touch material in sight. It’s a similar story with the door panels. Other than the small arm rests and material near the door handles, the entire door is hard black plastic.

Fortunately, the seats feel a little more premium, neatly combining soft leather inserts and cloth accents. They’re soft, supple, and hugely supportive. Nice headrests, similar to those found in the EV9, are also featured.

Photos Brad Anderson/Carscoops

Several other parts have been borrowed from the EV9, including the four-spoke steering wheel and the same volume slider and physical switches for the fan speed and temperature control. All EV5 models also come standard with a panoramic display, combining a 12.3-inch digital gauge cluster and a 12.3-inch infotainment screen. There’s also a 5-inch screen for the climate control between those two 12-inch displays.

More: Check Out The New Kia EV5 From Every Angle As Global Exports Begin

The center console of the EV5 is one of its biggest talking points. Rather than installing a normal item, Kia has extended the material from the front passenger seat across the center of the cabin, making it look like there are three seats up front. There’s then a large armrest and some open storage compartments lower down in the console. It looks pretty cool but has no advantage over a normal console. In fact, it’s worse, as there’s no covered storage area. Not even the chunky armrest opens up to provide any storage.

Fortunately, space at the front is ample and both screens work well, while Wireless Apple CarPlay and Android Auto are supported. The second row also offers heaps of space. Unlike the EV6 which has a sedan-crossover body style limiting headroom, the EV5 stands much taller, benefiting rear passengers. It’s also a lot roomier than a Model Y. I’m 6’2” and I had roughly 2 inches of headroom and 4 inches of legroom in the back with the driver’s seat in my preferred position. That means the EV5 is plenty big enough for families. There are also individual air vents in the pillars and USB-C ports on the back of both front seats.

The positives don’t stop there. Much like Honda’s ‘Magic Seats,’ the backrests of the EV5’s rear seats are hinged to the bases, allowing them to be folded down perfectly flat. There’s plenty of carrying capacity at the rear, too, with a rated 513 liters (18.1 cubic-feet) of cargo capacity with the rear seats up.

Photos Brad Anderson/Carscoops

A Good Daily For The Family

As the EV5 represents a new era of affordable electric vehicles from Kia, it perhaps should come as no surprise that it doesn’t quite feel as polished as the EV6. Even still, it’s pretty good.

Compared to a Sportage, the EV5 rides noticeably firmer. It’s not uncommon for EVs to ride more harshly than their ICE rivals, and weighing in at 1,910 kg (4,210 lbs), the base EV6 is 402 kg (886 lbs) heavier than the entry-level Sportage. As a result, it can feel a little bumpy and unsettled across changing road surfaces.

Those who place an emphasis on driving experience should also be aware that the front-wheel drive EV5 has hot hatch levels of torque steer, even at 70% throttle. With 215 hp (160 kW) and 229 lb-ft (310 Nm), it’s not particularly powerful, but that grunt does tug at the wheel when accelerating in a straight line or while cornering. But, for most drivers, who will rarely ever press the throttle more than 50%, it’s a non-issue.

In wet conditions, the EV5 really struggles to put its power to the ground. Just look at the throttle the wrong way, and the traction control system will quickly cut power, trying to stick the tires to the pavement. Turn off the traction control and the EV5 will furiously spin up its inside front wheel while exiting corners, leaving a thick black line in your wake. The choice of tires is partly to blame for this. They are Nexen Roadian GTXs that simply aren’t up to the task.

Read: US Won’t Get The Kia EV5, But The K5 Might Stick Around For Longer

Overall, this is not an EV that wants to be driven in an aggressive manner. Instead, it responds much better to soft and smooth inputs and remains well-insulated from outside noise even at highway speeds. The steering is light and direct, and as with other EVs from Hyundai and Kia, the braking is excellent. In fact, it’s impossible to detect when the mechanical brakes take over from the regenerative ones.

The level of regen can be adjusted with the paddles behind the steering wheel, and there is a one-pedal driving mode that works brilliantly. From behind the wheel, the EV5 does feel quite big, even though it’s almost exactly the same size as a Sportage, but it remains easy to place on the road.

The EV5 needs roughly 8.5 seconds to hit 100 km/h (62 mph) in this guise, which feels more than adequate.

Unlike most other Hyundai and Kia EVs, the EV5 does not use the group’s E-GMP platform and instead, is underpinned by the cheaper N3 eK 400-volt system. This means it’s capped at 140 kW peak charging speeds, and thus needs 36 minutes to charge from 10-80%. During our time with the EV5, we averaged 17.6 kWh/100 km, and depending on how you drive, eking 249 miles (400 km) out of the battery is definitely achievable.

Photos Brad Anderson/Carscoops

Verdict

As a family SUV, the EV5 feels mostly well-resolved. In this base form, it does not have the same dynamic prowess as the EV6, nor even the much larger EV9 GT-Line, and there are areas of the cabin where it’s clear Kia has tried to save some money. However, at this price point, the EV5 doesn’t really have any compelling rivals that aren’t from China. Even the uninspired Toyota bZ4X is roughly AU$10,000 (~$6,200) more expensive.

We’ve yet to drive the new Model Y, but if the old model is anything to go by, I suspect the new one will ride better and be more enjoyable to drive than the EV5. However, the cabin of the Kia is far more expansive, and for most family buyers, that’ll be more important than having fun behind the wheel.

Photos Brad Anderson/Carscoops

In an industry where ownership changes faster than tire compounds at Monaco, McLaren has had its fair share of musical chairs. The McLaren Group, passed around like an unloved pet in recent years, found itself 100% owned by Bahrain’s sovereign wealth fund as of early last year. Then, in October, the fund handed off its stake to Abu Dhabi-based investment group CYVN Holdings. Now under new ownership, McLaren Automotive is merging with a company we bet you’ve never heard of.

That company is a British start-up called Forseven, which already has significant financial backing from CYVN Holdings. It has already hired more than 700 automotive industry experts and was planning to release several luxury models into the market. Now that it’s tied up with McLaren, these planned models will hit the market using the McLaren badge.

More: McLaren’s First SUV Could Be A PHEV Riding On A Shared Platform

The newly formed McLaren Group Holdings will consist of McLaren Automotive, Forseven, CYVN’s non-controlling stake in McLaren Racing, and the new McLaren Licensing business. CYVN is also a major stakeholder in Chinese EV brand Nio, and says McLaren will gain access to “visionary technologies and electrification.” Forseven’s own push into the automotive space has been helped by Gordon Murray Technologies, which CYVN also owns.

Thanks to the merger, McLaren’s range will grow into new product categories. No confirmation has been given about what these categories will be, but it’s reasonable to assume McLaren will grow beyond just selling supercars and hypercars, and may finally follow its rivals in building an SUV.

Future Model Plans

The brand has repeatedly denied working on an SUV in recent years, but last year, reports surfaced suggesting it could partner with BMW on an SUV. While that won’t be happening because of this deal, a different SUV project could be in the works.

Read: McLaren’s New MCL38 Editions Bring F1 Glory To The Road

Leading the newly formed McLaren Group Holdings will be Forseven CEO Nick Collins. The company is working on a six-month turnaround for McLaren Automotive and will reveal details about its future models later this year. Collins confirmed to Autocar that Forseven and McLaren will work on both ICE and EV models. It’s also possible that features like Nio’s autonomous driving features, and perhaps even its battery-swapping technologies, could be used while leveraging McLaren’s expertise in carbon fiber monocoques.

“This is a financial investment that we will build out and, in my mind, become one of the best, if not the best car company in the world,” Collins described. “That might take a very long time, but the people that back this have a long-term horizon for a sustainably profitable business that is admired around the world.”

McLaren shifted a touch over 2,000 cars last year, well behind the likes of Ferrari and Lamborghini, which delivered over 13,000 and over 10,000 cars, respectively. But, with McLaren venturing into new vehicle segments, its output will inevitably swell.

China’s auto industry is massive, fast-moving, and at times nearly impossible to follow without a flowchart and a magnifying glass. Even major Western players like Toyota and Volkswagen, both deeply entrenched in the market, operate multiple joint ventures that churn out overlapping models.

With hundreds of brands—many state-owned—jostling for space in an increasingly competitive market, the Chinese government is now pushing for a more streamlined approach. The aim is to consolidate key state-backed automakers to boost efficiency, reduce redundancy, and accelerate the country’s shift to electric vehicles.

Read: China’s Dongfeng Launches $25,000 Nammi Box EV In Europe

While speaking at a recent event in Beijing, the vice chairman of China’s state-owned Assets Supervision and Administration Commission of the State Council called for automakers to restructure and realign operations. By pooling development and manufacturing resources, the thinking goes, these companies could become more competitive, especially against agile private-sector brands.

The commission oversees approximately 100 state-owned enterprises, such as Chongqing Changan Automobile, Dongfeng Motor Corp, and China FAW Group, Nikkei Asia reports.

Back in February, South China Morning Post reported that the government was considering placing Dongfeng and Changan under a single holding group. If that happens, the merged entity could surpass BYD and become China’s largest EV manufacturer, a significant shift in the landscape.

“The restructuring, if it materialises, would be a big step towards industry consolidation and of great importance to China’s auto industry for the longer term,” a Morgan Stanley analyst said of the potential deal.

Momentum Behind Consolidation

Last year, Changan sold 2.68 million vehicles, while Dongfeng sold 2.48 million. However, they have not kept pace with BYD in the transition to EVs, and missed their sales targets for EVs last year.

Ivan Li, a fund manager at Loyal Wealth Management, noted, “The two companies’ announcements apparently point to a potential merger of the state-owned parents, though they did not give a clear-cut word on it.” He added that the government likely sees consolidation as a way to reduce internal competition and better position the sector for long-term success.

Joint Ventures Still Play a Key Role

Despite underwhelming EV performance, both companies remain deeply integrated into China’s broader automotive ecosystem. Dongfeng maintains joint ventures with Nissan, Honda, Peugeot, and Citroen, while Changan partners with Ford and Mazda. These alliances may complicate any merger, but they also highlight the strategic value of both companies in the global market.

For years, Icon 4×4 has been quietly setting the gold standard for restomodded Ford Broncos, fusing vintage charm with modern hardware in a way few shops can match. But in an industry increasingly swept up in the electric tide, even Icon couldn’t hold out forever. After logging more than 5,000 hours of development, the California-based builder has officially launched its first electric Bronco program.

Read: Icon 4×4’s Ford Bronco BR Old School Edition Is Pure Vintage Glory

Obviously, there will be many classic Bronco enthusiasts who have absolutely no interest in turning their trucks into EVs, but, for some, the ease of use provided by an electric powertrain may be too hard to ignore. Icon’s electric Bronco uses a 400-volt electrical architecture and a large 105 kWh battery pack.

Power That Moves, Range That… Sort Of Follows

A pair of electric motors send power to all four wheels, delivering a combined output of over 500 horsepower and 440 lb-ft (596 Nm) of torque. That’s more than enough to make this vintage bruiser feel genuinely quick, something early Broncos were never accused of.

In fact, the EV version sprints from 0 to 60 mph (96 km/h) in just 4.5 seconds. That’s sports car territory. What’s less thrilling is the range. Even with a hefty 105 kWh battery, Icon estimates just 175 to 200 miles (282 to 320 km) on a full charge. Not exactly the stuff of cross-country road trips. The irony of a “go-anywhere” truck with a range that makes you think twice about venturing too far isn’t lost on us.

Naturally, the powertrain is just one part of the equation. Like all other Icon projects, the company has reworked the chassis with high-spec gear, including Brembo brakes, adjustable Reiger suspension, and Currie axles with a locking front differential. While exact charging speeds aren’t spelled out, Icon says the Bronco can charge from 20 to 80 percent in under an hour. There’s also a 6.6 kW onboard Level 2 charger for at-home top-ups.

The first electric Bronco, dubbed “Blue Star,” wears a bright blue paint job and a fully refreshed interior. Icon has modernized the cabin materials and layout while managing to preserve the truck’s retro soul, a balance it’s become known for.

As for the price? That’ll stop you faster than the Brembos. The Special Limited Edition version, limited to just 10 units, starts at a hefty $449,000. That makes it one of the most expensive classic Broncos out there—electrified or otherwise. For that kind of money, you could be shopping for a Ford GT, one of the brand’s most iconic performance cars.

Photos Icon

The Hyundai Ioniq 6 is a brilliant EV, but its design has always been a little controversial. Now, the brand has launched a facelifted version of the Ioniq 6, and it certainly looks a lot sleeker while retaining the streamlined shape of the model we’re all familiar with.

This new Ioniq 6 has been unveiled at the Seoul Mobility Show, although no clear images of the revised rear-end have been published. Fortunately, we have been provided with a good look at the overhauled front fascia. Not only does it look more refined than the old model, but it’s also more aggressive, particularly in N Line guise.

Read: Hyundai Ioniq 6 N Could Be Even Better Than The 5 N

One of the more peculiar parts of the outgoing model was the headlights. Just like Hyundai did with the Sonata, the carmaker has ditched these weird lights in favor of split lights, consisting of thin LED daytime running lights and separate headlamps positioned lower in the bumper. It makes a world of difference to the EV’s design.

Those who want something a little more aggressive would be wise to opt for the new Ioniq 6 N Line. It opens up the front fascia, and much like the Elantra N, includes a gaping wide grille and air intakes. Hyundai is also promising a new rear bumper that incorporates more black parts, and has showcased the N Line with distinctive silver and black wheels.

The rear of the new Ioniq 6 retains the LED light bar of the outgoing model, but now includes a large ducktail lip spoiler. It’s also ditched the odd second spoiler that was positioned at the base of the rear window, and it looks much better because of it.

“IONIQ 6 has evolved from a single Electrified Streamliner into a lineup, each model expressing its own character while staying true to one refined vision,” the head of Hyundai Design Center, Simon Loasby said of the new model. “Under the evolved design concept of ‘Pure Flow, Refined’, we’ve enhanced every line and detail to make IONIQ 6 simpler and more progressive.”

Some minor tweaks have been made to the cabin of the new Ioniq 6, too. For example, there’s a different three-spoke steering wheel, the window switches have been repositioned, and there are new USB ports. No technical details about the new model have been announced.

Hyundai Ioniq 6 N

Perhaps the most exciting titbit from these images is our first proper teaser of the long-awaited Hyundai Ioniq 6 N. It’s inspired by the RN22e concept from a few years ago and has been showcased with a bespoke rear fascia, a large fixed rear wing, and new LED taillights. There’s no word on its power, but it should have the same basic dual-motor system as the Ioniq 5 N, producing the same 641 hp and also featuring synthetic exhaust sounds and a simulated eight-speed dual-clutch transmission. It will be unveiled in July.

Xiaomi’s team has been showered with praise in recent months and has probably become used to reading nothing but positive headlines. However, the Chinese carmaker is now hitting the headlines for all the wrong reasons, after the first major accident involving the SU7 sedan resulted in three fatalities. The incident has cast a shadow over the tech giant’s automotive ambitions and raised tough questions about the safety and reliability of advanced driver-assistance systems.

On March 29, a Xiaomi SU7 was traveling in China with three passengers onboard. The vehicle was driving along the Dezhou–Shangrao Expressway in Anhui Province with its Navigate on Autopilot (NOA) system engaged, maintaining a steady speed of 116 km/h (72 mph). As it approached a construction zone and a lane closed off with barriers, the SU7 struck a concrete divider at 97 km/h (60 mph), sparking a fire that ultimately engulfed the car.

Read: Xiaomi Aims To Sell More EVs In China Than All German Brands Combined

Shortly after the crash, Xiaomi released a timeline detailing the moments leading up to the collision. At 10:44:24 p.m., the SU7’s Navigate on Autopilot system issued a warning—“Obstacle ahead”—and began braking. One second later, the driver took control, steering left by 22.06 degrees and applying 31% brake pressure. Another second later, they adjusted slightly to the right by 1.06 degrees and increased braking to 38%. Despite these apparent efforts to avoid the crash, the vehicle struck the concrete barrier.

The impact immediately triggered the eCall emergency system. Within 20 seconds, the registered owner of the SU7 was contacted and confirmed he was not the driver. An ambulance was dispatched and arrived around 11 p.m., but tragically, all three occupants had already died.

The Xiaomi SU7 vehicle in China was driving at 116km/h in NOA on the highway, with the last speed reported to be 97km/h just before the collision with the guardrail.

A fire broke out after the collision, killing all three female college students in the vehicle.

Xiaomi issued a… pic.twitter.com/nxHGGYXhOR

— Tsla Chan (@Tslachan) April 1, 2025

Xiaomi says it is fully cooperating with local investigators to determine the cause of the crash. According to Reuters, which cited reporting from the Chinese newspaper Economic Observer, the father of one of the victims was told by local police that the car key failed to unlock the doors after the impact. In a statement, Xiaomi said it has not yet been able to confirm whether the doors could be opened at the time of the accident.

Shares in the Chinese technology giant fell 5% after word of the crash became public. Company boss Lei Jun has vowed to “respond to the concerns of families and society,” while investigating the crash.

Photos Weibo / Shine

Tesla will release its first-quarter sales figures later today, but before that happens, we already have some key sales data from several countries across Europe. It does not paint a pretty picture for the electric automaker that’s been struggling since Elon Musk became President Donald Trump’s right-hand man in the Oval Office.

According to the latest data, Tesla sold 3,157 new vehicles in France this March, a sharp 36.83% drop compared to the same time last year. It’s even worse in Sweden, where sales plummeted by 63.9% to just 911 units. Denmark saw a 65.5% decline (down to 595 cars), while the Netherlands reported a 61% drop, with 1,536 Teslas sold.

Read: Even Toyota Sold More EVs Than Tesla In Norway As Musk’s Brand Tanks 45%

These figures are important because the all-new Model Y has been available in most European markets since February 21, but it doesn’t appear to have reversed Tesla’s fortunes, at least not yet. Sales may start to climb once the public becomes more familiar with the new Model Y and get the opportunity to see it in the flesh.

Tesla is doing a little better in Norway. While the 2,211 models sold locally in March was down 1% from March last year, it was up significantly from January and February, when 1,606 Teslas found new homes. The Model Y was easily Norway’s best-selling new car in March, shifting 1,822 units, compared to the Nissan Ariya in second with 569 units sold.

Similarly, Tesla’s fortunes are also changing for the better in Spain, Portugal, and Italy, with sales climbing by 34.3%, 2.1%, and 51.3%, respectively, as reported by Reuters. Despite these gains, weak figures from January and February still mean quarterly sales are down in all three markets from Q1 2024.

Of course, it’s not just Musk’s involvement in US and European politics that has diminished the sentiment in the brand among some shoppers. In Europe, a growing number of Chinese car manufacturers are entering the market with competitively priced vehicles, despite tariffs placed against them.

With a constant stream of electric vehicles pouring out of China , trying to keep track of them all is starting to feel like a full-time job. There’s always something new vying for attention, but every now and then, one stands out from the crowd. One of the more intriguing entries, a lightweight electric sports car that first appeared back in 2022 as the SC-01, is now resurfacing—this time ready for production.

Recently rebranded as the JMEV01, the coupe is finally set to hit the Chinese market on April 15, after spending some time under the radar. Visually, it lands somewhere between the Tesla Roadster and a Lancia Stratos, which is no bad thing.

Read: The SSC SC-01 Is A $42,000 Chinese Electric Sports Car With 429HP

The SC-01 was originally the brainchild of a startup called Small Sports Car (SSC), but it has since found a new identity under the JMEV brand. JMEV itself is part of Jiangling Motors Corporation (JMC), a Chinese automaker that was once partnered with Renault—at least until the French walked away from the joint venture in 2023. Now, the project is getting financial backing from Xiaomi, as CarnewsChina reports. Welcome to the overlapping Venn diagram that is the Chinese EV industry.

Prices for the JMEV01 are expected to start under 300,000 yuan, or roughly $41,300, and the official launch is scheduled for mid-April.

At a time when most EVs seem to double as workout equipment for suspension engineers, the JMEV01 represents a welcome change. It’s underpinned by a tubular spaceframe chassis and reportedly tips the scales at just 3,009 lbs (1,365 kg). To put that into perspective, the similarly sized MG Cyberster weighs 4,376 lbs (1,985 kg) in its flagship guise, so JMC has clearly done some clever things to keep the weight down.

Range and Performance

We don’t yet have specifics on the battery pack’s capacity, but we do know it’s being sourced from CALB and is expected to deliver up to 323 miles (520 km) of range on the CLTC cycle. That energy feeds a pair of electric motors producing a combined 429 hp (320 kW), good for a 0–62 mph (100 km/h) sprint in just 3.9 seconds.

The exterior design of the JMEV01 is something to behold. In a world where many EVs look unnecessarily futuristic and are dominated by smooth surfaces and curved lines to aid in aerodynamics, this sports car looks more traditional, and is all the better for it. The front end includes sharp headlights with black surrounds, a large grille and air intakes, and a clamshell-style hood.

From the rear three-quarter angle, the Lancia Stratos inspiration becomes impossible to miss. The JMEV01 features a flat decklid, a tidy lip spoiler, circular taillights, and a blacked-out bumper—details that give it the look of a rally icon filtered through Chinese lens.

More: China’s Giant Space Solar Station Could Beam Endless Power To EVs And Homes

It’s still too early to say whether the JMEV01 will live up to its promise, but on paper, it’s ticking a lot of the right boxes. If nothing else, it’s proof that not every EV coming out of China has to be a 5,000-pound tech pod shaped like a jellybean with lightbars.

For anyone even vaguely familiar with the current landscape, it’s clear that electric vehicles have quietly taken over the sensible side of driving. They’re smooth, quiet, efficient, and for most people, that’s exactly what daily driving should be. But for enthusiasts? Well, the story’s a little different. Most EVs just don’t hit the same nerve as a manual-equipped ICE car screaming through its rev range. Automakers know this too, and they’ve started tinkering. Ford, it seems, is the latest to join the “manual EV” experiment.

Toyota has been working on a simulated manual transmission for future EVs since at least 2022, and Hyundai has famously replicated a dual-clutch transmission in the popular Ioniq 5 N. Now, a recently published patent from Ford shows that it, too is developing a fake stick shift designed for EVs.

Watch: Toyota’s Six-Speed Manual For EVs Feels Just Like The Real Thing, Say Testers

The application, first filed in the US back in September 2023 before being published on March 20, surfaced publicly a couple of weeks ago, catching the attention of Jalopnik. It describes and depicts a shifter that uses several actuators, vertical drive posts, vertical guide posts, and motors to simulate gear shifts. While that all sounds very complex, what it means is that the shifter could be configured to simulate any kind of H-pattern ‘box with different numbers of fake gears. In theory, the setup could also allow for simply sequential up and down shifting.

This isn’t just a novelty, either. Ford also mentions the use of haptic feedback to give drivers a more tactile experience. The patent even acknowledges the elephant in the room: EVs just don’t provide the same kind of physical connection that drivers get from combustion-powered cars. As Ford puts it, electric vehicles “lack operator to vehicle physical feedback that is advantageous in conventional motor vehicles.”

Will It Ever Hit the Road?

Of course, despite Ford making this patent application over 18 months ago, there’s no guarantee it will bring it into production. Adding a fake shifter would only make sense if the EV itself is a sporty model. After all, no one is going to buy an Explorer EV with a stick shift. However, if Ford does decide to eventually launch a true electric Mustang (not like the Mach-E…), or perhaps an electric hot hatch, it could be well-suited to a shifter like this. Until then, it’s likely a clever idea stuck in the theoretical lane.

Electric cars are no longer just about efficiency—they’re turning into full-blown performance monsters. Sure, the Xiaomi SU7 Ultra Ultra may have nabbed some bragging rights by edging out the Taycan Turbo GT at a few tracks, but make no mistake: Porsche’s flagship EV is still an absolute weapon. Not only does it offer insane acceleration, but it is equally as impressive in braking and handling, as Motor Trend recently discovered.

Read: Porsche Taycan Turbo GT Topples 911 Turbo S At Interlagos F1 Circuit

While testing the Taycan Turbo GT in flagship Weissach guise, which ditches the rear seats, Motor Trend recorded an astonishing 0-60 mph (96 km/h) time of 1.89 seconds with its typical one-foot rollout procedure. This works out to be 2.10 seconds without rollout. To put that into context, that 1.89-second sprint is not only 0.05 seconds quicker than the standard Taycan Turbo GT, but it’s also 0.18 seconds ahead of the Tesla Model S Plaid, no small feat. Even the four-door Taycan Turbo GT previously tested by MT outsprinted the Tesla to 60 mph.

Faster Than Fast

This acceleration places the Porsche ahead of some seriously elite competition. It beats the Ferrari SF90 Stradale Assetto Fiorano’s 2.10-second time and edges out the Lucid Air Sapphire’s 2.16-second figure. In fact, it’s now the fastest-accelerating car MotorTrend has ever tested in its 76-year history.

Motor Trend’s quarter-mile time is perhaps even more impressive. The electric Porsche stormed down the drag strip in just 9.23 seconds at 150.1 mph. That only trails the Lucid Air Sapphire that’s set a 9.21-second quarter-mile at 157.1 mph. As the model’s various lap records show, it also handles extraordinarily well and is the quickest sedan tested around the publication’s figure-eight testing course.

In the test, the flagship electric Porsche set a time of 21.86 seconds, pulling an average of 1.03g. This is the fourth-quickest time ever recorded, and only a hundredth of a second behind a Chevrolet Corvette Z06 with the Z07 Pack, and was close to the Ferrari 296 GTB and McLaren 765LT.

Braking performance is just as impressive. The Taycan Turbo GT Weissach came to a halt from 60 mph in just 93 feet. And when it’s time to recharge, the EV is equally efficient, needing only 19 minutes to go from 5% to 80% using a high-speed charger.

At What Cost, Though?

The example tested had a sticker price of $233,395. There’s no doubt that’s a lot of money, particularly compared to the $94,900 commanded by the Tesla Model S Plaid, although it’s more affordable than the $250,575 Lucid Air Sapphire.

It’s not unusual for a flashy EV startup to crash and burn, but Canoo’s spectacular flameout has been anything but clean. After filing for Chapter 7 bankruptcy in January and halting operations entirely, the company is now tangled in a messy dispute that involves hidden assets, questionable sales tactics, and accusations that its CEO may have gotten a little too good of a deal.

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

Last Friday, electric trucking startup Harbinger filed a formal objection to the sale of Canoo’s assets to its boss, claiming the sale process “unfairly favored Mr. Aquila.” According to the objection, Canoo failed to disclose certain assets acquired from another failed EV startup—Arrival—and the bankruptcy trustee approved Aquila’s purchase without securing an independent appraisal or even marketing the assets to outside buyers.

Allegations of Hidden Assets and Insider Deals

The situation gets murkier. Harbinger also alleges that Canoo listed some assets that it didn’t actually own for sale. While Harbinger did not specify what these assets were, it says that the access granted to the virtual data room for potential bidders when it considered buying the assets allowed them to make this determination, as first reported by TechCrunch.

The sale of Canoo to its CEO also includes a very important clause. Canoo sued Harbinger in 2022, claiming many of its former employees had stolen trade secrets that were used to create Harbinger. This lawsuit is still ongoing, and through the purchase, Aquila will personally benefit from any settlement that Harbinger may have to pay.

In the complaint, Harbinger notes that the former boss is buying unidentified ‘trade secrets’ from Canoo, “but Mr. Aquila alone supposedly knows what those trade secrets are.” It adds that “a process where only one bidder – an insider – has the ability to identify the assets offered for sale and their value is not a fair process.”

Even before the bankruptcy, Canoo’s financials read like a startup horror story. Since its founding in 2017, the company generated almost no revenue and racked up hundreds of millions in losses. In 2022 alone, Canoo reported a staggering $488 million loss, followed by $303 million in 2023. The first half of 2024 added another $118 million to the bonfire. For comparison, Canoo reported zero revenue in 2022 and just under $900,000 in 2023—a rounding error in the EV world.

As Canada braces for the impact of steep 25% tariffs on vehicles it exports to the United States, a missed opportunity is coming back into focus. Chinese automaker BYD reportedly expressed interest in investing in Canadian manufacturing but backed off after encountering significant pushback. With Trump’s new tariffs set to take effect on April 2, some are now wondering if Canada might need BYD more than it realized.

More: Canada Freezes Musk’s $43M Tesla EV Rebate Claim After Rapid-Fire Sales, Bans Future Subsidies

China’s ambassador to Canada, Wang Di, said moves made by the Canadian government have “seriously dampened” the confidence of Chinese companies to invest locally. For example, three Chinese mineral firms have been ordered to divest their assets, TikTok’s Canadian branch has been closed, and AI firm DeepSeek has been banned, all in the name of national security.

Why Canada Shut the Door on BYD

This hardline approach toward Chinese firms—including BYD—has been framed as a move to protect domestic industry, ensure national security, and align with US concerns. American officials, including former President Biden, had warned that Chinese automakers might try to use Canada as a backdoor into the US market. But with President Trump reimposing tariffs, the rationale for walling off Chinese investment may be shifting.

A recent report by The Logic suggests that if US-Canada trade alignment is no longer a priority, Canada might do well to reconsider its position. Letting BYD invest could bring clear benefits, especially with Canadian auto jobs now potentially at risk.

“BYD had carefully thought about coming to Canada to make investment. But they met huge difficulties, restrictions and obstruction, and they had to give up the idea of investing in Canada. And I heard that they have moved to other countries, and they have been very successful there,” Wang Di told The Globe and Mail.

Read: Chinese-Owned EV Brands Gain Momentum In Europe, Collectively Outsell Tesla

“If BYD was successful in investing in Canada, then I think the result would be the Canadian consumers would have been able to enjoy the EVs with the latest technology, with very good quality and with a cheaper price. Isn’t that a good thing?,” he added.

Too Little, Too Late?

If Trump’s tariffs force car manufacturers to shift more of their production to the United States, countless jobs could be lost throughout Canada’s auto manufacturing sector. Now, it’s Canada that may need BYD more than the Chinese automaker needs it.

However, that ship might have already sailed. According to BYD spokesperson Frank Girardot, BYD does not have any plans for manufacturing in Canada and will simply continue to service the company’s buses that some transit operators in the country use.

It’s no secret that Tesla has become something of a cultural lightning rod, whether for its tech, its CEO, or the political baggage that now seems welded to its aluminum panels. And in the current climate, even scratching a Tesla could apparently land you in serious legal territory, at least in Washington, D.C., where the politics are as tangled as the city’s traffic circles.

Read: Trump Vows To Buy A Tesla After ‘Radical Left Lunatics’ Boycott Brand

Elon Musk and Tesla have grown so closely associated with the Trump-era political ecosystem that some officials in the nation’s capital are reportedly considering whether vandalism against the brand could be prosecuted as a hate crime. D.C. has long been a Democratic stronghold, but Mayor Muriel Bowser appears to be making moves in response to mounting pressure from the Trump administration, particularly after Trump’s recent threat to assert control over the District.

Last week, D.C.’s Metropolitan Police issued a press release announcing they are searching for two suspects who allegedly defaced Tesla vehicles in the district. According to the authorities, they “wrote political hate speech on to the victims’ Tesla vehicles then fled the scene.” The exterior cameras of the cars caught clear images of both suspects, although they were wearing sunglasses.

Vandalism, But Make It Political

Unlike some incidents elsewhere in the country, the Teslas weren’t torched, overturned, or otherwise wrecked. The damage was cosmetic, limited to what amounts to political graffiti. What’s perhaps the strangest thing about the whole situation is that much of the “hate speech” graffiti on the cars wasn’t even that dramatic.

According to Politico, which reviewed police reports, several sarcastic messages were left on the Teslas. These included statements like “Let’s do away with the administrative state! Buy a tesla!” while another said, “Go Doge I support Musk killing the dept of education.”

Another read, “I like what Musk is doing,” while one stated, “I Love Musk and hate the Fed Gov.t.” Possibly the most provocative was: “Ask me about my support of Nazis.” It’s a grab bag of chaotic energy, part satire, part performance art, part political Rorschach test.

Washington D.C. is one of just a few jurisdictions that describe “political affiliation,” with race, sex, and religion as categories of bias, meaning locals cannot discriminate against someone for being a Democrat or Republican. However, that doesn’t mean you can’t shun someone for their opinion.

“I would have a hard time seeing how anti-Elon Musk graffiti would constitute political affiliation discrimination,” Arizona State University law professor Michael Selmi said. “The real issue is there’s very little case law interpreting political affiliation in D.C. or in the few other jurisdictions that include it.”

Anyone who scrawls a swastika on a Tesla has obviously committed a hate crime https://t.co/EJFkYxDHrV

— Elon Musk (@elonmusk) March 31, 2025

Electric vehicles might be the future, but profitability? That’s still a rare luxury in the EV world. An interesting study has revealed that just four EV-only brands are currently operating at a profit, while many others continue to bleed money at impressive rates. It probably won’t shock anyone that Tesla and BYD are leading the charge, but some of the other top-performing names are a bit less expected.

Read: Only 1 In 7 Of Today’s Chinese EV Brands Will Be Profitable By 2030, Analysts Claim

The study examined the operating income ratios of major EV brands and found that in 2024, Tesla reported an operating margin of 7.2%, putting it just ahead of BYD at 6.4%. However, while Tesla’s margin has declined since 2023, BYD’s has been climbing. If that trajectory holds, as many analysts expect, BYD could soon surpass Tesla in operating profitability.

Vertical Integration Pays Off

Key to the growth of both of these brands is that they are vertically integrated, helping them to scale and reach profitability sooner. The only other two brands analyzed by the study to have reached profitability are China’s Li Auto and the Series Group, which includes the Seres, Aito, and Landian brands.

While none of the other EV brands analyzed turned a profit in 2024, a few are edging closer. Zeekr, part of the Geely group, reported an operating margin of -8.5% last year. But with sales on the rise, it may soon begin delivering profits for its parent company. Xpeng and Leapmotor are also moving in the right direction, having more than halved their losses between 2023 and 2024.

Nio is another important player in China’s EV market, but not a profitable one. Its 2024 operating margin came in at over -30%, suggesting it still has a long climb ahead before it sees black ink on its balance sheet.

Tesla Stands Alone Outside China

Tesla remains the only non-Chinese EV brand to hit profitability. Polestar hasn’t crossed that threshold yet, though it did manage to reduce its losses in 2024. Similarly, Rivian also remains in the red, though like Polestar, it continues to receive substantial external funding.

At the other end of the spectrum, Lucid holds the dubious honor of running the steepest losses in the EV sector. According to data from Rho Motion, its 2024 operating margin was -374%. That’s an improvement from over -500% the year before, but still, not exactly a sign of financial health. Heavy backing from Saudi Arabia is helping Lucid stay afloat despite the massive shortfalls.

While the Tesla Cybertruck seems to be a regular target for ridicule, one example was recently able to tow out a Ford F-150 that got stuck in the snow somewhere in Canada. Although there’s a chance that the whole thing was staged, the clip does show that with a good set of rubber, the truck can put all of its electric power to good use.

Watch: Cybertruck Stuck On Ping Pong Mode In Flowing River

These videos, shared on the Cybertruck Owners Club forum, were filmed by a group of friends who were out enjoying some snow-filled fun in both the Tesla and a Ford F-150. For reasons that are still unclear, the driver of the F-150 seemed to intentionally reverse into a snowbank just off the side of the road—promptly getting stuck, of course. Classic move.

Now, we could all roll our eyes and assume this whole thing was set up—perhaps the F-150 was driven into the snow just for the Tesla to save the day. But regardless of the setup, the video shows one thing: the Cybertruck can actually get things done when it’s not stuck itself.

Driving on snow can be difficult for any road-going vehicle, but this Cybertruck appears to have been aided by the fact that it rocks a set of Goodyear Wrangler Duratrac tires, providing it with better traction than the standard rubber. We’re not sure if it’s a dual-motor AWD version or a tri-motor Cyberbeast, but it apparently had more than enough power to pull out the Ford with ease.

Watch: The Cybertruck Might Be Defeated By Sand, But It Can Rock Crawl

Despite the occasional viral mishap, the Cybertruck’s electric motors and advanced electronics can be helpful in certain off-roading situations. For example, the Tesla has no trouble storming through some of the most difficult and famous rock-crawling areas in the United States, including ‘Hell’s Revenge’ and the ‘Hot Tub’ in Moab, Utah.  

Update: US President Donald Trump has confirmed that he pardoned Trevor Milton. When asked why he did so, Trump told reporters at the White House, “I think he was exonerated. And then they brought him into New York, he had a rough, rough road, and … he was exonerated. It was a big celebration.”

“They say the thing that he did wrong was, he was one of the first people that supported a gentleman named Donald Trump for president,” Trump continued, according to CNBC. “He supported Trump. He liked Trump. I didn’t know him, but he liked him.”

“They persecuted him, they destroyed five years of his life. He… fought for five years of his life, and he did nothing wrong. And he’s a good person,” the President added.

Original story follows below.

In December 2023, Trevor Milton, the founder and former CEO of Nikola, was sentenced to four years in federal prison for engaging in securities and wire fraud. Fast forward to today, and he’s sent out a press release claiming he’s been pardoned by US President Donald Trump. Furthermore, Milton says he’s about to release a documentary that promises to dive deep into the controversies surrounding Nikola.

Trump had criticized hydrogen cars during his 2024 campaign, suggesting the vehicles were prone to exploding. Meanwhile, his advisor and head of the DOGE division, Elon Musk, was locked in an ongoing feud with Trevor Milton, trading barbed insults. A few years ago, Musk tweeted, “Fuel cells = fool sells,” calling the technology “staggeringly dumb” in reference to Nikola’s hydrogen-powered trucks.

Milton, who has been out on bail since his sentencing, has vigorously appealed the court’s decision to lock him up. Originally, he was slapped with a $1 million fine in addition to his prison sentence and three years of supervised release. On top of that, he was ordered to pay Nikola $167.7 million for making false and misleading statements.

Read: Nikola Goes Bankrupt As Startup Once Valued Higher Than Ford Runs Out Of Cash

The entrepreneur has long pleaded his innocence, and in a YouTube documentary to be released soon, he says he will now tell his side of the story.

“This pardon is not just about me—it’s about every American who has been railroaded by the government, and unfortunately, that’s a lot of people,” Milton said. “It is no wonder why trust and confidence in the Justice Department has eroded to nothing. I wish judges would stop believing whatever the prosecutors feed them so Americans could trust the justice system again. Until that happens, our justice system will continue to erode until there is nothing left.”

“The 90+% conviction rate in New York is appalling and is a result of prosecutors getting whatever they want and putting innocent people in prison,” he added. “I saw firsthand the tactics they use to achieve those guaranteed convictions. I am incredibly grateful to President Trump for his courage in standing up for what is right and for granting me this sacred pardon of innocence.”

The documentary, Conviction of Conspiracy: The Trevor Milton Saga, has been directed by British filmmaker Mark Soldinger. A preview for the film claims it will be “pulling back the curtain on the media firestorm, legal maneuvers, and unseen dynamics that shaped the outcome” of the case.

The film appears to have been produced by Milton himself, and a trailer was shared to his personal YouTube channel. Whether or not it will show an accurate representation of what happened remains to be seen, but it will be interesting to see behind the scenes of Nikola’s struggles.

Today I was issued a full and unconditional pardon by @realDonaldTrump himself. He called me personally to tell me.

This pardon is not just about me—it’s about every American who has been railroaded by the government, and unfortunately, that’s a lot of people. It is no wonder… pic.twitter.com/qpT0jjI6Fy

— Trevor Milton (@nikolatrevor) March 28, 2025

Alfa Romeo is gearing up to retire the current-generation Giulia sedan after a decade of service. But before you start tearing up, don’t reach for the tissues just yet. Production may be winding down in the next few months, but the Giulia will still be hanging around in North America until 2026. And before you get too sentimental, the nameplate is definitely sticking around for the long haul.

Read: 2027 Alfa Romeo Giulia Will Be A Crossover, Abandoning Its Sedan Roots

The Italian automaker is already hard at work on a next-generation Giulia, set to launch alongside an all-new Stelvio. Both models are expected to make their debut sometime next year.

What Will the New Giulia Look Like?

Given that prototypes of the new Giulia have yet to be spotted out in public, it’s a little difficult to know what it’ll look like. Recent reports suggest that Alfa Romeo is considering a drastic shift, with the next Giulia potentially evolving into a fastback-style crossover, something in the vein of the Peugeot 408 or Kia EV6.

We toyed around with renderings of this sedan-crossover hybrid a couple of months ago, but digital artist Theophilus Chin (also known as Theottle) had a different approach. On Instagram, he posted a question: “What if Alfa Romeo reskins the Giulia while riding on the talented Giorgio RWD platform?”

A Fresh Take on the Current Giulia

Chin’s renderings show what the new Giulia could look like if Alfa Romeo decided to stick with the current chassis, extending its life rather than moving to the STLA Large platform. It’s a theoretical take, sure, but one that’s interesting, if not entirely practical.

To reimagine the car, Theottle started off by pasting the body of the Xiaomi SU7 onto the skin of the current car before making a series of significant alterations to it. It’s an odd choice, we admit, but somehow, it works.

More: Toyota bZ86 Coupe Study Imagines An Electric GR86

While the SU7 looks very different than the Giulia, it does have some sexy lines and creases, many of which have been retained in these renderings. However, the front end has been overhauled, and now includes identifiable Alfa Romeo headlights that form part of the triangular-shaped grille.

There’s also a lot to like about the rear, which sports LED taillights reminiscent of those on the current Subaru WRX. However, this time around, they’re linked by a light bar for a more modern touch.

The Future of the Giulia

If the reports are to be believed, the new Giulia will be underpinned by Stellantis’s STLA Large architecture, already being used by the new Dodge Charger. All-electric versions will be offered, but Alfa Romeo has also said it’s working on different hybrid options.

Recent statements from the brand also indicate flagship Quadrifoglio versions of the new Giulia and Stelvio could retain six-cylinder engines, perhaps related to the beloved 2.9-liter twin-turbocharged V6 these models currently use. We’ll see if that comes to fruition, but for now, it’s just a thought.

In the fast-paced world of electric vehicles, startups often make a huge splash, only to crash and burn just as quickly. Human Horizons certainly made plenty of noise when it burst onto China’s EV scene with the launch of its HiPhi Z, an electric car that looked like a four-door Nissan GT-R blended with a BMW i8 from a sci-fi flick.

Read: China’s HiPhi EV Startup Is In Trouble, As Parent Company Files For Bankruptcy

But, as we’ve seen time and time again, flashy debuts rarely guarantee long-term success. Despite its early promise, Human Horizons soon found itself in financial turmoil, ultimately filing for bankruptcy. This misfortune came just about a year after the HiPhi Z first launched in Europe, and now two of these rare cars are on the market looking for new homes and owners, whether or not they know what they’re getting into.

Buying an EV from a company that’s gone belly up, much like Fisker did, is a gamble at best. If something breaks—or, heaven forbid, just doesn’t work—you’ll be left high and dry, with zero technical support to rely on.

Less Than Half Its Original Price

Mobile.de

Now, let’s get into the specifics of what’s up for grabs. The first HiPhi model we’ve come across is a Z, which is up for sale in Germany with an asking price of €69,800 (~$75,300). The Z was the most unusual of HiPhi’s three models and, when first announced, had an asking price of €105,000 (~$113,200).

While we’re not sure when exactly this model was delivered in Europe, it has a mere 50 km (31 miles) on the odometer. So, it’s barely broken in, assuming the lack of financial backing doesn’t completely put a halt to its future prospects.

Powering the HiPhi Z is a 120 kWh battery pack feeding a pair of electric motors with 663 hp. The EV can reportedly hit 62 mph (100 km/h) in just 3.8 seconds and travel up to 345 miles (555 km) on a single charge. The Z’s exterior design is quite the conversation starter, but the cabin also looks impressively luxurious with plenty of premium materials and a large infotainment screen.

More: 1,287 HP HiPhi A Thinks The Model S Plaid Is All Go And Not Enough Show

The second HiPhi Z we found on Mobile is a slightly more expensive four-seat version, which originally listed at €107,000 (~$115,400). This one’s been used a bit more, with 10,000 km (6,200 miles) on the clock, and the photos show it’s been used as a family car with two baby seats in the back. It has an asking price of €60,000 (~$64,700). That’s roughly the same as a brand new BMW 520i in Germany, although the Z is all-electric and has much more power.

Would You Take The Risk?

So, would you dare buy an EV from a company that’s already written its own obituary? Well, that’s for you to decide. But hey, if you’re feeling adventurous, these HiPhi Zs are out there waiting to be snapped up. Just don’t say we didn’t warn you.

Mobile.de

We may have just stumbled upon what could very well be the highest-mileage Hyundai Ioniq 5 in existence. Despite being a 2023 model, this Korean EV has racked up an astonishing 666,255 km (413,991 miles) — nearly enough to make the round trip to the Moon. Yes, you read that right. The Moon.

This Ioniq 5 popped up on a Facebook page where owners regularly share their mileage milestones, and this one has certainly earned a spot at the top. This particular Ioniq 5 lives in Korea, and the owner has driven it more than most people will in their entire lifetime. This is a car that’s seen some serious road time.

Read: The Hyundai Ioniq 5 Is Stealing Tons Of Buyers From Other Brands

The post doesn’t clarify the exact model of the Ioniq 5, but the car’s original battery reportedly held up until it reached 580,000 km (360,395 miles). When it finally gave up the ghost, Hyundai replaced it at no charge. Now, we’re left scratching our heads a little on this one.

In most markets, like the US and Australia, the Ioniq 5’s battery warranty typically covers 8-10 years, but with a cap of 100,000 miles (160,000 km). So, why Hyundai decided to cover the cost of the replacement is anyone’s guess. Maybe they were feeling generous? Or maybe this is just an extraordinary exception to the rule.

Regardless of the reason behind the free battery pack, let’s not overlook just how much driving this Ioniq 5 has seen in a relatively short amount of time. According to the post, the owner has had the Hyundai for 3 years and 4-5 months, covering an impressive 666,255 km or 413,991 miles.

If the Hyundai’s been in their hands for exactly 3 years and 4 months (or 40 months), that averages out to 16,656 km (10,349 miles) per month, or roughly 555 km (345 miles) a day. If it’s been 3 years and 5 months, that’s a monthly average of 16,250 km (10,097 miles), or 541 km (336 miles) per day. Either way, that’s a lot of road time.

To really drive the point home: the average distance between the Earth and the Moon is around 384,400 km (238,855 miles). So, this Ioniq 5’s owner has driven the equivalent of a one-way trip to the Moon and back, and then some. And did we mention the owner is a salesman? Yeah, this guy clearly spends more time behind the wheel of his Ioniq 5 than most of us spend staring at our phones. That is, of course, when he’s not waiting for it to charge.

The $7,500 federal EV tax credit has given many Americans a financial nudge to go electric, but the program hasn’t exactly been smooth sailing. While the credit can now be applied directly at the point of sale, some dealerships have been dragging their feet on the process, leaving buyers high and dry without the discount they were promised. But, good news: there’s a fix in the works.

Read: Dealers’ Paperwork Errors Are Costing Buyers Their EV Tax Credits With The IRS

It turns out that while the rebate is available at purchase, dealers have to be enrolled in the program and use a portal to submit their EV sales report within three days of the transaction for the credit to go through. Miss that deadline, and the rebate? Poof. Gone.

The IRS Steps In with a Lifeline

Fortunately, the IRS is stepping up to the plate. According to the National Automobile Dealers Association (NADA), the agency is essentially hitting the reset button on the 3-day reporting rule. Now, dealers can submit reports for any qualifying clean vehicle credit transaction from 2024, even if it happened earlier in the year.

According to NADA, the IRS updated the portal earlier this week, making it fully operational for dealers. The good news here isn’t just for car buyers, it’s a win for dealerships, too. Some dealers had been offering the tax credit upfront to customers at the point of sale, only to later realize they hadn’t secured the actual rebate yet.

NADA says it “advocated aggressively for the IRS to remedy these issues” and even went so far as to send a formal letter to both the U.S. Department of Treasury and the IRS, urging them to address the problem quickly and implement a timely solution.

With the Trump administration set to impose 25% tariffs on all cars made overseas starting April 2, the tax credit is perhaps more valuable now than at any other time for consumers. These new tariffs are expected to drive up the cost of both new and used cars, possibly adding thousands to the price tag. So, for many buyers, that $7,500 credit is about to get a lot more valuable.

After committing a hefty $21 billion investment into its US operations, including the construction of a new $5.8 billion steel plant, Hyundai has officially kicked off production at its Metaplant in Georgia. The site, which began construction over two and a half years ago, will focus on producing a range of electric and hybrid vehicles, boosting Hyundai’s push into the EV market.

The Grand Opening of the site was attended by Hyundai leaders, as well as Governor Brian P. Kemp, US Representative Buddy Carter, and the president and chief executive of the Kia Corporation, Ho Sung Song. The Metaplant has already started building the electric Hyundai Ioniq 5 and, perhaps most importantly, is now also building the Hyundai Ioniq 9.

Read: New Hyundai Ioniq 9 Lands With Three-Rows And Massive 110.3 kWh Battery

Hyundai’s Ioniq 9 is its first three-row electric SUV and serves as its alternative to the Kia EV9. Presented last November, the Ioniq 9 is underpinned by the group’s E-GMP architecture and fitted as standard with a 110.3 kWh battery. The brand has yet to announce US pricing for the SUV, but we know it will be offered in several different guises.

The base model has a 214 hp and 258 lb-ft (350 Nm) electric motor driving the rear wheels and a quoted range of 385 miles (620 km). Sitting above this version is the Long Range AWD, which adds a 94 hp motor up front. The flagship Ioniq 9 Performance has 214 hp motors at the front and rear, allowing it to hit 62 mph (100 km/h) in 5.2 seconds.

Initially, the Hyundai Motor Group planned to build 200,000 electric and hybrid vehicles at the Metaplant. However, as part of its increased commitment to the US market, it’s expanded annual production capacity up to 500,000 units.

“Hyundai Motor Group Metaplant America not only represents the Group’s advanced manufacturing capabilities and commitment to innovation, but also our investment in relationships with our partners and communities right here in Georgia,” Hyundai Motor Group executive chair Euisun Chung said. “With the rich history of craftsmanship and manufacturing in this community, together with the talented workforce at HMGMA we are building the future of mobility with America, in America.”

If you happen to own a Lucid Air equipped with the optional all-weather floor mats, you might want to brace yourself for some unexpected news. The carmaker is issuing a recall notice, as there’s a chance these floor mats could shift out of position and interfere with the throttle pedal, raising the risk of an accident.

Read: Lucid Tries To Snag Tesla Owners Fed Up With Musk With Up To $4K Off

Sound familiar? It’s eerily reminiscent of Toyota’s infamous floor mat debacle from over a decade ago, where improperly secured mats were blamed for a series of unintended acceleration incidents.

According to Lucid, its Model -00 all-weather floor mats are only secured in place by small nibs on the underside, rather than any proper anchors. This means they’re prone to slipping forward, and this can lead to unintended acceleration. That doesn’t just put occupants inside a Lucid at risk, but could also endanger other road users.

How Did This All Happen?

Lucid first became aware of a potential issue in August last year when a sales associate was driving an Air with the floor mats in Europe suspected the mat had slipped forward and caused the accelerator to stick. The company later became aware of 13 other cases of the floor mats moving, but there were no reports of it interfering with the accelerator.

However, on February 27, 2025, a U.S. customer reported an issue: while accelerating, the throttle pedal didn’t return to its normal position after being released. Lucid determined that the potential for the floor mat to shift and interfere with the pedal posed an unreasonable safety risk.

As a result, the company has stopped selling the problematic all-weather floor mats and now only offers mats that feature holes to attach to anchors in the carpet, as you’ll find in most vehicles.

Owners of Lucid Air models with the affected mats are being instructed to remove them and will receive a full refund for their purchase. If you’re unsure whether your mats are the faulty ones or the newer, anchor-secured type, simply take your vehicle to a Lucid facility for a free inspection.

IM Motors is ready to enter Australia’s rapidly growing EV market, which, let’s face it, is already dominated by Chinese cars. However, the company is making a somewhat strange move with its branding: the vehicles will be marketed under the newly named IM Presented by MG Motor brand. We’ll let that name sink in for a moment—yeah, it doesn’t exactly trip off the tongue. But despite the curious moniker, the company plans to introduce two intriguing models locally.

The IM5 and IM6, which are already on sale in China under the names L6 and LS6, will be the vehicles taking center stage. There’s no official explanation for the name change in Australia, but what we do know is that both cars will be built in right-hand drive from the factory, thanks to a collaboration between SAIC, Alibaba, and Zhangjiang Hi-Tech.

Read: IM Motors LS6 Secures 10,000 Orders In One Week, Offered With Up To 787 HP

At this point, IM Presented by MG Motor—yes, we’re still trying to get used to that—hasn’t provided many specifics about the Australian versions of these cars. However, it’s safe to assume that they’ll likely be very similar to the models already available in China. The sleek IM5 will serve as a rival to the Tesla Model 3 and BMW i4, but is longer and wider than both of them, and has been tipped to start at around AU$70,000 (about $44,200 at current exchange rates) while topping out at AU$95,000 (~$60,000).

In China, IM sells the sedan and SUV with 400V, 800V, and 900V electrical architectures and 75 kWh, 83 kWh, and 100 kWh battery packs. Entry-level rear-wheel drive models pump out 290 hp (216 kW) and 332 lb-ft (450 Nm), while the flagship versions churn out a monstrous 776 hp (579 kW) and 590 lb-ft (800 Nm). The IM5 sedan can reportedly hit 100 km/h (62 mph) in just 2.74 seconds, while the SUV needs 3.48 seconds.

Like so many other new EVs out of China, the cabins of the two cars are very tech-focused and come outfitted with plenty of plush materials. Key standouts include a large screen on the console for the climate control, much like what you’ll find in a Porsche Taycan, and then a single panoramic screen for the gauge cluster and infotainment system.

There are also twin wireless phone chargers, cupholders, and several accessories, including a table and a large wireless charging pad that can hold devices or even reading lamps.

“We’re thrilled to introduce IM Presented by MG Motor to the Australian market, setting a new benchmark for luxury electric driving,” MG Motor Australia’s chief executive Peter Ciao said, according to Drive. “With cutting-edge innovation wrapped in elegant design, both the IM5 and IM6 deliver an uncompromising blend of performance, refinement, and range – offering drivers the freedom to go further in absolute comfort. This is the future of premium electric mobility, and we’re proud to bring it to Australia and further extend our EV offering to Australian drivers.”

Dodge gave members of the public their first opportunity to see the four-door Charger Daytona last weekend at SpringFest 2025 in Southern California. The automaker has released several images of the car in the past, but this is our first chance to see it up close and painted in a special shade of blue known as Bludicrous.

While the new two-door Charger could be best viewed as a replacement to the Challenger, the four-door is a direct successor to the previous-gen Charger. No, it will not be sold with a V8, and we will have to make do with an electric powertrain or, for those yearning for an ICE, a twin-turbocharged six.

Read: Does The 2025 Dodge Charger Sedan Outmuscle Its Predecessor In Style?

While we don’t mind the shape of the two-door Charger, the doors do look a little too small and the space between the doors and the rear wheels is way too big. Fortunately, the proportions of the four-door Charger Daytona look a little nicer, and this paint color is spectacular. It could look even better with a widebody kit, but we’ll likely have to wait some time for Dodge to launch such a model.

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Customer deliveries for the four-door Charger were initially scheduled to start in Q1 2025, but production has been delayed until May, with the car launching for the 2026 model year.

In addition to showcasing this Bluedicrous Charger, Dodge brought along the black and red two-door model it previewed last week. It is bathed in black with matte black racing stripes with hundreds of small Fratzog logos and red pin stripes. Dodge’s online configurator doesn’t include these stripes, which is a shame, as we think they suit the car nicely and could be popular among shoppers if they were available.

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Honda is betting on automation and artificial intelligence to transform its EV production process in China, reducing its need for floor staff by a hefty 30%. While robots haven’t yet fully replaced human workers, the tech Honda is rolling out—along with similar efforts from companies like Mercedes-Benz, BMW, and Dongfeng—suggests a future that might not be so bright for blue-collar workers.

The Japanese automaker recently kicked off production of the all-electric Ye P7 with local joint venture partner Guangzhou Automobile Group. The factory in Guangzhou uses automated guided vehicles, or AGVs, to move important car components throughout the factory, including heavy battery packs. Traditionally, human workers are required to transport parts throughout the factory.

Read: Honda Wants To Crack China’s EV Market With New Ye P7 Dual-Motor Crossover

In an interview with Nikkei Asia, Honda revealed that it’s also using AI to fine-tune the welding process for the Ye P7. The goal? To “reduce fixed costs as much as possible.” The company sees “electrification as an opportunity to overhaul the way we produce vehicles”—a chance to reimagine everything from the ground up.

The Ye P7 is an important vehicle for Honda. In most Western markets, the Japanese car manufacturer has lagged behind many of its competitors in releasing battery-electric vehicles that appeal to the masses. Given that China has quickly become the world’s single largest EV market, the automaker cannot afford to fall behind the competition, or else it could see its Chinese sales dry up.

Much like the S7 introduced earlier this month and built with Dongfeng, the P7 has an 89.8 kWh battery pack, and base models feature a rear motor with 268 hp. A dual-motor version is also available, boasting a combined 469 hp. Rear-wheel drive models have a quoted range of 404 miles (650 km) while the all-wheel drive version can apparently travel up to 385 miles (620 km) between charges.

With the Rivian R1S starting at $75,900 in the United States, it’s safe to say no one expected it to rival the volume of more affordable, everyday EVs. But in January, the R1S managed to secure a surprisingly impressive spot as the fifth-best-selling new EV in the country, placing it alongside some pretty elite company.

Rivian itself does not release monthly sales figures, but according to data from Cox Automotive, the only EVs to outsell the R1S were the Tesla Model Y, Tesla Model 3, Ford Mustang Mach-E, and Honda Prologue. While exact sales figures for these models weren’t revealed, the data shows that Rivian moved more than 4,000 vehicles in February.

Review: The 2025 Rivian R1S Is An Imperfect But Promising Look At The Future

It comes as no shock that Tesla continues to dominate the EV market, but its grip is loosening ever so slightly. In February, overall Tesla sales fell by 10%, largely due to a steep 32.5% drop in Cybertruck deliveries and 17.5% fewer Model 3s sold. Even the best-selling Model Y saw a modest dip of 3.1%. It’s clear that the company’s previous growth spurt may be slowing down, but they’re still in the driver’s seat.

Looking at the US market more broadly, new EV sales declined slightly in February with 95,692 total sales. This was a 5.9% fall from January 2025 but up 10.5% from February last year. Similarly, used EV sales dropped 4.7% from January, but soared 34.2% from February 2024 to 24,875 units, representing 1.7% of all used cars sold. The market share of new EVs sold fell slightly to 7.7%.

When it comes to the used EV market, Tesla continues to reign supreme, accounting for a dominant 39.9% of all used EV sales last month, although its sales dipped by 9.2% compared to January.

On average, new and used EVs continue to sell for more than their internal combustion engine counterparts. However, this is mainly due to the wider price range of ICE vehicles, which pulls their average transaction price down. EVs, by contrast, tend to be more expensive from the start, leading to a higher average.

More: These Are The Cars With The Highest And Lowest Depreciation After 5 Years

In February, the average transaction price (ATP) for a new EV was $55,273, reflecting a 3.7% increase from the previous year and notably higher than the ATP of a new ICE vehicle, which sat at $47,555. Used EVs aren’t much of a bargain either, with the average ATP for a used EV at $38,057, significantly more than the $33,134 ATP for a used ICE vehicle.

Toyota is hitting the brakes—slightly—on one of its major EV infrastructure projects in Japan. While the company still plans to move forward with a new battery plant, construction won’t begin as soon as originally expected. The pause comes as Toyota adjusts its EV strategy.

The plant is slated for Japan’s Fukuoka prefecture, and according to local Governor Seitaro Hattori, an agreement on the exact location was supposed to be finalized in April. That timeline has now slipped to sometime in the fall. The facility had been scheduled to start operations in 2028, but the delay could push that date back as well.

Read: Toyota’s Cheapest EV Ever Costs $15,000, Gets 10,000 Orders In 60 Minutes

Toyota is still committed to building the facility, Nikkei Asia reports, but the company is now reevaluating what will actually be produced there. Initially, the plant was intended to manufacture batteries for Toyota’s next generation of electric vehicles, some of which are targeting a range of up to 620 miles (1,000 kilometers).

The shift reflects a broader recalibration of Toyota’s EV ambitions. While global electric car sales are still climbing, they’re not accelerating as fast as some carmakers once projected. That mismatch between forecasts and reality is now prompting the company to rethink its targets.

Back in 2022, Toyota announced it aimed to sell 1.5 million EVs annually by 2026. That number was cut to 1 million in 2023, and most recently trimmed again to just 800,000 units. The company hasn’t abandoned EVs by any stretch, it’s simply adjusting expectations in a market that’s proving to be more complex and less predictable than initially suggested.

Earlier this month, Toyota established a new Chinese subsidiary for Lexus that will develop and build EVs and batteries at a plant in China. The plant will be located in Shanghai and will manufacture several models exclusively for the Chinese market.  

The first US deliveries of the revamped Tesla Model Y ‘Juniper’ in Launch Edition trim only kicked off earlier this month, and already, one has met an untimely end in a crash. While it’s unclear whether the driver of this particular Model Y was responsible for the havoc it now finds itself in, there’s probably not much point in trying to rescue it. If anything, it might be better off as a donor car for parts.

Read: Tesla Has Less Than 50 Old Model Ys Left, Standard Juniper Launch Imminent

The electric vehicle is up for sale at Copart’s Houston, Texas, facility, which suggests it may never have strayed far from its birthplace in the Lone Star State. The driver’s side of the Model Y still looks spotless, but the same can’t be said for the passenger side, which is an absolute mess.

Major Damage

One of the Tesla’s front wheels has been torn off, complete with the hub, brake caliper, and brake disc, only leaving behind some suspension arms. The front quarter panel has also been destroyed and is covered in deep dents and scratches. Additionally, the front door has been ruined, as has the wing mirror.

Listings like this never provide details about how a vehicle ended up in such a sorry state, but it’s safe to assume this Model Y took a hefty hit because ripping off a wheel and hub like this doesn’t happen in a minor fender bender. Curiously, the impact does not appear to have triggered any of the Model Y’s airbags, which is a bit of a head-scratcher.

Photos Copart

On the bright side, the cabin appears to be in decent shape, although it could do with a thorough cleaning. A look at the car’s infotainment screen reveals it has just 197 miles (317 km) under its belt and was fitted with Full Self-Driving, which comes as standard on all Launch Edition trims.

The listing also confirms that the EV still powers on, which suggests that the battery pack and electric motors might have come through the crash relatively unscathed.

More: We Compare The New ‘Juniper’ To The Old Model Y Side-By-Side

So, if you had the money to pick up this wrecked Model Y, would you try your hand at fixing it and getting it back on the road, or would you strip it for parts and make some cash off the more valuable components?

So, if you had the cash to pick up this wrecked Model Y, would you attempt to repair it and get it back on the road, or would you strip it for parts and cash in on some of the pricier components? And just for kicks, how much do you think this thing is worth in its current state—keep in mind, the original MSRP was $59,990?

Photos Copart

Mercedes-Benz previewed the new all-electric GLC earlier this month, and now, our spy photographers have snapped a prototype of the AMG version during testing. While it’s still wrapped in that signature camo, there are some key visual differences that set this hotter GLC apart, and some intriguing updates under the skin.

This prototype is covered head-to-toe in white and black camouflage, but there are some notable differences between this AMG GLC and the regular model. The hood looks a little more muscular, and a different set of headlights, although these appear to be temporary units. The lights of the finished product should be very similar, or identical, to the standard GLC.

Read: 2027 Mercedes GLC EV Strips Away Bulky Disguise, Dons Stylish New Slimline Camo Suit

Mercedes-AMG has also fitted the electric SUV with distinctive new wheels, making the whole thing look a little meaner. Much of the rear end has been covered in snow, but there’s a large lip spoiler at the rear – but it’s clearly temporary, and won’t look like this on the finished model.

This all-new Mercedes GLC will replace the EQC and is one of the 17 new electric vehicles that Mercedes has promised to deliver in the coming years. When it hits the market, the GLC will square off with the BMW iX3, which itself is undergoing a complete overhaul for its next generation.

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Platform and Charging Power

All new GLC models will ride on Mercedes’ MB.EA platform, a modular electric architecture that can handle 800-volt charging, with a max charge rate of up to 320 kW. This means quicker charging times and more efficiency across the board.

Unlike the outgoing EQC, which never got a full-fledged AMG version, the upcoming GLC EV AMG will bring the power in spades. The EQC’s AMG Line model topped out at 402 hp, but this new AMG variant will likely push over 500 hp, possibly even cresting the 600 hp mark with a pair of potent electric motors.

SHProshots

Peugeot has confirmed that it will launch a GTi version of the all-electric e-208 hatch. While limited details about it are known at this stage, it could very well make for an appealing proposition to buyers who’d like to purchase an EV, but also want something engaging to drive.

The new e-208 GTi will be the brand’s first performance-focused electric vehicle and is set to be launched “as soon as possible.” While recently speaking to the media, Peugeot boss Alain Favey said relaunching the GTi brand will help it “reconnect” with its past and history while also establishing a link between Peugeot’s road cars and its involvement in the World Endurance Championship.

Read: 2024 Peugeot 208 Looks Even More Stylish And Has More Impressive Tech

“I’m in a position to confirm that we will reintroduce the GTi on the e-208 as soon as possible,” Favey told Autocar. “We’ve made the decision that Peugeot GTi will be reintroduced. We want to continue to nurture the reputation of the brand for driving sensations and the fact that our cars produce particular driving sensations, either as a driver or as someone that is being driven in the car.”

The GTi version of the e-208 will use the same platform as the standard model, but could borrow powertrain components from the Abarth 600e. That car is powered by a front-mounted electric motor with 237 hp and comes equipped with a Torsen limited-slip differential. Given that the e-208 is a bit smaller than the 600e, Peugeot’s hot hatch should be pretty nippy, perhaps capable of hitting 60 mph (96 km/h) in less than 6 seconds.

Favey added that, apart from the e-208, Peugeot will consider launching a new combustion-engined GTi if that’s what customers want.

“We will start with the 208 and [are] definitely listening to your inputs, or what our customers will say as well,” he said. “We don’t exclude that there might be other executions of the 208 GTi under the GTi badge, but for today there’s absolutely nothing planned in that sense.”

Rivian has teamed up with camping gear brand iKamper to offer a new rugged tent designed for the R1T truck and R1S SUV. Considering both of these vehicles are made with adventure-loving drivers in mind, it makes sense that Rivian would offer such a product directly through their Gear Shop.

The tent, known as the Skycamp Mini, weighs 137 lbs (61.8 kg) and has been designed to be mounted to roof racks on either the R1T or R1S, or to sit over the bed of the R1T. iKamper’s tent is housed within a hardshell and folds out into position in just a minute. According to the company, the aerodynamic design of the shell does not hinder the driving range of the two Rivian models.

Read: Level Up Your Rivian R1T With This Rooftop Camper And Topper

Other Rivian touches present include blacked-out hardware and Rivian branding. It’s constructed using breathable PFAS-free fabric, sleeps 1 or 2 people, and is suitable for year-round use, regardless of the season. It also comes standard with a self-inflating mattress and locking crossbar brackets compatible with Rivian’s Adventure Key set.

The Price Tag

Here’s where things get a bit tricky. iKamper already sells a nearly identical version of the Skycamp Mini, just without Rivian’s branding, for $3,895. But the Rivian-branded version—because, apparently, the logo makes it worth more—comes in at $4,595. Sure, some might think it’s worth the premium for the exclusive Rivian flair, but for many, that’s a tough pill to swallow.

This isn’t the only rooftop tent Rivian offers. For the past couple of years, it’s been selling a $2,800 two-person tent for the R1S created in partnership with Yakima. However, unlike the iKamper option, this one does not have a hardshell case, or a self-inflating mattress.

If you’re planning to turn your R1 into a full-on mobile base camp, you’ll also need to shell out another $1,400 for the Travel Kitchen, which Rivian also sells. This setup includes two cooktops powered by a 1500W system that runs off a 120V outlet. It folds away for storage, and it’s part of the expanding Adventure Gear lineup.

Are classic Porsche 911s best left untouched, with their original charm preserved for posterity? Some would certainly argue yes. But, for every purist clinging to that idea, there’s a growing crowd fascinated by the restomod scene, people who crave the iconic looks of these cars but want something more modern under the hood.

Enter Everrati, a company known for electrifying classic Porsches, which recently unveiled its latest project known as “The Viper Commission.”

The tuner stripped down the 911 to its core, replacing the body panels with lightweight carbon fiber, which gives the car a much wider stance. Then they gave it a striking new coat of Viper Green, paired with Fuchs-style black wheels and polished silver rims. To complete the look, they added a ducktail spoiler and updated the headlights.

Read: Everrati Teams Up With Singer Design’s Secret Helper To Bring Electric Porsche 911 Conversions To USA

From the outside, the car looks like any other well-modified 964—sharp, aggressive, and unmistakably Porsche. But things get interesting when you peer underneath the surface.

Electric Power Takes Over

Unlike your standard 964, the heart of this particular 911 has undergone a radical transformation. Gone is the iconic air-cooled engine, replaced by a 62 kWh battery pack and an electric motor. While Everrati has been tight-lipped about specific power numbers, they claim this electric 911 can accelerate to 60 mph (96 km/h) in under 4 seconds. Not too shabby for a car that once purred its way through the streets on gasoline.

According to the British company, the owner of this 911 has a “profound commitment to combating climate change,” so it makes sense why they decided to ditch the engine for an electric motor. Of course, the addition of a relatively large battery pack has inevitably added some weight to the car, and we’d be intrigued to know the effect this has on the handling dynamics.

As for the interior, Everrati didn’t skimp on the details. The cabin has been upgraded with black leather across most surfaces, complemented by grey striping and a distinctive green 12 o’clock stripe on the steering wheel.

Over the past few years, Hyundai has created several high-performance electric concepts, proving to the world that it’s committed to building cars that are fun to drive and doesn’t take itself too seriously. It looks to have done this yet again with its latest project, known as the Insteroid.

This special one-off, teased with several images and a video, takes the regular all-electric Inster and completely transforms it by taking inspiration from video games. As you may have guessed, the car’s name is a portmanteau of ‘Inster’ and ‘Steroid’ and will be unveiled in the flesh in early April.

Read: New Hyundai Inster Is A Tiny Electric Crossover For The Masses

The car appears to share very little in common with the regular Inster. All-new bodywork has been crafted for the concept, including massive flared wheel arches at the front and rear, not dissimilar to those from the i20 N WRC car. The cabin appears to be completely stripped out, and we can see a roll cage in there. Elsewhere, Hyundai’s designers have crafted a set of aerodisc wheels and a towering rear wing.

Several teasers of the car shared on social media show it’ll come complete with a raft of bright orange accents and a ghost logo that looks like it’s been pulled straight from Pac-Man. One teaser shows some of the car’s interior instruments, including Boost buttons, driving mode settings, and a track mode. There also look to be orange seat belts.

According to Hyundai, the Insteroid is a “thrilling ‘glitch’ in the automotive matrix, seamlessly merging the boundary-pushing aesthetics of video games with real-world engineering to create a vehicle that feels like it’s morphed straight out of a digital speedway.”

The road-going Inster, which itself is based on the Casper, is sold with a single electric motor delivering 95 hp in base form of 113 hp in the flagship version. Here’s hoping Hyundai fits a more potent powertrain to the Insteroid, perhaps the same dual-motor setup as the Ioniq 5 N which is used by the RN24 rolling lab model presented last year.

Xiaomi is determined to become a major global player in the EV industry and to make this happen, it’s recruiting experienced talent from other brands, including at least five senior executives from BMW. They will work at the brand’s research and development center in Europe, although an exact location for this site has yet to be announced.

A search through LinkedIn reveals that Xiaomi hired Rudolf Dittrich from BMW last year to serve as the head of its European R&D center. Dittrich has worked at the German premium automaker for 15 years and also has experience at the Williams and Sauber Formula 1 teams. Additionally, Dusan Sarac has joined Xiaomi’s European operations after several years at BMW and Rolls-Royce.

Read: Xiaomi Aims To Sell More EVs In China Than All German Brands Combined

Reuters understands that Jannis Hellwig has also jumped ship to the Chinese EV brand and will serve as a senior engineer on performance development and integration. The technology giant is also looking for a senior automotive designer, senior automotive exterior designer, and vehicle dynamics engineers in Munich, Germany.

There’s no word on where the technology giant’s European R&D facility will be located, with the brand simply saying the site is “in the process of planning.”

It’s not just talent that Xiaomi is snatching from the Germans. It wants to sell 350,000 EVs in China this year, and if it can hit that target, it will surpass the combined 2024 EV sales of Volkswagen, Audi, BMW, Mercedes-Benz, and Porsche. That would be quite a feat for the company, particularly since it only started building the electric SU7 sedan this time last year.

Now, with the hypercar-rivaling SU7 Ultra on the market, Xiaomi appears to be going from strength to strength. Moreover, 2025 is expected to be a pivotal year for the firm as it’ll start production and deliveries of the YU7. The new electric SUV undercuts the Tesla Model Y and, given the global demand for high-riding vehicles, should sell in far greater numbers than the SU7 sedan.

Porsche has hopped on the conquest discount bandwagon, joining a growing list of automakers willing to sweeten the deal for those currently leasing a vehicle from another brand. Sure, if you’re eyeing an all-electric Porsche, the chances are that you can probably swing it without a discount, but hey, even the wealthiest among us appreciate a good deal when it’s on the table.

Read: After Polestar, Ford Tempts Tesla Owners With Conquest Discount For Mustang Mach-E

The German automaker is keeping things open-ended, offering a conquest discount to anyone, regardless of which brand or model car they’re leasing. The discount itself is no small change, ranging from $1,500 to $4,500, but there’s a catch—it’s tiered, meaning not everyone will walk away with the maximum savings.

The Details: Timing Is Everything

Here’s how it breaks down: if you’re in the final 30 days of your lease, tough luck, you’re not eligible for any discount. If your lease is set to expire within 31 to 60 days, you’re looking at a $1,500 discount. That jumps to $3,000 for leases ending in 61 to 90 days. But, to really cash in with the full $4,500, your lease has to be running a little longer, specifically, more than 91 days.

The Fine Print

There’s also a little fine print to keep in mind. According to Cars Direct, the discount maxes out at $1,500 if your new Porsche payment is less than $1,500 a month. Oh, and a trade-in is required unless your current lease has more than 181 days remaining.

This offer is available for the 2024 and 2025 Taycan and Macan EV models in the United States with Taycan prices starting at $99,400 and soaring over $230,000 for the high-end Taycan Turbo GT. The newly launched Macan Electric starts at $75,300, with the Macan Turbo Electric ringing in at $105,300 for the range-topping model.

So, while Porsche’s latest offer isn’t going to change the world, if you’ve got a lease nearing its end and are eyeing an electric Porsche, it might be worth checking if you qualify for a little extra savings.

With hefty US tariffs looming large across most of the automotive industry, many carmakers have to work out the best way to minimize the impacts. Some, like Honda, are reportedly planning to move some production from Mexico into the US. Others, like Hyundai, appear to be ahead of the game and aren’t overly concerned with Trump’s next moves.

Read: Hyundai’s New CEO Says Musk-Trump Friendship Is A “Positive” For All Carmakers

During the first Trump administration, the Hyundai Motor Group decided to make huge EV investments in the United States, and this decision could now start to pay dividends. While speaking during the company’s recent annual general meeting in South Korea, chief executive Jose Munoz confirmed the brand’s “localization strategy” will “help mitigate the impact of any potential policy change.”

Hyundai’s Bet Pays Off

This was the first time Munoz spoke at a Hyundai shareholder meeting since taking the top job at the firm on January 1, Bloomberg reports. His sentiment mimicked statements he made just days after starting as CEO, where he said the relationship between President Trump and Elon Musk “should be positive for the industry.”

Late last year, Hyundai started building the all-electric Ioniq 5 at its massive ‘Metaplant’ west of Savannah, Georgia, roughly two years after breaking ground at the site. This plant will handle the production of five other EVs from the Hyundai, Kia, and Genesis brands. Not only that but in May last year, Munoz revealed the plant would be adapted to also build hybrid vehicles.

A $12.6 Billion Gamble

Hyundai is investing roughly $12.6 billion into electric vehicle and battery manufacturing facilities across Georgia. While speaking about these investments earlier in the year, Munoz confirmed they were not made because of the Inflation Reduction Act under President Biden, nor because of any other incentives.

“It’s not a good policy to just simply make an investment because of the incentives, because they can come and go,” he said. “We believe the US market is the most important for us today and it’s going to continue to be the most important in terms of not only the absolute but also the growth and therefore, investing and localizing is a good strategy. I think we are in a better place today than we were four or five years ago.”

Tesla has made it clear that it’s taking a firm stance against vandalism at its facilities across the United States and it’s rolling out a new strategy: activating Sentry Mode on all cars at its showrooms. This move comes as incidents of targeted attacks on Tesla vehicles have been escalating, both in the States and internationally. With this added layer of surveillance, the company hopes to catch troublemakers in the act.

More: US Attorney General Goes After Tesla Attackers, 3 People Face Up To 20 Years In Prison

Just yesterday, a well-known Tesla investor and supporter suggested that the company should step up security by employing 24-hour security guards at all of its showrooms and service centers across the U.S. and Canada—at least until things calm down. Elon Musk quickly responded, announcing that Tesla had “ramped up security” and enabled Sentry Mode on all vehicles at its locations.

The Benefits of Sentry Mode

While he avoided elaborating on what additional security measures Tesla is taking, activating Sentry Mode seems like a smart move. This system uses the exterior cameras found on all Tesla models to continuously record what’s happening around the vehicle. It’s proven hugely beneficial for owners of the years, catching vandals and thieves in plain view. Anyone heading to a Tesla site with the intention of damaging cars could be unknowingly filmed in the act.

However, in true Musk fashion, the public announcement may have been a double-edged sword. Now that vandals know what Tesla is up to, they might take precautions, like covering their faces to avoid being identified. Perhaps it would’ve been more effective to keep this security change under wraps until the system caught a few culprits.

Tesla has ramped up security and activated Sentry Mode on all vehicles at stores https://t.co/3HwUgE8ZoF

— Elon Musk (@elonmusk) March 20, 2025

While Sentry Mode can certainly be a deterrent, it’s not without its flaws. One of the primary concerns is the system’s impact on battery life. Tesla has never officially released figures on how much battery is consumed by Sentry Mode, but independent tests suggest it could drain between 10-15% of the battery each day. This means that Tesla will need to ensure that the vehicles in their care are regularly charged, especially if the goal is to keep the security system running round-the-clock.

Read: Tesla Working To Stop Sentry Mode Depleting EVs’ Batteries

Fortunately, Tesla recently introduced an update that reportedly reduces the battery drain by about 40%, which could help alleviate some of the strain on its service centers to keep cars charged.

The announcement of this new measure follows an incident in Hamilton, Ontario, where over 80 Tesla vehicles were damaged at a dealership. Reports say that the cars were scratched and had their tires punctured, further highlighting the increasing need for security at Tesla locations.

Just days after reports emerged that Taiwanese contract manufacturer Foxconn was close to finalizing deals with two Japanese automakers, unnamed sources report that Mitsubishi is one of the firms involved. If the deal goes through, it could mark a major shift, with Mitsubishi potentially outsourcing EVs production to Foxconn.

For several years, Foxconn has been trying to lower its dependence on consumer electronics and expand into the EV market, viewing it as an important growth driver. It wanted to take a 5% share of the global EV market by 2025 and has previously signed deals with Lordstown, Fisker, and China’s Byton. While it’s yet to achieve the growth it had hoped for, a deal with Mitsubishi could be a major breakthrough for the firm.

Read: Foxconn Gearing Up To Build Four New EVs, Including Two From Japanese Brands

According to Nikkei Asia, Foxconn has been in talks with Mitsubishi for over six months. The company views this partnership as an opportunity to prove its manufacturing capabilities, hoping it will help attract other established carmakers.

Details about which Mitsubishi EVs Foxconn might produce are still unclear. The Japanese automaker is expected to launch a new EV in the US next year, with little confirmed about the model. However, early reports suggest it could be a crossover coupe, which would add another option to the growing EV market.

Foxconn’s Broader EV Plan

Foxconn had expressed an interest in acquiring Nissan late last year, but Nissan would ultimately go on to have discussions with Honda about a potential merger. However, talks fell through in early February. The Taiwanese company is still said to be open to taking a stake in Nissan and will likely try to secure a deal to build the brand’s future EVs.

At this point, Foxconn has plenty on its plate as it looks to play an increasingly important role in the EV market. In addition to working with established brands, it will begin production of its in-house Model B, an all-electric hatchback similar in size to the VW ID.3. It also wants to start building the larger Model C in North America during the fourth quarter of this year.

Extinguishing a fire in an electric vehicle is not your average firefighting job. It’s much trickier than putting out a blaze in a traditional combustion engine car, often requiring huge amounts of water—or, in some cases, submerging the whole car in a massive water tank.

Earlier this week, fire crews in Granite Falls, Washington, faced this exact challenge, but with a twist: they used a specially designed fire blanket to tackle the EV fire.

According to Snohomish Regional Fire & Rescue, an EV caught fire while driving on SR-92 early Monday morning. All vehicles used by local fire crews carry a special EV blanket for a situation like this. To quell the flames, the blanket is placed over the car while the battery pack is doused in water.

Read: Tesla Under Siege As Multiple EVs Set On Fire And Vandalized Across The US In One Day

EV fires generate tremendous amounts of heat and, unlike combustion-powered cars, can burn without oxygen. There have also been plenty of cases of EVs reigniting days or even weeks after the initial thermal event. To reduce the risk, local fire crews followed the flatbed transporting the EV to a local impound lot for storage.

The exact make and model of the EV involved in this incident has not been revealed. However, Granite Falls Fire made it clear on their Facebook page that the fire was not caused by an impact.

Are EV Fires Really That Common?

While EV fires often make headlines, the numbers tell a different story. According to data from the U.S. National Transportation Safety Board, there are about 25 fires for every 100,000 EVs sold in the U.S. That sounds concerning until you compare it to the 1,530 fires per 100,000 for gas-powered cars. So, despite the attention they grab, EV fires are still much rarer than those in traditional vehicles.

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