Trademark office cited Wikipedia and media to support the Robotaxi name’s lack of uniqueness.
Cybercab also denied for trademark due to similarity with other existing products and services.
Tesla can respond with evidence but has just three months before rejection becomes final.
The dream of a driverless Tesla fleet shuttling people around while their owners kick back at home has been around for years, always just around the corner, but never quite here. Now, as the company continues to promise that reality is almost within reach, the U.S. Patent Office may have just introduced another delay.
As it turns out, names like “Robotaxi” and “Cybercab” might be too generic to trademark, and that could complicate Tesla’s rollout plans.
It’s worth noting that Cybercab and Robotaxi refer to different things in the Tesla world. The former is the two-door prototype the automaker unveiled last year. The latter is the software that could enable everyday Tesla owners to let their car go around picking people up and moving them around while the owner is busy working or doing just about anything else.
According to TechCrunch, the USPTO just issued a non-final office action on the trademark application for the name Robotaxi. Specifically, the office said that name “describes a feature, ingredient, characteristic, purpose, function, intended audience of applicant’s goods and/or services.” In layman’s terms, it’s too general. The office even cited Wikipedia, Zoox, and The Verge to prove it.
“This term is used to describe similar goods and services by other companies,” the agency wrote. That mirrors a similar decision it made in April regarding Tesla’s attempt to trademark “Cybercab.”
FSD Supervised ride-hailing service is live for an early set of employees in Austin & San Francisco Bay Area.
We've completed over 1.5k trips & 15k miles of driving.
This service helps us develop & validate FSD networks, the mobile app, vehicle allocation, mission control &… pic.twitter.com/pYVfhi935W
In that motion, the USPTO pointed to multiple concerns, including the potential for consumer confusion. In fact, it even mentioned other companies that use the word Cyber, including ones that specifically build aftermarket products for the Cybertruck. In a way, Tesla did this to itself. For now, though, the names aren’t dead and gone.
In both cases, Tesla can argue its case with whatever evidence it thinks is relevant. No doubt, the two words do seem tied to the automaker a little more all the time. Tesla must respond within three months or the USPTO will abandon the application. That runs well past Tesla’s planned June rollout, so expect more news on this topic sooner rather than later.
Tesla is launching a cheaper Model Y with more range and rear-wheel drive.
The new trim costs $4,000 less while offering 30 more miles of range overall.
It’s available now with all of the same features as the LR AWD version.
Just days after Tesla rolled out its new Acceleration Boost for the so-called Model Y ‘Juniper’, it’s back again with more news in the form of the the Long Range Rear Wheel Drive trim. As the name suggests, it sheds a motor, gains some range, and, unsurprisingly, is $4,000 cheaper than the Long Range All-Wheel Drive variant.
This brings the new base price of the Model Y down to $33,990 if you qualify for the $7,500 federal tax credit, or $44,990 without it. Including destination and order fees, the price rises to $46,630. That’s comparable to what you’d pay for a Hyundai Ioniq 5 or Kia EV6, but several thousand more than a Ford Mustang Mach-E. However, buyers do get an extra 30 miles of range, up from 327 miles to 357 miles, compared to the AWD variant.
There isn’t any free lunch here, so to speak, and the RWD proves slower than its counterpart. 0-60 comes in 5.4 seconds for the base Model Y LR AWD, compared to the 4.6 seconds of the LR AWD version (provided the owner hasn’t bought the Acceleration Boost). Tesla could potentially offer a similar performance upgrade for the base Model Y in the future.
There is other good news to consider, too. The new base Model Y comes with the same standard features as the AWD version. That includes 19-inch ‘Crossflow’ wheels, Stealth Grey paint, and a black interior. Buyers can add other features like different paint colors or a white interior, but both will cost extra cash.
For those still dreaming of a self-driving future, the Model Y Long Range RWD comes with the option to add Full Self-Driving (Supervised) for an additional $8,000. And if you’re wondering when you can expect your shiny new ride, Tesla’s estimates say first deliveries should be arriving in about three to five weeks, though, as always, that could change depending on how Tesla’s internal processes shake out.
For now, the Model Y AWD remains unchanged at a starting price of $48,990 without the federal tax incentive or deliver fees, so if you’re really hankering for a little more power and performance, you’ll need to dig a little deeper into your pockets.
What Else Is Coming?
In addition to the base trim of the facelifted Model Y, we’re also expecting Tesla to unveil its most affordable EV yet later this year. While it’s unclear whether it will launch in 2025 or 2026, as a recent report suggested, we may also see the debut of the most powerful version of the Model Y, the Performance variant, before the year’s end
A Chinese auto blogger claims Avatr misled the public about its drag coefficient figure.
Avatr advertised its 12 sedan with a 0.208cd, but an independent test contradicted this.
The controversy raises question about the validity of other low drag coefficient claims.
Drag coefficients (Cd) might not get the same attention as horsepower or range numbers, but they’re critical to the efficiency of EVs. A low Cd can drastically improve a car’s range and even allow manufacturers to use smaller, lighter batteries. That’s why automakers like Avatr, Volvo, Lightyear, and Audi love to tout their impressively low Cds. But one of them may not be as honest as it seems, and a popular Chinese blogger figured it out on his own.
Zurich Bei Le Ye is a popular auto blogger in China with over a million followers, and he personally owns an Avatr 12. According to the automaker, the electric sedan boasts a Cd of just 0.208, but Ye wanted to verify that claim. To do so, he took his own car to a wind tunnel and conducted the same test Avatr would have performed before releasing their figure. However, things didn’t go as expected. Ye’s test resulted in a Cd of just 0.281, barely better than Volvo’s EX90 SUV.
It’s not as though there’s something strange going on with the test data either. The car had a Cd of over 0.28 across all speeds from 80 km/h to 140 km/h (49-86 mph). The test happened at the Tianjin China Automotive Technology and Research Centre (CATARC), which has been around since 1985. Testers followed CSAE 146-2020 standards, and were professional technicians, so they knew what they were doing. Essentially, this car just ended up with a result that is some 30 percent higher than Avatr quotes.
According to Car News China, “The blogger also claimed that the testing facility did not provide a formal report after the test day, suggesting potential intervention by the brand. A video detailing the test was reportedly taken down.” Avatr, for its part, insists the video is incorrect and has offered a reward of 5 million yuan (roughly $695,000 at current exchange rates) for anyone with information on what it calls a “black PR” campaign.
The blogger argues that Avatr should produce its original test results in full and demonstrate the 12 accomplishing the feat in public. The entire incident has called into question other astonishing claims of low Cds by other Chinese automakers like Xpeng, which says it makes the world’s most aerodynamic vehicle.
While China’s automotive industry has made impressive strides in recent years, it’s still in the process of building its reputation, and some marketing claims certainly deserve closer scrutiny. As one commenter on X put it, “Shocking but not shocking.” The industry has made great progress, but there’s still work to be done before it earns the same level of respect and trust as many legacy brands.
Cadillac Celestiq owners appear to have only one way to get in if their 12V battery dies.
Thankfully, Cadillac included jump leads in the trunk to allow ingress and pop the frunk.
This method also applies to the Cadillac Lyriq, though access is slightly easier in the SUV.
Update: Turns out, you don’t have to crawl through the Cadillac Celestiq like some kind of luxury burglar to jump-start the 12V battery, as originally reported. Thanks to the manual, we now know there’s an easier way to do it. We’ve updated the article to reflect this new, less claustrophobic method.
Automotive design has come a long way, but sometimes it feels like we’re taking a few awkward steps backward. A prime example? The Cadillac Celestiq. This $340,000 (starting price) all-electric, hand-built super sedan is Cadillac’s big play to remind everyone that it’s “the standard of the world.”
If the method for accessing the battery is the new benchmark, though, we might all want to collectively hit the rewind button. The good news it’s that it isn’t as bad as was first reported.
Originally, it seemed like a dead 12V battery would trap owners in a strange, high-end version of a luxury escape room. According to GM Authority, if the car lost power, you’d have to access the cabin through the trunk like a burglar on a mission, and then dig your way to the manual release system. Only after all that could you finally jump-start the 12V battery back to life.
Apparently, that’s not the case after all. While Cadillac hasn’t responded to our email from earlier today when we asked them about the procedure, Carbuzz reported (and we’ve also confirmed via the owner’s manual that you can see below), that Celestiq owners have a simpler option.
The automaker provides jump leads that can relay power directly to the 12V battery in the trunk. It’s still not exactly a walk in the park, as owners will need to remove an interior panel to access the leads, but it’s certainly a far cry from crawling through a $340,000 car like it’s a secret agent mission.
First, owners will need to access the trunk by opening it with the physical key and remove the load floor. After that, they’ll take out the storage bin underneath and look for the jumper leads on the left side of the trunk. Once they’ve located the leads, they can jump-start the 12V battery, get into the car, pop the front trunk, and either charge the battery directly or replace it if necessary.
The Celestiq is built-to-order, and maybe buyers with deep enough pockets can request something radical like… a mechanical frunk latch that is unlockable via a key? If the trunk can have it, why not the frunk too? Sure, most owners will probably call Cadillac to come deal with it, but at this price point, convenience should be a feature, not an upgrade.
We’re also waiting for Cadillac’s response and will update the article if we hear back from them.
Lucid owner shares on social media why he’s giving up the brand for an Acura.
He says the car drives well but the service and ownership experience fall short.
Highlights how early adopters often face frustrating issues with newer car companies.
Buying into the latest automotive trend can feel like stepping into the future, until that future leaves you stranded at the service center. Sometimes the cutting edge cuts a little too deep. That’s exactly what went down with one Lucid owner who picked up an Air Pure AWD in 2023. Less than a year later, he’s moving on to an Acura. The car itself? Solid. The ownership experience? Not so much.
“When you buy a Lucid, you’re not just getting a stylish, fun-to-drive EV – you’re buying into an experience. And sadly, that experience has been… underwhelming.” Those are the words of a now-former Lucid driver in what he openly admits is a bit of a rant, posted online.
Lucid “Can’t Tell Its Right Hand From Its Left”
Posted to Reddit, this story details one owner’s experience with what it’s like to own a car from a young automaker. They report leasing the vehicle in 2023, and that it spent two out of twelve months in the shop. Reported issues include malfunctioning windows, a stuck frunk, buzzing speakers, trim problems, unreliable phone connectivity, and what the owner describes as a company that is “completely lost, unable to tell its right hand from its left.”
It gives the impression that different departments aren’t communicating, and some representatives don’t bother reviewing customer notes before reaching out. According to the post, one Lucid employee said a lease buyout was possible, while another insisted it wasn’t. After inquiring about the buyout, the owner was then contacted – ironically – not with answers, but with a sales pitch for another Lucid.
Good Car, Awkward Company
All companies screw up from time to time, but this owner reports that they haven’t received a single call or message to ask about why they wanted out of their lease. To this (now former) owner, Lucid is missing one big thing: “They’re not just selling a car – they’re selling a luxury experience. And right now, they’re only delivering half of that,” they say.
On the plus side, that last comment hints at the silver lining here. Lucid might still be trying to figure out the service and customer experience side of the business, but they have built a very good EV. “The car itself? Terrific. A blast to drive,” the owner said said. Interestingly, the Lucid will be replaced by an Acura ZDX. So, why did they chose this particular car?
“The ZDX feels like a refined, luxury version of [a Honda Prologue]”, they explained. “No, it’s not as thrilling as the Lucid, but I’ll take reliability, a responsive local dealer, guaranteed loaners, and half the insurance cost any day. Plus, the lease is in the mid-$300s with zero down.”
Ultimately, this seems like a pretty typical example of what can happen when you buy a car from a startup EV company. Sure, issues like these can crop up with any brand, but they tend to hit early adopters of newer automakers more often.
Ford recalled three trucks over what it suspects could be some missing battery nuts.
All three are Lightning EVs with nuts located on the high-voltage battery junction box.
If they’re indeed loose or missing, they could cause arcing and potentially lead to fire.
Whether some realize it or not, automotive safety has never been as advanced as it is currently. That safety doesn’t just relate to how cars handle on-road incidents either. It starts at the production facility, and a new recall from Ford is a great example.
The Blue Oval just recalled three, yes three, individual F-150 Lightnings due to one or more potentially missing or loose retention nuts. In a new recall filing with the NHTSA, Ford says that these nuts hold the high-voltage battery junction box bus bars down. If they’re missing or loose, it could lead to electrical arcing or even a fire.
According to Ford, the nuts in question could’ve been removed in error during a reworking operation. It seems that there was no record of the nuts being re-torqued to appropriate specs after that rework. As such, Ford wants to check to be sure they’re not just there, but that they’re tight too.
While it says it doesn’t know of any accidents or injuries related to the issue, it does say that it knows of one field report and one warranty report related to the same incident. It’s already alerted dealers to the issue and will notify all three owners by May 23 at the latest. Dealers will check the nuts, install them if necessary, and of course, torque them properly. That should solve the issue altogether.
Until then, owners should pay attention to signs like a “loud noise while driving”, a “Stop Safely Now” message, and a check engine or malfunction indicator light on the dashboard. If the problem occurs, the truck will lose motive power, but the 12-volt battery should continue supplying power to steering and braking systems.
Decades ago, it’s unlikely that a problem as isolated as this one would’ve even been found. Even if a worker on the production line had caught it, they might not have had procedures in place to track other similarly affected vehicles.
No doubt, recalls are on the rise across the industry, but cases like this explain why that’s not as bleak a headline as it may seem. Essentially, the safety net that catches defects has a much finer mesh size than ever before, and we’re all safer for it.
Tesla sales dropped 80.7 percent in Sweden and over 50 percent in France, Denmark.
Its European sales declined for a fourth straight month, raising serious market concerns.
Model Y’s refresh failed to stop the EV maker’s April slump across key European nations.
Tesla’s sales slump in Europe isn’t letting up, and now it’s starting to look like more than just a temporary dip from the Model Y changeover. For the fourth month in a row, the EV company’s numbers are sliding in several key markets, and this time the declines are steep. In April, at least three major countries reported year-over-year drops of more than 59 percent. Tesla may be running out of time to figure out how to stop the bleeding.
Tesla’s sales are diving headfirst into the red. In France, deliveries were down 59.4 percent compared to April last year, with just 863 vehicles sold. Denmark saw a 67.2 percent decrease, bringing the monthly total there to only 180 cars. But, as reported by Reuters, Sweden takes the prize for most dramatic plunge: sales dropped 80.7 percent, from 1,052 units last April to just 208 this year.
A Rougher Ride Ahead
The broader trend doesn’t look much better. Tesla’s overall European sales dropped 28.2 percent in March, and April seems poised to show even worse results once full data is available. In Norway, figures from OFV show that Tesla’s market share has slipped from 18 percent to just 11 percent compared to the same period last year.
Chinese automakers, meanwhile, have moved ahead, claiming 12 percent of Norway’s market. “Tesla is nowhere near the level we are used to; you can’t pretend otherwise,” OFV noted.
Much of this feels like a perfect storm against Tesla alone. Tesla has chalked up its weak Q1 performance to a production switch from the outgoing Model Y to the updated version. But that’s only part of the story and it doesn’t apply to Europe which received the facelift model early on in the year.
At the same time, it’s facing pressure from rival brands and even more from Chinese EVs that often sell for less. On top of all that, Elon Musk’s political views have distanced many of his customer base in the area.
That said, it’ll be interesting to see what, if anything, comes of this sales dip from an official Tesla standpoint. The company openly said that production slowdowns from the first quarter are done, so what will it say if this downward projection continues?
Will it reverse course on its public statements about searching for a new CEO? How will it explain a sales dip when its most popular model, the Y, is struggling to sell despite just launching a heavily updated version? Only time will tell.
Someone picked up a Kia EV6 GT at auction for less than half of its original price.
They paid just $31,000 for a 576-horsepower car that can keep up with supercars.
Despite being a great deal, the EV6 GT has limited range, making road trips difficult.
We’re seeing used electric vehicle prices take a nosedive, and even the mighty Kia EV6 GT isn’t immune. In fact, someone just snagged one at auction for less than half of its original MSRP of $64,360. So, would you drop $31,000 on a two-year-old EV with 21,000 miles on the clock? Let’s break down the upsides and downsides, and why this could actually be a fantastic deal for the buyer.
The Downsides of the Kia EV6 GT
Let’s actually start off by talking about the not-so-glamorous side of owning something like the Kia EV6 GT AWD. None is as big as the lack of range available in this thing. At best, you’re looking at around 206 miles (331 km) on a full charge, and that’s according to the EPA estimates.
In my testing, I found that you might hit that number – if you’re not constantly pushing it to the limit. My drive ended up around 175 miles, so don’t expect much more if you’re, you know, enjoying the throttle. It’s not great, especially for longer road trips. But on the flip side, it’s more than enough for day-to-day driving.
That said, the suspension can be a little rough in GT mode, but running it in ‘normal’ mode seems like the solution. Finally, the climate controls are a bit finicky. I think most folks will get over that given time, but having tried them in several Kia products, I still don’t like them.
The Fun Side: Why the EV6 GT is a Steal
With that Debbie Downer section out of the way, let’s get into why this is such a great car to drive. Sure, 576 horsepower (429 kW) sounds like the obvious answer, and it’s certainly part of it, but it’s more than just outright speed. The EV6 GT handles exceptionally well. Sure, it’s outshone slightly by its cousin, the Ioniq 5 N, which we’ve also reviewed, but that in and of itself is a compliment in that they’re very similar.
Photos Cars&Bids
In our testing at Las Vegas Motor Speedway, the EV6 GT performed admirably on the drag strip and the road course. The only bit that wasn’t superb was the way ABS engaged during trail braking. That’s something software updates might have solved in the meantime, though. Ultimately, this is a four-door superhot hatch, and we haven’t even gotten to the X factor.
Speed is great and getting a big discount thanks to depreciation is too, but it’s the things that make this car so livable that make it such a steal at $31,000. First and foremost, it’s comfortable, it’s spacious, and it has enough space in the back to haul five people and an afternoon’s worth of gear. On top of that, if one needs even more space, it can tow almost 4,000 pounds! That’s ridiculous for such a small car that can drive as sharply and as fast as this one does.
All of this having been said, there’s no question that there are some unknowns out there. How will EVs like this one hold up years from now? Will replacement batteries and motors ever be economical to replace? These are some of the big questions the new owner of this Cars&Bids find might have to consider down the road. Til then, they get to enjoy one of the most well-rounded cars in the segment for less than half of its MSRP.
Rivian reportedly started buying large quantities of batteries before the election to stockpile.
This battery stockpile provides Rivian with time to manage potential tariff-induced price hikes.
It also plans to shift to 4695-format cells, produced locally in Arizona to comply with regulations.
Automakers across the industry are scrambling to navigate Donald Trump’s tariffs, and some are getting particularly creative in their strategies. Rivian, for example, has apparently taken a refreshingly proactive stance. Sources with knowledge of the situation say the automaker is sitting on a stockpile of batteries that it’s been buying up since before the election even happened.
According to a Bloomberg report, Rivian made a savvy move by locking down a stash of lithium iron phosphate (LFP) cells from China’s Gotion High-Tech Co. well before the election, with the goal of powering its Amazon-bound delivery vans. After the political dust settled, the company then teamed up with Samsung SDI to import a sizable batch of battery cells from South Korea, hoping this would keep production rolling for its R1T pickup and R1S SUV models.
The strategic move serves as a buffer against potential pricing pressures induced by Trump’s new tariffs. While recent revisions to the tariff plan offer some relief, they still pose significant challenges for automakers relying on international supply chains. That can heavily impact companies like Rivian who need to import batteries to make every vehicle in their lineup. Notably, Samsung SDI said a week ago that the tariff war would make it more expensive to build EVs.
For now, Rivian has bought itself a little more breathing room before it has to worry about raising prices. In the meantime, it’s also gearing up for the launch of its smaller R2 SUV. With this new vehicle, the company plans to switch to 4695-format cells from LG Energy Solution. The initial production will take place in Korea, but Rivian has plans to move operations to LG’s new Arizona facility in Queen Creek. Even without the tariff issues, that move helps Rivian better align with the Inflation Reduction Act’s requirements.
Whether this is a stroke of logistics genius or just plain survival instinct depends on how you read the political winds. Either way, Rivian’s battery strategy gives it a short-term cushion while it scrambles to localize its supply chain before the tariffs squeeze even tighter. Of all the different strategies we’ve seen automakers employ, this is the first time one has proactively bought up supplies to this degree.
In the end, Rivian’s proactive approach might just be the thing that keeps it on track, at least until the tariff storm blows over.
The government is weighing a new car tax proposal to fund America’s crumbling infrastructure.
The proposal would charge Americans anywhere from $20 to $200 annually for their vehicles.
Some Republicans are already vocally opposing the proposal, raising concerns over its fairness.
America’s crumbling roads aren’t just a punchline anymore, they’re a $20 billion annual shortfall for the federal government, and lawmakers are now eyeing new ways to close the gap. One idea on the table? A national car fee that could, in theory, also help ease gas prices over time. But like most tax ideas these days, it’s already being shot down from inside the same party that introduced it.
The proposal comes from House Transportation Committee Chair Sam Graves, who wants to charge Americans an annual fee for simply owning and driving a car. The amount would vary by vehicle type, ranging from $20 a year for standard passenger cars to $200 for electric vehicles. Hybrids would fall in the middle at $100. The long-term goal, according to Graves, is to eventually replace the federal gas tax altogether.
“Nearly 40 states already have a special registration fee for EVs. It is time for the federal government to assess a fee on EVs that, for years, have not paid gasoline or diesel taxes, the primary source of Highway Trust Fund revenues,” said Graves. He went on to point out that gas and diesel taxes haven’t changed since 1993. Since they’re not indexed to inflation, the government has lost out on some $480 billion in federal revenue.
Interestingly, the proposal would make it so that EV owners are essentially paying what equates to about 1,111 gallons of fuel annually based on the federal gas tax of $0.18. According to the Department of Energy, the average car uses around 430 gallons of gas per year. So, yes, EV drivers would be picking up a disproportionately large tab.
Not Everyone’s On Board
That said, the proposal sounds like it might die before making it very far, though. Chip Roy didn’t mince words about his view of it saying, “Are you out of your fricking mind? Like, the party of limited government is gonna go out and, ‘say we’re gonna have [a car tax]? You know what I was told? ‘Don’t worry about it. We’ll get rid of it later in the highway bill,” Roy continued.
According to Politico, the message he received is that the car tax is “a gimmick to pay for this, so we know that we’re not actually gonna pay for it. That’s how this town works.”
After a little math, AmericanProgress.org believes the proposal could cost Americans $7 billion a year and, of course, shrink the debt by that same amount. However, they also point out that the broader bill containing this proposal includes a hefty tax cut for the wealthiest Americans. Over a 10-year period, the top 0.1% of earners would see an average tax reduction of $278,000.
Whether this proposal is a genuine attempt to modernize road funding or just another political mirage, it forces a real question: who should foot the bill for the nation’s crumbling infrastructure in an era of rapid tech shifts and lopsided tax codes? If the answer ends up punishing EV adoption while letting wealth glide by untouched, expect this road to be anything but smooth.
A Cybertruck owner performed Nazi salutes and allegedly hurled slurs in public.
The Tesla owner’s business was quickly bombarded with negative Yelp reviews.
The owner apologized and promised to support anti-hate groups going forward.
These days, just about everyone walking around has a recording device sitting in their pocket. That means just about anything we do in public has the potential to be filmed and posted online for the world to see. One business owner just found that out the hard way. After performing a couple of Nazi salutes out the window of his Tesla Cybertruck, a video of the incident surfaced online. Unsurprisingly, his company’s Yelp reviews took a nosedive in the aftermath.
According to the post on Reddit, this happened in Mission Bay, San Francisco. “While I was walking home… the owner of Cyber Electric LLC, repeatedly performed the Nazi salute after yelling homophobic slurs at my friends and me. This is deeply abhorrent behavior and a reflection of the company’s values and beliefs. I feel badly for anyone this woefully ignorant and hateful,” the poster said.
Sure enough, that appears to be what we see in the video embedded below. While some elements of that description are hard to confirm, it’s clear that someone is making the gesture and that the company graphic is on the side of the electric truck. It’s worth noting that we have no idea what led up to this interaction. While nothing warrants the reaction, it’s tough to believe that we’re missing some context here.
Video Reddit
That said, those who saw the video online went to Yelp to express their displeasure with reviews of Cyber Electric. “There is no room in Modesto for Nazi businesses. Don’t support fascism or homophobics,” one reviewer said. “Is this who you want in your home, around your family performing repairs?” another from the Bay Area wrote according to SF Gate. “Disgusting.” Interestingly, Yelp has since scrubbed the page of the negative reviews with the following explanation.
Yelp’s Response
“This business recently received increased public attention, which often means people come to this page to post their views on the news rather than actual consumer experiences with the business,” said the company. “We’ve temporarily disabled the posting of content to this page as we work to investigate the content you see here reflects actual consumer experiences rather than the recent events (even if that means disabling the ability for users to express points of view we might agree with).”
To his credit, Cyber Electric owner Marco Diaz has already issued a response. He posted a video on his YouTube account admitting that he used the Nazi salute. While he denied using homophobic slurs, he did acknowledge that he hurt others with his actions. “To make this right, I am educating myself, supporting anti-hate groups, and ensuring my company promotes inclusion. I’m committed to learning and rebuilding trust. I welcome your feedback and hope my actions show my sincerity,” he said.
This looks like a case of trying to be provocative and crossing a line that was not remotely worth testing. It is another reminder that in today’s world, almost everything ends up on video, and once a reputation takes a hit like this, there is no easy way to walk it back.
Slate wants to revive old-school driving fun with an affordable, no-frills electric pickup.
CEO Barman aims to deliver simple, modular EVs instead of flashy, tech-heavy vehicles.
She’s just told the world why she thinks Slate will be different from every other brand.
As the EV world continues its game of musical chairs, one startup company thinks it has found a different way to stay standing when the music stops. Slate is betting on a different formula: simplicity over flash. In a market obsessed with massive screens and autonomous gimmicks, Slate thinks there is still room for vehicles that just work.
CEO Chris Barman, a veteran of Chrysler, says that the startup, which is reportedly backed by Amazon boss Jeff Bezos, aims to deliver “fun, affordable EVs that people actually want to drive.” Her goal is to tap into an under-served market, and she just opened up about why she thinks Slate will succeed.
Barman, a mechanical engineer by background, joined Slate as CEO in May 2022. She spent most of her career in product development at Chrysler, eventually rising to vice president of electrical and electronics at Fiat Chrysler. Put simply, she knows how to build vehicles that can handle real-world abuse.
A Truck Without the Tech Overload
Slate’s first offering is a no-frills electric pickup truck priced from “around $28,000.” With current incentives, that could theoretically make a base Slate pickup roughly $20,500. No doubt, that would stand out in the U.S. market and the overall EV segment, though as always, there is no guarantee the $7,500 tax incentives will still be available when the trucks actually hit the road.
“There’s a massive population of people out there when it comes to safe, reliable, affordable transportation; there just really aren’t many alternatives for them,” Barman said in an interview with Business Insider. As of February, an EV costs an average of $6,300 more than a similar gas-powered car. Of course, some gas-powered cars do almost everything Slate offers and then some.
Nevertheless, it sounds like Barman is building this idea off of decades of love for similar vehicles. “I grew up on a farm. My first car was a 1984 Ford Ranger pickup, with a five-speed manual, manual windows, and no air conditioning,” she said. “It was basic transportation, but I loved the freedom it gave me to go places and do things.” That freedom-based thinking bleeds into the design of the Slate pickup.
Modularity Built In
Unlike just about everything else on the market, this thing stands out because of its modularity. Owners can add over 100 different accessories, and we’re not talking about Slate-branded valve caps. We’re talking about infotainment systems, speakers, cupholders, different exterior lighting surrounds, and even a conversion kit that turns the truck into a five-seat crossover.
“It may be, they were single when they first purchased the truck, and they recently got married, and a few years later, they have a family, and instead of having to exchange it out for a completely new vehicle, they can convert it into a five passenger SUV and continue to use the vehicle,” Barman told BI.
How exactly does she see users engaging at such a high level in a space that few people usually do? She says that the automaker will offer instructional videos online in what it’s calling Slate University. It is part of what Barman calls “a complete paradigm change in the car buying experience.” Buyers will not be locked into the expensive, bloated versions dealerships like to push. Instead, they will start basic and add only what they want, when they want.
Direct Sales
To help streamline the process, as with most EV startups, Slate is skipping traditional dealerships altogether and selling directly to consumers. Buyers will configure and purchase their vehicles online, with no showroom upsells or sales pressure to deal with.
Reservations for the EV are already open, with a refundable $50 deposit if you are feeling adventurous. Of course, the company still has a lot of hoops to jump through before any of this happens. Slate is working to secure an old shuttered factory to revive in the Midwestern US, and only once vehicles start rolling off an actual production line will we know if Barman’s dreams for Slate can turn into a reality.
Tesla is working to bring a cheaper model to the market late this year or early in 2026.
A drone pilot flying over a Tesla factory might have spotted a development prototype.
The mystery car lacks doors and a roof, suggesting a prototype under early development.
Tesla has always had a flair for keeping people guessing, but sometimes even the best plans are no match for a drone and a zoom lens. New footage from above Tesla’s Fremont factory might have captured something the company would have preferred to keep under wraps for a little longer.
It is no secret that Tesla is racing to deliver a cheaper, more accessible car to market, as company officials, including Elon Musk himself, have already confirmed it. Now, it looks like a development prototype was spotted sitting in plain sight among several other vehicles, completely uncovered. The rumor mill is in overdrive, so let’s sort out what is fact and what might just be wishful thinking.
As pointed out by Teslarati, the drone video embedded below shows a vehicle that seemingly stands apart from Tesla’s current lineup. It sports a narrower roofline and a silhouette that leans toward crossover territory. That matches up with Tesla VP of Vehicle Engineering Lars Moravy’s recent comments during the Q1 2025 earnings call, where he mentioned that upcoming models would resemble the existing lineup while integrating features from Tesla’s next-generation platform.
“Models that come out in next months will be built on our lines and will resemble, inform, and shape the cars we currently make. And the key is that they’ll be affordable, and you’ll be able to buy one,” said Moravy. The company also said in its slide deck that “Plans for new vehicles, including more affordable models, remain on track for start of production in the first half of 2025.” Combine those statements with a new sighting, and we have something worth talking about.
Spotted by the YouTube channel Met God In Wilderness, the drone video shows two very interesting things. In one, we see the vehicle mentioned above. The strangest part isn’t just its size and shape; it might be missing a roof and doors. We know this new Tesla is supposed to be de-contented, but that’s a bit extreme.
In a second photo, we see several shells scattered in a lot. None of them have any body panels save for a hood here or there. None appear all that unique or special, but the pictures are a bit too grainy to be sure. It’s plausible that one or more is a redesigned prototype. That includes at least one with Falcon-wing door hinges.
Another shot shows a covered vehicle being moved from one part of the factory to another. There is no doubt Tesla is working on something. The real question is what that something actually is, and rumors suggest it could be a more basic version of the Model Y, possibly even a slightly smaller one.
Fremont, with a lot of speculation, definitely seems to be in the middle of something. pic.twitter.com/GDsFJeeusd
Since the announcement about a smaller, more affordable Tesla, people all over the world have guessed about what it would be. In China, where Tesla makes and sells a substantial percentage of its cars, social media accounts and news outlets say they know what’s coming. Dubbed “E80” internally, this new Tesla is basically a low-rent Model Y.
Rumors say it’ll have a 50-55 kWh battery pack, smaller tires, no panoramic glass roof, cloth upholstery, fewer speakers, and fewer amenities. That includes things like ambient lighting, heated seats, and acoustic glass to keep outside noise… outside. Frankly, all of that makes a lot of sense from Tesla’s standpoint. Sure, its lineup is looking a bit dated as a whole, but if it can bring a low-cost Model Y to market for, say, $30,000, consumers will likely take note.
CN Sourcing:
There will be a new type of Model Y upcoming, internal code E80.
Let’s finish this off with a boatload of salt. There’s no way to be sure about what we’re seeing here. Not only is the camera footage very brief, but it’s also so far away that it’s tough to confirm anything. What’s clear is that the images here, combined with Tesla’s words about future cars, make the timing seem like too good of a coincidence. Is this the Model 2 or whatever else Tesla calls it? Does it look like something different to you? Let us know in the comments below.
Some EVs may become collectible in the next couple of decades due to their historical impact.
Hypercars like the Rimac Nevera and even everyday EVs could earn collectible status over time.
This may happen to all kinds of electric cars, from the Nissan Leaf to the Porsche Taycan.
It’s hard to believe, but it’s been over 100 years since electric vehicles first made their appearance on the streets. Sure, they disappeared almost as quickly as they arrived, but here we are today, witnessing their dramatic comeback. Over the past decade, EVs have evolved in leaps and bounds, bringing us to a question we can’t help but ask: which of these modern electric rides will one day be considered collectible in, say, 20 years from now?
To be clear, there are a few rare and historic EVs that already have their place in the collectible world. Jay Leno, for instance, famously owns a 1909 Baker Electric, which he’s even gone so far as to upgrade. But aside from these niche classics, the broader EV market isn’t exactly seen as a treasure trove for collectors, at least not yet. But who knows? Maybe the next wave of electric vehicles will change that.
The original Tesla Roadster 2.5 that kicked off things for Elon Musk’s brand could be a prime example. While it’s easy to point out its shortcomings, from range anxiety to questionable build quality, the Roadster was undeniably ahead of its time. It played a pivotal role in kick-starting the EV revolution, and without it, the Model S, and arguably the entire Tesla brand, may not have existed. It may not have been perfect, but it was a game-changer.
And while we’re talking about Tesla, let’s not overlook the other contenders that could one day find themselves in the collectible spotlight. The Model S, for one, completely shattered preconceived notions about what an electric car could be.
Then there’s the Model Y, Tesla’s best-seller, which has arguably played the most significant role in broadening EV adoption worldwide. And let’s not forget the Cybertruck. Love it or hate it, its design makes it impossible to ignore, cutting through a sea of otherwise similar-looking vehicles.
Of course, it’s not all about Tesla. The Nissan Leaf deserves a mention as one of the most influential EVs in shaping the electric car market, especially for those seeking an affordable option. The Rivian R1T was the first all-electric pickup truck. The original Porsche Taycan might be the first sign to everyone that even huge historic brands were willing to ditch internal combustion to one degree or another.
If I personally had to pick one, it would be the Hyundai Ioniq 5 N. It seems poised to go down in history as the first EV to truly mix in a boatload of driver engagement along with supercar-like performance. Looking back through history, those two factors rarely come together in a EV that the general public can actually afford. That’s what makes the 5 N so special.
And while some traditional gearheads might scoff at the very idea of electric cars ever being collectible, let’s not forget that there’s a new generation on the horizon. This group won’t have the same hang-ups. They’ll have grown up with electric vehicles as the norm and they won’t carry the same biases against them.
Do you agree with anything we’ve mentioned here? Perhaps you have another car to submit. Let us know in the comments below!
Tesla’s new 0% APR financing deal applies only to the Model 3, not other models.
Full Self-Driving transfers are back for those upgrading from a previous Tesla vehicle.
Tesla is rolling out a pair of what it hopes will be high-impact incentives. In an effort to drive sales before the end of Q2, it’s offering 0% APR financing on Model 3 and the return of Full Self-Driving (Supervised) transfers. Both offers are appealing on paper, but like most things Tesla, there are some strings attached.
The headliner here is the 0% APR deal, which is only available on the Model 3. Not the Model Y, not the S, not the X, just the entry-level sedan. Qualifying depends on options and tax incentives, but it appears to be available with $0 down in some states.
It’s also capped at 60 months. That’s about $6,000 down (over the loan term) on the cheapest rear-wheel-drive Model 3, and you’ll also need top-tier credit to lock it in. Still, it’s a rare move in today’s high-interest environment, and one that could tip the scales for shoppers on the fence.
Also back, for a limited time: FSD transfers. If you previously bought Tesla’s Full Self-Driving beta package for anywhere from $7,500 to $12,000 and are thinking about upgrading to a new vehicle, you can bring that feature with you, no need to repurchase. There’s no word on when the deal will end, but we expect it won’t live into the third quarter, so interested parties will want to move sooner rather than later.
These moves, of course, come at a time when Tesla is navigating a tougher sales climate. Competition is getting better, opposition is getting fiercer, and tariffs could drive prices up more, too. Obviously, Tesla wants to clear inventory and keep customers inside the family with these deals.
While these two deals are good for those interested, they’re not the only ones we’ve seen in recent months. The new Model Y is available in China with 0% APR, and the old Model Y is the subject of massive discounts too. Even the opinion-splitting slab-sided Cybertruck is available for thousands off of MSRP right now. Clearly, Tesla knows it needs to move metal, and it’s doing all it can to achieve that goal.
Vox Populi, Vox Dei … FSD Transfer is back
All countries (in NA), all S3XY + @cybertruck (excl Foundation Series & Launch Series)
Slate’s $28K EV truck is still in development, but Ford’s Maverick is available now.
The Maverick offers better range, towing capacity, and features than Slate’s EV.
Production of the Slate EV is expected to begin towards the end of 2026.
There’s no denying that Slate Auto is turning a lot of heads right now. Their new truck, which can be optioned into a SUV, sounds promising as it strips away the excess in an effort to create an affordable, practical runabout. It even boasts an electric drivetrain to keep running costs low.
All sounds good, right? In theory, it’s an appealing prospect, but here’s the thing: what Slate is selling for the future (plus a whole lot more) is already available today in the form of the Ford Maverick.
Pricing: Promises vs. Reality
Let’s start off with its biggest selling point, the reason why the internet went wild in the first place: the price. The newly announced Slate pickup promises a starting price of “around $28,000,” but that’s far from set in stone. Assuming nothing changes, and that’s a tariff-sized assumption, if you factor in the $7,500 federal tax credit, the base price could theoretically drop to about $20,500.
But again, that’s all hypothetical. Given that the Trump administration has repeatedly suggested eliminating these credits, who knows what will happen in late 2026 when it supposedly hits the market.
On the other hand, as you’re reading this, you can walk into any Ford dealership and drive off with a 2024 Maverick XL for $23,920. That’s for the 250-hp 2.0-liter EcoBoost four-cylinder-equipped model. Because it’s available and if you click on Ford’s page, that’s the model it directs you to. If you’re looking at the 2025MY, prices start from $26,995 for the 191-hp 2.5-liter hybrid FWD variant, and $27,570 for the 250-hp EcoBoost AWD. And that’s before factoring in any additional deals or potential incentives, plus delivery fees, of course.
Range and Efficiency
Now, let’s talk efficiency and range. Slate’s truck promises 150 miles of range in its base form, powered by a 52.7 kWh battery. No doubt, the optional 84.3 kWh battery, offering up to 240 miles of range, looks more promising, but it’ll cost you extra. According to the Detroit company, charging it will take somewhere between 4 to 8 hours.
For the sake of comparing base models, we’ve focused on the 2024 Maverick XL with the 2.0L turbo, which is the most affordable option you can buy right now. This base trim delivers 26 mpg according to the EPA. Meanwhile, the hybrid variant with a 191-hp engine can achieve up to 42 mpg combined.
And let’s not forget the convenience factor. You can fill up the Maverick at any gas station in America in about 3 minutes. No waiting around for hours as your truck “recharges,” praying that the charging station isn’t busy or, you know, completely broken. If you do the math, the Maverick’s EPA numbers give you nearly 430 miles of range, while Slate’s truck promises to hit just over a third of that, assuming, of course, it’s not freezing outside or anything.
SPECS
Model
Maverick
Slate
Wheelbase
121.1 in.
108.9 in.
Length
199.7 in.
174.6 in.
Width
77.9 in.
70.6 in.
Height
68.7 in.
69.3 in.
Bed Length
54.4 in.
60.0 in
Bed Volume
33.3 cu ft
35.1 cu ft
Frunk Volume
–
7 cu ft
Seats / Doors
5 / 4
2 /2
Motor
2.0L Turbo
Single Electric
Drive
FWD / AWD
RWD
Power
250 hp
201 hp (150kW)
Torque
277 lb.-ft.
Range
429 miles
150 – 240 Miles
Fills Up In
3 Minutes
4-8 Hours
Towing
2,000 lbs
1,000 lbs
Payload
1,500 lbs
1,400 lbs
* Manufacture specifications
SWIPE
Now, Slate’s concept has some cool ideas like swappable body panels and modular bits, but let’s be honest: fun, quirky features don’t always survive the realities of potholes, payloads, and subzero mornings.
Speaking of payloads, let’s break down the specs. The Slate can tow up to 1,000 lbs and haul 1,433 lbs of cargo. Meanwhile, the base Maverick doubles the towing capacity at 2,000 lbs and has a 1,500-lb payload capacity. The Slate boasts a five-foot bed, while the Maverick’s is a bit more compact at 4.5 feet.
That said, the Maverick can seat five people at all times, even with the bed in use, while the Slate takes the cargo volume crown with 35.1 cu.ft and an additional 7 cu.ft in the frunk, compared to the Maverick’s 33.3 cu.ft.
Slate’s EV Is Laughably Bare Bones, Doesn’t Even Have Speakers
We won’t get too deep into the quality and features since we’ve only seen the prototype in pictures, not in person, and things might change when it hits production. But judging by the close up photos from our pals at The Autopian, this thing could make a 1980s Lada Niva look posh. To be fair, their motto is “We built it. You make it.” So, maybe “luxury” is all in the eye of the beholder.
But it’s not that you won’t get an infotainment screen, you won’t get anything. No power windows, no cupholders, no speakers, no radio, no armrest, no glovebox – all of these are “extras.” In fact, customers will have the option to choose from over 100 of these “accessories”, as you can see for yourself in the configurator.
We’re honestly surprised they even bothered with seats and a steering wheel. This thing is laughably bare-bones, even by decades-old standards. In contrast, the base Maverick at least comes with all the modern creature comforts you’ll actually need – and then some.
A Real Truck vs. Wishful Thinking
In the end, the Maverick is a real truck, with a real bed, and a real warranty that’s sold by a brand that has been around for over a century. Contrast that with Slate’s trucklet: an unproven EV with startup dreams and very little track record, though they’ve certainly done an excellent job going viral. We’ll give them that.
Of course, Slate’s vision still deserves some credit. It’s trying to solve a real problem: new vehicles are getting too expensive. But the Ford Maverick proves you don’t have to sacrifice practicality or usability to hit that sweet spot. You can walk into a showroom today and drive out with a functional, fuel-efficient pickup that actually exists.
You don’t have to wait for something that maybe will show up someday, hoping it somehow avoids the massive pitfalls other companies have stumbled into when it comes to service and customer care.
Maybe Slate will pull it off. Maybe it won’t. But until then, the best budget truck-slash-crossover EV isn’t a futuristic trucklet. It’s wearing a Blue Oval and parked at your local dealer.
Tesla has made its FSD Supervised ride-hailing service available to some employees.
For now, only testers in Austin and San Francisco can try the service.
The company says it’s already completed 1.5k trips and 15k miles of driving.
Tesla just took a big step forward toward bringing robotaxis to the public. Strangely, it didn’t come with a bunch of fanfare from its CEO either. Instead, the company quietly confirmed on X that it has made its ride-hailing service available to some employees.
“FSD Supervised ride-hailing service is live for an early set of employees in Austin & San Francisco Bay Area,” read the post. Those cities are both very important for Tesla as the brand has facilities in each. A short video posted along with the announcement tells us a bit more about how it works.
A rideshare app allows users to click a big button that simply says “Pick Me Up.” Once the car arrives, users get a notification and a reminder to buckle up in the car. Cybertruck-styled font shows a new script that calls the service “Robotaxi.” The video seems to indicate that, for now, a human safety driver is in the driver’s seat during the testing.
Once in the car, it appears riders get a message on the rear-seat infotainment system to confirm their name, address, and arrival time. Riders click a button in the car that says “Start Ride,” and off goes the car. According to Tesla, it’s already completed 1.5k trips and 15k miles of driving.
FSD Supervised ride-hailing service is live for an early set of employees in Austin & San Francisco Bay Area.
We've completed over 1.5k trips & 15k miles of driving.
This service helps us develop & validate FSD networks, the mobile app, vehicle allocation, mission control &… pic.twitter.com/pYVfhi935W
Interestingly, the Robotaxi nomenclature helps us understand an important point. The Cybercab refers to the vehicle, and Robotaxi is a service that can leverage more of Tesla’s models. No doubt, they’ll share software and functionality to a degree.
Perhaps the biggest surprise here isn’t that this is happening but that it’s seemingly on time. Elon Musk has famously been overly optimistic about true Level 5 driving tech. This time, it seems like his promise that a paid version of this service will go live in June could end up coming true. Even then, though, we expect a full-scale rollout to take a good long while.
The California New Car Dealers Association (CNCDA) has filed a lawsuit against VW and Scout.
It says the two are bypassing dealer franchise laws in the state by selling directly to consumers.
Scout previously rejected the CNCDA’s demands, but now vows to defend itself in court.
The latest episode in the ongoing feud between dealers and Scout Motors has escalated into a full-blown lawsuit. The California New Car Dealers Association (CNCDA) has filed suit against Volkswagen and Scout, accusing them of bypassing the law. Specifically, the CNCDA wants VW and Scout to sell their vehicles through dealerships instead of direct-to-consumer sales.
Forget about free-market dynamics, dealers are fighting for their slice of the pie, and they’re taking it to court to make sure they get it.
Brian Maas, CNCDA President, stated that “VW dealers would welcome the opportunity to sell Scout trucks and SUVs, but their manufacturer business partner is denying them that opportunity, in direct violation of California law.” The accusation here is that VW’s Scout Motors is allegedly breaking the law by allowing customers to buy vehicles directly from them, bypassing the traditional dealer model.
Is VW Picking and Choosing?
Maas didn’t stop there. He added, “Volkswagen can’t pick and choose which vehicles to sell on its own or through its franchised dealer network, reserving the most profitable or desirable vehicles for itself. Illegal competition will harm not only dealers but also the communities and car buyers that they serve.”
It didn’t take long for Scout and VW to respond, and unsurprisingly, both disagree with the CNCDA. After the dealer association sent a cease and desist letter to the automakers last year, Scout responded with a strongly worded letter. “VWGoA is not authorized by Scout Motors to sell, and will not be selling or distributing, Scout-branded EVs in California or in any other state. Scout Motors and the Scout brand exist and operate independently of VWGoA and its brands such as Volkswagen and Audi,” said Scout’s general counsel, Neil Sitron.
And if you thought Scout was backing down, think again. Sitron added, “Scout Motors will not do business with anyone that threatens or tries to intimidate it, either directly or indirectly…. should the CNCDA decide to act on its threats, Scout Motors will vigorously defend against them.”
Now, it looks like Scout will have to do exactly that – defend itself in a court of law. The CNCDA is accusing the automakers of unfair competition, false advertising, and is seeking civil penalties that could top $35 million.
It gets more interesting as Maas claimed that this suit “sends a message to every automaker.” That message could end up being “here’s how to sidestep dealers.” Tesla, Lucid, and Rivian have already proven that dealers aren’t necessary. If Scout and VW win this lawsuit, it’ll show legacy automakers a new path to direct sales, a model that consumers seem eager to engage with.
After disappointing sales, perhaps it’s Tesla’s way of admitting that it needs a wider audience.
Sales and marketing strategies tend to follow similar paths, especially when it comes to products that compete in the same space. Let’s face it, in today’s world, creating a brave ad that grabs attention without annoying someone is practically a lost cause. So, most companies stick to what works by playing it safe with formulas that won’t ruffle too many feathers.
But every so often, one company will mimic another so closely that it’s hard not to notice. That’s exactly what appears to be going on with Tesla , which seems to be quietly rebranding the image of its Cybertruck in a way that’s undeniably familiar.
When the Cybertruck first debuted, it was all about looking like it came from the future. Tesla marketed it as though it were built for Mars. Even the press photos of it showed it off on barren landscapes as if it had survived some apocalypse.
Now, though, those futuristic images are no longer the star of the Cybertruck’ssales page. Instead, you’ll find the slab-sided truck in more mundane, everyday scenarios…the same kind of scenes, and even some of the same props, that Ford uses to market the F-150.
Take, for example, the hero image Tesla currently uses for the Cybertruck. It’s towing an Airstream trailer. That looks almost identical, save for the actual scenery in the background, to an image Ford uses with an F-150 towing a camper.
Then, there’s a photo looking down into the bed of the Cybertruck where it holds some fence fabric and other building materials. Don’t be too shocked, but Ford has an F-150 ad with the same type of fence fabric and building materials.
None of this situation, first reported by Business Insider, should be all that shocking or damning. After all, no one bats an eye when sports car companies showcase their models on race tracks, or when crossover ads feature a family cruising through the city.
The nature of automotive advertising requires some similarity across the space. Still, the images are almost too on the nose in this case not to notice. It highlights a change in the way that Tesla approaches Cybertruck sales, too.
The Real Shift
Ultimately, the reality is that to sell anywhere near the number of trucks that Ford does, the Cybertruck will need to appeal to traditional truck buyers. Right now, it’s done a solid job of appealing to Tesla lovers and to those who want something more novel than an everyday pickup. That’s why it was the best-selling EV truck in 2024.
Buick just unveiled the all-new Electra-GS concept for the Shanghai Auto Show.
It’s all-electric, has four doors, and was created by GM’s China design team.
It’s the latest in a series of Electra concepts, offering a glimpse into Buick’s future.
Buick has just unveiled a glimpse of what might shape its design direction for the next few years. Named the Electra-GS, it’s a four-door electric sedan that, according to Buick, “draws inspiration from the mythical centaur”, which was a creature from Greek mythology with the upper body of a human and the lower body and legs of a horse. Designed in China, it’s still unclear whether Buick is considering any kind of production run.
“The ELECTRA GS is more than a concept. It’s a design manifesto,” said Stuart Norris, Chief Design Officer at SAIC-GM and Vice President of GM China Design. “It’s a bold statement that Buick will continue its success in the electric era with sculptural dynamism, cutting-edge technology, and uncompromised sophistication.”
What does that look like in practical terms? Mostly a sleek sedan featuring a heavily slanted rear window with design elements that seem to blend influences from the BYD Seal and Han. That makes sense, given that China is a major market for Buick. The automaker doesn’t provide any specifics about the powertrain, only noting that it’s electric.
Really, though, the focus here is on styling. Buick says it measures 208.7 inches (5,300 mm) long with a 126-inch (3,200 mm) wheelbase. That’s not only longer than both the Tesla Model S and the Lucid Air, but also the long-wheelbase version of the current Mercedes S-Class. Again, that makes sense, as Chinese customers often prefer long-wheelbase cars. The cabin is full of luxury appointments, too.
Inside, It’s All About the Details
Visibility inside? No problem. Buick says the low dash makes sure you won’t be doing any acrobatics to see through the windshield. The seats, meanwhile, are heavily contoured to hug your body. It also gets two separate screens: one for the driver, serving as the instrument panel, and another that doubles as the infotainment system for both the driver and front passenger.
It’s all very stylish, but whether it’s too subdued for anyone’s tastes is open to debate. At the very least, it’s not screaming “look at me!” but more like, “I know I’m classy, but I’m too cool to show off.”
This concept comes after what appeared to be a great start to the year for Buick. It was finally selling cars in North America, where it desperately wants to regain market share. Of course, President Trump’s tariffs hurt the American automaker since it imports many of its cars from Korea and China before selling them in the States.
Interestingly, this is only the latest of several Buick Electra concept cars. Last year, it introduced the Electra-L and Electra-LT concepts, and in 2022, it announced the Electra-X concept. It’s unclear if the automaker will build another 20+ Electra concepts to fill out the rest of the alphabet or if Buick will build a genuine smashing success in the USA first.
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