Slate made a splash with an affordable, electric pickup that was slated to cost less than $20,000 after federal incentives. However, that’s no longer the case as the company has quietly updated their website to say the “Blank Slate is expected to be priced in the mid-twenties.”

The company went on to say the “price is subject to change” and “does not include taxes, fees, and accessories.” While the latter is to be expected, Slate’s revised statement suggests we can expect a price hike of around $5,000. That makes the truck far less appealing as the bigger and better equipped Ford Maverick begins at $28,145.

More: Slate Shakes Up EVs With A Pickup That Turns Into An SUV And Costs Less Than $20,000

Slate hasn’t publicly addressed the change, but it appears to be tied to President Trump’s signing of The One Big Beautiful Bill into law. The sprawling piece of legislation includes everything from a tax deduction on auto loan interest to funding for a “Golden Dome” missile defense system.

It also cut funding for solar and wind facilities as well as the clean vehicle credit. The latter will be phased out on September 30, 2025 instead of December 31, 2032. This applies to both new and used vehicles.

Photos Slate Auto

While the changes are brief – just one line for the previously-owned clean vehicle credit – they’ll have a huge impact on electric vehicles as consumers will no longer get a discount of up to $7,500. This means prices will likely rise, while demand could fall.

It’s not hard to see why as it would be easy to live with a few tradeoffs for less than $20,000. However, at around $25,000, things get a little more complicated.

That being said, the Slate truck will have a rear-mounted motor producing 201 hp (150 kW / 204 PS) and 195 lb-ft (264 Nm) of torque. It will be powered by 52.7 and 84.3 kWh battery packs, which deliver ranges of approximately 150 and 240 miles (241 and 386 km). Customers can also expect a leisurely 0-60 mph (0-96 km/h) time of around eight seconds and a top speed of 90 mph (145 km/h).

H/T to TechCrunch

As Rivian prepares to kick off production of its more affordable R2 series next year, it is making some tough staffing decisions . More than 100 salaried employees at its Normal, Illinois, facility are being let go, with most of the cuts affecting the manufacturing team.

While the layoffs are part of the company’s broader effort to streamline operations, the news has opened the door for another electric vehicle startup to step in. Scout Motors, a new EV brand launched by Volkswagen in the US market, is taking advantage of the opportunity. Rather than sitting on the sidelines, it is actively courting the newly displaced talent.

As Autoblog noticed, shortly after the layoffs were announced, Scout Motors’ head of logistics, Jacopo Marzetti, took to LinkedIn to express support for the affected Rivian workers, encouraging them to consider applying for positions at Scout. While Rivian hasn’t disclosed the exact number of job cuts, TechCrunch reports that around 140 positions are being eliminated and can, therefore, apply for a job at Scout.

Read: These Are The New Scout Terra Truck And Traveler SUV

According to Rivian, the layoffs are being made “as part of an ongoing effort to improve operational efficiency for R2.” Crain’s Chicago Business adds that “affected employees are eligible for rehire and encouraged to apply to other open positions within Rivian.”

A look at Scout Motors’ career page reveals it has 133 current vacancies. Some of these positions are crucial in engineering, focusing on body systems, drive systems, and energy systems. It’s also seeking vehicle software and electrical engineering staff, as well as specialists in logistics.

Most of the positions are in Columbia, South Carolina, the location of Scout’s forthcoming factory. There are also several positions available in Fremont, California, as well as at the brand’s innovation center in Novi, Michigan.

Shared DNA, but Key Differences

Former Rivian employees will bring valuable expertise to the Scout brand. Just like Rivian did, Scout is launching with an electric pickup and an electric SUV. However, the VW-owned brand is also readying range-extended models, something that Rivian doesn’t do. Even so, like Rivian, Scout’s models promise to be rugged and perfect for those with an adventurous spirit.

A key differentiator will be price. The Scout models will be priced from as low as $50,000 after incentives. By comparison, the Rivian R1T and R1S start at $69,900 and $75,900, respectively.

Even as the global car market continues to shift, one thing remains certain: Toyota knows how to move metal. After a brief detour in second place, the Toyota RAV4 is back on top as the world’s best-selling car, edging out the Tesla Model Y by a sliver.

And it’s not just the soon-to-be-replaced RAV4 doing the heavy lifting, as Toyota has managed to land five models in the global top ten, including the Corolla Cross, Corolla sedan, Hilux, and Camry.

More: New RAV4, See Every Angle And Hidden Detail

This ranking comes from industry analyst Felipe Munoz, who compiled a detailed snapshot of 2024’s global car sales by model. His methodology pulls from a wide mix of sources, including national statistics offices, dealership associations, customs data, specialized websites, blogs, other analysts, and informed estimates. According to Munoz, the ranking covers 153 markets, accounting for roughly 99% of all cars sold globally.

Toyota Retakes the Lead, Barely

Combined sales of the Toyota RAV4 and its China-market twin, the Wildlander, reached 1,187,000 units in 2024. That was just enough to slide past the Tesla Model Y, which landed at 1,185,000 units. It’s a narrow win, but a win nonetheless.

It’s important to note that both the RAV4 and Model Y were refreshed shortly after the period covered by this report. Toyota rolled out a full redesign for the RAV4, that hasn’t gone on sale yet while Tesla introduced its updated Model Y Juniper that’s already available.

That said, the Model Y still holds the title for best-selling EV worldwide by a comfortable margin. Its 2025 numbers, however, are already showing signs of slowing.

Compact Crossovers Keep Climbing

The Toyota Corolla Cross occupied the third place with 859,000 sales, benefiting from the fact it is offered in many different markets around the world. The compact crossover was closely followed by the Honda CR-V/Breeze SUV that sold 854,000 units.

View this post on Instagram

A post shared by Felipe Munoz | Automotive (@carindustryanalysis)

Toyota’s dominance continues with the Corolla / Levin Sedan (697,000 units) in the fifth place and the Toyota Hilux (617,000 units) in the sixth place.

World’s Best Selling Pickup

The aging Hilux is due for a new generation soon, but that didn’t stop it from becoming the world’s best-selling pickup. Despite not being sold in North America or China, two massive truck markets, it still managed to outpace all competitors. Right behind it in the global rankings is the Ford F-150, which sold 595,000 units and claimed seventh place overall. In the US, the F-150 was the second best-selling vehicle of 2024, coming in just behind the RAV4.

More: Cracks Are Beginning To Appear In China’s Largest EV Maker

Rounding out the top ten are three sedans that continue to hold their ground in a market that increasingly leans toward crossovers and SUVs. The Toyota Camry took eighth with 593,000 sales, followed by the Tesla Model 3 at 560,000 and the BYD Qin at 502,000. BYD’s entry marks the only Chinese brand on the list this year, underscoring the company’s steady rise as a global competitor in both EVs and internal combustion vehicles.

Subaru might be gearing up to bring back a familiar nameplate, and for fans of quirky utility vehicles, this one’s worth paying attention to. We’re not talking about the possible return of the STI, but something even more unexpected: a modern take on the Brat or Brumby, depending on which side of the planet you’re on.

This small pickup truck was a fixture in North America from 1978 to 1987, remembered as much for its utility as its unmistakably odd charm. If it’s coming back, though, expect some big changes.

Toyota May Be the Key to Subaru’s Pickup Revival

A new report out of Australia claims that Subaru is actively exploring a revival of the Brat, and perhaps unsurprisingly, it could be brought to life with the help of Toyota. The world’s largest automaker is reportedly developing a small truck of its own, and Subaru could piggyback off that effort by sharing the same underpinnings. The two brands have a long history of collaboration, from the BRZ and GR86 twins to recent efforts like the bZ Woodlands and Trailseeker EVs.

Whether this joint project leads to an all-electric pickup remains unclear. While Toyota originally floated the idea of a fully electric compact truck, current market conditions suggest a combustion-powered or hybrid option is also on the table. Either way, affordability appears to be the common goal.

More: Forget The Slate, Toyota Wants To Make A Cheap Small Truck For America

It’s a mystery what the new-age Brat could look like. Heck, we don’t even have a good idea of how Toyota’s pickup will look like. Toyota did preview an electric concept called the EPU back in 2023, but whether that design translates into a production model remains to be seen.

Obviously, it’s all very speculative at this point. And if this project is real, it might end up channeling more four-door Subaru Baja than two-door Brat when all is said and done.

Regardless of how Subaru goes about styling the new model, it seems inevitable that it will be much larger than the original. That’s a shame, but beggars can’t be choosers, I suppose. Odds are, it’ll end up somewhere in the same size class as the Ford Maverick or Hyundai Santa Cruz, compact by today’s standards, but still a far cry from the tiny trucklet it once was.

Now, it’s important to note that Subaru has not confirmed a revival of the Brat, and CarsGuide has only received word of the project “through the grapevine.” As is so often the case, we recommend taking this report with a grain of salt, at least until Subaru makes some kind of announcement, or perhaps follows the lead of Toyota and drops a mysterious teaser image of the new model.

Read: Subaru Is Having Second Thoughts On EVs

If the Brat does make a comeback, expect it to feature all-wheel drive, as you’d imagine from Subaru. The Australian website speculates that it could be electric (though as we mentioned, we’re not so sure about that), powered by dual motors putting out a combined 375 horsepower and 369 lb-ft (500 Nm) of torque.

The report also claims Subaru could reveal plans for its new truck as early as this year’s Tokyo Motor Show in November.

Illustrations Carscoops.com / Josh Byrnes

Building an electric vehicle that’s affordable, customizable, and actually something people want to drive has become the holy grail of the modern car industry. Slate Auto, a startup in the EV world, has been generating plenty of hype over the past few months by claiming it can deliver exactly that.

But beneath the viral videos and slick promises, the reality is a back-to-basics vehicle that skips many modern comforts and might not end up costing much less than a Ford Maverick. And according to one Stellantis executive, Slate’s wallet-friendly image could unravel pretty quickly.

Read: Slate Shakes Up EVs With $28,000 Pickup That Turns Into An SUV

The startup has adopted a novel approach with its EV. Known simply as The Truck, as the company wants buyers to name their pickups, all of Slate’s vehicles will leave the factory looking exactly the same. Shoppers will then be able to select options and special features to make their Slate stand out.

Want it to resemble more of an SUV? Just check the box for the optional roof. Want an exterior wrap or speakers for the optional audio system? Those are on the list too. Just check the boxes and build it out from there. Slate says pricing will start under $28,000, or around $20,500 after applying the $7,500 federal EV tax credit.

However, as part of the Trump administration’s proposed One Big Beautiful Bill Act, this incentive could be phased out after 2026. In practice, it might disappear even sooner, by the end of 2025, since it would only apply to vehicles from automakers that have sold fewer than 200,000 EVs.

Kuniskis Reacts

Ram chief executive Tim Kuniskis thinks that prices of the Slate electric truck will be much higher than advertised. “I think it’s super interesting,” he told CNBC. “The idea behind it, we’ve talked about that idea a million times. Now, what’s it going to actually transact at in the marketplace … when people start to option them up, it’s not going to be $20,000. It’s going to be $35,000, and by the time you get to $35,000, you’re in midsize truck territory.”

Kuniskis has a point. The starting price of the Slate may be compelling, but it’s important to note that it lacks many of the features you’d expect from a modern car. It doesn’t have an infotainment system, there are no speakers, and there are manual window winders. Option in some of those things, like Bluetooth speakers, and the price will rise. Once the tax credit is gone, the Slate may not seem so appealing.

Affordability Still Elusive

“Slate is an example of why and how hard it is to produce a cheap EV,” iSeeCars auto analyst Karl Brauer told CNBC. “They are producing an electric vehicle with only two seats, 140-mile range, manual windows, no touch screen, and it’s still $27,500 … To me, it’s not a competitive vehicle at that point.”

For now, Slate is chasing a compelling idea of an EV that’s simple, customizable, and affordable. But unless costs stay low without the help of government incentives, it risks becoming yet another example of how tough it really is to build an electric car for the everyman.

Summer is just around the corner, and while that’s good news for many, the bad news is that price hikes across most major car brands are also seemingly just around the corner. Thankfully, Costco is once again rolling out limited-time discounts on select Chevrolet, Cadillac, and GMC models, offering savings of up to $1,250 for members.

The Costco Auto Program is meant to simplify car buying by sidestepping dealership haggling and offering fixed discounts to members. Between June 3 and July 31, Gold Star and Business members can shave $1,000 off eligible models. Executive members get a slightly larger discount of up to $1,250.

Read: Costco Offers Up To $2,000 Off New Audis

To benefit, members need to visit the Costco website, register their details, select their preferred model, and then be sent a savings certificate with a unique promo code. Shoppers will then get the discount when they present this certificate at any of the dealers from the three brands. But not all models are eligible.

At Chevrolet, the $1,000 and $1,250 discounts are available for the Colorado, Silverado EV, Blazer EV, and Equinox EV. There are also savings valued at up to $3,000 for the Chevrolet BrightDrop 400 and BrightDrop 600 delivery vans, but only businesses are expected to purchase them.

Over at GMC, the Sierra EV, Hummer EV Pickup, and Hummer EV SUV are the three models available with the new Costco incentives. Then there’s Cadillac, where only the all-electric Optiq and Vistiq are eligible. Importantly, the Costco savings can be stacked with any other incentive a buyer may be eligible for.

For those thinking about signing up for Costco just to take advantage of this offer, the timing won’t work out. Eligibility requires an active membership as of June 2, so new sign-ups won’t be able to use the discount this time around.

Sometimes ambition outpaces planning, and nowhere is that more obvious than in the story of two would-be car thieves who bit off way more than they could boost.

In Detroit last month, a pair of would-be car thieves tried their luck with two brand-new GMC Hummer EVs, and let’s just say, it didn’t exactly go as planned. While most car thieves stick to dealership lots in search of easy targets, this crew aimed higher. They went straight to the source: GM’s Factory Zero plant in Detroit. Maybe it was the irresistible lure of that fresh-off-the-assembly-line smell, but for whatever reason, they decided to swipe the EVs directly from a train.

Read: GMC Just Made The 2026 Hummer EV Crabbier Than Ever

There is no word on how they managed to gain entry to the GM plant, let alone access the train yard on site, but somehow, they succeeded. After entering the train yard, they were able to open the doors to one of the trains and attempted to drive off in two Hummer EVs. Presumably, the duo was left unlocked and had the keys inside.

We don’t have any security camera footage, but we do have a clip that shows the aftermath of the failed theft. One of the Hummers, finished in black, can be seen stranded on the train tracks after it appears that the passenger-side front tire was ripped off the wheel.

Train Hopping, Minus the Grace

Meanwhile, the second GMC didn’t even make it off the train. It appears that the thieves attempted to simply drive the EVs off the edge of the train, without using any ramps. The silver model appears to have slammed down into the tracks, and once again, a tire was ripped from the wheel. It has also suffered extensive damage to the front fascia and some damage to the rear quarter panels as well.

According to The Metro Detroit News, the incident is being investigated, but it doesn’t appear as though any arrests have been made at this stage.

Screenshot The Metro Detroit News

It’s that time of year again when model changes are rolling in, and the 2026 Silverado EV is adding a new off-road-focused trim called Trail Boss. As the name implies, it’s built to handle trails like a boss. To accomplish that, it leverages a lift kit, an updated hydraulic rebound control system, and a new Terrain mode. Interested parties will need to be ready to part with over $72,000 to put one in their garage.

Read: Chevy’s New Electric SUV Could Be Coming to Your Country, But Not America

“Trail Boss has been one of the highest turning trims in our portfolio since we first launched it on the 2019 Silverado,” said Scott Bell, vice president, Chevrolet. “Adding Trail Boss to Silverado EV gives customers an option that builds on our strong truck pedigree, high electric range, and off-road capability.” We’re happy to report that this isn’t just an appearance package.

Enhanced Off-Road Performance

Every Trail Boss comes standard with a two-inch lift kit, which Chevy boasts is a 24 percent increase in ground clearance over the standard Silverado EV. On top of that, the automaker re-tuned the coil suspension and rebound control system. A new trim-exclusive Terrain mode acts almost like a low-speed off-road-focused cruise control for navigating uneven surfaces. It also gets sharper 4-Wheel Steering for better response off-road.

Chevrolet leverages a “high-angle approach” front fascia on the Trail Boss along with 35-inch all-terrain tires, unique 18-inch wheels, red tow hooks, and exterior badging to make the trim stand out. The cabin also gets its own unique touches. Perhaps most impressive is that this new version of the Silverado EV doesn’t sacrifice much in the way of range.

“The Silverado EV Trail Boss delivers similar capability expected with other Chevy Trail Bosses,” said Joe Roy, chief engineer for Silverado EV. “It’s an impressive truck that will meet the needs of our customers looking to get off trail and still have all the features customers have come to love about Silverado EV, including range and off-road power.”

Pricing

Available with Chevy’s Extended or Max battery pack, buyers will get 410 or 478 miles of EPA-estimated range. Pricing starts at $72,095, but those who want the Max pack will pay $88,695. That’s right beneath the RST trim that starts at $89,395. Those prices include destination and delivery. There are benefits to each pack worthy of mention.

Those who select the Extended pack get up to 12,500 lb-ft of towing capacity and 2,100 pounds worth of payload capacity. On the flip side, those with the Max pack can enjoy up to 725 horsepower (540 kW) and 775 lb-ft (1,049 Nm) of torque. Expect it to go on sale later this summer, with additional details about options and pricing coming then too.

Other Updates for 2026

In other news related to the 2026 Silverado EV, Chevy is sunsetting the RST trim, leaving only the Work Truck, LT, and Trail Boss in the lineup. In addition, the Silverado EV is getting a more advanced version of Super Cruise, now integrated with Google Maps. The updated system includes hands-on functionality that helps keep the vehicle centered in its lane and adjusts to the car ahead. Also, when you engage Super Cruise on compatible roads, a green light on the steering wheel indicates hands-free driving is activated.

2026 CHEVY SILVERADO US PRICES

We’ve got some bad news for Ram fans who were hoping to jump into one of the automaker’s two new electrified trucks. Both have been delayed again, their production debuts having already been pushed back at least once.

The all-electric 1500 REV and hybrid Ramcharger both had their global reveals back in 2023 and were originally slated to enter production in late 2024. That date was then pushed back to 2025, but now truck fans face an additional wait of up to two years to get their hands on one of the hi-tech pickups.

Related: A Secret Ram EV Truck You Never Heard Of Just Sparked A Multi-Million Lawsuit

Stellantis has delayed the Ramcharger’s introduction to the first quarter of 2026 and the REV won’t now land in dealerships until the summer of 2027 as a 28MY truck. The delay was first reported by Crain’s Detroit Business, which discovered two different reasons for the hold-ups.

The Ramcharger delay is due to Ram “extending the quality validation period” to get a handle on some quality niggles, a Stellantis spokesperson told CDB via email. Though the rep didn’t expand on what kinks needed straightening, the powertrain – an electric motor and battery setup charged by a massive combustion V6 – is an entirely new one for the automaker.

Stellantis makes no suggestion that the delay of the 1500 REV is related to quality issues with its fully-electric powertrain. Instead, the spokesperson places the blame squarely on market forces, specifically a “slowing consumer demand” for half-ton BEV pickups.

With technology and customer expectations evolving so quickly these days, let’s just hope the trucks still feel fresh and exciting when they finally start rolling off the line in Sterling Heights, Michigan – several years later than originally planned.

While the delays are disappointing, at least the trucks haven’t been canned altogether like the heavy-duty electric pickup Ram scrapped last year. And there is still plenty of good news coming out of Ram right now. We reported a few weeks back that the brand promised to announce 25 new products over the next 18 months, and the first one is scheduled for June 8.

One of those new models is a smaller truck, though it’s still unclear whether it will go into battle with midsize pickups like the Ford Ranger, or take aim at the small Maverick.

Even the most excessive EV on the market is still getting upgrades. For the 2026 model year, the GMC Hummer EV sees a series of small updates aimed at enhancing performance, off-road functionality, and overall refinement. A few of the improvements will even be offered retroactively to current owners, thanks to over-the-air updates.

Carbon Fiber Edition For Extreme Acceleration

Among the changes, the limited-run Carbon Fiber Edition stands out. Available for both Pickup and SUV versions, this trim builds on the top-tier 3X model but pushes performance even further. The truck version now launches from 0 to 60 mph (0–97 km/h) in just 2.8 seconds, down slightly from the already eye-widening “approximately 3 seconds” claimed by the outgoing model.

More: This Hummer EV Lost $45K Without Ever Touching a Driveway

According to GMC, this extra boost is the result of refined propulsion calibration, updated software, and some hardware tweaks. The updated 3X also comes with a 24-module battery pack delivering 1,160 hp (865 kW / 1,176 PS), up from the previous 1,000 hp (746 kW / 1,014 PS).

Visually, the Carbon Fiber Edition gets 22-inch carbon fiber wheels, carbon accents on the mirror caps and skid plates, and an exclusive matte Magnus Gray exterior paired with black emblems. Inside, it features a Velocity Ember interior theme. GMC doesn’t mention any actual weight savings from the carbon fiber bits, which serve more aesthetic than functional purposes

Subtle Updates, Smarter Tech

Outside of the special edition, the 2026 Hummer lineup doesn’t get major styling revisions. However, two new exterior color options called Coastal Dune and Auburn Matte, have been added, along with new interior themes: Granite Drift and Stealth Eclipse.

The tech front gets a more noticeable upgrade. The 13.4-inch infotainment screen now supports a customizable split-view layout, giving drivers quicker access to key data. The Super Cruise driver assistance system has also been updated, though details on those improvements are still limited

King Crab Mode For Everyone

Another highlight of the 2026 MY is the addition of the King Crab mode. This feature is standard in the 2X and 3X trims and will be available to all Hummer EV Pickup and SUV owners later this year through an over-the-air update. According to the company, the King Crab mode makes the rear wheels turn “significantly faster” than the front wheels, improving maneuverability in tight spaces and enhancing the rock crawling abilities of the Hummer.

Review: The 1,000 HP GMC Hummer EV Pickup Is Wonderfully Ridiculous

GMC engineers have also optimized the damper tuning of the EV, promising an improved ride quality. Furthermore, all versions of the Hummer are now compatible with bidirectional charging, meaning they can charge another vehicle, or power your entire home during a blackout.

Production of the 2026 GMC Hummer EV Pickup and SUV will take place at GM’s Factory ZERO Assembly Center in Michigan. The updated models are expected to hit U.S. dealerships later this year, with pricing and range details to be announced closer to launch, likely by late summer 2025.

General Motors and LG Energy have announced plans to use lithium manganese-rich (LMR) prismatic battery cells in electric trucks and full-size SUVs. The automaker intends to be the first to use LMR batteries and production is slated to begin by 2028.

GM says LMR batteries are a breakthrough as traditional battery cathodes require nickel, manganese, and expensive cobalt. This drives up prices and makes EVs expensive.

More: Stellantis’ Solid-State Battery With 18-Minute Fast Charging Is Almost Ready

LMR batteries seek to address this by using a “higher proportion of more affordable manganese.” They also promise to deliver a “greater capacity and energy density.”

The companies didn’t go into many specifics, but said their new LMR prismatic battery cell has a  33% higher energy density than the best-performing lithium iron phosphate (LFP) cells, despite having a comparable cost.

So what does this all mean? We can expect an electric truck that delivers more than 400 miles (644 km) of range as well as “significant battery pack cost savings compared to today’s high-nickel pack.” That would be a welcome development as the 2025 Chevrolet Silverado EV LT Extended Range starts at $75,195 and has an EPA-estimated range of up to 408 miles (657 km).

GM’s director of advanced battery cell engineering said the batteries are the result of a decade of development. Kushal Narayanaswamy went on to say GM’s current crop of electric trucks and SUVs use NMCA batteries and these have a composition that is roughly 85% nickel, 10% manganese, and 5% cobalt. LMR batteries are vastly different as they’re about 65% manganese, 35% nickel, and use “virtually no cobalt.” In effect, they use more of the cheaper materials and less of the expensive ones.

A Cybertruck driver recently found himself in a terrifying situation after what he claims was an aggressive move by another motorist on a California highway ended with his truck upside down. The incident occurred in broad daylight near Ukiah, and the entire event was captured by the Tesla’s onboard cameras.

The footage, later shared on YouTube by the Wham Baam Teslacam channel, shows how the crash unfolded. A black Ram 1500 overtakes the Cybertruck, then abruptly cuts into the right lane just ahead of it. Moments later, the Ram driver taps the brakes, prompting the Cybertruck driver to move left in an attempt to pass. That’s when things take a turn – literally.

More: BMW M4 Took A Wrong Turn Into The Mountain

The Ram swerves into the Tesla’s path, pulling off what appears to be an unintentional PIT maneuver that forces the Cybertruck off the highway. As it veers off the road, the slad-sided electric truck slams sideways into a ditch, causing it to roll over. While the truck lay upside down, its sensors detected the crash and automatically alerted emergency services. Fortunately, the driver wasn’t seriously injured, though he was taken to the hospital by ambulance after reporting back pain.

Copart

According to the Tesla owner, he had no prior interaction with the Ram driver, something he says is backed up by the footage he shared with police. After reviewing the video, the California Highway Patrol has reportedly charged the Ram driver with vehicular assault, though official confirmation from authorities has not been released publicly.

More: Cybertruck Was Just Charging Until Chaos Showed Up With A V8 And No Grip

The aftermath wasn’t kind to the Tesla. The truck sustained heavy damage to its roof, wheels, suspension, and body panels. It later appeared on Copart, looking far worse for wear. Some parts may be salvageable, but the cost of repairing such a heavily damaged vehicle likely outweighs any benefit. The driver is presumably seeking reimbursement through his insurance provider.

As for motive, nothing has been officially confirmed. However, the incident brings to mind other recent reports of road rage or hostility directed at Tesla drivers. Unlike the usual vandalism or minor clashes, though, this sort of encounter could have ended far more dangerously. With any luck, the Ram driver, if found responsible, will think twice before acting on impulse behind the wheel.

Screenshot Wham Baam Teslacam/Copart

Kia’s midsize truck, the Tasman, is just getting started and is expected to stick around for quite a while, according to a high-ranking company official. However, it won’t remain frozen in time. Along the way, it’ll see upgrades including, in all likelihood, a styling refresh and, more notably, hybrid and fully electric variants.

More: Kia Confirms First Midsize Pickup For America

The update comes via Roland Rivero, General Manager of Product Planning at Kia Australia. Speaking with CarExpert, Rivero described the Tasman’s ladder-frame chassis as a “fairly modular platform” that can accommodate “numerous powertrains.”

Hybrid and EV Versions on the Table

Depending on the market, the Tasman is currently offered with gasoline and diesel engines, but electrified versions are on the horizon. Rivero confirmed that Kia is actively “studying and reviewing” both hybrid and fully electric variants, though he stopped short of committing to a specific timeline for their launch.

One possible setup involves pairing the turbocharged 2.5-liter gasoline engine that’s available in the Korean market with a self-charging hybrid system, like what Hyundai is doing with the latest Palisade. Such a move could position the Tasman to compete directly with electrified midsize trucks like the BYD Shark and Ford Ranger Plug-in Hybrid.

As for the fully electric Tasman, expect a dual-motor setup providing all-wheel drive. This version would go up against the zero-emission trucks being developed by Toyota and Isuzu, including electric versions of the Hilux and D-Max.

Kia’s local head of Product Planning said the Tasman’s lifecycle will follow the typical pattern for light commercial vehicles, lasting “anywhere from 8 to 12 years.” To keep demand strong over that span, Kia plans to update and refine the midsize truck in a variety of ways.

Weekender Concept Shows What’s Possible

Some of those future styling updates might take cues from the recently revealed Tasman Weekender concept, which debuted at the 2025 Seoul Mobility Show. While Rivero emphasized that the Weekender is “just a concept” for now, he acknowledged that it could influence future updates, saying there’s “plenty of opportunity to enhance the Tasman” throughout its run.

More: New Kia Pickup Coming To America And It’s Nothing Like The Tasman

The concept gets wider, body-colored fenders, redesigned bumpers, a more pronounced hood, and chunkier tires over the production model. These could make their way into a tougher, off-road-oriented variant of the Tasman, a move in line with the growing popularity of factory-built rugged trucks, led by models like the Ford Ranger Raptor.

In any case, it appears that Kia has plenty of ideas about the future of the truck, enhancing its presence as a newcomer in this competitive segment. Until a facelift arrives, owners of the Tasman can rely on the numerous available accessories, tailored for different use-case scenarios.