Jason Momoa has developed an electromod habit that would make most petrol-loving classic car purists break out in hives. First came an electric 1929 Rolls-Royce Phantom II. Then a one-off miniature Bentley Blower EV. Now Hollywood’s Aquaman has handed a pair of rare Land Rovers and a trio of century-old Harley-Davidsons to an EV conversion company.

The latest chapter in Momoa’s increasingly eclectic garage comes courtesy of British EV specialist Electrogenic, which features prominently in the second season of his HBO Max documentary series On The Roam. This time, the company tackled five classic conversions, while also creating a battery-packed adventure trailer for extended off-grid expeditions.

Related: Jason Momoa Put A 666 Badge On His Tiny Bentley, But It’s Not What It Looks Like

Let’s start with the motorcycles, because they put a really different spin on the whole idea of converting old ICE machines to electricity. Rather than removing the original engines, Electrogenic transformed a pair of Harley-Davidson Model JDs from the 1920s into plug-in hybrids.

Choose Your Power

Momoa can choose the bikes to be propelled by 15 hp (15 PS / 11 kW) of electric power, the original 20 hp (20 PS / 15 kW) gasoline power, or both at once on his 1924 and 1927 model JD plug-ins. There’s even enough electric assistance from the 190 lb-ft (260 Nm) electric motor to eliminate the traditional kick starter.

A third bike, a 1921 Harley-Davidson Model FD, went fully electric after its original engine was deemed beyond repair. All three use discreet 2.7 kWh battery packs hidden inside period-style panniers good for more than 50 miles (80 km) of electric riding, and feature modern braking upgrades.

Photos Electrogenic

The Land Rover conversions are definitely more conventional. A 1949 Series I and a highly collectible 1961 Series IIA 109 Dormobile camper have both been converted to full electric power. Electrogenic retained the Landies’ original four-wheel-drive systems and transfer cases, meaning they should still be every bit as capable off-road, only much faster and quieter on it.

The Series I gets a 48 kWh battery and a 201 hp (204 PS / 150 kW) motor, while the Dormobile uses a larger 62 kWh pack paired with a 161 hp (163 PS / 120 kW) motor. Both offer around 150 miles (240 km) of real-world range and CCS fast charging. The Dormobile even swaps its original gas cooking setup for an induction hob, creating what is effectively a fully electric classic camper.

And finally, Electrogenic also kitted out Momoa’s Schutt Industries XVENTURE XV-2 camping trailer with a massive 93 kWh battery pack for those long, wilderness getaways. It can reportedly power camping equipment for up to a month while also serving as a mobile charging station. What do you think Momoa’s next EV commission should be?

Photos Electrogenic

As impressive as the all-electric Lotus Eletre is, it’s never been very popular, in part because of its price, but also because few people are willing to pay a premium for an electric SUV like it. This prompted Lotus to launch a hybrid version in China earlier this year, and it’s now touched down in Europe.

Known as the Eletre X, the plug-in hybrid model is arguably what the Eletre should have always been. It uses a 2.0-liter turbocharged four-cylinder engine, two electric motors, a 70 kWh battery pack, and has a 900-volt architecture, resulting in a combined 939 hp and 690 lb-ft (935 Nm) of torque. This gives it 34 more ponies than the all-electric Eletre R, although it is down on that model’s 985 lb-ft (1,335 Nm).

Read: Lotus Built A 939 HP Hybrid SUV For Me, Apparently

Lotus says the Eletre X can hit 62 mph (100 km/h) in 3.3 seconds and power from 50-99 mph (80-160 km/h) in just 3.88 seconds. Perhaps more important than the straight-line performance is that, thanks to the generous battery pack and the 52-liter fuel tank, the plug-in hybrid Lotus can travel more than 745 miles (1,200 km) between stops. All-electric range also sits at a solid 217 miles (350 km). What’s more, it takes just 9 minutes to charge the 70 kWh pack from 20-80 percent at a 350 kW DC charger.

Two Versions On Offer

Two different versions of the Eletre X plug-in hybrid will be offered. The figures of 939 hp and 690 lb-ft (935 Nm) are reserved for the H1000 model, but an H550 entry-level version will also be offered. This model is capped at 542 hp but retains the same 690 lb-ft (935 Nm) of torque. It can hit 62 mph in 4.9 seconds and tops out at 130 mph (210 km/h), whereas the H1000 is good for 143 mph (230 km/h). The H550 includes the same 70-kWh pack, 900-volt system, and driving range.

Among the key features retained from the electric version are a 48-volt active anti-roll control system, dual-chamber air suspension, dual-valve adaptive dampers, front double-wishbone suspension, and huge Brembo brakes.

Then there’s the all-important pricing. In Germany, the base all-electric Eletre starts at €95,990 ($111,600), while the new Eletre X H550 starts at €96,990. Importantly, the H1000 starts at €119,990 ($112,800), whereas the flagship electric version is much pricier at a touch over €150,000 ($174,400), so the H1000 seems like quite a good deal.

Mitsubishi has confirmed the return of the Pajero, previously sold as the Montero in markets like North America, reborn as a flagship cross-country SUV on ladder-frame underpinnings. That alone would be news. It is also just one of thirteen model debuts the Japanese firm has promised over the next six years.

One of the more important details to emerge is that the Pajero name will spread across a family of vehicles, led by that flagship SUV based on the Triton pickup, joined by a compact SUV and a small one that could slot into the kei car segment. The baby Pajero looks to be a different animal from the existing Delica Mini, itself one of the most rugged-looking kei cars Japan has to offer.

More: This Strange Off-Road Minivan Keeps Getting Facelifts After Nearly 19 Years And Still Sells Out

There is also a minivan coming under what Mitsubishi calls its off-road product group, which reads like a successor to the aging, but still popular in Japan, Delica D:5. That van has soldiered on since 2007 with two facelifts to its name. Rounding out the off-road push are two more SUVs Mitsubishi is staying quiet about, plus a pickup that may well turn out to be the facelifted Triton.

Over in ASEAN markets, Mitsubishi will roll out a new generation of the Xpander, the hybrid crossover minivan that first appeared in 2017 and was facelifted in 2022.

More: Mitsubishi’s New 400HP Compact Comes From The Same Factory As Your iPhone

The other five launches will be the fruit of collaboration with other brands. There is a fully electric coupe-SUV built on the Nissan Leaf, another electric SUV developed with Foxconn, a pair of Nissan-sourced kei wagons offered in combustion and EV forms, and a new pickup.

Two Pickup Projects With Nissan, Maybe Three

Speaking of trucks, another slide in the presentation mentions a new “pickup collaboration project with Nissan” for North America. A separate global pickup project is also under consideration, again with Nissan, alongside an updated Triton that is likely already in development

More: Mitsubishi’s New Triton Raider Got Everything Except The One Thing It Needed

Worth untangling the web here. The Australian-spec Nissan Navara is based on the current Mitsubishi Triton, while the electrified Nissan Frontier Pro draws on the Chinese Dongfeng Z9. That second one could feed into the global project, since it is rumored to reach Europe wearing Navara badges and could just as easily put on a Mitsubishi suit for markets with strict emissions rules.

HEVs, PHEVs, and BEVs

In terms of powertrains, Mitsubishi’s future relies heavily on electrification. The company announced that five of the 13 upcoming models will be self-charging hybrids, and another five will be plug-in hybrids.

Since three models are listed as BEVs in the official teaser, there is no room for any non-electrified offering. That is a little puzzling, since the Pajero was thought to use the 2.4-liter turbodiesel from the Triton, though that engine could presumably gain hybrid assistance.

More: Mitsubishi Is Still Selling A New 4WD Pickup For Used Corolla Money

In fact, Mitsubishi explicitly states they are developing in-house PHEV/HEV-dedicated engines boasting a world-class 48% thermal efficiency, confirming their deployment across all models – including those riding on ladder-frame underpinnings.

To fight off rapid-fire releases from new competitors, the brand is using AI and digital transformation to slash development lead times by 20%. They are shrinking the timeline from the current 45 months down to 36 months to get these 13 models to market faster.

Mitsubishi

Maextro has spent its first year proving a point. The Huawei-backed luxury brand sold more than 17,000 S800 sedans by charging a fraction of what Rolls-Royce and Maybach ask and burying buyers in technology. Now patent images out of China show it aiming the same playbook at the SUV class, with the Cullinan and every other luxury rival in its sights.

Also: Jaguar’s 1,000-HP Answer To Bentley Looks Nothing Like The Jaguar You Knew

Images show that it’s largely based on the successful Rolls-Royce Ghost-rivaling Maextro S800 sedan. This aligns with the automaker’s plans to further broaden its range, with six new models on the radar, including an MPV and the SUV illustrated here, unnamed for now but rumored to carry the X800 badge.

The Bold And The Ostentatious

If you want your McMansion neighbors to sit up and take notice, then Maextro will certainly do the trick with its bold 5.5-metre-long (over 216 inches) profile, rose gold highlights, and two-tone paintwork. The grille-less front is dominated by ‘C-clamp’ headlamps and dual-layer crystal DRLs, while the main lighting units feature dual-million-pixel ‘Galaxy’ elements that illuminate in a celestial manner.

Lower down, the front fascia features a rose gold mesh intake, and the hood has a central decorative spindle spanning between the badge and windscreen. Jarringly, a LiDAR unit juts out of the roof like a London Taxi, while the profile is highlighted by large polished alloys, flush door handles and thick rear pillars that accentuate its extra length.

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From behind, the surfacing and details are restrained. A slim, full-width LED tail lamp cluster with multilayer projection is intersected by a rose gold applique and horizontal cutouts at the base of the bumper.

A Cabin Built Around Screens

The SUV’s cabin will likely borrow heavily from the S800 sedan pictured above.

Perhaps not as downright opulent as a Rolls-Royce, the SUV should do a pretty good job of blending luxury and tech-laden goodies. Like its S800 sedan sibling, it’s expected to feature three displays running Huawei’s HarmonyOS (driver, infotainment, and passenger) within a single panel. A large augmented reality head-up display should also be standard.

Future Cars: Bentley Hasn’t Shown The Barnato SUV’s Face Yet, So We Did It For Them

The celestial headlamp theme is likely to carry inside, with a panoramic roof scattering a constellation of lights. Expect surfaces trimmed in leather, chrome, or crystal, a long list of color combinations, and ambient lighting throughout. Count on at least 43 speakers, zero-gravity rear seats, and an entertainment system with a fold-down TV screen.

Electric And PHEV

Both plug-in hybrid and fully electric powertrains are expected. The PHEV should use a 1.5-litre four-cylinder gasoline engine purely as a generator, with the dual-motor setup said to produce 523 horsepower. A tri-motor version will push that to an enormous 852 horsepower. Capacity-wise, the PHEV battery will be good for at least 65 kWh.

Going for the all-electric will see power mirror the 523 hp (390 kW) PHEV variant, yet it will pack a larger 95 kWh battery good for a CLTC range of up to 435 miles (700 km). DC fast charging should be good for 10-80% charges within 12 minutes.

Rivals And Reveal

The list of targets is long, ranging from the Rolls-Royce Cullinan, Bentley Bentayga, and Mercedes-Maybach GLS to the Range Rover, Genesis GV90, Zeekr 9X, and BYD’s Yangwang U8.

For now it stays an eastern affair, so do not expect one in a US driveway anytime soon. JAC Motors handles production, and an official reveal is penciled in for the coming months.

Read: Mercedes, BMW, And Porsche Are Losing To A $104K Chinese Sedan Most Americans Can’t Pronounce

Pricing is still guesswork, but expect it to sit above the S800, which runs from ¥708,000 (around $104,000) to roughly ¥1,180,000 ($173,000) fully loaded. Either way it undercuts the ¥5,030,000 ($738,600) the Rolls-Royce Ghost commands in China, a figure nearly double the car’s $370,750 US price. That gap is the whole story behind the S800’s success at home, where it has been the best-selling luxury model above ¥700,000 ($103,000), beating every European rival, Maybach, the Mercedes S-Class, and the Porsche Panamera among them.

Patent images of the Maextro SUV

If those numbers hold, even a $120,000 starting point would land below a BMW iX (¥746,900), let alone the X7 (¥928,000), and a world below the Cullinan, which opens around ¥7.5 million, over $1 million in China once the heavy luxury and import taxes are added.

So which way would you go, the genuine article from Goodwood or the Huawei-backed upstart that promises to do most of the same things for a fraction of the outlay?

Stellantis just pulled the covers off a gigantic new global strategy, and buried beneath all the boring corporate jargon is something buyers will really care about. Affordable cars are back.

The company says it plans several new sensibly-priced vehicles for North America, including two models priced below $30,000, and seven coming in under $40,000, all before the decade ends.

Also: Stellantis Quietly Showed Dealers A New Chrysler Starting In The $20,000s

North America will receive 11 all-new vehicles by 2030 as part of a wider global product offensive involving more than 60 launches and 50 major refreshes. And rather than trying to push EVs to audiences that don’t necessarily want an electric car, Stellantis is still betting on a broad mix of powertrains. The company confirmed future plans include 29 EVs, 15 plug-in hybrids or range-extenders, 24 hybrids, and nearly 40 combustion or mild-hybrid vehicles.

The backbone of this new strategy is a fresh modular architecture called STLA One that will underpin more than 30 models globally. Launching in 2027, it’s designed to replace multiple existing platforms with one scalable setup, supporting everything from compact hatchbacks to midsize SUVs.

Stellantis says it’s engineered specifically for different propulsion systems and can feature steer-by-wire tech, STLA AutoDrive autonomy, and STLA Brain software architecture. It will also deliver something called STLA SmartCockpit to allow drivers more interaction with their cars, and EVs get cell-to-body battery integration to reduce cost and weight.

Related: Stellantis And JLR Want To Co-Develop And Build Cars In America

The automaker is also reshuffling its brand priorities. Jeep, Ram, Peugeot, and Fiat have now become the company’s four primary global brands and receive the lion’s share of future investment. Around 70 percent of development spending will go toward those names and the Pro One commercial vehicle business.

Other Brands Play Second Fiddle

Other brands still survive, though they’ll get what they’re given when it comes to hardware, rather than get a say in what that hardware is. Alfa Romeo, Dodge, Chrysler, Citroen, and Opel are positioned as strong regional players using shared technology and platforms. Maserati also gets a time extension with two new flagship E-segment models promised, while Lancia and DS continue operating as niche specialty brands. 

Europe’s side of the plan includes a fresh wave of compact crossovers, hybrids, and city EVs designed to better compete against Chinese rivals rapidly expanding across the continent. Those cars could include the return of the iconic back-to-basics Citroen 2CV. Stellantis is also teaming up with its long-time partner in China, Dongfeng, to build and sell Voyah-brand cars in Europe.

And earlier this week it announced it was partnering with Jaguar Land Rover to develop cars for North America, a deal that could help JLR sidestep punishing import tariffs on the European-built cars it sells in the US.

Stellantis

There is virtually no segment of the automotive market BYD does not want to dominate, and its latest model, the Ti7, is its first seven-seater outside of China. The new model is going global to take on the likes of the Toyota Land Cruiser and the Land Rover Defender 110.

Read: This Chinese SUV Is Part Lexus, Part Land Rover, And A Dash Of G-Class

Unveiled last year in Thailand through the Fangchengbao brand, and since confirmed to be landing in the UK as a BYD-branded model, the Ti7 looks very similar to the B5 and B8 models that Fangchengbao already sells in China. The key difference sits underneath. Those two ride on a ladder frame, while the Ti7 is a unibody, much like the current Land Rover Defender. That trade likely costs it some hardcore off-road credibility against the B5 and B8 but should sharpen its on-road manners.

Bigger Than The Defender 110, Just

The Ti7 stretches 5,146 mm (202.5 inches) long, 1,995 mm (78.5 inches) wide, and 1,865 mm (73.4 inches) tall, riding on a 2,920 mm (114.9-inch) wheelbase. That makes it longer and slightly narrower than a Defender 110, which is the comparison BYD probably wants to put in your head.

When it launches in the UK, it will be the first model from the Chinese brand to feature its DM-p powertrain, comprising a turbocharged 1.5-liter engine, a pair of electric motors, and a 35.6 kWh LFP battery. Total power should be above 600 hp, and BYD is quoting a 0-62 mph (0-100 km/h) time of 4.8 seconds and an all-electric driving range of 79 miles (127 km).

The Chinese Can Do Rugged

Back home, Fangchengbao also offers the Ti7 as a full EV, though Europe is not yet on the invite list for that one. The Chinese electric version comes either as a 402 hp rear-driver or an all-wheel drive twin-motor with 691 hp. Buyers there can choose between a 92 kWh and a 105.7 kWh battery.

Visually, the Ti7 looks quite nice. The front end includes a pair of narrow split LED headlights, small black air intakes, and a blacked-out bumper. It also includes squared-off wheel arches, chunky wing mirrors and door handles, a panoramic glass roof, and a spare wheel carrier positioned on the tailgate.

The cabin is similar to other models from the BYD family and includes a large central infotainment screen, a digital instrument cluster, and a chunky four-spoke steering wheel. There are also two wireless smartphone chargers, plenty of soft-touch leather materials, and ambient lighting.

BMW is in the midst of a major product revamp and it will include an all-new 1-Series. The redesigned hatch will reportedly arrive in 2028 and be offered with both electric and ICE powertrains. The latter will rival the upcoming Audi A2 e-tron and Mercedes A-Class EQ. While it will share a name and styling with the ICE-powered 1-Series, the EV will reportedly ride on a different platform.

More: BMW’s Most Traditional Sedan Becomes Its Most Futuristic As All-New i3 Debuts

Autocar reports BMW sold almost 200,000 1-Series last year, so the company sees the model as one of their “main pillars.” As a result, the hatchback will enter the Neue Klasse era with a fresh design that mimics the new i3 and iX3.

While the overall look will echo the aforementioned models, designer Oliver Heilmer suggested the upcoming 1-Series will get its own take on the company’s new styling language. He implied this could include a unique grille design and surface treatment. Interestingly, the publication also suggested the three-door variant could return, but only in fully electric form.

Despite some special exterior touches, the cabin will be pretty familiar as it will adopt Panoramic iDrive. This means we can expect a new steering wheel, a pillar-to-pillar dashboard display, and a 17.9-inch infotainment system.

Powertrain details remain hazy, but the publication says the current 1.5- and 2.0-liter petrol engines will carry over and be joined by a new plug-in hybrid variant. The latter could combine the larger engine with a sizable battery pack that delivers around 60 miles (97 km) of electric-only range. According to the report, the ICE model will continue to ride on the same front-wheel-drive UKL2 architecture as the current car.

As for the EV, it takes a different approach with its rear-biased Gen6 architecture. It could take a cue from the entry-level iX3 40 which features a rear-mounted motor producing 316 hp (235 kW / 320 PS) and 369 lb-ft (500 Nm) of torque. There are also rumors of an M variant, which could use a dual-motor all-wheel drive system with 463 hp (345 kW / 469 PS) and 476 lb-ft (645 Nm).

While the motors will reportedly carryover from other i models, expect significantly a smaller battery pack. This is largely due to packaging and cost concerns.

i3 pictured

The global plug-in market keeps tilting in odd directions. Demand for battery-electric and plug-in hybrid cars is up worldwide, almost entirely on the back of Europe, while the two markets that used to lead the charge are losing altitude.

According to data released by Benchmark Mineral Intelligence (BMI), roughly 1.6 million EVs and PHEVs were sold globally in April. That works out to a 6 percent year-over-year gain, though it represents a 9 percent step down from March, when subsidy expirations and climbing fuel prices pulled buyers forward. Europe is doing most of the lifting.

Read: Global EV Sales Just Fell 11%, But Carmakers Found A Surprising Backup Plan

European plug-in sales slipped 24 percent from March but jumped 27 percent against April last year, with just over 400,000 units moved. Italy nearly doubled its volume, while France climbed 36 percent, and Germany rose 33 percent. The war in Iran has fed into the trend as well, with EV and PHEV sales running up 19 percent year-on-year in January and February before the conflict, then accelerating to 30 percent growth across March and April.

A growing number of vehicles from Chinese brands across the region have also contributed to strong demand. This year, 22 percent of all plug-in cars sold in Europe were produced in China, despite being subjected to tariffs.

North America Falls

Things are very different in North America. Total EV and PHEV sales have slipped 25 percent year-to-date, while in Mexico they’re down 50 percent. In total, an estimated 120,000 EVs and PHEVs were sold in North America in April, down 28 percent from last year. Through the first four months of 2026, total sales sat at roughly 450,000 units. The introduction of the Electric Vehicle Affordability Program in Canada may help to boost sales throughout the rest of this year.

Global EV And PHEV Sales

Sales have also dropped in China. Year-to-date, they’re down 17 percent to around 2.8 million, with the decline largely concentrated in the smaller vehicle segments due to subsidy adjustments introduced earlier this year. In total, roughly 850,000 EV and PHEV models were sold in China in April, down 8 percent from last year.

Chinese automakers have made up for the domestic shortfall by shipping abroad. Between January and April, 1.4 million EVs and PHEVs left the country for export markets, more than double the same period in 2025. The cars are still being built. They are just increasingly being driven somewhere else.

Following a teaser in March, SAIC MG has revealed the upcoming 07. It’s a flagship that has been “engineered to be the ultimate choice in the new energy coupe segment.”

Sporting a design that rivals “luxury coupes in the ¥700,000 ($102,930) class,” the 07 will offer “top-tier styling” for less than ¥200,000 ($29,410). That’s a not so subtle reference to the Porsche Taycan, which begins at ¥918,000 or $134,985 in China.

More: China Isn’t Buying Porsches, But It Sure Loves Making Cars That Look Like Them

The similarities are readily apparent as the 07 looks like a pudgy Taycan. However, something has been lost in translation as it doesn’t seem quite right.

That being said, the model looks fairly good and sports C-shaped lighting units as well as a bulging hood. They’re joined by a wide lower intake that appears to have an active shutter grille and a prominent sensor.

Moving down the side, there’s a rakish windscreen that flows into a long curved roof. The latter is notable for having a lidar sensor mounted above the windscreen. Other highlights include Taycan-style front fender vents and door handles as well as a similar rear end. However, the MG’s booty could use some time at the gym.

MG has been coy on specifics, but they used Auto China to reveal the 07 rides on SAIC’s next-generation NEV platform. It will be offered with both electric and plug-in hybrid powertrains.

The automaker also announced higher-end variants – that cost around ¥300,000 ($44,112) – will use the Momenta R7 autonomous driving system. It promises to provide Urban Navigate on Autopilot as well as a “seamless parking-space-to-parking-space driving experience.”

MG went on to say the system doesn’t simply imitate human driving as it also “possesses physical scene understanding and predictive reasoning similar to an experienced driver.” This reportedly enables proactive defensive maneuvers to increase safety.

We’ll likely learn more in the coming weeks, but the car will apparently show turquoise lights when being driven autonomously.

BYD has recorded its steepest quarterly profit decline since 2020, underlining the mounting pressure facing the world’s largest electric vehicle seller in its home market despite success abroad. The company’s latest report showed that net profit in the first quarter of 2026 declined by 55.4 percent from the previous year, falling to 4.09 billion yuan, approximately $597 million.

Revenue dropped by nearly 12 percent to 150.2 billion yuan ($22 million), the third consecutive quarterly decline and the lowest quarterly revenue figure since Q2 2024. However, the result still bested analysts’ prediction that revenue would be around 132-140 billion yuan. BYD sold 700,463 “New Energy Vehicle” (EVs and PHEVS) units in the quarter, down 30% year-on-year and nearly 48% below the record volumes of Q4 2025.

Read: China Told Automakers To Stop Cutting Prices, BYD Just Made It Worse

The Chinese market for electric cars is fiercely competitive. BYD has taken over as the market leader because of its low-priced models, yet price wars in its home market are intense. Meanwhile, the government has scaled back subsidies. China exempted NEVs from purchase tax entirely in 2024–2025, but for 2026 and 2027, the relief has been halved to a maximum of 15,000 yuan per vehicle.

This policy shift pulled demand forward into Q4 2025, exacerbating the Q1 2026 slowdown. Sales in China have declined for several consecutive months, and profits are being squeezed even as exports grow strongly.

Global Push Becomes Critical As Domestic Sales Cool

BYD is looking to the overseas market as domestic sales decline. It plans to ship more than 1.5 million automobiles this year in an attempt to overcome sluggish domestic sales. Industry insiders expect massive export growth next year, but overall delivery growth will probably be less aggressive.

This strategic shift was on display at the Beijing Auto Show, where BYD launched new products targeting the premium segment, including the Datang (Great Tang), a full-size electric SUV priced from 250,000 yuan, which attracted more than 30,000 pre-orders on its first day. Moving beyond low-end models is intended to help the company sustain profitability amid the mass-market price war.

There’s a renewed focus on regaining technological superiority, too. The company is enhancing charging speed, among other features, to attract consumers who are not keen on switching from gas-powered cars.

But BYD is at a crossroads as it stands. Its expansion across borders may be the answer to whether it can bounce back. Analysts say the next few quarters will be critical, with domestic EV demand recovery and robust export growth seen as the keys to a profit rebound.

Few vehicles wear the word flagship as comfortably as a long-wheelbase Range Rover. That, apparently, was not enough for JLR, which has now introduced the Ultra. Positioned as the most technologically advanced and finely finished interpretation of the flagship SUV to date, the SV Ultra brings world-first audio engineering to the cabin, along with exterior and interior treatments reserved for this version alone.

The headline act is the SV Electrostatic Sound system, which aims to recast the cabin as a concert hall with every occupant placed centre stage. It is the most sophisticated audio setup ever fitted to a Range Rover, available as an option on every SV trim, the new Ultra included.

More: Jaguar Land Rover’s Design Boss Is Out After Two Decades With No Successor Named

There are 21 lightweight thin-film transducers in total, woven into the headrests, seatbacks, and headlining. Each membrane measures one millimetre thick, responds up to 1,000 times faster than a conventional speaker, and draws 90 percent less power than a traditional setup.

To make sure passengers feel the music as well as hear it, the system pairs with the Body and Soul Seats (BASS) and a Sensory Haptic Floor. Transducers sit inside the seats and beneath the footwell mats, generating AI-tuned pulsations. Beyond entertainment, these can be used for six wellness modes, ranging from “Calm” to “Invigorating”.

Understated Luxury

The SV Ultra is, predictably, built on the long-wheelbase four-seater Range Rover. The body wears an exclusive Titan Silver finish, mixed with aluminium flakes and a process intended to chase a liquid-metal effect.

More: Range Rover Sport SV Recreates A 2015 Icon, This Time With BMW Power

The new color is combined with Silver Chrome inserts on the front end, and Satin Platinum Atlas accents on the grille, side gills, and tailgate garnish. Finally, the SUV rides on 23-inch alloy wheels with a bi-tone finish matching the exterior.

Inside, the SV Ultra goes leather-free, trimmed instead in Orchid White and Cinder Grey Ultrafabrics. The seats carry a laser-crafted mosaic pattern, with fine perforations that conceal the audio hardware buried within.

Review: Range Rover Autobiography Feels Like A Stealth Rolls Until You Sit In The Back

Another cool touch is the new rattan palm veneer. Utilizing a patented process that preserves its natural open-pore texture, the veneer is finished with an Orchid White tint and extends from the dashboard to the electrically-deployable club tables in the rear.

Powertrain Options

The SV Ultra offers a choice between traditional V8 power and electrified efficiency. The P540 powertrain utilizes the BMW-sourced twin-turbo 4.4-liter V8 producing 533 hp (397 kW / 540 PS).

More: Range Rover Refreshes Its Loudest Icon As The Silent One Prepares To Join In

The P550e plug-in hybrid delivers a combined 542 hp (405 kW / 550 PS) and offers an EV-only range of 74 miles (119 km) on the WLTP cycle. Finally, a fully-electric Range Rover SV Ultra is confirmed to follow later this year.

Pricing and Availability

The 2027 Range Rover SV Ultra is on sale in selected markets, though access varies. In the UK, it is invitation-only. In Australia, the SUV starts at AU$472,400 (US$337,000) plus on-road costs, making it one of the most expensive Range Rovers ever offered.

Nearly two decades after the last one rolled off the line, the Nissan Primera looks set for another act. While the company itself has yet to confirm the news, the nameplate has surfaced in a filing with the Philippines’ Department of Energy (DOE), and the document points to a very specific electric sedan.

The DOE paperwork suggests the new Primera will run purely on electrons. It also lays out the dimensions: 4,930 mm (194.1 inches) long, riding on a 2,915 mm (114.8-inch) wheelbase, which is enough to outstretch a Toyota Camry. Those numbers tally with months of speculation that the car would be a rebadged Dongfeng Nissan N7 from China.

More: Nissan’s New Electric Sedan Is As Big As A Maxima, Cheap As A Versa

According to Top Gear Philippines, working from the DOE-certified specs, the Primera will use a single electric motor good for 215 hp (160 kW / 218 PS) and 305 Nm (225 lb-ft) of torque. Those figures match the entry-level N7 exactly. The 60 kWh battery is calibrated a touch differently and promises 500 km (311 miles) of range.

Judging from the shared footprint, we don’t expect any styling changes compared to the Nissan N7 besides a new Primera script on the tailgate. The interior will most likely be carried over as well, including the 15.6-inch infotainment display on the minimalist dashboard.

More: Nissan’s New Sedan Drives Like An EV But Runs On Gas

Nissan is staying quiet on dates, but the company has already confirmed that the N7 is bound for export markets. The model is produced at the Dongfeng Nissan Huadu plant in Guangzhou, alongside the smaller N6 and the NX8 SUV.

The DOE filing suggests that the Primera’s revival is imminent in the Philippines. It will be interesting to see whether the same name will be used in other export markets, something that makes sense as it is far more recognizable than the N7.

A Short History Lesson

The Nissan Primera debuted in 1990 as a mid-size sedan for Japan and Europe, spanning three generations until its discontinuation in 2007. Available in sedan, liftback, and wagon forms, the model built a motorsport reputation by winning the BTCC championship in 1998 and 1999.

More: Nissan’s New Terrano Is Coming For The Land Cruiser, And This Time It Has 429 HP And A Plug

While primarily a Japanese and European affair, the first two generations of the Primera were also sold in North America as the Infiniti G20 until 2002. In later years, the Altima assumed the Primera’s role in certain markets. The nameplate remains a familiar part of Nissan’s history in Europe and Asia, which helps explain the decision to bring it back.

Nissan

The Nissan Primera appears to be making a comeback after spending almost two decades in hibernation. While the automaker has yet to confirm the news, the nameplate has appeared in the Philippines’ Department of Energy (DOE), pointing out to a very specific electric sedan.

The details in the government filing suggest that the new Primera will have a fully electric powertrain. They also reveal the dimensions, including a Camry-beating length of 4,930 mm (194.1 inches) and a 2,915 mm (114.8-inch) wheelbase. Those specs all but confirm earlier reports and speculation that the model would be a rebadged version of the Dongfeng Nissan N7 from China.

More: Nissan’s New Electric Sedan Is As Big As A Maxima, Cheap As A Versa

As reported by Top Gear Philippines citing the DOE-certified specs, the new Primera will be fitted with a single electric motor producing 215 hp (160 kW / 218 PS) and 305 Nm (225 lb-ft) of torque. This is identical to the entry-level N7, although the 60 kWh battery pack is slightly different, promising to offer 500 km (311 miles) of range.

Judging from the shared footprint, we don’t expect any styling changes compared to the Nissan N7 besides a new Primera script on the tailgate. The interior will most likely be carried over, including the 15.6-inch infotainment display on the minimalist dashboard.

More: Nissan’s New Sedan Drives Like An EV But Runs On Gas

While Nissan is keeping its cards closed on a specific launch date, it has been officially confirmed that the N7 will be offered in export markets. The model is produced at the Dongfeng Nissan Huadu plant in Guangzhou, alongside the smaller N6 and the NX8 SUV.

The DOE filing suggests that the Primera’s revival is imminent in the Philippines. It will be interesting to see whether the same name will be used in other export markets, something that makes sense as it is far more recognizable than the N7.

A Short History Lesson

The Nissan Primera debuted in 1990 as a mid-size sedan for Japan and Europe, spanning three generations until its discontinuation in 2007. Available in sedan, liftback, and wagon forms, the model earned motorsport fame by winning the BTCC championship in 1998 and 1999.

More: Nissan’s New Terrano Is Coming For The Land Cruiser, And This Time It Has 429 HP And A Plug

While primarily a Japanese and European staple, the first two generations of the Primera were also sold in North America as the Infiniti G20 until 2002. In recent years, the Altima took over the role of the Primera in certain markets. Still, the nameplate remains a well-remembered part of Nissan’s heritage in Europe and Asia, which explains the company’s decision to bring it back.

Nissan

Alfa Romeo was set to launch redesigned versions of the Giulia and Stelvio this year. However, the company got cold feet after seeing other automakers deal with lackluster demand for electric vehicles.

Instead of pushing the models out and hoping for the best, Alfa embraced a radical rethink and is delaying the vehicles to give them additional powertrains. While the redesigned sedan and crossover ride on the STLA Large platform, which underpins the Dodge Challenger and allows for both ICE and electric powertrains, things are more complicated than just installing an engine.

More: Alfa Romeo Scraps New Giulia And Stelvio Plans To Start Fresh

According to Autocar, the vehicles had to be reengineered to “allow more cooling for combustion powertrains.” As part of the makeover, the models will reportedly be equipped with new fascias as well as a functional grille.

The exact details remain to be seen, but patent images of the Stelvio surfaced last year and showed the model would have slender headlights and a small V-shaped grille. The crossover also had sizable intakes, although they appeared to be largely blocked off.

Elsewhere, there was streamlined bodywork, pronounced wheel arches, plastic body cladding, and a rounded roof. The original Stelvio design also included an angular rear window, a large spoiler, and a distinctive taillight area.

A Powertrain For Everyone

The Giulia and Stelvio will reportedly be offered with an assortment of different powertrains. The lineup will reportedly kick off with turbocharged four-cylinder engines with mild-hybrid technology. The company is also said to be looking at the twin-turbo 3.0-liter inline-six that powers the Charger Scat Pack and produces 550 hp (410 kW / 558 PS).

Customers will also be able to opt for plug-in hybrid and electric options. Little is known about them, but the PHEVs could echo other Stellantis models.

The electric variants are also mysterious, but the automaker has previously said the STLA Large platform can accommodate 101-118 kWh battery packs as well as electric motors with outputs ranging from 168 hp (125 kW / 170 PS) to 443 hp (330 kW / 449 PS). While earlier reports claimed the Quadrifoglio variants could have a tri-motor powertrain producing more than 1,000 hp (746 kW / 1,014 PS), the publication threw water on that idea and noted “no model in the Stellantis stable currently produces that much power.”

That being said, the Maserati GranTurismo Folgore has a tri-motor powertrain producing 751 hp (560 kW / 761 PS) and 995 lb-ft (1,348 Nm) of torque. This enables the model to rocket from 0-60 mph (0-96 km/h) in 2.6 seconds and onto a top speed of 202 mph (325 km/h).

Numerous questions remain, but Alfa Romeo seems to believe that delaying the launch was the right move. As CEO Santo Ficili explained, “We need to consider the entire world because the brand is global” and not every market is ready to go fully electric. He went on to say, “We need to find a way to satisfy the needs of our customers” and that means electric, plug-in hybrid, and ICE options.

Over in China, Volvo’s parent company Geely isn’t just selling a slew of innovative and affordable hybrid and electric SUVs, but it’s also helping to keep the three-box sedan alive. One of its most appealing and cheapest models is the Galaxy A7, which has just been updated and is available in plug-in hybrid and all-electric guises.

There’s nothing particularly remarkable about the design of the sedan, but it’s hard to argue with the fact that it looks quite nice. The PHEV and EV models have the same classy headlights and light bar, but are distinguished by different grilles and intakes. The EV features a small lower grille finished in black and a pair of black trim accents, whereas the hybrid version sports additional air intakes and silver accents.

Read: Geely Claims Its New AI-Driven Hybrid Tech Hits 106 MPG, Beating Toyota’s Best

Around the back, it borrows cues from other Geely models like the Starray EM-I and the global market EX5. There’s a familiar LED light signature stretching across the tail, paired with minor differences in the lower bumper sections depending on whether you pick the EV or the hybrid.

Cheap And Efficient

Of course, it’s not the design of the Galaxy A7 that’s worthy of attention, but rather the price and the specs. The all-electric version opens at 112,800 yuan, roughly $16,500, for the A7 EV 550 Premium. It runs a 58 kWh battery and a front-mounted motor producing 215 hp. On paper, that modest battery still delivers up to 342 miles or 550 km of range, with energy consumption quoted at just 11.4 kWh per 100 km.

Shoppers wanting a few more luxuries can opt for the Galaxy A7 EM 550 Excellence. It has the same powertrain but is priced from 119,800 yuan ($17,500).

Hybrid Options

Then comes the part that feels almost provocative. The plug-in hybrid starts even lower, from a measly 97,800 yuan, or about $14,300, for the A7 EM 150 Enjoy. From there, trims stretch up to 131,800 yuan, around $19,300, for the A7 EM 235 Starship.

At the entry point, a 1.5-liter naturally aspirated four-cylinder producing 110 hp works alongside an electric motor and single-speed transmission, delivering a combined 235 hp. An 18.4 kWh battery allows up to 93 miles or 150 km of electric-only driving. Opt for the larger 28.3 kWh pack and that figure rises to 146 miles or 235 km.

It is not the most glamorous sedan on sale, but when something this usable lands at this price, the usual arguments about why sedans are fading start to look a little thin.

Geely Galaxy A7 PHEV

Flow – Clean Air Edition uses 99.999% pure atmospheric CO? captured onsite by Aircapture’s Direct Air Capture system, which enables breweries to generate their own CO? and reduce reliance on unpredictable, fossil-fuel-based supply chains.   ALAMEDA, Calif., March 23, 2026 — Aircapture, a pioneer in Direct Air Capture (DAC) technology, and California craft beer brewery Almanac …

The post Aircapture and Almanac Beer Co. Launch World’s First Commercial Beer Carbonated with CO? Captured From the Atmosphere with Direct Air Capture appeared first on Alternative Energy HQ.

With the rise of power-hungry applications like AI and data centers, it’s critical that the performance of renewable energy sources keeps pace. Researchers in the University of Saskatchewan’s (USask) Department of Chemistry are exploring ways to improve the efficiency of a promising new type of solar cell made from perovskite crystals. Perovskites are a group …

The post Improving solar cell performance appeared first on Alternative Energy HQ.

January 28, 2025 – At a time when the administration claims the U.S. is facing a nationwide energy emergency and consumers are increasingly concerned about rising electricity costs, its efforts to stop five large offshore wind projects under construction along the Atlantic Coast could cost consumers billions of dollars and keep much-needed new electricity off …

The post Offshore wind stop-work orders are costing consumers, delaying needed electricity appeared first on Alternative Energy HQ.

Driving R&D Excellence in Refining Low Carbon Products: Unlocking Brazil’s Untapped Biomass Potential The global refining and petrochemicals landscape is undergoing a fundamental transformation. What was once a linear, fossil-centric value chain is rapidly shifting toward a diversified ecosystem built on low carbon products. This shift is no longer driven solely by compliance pressures—it is …

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By: Britt Burt, Senior VP of Research for the Power industry A new round of headlines has revived an old storyline about the United States “bringing coal back.” As an expert of nearly four decades, I can confidently say that this interpretation misses what is actually happening on the grid. Coal is not gaining ground …

The post The US Is Seeing Slower Coal Plant Retirements, But Don’t Mistake It for a Return to Coal appeared first on Alternative Energy HQ.