A French company has created a microcar that makes a Renault Twizy look fat.
AEMotion’s tilting EV has Cybertruck-lite enclosed bodywork and scissor doors.
Fixed battery pack gives a 124-mile range, or swappable versions last 44 miles.
Tesla’s Cybertruck isn’t officially homologated for Europe, and even if it was available, it’d be too wide for many of the continent’s roads. But a French startup called ÆMotion has come up with a very different EV, one that looks weirdly reminiscent of Elon Musk’s most angular creation and definitely doesn’t have to worry about anyone calling it fat.
What Exactly Is This Thing?
Imagine a Renault Twizy that leans into corners like a motorcycle and you’ve pretty much described the new machine from ÆMotion. It has four wheels, like the Renault axed in 2023, but at just 790 mm (31 inches) wide it’s 300 mm (12 inches) narrower and is steered by handlebars rather than a steering wheel.
Also, yes, that company name, with its stylized A-E ligature, definitely feels like something Elon Musk would give to a child or a satellite. For the curious, according to Wikipedia, Æ (and its lowercase counterpart æ) began as a mashup of the letters a and e, representing the Latin diphthong ae. Over time, it graduated from decorative ligature to full-blown letter status in several languages.
The Cybertruck-like enclosed bodywork has scissors doors and a roof to protect its rider (driver?) and the passenger directly behind them from rain, and seatbelts and front and rear crash structures to protect them in an accident.
AEMotion
ÆMotion claims accidents are much less likely to happen than when riding a traditional motorcycle thanks to the stability that four wheels provide. However, considering there’s no need for the rider to put his feet down when stopped, it seems odd that your legs are exposed by a gap in the bodywork.
Cranked into a turn the quad will lean to a maximum of 35 degrees, and top out at 72 mph (115 km/h), though most will spend their lives at much lower speeds, weaving through gaps in urban traffic that even the Twizy can’t leverage. A fixed battery gives a range of 124 miles (200 km) or riders can opt for a lighter battery that only lasts 44 miles (70 km) but can we swapped out for another when flat.
Although it looks like a motorcycle, or one of the weird quadricycles that can be driven in some European countries by kids as young as 14, the ÆMotion requires riders posses a conventional car licence, known in France as the Permis B. The company has no prices on its website but NewAtlas claims the startup is initially planning to hook users in with a €200 ($231) per month deal, which sounds expensive to us.
Hundreds of Tesla EVs are parked at a former mall lot with no clear timeline.
Tesla is leasing the space for 16 months due to dealership storage limitations.
Aerial and street images show the lot filled with EVs as far back as 2023.
Every big automaker wants to see its cars filling parking lots across the world. The way Tesla is going about it in Westchester, Missouri, isn’t exactly what we mean, though. The company rented out a lot to stash extra cars more than a year ago. The rent’s still being paid, and the cars are still piling up.
This isn’t just a few rows of overflow inventory. We’re talking hundreds of Teslas crammed into the long-shuttered parking lot of the old Chesterfield Mall. That location is about three miles from a nearby Tesla dealership, which simply doesn’t have the physical space to hold them all.
“Tesla has a short-term lease to park Tesla cars at Chesterfield Mall. We relocated them to the Dillard’s parcel when we started mall demolition,” said Tim Lowe, senior vice president of leasing and development for The Staenberg Group, speaking to Fox 2. As it stands, Tesla is only six months into a 16-month lease, meaning this lot will remain a makeshift storage yard for at least another ten months.
Storing unsold cars off-site isn’t a new move for Tesla. The company does this from time to time and from place to place. We’ve seen it in Florida, where dozens of cars ended up vandalized. More recently, Tesla got in hot water over doing it in Detroit, where it’s against city code.
There’s a decent chance that all of this has been going on a lot longer than just a year. A Google Maps Street View image labeled ‘June 2023’ shows the lot already housing plenty of Teslas. A transport truck is also in the image with six Teslas on board and its ramps down. While it might look like an episode of a modernized Stepford Wives, the underlying cause could be more troubling.
Most major automakers keep a large supply of finished cars ready to go to dealers. Tesla is no different in that sense. Where things get hairy is about customer demand. It’s no secret that the brand is struggling to keep pace with where sales were last year.
Total income for the first quarter dropped 71 percent, and April didn’t offer much relief. U.S. sales for the month fell 16 percent, a sharp contrast to the broader EV market, which dipped just 4.4 percent over the same period.
If demand keeps sliding, the real question isn’t just how long these parking lots will stay full, but what Tesla plans to do with all those unsold cars once the lease runs out.
Nissan’s N7 EV secures over 17,000 Chinese orders within its first month on sale.
Prices for the N7 start at roughly $16,600 offering up to 317 miles of range.
The electric sedan has a typical Chinese EV interior with a large infotainment screen.
While the Nissan Ariya is a decent electric SUV, its sales haven’t exactly taken off the way the brand probably hoped. The Leaf, meanwhile, is well past its expiration date, though a successor is coming soon. Over in China, however, Nissan has launched an EV that’s actually generating real demand. That would be the N7, unveiled back in April and on sale shortly after.
According to Nissan, as of May 31, it had secured 17,215 orders for the new N7 in China in just one month. The company also noted that 70 percent of those orders came from first-time Nissan owners.
It’s an impressive figure, although quick early sales aren’t unusual for newly launched EVs in China, where many models rack up tens of thousands of orders within months. Mazda, for example, is believed to have secured 20,000 pre-orders for the EZ-60 in just a matter of weeks. Chinese deliveries of the N7 began on May 15.
In a social media update, the company added that the N7 is currently the top-selling pure electric vehicle among joint ventures and ranks second among medium and large EVs priced under 200,000 yuan (around US$27,600). It didn’t specify the time period this ranking refers to, but it’s likely a monthly figure, so take that as you will.
Going Global
Perhaps buoyed by the warm reception in China, Nissan confirmed today that it plans to take the N7 global. However, it didn’t share any details about launch timing or which markets will get the car. One thing seems certain: the United States won’t be on that list. Europe, on the other hand, is a likely candidate, especially considering Mazda plans to offer its Chinese-made EZ-6 and EZ-60 SUV in several global markets, including Europe and possibly Australia too.
While this looks like a win for Nissan, it didn’t have to shoulder all the development work. The N7 borrows heavily from the Dongfeng eπ 007, the model it’s based on. That also means some of the cooler elements, like the eπ 007’s Lamborghini-style scissor doors, didn’t make it into Nissan’s version. Instead, the N7 makes do with standard doors, though most buyers likely won’t mind.
However, for the most part, the N7 is quite unconventional for a Nissan. It looks distinct from all of the brand’s other models, rocking a light bar up front and intricate LED headlights. It’s a similar story in the cabin where the N7 feels much more modern than any other Nissan, including the Ariya. Key features include a 15.6-inch infotainment display, wireless charging pads, a two-spoke steering wheel, and a very minimalist design.
Of course, even though the N7 is based on a Chinese model, Nissan’s local team couldn’t resist staging a photo op next to the most Japanese thing it could find, the soon-to-be-discontinued GT-R. Nothing screams shared DNA like a Chinese-sourced EV and a 16-year-old turbocharged JDM relic.
Affordable Pricing, Competitive Specs
Prices for the N7 start at a very affordable 119,900 yuan (around $16,600), at least by Western standards. The base model features a 58 kWh battery pack, delivers 215 horsepower, and offers a range of up to 317 miles (510 km) on a single charge.
Better-equipped versions with the same powertrain, labeled Pro and Max, are also available, priced at 129,900 yuan (about $18,000) and 139,900 yuan (around $19,400), respectively. Two variants with a larger 73 kWh battery are offered as well, starting at 139,900 yuan ($19,400) and reaching up to 149,900 yuan ($20,800).
The Model Y Performance prototype features larger wheels and a more aggressive ride height.
The flagship model will likely feature 510 horsepower, reaching 0-60 mph in about 3.2 seconds.
Pricing for the new Performance is expected to start around $55,000, with release by year-end.
Tesla’s refreshed Juniper Model Y lineup has already introduced several variants, from the Launch Edition to the Rear-Wheel Drive and Long Range All-Wheel Drive versions. But if you’ve been holding out for something with more kick, the Performance version is next on the menu. Up until now, we hadn’t seen any confirmed prototypes, but that’s changed. Our spies caught one while it was out testing at the Nurburgring, still under camouflage, of course.
Now, don’t get too attached to this version just yet. This Model Y prototype might not represent the final production model, so some of these features could change on the cutting room floor. Still, here’s what we can confirm from our first look at the electric crossover.
What’s New? Spoilers and Wheels
The most obvious updates are the elongated spoiler on the trunk lid, which closely mirrors the one on the older Model Y Performance, and the chunky wheels, which look strikingly similar to the Arachnid rims found on the Model S Plaid. While we couldn’t check the exact size of the Pirelli P Zero tires, they appear to be 21-inch rims, possibly with a staggered setup, meaning the rear tires are wider than the front.
Interestingly, unlike the Model 3 Performance, which gets an entirely new front bumper with additional aerodynamic tweaks, this Model Y prototype sticks with the standard bumper. But as we pointed out before, that could change before the car actually rolls off the assembly line.
We couldn’t get a peek inside, but our spies report that there are sport seats up front with added bolstering, likely borrowed from its sedan counterpart. The only other changes we expect over the standard trims are the Performance badges and graphics on the infotainment screen, as Tesla likes to keep things minimal.
Lower Ride Height and Track Features
This prototype also sits lower than the standard models, which makes sense given the performance upgrades. Not only does this improve driving dynamics, but it also gives the car a more aggressive stance, especially when paired with those larger wheels. Tesla will also offer an adaptive damper setup, similar to the Model 3 Performance, allowing drivers to toggle between Standard, Sport, and Track modes.
Red brake calipers are also visible, and while there’s no official word yet, we’re hoping these signal more capable brakes, preferably ones that don’t overheat after a lap on the track, which has been a common gripe with the Model 3 Performance. For what it’s worth, our spies didn’t spot any dramatic brake failures or fiery moments while the car was tearing it up on the Ring. We’re also expecting some tweaks to the steering system to make things even sharper.
The Actual Performance Part
When it comes to performance, don’t expect any earth-shattering changes. The Model Y Performance should use the same dual-motor all-wheel-drive system as the Model 3 Performance, pushing out 510 horsepower and 554 lb-ft of peak torque, paired with a 79 kWh battery. If the sedan’s 0-60 mph time of 2.9 seconds (with rollout) is any indication, the new Model Y will be able to hit 0-60 in about 3.2-3.3 seconds, down from 3.5 seconds in the previous 470-hp Model Y Performance. As for range, unless Tesla opts for a bigger battery, it should stick around 290ish miles per charge.
Release and Pricing
While there’s no official launch date (because, well, it’s Tesla) we’re expecting the production version to debut later this year, possibly in the fourth quarter. As for pricing, it should land about $7,000-$8,000 above the Long Range AWD model, which starts at $48,990 before any federal tax incentives. That puts the Model Y Performance somewhere around $55,000, give or take.
Future VW EVs will drop the ID prefix and adopt more traditional names.
The announcement was made by VW Brand Board Member Martin Sander.
The change will start with the production version of the ID. 2all in 2026.
The German auto industry seems to be in the midst of an identity crisis. No, really. Mercedes has decided to ditch its EQ label for its EVs, BMW’s “i” series is about as consistent as a toddler on a sugar high, and Audi’s odd/even naming plan was clearly just a suggestion. Now, it’s Volkswagen’s turn to throw its own wrench into the mix and rethink its entire naming strategy.
In an effort to simplify its lineup and make it more accessible, Volkswagen is planning to phase out the “ID” prefix that’s become synonymous with its electric vehicles. Starting as soon as 2026, the company intends to replace this alphanumeric branding with more traditional car names. Though details are still scarce, the change is meant to address growing confusion in the market around these designations.
The ID sub-brand was launched in 2017 with the concept version of the ID.3 hatchback, which later became the first production model in 2019. Over the years, VW expanded its offerings, introducing the ID.4, ID.5, and ID.6 SUVs (the latter available exclusively in China), the ID.7 sedan, and the ID. Buzz minivan. The brand had plans to further expand the ID lineup with the ID.1 city car and the ID.2 supermini by 2027, but it seems the game plan is now changing.
Shifting to Familiar Names
Martin Sander, a member of Volkswagen’s Board of Management responsible for Sales, Marketing, and After Sales, revealed during an interview with Auto und Wirtschaft that the company intends to return to using conventional names for its EVs. “The cars will get proper names again,” he said. “This will become apparent when we launch new models – neither the ID. 2all nor the ID. Every1 concepts will carry these names in production.”
Although Sander did not go into detail, Volkswagen has previously indicated that established nameplates might make their way into the EV world. For instance, the upcoming ID.2, set for launch in 2026, could adopt the Polo name, celebrating the model’s 50th anniversary this year. Meanwhile, the ID.1, expected in 2027, could take inspiration from previous names like Lupo, Fox, or Up!, or even receive an entirely new name.
New Names, New Beginnings
Earlier this year, Kai Grünitz, Volkswagen’s Board Member for Technical Development, mentioned that starting in 2026, the ID models will undergo a significant facelift. This would be an ideal time for Volkswagen to start phasing in the new names for its existing EV models.
Volkswagen is also working on an electric version of the Golf, which is set to arrive toward the end of the decade, along with an electric T-Roc SUV. There’s a good chance that familiar nameplates like Passat and Tiguan will eventually be used for future electric vehicles. The challenge for Volkswagen, however, will be distinguishing the EV models from their internal combustion counterparts, which will remain in production for a few more years.
Big Sales Targets For EVs
When discussing Volkswagen’s EV sales, Sander expressed confidence, saying, “We are very satisfied with the demand. We have a high order backlog for the ID.3, and we’re already selling more ID.7s in Europe than Passats.” He also highlighted the ID. Buzz, noting that it “plays an incredibly important role for the brand, especially given the significant hype surrounding it in the U.S.”
Sander also highlighted Volkswagen’s ambitious sales targets, particularly for the upcoming ID. 2all, which is expected to launch in Europe at a starting price of €25,000 ($27,900). “With the production version of the ID. 2all, we are entering a completely different price range,” he said.
The ID. Every1, scheduled for 2027, is projected to start at an even more affordable €20,000 ($22,300). Thanks to falling battery costs and cost-cutting measures, this price point is within reach. “Everything regarding costs is being scrutinized,” Sander emphasized, noting that Volkswagen will leverage new production methods to ensure the vehicle is profitable from the start.
According to Sander, the target price of the urban EV that will be produced in Portugal will be made possible thanks to the declining cost of batteries, and extensive cost-cutting measures: “Everything regarding costs is being scrutinized. We have to leave no stone unturned and will use new production methods. Everything we change now will bring us to the point where the car will be profitable. The entire company will benefit from what we learn from this vehicle. You can’t build a project like this on hope – instead, we rely on solid success figures and plans.”
Sander also remains confident that electric vehicles will outpace internal combustion engines, stating that VW is “convinced that electromobility will prevail because electric cars are the better product”.
What About China?
Finally, the VW Board Member also touched on the competitive landscape in China, where Volkswagen’s EVs, like the ID.7, are facing pressure from lower-priced competitors. Despite the tough market conditions, the company is focused on long-term growth. “We are not buying market share,” Sander said, “but investing in our long-term strategic goals.”
“The electric car market in China is extremely competitive on price; even new models are sometimes launched by competitors with deep discounts,” he told the publication. “This also presents a challenge for the ID.7, which has been so successful in other markets. However, in this difficult environment, we are not focusing on short-term market success, but rather pursuing a sustainable growth plan.”
Volkswagen aims to strengthen its position in China starting in 2026 with a new generation of market-specific electric cars. “We are the clear market leader in China in the still highly profitable segment of vehicles with combustion engines,” Sander added. As part of its strategy, Volkswagen is gradually hybridizing its combustion engine portfolio, positioning itself to lead the transition to electrified vehicles in the region.
Dodge will discontinue the entry-level Charger Daytona R/T for the 2026 model year.
The Charger Daytona Scat Pack will remain in production and could receive a price cut.
A four-door variant of the Charger Daytona and twin-turbo engine are expected for 2026.
Update: A Dodge spokesperson reached out to confirm that the base Charger R/T will indeed be discontinued from the lineup, leaving the Scat Pack as the sole option in the electric Daytona range, at least for the 2026 model year.
“Production of the Dodge Charger Daytona R/T is postponed for the 2026 model year as we continue to assess the effects of U.S. tariff policies,” the company told us in a statement. “The Charger’s flexible, multi-energy STLA Large platform allows us to focus on the Charger Daytona Scat Pack’s performance as the world’s quickest and most powerful muscle car, add the new four-door model to the Charger mix for the 2026 model year and lean into the new Charger SIXPACK models that will launch in the second half of the year.”
Original story follows below.
Dodge has found itself in a bit of a pickle with the Charger Daytona, and let’s just say, the ‘brotherhood of muscle’ isn’t exactly embracing the EV revolution. In fact, it seems like their idea of “muscle” is still firmly rooted in gas-powered engines, leaving expensive electric coupes to languish on dealership lots, forcing huge markdowns.
A quick search online reveals a $61,590 Charger Daytona R/T listed for a mere $34,184 in Florida. Over in Texas, Richardson Chrysler Jeep Dodge Ram has their $61,590 Charger Daytona R/T priced at $39,055.
While those are just two examples, it’s clear the Charger Daytona was an answer to a question no one asked. Dodge might finally be acknowledging that as a new report suggests the entry-level R/T variant will be killed off for 2026.
We’ve reached out to Dodge for a comment and are still waiting for a response (as of this writing), but Mopar Insiders is reporting that the R/T was originally going to be an “order-only” model for 2026. However, given the dismal reception, Dodge is apparently preparing to pull the plug on it entirely.
Scat Pack and New Models
The Charger Daytona Scat Pack is rumored to survive and it’s notable for featuring a dual-motor all-wheel drive system with 630 hp (470 kW / 639 PS) and 627 lb-ft (849 Nm) of torque. That’s considerably more than the R/T’s 456 hp (340 kW / 462 PS) and 404 lb-ft (547 Nm).
While the 2025 Charger Daytona Scat Pack starts at $68,195 before a $1,995 destination fee, the 2026 model is reportedly getting a price cut. There’s no word on how much, but it appears to be dropping equipment and perks including the previously standard Track Pack.
Aside from the rumored elimination of the Daytona R/T, a four-door model is set to join the lineup in 2026. It will be accompanied by the previously announced twin-turbo 3.0-liter Hurricane inline-six. The publication also says the 2026 Charger lineup will gain a new wheel design as well as a stripe package that was previewed at Springfest.
Toyota has introduced the 2026 bZ Woodland, which is their version of the Subaru Trailseeker.
It’s nearly 6 inches longer than the standard bZ and features an AWD system with 375 hp.
The electric crossover comes with an NACS port, but only offers up to 260 miles of range.
Just when you thought Toyota was finally ditching complicated names, it introduces the 2026 bZ Woodland. While it’s natural to assume this is an off-road-inspired trim of the facelifted bZ (formerly the bZ4X), it’s actually a different vehicle, albeit one that shares a lot in common with the original.
That decision probably leaves many scratching their heads, but what matters is that this is essentially Toyota’s version of the Subaru Trailseeker, with both models based on their respective Solterra and bZ cousins. As a result, the bZ Woodlands is part crossover and part wagon, not unlike Subaru’s Outback.
Set to arrive early next year, the bZ Woodland follows in the footsteps of the bZ as it features a hammerhead front end with familiar lighting units. They’re joined by black fenders and plastic body cladding.
QUICK FACTS
Length
190.2 in (4,830 mm)
Width
73.2 in (1,860 mm)
Height
63.8 in (1,620 mm)
Wheelbase
112.2 in (2,850 mm)
Luggage Capacity
30 cu.ft. (600 liters)
Output
375 hp (380 PS / 280kW)
Range
260 miles* (348 miles / 560 km WLTP)
Towing Capacity
3,500 lbs (1,588 kg)
*North America
SWIPE
While it’s easy to confuse the bZ and bZ Woodland at first glance, the latter model is more wagon- esque as it’s almost 6 inches (152 mm) longer and nearly an inch (25 mm) taller than its counterpart. Furthermore, the bZ Woodland has roof rails and unique 18-inch wheels that can be wrapped in available all-terrain tires. The model also sports 8.3 inches (211 mm) of ground clearance, which is only a hair less than the RAV4.
A Minimalist, But Well-Equipped Cabin
The déjà vu design theme continues inside as drivers will find a freestanding digital instrument cluster and a 14-inch infotainment system. They’re joined by a bulky steering wheel and more than 30 cubic feet (850 liters) of rear cargo space.
The bZ Woodland will be sold in a single trim that comes equipped with heated SofTex front seats, a dual wireless smartphone charger, and a six-speaker audio system. A Premium package will be available and it adds a nine-speaker JBL premium audio system, a panoramic glass roof, ventilated front seats, and a radiant heater.
Speaking of equipment, the bZ Woodland comes with the Toyota Safety Sense 3.0 suite of driver assistance systems. It includes Full-Speed Range Dynamic Radar Cruise Control, Lane Tracing Assist (Lane Centering), and a Pre-Collision System with Pedestrian Detection. There’s also Road Sign Assist, Proactive Driving Assist, Automatic High Beams, and Lane Departure Alert with Steering Assist. Rounding out the highlights are Safe Exit Alert, a Blind Spot Monitor with Rear Cross-Traffic Alert, and a Panoramic View Monitor with a Multi-Terrain Monitor.
375 HP And 260 Miles Of Range
The ‘wagonover’ rides on the e-TNGA platform and features a dual-motor all-wheel drive system producing 375 hp (280 kW / 380 PS). Toyota didn’t say much about the powertrain, but noted the model has an X-Mode system and a Grip-Control function. The latter promises to leverage “motor drive power modulation to achieve capable off-road performance.”
The electric motors are powered by a 74.7 kWh lithium-ion battery pack, which promises to deliver a so-so range of up to 260 miles (418 km). When the battery is low, it can go from a 10-80% charge in around 30 minutes with a DC fast charger. Other notable charging features include a North American Charging System (NACS) port, a pre-conditioning function, and a Plug & Charge capability. Toyota also said the EV will have a 3,500 lb (1,588 kg) towing capacity.
Global Availability
While US and Canadian pricing will be announced closer to the launch date in early 2026, expect the bZ Woodland to cost more than the less powerful dual-motor bZ4X (Toyota has yet to reveal pricing for the facelifted bZ), which currently ranges from around $41,000 to $46,000. That said, it’s likely to be priced at around $50,000.
The bZ Woodland will also be sold worldwide, including in Japan starting in the second half of next year and in Europe from spring 2026. However, in these markets, it will be sold under a different name: bZ4X Touring.
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