In the electrifying world of Tesla, silence never seems to linger too long. Just a few weeks after unveiling the updated Model 3, the innovative automaker is reportedly back with a surprise up its sleeve – the facelifted Model 3 Performance, slated to boast a new electric motor, the 5D1. For those not in the Tesla know, the Performance model is the range-topping variant of the Model 3. The company, however, played coy, revealing no details about this powerhouse during the initial refreshed Model 3 announcement. The rumors began in earnest when documents surfaced on the Tesla Fahrer Und… More…

Vietnamese electric vehicle (EV) maker VinFast is set to make a splash in the European market with the anticipated delivery of its first electric SUVs, the VF8 models, in the fourth quarter of this year. The CEO of VinFast, Le Thi Thu Thuy, revealed that the initial batch of vehicles will be introduced in France, Germany, and the Netherlands. This foray into Europe isn’t just a test drive for VinFast; it’s a strategic move. With the European Union mulling over the imposition of tariffs on Chinese rivals, VinFast’s timing seems rather astute. The company has successfully received the… More…

Lexus, the luxury arm of Japanese automaker Toyota, has tantalized the automotive world with a sneak peek into its future electric vehicle ambitions. A teaser image of a modular EV concept was recently unveiled, showcasing a fragment of the vehicle’s front end, accentuated by what appears to be a striking set of LED daytime running lights. Set to be fully unveiled at the upcoming Japan Mobility Show 2023, this concept vehicle is more than just a fleeting glimpse into Lexus’ design prowess. It symbolizes the genesis of a new era, heralding the brand’s inaugural new-generation… More…

In a market slowly becoming busier with electric vehicles, automakers strive to stand out and make electric transitions smoother for consumers. Hyundai is plugging into this ethos, unveiling an enticing offer for US buyers of its new Ioniq 5, Ioniq 6, and Kona Electric models. From September 21 to October 31, 2023, those who purchase or lease a 2023 or 2024 model of the aforementioned EVs will be in for a treat – a complimentary ChargePoint Home Flex Level 2 charger, plus a €559 installation credit. The charger alone flaunts a value of €512, making the total perk worth over €1,000. But… More…

Volkswagen Group of America has inked an intriguing deal with Bugatti Rimac, aiming to import and distribute these extraordinary brands in the United States. This move signifies a potent strategy to infiltrate the robust American market with vehicles that are nothing short of engineering marvels. This pivotal agreement, coming as a surprise to many, was actually forged during the Monterey Car Week earlier in September. However, the formal announcement came as a relatively late revelation from Volkswagen Group, adding an air of suspense to the proceedings. Sascha Doering, who’s already… More…

In the ever-evolving landscape of electric vehicles, Nio is yet again making waves with its latest innovative unveilings. The China-based EV automaker showcased its groundbreaking SkyOS, dubbed as China’s first operating system for smart electric vehicles, and introduced an App Store explicitly designed for its vehicle’s smart cockpits. These advancements were revealed at the Nio IN 2023 Innovation Day event in Shanghai, marking a significant stride in enhancing user experience and vehicle connectivity. SkyOS – a glimpse into the future of EV tech SkyOS stands out as Nio’s comprehensive… More…

KG Mobility, once known by the less snazzy title of SsangYong Motor, has rolled out its first electric offering, the Torres EVX. And for those of you raising an eyebrow, wondering, “Who?”, KG Mobility has more history in its rearview mirror than most realize. One glance at the Torres EVX and it’s evident that KG Mobility has taken its electrification journey seriously. Beyond the obvious green credentials, the sleek lines and horizontal LED daytime running lamps showcase a design ethos that isn’t just about sustainability; it’s about class. Electric just got a little bit more… More…

China’s BYD expands its aquatic-themed empire with the launch of the Dolphin in Japan. After their recent product launch conference held in Tokyo on September 20, it’s clear BYD is fishing for a substantial market share in Japan’s evolving EV ecosystem. BYD’s foray into the Japanese market isn’t new. Earlier this year, the automotive giant introduced its first pure electric model, the ATTO 3. With a debut price of 4.4 million yen, this was later readjusted to 3.55 million yen (€22,400), post-Japanese government subsidies. According to the official BYD Japan website, the standard… More…

Nio is having a very busy month – first, it was the unveiling of the brand new Nio EC6, an event in its own right. The EC6 already looks like a runaway success with orders pouring through and deliveries already being pushed back by 3 to 4 weeks. Not deterred, Nio finally pulled the curtain back on the Nio Phone but during the event, there were a couple of nuggets – Nio’s own LiDAR sensor and in-house developed large cylindrical battery cells. At the NIO IN2023 Innovation Day event in Shanghai, William Li, the visionary founder of Nio, proudly announced the naming of their self-developed… More…

Starting September 26, Audi will start selling its updated Q4 e-tron models with an entry-level price of €52,950. Across the whole Q4 e-tron range, including the Sportback versions, get a boost in power, efficiency and equipment. All 2024 model year Q4 e-trons come with 77 kWh battery as a standard, which is a nice bump from the 51.5 kWh pack in the entry-level models. Optimized cell chemistry now allows for faster DC charging, capable of 10 to 80% charge in just 28 minutes, depending on conditions, of course. The quattro models support 175 kW charging, while the RWD configurations settle… More…

Nio announced its first Phone today at a big event in China. The Chinese EV car manufacturer put a Snapdragon 8 Gen 2 chipset inside the phone and three capable 50 MP cameras on the back. Since it is a car company first, Nio also made the Phone double as a car key that works even when it is turned off; and this is just one of over 30 vehicle-related features that are enabled through a dedicated app. The smartphone has a 6.81” LTPO OLED at the front with up to 120 Hz refresh rate and advertised peak brightness of 1800 nits. The resolution is 1440p. There is either 12 GB or 16 GB RAM,… More…

Amidst the global fervor surrounding climate change, Britain makes headlines with a rather eyebrow-raising move. Prime Minister Rishi Sunak announced a five-year delay in Britain’s ban on the sale of new gasoline and diesel cars and vans. Originally set for 2030, the ban now stands pushed to 2035. Speaking from London, Sunak presented this change as a “new approach” to addressing environmental concerns. According to him, this revised plan will “ease the transition to electric vehicles.” Citizens will still have the liberty to buy gasoline and diesel vehicles until the new deadline. And… More…

Tesla first came out with the Model S over a decade ago, but it still is the company’s flagship model with more than 600,000 sales. The Model S has always been the first one to get the new Tesla technologies and features, which later on trickled down to the other models. The following the Model S has is immense, and the car has become somewhat of a symbol in modern pop-culture. Which begs one question: How does the Model S do in the long run? Is it just a marketing exercise that becomes useless with time, or is the Model S an actually great car that has stood the test of time – we are… More…

In a significant automotive milestone on Wednesday, China beheld the unveiling of Yangwang’s inaugural production car: the U8. This premium marvel isn’t just any car it’s the new showpiece of BYD. With a price tag of a cool €140,300 (RMB 1,098,000 for those trading in local currency), the U8 carves out its luxury niche quite unapologetically. However, what’s worth noting is that this number isn’t a mark-up. It has stayed consistent with its pre-sale rate, which might say something about Yangwang’s confidence in its product. Now, if you’re the type to fancy dimensions and specs, the… More…

Driven by multiple price slashes by Tesla, the prices of electric vehicles have seen a consistent decline in North America. Cox Automotive’s report shows that back in August 2022, the average EV would cost €61,211 in the US, while in August 2023 we’re looking at €49,738. That’s an 18.7% plunge. And the number could potentially dip further when factoring in those tempting federal and state incentives. While EV buyers are potentially gearing up to get the best bang for their buck, franchised auto dealers are not sharing the same enthusiasm. In the words of Jonathan Smoke, Cox… More…

Today Mercedes announced two new trim packages for its EQE sedan and EQE SUV. Both vehicles are now available to order with Electric Art Edition and AMG Line Edition equipment. These packages add some interior and exterior features along with safety and comfort functionalities. The two new trims add Burmester 3D surround sound system, the latest generation MBUX with augmented reality and intelligent driving assistance package Plus, Digital Light ambient lighting, a parking package with 360-degree camera and the black panel radiator cover on the front comes with Mercedes’ iconic… More…

Toyota has taken an ambitious leap into the future of electric vehicles. After sitting on the sidelines of the EV revolution, and at times dismissing it at large, the company finally realized it may be on the wrong side of the fence. The recent unveiling of its state-of-the-art EV production line in Japan paints a vivid picture of a company trying to redefine itself in the electric age. The giant’s new battery electric vehicle production line boasts some truly intriguing technologies. And if it’s a reflection of what’s to come, it could spell a transformative period for the once-automotive… More…

In a bold move to redefine its market position, XPeng has launched a newer and more affordable version of its flagship G9 SUV. The redesigned G9 is built on the robust framework of XPeng’s latest SEPA (Smart Electric Platform Architecture) and is set to undercut its predecessor by a remarkable RMB 46,000 (€5,900). At a glitzy launch event in Dunhuang, Gansu province of northwest China, He Xiaopeng, XPeng’s chairman and CEO, unveiled the new G9 with great fanfare. Available in five distinct versions, the vehicle now starts at a price of RMB 263,900 (approximately €33,700), a significant… More…

Electric cars and Climate Week – it’s like peanut butter and jelly, a match made in heaven. So, when Mini decided to parade its all-new electric Countryman during Climate Week in New York City, no one batted an eye. This was the electric SUV’s North American debut, following its official introduction in Germany. The fanfare is not just because it’s an electric Mini, but also because it promises a lot. Mini has been many things: iconic, small, zippy. Yet, electric wasn’t high on that list. Yes, we’ve seen the Cooper SE and there are murmurs of the upcoming Aceman. Still, with the unveiling… More…

As part of a determined push towards a greener future, Volvo Cars announced during Climate Week NYC its intention to end production of all diesel-powered vehicles by early 2024. This landmark decision positions the Swedish automaker as one of the pioneers among legacy car manufacturers to fully abandon diesel. Rewinding a bit, Volvo Cars wasn’t just content with bidding adieu to diesel. In 2022, the company sold its stake in Aurobay, which held its remaining combustion engine assets, signaling a significant departure from developing new combustion engines. In layman’s terms? No more R&D… More…