There’s a new player shaking things up in the electric vehicle arena, and it’s none other than Li Auto. Known primarily for its EREV SUVs, the Beijing-based automotive start-up just unveiled the official images of its first all-electric model – the Mega MPV. Scheduled to have its grand debut in December 2023, this minivan is Li Auto’s maiden voyage into the battery-electric vehicle (BEV) waters. Now, if you’ve been tracking Li Auto, you know it isn’t exactly a newcomer to the automotive scene. It has firmly established its presence in China, averaging about 30,000 sales a month. Its… More…

Ahead of this year’s Japan Mobility Show, Toyota introduced a new EV van concept called Kayoibako, centered around efficiency and maximizing space. Interestingly enough, most of what we see in the images seems quite feasible, so if the reception is good we might see something very similar on the road. Toyota Kayoibako concept The coolest thing about this van is that it’s based on a modular, highly customizable platform. This way Kayoibako can be ordered for different purposes and may end up on the shopping list of many enterprises, not just end users. Some of the images… More…

It’s said that every so often, a product comes along that shakes up the status quo. Next year, Citroen seems poised to do just that with its unveiling of the e-C3. With its roots tracing back to the iconic 2CV, the e-C3 is setting its sights on becoming the next game-changer in affordable electric vehicles. Starting at a modest €23,300, the e-C3 places itself comfortably ahead of even the most affordable Chinese EV options in Europe. That’s aiming right at the Dacia Spring – which we reviewed right here – in fact and actually – the e-C3 seems to promise far better value. Got even a… More…

If you’ve been watching the electric SUV market, you’ll know China’s Li Auto L7. Now Chery Group has introduced the Exeed Exlantix ET – known domestically as the Sterra ET – which will bring the same hardware to international audiences, albeit with a different badge. Exeed isn’t exactly the new kid on the block. Launching as a premium brand under Chery in 2017, it showcased its potential at the Frankfurt exhibition. Interestingly, while Exeed’s sales within China haven’t quite hit home run status (with a modest 33,989 units in 2023 so far), their overseas sales are on the rise. In… More…

If you were eager to know what Nissan has been cooking up for the Japan Mobility Show, we’ve got the latest dish. Introducing the Nissan Hyper Tourer, an all-electric minivan concept that – according to Nissan – seeks to elevate the joy of traveling together. A blend of the latest tech and the timeless essence of omotenashi (or Japanese hospitality), the Hyper Tourer is for those who don’t just drive; they relish the experience, whether it’s a business trip or a weekend getaway. And, in the spirit of inclusivity, Nissan ensured the design appeals to folks who enjoy the good things in life… More…

Last month at IAA Mobility in Munich, Germany, Leapmotor presented its C10, an SUV that was billed as the spearhead of the company’s international expansion. Thus, it was announced for overseas markets first, which is exactly the opposite of how most Chinese EV brands do things. We’re used to new models getting their unveiling in China first, and then, usually several months later, there’s an announcement about international (which generally means European) availability. Leapmotor, on the other hand, chose the reverse strategy, it seems, as the C10 has now been certified for sale in… More…

Toyota, a titan in the auto world, just dangled a bit of electric carrot in front of us. In preparation for the upcoming Japan Mobility Show 2023 in Tokyo, Toyota released teaser images of two electric concepts. The first one is Toyota FT-3e. Toyota describes it as “SUV-like” and it promises to “enrich customers’ daily lives with new driving experiences and personalized services powered by innovative technologies.” Clear as mud, right? Toyota seems to hint at cutting-edge personalization features and top-tier tech, but we’ll have to sit tight for the specifics – although it all smells of… More…

Tesla has been taking its time with the rollout of its V4 Superchargers, but things are now beginning to ramp up. There are multiple reports by observant users on Reddit, posting pictures of new V4 Supercharger sites being constructed around the US and in Europe and Asia. The image below, courtesy of Reddit user RealPokePOP is the most revealing so far. It shows that the V4 charger has a payment terminal and a CCS1 adapter, which Tesla calls the Magic Dock. The two open the V4 Superchargers to non-Tesla owners. The CCS1 (Combined Charging System) adapter allows other EVs to charge at up… More…

The desire for vehicles fully independent of the charging infrastructure is nothing new, even if commercialization is impossible at this point. However, that doesn’t stop projects like the Stella Terra from popping up and do a publicity stunt or two., The khaki SUV is created by the young minds at Eindhoven University of Technology (TUE), and it claims to be the “world’s first off-road solar-powered vehicle”. It’s the potential game-changer for places where the definition of a road is stretched and where electrical grids exhibit a whimsical nature. Think about it: an SUV that can bring… More…

Ford brought some great news for potential buyers of its F-150 Lightning: a whopping €14,000 incentive. That’s right, the electric behemoth of a truck just got a lot more affordable. If you’re in the camp of “I’ve been considering this, but…” – now might be the time to strike. On the 2023 F-150 Lightning Platinum trim, there’s a €7,000 retail purchase incentive. And if you’re thinking of leasing instead of buying, there’s an equal amount available in Red Carpet Lease customer cash. But if Platinum is a bit too rich for your wallet, don’t worry. The Lariat offers a €7,000 incentive… More…

Tesla’s refreshed Model Y deliveries already began and an MIIT filing in China has revealed an interesting detail. MIIT catalog image of the refreshed Model Y The MIIT catalog features two Model Y entries, distinguishable by their model numbers, TSL6480BEVAR3 and TSL6480BEVAR4. While their visuals and model numbers might vary, the provided specifications for both are identical. Here’s where it gets interesting: potential buyers can choose to outfit their Model Y with radar and opt for front fog lights. The inclusion of radar is probably the most important difference here, after the… More…

Volvo briefly teased its first all-electric MPV, the EM90, and we expect the vehicle to launch sometime in 2024. The Chinese MIIT, however, couldn’t wait any longer and revealed some key specs as well as the design of the vehicle. The EM90 is an interesting one as this is the first time the company ventures into the MPV segment. And as previously speculated, the EM90 is based on Geely’s SEA platform, which is used for the making of numerous Zeekr models, including the Zeekr 009. This SEA platform also underpins the Polestar 4, Zeekr 001 and Zeekr X as well. Unsurprisingly, the… More…

The very first units of the all-new electric Mini Cooper drove off the assembly line at Spotlight Automotive’s manufacturing facility on October 14. Located in the bustling city of Zhangjiagang in China’s Jiangsu Province, this facility isn’t just another car factory. It’s the result of an ambitious collaboration between Great Wall Motor (GWM) and BMW, conceived back in 2019. This joint venture was started with a whopping RMB 1.7 billion (equivalent to a staggering €216.84 million). Interestingly, while the companies are jointly developing and producing the cars, they have agreed to sell… More…

Once, twice, but three times? Chery Automobile, the prodigious state-owned Chinese carmaker, is preparing for its third foray into the US market. Previous expeditions in 2005 and 2020 didn’t quite make the mark, but with a newly acquired taste of success in Mexico, the company is feeling optimistic. “The US market is vital for us,” declared Brian Wu, Chery Mexico’s executive vice president. If enthusiasm were a currency, Wu would undoubtedly be rolling in it. With the company’s Mexican adventure in 2022 turning fruitful, their ambitions have taken an electric turn. Literally. Chery’s… More…

Tesla Cybertruck stands out for so many reasons – not just for its unique design, but as well for the constant air of mystery surrounding its specifics. While the truck has made countless appearances, much of its details have remained cloaked in secrecy. Yet, leave it to the relentless spirit of enthusiasts to dig out the juicy details we all crave. Recently, a Tesla enthusiast, presumably eager to figure out if the Cybertruck could fit snugly in his garage, took matters into his own hands. Stumbling upon a parked Cybertruck – casually charging, perhaps preparing for its next adventure -… More…

When we think of car manufacturers, the image of shiny new vehicles and vast assembly lines comes to mind. Yet, a novel trend is sweeping through the automotive world, specifically in China – automakers are dipping their toes into the smartphone arena. Nio surprised many by announcing its first smartphone model last month. A starting price of RMB 6,499 (approximately €829) gets you the Nio Phone, a top-tier Android device. This isn’t just another smartphone. Nio emphasizes a holistic connection between the phone and its electric vehicles. Imagine a smart car key granting remote car control… More…

The world of electric vehicles can be electrifying, sure, but it can also be… intoxicating? Tesla seems to think so. The car manufacturing giant, known for its boundary-pushing electric cars, has now stirred the beverage market with its limited-edition CyberBeer and CyberStein combo. But let’s pour this story out glass by glass. Years ago, no one would have imagined that a car company would be selling beer. But in a move that is quintessentially Musk-esque, Tesla isn’t just sticking to car-making. Previously, they had already served European enthusiasts with a limited edition GigaBier… More…

SAIC-GM is turning some heads with the official unveiling of the 2024 Buick Velite 6 pure electric wagon in China’s bustling automotive market. The price tag on this electric marvel? RMB 112,800 – that’s €14,400. However, for the quick decision-makers, there’s a special treat: A limited edition of 5,000 units up for grabs at a slightly lowered price of RMB 99,800 – now that’s approximately €12,800. You cannot buy a decent used Camry for that kind of money, let alone a brand new electric vehicle – unless we’re talking about the likes of Citroen Ami. Both the standard and high-end… More…

In the trucking industry, it’s a race to be the best – and recent data suggests that Tesla might be leading the pack. The recent “Run on Less” event, conducted by the North American Council for Freight Efficiency (NACFE), highlighted the prowess of the Tesla Semi. And this wasn’t any showroom standoff – this was an 18-day real-world challenge. The electric highway was alive with activity as the Tesla Semi zipped past its competitors, quite literally. Over the course of the event, one of the Tesla Semis, operated by Pepsi Co, managed to average a striking 924 km per day. Let’s add a little… More…

Electric vehicles represent the automotive industry’s most transformative shift in a century. However, not all giants of yesteryears are coasting smoothly in this transition. The most recent exhibit: Volkswagen. While Europe’s behemoth automaker has witnessed growth in its electric vehicle deliveries, there seems to be a hiccup when it comes to new EV orders. In the span of just the first nine months of the current year, Volkswagen proudly dispatched 531,500 electric vehicles – a significant 45% leap from last year’s figure of 366,600. Europe has been the darling region for VW, absorbing… More…