Author: Floyd Hawkins

Tesla has introduced a new rear-wheel-drive version of its Cybertruck, dubbed the Long Range model, as the automaker ramps up its presence in the Middle East. The variant marks a notable shift from earlier plans, featuring increased range but scaled-back features and hardware compared to its all-wheel-drive counterparts. Originally announced in 2023 as part of a three-tier Cybertruck lineup, the single-motor RWD version was initially slated for a U.S. release later this year at a starting price of $61,000. While the official price for the new Long Range model has yet to be disclosed, it is expected to be higher…

Nissan said on Wednesday it will begin using self-driving software developed by UK startup Wayve in its vehicles starting in 2027, aiming to strengthen its advanced driver assistance system (ADAS) known as ProPilot. The partnership marks a significant milestone for Wayve, which has raised over $1.3 billion from backers including Nvidia, Microsoft, SoftBank Group, and Uber. Under the agreement, Nissan will integrate Wayve’s software along with sensors, including lidar from an undisclosed supplier, into future versions of ProPilot. See also: Next-Gen Nissan LEAF Spotted at Tesla Supercharger Ahead of Official Launch The upgraded system is expected to qualify as Level…

Electric vehicle maker Polestar is offering lease discounts of up to $20,000 on its Polestar 3 model to current Tesla owners in the United States, as it seeks to capture market share from rivals amid sluggish EV demand and geopolitical uncertainties. A fully equipped dual-motor long-range Polestar 3 can retail around $93,000, but with the incentive, Tesla owners could lease the vehicle for as little as $73,000, according to the company’s website. By comparison, a Tesla Model S starts at just under $80,000. See also: Polestar 3 Earns Five-Star Safety Rating from Euro NCAP “We piloted a conquest campaign in…

Hyundai has released a teaser video for an upcoming electric SUV set to debut in China, sparking speculation that the new model could be launched as the Ioniq 4. The move signals Hyundai’s intensified efforts to regain ground in the world’s largest electric vehicle market, where domestic players like BYD continue to dominate. The new electric SUV, currently referred to internally as “OE,” was first glimpsed last month through official spy photos shared by Beijing Hyundai. Despite the camouflage, the model appears to feature a front light bar, slim LED headlights, and a closed-off grille—design cues that suggest a connection…

India is considering slashing import tariffs on European-made vehicles, including electric models, as part of ongoing negotiations for a free trade agreement (FTA) with the European Union, according to a government official and two industry sources, in a move that could reshape the country’s tightly protected auto sector. The discussions include a proposal to reduce customs duties on imported EU cars from over 100% to as low as 10%, Reuters has learned. The tariff cuts would likely be implemented in phases to mitigate potential disruptions to domestic carmakers such as Maruti Suzuki, Tata Motors and Mahindra & Mahindra, who have…

BYD  launched the Han L sedan and Tang L SUV on Tuesday, introducing both electric and plug-in hybrid variants with fast-charging capabilities and pricing below earlier pre-sale estimates. The Han L and Tang L models represent updated entries in BYD’s flagship sedan and SUV lines, with both vehicle families offered in pure-electric (EV) and dual-mode hybrid (DM) configurations. See also: BYD Cuts Seagull EV Price to Under $8,000 in China Amid Intensifying Competition Prices for the Han L EV range from RMB 219,800 to RMB 279,800 ($29,910 to $38,070), while the Han L DM starts at RMB 209,800. The pricing…

New Zealand-based marine technology firm Vessev has opened its first international office in the United States as part of a broader effort to expand into North America and begin local production of its electric hydrofoil vessels. The company, which manufactures the VS-9 electric hydrofoil craft, appointed Josh Trout as Director of North America to lead its U.S. expansion strategy. The move comes as Vessev looks to grow its presence in the regional marine industry and establish a production base for its craft in the country. See also: Vessev’s VS-9 Electric Hydrofoil Receives Commercial Approval for Auckland Service “I have complete…

BMW is introducing a series of upgrades across its electric vehicle (EV) lineup, increasing driving range and adding new features to its i5 and iX models for upcoming model years. The 2025 BMW i5 eDrive40 now offers up to 310 miles of range, up from 295 miles in the previous model. The i5 xDrive40 also sees a modest improvement, rising to 278 miles from 266 miles. See also: BMW Expands Regensburg Plant with New Body Shop in Neutraubling BMW attributed the enhancements to “a number of technical advances that reduce energy consumption, and, thus, improve their range.” These improvements include…

A Tesla Supercharger station in Lacey, Washington, sustained significant damage in an early morning explosion on Tuesday, prompting an investigation led by local authorities and the Federal Bureau of Investigation (FBI), officials said. The blast, which occurred around 1:34 a.m. near a Target store, destroyed a power cabinet and heavily damaged associated electrical switchgear serving the 12-stall Supercharger facility. No injuries were reported. See also: Tesla’s Q1 2025 Deliveries Decline Amid Intensifying Competition and CEO Controversies Lacey Police Department officers responded to multiple reports of a loud explosion and secured the area shortly after the incident. “We are currently working…

A Tesla Model 3 prototype wrapped in camouflage tape has been seen on public roads in California, raising speculation that the automaker may be preparing another redesign or new variant of its electric sedan. The use of black and white camouflage suggests Tesla is testing design or hardware changes that it is not yet ready to reveal. This latest sighting follows a similar appearance in January, when another camouflaged Model 3 was observed, shortly after the launch of the refreshed version. Despite the recent overhaul, the presence of a new prototype indicates that Tesla may be moving quickly to implement…

Chinese autonomous driving technology developer DeepRoute.ai said on Tuesday it has entered into a partnership with Qualcomm to jointly develop affordable advanced driver assistance system (ADAS) solutions using Qualcomm’s Snapdragon platforms. The collaboration will support a range of assisted driving capabilities, including urban autopilot navigation, highway driving, and automated parking, and will accommodate both lidar-based and vision-only systems, the company said in a statement. See also: DeepRoute.ai Partners with smart to Advance Autonomous Driving Technologies The Shenzhen-based company, which raised $100 million last year from a domestic automaker to accelerate deployment of its technology, aims to scale rapidly. DeepRoute.ai expects…

New U.S. tariffs on imported vehicles are expected to have limited impact on Chinese automakers, analysts said, citing the small volume of Chinese car exports to the American market and the concentration of Chinese vehicle exports in other regions such as Latin America. The U.S. government imposed an additional 25% tariff on imported vehicles and select auto parts, effective April 3. While the move has triggered concerns in financial markets, analysts believe it will have only a marginal effect on China’s auto sector, as vehicle exports to the U.S. remain relatively low. In 2024, approximately 116,000 vehicles were exported from…