Category: EV vehicles

February 6, 2025
Kia EV5 Won’t Launch in the US: Official Announcement
Kia has announced that the EV5 will not be released in the US market. The vehicle made its debut at the Chengdu Motor Show in 2023 and subsequently launched in China later that same year. In 2024, an international version was introduced, with rumors suggesting it might be available in Canada, Australia, New Zealand, and Mexico.
Exclusivity in Canada
In a recent statement, Kia confirmed that the EV5 will be exclusive to Canada within North America. This decision seems to eliminate the possibility of launches in both the US and Mexico, despite earlier reports that suggested otherwise. Regrettably, the company hasn’t provided any explanation for this choice.
Affordable, Yet Stylish
Kia markets the EV5 as an “affordable option” featuring a design akin to the EV9 but with a more compact size. Customers can choose from eight different colors and several trim levels. The base model will be a front-wheel drive electric vehicle equipped with a 60.3 kWh battery. Additionally, there will be all-wheel drive versions that offer an extended range due to an 81.4 kWh battery. Inside, the five-door EV boasts a 30-inch panoramic display for the driver, seating for five, and adjustable mood lighting. Kia also highlights the ample storage available in both the trunk and frunk, with the rear seats capable of folding flat.
Charging Convenience for Canadians
Though the compact SUV won’t be available in the US, Canadian buyers will benefit from access to Tesla Superchargers throughout both the US and Canada, thanks to the integrated North American Charging Standard (NACS) port. The Kia EV5 is anticipated to reach Canadian dealerships sometime in 2026. While official pricing has not yet been disclosed, it is projected to be priced between $40,000 and $50,000. The new model will also be showcased at the Canadian International Auto Show in Toronto, starting on February 14th.
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Tags: Canada, electric vehicle, Kia EV5
February 5, 2025
Cybercab Profits at $15K: Tesla’s Robotaxi Passenger Solutions
With the drop in battery prices, Tesla’s Cybercab may turn a profit even at a price of $15,000, thanks to its efficiency per kWh of battery pack.
However, this figure is lower than what Elon Musk stated during the Cybercab’s launch, where he mentioned it would be priced at twice that amount, not counting any subsidies or incentives. According to an analysis by ARK Invest concerning the potential of the robotaxi market, the cost could be achievable once produced on a larger scale.
Efficiency and Costs
Tesla has indicated that the Cybercab will achieve an efficiency of 5.5 miles per kWh. If we combine this with the expected decline in battery costs predicted by Wright’s Law, we might see battery costs drop to around $2,300. Generally, the drivetrain makes up around 20% of a vehicle’s overall cost, suggesting that a Cybercab could be profitable at or below $15,000.
There are many assumptions involved here, and while ARK has a reputation for being overly optimistic, even if the price stays below $30,000 with subsidies, the real hurdles to getting Cybercabs on the streets have more to do with regulations than Tesla’s pricing.
Regulatory Challenges Ahead
Convincing regulators that a fully autonomous vehicle without a steering wheel or pedals is safe will take time. Even though Elon Musk has stated he will leverage his role in the DOGE project to expedite the regulatory process, whether that is a conflict of interest is still debatable.
Tesla aims to kick off its robotaxi service with unsupervised Full Self-Driving (FSD) in Austin this June. However, the fleet will initially consist of Model Y Juniper and Model 3 vehicles, with Cybercabs expected to join only by 2026 at the soonest.
Practical Considerations for Cybercabs
There are also numerous practical issues to resolve, like the Cybercab’s wireless charging and cleaning systems. After rides, when passengers leave behind a mess, there won’t be a driver available to clean it up with a portable vacuum.
Tesla has hinted that it has solutions for these challenges and is working on a self-cleaning mechanism for its Robotaxi fleet. A robotic arm is designed to enter a Cybercab and automatically identify items to remove, dispose of, or vacuum.
In the end, it can even wipe away fingerprints from the display, preparing the Cybercab for the next passenger. However, it remains uncertain how effectively all these systems will function in real life and where the cleaning and charging stations for the Cybercabs will be set up.
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Tags: Cybercab, Robotaxi, Tesla
February 5, 2025
Xiaomi SU7 Ultra and Xiaomi 15 Ultra Launch Confirmed by February
Xiaomi has restarted its operations today following the Chinese New Year celebrations. Lei Jun, the CEO of Xiaomi, distributed red envelopes to staff, which had the word “Ultra” on them, hinting at the launch of new Ultra models. Additionally, Xiaomi’s official Weibo account and several company leaders, including Lu Weibing and Wang Teng Thomas, have confirmed that the Xiaomi SU7 Ultra car and the Xiaomi 15 Ultra smartphone will be unveiled in China by the end of this month.
Upcoming Launch Date
Recent leaks suggest that Xiaomi is planning to host a launch event at 7 pm (local time) on February 26 in China. This event is likely to introduce the SU7 and 15 Ultra. The company is anticipated to officially announce the launch date shortly. Both products are also expected to be presented at MWC 2025, which kicks off in early March in Barcelona, Spain.
Specifications of the SU7 Ultra
The Xiaomi SU7 Ultra electric sedan is touted as the most powerful vehicle from Xiaomi yet. It features a triple-motor arrangement (V8s + V8s + V6s), producing a staggering 1,548 horsepower. The car can accelerate from 0-100 km/h in just 1.98 seconds and reach 0-200 km/h in 5.86 seconds. With a top speed of over 350 km/h, it utilizes CATL’s Kirin Gen 2 battery technology. Originally scheduled for a March launch, the SU7 Ultra is now likely to make its debut sooner than expected.
Features of the Xiaomi 15 Ultra
On the other hand, the Xiaomi 15 Ultra is set to be the company’s most sophisticated smartphone so far. It will come with a Snapdragon 8 Elite chip and a Leica-branded quad-camera system. The rear cameras will consist of a 50-megapixel one-inch main sensor, a 50-megapixel ultra-wide lens, a 50-megapixel 3x periscope telephoto camera, and a 200-megapixel periscope telephoto lens, making it a strong contender for mobile photography enthusiasts.
The phone will also have a TCL CSOT 2K quad-curved OLED display, a 6,000mAh battery supporting 90W wired and 50W wireless charging, an ultrasonic fingerprint sensor, eSIM capability, and satellite communication features. It is expected to be priced starting at around 6,499 Yuan (~$890) and will rival flagship models such as the Samsung Galaxy S25 Ultra, Vivo X200 Ultra, and Oppo Find X8 Ultra.
With these two Ultra products, Xiaomi is clearly challenging the limits of both the smartphone and automotive markets, solidifying its position in the premium segment.
Tags: Lei Jun, Xiaomi 15 Ultra, Xiaomi SU7 Ultra
February 4, 2025
Xiaomi SU7 Ultra Launching in China February 2025
The SU7 Ultra may sound like just another top-tier smartphone from Xiaomi, but it’s actually the brand’s most powerful car to date.
Design Features
At first sight, the EV resembles the original SU7 sedan, but it’s slightly longer at 5,070 millimeters (mm) due to its added spoiler and front splitter. The car sports a striking bright yellow color, accompanied by racing stripes that help it stand out from its standard, Pro, and Max variants, which are painted in silver.
Pricing and Popularity
With a price tag closer to ~$112,000 (814,900 yuan), the SU7 Ultra is far more expensive than the base model SU7, which starts at around $30,000. During its pre-order launch, Xiaomi reportedly received 3,680 reservations within just the first 10 minutes.
Availability and Specifications
The company anticipates that it will begin fulfilling these orders by March 2025. In the meantime, car enthusiasts who are still on the fence can check out the SU7 Ultra in person starting tomorrow (February 5).
This new model showcases a unique paint finish, a powerful V8 triple motor system producing an impressive 1,526hp—significantly more than the base-model SU7’s 295hp—and carbon-ceramic brakes, which are claimed to be the largest ever made for any sports car. The vehicle will be on display in 112 showrooms across 42 cities in the country starting on that date.
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Tags: electric vehicle, sports car, Xiaomi SU7 Ultra
February 4, 2025
Tesla Model Y Juniper: 20-Year Lifespan Outshines Diesel Cars
A recent study from the UK titled “the closing longevity gap between battery electric and internal combustion vehicles” suggests that concerns regarding the lifespan of electric vehicles (EVs) may be exaggerated.
Improved Lifespan of Modern EVs
The research indicates that earlier issues with electric cars, which led to more frequent repairs and shorter lifespans, have been largely resolved in today’s EVs. Their lifespans are now similar to those of gasoline cars, even when used more heavily. This is particularly evident for Tesla vehicles, with some models having already reached over 400,000 miles. Researchers noted, “Tesla’s EVs are expected to cover an average of 204,000 miles over their lifetime, surpassing all other brands regardless of powertrain.”
Tesla vs. Other Brands
When calculating the average expected lifespan of Tesla cars, the study found it to be 20.3 years, which is longer than both petrol and diesel vehicles. Among diesel cars, VW’s Skodas are predicted to last the longest at 17.4 years, but they will cover less distance than Teslas. For gasoline vehicles, Audis might last 20.9 years, slightly exceeding Tesla’s lifespan, though they typically have much lower usage, about 143,100 miles.
Future Considerations for EV Longevity
However, researchers warn that the electric vehicle sector is still quite new, and the costs of battery replacements need to decrease to truly take advantage of their extended technological lifespan. They stated, “To fully realize the benefits of a longer BEV lifespan, replacement batteries, if necessary, must be affordable relative to the residual value of BEVs without their original batteries.” As of 2020, the price for battery replacement ranged from US$4,000 for a 30 kWh Nissan battery to US$10,275 for a 75 kWh Tesla Model 3. In contrast, ICE vehicle transmission replacements cost between US$1,100 and US$3,400. If battery prices do not decline in a timely manner, owners may decide to dispose of their BEVs prematurely, which could distort comparisons of longevity with ICE vehicles.
Advancements in EV Warranties
Taking this into account, both electric vehicle and battery manufacturers are pushing for longer warranties to enhance the second-hand market. Companies like NIO and CATL are striving to establish a standard 15-year battery warranty, increasing from the current average of eight years.
The technology behind battery cell chemistry has matured to the point where CATL can provide such warranties for swap stations or commercial batteries. If a 15-year warranty for EVs becomes common, the findings of this vehicle longevity study—suggesting that new Teslas, including the forthcoming Model Y Juniper, could last for 20 years—might signal a promising trend for the future.
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Tags: battery longevity, electric vehicles, Tesla
February 4, 2025
Tesla Cybertruck Price Drops with Government Tax Credit
While the Tesla Cybertruck has a lower percentage of parts made in the US or Canada compared to other American pickups like the Honda Ridgeline, it still qualifies for the federal tax credit. This is because its 4680 battery pack cells are produced and assembled in Texas.
Timing for Tax Credit Eligibility
However, there was a waiting period before it could receive the $7,500 discount from the IRS, which manages the new EV tax credit. Tesla took steps to lower the Cybertruck’s price to fall below the tax credit limit around four months ago. This was done when they began configuring non-Foundation Series units, which made the pickup $20,000 less expensive.
Pricing Details
In its first Foundation Series edition, the dual-motor AWD trim was priced near $100,000. Similarly, the 2026 Model Y Launch Series edition is now priced over $60,000, which includes the Full Self-Driving (FSD) feature and exclusive badging as part of a package deal. In contrast, the starting price for non-Foundation Series models is $79,990, which allows the Cybertruck to qualify for the federal tax credit for electric SUVs and pickups under the $80,000 threshold.
Waiting Period for Tax Credit
Despite this, a full quarter needed to pass before the Cybertruck could take advantage of the tax credit as a privately owned vehicle during the next quarter. The IRS had already added it to their list of qualifying vehicles at the beginning of the year, alongside a more affordable RWD version expected to launch this year. However, Tesla was only allowed to apply the tax credit starting from the first business day of February.
Now, the Cybertruck’s price is much more reasonable than when it first launched at $99,990. After applying the $1,000 referral credit and military discount, and before any state incentives, the starting price is just above $70,000. This brings it very close to the average price of pickups sold in the US, whether electric or gas. However, with the Trump administration looking to eliminate new EV subsidies, there may be a limited time for the Cybertruck tax credit to remain in effect.
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Tags: 4680 battery pack, EV tax credit, Tesla Cybertruck
February 4, 2025
In 2025, 66% of New EVs in China Will Feature Self-Driving Tech
China is poised for a significant advancement in self-driving technology. This year, 15 million new electric vehicles (EVs) will be fitted with Level 2 (L2) autonomous driving capabilities. Even affordable models with prices below 100,000 yuan (US$13,914) will now feature basic self-driving functions. This swift expansion is fueled by a decrease in the cost of Advanced Driver Assistance Systems (ADAS), making these advanced features more attainable for regular consumers.
Future Projections
By 2025, it is expected that two-thirds of new cars in China will possess L2 or more sophisticated autonomous features. L2 systems can manage steering, acceleration, and braking, but they still require the driver to remain attentive. More advanced L3+ features, which enable hands-free driving under specific conditions, are also on the rise, while complete automation (L4 and L5) is still in the works.
Effects on the Automotive Sector
The electric vehicle sector in China is continuing to grow, with 22.9 million cars delivered in 2024, representing a 5.5% increase from the previous year. The widespread acceptance of self-driving technology is likely to transform the global automotive landscape, with autonomous trucks predicted to save Chinese firms around 1.8 trillion yuan each year by 2030. The price of ADAS has dropped to about 10,000 yuan per unit, and Lidar sensors, critical for environmental mapping, have decreased from thousands of dollars to merely US$200 per unit over five years. As technology becomes less expensive, more car manufacturers are including self-driving features in their models.
Competitors in the Market
Although Tesla continues to lead in self-driving technology on a global scale, it faces significant hurdles in China. The company reached record sales in China by the end of 2024, but is dealing with intense competition from domestic EV manufacturers such as BYD. A worldwide price war in the EV market has also squeezed Tesla’s profit margins, with Q4 revenue not meeting forecasts. Tesla’s main obstacle in China is regulatory limitations. The Chinese government does not permit Tesla to send self-driving training videos overseas, and U.S. regulations restrict AI training activities in China. These challenges have hindered Tesla’s progress with its Full Self-Driving (FSD) technology in the nation.
Ongoing Developments
Despite these obstacles, Tesla is pushing forward with its self-driving initiatives in other regions. The company aims to introduce unsupervised autonomous driving in Austin, Texas, and various other U.S. cities by late 2025. Nevertheless, its prospects in China remain uncertain due to economic and political pressures. With self-driving technology becoming a norm in millions of vehicles across China, the nation is solidifying its role as a frontrunner in the future of autonomous transportation.
Tags: China EVs, self-driving technology, Tesla
February 3, 2025
Kia EV6 and EV9 Owners Get Free Tesla Supercharger Access Update
Kia has informed some of its EV customers in the US about the future access to Tesla Superchargers. Last year, they announced that owners of the latest EV6 and EV9 models would be able to utilize over 16,500 North American Charging Standard (NACS) DC fast chargers across the nation. This was originally set to begin on January 15th, but a last-minute announcement revealed a delay, without any explanation for the hold-up.
Notifications for Free Adapters
Recently, many customers of the EV6 and EV9 received messages from Kia saying their complimentary NACS adapter is ready to be shipped. Those who successfully ordered this free accessory were informed that it should arrive in about 14 days. In the same email from Kia Customer Service, owners were advised that they would have access to the NACS-compatible DC fast charger network “sometime in March 2025.” Although no specific date has been given, this timeline is more precise than the previous estimate of “the first quarter of 2025.”
Access Through Kia App
Kia has told EV6 and EV9 drivers to watch for another notification when the charging network is available through the Kia Access app. The free NACS adapter is currently only available for individuals who bought a 2024 Kia EV6, a 2024 Kia EV9, or a 2025 Kia EV9 starting from September 4, 2024. However, other owners in the US will have the option to buy the official accessory from Kia dealers in the future. Furthermore, the 2025 Kia EV6 and the newest version of the Kia EV9 will include a NACS port as a standard feature.
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Tags: EV6, EV9, KIA
February 3, 2025
Model Y Juniper Facelift Panel Gaps and Light Bar Parallax Issues
Just like many other car manufacturers, especially those from Asia, Tesla is jumping on the trendy light bar trend to give the updated Model Y Juniper a fresh appeal.
They’ve added a distinctive reflective light bar at the back, along with a front light bar similar to the one seen on the Cybertruck or Cybercab. This front bar includes headlights and turn signals, making it quite unique.
Rear Light Bar Features
The rear light bar provides a gentle and spread-out light that helps illuminate the area behind the Juniper refresh during nighttime driving. On the other hand, the front light bar has a more conventional design, but sadly, it is segmented.
Instead of having a continuous light strip across the front like the Cybertruck, Tesla opted to divide it into three sections to accommodate the headlights and turn signals on either side.
Design Concerns
This segmented approach results in a less streamlined appearance compared to the Cybertruck, where the headlights are mounted significantly lower. It also creates some visual inconsistencies.
When you look from one side of the hood gap to the other, the spacing of the light bar between the two sections seems misaligned, reminding some of Tesla’s previous issues with panel gaps.
Despite this, the manufacturing quality of the Model Y Juniper vehicles currently showcased at Tesla showrooms is not in question, mainly due to a common optical illusion.
Manufacturing Quality Insights
The gap in the hood panel seems misaligned with the interruption of the light bar at its end, which is primarily caused by the parallax effect. This effect, measured by the angle of inclination, causes a noticeable shift in the appearance of an object when viewed from two different angles.
Tesla could have easily avoided this by using a single uninterrupted light bar or by considering the visual effects of parallax while inspecting the vehicle. The mass production of the refreshed Model Y is set to begin this month at all four major Gigafactories, meaning it may be too late for design modifications on the first units that will be available in a few weeks.
While this may seem like a minor issue, Tesla might eventually choose to adjust the positioning of the light bar along the hood’s gap line, along with addressing any other minor issues that will likely arise in the weeks and months following the release of the 2026 Model Y facelift.
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Tags: Juniper facelift, light bar design, Tesla Model Y
February 3, 2025
Tesla Reduces Insurance Costs for FSD Drivers
As Tesla’s Full Self-Driving (FSD) technology shows fewer major interventions, the company is laying the foundation to persuade regulators that its autonomous driving system is safer than human drivers.
Safety Comparisons
Elon Musk has mentioned that FSD has an 8x safety benefit, although this figure is based on older NHTSA data. In contrast, Tesla’s own statistics indicate that FSD and Autopilot result in 6x fewer accidents when compared to traditional manual driving.
Insurance Discounts
Tesla is taking a careful approach, only offering its insurance in a few states. Musk is so confident in the safety of FSD compared to human driving that Tesla is now providing discounts on insurance premiums, which increase based on the number of miles driven using FSD.
Starting in Texas and Arizona, new policyholders can expect reduced insurance costs this month, or starting March 8 for those renewing their policies. The process involves Tesla tracking the total miles driven each month and calculating the percentage of those miles driven while FSD was active.
Incentives for FSD Use
The greater the percentage of miles driven using FSD, the larger the discount, which could encourage drivers to utilize FSD more often instead of manual driving. To qualify for the discount, a driver must log at least five miles or 1% of their total miles using FSD within a 30-day timeframe.
If a Tesla operates on FSD for half of the time, the company will reduce the insurance premium by 10% on the next payment. However, this offer is exclusive to those who have either purchased FSD or are monthly subscribers, and it does not apply to new owners currently in their free 30-day FSD trial. Additionally, certain aspects of the policy, like comprehensive insurance or coverage for uninsured drivers, are excluded from the FSD discount, meaning the total savings might be lower.
Although Tesla’s insurance offerings are limited to a few states and may not be the best option overall, the clear goal is to have FSD influence a driver’s safety rating for insurance purposes, and to showcase such a discount program to regulators.
Future Plans
Tesla is gearing up to introduce unsupervised FSD in Austin this June, and it will need all the positive regulatory support it can get to broaden its robotaxi service in more significant cities by the year’s end.
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Tags: Full Self-Driving, insurance discount, Tesla