Category: EV vehicles

July 3, 2025
Rivian July Lease: $6,500 Down Payment Bonus & $7,500 EV Credit
Key Takeaways
1. Rivian’s new promotion, the “Nothing but Adventure Offer,” provides a $6,500 contribution towards leasing the 2025 R1S or R1T Tri-Motor configuration.
2. Customers can combine this offer with a $7,500 federal EV credit, allowing for total savings of $14,500 and no down payment on the lease.
3. The promotional deal requires vehicle delivery by July 31 and includes additional fees like the Preorder Deposit and the first monthly lease payment at signing.
4. The 2025 R1S and R1T Tri-Motor AWD feature 850 horsepower and can accelerate from 0 to 60 mph in 2.9 seconds, with an EPA range of 371 miles (up to 405 miles in Conserve mode).
5. The starting price for the R1S is $105,900, while the R1T pickup truck starts at $99,900.
Rivian has recently introduced an exciting new promotion called the Nothing but Adventure Offer. This initiative will see the electric vehicle manufacturer contribute $6,500 towards leasing the fresh 2025 R1S or R1T Tri-Motor configuration, which includes the exclusive California Dune edition.
Combining Offers for Maximum Savings
According to Rivian, customers can combine the Nothing but Adventure Offer with the $7,500 federal EV credit, which will help reduce monthly payments. However, the company has cautioned that this leasing incentive could be canceled if there are any changes in the law, hinting at ongoing government discussions about eliminating such benefits.
As a result of the combination of the Nothing but Adventure Offer and the EV credit, individuals leasing the vehicles can enjoy no down payment and save a total of $14,500—a rare find for a high-performance electric vehicle.
Important Details for Customers
It’s important to note that additional fees apply, such as the Preorder Deposit and the first monthly lease payment, which are required at the signing of the lease. To qualify for this promotional deal, customers must take delivery of their vehicle by July 31.
The 2025 R1S and R1T Tri-Motor AWD boast an impressive 850 horsepower and can go from 0 to 60 mph in just 2.9 seconds. They are estimated by the EPA to have a range of 371 miles, which Rivian claims may increase to 405 miles when in Conserve mode. The starting price for the electric SUV is set at $105,900, while the pickup truck comes in at $99,900.
Source:
Link
Tags: Rivian R1S, Rivian R1T
July 3, 2025
Tesla Reveals Electric Vehicle Battery Lifespan: Time and Mileage
Key Takeaways
1. Tesla’s batteries typically maintain 80% capacity after 200,000 miles, demonstrating their longevity.
2. In Europe, batteries show a 20% capacity decline at around 150,000 miles, indicating regional differences in battery performance.
3. The potential for batteries to outlast the vehicle’s practical life may impact the second-hand market for Teslas.
4. The average age of vehicles in the US is rising, prompting Tesla to improve battery lifespan and warranty options.
5. Collaborations with battery manufacturers like CATL may lead to longer warranty periods for Tesla batteries in the future.
Tesla has shared some captivating new data regarding the lifespan of its car batteries, outlining the longevity of its vehicles irrespective of battery chemistry.
Battery Lifespan Insights
Over the past ten years, Tesla has sold a significant number of electric vehicles and found that 200,000 miles is the average distance driven before the battery capacity drops to 80% of its original state. This figure has been mentioned previously, and it now appears to be a reliable estimate for how long its electric cars can perform.
Regional Variations
In Europe, where driving habits differ from those in the US, Tesla’s battery experiences a 20% decline in capacity at an average of 150,000 miles. Although this is still a commendable number, it highlights that the age of the battery plays a crucial role in its deterioration, even more so than the mileage accumulated by electric vehicles. So, whether an American drives 20,000 miles annually and their Tesla lasts for ten years before reaching 80% battery capacity, or a European drives 15,000 miles in the same timeframe, the outcome is still a 20% reduction.
Market Challenges
Tesla emphasizes that the battery could potentially outlast the practical life of its cars since, after over a decade and 200,000 miles, many owners might consider upgrading. Nevertheless, the second-hand electric vehicle market might struggle to thrive if the benchmark is set at 200,000 miles for an 80% battery capacity. After the 8-year battery warranty expires, potential buyers might be wary of purchasing a pre-owned Tesla.
The average age of vehicles on the road in the US is nearing a record high of 13 years, which means Tesla must enhance battery lifespan and warranty options. This is an area where Chinese manufacturers are making significant progress.
Future Developments
CATL, the largest battery manufacturer globally, is collaborating with NIO, an electric vehicle maker, to establish a 15-year warranty on batteries with a maximum 15% capacity decline. Some of CATL’s latest battery technologies already come with warranties ranging from 12 to 20 years for energy storage products, so achieving a 15-year warranty for electric vehicles seems feasible.
It’s uncertain whether Tesla will adopt similar measures. The company is close to finishing its own LFP battery factory in the US, utilizing equipment from CATL. Alongside lower costs, Tesla could also extend the warranty on its future vehicles equipped with LFP cells for the US market.
Tags: battery longevity, CATL, Tesla
July 2, 2025
Tesla’s FSD Training for Edge Cases: Insights from Xiaomi CEO
Key Takeaways
1. Tesla’s Full Self-Driving (FSD) is now recognized as a Level 4 autonomy system in Austin, allowing unsupervised driving on public roads.
2. The pilot robotaxi program is expanding access to rides for Tesla account holders in Austin, with a flat fee of $4.20 per ride.
3. Tesla claims its Autopilot is ten times safer than the average human driver in the U.S.
4. The FSD system uses cameras for training and is designed to manage complex driving scenarios effectively.
5. There have been no major incidents during the initial phase of the unsupervised FSD robotaxi operation, and industry leaders are expressing admiration for Tesla’s technology.
Tesla’s Full Self-Driving (FSD) option has officially been recognized as a Level 4 vehicle autonomy system by the city of Austin. This marks the introduction of its unsupervised version on public roads.
Understanding Level 4 Autonomy
A Level 4 autonomous driving system eliminates the need for a human driver. Tesla is currently using its unsupervised FSD version on a fleet of driverless Model Ys as part of a pilot robotaxi ride-share initiative.
Robotaxi Launch Progress
The pilot program has now entered its second week, and Tesla is slowly broadening access to rides for everyday people with Tesla accounts in the Austin area, moving beyond just automotive influencers.
Each robotaxi ride utilizing the unsupervised FSD costs a flat fee of $4.20, no matter the distance traveled, as the testing is currently confined to a geofenced area.
Safety and Training
Tesla is confident that its driver-assist technologies, including Autopilot and the paid FSD feature, are the future of driving. Recent stats from its environmental impact report indicate that a Tesla operating on Autopilot is roughly ten times safer than an average human driver in the United States.
The company has disclosed details on how it trains its FSD system, which relies on cameras instead of LiDAR, to handle edge cases that drivers might encounter daily. These scenarios can include anything from fallen traffic cones to a child running across the street. For instance, a child crossing has been a key focus for Dan O’Dowd, a road safety advocate critical of FSD, highlighting the importance of preparing algorithms for such situations.
Early Days of Operation
So far, there haven’t been significant incidents related to the unsupervised FSD during the robotaxi operation in Austin; however, it is important to note that the program is still in its initial phases.
One individual who seems very impressed with Tesla’s FSD and its camera-based strategy is Lei Jun, the CEO of Xiaomi. Often referred to as the “Elon Musk of China,” Jun has recently shifted his focus from smartphones like the Xiaomi 14 Pro to electric vehicles such as the SU7 sedan and the YU7, a competitor to the Model Y. He commended Tesla’s FSD technology, stating, “Tesla is indeed amazing,” while sharing a video of a Model Y autonomously delivering itself to a customer. He noted, “It has led industry trends in many areas, especially FSD,” and concluded with, “we still have a lot to learn” regarding FSD and its training processes, especially concerning unusual scenarios.
Tags: Full Self-Driving, Model Y, Tesla
July 2, 2025
Tesla Q2 2025: 384,000 Vehicle Deliveries, 13.5% YoY Decline
Key Takeaways
1. Tesla’s Q2 2025 deliveries dropped by 13.5% compared to Q2 2024, with 384,136 vehicles delivered.
2. The Model 3 and Model Y accounted for 96.73% of production and 97.3% of sales in Q2 2025.
3. Competition from Chinese EV manufacturers, especially BYD, is increasing, with BYD leading global EV production.
4. Tesla launched its Robotaxi and reached 70,000 Supercharger stations last month.
5. Tesla’s first lithium iron phosphate (LFP) cell manufacturing facility in Nevada is nearing completion.
Tesla’s second quarter results for 2025 indicate a 13.5% drop compared to the 444,956 deliveries recorded in the same period of 2024. When it comes to production numbers, the change is slight — the manufacturer made 410,831 vehicles in Q2 2024 versus 410,244 in Q2 2025.
Model 3 and Model Y Dominate Sales
In Q2 2025, the Model 3 and Model Y were the stars of Tesla’s production, representing 96.73% (396,835) of all vehicles produced and 97.3% (373,728) of total sales. This marks an increase of about 1.5% in their share compared to the first quarter of the year, when they contributed to 95.15% of production and 95.59% of sales.
Facing Tough Competition
Amid the political challenges surrounding Tesla and Elon Musk, the company is battling tough competition from a rising number of Chinese electric vehicle manufacturers, particularly BYD. Last year, BYD overtook Tesla to become the world’s leading EV producer, with over 4 million vehicles made.
Recent Developments
Despite these challenges, Tesla made headlines last month with the introduction of Robotaxi, its first auto-delivery vehicle, and reached the milestone of 70,000 Tesla Superchargers. Additionally, the firm revealed that its first lithium iron phosphate (LFP) cell manufacturing facility in Nevada is nearing completion.
Source:
Link

Tags: BYD, Model 3, Tesla
July 1, 2025
Kia EV4: First Electric Hatchback with 388-Mile Range from £34,695
Key Takeaways
1. Kia’s EV4 hatchback is the company’s first electric hatchback in the UK, offering the longest driving range among its electric vehicles.
2. The EV4 is based on the E-GMP platform and has two battery options: 58.2 kWh (273 miles range) and 81.4 kWh (388 miles range).
3. The hatchback is available in four trims, with prices ranging from £34,695 to £43,895, and the last two trims have a driving range of 362 miles.
4. The EV4 features a front-mounted electric motor with 150 kW power, 0-62 mph acceleration in 7.5 seconds, and a top speed of 105 mph.
5. Kia plans to manufacture the EV4 in Slovakia, with deliveries expected in the Fall, and it is tailored specifically for the European market.
Kia has launched its first-ever electric hatchback in the UK. The EV4 is set to provide the longest driving range among all the company’s electric vehicles so far.
Successful Launch in South Korea
In April, Kia introduced the sedan version in its home country and it quickly became the top-selling electric sedan in South Korea. Now, the hatchback can be ordered in the UK, starting from July 1st.
Specifications and Features
The EV4 hatchback is based on the E-GMP platform that Kia has already used for various electric models. It comes with battery pack options of 58.2 kWh and 81.4 kWh, allowing for ranges of 273 miles and 388 miles, respectively, according to WLTP estimates. The smaller battery charges from 10% to 80% in just 29 minutes, while the larger battery takes only two more minutes on a 350 kW DC fast charger.
The Kia EV4 is offered in four different trims: Air Standard Range (£34,695), Air Long Range (£37,695), GT-Line (£39,395), and GT-Line S (£43,895). The driving range for the last two trims decreases to 362 miles.
Performance and Interior
In terms of performance, the EV4 features a single front-mounted electric motor that produces 150 kW, allowing it to accelerate from 0 to 62 mph in 7.5 seconds. The top speed is limited to 105 mph.
Additional features include a spacious 435-liter boot, dual 12.3-inch displays, ChatGPT integration with voice commands, as well as support for Apple CarPlay and Android Auto.
Kia plans to manufacture the EV4 hatchback in Slovakia, with deliveries anticipated in the Fall. The automaker has indicated that the new EV was tailored for the European market, hinting that it might not be available in the US.
Kia is also set to introduce a fastback version of the EV4, but details about that model have yet to be revealed.
Source:
Link
Tags: Electric Hatchback, Kia EV4
July 1, 2025
2025 Honda Prologue: 0.99% APR Financing Until July 7
Key Takeaways
1. The 2025 Honda Prologue offers a special 0.99% APR financing rate for terms of 24 to 60 months until July 7.
2. Buyers can benefit from a $7,500 federal tax credit and potential state incentives for purchasing the Prologue.
3. The Prologue starts at $47,400, delivers up to 300 hp, and has an estimated driving range of 308 miles.
4. Key features include a Bose Premium audio system, customized climate control, wireless phone charging, and 25 cu ft of cargo space.
5. The 2024 Honda Prologue is also available with 0% APR financing for up to six years.
The Honda special deal of 0.99% APR financing remains active for the 2025 Prologue, helping buyers save on one of the top-rated electric SUVs currently available.
Financing Details
This 0.99% APR rate is offered for terms ranging from 24 to 60 months for those with approved credit until July 7, so interested customers have just a limited time to decide. Honda clarifies that the required down payment can differ, as pricing is determined by participating dealers, despite financing being through Honda Financial Services.
Tax Credits and Incentives
The 2025 Honda Prologue qualifies for the $7,500 federal tax credit, adding to the savings. Additional incentives might be accessible for buyers residing in states with Zero Emissions Vehicle laws.
Performance and Features
The Prologue has a starting price of $47,400 in the US, providing up to 300 hp and an estimated driving range of 308 miles according to the EPA. Honda claims that a quick 10-minute DC charging session can extend the battery range by 65 miles.
Available trims for the EV include EX, Touring, and Elite. It boasts impressive features such as a Bose Premium audio system, customized climate control, and wireless phone charging. The cargo space measures 25 cu ft, which also includes a power outlet for tools or devices.
Financing Options for 2024 Model
Additionally, the 2024 Honda Prologue continues to be an option for financing with 0% APR for as long as six years.
Source:
Link
Tags: electric SUV, Honda Prologue
July 1, 2025
Tesla Safety Tips: Car Fire and Accident Frequency Explained
Key Takeaways
1. Tesla vehicles require up to 8,000 gallons of water to extinguish battery fires, raising safety concerns on ferries and other transport methods.
2. Tesla claims its electric vehicles catch fire eight times less frequently than the national average, based on a controversial measurement of fires per billion miles driven.
3. Fires in Tesla vehicles are challenging to extinguish due to thermal runaway, often necessitating specialized firefighting techniques and large amounts of water.
4. Tesla asserts that its vehicles are ten times safer than human drivers when using the Autopilot feature, with a significant reduction in accident frequency.
5. The safety performance of Tesla’s Full Self-Driving feature remains unclear, as Tesla has not disclosed its comparative safety records against human drivers.
Tesla has stated that it can take as much as 8,000 gallons of water to put out a fire in one of its battery-operated vehicles. The fire risks associated with electric vehicles are a common concern on ferries, with several of them even refusing to allow such cars to board.
Recent Incidents
Not long ago, a second car carrier ship sank after electric vehicles onboard caught fire, and firefighters were unable to extinguish the flames in time. However, Tesla, in its latest environmental impact report, aims to debunk the notion that electric cars are prone to frequent fires.
Fire Statistics
Using a somewhat questionable measurement of vehicle fires per billion miles driven, Tesla claims that its electric vehicles catch fire eight times less frequently than the national average in the United States. For every billion miles driven, there are 6.5 incidents of Teslas igniting for various reasons, whereas the average across all vehicle types in the US is 55. It’s important to note that Tesla cars are generally newer than the overall US vehicle fleet, which is nearing an average age of 13 years, setting a new record.
Challenges in Extinguishing Fires
The issue with fires in Tesla vehicles isn’t that they happen more often than in gasoline-powered cars, but rather that they are extremely difficult to extinguish, even with fire extinguishers designed for electric fires, like First Alert’s rechargeable model. When electric car batteries enter thermal runaway, they can ignite repeatedly, requiring firefighters to receive specialized training and often utilize equipment that punctures the battery casing to directly spray the cells inside.
For example, a single burning Tesla Semi required enough water—typically enough for 50 internal combustion engine vehicles—before the flames were finally put out, and this incident even necessitated the use of a firefighting plane as the Semi had crashed in a forest.
Safety Ratings and Features
In addition to fire risks and lifecycle emissions, the 2025 Tesla environmental impact report also shares safety data. Tesla claims its vehicles are ten times safer than a human driver when the Autopilot driver-assist feature is activated.
With Autopilot engaged, Tesla cars are involved in one incident every 6.77 million miles driven, while the average for the US is 0.7 million miles. Even without Autopilot, Tesla’s other active safety features result in an average of 1.18 million miles traveled between accidents.
Full Self-Driving Safety
However, Tesla has been silent regarding the safety performance of its Full Self-Driving (FSD) feature compared to human operators. FSD is an optional paid feature that is frequently used for navigating city traffic, which is often more unpredictable.
Recently, Tesla introduced unsupervised FSD to public roads in Austin to launch its Robotaxi ride-share platform and has just begun collecting safety data from this initiative. The city of Austin rates Tesla’s unsupervised FSD as Level 4 on the vehicle autonomy scale, indicating it does not require human driver input, but the safety record of the driverless Model Y vehicles that Tesla has started using for its Robotaxi service remains uncertain.
Source:
Link
Tags: Autopilot, electric vehicles, Tesla
July 1, 2025
Tesla Model Y vs Honda CR-V vs Toyota RAV4: Cost Comparison
Key Takeaways
1. Tesla vehicles have lower upkeep and repair costs in the first five years compared to other manufacturers due to being fully electric.
2. Over a longer ownership period, Teslas do not maintain a cost advantage against popular gasoline SUVs like the Honda CR-V and Toyota RAV4.
3. The total cost of ownership per mile for a Tesla Model Y is comparable to that of the Honda CR-V and slightly higher than the Toyota RAV4.
4. Tesla estimates similar depreciation and insurance rates for the Model Y and Honda CR-V, but electric vehicles generally have higher insurance costs and quicker depreciation.
5. Buyers are more attracted to the Model Y for its advanced technology and environmental benefits rather than for financial savings.
As a study conducted last year revealed, Tesla vehicles indeed have lower upkeep and repair expenses for the first five years compared to other manufacturers, primarily due to the fact that it exclusively produces electric cars.
Long-Term Costs
Nonetheless, when considering the total cost of owning a vehicle over a longer period, Teslas don’t maintain that advantage. Tesla’s own analysis indicates that a buyer of the Model Y won’t see any financial benefits compared to two of the most favored gasoline SUVs, the Honda CR-V and the Toyota RAV4, until later on. This is surprising, given that the Model Y doesn’t require oil changes, and its brake maintenance mainly involves just adding flashy red caliper covers.
Cost Comparison
In Tesla’s freshly released 2025 environmental impact report, the total cost of ownership for each mile driven in a Model Y is quoted at $0.74, which is the same as the Honda CR-V. The Toyota RAV4 has a slightly elevated cost at $0.76 per mile. It’s worth noting that Tesla used the more affordable and less energy-consuming RWD Model Y for this comparison.
The overall expenses for operating a Model Y include the depreciation rate over five years or 60,000 miles, insurance costs, maintenance or repair expenses, and finally, fuel costs, whether for electric charging or gasoline. Here, things get a bit unclear, as it’s uncertain whether Tesla considered home charging rates, Supercharger costs, or a combination of both in its comparison.
Depreciation and Insurance Rates
Moreover, as depicted in the chart below, Tesla estimates similar depreciation and insurance rates for the Model Y and Honda CR-V. However, electric vehicles typically incur higher insurance costs and experience quicker depreciation rates. The Model Y stands out as Tesla’s top-selling model, and its depreciation initially compares favorably against Internal Combustion Engine (ICE) vehicles, particularly when looked at next to high-maintenance luxury brands like BMW, whose X3 SUV has an astonishing operating cost of $1.19 per mile.
Even if all of Tesla’s figures are accurate and don’t present an overly optimistic view of EV ownership in terms of depreciation, fuel, or insurance, the primary advantage of owning one of its cars doesn’t appear to be financial.
In summary, it seems that buyers are more inclined to choose the Model Y for its advanced technological features like self-driving capabilities or for environmental reasons, rather than considering the total cost of ownership, especially when compared to popular gas-powered options from manufacturers like Toyota or Honda.
Source:
Link

Tags: Tesla Model Y
July 1, 2025
Five Reasons Xiaomi YU7 Outshines Model Y Competition
Key Takeaways
1. Strong Initial Demand: The YU7 SUV is gaining attention with long lines at stores and a surge in online orders.
2. Distinct Market Identity: The YU7 differentiates itself from Tesla’s Model Y through its unique design, technology, and strategic market positioning.
3. Superior Battery Range: The YU7 offers impressive ranges of up to 835km and 770km for its Standard and Pro variants, surpassing Tesla’s Model Y.
4. Faster Acceleration: The YU7 Max edition accelerates from 0 to 100 km/h in just 3.23 seconds, outperforming the Model Y and even some high-performance SUVs.
5. Competitive Specifications: Overall, the YU7 showcases superior specifications in key areas such as range and acceleration compared to Tesla’s offerings.
Xiaomi’s second electric vehicle, the YU7 SUV, is drawing significant attention with long lines at stores, a surge in online orders, and a wave of initial reactions from electric vehicle fans.
Unique Positioning in the Market
Despite inevitable comparisons to Tesla’s Model Y, particularly in China, the YU7 establishes its own identity thanks to its distinct mix of aesthetics, technology, and strategic market placement.
Key Advantages of the YU7
Here are five reasons why the Xiaomi YU7 stands out and isn’t merely an imitation of Tesla.
1. Superior Specifications Where It Counts
During the launch, Xiaomi’s CEO Lei Jun made a direct comparison between the YU7 and Tesla’s Model Y. On paper, Xiaomi’s vehicle shows superiority in several important aspects.
The YU7 boasts a greater range. The Standard and Pro variants come equipped with a 96.3kWh battery, allowing for ranges of up to 835km and 770km (CLTC).
Meanwhile, the Max model features a larger 101.7kWh battery, offering a range of 760km. In contrast, the Model Y maxes out at 719km.
Moreover, the YU7 is quicker. The Max edition, powered by two motors generating 690 horsepower, accelerates from 0 to 100 km/h in just 3.23 seconds.
This makes it faster than any Model Y and even some high-performance SUVs like the Ferrari Purosangue.
The Standard and Pro versions reach 0–100 km/h in 5.88 seconds and 4.27 seconds, respectively, which are still impressive times.
So, when you’re looking strictly at the figures, the YU7 surpasses Tesla in both range and acceleration.
Tags: Tesla Model Y, Xiaomi YU7
June 30, 2025
Tesla Introduces Buy Now Pay Later for Vehicle Service in North America
Key Takeaways
1. Tesla has introduced a Buy Now, Pay Later (BNPL) program for service locations in the U.S. and Canada.
2. The new feature is included in app update 4.46, allowing drivers to access credit for vehicle servicing.
3. Payment options are provided through credit partners Affirm and Klarna, shown in the app’s Service Estimate section.
4. Customers can view various payment plans and costs using a payment calculator within the app.
5. The BNPL option helps manage potentially high maintenance costs for electric vehicle repairs and replacements.
Tesla is stepping in to help customers who need quick service but are short on funds. The car manufacturer has introduced the Buy Now, Pay Later (BNPL) program from its online accessories shop to its service locations in the United States and Canada.
New Feature in App Update
This fresh feature, which is being rolled out with app update 4.46, allows Tesla drivers to tap into credit when they take their vehicles for servicing and upkeep.
According to an app software engineer, the credit providers for this initiative are Affirm and Klarna.
Easy Access to Payment Plans
The option will automatically show up in the app’s Service Estimate section when users open the maintenance cost estimate screen. Customers will notice “Pay over time – see if you qualify,” and by tapping on that, they will be directed to a payment calculator. From there, they will see various payment plans and their related costs.
The payment page for services will now feature Affirm and Klarna (depending on the area) alongside the typical Tesla Credit and card methods. The payment plan gets locked in once users confirm their selection on the final page.
Managing EV Maintenance Costs
Even though electric vehicles generally require less maintenance than traditional gas cars, owners can still encounter hefty bills for out-of-warranty battery or electric motor replacements. Tesla’s new Pay Later option provides some flexibility for managing these expenses.
Source:
Link
Tags: Tesla