All articles tagged with #electric vehicle
BMW reveals the i3, the first fully electric 3 Series under its Neue Klasse design, delivering up to 440 miles EPA-style range, 463 hp and 476 lb-ft of torque with AWD, an 800-volt architecture enabling up to 400 kW charging, and a tech-forward interior featuring iDrive OS X and a 17.9-inch touchscreen.
BMW unveils a modern i3 on its Neue Klasse platform, pairing motors on both axles for 463 hp and 476 lb-ft, with an 800-volt system, EPA-rated 440-mile range, and 400 kW DC fast charging. The battery is integrated into the chassis for weight and stiffness, and the car features bidirectional charging, a tech-forward interior (17.9-inch driver display, optional 3D HUD, Digital Key Plus, Alexa AI), with production starting in August 2026 and deliveries planned for fall; pricing will be announced closer to launch.
BMW unveils the 2027 i3, its first all-electric 3 Series, built on the 800V Neue Klasse platform with a dual-motor 463 hp system (345 kW) and 476 lb-ft (645 Nm) of torque, up to 440 miles of range, and 400 kW DC fast charging; it features a redesigned rear, a software-defined chassis, a high-tech interior, and plans for a Touring wagon and an electric M3, plus two driver-assist levels aligned with UN regulations.
Leaked images circulating ahead of BMW’s March 18 reveal purportedly show the production electric 3-series with Vision Neue Klasse styling and the new wheel design. If authentic, the i3 will emphasize sustainability, using recycled materials across the interior and exterior, including PET fabrics and recycled plastics, as it rides on BMW’s Neue Klasse architecture.
Rivian will roll out the R2 this spring starting with the $57,990 Performance trim, featuring two motors, all‑wheel drive, 656 hp, 3.6 seconds 0–60 mph, and over 300 miles of range, plus 21-inch Sport wheels and optional packages. The base R2 Standard won’t hit showrooms until late 2027, while Long Range and Premium variants arrive earlier with prices ranging from about $47,900 to $53,990.
Mercedes-Benz unveiled the VLE, an electric luxury van seating up to eight with a glass-heavy cabin, ambient lighting and pillow-equipped seats, plus a giant 31.3-inch 8K headliner screen and multiple rear displays. It runs on 800-volt architecture with a 119-kWh usable pack, offering about 375 miles of US-range, and comes in single- (272 hp) and dual-motor (409 hp) configurations with 0–60 mph in roughly 9.5s and 6.5s respectively. US delivery is planned for late 2027, with pricing not yet announced.
Mercedes-Benz is bringing its all-electric VLE luxury van to the U.S., offering modular eight-seat configurations, a 31.3-inch 8K rear screen with cinema-like features, and remote-controlled massaging Grand Comfort seats. Built on an 800-volt architecture with up to ~435 miles WLTP range (roughly 380 miles EPA) from a 115 kWh pack, it supports 400 kW fast charging and optional rear-axle steering for a tight turning radius. The VLE also includes MB.OS-based infotainment, multiple screens, and a high-end interior, with launch in the latter half of 2026 in short- and long-wheelbase forms; pricing has not yet been disclosed.
Chevrolet resurrects the Bolt as the 2027 model, swapping in a 65 kWh lithium-iron-phosphate pack for about 262 miles of range, 210 hp front‑drive, and 0–60 mph in 6.8 seconds. It supports up to 150 kW DC fast charging via a Tesla-style NACS socket, runs Android Automotive OS, and offers RS and LT trims priced around $32,995 and $28,995 respectively. Production at Fairfax, Kansas is planned to last only about 18 months before GM retools the plant for gasoline models, making this a short-lived revival.
Honda has transformed the Insight into a purely electric crossover with more than 311 miles of WLTC range, a 229 lb-ft front-mounted motor, and a Sport mode. The design borrows cues from Honda’s Chinese e:NS2 and rides on a 68.8 kWh pack that yields about 339 miles in CLTC, with a tech-forward interior that includes a 12.8-inch touchscreen, Bose audio, head-up display, and Chinese-market touches like a perfume dispenser and fewer climate controls. Production location isn’t disclosed, and the model will go on sale in Japan this spring with reservations starting March 19, amid expectations it could be exported from China to other markets.
Lamborghini is scrapping its Lanzador all-electric supercar and shifting to plug-in hybrids, after CEO Stephan Winkelmann said demand for EVs among its customers is almost zero and investing in full EVs would be an “expensive hobby.” By 2030 the brand plans all models to be PHEVs while maintaining internal combustion engines for now, and will continue electrification efforts but only when customer demand justifies it. Never say never on EVs, but the current market isn’t ready for a pure electric Lambo.
Nissan has confirmed that the entry‑level Leaf S with a smaller 52 kWh battery and 174‑hp drivetrain will not launch in the U.S. for the 2026 model year, with no firm timeline for 2027. While the Leaf remains Nissan’s most affordable EV, the delay—driven by market dynamics, tariffs, and competition—casts doubt on when a cheaper Leaf might reappear, and the company has kept its future battery configurations under review.
Tesla slashed Cybertruck prices to boost demand, adding a $59,990 dual-motor entry with 325 miles of range and the same 0–60 mph time as the pricier model but reduced towing (7,000 lbs) and payload (2,006 lbs). The top-trim tri-motor version drops $15,000 to $99,990 but loses some free features like supercharging and FSD. The moves come as Cybertruck sales have been weak (under 39,000 in 2024 and about 20,000 in 2025) and Musk’s earlier forecast of 250,000 annual sales by 2025 has not materialized, with Tesla citing production challenges and shifts in model configurations as context.
Rivian has released a companion Apple Watch app that puts core vehicle controls on your wrist, allowing you to lock/unlock doors, vent windows, sound the alarm, and, via the digital crown, set a target charge and adjust cabin climate. The app integrates with the Rivian iPhone app, supports Gen 1 passive entry vs. Gen 2, offers glanceable battery status and vehicle visuals, and will be expanded with more features over time.
Toyota brings back the C-HR as a dual-motor AWD electric crossover with 338 hp, 287 miles of EPA range, and a $38,450 base price. It accelerates to 60 mph in 4.9 seconds and offers a surprisingly lively, sporty driving character for an entry-level EV, aided by a sharp design and a big 14-inch infotainment screen. Interior details are a mixed bag (no glove compartment, varied materials, and bulky wireless chargers), while space is decent but not the highlight, and charging speed is solid but not class-leading. Against rivals like the Hyundai Ioniq 5 and Chevrolet Equinox EV, the C-HR trades some practicality for fun and styling, signaling Toyota’s first genuine, engaging mainstream EV in a while—potentially improved further with a GR version in the future.
Toyota’s C-HR EV, built on the e-TNGA platform, starts at $38,135 (destination included) and will offer hybrid, plug-in hybrid, and hydrogen fuel-cell options. It features a dual-motor AWD with 338 hp and 0-60 mph in 4.9 seconds, with EPA ranges up to 287 miles (SE) or 273 miles (XSE). The 74.7 kWh battery supports about 30-minute 10-80% charging via a NACS port, and the interior includes a 14-inch touchscreen with wireless Apple CarPlay/Android Auto. On sale in March 2026 alongside the bZ Woodland, as Toyota expands its EV lineup.