• Cars and car parts are on the long list of goods that Donald Trump hit with tariffs this week.
• One dealer said he was bringing in extra vehicles and parts to get ahead of the duties.
• Customers bought cars ahead of the tariffs to secure cheaper prices, the dealer said.

This as-told-to essay is based on a conversation with Scott Kunes, COO of Kunes Auto Group, which operates about 30 auto dealerships in Illinois, Iowa, and Wisconsin. Kunes spoke to Business Insider on Wednesday, the day President Donald Trump announced new tariffs on various goods, including autos and auto parts. BI verified his identity and role at the business.

The interview has been edited for length and clarity.

This last week has actually been a really good week for the auto industry in general. The National Automobile Dealers Association put out an estimate that industry sales are up 14% month-over-month just in the last week as the tariffs came to fruition.

We did see a rush for people to purchase vehicles and get ahead of the tariff issue. We're seeing that short-term sales bump but are also planning for the future.

Pre-pandemic, the standard for dealers was to have a 90-day supply of many cars. Then, we pushed for a 60-day-or-less supply depending on the manufacturer and the make and model.

Right now, we are trying to get as much supply as we possibly can — but not getting overextended.

Everybody looks at import manufacturers like Honda or Toyota and says, "Well, these are the ones that are going to get the tariffs put on them." That's not actually the case: Hyundai, for example, is in a terrific position, with a lot of its major models being manufactured here in the United States.

We're definitely looking at our parts supply chain as well. We do a large wholesale business in parts, especially in the body business. Some of those things might be affected, like body panels. We're just trying to make sure that we have the stock and can weather this as long as possible.

Obviously, the entire country experienced inflation over the past four years, but the auto industry experienced it quite a bit more.

But recently, consumers were starting to get a bit of a break with lower interest rates, prices coming down, manufacturers offering heavier incentives because demand was down, leasing coming back very strongly, and lower payment possibilities.

Now, we have another thing that jumps in and starts to get everybody scared again.

These tariffs are going to affect consumers in both the new and used markets.

I think a lot of dealers kind of figured out a playbook during the supply chain crisis during and after the pandemic. There was a pivot from new vehicles to used vehicles. We saw three-year-old vehicles transacting higher than what they were purchased.

Some used-car lots are buying vehicles and fixing them very cheaply using parts that might be made in China. So, these tariffs are actually going to affect those lower-end price-range vehicles.

We don't know if these tariffs are going to last a month or for years. And will prices rise dramatically? Some of the manufacturers have talked about eating some of the costs.

Ultimately, I think most of us in the auto industry look at the tariffs and some of the bargaining that is going on as a positive thing for the United States auto industry in the long run. They'll boost US manufacturing in general, though it is going to hurt in the short term.

But as auto dealers, we always try to evolve. We're going to try to find ways to make sure that we're still selling vehicles and that we're still meeting our consumers' needs and demands.

Are you affected by the latest tariffs and have a story idea to share? Reach out to this reporter at [email protected].

The 2025 Audi e-tron GT RS Performance has a special way of welcoming you. As you approach, it does the usual show of blinking headlights and tail lights, plus puddle lamps projecting red RS logos on the ground. That's nothing special these days. But when you get to the door and reach for the handle the car literally rises to meet you, springing up two full inches to ease your entry into this ultra-low, extremely long sport tourer.

At least, it will do that if you spend the extra $11,000 for the new active suspension, a very worthy add-on to this $167,000 sports car and just one of the dozens of upgrades Audi made to the big performance machine for 2025. And it's good that those upgrades are so substantial, because from the outside, the car looks barely different than what came before.

Audi slightly massaged the front grille, while the diffuser projecting from beneath the rear bumper looks far cleaner than before. Still, you'd be hard-pressed to tell new from old from a distance — or up close, for that matter. The biggest exterior change is probably the roof of the e-tron GT, which is now available in your choice of shiny or matte carbon fiber. Or, if you're more interested in sunshine than weight savings, you can opt for a new glass roof with nine separate integrated liquid crystal panels that turn opaque at the touch of a button.

That makes for a fun talking point if you feel the need to impress your friends, but the 912 horsepower on tap will surely take care of that. Fire up launch control, and even the most jaded motorheads will be left utterly breathless. The e-tron GT RS Performance rockets from zero to 60 mph in just 2.4 seconds, which is a world-class figure, but what's more impressive is how it just keeps on going. I had a chance to run the car up past 130 mph (on a closed track) and the feeling was right on the border between thrilling and terrifying. The forces squeezing me into the (thankfully quite supportive) sport seat made my animal brain scream for sweet release.

Audi

That wasn't the only mindjob happening here, though. That new active suspension can be set to actually make the car lean into corners while also dipping the nose under acceleration and lowering the tail when you hit the brakes. It's all in an effort to create a more stable, predictable platform, enabling you to drive the car hard without your passengers losing their patience — or their lunches.

The capabilities of the RS e-tron GT Performance are definitely remarkable in any condition. A quick twitch of your right toe is enough to send it leaping forward, and for those special moments, you can get about an extra 94 horsepower by pressing the big red BOOST button on the steering wheel.

Unfortunately, that's about the only thing good about the wheel. For this new e-tron GT, Audi shifted to the type of capacitive touch buttons that everybody hates on the Volkswagen ID.4, which are both challenging to use by touch and yet easy to accidentally trigger. I kept raising the volume on the stereo every time I made a left turn. That's no good.

The rest of the interface is much the same as before, with the 10.1-inch touchscreen angled in the middle of the dashboard. It's running Audi's MMI software though, which is a bit sluggish at times. Still, between the touchscreen, the Virtual Cockpit digital gauge cluster behind the wheel and the HUD projected on the windscreen, you have no shortage of displays to admire.

The rest of the cabin is largely unchanged as well, which isn't a bad thing. Seats up front are supportive yet comfortable, power-adjustable in all the right ways, heated and ventilated, and sit low enough in the car to offer plenty of headroom. Seating in the back isn't bad either, with a bit of extra legroom provided by a division in the battery pack, creating space for rear passenger feet.

That rear-seat layout is the same as before, but while the battery pack shape is the same, crack it open and you'll find all sorts of newness. Audi changed the chemistry of the cells and that, plus some design revisions, has boosted energy density, which means more capacity in the same space.

The battery now offers 105 kWh of total capacity (95 net), which is up from 93.4 before, while other changes have boosted charging speed. The maximum charging current is up to 320 kW from 270 kW before, and the battery can now maintain that speed at a wider range of temperatures. The result is an 80 percent charge in just 18 minutes. That's about 240 miles worth of range in the time it'll take to make a pit stop yourself. 

All those battery upgrades provide up to 300 miles of range on the 670 horsepower S e-tron GT or 278 miles of range on the faster RS e-tron GT Performance. Those figures represent a gain of between 29 and 51 miles over the old car, depending on which spec you choose. That's a major boost in longevity, and since that new suspension is equally good at being soft and cosseting as it is sharp and exciting, the GT makes for a remarkably good touring car. I spent most of a day idling my way in and out of Las Vegas in one, and I would’ve gladly done many more miles without complaint.

But with all that power and handling, the GT is happiest when it’s pushed to its limits. The only challenge is your budget will be pushed, too. The 2025 S e-tron GT costs $125,500, while the faster RS e-tron GT Performance starts at $167,000. That means all the new battery tech and brain-scrambling power have added about $20,000 to the sticker prices of the previous year's car. And you'll spend even more if you want all the toys.

So, the RS e-tron GT Performance is expensive, but impressive too. We're still barely a decade into seeing what high-performance EVs can do, an engineering journey that will surely take us to new heights in the years to come. But what this car can do today is remarkable, with acceleration so strong that it's uncomfortable, suspension so advanced it can dance, and yet all the comfort and poise befitting an Audi.

If you own a Honda Prologue or Acura ZDX, you'll soon have a lot more places you can charge your car. Honda and Acura EVs will be able to access the Tesla Supercharger network in June 2025, when Honda's official NACS-CCS adapter goes on sale.

Adapters will be available to purchase from authorized dealerships, and EV owners will receive a notification from the HondaLink and Acura EV apps when they're available. The apps will also be able to locate Tesla Superchargers around the same time. Honda says the adapter is the safest way to charge on Tesla's more than 20,000 chargers in the US, but hasn't shared how much it'll actually cost once it's available. For a preview of the possible price range for Honda's adapter, car makers have charged anywhere from nothing (Rivian) to $230 (Ford) for an NACS adapter.

Honda's plan to adopt the North American Charging Standard (NACS) has been in the works since 2023. In finally offering its own adapter, Honda joins other EV makers like Mercedes-Benz, Rivian, Polestar, Lucid and Ford in giving existing EV owners a way to take advantage of Tesla's expansive charging network.

BYD has introduced new technology for charging electric vehicles at vastly quicker speeds. Founder Wang Chuanfu said this "super e-platform" tech offers a peak charging speed of 1,000 kilowatts, twice that of the 500 kw charging currently offered by Tesla's superchargers. That would mean a car can travel 249 miles (400 kilometers) from a five-minute charge on a BYD station. This charging architecture will initially be available in two of BYD's vehicle models: the Han L sedan and Tang L SUV.

"In order to completely solve our user's charging anxiety, we have been pursuing a goal to make the charging time of electric vehicles as short as the refuelling time of petrol vehicles," said Wang.

The company is also bringing its quick-charging tech to Chinese drivers for the first time. BYD plans to construct 4,000 ultra-fast charging units across the country, although it did not provide a timeline or budget for the endeavor. To date, owners of BYD vehicles have needed to use charging stations from third-party operators or different EV manufacturers such as Tesla.

BYD has been putting more and more EVs on the road around the world. Last year, its second-quarter shipment figures jumped 21 percent to draw very close to Tesla's numbers.

Electric vehicle company Rivian is rolling out new software today. The lead feature is Enhanced Highway Assist, which controls steering, acceleration, and braking on compatible highways. It relies on an infrared camera in the rearview mirror to ensure that the driver is still paying attention to the road, even though their hands don't need to be on the wheel. This resource is only rolling out to Rivian's Gen 2 vehicles; the blog post did not address whether it would also come to Gen 1.

There's also a new driving mode for Rivian's Performance Dual-Motor lineup. Rally Mode is now available as one of the Off-Road Mode options. When enabled, the vehicle will provide heightened responses to steering and throttle on a range of terrains. Several Dual-Motor vehicles are also getting the option for a post-purchase performance upgrade that introduces three new drive modes: Rally, Sport and Soft Sand. This performance upgrade is a one-time cost of $5,000.

Both Gen 2 and Gen 1 are getting other elements of the software update. Side mirror auto-tilt when the car is reversing, allowing a driver better visibility of their wheels and the curb when parallel parking, and tire puncture detection are part of the package. Rivian is also adding an option to change wheel type in the mobile app's Settings menu to receive more-accurate driving range estimates.

Ford says it's done sending out all the complimentary NACS adapters that 140,000 EV customers in the US had reserved. The automaker announced in 2023 that it was working with Tesla to give Ford EV owners access to tens of thousands of Superchargers across the US and Canada. In 2024, Ford's EVs became the first non-Tesla vehicles to be able to access Superchargers. However, since Ford EVs come with Combined Charging System (CCS) ports, they need North American Charging System adapters to be able to plug into Supercharger stations. 

The automaker gave new and current members of it BlueOval Charge Network — in other words, everyone who purchased it EVs — complimentary NACS adapters until June 30, 2024. Now, it has finished sending out the free adapters to everyone who asked for it. Those who need one will have to purchase the Ford Fast Charging Adapter, which "unlocks access to a vast network of DC fast charging stations using the North American Charging Standard (NACS)," for $200. Ford was planning to make the switch to built-in NACS ports for this year's EV models, but it's now unclear if that will happen, seeing as the 2025 model Mustang Mach-E still comes with a CCS port. 

Ford has also announced that its BlueOval Charge Network now includes 180,000 chargers at more than 50,000 locations, which translates to a 40 percent increase from the beginning of 2024. Like other automakers making the switch to electric, Ford is making an effort to expand charging availability. The hope is that wider access to chargers can help assuage range anxiety and encourage more people to buy electric. 

As promised, Volkswagen unveiled its upcoming entry-level electric vehicle at an event on Wednesday in Wolfsburg, Germany. The automaker describes the ID.EVERY1 concept car as a "smart, flexible and affordable" EV for the masses… as long as those masses live in Europe. The production version is expected to start at around €20,000 (US$21,583) when it arrives in 2027.

The car joins the ID.2all and sport version of the ID.GTI in using Volkswagen's MEB modular platform, which is designed to be flexible enough to support everything from compact cars like the wee ID.EVERY1 to bulkier SUVs. The company plans to roll out four electric models (including this one) based on the front-wheel drive version of the platform by 2027.

In addition, Volkswagen says the ID.EVERY1 will be its first model to run on a "fundamentally new, particularly powerful software architecture," which sounds like the fruit of its $5 billion partnership with Rivian, announced last year. The automaker describes the (unconfirmed but probably Rivian-based) platform as making the concept car more future-proof, allowing it to be "equipped with new functions throughout its entire life cycle."

Volkswagen

As a budget EV, its specs won't make your jaw drop but could still hit a nice balance point for price-conscious buyers. The concept car can reach over 80 mph (130 km/h), thanks to its 70 kW (94 horsepower) electric drive motor. Volkswagen rates it for a range of at least 155 miles (250 km). The compact EV is a mere 12.7 ft. long, placing it between the automaker's now-retired up! (11.8 ft.) and the ID.2all (13.3 ft.). The ID.EVERY1 has room for four and a cargo volume of 10.8 cubic feet.

As for its cute appearance, Volkswagen Head of Design Andreas Mindt said, "Our ambition was to create something bold yet accessible. The ID. EVERY1 has a self-assured appearance but remains likeable – thanks to details such as the dynamic front lights and the 'smiling' rear. These design elements make it more than just a car: they give it character and an identity that people can relate to."

If this sounds like the budget car of your dreams, well, you'd better live in Europe, or you're probably out of luck. Volkswagen describes the ID.EVERY1 as being "from Europe for Europe," which sure doesn't like it translates to America-bound.

You can get a better look for yourself in the gallery below.

Volvo has officially launched the ES90, the fully electrified version of its S60 sedan. While the vehicle can technically be considered a sedan, Volvo says it has the "adaptability of a fastback, and the spacious interior and higher ground clearance associated with SUVs." It's the first Volvo EV with an 800-volt system, which promises faster charging times. Since Volvo's 800-volt technology uses lighter components to reduce the vehicle's overall weight, it could also lead to a longer range and better acceleration. 

For the ES90, specifically, Volvo promises a driving range of 700 kilometers or 435 miles, though the official EPA range could be shorter. When plugged into a 350 kW fast charger, the model can add 300 kilometers (186 miles) of range in just 10 minutes, and its 106 kWh battery can go from 10 to 80 percent full in just 20 minutes. All the vehicle's variants have a top speed of 112 mph, but the Twin Motor Performance (all-wheel drive) version has the fastest acceleration and can go from 0 to 60 mph in 3.9 seconds.

The ES90 was built on top of the Volvo Cars Superset tech stack, just like the EX90 SUV. That's a single set of hardware and software that will serve as the base for all of Volvo's electric vehicles and will make it possible to simultaneously roll out over-the-air updates for all its EVs as needed. ES90, however, is the first Volvo model to be powered by dual NVIDIA DRIVE AGX Orin configuration, which the company's chief engineering and technology officer says makes it the "most powerful car [Volvo has] ever created in terms of core computing capacity." 

Volvo gave the ES90 a slightly raised ride height and its Thor's Hammer headlight design, along with its new C-shaped LED rear lamps. It also equipped the vehicle with an array of sensors that include one lidar, five radars, seven cameras and twelve ultrasonic sensors for its active safety systems that can help drivers avoid collision and hazards. Inside, owners can individually fold down its three rear seats for more space. And while the panoramic roof provides 99.9 percent UV protection, buyers can choose the electrochromic version that will allow them to darken the glass and reduce glare at the touch of a button. Owners can access the model's infotainment system on its 14.5-inch center screen display, which comes with built-in Google apps, including Maps and Assistant. 

Interested buyers can now order the ES90 in Austria, Belgium, the Czech Republic, Finland, France, Germany, Greece, Hungary, Italy, the Netherlands, Norway, Poland, Portugal, Spain, Sweden, Switzerland and the United Kingdom. Volvo will release it in more markets later this year and into 2026. 

Volvo

• President Trump announced 25% tariffs on all imported passenger vehicles and parts.
• The new import taxes are likely to increase the cost of cars and trucks by thousands of dollars.
• Automakers rely on a complex supply chain that routinely crosses borders.

President Donald Trump on Wednesday announced 25% tariffs on all imported passenger vehicles and key parts will take effect on April 2.

The move is widely expected to drastically increase the sticker price of cars, trucks, and SUVs by thousands of dollars, sending shares of many automakers lower in trading late Wednesday.

The tariffs affect not just foreign automakers but many domestic nameplates, like GM's Chevrolet, as well. An Equinox SUV's transmission may be assembled in the US and shipped to Mexico for final assembly before finally ending up at a lot in Omaha, for example.

Automakers rely on a complex supply chain in which parts and vehicles regularly cross North American borders during the manufacturing process or before they hit dealer lots, thanks to various regional trade agreements inked over the years. The White House said some imported parts that are compliant with the USCMA are exempt.

Government data shows 39 models on sale in the US that are imported from either Canada or Mexico, from both domestic and foreign manufacturers.

Experts predict manufacturing costs will rise anywhere from $4,000 to $12,000, with automakers passing much of that cost on to consumers in the form of higher prices. According to Edmund's data, new vehicle prices have skyrocketed since 2020 and now average more than $50,000.

Analysts at JPMorgan called the escalated tariffs "draconian" and slashed their outlooks for many automakers.

When it comes to vehicles sold in the US, Ford imports the least, making about 78% of those cars, trucks, and SUVs domestically. Mazda, Volkswagen, and Mercedes-Benz import the most, industry data shows. Electric automakers Tesla and Rivian may be the least affected, analysts estimate.

A trade group representing Ford, GM, and Stellantis said earlier in March the import costs would stymie American competitiveness, increase consumer prices, and decrease investment in US jobs.

Vehicle parts and finished vehicles are the US' top imports from Mexico and second behind oil from Canada. Prices on other vehicles that rely on imported parts could also see increases, even if their final country of assembly is the US.

Here's a look at the models imported for sale in the US and where they are manufactured, according to data from the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration as of March 3. Prices on other vehicles that rely on imported parts could also increase.

BMW

• BMW 2-Series Coupe/Convertible (Mexico)
• BMW M2 Coupe (Mexico)
• BMW 3-Series Sedan (Mexico)

42.7% of BMW cars sold in the US are made domestically, according to Edmunds data.

Ford

• Ford Bronco Sport (Mexico)
• Ford Maverick (Mexico)
• Ford Mustang Mach-E (Mexico)
• Ford Mustang GTD (Canada)

78.3% of Ford vehicles sold in the US are made domestically, according to Edmunds data.

General Motors

• Chevrolet Blazer (Mexico)
• Chevrolet Blazer EV (Mexico)
• Chevrolet Equinox (Mexico)
• Chevrolet Equinox EV (Mexico)
• GMC Terrain (Mexico)

47.3% of GM vehicles sold in the US are made domestically, according to Edmunds data.

Honda

• Honda CR-V Hybrid (Canada)
• Honda Civic Sedan (Canada)
• Honda HR-V (Mexico)
• Honda Prologue (Mexico)
• Acurda ADX (Mexico)

58.9% of Honda vehicles sold in the US are made domestically, according to Edmunds data.

Hyundai

• Hyundai Tucson (Mexico)

Hyundai makes 38.4% of its vehicles vehicles sold in the US are made domestically, according to Edmunds data.

Kia

• Kia K4 (Mexico)

Kia is owned by Hyundai.

Mazda

• Mazda CX-30
• Mazda3

20.3% of Mazda vehicles sold in the US are made domestically, according to Edmunds data.

Mercedes-Benz

• Mercedes-Benz GLB (Mexico

36.5% of Mercedes-Benz vehicles sold in the US are made domestically, according to Edmunds data.

Nissan

• Infiniti QX50 (Mexico)
• Infiniti QX55 (Mexico)
• Nissan Sentra (Mexico)
• Nissan Kicks (Mexico)
• Nissan Versa (Mexico)

45.6% of Nissan vehicles sold in the US are made domestically, according to Edmunds data.

Stellantis

• Ram 2500-5500 (Mexico)
• Ram ProMaster (Mexico)
• Jeep Compass (Mexico)

• Chrysler Pacifica (Canada)

  68.2% of Stellantis vehicles sold in the US are made domestically, according to Edmunds data.

Toyota

• Toyota Tacoma (Mexico)
• Toyota RAV4/RAV4 Hybrid (Canada)
• Lexus NX (Canada)
• Lexus RX (Canada)

44.1% of Toyota vehicles sold in the US are made domestically, according to Edmunds data.

Volkswagen Group

• Audi Q5/SQ5 (Mexico)
• VW Jetta (Mexico)
• VW Taos (Mexico)
• VW Tiguan(Mexico)

27.8% of Volkswagen Group vehicles sold in the US are made domestically, according to Edmunds data.

Before a new car comes to market, it's subjected to many months, sometimes years, of rigorous testing around the world. Sweden often hosts a big part of that journey, its cold northern expanses offering the perfect mix of frigid temperatures and frozen surfaces.

It's there that I myself got to do a little testing of an upcoming new EV from Mercedes-Benz. It's the GLC with EQ Technology, an all-electric version of one of the company's most popular SUVs. With new batteries, new motors and a higher-voltage charging system, it marks a significant departure from, and upgrade over, the company's current EV offerings like the EQE SUV.

But could it be better to drive? That's the question that brought me to Sweden. I'm generally quite comfortable driving on the ice and snow. I've certainly been doing it long enough, living in the northeast my entire life and ice racing for the last 20 years. But, put me behind the wheel of a priceless, hand-built prototype and I'll usually take a few extra minutes before I start to really push things.

Not so when I got behind the steering wheel of the electric GLC SUV. Within 30 seconds, I had my foot flat to the floor, and I, along with a wide-eyed development engineer, were flying down an ice-covered trail bisecting a birch tree stand.

Andre Tillmann on behalf of Mercedes-Benz AG

That's how good the new GLC's traction and stability control systems are. Where most cars will simply cut all the power in a slippery situation like that, especially practical-minded ones like a typical crossover SUV, the GLC was far more giving. When the grip was low over sections of dark, glassy ice, the system reduced the power application and kept me from making a big, expensive dent in a snowbank.

When the grip was there, though, the GLC quickly ramped back up to maximum acceleration, relying on the power of its dual electric motors and all-wheel drive to keep us tracking smoothly and cleanly between the trees. Those motors and the smarts that control them are all part of Mercedes-Benz's new platform, MB.EA. These are permanent magnet type motors, with the front one featuring a physical disconnect to reduce its drag when it's not needed.

The car also features a new heat pump that’s able to absorb thermal energy from the ambient air as well as the car's various internal systems. Mercedes engineers said it will warm the cabin twice as fast using half the energy as their current EVs. Indeed, the interior in the GLC was quite cozy despite temperatures well below freezing.

Unfortunately, I can't comment on the vehicle's range in those conditions. This is just a pre-production prototype, after all. Still, I'm expecting a substantial improvement over the 307 miles the EQE SUV can manage on a charge. The batteries in the GLC rely on a revised chemistry, said to reduce the reliance on troublesome cobalt while also increasing energy density. That means more miles per pound of battery.

Andre Tillmann on behalf of Mercedes-Benz AG

Another thing helping to extend range is a revised regenerative braking system. The GLC will feature multiple different rates of regen, including a one-pedal mode that will bring the SUV to a complete stop. When you do go for the brake pedal, though, you might notice it feels a little weird.

That's because stepping on the pedal doesn't really do anything. Similar to a sim-racing pedal set, the resistance here is simulated. You're not feeling a hydraulic system squeezing pistons, just springs compressing.

It's a different sensation, but not a bad one. The idea is that the car will give you a steady, consistent feel regardless of what you're doing or how you're driving. The car itself will determine how much of your desired deceleration can come from the regenerative power of the electric motors. When it needs more than they can provide, it seamlessly calls in the physical brakes for reinforcement.

In practice, it works brilliantly. The car stops smoothly and cleanly, and there's none of the occasional uneven braking that you get when stomping hard on the stop pedal in an EV. The lack of pedal feedback when ABS engages is a bit disappointing, but then I've heard that pulse causes some people to lift off the brake pedal, so perhaps it's for the best.

Andre Tillmann on behalf of Mercedes-Benz AG

When stomping on the other pedal, again, the GLC accelerates strongly. It's quick enough to keep performance-minded drivers entertained. Still, given the low-grip nature of the roads and trails I covered, I can't say just how competent a handler it will be.

I can say that the optional air suspension did a sublime job over truly terrible road conditions. Ruts, washboards, frost heaves, you name it, the car happily soaked it up, even raising the suspension by an inch when some deeper snow and ice necessitated a little more ground clearance. On smoother roads, the GLC was every bit the quiet limousine that you want a luxury EV to be. There was a bit of road noise from the aggressively treaded snow tires, but this thing should be a delightful cruiser on normal tires.

The only problem? We'll have to be patient. The GLC is set to make its formal debut in Germany in September, which means it likely won't enter production until well into 2026. Mercedes-Benz hasn't set a price for the electric GLC yet either. Given the state of the world right now, it's anyone's guess what the incentive/tariff situation will look like for foreign EVs, even those built in the US like Mercedes-Benz's current EQS SUV.

If it's priced right, though, and if it doesn't look too awful once those camouflage stickers and taped-on protrusions are removed, it should be a winner. I already can't wait for another go behind the wheel and another chance to get even more comfortable.

Kia has officially launched the EV4, its first electric sedan and hatchback, at the 2025 Kia EV Day in Tarragona, Spain. The company first unveiled the EV4 as a concept at CES last year, along with several other models. Buyers can choose between the 58.3 kWh standard and the 81.4 kWh long-range battery options, with the long-ranger sedan being able to run for 630 km (391.5 miles) on a single charge. Meanwhile, the standard battery sedan can last for 430 km (267 miles), whereas the hatchback vehicle has a range of 590 km (366.6 miles). The vehicle's 150 kW motor can go from 0 to 100 km/h in 7.4 seconds for the standard battery variant and 7.7 seconds for the long-range variant. Both variations have a top speed of 170 km/h. 

The EV4 models use Kia's Digital Key 2.0 system that will let owners control certain functions remotely, such as being able to the start the vehicles' engines, through an app across 15 different devices. It even works with Apple Watch. The electric vehicles come with Kia's Highway Driving Assist technology that give owners access to Driver Attention Warning, Forward Collision Avoidance Assist, Lane Following Assist, Intelligent Speed Limit Assist and Remote Parking Assist Entry. There's also an advanced feature called Driving Package F+ that can detect hazardous situations using cameras and radars and can help drivers maneuver their vehicles to safety.

Kia will be manufacturing the EV4 sedan in Korea, where it will initially be available starting in March. It will produce the five-door hatchback version, meant for sale in Europe in the second half of the year, in Slovakia. The company has yet to reveal when it will start manufacturing the EV4 for the North American market, but it assured interested buyers that it's releasing the vehicle in the United States. 

In addition to launching the EV4, Kia has also unveiled the Concept EV2 (pictured below) during the event. It described the EV2 as compact and city-friendly, with an expandable interior that has folding second-row seats. Kia is planning to sell the EV2 in "Europe and other regions" starting in 2026. 

Kia

Despite the obvious benefits of electric cars, Toyota spent the last decade insisting hydrogen would win out in the end. But, as the company announces its third generation fuel cell system, you can tell it’s finally ready to tacitly admit defeat: the new cell is designed for industrial applications, where hydrogen clearly always made more sense. 

The new cell is designed to meet the “particular needs of the commercial sector,” focusing on durability equal to a diesel engine. It’s a lot more fuel efficient, cheaper to make and outputs twice as much power while sitting in the same footprint as the second-generation model. Given Toyota’s love of shrinking its engine technology, that size wasn’t a factor here is enormously telling of where it envisions these cells being used.

Toyota could never make the economic or technological argument for hydrogen cars as a better option than electricity (the Mirai, Toyota’s flagship hydrogen EV, has managed to sell just 28,000 models since its 2014 birth). But for heavy duty vehicles, where battery weight and power are more pressing concerns, hydrogen’s flaws turn into assets. Trucks, construction vehicles, trains, ships and backup generators — less at risk from the lack of general-purpose hydrogen infrastructure — are welcome homes for fuel cells.

Nissan and Honda have officially called off their plans to merge into a single automaker, less than two months after they confirmed the rumors that they were indeed looking to join forces. In an announcement, the companies said that they'd "agreed to terminate" the memorandum of understanding (MOU) they signed in December 2024. If they'd gone through with it and also brought Nissan-controlled Mitsubishi on board, the new entity would've had a net worth of around $50 billion. 

The automakers said that their CEOs and other members of their management teams have discussed what they wanted to achieve with the merger, as well the structures they wanted in place after the integration. They explained that they considered various options when it comes to the final structure of the merged entity. Honda proposed several options, including establishing a joint holding company, wherein the automaker would be the one appointing the CEO and majority of directors. However, it also proposed a structure wherein Honda would be the parent company, whereas Nissan would be the subsidiary. 

The Financial Times reported in early February that Honda presented the structure that would make Nissan its subsidiary as a "take it or leave it" offer. Majority of Nissan's board members reportedly rejected the deal back then during a meeting, but Nissan chose to wait until mid-February to make a formal announcement. The automakers said that they chose to cease their discussions "to prioritize speed of decision-making and execution of management measures in an increasingly volatile market environment heading into the era of electrification." They also said that they still have plans to collaborate "within the framework of a strategic partnership aimed at the era of intelligence and electrified vehicles."

Volkswagen is working on an entry-level electric vehicle that will sell for a base price of €20,000 ($21,000). The company has already given its own employees a look at its initial design during a meeting in Wolfsburg, Germany, where it announced the new model. Volkswagen plans to unveil the model to the public in early March, though its production version won't be ready until sometime in 2027. 

The automaker has yet to reveal the upcoming model's details or specs, but it will be part of an upcoming lineup of small electric cars that includes the ID.2all. Volkswagen, which first revealed the ID.2all concept in 2023, said its production version is scheduled to reach dealerships in 2026. While the €20,000 model is slated to become Volkswagen's most affordable EV, the ID.2all will be the brand's first small all-electric car. It will have a base price of €25,000 when it becomes available. It's not quite clear if the upcoming entry-level model will be released around the world, though, since Volkswagen's Thomas Schäfer called it an "affordable, high-quality, and profitable electric Volkswagen from Europe for Europe."

Volkswagen has sold more than 1.35 million ID vehicles around the world since it launched the ID product family in 2019. That number includes the 500,000 ID.3 it sold last year. One of the company's latest releases is the long-awaited ID.Buzz, an electric van with a retro aesthetic that currently has a starting price of $59,995 in the US.

Lucid's newly launched Gravity SUV will be able to access Tesla's Supercharger network across the US and Canada starting on January 31. And since the electric vehicle comes with a built-in port that supports the North American Charging Standard (NACS), it doesn't need an adapter to be able to plug into Tesla's Superchargers. The automaker says Gravity became the first non-Tesla model to be sold with a NACS charging port when its first production models were delivered to an initial batch of customers in December 2024. At the moment, only the more expensive $94,900 Grand Touring model is available for purchase, but the company plans to release the $79,900 Touring model sometime in late 2025. 

Emad Dlala, VP of Powertrain at Lucid, said the automaker developed a "new, unique technology" to ensure the Gravity's full compatibility with chargers rated at 500V and 1,000V. To be exact, the Lucid Gravity has a 926V charging architecture, so charging times will differ based on the charging station it's plugged into. Dlala said that the technology the company developed allows the Gravity to "charge seamlessly at up to 400 kW on 1000V charging equipment and at sustained speeds of up to 225 kW on 500V architecture fast chargers, including Tesla V3 Superchargers." 

Lucid pledged to support the North American Charging Standard back in 2023 and vowed to give its customers access to an adapter for its vehicles. The company said that the Lucid Air, its electric sedan that doesn't currently come with built-in NACS ports, will also gain access to Tesla's Supercharger network sometime this second quarter. 

Tesla has officially launched the redesigned Model Y in North America and Europe, a couple of weeks after the vehicle was announced for the Asia Pacific region. The new version isn't replacing the original Model Y, though — at least not yet — and Tesla is selling both of them on its website. At the moment, you can only get the long-range all wheel drive launch series variant for the new Model Y in the US with prices starting at $46,490. The launch series is a limited edition release with exclusive badging on the rear liftgate, puddle light, doorsill plate and other parts of the car. 

While the new Model Y retains the older version's proportions, it has rounder edges, with its smaller headlights and taillights bookending a redesigned lightbar. Inside, it has ambient lighting wrapping around most of the car, ventilated seats and a 15.4-inch touchscreen in the front. The second row seats have power recline and can fold flat. Passengers sitting in the back row will also have access to a Bluetooth-enabled 8-inch rearscreen display with a touch panel. 

The new long-range all wheel drive Model Y has an estimated range of 325 miles, has a top speed of 125 mph and can go from zero to 60 mph in 4.1 seconds. To compare, the old Model Y long-range AWD can reach 311 miles on one charge, has a top speed of 135 mph and can go from zero to 60 mph in 4.8 seconds. Deliveries for the new Model Y begin in March. If you'd still rather get the old version, its prices start at $31,490, though take note that it's getting a $4,000 price hike in Canada. 

Tesla

• Tesla sold 38,965 Cybertrucks in 2024, according to Cox Automotive estimates.
• The Cybertruck's high price and slowing demand contributed to underwhelming sales figures.
• Despite challenges, the Cybertruck was the top-selling electric pickup, surpassing the Ford F-150 Lightning.

I once had a reservation to buy a Tesla Cybertruck. I canceled it last year and ended up buying a Model 3.

It was December and Tesla was offering juicy year-end incentives that won me over. I picked up the car at a Tesla dealership south of Silicon Valley.

Before driving off, I saw about 20 Cybertrucks lined up in the parking lot. I asked a Tesla employee about these vehicles and he said roughly half of them were spoken for. So about 10 were unsold with three weeks left of the year.

Sales numbers

I don't know what happened to those specific Cybertrucks, but overall sales of Elon Musk's angular, divisive electric pickups underwhelmed in 2024.

Cox Automotive recently released EV sales numbers for the US market. This firm estimates that Tesla sold 38,965 Cybertrucks last year.

In late 2023, I collated some Wall Street forecasts for Cybertruck sales and found that Tesla was expected to sell about 48,500 units in 2024. That was the average of estimates from analysts at Goldman Sachs, Morgan Stanley, UBS, Bernstein, and Wedbush.

So, Tesla missed by almost 10,000 units. I asked Cox about this and Stephanie Valdez Streaty, the firm's director of industry insights, got back to me.

"Demand for the Cybertruck showed signs of slowing down towards the end of the year and was lower than many Tesla enthusiasts and boosters might have expected," she said.

Cox also adjusted its third-quarter Cybertruck sales number to be lower than initial estimates.

"The Cybertruck's current price point — more than $100,000 according to Kelley Blue Book estimates — will make it difficult to achieve the volume sales that were promised prior to launch," she added. Similar electric trucks from Ford and Rivian cost quite a bit less.

A little context

The Cybertruck is unique and has some groundbreaking technology. Some people love the design.

It ended up being the fifth best-selling EV in the US last year, according to Cox. It beat the Ford F-150 Lightning, making the Cybertruck the top electric pickup in terms of sales.

The top EV was the Model Y, followed by the Model 3. Together, those vehicles accounted for more than 600,000 sales in 2024.

So, the Cybertruck it has not been a massive flop, but it hasn't been a runaway hit either.

The outlook

More than 1 million people put $100 down to reserve a Cybertruck after it was first announced in late 2019.

It's unclear how many people canceled their reservations, like me.

"The electric pickup truck market is becoming increasingly competitive, with new models from established automakers," Valdez Streaty said. "This heightened competition will continue to challenge the Cybertruck's market share."

"We are likely through many of the early Tesla Cybertruck adopters. Initial demand was driven by enthusiasts and early adopters," she added. "The focus now is on appealing to a broader market to sustain sales momentum."

Tesla has quietly unveiled its facelifted Model Y with new styling that will help it keep up with rivals like Kia and Volvo. Though currently only available in the Asia Pacific region, the refreshed "Juniper" model is likely to appear stateside in the coming months. That was the case with the revised Model 3, which first appeared in Asia in September 2023 and went on sale in the US in January the following year. 

The new Model Y retains the gawky proportions of its predecessor, but looks sleeker thanks to smoothed out front and rear ends. The smaller headlights bookend a slim lightbar across the front, with a similar treatment for the taillights. In the case of the lights, the new design language is more aligned with the Cybertruck than the Model 3. 

Tesla

Many interior treatments on the Model Y are similar to the Model 3, with one notable exception. Like the Model 3, it has new ventilated seats, a rear-seat display and a light strip that wraps around much of the vehicle. However, the new steering wheel lacks the turn signal buttons found on the Model 3 — instead, the Juniper Model Y uses a stalk like its predecessor. Tesla may have done that to keep it competitive with rivals, particularly in China where it's up against juggernaut rival BYD. 

Tesla is offering rear-wheel drive and long-range all-wheel drive versions in Australia, but no performance option for now. It's promising up to 342 miles (551 km) of range by the WLTP cycle on the long-range model, or around 307 miles by US EPA standards. However, US models could have different battery specs and thus different range numbers.

Tesla

The new model arrives in good time for Tesla. In 2024, the company saw its first drop in vehicle deliveries since 2012, even though it improved in its key market, China. The redesigned Model Y will start shipping there in March 2025 and is likely to arrive elsewhere in several months, though the company has yet to nail down a date for US deliveries. 

As Mercedes-Benz prepares to add NACS ports to new models this year, the automaker is opening access to the Tesla Supercharger network for its existing EVs. Starting in February, authorized Mercedes dealers will offer a free software update for US-based EV owners that opens the gates to the network of over 20,000 North American Supercharger stations. In Q1 2025, dealers will sell a $185 adapter for existing models to get in on the fun.

Mercedes-Benz is the latest automaker to adopt NACS now that Tesla’s charging tech has established itself as the standard. Other manufacturers following suit include Ford, Nissan, GM, Honda, Subaru, Volkswagen, Audi, Porsche… you get the drift: It’s basically everyone. To borrow a dated 20th-century metaphor, NACS has essentially become the VHS to CCS’ Betamax.

Canadian Mercedes-Benz owners aren’t left out, but they’ll have to wait a little longer. The automaker says the software update will arrive there “later in 2025.” Meanwhile, the adapter will be available in Canada in Q2.

Mercedes says it will add the Supercharger network to its me Charge service, which enables a streamlined “Plug & Charge” functionality: Plug your EV in, it starts automatically and your payment is processed automatically in the background. (Neat!) Mercedes will also add Superchargers to its “Navigation with Electric Intelligence” system that makes it easy to get turn-by-turn directions to the nearest station. It also lets you filter your search by charging type and view real-time charger availability, status and pricing.

The automaker says it will contact EV owners to schedule the software update. Mercedes dealers will also reach out when the $185 NACS to CCSI DC fast charging adapters are available.

At CES 2017, Faraday Future introduced its futuristic luxury EV, the FF 91. Seven years later, following repeated delays, bankruptcy, lawsuits and other controversies, the company has sold “15 or 16” FF 91s. Now the company is detailing its latest strategy shift, with a plan to sell cheap EVs under its new low-cost “FX” brand. FX CEO Max Ma came to CES, along with two prototype vehicles, to pitch the plan that he described as a “fresh start” for the embattled company.

As you might expect with Faraday, the exact details are somewhat hazy, but it involves sourcing parts from Chinese car-makers and bringing them to the US to produce “mass volume mainstream vehicles” with some of the premium touches Faraday is known for. “We want to take that $300,000-car expertise from a technology and features and performance [standpoint] into a $30,000, $40,000 car to try to upgrade the overall user experience,” Ma said during a briefing with Engadget. The first FX vehicle, the flagship product of the brand’s lineup, will be a minivan (or, as Ma referred to it, “an AI MPV") called the "Super One."

Faraday showed off two prototype minivans to demonstrate the concept. We were not permitted to take photos but the vehicles in the photo at the top of this post are the ones I saw.

One was meant to show the kind of premium in-cabin experience Faraday is envisioning for the low-cost car. It had two rows of white leather captain seats. The second-row seats had reclining footrests, heated seats and built-in massagers. There was also a small fridge underneath the center console for keeping drinks cold. The vehicle was missing its door handles and several other pieces. “Obviously, we’ll have door handles,” a Faraday rep assured us.

The second minivan was even less finished. The entire interior, including the dashboard and instrument cluster, was covered in black fabric held together with binder clips. But a Faraday rep took me and other reporters for a ride in it, driving in small, slow circles around a Las Vegas parking lot. Later, Faraday offered to let me take the minivan for a spin and I — apparently the “first lady” to pilot the vehicle — also drove it in slow circles around the parking lot. I’m not sure what I was supposed to get out of it, though, it felt like driving a minivan.

There are two other vehicles planned for the initial FX lineup, the FX 5 and FX 6, which were previously announced by the company. Faraday is aiming for a $20,000 - $30,000 price for the FX 5 and $30,000 - $50,000 for the FX 6. There aren't many other details yet about either, though Faraday shared a teaser image of an FX 6 prototype, which it described as an "extra-large luxury AIEV."

Faraday Future

Faraday claims it will start producing one of its planned vehicles later this year, with the first "pre-production" model rolling off the production line by the end of 2025, according to a timeline shared by Ma. That’s a lofty promise considering the company’s past history of mismanagement and delays. Faraday Future CEO Matthias Aydt also acknowledged that the company has yet to finalize its partnerships with the companies that will supply its parts. He also didn’t address how tariffs may affect those plans.

Ma said he understood the skepticism. “Basically, this is a kind of fresh start. We really want to demonstrate that through our dedication of hard work, we can achieve what we promised.”