KIA EV6 ADOPTS TESLA CHARGING STANDARDS FOR SUPERCHARGER ACCESS
Kia has unveiled a significant update to its 2025 EV6 crossover, making it compatible with Tesla’s extensive Supercharger network. The new EV6 model includes a factory-installed North American Charging Standard (NACS) port, which matches Tesla’s proprietary charging system. Additionally, Kia has moved the charging port from the right side to the left side of the vehicle to make accessing Tesla Superchargers easier, starting in January.
By positioning the charging port on the left side, Kia complements the layout of the Tesla Superchargers. For Tesla owners, this integration allows their Supercharger stations to support a wider range of EV brands whilst maximizing the parking layouts.
https://evne.ws/3OmIapq
KIA BOOSTS EV6 GT WITH STRONGER POWER AND UPGRADES
Kia is improving its electric performance lineup with the updated EV6 GT. Inspired by the Hyundai Ioniq 5 N, the new EV6 GT offers more power and several improvements, making it attractive to both car enthusiasts and daily drivers.
The new EV6 GT features an upgraded dual-motor, all-wheel-drive system. It generates 601 horsepower (450 kilowatts) under normal settings. In GT drive mode, the power increases to 641 horsepower (478 kW), up from the previous 576 horsepower (430 kW). This boost improves the car’s acceleration, reducing the 0-62 mph (0-100 km/h) time from 3.5 seconds to the Hyundai Ioniq 5 N’s 3.4 seconds.
A key upgrade is the simulated automatic gearbox, a feature shared with the Ioniq 5 N and the larger Kia EV9 GT. This system mimics the feel and sound of a traditional engine, providing a more engaging driving experience. Drivers can choose to use the gearbox in automatic mode, disable it for a pure electric drive, or manually shift gears with paddle shifters behind the steering wheel.
The battery has also been improved. The new EV6 GT comes with an 84kWh battery pack, up from the previous 74kWh. This increase is expected to extend the car’s range beyond the old model’s 263 WLTP miles (423 kilometers) per charge, a crucial factor for electric vehicle users.
Design updates align the EV6 GT with Kia’s other electric models, like the EV3, EV5, and EV9. The exterior has new design elements that match these models, while the interior features a new three-spoke steering wheel for better looks and functionality.
The updated EV6 GT will arrive in the UK early next year. It is expected to cost slightly more than the previous model, which started at £62,675. The higher price reflects the significant upgrades and places the EV6 GT competitively in the growing electric performance market.
https://evne.ws/4fT7hg1
KIA LAUNCHES POWERFUL EV9 GT WITH TESLA CHARGING COMPATIBILITY
At the 2024 Los Angeles Auto Show, Kia unveiled the 2026 EV9 GT, a high-performance version of its three-row electric SUV. Building on the EV6 GT platform, the larger EV9 GT features a dual-motor all-wheel-drive system that delivers 501 horsepower (373 kilowatts). This is an increase of 122 horsepower (91 kilowatts) compared to the existing EV9 GT-Line, enabling the EV9 GT to accelerate from 0 to 60 mph (0 to 97 km/h) in just 4.3 seconds, significantly faster than the GT-Line’s 5.0-second sprint.
The EV9 GT introduces innovative virtual shifting technology, which simulates gear changes without a traditional transmission. This system includes an artificial rev limit that moderates acceleration similarly to gasoline engines and is accompanied by its own audible sounds. These features are akin to those found in the Hyundai Ioniq 5 N, Kia’s parent brand, but the EV9 GT offers a more track-oriented experience.
Performance enhancements extend to Continental performance tires, upgraded braking systems, an electronic limited-slip differential, and adaptive suspension. Drivers can choose from Normal, Eco, Sport, and My Drive modes, each adjusting the vehicle’s damping, steering, and brake responsiveness. Additionally, a dedicated GT mode automatically sets the stiffest damping settings. Despite its sporty upgrades, the EV9 GT remains practical with 7.8 inches (198 millimeters) of ground clearance and a towing capacity of up to 5,000 pounds (2,268 kilograms), aligning with other EV9 models.
A notable advancement is the inclusion of a North American Charging Standard (NACS) port, enabling access to Tesla’s extensive Supercharger network. Kia plans to make the NACS port standard across all EV9 models by mid-year, enhancing the vehicle’s charging convenience and interoperability within the expanding electric vehicle infrastructure.
Deliveries in the United States are expected to begin in the latter half of 2025. However, all EV9 GT models will be manufactured in South Korea, making them ineligible for the $3,750 federal tax credit available to EV9 models produced in Georgia at Kia’s West Point plant or at Hyundai’s new Metaplant. This decision likely responds to recent reports of Kia reducing its commitment to U.S. assembly for the EV9, possibly due to stricter tax credit regulations.
https://evne.ws/3Op0UVe
HYUNDAI CEO COMMITS TO STEADY EV GROWTH STRATEGY
Jose Muñoz, Hyundai’s new CEO, has reassured stakeholders that his leadership will uphold the company’s current strategy without major changes. Speaking at the Los Angeles Auto Show during the launch of the Hyundai Ioniq 9, Muñoz stated there will be “no significant change” in Hyundai’s direction.
Muñoz emphasized Hyundai’s dedication to “great design and technology, and making good decisions for customers,” along with supporting the company’s retailers. This commitment comes as the automotive industry rapidly shifts toward electric vehicles (EVs). By focusing on design and technological excellence, Hyundai aims to maintain its reputation for quality and innovation in a competitive market.
Addressing EV investments and pricing, Muñoz assured that Hyundai “would do our best to remain competitive” for customers while ensuring profitability. This balance is crucial as the EV market becomes crowded with key players like Tesla, Ford, and Volkswagen expanding their electric offerings. Hyundai’s approach seeks to attract budget-conscious consumers without jeopardizing the company’s financial health.
https://evne.ws/3V4lCxB
HONDA BROADENS AFFORDABLE PROLOGUE EV LEASE NATIONWIDE
Honda is making electric vehicles more accessible by extending its ultra-low $229 monthly lease for the Prologue EV to additional states across the United States. Priced around $50,000, the Prologue has quickly become a favorite among American consumers since its deliveries began in March.
In the third quarter, Kelley Blue Book ranked the Honda Prologue as the fifth best-selling electric vehicle (EV) in the country, with 12,644 units sold. This performance places the Prologue ahead of competitors like the Hyundai IONIQ 5, Chevy Equinox EV, Volkswagen ID.4, and Toyota bZ4X. Only the Tesla Model Y, Model 3, Cybertruck, and Ford Mustang Mach-E surpassed its sales during this period. Notably, in October alone, Honda sold over 4,100 Prologues, outpacing the Mach-E’s 3,313 units.
The 2024 Honda Prologue, launched in California last month, offers lease terms starting at just $229 per month for three years with an annual mileage limit of 10,000 miles (16,093 kilometers). This attractive leasing option is now available in at least 17 additional states, including Colorado, Connecticut, Washington D.C., Delaware, Massachusetts, Maryland, Maine, New Jersey, New York, Oregon, Pennsylvania, Rhode Island, Virginia, Vermont, Washington, and West Virginia, according to CarsDirect.
The Honda Prologue EX FWD version can travel up to 296 miles (477 kilometers) on a single charge, while the AWD models offer up to 281 miles (452 kilometers).
https://evne.ws/3COAmdv
AUDI E-TRON GT 2025: POWER BOOSTS AND PREMIUM PRICE TAG
The 2025 Audi e-tron GT has received significant upgrades the hood, focusing on better batteries and more powerful motors that elevate the entire e-tron GT series.
Central to these upgrades is a larger 97.0 kilowatt-hour (kWh) battery, which not only extends the car’s range but also boosts its overall performance. The new models now offer horsepower between 671 and 912. This increase in power comes with a notable price rise: the S trim starts at $126,795, up by $18,800 from previous versions, while the top-tier RS e-tron GT Performance is priced at $168,295.
The S trim now delivers a strong 671 horsepower, an increase from the previous 522 horsepower, and boasts an estimated range of 300 miles (482 kilometers) with 20-inch wheels. Although Audi has not yet released the range for the RS e-tron GT Performance, the power enhancement sets a new standard in the electric performance market. The RS e-tron GT Performance uniquely reaches its peak 912 horsepower through an overboost feature, adding an extra 94 horsepower for up to 10 seconds. This allows the car to accelerate from zero to 62 mph (0 to 100 km/h) in just 2.5 seconds, making it one of the fastest electric cars available.
Beyond the increase in power, Audi has redesigned the rear-mounted motor using elements from its PPE platform. This redesign includes a more efficient cooling system and lighter parts, reducing the motor’s weight by about 22 pounds (10 kilograms). The battery has also been lightened by a similar amount and its capacity expanded, thanks to an improved two-layer cooling plate. These changes enhance both performance and efficiency across all three powertrain options.
Charging capabilities have also been significantly improved. The new battery supports a peak DC fast-charging rate of 320 kilowatts, up from the previous 270 kilowatts. This means the battery can charge from 10 to 80 percent in just 18 minutes, adding approximately 174 miles (280 kilometers) of range in that time. For those using Level 2 connections, an optional 22.0-kilowatt onboard charger is available, increasing the vehicle’s versatility for different charging needs.
https://evne.ws/3Op0RZy
NISSAN ARIYA DRIVERS NOW CAN USE TESLA SUPERCHARGERS
Tesla has announced that drivers of the Nissan Ariya electric vehicle (EV) can now use its extensive Supercharger network across the United States and Canada.
According to Tesla’s website, Nissan is now a supported EV maker for using Tesla’s Superchargers with NACS (North American Charging Standard) adapters in North America.
However, Nissan has not yet officially confirmed whether it will provide these NACS adapters to Ariya owners. This leaves customers unsure if they will need to buy adapters themselves or if Nissan plans to include them with the car. In the past, automakers have handled adapter
https://evne.ws/4eBxLB2
EVGO AND MEIJER TO INSTALL 480 MIDWEST EV CHARGERS
EVgo is expanding its partnership with Meijer, a major Midwest grocery chain. This collaboration aims to boost public EV charging infrastructure across Meijer’s presence in six states: Michigan, Illinois, Wisconsin, Indiana, Ohio, and Kentucky.
The plan includes installing up to 480 new DC fast charging stations at Meijer locations. Currently, over 35% of Meijer stores offer EV charging options, demonstrating the retailer’s dedication to supporting the rising number of EV owners. So far, EVgo has set up 24 fast chargers at six Meijer stores in Michigan and Ohio. Building on this, the initiative plans to add up to 30 more chargers by the end of 2026 and another 30 by the end of 2027.
https://evne.ws/40ZBWUi
TESLA BOOSTS MODEL 3 LONG RANGE PERFORMANCE WITH NEW UPGRADE
Tesla is enhancing its 2024 Model 3 Long Range by introducing the Acceleration Boost option. This upgrade, initially available in Australia and China, will soon be accessible in Europe, Canada, and the United States as Tesla updates its global store.
Priced at 3,000 Australian dollars (about 2,000 US dollars), the Acceleration Boost significantly improves the Model 3 Long Range’s speed. It reduces the time from 0 to 100 kilometers per hour (0 to 60 miles per hour) from 4.4 seconds to 3.8 seconds. While this makes the Long Range faster, it still doesn’t match the Performance variant, which accelerates from 0 to 100 km/h in 2.9 seconds.
The Performance variant offers more than just faster acceleration. It includes features like a unique front vent for better cooling, high-performance drive units, sport seats, adaptive suspension, 20-inch wheels, and Track Mode V3. These additions make the Performance model about $10,000 US dollars more expensive than the Long Range version. This pricing difference highlights Tesla’s approach to offering distinct choices based on performance and additional features.
https://evne.ws/40ZC4mK
GOVERNMENT INCENTIVES DRIVE EUROPE’S ELECTRIC VEHICLE SURGE
Europe’s market for battery electric vehicles (BEVs) faces significant challenges, including high prices, increasing interest rates, and uncertainties around battery technology. These factors have made traditional internal combustion engine (ICE) vehicles more appealing to consumers. The situation is particularly complex in Europe, where both buyers and car manufacturers navigate a difficult landscape that has slowed the widespread adoption of BEVs.
Pricing remains a key barrier to BEV adoption. Government incentives are crucial in making electric vehicles more competitive compared to ICE cars. When comparing European countries with strong EV incentive programs to those without, the impact of policy on market performance becomes clear.
Norway is a global leader in BEV adoption. In October 2024, an impressive 94% of new passenger cars registered were electric. This success is largely due to Norway’s favorable tax policies, which exempt BEVs priced below NOK500,000 (about €44,000 or $47,000) from the 25% value-added tax (VAT) on car sales. Additionally, significant investments in EV charging infrastructure and the ability for EVs to use special lanes have further encouraged consumers to choose electric over traditional vehicles.
Denmark has also made great progress by investing heavily in EV incentives and infrastructure. In 2024, the Danish government kept electric vehicles tax-free, a policy set to continue through 2025. This strategy has led to BEVs capturing 62% of the market by October. The introduction of zero-emission zones in various cities is expected to boost sales even more, as consumers aim to comply with these eco-friendly regulations.
Belgium, particularly the Flanders region, has seen a rise in BEV registrations. In the first half of 2024, 78% of the 64,404 new battery electric cars registered in Flanders were electric. This growth is due to numerous leasing companies and regional bonuses for those who register a fully electric car priced up to €40,000 (about $43,000). BEV registrations by Flemish residents increased by 157% compared to the first half of 2023, highlighting the effectiveness of these local incentives.
Monthly data on BEV market share in Denmark and Belgium shows the positive impact of incentives:
*Denmark:*
– January: 35.5%
– February: 44.3%
– March: 41.4%
– April: 42.2%
– May: 49.6%
– June: 50.8%
– July: 51.2%
– August: 53.4%
*Belgium:*
– January: 22.2%
– February: 22.2%
– March: 26.3%
– April: 23.6%
– May: 26.5%
– June: 27.1%
– July: 30.1%
– August: 33.9%
Looking ahead, GlobalData reports that major car manufacturers plan to introduce new models to meet 2025 targets, including several affordable options in the A to C segments. Seven models priced below €25,000 (about $27,000) are expected in 2025, crucial for carmakers’ strategies to comply with CO₂ regulations. These budget-friendly BEVs, mainly from Renault and Stellantis, are expected to take a larger share of total BEV sales.
Demand for these affordable models is high. A European Commission survey through the European Alternative Fuels Observatory (EAFO) found that 57% of respondents are interested in buying an electric car, with cost being the main barrier. As manufacturers release cheaper BEV models in 2025, sales are expected to improve across Europe, benefiting markets like Sweden and Germany that have faced challenges.
https://evne.ws/3YSV6Is
NORTHVOLT’S QUEBEC BATTERY PLANT REMAINS STEADY AMID US BANKRUPTCY
Northvolt AB’s recent Chapter 11 bankruptcy filing in the United States has caused concern within the electric vehicle (EV) industry. Despite this financial hurdle, the company assures that its ambitious $7 billion battery plant in Quebec, located about 24 kilometers east of Montreal, stays on schedule.
The Swedish manufacturer, along with its subsidiaries, sought court oversight to reorganize its debts and manage its assets. However, Northvolt has clarified that its Canadian subsidiary operates independently, ensuring that the Quebec plant, known as Northvolt Six, will continue without interruption..
Northvolt Six is set to become a key player in the EV supply chain by producing battery cells and cathode materials essential for lithium-ion batteries used in electric cars. The project benefits from substantial government support, with Quebec and the federal government committing a total of $2.4 billion.
https://evne.ws/4fEnTaT
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