Good morning, good afternoon, and good evening wherever you are in the world, welcome to EV News Daily, your trusted source of EV information. It’s Sunday 23 February, I’m Martyn Lee and I go through every EV story so you don’t have to.
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NEW HYUNDAI IONIQ 5 XRT COMPETES WITH SUBARU CROSSTREK
The Hyundai IONIQ 5 XRT is a new rival to the Subaru Crosstrek, offering rugged styling with black plastic accents and increased ground clearance. It starts at $55,400, excluding destination fees.
The XRT retains key features from other IONIQ 5 models, including an 84 kWh battery and dual-motor all-wheel drive (AWD) producing 320 horsepower. It charges from 10% to 80% in just 18 minutes on a 350 kW charger and has an EPA-estimated range of 259 miles—over 30 miles less than the IONIQ 5 SEL and about 10 miles less than the AWD Limited model.
Ground clearance is increased by 0.9 inches (23 mm) to a total of seven inches, improving approach angles to 19.8° (up from 17.5°) and departure angles to 30° (up from 25.4°). The XRT also features new front and rear bumpers with black cladding, two bright red front tow hooks, and Continental CrossContact ATR all-terrain tires sized at 235/60R-18.
For off-road versatility, it includes Snow, Mud, and Sand drive modes accessible via a “TERRAIN MODE” button on the steering wheel. However, it’s not a true off-roader—it lacks a rear tow hook beyond the standard one, and spare tires must be carried externally since none are included.
Like other non-N IONIQ 5 models, the XRT is built in the U.S. and comes equipped with a North American Charging Standard (J3400) plug for Tesla Supercharger compatibility.
https://evne.ws/4hNZCR3
NEW TESLA MODEL Y TRIMS NOW AVAILABLE IN EUROPE
The updated Tesla Model Y is now on sale in the UK, starting at £44,990.
The base Rear-Wheel Drive model has a single 275-horsepower motor, and accelerates from 0 to 60 mph in 5.6 seconds. Its WLTP range on 19-inch wheels has increased from 282 miles (455 km) to 311 miles (500 km). For £48,990, the Long Range Rear-Wheel Drive version offers a 387-mile range and a 304-horsepower motor, reaching 60 mph in 5.4 seconds. The fastest option is the Long Range All-Wheel Drive model, which adds a front motor for a total of 370 horsepower and cuts the 0-60 mph time to 4.8 seconds.
Deliveries begin in June, following the earlier release of the £60,990 Launch Series model.
In Europe, the specs are almost identical to the UK ones above, but pricing will vary. The entry-level rear-wheel-drive Model Y, equipped with a 62.5 kWh LFP battery, starts at €44,990. It has a single motor delivering 275 horsepower, accelerates to 62 mph (100 km/h) in 5.9 seconds, and reaches a top speed of 124 mph (201 km/h).
The long-range single-motor Model Y comes with a 78.4 kWh NMC battery and 304 horsepower. Its WLTP range has improved from 372 miles (600 km) to 386 miles (622 km), regardless of whether you choose the standard 19-inch wheels or the optional Helix 2.0 20-inch wheels, which cost an extra €2,200. The base price is €49,990.
The top-tier long-range dual-motor Model Y costs €52,990 and uses the same battery but adds 66 horsepower, cutting its 0-62 mph time from 5.6 seconds to 4.8 seconds. This model has a slightly reduced range of 364 miles (586 km), 23 miles less than the Long Range Rear-Wheel Drive version, which drops further to 353 miles (568 km) with the larger wheels.
Both long-range versions support a maximum charging power of 250 kW, while the smaller LFP battery charges at up to 175 kW. Charging speeds remain unchanged, but updated charging times are not yet confirmed pending further testing.
https://evne.ws/3F0Qwl8
RIVIAN LAUNCHES CALIFORNIA DUNE EDITION VEHICLES
Rivian has launched its first themed special editions: the 2025 R1S and R1T California Dune Edition. These models, inspired by desert aesthetics, feature design upgrades aimed at attracting new customers.
Based on the R1S and R1T Tri-Motor models, the California Dune Edition combines existing Rivian accessories with unique trim features. All versions come in a new neutral grayish-tan paint color called California Dune, along with black exterior accents and Maxtrax recovery boards with mounting bars.
Customers can opt for exclusive rally-inspired wheels, available in black or matching tan, designed to prevent sand buildup with their large surface area.
The R1T version includes an improved power tonneau cover for easier use, quieter operation, and simpler maintenance. The All-Terrain package adds full-length skid plates, all-terrain tires, a spare tire, and an onboard air compressor. While the drivetrain remains unchanged, Rivian’s driving modes—All-Terrain, Rock Crawl, Rally, Drift, and Soft Sand—enhance performance in tough conditions.
https://evne.ws/3QvBE0J
POLESTAR 3 NOW SUPPORTS APPLE WALLET FOR CAR KEYS
Polestar 3 owners can now store their car keys in Apple Wallet, thanks to a recent over-the-air (OTA) update. This lets users lock, unlock, and start the car using their iPhone or Apple Watch without taking the device out of their pocket.
Car keys can be shared with up to five people via platforms like Messages, Mail, AirDrop, and WhatsApp. Owners can control whether these users can access or drive the vehicle. The Power Reserve feature ensures the car key works in Apple Wallet even when the iPhone battery is low.
Support for this feature on the Polestar 4 is coming soon.
Since the first Polestar 3 delivery in June 2024, nine software updates have been released for the SUV. Across its lineup, Polestar has issued over 30 OTA updates since launching the Polestar 2 in 2020.
For the 2026 model year, the Polestar 3 will upgrade from its NVIDIA DRIVE AGX Xavier processor to the more powerful NVIDIA DRIVE AGX Orin. This upgrade will also be provided free to current Polestar 3 owners, reflecting the brand’s focus on enhancing user experience and value.
https://evne.ws/3QtDbVh
€45 MILLION BOOST FOR ELECTRIC VEHICLE CHARGING IN EUROPE
E.ON, Eldrive, and ZSE have secured €45 million in EU funding to expand EV charging across Europe through the DRIVE-E project. By 2027, they plan to install 1,400 charging stations in 13 countries, including 430 points for heavy-duty electric trucks.
The stations will be located along major transport routes to support the shift to electric vehicles for both passenger and freight use. Over 250 sites in countries such as Germany, Austria, Denmark, and Italy will feature truck-only and combined truck-and-car charging options.
E.ON operates over 6,000 public charging points across 11 countries and is growing its ultra-rapid charging network in the UK, focusing on Scotland. Plans include six new hubs with 42 ultra-rapid chargers near key locations.
https://evne.ws/3D3JT0W
KIA UNVEILS ITS NEW ELECTRIC VAN, THE PV5
Kia has unveiled its new electric van, the PV5, a key part of its plan to grow its electric vehicle lineup and compete with brands like Ford and Stellantis in the zero-emissions transport market.
The PV5 features a spacious interior for passengers and cargo, with large windows and a low beltline for better visibility. Kia revealed images of the production model in a February 20 announcement.
The van comes in two main versions: passenger and commercial. The commercial model has a boxier shape and side-swinging tailgates for practicality, while the passenger version includes a cutaway D-pillar for an open feel and a lift-up hatch.
Kia’s strategy starts with three PV5 variants designed for ride-hailing, delivery, and other commercial uses. Future models will include Basic, Van, High Roof, and Chassis Cab configurations.
https://evne.ws/3Qwjtbb
RENAULT 5 E-TECH ELECTRIC ARRIVES IN THE UK
The Renault 5 E-Tech electric car has officially arrived in the UK, with over 200 units recently delivered to Portbury Docks, near Bristol. These vehicles come from Renault’s Douai production line, which focuses on electric vehicle manufacturing. Most of the cars are painted in bright colors like Pop Yellow and Pop Green.
Starting at just £22,995 On The Road, the Renault 5 has already gained significant recognition. It was awarded Car of the Year 2025 by the European Car of the Year jury and has won 15 awards from UK media outlets, including What Car? Car of the Year and Top Gear Car of the Year.
Customers can choose from three trim levels: evolution, techno, and iconic five. Depending on the chosen specifications, buyers can select either a 40 kWh or a 52 kWh battery for their vehicle.
https://evne.ws/4gPwJCt
VOLVO’S UPCOMING ES90 SEDAN PROMISES ADVANCED TECHNOLOGY
The Volvo ES90 sedan, first teased last fall, will be fully unveiled on March 5. Ahead of this, Volvo has revealed key details about its upgraded technology.
The ES90 will feature Nvidia’s Drive AGX Orin computing platform, capable of processing 508 trillion operations per second (TOPS), making it the most powerful system in any Volvo to date. This computing power supports AI features, advanced safety systems, onboard sensors, and improved battery management.
The ES90 will also enhance Volvo’s Superset tech stack, introduced with the EX90. It shares the SPA2 platform with the EX90 and Polestar 3 but will not adopt the SPA3 architecture, which debuts in 2026 for the electric XC60.
https://evne.ws/3CQ9vys
BYD SET TO LAUNCH AFFORDABLE SEAL 08 EV IN AUSTRALIA
BYD is set to launch a new electric vehicle (EV), the Seal 08, in Australia. This model is a more affordable version of the BYD Seal sedan, as noted in regulatory filings from China’s Ministry of Industry and Information Technology (MIIT), according to CNC.
The Seal 08 will start at approximately AUD 32,300 in China, significantly cheaper than the current Seal, which starts at just over AUD 38,500. It will be slightly smaller, measuring 4,720 mm in length. The original Seal has been successful in Australia, with over 6,000 units sold in 2024.
The Seal 08 will offer two motor options: 110 kW or 160 kW, less powerful than the current Seal’s entry-level 230 kW rear-wheel drive version. It will be equipped with BYD’s lithium-iron-phosphate (LFP) blade batteries, available in 46.1 kWh and 56.6 kWh capacities.
The Seal 08 is expected to debut soon, likely at the Shanghai Auto Show in April.
https://evne.ws/438gTzC
ELECTRIC VEHICLE INDUSTRY PUSHES FOR CLARITY AND SUPPORT
Electric Vehicles UK (EVUK) recently responded to the Government’s consultation on the Zero Emission Vehicle (ZEV) mandate, which supports the 2030 ban on petrol and diesel cars.
The ZEV mandate sets targets for zero-emission vehicle sales: 28% by the end of 2025, 52% by 2028, and 80% by 2030.
To encourage more drivers to switch to electric cars and help achieve net-zero goals, EVUK proposed several measures, urging the Government to prioritize practical actions over heavy taxpayer spending.
Key recommendations include simplifying industry terms like PHEV, HEV, and MHEV to avoid consumer confusion. EVUK also advised promoting used electric vehicles, educating drivers on battery health, launching an independent public information campaign, and expanding workplace and destination charging infrastructure to build confidence in electric vehicles.
https://evne.ws/41dx5wT
NEW STANDARD FOR BIDIRECTIONAL EV CHARGING
NEMA has introduced a new standard for electric vehicle supply equipment (EVSE) that enables bidirectional charging, allowing electricity to flow both to EVs and back to the grid.
The standard covers key technical aspects like electrical systems, communication, and cybersecurity. It supports technologies such as vehicle-to-grid (V2G) and vehicle-to-building/home (V2B, V2H), enabling EVs to act as mobile energy storage. This allows EVs to power homes, buildings, or return energy to the grid. It also offers EV owners the potential to earn money by storing energy during low demand and selling it back during peak times.
https://evne.ws/4hM2Rs0
NIKOLA CORP. FILES FOR BANKRUPTCY AMID SCANDAL
Nikola Corp., an Arizona-based hydrogen truck maker, has filed for Chapter 11 bankruptcy, a sharp decline for a company once seen as a rival to Tesla. Its downfall stemmed from scandals, high cash burn, and weak demand.
In 2020, Nikola went public, and its stock surged, giving it a $29 billion market value—higher than Ford—despite having no vehicles in production. General Motors sought an 11% stake in Nikola through a deal to share fuel cell technology and help build Nikola’s electric pickup, the Badger. Nikola admitted it couldn’t produce the Badger without GM, but the deal collapsed later that year, raising doubts about the company’s future.
The situation worsened when founder and CEO Trevor Milton faced federal fraud charges for exaggerating a key truck model’s capabilities. He was indicted, convicted, and sentenced to four years in prison following a Bloomberg investigation.
https://evne.ws/4gWyXQK
CATL AND VOLKSWAGEN STRENGTHEN BATTERY PARTNERSHIP
Chinese battery leader Contemporary Amperex Technology (CATL) has signed a memorandum of understanding with Volkswagen to enhance their collaboration on battery technology and electric vehicle (EV) components.
As the largest EV battery supplier globally, CATL powers over a third of all electric vehicles worldwide, including models from Tesla. This strengthened partnership comes as Volkswagen encounters increasing competition from top EV makers. To respond effectively, Volkswagen is speeding up its EV strategy and aims to launch its most affordable electric vehicle by 2027.
https://evne.ws/3Qwjz2x
U.S. TARIFF THREATS ON CAR IMPORTS SPARK CONCERNS IN GERMANY
Germany’s car industry expressed serious concerns on February 19 about the United States’ threats to impose tariffs of around 25 percent on car imports. The German car lobby group described these threats as a “provocation” and urged the European Union to negotiate with its largest export market, the U.S.
There is a significant risk of a global trade conflict that could harm the world economy. If the proposed tariffs are enacted, they would have a severe impact on Germany’s automotive sector, raising costs for consumers and potentially leading to job losses in American auto manufacturing.
Around 13 percent of German car exports go to the United States, making it their top export destination.
Germany’s automotive industry employs around 138,000 workers in the U.S. Last year, about 8 million passenger cars and light trucks were imported into the U.S., which represented nearly half of all vehicle sales in the country.
https://evne.ws/3Qz1jFX
USED ELECTRIC CARS SELLING FASTER THAN EVER
Used EVs are selling faster than before. In February, second-hand EVs sold in an average of 29 days—eight days quicker than in January. EVs are now selling faster than petrol cars, which took 30 days on average.
The Jaguar I-PACE was the fastest-selling used EV, taking just 14 days to sell—less than half the overall market average of 29 days. In contrast, the BMW i5 (1 to 3 years old) was the slowest, sitting unsold for 152 days.
Despite slower-selling models like the BMW i5, used EVs are gaining popularity. The overall used car market is also improving, with sales happening ten days faster than in January.
https://evne.ws/41bFtNJ
PREMIUM PARTNERS
PORSCHE OF THE VILLAGE CINCINNATI
AUDI CINCINNATI EAST
VOLVO CARS CINCINNATI EAST
NATIONAL CAR CHARGING ON THE US MAINLAND AND ALOHA CHARGE IN HAWAII
OCTOPUS ELECTROVERSE GLOBAL PUBLIC CHARGING MADE SIMPLE WITH ONE APP AND ONE MAP
PARTNERS
RICHARD AT RSEV.CO.UK
JUKKA KUKKONEN FROM WWW.SHIFT2ELECTRIC.COM
RAJEEV NARAYAN
BATTERY REPORTS FOR EVS AT RECURRENTAUTO.COM
JAN TORE GJØBY
BOB BOOTHBY
EXECUTIVE PRODUCERS
ADRIAN BOND
ALAN SHEDD
ALEX BANAHENE
ANDERS HOVE
ANDREA JEFFERSON
ANDREW LUOMA
ANDREW WANEK
ANDY NANCARROW AND LILIAN KASS
ASEER KHALID
BÅRD FJUKSTAD
BILL CALHOUN
BLAINE MCKINNEY
BLUNDERBUSS JONES
BRANDON DIEDERICH
BRENDAN MCCARTHY AT NORTHFORK IRONWORKS
BRIAN OLEARY
BRIAN THOMPSON
BRUCE BOHANNAN
CHAD LANE
CHARLES HALL
CHRISTOPHER BARTH
C.J. BACKUS
COLIN HENNESSY AND CAMBSEV
CRAIG ROGERS
DAVE QUADY
DAVID DYSART
DAVID FINCH
DAVID LARDER
DAVID MOORE
DAVID PARTINGTON
DAVID PRESCOTT
DC EV
ED CORTEEN
ED SUTTON
EDDIE RAGASA
ERIC HANSEN
ERU KYEYUNE-NYOMBI
FREDRIK ROVIK
GARY A HAMMOND
GARY KNIBB
GENE RUBIN
GEORGE TORTAROLO
HEINRICH LIESNER
HELMUT SELKER
IAN
IAN ‘STILL WATERS UK’ BENJAMIN
IAN GRIFFITHS
IAN SEAR
JACK OAKLEY
JAMES PENFOLD
JAMES STORR
JAMIE HIGGS
JIM MORAN
JIM MORRIS
JOHN BERTRAM
JOHN SCHROEDER
JOHN VAN DEVOORT
JON AKA BEARDY MCBEARDFACE FROM KENT EVS
JON MANCHAK
JUAN GONZALEZ
KESTER SANDBACH
KEVIN MEYERSON
LAURENCE D ALLEN
LEE BROWN
LUKE CULLEY
MARCEL WARD
MARK RICHARDS
MATTHEW LONG
NATHAN GORE-BROWN
NATHAN KING
NATHANIEL FREEDMAN
NEIL E ROBERTS FROM SUSSEX EVS
OHAD ASTON
PAUL COLLINS
PAUL STEPHENSON
PETE GLASS
PETE GORTON
PETER & DEE ROBERTS
PETER RYNER
PHIL MILES
PHIL MOUCHET
PHILIP FORRESTER
PHILIP TRAUTMAN
RAYMOND ROWLEDGE
REALTORS CHOICE PHOTOGRAPHY
ROB FROM THE RSTHINKS EV CHANNEL ON YOUTUBE
ROBERT GRACE
RON HUNTER
ROOSEVELT WATSON
SEIKI PAYNE
STEPHEN PENN
STEVE JOHN
STEVEN BURTNESS
THE PLUGSEEKER’S EV YOUTUBE CHANNEL
THOMAS J. THIAS
TIMOTHY PHILLIPS
TOMER SHAHAF
TYLER VOSS