Saudi energy firm Aramco and mining and metals company Ma’aden have signed an agreement to form a joint venture in Saudi Arabia to potentially start lithium production by 2027.
The proposed JV aims to extract lithium from high-concentration deposits and advance direct lithium extraction (DLE) technologies to help meet growing demand domestically and globally. Lithium demand in Saudi Arabia alone is expected to grow twenty-fold between 2024 and 2030, supporting an estimated 500,000 EV batteries and 110 GW of renewables, Aramco stated.
As part of its operations, Aramco has identified several areas with a high lithium concentration of up to 400 parts per million.
Nasir K. Al-Naimi, Upstream President
“The proposed JV will enable extraction of energy transition minerals,” said Nasir K. Al-Naimi, Aramco Upstream President. “We expect that this partnership will leverage the world’s leading upstream enterprise to apply significant low-cost advantages, industry experience, technological innovation, accumulated subsurface knowledge and an integrated supply chain ecosystem, with a view to meeting the Kingdom and potentially the world’s projected lithium demand.”
On Thursday, Faraday Future provided a status update on its FX sub-brand, which was announced in September 2024 and further detailed at CES 2025 in January.
The company once again reaffirmed plans for an affordable EV called the FX 5 that will cost between $20,000 and $30,000 and a larger model called the FX 6 priced between $30,000 and $50,000.
Faraday Future FX 6 prototype
On Thursday, Faraday Future released images of two FX 6 prototypes that are said to be on their way to U.S. customs as part of a journey to the company’s headquarters in Los Angeles.
As first outlined in an investor presentation, the pair will be offered with fully electric and gasoline extended-range powertrains, Faraday says. The company has also said it’s taking an asset-light approach to the FX sub-brand—similar to the now-defunct Fisker.
Faraday Future FX Super One prototype
At CES, Faraday also confirmed plans for a third FX model, a minivan called the Super One. The automaker said this model is intended to “cater to both leaders and visionary groups, represented by celebrities, stars, and high-profile business professionals.” That’s a somewhat different demographic than the mass-market FX 5 and FX 6, then, but overlapping with Faraday’s only current product—the $309,000 FF 91 electric SUV.
Faraday Future FX 6 prototype
Faraday has shown camouflaged prototypes of the FX 6 and Super One in press materials. The FX 6 appears to be a crossover, while the Super One has a typical minivan profile. Should the Super One reach production, it could serve as a more upscale alternative to the Volkswagen ID.Buzz, which we recently named Green Car Reports Best Car To Buy 2025.
Faraday said it is currently conducting testing for U.S. regulator homologation, and it aims to stage a full reveal of the Super One in the second quarter of this year. It also hopes to start pre-production of at least one new model by the end of the year, pending acquisition of necessary funding. The company says it’s secured $60 million in new commitments since September 2024, but that’s still just a drop in the bucket when it comes to launching a new vehicle.
Scaling up production to mass-market levels could also prove challenging for Faraday, which has struggled to get even its low-volume flagship FF 91 to customers and appears to have delivered less than 20 vehicles over its nearly 11-year existence. The FF 91 was first shown in production-bound prototype form at CES 2017, but the first customer example wasn’t delivered until August 2023. Lower-cost FF71 and FF81 models were later in the product pipeline but never arrived.
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Author news@greencarreports.com (Stephen Edelstein)
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The electric vehicle (EV) conversation typically revolves around passenger cars, but the need for electrification goes much further. Manufacturers are responsible for a considerable amount of greenhouse gas emissions, and the trucks their supply chains rely on are a bigger factor. A truly sustainable future is only possible if long-haul trucks can switch to electric powertrains.
Unfortunately, heavy-duty vehicles face unique challenges when it comes to electrification. At the same time, a green transport transition would benefit the manufacturing sector in several ways. It’s important to recognize both sides of the issue to create a roadmap for the future of sustainable freight.
Benefits of EVs in Manufacturing Transportation
Trucks contribute disproportionately
The most obvious advantage of fleet electrification is it would greatly improve overall emissions. Medium- and heavy-duty trucks account for 23% of all transportation emissions, making them the second largest contributor, behind light-duty trucks like pickups and SUVs.
These larger vehicles’ relative portion of the emissions pie may rise in the future, too. As more consumers switch to EVs and logistics activity increases in response to higher demand, large trucks’ portion of the whole will grow.
Manufacturers also would experience long-term economic benefits from sustainable freight. While electrification entails high upfront costs, it reduces fuel expenditures, which account for a significant amount of fleets’ ongoing expenses. Electricity is not free, but it’s generally less volatile than diesel prices and opens the door to on-site generation.
Similarly, EVs require less maintenance than combustion engines. Consequently, manufacturers could save costs and improve vehicle uptime by switching to electric alternatives for their fleet.
There are health factors to consider, too. Air pollution contributes to more than 7 million premature deaths worldwide annually, and vehicles are a major cause of low air quality. An industry-wide shift to EVs would improve the cleanliness of the air in some regions, letting manufacturers take part in global health progress.
Recent Advances in EV Trucks
Long-haul EV trucks have yet to catch up to consumer-grade electric cars. However, several companies have made significant strides in the development of these solutions Soithin the past few years.
Some freight carriers are shifting to EVs
Volvo recently unveiled an electric truck that can travel 600 kilometers (372 miles) before recharging, with plans to sell it in the second half of 2025. While that is still far below what most diesel alternatives can achieve before refueling, it’s an impressive benchmark for EVs. It’s also more than enough to handle last-mile deliveries, middle-mile freight and other short routes, giving manufacturers a starting point for electrification.
Some freight carriers have already begun the shift to EVs. German logistics provider DHL deployed a fleet of electric trucks in 2024. The Mercedes-Benz-manufactured vehicles have a 220-kilometer range (136 miles) and a maximum weight of 19 metric tons (40,000 pounds). Like the Volvo solution, they’re not ideal for the longest deliveries, but are sufficient for last-mile shipping.
Tesla, Volkswagen, Freightliner and others are all working on long-haul EVs, too. As more of these companies come out with electric models, the increasingly diverse market will give manufacturers a wider array of options. Adoption will become more accessible as that happens.
Remaining Obstacles to Long-Haul EV Trucks
Despite these positive trends, there are still some significant roadblocks to sustainable freight. Initial vehicle costs and limited ranges are among the most prominent.
Semi-trucks often travel several hundred miles per day. Even if this means an EV must only recharge once daily, long charging times can significantly delay delivery. For EVs to become practical in most situations, ranges must increase or recharge times decrease.
EVs are also expensive, especially on such a large scale. While government incentive programs can help, recent administration trends may make these EV-promoting breaks less common or impactful. There’s still a long-term economic argument for EV’s lower operating costs, but the initial investment remains a substantial barrier.
A widespread lack of charging infrastructure presents another challenge. There are over 192,000 public charging ports across the U.S., but most are in or near large metropolitan areas and designed for light-duty vehicles. Fast chargers are even less common. While this affects consumer adoption, too, it’s a more prevalent issue for long-haul trucks, which must frequently travel through less populated regions.
How Can Sustainable Freight Move Forward?
The current barriers facing sustainable freight are imposing, but progress is possible. Pushing for government efforts to increase charging infrastructure or offer electrification incentives may be difficult in today’s climate, but technological and strategic improvements are achievable.
Adding solar panels to long-haul electric trucks could resolve some range anxiety. Current consumer models can add another 6.4 miles by incorporating rooftop solar. Applying similar systems to truck trailers — which offer more surface area for greater charging capacity — could boost ranges as battery technology advances.
Hydrogen is another zero-emission option for trucks
Looking beyond battery-electric options may be necessary. Hydrogen fuel cells are a promising alternative, as they’re even more efficient than combustion engines. A lack of hydrogen fueling infrastructure and high truck purchase costs stand in the way, but funding research and development in this area could make long-haul zero-emissions routes more attainable.
Industry-wide, dramatic changes will require additional technological advancement. Manufacturers could begin by electrifying last-mile deliveries in the meantime to reduce their emissions before technology can enable longer-travelling EVs. This slower approach may ease the cost burden, too.
EV Manufacturing Trucks Are a Lofty but Important Goal
The future of sustainable freight is uncertain, but greener manufacturing supply chains are certainly possible. It will take investment and widespread collaboration, but effort from enough parties could make zero-emissions long-haul trucks a reality. The transition will not be easy, but it’s vital for the climate, public health and organizational strength.
The post Sustainable Freight: The Future of Long-Haul EV Trucks first appeared on Clean Fleet Report.
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Author Jane Marsh
#Sustainable #Freight #Future #LongHaul #Trucks
Japan reportedly plans to try to convince Tesla to invest in Nissan after the merger with Honda fell through.
Do you think it makes sense?
Shortly after being announced, Nissan and Honda’s planned merger quickly fell apart earlier this month.
The problem appears to be that Nissan expected a merger while Honda was looking for a takeover of its fellow Japanese automaker.
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Now, it looks like Nissan has exhausted its potential lifelines in Japan and it is starting to explore potential partners outside of the country.
The Financial Times has revealed that a group has been put together to approach Tesla for a potential investment in Nissan:
A high-level Japanese group that includes a former prime minister has drawn up plans for Elon Musk’s Tesla to invest in the struggling carmaker Nissan, following the collapse of its merger talks with rival Honda.
The group includes Hiro Mizuno, a former Tesla board member, and ex-premier Yoshihide Suga.
FT’s report claims that the group believes Tesla is interested in buying Nissan’s factories in the US:
The group is hopeful Tesla will become a strategic investor since they believe the world’s largest pure electric-vehicle maker is keen to acquire Nissan’s plants in the US, according to the people. The factories would help it boost domestic manufacturing in response to Donald Trump’s tariff threats.
Tesla has greatly slowed down its plans for new car factories over the last few years as sales have gone down and its current factories are not operating at full capacity.
Electrek’s Take
At this time, it’s unclear if this report should be taken seriously. Japan seems to be panicking a bit because it doesn’t want Nissan to fall into the ends of China as Foxconn has shown interest in taking a stake.
Tesla doesn’t need Nissan’s factories and it has made clear that it prefers to build its own than take over existing factory since its takeover of Fremon factory from Toyota and GM, and that was back in 2010.
I am sure Tesla will hear them out since Mizuno is involved, but I doubt this will go much further than that.
What do you think? Let us know in the comment section below.
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Unger pointed out that consumers don’t change home heating appliances as frequently as cars, a nod to the recent growth of electric vehicle sales. Contractors are also apt to move cautiously because they want to be sure that a technology will work for their business model before committing to it.
A medley of factors are causing heat pump sales to grow, according to experts Canary Media spoke to. Firstly, consumers and contractors are gaining more familiarity with the tech and having better experiences, Unger said.
Advances in heat pump technology have made it well-suited to some of the coldest climes in the U.S. Just look to Maine; heat pumps proved so popular there that the wintry state blew past its 2025 installation goal two years ahead of schedule. Certain heat pump models can work well below –22 degrees Fahrenheit. And the tech’s performance keeps getting better.
Plus, many states and local jurisdictions are pushing hard for heat pumps.
In 2023, 25 governors signed on to install 20 million of the clean heating machines by 2030. Last year, nine states — California, Colorado, Maine, Maryland, Massachusetts, New Jersey, New York, Oregon, and Rhode Island — raised the stakes by pledging that heat pumps will make up at least 65% of residential heating and cooling equipment sales by the end of the decade. California’s new energy code also encourages builders to install heat pumps instead of gas heating. And the San Francisco Bay Area will make heat pumps the de facto choice when it bars new gas furnaces starting in 2029.
Federal and local incentives are also helping people afford heat pumps. Installation costs for these systems are on average $17,000 to $30,000, depending on many factors including local climate and home insulation, per Rewiring America.
The Inflation Reduction Act, the most ambitious climate legislation in history, gave Americans state-distributed home energy rebates of up to $8,000 as well as a $2,000 federal tax credit to defray the costs of getting a heat pump. But how long these incentives might last under the Trump administration is an open question.
Thanks to steady growth in heat pump sales thus far, the U.S. is now among the top countries quickly transitioning from oil and gas heating to heat pumps, said Kevin Carbonnier, building technology market expert at the nonprofit Building Decarbonization Coalition.
What will it take to drive heat pump sales even higher in the U.S.? Stakeholders need to educate consumers and provide resources to make switching as easy and compelling as possible, said Wael Kanj, senior research associate at Rewiring America. Seeing the most recent data, “We know that we’re moving in the right direction.”
The 2026 CLA-Class will be offered as a full battery electric vehicle and a mild-hybrid
New electric models differ from the EQ series due to platforms that can accommodate a range of powertrains
AMG performance division will also debut its first series of electric vehicles
Mercedes-Benz will launch all-electric versions of three of its most popular models within the next two years.
During a presentation of its 2024 financial results Thursday, the automaker said the C-Class and E-Class sedans, as well as the GLC-Class crossover, would get all-electric derivatives as part of a new-product push that will see “dozens” of new or refreshed models launch globally by 2027.
That rollout starts later this year with the 2026 Mercedes-Benz CLA-Class compact, which will be offered with all-electric and 48-volt mild-hybrid powertrains. The CLA EV is slated to debut numerous improvements over current-generation Mercedes EVs, including an 800-volt electrical architecture and a more clever regenerative braking system.
2025 Mercedes-Benz E-Class
Those improvements will be shared with other compact models based on the new CLA’s Mercedes-Benz Modular Architecture (MMA). They’ll likely be among the other models debuting over the next couple years, adding different body styles alongside the CLA, which is expected to remain a coupe-like sedan similar to the current generation.
While Mercedes’ current strategy centers on dedicated electric models (the EQB compact crossover being a notable exception), the CLA EV marks a shift toward offering the same vehicle with multiple powertrains—one that appears to be accelerating with the forthcoming C-Class, E-Class, and GLC-Class EVs.
Mercedes also promised “a string of launches” for its AMG performance division that will include the first EVs based on the new AMG.EA dedicated architecture. The first of these performance EVs, a fastback sedan that could replace the current AMG GT 4-Door Coupe, is scheduled to arrive this year, with an AMG electric SUV following sometime after that.
2025 Mercedes-Benz GLC Class
And the first of Mercedes’ next-generation electric vans is scheduled to launch in 2026. They’ll be based on yet another new platform, dubbed Van.EA. Mercedes recently reversed course and said it would also develop new combustion vans based on a companion platform as well.
Not all of Mercedes’ new and refreshed models will be electric, though. The automaker also confirmed a substantial update for its flagship S-Class sedan for next year, but didn’t mention an electric version. And last year the automaker delayed an EV sales target that would have seen it go all-electric (in at least some markets) by 2030, saying internal-combustion engines would stick around well into the next decade.
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Author news@greencarreports.com (Stephen Edelstein)
#MercedesBenz #confirms #electric #EClass #CClass #GLCClass
Silicon anodes are further ahead in development and commercialization than solid-state batteries.
Battery makers are aiming to increase silicon content to boost driving range and reduce charging times.
General Motors says the percentage of silicon in EV batteries is expected to increase over the years.
Smaller in size and better in range and charging performance, that’s the goal everyone in the battery industry seems to be chasing. Automakers and battery companies are exploring several potential solutions to reach that goal. Silicon anodes will be one way to get there.
“The evolution towards silicon anodes is now starting,” George Cintra, the battery R&D director at General Motors, told InsideEVs. “You’re going to see more silicon incorporated into EV batteries because it provides added range and also helps [EVs] fast-charge,” Cintra said.
In an EV battery, the anode is the electrode where lithium ions are stored when the battery is charged. It typically consists of graphite-based materials. Experts say that the anode’s material and design directly impact the EV’s performance and using a higher silicon content can improve that. Silicon-containing anodes have been around for the past few years but in tiny amounts. Now, that is set to increase.
When asked if GM EVs will get silicon anodes by the end of the decade, Cintra said, “We would certainly like to see that. We have a lot of other technologies we’re trying to implement, and silicon is one of those.”
Silicon anodes can help EV batteries remove some of the inefficiencies that graphite usage brings. According to a study published in the academic journal Science Direct, 50 to 70% of raw graphite gets lost when upgraded to battery-grade graphite, making the process inefficient, increasing material demand and amplifying supply chain problems.
Silicon is a promising alternative because it can deliver better energy density and speed up charge and discharge cycles.
Like several other emerging battery chemistries, scaling up is difficult because it requires highly specialized processes that are slow and energy- and resource-intensive. However, battery makers are working to simplify those processes, and they’ve already seen some success, with more to come.
Last year, Taiwanese battery start-up ProLogium announced at the Paris Motor Show that its 100% silicon composite anode helped it achieve an energy density of 321 watt-hours per kilogram. That’s well above the current industry standards of well below 300 Wh/kg for LFP and NMC packs. As per certification tests, the 55 kWh pack also charged from 5% to 60% in 5 minutes and 80% in 8.5 minutes. The battery maker claimed it can reduce a vehicle’s weight by hundreds of kilograms.
Several American battery start-ups, including Amprius, Group 14, and Sila Nanotechnologies, are also racing to develop silicon anodes. Mercedes-Benz intends to use Sila’s silicon anodes on the electric G-Class.
They could also help GM’s trucks and SUVs become more efficient. Models like the Chevy Silverado EV and GMC Hummer EV use massive 200+ kilowatt-hour batteries which make them heavy and inefficient. In a recent test by Edmunds, the GMC Sierra EV Denali achieved an impressive 506 miles of range in a real-world test. But the 8,800-pound truck delivered an abysmal efficiency of 48.1 kWh per 100 miles, or 2.0 miles per kWh. Innovations on the battery front may solve that.
“As the new materials come on board, like silicon anodes and the new cathodes, the battery sizes will shrink,” Cintra said. “As volumes increase, the adoption rate will increase, and you will see prices come down.”
Correction: A previous version of this article said the electric Mercedes-Benz G-Class uses Sila’s silicon anodes. The automaker has an “intent” to use Sila’s technology, but has not implemented that yet. We regret the error.
Have a tip? Contact the author: suvrat.kothari@insideevs
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Sometimes, spending a lot of money on a vehicle is necessary. After all, cars are the second-most expensive purchase most people make after their houses.
But what is it that drives some people to spend so much? And how might this negatively impact them?
That’s the discussion in this post. It looks at some of the driving factors behind the enormous expenditures we often see in the automotive industry and why they occur.
Networking and Social Circles
One reason for high spending on autos is networking and social circles. People want vehicles that feel befitting of their status. A luxury car can communicate a lot about a person, their wealth and their ability to more than make ends meet. Many spend their money on vehicles because they believe in the status and opportunities they bring.
People with high-end vehiclesare often like-minded. It’s a sign that they are ready for networking and want to enter specific social circles. Sometimes, it can be a minor shortcut to connections that would be challenging to forge otherwise.
Exclusivity
At the same time, a lot of people spend a lot of money on vehicles for the exclusivity they offer. When you spend more than, say, $60,000 on a car, you’re entering a rarified club that only a small portion of people can afford.
This exclusivity can go all the way to one-of-a-kind vehicles. In today’s economy, it is possible for people to get their hands on cars that nobody else owns through customizations and specialist workshops that adjust supercars to their client’s requirements.
This exclusivity is another appealing element of spending a lot of money on vehicles. Most luxury buyers want exclusivity more than anything else, making it a compelling reason to spend more than most.
Comfort
Then, of course, there is the comfort of expensive cars. They’re just so much better than anything else on the road. Manufacturers put massive investment into making them as smooth as possible, investing in things like adaptive suspensions and high-quality seats.
This level of comfort goes well beyond anything found in the standard sedan or hatchback. Luxury vehicles feel like stepping into the best hotels, thanks to their stunning beauty and unparalleled sensations. Many luxuriate their occupants with unique features, like ambient lighting and even specialist aromas to delight all the senses on command.
Resale Value
Added to this is the resale value of many of these vehicles. People are willing to spend a lot of money on these cars because they tend to retain their value—or perhaps even rise in value.
Resale value increases usually only occur with limited-edition models that later become classics. However, it is possible with rare runs or even cars that become cult classics later.
Of course, owners who want their cars to retain their value need to look after them. Mint condition models are those that tend to sell for the most (especially if they have most of their original parts). However, even refurbished vehicles can sometimes sell for a lot of money if a market for them develops in the future.
Brand Loyalty
Brand loyalty is another reason people can sometimes get sucked into spending more on a vehicle. Many buyers want cars with the quality of a well-known manufacturer behind them.
Some car makers, like Jeep, have an excellent reputation despite lackluster reliability. Purchasing from these companies is less of a win for the consumer, but many still do it, simply because of what the label means to them. They want to drive a Jeep more than anything else, so they’re willing to pay a premium. The same is true of other luxury car makers, like Jaguar and Cadillac.
Financing Schemes
Of course, car financing schemes are another reason people spend so much on cars. The availability of seemingly “easy” credit tempts many people to make purchases, even though they know they shouldn’t.
This trend is evident in the car market today. Many people buy vehicles by taking out loans without thinking through how it might affect them financially long-term, and what it could mean for their future.
Furthermore, many of them wind up making car finance claims because of unscrupulous practices in the industry. Some creditors and lenders employ dishonest tactics to try to get customers to spend as much on vehicles as possible, even if they can’t afford them.
Lifestyle Integration
Another reason for the high spending on cars is lifestyle integration. People want vehicles that slot into the way they live and fit their values.
This is one of the reasons people buy Porsches and Bentleys. They want cars that slot into their lives and allow them to do the things they want to do, like go touring or driving on the race circuit.
Psychological Gratification
Perhaps the most important reason people spend a lot of money on vehicles, though, is the psychological gratification it provides. It just feels good.
Owning a luxury car is a personal reward for hard work. It’s something that a lot of people get for themselves to reward all their effort and everything they put into obtaining the wealth that allowed them to purchase a rare and exotic vehicle.
There’s also the self-esteem that can come with making one of these purchases. It just feels good to know that you have the means and resources to buy one of the best cars in the world.
Performance
Of course, there’s no denying that there are a lot of car enthusiasts out there who simply spend a lot of money on vehicles because they want the performance. For them, it is all about the raw speed and power, combined with cutting-edge handling and technology. When spending a lot of money on a vehicle, the driving experience is often completely different and isn’t something you can replicate while spending less. Many times, buyers just have to bite the bullet if they want a unique experience.
Therefore, spending a lot of money on a vehicle can feel justified. Often, it just seems right to the person doing it because that’s what they need to do to indulge their driving hobby.
The post Why Do Some People Spend So Much on Cars first appeared on Clean Fleet Report.
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Author Aaron Borderman
#People #Spend #Cars
Rivian on Wednesday unveiled new limited editions of its R1T electric pickup truck and R1S electric SUV inspired by California’s desert dunes.
Available on Tri-motor versions of the 2025 R1T and R1S, the California Dune Edition treatment cloaks the updated electric vehicles in a Desert Storm color palette and adds off-road accessories. Production will be capped at a certain number of each model, but Rivian didn’t have specific numbers available at press time.
2025 Rivian R1S California Dune Edition
2025 Rivian R1S California Dune Edition
A new paint color, also called California Dune, is contrasted with the darkened badging from the Darkout Package that’s standard on Tri-motor models. The interior features a two-tone arrangement of Sandstone and Black Mountain, with floor material that Rivian promises is easy to clean after a day in the dunes.
California Dune Editions also include the All-Terrain Package, which encompasses reinforced underbody shielding and 20-inch wheels that can either be painted in the same California Dune finish as the rest of the exterior or a dark finish. Off-road recovery boards with mounts, dark-finished cross bars, and a power bed tonneau for the R1T are included as well.
2025 Rivian R1S California Dune Edition
As before, Rivian’s Tri-motor powertrain consists of a single front motor and two rear motors, which together generate 850 hp and 1,103 lb-ft of torque. That will get either the R1T or the R1S from 0-60 mph in 2.9 seconds, according to Rivian.
While the California Dune Edition can only be had with the Tri-motor powertrain, Rivian also offers two- and four-motor configurations—all using the automaker’s in-house designed motor systems and inverter tech for 2025. This headlined a number of changes for the 2025 model year—significant enough that Rivian considers these to be second-generation models—that helped the R1S earn a spot as a Green Car Reports Best Car To Buy 2025 Finalist.
The 2025 Rivian R1T and R1S California Dune Editions are available to order now. Pricing starts at $101,700 for the R1T and $107,700 for the R1S, in both cases with the mandatory $1,800 destination charge included.
Source link by Green Car Reports
Author news@greencarreports.com (Stephen Edelstein)
#Rivian #California #Dune #Editions #ready #storm #desert
Fun Electric Off-Roader Designed for the American Market
When the Ioniq 5 was first introduced in 2022, Hyundai blurred the traditional look of a sedan, crossover and hatchback. At the time the company said the Ioniq 5 is “redefining the electric mobility lifestyle for a new generation of eco-savvy customers.” Three years later Hyundai continues to redefine the Ioniq 5 with new iterations of its best-selling EV.
In early 2024 Hyundai introduced the performance-oriented, track-ready 2025 Ioniq 5 N and now it adds the off-road capable 2025 Ioniq 5 XRT. Mike Evanoff, senior manager product planning, said “The XRT will appeal to the off-road enthusiast buyer who didn’t have a lot of choices in the EV world.”
A real off-road EV
Hyundai brought the international media to Palm Springs to get seat time in the refreshed 2025 Ioniq 5 and then turned us loose in the desert in the Ioniq 5 XRT. Translating XRT into “extreme rugged terrain” Hyundai aims to answer the question: “How good can an EV be off-road?” After an afternoon of doing just that, our response is: “We had a blast!”
Silently Crushing Rocks and Sand
The 2025 Hyundai Ioniq 5 XRT is only available with Hyundai’s HTRAC all-wheel drive with two motors producing 74 kW (front) + 165 kW (rear) for a total of 320 horsepower and 446 pound-feet of torque. The EPA rates the all-electric range at 259 miles.
The Ioniq 5 XRT is quick off the line with 0-60 times around five seconds. This is plenty fast to get up to freeway speeds and easily handle all daily driving needs while providing some fun at the same time.
The XRT can go fast or slow–road or no road
However, our time in the XRT was spent driving much slower off-road on a desert course that offered very slow ruts, good-sized rocks, sandy straights with a washboard surface and tightly banked corners with deeper sand.
The XRT unibody design, which uses high-strength steel, felt solid. The front suspension of MacPherson struts and high-performance dampers, and the rear with a 5-link set-up and high-performance dampers, easily handled the varied terrain.
Xtreme Rugged Terrain territory
The XRT suspension, handling, torque and traction were put to the test. Pressing the Terrain Mode button on the bottom of the steering wheel opened a window in the 12.3-inch digital instrument cluster where we scrolled through the Mud, Sand and Snow drive modes.
We set the i-Pedal to zero and experimented with each drive mode to get a feel for how they handled the loose, rocky and sandy path. Our favorite was Sand as it had less intervention and allowed the wheels to move around a bit more, slipping as we attacked the higher-speed sandy corners. The slipping allowed us to feel each wheel grabbing and then letting go based on which needed the most traction. This happens instantaneously and seamlessly partly due to the Hyundai designed and developed processors and chips. It was fun!
Unique Design: Exterior
The 2025 Ioniq 5 XRT has sides with crisp lines and an Origami-like crease, including a geometric triangle on the doors that begins at the A-pillar and culminates at the 45-degree angled C-pillar. The LED tail lights replicate the rectangular headlight design. Hyundai says the “parametric pixel lighting design is visually interesting and aerodynamically efficient.”
A touch of Orgami
The distinctive rear end features a horizontal light band with a small square pattern and a dominant I-O-N-I-Q-5. The power hands-free lift gate carries two badges—the Hyundai stylized “Flying H” logo and a small “HTRAC,” which is Hyundai’s proprietary all-wheel drive system. So how do you know this is the most off-road capable Ioniq 5? Look very closely in the lower right corner of the lift gate—there is the most subtle-of-subtle embossed “XRT” in the trim.
The bold and unique 18-inch wheels, shod with 235/60R all-terrain tires, make a serious statement of strength. The XRT-only front and rear facia and fender brush guards have a digital-camo design pattern. The bright red recovery hooks, jutting from the all-black front facia, are there in case of an emergency.
Body color flush automatic pop-out door handles, power exterior mirrors with black caps and the privacy, solar and laminated acoustic glass completed the look.
The Ioniq 5 XRT has a longer wheelbase than the three-row Hyundai Palisade SUV (118.1-inch vs. 114.2) and a more aggressive stance than the Ioniq 5 and Ioniq 5 N. It sits higher with seven inches of ground clearance vs. six and has an approach angle of 19.8º vs. 17.5º and a departure angle of 30º vs. 25.4º. What this means is there is a bit more possibility of not scraping the underside protection plates.
The 2022 Ioniq 5 XRT comes in one trim level and two XRT-only colors of Cosmic Blue Pearl and Ultimate Red Metallic.
Modern, Spacious Interior
The 2025 Ioniq 5 XRT, built on Hyundai’s dedicated EV-only platform, has a completely flat floor, providing spacious leg, shoulder and head room for up to five occupants. A center console is moveable and incorporates cup holders and charge ports. The flat floor allows the console to slide 5.5 inches, so in its most rearward position front occupants can slide across the seats to exit the vehicle from either side.
Room inside
Sustainability is the interior theme where the seats, headliner, door panels and flooring are made from eco-friendly, sustainably-sourced materials, such as recycled plastic, plant-based or natural wool yarns. The XRT has H-Tex, which is an artificial leather, seating surfaces. The driver and passenger get 8-way power adjustable and heated seats with XRT debossing. The heated and tilt and telescoping 3-spoke steering wheel is leather-wrapped and has audio, telephone and cruise controls.
Wide second-row access led to the comfortable rear seats that offered ample head and leg room, partially due to the flat floor. The split 60:40 rear bench seat slides and reclines, producing 58.5 inches of cargo space when folded down. Without an engine up front, there is a front trunk/frunk for stashing smaller items.
The low slung dash has dual 12.3-inch horizontal color screens standard on all trim levels, one for the digital instruments and the other for the infotainment system. Sounds came from an 8-speaker Bose premium audio system with AM/FM/SiriusXM, Android Auto and Apple CarPlay. The Bluetooth connection is for up-to two devices, front and rear USB-C power and data ports and wireless phone charging. The Hyundaivoice recognitionworked well to control phone, radio, navigation and other vehicle functions.
Tow hooks just in case
Stopping
A very useful feature on the Ioniq 5 XRT isi-Pedal driving. Make sure to have the Hyundai dealer sales associate demonstrate how using and setting this regenerative braking technique will increase your electric efficiency, driving range and driving enjoyment.
Regenerative braking, which uses the motors, not the brakes, to slow the car, recharges the battery when slowing or coasting. It converts kinetic energy into electric energy, which is stored in the battery. The degree of regenerative braking can be controlled by steering wheel paddles.
The Ioniq 5 has standard ABS and power-assisted, ventilated front and rear solid discs. Handling and driving confidence was also aided by the standard electronic stability control, electronic brake-pressure distribution and brake assist.
Charging
The Ioniq 5 XRT has a 10.9 kW onboard charger that can charge at 400 volts, but can also go up to 800 volts at a 350 kW charger. The 84 kWh lithium-ion battery has pre-heating, a battery conditioning setting that will improve charging and performance as it will heat the battery to the optimal charging temperature. Look for the four squares on the center of the steering wheel that light-up depending on the state of charge.
Tires ready to hit the dirt
The Ioinq 5 XRT can be trickle charged with a 120V wall plug, but expect replenish times to be long and slow. The best bet for owners will be to install a Level 2 240V home charger that will take the battery from 10-100% charge in 7.2 hours. When in a time crunch, you can go 10-80% in 20 minutes on a 350 kW DC Fast Charger.
To make it easier to charge, new Ioniq 5 XRT owners will receive a ChargePoint Level 2 home charger or the option of $400 charging credit at any of theChargePoint public stations. The Ionig 5 XRT has a Tesla-designed North American Charging Standard (NACS) charge port, so it can use more than 17,000 charging points on the Tesla Supercharger network. It can also use an adapter for the Combined Charging System (CCS) system.
For even more convenience, the Ioniq 5 has Vehicle-to-Load (V2L), where power can flow out with the battery acting like a portable generator. It can power and charge e-bikes, camping and outdoor equipment, run your office while traveling, and even be an electricity source during a power outage.
Pricing
The 2025 Hyundai Ioniq 5 XRT HTRAC comes in one trim level. The base price, including the $1,475 delivery charge, is $56,875.
Observations: 2025 Hyundai Ioniq 5 XRT
Clean Fleet Report had the opportunity, in late 2024, to drive the all-new 2025 Ioniq 5 N at the world-famous Laguna Seca Raceway in Monterey, California. We came away with a huge smile on our face, indicating how great it was Hyundai thought to make a high-performance, track-ready electric car.
It’s about expanding EV fun
This obviously was not enough for Hyundai engineers and designers. Now they have introduced the 2025 Ioniq 5 XRT that not only is perfectly fine for everyday driving, but is rugged enough to get dirty.
Mike Evanoff told us: “Hyundai feels the Ioniq 5 XRT will be of interest to people that live in the non-smile states or the winter states, like the upper mid-West and Northeast, where they will like the raised ride height and traction. Other areas that are near the great outdoors, such as Denver, Seattle, Portland and Salt Lake City, are key markets. But so is Southern California, because for someone that wants to be recreational with the vehicle, with public charging, we aren’t too far from the country and the wilderness.”
Evanoff closed with the importance of the Ioniq 5 XRT to Hyundai by saying: “It is the flexibility,
where we want to give our customers options. The Ioniq 5 line-up gives a different flavor for whatever you want.”
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Story by John Faulkner. Photos by John Faulkner and Hyundai.
[See image gallery at cleanfleetreport.com]
Disclosure
Clean Fleet Report is loaned free test vehicles from automakers to evaluate, typically for a week at a time. Our road tests are based on this one-week drive of a new vehicle. Because of this we don’t address issues such as long-term reliability or total cost of ownership. In addition, we are often invited to manufacturer events highlighting new vehicles or technology. As part of these events we may be offered free transportation, lodging or meals. We do our best to present our unvarnished evaluations of vehicles and news irrespective of these inducements.
Our focus is on vehicles that offer the best fuel economy in their class, which leads us to emphasize electric cars, plug-in hybrids, hybrids and other efficient powertrains. We also feature those efficient gas-powered vehicles that are among the top mpg vehicles in their class. In addition, we aim to offer reviews and news on advanced technology and the alternative fuel vehicle market. We welcome any feedback from vehicle owners and are dedicated to providing a forum for alternative viewpoints. Please let us know your views at publisher@cleanfleetreport.com.
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