Connect with us

Published

on

Kia has announced US pricing for the refreshed 2023 Kia Niro EV, which starts at $39,450, about $500 less than the outgoing model. The car will arrive at US dealers this month and will be available in all 50 states.

The 2023 Kia Niro EV comes in two trims – “Wind” and “Wave.” Wind is the base model, starting at $39,450, and the upgraded Wave model will cost $5k extra to start at $44,450.

Both trim levels come with the same 64.8kWh battery, but the Wave has upgraded headlights, heated mirrors, power sunroof, and some interior and exterior upgrades. It also has the coolest upgrade, Kia’s Vehicle-to-Load inverter which allows you power devices off the car’s battery.

To see a full list of the differences between the Wind and Wave trims, check out Kia’s trim comparison page.

Compared to the rest of Kia’s lineup, the Niro EV base model is $1,950 cheaper than the $41,400 EV6 base model, Kia’s newer crossover based on its dedicated E-GMP platform. The EV6’s base model comes with a smaller battery pack than the base Niro EV – 58kWh instead of 64.8 kWh – and has correspondingly lower range, 232 versus 253 miles.

Kia calls the Niro its “intelligent” EV and its EV6 the “emotional, halo” EV. Halo is a term that typically denotes more exotic, eye-catching models in an automaker’s lineup, intended to increase interest in the brand even if customers don’t buy that specific vehicle. These also tend to be the more expensive cars in the lineup, though in this case, it’s possible to buy a more expensive Niro EV than a base model EV6.

Electrek’s Take

We have to say we’re a little disappointed by this news. When we did our Kia Niro first drive in San Diego, they told us pricing for the hybrid ($26,490) and PHEV ($33,740) versions but hadn’t yet announced the EV pricing yet. We thought at the time that mid-30s would be a better price than, essentially, 40k.

To be fair, Kia was dealing with the recently-signed Inflation Reduction Act, which made them ineligible for the US Federal EV tax credit, throwing the company’s pricing for a loop, especially compared to peer vehicles like the now-US-built ID.4.

Now the 2023 Kia Niro EV price is $1,955 more than the ID.4 before credits – not to mention $13,850 (!!) more than the 2023 Chevy Bolt. And, both of those cars qualify for federal tax credits as well, adding another potential $7,500 to the difference.

Kia has already announced that it wants to start producing EVs in the United States in 2024 in order to regain tax credit eligibility, so perhaps they’ll only need to ride out the next model year or two before closing that gap.

And right now, due to enormous EV demand, price differences may not matter much at all. Every EV is selling out everywhere, and it’s difficult to find them at MSRP. So while we have to compare MSRP since that’s the only guideline we have, MSRP is somewhat meaningless right now and for the foreseeable future.

Maybe Kia is right, here, and inflated EV demand will keep EV prices above MSRP for long enough that the company’s tax credit ineligibility won’t really matter. If it takes a couple years for supply to catch up with demand (which we think it will), then Kia might just sell out of Niros at any price.

Even compared to Kia’s own lineup, I personally would rather have an EV6 built on a dedicated EV platform than the EV version of the multi-powertrain Niro, though I acknowledge that the Niro does have some benefits over the EV6. It has a taller cargo area, is a less bold statement than the EV6, and has a slightly higher range than the base EV6 (though really not enough to make a big difference, especially given the EV6’s improved fast charging capability). Some customers may prefer that “intelligent” choice over the “emotional” draw of the EV6, at least in the way Kia frames it.

What do you think about Kia’s pricing strategy? Do you think this is the right price for the Niro, particularly compared to both gas and electric competition, both from within Kia and without? Let us know in the comments.

If you’re interested in the 2023 Kia Niro EV, click here to find a local dealer and see if you can snatch one up at close to MSRP. Cars are expected to arrive at Kia dealers this month.

FTC: We use income earning auto affiliate links. More.


Subscribe to Electrek on YouTube for exclusive videos and subscribe to the podcast.

Continue Reading

Environment

Tesla’s Full Self-Driving computer failure is leaving customers in bad situations

Published

on

By

Tesla's Full Self-Driving computer failure is leaving customers in bad situations

Tesla’s Full Self-Driving computer failure leaves customers in bad situations without many important features and depletes battery packs faster for months.

Last month, Electrek released an exclusive report about Tesla having a major issue with a new version of its onboard “Full Self-Driving computer,” AI4.1, failing due to a short circuit, and Tesla must replace the computers.

We found examples of the issue arising as far back as July. The problem can start quickly, within a few miles on a brand-new car or after a few hundred to a few thousand miles.

When the computer fails, many vehicle features stop working, like active safety features, cameras, and even GPS, navigation, and range estimations.

Tesla’s fix was to replace the computer completely, but sources also mentioned a temporary software fix to enable some of the features in the meantime.

It’s hard to estimate precisely the affected population. At the time of the article, we had received dozens of customer complaints and had sources inside Tesla estimating that, based on service requests, thousands of new Tesla owners are experiencing this issue.

We reported that this should lead to a recall since features like backup cameras are now considered a safety feature and required on new vehicles by NHTSA, but Tesla hasn’t released a service bulletin nor has a notice been posted with NHTSA.

Electrek contacted NHTSA to ask if they were aware of this issue. We will update if we get an answer.

There are now dozens of customer complaints about this specific issue on NHTSA’s Tesla Model Y and Model 3 pages.

Since publishing our original report on this issue last month, dozens of other customers reached out about the problem. They are reporting long wait times to get a new computer as Tesla tells them that it needs more parts, presumably the new computers.

Some showed documents to Electrek that showed they didn’t have an appointment to replace their computers until into February. For some customers, that would mean more than two months with severely handicapped vehicles.

On top of the previously mentioned disabled features, customers have voiced other problems living with their brand-new vehicles without a working computer. The computer appears to get stuck in an “auto-update loop”, which drains the battery faster.

A customer with this issue estimated that his Model 3 is consuming about 5 kWh per day when parked, doing nothing with this computer issue.

Some owners expressed concerns about faster battery degradation and wear on other components because of this issue. It’s also a major issue for people who don’t have home charging yet, and their vehicles are stuck discharging faster with this issue.

Electrek has seen documents showing that Tesla acknowledges that the computer issue is an “internal short.”

FTC: We use income earning auto affiliate links. More.

Continue Reading

Environment

Pebble unveils production-ready Flow design with key upgrades for 2025 deliveries

Published

on

By

Pebble unveils production-ready Flow design with key upgrades for 2025 deliveries

Just over a year after unveiling its flagship solar-electric travel trailer called the Flow, recreational mobility startup Pebble has revealed its updated production-intent design. We got a chance to do a walkthrough of the optimized trailer design, which features several upgrades and some truly intuitive features. Today’s unveiling also marks Pebble’s continuance of Flow pre-orders, but we now have a timeline for when initial deliveries will begin.

Pebble is a California-based startup and one of a few new tech companies attempting to reinvigorate a stale RV segment. The company was founded by Bingrui Yang, who previously led iPhone development at Apple for nine years before leading hardware development for major players in the autonomous robotaxi space, including Cruise and Zoox. Yang described the company in detail in June of 2023:

Pebble was developed to create a hassle-free way to live, work and explore. Consumers have been stuck with the same RV experience for decades. A lot of people want to get into such a lifestyle of freedom but are turned off by the pain points in today’s products. At Pebble, we are automating the hardest parts of the RV experience with the same technologies that power the most advanced automotive innovations, making the whole experience simply effortless and magical. If you know how to use an iPhone, you’ll be comfortable using our product.

That strategy to bring more advanced technologies to the world of RVs and travel trailers culminated in Pebble’s flagship product, Flow. In the summer of 2023, the startup emerged out of stealth mode with $13.6 million in seed funding to help get the Flow into production, teasing brief glimpses of the luxury travel trailer along the way.

The following October, Pebble officially unveiled the Flow to the public, opening pre-orders for an iteration of the travel trailer that started at $109,000. We learned then that the Flow trailer is 300% more aerodynamic than a conventional travel trailer, reducing drag and extending range.

Furthermore, the Flow comes equipped with its own dual-motor active propulsion assist system, which helps it bear the brunt of its load while helping it maximize range and efficiency regardless of whether an ICE or electric vehicle is towing it.

Today, just over 14 months after initially unveiling the pre-production version of the Flow, Pebble has emerged with a production-intent design featuring some welcomed upgrades in its space utilization and some genuinely remarkable functions – all controllable from a single tablet.

Pebble Flow to begin deliveries in first half of 2025

Pebble unveiled its production-intent version of the Flow this morning. According to the company, it was updated with features and optimized design elements based on feedback from its community to improve the overall experience for future owners.

Pebble shared that the community that worked closely with its design and engineering teams to identify key opportunities for improvement consisted of over 3,000 members, including “digital nomads,” young families, retirees, and tech enthusiasts (bummed I didn’t get an invite).

Last month, we took a virtual tour of a production-intent Flow travel trailer and explored several upgrades that make an already unique and innovative electric mobility vehicle even better. For example, Pebble optimized the interior of the production-intent Flow, increasing storage and moving some of the walls to utilize more of the interior. The startup also redesigned the interior cabinets to flip upward rather than down for easier access, especially for vertically challenged people.

The interior also feels much roomier thanks to new side and rear windows that flip open for better airflow and a vast new skylight moved to the front of the trailer above the dinette area. Per Pebble, the revamped Flow exterior now features integrated tail lamps, enhanced aerodynamics, and a more streamlined appearance, including several color variations for early adopters:

During our virtual tour, a few exterior upgrades truly stood out. First, the Flow’s pass-through storage tunnel has been made larger, and Pebble has added a hitch receiver to accommodate accessories like bike racks. However, the new technologies introduced were the most impressive.

For example, Pebble added optional all-terrain levelers through an “InstaCamp” feature that can balance and level out the trailer, no matter where it is parked. The images above show Pebble Flow’s new motorized awning, which can be deployed using the app. Other features include four exterior cameras for better visibility and safety on the road and when parking.

Pebble has also introduced a re-engineered dual-motor drivetrain and a new caster wheel, making the Flow’s Remote Control and Magic Hitch capabilities (arguably the two most remarkable features in the entire trailer) possible and easy to use. What’s perhaps most impressive is how virtually all of the Flow’s features are controllable from a single tablet, as seen here:

Source: Pebble

From our experience, the most exciting features include the 1.1 kW solar array on the roof, the Magic Hitch capabilities, InstaCamp, and the Remote Control option using the Pebble App. We highly recommend checking out all those core features in action in Pebble’s video below.

The Pebble Flow starts at $109,500, with an option to upgrade to the Magic Pack. This adds the re-vamped dual-motor drivetrain, enabling features like Active Tow Assist, Magic Hitch, and enhanced Remote Control. The Flow configuration with the Magic Pack starts at $135,500.

According to Pebble, Flow production is expected to begin in early 2025, with initial deliveries beginning this spring. These early delivery customers will receive an exclusive Founders Edition of the Pebble Flow, fully loaded with all options and upgrades, plus the opportunity to select a limited-edition color (seen above), all for $175,000. 

If you’re interested in a Pebble Flow, you can reserve one with a fully-refundable $500 deposit at pebblelife.com/preorder, and customize it to your liking.

Source: Pebble

FTC: We use income earning auto affiliate links. More.

Continue Reading

Environment

The new Genesis GV60 EV is finally here: Here’s our first look

Published

on

By

The new Genesis GV60 EV is finally here: Here's our first look

Genesis is giving its first all-electric vehicle a stylish new design, even more tech, and more in the updated model. The new Genesis GV60 EV is finally here. Check out the first look below.

Genesis reveals the updated new GV60 EV

The GV60 is the first dedicated EV to wear the Genesis badge. Launched in October 2021, the electric SUV helped establish Genesis as a true luxury brand in the EV space.

Four years later, Genesis is revamping it with its first major refresh. The new Genesis GV60 EV gains even more style, tech, and features.

Genesis unveiled the updated GV60 on Monday, showcasing its improved exterior and interior design for the first time. After the refreshed EV was spotted several times last year leading up to its official debut, we had a good idea of what design updates would be included.

One of the most noticeable features is the new front bumper. You can see Genesis fine-tuned the front end with a new bumper and headlamps.

New-Genesis-GV60-EV
The updated Genesis GV60 (Source: Genesis)

The new GV60 features Genesis’ signature Two Line headlamps with Micro Lens Array (MLA) tech shown on other updated models like the Electrified GV70. The new Electrified GV70 was caught in public last month for the first time, revealing similar design updates.

Genesis infused its new “Athletic Elegance” design theme on the outside, while the luxurious interior features its “Beauty of the White Space” in-cabin experience.

New-Genesis-GV60-EV
The updated interior of the new Genesis GV60 (Source: Genesis)

The tech-loaded interior includes a new 27″ connected car Integrated Cockpit (ccIC) infotainment system. Genesis says the new design “eliminates the bezel between the cluster and audio, visual and navigation (AVN) screen.”

In other words, it makes the interior feel more spacious. The sporty new three-spoke steering wheel also enhances the interior. Other signature elements, like the Crystal Sphere, included in the outgoing model remain.

Genesis will reveal prices and additional specs closer to launch. However, like the updated Hyundai IONIQ 5 and Kia EV6, the new Genesis GV60 is expected to feature a bigger battery for more range.

The 2025 Hyundai IONIQ 5 has an 84 kWh battery that provides an EPA-estimated range of up to 318 miles, compared to the 2024 model, which has a 77.4 kWh battery that offers a range of up to 303 miles.


2025 Genesis GV60 trim
Range
(EPA-est)
Starting Price*
Standard RWD 294 miles $52,350
Standard AWD 264 miles $55,850
Advanced AWD 248 miles $60,900
Performance AWD 235 miles $69,900
2025 Genesis GV60 prices and range by trim (*excluding $1,350 destination fee)

The 2025 Genesis GV60 starts at $52,350. A new AWD trim costs $55,850, $5,000 less than the Advanced AWD model. With up to 294 miles range on the current model, the new Genesis GV60 could get upwards of 300 miles.

Check back for more info soon. Genesis will launch the new model in Korea in Q1 2025, followed by other markets.

What do you think of the new Genesis GV60 design? Would you buy one for just over $50,000? Let us know in the comments below.

Are you ready to check out the electric luxury SUV for yourself? With the 2025 models arriving, Genesis is offering closeout prices on the 2024 lineup while they are still in stock. You can use our link to find offers on 2024 and 2025 Genesis GV60 models at a dealer near you today.

FTC: We use income earning auto affiliate links. More.

Continue Reading

Trending