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According to news from Polestar this morning, North American 2 owners can now access a performance software update that permanently bolsters the horsepower and torque of their EV. The automaker also says those who purchase the upgrade should see increases to the EV’s mid-range acceleration.

Until the Polestar 3 SUV officially makes it way to customers in 2023, the Polestar 2 remains the Swedish/Chinese automaker’s first and only all-electric vehicle. Since its original debut in 2020, the Polestar 2 has expanded to three variants with single- and dual-motor powertrains, not to mention the limited edition BST 270 we recently got to test out.

2023 model year versions of the 2 ordered today are expected to arrive as early as January, but as we pointed out in our previous review, Polestar didn’t deliver many updates in the performance department compared to its 2022 predecessor.

That being said, Polestar is now rolling out a new over-the-air (OTA) update to the Long Range Dual Motor version in particular that, when combined with the included Performance Pack, delivers some decent spec upgrades – all for a one-time fee.

Polestar 2 update
Source: Polestar

Polestar 2 sees one time update fee rather than subscription

According to the details outlined by Polestar ($PSNY) this morning, the latest OTA software update applies to the Long Range Dual Motor Polestar 2 only and is accessible to owners in the United States and Canada for a one time charge of $1,195.

Unlike other EV automakers like Tesla and Mercedes-Benz, for instance, Polestar has decided to forego the subscription-based, pay-to-play performance model, stating that the single fee for permanent access delivers “exceptional value without the hassle of a subscription.” Many would agree that a single hit to the wallet is better than the monthly charge you inevitably forget about, alongside those Audible credits you never used and that Shudder trial you started in October of 2021 and forgot about.

The software update, which is now available on the Polestar Shop website, is the automaker’s first over-the-air software tuning to improve vehicle performance – an update capability many other automakers don’t even offer yet.

Those who purchase the update will see 68 horsepower added to their Long Range Dual Motor Polestar 2, as well as 15 extra lb-ft of torque. That totals to 476 hp and 502 lb-ft respectively. While the added specs do not contribute to a faster 0-60 mph acceleration in the Polestar 2, the automaker does state the upgrades can be felt at higher speeds between 44 and 80 mph, offering improved mid-range acceleration. Polestar CEO Thomas Ingenlath commented on the 2 update as well:

This upgrade highlights how connected technologies can transform the relationship a car company has with its customers. The driving experience in Polestar 2 is something we are really proud of. It is such a fun car to drive already, but with this upgrade we can offer even more to our customers who might be after a little extra excitement

Any Dual Motor Polestar 2 owners out there? Do you think you’ll spring for this add-on? Is it worth the money to you for added horsepower? Let us know what you think, especially if you buy the upgrade!

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Stellantis reveals stylish, affordable, capable EV – why can’t the US have it?

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Stellantis reveals stylish, affordable, capable EV – why can't the US have it?

Chrysler parent company Stellantis is sinking billions on electric Jeeps and Chargers that no one wants, but the they’ve developed market-leading EVs in Europe, and this latest, £36,995 DS Automobiles No4 is exactly the sort of electric crossover that could rejuvenate the brand’s American prospects. The only question now is: why won’t they bring it here?

Both the Dodge and Jeep-branded Stellantis EVs are being offered with huge discounts in a bid to generate some kind of market interest, but the company’s American product and marketing teams seem to be deeply confused about what the market actually wants. Over in Europe, though, Stellantis’ EVs are hot sellers – and this latest five-passenger crossover from the company is expected to steal even more sales from the Model Y.

The new all-electric No4 E-Tense model from Stellantis’ French brand DS Automobiles will be offered at three trim levels starting with the Pallas at £36,995 (approx. $48K US), rising to £39,160 for the Pallas+ and topping out at £41,860 (approx. $56K US, before incentives get applied) for the range-topping Etoile. 

All three trims use a front-mounted electric motor rated at 213 hp, drawing from a 58.3‑kWh battery pack. That setup delivers up to 280 miles on the WLTP cycle (about 240 miles by EPA estimates). That feels like a lot of miles from a relatively small battery, aided no doubt by the DS No4’s aerodynamic. Inside the No4’s sculpted flanks is enough room for five adults and a bunch of their stuff, as well as an incredibly sexy dash and infotainment layout that (in the official press photos, at least) seems positively slathered in Alcantara (think “vegan suede”).

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With 120 kW fast charging capabilities, the No4’s battery pack can replenish from 20 to 80 percent in under 30 minutes. Thanks to built‑in V2L/V2X tech, the No4 can also supply power back to external devices.

Electrek’s Take


I think it would be a hit. As for why the marketing gurus at whatever’s left of the old Chrysler corporation seem to think an electric muscle car that no one asked for or a Dodge-branded Alfa Romeo that no one will ever ask for is a better use of their marketing dollars – that’s simply beyond me.

Maybe you guys know? Check out these photos of the new DS No4, then scroll on down to the comments and let us know what you think of Stellantis’ US product plans, and whether or not they messed up canceling the Airflow after all.

SOURCE | IMAGES: DS Automobiles.


If you’re considering going solar, it’s always a good idea to get quotes from a few installers. To make sure you find a trusted, reliable solar installer near you that offers competitive pricing, check out EnergySage, a free service that makes it easy for you to go solar. It has hundreds of pre-vetted solar installers competing for your business, ensuring you get high-quality solutions and save 20-30% compared to going it alone. Plus, it’s free to use, and you won’t get sales calls until you select an installer and share your phone number with them. 

Your personalized solar quotes are easy to compare online and you’ll get access to unbiased Energy Advisors to help you every step of the way. Get started here.

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These 3 August EV price drops are up to $150/month, but hurry!

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These 3 August EV price drops are up to 0/month, but hurry!

The clock is running out on some of the best EV lease deals of the year. With the 25% tariff on imported EVs already hitting and the federal tax credit set to vanish after September 30, automakers are dangling some serious end-of-the-month offers. If you’ve been waiting to go electric, now’s the time. CarsDirect spotted three August EV price drops worth a look, but you’ll need to move fast, because these deals won’t last past the holiday weekend.

2025 Mercedes EQE SUV: $62 per month price drop

Mercedes is sweetening the pot on its EQE SUV as it works to move inventory. The 2025 Mercedes-Benz EQE 350+ SUV can now be leased for $629 a month for 36 months with $7,923 due at signing. That works out to an effective $849 a month – a $62 drop from previous deals. For a nearly $80,000 luxury EV, that’s not a bad offer.

But timing is key. The federal EV tax credit disappears next month, and Mercedes is set to pause US EV orders on September 1, which could make finding the right model tougher. Current incentives run through September 2, so if you’ve been eyeing an EQE, lock one in now before the market shifts.

Click here for a local dealer with the Mercedes-Benz EQE 350+ SUV in stock.–trusted affiliate link

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Click here to find a local dealer with the Mercedes EQE SUV in stock.–trusted affiliate link

2025 Volkswagen ID. Buzz: $90 per month price drop

As of August 22, the 2025 Volkswagen ID. Buzz picked up a hidden $3,000 Dealer Lease Bonus – that is, dealer cash that only shows up if you lease.

That incentive knocks the Pro S trim down to $589 a month for 36 months with $5,999 due at signing. Do the math, and that’s $756 a month effective cost – a $90 drop from the earlier $846 offer. With $10,500 in total savings, this is the best deal yet on the ID. Buzz and one of the standout Labor Day EV lease offers.

Click here for a local dealer with the Volkswagen ID. Buzz in stock.–trusted affiliate link

Hyundai-IONIQ-5-N-lease

2025 Hyundai IONIQ 5 N: $150 per month price drop

Hyundai just slashed the price on its most powerful EV yet. The 2025 IONIQ 5 N can now be leased for $549 a month for 36 months with $3,999 due at signing (10,000 miles a year). That works out to an effective $660 a month – a huge $150 drop from July.

For a track-ready performance car, that’s a steal. And unlike most performance machines, the IONIQ 5 N doesn’t guzzle gas – you can just plug it in overnight at home. Current offers run through September 2.

Click here for a local dealer with the IONIQ 5 N in stock.–trusted affiliate link

Read more: From $129 a month: 5 of the best EV lease deals in August


The 30% federal solar tax credit is ending this year. If you’ve ever considered going solar, now’s the time to act. To make sure you find a trusted, reliable solar installer near you that offers competitive pricing, check out EnergySage, a free service that makes it easy for you to go solar. It has hundreds of pre-vetted solar installers competing for your business, ensuring you get high-quality solutions and save 20-30% compared to going it alone. Plus, it’s free to use, and you won’t get sales calls until you select an installer and share your phone number with them. 

Your personalized solar quotes are easy to compare online and you’ll get access to unbiased Energy Advisors to help you every step of the way. Get started here.

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Terberg heavy duty electric yard truck gets to work in the UK

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Terberg heavy duty electric yard truck gets to work in the UK

UK delivery firm DPD is putting one of Terberg’s heavy-duty electric yard tractors to the test at its giant, Oldbury, UK logistics hub – and its findings will help DPD shape a cleaner, more sustainable fleet strategy for the future.

DPD operates a fleet of over 50 yard hostlers (or “tugs” in the UK) to perform all trailer movements across its five sorting hubs in Oldbury, Smethwick, and Hinckley. Currently, those yards are serviced by a fleet of diesel tractors – but the company is interested in decarbonizing and “keen” to understand how EVs could be deployed across the fleet in the longer term.

“Tugs are the lifeblood of our hub operation, performing all trailer movements efficiently and safely across the five sites,” says Tim Jones, Director of Marketing, Communications, and Sustainability at DPD UK.

To that end, the company has deployed a Royal Terberg YT203-EV fitted with a pair of 78 kWh batteries, but it can be spec’ed up to 236 kWh and an almost unbelievable 105 tonne GCVWR. Even with “just” 156 kWh, the Terberg is able to work nearly a full 24 hours between charging – capability that is on par with diesel. At least.

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“Terberg DTS are proud to be able to assist DPD on the way to Net Zero (emissions) and it was great to be able to work with DPD’s drivers and demonstrate what the YT203-EV can do in their own yard,” explains Peter Giles, Head of UK Logistics Sales at Terberg DTS. “Their aim is to be one of the leaders in the march to a more sustainable fleet future and they have already amassed a lot of knowledge and experience working with EVs. We know just how versatile and effective the vehicle is, but every operation is slightly different and working on-site with their own drivers means DPD can get really meaningful feedback from those who know the job better than anyone.”

Several operators will be trying out the YT203-EV across different shifts and operations to get feedback. So far, however, they seem hyped. “The electric tug (performs) incredibly well,” adds Jones. “Our drivers were really impressed, especially with the ease of use and driver comfort.”

Electrek’s Take


Terberg terminal tractor; via DPD.

Whether it’s Terberg, Tico, or Orange EV, terminal tractors are an ideal application for electrification, and companies like DHL have spent more than a decade proving that out. And now that DPD is giving these HDEVs a chance, expect to see a whole lot more of them getting deployed soon.

SOURCE | IMAGES: DPD UK.


If you’re considering going solar, it’s always a good idea to get quotes from a few installers. To make sure you find a trusted, reliable solar installer near you that offers competitive pricing, check out EnergySage, a free service that makes it easy for you to go solar. It has hundreds of pre-vetted solar installers competing for your business, ensuring you get high-quality solutions and save 20-30% compared to going it alone. Plus, it’s free to use, and you won’t get sales calls until you select an installer and share your phone number with them. 

Your personalized solar quotes are easy to compare online and you’ll get access to unbiased Energy Advisors to help you every step of the way. Get started here.

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