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Polestar is defying the odds in the new era of electric vehicles. The company’s first electric SUV, the Polestar 3, is, indeed, a vehicle for the modern era, proving EVs don’t need a front grille with what it calls the “SmartZone.”

Polestar 3 shows we don’t need grilles in the EV era

The Polestar 3 was officially unveiled a few months ago with a range of up to 300 miles and a starting price of $83,900. The electric SUV incorporates a unique Scandinavian minimalist design featuring a new aerodynamic profile and a powerful, wide stance.

The design team was tasked with creating something visually familiar to buyers by incorporating the hallmarks of an SUV and bringing it into the modern, electric era. That means the front grille as well.

The front grille served a purpose in gas-powered vehicles, acting as an airway to keep the engine from overheating. Now that the auto industry is undergoing a massive transformation from combustion to fully electric, everything is changing.

Most automakers have tried to redesign ICE vehicles to align with (what they assume) buyers are interested in.

Polestar is taking a different approach by replacing the front grille with what it calls the “SmartZone.” Thomas Ingelath explained how the Polestar 3 is built for the modern era, saying:

This car has been designed as a Polestar from the start and features new defining characteristics for us – like the dual blade headlights, SmartZone and front aero wing.

As standard, the Polestar 3 features five radar modules, five external cameras, and twelve external ultrasonic sensors to support user safety.

Polestar-3-grille-1
Polestar 3 (Source: Polestar)

However, the SmartZone, located below the front aero wing, features several forward-facing sensors, a front-facing radar, heating wires, accelerometers, and ultrasonic sensors. The SmartZone essentially operates as a third “smart eye,” bringing advanced awareness, prevention, and protection with ready-to-react technology.

As the Exterior Designer Subum Lee puts it, the Polestar 3 goes from:

Breathing to seeing

Polestar wanted to showcase the technology rather than trying to hide it behind a fake grille, which the company says “shows the paradigm shift going from combustion to electrification.” Check out the full video below as Lee explains the Polestar 3’s SmartZone.

Polestar 3 YouTube

Electrek’s Take

The Polestar 3 is a beautiful EV inside and out. There’s no denying that. Perhaps, more importantly, the automaker is proving people want sustainable, zero-emission vehicles, even if they are “built for the modern era” with unique designs.

I, for one, am a big fan of the Polestar 3’s design, especially the front. The sleek, aerodynamic look does not need a front grille. Polestar is challenging itself and the auto industry to improve by accelerating the change to a fully electric, zero-emission future.

The EV maker continues expanding and is now sold in 27 countries across the globe. Watch out for Polestar in 2023. The company is making big moves.

How do you guys feel about the Polestar 3 design? Let us know in the comments.

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Jim Cramer is encouraged by updates on 3 stocks that indicate further upside ahead

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Kia unveils two off-road concept EVs at SEMA: The EV9 ‘ADVNTR’ and a PV5 ‘WKNDR’ van

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Kia unveils two off-road concept EVs at SEMA: The EV9 'ADVNTR' and a PV5 'WKNDR' van

Days after teasing a major reveal at the 2024 Specialty Equipment Market Association (SEMA) show, Kia has unveiled two unique and custom-built EV concepts designed for adventure off-road. During the unveiling, we got a look at a new spin on the ever-popular EV9 SUV called the “ADVNTR” and a rugged take on one of Kia’s new purpose-built vehicles (PBVs), the PV5, called “WKNDR.”

On October 30, Kia America posted a clandestine press release about an upcoming reveal at the annual SEMA show in Los Angeles. The first release featured a shadowy image of what appeared to be some off-road vehicle, with its recognizable Kia front fascia shining at the camera lens. The text read, “All roads lead to SEMA.”

We speculated that SEMA might be the event where Kia finally unveils the first of its two promised BEV pickup trucks. Since the headlamps closely resembled those of an EV9, we thought it could be the mule pickup we reported being tested in the US earlier this year. We were close.

Later that same day, Kia followed up with a second press release with the same title and quote but an image of a different off-road EV shining through the darkness, one that was much less recognizable.

Both releases had fine print stating that the vehicle in each image was a concept, so we curbed our expectations heading into this week’s 2024 SEMA show. This morning, Kia officially unveiled these two new off-road concept EVs, and they’re pretty cool looking. Have a gander at the EV9 ADVNTR and the PV5 WKNDR.

Kia off-road
The EV9 ADVNTR Concept EV / Source: Kia America

Kia unveils off-road concepts of its EV9 and PV5 EVs

According to the Korean automaker, designers from Kia Design Center America (KDCA) in Irvine, CA, imagined both off-road concepts. SEMA is usually a stage for OEMs to showcase concepts and accessories that are more rugged or heavy-duty.

Hence, the Kia team brought its A-game to Vegas with two new concept EVs that “intrinsically blend form and function into machines designed for responsible engagement with nature.”

The first is the EV9 ADVNTR, based on the three-row SUV that contributed to record sales for Kia in the US in October. Today, Kia shared that its off-road concept version of the EV9 is equipped with new custom front and rear facias, reinforced rocker panels, and rugged tires for more maneuverability in the elements.

Additionally, the EV9 ADVNTR can lift 3 inches higher than the standard 2025 SUV model and features a new roof rack that can haul luggage and hiking gear or support a roof-mounted tent.

kia off-road
The PV5 WKNDR Concept EV / Source: Kia America

In addition to the EV9 ADVNTR, Kia unveiled an off-road concept version of its new PV5 called the WKNDR. The PV5 is a middle-of-the-pack BEV in Kia’s latest ‘Purpose Beyond Vehicle’ lineup, which debuted at CES 2024.

While the standard PV5 was designed for commercial operations and last-mile deliveries, the Kia design team decided to take it off-road with the new WKNDR concept. This BEV van has been lifted and rigged with some hefty off-road tires, but like its predecessor, the interior of the PV5 WKNDR is what truly stands out.

Kia describes the off-road concept van as a “Swiss Army Knife on wheels,” offering a modular cabin that can be customized to an owner’s wants and needs. The conceptual design features a first-of-its-kind storage solution called the “Gear Head” feature that delivers off-board, sheltered storage space for equipment when the vehicle is stationary, maximizing interior space while providing owners with easy access to all their belongings.

Thanks to its modularity, Kia shared that the off-road van’s “Gear Head” space can also be converted into a mobile pantry for those foodies who want to assemble an array of cuisine while parked out in nature, or anywhere for that matter.

Kia also shared that its team designed the PV5 WKNDR to be self-sufficient as an off-road BEV. It features solar panels and hydro turbine wheels that can recharge the vehicle’s batteries and power other components, like an onboard compressor.

Since these remain mere concepts, we don’t have any performance specs for the Kia EV9 ADVNTR or PV5 WKNDR, nor can we confirm that either model will reach bonafide production for sale. However, Kia is thinking beyond its current lineup and is at least flirting with the idea of delivering some new models that would compete against the likes of Ford, Rivian, and recent reveals from VW Group’s Scout Motors.

At the very least, we may see some of these features and design elements in Kia’s upcoming BEV pickups. For now, however, these off-road EV concepts are an exciting exercise in design that once again shows how innovative and creative Hyundai Motor Group is across virtually all BEV segments.

We hope to see more concrete unveilings from the Korean automaker soon.

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These EVs are a steal with lease prices under $300 a month this November

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These EVs are a steal with lease prices under 0 a month this November

With big discounts and lower-priced models hitting the market, electric vehicles are getting more and more affordable. Here are the EVs you can drive off in this November with lease prices under $300 a month.

EVs for lease for under $300 a month November 2024

New models like the Honda Prologue and Chevy Blazer, Equinox, and Silverado EVs are rolling out nationwide, giving buyers more options than ever.

According to Cox Automotive, over 100,000 EVs were sold in the US in September, the sixth straight month topping the 100K mark. Electric vehicles accounted for 9% of the US auto market, its highest to date.

The average transaction price (ATP) for new EVs was $56,328, but drastically higher incentives bring prices on par with or even under many comparable gas cars.

For example, the Honda Prologue electric SUV is available to lease for as low as $295 per month, including the down payment. That’s cheaper than a Honda Civic at $376 per month.

The Honda Prologue is one of the best EVs to lease this November. Here are the other models worth considering this month.

Lease From Term
(months)
Due at Signing Effective rate per month
(including upfront fees)
2024 Nissan LEAF $109 36 $2,529 $179
2024 Kia Niro EV $169 24 $3,999 $336
2024 Kia EV6 $179 24 $3,999 $346
2024 VinFast VF 8 $199 36 $894 $244
2024 Hyundai IONIQ 5 $159 24 $3,999 $326
2024 Honda Prologue $259 36 $1,299 $295
EVs for lease under $300 per month in November 2024

According to online auto research firm CarsDirect, the Nissan LEAF retained the title of the cheapest EV you can lease in November listed at just $109 per month in Colorado.

With $2,529 due at signing, the effective monthly rate is just $179. However, the deal only includes state incentives, not offered elsewhere.

EVs-lease-$300-November
Kia EV6 (Source: Kia)

Kia’s Niro EV and EV6 are two of the best EV lease options this month, with monthly rates of $169 and $179.

After a recent price cut, the EV6 is offered at its lowest monthly rate since hitting the market. That’s for the Light Long-Range model with up to 310 miles of range.

EVs-lease-$300-November
2024 Hyundai IONIQ 5 (Source: Hyundai)

The Hyundai IONIQ 5 remains a top lease option in November, with the updated 2025 model set for deliveries later this year. With lease prices starting at just $159 per month, Hyundai is offering its best-selling electric SUV at closeout prices.

EVs-lease-$300-November
2024 Honda Prologue Elite (Source: Honda)

Honda factors in a $1,000 conquest or loyalty offer in the lease deal. However, for a $48,000 electric SUV, the Prologue is still a steal.

Although not under $300, the Subaru Solterra is also worth considering at just $329 per month with no money down.

Ready to find your new EV? We can help you get started. Check out our links below to find the best deals on popular electric models in your area.

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