The first American-assembled electric mini-truck? AYRO opens pre-orders
We’ve been eagerly following the AYRO Vanish since late last year, when the electric mobility company unveiled the mini-truck platform and touted its final assembly in AYRO’s Texas facility. Finally reaching a critical milestone, AYRO has just announced that the multi-use platform is now available for pre-order.
We’ve watched the Vanish roll closer and closer to production throughout early 2023, which would make it the first commercially available electric mini-truck assembled in the US.
Now pre-orders are finally open for the versatile platform, allowing prospective owners to get a spot in line with just a $250 deposit.
Once it reaches full production, the AYRO Vanish will join a select group. There are very few actual electric mini-trucks available in the US, with most of the rare examples being imported Chinese models.
But as excitement grows for a smaller class of electric utility vehicles and small format trucks, the Vanish could be set to enter a ripening market.
The company describes the Vanish as perfect for roles “where full-size trucks or vans are too large and golf and utility carts are too small.”
The pre-order announcement marks a big day for the company, as CEO Tom Wittenschlaeger explained:
We see ourselves as a pioneer in the LSEV space. Our lightweight architecture, adaptable configurations, and efforts in sustainability are, in my view, unsurpassed in today’s marketplace. Announcing the availability of pre-orders is a significant step in bringing the Vanish closer to market.
The Vanish truly is a multi-role EV thanks to its modular design. The base Vanish comes with the “common core chassis,” which is basically a pint-sized flatbed truck, but there are multiple options for loadouts that can help customize it for various utility tasks.
The flatbed is likely a good candidate for all-around hauling needs, especially with oversized loads. But operators can also spec the AYRO Vanish with fold-down tailgate and sidegates for a pickup-style bed to help contain loose cargo. There’s also an enclosed cargo box to create something of an electric mini box truck or cargo van.
AYRO’s vice president of Dealer Sales, Terry Kahl, pointed to the advantages of a modular platform:
With swappable bed configurations, we believe dealers can find a use case for the Vanish with almost any of their existing clientele. We have indications of interest from a rapidly growing number of dealers and now incoming dealers can find added value in that AYRO is accepting their pre-orders even before they join our dealer network. It should be an absolute win-win for our existing and onboarding dealers as well as future dealers.
Other options include various style doors – or no doors at all – and the option to choose between a street-legal LSV (Low Speed Vehicle) and a non-street-legal version for off-road/closed campus use.
It’s not immediately clear what differentiates the two models, but LSVs are a federally regulated motor vehicle category that is limited to a rather slow 25 mph (40 km/h), and so there could be performance variations on a model not intended for use on public roads.
Pricing was originally estimated to start at around US $25,000, though AYRO’s online configurator shows that the base price is actually US $33,900. That price doesn’t include taxes, fees, or accessories, and specific pricing details for the various modular packages are not yet clear.
Electrek’s Take
I love the vehicle; it’s exactly what we need to see more of in the US. There are too many cases of massive trucks and vans that make deliveries with a nearly empty bed or box.
However, I’m a bit bummed to see that the price is unfortunately higher than we were all hoping for. Even at $25K, it was going to be a bit pricey, but $34K before any useful add-ons is starting to get fairly lofty.
I get it though – it’s not easy being the first one in the market, developing a new product and doing US final assembly (though I wonder how much initial assembly is done overseas).
And as far as pricing goes, it’s not that far out of line compared to the closest things I can reasonably compare it to. Speccing out a comparable WAEV GEM utility cart puts me at around US $31,000, though the GEM’s lithium-ion battery upgrade over the stock lead acid batteries is a nearly $10K option by itself. You could get out the door for closer to $17,000 if you’re okay with decades-old battery technology.
At this price, the AYRO Vanish isn’t likely to find a large consumer market, but it wasn’t really intended to. For commercial operators that specifically need a small, nimble electric truck like this, it could be perfect. And as the company scales up production (and inevitably faces increased competition once the category grows), perhaps prices will come down to the point where average Joes like you and me can buy one.
Until then, I’ll have to be content with my Chinese electric mini-truck.
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Ava Community Energy just rolled out a new program in California that pays EV and plug-in hybrid drivers for charging their cars when electricity on the grid is cleaner and cheaper.
The new Ava SmartHome Charging program, launched in partnership with home energy analytics platform Optiwatt, offers up to $100 in incentives in the first year. And because the program helps shift home charging to lower-cost hours, Ava says drivers could save around $140 a year on their energy bills.
EV and PHEV owners who are Ava customers can download the Optiwatt app for free, connect their vehicle, and let the app handle the rest. The app uses an algorithm to automatically schedule charging when demand is low and more renewable energy is available, typically overnight or during off-peak hours.
“Ava is on a mission to provide 100% clean energy to our customers by 2030,” said CEO Howard Chang. “This new program helps us get there by giving people an easy way to charge on more renewable energy while simultaneously saving money.”
Drivers who enroll get a $75 bonus for joining, and can earn an extra $25 per year if they stay enrolled. Optiwatt shifts charging to off-peak times, and it takes into account the customer’s individual schedules and preferences.
Casey Donahue, who founded Optiwatt, says this program is a win for everyone. “We can move a lot of energy use to cleaner, more affordable times by using smart algorithms and the growing EV base,” he said. “That benefits every Ava customer.”
The program is available to most EVs and plug-in hybrids. All it takes is signing up through the Optiwatt app (iOS, Android, or web) and completing a quick verification process. Savings and rewards start right away.
The Oakland-based not-for-profit public power provider aims to enroll at least 5,000 vehicles by the end of 2025. The company says this program is the first step in a broader virtual power plant (VPP) strategy. It’s powered by Lunar Energy’s Distributed Energy Resource Management System (DERMS) platform, Gridshare, which will help Ava coordinate energy from EVs, home batteries, and more.
Ava Community Energy was founded in 2018 and now serves 2 million people in Alameda County, California, and the cities of Tracy, Stockton, and Lathrop.
Read more: California now has nearly 50% more EV chargers than gas nozzles
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Environment
Jeep is teasing the new Grand Cherokee, but where’s the EV version of its best-selling SUV?
The Grand Cherokee is due for a refresh, and we just got our first look at it. Jeep claimed “the next chapter in the story of America’s best-selling full-size SUV begins” after releasing the first official images of the updated model. When will we see the Jeep Grand Cherokee as an EV?
2026 Jeep Grand Cherokee first look
Days after revealing the new Compass, Jeep is teasing another refreshed model, its best-selling Grand Cherokee.
Although it was the best-selling full-size SUV in the US last year, the Grand Cherokee is due for an update. The latest model was launched in 2021, but Jeep added a two-row version in 2022.
It remained Jeep’s top seller in the US last year with over 216,000 models sold, but sales were down 12% compared to 2023. It was also one of the best-selling plug-in hybrid (PHEV) vehicles, with over 27,500 4xe models
Jeep is giving us our first official look at the updated 2026 Grand Cherokee, inside and out. The first image previews the front end, which features new LED headlights and a revamped seven-slot grille, similar to the new Compass.
The interior is restyled with a simplified setup and other minor infotainment and climate control display adjustments. The preview also shows an added passenger screen.
When will Jeep launch the Grand Cherokee EV?
Jeep will continue to assemble the updated SUV in Detroit. The new 2026 Jeep Grand Cherokee will be available as a two-row, three-row L, and a plug-in hybrid 4xe, but when will we see an EV version? The outgoing 4xe model is already one of the top three selling PHEVs in the US, so a fully electric version would make sense.
As part of its 2023 agreement with the UAW, Jeep revealed plans to launch the Grand Cherokee EV in 2027. It was scheduled to be built at the Detroit Assembly Complex, but plans have likely changed since then.
Jeep’s new Compass will be available as an EV, but only in Europe. At least for now. Stellantis halted operations at its Brampton Assembly plant earlier this year, where the Compass is built, as it “reassesses its product strategy in North America.”
For those in the US, Jeep currently offers one EV. The Wagoneer S (pictured on the left above), Jeep’s first global electric SUV, starts at $65,200 and has a range of up to 294 miles.
Later this year, Jeep is expected to launch the Recon EV (pictured on the right above), a rugged electric SUV like a Wrangler.
Jeep is currently offering employee pricing plus an extra $1,500 cash allowance on top of the $7,500 EV tax credit on 2025 Wagoneer S models. If you’re looking to snag some savings, you can use our link to find Jeep Wagoneer S models in your area today.
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Can Kia’s first electric sedan live up to the hype? After launching the EV4 in Korea, we are finally seeing it in action. A new test drive of the EV4 gives us a closer look at what to expect as Kia prepares to take it global. Here’s how it went down.
Kia EV4 test drive: The good, the bad, and the ugly
Kia claims the EV4 will “set a new standard in electric vehicles” with long-range capabilities, fast charging, and a sleek new design.
The electric sedan features a unique, almost sports-car-like profile with a long-tail silhouette and added roof spoiler.
Kia claims it is “the new look of a sedan fit for the era of electrification.” Despite its four-door design, the company is calling it a new type of sedan.
The design is not only eye-catching, but it’s also super efficient. With a drag coefficient of just 0.23, the EV4 is Kia’s most aerodynamic vehicle so far, enabling maximum driving range and efficiency.
Kia opened EV4 orders in South Korea in March, starting at about $29,000 (41.92 million won). It’s available with two battery options: 58.2 kWh and 81.4 kWh. The entry-level “Standard Air” model, powered by the 58.2 kWh battery, is rated with up to 237 miles of driving range.
The “Long-Range Air” variant starts at 46.29 million won ($31,800) and has a driving range of up to 331 miles (533 km) in Korea.
With charging speeds of up to 350 kW, the EV4 can charge from 10% to 80% in around 29 minutes. The long-range battery will take about 31 minutes.
The interior boasts Kia’s latest ccNC infotainment system with a 30″ Ultra-wide Panoramic Display. The setup includes dual 12.3″ driver displays, navigation screens, and a 5″ air conditioning panel.
With deliveries kicking off, we are seeing some of the first test drives come out. A review from HealerTV gives us a better idea of what it’s like to drive the EV4 in person.
Sitting next to Kia’s first pickup, the Tasman, the reviewer mentions the EV4 feels “particularly newer.” The test drive starts around the city with a ride quality similar to that of the K5, if not even better.
As you can see from the camera shaking, the ride feels “a bit uncomfortable” on rough roads. However, on normal surfaces and speed bumps, Kia’s electric sedan “feels neither too soft nor too hard,” just normal. The reviewer calls the EV4’s overall ride quality “quite ordinary” with “nothing particularly special about it.”
When accelerating, the electric car was smooth in the beginning but felt “a little lacking in later stages.” Overall, it should be enough for everyday use.
One of the biggest issues was that the rear window appeared too low. The rear brake lights also stick out, making it hard to see clearly through the rearview.
Keep in mind that the test drive was the Korean-spec EV4. Kia will launch the EV4 in Europe later this year and in the US in early 2026.
In the US, the EV4 will include a built-in NACS port for charging at Tesla Superchargers and a driving range of up to 330 (EPA-est) miles. Prices will be revealed closer to launch, but the EV4 is expected to start at around $35,000 to $40,000.
Would you buy Kia’s electric sedan for around $35,000? Or would you rather have the Tesla Model 3, which starts at $42,490 in the US and has up to 363 miles of range? Let us know in the comments.
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