Connect with us

Published

on

Less than a month after rolling its first new coupe SUVs off its assembly lines in China, XPeng Motors has officially launched its latest model – the G6. Priced below $30,000, XPeng sees the G6 as a serious competitor to the Tesla Model Y and plenty of other EVs in China. The automaker has a lot riding on this one as it looks to bolster less-than-stellar sales in its native country as of late.

The rise of the G6 begins at the core of the new SUV with XPeng Motors’ SEPA 2.0 modular EV architecture. The next-generation, 800 V Silicon Carbide (SiC) platform is the blueprint for XPeng’s lineup of EVs for the foreseeable future – adaptable to operate within wheelbases ranging from 1,800 mm (70.9 inches) to 3,200 mm (126 inches) and scalable to support nearly any vehicle type, whether its a coupe, sedan, hatchback, wagon, SUV, multi-purpose vehicle (MPV), or even a pickup.

The platform made its official debut beneath the G6 coupe SUV this past April, along with impressive spec promises from its makers, including 469 miles of range and fast charging in as little as 10 minutes. A month later, we learned that G6 production was already underway in China, hinting that deliveries were imminent.

By mid-June, XPeng Motors began taking pre-orders for its next-gen SUV following news it would arrive priced between RMB 200,000-300,000 ($28,500-$42,650). This resulted in over 25,000 pre-orders in the first 72 hours – encouraging consumer interest for an automaker still looking to find its footing in an extremely saturated Chinese EV market. What’s even better, pricing ended up lower than originally promised – more on that below.

Today, XPeng Motors chairman and CEO He Xiaopeng shared that the G6 had over 35,000 pre-orders as of June 28. The automaker officially launched its new SUV in China today, sharing details and pricing of five different trims reservation holders may see delivered as early as July.

XPeng’s G6 SUV bests Tesla Model Y on price and tech

XPeng Motors hosted a launch event in China earlier today, marking the launch of the G6 SUV before initial deliveries begin next month. As we’ve covered leading up to today’s news, this EV features some of the most innovative tech in the industry and hits the market as XPeng’s golden goose. Chairman and CEO He Xiaopeng spoke:

XPeng G6 embodies our unwavering commitment to technology innovation and reaffirms our mission to lead the mobility transformation. We believe that our forward-looking technology roadmap and vision for making innovative technology accessible to the mass market firmly position XPeng as an industry trendsetter and leader in customer satisfaction.

The G6 arrives with XPeng’s full-scenario ADAS XNGP – a system the automaker continues to tout as “the most advanced and capable in China.” The ADAS is enabled by XPeng’s BEV+Transformer-based deep visual neural network, XNet – another first for China, according to the company. The XPeng SUV comes equipped with 31 smart sensors, including two LiDARs on its front, and a total computing power of up to 508 TOPS, thanks to two NVIDIA DRIVE Orin-X chips.

With this technology in place, XPeng says the G6 has already achieved the ultimate form of advanced driver assistance systems (ADAS) before fully-autonomous driving has truly been realized, equipped to handle such functions if and when they do ever come to fruition (and certification) in the industry.

Other G6 features include the SUV’s front and rear integrated aluminum die-casted body, another first for China claimed by XPeng. This design reduces weight and offers a body rigidity of up to 83% greater than traditional designs. The lower weight also enables the G6 to deliver up to 755 km (469 miles) of range (that’s CLTC, however). As promised, the SUV’s 800 V SiC platform and 3C battery allow for 300 km (186 miles) of range gathered in 10 minutes on an XPeng S3/S4 DC fast charger.

The SUV’s interior features XPeng’s latest operating system – Xmart OS 4.0, powered by a Qualcomm Snapdragon chipset and displayed on a 15-inch touchscreen (seen below). It offers “GPT-like” human-machine interaction using XPeng’s full-scenario voice assistant 2.0.

With the launch, XPeng Motors is selling five separate trims of the G6, including two “Pro” versions and three “Max.” Here’s how they break down.

G6 Trim 580 Long Range Pro 580 Long Range Max 755 Super Long
Range Pro
755 Super Long
Range Max
700 4WD Performance
Max
Drivetrain Single RWD Single RWD Single RWD Single RWD Dual AWD
Torque 440 Nm/ 218 kW 440 Nm/ 218 kW 440 Nm/ 218 kW 440 Nm/ 218 kW 660 Nm/
358 kW
Range (CLTC) 580 km (360 mi) 580 km (360 mi) 755 km (469 mi) 755 km (469 mi) 700 km
(435 mi)
Top Speed 202 km/h (125.5 mph) 202 km/h (125.5 mph) 202 km/h (125.5 mph) 202 km/h (125.5 mph) 202 km/h
(125.5 mph)
Acceleration
(0-100 km/h)
6.6 sec 6.6 sec 5.9 sec 5.9 sec 3.9 sec
Price RMB 209,900 ($28,940) RMB 229,900 ($31,700) RMB 234,900 ($32,390) RMB 254,900 ($35,150) RMB 276,900 ($38,180)

As you can see, XPeng has really hit a sweet spot in pricing, as even its top-tier trim of the G6 SUV converts to well under $40,000. For comparison, the Tesla Model Y starts at RMB 263,900 ($36,385) and goes as high as RMB 363,900 ($50,175) for the performance edition.

To that point, XPeng’s chairman said today that the company expects the G6 to become the top-selling electric SUV in China, priced at around RMB 250,000, within two months. Since Tesla’s cheapest Model Y is priced well above that cutoff, XPeng may not be targeting the Model Y directly after all but is instead undercutting the American automaker by delivering more for less.

We will see how this strategy pays off for XPeng Motors as official sales begin to solidify and deliveries begin in China. It’s important to note that the G6 was originally designed with both Chinese and European five-star safety standards in mind, and the automaker relayed that the EU can expect to see SUV deliveries next year.

We’re working on a trip to China to get behind the wheel of this one, so when that happens, we will be sure to report back. In the meantime, here’s some video footage of the XPeng G6 coupe SUV enduring winter testing.

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

Continue Reading

Environment

Pentagon to become largest shareholder in rare earth magnet producer MP Materials; shares surge 40%

Published

on

By

Pentagon to become largest shareholder in rare earth magnet producer MP Materials; shares surge 40%

A wheel loader operator fills a truck with ore at the MP Materials rare earth mine in Mountain Pass, California, January 30, 2020.

Steve Marcus | Reuters

The Defense Department will become the largest shareholder in rare earth miner MP Materials after agreeing to buy $400 million of its preferred stock, the company said Thursday.

MP Materials owns the only operational rare earth mine in the U.S. at Mountain Pass, California. The company said it will use the proceeds of the Pentagon’s investment to expand its rare earths processing capabilities and its magnet production capacity.

Shares of MP Materials jumped more than 40% premarket on the news.

The Pentagon is buying a newly created class of preferred shares that are convertible into MP Materials’ common stock. It is also buying a warrant that allows it to purchase additional common stock in the rare earth miner. The convertible shares and the warrant for common stock would represent about a 15% stake in MP Materials as of July 9.

Interior Secretary Doug Burgum said in April that the Trump administration was considering making direct equity investments in critical mineral companies to break U.S. dependence on China.

This is a developing story. Please check back for updates.

Continue Reading

Environment

Meet the Porsche Taycan Black Edition, now with more power and longer driving range

Published

on

By

Meet the Porsche Taycan Black Edition, now with more power and longer driving range

Porsche is rolling out three new Taycan Black Edition models. The 2026 Porsche Taycan Black Edition brings more than just a sporty new look. All three are equipped with Porsche’s Performance Battery Plus, delivering more power and a longer driving range.

Meet the 2026 Porsche Taycan Black Edition

With the new electric Macan stealing the show, Porsche is introducing new Taycan variants for the 2026 model year.

Porsche has already introduced significant upgrades for the 2025 model year, adding more driving range, faster charging, higher performance, and a sleek new design.

The new Black Edition variants will be available for the 2026 Porsche Taycan, Taycan 4, and Taycan 4S models.

Advertisement – scroll for more content

Featuring its SportDesign package, the new models include high-gloss black exterior accents on the window trims and mirrors.

Other standard design elements include a rear light strip with an illuminated, blacked-out Porsche logo. Inside, the new variants include Porsche’s black interior accent package, storage package, and black brushed illuminated door sill guards.

Porsche-Taycan-Black-Edition
2026 Porsche Taycan Black Edition (Source: Porsche)

All three Black Edition models are equipped with the larger Performance Battery Plus, which is typically offered as an option.

With a gross energy capacity of 105 kWh, Porsche says the new variants offer a longer driving range and more power. The 2025 Taycan, with the Performance Battery Plus pack, offers an EPA-estimated range of 318 miles.

On the European WLTP scale, the 2025 Porsche Taycan with the Performance Plus battery is rated with up to 679 km (421 miles) range.

Porsche-Taycan-Black-Edition
2026 Porsche Taycan Black Edition (Source: Porsche)

The new Black Edition models are loaded with added features. Highlights include Lane Change Assist, Surround View, including Active Parking Assist, 21″ wheels with center caps featuring the full-color Porsche crest, and HD-Matrix Design LED headlights. There are even puddle light projectors that show the Porsche logo when the doors open.

Porsche-Taycan-Black-Edition
2026 Porsche Taycan Black Edition interior (Source: Porsche)

On the inside, the premium features continue. The Black Edition interior features 14-way comfort seats with a memory function, a Porsche crest on the headrests, and a BOSE Surround Sound System, including Dolby Atmos, to create an immersive sound experience.

You’ll also get Porsche Electric Sport Sound, a Storage package, and the Porsche crest stitched into the leather trim. To top it off, there’s an added “Black Edition” badge in the center console, exclusive to the new variants.

Although it’s called the Black Edition, you can choose from several different colors, such as Jet Black Metallic, Volcano Grey Metallic, Dolomite Silver Metallic, and Ice Grey Metallic, at no extra cost.

Porsche will reveal prices for the 2026 Taycan Black Edition models “in due course.” Deliveries in the US are expected to begin in Fall 2025.

What do you think of the new blacked-out Taycan variants? Do you dig it? Drop us a comment below and let us know your thoughts.

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

Continue Reading

Environment

Aventon launches Aventure M, a mid-drive fat tire e-bike with auto-shifting

Published

on

By

Aventon launches Aventure M, a mid-drive fat tire e-bike with auto-shifting

Aventon is giving its popular fat tire e-bike a serious upgrade. The company just unveiled the Aventure M, a new mid-drive version of its best-selling Aventure model. With more torque, smarter shifting, and a boost in connectivity and control, Aventon says this is the “most advanced” bike it has ever produced.

The new Aventure M swaps out the rear hub motor for a 100 Nm mid-drive motor, offering more efficient power delivery and a more natural ride feel thanks to its double-sided torque sensor. And in case that 100 Nm doesn’t exactly place it for you, just know that we’re talking about more power (or more accurately, torque) than nearly any other e-bike in this class.

The Aventon A100 motor, which is rated at 750W and runs on a 36V system, takes full advantage of its Class 3 category with pedal assist speeds up to 28 mph (45 km/h) and a throttle top speed of 20 mph (32 km/h). The throttle is sold separately, probably as a nod to being even more compliant with California’s new stricter laws regarding Class 1 and Class 3 e-bikes, which can’t have mounted throttles.

Aventon also gives riders the option to set the bike to Class 1 or 2 limits using the companion app. We’ve always been pretty impressed with Aventon’s app, as it’s quite easy to use and makes it simple to control those types of modifications to the bike.

Advertisement – scroll for more content

That app pairs with Aventon’s newly developed ACU (Aventon Control Unit), a custom IoT system that adds a wide range of smart features. Riders get GPS tracking, theft detection, geofencing, remote locking, and over-the-air (OTA) firmware updates. Aventon even built in a passcode-locked on-switch for added security, as well as a physical rear-wheel lock and alarm.

We’ve previously seen Aventon use that OTA update system to give its e-bike more power via a boost feature, so the company doesn’t appear shy about pushing out new features when they’re ready.

But it’s not just about motor placement and connectivity. The Aventure M introduces electronic shifting, powered by a 10-speed Shimano CUES drivetrain and paddle shifters. Riders can shift manually or let the system take over with Auto Shift, Aventon’s torque and cadence-sensing automatic shifting mode. A new Uphill Start Assist feature gives riders an extra torque boost when starting from a stop on steep grades –perfect for off-road adventures or fully loaded cargo rides.

As for range, Aventon claims up to 85 miles (137 km) from the removable 36V 20Ah (720 Wh) battery, which itself weighs around 8.7 lbs (3.9 kg). That figure is in the lowest power level, and real-world range will depend heavily on terrain and assist level, but riders can likely expect something in the 40–60 mile (65-100 km) ballpark under typical pedaling usage when enjoying moderately higher power levels, and a bit less if leaning hard into that optional throttle.

Rounding out the build are 4-inch wide fat tires, a suspension seatpost, and an 80 mm front suspension fork. The total weight of the bike is around 73 lbs (33 kg), which is actually surprisingly reasonable for a full-featured fat tire e-bike with a mid-drive, believe it or not. Hey, these are heavy bikes when you stuff all that power, range, and tech in there.

The price at launch is US $2,899, which places the Aventure M above the hub motor version of the company’s existing Aventure model but below some other mid-drive fat tire options on the market. Aventon is clearly positioning this as a higher-performance alternative that’s still (hopefully) accessible to the average rider. It’s available now online and through Aventon’s network of over 1,800 partner dealers across the U.S.

Electrek’s Take

It’s about time we saw a major direct-to-consumer brand bring a smart tech, mid-drive fat tire e-bike to market that doesn’t require taking out a second mortgage. The Aventure M feels like a natural progression for Aventon – taking what made the Aventure 2 so popular and layering on meaningful performance and tech upgrades. The mid-drive motor brings real climbing power and smoother pedal assist, and features like auto shifting and built-in GPS tracking give this bike some serious smart credentials.

Of course, at nearly $3,000, this isn’t exactly budget territory anymore. But considering the Aventure M includes high-end components, a full-fat-tire adventure build, and an impressive level of integration, it still looks like a solid value for someone who wants their e-bike to go above and beyond the basic level of componentry and features. If the real-world range holds up and the automatic shifting works smoothly, this could easily become a category leader for anyone wanting an all-terrain e-bike that feels as refined as it is rugged. Aventon of course didn’t reinvent the wheel here — they just made a smarter, better one. I look forward to getting on one soon for a review and letting you know what I think of the ride.

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

Continue Reading

Trending