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Hyundai officially opened its new Innovation Center Singapore (HMGICS) this week to expand the brand in the EV era. The “smart urban mobility hub” is run by robots (even robot dogs) and AI, providing new ways to buy custom Hyundai EVs.

After surpassing Ford and GM in US EV sales in the third quarter, Hyundai (including Kia) plans to keep the momentum rolling.

Hyundai officially opened its new smart EV facility this week as part of its strategy. South Korea’s largest automaker said the new facility will “lead the company’s future in the electrification era over the next 50 years.”

The tech hub provides an immersive experience with flexible vehicle customization, VR factory tours, test rides, and even a “smart farm.”

Hyundai said the new facility “provides unprecedented ways for EV buyers to interact with their vehicles and the Hyundai brand” with robots and AI. The seven-story, 68,900 m2 facility can build 30,000 EVs per year.

Designed to revolutionize how EVs are delivered, Hyundai’s new facility uses 200 robots to carry out around 50% of all tasks.

Hyundai-facility-EVs
Hyundai using robot “dogs” at HMGICS (Source: Hyundai)

The robots perform assembly, inspection, and production. They also manage 60% of component processing, ordering, and transport.

Hyundai’s new smart facility offers custom EVs quickly

Hyundai’s new facility can build custom EVs faster using a cell-based production system. You can customize the vehicle from home and apply it to the car instantly before putting a deposit down.

Hyundai-facility-EVs
Hyundai “guru” showing the IONIQ 5 (Source: Hyundai)

Before your first visit, you can book a virtual reality (VR) tour of the facility. Meanwhile, personal “gurus” will be available on-site for questions.

For a more immersive experience, you can test drive an EV around its 618-meter (675 yards) rooftop Skytrack.

Hyundai-facility-EVs
Hyundai IONIQ 5 test drive on Skytrack (Source: Hyundai)

Hyundai has also included a “smart farm” to increase the region’s food supply. Since Singapore imports 90% of its food, the government is promoting new tech like smart farms.

The smart farm produces up to nine crops at the facility. Hyundai will use them in an upcoming farm-to-table restaurant opening next year.

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2024 Hyundai IONIQ 6 Limited (Source: Hyundai)

Hyundai has been building the IONIQ 5 at the plant since earlier this year and will add the IONIQ 6 next year. The robot-run facility will test new mobility solutions like purpose-built vehicles (PBVs).

Electrek’s Take

The news comes after Hyundai broke ground on its massive new EV plant in South Korea last week.

Hyundai has been accelerating EV momentum all year. After surpassing Ford and GM in EV sales in the US in the third quarter, Hyundai is doubling down.

Including Kia, Hyundai claimed 7.5% of the market with a combined 64,000 EVs sold, according to registration data from Automotive News. Although Tesla still leads by a wide margin (57.4%), GM (5.9%) and Ford (5.5%) fell behind.

The growth comes despite Hyundai EVs not qualifying for the $7,500 EV tax credit (only through leasing).

Hyundai also partnered with Amazon last week, enabling its EVs to be sold on the platform for the first year.

Hyundai’s global president, Jose Munoz, told Reuters, “I am still very bullish” on EVs ahead of the LA Auto show. He added, “Based on what I see, I need more. If I had more capacity today, I could sell more cars.”

Hyundai began construction on its first US EV plant in Georgia last October. A year later, the automaker says 99.9% of the foundation work is complete. Once up and running, the $5.5B mega plant will enable Hyundai EVs to qualify for the tax credit.

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Tesla (TSLA) sales crash continues in Europe, with Germany down 70%

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Tesla (TSLA) sales crash continues in Europe, with Germany down 70%

Tesla’s (TSLA) sales crash continues in Europe, with more countries reporting February numbers, including Germany, down 70%.

Global sales of the automaker were down year-over-year for the first time in a decade last year, and if things continue, it will be even worse in 2025.

The damage is especially significant in Europe. We have been tracking sales, and last month, Tesla’s deliveries were down roughly 50% compared to last year.

Earlier this week, we reported on the first few European markets reporting February sales, and again, Tesla deliveries were down significantly in France, Norway, Denmark, and Sweden.

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Now, numbers are coming from more markets, including Germany, where Tesla is having a very tough time.

According to local registration data, Tesla delivered only 1,429 new cars in February in Germany – down 76% compared to the more than 6,000 vehicles it delivered in February 2024.

Tesla is now down 70% in deliveries this year in Germany, which used to be its biggest European market:

Countries Feb-25 Feb-24 Jan-25 Jan-24 YoY change
Germany 1,429 6,038 1,277 3,150 -70.6%
UK 3,851 3,192 1,293 1,581 +7.7%
France 2,395 3,244 1,141 3,118 -44.4%
Netherlands 983 1,287 926 1,610 -34.1%
Norway 917 1,777 663 1,109 -45.3%
Spain 909 1,020 269 1,094 -44.4%
Sweden 613 1,064 394 730 -43.9%
Denmark 509 1,086 451 763 -48.1%
Portugal 547 1,155 380 551 -45.0%
Total 12,153 19,863 6,794 13,706 -43.5%

The Netherlands and Portugal have also now reported their numbers for February. The former is down again, but less so than in January, while Tesla deliveries have slowed even further in Portugal – down to just 547 deliveries in February.

Tesla has also regained some ground in Spain compared to the first month of the year, but it is still down 44% year-to-date versus 2024.

The only silver lining for Tesla in Europe is the UK, where after being down 18% in January, it recovered in February and is now up 7% year over year.

Tesla fans and investors are holding on to the idea that sales are mostly down because of the Model Y changeover that is happening this quarter. However, the data suggest otherwise.

For example, in Germany, Model 3 sales are down 40% so far this year, despite Tesla’s being in the middle of a Model 3 changeover around this time last year.

The situation is even worse in France, where Model 3 sales are down 60%.

Therefore, it’s clear that Tesla’s problem in Europe is way more important than people waiting for the new Model Y.

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All the EVs you can buy with 0% financing in March 2025

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All the EVs you can buy with 0% financing in March 2025

Lease deals get all the hype, but most people still want to own the car after they’re done making all those payments on it. If that sounds like you, and you’ve been waiting for the interest rates on auto loans to drop, you’re in luck: there are a bunch of great plug-in cars you can buy with 0% financing this March … and that includes a zero percent Tesla deal!

I’ve done a couple of these now, so you probably already know that there were plenty of ways for me to present this information. “Best EVs ..?” Too opinion based. “Cheapest EVs ..?” Too much research. In the end, I went with alphabetical order, by make. And, as for which deals are new this month? You’re just gonna have to read the article. Enjoy!

Acura ZDX

2024 Acura ZDX; via Acura.

The 2024 Acura ZDX uses a GM Ultium battery and drive motors, but the styling, interior, and infotainment software are all Honda. That means you’ll get a solidly-built EV with GM levels of parts support and Honda levels of fit, finish, and quality control. All that plus Apple CarPlay and 0% financing for up to 72 months makes the ZDX one the best sporty crossover deals in the business.

All the electric Chevy EVs (again)

EV batteries Stanford
Silverado EV, Equinox EV, and Blazer EV at a Tesla Supercharger; via GM.

For the second month in a row, Chevrolet is offering 0% financing for up to 60 months on all three of its Ultium-based EVs – and they’re all winners. The Silverado is an incredibly capable pickup that can be spec’ed up to a 10,500 lb. GVWR, making it eligible for Class 3 incentives up to $30,000 in some markets and capable enough to tow whatever horse, boat, or RV you put behind it.

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On the crossover side, both the Chevy Blazer EV and Equinox EV each offer their own takes on the five-passenger family SUV, with the cost of base model Equinox LT FWD models with 319 miles of EPA-rated range dropping to just $27,500 after you apply the $7,500 Federal tax credit (which, for now, is still a thing).

Ford Mustang Mach-E

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2024 Ford Mustang Mach-E GT Bronze edition; via Ford.

This month, you can get a killer deal on a new 2024 Ford Mustang Mach-E (shown, above). Through March 31st, you can get $2,500 in bonus cash, a free L2 home charger installed, plus 0% financing for up to 72 months. Tesla owners can also get an additional $1,000 in conquest cash, bringing the hood money total to $3,500.

GMC Hummer and Sierra Denali EV

2025 GMC SIERRA EV DENALI
2024 GMC Sierra Denali EV; via GM.

The biggest Ultium-based EVs from GM’s commercial truck brand are seriously impressive machines, with shockingly quick acceleration and on-road handling that seems to defy the laws of physics once you understand that these are, essentially, medium-duty trucks. This month, GMC is doing its best to move out its existing inventory of 2024s, so if you’re a fan of heavy metal you’ll definitely want to stop by your local GMC dealer and give the Hummer EV and Sierra Denali EV a test drive.

Honda Prologue

Honda-Pologue-2025
2024 Honda Prologue; via Honda.

Despite the Honda Prologue was one of the top-selling electric crossovers last year by combining GM’s excellent Ultium platform with Honda sensibilities and Apple CarPlay, Honda upgraded the 2025 model with slightly more EPA range. Even so, there’s still some remaining 2024 inventory out there and dealers are ready to deal (that’s what they do, after all). To make room for the 2025 models, Honda is offering 0% APR for up to 72 months on the remaining 2024s.

All the Kia EVs

2024 Kia Niro EV; via Kia.

Kia’s EV6 and EV9 have been grabbing headlines and setting sales records sine the Kia EV6 shocked the world, making its global debut on a drag strip where the car ran against a Lamborghini, a Porsche, and an AMG Mercedes (and won). This month, however, it’s the Kia Niro EV’s turn to shine thanks to 0% financing on the fun, compact urban runabout for up to 60 months.

The Niro’s bigger siblings are getting the 0% treatment, too, for a longer 72 month term.

Nissan Ariya

2024 Nissan Ariya; via Nissan.

I’ve already said that the Nissan Ariya didn’t get a fair shake. If you click that link, you’ll read about a car that offers solid driving dynamics, innovative interior design, and all the practicality that makes five-passenger crossovers the must-haves they’ve become for most families. With great discounts available at participating dealers, Supercharger access, and 0% interest from Nissan for up to 72 months, Nissan dealers should have no trouble finding homes for their remaining 2024 Ariya crossovers.

Subaru Soltera

Subaru Solterra
2023 Subaru Soltera; via Subaru.

Despite being something of a slow seller, this mechanical twin of the Toyota bZ4X EV seems like a solid mid-size electric crossover with some outdoorsy vibes and granola style that offers more than enough utility to carry your mountain bikes to the trail or your kayaks to the river. The company is hoping to help clear out its remaining 2024 models with big discounts and 0% financing for up to 72 months.

Tesla Model 3

Tesla Model 3 Highland Refresh
Model 3 Highland; via Tesla.

Say what you will about Elon Musk – and I say plenty over on the Quick Charge podcast – the fact remains that we wouldn’t be here talking about EVs at all if it wasn’t for his marketing brilliance, bravado, and sheer force of will. Beyond that, Tesla simply offers as superior ownership experience through total software integration, unfettered access to the Supercharger network, and the best EV route-planning software this side of Chargeway.

If you can stomach being associated with Elon (or have an inside line on some spare Honda badges), you can get a new Model 3 for 0% interest or 0.99% with $0 down if you apply the $7,500 Federal tax incentive at the point of purchase.

Volkswagen ID.4

Volkswagen-EVs-in-2023
VW ID.4; via Volkswagen.

One of the most popular legacy EVs, the ID.4 offers Volkswagen build quality and (for 2024) a Chat-GPT enabled interface. To keep ID.4 sales rolling, VW dealers are getting aggressive with discounts, making this fast-charging, 291 mile EPA-rated range, 5-star safety rated EV a value proposition that’s tough to beat.

This month, get a Volkswagen ID.4 with 0% financing for up to 72 months plus a $5,000 customer cash bonus to stack with it.

Disclaimer: the vehicle models and financing deals above were sourced from CarsDirectCarEdge, and (where mentioned) the OEM websites – and were current as of 04MAR2025. These deals may not be available in every market, with every discount, or for every buyer (the standard “with approved credit” fine print should be considered implied). Check with your local dealer(s) for more information.

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Ultra fast Apollo Phantom 2.0 electric scooter begins shipping

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Ultra fast Apollo Phantom 2.0 electric scooter begins shipping

In a new high watermark for Canadian electric scooter company Apollo, the brand’s new flagship electric scooter has begun shipping in North America. With speeds topping 50 MPH (80 km/h) in the highest power version, the Phantom 2.0 is set to push Apollo into even more premium scooter territory.

First announced late last year, the Apollo Phantom 2.0 has been eagerly awaited by high-performance scooter enthusiasts. Apollo developed the design from the ground up, following a brand strategy that has long sought to distance itself from cookie-cutter, catalog-sourced e-scooters common to many scooter companies in the industry.

The Phantom 2.0 comes in two variants: The lower performance (yet still fairly extreme) version is the Phantom 2.0 52V, which is equipped with dual 1,750W motors. This model achieves a top speed of up to 44 mph (70 km/h).

The even higher performance model is the Phantom 2.0 Stellar 60V, which features dual 3,350W motors. This model reaches speeds of up to 53 mph (85 km/h).

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Both scooters use premium-grade 21700 battery cells, with the former sporting a 27 Ah (1.4 kWh) battery and the latter with a larger 30 Ah (1.8 kWh) battery. That gives maximum range estimates of 50 miles (80 km) and 56 miles (90 km), respectively.

For suspension, the 52V scooter uses dual spring suspension while the 60V model has upgraded DNM dual hydraulic suspension. Both models use 11×4-inch puncture-resistant tubeless tires for durability, helping to resist flat tires that could cut a ride painfully short.

Both models also come with the Apollo DOT 2 display, a simplistic dot matrix display that is easily readable at high speeds, as well as a QuadLock mount compatible with QuadLock phone cases that allows riders to use the Apollo phone app as a more detailed display.

Additional features include NFC connectivity and compatibility with the Apollo App and Apple Find My, offering enhanced security and customization options.

For safety, the 52V model is equipped with dual mechanical disc brakes while the 60V version features dual hydraulic disc brakes. Both are certified for UL2271 and UL2272 covering the battery and system electronics, and are IP66-rated, meaning they can survive everything from pummeling rain to sand storms.

The scooters also feature 360-degree lighting for ultimate visibility from any angle, including a fully-wrapped LED deck strip and turn signals mounted in the bar ends.

The Apollo Phantom 2.0 52V scooter is priced at US $2,399 as part of a promotion marking it down from its MSRP of US $2,999, and has been set to start deliveries early this month.

The more powerful Apollo Phantom Stellar 60V is a bit pricier at US $3,499, marked down from an MSRP of US $3,999. That model won’t start shipping until this summer, likely in either June or July.

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