Ohio, the state where a river caught fire at least 12 times, just voted to protect oil
The Ohio House has voted on a bill to ensure that the state cannot ban gas-powered vehicles, protecting pollution in a state that has one of the worst environmental legacies in the US.
One of the biggest environmental stories in the history of the US was when the Cuyahoga river, which runs through Akron and Cleveland, caught fire in 1969 when an oil slick on the water was set ablaze, damaging a railroad bridge.
The fire made headlines and news spread across the country, and the story in some ways sparked the national environmental movement. But that’s not the only time the river caught fire – it burned at least a dozen times before that, due to constant oil slicks on the river.
Despite that wake-up call, things haven’t improved much for Ohio since then. The state ranks 46th in air pollution and 48th in toxic pollutants, and 42nd place in life expectancy, its residents dying more than 4 years earlier than those of California, New York and Hawaii.
And now, Ohio House republicans are expanding on that terrible environmental legacy by passing a bill that ensures the state won’t ban gas-powered vehicles, which are broadly responsible for poor air quality and significant health harms across the US. The bill specifically stops Ohio from adopting California’s “Advanced Clean Cars II” regulation, or any regulation which would be stronger than federal standards, even though nobody was proposing adoption of those standards. It passed 70-23, with all 65 republicans and 5 Democrats voting in favor.
As is common with republican policymaking, the bill does not have a lot of substance to it. The relevant section is only 10 lines long, and does not make any attempt to lay out the reasons or backing for its existence (compare to California’s thousands of pages of scientific documents and analysis backing its regulation).
The bill’s reasoning is backwards
The best “reasoning” we can find are a series of quotes from state republicans, quoted by WOUB, Ohio University’s public broadcaster.
One particularly ridiculous quote is from Representative Bill Seitz (R-Cincinnati), who says EVs would “socialize the price of recharging an EV while keeping the benefits private.” This runs counter to reality, where in actual fact, gas-powered vehicles impose significant health costs which are not paid for by the private car users burning that gasoline.
These socialized costs of gasoline total up to $7 trillion globally over the course of a year, and $760 billion in the US alone – costs which Seitz wants you to keep paying in the form of health bills forced on you by the poisonous fossil fuels he’s voted to support.
Seitz was also a co-sponsor of Ohio’s House Bill 6. Described as the “worst energy bill of the 21st century,” it raised energy prices to pay for a corrupt bailout of energy companies. It was passed after bribes to state republicans and led to a racketeering conviction for republican former Ohio House speaker Larry Householder. That bill extended subsidies to coal plants which continue to cost Ohioans hundreds of millions of dollars, socializing the costs of dirty pollution on both the front end through direct subsidy and the back end through higher health costs. So we hardly think that Seitz is genuinely interested in reducing costs to Ohioans.
What happens next
Ohio is not content to harm its own residents’ health, it’s also trying to harm the health of those outside of Ohio. In September, Ohio republicans championed a bill which passed in the US House of Representatives which would force California to have worse pollution standards. But that bill didn’t go anywhere – Senate Democrats, and President Joe Biden, aren’t outwardly hostile to human life like republicans are, and were not interested in passing such legislation.
But the Ohio bill might actually make progress, particularly due to Ohio’s unconstitutionally-gerrymandered district maps which give the environment-hostile republican party large majorities in its statehouse. It moves on to the state Senate next, and if it passes through the Senate, on to republican Governor DeWine’s desk.
But in the end, this bill probably won’t do much. The state wasn’t planning to adopt California’s regulations anyway, so this is just an example of Ohio House republicans showing everyone who they are. Whenever they’re given a chance – even when it’s not even a question anyone is asking – they’ll side against people and in favor of pollution. We’ve seen this before from the national republican party, too – it’s kind of a pattern.
What the bill might do, though, is signal to EV companies that their investment dollars are not welcome in Ohio. There are currently hundreds of billions of dollars being invested across the country into green jobs. Ohio has already seen some of that money, with Honda investing over $4 billion in the state to build up EV jobs, and is moving forward with installing DC fast chargers with federal money, despite being an EV laggard (perhaps due to one of the highest dumb EV fees in the nation, at $200/year).
Actions like this could make the state less attractive for future investment, as we’ve noted about other states’ anti-EV efforts. This was pointed out by Rep. Michele Grim (D-Toledo), who said “it signals those who want to invest their valuable dollars in clean energy and electric vehicle development that Ohio is not welcome to those investments. We should instead be taking steps to make sure Ohio is a more attractive state for clean energy job creation.”
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Another Cadillac EV has earned the iconic “V” badge. The 2026 Cadillac Optiq-V is a new entry-level sports electric vehicle (EV) with over 500 horsepower, sporty styling both inside and out, and additional upgrades. It’s also GM’s first vehicle with a built-in NACS port, unlocking access to Tesla Superchargers.
Cadillac unveils 2026 Optiq-V EV prices and specs
Cadillac is back! The luxury brand is coming off its best quarter since 2008, but with a full lineup of electric vehicles rolling out, Cadillac expects to gain even more traction later this year.
After introducing the Lyriq-V earlier this year, we are now getting a look at Cadillac’s second EV to earn the brand’s performance trademark.
Cadillac revealed the 2026 Optiq-V on Monday, an upgraded, sportier version of the new entry-level electric SUV. The new V model boasts 519 hp and 650 lb-ft of torque in Velocity Max mode, good for a 0 to 60 mph sprint time of 3.5 seconds.
GM confirmed Cadillac’s new Optiq-V will be its first vehicle with a built-in NACS charging port, enabling access to Tesla’s Supercharger network.
The Optiq-V features a dual-motor AWD powertrain and 85 kWh battery pack, which Cadillac estimates will provide 275 miles range.
Like Cadillac’s other performance vehicles, the new EV includes added features and tech, including V-Mode, which GM promises “takes performance customization further” with variant modes and settings.
When using V-Mode, a Launch Control feature is available, designed for straight-line takeoffs. You can also take advantage of GM’s Super Cruise hands-free ADAS system as standard.
The exterior is upgraded with a new front-end design, featuring a V-pattern mesh on the lower grille, a high-gloss black front splitter, and colored trim.
For the carbon fiber fans out there, GM offers a package that adds a carbon fiber front splitter, rear diffuser, and rear mid-spoiler. Other V-Series badges are added on the rear doors, liftgate, and driver’s side grillette.
The V model will be offered in two new limited-edition colors: Magnus Metal Frost, a matte metallic grey with warm highlights, and Deep Ocean Tintcoat.
A 33″ LED infotainment system sits at the center of the interior with Google built-in. You can choose from two palette options: Noir with Santorini Blue accents, and Noir and Sky Cool Gray with Santorini Blue accents.
If you really want to get fancy, there’s an optional palette featuring a Santorini Blue seatback panel and Santorini Blue seatbelt.
The Optiq-V features a darker colored pattern with Santorini Blue accent stitching, while V-Series badging is added on the steering wheel, sill plate, and floor mats.
| 2025 Cadillac Optiq trim | Starting Price (including destination) |
Driving Range (EPA-estimated) |
| Luxury 1 | $54,390 | 302 miles |
| Luxury 2 | $56,590 | 302 miles |
| Sport 1 | $54,990 | 302 miles |
| Sport 2 | $57,090 | 302 miles |
Following the 2026 Lyriq-V, the Optiq is the second Cadillac EV to earn the V-series treatment. The Optiq is Cadillac’s new entry-level electric SUV, starting at $54,390 with 302 miles range.
The new 2026 Cadillac Optiq-V model starts at $68,795, including destination. It will be sold in the US, Canada, Mexico, the Middle East, and Israel, with production set to begin in Fall 2025.
Measuring 190″ long, 75″ wide, and 65″ tall, the standard Cadillac Optiq is about the same size as the Tesla Model Y (187″ long x 76″ wide x 64″ tall).
If you can’t wait for the V-Series model, Cadillac is offering some sweet deals on the entry-level Optiq right now with leases starting at just $409 per month. Ready to check it out for yourself? We can help you get started. You can use our link to find 2025 Cadillac Optiq models at the best price at a dealer near you.
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Environment
Image leaks of Rivian’s 2026 R1T Quad Motor are starting to trickle in and we see NACS and teal
A couple of automotive influencers appear to have gotten access to the new 2026 Rivian R1T Quad Motor and shared some images. The posts showcase the new NACS charging port, a familiar exterior color, and new teal accents, including the calipers. See more below.
Recently, much of our Rivian coverage has been on the upcoming R2 model, which CEO RJ Scaringe has consistently teased. As an R1S owner, more of my coverage has pertained to that model and my day-to-day use, but we cannot forget about the R1T pickup.
This is Rivian’s other flagship model aside from the R1S. It remains just as popular for its utility, advanced features, and top safety status (seriously, I’m thinking about getting one of these as well). This model is currently available in a Dual Standard, Dual Motor, and Tri Motor variant, the latter of which we tested in the fall and were quite impressed.
A Quad Motor version of the Rivian R1T has also been in the works to arrive this year as a 2026 model. The past couple of days, we’ve seen evidence that the Quad Motor 2026 Rivian R1T is near market entry, as some early versions have made their way out to the media, including Jon Rettinger and Marques Brownlee, aka MKBHD.
The images above were posted to X by Jon Rettinger (@Jon4Lakers) on June 8 with the following caption:
Hey @Rivian, you know what’s a great hand in poker? Quads…
We see the 2026 R1T, complete with the long-promised quad motor configuration, featured in Rivian’s Launch Green, which, according to a separate post by Marques Brownlee, will be exclusive to the Quad Motor. RivianTrackr screenshot the images below from MKBHD’s video posted to X before he removed it shortly after posting.
In addition to the exterior color, other unique additions featured in Brownlee’s video include 22″ Ultra High Performance wheels, teal accents including the Rivian logo, the 2026 R1T Quad badge, and the brake calipers. There also appears to be some badge or decal of Rivian’s mascot, Gear Guard Gary.
Last but not least, we have a look at the NACS plug! Rivian has vowed to integrate the North American Charging Standard on all 2026 models and beyond, which appears to be the imminent beginning of that transition.
It’s unclear why MBKHD pulled his content, yet Jon Rettinger let his fly. It could be an images vs. video thing where impressions are still under embargo. Brownlee promised a full video review in the future so that we will keep an eye out for that. For now, we can enjoy these images, which at least relay that the 2026 Quad Motor Rivian R1T has reached the media and will soon be available to consumers.
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Environment
Kia’s PV5 is the first to use Hyundai ‘Pleos’ software as orders open in Korea at $35,000
Kia’s first electric van is finally here. Although it appears to be from the future, the PV5 boasts impressive interior space, a long driving range, advanced technology, and a range of features. It’s offered in a variety of different configurations, including an upcoming refrigerated truck, a light camper, and a luxury “Prime” model. With orders opening in Korea this week, we are learning a little more about what to expect from the Kia PV5 before it rolls out globally.
Kia opens PV5 orders, reveals range and prices in Korea
The PV5 marks the launch of Kia’s “game-changing” Platform Beyond Vehicle (PBV) business, unveiled at CES 2024.
Based on Hyundai’s new E-GMP.S EV platform, the electric van can be custom-tailored for different uses. The first two models, the PV5 Passenger and Cargo, are designed for personal and business use. You can take it camping, use it as a daily driver, load it with cargo for delivery, and much more.
The Passenger model is available in five-seater or 2-3-0 configurations, while the Cargo is offered in three different variations, depending on the amount of space or load capacity required.
With a wheelbase of 2,995 mm, Kia’s electric van (Passenger) is about the same size as the European-spec Volkswagen ID.Buzz (2,998 mm).
For the first time, the rear seats of the five-seater models feature a new “fold & dive” function, providing up to 2,310 liters of space.
Powered by a 71.2 kWh battery, Kia’s passenger electric van offers a range of up to 358 km (222 miles). The Cargo version is available with either a 51.5 kWh or 71.2 kWh battery pack, providing a range of 280 km (174 miles) and 377 km (234 miles), respectively.
Using a 350 kW charger, the PV5 (Passenger and Cargo models) can recharge from 10% to 80% in about 30 minutes.
The interior is equipped with Hyundai’s new tech and software, including “Pleos Fleet.” The PV5 electric van will be the first to feature the new vehicle control software, promising to cut business costs while improving efficiency.
Hyundai Motor Group and 42dot have developed a new end-to-end software platform that integrates everything from the infotainment system to the vehicle’s operating system and the cloud, enabling seamless connectivity.
The new software stack will also be used in Hyundai’s upcoming “Pleos” brand, starting in Q2 2026. By 2030, Hyundai Motor, including Kia and Genesis, plans to launch over 20 million vehicles with the next-gen OS.
Kia’s electric van also features a 12.9″ navigation screen at the center with a “PBV-exclusive” Android Auto-based OS (AAOS) infotainment system.
The new split-screen display enables you to use navigation, music, and other apps simultaneously. As one of the first Hyundai Motor vehicles with an App Market, you can also now choose from a number of third-party apps to install.
Kia is opening PV5 orders in Korea on Tuesday, June 10, starting at 47.08 million won ($34,700). That’s for the Basic and Plus Models, before the electric vehicle tax credit. With the EV tax credit and government subsidies, Kia expects the Passenger van can be purchased in the “mid to late 30 million won range,” or about $25,000 to $30,000
The Standard and Basic Cargo models start at 42 million won ($31,000), while the Long Range Cargo variants cost 44.7 million won ($33,000). With subsidies, Kia expects the Cargo variant will be available for as low as the “mid to late 20 million won range,” depending on the region.
Kia plans to launch several more variants shortly, including a chassis cab, open bed, light camper, luxury “prime” passenger, refrigerated truck, and sliding truck models.
The Korean launch follows Kia opening PV5 orders in the UK on May 1, starting at £32,995 ($44,000). It’s also available in Passenger and Cargo models with various configurations.
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