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Audi took the Q8 e-tron and turned it into an all-electric off-road machine. The Audi Q8 e-tron edition Dakar is optimized for adventurers who “want to drive off the beaten path electrically.”

The new Dakar edition is based on a Q8 advanced 55 e-tron quattro. It includes two electric motors and a 106 kWh battery for up to 300 kW power and 664 Nm torque.

Audi says the new off-road EV can hit 0 to 100 km/hr (62 mph) in 5.9 seconds and features up to 487 km (302 mi) WLTP range.

With Grabber AT3 all-terrain tires, the electric SUV gains 31 mm (1.2″) ground clearance for tackling any terrain. The tires are better fitted for handling loose surfaces like gravel and snow. The base model has 206 mm (8.1″) ground clearance. That’s slightly lower than a Jeep Wrangler (9.5″ to 10.8″).

The vehicle gradually lowers at higher speeds to improve driving stability and range. The off-road EV drops by 15 mm (0.6″) at 52 mph, 17 mm (0.7″) at 62 mph, and 13 mm at 75 mph (0.5″).

Audi-Q8-e-tron-Dakar
Audi Q8 e-tron edition Dakar with Mythos black metallic and special wrapping (Source: Audi AG)

Meet the new Audi Q8 e-tron edition Dakar off-road EV

With an approach angle of 20 degrees and a departure angle of 26 degrees, Audi says the Q8 e-tron edition Dakar is prepared to tackle “light off-road terrain.” Meanwhile, the wading depth is 11.8″ (300 mm).

Audi’s new off-road edition EV is reminiscent of the RS Q e-tron designed for the Dakar Rally with a unique raised chassis and optional decals.

The Q8 e-tron edition Dakar is available in Siam Beige metallic, Mythos Black metallic, and Magnetic Gray.

Audi-Q8-e-tron-Dakar
Audi Q8 e-tron edition Dakar with Mythos black metallic and special wrapping (Source: Audi AG)

An optional projection light in the Singframe creates a light strip between the headlights. When the driver’s door is opened, added projection lamps show the words “edition Dakar” on the street.

You can also add a decal package inspired by the RS Q e-tron. However, the body color must be Mythos Black metallic, and it will be limited to 99 units.

Inside, the S line is standard. The package includes contoured sports seats, a multifunction sports steering wheel, black roof lining, stainless steel pedals, and more.

A head-up display replaces the screens, projecting info on the windshield. Audi included special MMI backgrounds, including images and coordinated lightning. The vehicle includes three scenes: desert storms, tire tracks, and a dune landscape.

Audi’s new Q8 e-tron edition Dakar (Source: Audi)

The off-road Q8 e-tron comes with eight tires. Although it comes fitted with General Grabber AT3 all-terrain tires for enhanced off-road grip, it also comes with a set of 20″ wheels with a 5-V spoke design.

Audi says the Q8 e-tron edition Dakar will be available to order in the first quarter of 2024. Prices will start at around $131,000 (120,000 euros) in Germany. The off-road EV likely won’t make the trip overseas to the US.

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Genesis GV90 coach door system revealed in new patent

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Genesis GV90 coach door system revealed in new patent

Genesis is preparing to shake things up with its most luxurious SUV yet, the GV90. Thanks to a new patent filing, we are getting a detailed look at how its Rolls-Royce-style coach doors will work.

New patent reveals Genesis GV90 coach door system

When Genesis first unveiled the full-size SUV at the NY Auto Show last March, it wasn’t the stunning design or advanced tech that caught everyone’s attention. It was the coach doors.

Although we were worried it wouldn’t make it to the production model, like many concepts, the Genesis GV90 will be offered with coach doors.

The ultra-luxe electric SUV was first caught with coach doors earlier this year on a car carrier in South Korea. Just last month, the GV90 was spotted in California with a hinge at the rear to open the coach doors.

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After several new patents were filed with the United States Patent and Trademark Office for new door latching devices, we are getting a sneak peek at how they are expected to work.

The patents, titled “Cinching Device For Door Latches in Vehicle,” and “Door Latch Device for Vehicles,” give a pretty detailed explanation of how the Genesis GV90’s coach doors will operate. The “Door Latch Device” uses a door striker on the lower side of the door, which is opened or closed by a hinge unit.

Unlike traditional doors, which use the B-pillar for support, the device is attached directly to the door itself, allowing for hinge-like movement.

The cinching device works in a similar way. It’s also attached to the door and part of the vehicle. However, unlike most of its kind, Genesis found a way to use a single cinching device to control multiple units. Again, the device is used for B-pillarless doors that swing open.

Genesis already said that B-pillarless coach doors are now feasible in production vehicles. The patent reveals a glimpse into how the luxury automaker could make it a reality.

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Genesis Neolun ultra-luxury electric SUV concept (Source: Genesis)

Although the Genesis GV90 is expected to be offered with coach doors, they will likely not be standard. Other variants, with traditional door handles, have also been spotted testing in the US and South Korea.

Genesis is expected to launch the GV90 in mid-2026. It will be built at Hyundai’s Ulsan plant in South Korea. The flagship Genesis SUV is scheduled to debut on Hyundai’s new eM platform, which the company said will “provide 50% improvement in driving range.” It will also be loaded with the latest technology, software, connectivity, and Level 3 or higher autonomous driving capabilities.

Source: USPTO

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Podcast: Tesla Model YL, more Tesla probes and lawsuits, new Nissan Leaf pricing, and more

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Podcast: Tesla Model YL, more Tesla probes and lawsuits, new Nissan Leaf pricing, and more

In the Electrek Podcast, we discuss the most popular news in the world of sustainable transport and energy. In this week’s episode, we discuss the launch of the Tesla Model YL, more Tesla probes and lawsuits, new Nissan Leaf pricing, and more.

The show is live every Friday at 4 p.m. ET on Electrek’s YouTube channel.

As a reminder, we’ll have an accompanying post, like this one, on the site with an embedded link to the live stream. Head to the YouTube channel to get your questions and comments in.

After the show ends at around 5 p.m. ET, the video will be archived on YouTube and the audio on all your favorite podcast apps:

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We now have a Patreon if you want to help us avoid more ads and invest more in our content. We have some awesome gifts for our Patreons and more coming.

Here are a few of the articles that we will discuss during the podcast:

Here’s the live stream for today’s episode starting at 4:00 p.m. ET (or the video after 5 p.m. ET:

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US EV sales stay strong, but looming tariffs threaten affordability

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US EV sales stay strong, but looming tariffs threaten affordability

July EV sales looked strong on the surface, but the looming impact of tariffs and the end of EV tax credits reveal a more complicated picture, according to Cars.com’s new Industry Insights report.

New-vehicle sales jumped 6.6% year-over-year, even as dealer inventory fell for the first time since 2022. Much of the spike came from a “buy now” mindset as shoppers raced to lock in deals before tariffs and policy changes drive prices higher. For EVs in particular, the looming end of the federal $7,500 tax credit on September 30 added another layer of urgency.

EV inventory growth is slowing – for now

Shoppers technically have more EV options than ever, with 75 models on the market – a 27% jump from last year. But new EV inventory growth has slowed to just 9% year-over-year, the lowest since before the Inflation Reduction Act revived federal incentives. Analysts expect another wave of buying before the tax credit vanishes, but after that, higher prices could cool demand, especially with most new EVs still priced in the premium-to-luxury bracket.

Tariffs set to push prices higher

Automakers absorbed an estimated $12 billion in tariff costs in the second quarter alone to keep sticker prices steady. That’s not sustainable, and once those costs flow into 2026 models, EV buyers could be facing thousands more on the same car.

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At current 25% tariff levels, the average new-vehicle price could jump from $48,000 to $54,400 – about $6,400 more. Even if trade deals trim tariffs to 15%, buyers would still see increases of more than $4,000. That’s a huge gap compared to household incomes, which grew only 1% last year.

The used EV market is heating up

While new EV prices are bracing for impact, the used EV market is gaining momentum. Inventory is up 33% year-over-year, while average prices dipped 2% to $36,000. Affordable used EVs under $25,000 – including the Tesla Model 3, Nissan Leaf, and Chevy Bolt EV – are selling 20% faster than average. Many also qualify for the $4,000 used-EV tax credit, which, like the new EV credit, ends September 30.

Read more: Global EV sales hit 10.7M in 2025 – Europe surges, US stalls


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