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During Tokyo Auto Salon 2024, Hyundai Motor Company offered a glimpse of a more customizable future for its “N” performance brand EVs. During the show, the Korean automaker unveiled the IONIQ 5 N NPX1 – a customized concept featuring several upgrades from N Performance Parts that will be available to customers in the future.

Hyundai Motor’s N and N Line performance sub-brands remain relatively young but have already begun transitioning into electrification, like their parent company, to bring track-friendly designs and parts upgrades to Hyundai EVs like the IONIQ series.

We saw the N brand’s first all-electric model – the IONIQ 5 N, officially debut in North America in November of 2023, following months of teasing. Compared to its standard IONIQ 5 predecessor, the N version EV saw several performance improvements, including 42 additional welding points and 6.9 feet of other structural adhesives, reinforcing the EV’s battery and motors while creating extra rigidity.

The track EV also debuted new features like N Launch Control and N Active Sound+, which can emit fighter jet noises while you’re doing a hot lap. Already known for performance, Hyundai’s N brand is introducing a new line of parts to further enhance the tuning experience for drivers – a facet of autos that hasn’t quite made its way over to EVs just yet.

To showcase some of these new performance parts, Hyundai used them to build a concept called the IONIQ 5 N NPX1, seen below.

Hyundai N parts
The Hyundai IONIQ 5 NPX1 concept / Credit: Hyundai Motor

Hyundai to launch performance EV parts for N brand

Similar to how Hyundai’s N and N Line performance brand has been building track-friendly versions of its combustion cars for years, N Performance Parts had been previously developing and selling tuning upgrades and is now going electric.

That process began in Tokyo today when Hyundai unveiled a prototype N Performance Parts line, implemented on a one-of-a-kind IONIQ 5 N concept seen above. The all-electric NPX1 concept features a carbon front splitter, side skirts, rear diffuser, rear wing spoiler, lightweight hybrid carbon wheels, high-performance brake pads, and lowering springs.

Inside the EV’s cockpit, Hyundai N has installed Alcantara textiles and racing bucket seats (not pictured). Joon Park, vice president of N brand management group, spoke to the new like of Hyundai performance parts:

In 2024, Hyundai Motor Company will take a step forward as a leader in new tuning parts suitable for the high-performance EV era as demonstrated with the ‘NPX1’ concept model. Not limited to tuning parts, we are also developing software customization such as sound and vehicle calibration by OTA updates which will open a completely new category of EV customization for an exciting future ahead for the tuning community.

Hyundai says it will continue to develop the prototype N Performance Parts showcased on and within the NPX1 concept today as it prepares for sales to the public later this year. Those parts will first be available for IONIQ 5 N tuning but will eventually be expanded to all N-brand vehicles.

Electrek’s take

Honestly, what isn’t Hyundai Motor Group doing right now? The company is dabbling in a little bit of everything in electric mobility, and it’s still doing it better than most in those segments.

There are plenty of automakers out there that make EVs that go super fast in a straight line, but how many of them are being specifically built for hairpin turns and track racing? Better yet, how many of them offer tuning upgrades?

Hyundai N is going electric in its own right, and its first example in the IONIQ 5 N is a beauty, and the IONIQ 6 N is not far behind. Unique and customized already, it’s awesome to see the N brand introducing even more performance parts for someone who doesn’t want to simply drive stock.

Options like this can draw a wider audience of car enthusiasts and potentially (hopefully) swap some more ICE drivers to come over to the green side. What do you guys think?

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It’s true: High-performance electric motorcycle brand Energica is back

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It's true: High-performance electric motorcycle brand Energica is back

Italian electric motorcycle manufacturer Energica has just been handed a lifeline. Previously owned by US company Ideanomics, the famed motorcycle brand entered insolvency late last year after a period of financial duress prevented it from making payroll and continuing production.

Now, a new group of investors from Singapore has stepped in to take over.

The news was shared on Energica’s YouTube channel, and the company confirmed on LinkedIn that “The judicial process undergoing the sale of Energica has received an offer with a significant deposit from investors based in Singapore.” Energica says that the investors, who so far remain unnamed, “are enthusiasts that believe in, and share the common values of Energica.”

While it’s not certain how the buyout and revival will unfold, it appears that Energica is planning on getting the band back together. “If the process comes through successfully,” the company explained, “the same team behind Energica will be entrusted to run the operations, and we will continue creating cutting-edge technologies for our customers.”

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With many of Energica’s impressive electric motorcycles already in circulation from years of sales leading up to the 2024 bankruptcy, the company seems focused on starting by supporting those riders. ” Our first order of business is to support the customers and community. The judicial process will be completed in 60 days, and we will continue to share updates during the time.”

energica

Energica rose to fame by building high-performance electric motorcycles in Modena, Italy, and was one of the early pioneers in the premium electric two-wheeler space. Its lineup includes models like the Experia electric touring bike and the Ego sportbike. The company previously supplied race bikes for the MotoE World Cup until Ducati took over the role in 2023.

After being acquired by US-based Ideanomics in 2021, Energica initially benefited from an injection of capital that helped expand production and dealer networks. But Ideanomics itself has faced serious financial trouble, becoming unable to invest in the future of Energica.

Energica’s future prospects seemed dim at the time of its insolvency in 2024, but the uncertainty appears to be clearing with the hope that new owners can breathe fresh life into the company.

Even so, Energica’s core competency is building the fastest, most powerful, and longest range production electric motorcycles the world has ever seen, and that’s not exactly an inexpensive enterprise. Combined with current market trends that favor smaller, lighter, and less expensive commuter-spec electric motorcycles, it begs the question of whether or not a newly revived Energica will find a receptive market, or whether the company will be forced to expand the scope of its products to match better the type of electric motorcycles that are selling today.

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$250M Series B raise boosts XPeng AeroHT flying car ambitions

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0M Series B raise boosts XPeng AeroHT flying car ambitions

Chinese carmaker XPeng is getting perilously close to bringing its AeroHT consumer eVTOL concept to market, thanks to a $250 million Series B round that’s set to accelerate the company’s modular “flying car” production plans.

XPeng subsidiary AeroHT had its first successful proof of concept test flight ahead of the brand’s annual 1024 back in 2023, where the company unveiled a pair of flying car designs. The X3 is an actual flying “car” that can drive, park, and take off on its own, and a second, modular eVTOL that folds up into the back of an electric van called the Land Aircraft Carrier.

That vehicle pair, shown at CES in January, was set to begin production this year, with the eVTOL component set to begin production in 2026 – and that’s looking a lot more likely thanks to the new infusion of capital!

AeroHT at CES 2025


Xpeng Aeroht raised $150 million in Series B1 funding last August, before launching its Series B2 funding round. The most recent announcement that the company has secured an additional $100 million in its Series B2 funding round brings the total amount raised to more than $750 million, with a $1B pre-revenue valuation.

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CNEVPost reports that company aims to establish itself as a commercial pioneer in urban air mobility ahead of a potential IPO – and may get there sooner than later, thanks to several hundred pre-orders at the $280,000 projected price.

Electrek’s Take


flying car Dubai
AeroHT sixth-generation X3 flying car; via XPeng.

Scooter Doll said it best, writing, “this footage (of the AeroHT test flight) is as scary and concerning as it is exciting and awe-inspiring.” Which is to say that these things are real, they seem like they’re getting built, and they seem like they’ll sell well enough to convince at least one or two remaining boomers that the flying car they’ve been promised their whole lives is – finally! – coming to market.

Here’s hoping.

SOURCE: Xpeng, via CNEVPost; gallery photos by the author.


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This metro Atlanta factory roof is now a solar record-breaker

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This metro Atlanta factory roof is now a solar record-breaker

Flooring manufacturer Beauflor USA just turned on the biggest rooftop solar system by capacity in metro Atlanta — and it’s now powering part of its Georgia factory.

The new 1,040 kW system in Cartersville officially beats metro Atlanta’s previous rooftop solar record of 1,034 kW. The new array produces enough energy to power more than 100 homes. The system is expected to cover about 10% of Beauflor’s electricity needs and cut its carbon emissions by about 920 metric tons annually.

“This solar installation represents our commitment to sustainable manufacturing practices while making sound business decisions,” said Emile Coopman, continuous improvement manager at Beauflor. He added that the system is designed with room to grow: “This is the first step toward more renewable energy.”

The company partnered with Cherry Street Energy to install the nearly 2,000-panel system, which was completed in less than four months. Cherry Street invested $1.8 million into the project and is covering all construction and maintenance costs through a 30-year energy procurement agreement. Beauflor will buy solar power directly from Cherry Street, allowing it to avoid upfront capital costs while still lowering its energy bills.

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“As Georgia’s manufacturers ramp up production amid rising costs for grid energy, sophisticated operators seek ways to quickly and sustainably address their energy needs,” said Cherry Street CEO Michael Chanin. “On-site solar with no capital expense delivers just that: reliable, affordable electricity.”

Chanin added that the system’s power output is especially impressive: “The previous record-holder for metro Atlanta’s largest rooftop solar required over 4,000 panels. We’re using less than 2,000 to reliably generate even more power.”

Read more: This is New Jersey’s largest high-rise residential rooftop solar array


The 30% federal solar tax credit is ending this year. If you’ve ever considered going solar, now’s the time to act. To make sure you find a trusted, reliable solar installer near you that offers competitive pricing, check out EnergySage, a free service that makes it easy for you to go solar. It has hundreds of pre-vetted solar installers competing for your business, ensuring you get high-quality solutions and save 20-30% compared to going it alone. Plus, it’s free to use, and you won’t get sales calls until you select an installer and share your phone number with them. 

Your personalized solar quotes are easy to compare online and you’ll get access to unbiased Energy Advisors to help you every step of the way. Get started here.

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