Cadillac gave a sneak peek of “the future of electric performance,” teasing its new Opulent Velocity EV concept. But with GM falling behind in the EV market, is a concept enough at this point?
General Motors has already pushed back production of several key electric models, including the Equinox EV, Silverado EV, and GMC Sierra Denali EV.
The automaker just lifted the Chevy Blazer EV stop-sale last week after nearly three months due to software issues. GM’s CEO Mary Barra said 2024 will be the “year of execution” as the automaker looks to get back on track.
On the top of GM’s to do list this year is “getting vehicles out there right and getting the software,” according to Barra.
GM lowered Blazer EV prices by up to $6,500. After regaining eligibility for the $7,500 EV tax credit, the Chevy Blazer EV 2LT AWD starts at $42,695 (including the credit). That’s still more than the Tesla Model Y, which starts at $36,490 with the tax credit.
A more affordable Blazer EV is set to debut later this year. It will join the Chevy Equinox EV, starting at $34,995. GM expects the Equinox EV to be “the most affordable” in its segment with up to 319 miles range.
2024 Chevy Blazer EV (Source: GM)
Cadillac teasing new Opulent Velocity performance EV
GM’s latest concept celebrates the past, present, and future of Cadillac’s performance brand, V-Series.
The concept represents the Cadillac brand in its the name itself: Opulent + Velocity. The EV showcases the brand’s Oculence with a vision of high-velocity performance driving.
Cadillac Opulent Velocity performance EV teaser (Source: Cadillac)
“Opulent Velocity is designed to foreshadow a zero emissions expression of performance and modern luxury leadership,” Bryan Nesbitt, executive director, Cadillac Global Design, said.
The teaser comes 20 years after the first V-Series model was launched at the Sebring International Raceway in March 2004. Nesbitt said more details will emerge later this year, so check back soon.
Electrek’s Take
At this point, GM is already falling behind in the EV market. The automaker ended production of its best-selling Chevy Bolt at the end of 2023.
Although a new Ultium-based Bolt is expected to be revealed next year, GM will face stiff competition with new entry-level EVs like the Volvo EX30 rolling out.
Barra claimed 2024 will be the year of execution, but instead of having all hands on deck, GM is still putting out concepts. GM should be doubling down with all of its resources to get EVs into the hands of customers.
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While it appears there has been some $100 price increase on these e-bikes, which may be in response to tariff hikes catching up with the company, these are still the largest bundle sizes we’ve tracked up until this sale, giving you a rear cargo rack, a fender set, steel-encased front and rear cargo baskets, a 35L soft cooler, and three cargo straps on the XP Lite2 e-bikes, while the XP4 750 e-bikes get these, as well as an upgraded LevelUp cargo rack, a suspension seat post, and an accordion-style folding bike lock.
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Lectric’s new XP4 750 e-bike as become one of my hands-down favorites in my fleet of EVs, sitting right next to the XPress 750 Commuter e-bike, with the folding design particularly handy in my NYC apartment. The 750 is upgraded for longer commuting over the standard XP4 e-bike, coming with a 750W Stealth M24 brushless gear hub motor (that peaks at 1,310W) alongside a 17.5Ah battery to provide 20/28 MPH top speeds, depending on state laws. The larger battery in the 750 model also boasts an impressive travel range of up to 85 pedal-assisted miles on a single charge. From there, Lectric has added in quite the array of continuing and upgraded features – many of which have been asked for by fans since its previous generations, like the repositioned non-drive side key location/charging port, the keyless riding functionality, hydraulic brakes, puncture-resistant mixed-terrain tires, the integrated taillight with both brake lighting and turn signals, and more, which you can learn in detail within our hands-on review.
On the flip side of this flash sale is the Lectric XP Lite2 Long-range e-bike, which come as the most lightweight of all the brand’s EVs, weighing just 49 pounds and also coming with a folding design for easier storage options. This is a great option for students, particularly, as the 300W rear hub motor (819Wh peak) and the 672Wh battery provide up to 80 miles of pedal-assisted travel at up to 20 MPH top speeds. Of course, you’re also getting some solid features too, including 20×2.5-inch slick tires with a 3mm Hippo Skin liner and pre-slimed tubes for anti-puncture resistance, hydraulic mineral oil brakes, a full color LCD screen with a USB-A port, and more.
Lectric XP4 750 Long-Range Folding Utility e-bikes with $488 bundle:
EcoFlow’s PowerPulse level 2 40A EV charger integrates with home backup setups at a $699 low, bundles from $2,199
As part of its ongoing Early Prime Day Sale running up to the two-day event on October 7, EcoFlow is offering its PowerPulse Level 2 40A EV Charger at $699 shipped. This EV charging solution hit the market back in June and normally goes for $899 outside of sales, which we’ve consistently been seeing dropped to $699 in the time since. You’ll not only be getting another shot at $200 in savings at the best price we have tracked, but the unit connects to your power stations and home backup setups to provide support for your electric vehicle’s charging needs.
Segway’s Hit the Road Giveaway is a member-only promotional savings event lasting through September 29 that starts by simply signing up for free, starting you with 300 miles on new accounts that can be redeemed for extra savings on orders or to score add-on accessories. From there, the brand provides you with several varying methods to gain more miles for further exclusive savings, which you can learn about on the landing page here.
The savings this week are also continuing to a collection of other markdowns. To the same tune as the offers above, these all help you take a more energy-conscious approach to your routine. Winter means you can lock in even better off-season price cuts on electric tools for the lawn while saving on EVs and tons of other gear.
Kia is making it easier than ever to charge your EV. The company is rolling out new features and more that will get you back on the road in no time.
Kia launches Plug & Charge EV charging and adds NACS
Kia is finally giving EV owners what they want: Plug & Charge capabilities. By the end of September, eligible 2025 Kia EV6 vehicles will finally gain access to the feature, and by the end of the year, the 2026 EV9 will also have access.
For those unfamiliar with Plug & Charge, the feature enables you to pay for the charging session simply by plugging in at compatible stations.
The feature eliminates the need to pull out your credit card or app to pay every time you charge. Not too bad, right?
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Eligible EV6 and EV9 owners will be able to access Plug & Charge through the Kia Connect suite of services. Kia said it will send more information to current owners when the feature is available.
2025 Kia EV6 US-spec model (Source: Kia)
After activating the service, all you have to do is plug in at a compatible charger, which includes Tesla Superchargers and Electrify America. Your vehicle and charger will automatically recognize it’s you to initiate the charging and payment.
The billing process is secure and links your preferred payment method, enabling hands-free EV charging sessions.
The Kia EV9 and Hyundai IONIQ 5 charging at a Tesla Supercharger (Source: Kia)
Kia is also switching to the North American Charging Standard (NACS) port, starting with the 2025 EV6 and EV9. The move unlocks access to over 21,500 Tesla Superchargers across the US.
The 2025 Kia EV6 Light RWD starts at $42,900 with up to 237 miles of EPA-estimated range. Upgrading to the Long Range RWD model costs $46,200 with a driving range of 319 miles.
The 2026 Kia EV9 (Source: Kia)
For those looking for something bigger, the 2026 Kia EV9 Light RWD has a starting MSRP of $54,900 with an EPA-estimated range of 230 miles. The Long Range EV9 starts at $57,900, with a range of 305 miles.
With the $7,500 federal EV tax credit expiring at the end of September, Kia is offering a few deals that you might be interested in. The 2025 EV6 and 2026 EV9 are available with a $5,000 Customer Cash bonus, a $1,000 loyalty/ conquest offer, and 0% APR financing for 48 months.
Want to see for yourself? You can use our links below to find Kia EV6 and EV9 models at a dealer near you today.
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Young Chinese EV developer Xiaomi Automobile has officially expanded its global footprint, opening a new R&D and Design Center in Germany. This is Xiaomi’s first step in its planned expansion outside China and into new markets around the EU.
Today’s news of an initial office in the EU demonstrates Xiaomi Auto’s rapid growth and success. Especially when you consider that it has only been about four years since the Chinese smartphone developer announced it would also start building BEVs.
Since then, Xiaomi’s flagship SU7 sedan has hit the market, reaching 200,000 customer deliveries in China in a blistering 119 days. While Xiaomi’s immediate focus has remained focused on meeting unprecedented demand in China, company executives have hinted at expansions to new markets, including the possibility of expansion to the EU.
The Chinese automaker is no stranger to the racing world in the EU, as it quickly made a name for itself at the renowned German tracks of Nürburgring. In fact, Xiaomi’s technology impressed the Germans so much, it was invited into the exclusive “Industriepool” to conduct R&D at the track and even signed on as a long-term partner, which includes its own “Xiaomi Curve” on the Grand Prix Circuit.
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Xiaomi’s SU7 Ultra also holds the fastest lap for a production EV at the Nürburgring Nordschleife. Following confirmed plans to sell its EVs in the EU, Xiaomi Automobile has opened its first facilities outside of China, in Munich, Germany.
Source: Xiaomi Automobile
Xiaomi’s first entry into the EU begins in Munich
Per a release from Xiaomi Automobile this morning, the Chinese BEV developer has opened the “Xiaomi EV Europe Research and Development and Design Center” in Munich, Germany.
This development follows news from August 2025, when Xiaomi president William Lu confirmed the brand’s expansion plans for the EU, beginning in 2027. Per the release:
The establishment of the Munich R&D and Design Center underscores Xiaomi EV’s commitment to building a global innovation network. By leveraging world-class competencies and ecosystem, Xiaomi EV accelerates breakthroughs in intelligent driving and vehicle dynamics. This expansion of the R&D network strengthens the company’s ability to deliver vehicles that truly inspire and are renowned for their performance, whilst ensuring Xiaomi EV’s products align with global standards of safety and quality.
Xiaomi said it is committed to investing in the international talent pool and will look to bring in engineers, designers, and researchers from around the EU to collaborate with its global EV teams. The Chinese automaker also shared that the new Munich facility will be used to “foster collaborations with research institutions while forging meaningful partnerships across industries to accelerate smart mobility solutions and ecosystem integration while addressing infrastructure and ethical AI considerations.”
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