Meet the new 2025 Hyundai IONIQ 5: Built in the US with more range and new XRT trim
The moment we’ve been waiting for is finally here. Hyundai’s best-selling electric SUV now has even more range and features. Hyundai unveiled the US-made 2025 IONIQ 5 on Tuesday, including a rugged new XRT model. Perhaps even more important, it’s Hyundai’s first EV with a Tesla NACS port.
“IONIQ 5 has been a sales success for us since day one,” Jose Munoz, Hyundai Motor’s North American CEO, said after unveiling the new model.
We knew it was coming soon. Hyundai revealed the IONIQ 5 refresh in Korea in March. The updated model features a bigger battery with more range, an added rear wiper, and a sleek new design.
Now, Hyundai is introducing its improved electric SUV for the US, including an off-road XRT variant built for those looking to venture off the beaten path.
The 2025 IONIQ 5 will be the first US-made model at Hyundai’s massive new Metaplant America in Georgia.
Hyundai’s new IONIQ 5 is also its first equipped with the Tesla North American Charging Standard (NACS) port. The port unlocks access to over 17,000 Tesla Superchargers, double the amount of DC-fast chargers compared to current IONIQ 5 drivers.
All new or refreshed Hyundai electric models will feature a Tesla NACS port starting in Q4 2024. Hyundai said models built at its new GA plant would be eligible for a $3,750 tax credit.
Once it begins building batteries at the plant, Hyundai expects new IONIQ 5 models to qualify for the full $7,500.
Meet the first US-made Hyundai IONIQ 5
Hyundai revamped the IONIQ 5’s design with a new front and rear bumper, adding to the electric SUV’s already aggressive look.
The new model also features an added rear spoiler and new wheels for improved aerodynamics. You can choose from new Matte exterior colors like Atlas White, Ecotronic Gray, and Celadon Gray.
Hyundai also fine-tuned the interior with its next-gen infotainment system, redesigned HVAC controls, a new center console, an updated steering wheel, and heated rear seats.
You will notice several added physical buttons, including heat and cooling, for added convenience.
The new infotainment includes a 12.3″ navigation with Wireless Apple CarPlay and Android Auto support. It also includes new features like Hyundai Digital Key 2 Premium and several new safety upgrades.
The off-road IONIQ 5 XRT we’ve been waiting for
“We designed this IONIQ 5 XRT to offer more Protection, Connection, and Functionality,” Hyundai Design North America’s senior manager of exteriors, Brian Arnold, explained.
Hyundai added a new XRT trim to the 2025 IONIQ 5 family “designed to appeal to customers who want to play in the dirt and have all-electric adventures.
The rugged model features an even more aggressive design with “XRT-exclusive” unique front and rear bumpers, side skirts, and 18″ aluminum wheels.
It also includes etched camouflage cladding, black Hyundai flying “H” badges on the hood and liftgate, and the XRT logo on the back.
Arnold said, “The digital camo pattern was created using our IONIQ pixel as the building block. The matte-black 18-inch wheels also display the same IONIQ pixel theme while providing strength and cooling.”
Inside, you will find H-Trex seating with the XRT pattern, logo, and XRT-badged all-weather mats.
Built for off-roading, the rugged new model boasts a +23mm suspension lift and front hooks with up to 5,834 lbs towing capacity.
Bigger battery and more range
Hyundai’s new IONIQ comes with more battery capacity. Standard models now come with 63 kWh capacity, up from 58 kWh, while the Long Range version includes an 84 kWh battery, up from 77.4 kWh.
The added battery capacity is expected to enable over 310 miles range. That’s up from 303 miles with the current RWD model.
Depending on the trim (and wheel size), AWD models will feature between 250 and 280 miles range, up from 260 miles currently. Meanwhile, Hyundai expects the Standard Range model to get over 240 miles range on a single charge, up from 220 miles
Hyundai’s IONIQ 5 was already the fourth best-selling EV in the US in Q2, behind Tesla’s Model Y, Model 3, and the Ford Mustang Mach-E.
| 2025 Hyundai IONIQ 5 powertrain | Trim | 2024MY Range | New Range (Targeted) |
| AWD | Limited SE/SEL XRT |
260 miles 260 miles N/A |
+250 to +280 miles |
| RWD | SE/ SEL/ Limited Se Standard Range |
303 miles 220 miles |
+310 miles +240 miles |
“We’re continuing to give customers more of what they want by expanding the IONIQ 5 lineup with a dedicated off-road-capable XRT model, NACS port, design upgrades, and a long list of features developed with customers in mind,” Munoz added.
What do you think of the new IONIQ 5? Do you like the updates? Or did Hyundai miss something? Let us know what you think in the comments below.
FTC: We use income earning auto affiliate links. More.
Environment
Zoox opens new production facility where its purpose-built robotaxis will be built [Video]
![Zoox opens new production facility where its purpose-built robotaxis will be built [Video]](https://i0.wp.com/electrek.co/wp-content/uploads/sites/3/2025/06/Zoox-production-hero.jpg?resize=1200,628&quality=82&strip=all&ssl=1)
Robotaxi developer Zoox has cut the ribbon on the first serial production facility for purpose-built robotaxi vehicles in the United States. This new cutting-edge facility will be able to assemble thousands of Zoox’s unique autonomous vehicles each year as its commercial services expand.
Zoox is a California-based Robotaxi developer that continues to expand its network of test vehicles to make way for the rollout of its unique purpose-built vehicle, unlike anything else on the roads.
While much of Zoox’s current test fleet consists of existing vehicles retrofitted with sensors and cameras, Zoox has designed and delivered an entirely purpose-built EV without pedals or a steering wheel. We’ve seen those Robotaxis roll off Zoox’s existing production line in Fremont, California, before hitting Bay Area and Las Vegas roads.
Today, Zoox officially opened a second production facility closer to its California headquarters. This facility will house dedicated assembly lines for its bespoke robotaxis. Zoox’s latest video, which you can view below, provides an in-depth look at those new production lines.
Zoox moves Robotaxi production to new CA facility
This morning, Zoox shared an exciting look at its new production facility, which was described as a “first of its kind” for purpose-built robotaxi assembly in the US. Per Zoox, the 220,000 square-foot plant is located in Hayward, California, and consists of one assembly line which, at full scale, can produce 10,000 robotaxis per year.
In addition to serial production, Zoox’s second facility will house robotaxi engineering, software and hardware integration, component storage, shipping and receiving, plus the end-of-line testing required before any vehicles are deployed.
Zoox made efforts to ensure its new state-of-the-art plant was sustainable and based in the US to create an environment in which autonomous robots and humans work side by side to build fully autonomous robotaxis. Per Zoox:
Constructing a state-of-the-art facility also provided an opportunity to showcase our values at Zoox. The facility is situated near our Foster City headquarters, fostering collaboration between engineers and other teams. Zoox owns, operates, and assembles these purpose-built robotaxis, giving the company oversight of the entire process end-to-end and the opportunity to flex the production depending on expansion and market demand. As the robotaxi design advances, the facility’s unique layout and building equipment will be able to accommodate these future changes and features.
In an assembly facility focused on building autonomous robots, our Zoox crew remains an essential part of the manufacturing process. Robots on the floor are primarily used for specific tasks, such as applying adhesive for glass installation (which requires precision to avoid leaks and smudges) and transporting the robotaxi down the assembly line, ensuring a smooth and efficient workflow. The rest is done manually.
Zoox shared that its initial facility in the Bay Area has been repurposed into a dedicated facility for its retrofitted test fleet and sensor pod configuration. While production of the purpose-built robotaxis is exciting to see, much of Zoox’s US operations revolve around the retrofits for now.
Zoox has said that paid robotaxi rides to the public will begin in Las Vegas soon, followed by San Francisco. Other cities like Austin and Miami will join, but not for a few years. Meanwhile, Zoox continues testing other areas such as Los Angeles and, most recently, Atlanta.
In the meantime, Zoox provided a look at the assembly of its purpose-built robotaxi vehicles before they make their way out into the real world. Check it out:
FTC: We use income earning auto affiliate links. More.
The Justice Department announced Wednesday the largest-ever U.S. seizure of cryptocurrency linked to so-called “pig butchering” scams that have cost victims billions globally.
Federal prosecutors filed a civil forfeiture action targeting more than $225 million in cryptocurrency traced to a sprawling web of fraudulent investment platforms. Victims were tricked into believing they were investing in legitimate crypto ventures, only to be scammed by criminal networks often operating overseas.
“This seizure of $225.3 million in funds linked to cryptocurrency investment scams marks the largest cryptocurrency seizure in U.S. Secret Service history,” said Shawn Bradstreet, special agent in charge of the U.S. Secret Service’s San Francisco Field Office, in a statement.
Authorities said the network was connected to at least 400 suspected victims worldwide, including dozens in the U.S. Crypto fraud was responsible for more than $5.8 billion in reported losses last year, according to FBI data.
The seized funds are now subject to forfeiture proceedings aimed at eventually returning money to victims.
The U.S. Secret Service and FBI used blockchain analysis and other tools to trace the cryptocurrency back to stolen assets. The DOJ credited Tether, the world’s largest stablecoin issuer, for assisting in the operation.
According to the complaint, the funds were linked to the theft and laundering of money from victims of cryptocurrency investment fraud schemes, commonly known as confidence scams that often involve romance.
The network relied on hundreds of thousands of transactions to obscure the origin of the funds, using sophisticated blockchain maneuvers to conceal the flow of stolen assets.
Environment
BYD has now sold over 1 million Seagull EVs, the $10,000 electric car that’s going global
Starting at under $10,000, the Seagull is the most affordable EV BYD offers in China. It’s also the company’s best seller. In just over two years, BYD has sold over 1 million Seagull EV models. Now, it’s rolling out to new global markets.
BYD Seagull EV sales surpass the 1 million mark
BYD officially launched its low-cost electric car in April 2023, with deliveries kicking off the following month. In just 25 months, BYD Seagull sales surpassed 1 million.
The Seagull went back and forth with the Tesla Model Y for a few months in 2024 as the best-selling EV in China. In November, it outsold every car in China, including gas-powered vehicles.
After selling an additional 60,131 Seagull models in May, BYD announced that its cumulative sales had reached nearly 993,000.
With just over 7,000 models to go, we knew the milestone was coming soon. During a launch event for its new Seal 06 EV on June 6, BYD officially announced that Seagull EV sales reached 1 million.
The Seagull typically starts at 69,800 yuan, or about $9,300. However, after slashing prices last month, the low-cost EV now starts at just 55,800 yuan ($7,800).
It’s available in three trims: Vitality, Freedom, and Flying. Two battery options are offered, 30.1 kWh and 38.9 kWh, which provide a CLTC range of 305 km (190 mi) and 405 km (252 mi), respectively.
BYD claimed that the Seagull opened “a new era of electricity being lower than oil” after launching the new model in 2024.
| BYD Seagull EV trim | Starting Price | Range (CLTC) |
| Vitality | Normal: $9,300 (69,800 yuan) Now: $7,800 (55,800 yuan) |
190 mi (305 km) |
| Freedom | $10,300 (75,800 yuan) | 190 mi (305 km) |
| Flying | $11,700 (85,800 yuan) | 252 mi (405 km) |
Earlier this year, BYD upgraded most of its lineup at no extra cost, including the Seagull EV, with its new “God’s Eye” smart driving system.
The Seagull measures 3,780 mm in length, 1,715 mm in width, and 1,540 mm in height, which is even smaller than the outgoing Chevy Bolt EV and VW ID.3. It’s closer in size to the Fiat 500e.
In Europe and the UK, BYD launched the Seagull EV under the name Dolphin Surf. It’s slightly bigger (+210 mm in length) and more powerful than the Chinese variant.
Although it’s not quite $10,000, prices start at just £18,650 (just over $25,000) in the UK, which is still one of the most affordable options. BYD’s base Dolphin Surf “Active” has a WLTP range of 203 miles. An extended-range “Boost” trim is available with a range of up to 305 miles (507 km). It starts at £21,950 ($30,000).
Electrek’s Take
The Seagull has been a huge part of BYD’s success over the past few years. It’s already rolling out in overseas markets, such as Brazil and Mexico, under the name Dolphin Mini.
For the first time, BYD registered more vehicles than Tesla in Europe in April. It also outsold Tesla in the UK last month.
The Dolphin Surf’s arrival is only expected to accelerate BYD’s momentum going into the end of the year. Although BYD is best known for its ultra-affordable EVs, like the Seagull (or Dolphin Surf), it’s rapidly expanding its lineup with new luxury vehicles, entry-level models, mid-size SUVs, and electric supercars.
One thing is certain: BYD will be a name to continue to watch closely over the next few years as the industry shifts to electric.
BYD’s commitment to ending production of vehicles powered entirely by gas engines in 2022 is quickly paying dividends.
Source: CarNewsChina, BYD
FTC: We use income earning auto affiliate links. More.
-
Sports3 years ago‘Storybook stuff’: Inside the night Bryce Harper sent the Phillies to the World Series
-
Sports1 year agoStory injured on diving stop, exits Red Sox game
-
Sports2 years agoGame 1 of WS least-watched in recorded history
-
Sports2 years agoMLB Rank 2023: Ranking baseball’s top 100 players
-
Sports4 years ago
Team Europe easily wins 4th straight Laver Cup
-
Environment2 years agoJapan and South Korea have a lot at stake in a free and open South China Sea
-
Sports2 years agoButton battles heat exhaustion in NASCAR debut
-
Environment2 years agoGame-changing Lectric XPedition launched as affordable electric cargo bike