Honda is preparing to build its first electric model at its retooled EV hub in Ohio. A new Acura will be the first EV will be built at the hub in late 2025. Meanwhile, Honda said the EV hub will not be exclusive to electric cars with plans to build gas and hybrid models on the same line.
It’s been almost two years since Honda announced a $700 million investment to prepare three of its Ohio plants for EV production.
Its Marysville Auto Plant (MAP) will lead Honda’s EV hub in Ohio. With production a little more than a year out, Honda is updating its plans in the state.
Honda will now build gas and hybrid models alongside EVs in Ohio, the company said in a press release on Tuesday. Gas and hybrid vehicles will be built on the same manufacturing line as Honda reinvents its global production process.
“Our efforts in establishing the Honda EV Hub in Ohio are not focused simply on EV production,” said Mike Fischer, Honda’s executive chief engineer and lead of its new EV hub.
Fischer added its hub in Ohio is laying the foundations for Honda EV production “throughout North America and globally.”
2024 Honda Prologue Elite (Source: Honda)
Honda preps Ohio EV hub for new Acura model
The first EV to be made at Honda’s Marysville plant will be a new Acura, based on the Performance EV Concept shown last month. Production is slated to begin in late 2025.
After consolidating two production lines, Honda’s Marysville plant is preparing for sub-assembly of its Intelligent Power Unit (IPU), which houses the battery for its next-gen EVs.
Acura Performance EV Concept (Source: Honda)
Honda’s Marysville plant will combine battery modules from its joint venture with LG Energy Solution, while its Anna Engine Plant will create the cases for mid- and large-size IPUs.
Honda and LG invested $3.5 billion in the new JV battery plant, with plans to raise that number to $4.4 billion. The plant is scheduled to be operational by the end of 2024 with an expected 40 GWh annual capacity.
2024 Acura ZDX (Source: Acura)
Despite adding gas and hybrid production to the mix, Honda is sticking to its goal of 100% of sales being EV or fuel cell vehicles by 2040.
Honda and Acura’s first electric SUV’s, the Prologue and ZDX, are built on GM’s Ultium platform. With a record 5,401 units sold in the US last month, Honda Prologue sales reached 10,394 through August as the electric SUV rolled out to dealers nationwide.
The iconic electric hatch is all grown up and will arrive later this month. Nissan’s iconic EV is now a stylish crossover with more range, faster charging, and several other upgrades. Ahead of its global debut, Nissan is offering us a closer look at the third-gen LEAF EV with a few new photos and details.
Nissan LEAF EV photos and global debut date
Nissan is upgrading its best-selling EV in nearly every way possible. We got a sneak peek of the new model in March, but it was essentially a preview.
On Tuesday, Nissan shared several new photos and a few insights we can expect to see from the updated LEAF EV when it arrives later this month.
The LEAF is dropping the hatchback style we’ve grown to love (or hate) for a “sleek and spacious family-friendly crossover” design. Nissan’s design and engineering teams worked together to give it a bold new look, but it’s also surprisingly efficient.
Advertisement – scroll for more content
With a drag coefficient of just 0.26, the new model (US and Japan-spec) is about as aerodynamic as an average sports car. In Europe, it’s even more impressive at just 0.25 Cd, down from 0.28 Cd in the outgoing LEAF.
Richard Candler, Vice President, Nissan global product strategy, next to the third-generation LEAF EV (Source: Nissan)
All new models (US, Japan, and Europe) feature added flush door handles, an active grille shutter, improved wheel design, a new fastback silhouette, and a flat underbody for better efficiency.
“Every design choice was optimized for aero and energy efficiency, even the panoramic glass roof contributes to exceptional aerodynamics,” according to Nissan’s program design director, Nobutaka Tase.
The third-gen LEAF is based on Nissan’s CMF-EV platform, the same one that underpins the Ariya electric SUV. Although Nissan has yet to confirm the battery specs, it promises that the new model will have “significant range improvements” compared to the outgoing LEAF.
We may have an idea after Nissan’s vehicle programs chief, François Bailly, told TopGear.com that the new LEAF will arrive with a 373-mile (600 km) WLTP driving range.
Nissan’s new LEAF EV (Source: Nissan)
On the EPA scale, it could be closer to a 300-mile range, but that would still be a significant improvement from the 212 EPA-estimated miles offered on the 2025 LEAF SV Plus.
In North America, the new Nissan LEAF will also feature a built-in NACS port, unlocking access to Tesla’s Supercharger network.
You can learn more about the updated model in the video above. The short series features the planning, design, and engineers who helped bring the third-gen EV to life.
We will find out more later this month when Nissan officially launches the updated LEAF. Check back soon for more info. We’ll keep you updated with the latest.
Do you like the updated LEAF design? The crossover style gives it a fresh new look. Let us know your thoughts in the comments below.
FTC: We use income earning auto affiliate links.More.
Chinese EV automaker NIO took to social media to announce expansion plans to seven new European markets. This multi-brand strategy will bring even more BEVs from NIO and Firefly to EU customers.
NIO ($NIO) is looking to add clout to its status as a rising global brand. It was only four years ago that the Chinese EV automaker announced its first expansion plans into European markets, beginning in Norway. The company has since set up sales in Denmark, Germany, the Netherlands and Sweden.
Those EU models include the NIO ES6, ES7, ES8, ET5, ET5T, and ET7. However, due to a trademark dispute with Audi, the “ES” models have been renamed “EL” in the EU (EL6, EL7, etc).
Additionally, NIO has recently begun selling the two flagship EVs from its sub-brands, the Onvo L60 and Firefly, to European customers.
Advertisement – scroll for more content
Earlier today, NIO took to X and Weibo to announce additional expansion plans for Europe, including sales of the Firefly.
The Firefly on display at the Shanghai Auto Show / Source: Scooter Doll
NIO and Firefly to expand to these seven European markets
Per the post on X, NIO intends to begin selling its BEVs in the following European markets through 2025 and 2026:
Austria
Belgium
The Czech Republic
Hungary
Luxembourg
Poland
Romania
NIO divulged even more details on Weibo, including what models will be sold in those additional EU markets. Those BEVs include the EL6, EL8, ET5, ET5 Touring (ET5T), and the Firefly EV (seen above). Per the post:
In the Belgian and Luxembourg markets, NIO will cooperate with Hedin Mobility Group, a leading European travel service group. In Central and Eastern Europe, NIO will join hands with AutoWallis, a leading regional travel service group, to first cover the Austrian and Hungarian markets in 2025, and plans to start deliveries in the Czech Republic, Poland and Romania in 2026, bringing innovative, sustainable and high-quality smart electric travel experiences to local users.
There you have it. Five BEV models across two NIO brands, reaching new European customers as early as this year. We’re sure this won’t be the last we hear about Firefly in Europe, as the NIO sub-brand was supposed to initially launch overseas ahead of China. NIO co-founder and president, Qin Lihong, recently told CnEVPostthat Firefly would enter approximately 20 overseas markets by the end of 2025, with the right-hand drive version expected to hit the market in October at the latest.
FTC: We use income earning auto affiliate links.More.
I’m super bullish on electric trikes. I may not be a silver-haired fox (yet), but even at a ripe 36 years old, I can appreciate the advantages of a comfortable e-trike just as much as their larger market of mature riders.
I don’t think age or accessibility should be the only factors when considering the advantages of three wheels over two, and the MeetOne Tour dual motor electric trike is a great example of that. Sure, it’d be awesome for folks who can no longer feel the same confidence or stability from two-wheelers. But it’s also just a blast to ride at any age and ability level!
Don’t just take my word for it, though. Take my video for it! Check out my experience in my video review below, or keep reading for the full details.
MeetOne Tour Dual Motor Electric Trike Video Review
MeetOne Tour Dual Motor Electric Trike Tech Specs
Motor: Dual 750W motors with a rated 180 Nm of torque
Top speed: 25 mph (40 km/h) on pedal assist or 15 mph (25 km/h) on throttle
Range: Claimed up to 130 miles (210 km)
Battery: Dual 48V 15Ah (total of 1,440 Wh) UL-certified with Samsung cells
Load Capacity: 550 lb (250 kg)
Frame: Aluminum alloy 6061
Brakes: Hydraulic dual-piston disc brakes (three of them!)
Extras: Torque sensor, parking brake, full-suspension, Shimano 7-speed shifter, included fenders/basket/rear bag, arrives almost completely assembled
The MeetOne Tour Dual Motor E-Trike stands out as a robust and comfortable option in the electric tricycle market. With its semi-recumbent design, dual motors, and thoughtful features, it offers a compelling ride for those seeking stability and performance.
Advertisement – scroll for more content
You’d be forgiven for thinking that an electric tricycle wouldn’t be a thrilling ride, but MeetOne has somehow nailed both the power and comfort in a single e-bike, and the experience is incredible. I kept thinking, “This trike shouldn’t feel this good,” and yet here we are.
The semi-recumbent seating position of the Tour E-Trike provides a relaxed posture, reducing strain on the back and knees. Your legs are nicely stretched out in front of you instead of folded up underneath you.
The oversized seat with backrest enhances comfort, making longer rides more enjoyable. The trike’s full suspension system with dual-crown fork and dual rear shocks effectively absorbs road imperfections, contributing to a smoother ride. It all just works together so nicely. There’s even a new seat that has since been added, complete with armrests, making this thing more of a living room recliner on wheels than a traditional e-trike.
There’s also a reverse mode, which is important for such a bulky trike that you might have trouble maneuvering around into a tight spot.
And as an added note on comfort, the bike arrives almost completely assembled, so it’s a lot easier to get rolling than some trikes that require significant at-home assembly.
And then there’s the power. Equipped with dual 750W hub motors, the Tour E-Trike delivers a combined 180 Nm of torque, offering strong acceleration and the ability to tackle inclines with ease. The traction is spread out with one motor in the rear and the other in the front hub, making sure that power actually gets to the ground.
The trike’s top speed is listed at 25 mph (40 km/h), though I found that throttle-only mode reached only 15 mph (25 km/h), with pedal assist enabling higher speeds. The torque sensor provides responsive assistance, adjusting power based on pedaling effort for a natural riding experience.
The battery range is no slouch, either. Dual 48V 15Ah Samsung batteries (totaling 30Ah or 1,440 Wh) offer a claimed range of up to 130 miles (210 km) under optimal conditions – though I doubt anyone will see a range that big. Even so, 50 miles (80 km) is doable even on throttle riding thanks to those dual batteries.
This extended range makes the Tour E-Trike great for long-distance rides and daily commutes alike. Plus, the batteries are supposedly UL2271 certified, adding even more peace of mind.
Safety and cargo capacity
As with any e-trike, safety is critical due to the inherent instability of delta tricycles in turns and the undeniable fact that many riders are going to be older and more accident-prone. Fortunately, I’m glad to see that MeetOne addressed many safety concerns right from the start.
The wide rear end helps keep the trike feeling more stable in turns, though you still shouldn’t go full speed into a hairpin. To ensure that doesn’t happen, the trike features hydraulic disc brakes on all wheels, providing reliable stopping power. The parking brake is also user-friendly, requiring minimal effort to engage. Most parking brakes on e-bikes require a lot of hand strength to pull the lever in fully, with a second hand usually needed to push a locking mechanism. On the MeetOne, the parking brake lever is activated first, then the rider pulls the brake handle as far as they’d like. It’s a much easier-to-use design.
The trike’s well-placed mirrors also offer clear rearward visibility, enhancing safety during rides. Additional features include a reverse mode for easy maneuvering and a differential for smooth cornering.
With a maximum load capacity of 550 lbs (250 kg) and a rear basket capable of holding up to 100 lbs (45 kg), the Tour E-Trike is well-suited for carrying groceries, gear, or other essentials.
A rear bag in the large rear basket also helps enclose smaller things and prevent them from falling out of the basket. You can toss your keeps or water bottle into the bag and know that they’ll still be there, even after a bumpy ride.
What’s not to like?
With a trike like this, what’s not to like? No, like, I actually mean it. Here’s what I don’t like.
First of all, the trike is heavy as #&%!
I don’t even know how heavy it is. I don’t have a scale big enough to weigh it and MeetOne doesn’t list the weight. It’s got to be well over 100 lb (45 kg), though. I’d guess around 115 to 120 lb (52-54 kg). It’s also bulky, meaning picking it up would require multiple people. If you did need to transport it, use a ramp and a pickup truck – I’m not sure there’s a better option.
Next, it’s pricey. An XP Trike is less than half the price, and so you and your partner could both get one and have money left over. But then again, this thing is way comfier, way more powerful, and just a lot more trike. So this isn’t a model for someone trying to shop on a budget – it’s a model for someone who wants a lot more than they’ll find elsewhere.
And lastly, having two batteries is nice, but needing to keep up with charging two batteries isn’t. A single charger that fed both batteries would be nice, or a single larger battery. That being said, one massive battery puts all your eggs in one basket, and if your battery ever dies, you’ve got an expensive hunk of nickel and lithium to replace. Two batteries give you redundancy that could be quite welcome in that situation, so there is something to be said for two independent battery packs!
Final thoughts
All in all, the MeetOne Tour is one of the most compelling electric trikes I’ve tested to date. It’s not trying to be the lightest or flashiest trike on the market – instead, it leans fully into being a feature-rich, ultra-comfortable machine that puts practicality and comfort above all else. From the full suspension setup to the semi-recumbent seat, everything about the Tour is built to make the ride as smooth and pleasant as possible. And it works. Whether you’re commuting, running errands, or just cruising for the joy of it, this e-trike feels stable, capable, and incredibly well thought-out. The added weight may make it a bit more effort to move around manually, but once you’re rolling, that heft translates into confidence and stability on the road.
It’s also packed with the kind of little details that make a big difference. The reverse gear might sound minor, but it’s a lifesaver when navigating tight spots. The mirrors are actually useful, something that’s all too rare on electric trikes. And the braking system, complete with easy-to-engage parking brakes, shows that the designers thought about real-world usability. At $3,299, it’s not the cheapest trike out there, but considering the dual motors, dual batteries, and comfort-focused build, it still feels like strong value. For riders looking for a serious mobility solution that doesn’t compromise on ride quality or utility, the MeetOne Tour Dual Motor E-Trike is absolutely worth a closer look.
FTC: We use income earning auto affiliate links.More.