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A Tesla Cybertruck Foundation Series has been spotted at a BYD facility in China. Is it getting reverse-engineered?

There are still a lot of questions unanswered about whether or not the Cybertruck program is a success.

Some Tesla fans are claiming it is based on the fact that it is the best-selling electric pickup truck in the US. However, Tesla achieved that with the first year of Cybertruck production thanks to a backlog of over 1 million reservations.

It will be interesting to see how it fairs next year after having exhausted its backlog of reservations after having delivered 40,000 to 50,000 trucks. We already see some demand issues as Tesla started discounting the Cybertruck through its referral program and lower leases.

While the jury is still out about whether or not the Cybertruck program is a success, as I noted in my review, there’s undoubtedly impressive technology in the truck. Technology that some other automakers might be interested in learning more about.

That’s why it’s interesting to see a Tesla Cybertruck spotted at a BYD facility in China (via X):

In the short video, we see a bunch of men intently looking into the vehicle before entering what is reportedly a BYD facility.

BYD is both a competitor and supplier to Tesla. The Chinese mega-corporation is the world’s best-seller of electric vehicles (BEVs and PHEVs), and it is closing in on Tesla for BEVs on top of being the second largest producer of battery cells, which it supplies to Tesla, behind CATL.

In the auto industry, it’s normal to buy vehicles from other automakers to benchmark or reverse-engineer them.

The Cybertruck is not available for sale in China, and therefore, BYD is had to buy one in the US and import it in China.

There are a lot of rumors right now about Tesla potentially launching the Cybertruck in the world’s biggest auto market.

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Mercedes-AMG’s first super electric SUV looks sharp on public roads

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Mercedes-AMG's first super electric SUV looks sharp on public roads

Mercedes-AMG is launching its first super electric SUV, separate from Mercedes. With its official debut just around the corner, we are finally getting our first look at the sleek. The all-electric performance SUV is now officially testing on public roads. Here’s a sneak peek at the upcoming performance SUV.

The iconic high-performance brand is launching its first electric SUV, built entirely from scratch. Unlike the EQS, the new model will be made independently of Mercedes. It will be based on its advanced new AMG.EA platform.

We knew the electric SUV was coming after Mercedes-AMG dropped the first teaser last month. The image revealed a sporty-looking silhouette with a distinct rear fin.

Mercedes-AMG said the electric SUV, dubbed “Born in Affalterbach,” is a “groundbreaking off-roader.” After pioneering the segment over 25 years ago with the ML 55 AMG, the performance brand said its new EV will be “a truly captivating high-performance off-roader based on the AMG.EA.”

As testing on public roads kicks off, we are getting a closer look at the super electric SUV. Mercedes-AMG announced the new SUV has officially begun cold-weather testing.

Aggressive wheel arches and a bold front face complement the smooth, elegant design. Like the EQS and EQE SUVs, it includes retractable door handles for improved performance.

The electric Mercedes-AMG super SUV is coming soon

Testing has begun in northern Ireland, where its sporty four-door electric coupe was spotted testing earlier this year. The electric SUV will be the second vehicle built on its dedicated AMG.EA platform.

The performance brand said its new architecture is a “technological trailblazer” with axial-flux tech from Mercedes-owned Yasa. According to Autocar, the AMG.EA will feature 800V and support twin and tri-motor systems.

Mercedes-AMG-electric-supercar
Mercedes-AMG electric supercar testing in Sweden (Source: Mercedes-Benz)

With each Yasa motor packing up to 480 hp and 590 lb-ft of torque, the super electric SUV is expected to be available with over 1,000 hp combined output.

The company claims its e-motors have four times more torque and double the power of nearly all current tech on the market.

Mercedes-CLA-concept
Mercedes-Benz CLA concept interior with MB.OS (Source: Mercedes-Benz)

Inside, the performance electric SUV is expected to be just as impressive. It will feature the new AMG.OS software.

Although prices have yet to be revealed, one thing is for sure—they won’t be cheap. The 2025 AMG GLE 63 S 4MATIC starts at $130,800 in the US, but you can expect it to be even more than that. The production version is set to launch in Europe in 2027. Although still to be announced, a US debut is expected to follow shortly after.

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RollAway opens bookings for 270+ mile range ‘Suite on Wheels’ built from a BrightDrop electric van [Video]

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RollAway opens bookings for 270+ mile range 'Suite on Wheels' built from a BrightDrop electric van [Video]

Silicon Valley startup RollAway is offering a novel idea that rethinks the traditional lodging experience. RollAway has unveiled its first generation “Suite on Wheels” – a boutique sleeper rental built from a BrightDrop electric van. The Suites on Wheels are available to reserve and test out now, giving customers the freedom to explore sustainably, park, and lodge in whatever location they’d like.

RollAway is a hospitality startup founded in Silicon Valley by CEO Waldy Torres. Torres and the RollAway team have devised a unique approach to the lodging segment using 100% electric vans. According to the company website, “It’s not a hotel, not an AirBnB, but the ultimate stay on wheels.”

The startup actually calls its fleet of electric vans, obtained through a partnership with GM’s BrightDrop, “Suites on Wheels.” We got our first look at RollAway in March of 2023 when it debuted its new lodging business ahead of a launch in the San Francisco Bay Area.

At the time, RollAway opened pre-bookings for its electric van rentals. Today, however, the startup has introduced its first-generation “Suite on Wheels,” which is available to reserve now.

RollAway opens its schedule to book an stay in a van

The startup shared details of its first-generation Suite on Wheels, built upon BrightDrop’s zero-emissions van platform. Per the company, the electric hotel room on wheels boasts a 270+ mile range, better than the 250-mile range initially promised in 2023.

RollAway shared that each electric van suite features five-star amenities including personalized assistance through a virtual concierge, farm-to-table breakfast packages, and curated travel itineraries. Each Suite on Wheels also comes equipped with bedding from PARACHUTE Home, a spa-class bathroom with Malin + Goetz toiletries, Starlink WiFi, and YETI amenities that guests can take with them on the go.

RollAway founder and CEO Waldy Torres spoke about the official launch of its services in the first generation electric vans:

RollAway was built to break the barriers of conventional travel. We envisioned an entirely new way to explore—free from the constraints of location-specific accommodations, multi-step travel planning, or environmental compromises. Our Suite on Wheels blends five-star services, residential comforts, intuitive technology, and an uncompromising commitment to sustainability into a sanctuary on wheels where every mile is an experience, and every destination feels like home.

According to the startup, reservations are officially open, and it has already begun welcoming early guests into its new fleet of customized electric vans. You can book a stay of your own at gorollaway.com, but you may have to wait a while. We did a quick search, and the RollAway electric vans look almost entirely booked until the fall of 2025.

That could be a good sign that there’s a market for sustainable, mobile lodging that will hopefully enable RollAway to expand its fleet of available vans. This is a startup to keep an eye on. If you happen to get a reservation, I’d love to hear about your experience. I’ll try to get in one of those Suites on Wheels in 2025 and will be sure to document my experience.

In the meantime, here’s RollAway’s recent launch video detailing the design and amenities of the electric vans:

Source: RollAway

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Toyota finally unveils its new electric SUV: Meet the Urban Cruiser EV

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Toyota finally unveils its new electric SUV: Meet the Urban Cruiser EV

Toyota is finally launching another electric SUV. Say hello to the Toyota Urban Cruiser EV, unveiled on Thursday. Check out the first images below.

Meet the Toyota Urban Cruiser EV

The Toyota Urban Cruiser is the brand’s second electric SUV, following the bZ4X. It’s an unofficial successor to the gas-powered model, which was discontinued in 2014.

With fresh styling and a new dedicated EV platform, the Urban Cruiser EV is unique from Toyota’s other models. Toyota said its “impactful lines” are a defining quality as it looks to gain an edge over rivals.

One of the most noticeable features is the new “hammerhead” front-end design. The front and rear ends feature sleek curves with a full-length light arrangement across the back. Toyota said the “Urban Tech” design gives it a commanding presence at every angle.

At 4,285 mm long, 1,800 mm wide, and 1,640 mm tall, the electric SUV is slightly bigger than its popular Yaris Cross. It also gains a longer wheelbase at 2,700 mm (+140 mm compared to the Yaris Cross).

Toyota-Urban-Cruiser-EV-side
Toyota Urban Cruiser electric SUV (Source: Toyota)

Inside, the electric SUV features dual 10.1″ infotainment and 10.25″ driver display screens with smartphone integration capabilities.

The new platform is the same one underpinning Suzuki’s e-Vitara electric SUV, which was unveiled last month. It will be the first EV from the two Japanese auto giants as they deepen their alliance.

Like the e-Vitara, Toyota’s Land Cruiser EV will have 49 and 61-kWh battery pack options. The former will be exclusively FWD and produce 142 hp (106 kW), while the latter produces 172 hp (128 kW). In the AWD model, the larger battery delivers 181 hp (135 kW).

The new AWD system (Suzuki’s ALLGRIP-e) includes Downhill Assist Control and Trail Mode for added traction, while Snow Mode in the FWD model makes it easier to get around on snow-covered roads.

Toyota URBAN CRUISER EV*  FWD  FWD  AWD 
Battery capacity (kWh)  49  61  61 
Power (kW/bhp/DIN hp)  106/142/144  128/172/174  135/181/184 
Torque (Nm)  189  189  300 
Toyota Urban Cruiser electric SUV specs *NB: all performance data remain provisional (Source: Toyota)

Although Toyota didn’t reveal range figures, the electric SUV is expected to have a range of up to 250 miles with the larger battery pack.

The Toyota Land Cruiser EV will officially debut at the 2025 Brussels Motor Show. It will launch in the UK in Q3 2025, followed by other European markets. According to AutoCar, expected prices are around $44,500 (£35,000).

What do you think of Toyota’s new electric SUV? Would you buy one in the US for around $45,000? Drop us a comment below to let us know your thoughts.

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