Hyundai IONIQ 5 set a new EV World Record after taking on the highest driveable road
Hyundai’s electric SUV has just earned its place in history books. The Hyundai IONIQ 5 set a new Guinness World Record after braving the highest driveable road.
Hyundai IONIQ 5 EV earns new Guinness World Record
In a reflection of Hyundai’s “technological prowess,” the company announced on Thursday, December 26, that the IONIQ 5 officially set a new Guinness World Record.
The electric SUV achieved the “Greatest altitude change by an electric car” with an altitude change of over 19,000 ft (5,802 m) in “harsh terrain” and “extreme weather conditions.”
Hyundai Motor India and Evo India, a leading auto magazine firm, organized the event. The IONIQ 5 began its journey at Umling La in Leh Ladakh, which is known as the world’s highest driveable road, at 19,025 ft (5,799 m) above sea level.
After driving 3,080 miles (4,956 km) in just 14 days, the electric SUV achieved an altitude difference of 19,035 ft (5,802 m), setting a new Guinness World Record.
“The performance of the IONIQ 5, proven under such extreme conditions, reflects Hyundai Motor Company’s technological prowess,” Mr Unsoo Kim, Hyundai Motor India’s managing director, boasted after the accomplishment.
Hyundai’s best-selling EV “seamlessly” adapted to “freezing temperatures and steep mountain passes in the Himalayas to humid coastal regions in Kerala.”
New EVs on route
The electric SUV, powered by a 72.6 kWh battery, has an EPA-estimated driving range of over 300 miles (481 km WLTP).
Hyundai’s electric SUV is getting even more powerful. The accomplishment comes as the upgraded 2025 IONIQ 5 is rolling out in the US. The refreshed model gets even more driving range and a stylish new design. It even comes with an NACS charging port to access Tesla Superchargers.
Thanks to a bigger (84 kWh) battery, the 2025 IONIQ 5 has a driving range of 318 miles, up from 303 with the outgoing model. The upgraded model starts at $42,500, while the long-range version costs just under $50,000. It will be built at Hyundai’s new manufacturing plant in Georgia.
| 2025 Hyundai IONIQ 5 Trim | EV Powertrain | Driving Range (miles) | Starting Price* |
| IONIQ 5 SE RWD Standard Range | 168-horsepower rear motor | 245 | $42,500 |
| IONIQ 5 SE RWD | 225-horsepower rear motor | 318 | $46,550 |
| IONIQ 5 SEL RWD | 225-horsepower rear motor | 318 | $49,500 |
| IONIQ 5 Limited RWD | 225-horsepower rear motor | 318 | $54,200 |
| IONIQ 5 SE Dual Motor AWD | 320-horsepower dual motor | 290 | $50,050 |
| IONIQ 5 SEL Dual Motor AWD | 320-horsepower dual motor | 290 | $53,000 |
| IONIQ 5 XRT Dual Motor AWD | 320 horsepower dual motor | 259 | $55,400 |
| IONIQ 5 Limited Dual Motor AWD | 320-horsepower dual motor | 269 | $58,100 |
The Korean auto giant is also launching its first three-row electric SUV, the IONIQ 9. Hyundai unveiled the larger SUV at the LA Auto Show last month as it expands into new segments.
At 5,060 mm (199.2″) long, 1,980 mm (78″) wide, and 1,790 mm (70.5″) tall, the IONIQ 9 is a bit smaller than the Rivian R1S at 200.8″ long, 82″ wide, and 77.3″ tall.
The IONIQ 9 is powered by a massive 110.2 kWh battery, good for an EPA-est range of 335 miles, or 620 km on the WLTP cycle.
Hyundai will build the three-row EV in Georgia alongside the 2025 IONIQ 5. It will be available in the US and Korea in the first half of 2025, followed shortly after by Europe and other global markets. Check back soon, as pricing and more information will be released closer to launch.
With the 2025 models rolling out, Hyundai is offering close-out prices for the outgoing IONIQ 5, with leases starting as low as $159 per month. Ready to try it out for yourself? We’ve got you covered. You can use our link to find offers on 2024 and 2025 IONIQ 5 models in your area today.
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Jeep’s first electric SUV in the US just got more affordable. On Thursday, Jeep launched a new Limited trim at the Chicago Auto Show. The new 2025 Jeep Wagoneer S Limited trim is $5,000 cheaper than the Launch Edition. And it also qualifies for the $7,500 federal EV tax credit. Here’s what the new model includes.
Jeep promised a new Wagoneer S trim would be available this month, and it delivered. The new Limited model, with a starting price of $66,995, “further enhances” the electric SUV’s attractiveness.
The new Limited trim joins the Launch Edition in Jeep’s 2025 Wagoneer S lineup. The Wagoneer S Limited model is $5,000 cheaper than the Launch Edition, which starts at $71,995.
Like the initial model, the new Wagoneer S Limited still offers plenty of features and exclusive design elements. It has a black roof and mirror caps, a dual-pane panoramic sunroof, 20″ aluminum wheels, and low-profile exterior badging.
Inside, the Limited trim maintains the “best-in-class” infotainment system from the Launch Edition, with 45″ of usable screen space. Buyers can choose from a new Hyrdo Blue exterior color and Arctic Grey interior design.
Other optional features include a segment-exlusive front passenger screen and a premium 920-watt McItosh sound system, The Propulsion Boost Package and Obsidian Appearance Package will be available later. The Propulsion upgrade is delivered over-the-air (OTA), providing up to 600 hp.
Jeep’s new model still includes its signature Selec-Terrain traction management system with five drive modes: Auto, Sport, Snow, Sand, and Eco.
With a 400V, 100 kWh battery pack, the Wagoneer S can charge from 20% to 80% in 23 minutes using a DC fast charger.
| 2025 Jeep Wagoneer S trim | Starting Price | Range |
| Jeep Wagoneer S Launch Edition | $71,995 | +300 miles |
| Jeep Wagoneer S Limited | $66,995 | +300 miles |
The 2025 Jeep Wagoneer S Limited is available to order now, starting at $66,995 (including a $1,795 destination fee). All Wagoneer S models qualify for the $7,500 EV tax credit.
Ready to test out Jeep’s new electric SUV for yourself? We can help you get started. You can use our link to find 2025 Jeep Wagoneer S models at a dealer near you today.
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Nuclear energy is set for a “renaissance” that will be accelerated by backing from U.S. President Donald Trump’s administration.
That’s according to Yuri Khodjamirian, chief information officer at Tema ETFs, who noted that the Trump administration is “very, very interested in backing this technology.’ However, he also warned investors that developing this energy source is “going to take time.”
New nuclear technology approvals take “10 years to get done,” Khodjamirian said, but added that the nuclear re-emergence will likely be accelerated under the new Trump administration.
Speaking to CNBC’s Silvia Amaro on Tuesday’s “Squawk Box Europe,” Khodjamirian said his investment fund has its eyes on firms with a history of developing nuclear technology, such as U.S.-based BWX Technologies, which builds nuclear reactors for military carriers and submarines.
Khodjamirian said Tema is being “very selective in a new technology called small scale modular reactors.”
Small scale modular reactors (SMRs) are advanced nuclear reactors with the ability to provide around one-third of the generating capacity of traditional nuclear power reactors, according to the International Atomic Energy Agency.
SMRs take up less physical space compared to conventional reactors and produce a large amount of low-carbon electricity.
“There’s a lot of excitement there, and equally, a lot of loss-making companies that have unproven technologies, and we’re going for companies that have projects that are approved,” Khodjamirian said.
The nuclear energy renaissance is partly driven by a wave of people that are “realizing that it’s a stable, clean source of energy,” the chief investment officer said, adding that he believes that “there is a need for extra investment” in nuclear, alongside green energy sources that are variable in their electricity production.
“Renewables are good. They can be put up to speed quickly, but they require battery storage,” he said.
Trump has moved quickly on his energy agenda since his return to the White House. The U.S. Senate on Monday confirmed Chris Wright, a fracking executive and a Trump ally, as energy secretary.
Wright is a known nuclear energy supporter, having previously served on the board of advanced reactor company Oklo, as well as having held the position of chief executive at Liberty Energy. The energy firm has since appointed a new CEO following Wright’s confirmation as U.S. secretary of energy.
Digital borders
Khodjamirian is also closely monitoring artificial intelligence volatility, after the emergence of China’s Open AI model DeepSeek sparked concerns over how much money big tech companies will invest in AI.
European nations have voiced security concerns over DeepSeek.
Italy was the first country to block DeepSeek on data protection concerns. France‘s privacy watchdog has expressed concerns and South Korea’s industry ministry has temporarily restricted employee access to the Chinese startup’s AI model.
Taiwan, meanwhile, banned state departments from using the Beijing-based chatbot, wary of potential security threats from Beijing.
The international pushback shows that “no one really knows exactly how to defend digital borders,” according to Khodjamirian.
Global concern will “limit the growth of this model, because it’s coming out of China, but it’s clearly showing you that the West needs to be aware that there’s a lot of technical development,” he said.
“[But] I do think it redraws some of the lines, and it’ll be interesting to see how the U.S. in particular reacts,” he added.
Environment
Here’s our first look at Volkswagen’s cheapest EV, with prices starting at about $20,000
We are finally getting a look at Volkswagen’s answer to BYD and other low-cost Chinese electric cars. Volkswagen previewed its cheapest EV for the first time on Wednesday. It will kick off a new series of entry-level electric vehicles, with starting prices at €20,000, or just over $20,000.
Volkswagen teases its cheapest EV for the first time
At a meeting at its Wolfsburg plant on Wednesday, Volkswagen gave employees a sneak peek at the new model. The auto giant confirmed it will be a part of a new small electric car lineup.
Volkswagen said the new entry-level EV, with a base price of €20,000 ($20,000), “will be attractive for a wide variety” of buyers.
The first model in the new series will be the production version of the ID.2all, which was unveiled in March 2022. Volkswagen said the first ID.2 models will arrive at dealerships in 2026 with a base price of less than €25,000 ($26,000).
CEO Thomas Shafer said at the meeting, “With the conclusion of negotiations in December, we set the largest future plan in Volkswagen’s history in motion.”
The ID.2 and new entry-level EV (likely the ID.1) will be key to Volkswagen’s plans to catch up with EV leaders like BYD and Tesla.
Based on the MEB Entry Platform, the ID.2 is expected to have a range of up to 279 miles (450 km). Volkswagen also teased an SUV version, which will follow in its upcoming entry-level EV lineup.
Volkswagen will introduce the show car for its new entry-level EV. The company plans to reveal the production model in 2027.
Volkswagen is preparing its Wolfsburg plant for the upcoming entry-level models. Shafer stressed that the plant would “remain the heart of the Volkswagen brand in the electric age.” It will also produce the next-gen electric Golf on Volkswagen’s new SSP platform alongside the new T-Roc EV.
For those in the US, don’t get too excited. The new entry-level EV likely won’t make the trip overseas. Shafer described the model as ” an affordable, high-quality, and profitable electric Volkswagen from Europe for Europe.”
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