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Hyundai Motor Group electric vehicles, including Kia and Genesis models, now qualify for the $7,500 EV tax credit for the first time. The Korean auto giant now has five eligible EVs as it looks to play an even bigger role in the US.

After an impressive run in 2024, Hyundai has no plans to slow down as the US shifts to electric vehicles. The US Department of Energy announced five Hyundai EVs, including Kia and Genesis models, were among the 25 electric cars that qualify for the federal tax credit.

This is the first time since the Inflation Reduction Act (IRA) was passed in 2022 that the Korean automaker is eligible for tax benefits.

Hyundai just began production at its new Metaplant America (HMGMA) in October 2024, a massive new $7.6 billion EV manufacturing plant in Georgia. The company fast-tracked production, putting up the facility in two years to unlock the credit.

The first vehicle that rolled off the assembly line was Hyundai’s upgraded 2025 IONIQ 5 electric SUV. Shortly after, Hyundai launched mass production of its first three-row electric SUV, the IONIQ 9.

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2025 Hyundai IONIQ 5 (Source: Hyundai)

Hyundai, Kia, Genesis EVs qualify for the US tax credit

Hyundai’s new IONIQ 5 and IONIQ 9 were among the 25 EV models that qualify for the $7,500 US tax credit. Meanwhile, Kia is building its electric three-row EV9 and new 2025 EV6 at its West Point, GA plant, both of which now qualify for the benefit.

Genesis, Hyundai’s luxury brand, also made the list. The Genesis Electrified GV70 is built at Hyundai’s manufacturing plant in Montgomery, Alabama, which enables it to qualify.

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2024 Kia EV9 GT-Line (Source: Kia)

With five EVs now eligible for the federal tax credit, Hyundai expects momentum to pick up in the US. Before, Hyundai and Kia only passed the $7,500 on through EV leases.

Through November, Hyundai and Kia sold over 112,500 EVs in 2024. However, the benefits could soon disappear with Trump’s transition team reportedly looking to “kill off” the EV tax credit.

Until then, Hyundai will enjoy a more level playing field in the US, one of its (if not the) most important sales markets.

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2026 Hyundai IONIQ 9 (Source: Hyundai)

To sweeten the deal, Hyundai is offering a free NACS adapter to unlock Tesla Superchargers for those who buy or lease a new EV right now. Current Hyundai owners (model-year 2024 and earlier IONIQ 5, IONIQ 6, Kona Electric, and IONIQ hatchback models) can request their adapter through the MyHyundai owner portal.

Hyundai’s new 2025 IONIQ 5, IONIQ 6, and Kona Electric models are eligible for the promotion. The upgraded IONIQ 5 features more range, features, and improved style. It even includes a native Tesla NACS port.

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
2025 Hyundai IONIQ 5 prices and range by trim (*includes $1,475 destination fee)

The base 2024 IONIQ 5 SE RWD Standard Range model starts at $42,500 with up to 245 miles range. Starting at $46,550, the Long Range model provides up to 318 miles range, up from 303 miles in the outgoing model.

Hyundai is coming off a new US sales record in November after IONIQ 5 sales more than doubled. Will the tax credit boost sales further? The company is expected to release December and 2024 US sales figures soon, so stay tuned for more.

Are you ready to take advantage of the big savings while they are still available? We can help you get started. You can use the links below to find deals on Hyundai, Kia, and Genesis EV models at a dealer near you today.

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Jeep recalls 375,000 Wrangler and Grand Cherokee PHEVs, tells owners to park outside

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Jeep recalls 375,000 Wrangler and Grand Cherokee PHEVs, tells owners to park outside

Stellantis is recalling over 375,000 Jeep Wrangler and Grand Cherokee 4xe plug-in hybrids, telling owners to avoid charging and park away from any buildings due to a potential fire risk.

Stellantis recalls Jeep Wrangler, Grand Cherokee PHEVs

After an internal investigation found 19 reports of fires, Stellantis said it was recalling about 320,065 Jeep plug-in hybrid SUVs in the US.

The recall affects certain model-year 2020-2025 Jeep Wrangler 4xe and 2022-2026 Jeep Grand Cherokee 4xe models.

Stellantis is recalling another 20,753 Jeep PHEVs in Canada, 2,653 in Mexico, and 32,238 in markets outside of North America.

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Until the remedy is available, the company is urging owners to refrain from charging and to park away from buildings or other vehicles. The risk of a fire is less when the battery is drained, the company said.

The batteries were produced by Samsung SDI, the same defect that led to the recall of 154,000 Jeep plug-in hybrids in 2024. Vehicles included in that recall will still need the new remedy.

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2024 Jeep Wrangler 4xe Rubicon with Jeep Performance Parts (Source: Stellantis)

According to Stellantis, nine of the reported fires were from Jeep Wranglers and Grand Cherokees included in the 2024 recall.

Stellantis said a remedy “is imminent,” and affected drivers will be notified when they can schedule a service appointment.

Until then, owners can call customer care at 1-800-853-1403 with questions or concerns. You can also visit recalls.mopar.com for more information.

The recall comes after Stellantis issued one for nearly 25,000 Jeep Wrangler PHEVs less than two weeks ago due to a software glitch that left drivers stranded with bricked vehicles. Some had to be towed to dealers.

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First look at Zero Motorcycles’ new electric scooter launched today

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First look at Zero Motorcycles' new electric scooter launched today

Zero Motorcycles, long known for its powerful electric motorcycles, is diving deeper into the world of urban mobility with the launch of the all-new LS1 electric scooter. Unveiled today at EICMA 2025 in Milan, the LS1 is designed to expand Zero’s reach beyond motorcycles and into the increasingly important city commuter segment.

The LS1 marks a key milestone in Zero’s “All-Access” initiative, aimed at making electric two-wheelers available to a broader range of riders. Compact, lightweight, and built for life in dense city environments, the LS1 brings Zero’s signature electric performance into a much more approachable and user-friendly package.

Powered by a mid-mounted motor and fueled by two swappable floorboard-mounted batteries, the LS1 offers up to 115 km (71 miles) of range in standard configuration. Riders looking to go further can add an optional third battery, stored under the seat, to extend range to 170 km (106 miles).

With a top speed of 100 km/h (62 mph), ABS, traction control, and a low seat height, the LS1 seems to offer the kind of versatility and rider confidence needed for navigating tight European streets.

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For charging, the removable batteries can be topped up indoors using the included 800W charger (0–95% in 4.5 hours or 20–80% in 3 hours), or more quickly with an optional 1,500W fast charger that cuts those times nearly in half. That ease of off-board charging, combined with under-seat storage big enough for a helmet or groceries, seeks to make the LS1 a practical daily driver for urban riders and apartment dwellers.

Built as part of Zero’s expanding partnership with Zongshen, which also saw Zero roll out two trail-oriented e-motos, the LS1 seems to offer a nice balance between Zero’s design and more affordable Chinese production. And with a projected price of roughly €5,200 depending on the country/market, it seems reasonably priced to sell.

“The LS1 is designed for the people we see every day in cities like Paris, Milan, or Barcelona,” said Zero CEO Pierre-Martin Bos. “It’s simple, stylish, and makes electric riding accessible to a whole new group of riders.”

Bos recently replaced Sam Paschal as Zero’s new CEO, part of significant shifts lately at Zero that saw the company move its base of operations out of the US and reduce its workforce. A representative of Zero at the EICMA booth also explained that Zero’s former CTO Abe Askenazi is also no longer with the company.

Electrek’s Take

This is an interesting move by Zero, and probably a smart one. Flagship electric motorcycles may feature impressive performance, but they aren’t bringing in big profits right now. Smaller, modest e-motos that fit into more lifestyles are where the volume is at right now.

The LS1 brings the brand’s premium engineering and EV know-how to a format that more riders actually want, and can use every day. It’s lightweight, nimble, and doesn’t try to be a motorcycle in disguise. For city riders who’ve wanted a legit, high-quality electric scooter from a trusted brand, this could be an answer.

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Toyota teases a new vehicle and it sure looks like an electric truck

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Toyota teases a new vehicle and it sure looks like an electric truck

After teasing another new vehicle, Toyota said “a major unveiling” is set for next week. Is this Toyota’s electric truck?

What new vehicle is Toyota teasing now?

After stealing the spotlight at the Japan Mobility Show last week with the Corolla Concept, Land Cruiser FJ, and ultra-luxe Century brand, Toyota is at it again.

Toyota is teasing another new vehicle ahead of what it’s calling a “major unveiling” set for next week. “Get ready to embark on a new journey together,” the company said.

The image appears to be of the new Hilux, Toyota’s compact midsize Hilux pickup truck. The Hilux is the best-selling pickup outside of North America, going head-to-head with the Ford Ranger and other smaller trucks. It’s even Toyota’s most popular vehicle in some markets across Southeast Asia and Africa.

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Currently in its eighth generation, Toyota’s pickup is due for an overhaul. Toyota teased the new vehicle, revealing slim LED headlights and a rugged front-end design.

A video from Toyota Thailand offers a better look at the pickup from the back and side. The rear features redesigned taillights similar to those on the front end. You can also see it’s a four-door pickup, or Double Cab.

Toyota said the major unveiling is set for November 10. We have yet to learn the prices or any powertrain specs (or even officially what vehicle it is), but it could arrive with a battery-electric (BEV) powertrain.

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Toyota HiLux BEV electric pickup (Source: Toyota)

According to Drive, Toyota’s plans to release an electric Hilux pickup leaked during the Tokyo Motor Show. A slide shown to Malaysian media was leaked on Instagram, revealing two pickups, one clearly marked as a BEV. The other vehicles included the new bZ4X, Land Cruiser FJ, and Yaris Ativ.

The leaked image comes after Toyota Thailand president Noriaki Kamashita told reporters during last year’s Bangkok International Motor Show that the Hilux EV would launch by the end of 2025.

Although an electric variant is a possibility, the Hilux is expected to continue to be offered with its current mild-hybrid 2.8-liter turbo diesel engine.

We will learn more next week. Check back on November 10 for the full details.

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