Despite how cold it may feel outside, Nissan’s electric SUV has likely been through colder. Nissan is proving its Ariya SUV can handle the extreme weather at its unique new test chamber at its tech center near Detroit. With temperatures ranging from -40 to 176 °F, the Ariya is being pushed to see what it’s made of.

Nissan launched the Ariya, its first electric SUV, in the US in late 2022. Over 13,400 Ariya models were sold in the US in its first sales year, with another nearly 20,000 handed over in 2024.

A few weeks ago, Nissan introduced the 2025 Ariya, starting at just $39,770. It has two battery options, 66 or 91 kWh, good for 216 and 289 miles range. That’s for the FWD models.

You can opt for Nissan’s e-4ORCE AWD dual-motor system for “thrilling acceleration” with up to 389 hp and 442 lb-ft of torque. However, with the added power, you sacrifice some range. The AWD Ariya gets up to 272 miles range.

With many parts of the country seeing frigid temperatures, Nissan says its “Ariya is very well equipped” to combat freezing weather.

The electric SUV was already the first vehicle (EV or gas-powered) to drive from the North to the South Pole in 2023. Now, it’s being put through the paces at Nissan’s tech center outside of Detroit.

It’s currently around 23 °F in Detroit, with a low of 11 °F, but Nissan says it’s even colder in its unique new test chamber. The chamber is located at the Nissan Technical Center North America campus, just outside Detroit.

Nissan Ariya handles cold weather tests in new chamber

“Our chambers are capable of temperatures ranging from -40 degrees Fahrenheit to 176 degrees Fahrenheit,” Jeff Tessmer, senior manager of Zero Emission Vehicles at Nissan’s tech center, explained.

Nissan tests the Ariya in a test chamber with “far more extreme” temperatures than the typical driver will see. Tessmer said, “We want to test the worst-case scenario so that our customers will still get the same performance in a wide variety of weather conditions.”

One of the biggest goals is to prove the electric SUV’s battery can maintain charge levels even in extreme weather.

Nissan puts it through “cold soak” tests to ensure performance. During a 24-hour cold soak, the Ariya was parked in -4 °F weather with a 17% battery charge. It also wasn’t plugged in or using its battery heater. After the team returned the next day, the electric SUV still had a 17% charge and started up immediately.

The Ariya is equipped with a battery heater that drivers can turn on ahead of time to ensure optimal performance. On hot days, it includes a liquid-cooled system to regulate battery temperatures.

Drivers can also use the MYNISSAN app to pre-warm the cabin, check the interior temperature, and schedule charging times. Ansu Jammeh, an engineer on Nissan’s Zero Emissions Engineering team, said the best time to use the heating feature is “when the vehicle is plugged in so that it uses power from the grid instead of the vehicle.”

Nissan added a new wireless charging pad across all 2025 Ariya models. The inside features Nissan’s Advanced Drive-Assist setup with dual 12.3″ infotainment and driver display screens formed in a “wave-like” shape.

Other standard features of the 2025 model include wireless Apple CarPlay and Android Auto support, a Head-up display, and a Virtual Personal Assistant. It also includes Nissan’s ProPilot Assist for assisted driving.

Are you ready to check out Nissan’s electric SUV for yourself? We can help you get started. You can use our link to find Nissan Ariya models at the best price in your area today.

Florida’s Rice Creek Solar Energy Center is now online, delivering nearly 75 megawatts (MW) of clean electricity to 12 cities across the state. The solar farm is part of the Florida Municipal Solar Project, one of the largest municipal solar initiatives in the US.

Located in Putnam County, near Palatka, the Rice Creek site is covered with 213,000 solar panels that generate enough power for around 14,000 homes. This marks the third solar site in the Florida Municipal Solar Project, with more on the way.

Twelve utilities are tapping into the clean energy from Rice Creek, including Beaches Energy Services (Jacksonville Beach), Fort Pierce Utilities Authority, Homestead, Keys Energy Services in Key West, Kissimmee Utility Authority, Lake Worth Beach, Mount Dora, New Smyrna Beach Utilities, Newberry, Ocala, Town of Havana, and Winter Park. This is the first solar power project for Havana, New Smyrna Beach, and Newberry.

Jacob Williams, the general manager of the Florida Municipal Power Agency, explained, “By working together, our members and their communities benefit from additional solar-powered energy that’s both cost-effective and carbon-free.”

The FMPA, based in Orlando, coordinates the project, while the 12 municipal utilities – who are also FMPA’s member-owners – purchase the power. Miami-based Origis Energy is the builder, owner, and operator of Rice Creek. According to Origis Energy’s Josh Teigiser, “We are honored to support this FMPA work. Long-term agreements for solar generation, including for Rice Creek Solar, provide a stable rate base contributing to lower and more predictable customers’ bills.”

Construction is already underway on a fourth Florida solar farm, Whistling Duck Solar, in Levy County. The Florida Municipal Solar Project is expected to grow to seven sites in the next few years and will generate a total of around 525 MW of clean energy.

Read more: Ohio’s largest solar farm just came online

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The upgraded electric SUV is arriving with up to $16,000 in savings. With discounts, Hyundai’s new 2025 IONIQ 5 can be bought for under $28,000, nearly half off MSRP. That’s even cheaper than a new Toyota RAV4.

Hyundai’s best-selling electric SUV is now better than ever. The 2025 Hyundai IONIQ 5 was introduced last September with more range, style, and features. It now even comes with an NACS port to charge up at Tesla Superchargers.

The refreshed IONIQ 5 was the first vehicle to roll off the assembly line at Hyundai’s new EV plant in Georgia. Build in the US, it now qualifies for the $7,500 federal tax credit for the first time. But that’s not all.

Hyundai is already offering massive savings opportunities as the new electric SUV rolls out to dealerships. According to auto intelligence firm CarsDirect, the 2025 Hyundai IONIQ 5 already has up to $16,000 in discounts.

In addition to the $7,500 EV tax credit, all trims feature a $7,500 Retail Cash Bonus. Buyers can use the tax credit up front, while the Cash Bonus is valid when buying or leasing.

In addition, Hyundai offers a $1,000 conquest in most areas if you trade in a competitive vehicle. This can also be used when buying or leasing.

When added up, that’s up to $16,000 in discounts. Starting at $43,975, you could potentially buy the 2025 Hyundai IONIQ 5 SE Standard Range model for under $28,000.

That’s even more affordable than the 2025 Toyota RAV4, which starts at $30,245. However, Toyota’s SUV does not have a factory rebate. Hyundai’s promotion ends on February 3, 2025.

With a bigger 84 kWh battery, the 2025 IONIQ 5 has a driving range of 318 miles, up from 303 miles in the outgoing model. The Standard Range model, powered by a 63 kWh battery pack, has a range of 245 miles.

Hyundai’s new model now comes with an NACS port as standard, unlocking access to 36,000 DC fast chargers. That’s more than double the number current drivers have access to.

The interior, updated based on customer feedback, now includes added HVAC controls, a redesigned steering wheel, and a new center console. The cockpit features a dual 12.3″ infotainment and driver display with wireless Apple CarPlay and Android Auto support.

Ready to take advantage of the savings while they last? We can help you find the right model at the best price. You can use our link to view offers on 2025 Hyundai IONIQ 5 models at a dealer near you today.