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Mere hours after images emerged of a seemingly new Tesla Model Y performing winter testing in China, XPeng Motors unveiled a new SUV called the G7 that will compete directly with the world’s best-selling BEV.

Although they are based in separate countries, XPeng and Tesla are often compared. When XPeng Motors first emerged in China, its initial BEVs were criticized for closely resembling Tesla models. At one point, Tesla even tried to sue XPeng, claiming it stole its Autopilot source code. However, that lawsuit was inevitably settled between the former employee and Tesla in 2021 and had no litigious involvement from XPeng whatsoever.

While Tesla remains the global leader in BEV sales, XPeng Motors has quickly risen to prominence as it continues to expand outside of China and into new markets like Europe, debuting new and exciting models along the way.

One of those models includes the G6 SUV, which launched in the summer of 2023 and is reportedly due for a 2025 facelift that ditches LiDAR sensors in favor of pure vision cameras, similar to Tesla. Recent spy images leaked show what appears to be a revamped Tesla Model Y performing winter testing, and the new look is arguably similar to an XPeng G6. Have a look for yourself.

Hours after those Model Y images leaked, XPeng Motors decided to share images of its next SUV it is calling the G7, which, like the G6, appears to be another direct competitor to Tesla’s best-selling SUV.

  • XPeng G7
  • XPeng G7

XPeng unveils G7 as “most competitive SUV in 2025”

It could just be a coincidence, but XPeng Motors appears to have tried to steal some of Tesla’s thunder in the EV news world by suddenly unveiling this new G7 SUV out of nowhere. During a recent internal letter to staff outlining the company’s goals for 2025 and beyond, XPeng founder, chairman, and CEO He Xiaopeng said the automaker intends to launch a new or facelifted model each quarter this year, so perhaps it is not that big of a surprise.

The images above are our first look at the G7 SUV, posted by XPeng on Weibo earlier today with the following caption:

Xiaopeng G7 may be the most powerful SUV in the 250,000-level this year! With high appearance, full AI configuration, and leading technology, it is still a space monster and is definitely the first choice for family users!

The 250,000 level referenced in the post pertains to the RMB pricing of the SUV segment, which translates to about $34,100. That means we should expect the XPeng G7 to launch right around that mark. For comparison, current RWD versions of the Tesla Model Y start at RMB 249,900 in China but can go as high as RMB 354,900 ($48,400) for the AWD Performance variant.

The G7 SUV is expected to be positioned between the previously mentioned G6 and G9 XPeng SUVs and is a another clear competitor to Tesla in China.

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Hyundai’s first EV sports car has even Lamborghini interested [Video]

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Hyundai's first EV sports car has even Lamborghini interested [Video]

The IONIQ 5 N is the fastest Hyundai ever made, electric or gas-powered. The sporty electric car is so good that it’s now drawing the attention of some of the industry’s finest. Hyundai’s EV sports car was recently spotted outside a Lamborghini test facility. Check out the video below.

Hyundai’s EV sports car caught at a Lamborghini test site

As the first EV to wear its “N” badge, Hyundai aimed to set the bar even higher. And that it did. The IONIQ 5 N is not only the most powerful Hyundai, it’s also the most fun to drive with a series of track-ready features.

Based on its advanced E-GMP platform, Hyundai’s electric sports car delivers up to 641 hp. That’s when using its N Grin boost feature, which gives you a 10-second power surge.

When on the track, N Launch control enables you to adjust to different road conditions for the perfect takeoff. Other features, like N e-Shift, simulate an 8-speed N Dual Clutch Transmission, making it feel like you’re in a true race car.

With N Active Sound+, you cannot only feel the performance but also hear it. Eight internal and two external features sync to your vehicle’s performance.

Hyundai's-EV-Lamborghini
2025 Hyundai IONIQ 5 N (Source: Hyundai)

Hyundai’s EV sports car is apparently good enough to attract Lamborghini’s attention. A Hyundai IONIQ 5 N model was recently spotted leaving Lamborghini’s test facility.

The video from YouTuber Varryx shows a Lamborghini test driver leaving the “Porta Sud,” suggesting the sports car maker could be benchmarking Hyundai’s EV.

Hyundai IONIQ 5 N spotted outside a Lamborghini test facility (Source: Varryx)

Lamborghini unveiled the Lanzador in 2023, its first fully electric vehicle. The concept introduces a new high-ground-clearance GT with 2+2 seating. Or, in other words, like a supercar sitting on an SUV. It’s expected to launch in 2029.

Hyundai’s IONIQ 5 N already beat a Lamborghini Urus Performante in a drag race (see the video here), so it’s no wonder the Italian sports car maker is taking notes.

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Hydrogen dead end: Hyzon board votes to dissolve company

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Hydrogen dead end: Hyzon board votes to dissolve company

The board of directors of the troubled hydrogen fuel cell maker has voted to dissolve the company that developed the first HFC garbage truck to North America last spring, pending shareholder approval.

After a promising global start that saw the American startup announce pilot programs that would see its hydrogen fuel cells put to work in transit buses in Brisbane, its tow trucks (above) in Victoria, and five 154-ton severe duty trucks scheduled to service a zinc refinery operation in north Queensland, slow sales and an inability to deliver on its ambitious goals saw the company quit Australia in July.

Now, Hyzon is quitting altogether.

After issuing a WARN letter to employees in December announcing layoff plans, citing an inability to raise funding and the future uncertainty relating to the availability of government subsidies. Now, it appears the Hyzon board of directors has unanimously voted to dissolve the company and liquidate its assets (pending shareholder approval).

Unanimously approved, subject to stockholder approval, the transfer of all or substantially all of the Company’s assets through an assignment for the benefit of creditors, and the liquidation and dissolution of the Company pursuant to a plan of dissolution while continuing to pursue strategic alternatives and potential funding sources intended to maximize the value of its business and assets.

HYZON, IN A STATEMENT TO NASDAQ

If Hyzon is unable to find a buyer or an patient, bullish customer soon, expect all of Hyzon’s staff at its Bolingbrook, Illinois and Troy, Michigan facilities to be laid off by the end of February 2025.

Electrek’s Take

Hyzon 200 kW hydrogen fuel cell.

When I wrote about Hyzon retreating from Australia’s shores, I noted that Australia’s commercial BEV sales were booming. The same is true in the US, as well, with Cox Automotive expecting fully 1 in 4 new cars sold this year to be fully electric.

It seems like the market has spoken, then – and hydrogen has lost.

SOURCE | IMAGES: NASDAQ, via ACT.

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GM is using AI to find ideal spots for EV charging stations

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GM is using AI to find ideal spots for EV charging stations

Data scientists at General Motors (GM) are using AI and machine learning to pinpoint ideal EV charging station locations across the US.

As EV sales hit record highs for GM in 2024, many drivers are still unsure where to charge their vehicles. To tackle this, GM has partnered with EVgo and Pilot Travel Centers to boost public charging options and improve the overall charging experience.

Partnerships with EVgo and Pilot Travel Centers

GM and EVgo are working together to install 2,850 DC fast charging stalls nationwide. This includes 400 flagship fast-charging locations in major metro areas with 350 kW chargers for ultra-fast charging. These stations feature pull-through layouts for easier vehicle maneuvering, bright lighting for safety, and canopies to protect against the elements.

Additionally, GM has teamed up with Pilot Flying J and EVgo to add up to 2,000 DC fast chargers at 500 Pilot and Flying J travel centers. So far, more than 130 locations are operational.

Using AI to site EV charging stations

To ensure new charging stations are sited where they’ll have the most impact, GM’s data scientists are tapping into artificial intelligence. AI tools analyze EV traffic patterns, driver behaviors, and existing infrastructure to identify optimal locations for chargers.

By treating site selection as a mathematical optimization problem, these algorithms evaluate factors like traffic flow and proximity to other chargers. The results are then visualized on detailed maps, helping stakeholders understand the reasoning behind each recommendation. Human experts review and refine these suggestions to finalize charging site plans.

Once the data-driven decisions are made, GM works with its partners to bring these strategic charging stations online.

This approach blends advanced technology with industry collaboration to tackle one of the most significant hurdles for EV adoption, ensuring drivers have the confidence to make the switch.

What do you think about the use of AI to site EV charging stations? Let us know in the comments below.

Read more: GM and EVgo double their DC fast chargers to 2,000 in 16 months


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