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As we get ready to exit month two of 2025, the opportunities to test drive model-year BEVs are starting to arise. The most recent was a trim to Palm Springs, California, to test out the 2025 Hyundai IONIQ 5. This flagship BEV saw a mid- refresh for 2025, so I didn’t experience the most drastic of changes compared to previous versions. In the places where Hyundai did improve the IONIQ 5, however, I noticed savvy upgrades that took customer feedback into consideration and made an already high-quality BEV even better.

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Background on the Hyundai IONIQ 5 as we enter 2025

While the IONIQ 5 is not Hyundai’s first BEV, it will certainly go down as the flagship model of its bonafide transition into a fully electric brand. The IONIQ 5 was the first model from Hyundai Motor Group to arrive on its impressive E-GMP platform, featuring 800V architecture. Even just four years ago, in 2021, when the IONIQ 5 debuted, 800V technology seemed like overkill, as most public chargers couldn’t deliver that level of power.

However, Hyundai’s decision to invest in better technology from the start and deliver it to the masses at a reasonable price has paid dividends for its other brands, like Kia and Genesis. For example, HMG sold 742,000 vehicles in the US in 2024 and held 8.3% of EV market share in the US. It is now the second highest-selling EV brand in the US,the behind longtime leader Tesla. The South Korean brand has also seen record vehicle sales for four consecutive years.

Entering 2025, the IONIQ 5 has been a star in Hyundai’s lineup, achieving 44,000 units sold in 2024, up 93% from its 2022 launch and 31% year-over-year compared to 2023. I’ve personally been a huge fan of the IONIQ 5 since I first got eyes on it, and my love only grew when I got to do my first detailed walkthrough with the debut model at Hyundai’s US headquarters in Fountain Valley, California (check out that hair!)

Nearly four years later, Hyundai has delivered the 2025 IONIQ 5 as a mid-cycle refresh. The changes aren’t drastic, but they’re enough to garner a report back to you loyal readers to understand what’s different. Last week, I ventured out to Palm Springs, California, to take the 2025 IONIQ 5 and the new IONIQ 5 XRT out on the roads (and dirt) to see how it rides. I’ve shared my thoughts below.

The 2025 IONIQ 5 drives the same, which is still a win

As I mentioned above, the 2025 Hyundai IONIQ 5 is not that different on paper, but the automaker made some subtle changes that simply bolster an already impressive all-electric model. Like the versions that preceded it, the focus of the 2025 IONIQ 5 was a continued trend of innovative design, advanced capabilities led by new technologies, and uncompromising safety (HMG received the highest honors from the 2024 IIHS Awards with the Most Top Safety Pick and TSP+ titles of any auto manufacturer).

Hyundai’s head of exterior design, Brad Arnold, walked us around the outside of the new IONIQ 5, which, according to Arnold, had previously received so much praise about its design that his team didn’t change that much.

For example, the Hyundai design team enhanced the front, rear, and wheels to appear more robust and deliver more of a “CRV” look. This included a larger offset to the front and rear fascias (seen above). You customers spoke up and Hyundai heard you – the 2025 IONIQ 5 models now come with a rear wiper standard!

Last but not least, Hyundai added the NACS port to its 2025 model. This is the first non-Tesla model to hit the market with NACS, which has become the new US standard in charging ports. If your closest public charger only offers CCS, you’re still in luck, as Hyundai will provide customers with a complimentary adapter.

The rest of the changes pertain to the interior and the EV’s performance, so let’s take a trip inside.

2025 models deliver simplified interior, better performance

Moving inward, the center console features more physical buttons, including controls for components like heated seats and parking assist (see above). The HVAC controls have been simplified and Hyundai added two dials to the dashboard display for tuning and volume.

The infotainment has also been bolstered with faster CPU processing speeds and greater GPS accuracy. The interior cabin also features wireless Apple CarPlay and Android Auto capabilities, WiFi hotspot, and USB-C outlets.

2025 IONIQ 5 owners cal also utilize Hyundai Pay, which has been added to the infotainment and enables drivers to link a credit card to more seamlessly pay for things like parking and charging, all from the vehicle’s system. The new 2025 model also comes with Hyundai’s Digital Key 2 capabilities, which utilize Bluetooth in addition to previously equipped RFID technology.

There were also several additions to the 5’s ADAS, including haptic feedback, driver attention warnings, and some optional warning alerts. All that aside, a more notable upgrade in the 2025 IONIQ 5 models in the increase in range on all trims, thanks to larger battery packs and improved cell chemistry. See below:

Battery Type 2024 MY Battery Size 2025 MY Battery Size Variation
Standard Range 58 kWh 63 kWh +5 kWh
Long Range 77.4 kWh 84 kWh +6.6 kWh
Drive Type Trim MY 2024 Range MY 2025 Range Range Increase
AWD Limited 260 miles 269 miles +9 miles
AWD SE/SEL 260 miles 290 miles +30 miles
AWD XRT N/A 259 miles N/A
RWD SE / SEL / Limited 303 miles 315 miles +15 miles
RWD SE Standard Range 220 miles 245 miles +25 miles

The 2025 model year versions of the IONIQ 5 also offer some charging perks for future drivers, including the previously mentioned NACS plus, offering easier access to Tesla’s Supercharger network of over 17,000 plugs across the US. To begin, IONIQ 5 owners will need to use the Tesla app in order to take advantage of such public charging options; the automaker told us that Plug & Charge capabilities are in the works to arrive “in the coming quarters.”

Despite the 2025 models having larger packs, Hyundai’s improved battery chemistry enables even faster charge rates, at least for CCS plugs. For example, the 2025 IONIQ 5 can reach a peak rate of 257 kW at a the 350 kW charger, an improvement from 233 kW in previous model years.

While access to the Tesla network is a welcomed addition, those charge rates will initially dip in comparison because Tesla’s V3 Superchargers only offer peak rates of 135 kW, but should improve with the V4 chargers.

Charging Type Charger Standard Range
(63 kWh)		 Long Range
(84 kWh)
DCFC (10-80%) NACS V3 (135 kW peak)  24 mins 31 mins
DCFC (10-80%) 50 kW CCS (w/ Adapter)  1 hour 1 min 1 hour 21 min
DCFC (10-80%) >250 kW CCS
(w/ Adapter – 257 kW peak) 		 20 mins 20 mins
DCFC Miles in 15 Mins 350 kW CCS
(w/ Adapter / RWD Model) 		 137.3 miles 178.1 miles
AC Level 2 (10-100%) North America 240V
(11 kW OBC) 		 5 hours 40 mins 7 hours 20 mins

The 2025 IONIQ 5 is a familiar friend

Unlike most of my first-drive reviews, I don’t have that much to say about the overall drive of the 2025 model-year IONIQ 5 because it’s virtually the same BEV in terms of performance as a year ago, just with better range and potentially faster CCS charging speeds.

The IONIQ 5 was a familiar and welcomed ride when I got behind the wheel. If you’ve read my driving impressions before, you’ll know I am a stickler for regenerative braking and it’s one pedal driving all day for me. Hyundai’s i-Pedal always delivers the stiffness I need.

Cutting up and around at elevation above Palm Springs, I only had to hit the brake pedal once (I came in a little too hot following a straightaway). I love that. Hyundai has also implemented a new feature called Smart Regen System 2, which can be activated by holding the right paddle on the steering wheel and can automatically adjust regen levels using a radar sensor on the vehicle’s front.

Other than that, the 2025 IONIQ 5 remains a homerun of a BEV option with its E-GMP platform, a huge wheelbase (longer than the Hyundai Palisade) which offers a sneaky amount of interior space, and a smooth AWD ride. It’s not the most nimble of BEVs, but it’s’ still a blast to accelerate with and hit some winding curves whenever possible. It still handles quite well and helps you remain in control.

Sometimes, I wish it was tuned a little better, but Hyundai put all that effort into the IONIQ 5 N, another fantastic option in the IONIQ lineup. Overall, most of the updates to the 2025 IONIQ are cosmetic or include improvements to the battery. Still, for a mid-cycle refresh, its improvements are more than adequate and should help this model continue as a best-seller, furthering Hyundai’s clout as a blossoming leader in tech-forward BEVs while remaining relatively affordable.

The 2025 IONIQ 5 is available now and starts at an MSRP of $42,500 before taxes and fees.

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Block shares fall on profit, revenue miss

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8 hours ago

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February 20, 2025

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Block shares fall on profit, revenue miss

Jack Dorsey, CEO of Square, speaks on stage at the Bitcoin 2021 Convention, a cryptocurrency conference held at the Mana Convention Center in Wynwood in Miami, Florida, on June 4, 2021.

Joe Raedle | Getty Images

Block reported fourth-quarter results on Thursday that fell short of Wall Street expectations. The stock dropped more than 7% in extended trading.

Here is how the company did, compared to analysts’ consensus estimates from LSEG.

  • Earnings per share: 71 cents adjusted vs. 87 cents expected
  • Revenue: $6.03 billion vs. $6.29 billion expected

Revenue increased about 4.5% from $5.77 billion a year earlier.

Block, formerly known as Square, posted $2.31 billion in gross profit, a 14% increase from $2.03 billion a year ago. The company, which was an early leader in providing point-of-sale systems for smaller businesses, faces increased competition from the likes of Toast and Fiserv’s Clover unit.

Gross payment volume came in at $61.95 billion, beating analysts’ estimates of $61.3 billion, according to StreetAccount. Block posted adjusted earnings before interest, taxes, depreciation and amortization, or EBITDA, of $757 million, topping the $740 million average analyst estimate.

Block said it expects to deliver gross profit growth this year of 15% to $10.22 billion and adjusted operating income of $2.1 billion for a margin of 21%.

Block’s payments business has expanded beyond traditional point-of-sale transactions to include lending and financial services. The company acquired Australian buy now, pay later firm Afterpay for $29 billion in 2021, integrating the service into Cash App and Square’s ecosystem.

Block shares drop after reporting earnings and revenue miss

CEO Jack Dorsey has positioned Block’s Cash App card as a potential alternative to traditional credit cards, with plans to deepen its connection to Afterpay. Analysts see lending as a key driver of future monetization, with some pointing to additional revenue opportunities in merchant services and advertising within Cash App.

The Cash App, a popular mobile payment platform and a key driver of overall profitability, posted $1.38 billion in gross profit, a 16% year-over-year increase and ahead of the $1.36 billion average analyst estimate, according to StreetAccount.

“From a Cash App perspective, with the bank, our base strategy, it’s important that we continue to grow the engagement with our customers,” Chief Financial Officer Amrita Ahuja told CNBC. She said the number of paycheck deposit actives increased 25% to 2.5 million.

Under Dorsey’s leadership, Block made a big jump into crypto, creating a new unit focused on its efforts in that area. However, last year, the company wound down some of those projects after they failed to gain traction.

— CNBC’s Robert Hum contributed to this report.

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What to watch from Block ahead of earnings

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Rivian (RIVN) hit its gross profit goal in Q4, now what?

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February 20, 2025

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Rivian (RIVN) hit its gross profit goal in Q4, now what?

Rivian-Q4-profit

Rivian (RIVN) hit its goal of achieving a positive gross profit in the fourth quarter. The EV maker released its fourth-quarter earnings after the market closed on Thursday. Here’s a full breakdown of Rivian’s Q4 2024 financials.

Rivian achieves first gross profit in Q4 2024 earnings

Yesterday, in our Q4 earnings preview, we noted that the biggest thing investors will be looking for is if Rivian will achieve a positive gross profit as it has guided all year.

Rivian hit its goal, posting a gross profit of $170 million in the fourth quarter, a $776 million improvement from Q4 2023. Of which, $100 million was from auto sales, and the other $60 million was from software and services.

Lower costs, including per vehicle delivered, drove the achievement. In addition to plant upgrades, Rivian saw a noticeable cost improvement after launching its second-generation R1 models.

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Rivian posted total fourth-quarter revenue of $1.73 billion, easily topping Wall St expectations of $1.4 billion. Total automotive revenue was $1.52 billion, primarily from the 14,183 vehicles Rivian sold in the quarter. Rivian also generated $299 million from the sale of regulatory credits and $484 million from software and services.

  • Rivian Q4 2024 Revenue: $1.73 billion vs $1.4 billion expected
  • Rivian Q4 EPS loss: 0.46 loss per share vs 0.68 loss per share expected

CEO RJ Scaringe said, “This quarter, we achieved positive gross profit and removed $31,000 in automotive cost of goods sold per vehicle delivered in Q4 2024 relative to Q4 2023.”

Rivian generated $110 million in automotive gross profit in the quarter compared to a loss of $611 million in Q4 2023. For the full year, Rivian generated a negative automotive gross profit of $7 million, an improvement from the $12 million loss in 2023.

Rivian-Q4-2024-earnings-profit
Rivian Q4 2024 financials (Source: Rivian)

The EV maker produced 49,476 vehicles at its Normal, IL plant last year and delivered 51,579. That includes the R1S SUV, R1T pickup, and electric delivery van (EDV) for Amazon. Earlier this month, Rivian also opened orders for its Commercial Van for customers outside Amazon.

Rivian posted a net loss of $743 million in the fourth quarter, down from an over $1.5 billion loss in Q4 2023. For the full year, Rivian posted a net loss of $4.75 billion, down from $5.43 billion in 2023.

Rivian-Q4-profit
Rivian R2 (Source: Rivian)

The next growth stage

During the fourth quarter, Rivian also closed its EV joint venture with Volkswagen. The deal is worth up to $5.8 billion, of which Rivian says $3.5 billion is expected to be received over the next few years. Rivian will supply its EV architecture and software for Volkswagen’s next-gen models.

The first will be Rivian’s midsize R2, a smaller, more affordable electric SUV. It will start at around $45,000, or nearly half the current R1S ($77,700) and R1T ($71,700).

Rivian-R2-R1S
Rivian R2 vs R1S size comparison (Source: Rivian)

Rivian plans to begin R2 production in Normal early next year, but it expects to significantly scale up with its new manufacturing plant in Georgia.

Although it closed its loan agreement with the US DOE for up to $6.6 billion right before Trump took office last month, Georgia Gov Brian Kemp said this week he’s unsure where the funding stands.

Rivian-Q4-profit
Rivian EV production plans (Source: Rivian)

Rivian is still confident the funds will be available when they draw on them next year. The plans include building the plant in two stages, each adding 200,000 units of capacity. Rivian’s upcoming R2 and even smaller R3 are “critical drivers in the company’s long-term growth and profitability.”

The company said on Thursday that the DOE loan and capital from the VW partnership, in addition to its current cash and equivalents, “is expected to provide the capital resources to fund operations through the ramp of R2 in Normal, as well as the midsize platform in Georgia—enabling a path to positive free cash flow and meaningful scale.”

Rivian-gross-profit-Q4
Rivian’s next-gen R2, R3, and R3X (Source: Rivian)

Rivian remains focused on cutting costs, improving efficiency, and launching its mass-market R2 electric SUV. The first R2 development vehicles recently completed winter testing. Meanwhile, Rivian is currently expanding its Normal manufacturing plant to prepare for the R2 launch in the first half of 2026.

Scaringe said, “I couldn’t be more excited about R2, and I believe the combination of capabilities and cost efficiencies, along with the amazing level of excitement from customers, will make R2 a truly transformational product for Rivian.”

Q1 2024 Q2 2024 Q3 2024 Q4 2024 Full-Year 2024 2025 guidance
Deliveries 13,588 13,790 10,018 14,183 51,579 46,000 – 51,000
Production 13,980 9,612 13,157 12,727 49,476 N/A
Rivian deliveries and production by quarter in 2024

Despite this, Rivian expects lower deliveries of between 46,000 and 51,000 in 2025 due to external factors, including changes in government policies and regulations. After delivering more EDVs to Amazon in Q4, Rivian expects lower volume in 2025

The company expects an adjusted EBITDA loss between $1.7 billion and $1.9 billion, with Capital Expenditures of $1.6 billion to $1.7 billion.

With “meaningful” improvements, including operational efficiencies and reduced variable costs, in addition to higher selling prices with its Tri-Motor model hitting the market, Rivian expects to achieve a modest gross profit in 2025.

Rivian ended the quarter with $7.7 billion in cash and equivalents. Including other capital, the company ended the year with slightly over $9 billion in liquidity.

Check back for more updates from Rivian’s fourth-quarter earnings call. We’ll post updates below.

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Tenways’ latest 8-speed CGO600 Pro e-bike hits new $1,299 low, Wi-Fi smart hose timer from meross $66, EcoFlow 4-day flash sale, more

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10 hours ago

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February 20, 2025

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Tenways' latest 8-speed CGO600 Pro e-bike hits new ,299 low, Wi-Fi smart hose timer from meross , EcoFlow 4-day flash sale, more

We have a well-balanced collection of Green Deals for you today, starting with Tenways’ flash sale offer on its new Shimano 8-speed CGO600 Pro e-bike using the ongoing Valentine’s sale pricing as a starting point to jump even further to a new $1,299 low. We also have the first savings hitting the new meross Wi-Fi Smart Water Hose Timer Kit at $66 while a bunch of electric Greenworks lawncare tools are seeing up to 42% discounts, with the brand’s 60V 16-inch Cordless Electric String Trimmer down at $160, for example. Lastly, there’s EcoFlow’s 4-day flash sale that is dropping the modular DELTA Pro Ultra Portable Power Station to $4,799 through the rest of the brand’s Valentine’s Day sale. Plus, all the other hangover Green Deals are in the links at the bottom of the page, like yesterday’s three new low prices on Rad Power e-bikes, and more.

Head below for other New Green Deals we’ve found today and, of course, Electrek’s best EV buying and leasing deals. Also, check out the new Electrek Tesla Shop for the best deals on Tesla accessories.

Tenways flash sale drops Shimano 8-speed CGO600 Pro e-bike to new $1,299 low

Running alongside its ongoing Valentine’s Day sale, Tenways is having a flash sale on its newest 8-speed CGO600 Pro e-bike that brings prices further than ever to $1,299 shipped, while its original belt-drive model is remaining at $1,499 shipped. Normally fetching $1,899, the Shimano 8-speed model launched just a few months ago and has seen a few sales take its pricing as low as $1,399 (the lowest price we’ve seen on the belt-drive too). Today’s deal beats all previous sales with a greater 32% markdown, giving you $600 in savings at a new all-time low. Keep in mind that this discount won’t be eligible to stack with the dual purchase one – but, you will be getting free mudguards and a kickstand worth $118 along with your purchase. As always, Medical providers, military, first responders, and teachers can also score a further $150 cut on orders.

Coming in four colorways and weighing in at just 37 pounds, the lightweight Tenways CGO600 Pro e-bike is a great model for urban commuters who might need to manage it up building stairs or live in smaller apartments. Seeing as it doesn’t offer any throttle, it’s an ideal ride for those who enjoy active cycling but also want the option for PAS support. The lessened weight is thanks to the smaller 350W rear hub motor paired beside a 360Wh battery, still providing an impressive 53-mile travel distance at up to 20 MPH on one charge, with four pedal assistance levels supporting you while a torque sensor supports them.

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For your drivetrain options, there’s either the Gates carbon belt drive for quieter operations or the new 8-speed Shimano drivetrain (which also gets the brand’s newest motor too). Aside from those big differences, you’ll enjoy the same features elsewhere on the bikes, with internally routed cables for a streamlined look, LED lighting, puncture-proof tires, Tektro dual-piston hydraulic brakes, and a compact OLED display for controls.

meross Wi-Fi smart water hose timer

Cultivate greenery with intelligence by installing meross’ new Wi-Fi smart water hose timer at $66 (First discount)

We just spotted the first chance at savings on meross’ new Wi-Fi Smart Water Hose Timer Kit for $65.99 shipped direct from its site, while the timer alone is down at $45.99 shipped. This model is fresh to the market, normally carrying a $100 price tag and sliding into the same category of outdoor smart gear next to the popular Rachio timer and hub that is a regular feature here. Today is your first chance at cash savings on this all-new device, putting $25 back in your pocket while also putting a smarter solution for water management into your home’s outdoor ecosystem. You can also find it getting its first discount at Amazon too, albeit at a slightly higher rate of $74.99 shipped, after clipping the on-page 25% off coupon.

This new Wi-Fi smart timer from meross works along with the hub in order to deliver smart home controls to your outdoor water supply as it flows from your spigots. Working alongside HomeKit, with voice controls via Alexa, and Google Assistant – you’ll be able to monitor and control flow rates while also setting schedules, ensuring your lawn and/or gardens never go under or over-watered. To that same end, it also boasts a smart weather skip feature, which utilizes local weather forecasts and data to automatically pause/skip watering before, during, or after rain, freezing temperatures, or windy conditions. You’ll also be kept up-to-date through the app with alerts whenever there is an issue in its performance – plus, you can keep up to 24 timers connected to one hub, which promises the whole house to be covered.

Greenworks electric tools

Keep edges sharp and straight with Greenworks’ 60V 16-inch cordless string trimmer at $160

Amazon is offering the Greenworks 60V 16-inch Cordless Electric String Trimmer for $159.99 shipped. Normally going for $200, we’ve mainly seen it keeping above $170 over the past year, with August seeing the lowest drop further to $139. Even during Black Friday and Christmas sales we saw it keep at $170, with today’s deal coming in as the second-lowest price we have tracked, giving you $40 off the going rate while expanding your lawncare arsenal.

For folks who take their home’s outward appearance seriously, this string trimmer from Greenworks makes a reliable tool for keeping up with the edges around your yard, fences, walkways, flower beds, and more. It provides a 16-inch cutting swath, with spool reloads only taking seconds thanks to the dual line bump feed head, ensuring you don’t have to stop in the middle of the job when the lines break. With the included 2.5Ah battery (complete with charger), you’ll get a nice 65 minutes of runtime (per 60 minutes of charging) to cover all the areas that need trimming, with the battery also swappable for even longer jobs, should you have them lying around.

Other notable Greenworks tool deals:

EcoFlow DELTA Pro Ultra portable power station

EcoFlow 4-day flash sale drops expandable DELTA Pro Ultra 6.1kWh LiFePO4 power station to $4,799

Running parallel with the final days of its ongoing Valentine’s Day sale, EcoFlow has launched the next of its flash sales, this one lasting longer than the others through February 23 with the DELTA Pro Ultra Portable Power Station dropping to $4,799 shipped, after using the promo code DPUAF300OFF at checkout for an additional $300 off. Starting from its usual $6,098 price tag, we’re seeing an initial $799 off the going rate, which is combined with the sale’s bonus savings promotion taking an additional $100 off for every $2,000 spent. From there the code drops things further, and though we have seen it go lower – $4,649 during Black Friday from EcoFlow and an exclusive deal from Wellbots last year that dropped it lower than we’ve seen again – you’re still getting a solid $1,299 in savings here at the third-lowest price we have tracked. It also beats out Amazon where it sits at a $100 higher rate.

Coming in as EcoFlow’s biggest and baddest home backup solution, the DELTA Pro Ultra starts with a 6.1kWh LiFePO4 capacity, dishing out up to 7,200W of power output, which is already quite impressive. If you invest in further equipment, those numbers can be expanded upwards to a 90kWh capacity and 21.6kWh output (three inverters with five batteries each). The base station setup that comes with this deal is rated to keep essentials running for up to two days while the full expansion setup bumps that number up to 15 days – all without factoring in any solar panels you may have to recharge it all. Aside from just supporting you through blackouts with the auto-switchover, it will analyze your regular power usage to offset peak rates while utilizing solar charging to help lower your energy costs (requires Smart Home Panel 2, sold separately – bundle option found here).

It should come as no surprise that there are plenty of recharging options here, with its solar input also expanding with your setup up to 16.8kW. On this note, if you were to build up in the fully-stocked system (90kWh setup), a single hour of solar charging could give you enough power to run your home for the entire day. Now back at its starting size, a wall outlet will take just two hours to re-juice the 6.1kWh capacity, with other options like EV piles and the brand’s dual fuel smart generators.

Be sure to check out the full lineup of EcoFlow Valentine’s Day sale deals while the savings continue through February 23.

Best New Year EV deals!

Best new Green Deals landing this week

The savings this week are also continuing to a collection of other markdowns. To the same tune as the offers above, these all help you take a more energy-conscious approach to your routine. Winter means you can lock in even better off-season price cuts on electric tools for the lawn while saving on EVs and tons of other gear.

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