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The Trump administration is poised to impose steep tariffs starting Wednesday on countries that import oil from Venezuela, in a move analysts said is unprecedented and will significantly increase global trade uncertainty.

Any country that buys oil from Venezuela will face 25% “secondary tariffs” on all of its trade with the United States, President Donald Trump said in a Truth Social post March 24. The levies go into effect April 2, Trump said in the post, though his executive order leaves the implementation to Secretary of State Marco Rubio’s discretion.

“If they buy their oil from Venezuela, they have to pay a 25% tariff to do business with the United States —that’s on top of existing tariffs,” Trump said during a March 24 press conference at the White House.

Trump’s secondary tariffs are “unprecedented and legally questionable, but that won’t prevent the administration from moving forward with them,” according to the consulting firm Rapidan Energy. The International Emergency Economic Powers Act has never been invoked to justify across-the-board tariffs against a country, according to Rapidan.

The tariffs will primarily affect China, the largest importer of Venezuela oil. India and Spain would also face levies unless the U.S. decides to grant exemptions for some countries. Rapidan expects importers to stop purchasing Venezuelan oil as they work to secure exemptions from the White House.

While the Europeans and Indians might get a reprieve, the U.S. has not exempted Chinese companies from sanctions in the past, according to Rapidan. Beijing will likely ditch Venezuelan barrels as a consequence, leading to a supply disruption of around 300,000 barrels per day.

Indeed, early signs suggest this could be happening. On Tuesday, Reuters reported that Venezuela’s exports of crude oil and fuel fell 11.5% in March, according to ship tracking data and documents.

Trump’s secondary tariffs have introduced a new wild card, Evercore ISI analyst Sarah Bianchi told clients in March 26 note.

The U.S. has imposed secondary sanctions in some cases on organizations doing business with blacklisted entities but it has not used trade tariffs in this way before, according to Bianchi.

Trump’s secondary tariffs could signal that he plans to significantly expand the use of tariffs beyond issues involving trade, the analyst wrote. In the case of Venezuela, the president is wielding them to pressure the Nicolas Maduro regime, which he alleges has sent Tren de Aragua gang members to the U.S.

“Adapting the idea of secondary sanctions to tariffs — and again using tariffs to achieve goals unrelated to trade — in our view further reduces the likelihood that April 2 is the peak of trade uncertainty,” Bianchi told clients.

She warned that Trump could be emboldened to use tariffs “to bolster the United States’ global leverage in advancing any number of other foreign policy objectives” if his crackdown on Venezuela is successful.

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This new Texas battery storage project runs on used EV packs

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This new Texas battery storage project runs on used EV packs

California-based B2U Storage Solutions is building a new battery energy storage facility east of San Antonio, Texas – and it’s going to be powered by used EV batteries.

The Bexar Corrilla project in Bexar County is B2U’s third grid storage site and its first in Texas. When complete later this year, it’ll have 24 megawatt-hours (MWh) of capacity and plug directly into San Antonio utility CPS Energy’s distribution system. B2U will repurpose around 500 end-of-life EV battery packs, housed in 21 modular cabinets, to store and dispatch power to the Texas grid.

The company has already deployed over 40 MWh of used EV batteries as battery storage in California. Its tech skips the expensive and energy-intensive remanufacturing process, thanks to a patented plug-and-play system that connects the batteries directly to the grid. The system’s certified to UL 9540 safety standards and uses AI to manage real-time power trading.

So why Texas? The state’s grid is notoriously volatile, and demand for backup is rising fast with more renewables and people plugging in. Batteries like these can help stabilize things when transmission can’t keep up.

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B2U’s CEO Freeman Hall says the Texas expansion “is a significant strategic milestone” and shows how repurposed EV packs are becoming a go-to solution for grid and industrial-scale energy storage.

Over the next year, the company plans to build three more projects in Texas, bringing its total footprint in the state to 100 MWh. Add in its California solar + storage sites, and B2U expects to hit 150 MWh of repurposed EV batteries on the grid by mid-2026.


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Acura just donated its largest vehicle fleet in brand history, and they’re all EVs

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Acura just donated its largest vehicle fleet in brand history, and they're all EVs

Honda’s luxury brand is teaming up with The Nature Conservancy (TNC) to electrify its fleet of vehicles. Acura donated 75 electric ZDX SUVs, its largest vehicle donation to date, to support the mission. The new EVs will be used to get to and from remote conservation sites.

Acura donated 75 ZDX EVs to The Nature Conservancy

Acura is donating 75 ZDX SUVs to The Nature Conservancy (TNC) this year through its dealership network across the US.

The fleet will be used to support the organization’s missions, including fieldwork, community engagement, and conservation efforts in rural and remote areas.

As part of their +30-year partnership, Honda is donating another $1 million to expand charging options and support TNC’s transition to EVs.

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Over 30 years ago, Honda and TNC collaborated for the first time to preserve the Big Darby Creek. Since then, the automaker has invested over $1 million to protect the aquatic system.

“The donation of these vehicles has significantly accelerated our efforts to electrify our fleet, reducing our carbon footprint and setting a powerful example of climate leadership,” Daniel Salzer, director of sustainability at The Nature Conservancy, said after receiving the donation.

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Acura ZDX electric SUV for TNC (Source: Acura)

The ZDX is the luxury brand’s first all-electric vehicle, and it’s been a surprise hit so far in the US. It’s currently one of the best-selling premium EVs in the US.

Through the first half of 2025, Honda has sold 10,355 Acura ZDX models, surpassing the Cadillac Lyriq, which is also based on the same Ultium platform.

The company is selling even more than it expected. Mike Langel, Acura’s president of national sales, told Automotive News earlier this year that the luxury brand expected to sell around 1,000 ZDX models a month in 2025.

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Acura donates 75 electric ZDX SUVs to The Nature Conservancy (Source: Acura)

Acura has offered some of the most generous discounts of any electric vehicle, reaching nearly $30,000 off in some states.

According to CarsDirect, the electric 2024 Acura ZDX A-Spec AWD is available to lease for as low as $299 per month.

The offer is for 24 months with $3,999 due at signing, but is limited to California, New York, Oregon, and other select states. The A-Spec AWD variant offers a range of 313 miles, while the RWD model has an EPA range rating of 304 miles. Honda’s electric SUV, the Prologue, is listed for lease starting at just $259 per month.

Looking to test one out for yourself? We can help you get started. You can use our links to find Acura ZDX and Honda Prologue models in your area.

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Hyundai’s new IONIQ 6 takes the crown for Korea’s longest-range domestic EV with 350 mi

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Hyundai's new IONIQ 6 takes the crown for Korea's longest-range domestic EV with 350 mi

The new and improved IONIQ 6 is smarter, more stylish inside and out, and can drive even further. With nearly 350 miles of driving range, the new Hyundai IONIQ 6 now leads as Korea’s longest-range domestic EV.

Hyundai’s new IONIQ 6 leads Korea’s longest-range EV

Hyundai’s electrified streamliner is back and better than ever. The IONIQ 6 has received its first refresh since its launch three years ago in September 2022.

The new IONIQ 6 features Hyundai’s 4th-generation batteries, unlocking nearly 350 miles (562 km) driving range on a single charge. That’s the longest among domestic electric cars in Korea, beating the Kia EV4, which has a range of up to 341 miles (549 km).

Hyundai fine-tuned the exterior fastback design for maximum efficiency. With a drag coefficient of just 0.21, it’s the most aerodynamic of any Hyundai, Kia, or Genesis vehicle.

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Although still based on Hyundai’s “Mindful Cocoon” concept, the interior has been improved based on customer feedback. It now features a refined center console and incorporates “luxurious materials” into the three-spoke steering wheel and door trim.

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2026 Hyundai IONIQ 6 refresh (Source: Hyundai)

Hyundai added new features, including a new Air Conditioning Occupancy Detection function. The system, a first for a Hyundai vehicle, can detect passengers and adjust the AC system.

Another new feature is Smooth Mode, designed to reduce motion sickness by providing less sensitive acceleration and deceleration.

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The interior of the new Hyundai IONIQ 6 (Source: Hyundai)

The new IONIQ 6 is available with two battery options: 63 kWh and 84 kWh. With a range of up to 272 miles (437 km), the updated standard range model offers over 43 miles (70 km) more driving range. The extended-range battery is rated at 349 miles (562 km) range.

A Hyundai Motor Company official said, “The New Ioniq 6 is equipped with a 4th generation battery, securing the longest driving range among domestic electric vehicles.”

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The new Hyundai IONIQ 6 N Line (Source: Hyundai)

Despite the larger battery, the IONIQ 6 can still recharge from 10% to 80% in just 18 minutes with a 350 kW fast charger.

Hyundai launched the updated EV in Korea on Monday, priced from 48.56 million won ($35,000). That’s for the base E-Value+ standard range model.

The long-range Exclusive trim starts at 55.15 million won ($40,000) while the flagship Prestige N Line variant will run you 61.32 million won (61.32 million won). With government and local subsidies, Hyundai said the actual purchase price will be lower.

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The new Hyundai IONIQ 6 N Line interior (Source: Hyundai)

To celebrate the ultra-long-range capabilities of the new IONIQ 6, Hyundai is launching an ad campaign titled “the beginning of a new trend” in Korea.

For those in the US, Hyundai is expected to launch the new IONIQ 6 in early 2026. The current model is already rated with an EPA-estimated range of 342 miles.

With the updates, we could see it top 350 miles EPA-estimated range. Like the 2025 IONIQ 5, it’s also expected to arrive with a built-in NACS port to charge at Tesla Supercharger.

What are your thoughts on the updated model? Do you like the changes or does the IONIQ 6 still need some tweaking? Let us know in the comments.

Looking to test out Hyundai’s EV for yourself? With new models on the way, Hyundai is offering some sweet deals on its current lineup. The 2025 IONIQ 6 is available for lease starting at $169 per month. The 2025 IONIQ 5 may be an even better bet at just $179 per month. You can use our links below to find Hyundai’s electric vehicles near you.

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