With an expected debut in less than a month, we are finally getting our first look at the new Volkswagen T-Roc. Volkswagen’s popular SUV is going electric, but it will be the first to use a unique new Toyota-like powertrain. Here’s what to expect.

Volkswagen’s new SUV to debut as an EV, HEV, or both

The T-Roc was Volkswagen’s second most popular SUV globally last year, following the Tiguan. VW confirmed earlier this year that the “new generation of the T-Roc arrives in 2025,” and now we are finally getting our first glimpse of it.

Volkswagen previewed the new T-Roc for the first time on Monday, revealing its sleek new design that almost looks like a Porsche from the side.

According to Autocar, the second-gen T-Roc will be the first to use Volkswagen’s new full-hybrid powertrain. Like the Toyota Prius, it will utilize a gas engine and an electric motor, which can operate simultaneously.

Advertisement – scroll for more content

It will be the brand’s first production vehicle to feature the new powertrain. CEO Thomas Schäfer explained that VW is “experimenting now because certain regions are gliding into HEVs.”

Although we know Volkswagen’s new EV SUV is set to launch globally, including Europe and South America, will it arrive in the US? It’s a possibility. Schäfer added, “Interestingly enough, HEV has also become a big theme in the US specifically.”

Several automakers are shifting to hybrids in the US as “a bridge” to fully electric vehicles, including Ford, Honda, and Toyota.

Volkswagen’s chief said the company will “see where it makes sense” to add more hybrids to its lineup, adding “we’re not going to double everything up; we will have PHEV and HEV models.”

The hybrid system will not be featured on every new model based on the platform, a VW official told Autocar, but it will be used for the new-generation Golf and Tiguan models.

Volkswagen is expected to unveil the new T-Roc at the Munich Motor Show in Germany, starting on September 9. We will also likely get our first official look at the upcoming ID.2X SUV (previewed above). More details, including full powertrain specs and pricing, will be revealed closer to launch.

What do you think of the new design?

The heavy equipment experts at XCMG have launched what they’re calling a “world’s first” 70 ton reach stacker designed specifically to support the construction of large, utility-scale battery energy storage system (BESS) projects.

Battery energy density is getting better, but that just means more kWh per lb. of battery. Batteries are still incredibly heavy, and the massive BESS projects that help support the grid, create a market for second life EV batteries, and create a market for excess renewable energy that would otherwise be curtailed require the precise and controlled placement of thousands of tons of batteries. The problem is that, while heavy equipment assets like telehandlers and excavators can get the job done, they aren’t built for that sort of work. That’s inefficient – and, with more than $100 billion worth of BESS projects set to come online in just the next five years, that’s a lot of room for process improvement.

The new XCMG XCS65K 65 tonne (70 ton, in imperial units) reach stacker is specifically designed to meet the logistics needs of large- and utility-scale storage projects, combining precise controls, specialized implements, and five-layer stacking capacity with advanced safety technologies to offer construction fleets a serious upgrade.

“The XCMG XCS65K is not just an upgrade; it’s the core driver of efficient delivery in large-scale energy storage projects,” explains Miao Fei, Deputy General Manager of XCMG Port Machinery. “With its unparalleled lifting capacity and precision, we’re solving the industry’s most challenging logistics challenges.”

Advertisement – scroll for more content

XCMG XCS65K features a high-precision micro motion system that provides millimeter-precise load control, an AI-powered anti-roll technology that instantly adjusts to varying load conditions, 360 degree panoramic imaging, and intelligent braking, ensuring safe operation in complex working environments, keeping the human workers in and around the machine safe, too.

The XCS65K received Chinese certification in April, and is now available globally. XCMG reports that customers have already reported significant improvements in operating efficiencies and turnaround times since deploying the new reach stacker.

Electrek’s Take

China-based XCMG gained popularity (on this site, at least) because of its deployment of battery-swap technology in heavy equipment like dozers, haul trucks, and the XE215 excavator. These quiet, vibration-free electric equipment assets are moving thousands of tons of dirt every day, proving that HDEVs can get the job done, on and off highway – and now, they’re helping reinforce the electrical grid, too.

SOURCE | IMAGES: XCMG, via Makina Market.

If you’re considering going solar, it’s always a good idea to get quotes from a few installers. To make sure you find a trusted, reliable solar installer near you that offers competitive pricing, check out EnergySage, a free service that makes it easy for you to go solar. It has hundreds of pre-vetted solar installers competing for your business, ensuring you get high-quality solutions and save 20-30% compared to going it alone. Plus, it’s free to use, and you won’t get sales calls until you select an installer and share your phone number with them. 

Your personalized solar quotes are easy to compare online and you’ll get access to unbiased Energy Advisors to help you every step of the way. Get started here.

Building nuclear again

Oak Ridge, TVA nuke hub