Cadillac just delivered the first Celestiq, a hand-built ultra-luxury EV that costs $350,000
The Celestiq is more than an ultra-luxury electric sedan. Cadillac is saying it “marks a new milestone in American luxury and innovation.” The ultra-luxury EV is hand-built at Cadillac House at Vanderbilt, but it’s not cheap. Cadillac’s flagship electric sedan starts at around $350,000.
Cadillac delivers the first ultra-luxury Celestiq EV models
Cadillac is back and better than ever. After delivering the first Celestiq models to customers on Tuesday, Cadillac said it’s out to re-establish the brand as the “Standard of the World.”
The ultra-luxury electric sedan was delivered during a private event at GM’s Global Tech Center in Warren, Michigan.
Each Celestiq model is hand-built at Cadillac House at Vanderbilt, where you can customize the vehicle through a “highly personalized experience.” Cadillac designers and engineers wanted to create the most technologically advanced vehicle possible.
Although the Celestiq was first unveiled in 2022 and was expected to go into production in 2023, the ultra-luxury EV arrives with a slight increase in power.
The electric sedan features a dual-motor AWD powertrain, packing 655 horsepower and 646 lb-ft of torque (with Velocity Max), good for a 0 to 60 mph sprint in 3.7 seconds. Powered by a massive 111 kWh battery, Cadillac says its flagship EV has a range of 303 miles.
Inside, you’ll find ample screen space with a 55″ advanced interactive display that spans the entire dashboard. It’s Cadillac’s first vehicle to feature five standard HD interactive displays, including two 12.6″ entertainment screens for rear passengers.
Other interior features include a panoramic Smart Glass Roof with four independently controlled sections, a 38-speaker AKG audio system, and Climatesense, a “world first” four-zone microclimate system.
Each Celestiq is built to order and assembled at GM’s new Artisan Center on its campus in Warren, Michigan. Prices start in the “mid-$300,000 range.” You can inquire for more information on Cadillac’s website.
Electrek’s Take
Cadillac is coming off one of its best sales quarters since 2008. With a full lineup of electric SUVs, Cadillac is aiming to be the bestselling luxury EV brand in the US this year.
With the entry-level Optiq, midsize Lyriq, three-row Vistiq, and massive Escalade IQ, Cadillac offers an EV in nearly every segment.
Earlier this week, GM announced that the 2026 Cadillac Optiq will be its first vehicle to launch with a built-in NACS port, allowing it to access Tesla’s Supercharger network.
Although Cadillac said the Celestiq would help re-establish the brand as the “Standard of the World,” it will likely play only a minor role. The Optiq, Lyriq, Vistiq, and Escalade IQ will be the growth drivers over the next few years in a competitive luxury EV market.
GM said over 75% of Optiq buyers were new to Cadillac last month. After delivering the first models in late 2024, Cadillac sold over 1,700 Optiqs in the first quarter, outpacing Mercedes-Benz, Genesis, and other luxury rivals in the US.
Looking to test out Cadillac’s new electric SUVs for yourself? We can help you get started. Check out our links below to find Cadillac Optiq, Lyriq, Vistiq, and Escalade IQ models available in your area.
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Ford is cutting prices on the electric pickup by up to $4,000 to offset the loss of the federal EV tax credit. The 2026 Ford F-150 Lightning now offers more driving range at a lower price.
2026 Ford F-150 Lightning prices and range by trim
After the Tesla Cybertruck took the title as America’s best-selling electric pickup last year, the Ford F-150 Lightning is back on top in 2025.
Ford sold over 10,000 Lightnings in the third quarter, nearly double the roughly 5,400 Tesla Cybertrucks sold. Through September, Ford has sold over 23,000 electric pickups. According to Cox Automotive, Tesla has only sold 16,097 Cybertrucks this year, 38% fewer than it did during the same period in 2024.
After the $7,500 federal EV tax credit expired at the end of September, many automakers, including Ford, are bracing for less demand.
To keep the momentum going, Ford is reducing prices for the 2026 F-150 Lightning by up to $4,000. Company spokesperson Martin Günsberg confirmed with Electrek that Ford is cutting prices on the flash trim by $4,000 and the Lariat by $2,000.
Ford introduced a new base STX model that replaces the XLT for 2026. The 2026 Ford F-150 Lightning STX starts at $63,345, the same as the 2025 STX, but it delivers an extra 50 miles of driving range.
A 123 kW extended range battery powers the STX, providing an EPA estimated 290 miles of range. In comparison, the XLT delivered 240 miles of range from a 98 kWh battery.
Ford also raided the F-150 parts bin to add a few off-road goodies like running boards from the Tremor, new wheels, and more.
The 2026 F-150 Lightning Flash will start at $65,995, down from $69,995. Meanwhile, the 2026 Lariat and Platinum trims will be priced from $74,995 and $84,995.
| Ford F-150 Lightning trim | 2025 Starting Price | 2026 Starting Price | Range (EPA-est miles) |
| XLT | $63,345 | N/A | 240 |
| STX | N/A | $63,345 | 290 |
| Flash | $69,995 | $65,995 | 320 |
| Lariat | $76,995 | $74,995 | 320 |
| Platinum | $84,995 | $84,995 | 300 |
Although Ford decided not to move forward with plans for a program to extend the $7,500 EV tax credit, the company is still offering significant incentives to compensate for the loss of it.
The 2025 Ford F-150 Lighting STX is eligible for up to $11,500 in savings in California and other ZEV states. Ford is offering a $9,000 lease cash bonus and an additional $2,000 Ford Power Promise cash bonus. Alternatively, Ford is offering 0% APR financing for 72 months plus an extra $2,000 Power Promise bonus nationwide.
With the 2026 Lightning arriving, Ford is offering big savings on 2025 models. The 2025 F-150 Lightning XLT is currently listed for lease as low as $279 per month in California. You can use our link to find offers on the Ford F-150 Lightning near you (trusted affiliate link).
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Global EV sales passed the 2 million mark for the first time in September 2025, according to new data from EV research house Rho Motion – here’s how it breaks down.
A record-breaking September
Rho Motion’s data shows that 2.1 million EVs were sold worldwide in September, the highest monthly total ever recorded. The US, UK, South Korea, and China all hit major milestones, with tax credit deadlines, new registration cycles, and local incentives fueling the global boom.
“Global EV sales topped 2 million units in a single month for the first time, driven by record-breaking demand across major markets,” said Rho Motion’s data manager Charles Lester. “The US surged ahead as buyers raced to claim expiring tax credits, the UK hit new highs on the back of fresh registration plates and the Electric Car Grant, and South Korea set records thanks to Tesla, Hyundai, Kia, and rising BYD imports. Year to date, EV sales have reached 14.7 million – up 26%.”
EV sales by the numbers YTD (Jan–Sept 2025)
- Global: 14.7 million (+26%)
- China: 9.0 million (+24%)
- Europe: 3.0 million (+32%)
- North America: 1.5 million (+11%)
- Rest of World: 1.2 million (+48%)
Europe surges on incentives
Europe had a record-breaking month with 427,000 EVs sold, up 36% year-over-year and 55% from August. The UK led the charge with record demand tied to the launch of new license plates and the government’s Electric Car Grant, introduced in July. BEV sales rose 30% year-over-year, while PHEVs jumped nearly 60%.
Germany’s EV market is expected to get another boost in 2026 after the government approved a new €3 billion ($3.5 billion) incentive package targeting low- and middle-income households. It replaces the subsidy scheme that expired in December 2023. Italy and Spain also continue to see strong growth, with sales up two-thirds and more than double, respectively, compared to 2024.
US buyers rushed to beat tax credit deadlines
In North America, EV sales soared 66% year-over-year in September as US consumers scrambled to take advantage of federal incentives before they expired on September 30. The tax credits supported both purchases and leases.
But Rho Motion expects Q4 2025 demand to dip sharply as those credits disappear. Some automakers are already taking defensive steps: Hyundai has cut prices, while Mercedes-Benz has paused production of four EV models. GM has suspended a production shift at its Spring Hill, Tennessee, plant, and Volkswagen is stopping ID.4 production in Tennessee in October. Nissan has gone further, scrapping its plans to manufacture EVs in the US altogether.
China is the world’s EV powerhouse
China still dominates the global EV market, selling 1.3 million EVs in September, a record-breaking month powered by strong BEV demand. Pure-electric sales rose 28% year-over-year to 800,000 units, while PHEVs and range-extended EVs dipped by 2% to 470,000.
China has sold nearly 9 million EVs YTD, up 24% from 2024, cementing its position as the world’s largest and most mature EV market.
The 30% federal solar tax credit is ending this year. If you’ve ever considered going solar, now’s the time to act. 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.
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On today’s hyped up hybrid episode of Quick Charge, we’ve got the first extended range electric Jeep in North America – the 500-mile new Grand Wagoneer PLUS news that Mazda is getting into the plug-in price war, and a whole lot more.
Today’s episode is brought to you by Climate XChange, a nonpartisan nonprofit working to help states pass effective, equitable climate policies. The nonprofit just kicked off its 10th annual EV raffle, where participants have multiple opportunities to win their dream model. Visit CarbonRaffle.org/Electrek to learn more.
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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.
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