Cadillac’s entry-level EV is bringing some serious upgrades for the 2026 model year. The 2026 Cadillac Optiq packs more power, more features, and a built-in NACS port so you can recharge at Tesla Superchargers. Even with the upgrades, it’s more affordable than the outgoing model.
2026 Cadillac Optiq EV price and range by trim
The 2025 Optiq went on sale earlier this year, starting at $54,390 as Cadillac’s most affordable electric SUV. According to Cadillac, its entry-level EV is already stealing buyers from rivals.
Over 75% of Optiq buyers were new to the brand in May, but the 2026 model year promises even more. Although it was initially only offered as an AWD SUV, the 2026 Cadillac Optiq arrives with a new RWD powertrain
The new RWD setup delivers 315 horsepower and 332 lb-ft of torque. Based on a new dual motor powertrain, the 2026 Optiq AWD “offers a dramatic increase in performance and capabilities,” Cadillac said. It now offers 440 hp and 498 lb-ft of torque, up from 300 hp and 354 lb-ft of torque in the outgoing AWD Optiq.
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2026 Cadillac Optiq-V (Source: GM)
A more powerful Optiq-V is also joining the 2026 lineup with a monstrous 519 hp and 650 lb-ft of torque, good for a 0 to 60 mph sprint in just 3.5 seconds.
The 2026 Optiq is the first GM electric vehicle with a built-in NACS port, enabling you to recharge at one of over 21,500 Tesla Superchargers across North America.
Cadillac Optiq interior (Source: Cadillac)
Inside, Cadillac’s entry-level EV features a “segment-leading” 33″ diagonal LED display and “best-in-class” rear cargo room with up to 26 cubic feet.
2026 Cadillac Optiq trim
Starting Price (including destination)
Driving Range (GM-estimated)
Luxury (RWD)
$52,395
317 miles
Sport (RWD)
$52,995
317 miles
Premium Luxury (RWD)
$54,595
317 miles
Premium Sport (RWD)
$55,095
317 miles
V-Series (AWD)
$68,795
275 miles
2026 Cadillac Optiq prices and range by trim
With a starting price of $52,395, the new 2026 Cadillac Optiq RWD is cheaper than the previous base model, which started at $54,390.
Upgrading to AWD will cost you an extra $3,500 across all trim options. The performance Optiq-V is the only trim that has standard AWD.
Official EPA range numbers have yet to be released, but GM estimates 2026 Optiq RWD models will offer a driving range of 317 miles. AWD models are estimated to deliver 303 miles of range.
Looking to test one out for yourself? Cadillac is offering a few deals that are worth checking out until the $7,500 EV tax credit expires at the end of September. You can use our link to find Cadillac Optiq EV models near you today.
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Blink Charging (Nasdaq: BLNK) has struck a deal with Hubject to make charging easier for EV drivers across North America.
The agreement will bring Blink into Hubject’s intercharge eRoaming platform as a charge point operator. That means electric mobility service providers (eMSPs) and their customers in the US, Canada, and Mexico will soon have access to Blink’s charging stations through their existing apps. In turn, Blink drivers will gain better access to stations connected through Hubject’s network.
Hubject, which already connects more than 1 million charging points and 2,750 partners worldwide, expects the integration to strengthen its North American presence by adding Blink’s wide-ranging network of chargers, from Level 2 workplace stations to DC fast charging. Blink, meanwhile, anticipates more customers will plug in, thanks to Hubject’s reach.
“Our collaboration with Blink marks an important step in expanding our North American intercharge network,” said Trishan Peruma, CEO of Hubject North America. “By integrating Blink’s network into our eRoaming platform, we aim to help reduce barriers that have historically complicated EV charging and to support the continued growth of EV adoption across the United States, Canada, and Mexico.”
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Blink Charging’s president and CEO Mike Battaglia added, “Connecting the Blink Network to Hubject’s platform will allow more drivers to benefit from interoperable charging while traveling.”
The integration will use the industry-standard OCPI protocol to keep billing and communication between networks secure and reliable. Deployment is planned in phases throughout 2025, with full integration targeted for the end of the year.
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Hyundai wants to make the electric sports car for everyone. Not just those who can afford it. The new Hyundai IONIQ 5 N Essentials trim was launched in Korea on Monday, offering a lower price tag but the same thrilling drive.
Hyundai launches new IONIQ 5 N Essentials in Korea
The IONIQ 5 N is Hyundai’s first EV sports car under the IONIQ series. Initially launched in 2023, the IONIQ 5 N marked a new era for Hyundai’s high-performance N division.
Hyundai’s electric hot hatch not only looks the part with added sporty “N” branded elements scattered inside and out, but it’s also packed with fun features, advanced tech, and a host of drive modes.
Based on a dual-motor all-wheel drive (AWD) powertrain, the IONIQ 5 N delivers up to 641 horsepower when N Grin Boost is engaged. Even without it, the electric sports car packs 601 hp.
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It also draws power from an 84 kWh battery, good for an EPA-estimated range of 221 miles. On the WLTP scale, it’s rated with an official range of 278 miles (448 km). The added power results in a lower range than other IONIQ 5 trims.
The new Hyundai IONIQ 5 Essentials trim (Source: Hyundai)
Although it was already one of the most affordable sports cars, EV or gas-powered, Hyundai is lowering the price even further.
After launching the new Essentials model in South Korea on Monday, Hyundai said the new trim “is characterized by lowering the barrier to entry so that customers can experience the overwhelming driving performance of the IONIQ 5 N at a reasonable price through optimized specifications.”
The new Hyundai IONIQ 5 Essentials trim (Source: Hyundai)
Hyundai focused on core convenience features while including the same high-performance motors, battery, and N-specific elements as the base model.
A Hyundai official said, “The Essential trim of the IONIQ 5 N is a new trim that offers greater cost-effectiveness to lower the barrier to entry for high-performance electric vehicles.”
The Hyundai IONIQ 5 N (Source: Hyundai)
The IONIQ 5 N features advanced driver assistance systems (ADAS), including highway driving assist and navigation-based smart cruise control. Hyundai has also added an exclusive new “Parking Assist Lite” package, offering safety and convenience features such as surround view monitoring and rear parking assistance.
The new Hyundai IONIQ 5 N Essentials trim starts at 74.9 million won ($54,000), including tax benefits. Hyundai said it will continue to make competitive products so more buyers can experience high-performance EVs.
2025 Hyundai IONIQ 5 N (Source: Hyundai)
Although the Essentials trim is not available in the US, the IONIQ 5 N is still more affordable than most sports cars. The 2025 Hyundai IONIQ 5 N starts at $66,200. But, with the $7,500 tax credit, which is set to expire on September 30, leases are currently listed as low as $549 per month.
A federal judge has cleared the way for Ørsted’s nearly complete 704-megawatt (MW) Revolution Wind offshore wind farm to restart construction, overturning a stop-work order imposed by the Trump administration.
Reagan-appointed senior US District Judge Royce C. Lamberth granted a preliminary injunction in Washington, DC, calling the government’s conduct “the height of arbitrary and capricious government conduct.” He added, “If Revolution Wind cannot meet benchmark deadlines, the entire project could collapse. There is no doubt in my mind of irreparable harm to the plaintiffs.”
Ørsted welcomed the ruling and said in a statement, “Revolution Wind will continue to seek to work collaboratively with the US Administration and other stakeholders toward a prompt resolution. Revolution Wind will resume impacted construction work as soon as possible, with safety as the top priority.”
The decision marks a significant setback for the Trump administration’s attempts to stall offshore wind development. Revolution Wind is already about 80% complete, with all turbine foundations and 45 of 65 turbines successfully installed, and expected to power 350,000 homes in Rhode Island and Connecticut. Earlier this month, the two states’ attorneys general announced they were suing the Trump administration to overturn its “baseless” decision to halt Revolution Wind. That underlying lawsuit challenging the stop-work order will continue to progress.
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Oceantic Network CEO Liz Burdock said, “Today’s decision allowing work to resume on Revolution Wind is welcome news for the hundreds of skilled workers who can now return to their jobs while the legal process continues. This Made in America energy project is putting Americans to work building reliable, affordable power to communities across New England that desperately need it.”
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.
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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