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GM issued a recall for over 23,000 2024 Chevy Equinox EV models due to a unique situation where they may not make enough noise.

Chevy Equinox EV hit with recall over sound alert system

The nearly silent ride is one of the best things about driving an electric vehicle, but Chevy’s electric SUV might be a little too quiet.

In a letter to the National Highway Traffic Administration (NHTSA) on September 30, GM issued a safety recall for certain 2024 Chevy Equinox EVs.

The recall affects 23,700 electric Equinox models due to a potentially faulty pedestrian alert sound system. GM said in the letter that the sound system might not make enough noise to alert those around the vehicle when traveling at low speeds or shifting into drive.

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As a result, the Equinox EV may fail to meet the safety standards required for the Federal Motor Vehicle Safety Standard (FMVSS) No 141, “Minimum Sound Requirements for Hybrid and Electric Vehicles.”

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2024 Chevrolet Equinox EV 1LT (Source: Chevrolet)

After an investigation, GM found that Chevy Equinox EV models built between August 8, 2023, and August 28, 2024, may have incorrect software installed.

GM is not aware of any incidents, but issued the recall out of an abundance of caution. The company is still developing a fix, but said impacted vehicles will require an update to the body control module (BCM), rather than a total replacement.

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The Chevy Equinox EV (Source: GM)

Owner letters are expected to be mailed out on November 10, 2025. You can contact Chevrolet’s customer service at 1-800-222-1020 with any questions. GM’s recall number is N252527170.

You can also call the National Highway Traffic Administration Safety Hotline at 1-888-327-4236 or visit the nhtsa.gov website for more information.

The recall comes as the Chevy Equinox EV remains one of the most popular electric vehicles in the US. In fact, it’s now America’s best-selling EV outside of the Tesla Model Y and Model 3.

2025 Chevy Equinox EV trim Starting Price EPA-estimated Range
LT FWD $34,995 319 miles
LT AWD $40,295 307 miles
RS FWD $45,790 319 miles
RS AWD $49,090 307 miles
2025 Chevy Equinox EV prices and driving range by trim (Including $1,395 destination fee)

After introducing the 2025 model year last year, starting at under $35,000, Chevy Equinox EV sales have surged. The recall is limited to 2024 Equinox models built during the suspected manufacturing window. Vehicles produced outside the window, including 2025 models, are not included.

Although the $7,500 federal tax credit expired on September 30, GM will continue offering it through leasing for Chevy, GMC, and Cadillac EVs.

The 2025 Chevy Equinox EV is tempting with a starting price of $34,995 and a driving range of 319 miles. Curious to see one up close? You can use our link to find Chevy Equinox EVs available near you (trusted affiliate link).

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USA Rare Earth jumps 8% after CEO confirms discussions with Trump administration

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USA Rare Earth jumps 8% after CEO confirms discussions with Trump administration

USA Rare Earth CEO: We are in close communication with White House

Shares of USA Rare Earth jumped in extended trading Thursday, after CEO Barbara Humpton told CNBC that the rare earth miner is “in close communication” with the White House.

Humpton’s comment comes after the Trump administration took a 5% equity stake in Lithium Americas this week. The Defense Department took a 15% stake in rare earth miner MP Materials in July.

“We are in close communication with the administration,” Humpton told CNBC’s Morgan Brennan when asked whether USA Rare Earth was interested in a deal with the Trump administration.

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USA Rare Earth stock year to date.

USA Rare Earth shares were last up about 8% after hours. Its stock gained 23% in regular trading Thursday and has nearly doubled this year.

“This is a field where it will not be a zero sum game,” Humpton said of the rare earth supply chain. “It’s going to take a lot of players to build out this marketplace.”

USA Rare Earth is developing a mine in Sierra Blanca, Texas, and a magnet production facility in Stillwater, Oklahoma. Humpton said she supports the Trump administration’s deals with MP and Lithium Americas.

“What we’re doing is keeping the administration informed of our own plans,” she said.

The adminstration has said it is making the investments to help support the industry and break U.S. dependence on China.

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Tesla applies for patent to make Cybertruck look even more ridiculous but more efficient

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Tesla applies for patent to make Cybertruck look even more ridiculous but more efficient

Tesla has applied for a new patent that would make the Cybertruck look even more ridiculous than it already does, but it would also make towing more efficient.

The Cybertruck is one of, if not the most, polarizing vehicles of all time, and its design is primarily to blame.

Much of the design is due to the use of stainless steel panels and the attempt to make pickup trucks more aerodynamically efficient.

Tesla has managed to improve on the drag coefficient of the average pickup truck.

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However, it doesn’t help much with towing a trailer, which is going to catch a lot of that drag.

Tesla has now applied for a new patent on a device that would help push wind over a trailer towed by the Cybertruck.

The American automaker wrote in the abstract of the patent application:

An inflatable aerodynamic deflector to reduce drag and enhance efficiency. Constructed from drop stitch material, it forms one or more air chambers between parallel skins. The component includes a pressure regulation mechanism and diverse attachment interfaces such as rail systems, magnetic fasteners, and quick disconnect clips, distributed along the vehicle for secure mounting. This component acts as an aerodynamic deflector, optimizing airflow around conveyances, especially combination vehicles like tow vehicles and trailers.

In short, Tesla is working on an inflatable device that could sit on the bed of the Cybertruck and rise to close the air gap between the truck, thereby extending the angle of the windshield over the trailer.

Here are some of the drawings from the patent application

Electrek’s Take

To be fair, companies often apply for patents on products that they don’t have concrete plans to bring to production, and this could easily be the case here.

That’s especially true for the Cybertruck.

The program is so much smaller than Tesla anticipated, and with smaller volumes, it makes less sense to launch accessories.

That said, I’m pro everything that makes driving more efficient, regardless of whether it makes a vehicle silly.

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Hyundai drops Kona Electric lineup to just one trim: The cheapest

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Hyundai drops Kona Electric lineup to just one trim: The cheapest

The 2026 Hyundai Kona Electric lineup will be offered in a single trim, but at least it’s the most affordable one.

Here’s the new 2026 Hyundai Kona Electric lineup

With the IONIQ 5 stealing the spotlight, Hyundai is downsizing the 2026 Kona Electric to just one trim — the base SE model.

Hyundai didn’t provide prices, but the 2025 Hyundai Kona Electric SE was the brand’s most affordable EV, starting at just $32,975. The SEL, Limited, and N Line trims will not be offered for the 2026 model year.

In another blow, Hyundai is also dropping the Long Range battery, meaning the 2026 Kona Electric will only be available with the Standard Range battery.

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The Long Range 64.8 kWh battery offers a driving range of up to 261 miles, while the Standard Range 48.6 kWh battery delivers a driving range of just 200 miles. The only other change is that the SE trim will now include a larger console tray.

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The Hyundai Kona Electric (Source: Hyundai)

With new models arriving, like the 2026 Nissan LEAF and the 2027 Chevy Bolt EV, the Kona Electric will no longer be one of the few EVs starting under $35,000.

Nissan claims the 2026 LEAF “has the lowest starting MSRP for any new EV currently on sale in the US” at just $29,990. The new LEAF also offers significantly more range, with over 300 miles, and features a NACS port for recharging at Tesla Superchargers.

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The interior of the Hyundai Kona electric (Source: Hyundai)

While it’s cutting the Kona Electric lineup, Hyundai appears to be focused on its top-selling EV for 2026, the IONIQ 5.

Following the expiration of the federal EV tax credit, Hyundai reduced prices on the 2026 IONIQ 5 by up to nearly $10,000 on certain trims. The 2026 IONIQ 5 now starts at just $35,000. It’s also extending the $7,500 credit for 2025 models.

Is the Kona Electric on its way out with the IONIQ 5 now available for about the same price? Either that, or Hyundai will have to cut prices on the Kona EV to stay competitive.

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