Last week, I got the invite from Audi to venture to (normally) sunny Los Angeles and take a spin behind the wheel of its latest EV model – the SQ8 e-tron. Available as a standard quattro and Sportback version, the tri-motor SQ8 takes the previously launched Q8 e-tron and refines it in a number of ways to improve performance… well, everything aside from range, that is.
The Audi SQ8 e-tron arrives as a familiar, yet refreshed spin on the German automaker’s second wave if you will, of all-electric vehicles. The Volkswagen Group sub-brand was one of the early adopters of electrification with the original e-tron SUV back in 2018, followed by the e-tron GT and RS e-tron GT in 2020, the e-tron S and Sportback in 2021, and the Q4 e-tron and Sportback in 2022.
Earlier this year, I flew out to wine country to test drive the Q8 e-tron and Sportback – Audi’s design refresh and rebranding of the original e-tron for the new electric age, in which all future BEVs will be even numbered, while all ICE vehicles will be odd (appropriately so).
While the Q8 e-tron didn’t appear to stray too far from the last variation under the lone e-tron nomenclature, the EV’s platform architecture told a different story. Audi successfully improved its battery and motor design within both the Q8 e-tron SUV and Sportback, utilizing every inch of the EV’s battery modules by stacking their prismatic cells rather than winding them. The result is a battery pack that delivers nearly 20 kWh more gross capacity (114 kWh vs. 95 kWh) – all in the same footprint.
Audi was also able to achieve a range increase around 20%, eclipsing 300 miles on a single charge for the first time. With its next variant, the SQ8 e-tron, Audi has further improved the driving experience of the Q8 e-tron inside and out.
Audi SQ8 e-tron improvements and other specs
The all-electric SQ8 picks up where Audi left off with the Q8 e-tron earlier this year, bringing an even keener focus on aerodynamics. Not to be confused with the e-tron S, or the e-tron S-Line, the SQ8 e-tron saw a completely redone suspension, steering, and integrated control modules
Features like revamped air curtains and new wheel spoilers that funnel air under the body and around the car to reduce drag on the wheels help deliver improved aero. Audi says it has reduced drag by up to 6% on the SQ8 e-tron.
Other features include dimpled fiberglass on the underbody cover (golf ball principle) and active shutters which were resurrected from the design of the original e-tron. As with other e-tron models, Audi is one of the few automakers that offers 9.6 kW AC charging points on both sides of the vehicle, with an optional upgrade to 19.2 kW. Only the driver’s side has DC capabilities, however.
The 2024 SQ8 e-tron arrives in both a standard and Sportback version – both tri-motor, both Audi quattro design. The specs between the two variants are virtually the same, except the Sportback is half an inch shorter in height and leaves slightly less headroom and cargo space in its interior. Here are some additional specs:
Motor: 3x asychronous electric motors
Peak Horsepower: 496 hp (370 kW)
Torque: 718 lb.-ft. (in Boost Mode) (972 Nm)
Battery Size/Type: 114 kWh (gross) / 397V Lithium Ion
Max Charging Capacity (AC): 9.6 kW (19.2 kW Optional)
0-60 mph Acceleration: 4.2 seconds (0-100 km/h – 4.6 seconds)
Top Speed: 130 mph (210 km/h)
Max Towing Capacity: 4,000 lbs.
Curb Weight: 6,118 lbs.
EPA Range (20″ wheels): 253 miles
EPA Range (22″ wheels): 218 miles
Next, let’s check out some images of the Audi SQ8 e-trons interior before I dig into my drive experience and we talk pricing. Have a look:
Before we got out on the uncharacteristically wet and rainy roads of Malibu last week, Audi’s senior manager of product planning, Anthony Garbis, explained to us how quiet the new SQ8 e-tron is, going as far as saying it’s as quiet or quieter and an A8, which is super insulated. Garbis wasn’t lying.
One of the perks I pointed out during my drive in the Q8 e-tron this past May, was how quiet of a ride it was, but the SQ8 takes it to another level. I took a moment to pause Sirius XM and ride in the silence of the canyons above Los Angeles, hearing nothing but the rain being kicked up by the e-tron’s EV tires from Hankook. I took a video, but it doesn’t do it justice because of the pouring rain, but it’s quiet, trust me.
Because of the rain and several conservative LA drivers on the wet windy roads, I didn’t get as many opportunities to make the tires squeal as I wanted. That said, there were two points in between rainfalls where I found a straightaway and was able to get my SQ8 e-tron (cover your ears Audi) WELL over the speed limit (let’s just leave it at that).
As a sportier version of the Audi Q8 e-tron, the SQ8 did not disappoint on acceleration, although it honestly didn’t drive like a tri-motor EV. It definitely still felt like a dual motor in my opinion. Perhaps if I was able to hit some hairpins a little harder on dry pavement, I could have felt the torque vectoring, but unfortunately, Mother Nature said otherwise that day.
At over 6,100 pounds, the SQ8 e-tron is a sturdy gal, but it drives a lot nimbler. I believe I mentioned in my review of the Q8 e-tron that I hit a couple turns in Napa a little too hard at the start and quickly realized just how large and heavy that SUV is. While the SQ8 is very comparable to the Q8 e-tron, I found it drove a lot smaller than it looks.
The leather handle in the center console pictured above is an excellent touch in my opinion and the perfect place to rest your hand when cruising. The head up display (HUD) was easily visible and showed navigation and the haptic response of the touch screen was welcomed.
My only issue with the UX is that it was too many tap throughs to switch drive modes when I wanted to test out Dynamic Mode and experience the full horsepower and torque vectoring. Especially when driving on winding roads when you need to be paying close attention. There could have been a way to do it from the steering wheel, but I couldn’t seem to find it during all my fiddling around during my drive.
The Audi SQ8 e-tron (blue) and Sportback (red) / Credit: Audi
In my opinion, the Audi SQ8 e-tron is a slightly sportier version of the Q8 e-tron, but with red brake calipers and some unique badging throughout. I hear “tri-motor” and think “Plaid” or “Sapphire,” but that’s not the level of acceleration you’re going to get in this heavy SUV.
Performance-wise, its more than adequate, but the sacrifice to range you have to make for the powertrain performance doesn’t seem worth it to me. I’d rather take the 300 miles on the Q8 e-tron personally. That said, it’s still an Audi through and through. The quality of the design and the interior especially is luxe, everything worked easily and efficiently, and it made for a quiet, smooth, and relaxing ride – even at high speeds. The SUV screams quality and comfort inside and out.
I also absolutely loved the metallic blue exterior color I drove on my SQ8 e-tron and hope consumers will opt for that shade if and when they buy – I wanna see more bright blue cars on roads.
If you are interested in exploring an Audi SQ8 e-tron, the quattro version will begin at an MSRP of $90,995, while the Sportback version starts at $93,795. Note, those prices already include $1,195 in destination fees. The EVs are expected to hit Audi showrooms in Q4 of this year.
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Dodge Charger. Ford Lightning. Some historic car names are just begging to be brought back as new-age electric vehicles, but the best one has always been the Buick Electra – and now, it’s back. Meet the all-new Buick ELECTRA GS concept.
It’s hard to draw a direct line between this new-age concept, which made its debut earlier today in Shanghai, and the OG 1959 Buick Electra. Heck, that car would probably have more parts in common with a lunar rover than this new electric Electra … but as Michael Keaton’s Ray Kroc says in The Founder, “I needed the name.”
The new ELECTRA GS is big, bad, and definitely designed to feel like a chest-forward statement of intent. In fact, the official copy says that the concept draws inspiration from the mythical centaur, embodying both raw power and intelligence.
“The ELECTRA GS is more than a concept. It’s a design manifesto,” said Stuart Norris, Chief Design Officer at SAIC-GM and Vice President of GM China Design. “It’s a bold statement that Buick will continue its success in the electric era with sculptural dynamism, cutting-edge technology, and uncompromised sophistication.”
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Which, sure – but did I mention it’s big? (It’s so big, you guys).
Return of the big Buick
Buick ELECTRA GS Concept; via GM.
At 5,300 mm, the concept Buick is well over seventeen feet long, and it seems tall, too – those are 23″ (twenty-three inch) wheels that scale it down a bit, but it’s nearly as big as a Chevy Tahoe/GMC Yukon at 5,334 mm.
No technical specs are provided, indicating that this very much a styling exercise, but one could easily imagine the same high-powered Ultium underpinnings found in a physics-defying GMC Hummer EV buried below the ELECTRA GS’ curves and making it more than quick enough to live up to any hype generated by the GNX version GM is bound to roll out to SEMA in a year or two.
It’s what’s inside that counts
Inside, the big electric skateboard chassis enables a flat, expansive cabin that the company says is “transformed into a bespoke sanctuary.” The car features four individual captain’s chairs wrapped in premium materials and metallic accents to deliver first-class comfort. The driver’s view is uncluttered with simple instruments and a large HUD, while a 16.3-inch ultra-wide display caters to front-seat passengers (the designated DJs on any long road trip) with bunches of connectivity but, presumably, no Apple CarPlay.
Even so, it seems like a forward-looking, high-tech vision that caters more to Chinese than American sensibilities. “In today’s connected world, where design and technology transcend borders, our team is proud to be shaping a global vision from China’s perspective,” said Norris. “The ELECTRA GS is just the beginning.”
The electric bike brand Tenways, known for its sleek and commuter-friendly e-bikes, is officially entering the cargo bike segment in the US with the launch of the Tenways Cargo One. The front-loading electric cargo bike takes on major brands like Urban Arrow while offering a lower-cost alternative for two-wheeled family transportation.
The new Tenways Cargo One marks a significant expansion for the brand as it joins the growing category of front-loading cargo e-bikes, often referred to by their Dutch name bakfiets. The proliferation of the Dutch word for these bikes is no accident – this style of e-bike is common on streets of major cities and smaller towns alike across the Netherlands, helping families transport several kids on a single bike. The front-loading design allows parents to keep a better eye on their passengers and makes it easier for kids to get in and out of their seats, not to mention keeping the center of gravity lower.
For that reason, front-loading cargo e-bikes are a popular choice in Europe, especially in bike-centric countries like the Netherlands. Now the Shenzhen-based e-bike maker Tenways is bringing that same convenience to the US.
Unlike most of Tenways’ e-bikes, which are shipped directly to consumers for at-home assembly, the Cargo One will be delivered fully assembled via local Tenways dealers. The company cites the bike’s size and complexity as the reason for this shift in logistics, ensuring that riders receive a properly built, ready-to-ride machine from day one. Unlike a typical e-bike that requires only the wheels and handlebars to be bolted in place at home, the Cargo One’s massive passenger/storage box and more complicated linked steering require more of an expert’s touch for assembly.
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The Cargo One is equipped with an extra-large 800-liter front cargo box, designed for family transport, urban deliveries, or general heavy-duty hauling. Lighting is integrated throughout, including “EV-style” sidelights and standard front and rear LED lights, making the bike visible and safe in low-light conditions. A wide double kickstand allows for stable parking even when fully loaded.
Under the hood, the Cargo One features a Bafang mid-drive motor powered by a 960Wh portable battery. Tenways estimates a range of up to 90 km (56 miles) per charge. The drivetrain includes a Gates CDX carbon belt paired with an Enviolo stepless shifting hub, a combination prized for its low maintenance and smooth, intuitive operation.
Braking is handled by hydraulic disc brakes, and the bike is built to accommodate riders between 165 to 196 cm (5’5″ and 6’5″). With a top speed of 32 km/h (20 mph) and a total weight of 56 kg (123 lbs), the Cargo One balances performance and practicality for everyday utility cycling.
In terms of market positioning, Tenways is entering a space largely dominated by high-end European brands such as Urban Arrow and Riese & Müller. These brands have set the benchmark for quality and ride experience in the front-loader segment, but their models typically start at prices well above US $6,000, often pushing past $8,000.
At $5,499, the Tenways Cargo One offers a more accessible entry point for those looking to experience the utility and lifestyle of front-loading cargo e-bikes without reaching into luxury-tier pricing.
With the Cargo One, Tenways is signaling a serious commitment to the growing demand for family- and utility-focused electric bikes. As more U.S. cities invest in bike infrastructure and residents look for alternatives to car ownership, front-loading cargo e-bikes are gaining traction as a practical and environmentally friendly transportation solution.
Electrek’s Take
I’m all aboard this train! Cargo e-bikes are force multipliers in the two-wheeled industry, and these are the true SUVs of the cargo e-bike world. Front-loading cargo e-bikes like the Cargo One have a setup that allows for greater cargo capacity and stability.
We’ve already seen how this makes them a favorite in Europe among parents, small business owners, and urban dwellers who are replacing car trips with e-bike rides. While rear-loading cargo bikes also have their fans, front-loaders offer better visibility of your cargo – whether that’s groceries, kids, or gear – and a lower center of gravity. Front-loaders aren’t non-existent in the US. I see them occasionally in the US, but rear-loading cargo bikes are much more common due to their lower cost and smaller size.
At $5.5k, this is still a hefty chunk of change, but at least it’s a lot nicer than $8k. That difference might just help open up this market further for families that are ready to make the jump. I’m not under any illusion that Tenways is going to see huge sales on a bike like this in the US, at least not at first. But accessibility is the first battle. Once Americans have options, maybe then we can convince them to use those options.
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The BP logo is displayed outside a petrol station that also offers electric vehicle recharging, on Feb. 27, 2025, in Somerset, England.
Anna Barclay | Getty Images News | Getty Images
BP shares jumped on Wednesday after activist investor Elliott went public with a stake of more than 5% in the struggling British oil major, which has pivoted back to oil in a bid to restore investor confidence.
BP shares were last seen up 4.75% at 9:44 a.m. London time. The London-listed stock price is down around 5% year-to-date.
Hedge fund Elliott Management has built its holding in the British oil major to 5.006%, according to a regulatory filing disclosed late Tuesday. BP’s other large shareholders include BlackRock, Vanguard and Norway’s sovereign wealth fund.
Elliott was first reported to have assumed a position in the oil and gas company back in February, driving a share rally amid expectations that its involvement could pressure BP to shift gears from its green strategy and back toward its core oil and gas businesses.
Within weeks, BP, which has been lagging domestic peer Shell and transatlantic rivals and posted a steep drop in fourth-quarter profit, announced plans to ramp up fossil fuel investments to $10 billion through 2027. This marked a sharp strategic departure for the company, which five years ago became one of the first energy giants to announce plans to cut emissions to net zero “by 2050 or sooner.” As part of that push, the company pledged to slash emissions by up to 40% by 2030 and to ramp up investment in renewables projects.
The oil major scaled back this emissions target to 20% to 30% in February 2023, saying at the time that it needed to keep investing in oil and gas to meet global demand.
Since switching gears, BP’s CEO Murray Auchincloss and outgoing Chair Helge Lund — who is expected to depart the company in 2026 — retained their posts but were penalized with reduced support during BP’s board re-election vote earlier this month amid pressure from both revenue and climate-focused investors.
BP’s strategic reset back to the company’s oil and gas activities took place just as crude prices began to plunge amid volatility triggered by U.S. tariffs and Washington’s trade spat with China, the world’s largest crude importer.
Energy analysts have broadly welcomed the strategic reset, and BP CEO Murray Auchincloss has since said the pivot attracted “significant interest” in the firm’s non-core assets.
The energy firm nevertheless remains firmly in the spotlight as a potential takeover target, with the likes of Shell and U.S. oil giants Exxon Mobil and Chevron touted as possible suitors.
BP is scheduled to report first-quarter earnings on Tuesday. The company has said it anticipates lower reported upstream production and higher net debt in the first quarter than in the final three months of 2024.