First drive in the 2025 Hyundai IONIQ 5: A familiar model with some choice upgrades
As we get ready to exit month two of 2025, the opportunities to test drive model-year BEVs are starting to arise. The most recent was a trim to Palm Springs, California, to test out the 2025 Hyundai IONIQ 5. This flagship BEV saw a mid- refresh for 2025, so I didn’t experience the most drastic of changes compared to previous versions. In the places where Hyundai did improve the IONIQ 5, however, I noticed savvy upgrades that took customer feedback into consideration and made an already high-quality BEV even better.
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Background on the Hyundai IONIQ 5 as we enter 2025
While the IONIQ 5 is not Hyundai’s first BEV, it will certainly go down as the flagship model of its bonafide transition into a fully electric brand. The IONIQ 5 was the first model from Hyundai Motor Group to arrive on its impressive E-GMP platform, featuring 800V architecture. Even just four years ago, in 2021, when the IONIQ 5 debuted, 800V technology seemed like overkill, as most public chargers couldn’t deliver that level of power.
However, Hyundai’s decision to invest in better technology from the start and deliver it to the masses at a reasonable price has paid dividends for its other brands, like Kia and Genesis. For example, HMG sold 742,000 vehicles in the US in 2024 and held 8.3% of EV market share in the US. It is now the second highest-selling EV brand in the US,the behind longtime leader Tesla. The South Korean brand has also seen record vehicle sales for four consecutive years.
Entering 2025, the IONIQ 5 has been a star in Hyundai’s lineup, achieving 44,000 units sold in 2024, up 93% from its 2022 launch and 31% year-over-year compared to 2023. I’ve personally been a huge fan of the IONIQ 5 since I first got eyes on it, and my love only grew when I got to do my first detailed walkthrough with the debut model at Hyundai’s US headquarters in Fountain Valley, California (check out that hair!)
Nearly four years later, Hyundai has delivered the 2025 IONIQ 5 as a mid-cycle refresh. The changes aren’t drastic, but they’re enough to garner a report back to you loyal readers to understand what’s different. Last week, I ventured out to Palm Springs, California, to take the 2025 IONIQ 5 and the new IONIQ 5 XRT out on the roads (and dirt) to see how it rides. I’ve shared my thoughts below.
The 2025 IONIQ 5 drives the same, which is still a win
As I mentioned above, the 2025 Hyundai IONIQ 5 is not that different on paper, but the automaker made some subtle changes that simply bolster an already impressive all-electric model. Like the versions that preceded it, the focus of the 2025 IONIQ 5 was a continued trend of innovative design, advanced capabilities led by new technologies, and uncompromising safety (HMG received the highest honors from the 2024 IIHS Awards with the Most Top Safety Pick and TSP+ titles of any auto manufacturer).
Hyundai’s head of exterior design, Brad Arnold, walked us around the outside of the new IONIQ 5, which, according to Arnold, had previously received so much praise about its design that his team didn’t change that much.
For example, the Hyundai design team enhanced the front, rear, and wheels to appear more robust and deliver more of a “CRV” look. This included a larger offset to the front and rear fascias (seen above). You customers spoke up and Hyundai heard you – the 2025 IONIQ 5 models now come with a rear wiper standard!
Last but not least, Hyundai added the NACS port to its 2025 model. This is the first non-Tesla model to hit the market with NACS, which has become the new US standard in charging ports. If your closest public charger only offers CCS, you’re still in luck, as Hyundai will provide customers with a complimentary adapter.
The rest of the changes pertain to the interior and the EV’s performance, so let’s take a trip inside.
2025 models deliver simplified interior, better performance
Moving inward, the center console features more physical buttons, including controls for components like heated seats and parking assist (see above). The HVAC controls have been simplified and Hyundai added two dials to the dashboard display for tuning and volume.
The infotainment has also been bolstered with faster CPU processing speeds and greater GPS accuracy. The interior cabin also features wireless Apple CarPlay and Android Auto capabilities, WiFi hotspot, and USB-C outlets.
2025 IONIQ 5 owners cal also utilize Hyundai Pay, which has been added to the infotainment and enables drivers to link a credit card to more seamlessly pay for things like parking and charging, all from the vehicle’s system. The new 2025 model also comes with Hyundai’s Digital Key 2 capabilities, which utilize Bluetooth in addition to previously equipped RFID technology.
There were also several additions to the 5’s ADAS, including haptic feedback, driver attention warnings, and some optional warning alerts. All that aside, a more notable upgrade in the 2025 IONIQ 5 models in the increase in range on all trims, thanks to larger battery packs and improved cell chemistry. See below:
| Battery Type | 2024 MY Battery Size | 2025 MY Battery Size | Variation |
| Standard Range | 58 kWh | 63 kWh | +5 kWh |
| Long Range | 77.4 kWh | 84 kWh | +6.6 kWh |
| Drive Type | Trim | MY 2024 Range | MY 2025 Range | Range Increase |
| AWD | Limited | 260 miles | 269 miles | +9 miles |
| AWD | SE/SEL | 260 miles | 290 miles | +30 miles |
| AWD | XRT | N/A | 259 miles | N/A |
| RWD | SE / SEL / Limited | 303 miles | 315 miles | +15 miles |
| RWD | SE Standard Range | 220 miles | 245 miles | +25 miles |
The 2025 model year versions of the IONIQ 5 also offer some charging perks for future drivers, including the previously mentioned NACS plus, offering easier access to Tesla’s Supercharger network of over 17,000 plugs across the US. To begin, IONIQ 5 owners will need to use the Tesla app in order to take advantage of such public charging options; the automaker told us that Plug & Charge capabilities are in the works to arrive “in the coming quarters.”
Despite the 2025 models having larger packs, Hyundai’s improved battery chemistry enables even faster charge rates, at least for CCS plugs. For example, the 2025 IONIQ 5 can reach a peak rate of 257 kW at a the 350 kW charger, an improvement from 233 kW in previous model years.
While access to the Tesla network is a welcomed addition, those charge rates will initially dip in comparison because Tesla’s V3 Superchargers only offer peak rates of 135 kW, but should improve with the V4 chargers.
| Charging Type | Charger | Standard Range (63 kWh) |
Long Range (84 kWh) |
| DCFC (10-80%) | NACS V3 (135 kW peak) | 24 mins | 31 mins |
| DCFC (10-80%) | 50 kW CCS (w/ Adapter) | 1 hour 1 min | 1 hour 21 min |
| DCFC (10-80%) | >250 kW CCS (w/ Adapter – 257 kW peak) |
20 mins | 20 mins |
| DCFC Miles in 15 Mins | 350 kW CCS (w/ Adapter / RWD Model) |
137.3 miles | 178.1 miles |
| AC Level 2 (10-100%) | North America 240V (11 kW OBC) |
5 hours 40 mins | 7 hours 20 mins |
The 2025 IONIQ 5 is a familiar friend
Unlike most of my first-drive reviews, I don’t have that much to say about the overall drive of the 2025 model-year IONIQ 5 because it’s virtually the same BEV in terms of performance as a year ago, just with better range and potentially faster CCS charging speeds.
The IONIQ 5 was a familiar and welcomed ride when I got behind the wheel. If you’ve read my driving impressions before, you’ll know I am a stickler for regenerative braking and it’s one pedal driving all day for me. Hyundai’s i-Pedal always delivers the stiffness I need.
Cutting up and around at elevation above Palm Springs, I only had to hit the brake pedal once (I came in a little too hot following a straightaway). I love that. Hyundai has also implemented a new feature called Smart Regen System 2, which can be activated by holding the right paddle on the steering wheel and can automatically adjust regen levels using a radar sensor on the vehicle’s front.
Other than that, the 2025 IONIQ 5 remains a homerun of a BEV option with its E-GMP platform, a huge wheelbase (longer than the Hyundai Palisade) which offers a sneaky amount of interior space, and a smooth AWD ride. It’s not the most nimble of BEVs, but it’s’ still a blast to accelerate with and hit some winding curves whenever possible. It still handles quite well and helps you remain in control.
Sometimes, I wish it was tuned a little better, but Hyundai put all that effort into the IONIQ 5 N, another fantastic option in the IONIQ lineup. Overall, most of the updates to the 2025 IONIQ are cosmetic or include improvements to the battery. Still, for a mid-cycle refresh, its improvements are more than adequate and should help this model continue as a best-seller, furthering Hyundai’s clout as a blossoming leader in tech-forward BEVs while remaining relatively affordable.
The 2025 IONIQ 5 is available now and starts at an MSRP of $42,500 before taxes and fees.
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Mammoth Solar, a 1.3 gigawatt (GW) solar farm in northern Indiana, is now powering into its biggest construction phase yet, cementing its place as one of the largest solar projects in the US.
The solar farm is set to increase Indiana’s solar capacity by more than 20% once it’s fully online. And with construction ramping up this month, developer Doral Renewables has given Bechtel Full Notice to Proceed on the design, engineering, and construction of three major phases of the project: Mammoth South, Mammoth Central I, and Mammoth Central II. Together, these phases will generate 900 MW of clean energy.
That’s enough electricity to power around 200,000 homes with clean energy, helping Indiana shift away from fossil fuels while boosting the local economy.
Construction is already underway, and over the next two years, Bechtel will install around 2 million solar panels, with about half of them made in the US. The company is also handling all engineering, procurement, and construction work, using its digital project management tools and autonomous tech to keep everything on track.
At the peak of the buildout, Mammoth Solar is expected to create over 1,200 jobs, with at least 15% of those set aside for apprenticeships.
Bechtel says its success will hinge on strong collaboration with local trades and vendors. The company is working closely with craft professionals and is committed to being a reliable community partner throughout construction.
Once the solar farm is complete in 2027, Doral Renewables plans to roll out agrivoltaics across the site. That means livestock grazing and crop cultivation will happen right alongside energy production, giving farmers in the area a way to keep working their land while supporting clean energy development.
Read more: Solar adds more new capacity to the US grid in 2024 than any energy source in 20 years
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BYD is about to launch an even smaller EV, but this one’s a little different. It’s BYD’s first kei car. You know, those tiny vehicles that dominate Japan’s city streets? BYD’s mini EV was just spotted out in public, giving us our first real look at the upcoming kei car.
BYD’s first mini EV was spotted in public
Last week, rumors surfaced that BYD was developing its first kei car, which would compete with top-selling models from Nissan, Honda, Mitsubishi, and other Japanese brands.
Kei cars, or “K-Car,” as they are sometimes called, are a class of ultra-compact vehicles that cannot be longer than 3.4 meters (134″). To put that into perspective, BYD’s smallest EV currently, the Seagull (called the Dolphin Mini overseas), is 3,780 mm (148.8″) long.
The mini vehicles are ideal in Japan because they are so small, making it easy to get around tight city streets. They are also more affordable and efficient than larger vehicles.
BYD’s mini EV was spotted for the first time during a road test this week by IT Home (via CarNewsChina), revealing a familiar look. It has that boxy, compact look of a typical kei car with sliding side doors.
According to reports, BYD is developing a new platform for the model. It will reportedly include a 20 kWh battery, good for 180 km (112 miles) WLTC range. By using its in-house Blade LFP batteries, BYD is expected to have a cost advantage.
BYD’s upcoming mini EV is expected to start at around 2.5 million yen, or about $18,000. That’s about the same as the Nissan Sakura (2.59 million yen), Japan’s best-selling EV last year.
既出ですがBYDの日本向けEV軽自動車と言われているフロントとリアからのスパイショット。 pic.twitter.com/CcV5pihpWc
— 主夫まぬか (@syufumanuka) May 16, 2025
Last year, around 1.55 million kei cars were sold in Japan, accounting for roughly 40% of new vehicle sales. Honda’s N-Box was the top-selling kei car (EV or gas) for the third straight year.
As Nikkei reported, some are already calling BYD’s electric kei car “a huge threat.” A Suzuki dealer said, “Young people do not have a negative view of BYD. It would be a huge threat if the company launches cheap models in Japan.”
BYD already sells several electric cars in Japan, including the Atto 3 SUV, Dolphin, and Seal. Last month, the company launched the new Sealion 7 midsize electric SUV, starting at 4.95 million yen ($34,500).
Although Japan isn’t really an EV hot spot, with sales falling 33% in 2024 to just under 60,000 units, BYD sees an opportunity.
By making virtually every car component in-house, including batteries, BYD can offer EVs at such low prices while still making a profit. BYD’s cheapest and best-selling electric car, the Seagull, starts at under $10,000 (69,800 yuan) in China.
With new smart driving and charging tech rolling out, BYD’s electric cars are getting smarter and even more efficient.
Can BYD’s mini EV compete with Japanese brands? At the right price, it may have a chance. Check back soon for more on the upcoming kei car. We’ll keep you up to date with the latest.
Source: Sina, CarNewsChina
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Ford’s electric pickup truck is back at the top. The F-150 Lightning is once again the best-selling electric pickup in the US after overtaking the Tesla Cybertruck in the first quarter.
Ford’s F-150 Lightning is the best-selling electric pickup
After launching in 2023, Tesla’s Cybertruck quickly outpaced the Lightning to become America’s top-selling EV pickup last year.
Since Tesla doesn’t break down regional sales, registration data gives us our best estimate. The latest registration data from S&P Global Mobility (via Automotive News) shows that the F-150 Lightning retook the title in March and the first quarter of 2025.
Ford’s electric pickup notched 2,598 registrations in March, topping the Tesla Cybertruck with 2,170. In the first quarter, the F-150 Lightning remained ahead with 7,913 registrations, compared to the Cybertruck’s 7,126.
Although the Cybertruck was the fifth top-selling EV in the US last year, it didn’t even crack the top ten in March. It placed ninth through the first three months of 2025, behind the Volkswagen ID.4.
While Tesla and Ford remained the leaders in the electric pickup market, several new models are gaining momentum. According to the most recent numbers from Cox Automotive, GM sold 2,383 Chevy Silverado EVs and 1,249 GMC Sierra EV models in Q1. Meanwhile, Rivian sold 1,727 R1Ts during the quarter.
Earlier today, Electrek reported that new models, including the Honda Prologue and Chevy Blazer EV, helped drive EV registrations up 20% in the US in March.
Although the Lightning reclaimed the crown from Tesla, Ford’s electric pickup isn’t exactly flying off the lot. Ford reported Lightning sales fell 16% to just 1,740 units in April. Through April 2025, Ford has sold 8,927 electric trucks, down 9% from the 9,833 it handed over last year.
Electrek’s Take
To be fair, Tesla is still ahead by a wide margin in the US. The S&P numbers show Tesla had over 51,000 registrations in March, up 1% after two months of lower YOY growth.
GM’s Chevy surpassed Ford to become the second-best-selling EV brand with nearly 8,500 registrations, an increase of 274% from last year. Ford dropped to third with 7,361 registrations.
Although it’s just one quarter, it’s starting to show how Tesla CEO Elon Musk’s political antics are likely impacting sales. After the Cybertruck’s initial hype, it appears many buyers are opting for traditional pickups, like the F-150 Lighting.
Meanwhile, Ram is delaying its first electric pickup, the 1500 REV, again. Ram is pushing production back until summer 2027, saying it’s “extending the quality validation period.” The plug-in hybrid (PHEV) Ramcharger will also be delayed until the first quarter of 2026.
After pulling the Ramcharger ahead of the fully electric version last year, Stellantis blamed weak demand for EV pickups in the US.
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