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Does a recent GM patent and trademark filing for what seems to be an upcoming electric van hint at the long-awaited successor to the Chevy Express van that’s been in production since 1996, or does the General have something else planned for the Express’ 30th anniversary?

The GM watchdogs at GM Authority uncovered a fresh patent for a new “toy replica” van that doesn’t seem to match up with any existing General Motors model — and that includes the usual suspects at Brightdrop, and the GM Wuling Yangguang EV in China, and it’s worth noting that the drawings appear to represent a van that’s somewhat smaller than both.

GM Authority did some of that due diligence as well, noting that the vehicle seems distinct from the proposed Buick electric minivan concept in China.

The patent filing was published 06MAY2025, under United States Patent and Trademark Office (USPTO) patent number D1,073,535 S. The drawings (shown, below) were originally submitted on 23MAY2023, and list Logan J. Phillips, Junglim Huh, and Namwoo Kim as the inventors, but it’s not yet clear if they represent an Ultium-based van that’s since been shelved, or an upcoming replacement for the now ancient Chevy Express cargo van that’s been in production nearly thirty (30) years.

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GM electric van patent drawings


We fed the sketches, above, into Chat GPT to get the delivery-focused rendering (shown, at top), but I’m not sure it’s the right vibe. To my eyes, it looks more like a Kia PV5 than anything else — and, now that both companies are exploring that possibility, that might mean a lot more going forward than any Brightdrop or Ultium underpinnings.

Electrek’s Take


2025 Chevy Express van; via Chevrolet.

The Chevy Express and GMC Savana twins have been soundly out-Darwined by newer, European-style vans like the Mercedes-Benz Sprinter (which wasn’t even available in the US when it was launched back in 1996), Ram ProMaster, and Ford Transit. Still, the familiar platform and myriad upfitting options keep them relatively popular among tradespeople. A similarly-sized machine with maybe close, maybe identical interior dimensions in the cargo bay and some more modern, fuel-efficient or electric drivetrain options could make for a new model that doesn’t give up the upfitting benefit of a decades-old platform while delivering on forward-looking tech.

That’s my take, anyway — what’s yours? Click on the USPTO and GM Authority source links, below, to see more, or just let us know what you make of this “toy van” concept art in the comments section at the bottom of the page.

SOURCE: USPTO, via GM Authority; featured image by Chat GPT.


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BYD’s best-selling EV arrives in Europe as the Dolphin Surf with prices starting at $26,000

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BYD's best-selling EV arrives in Europe as the Dolphin Surf with prices starting at ,000

BYD’s electric hot hatch has officially arrived in Europe. The BYD Dolphin Surf is the European version of its best-selling (and most affordable) EV, the Seagull. Despite its small size, the Dolphin Surf has “huge potential” with prices starting at just 23,000 euros ($26,000).

Meet the BYD Dolphin EV for Europe

With over 55,000 units sold last month alone, the Seagull was BYD’s top-selling EV in April. Last year, it was second, trailing only Tesla’s Model Y as the best-selling electric vehicle in China. Now, you can buy it in Europe.

BYD launched the Dolphin Surf on Wednesday, a longer version of the Seagull with a few upgrades. Although not quite as cheap as the Seagull, which starts at under $10,000 (69,800 yuan) in China, the electric hatch is still one of the most affordable in Europe.

The Dolphin Surf is available in three different versions in Europe, with prices starting at 22,990 euros ($26,000) for the standard range model with a WLTP driving range of 220 km (137 miles).

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Until June, BYD is offering a discounted price of just 19,990 euros ($22,700). The longer-range Dolphin Surf starts at 24,990 euros and has a 507 km (315 mile) range.

BYD-Dolphin-Surf-EV
BYD Dolphin Surf EV (Source: BYD)

BYD said the compact electric city car is “built for the big city” with a sporty new design and the automaker’s advanced in-car technology.

Built for the big city

The interior is similar to other BYD vehicles, with a 10.1″ rotating touchscreen (with Apple CarPlay and Android connectivity) at the center. It’s also equipped with “Hi BYD,” a new voice control feature.

Although it may be compact, the Dolphin Surf has over 20 “clever storage areas” and a boot capacity of up to 316 L. With the rear seats folded, the electric hatch offers up to 1,037 L of space.

BYD-Dolphin-Surf-EV
BYD Dolphin Surf EV interior (Source: BYD)

Like its other new vehicles, the Dolphin Surf is equipped with BYD’s Advanced Driver Assistance System (ADAS) as standard, which includes features like intelligent cruise control, automatic emergency braking, and lane-departure assist.

BYD will introduce the four-seater variant in June. With prices expected to start at around 25,000 euros ($28,300), it’s expected to compete with the Renault R5 and Volkswagen’s upcoming ID.2 electric car.

BYD’s region director, Maria Grazia, said during the launch event in Berlin (via Reuters) that “The compact segment is the next frontier for electrification in Europe,” adding “We think this market has huge potential.”

Electrek’s Take

BYD is leading EV sales in China, and it’s not even close. The automaker is coming off its best sales week of the year with nearly 68,000 vehicles registered from May 5 to May 11, up 15% from the previous week.

To give you some perspective, Tesla delivered just 3,070 vehicles in China in the same week, down 69% from the same week in 2024.

Will the Dolphin Surf see the same demand in Europe? With competitive prices, range, and features, it could be BYD’s most important EV so far. It’s the brand’s 10th vehicle to launch in Europe, following the Sealion 07, a smart midsize electric SUV.

According to S&P Global Mobility, BYD’s sales could double in Europe this year to around 186,000. By 2029, that number could reach around 400,000. Although it’s not slated for European production, the report notes that the Dolphin Surf’s “pricing strategy ensures competitiveness in the EU even with tariffs.”

Will the BYD Dolphin Surf become a top-selling EV in Europe? Leave us a comment below and let us know your thoughts.

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Fiat really, REALLY wants to build this 4×4 Grande Panda Manifesto concept

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Fiat really, REALLY wants to build this 4x4 Grande Panda Manifesto concept

The original Fiat Panda 4×4 was an 80s icon and early entry into the compact SUV movement. Today, the funky electric Panda Grande is still carrying that torch, but it’s clear that someone at Fiat wants to lean into the off-road segment just a bit harder – and that’s what this new Grande Panda 4×4 Manifesto is all about.

First shown during the Grande Panda Hybrid media drive, Fiat is calling the new 4×4 Grande Panda Manifesto concept “the direct heir of the Panda 4×4,” and hopes it can act as a reminder of the 1983 original’s efficient, off-road legacy.

The Grande Panda that debuted last year is available with either a 108 hp 1.2 liter gas engine or a 111 hp electric motor powering the front wheels. The 4×4 concept starts with that electric motor up front, but adds an “innovative” e-axle at the rear of the tiny grande crossover, fully delivering on the “4×4” promise of a powered rear axle despite the lack of a conventional/traditional driveshaft or transfer case.

For their part, Fiat’s people seem pretty proud of the new setup:

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From a technical standpoint, the Grande Panda 4×4 concept is thought with an electrified innovative rear axle. This feature would enable the vehicle to deliver impressive performance in urban settings and on more demanding terrain. It’s a deliberate choice that underscores FIAT’s ongoing commitment to embracing increasingly sustainable and forward-looking technologies, all while preserving the adventurous spirit and everyday practicality that have always defined the Panda 4×4.

STELLANTIS

A lifted stance, more aggressive A/T tires, front-mounted accessory lights, steelie wheels, and the seemingly mandatory “overlander” roof rack make up the rest of the modifications. No word yet on the Manifesto’s performance or specs, but I imagine something not too far removed from the new Jeep Compass’ specs makes sense.

And I promise: Fiat really, really wants to build this thing. Watch this space for more announcements, specs, and (eventually) pricing information.

Electrek’s Take


Fiat Panda 4x4 Is Back And Bigger Than Ever
Fiat Grande Panda 4×4 Manifesto; via Stellantis.

As my aunt Mary would say, Stellantis needs to get down from that cloud and realize that Jeep is not, should, and will not ever be the high-end luxury brand it hopes it will be. Once it does, it can slap a seven-slot grille on this Grande Panda 4×4 Manifesto concept, throw in some removable doors and a folding canvas moonroof, re-brand it as a modern Willys for about $30K, and watch the money roll in.

Fight me.

Make it a cheap Jeep


Fiat Grande Panda 4×4 Manifesto as a cheap Jeep; via Chat GPT.

SOURCE | IMAGES: Stallantis.

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Xpeng shares rise, adding to 66% rally after the Chinese EV maker’s losses narrowed

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Xpeng shares rise, adding to 66% rally after the Chinese EV maker's losses narrowed

An Xpeng booth at the 2025 Spring International Auto Show in Qingdao, Shandong province, China, on March 7, 2025.

Cfoto | Future Publishing | Getty Images

Xpeng shares jumped as much as 6% in premarket trading in New York, after the Chinese electric vehicle upstart reported first quarter earnings that were ahead of expectations.

The stock had pared gains to rise 5.23% at 12:44 p.m. London time.

Here’s how Xpeng did in the first quarter versus LSEG estimates:

  • Revenue: 15.81 billion Chinese yuan ($2.18 billion), up 141.5% year-on-year and comparing with 15.1 billion yuan expected.
  • Net loss: 660 million yuan, versus a 1.4 billion yuan loss expected and down from 1.37 billion yuan last year.

Xpeng said it anticipates second-quarter revenue will come in between 17.5 billion yuan and 18.7 billion yuan, which was also surpassed consensus estimates.

The Guangzhou-headquartered firm also said it expects to deliver between 102,000 and 108,000 of its electric cars in the second quarter of this year, representing a year-over-year increase of around 237.7% to 257.5%.

Xpeng delivered 94,008 in the first three months of this year.

The company contended with a difficult 2023, when it faced slowing growth and mounting losses because of rising competition in China’s electric vehicle market and increasing economic uncertainty in its home market.

But the company has been aggressive with new products, launching a mass market car last year and a refreshed version of its flagship X9 in April in 2025, helping to improve its fortunes over the last 18 months or so.

That, along with strong deliveries this year, has helped fuel a 66% year-to-date rally in its share price, which has finally helped lift its stock above the $15 per share price that it went public with in 2020. Still, the stock is well off its record high of more than $50 per share hit in October 2021.

Xpeng is now facing an even bigger raft of competition from new entrants like Xiaomi and from incumbents like BYD.

Still, the company is maintaining momentum. Xpeng delivered 35,045 electric vehicles in April, sustaining its record of putting out more than 30,000 vehicles for the sixth consecutive month.

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