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The low-cost Rio compact car will not be making a return in the US for a 2024 model year. Instead, Kia is expected to transition its production facility in Mexico, where the Rio is built, to produce two new EVs in Mexico.

Kia retires the Rio in favor of new EVs

According to a new report from Automotive News, the Kia Rio will follow in the footsteps of its small Hyundai counterpart, the Accent, which was retired after the 2022 model year.

The trend comes as US buyers gravitate toward larger vehicles. For example, minivans, crossovers, SUVs, and pickups represented nearly 80% of all new vehicle sales in the US this year through June.

Kia remains committed to sedans despite Rio sales falling 14% to 26,996 last year and another 2% through July.

The automaker is reportedly upgrading its manufacturing plant in Mexico, where the Rio is currently built. The governor of New Nuevo Leon, Mexico, Samuel Garcia, revealed Kia’s plans on Twitter (now X) in May.

Garcia initially announced a “billion-dollar investment to expand its plant and produce two Kia car models,” later removing the “billion-dollar.”

Kia-Rio-EVs
(Source: Samuel Garcia)

Another post reads, “Kia announces billion dollar investment to install another plant in Nuevo Leon where it will produce two new electric models in conjunction with Hyundai.” However, Kia has yet to confirm this.

Kia plans to roll out 14 EVs globally by 2027, including the flagship EV9, its first three-row electric SUV, which debuted in March.

Meanwhile, Kia intends to go beyond SUVs. The marketing director for Kia Europe told Autocar recently that the company would “have coverage in all major segments,” suggesting models from an EV1 up to the EV9.

Kia-EV5-leaked-images
Kia EV5 (Source: (Source: AutoHome)

Earlier this year, Kia revealed the EV5 crossover, which will sit between the Niro EV and EV6. Ahead of its debut at the Chengdu Motor Show in China, leaked images show the EV5 in full production form. (You can see all of them here.)

The EV5 will be produced in China and exported to international markets. (No word on if it’s coming to the US.) The electric crossover is expected to start around $40,000 (50 million won). Kia has also confirmed it will roll out an all-electric pickup.

Kia-Rio-EVs
Kia limited edition Forest Green EV6 next the the EV9 (Source: Kia)

According to Automotive News, the two EVs Garcia mentioned could reference the planned EV3 and EV4, two smaller crossover sedans set to ride on Hyundai’s new Integrated Modular Architecture (IMA).

The IMA will replace the current E-GMP (used for the present Kia and Hyundai EVs) to support 13 new dedicated electric models for Hyundai, Kia, and Genesis through 2030.

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Tesla Cybertruck sank when launching a jetski after Musk said you could use the truck as a boat

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Tesla Cybertruck sank when launching a jetski after Musk said you could use the truck as a boat

A Tesla Cybertruck sank in Ventura harbor in California when trying to launch a jetski despite Tesla CEO Elon Musk saying that you could use the truck as a boat.

Elon Musk has often made claims before about how Tesla vehicles could float and briefly serve as a boat.

They have never been taken too seriously because Tesla’s warranty says something different about taking the vehicle into the water.

However, the CEO doubled down on the claim with Cybertruck.

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Ahead of launching the production version of the Cybertruck, Musk claimed the vehicle would be “waterproof enough” to serve as a boat and cross rivers:

Cybertruck will be waterproof enough to serve briefly as a boat, so it can cross rivers, lakes and even seas that aren’t too choppy.

The CEO added that the goal is for a Cybertruck to be able to cross the water between SpaceX’s Starbase and South Padre Island in Texas, which is about 360 meters (1,100 feet).

We have been taking the Cybertruck more seriously with water because we learned that Tesla built a ‘wade mode’ for the truck to be able to go into the water. Tesla says the mode increases the ride height to the max and “pressurizes the battery pack.”

The problem is that it is activated through the off-roading mode, which is not covered under Tesla’s warranty – so we are taking everything with a grain of salt.

Tesla Cybertruck Sank in Ventura

A Tesla owner in California learned the hard way that Cybertruck is not a boat.

The incident happened in Ventura harbor in California on Monday. The Cybertruck owner was launching a jet ski on the boat ramp when he couldn’t get the truck out of the water (via Safety for Citizens)

Beginning shortly before 11:00am, a man had to scramble out of his Cybertruck Monday morning, March 10 of 2025, after the truck fell into the harbor. The man was attempting to launch a jet ski at the time of the accident.

The owner managed to get out, but the truck sank into the water:

The Cybertruck sunk and became completely submerged off the boat launch ramp. A diver from the Coast Guard assisted a tow driver in attaching cables and ropes to the vehicle.

The rescue effort involved the Ventura City Fire Department, Vessel Assist, Tow Boat US, Harbor Patrol, additional Harbor resources, and the Coast Guard.

They shared a few pictures of the rescue effort:

Electrek’s Take

To be fair, it could also be a user error, but either way, I wouldn’t take the Cybertruck into any body of water.

Meanwhile, BYD is just trolling Tesla by actually doing what Elon claimed the Cybertruck would be capable of doing:

It really feels like Tesla is being surpassed based on every metric possible.

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Toyota just opened its first 350kW fast charging station with EVgo that can fit 8 EVs

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Toyota just opened its first 350kW fast charging station with EVgo that can fit 8 EVs

Toyota wants everyone to have access to affordable, convenient EV charging. Through its partnership with EVgo, Toyota opened its first EV fast charger on Monday. The new co-branded stations, with 350kW fast chargers, can serve up to eight EVs.

Toyota, EVgo open first 350kW EV fast charger

The new DC fast charging station opened in Baldwin Park and Sacramento, California, as part of Toyota’s “Empact” vision.

Toyota announced the initiative almost two years ago, aimed at expanding charging access in underserved communities.

“Together with EVgo, we are supporting broader access to charging infrastructure for all battery EV drivers, including those driving Toyota and Lexus BEVs,” Toyota North America General Manager of EV charging solutions, James George, said at the event.

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The new stations are near “amenity-rich” areas with nearby grocery stores, restaurants, shopping malls, and other businesses.

Scott Levitan, EVgo’s executive vice president, explained that charging availability is “essential” as more drivers choose electric. The new charging stations are strategically located to provide affordable, convenient access to the surrounding communities.

Toyota-EVgo-EV-fast-charger
Toyota and EVgo open first 350kW EV fast charging station (Source: EVgo)

State Assemblywoman Blanca Rubio, D-Baldwin Park, said the new stations will “support the city’s residents and visitors,” adding, “Fast charging stations provide critical infrastructure that will amplify the use of clean energy transportation across Senate District 8.”

Toyota and EVgo’s initiative is “a win for our environment and for the future of sustainable mobility in Sacramento.”

Toyota-EVgo-EV-fast-charger
2025 Toyota bZ4X Limited AWD Supersonic Red (Source: Toyota)

As one of the nation’s largest public fast-charging operators, EVgo has already deployed over 1,100 stations across 40 US states. As more drivers choose an EV, EVgo will continue partnering with automakers like Toyota to expand fast-charging access.

Toyota-EVgo-EV-fast-charger
2025 Toyota bZ4X Nightshade edition (Source: Toyota)

EVgo and Toyota also expanded their partnership to offer one year of free public charging to those who buy or lease a new 2025 bZ4X.

The 2025 Toyota bZ4X starts at $37,070, or $6,000 less than the 2024 model. It also gained a stealthy new “Nightshade” edition, Toyota’s first EV to receive the new trim.

2025 Toyota bZ4X trim Starting Price
(excluding $1,395 DPH fee)
Price reduction
(vs 2024MY)
Range
(mi)
XLE FWD $37,070 -$6,000 252
XLE AWD $39,150 -$6,000 228
Limited FWD $41,800 -$5,380 236
Limited AWD $43,880 -$5,380 222
Nightshade $40,420 N/A 222
2025 Toyota bZ4X prices and range by trim

At 184.6″ long, Toyota’s electric SUV is slightly longer (3.7″) than the RAV4. However, the rear feels more roomy with a longer wheelbase and flat floor design.

On the inside, the 2025 model remains about the same. It includes a standard 12.3″ touchscreen with wireless Apple CarPlay and Android Auto support.

If you’re ready to test out Toyota’s electric SUV for yourself, we can help you get started. With leases starting at just $259 per month, the 2025 bZ4X is a steal this month. You can use our link to find Toyota bZ4X models at a dealer near you and take it for a spin.

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CLIP Unveils BOLT, a $250 e-bike conversion system aimed at expanding access to cycling

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CLIP Unveils BOLT, a 0 e-bike conversion system aimed at expanding access to cycling

Brooklyn-based e-bike conversion kit maker CLIP has launched BOLT, a front-mounted electric motor designed to transform standard bicycles into e-bikes. The company is marketing the device as the world’s most affordable quick-install e-bike upgrade, with a focus on making electrified transportation accessible in low-to-moderate income communities and emerging markets.

Unlike traditional e-bikes, which often start at around US $1,000 and go up quickly from there, BOLT is positioned as a low-cost alternative. The device features a 450W motor and a swappable battery system, providing pedal assistance up to 15 mph (25 km/h).

The kit installs on the front fork of most adult bicycles, making it an option for riders who want an e-bike experience without purchasing a dedicated electric bicycle.

While CLIP has previously targeted the business-to-consumer (B2C) market with its easily mountable e-bike conversion kits, BOLT will be distributed primarily through business-to-business (B2B) channels. The company seems to have its sights set on bike sharing and other commercial operators of bike fleets.

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In the US and Europe, CLIP is selling the system to businesses for $250, including two 144 Wh battery packs. In emerging markets, BOLT will be offered at a $100 price point, excluding the battery, with users paying a $5 per month subscription fee to access rechargeable battery swaps through local partners.

“BOLT is designed to make e-bike commuting truly accessible and equitable for people everywhere, from New York to New Delhi,” said Som  Ray, Founder and CEO of CLIP. “BOLT removes the price barriers of traditional e-bikes while maximizing environmental impact to scale sustainable transportation worldwide.”

CLIP is framing BOLT as both an environmental and social mobility tool, citing the high cost of traditional e-bikes as a barrier to widespread adoption. The company states that over 60% of its riders come from low-to-moderate-income communities, and it plans to partner with local organizations to expand access.

The product is being marketed as a low-impact alternative to full e-bike production, with CLIP claiming that BOLT requires 50 times fewer resources to manufacture and has a 30 times smaller logistics footprint compared to conventional e-bikes. The system is manufactured in Kolkata, India, with localized assembly in North America, Europe, and India.

CLIP has positioned BOLT as a disruptive force in e-bike affordability, which tracks with the device’s rather rare design. Instead of a traditional hub motor or mid-drive motor, CLIP uses a friction drive that presses against the front tire of the bike, forcing it to roll forward. The device’s front-mounted motor configuration is notably different from mid-drive or rear-hub e-bike motors. Additionally, its business-to-business sales model means that individual riders will not be able to purchase the system directly, relying instead on third-party distribution networks.

The company has yet to announce specific partnerships or large-scale deployments, though it has set ambitious climate goals. It claims that widespread adoption of BOLT could eliminate up to 3.7 million metric tons of carbon dioxide emissions annually.

As BOLT appears set to enter the market, its impact on the growing e-bike sector remains to be seen. With its low price point and modular design, the system could appeal to budget-conscious riders if it proves to be a viable and reliable alternative to traditional e-bikes.

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