Kia officially unveiled its new compact electric SUV, the EV5, at the Chengdu Motor Show on Friday. The new EV5 is a family-friendly electric SUV influenced by the flagship EV9. Check out the official images below.
Kia unveils its new compact electric SUV, the EV5
We’ve been tracking Kia’s new electric SUV for several months now after Kia released the EV5 in concept form in March.
Leaked images from the Ministry of Industry and Information Technology (MIIT) showed the new SUV in production form earlier this month that looked eerily similar to the concept (and the EV9).
At the Chengdu Motor Show in China, the Kia EV5 made its global debut, showing a compact EV built for the electric era. Kia says the EV5 “brings a new era of electric mobility to the compact SUV sector to meet the needs of millennial families.”
Taking inspiration from the brand’s new “Opposites United” design philosophy, the same shown in the flagship EV9, the electric SUV arrives with a bold, rugged look.
Up front, you will notice Kia’s new “Tiger Face,” replacing its signature “Tiger Nose” grille shown in older models.
Kia EV5 electric SUV (Source: Kia)
The new design can be seen in every angle with robust fenders and broad shoulder lines. Meanwhile, the pushed-back D-pillars (the rear) give the EV5 more interior space, highlighting the SUV’s versatility.
Toward the back, an extended and lowered spoiler preserves the SUV’s distinctive profile while enhancing aerodynamic efficiency.
Kia EV5 (Source: Kia)
The EV5 will come in nine glossy color options and an ivory-silver matte option. The glossy colors include snow white pearl, clear white, starry night black, magma red, ivory silver, frost blue, iceberg green, tide blue, and shale grey.
Kia EV5 (Source: Kia)
An interior designed to live in
Through its research, Kia discovered millennial householders consider the interior of their electric SUV as an additional “room” to live in rather than just a means of getting from point A to point B.
Kia EV5 interior (Source: Kia)
As such, Kia interior designers reimagined the EV5’s interior, taking inspiration from the larger EV9 with an interior space that’s closer to a “home lounge than a traditional car cabin.”
The EV5 includes variable mood lighting that you can adjust on a brightness scale of 0 to 10 with ten different curated shades. When active, the lightning adjusts to the vehicle’s drive modes, dims in low light, and alerts the driver when going over the speed limit.
Kia EV5 interior (Source: Kia)
Boasting a new dashboard design, the EV5 features a modern infotainment setup with dual displays, similar to the EV9.
The rear bench can fold completely flat, enabling a spacious cargo area with additional under-floor storage options.
Kia EV5 interior space (Source: Kia)
Highlights and features
Although Kia didn’t reveal powertrain details, it’s expected to ride on Hyundai’s E-GMP platform, the same used for the EV6 and IONIQ 5.
The leaked MIIT data shows that the Chinese model will be powered by a 214 hp (160 kW) single electric motor with 310 Nm torque. It’s also expected to use BYD’s Blade LFP batteries, although Kia has yet to confirm this.
Kia EV5 rear view (Source: Kia)
The base version is expected to have more battery capacity than the EV6 (77.4 kWh), reaching upwards of 82 kWh. Meanwhile, a longer-range variant is expected to come with over 600 km (373 miles) range.
At 4,615 mm long, 1,875 mm wide, and 1,715 mm tall, the EV5 will compete directly against Tesla’s Model Y (4,750 mm L, 1,921 mm W, 1,624 mm H).
The new electric SUV will sit between the Niro EV and EV6 in the brand’s lineup. According to reports, it’s expected to start at around 57 million won (around $42,600). If this is the case, it will be cheaper than the Model Y, which starts at just under $49,000 in China.
Kia will launch the EV5 in China later this year, while further details are expected to be unveiled at Kia EV day, slated for October. Check back for more as we get closer to Kia’s EV event.
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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.
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 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 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.”
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.
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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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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