LEC Team, Author at Learn Electric Cars

Latest Spotting of 2025 Rivian R1S Reveals New Design Details

The 2025 R1 models will not just get aesthetic enhancements, but performance updates too. The 2025 Rivian R1S was caught testing recently which unveiled some design alterations and other details in comparison to the existing model. The American EV startup will refresh its electric SUV, R1S, just after two years of being in production. This implies that Rivian wants to keep its portfolio fresh amidst increasing competition and projected slowdown in EV sales. While we await official announcements, I suspect the launch might take place on June 27, which happens to be the Investor Day for Rivian. You might also like: Discounts On Rivian R1T And R1S – All You Want To Know Spy Shots Reveal Details of 2025 Rivian R1S The prototypes were seen performing test runs on streets without wearing any camouflage. As a result, we were able to discover a new set of LED headlamps. These will be slightly more sculpted and muscular in contrast to the current model lending it a modern appearance. Apart from that, the overall design silhouette will resemble the current model. Look closely and you will also spot the Black Package which incorporates dark elements on the bumpers, black wheels and de-chrome body. These spy images were uploaded to a Rivian Forums thread by a user named Peytonrg. He even mentions that, in addition to the aforementioned design updates, the 2025 Rivian R1S will even get silver wheel callipers. Another user claimed that he spotted the prototype a couple of days ago. He observed a new camera module for the mirrors, a “charger disconnect” button near the port, new alloy wheels and a slimmer lightbar. Therefore, I expect minor tweaks to design and functionality. The R1T pickup will also borrow most of these elements. You might also like: 4 Electric Pickup Trucks Driven Until They Died – Tesla, Ford, Rivian, Chevy Specs, New Battery and Heat Pump In addition to the exterior styling and some new features, the main talking point about the 2025 Rivian R1 models is the new battery and heat pump. The latter will be standard across the range. The battery will be a 92.5 kWh LFP unit instead of 105.9 kWh. This also results in a reduction of weight by 150 lbs (70 kg). LFP batteries will have a long-range, low cost and less use of rare earth minerals. There will be the option of choosing between either 20-inch or 22-inch alloy wheels. Finally, the AC compressor will be relocated to improve NVH (Noise, Vibrations, Harshness) levels. All this information surfaced courtesy of a leaked document a few days ago. Now the official EPA-estimated range figures will be available at a later stage. But the leaked documents mention a range of 380 miles (612 km) in the city and 322 miles (518 km) on the highway with 20-inch alloys. With the larger 22-inchers, however, this stat elevates to a rather enticing 405 miles (652 km) in the city and 340 miles (547 km) on the highway. Remember, Rivian EVs are now also eligible to use Tesla’s Supercharging network. It will continue to get the CCS port and the owners could access the Superchargers via an NACS adapter. You might also like: Rivian R3 Reminds Us Of Hyundai Ioniq 5, R2 Also Spotted Testing Learn Electric Cars Says The 2025 Rivian R1S SUV and R1T pickup truck are turning out to be exciting prepositions for a whole bunch of new potential EV buyers. They lock horns with the giants of the industry including the likes of the Tesla Cybetruck, Ford F-150 Lightning, GMC Hummer EV and Chevrolet Silverado EV. Hence, it makes sense for the American EV startup to keep its product range fresh. Also, the next step is toward the lower end of the market with products like the R3 and R2 in the pipeline. That will be the mass market strategy.

VW Confirms An Affordable €20,000 Entry-Level EV For 2027

2 Comments / EV News / By LEC Team

Volkswagen Group has been contemplating a €20,000 EV for quite some time now. VW has finally announced that its affordable €20,000 ($21,680 as per current exchange rates) entry-level EV will debut in 2027. The Wolfsburg-based auto giant has been working relentlessly on an inexpensive electric car to cater to the masses for a long time now. That is in line with its promise to create mobility for all in the upcoming electrified world. While not many details are available at the moment, we can assume the working title to be ID.1 for the moment. You might also like: VW CEO Says PHEVs Are Necessary Transitional Technology VW Announces Entry-Level EV For 2027 The official press release from Volkswagen Group mentions that in order to achieve the ambitious target of offering an EV for €20,000, a “high degree of localization” is needed. This model will initially be for the European market only. A key advantage of that is the reduction of long transport routes, which consequently minimizes CO2 pollution. Once the customers embrace it, we might witness it moving to other parts of the world. During this announcement, Volkswagen Group even released a teaser image of the silhouette of this entry-level EV. Albeit not much could be deduced from the image, it evidently bears a crossover body type. On top of that, one could even recognize the tall-boy stance with a short wheelbase. The wheel arches are quite well-pronounced. The rear section showcases a roof-mounted spoiler. The ID.2 SUV (slated to debut in 2026) inspiration is vivid. Management Comments On this momentous occasion, Oliver Blume, CEO Volkswagen Group said, “Generations of people associate the strong brands of the Volkswagen Group with their first car – and with affordable mobility. As a group with strong brands, we continue to assume this social responsibility to this day. That’s why I’m very pleased that we’re launching a future-oriented project. It’s about entry-level electric mobility from Europe for Europe. In doing so, we combine a clear commitment to Europe as an industrial location, a European industrial policy and ultimately act in the interests of European customers.” The CEO of the Volkswagen brand and head of the Brand Group Core, Thomas Schäfer remarked, “The future is electric. In order for electromobility to become widespread, attractive vehicles are needed, especially in the entry-level segment. Our brand promise is: electromobility for all. This promise is now being fulfilled in the Brand Group Core. Despite the attractive price, our vehicles will set standards in the entry-level segment in terms of technology, design, quality, and customer experience. This task has become more demanding due to rising energy, material, and raw material costs. One thing is clear: electromobility from Europe for Europe can only succeed with political support and competitive framework conditions.” You might also like: Hyundai Ioniq 7 Electric SUV Spied Testing Ahead of June 27 Debut Learn Electric Cars Says Affordable electric cars are what all major carmakers are heading toward. Due to the exorbitant prices of EV batteries in the last few years, it was almost impossible to offer a comparable vehicle at a price point in the vicinity of the ICE car. But with time, the battery costs have come down. The other enormous issue preventing mass adoption is range anxiety due to the lack of charging infrastructure. That is also being addressed by various governments around the world. Finally, the initial wave seemed to have plateaued, at least in the big markets like the U.S., China and the EU. Going forward, only low-cost EVs will be able to spur demand and generate traction and sales. Hence, most legacy carmakers are aiming for that enticing under-$25,000 price point. Once that becomes widespread and charging infrastructure catches up, we are bound to have more EVs on the roads.

Toyota Joins Hand With Idemitsu To Develop Solid State Batteries

Top 5 Carmakers Working On Solid-State Batteries For EVs – Toyota To BYD

1 Comment / Battery / By LEC Team

There are some established, as well as new auto companies, that are focusing their resources on developing solid-state batteries. I have compiled a list of the top 5 most prominent auto giants/conglomerates that are developing solid-state batteries for their EVs. Many car manufacturers have either set up connections with other conglomerates or battery companies or are developing new tech in-house. The route toward the future of electric mobility seems to go through solid-state battery technology. While there are dozens of new tech in the works in many parts of the world, solid-state batteries seem to be emerging as the most feasible and widely acceptable solution, at least in the immediate future. You might also like: CATL Unveils World’s First LFP Battery With a 1,000-km Range Top 5 Companies Developing Solid-State Batteries For EVs Toyota It is a well-known fact in the automobile industry that Toyota is the least bullish on complete electrification among all legacy carmakers in the world. Interestingly, it was among the first vehicle manufacturers to adopt a hybrid powertrain over 2 decades ago. It still believes in the power of hybrid cars, as well as hydrogen. Hence, it is not working aggressively toward stuffing its portfolios with pure EVs. But that is not to say that it has no plans of ever going in full throttle on EVs. It is developing a solid-state battery and has even released a timeline of when it plans to come out with it. It has joined hands with the petroleum giant, Idemitsu Kosan. The two players are set to unveil their first solid-state battery by 2026-27. The final aim is to create a battery with a 1,200 km (746 mi.) range. Nissan Next up, we have yet another Japanese auto giant on this list. Nissan has been investing heavily in its All-Solid-State Battery (ASSB) technology. The unique aspect about Nissan’s solid-state batteries is its approach to eliminate the need for cooling. While the existing EV batteries rely on air or liquid cooling methods, Nissan believes that solid-state cells can withstand higher temperatures without compromising safety or performance. It will collaborate with NASA and UC San Diego, incorporating AI techniques to address issues like lithium dendrite growth, ensuring the safety and durability of the solid-state cells. You might also like: StoreDot and Polestar Achieve 10-Minute Charging w/ Si-Dominant Cells Stellantis Now I understand that Nissan is also a part of Stellantis, but I am considering it separately since the conglomerate had announced a crucial partnership by investing in Factorial Energy which is headquartered in the U.S. in 2022. At the time, Stellantis CEO Carlos Tavares said, “Stellantis is full-speed ahead on its electrification transformation with 33 electrified models available right now, and eight battery electric vehicles coming in the next 18 months.” Factorial Energy CEO Siyu Huang commented, “We continue to move aggressively towards our goal of delivering automotive-scale, solid-state battery technology to our customers.” Last month, Factorial signed an MoU with LG Chem for the development of solid-state battery technology. BYD and Nio with CATL It is nigh impossible to talk EVs without mentioning Chinese carmakers. We know that the Chinese automobile market drives the trajectory of the overall global auto industry. This is particularly true with electric cars. BYD is among the biggest EV makers on the planet. In fact, in the last quarter of last year, it even overtook Tesla as the highest-selling EV company on the planet. Nio is a Chinese luxury auto giant which offers incredibly tech-savvy vehicles to rival the premium carmakers from the West. Both these Chinese giants are working in tandem with CATL, the world’s largest EV battery company, to develop futuristic batteries. In February this year, CATL, BYD, Nio, CALB and some others announced a consortium to build a supply chain for solid-state batteries for their EVs by 2030. SAIC Finally, we have the Chinese conglomerate, SAIC, completing this list of top companies developing solid-state batteries for their EVs. It is one of China’s four largest carmakers. It owns SAIC Maxum, SAIC Volkswagen, MG, Baojun and Wuling. SAIC will introduce its first EV with a semi-solid-state battery, the IM L7, in October this year. The mass production of solid-state batteries for its EVs will commence from 2026 onwards. Interestingly, SAIC is not just working on solid-state batteries but on a full-stack technology solution for intelligent vehicles and a new platform with Audi for the Chinese market. Hence, it is one of those conglomerates which is quite close to introducing this tech to its upcoming mass-production electric cars. You might also like: Mazda and Panasonic To Work On Cylindrical Cells For EV Batteries Learn Electric Cars Says As things stand at the moment, I believe solid-state batteries are slated to play an imperative role in shaping the future of electric mobility across the globe. This seems to be the case despite new battery tech emerging almost every other week. With the sheer level of R&D and partial applications already, these batteries satisfy most needs of modern EVs. These include things like affordability, reliability, safety, range, weight and more. I shall keep covering further developments in this space as more information surfaces.

Discounts On Rivian R1T And R1S – All You Want To Know

1 Comment / EV News / By LEC Team

The American EV startup is adopting the orthodox method of boosting sales. In a bid to boost its Q2 sales, Rivian is offering enticing discounts on its R1T and R1S EVs. The California-based EV startup is evidently feeling the heat as the U.S. EV industry braces for a slowdown. However, to boast decent sales figures for Q2, Rivian is offering attractive offers on the existing inventory for 2023 and 2024 models of the R1T electric pickup truck and R1S three-row electric SUV. You might also like: 2025 Rivian R1 EVs To Get Heat Pump As Standard, New LFP Battery Discounts on Rivian R1T and R1S Note that the price cuts are applicable to the existing inventory both in the U.S. and Canada. A Drive Tesla Canada report highlights the specifics of this offer. Various price cuts are being offered on multiple versions of the R1T and R1S. These include: Rivian R1T Electric Pickup Truck Rivian R1S Electric SUV These are some pretty decent and sizeable discounts to reel new customers in. It is, sort of, becoming crucial to draw buyers in to ensure a decent quarter. Note that Rivian delivered a healthy 13,588 EVs in Q1 2024. While this marks a remarkable 71% growth on a year-on-year basis, it is still less than what it sold in the previous three quarters. Therefore, the EV startup wants to maximize its chances to close this quarter on a high. Regarding these price cuts, Rivian said, “Now is the time” to take advantage of the discounts of “approximately 20 per cent”. Remember these offers are valid on the existing inventory only. Apart from that, Rivian recently confirmed that it is partnering with Google on Google Cast and YouTube integration for its EVs. It will allow the drivers to stream high-definition video content with premium sound directly to their vehicles’ screens using a native YouTube app and Cast-enabled apps on their smartphones or tablets. You might also like: Rivian R3 Reminds Us Of Hyundai Ioniq 5, R2 Also Spotted Testing Learn Electric Cars Says The need to resort to the oldest trick in the book (price cuts) informs us that the atmosphere surrounding EV growth and sales is slightly concerning. Sure, it is not the end of the road for electric cars as most EV-haters would suggest. The overall sales are projected to keep growing. However, the pace at which the growth was anticipated will most likely be slow. This is true for the U.S. and China, the two biggest automobile markets on the planet. To know the specifics of what the exact scenario would be like this year, we shall have to wait.

Lamborghini Huracan Successor 634 Hybrid Engine

Lamborghini Huracan Successor Will Get A Twin-Turbo Hybrid V8

2 Comments / Hybrid / By LEC Team

The iconic Italian automaker also thinks that it is a little too early for fully electric supercars just yet. As per the official press release, the upcoming Lamborghini Huracan successor will come equipped with a twin-turbo hybrid V8 engine. Codenamed the Lamborghini 634, the supercar will join the elite list of High-Performance Electrified Vehicles (HPEVs) in the Italian supercar marque’s portfolio. This lineup already includes the likes of the Revuelto and Urus SE. The launch of the Lamborghini 634 is slated for this year (2024). You might also like: Here’s How Ferrari May Still Sell ICE Cars Post EU Ban of 2035 Lamborghini Huracan To Get Twin-Turbo Hybrid V8 Lamborghini announced a few key details of the potent powertrain which will propel the legendary supercar. This new engine comprises of a twin-turbo V8 configuration along with a hybrid system consisting of three electric motors for a maximum power output of a jaw-dropping 900 CV (900 PS). Performing the transmission duties in tandem with this mill is a sporty and quick-shifting 8-speed dual-clutch gearbox. The aim is to surpass the performance of the existing Huracan range. Note that the current 4.0-litre twin-turbo V8 engine generates a whopping 800 CV (800 PS) between 9,000 and 9,750 RPM. The highest this motor could rev is a spine-chilling 10,000 RPM, which is already racing car territory. Also, the drivers can experience a maximum torque of 730 Nm (538 lb-ft) between 4,000 and 7,000 RPM. At the rear, the electric powertrain is placed between the combustion engine and the transmission. It even includes an inverter and an axial electric unit. This motor is capable of generating a decent 110 kW (150 PS) and 300 Nm (221 lb-ft) at just 3,500 RPM. The new engine will also deliver exhilarating acoustics, which adds to the overall driving aspect of any supercar. Hence, we can be sure that the hybrid Huracan won’t drop its iconic voice. You might also like: 2025 Rivian R1 EVs To Get Heat Pump As Standard, New LFP Battery Learn Electric Cars Says Lamborghini is not willing to shift to total electrification for its cars due to the ‘lack of emotional aspects’. In fact, Lamborghini CEO Stephan Winkelmann recently commented that fully electric supercars are “not something that is selling so far” and thinks “it’s too early, and we have to see down the road if and when this is going to happen.” He believes that hybrid cars don’t have the issue of lacking ’emotional connect’. As a matter of fact, the Italian supercar major is in favour of synthetic e-fuels which can elongate the lifetime of supercars without going all electric. Porsche is one carmaker under VW Group which is constantly developing ways to introduce synthetic e-fuels to extend the lives of combustion engines. Remember that the EU plans to ban sales of ICE cars by 2035. With e-fuels coming into the picture, these plans could see a revision. After Revuelto, Urus and Huracan’s successor, we will see Temerario join the list of HPEVs next. The first official EV be the Lazandor crossover which is expected by 2028.

Young Americans Open To Chinese EVs Despite 100% Tariffs – Study

6 Comments / Featured / By LEC Team

The study by AutoPacific also surveyed the reactions of Americans regarding data privacy and national security issues due to Chinese EVs. The Biden Administration recently announced 100% tariffs on Chinese EVs up from 25%, from August 1, 2024. Biden claims that this move will protect local jobs. Not just that, the batteries from China will also attract tariffs at 25% up from 7.5%. However, that will come into effect on January 1, 2026. A year prior to that, i.e., January 1, 2025, 50% tariffs will be imposed on semiconductors as well. Note that the tariffs are applicable to BEVs, as well as plug-in hybrid cars. It goes without saying that the U.S. government is adamant about restricting Chinese automobile products on its soil. The U.S. Trade Representative will open a 30-day period for public comment to close on June 28. Amidst all this, a survey by AutoPacific showcases some interesting trends. You might also like: Canada And Australia Join Hands To Tackle China In EV Battery Tech Americans Open to Chinese EVs Despite Tariffs The results come from a proprietary panel of vehicle owners in the U.S. as a part of AutoPacific’s bi-monthly Fuel Price Impact Survey. Nearly 800 respondents, aged 18 to 80, were asked a specific set of questions about Chinese-brand vehicles and privacy concerns. Interestingly, 76% of those under the age of 40 said they would consider buying a vehicle from a Chinese company. This number dropped to just 26% when considering respondents aged 60 and above. Talking about privacy issues, 44% of respondents said they would be ‘very concerned’ about their privacy if Chinese vehicles were sold in the U.S., while 34% would be ‘somewhat concerned’. Under the age of 40, 73% of respondents said they would be concerned about their privacy. Intriguingly, Ed Kim, President and Chief Analyst at AutoPacific said, “Privacy concerns about Chinese-brand vehicles are likely to eventually subside given that most of the connected smartphones, smart watches, laptops, connected home devices we are comfortable using every day are in fact manufactured in China.” Furthermore, 68% to 82% (depending on age group), share similar concerns about potential national security risks if Chinese car manufacturers were to sell their vehicles in the U.S. This is true irrespective of whether the vehicles are produced in China, the U.S. or any other country including Mexico. Mexico becomes particularly crucial because Chinese carmakers are considering building manufacturing facilities there which would allow them to bypass a lot of tariffs. This is where things get heated up. A whopping 73% of respondents under 40 said that they would ‘definitely or maybe consider’ a Chinese-brand vehicle made in Mexico. This number plummets to just 29% when considering the age group of 60 or older. Hence, younger Americans are certainly more open to the idea of considering Chinese vehicles. Chinese EVs are popular on social media due to affordability and tech on offer. You might also like: EV Batteries Made in Europe To Be 60% Less Carbon Intensive Than Chinese – Study Learn Electric Cars Says Now, I understand that the survey pool was not too wide for us to jump to any conclusions. Still, it gives a concrete indication of the kind of trends prevalent in the U.S. auto market. Youngsters, not just in America, but across the globe, are consuming content related to Chinese EVs on social media. The innovation, technology, cutting-edge software, hyper-fast charging speeds, myriads of cool features and affordability are the top reasons which are selling them this idea of Chinese EVs being better than others. In all honesty, one can’t ignore these factors. The U.S. is taking extreme measures to control Chinese dominance in the auto industry. However, industry veterans like Stellantis CEO, Carlos Tavares want to take on Chinese carmakers (or EVs) without relying on tariffs. He calls these measures “Darwinian”. Talking to Reuters, he said, “When you fight against the competition to absorb 30% of cost competitiveness edge in favor of the Chinese, there are social consequences. But the governments, the governments of Europe, they don’t want to face that reality right now.” In any case, I shall cover further developments in this case.

Kia EV3 Breaks Cover – All You Need To Know

7 Comments / EV News / By LEC Team

The much anticipated Kia EV3 has finally been revealed with evident inspiration from the flagship EV9. The Kia EV3 compact electric SUV has been revealed a few hours ago. The Korean auto giant has gone all out with the amount of tech, features, specifications and connectivity. With aesthetics looking like the younger sibling of the mighty popular EV9, the interior bears minimalist elegance and an uncluttered layout. It will be introduced in Korea in July 2024 followed by the European launch in the second half of the year. Other regions will follow thereafter. You might also like: Kia Electric Pickup Truck Spied Testing, Looks Inspired By EV9 Kia EV3 Revealed – Specs I shall commence with what powers the new compact electric SUV. It gets a fairly large 81.4 kWh battery in the Long Range trim and a decent-sized 58.3 kWh battery in the Standard model. Both these trims make use of electric motor which generates a healthy 150 kW (204 PS) and 283 Nm (209 lb-ft) of max power and torque. This propels the EV3 from 0 to 100 km/h (62 mph) in a respectable 7.5 seconds. The top speed is a decent 170 km/h (105 mph). It continues to use Hyundai’s E-GMP architecture. The Long Range model boasts a commendable 600 km (373 mi.) (WLTP) range on a single charge. Using a DC fast charger, the battery can be replenished from 10-80% in 31 minutes. With a full 3D undercover, the drag coefficient is a cool 0.263 Cd. State-of-the-art Battery Management Unit (BMU) and Cell Monitoring Unit (CMU) technology ensure that the high-voltage batteries use energy efficiently. Specs Kia EV3 Battery 81.4 kWh and 58.3 kWh Range 600 km (373 mi.) [WLTP] Power 150 kW (204 PS) Torque 283 Nm (209 lb-ft) DC Fast Charging 10-80% in 31 minutes Acc. (0-100 kmph / 62 mph) 7.5 seconds Top Speed 170 km/h (105 mph) Specs Dimensions and Storage Being a compact electric SUV, the Kia EV3 bears appropriate dimensions and excellent storage capacity. It measures 4,300 mm in length, 1,850 mm in width, 1,560 mm in height and has a wheelbase of 2,680 mm. That makes it quite spacious for a compact SUV. There are two storage spaces – a 460-litre boot and a handy 25-litre frunk. Dimensions Kia EV3 Length 4,300 mm Width 1,850 mm Height 1,560 mm Wheelbase 2,680 mm Storage 460-litre boot & 25-litre frunk. Dimensions and Storage You might also like: Kia EV9 GT Will Boast 0-62 mph Time of 4 Secs, Debut in January 2025 Features, Tech and AI The interior of the new Kia EV3 offers a rather sophisticated and minimalist cabin with a generous use of recyclable materials like Polyethylene terephthalate (PET). These are among the most easily recycled plastics in the world. You would find these in numerous areas of the interior, including the seats, headliner, door armrests, garnish, floor mats, and luggage board. The top highlights of the latest tech include: You might also like: 2025 Kia EV6 Gets A Bigger Battery And More Range Learn Electric Cars Says The launch in the native market will take place in July. By the end of this year, we will see the compact electric SUV in Europe followed by other international markets early next year. With the EV3, Kia aims to cater to the mass market by ensuring premium features at relatively affordable prices. As is the case with almost all technologies, the top amenities trickle down to smaller models. That seems to be the case here as well. The EV3 gets toned-down versions of many elements from the EV9. I am excited about seeing how well the customers embrace it.

VinFast VF8 California Crash Under Investigation

VinFast Crash Which Killed A Family In U.S. Under Investigation

3 Comments / EV News / By LEC Team

US regulator launched a preliminary investigation into the fatal crash in Pleasanton, California which killed a family of 4. The NHTSA (National Highway Traffic Safety Administration) commenced the investigation into the VinFast crash in California on April 24, which led to the demise of four family members. The deceased also included two children aged 9 and 13. This tragic incident occurred when a VF8 electric SUV crashed into an oak tree in Pleasanton, California. After the crash, the EV was engulfed in flames. The deceased were identified as Tarun George, Rincy George and their two children. You might also like: VinFast Unveils Two Vehicles at CES 2024 – Electric Pickup Truck and Small Electric SUV VinFast Crash Under Investigation A Reuters report confirms that the investigation started after a coworker of the deceased driver filed a complaint with NHTSA on April 29 regarding a steering problem in the electric SUV. He feared that the same issue could’ve been the reason for the fatal crash. Reportedly, he loaned the vehicle to the Tarun. The Police said that no other vehicles were involved in this crash and that speed could’ve played a role. After hitting an oak tree, the EV caught fire. However, the Pleasanton Police Lt. Erik Silacci, while speaking to Pleasanton Weekly, said that the investigators think that the passengers died due to the impact and not the ensuing fire. NHTSA typically opens over 100 special crash investigations annually. These are mostly in relation to emerging technologies and potential auto safety issues. After receiving the news of the deadly crash, VinFast spokesman told the Pleasanton Weekly that the company is “aware of this tragic accident in Pleasanton and our hearts go out to the family. The authorities are currently investigating the cause of the accident and will share their findings when their work is completed.” Hence, we must wait for more concrete details until the completion of this investigation. You might also like: 2025 Rivian R1 EVs To Get Heat Pump As Standard, New LFP Battery Learn Electric Cars Says It clearly looks like the Vietnamese carmaker is really struggling at the moment. Remember it started selling the VF8 electric SUV in the U.S. in January 2023. However, it faced a recall due to the infotainment screen going blank. On top of that, the sales figures were quite disappointing throughout 2023. It is clearly not the start VinFast was looking for. Thankfully, the sales seem to be picking up in 2024. Let us see which impact this investigation has on its sales going forward.

2025 Rivian R1S Camouflage Front Three Quarters

2025 Rivian R1 EVs To Get Heat Pump As Standard, New LFP Battery

15 Comments / EV News / By LEC Team

The upcoming 2025 iterations of the R1 models (R1T and R1S) will bear exciting new components including a heat pump and a new LFP battery. The 2025 Rivian R1 models will come with an LFP (Lithium Iron Phosphate) battery along with a series of updates. The American EV startup has been gaining popularity among the masses for quite some time now. It wants to ensure that the models on sale remain fresh. That is critical to tackle the growing competition in this electric pickup truck space. This information stems from leaked certification documents. The release of the 2025 models might take place on June 27 (Investor Day). You might also like: 4 Electric Pickup Trucks Driven Until They Died – Tesla, Ford, Rivian, Chevy 2025 Rivian R1 To Get LFP Battery There is a slew of information in the leaked documents. Firstly, the standard battery size would be reduced from 105.9 kWh to 92.5 kWh. This will also lead to a reduction in weight by 150 lbs (70 kg). Furthermore, this battery will be available with LFP chemistry. These are low-density batteries with a long life, limited usage of rare earth minerals and low cost. Clearly, the American EV startup is focusing on maximizing profitability. Apart from the battery pack, the 2025 Rivian R1 dual-motor AWD models will also get the option of choosing between either 20-inch or 22-inch alloy wheels. Gone are the 21-inchers. The 22-inch wheels will be offered in two configurations – Aero and Performance. The fast charging capabilities will be 210 kW (similar to the current models). Furthermore, the AC compressor will be relocated to improve NVH (Noise, Vibrations, Harshness) levels. Also, heat pump will be standard across the range. The documents also mention that the 20-inch wheels will allow a range of 380 miles (612 km) in the city and 322 miles (518 km) on the highway. This number surges to a rather attractive 405 miles (652 km) in the city and 340 miles (547 km) on the highway with the 22-inchers. I must mention here that these stats were recorded on a rolling road and will be lower in the real world. Also, we have to wait for the official EPA tests for final range figures. Finally, we know that Rivian is now eligible to use Tesla’s Supercharging network. That is why it was considered that the 2025 models could come with NACS as standard from the factory. But that is not the case. It will continue to get the CCS port and the owners could access the Superchargers via an NACS adapter. You might also like: Rivian R3 Reminds Us Of Hyundai Ioniq 5, R2 Also Spotted Testing Learn Electric Cars Says After the arrival of the Tesla Cybetruck, the electric pickup truck category is experiencing fierce competition. Products like the Ford F-150 Lightning, GMC Hummer EV and Chevrolet Silverado EV are the prime rivals of the Rivian R1T. It makes sense to keep updating these models so that potential buyers can experience fresh updates from time to time. While there won’t be too many major changes to the 2025 Rivian R1 models, the incremental improvements will go a long way in ensuring customers’ interest.

Astronomical Prices of Used Tesla Cybertruck Recede

4 Comments / EV News / By LEC Team

Increased production capacity and reduced exclusivity are the chief reasons to drive the prices down. The prices of a used Tesla Cybertruck were around $200,000 in the second-hand car market only a few months ago. In recent years, it has become quite common to charge a markup on the original value of a famous or trendy vehicle and sell it in the used car market. Basically, the asking prices are directly proportional to the traction a new vehicle commands. When it comes to the buzz, I reckon there has hardly been an EV as widely anticipated as the Tesla Cybertruck in the last 4 years. No wonder, flippers were charging a premium of over 100%. You might also like: Ford F-150 Lightning Outsells The Next 3 Electric Pickup Trucks Combined in Q1 2024 Prices of Used Tesla Cybertruck The internet has been full of outrageous quotes from Tesla Cybertruck owners for the electric pickup truck as a used car. For instance, one owner in Beverly Hills, CA is asking for $209,000 for his/her 2024 Tesla Cybertuck with just 105 miles on the odometer. Most listings on this portal indicate a price of above $170,000. That is quite a markup for the MY2024 model. Note that there are some people whose full-time job is to book an anticipated car early, and then flip it for insane gains quickly as its demand surges. After the Cybertruck was launched back in December 2023, there were reports of the futuristic electric pickup truck having bagged 2 million reservations. I understand that the conversion rate would be dramatically low. Still, that amount would’ve taken a lot of time to fulfil as per the production capacity. As a result, it became incredibly popular in the used car market. At the time, there was also a sense of exclusivity associated with it. Hence, wealthy elites among us happily paid the premiums. However, as months passed and the owners started reporting some problems, the demand for the electric pickup truck was reduced. Don’t get me wrong, the issues are much less in comparison to the success. Still, due to the tall claims of Elon Musk, every little problem was amplified by the public and media alike. In any case, after around 6 months of the launch, Tesla has increased the production capacity and the exclusivity quotient is almost non-existent. Therefore, you can find a used Tesla Cybertruck for prices ranging around $130,000 in the market at the moment. One could argue that these are acceptable premiums, especially after considering the registration and taxes on the brand-new model. There are still huge waiting periods for the Tesla Cybertruck. Hence, if you happen to have a bunch of cash lying around and want to experience the distinct electric truck, going for these options with a couple of hundred miles on them might not be such an insane idea. What Did Tesla Do? Knowing what was going on in the used car market, the American EV giant responded by allegedly making the buyers sign an agreement which said that the Cybertruck couldn’t be sold within the first year of ownership unless the owner followed a strict set of procedures and Tesla approved the VIN for resale. Any owner who refused to follow this agreement would supposedly be compelled to pay “$50,000 or the value received as consideration for the sale or transfer, whichever is greater.” Furthermore, Tesla could also refuse to sell a vehicle to such people in the future. Unfortunately, it remains unknown whether Tesla ever implemented this process on anyone. You might also like: 2 in Top 5 Used EVs Come From Tesla as Used Car Industry Grows Learn Electric Cars Says Flipping new in-demand cars in the used car market is an established practice. This is prevalent all across the world. People who constantly follow the electric car industry know which vehicles are creating a buzz among potential buyers. They often book a car on the first day. When the launch takes place and the waiting times surge, they offer the new car at a premium. Depending on your negotiating skills, you can beat the long queues for delivery by paying a markup. I believe this is not a bad idea since no one is forcing anyone to buy. If you have the funds, are enthusiastic enough about a car and are willing to pay the premium, you can own it.

LEC Team

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