Tag Archives: EVs

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Dreame Teases 1,000-Plus-HP Electric Supercar Ahead of CES 2026 Debut

If CES has become the world’s loudest stage for ambitious electric dreams, Dreame is ready to turn the volume knob to eleven. The Chinese technology company—best known until now for vacuum cleaners and smart home hardware—is preparing to unveil its first electric supercar under the banner of the evocatively named Starry Sky Plan at CES 2026 in Las Vegas. And judging by the early teasers, Dreame isn’t tiptoeing into the automotive world. It’s cannonballing in.

This low-slung EV will be the opening act in Dreame’s push into high-performance luxury vehicles, a market the company expects to enter in earnest by 2027. The car also marks the public debut of Dreame Auto, an automotive offshoot overseen by Starry Sky Plan (Shanghai) Automobile Technology Co., Ltd., which was registered earlier this year. Dreame formally announced its automotive ambitions in August 2025, branding itself as a Chinese luxury automaker and assembling a vehicle-development army of nearly 1,000 people. That’s not startup dabbling—that’s a declaration of war.

The paper trail backs up the bravado. On December 24, registration records showed that Starry Sky Plan quietly created seven wholly owned subsidiaries, each capitalized at 1 million yuan and focused on the R&D and production of automotive components. Dreame has also signaled plans to build manufacturing capacity near Tesla’s factory in Germany, though timelines and investment figures remain conspicuously absent. Still, choosing Tesla’s backyard is a flex, whether intentional or not.

Strategically, Dreame says it’s aiming at two targets: this electric supercar—styled after low-slung hypercars—and a large electric SUV intended to square off with ultra-luxury brands. The supercar, unsurprisingly, is grabbing the spotlight first.

The teasers reveal a long, wide, and aggressively low body, with a nose carved around massive air intakes and punctuated by four horizontal LED daytime running lights. From the side, the car wears swollen front and rear fenders, oversized side wing end panels, and a hidden A-pillar that visually stretches the windshield into the roofline—a trick borrowed straight from the exotic-car playbook. Six-spoke, petal-shaped wheels mount via a six-bolt hub, backed by yellow brake calipers and perforated discs that suggest track intentions rather than mall crawling.

Out back, the drama continues. A fixed rear wing with downward-sweeping end plates sits above a full-width taillight bar featuring a three-dimensional internal lighting matrix. Below that, a double-layer rear diffuser dominates the lower bumper, sculpted to manage airflow and improve high-speed stability. Dreame is quick to note that everything we’re seeing is still preview material, with no guarantees that these elements will survive unchanged into production.

Performance claims—while unofficial—are suitably outrageous. According to China’s Autohome, the Starry Sky supercar could pack an all-electric powertrain delivering more than 1,000 horsepower, with a 0–100 km/h sprint in under two seconds. Some estimates go even further, pegging the run at 1.8 seconds. If true, that puts Dreame squarely in the same sentence as Rimac, Tesla’s quickest Plaids, and a short list of other physics-defying EVs.

Cooling could be a secret weapon. Reports suggest Dreame may employ a refrigerant-based cooling system capable of keeping the powertrain at around 15 degrees Celsius during heavy operation—a critical advantage for sustained performance rather than one-hit launch-control glory. As with the power figures, Dreame hasn’t confirmed any of this yet.

What Dreame hasn’t shown is almost as telling as what it has. There’s no word on platform architecture, software stack, sensor suite, charging speeds, or even whether this thing seats two people or pretends to seat four. The interior remains a complete mystery, as do infotainment and driver-assistance systems. For now, the Starry Sky Plan is all about shape, stance, and speed.

More details are promised closer to the CES reveal, where Dreame will have to prove that this isn’t just another concept dripping with aero and ambition. But one thing is already clear: Dreame isn’t entering the auto industry quietly. It’s showing up with a thousand horses, a stopwatch set to under two seconds, and a point to prove.

Source: Dreame

News

Winter Exposes the Real Gap Between EVs and ICE Cars

Winter has a way of cutting through marketing claims like road salt through sheetmetal. Range estimates, charging promises, efficiency bragging rights—none of it is immune once temperatures drop and heaters switch on. A recent Green NCAP study puts that reality into sharp focus, comparing how electric vehicles and gasoline-powered cars cope when the weather turns unfriendly. The results aren’t shocking, but they are clarifying.

The test lined up two EVs—the BYD Sealion 7 and the Cupra Born—against two familiar internal-combustion benchmarks, the BMW 5 Series and BMW X2. Same cold conditions, same real-world scrutiny. Different outcomes.

Big Battery, Smaller Losses

The BYD Sealion 7 Comfort entered the test with the usual EV disadvantages: size, weight, and a lot of mass to keep warm. At 2,225 kilograms and packing an 82.5-kWh battery, it’s no lightweight. Yet it handled winter better than expected.

In warm conditions, the Sealion 7 manages around 400 kilometers of range. In the cold, that figure dropped to 337 kilometers—a loss of roughly 16 percent. Green NCAP calls that “relatively moderate,” and in EV terms, that’s practically a compliment. Credit goes to effective thermal insulation and the ability to preheat the cabin before driving, reducing the battery drain once underway.

Charging, however, tells a less flattering story. BYD promises a 10-to-80 percent fast charge in 32 minutes. Reality added about eight more minutes, enough to earn a “poor” rating in this category. Still, the Sealion 7 walked away with a four-star sustainability score and 73 percent overall—solid numbers for a large electric SUV.

Smaller EV, Bigger Winter Penalty

The Cupra Born didn’t fare as well. Lighter at 1,839 kilograms and running a smaller 60-kWh battery, the Born should have had an efficiency edge. Instead, winter hit it harder.

From a warm-weather range of 328 kilometers, the Born dropped to just 221 kilometers in cold conditions—a 33 percent reduction. That’s the kind of number that turns a casual road trip into a charging strategy session.

There was a bright spot. Green NCAP praised the accuracy of Cupra’s energy-consumption readings. Drivers see what the car is actually using, not an optimistic guess. BYD, by contrast, showed discrepancies in its consumption data, prompting a recommendation for a software update to deliver clearer, more reliable information.

Gas Cars: Predictable, Not Perfect

On the gasoline side, the BMW 5 Series and X2 behaved exactly as you’d expect. Fuel consumption went up in winter, but not dramatically—and certainly not catastrophically.

The 5 Series increased from 6.8 to 8.1 l/100 km, while the X2 rose from 7.1 to 8.0 l/100 km. The reason is simple: internal-combustion engines generate waste heat, which conveniently warms the cabin. Efficiency suffers a bit, but range anxiety never enters the conversation.

Green NCAP notes that these increases are modest and predictable, giving gasoline cars an edge in real-world confidence when temperatures plunge.

The Real Takeaway

From an environmental standpoint, the EVs still score well. The Sealion 7 and Cupra Born remain attractive options, especially for drivers who mostly stick to shorter trips. But winter exposes the weak points: range loss, longer charging times, and the added complication of a fast-charging network that still isn’t where it needs to be.

Long journeys in an EV during cold weather demand planning, patience, and a willingness to accept that official figures are more suggestion than guarantee.

Green NCAP’s message is clear. Electric-car manufacturers need better thermal management systems and greater transparency about cold-weather performance. Because nothing kills enthusiasm faster than a buyer who feels misled—especially when the temperature drops, the range shrinks, and the real-world numbers suddenly have very little to do with what was promised on paper.

Source: Green NCAP; Photo: Shutterstock

News

A No-Nonsense Guide to Tesla Power for MINI EV Owners

For years, “MINI access to Tesla Superchargers” lived in the same vague future tense as affordable carbon fiber and empty freeway on-ramps. Now it’s finally real—at least for U.S. owners with the right car, the right software, and the right expectations. The good news? MINI didn’t bolt this onto the side of the ownership experience with a half-baked workaround. Instead, it folded Tesla Supercharging into its existing charging ecosystem in a way that’s surprisingly clean—and very on brand.

Here’s how it actually works, what you need, and where people tend to mess it up.

First Things First: Compatibility Is Not Optional

Before you even think about adapters or apps, confirm your MINI is eligible. MINI’s rules here are strict, and there’s no bending them:

  • MINI Countryman SE ALL4: Compatible with NACS Partner Tesla Superchargers
  • MINI SE Hardtop (electric): Limited to Magic Dock–equipped Tesla Superchargers
  • MINI PHEVs: Not compatible at all

That matters because Tesla’s Supercharger network isn’t one monolithic thing. There are three types of sites out there:

  1. NACS Superchargers – Tesla’s standard connector; CCS-equipped MINIs need an approved adapter
  2. Magic Dock Superchargers – Built-in CCS hardware; no adapter required
  3. Tesla-only Superchargers – Off-limits, full stop

There’s an easy sanity check: if a Supercharger doesn’t show up in your MINI app or in-car navigation, assume it’s Tesla-only for your vehicle. MINI’s map is effectively your compatibility bouncer.

The Adapter Question (and Why MINI Cares)

If you’re driving a Countryman SE ALL4 with a CCS port, NACS stations are accessible—but only with an approved adapter. MINI has officially signed off on the Lectron Vortex Plus NACS-to-CCS DC adapter, and that approval matters. High-power DC charging isn’t the place for mystery hardware bought on impulse.

Think of it this way: any adapter might fit, but only one has MINI’s blessing when 130 kilowatts are on the line.

The Short Checklist That Saves Long Headaches

Before Tesla stations magically appear in your navigation, you’ll need:

  • A compatible MINI (Countryman SE for NACS Partner access; SE Hardtop for Magic Dock only)
  • NACS RSU software version 25-11-530
  • The approved Lectron Vortex Plus adapter (Countryman SE with CCS)
  • The MINI App set up with Shell Recharge for billing and history

MINI says the NACS RSU rollout begins December 1, but even after that date, it can take a few days to hit your car. If Tesla stations aren’t showing up yet, this update—or its absence—is usually why.

The Step Everyone Misses in the MINI App

This is the quiet gatekeeper to the whole experience.

In the MINI App, go to:
Charging → Adapters → Add Adapter → Select “NACS (DC)”

Once enabled, NACS-compatible stations will appear in search results and route planning. Stations that require an adapter will be clearly marked, and you can filter by connector type. Skip this step, and the system will pretend those Superchargers don’t exist.

Plugging In: It’s Simple, but Precision Matters

At a compatible NACS Supercharger, the physical process is straightforward:

  1. Remove the cable from the charger and firmly attach the adapter—press until it fully engages
  2. Plug the cable-and-adapter assembly into your MINI
  3. Watch the charge indicator:
    • Orange: Waiting for initialization
    • Charging may take up to a minute to start
    • Flashing blue: Charging in progress

Disconnecting has a specific order, and MINI wants it followed:

  1. Stop charging in the app or using the button near the charge port
  2. Press the upper release button and remove the cable and adapter together
  3. Press the lower release button to separate the adapter from the cable

If your MINI supports Plug & Charge, charging should begin automatically when you plug in. If it doesn’t, start the session manually in the MINI App. Still nothing? Try another stall—sometimes the problem isn’t your car.

It’s Bigger Than Tesla

This move isn’t just about Superchargers. NACS is becoming the North American default, and networks like IONNA, EVgo, and ChargePoint are rolling out NACS connectors too. For Countryman SE models with CCS ports, the approved adapter becomes a universal passport to this expanding ecosystem—not just Tesla sites.

Speed, Pricing, and the Reality Check

Yes, Tesla Superchargers advertise up to 250 kW, but your MINI decides what it actually pulls. Charging speed depends on battery state of charge, temperature, and conditions. The 2025 MINI Countryman SE ALL4 tops out at 130 kW, which is still solid for road trips, just not headline-grabbing.

Pricing follows Tesla’s standard model—no separate Tesla membership required. Everything runs through your Shell Recharge account in the MINI App, where you’ll also find charge history. Rates vary by location, time, and demand.

One thing to watch: Tesla congestion fees. If a site is more than 90 percent occupied and your MINI is over 80 percent state of charge, Tesla may apply a per-minute fee once you exceed that threshold. You get a five-minute grace period to unplug and move on. Translation: don’t camp at 92 percent.

When Things Don’t Work (and They Sometimes Won’t)

Most failures come down to initiation or connection. MINI’s advice is refreshingly practical:

  • Reseat the adapter until you hear it click
  • Listen for the locking sound when plugging into the car
  • Keep connectors clean and undamaged
  • If it still fails, move to another stall

If all else fails, MINI customer support is available at 1-800-831-1117.

MINI’s Supercharger integration isn’t flashy, but it’s smart. No extra memberships, no awkward workarounds—just Tesla’s network folded into MINI’s existing charging system. Do the setup correctly, bring the right adapter, and understand your car’s limits, and this finally turns Tesla’s biggest advantage into a practical one for MINI EV owners.

Not revolutionary. Just well executed. And sometimes, that’s better.

Source: Mini