Tag Archives: EVs

News

Ford Urges EV Shoppers to Act Fast as Federal Tax Credits Near Expiration

With sweeping changes to federal EV incentives just around the corner, American electric vehicle buyers may soon find themselves paying significantly more—unless they act quickly. The long-standing federal EV tax credit, which provides up to $7,500 in savings, is set to expire on September 30, ushering in a new era of pricing and accessibility challenges for both new and used EV shoppers.

In a recent communication to dealerships, Ford sounded the alarm, stating that “demand is expected to increase as the deadline approaches for eligible vehicles.” The automaker is urging its network of dealers to ensure Time of Sale reports are submitted before October 1 to secure current credits for buyers opting to apply the incentive at checkout.

Notably, not all of Ford’s electric lineup qualifies for the full tax credit. The Mustang Mach-E, for instance, doesn’t meet the criteria for a purchase-based tax break due to its Mexican assembly location. However, when leased, the Mach-E remains eligible for the full $7,500 credit—a loophole savvy consumers can still take advantage of. On top of that, Ford is sweetening the deal with its limited-time “Zero, Zero, Zero” promotional campaign.

Replacing the previous employee pricing-for-all strategy, the Zero, Zero, Zero promo includes:

  • 0% financing for 48 months
  • $0 down payment
  • No payments for the first 90 days

Even more enticing, reports from CarsDirect suggest some trims of the Mustang Mach-E are currently available with 0% financing for 60 months, making this perhaps the most affordable moment yet to go electric with Ford.

The impending end of these tax incentives doesn’t just affect new car buyers. Used EV shoppers—a growing segment in today’s cost-conscious market—stand to lose access to credits of up to $4,000. For many Americans, especially those already feeling the pinch of rising living expenses, these federal perks have been a critical bridge to EV ownership.

As the September 30 cutoff looms, industry watchers expect a spike in last-minute EV purchases, lease deals, and a potential bottleneck at dealerships scrambling to process paperwork before the deadline. Ford, for its part, is clearly signaling that now may be the best time in the foreseeable future to buy or lease an electric vehicle.

Bottom line? If you’re eyeing an EV, especially a Ford, don’t wait too long—because in just over two months, today’s prices could be yesterday’s dream.

Source: Ford

News

The All-New Mercedes-Benz CLA Shooting Brake Enters the Electric Era

Just weeks after unveiling the next-generation CLA, Mercedes-Benz has taken another bold step in redefining the premium compact segment—this time with the all-new CLA Shooting Brake. Combining sleek design with everyday practicality, it becomes the first electric estate car from the brand, showcasing the future of mobility without sacrificing luxury, utility, or performance.

Estate Practicality Meets Electric Precision

The new CLA Shooting Brake represents a carefully calibrated evolution of the iconic Shooting Brake formula. With up to 761 km of WLTP-certified electric range (CLA 250+), DC charging speeds of up to 320 kW, and a spacious 1,290-litre cargo capacity, Mercedes is pitching this model at eco-conscious drivers who want style, space, and long-distance capability.

Need to haul gear? The 101-litre illuminated frunk under the bonnet complements the main cargo area, while standard roof rails (75 kg load limit) and an optional tow bar (up to 1,800 kg braked) ensure it’s ready for surfboards, bike racks—or even a weekend escape with a jet ski in tow.

Sculpted Style with Shooting Brake DNA

Up front, the CLA Shooting Brake inherits the saloon’s dramatic shark-nose profile and signature illuminated star grille featuring 142 chrome-look LEDs. But it’s at the rear where things get distinct. The roofline gently arcs into a longer silhouette, seamlessly blending into a unique one-piece panoramic glass roof, crowned by an illuminated “starry sky” that offers rear passengers a night-time experience like no other.

Whether it’s aesthetics or aerodynamics, this car is engineered to turn heads.

Inside: Light, Space, and Digital Luxury

The cabin blends avant-garde design with next-gen tech. Mercedes’ MBUX Superscreen, powered by the Unity Game Engine, stretches across the dashboard with optional triple-screen functionality. The infotainment suite includes video streaming via Disney+, in-car gaming via Boosteroid, and the debut of an emotion-aware AI assistant built on ChatGPT-4o and Google Gemini.

Personalisation is central: the new system remembers conversations, recognises moods, and adapts navigation or entertainment based on driver behaviour. And with over-the-air updates, this digital experience evolves long after you’ve left the showroom.

Material options range from vegan ARTICO leather to sustainable wood and metal trims. New paint shades like aquamint solid and sheer blue metallic lend visual exclusivity to the Shooting Brake.

Bigger, Roomier, Better

The new CLA Shooting Brake has grown in almost every dimension:

  • +35 mm longer (4,723 mm)
  • +27 mm taller (1,469 mm)
  • +61 mm longer wheelbase (2,790 mm)

This means more headroom and legroom, particularly in the second row (+26 mm headroom), while boot space (with rear seats up) clocks in at 455 litres, expandable to 1,290 litres when folded. Comfort and usability come standard, including EASY-PACK tailgate, hands-free access, and second-row air vents.

Performance Meets Efficiency

Two versions headline the launch:

  • CLA 250+ Shooting Brake (RWD): 200 kW, 6.8 sec to 100 km/h, 761 km range
  • CLA 350 4MATIC Shooting Brake (AWD): 260 kW, 5.0 sec to 100 km/h, 730 km range

Both are powered by a new 85 kWh lithium-ion battery with silicon-oxide anodes for higher energy density. Mercedes-Benz pairs this with a two-speed transmission and a cutting-edge 800-volt architecture, slashing charging times. In just 10 minutes, you can add up to 310 km of range.

Hybrids Still Matter

While the fully electric variants take centre stage, Mercedes-Benz will also offer 48V mild hybrids with electric coasting, regenerative braking in all gears, and short-range electric driving under 20 kW. It’s a nod to global markets where full electrification isn’t yet viable.

Built on the Future: MMA Platform

The CLA Shooting Brake is one of four models riding on the new Mercedes-Benz Modular Architecture (MMA)—a flexible EV-first platform that supports both electric and hybrid powertrains. It’s a strategic move to optimise development costs and streamline production, while enabling modular scaling across different model lines, including two upcoming SUVs.

With the all-new CLA Shooting Brake, Mercedes-Benz has created a compelling case for those who crave emotional design, digital innovation, and real-world practicality—all wrapped in a sustainable, electric package. It’s not just a wagon, not just a luxury compact, and not just an EV. It’s all of those—and more.

The European market launch is slated for March 2026. For buyers looking to embrace the electric future without leaving lifestyle and utility behind, this may be the most well-rounded estate in its class.

Source: Mercedes-Benz

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The All-New Mercedes-Benz CLA Shooting Brake Enters the Electric Era
NEW CARS

Kia EV1: The Urban Electric Revolution Is Taking Shape

After making waves with the quirky EV2 concept earlier this year, Kia appears to be inching closer to unveiling an even more compact entry into the electric car market. Recent developments suggest that the long-rumored EV1—a city-focused EV targeting budget-conscious buyers—is more than just a speculative idea.

According to recent U.S. trademark filings, Kia has secured the names “EV1 Land” and “EV1 Wave”, signaling possible lifestyle variants of its upcoming electric city car. While these trademark applications don’t confirm production, they offer a compelling glimpse into Kia’s creative approach to electrified urban mobility.

From Filing Cabinet to Showroom?

Historically, automakers often reserve names long before vehicles make it to production. As such, the “Land” and “Wave” suffixes may simply point to future design directions or concept offshoots. Still, the imagery is clear: EV1 Land suggests a slightly rugged, possibly crossover-inspired variant for light outdoor adventure, while EV1 Wave evokes beachside cruising—maybe even with a convertible top.

The EV1’s DNA: Affordable, Practical, and Purpose-Built

Though Kia hasn’t officially pulled the wraps off the EV1, its strategy seems aligned with capturing the small EV segment that remains underserved in many markets. Similar in spirit to the gasoline-powered Kia Picanto, the EV1 is expected to ride on a cost-optimized version of the E-GMP platform, the same modular base underpinning the EV3 and future EV2.

To keep pricing competitive—likely under €25,000—the EV1 will likely use a 400-volt electrical system rather than the faster-charging 800V setup found in premium Kia EVs like the EV6. This trade-off makes sense: in city use, charging speed often takes a back seat to convenience and affordability.

The EV1 is tipped to be front-wheel drive, with a small battery offering just enough range for urban daily use. While not ideal for long road trips, this setup is perfect for zero-emission commuting and urban errands. Kia might eventually explore a sportier GT version, but that remains speculative.

The Race to Affordable EVs

Kia is far from alone in this space. Volkswagen is pushing forward with its ID.1/ID.2all strategy, promising a €20,000 entry-level EV by 2027. It too registered the ID.1 name years in advance, highlighting how carefully planned this segment’s battleground really is.

As urban centers continue to tighten emissions rules and customers demand practical, affordable EV options, automakers like Kia, VW, and Renault are jostling for early advantage.

What’s Next for Kia’s EV Lineup?

Kia aims to launch at least 15 new electric models globally by 2027, spanning everything from compact crossovers like the upcoming EV5, to pick-up trucks, and eventually a flagship EV7 SUV. Enthusiasts hoping for a Stinger-style sports EV may need to wait longer—plans for a dedicated electric sports sedan seem to be on pause for now.

For now, the spotlight is shifting to the smallest player in the family. If the EV1 delivers on its promise, it could become a cornerstone of Kia’s urban electrification strategy, much like the Picanto once defined small, efficient ICE mobility.

Source: Kia