Tag Archives: Tesla

2026 Kia EV4: Stylish Electric Hatch and Saloon Set to Shake Up the Segment

Kia is gearing up to expand its electric ambitions with the arrival of the EV4, a striking new model that brings a fresh edge to the compact EV market. Closely resembling the concept that turned heads in 2023, the production EV4 remains faithful in design and shares its architecture with the recently unveiled EV3 hatchback.

Offered in both hatchback and saloon body styles, the EV4 covers a broad spectrum of buyers. The hatchback version is roughly the same size as the Hyundai Kona Electric, while the saloon stretches out to a length that surpasses the Tesla Model 3, thanks to its extended rear overhang.

In Europe, the EV4 will primarily be sold as a hatchback, where it is poised to take on rivals like the Citroën ë-C4, Volkswagen ID.3, and Volvo EX40. With sharp styling, solid range figures, and a tech-laden cabin, Kia is clearly aiming for a strong foothold in this competitive segment.

Both body styles come with a single front-mounted motor producing 201 hp, good for a 0–62mph sprint in the mid-7-second range, depending on battery and trim level. Performance enthusiasts won’t be left out, either—Kia has confirmed that all of its EVs are in line for hot GT variants, so expect a dual-motor, all-wheel-drive GT version of the EV4 with enough punch to rival the MG 4 EV XPower.

As for range, the entry-level EV4 is fitted with a 58.3kWh battery, which offers up to 273 miles on a single charge in hatchback form. Step up to the 81.4kWh battery, and the hatchback’s range extends to an impressive 388 miles. Charging is swift, too: a 10–80% top-up takes at least 29 minutes for the smaller pack and 31 minutes for the larger.

Inside, the EV4 shares its high-tech interior with the EV3, boasting a sleek 30-inch dashboard screen. This includes two 12.3-inch displays—one for infotainment, one for the instrument cluster—split by a 5.3-inch climate control panel. Notably, the EV4 will be the first Kia to support in-car entertainment apps like Netflix, Disney+, and YouTube, hinting at a more leisure-oriented EV experience.

While full pricing details for the EV4 saloon are still under wraps, it’s expected to launch in the UK after the hatchback. That’s due to a difference in manufacturing: the hatch will be built in Slovakia, while the saloon will be produced in Korea, Kia’s home market.

With its combination of sleek design, generous range, and tech-rich interior, the Kia EV4 is shaping up to be a serious player in the electric C-segment. Watch this space.

Source: KIA

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Tesla Makes History With World’s First Autonomous Car Delivery

Tesla has once again pushed the boundaries of automotive innovation by releasing footage of what it claims is the world’s first fully autonomous vehicle delivery. In a groundbreaking demonstration, a Tesla Model Y drove itself from the company’s Gigafactory in Texas directly to the new owner’s home—without a driver, passengers, or any form of remote control.

“This Tesla drove itself from its factory in Texas to its new owner’s home, about 30 minutes away, crossing parking lots, highways and the city to reach its new owner,” the company confirmed.

The vehicle, equipped with Tesla’s latest Full Self-Driving (FSD) software, navigated complex real-world conditions at speeds reaching up to 72 mph (approximately 116 km/h), according to Ashok Elluswamy, head of Tesla’s AI and Autopilot division. The event marks a significant milestone in the company’s ambitious roadmap toward full autonomy.

Interestingly, the delivery came a day earlier than CEO Elon Musk had previously announced, adding an unexpected twist to an already historic moment. Musk had earlier stated that the first autonomous handover would take place on June 28.

This achievement follows another major development in Tesla’s autonomous portfolio: the public debut of its long-awaited robotaxi service. On Monday, the company launched the pilot phase of fully autonomous ride-hailing, deploying a small fleet of Model Y vehicles operating within a geofenced area in Austin’s South Congress neighborhood. Though driverless in function, each vehicle currently includes a Tesla employee onboard to ensure safety during this early phase.

Access to the pilot service is currently limited to a select group of invitees, including prominent influencers and early investors. Each ride is priced at $4.20—a nod, perhaps, to Musk’s well-known affinity for internet culture and symbolism.

Tesla’s FSD system eschews the industry-standard LIDAR in favor of a vision-based architecture powered by onboard cameras and proprietary computing hardware. While the company’s approach has sparked debate within the autonomous driving community, this recent delivery and the robotaxi rollout suggest Tesla is confident in the real-world viability of its strategy.

Whether it’s a marketing masterstroke or a genuine leap forward in self-driving technology, Tesla’s autonomous delivery has undeniably set a new benchmark in the automotive world.

Source: Tesla via YouTube

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Tesla Struggles in Europe as Rivals Gain Ground Amid EV Boom

Tesla is facing a sharp downturn in Europe, with new car registrations falling 27.9 percent in May compared to the same month last year. The figures mark the fifth consecutive month of decline for the American electric vehicle (EV) giant, according to data from the European Automobile Manufacturers’ Association (ACEA).

The decline is particularly striking given the broader market trend: overall electric vehicle sales in Europe surged by 27.2 percent during the same period. While EV adoption is accelerating across the continent, Tesla’s dominance is clearly waning as competition intensifies and consumer sentiment shifts.

At the heart of the issue is the Model Y, once a market leader, which is now struggling to maintain its edge. Despite a recent refresh aimed at reviving interest in Tesla’s lineup, the model no longer commands the same loyalty or appeal. In May, the Model Y was still the top-selling electric car in Europe with 10,357 registrations — but this figure represents less than half of its former performance.

Meanwhile, rivals are closing in fast. Skoda’s newly launched electric SUV, the Elroq, recorded a strong debut with 9,222 registrations in May, underscoring the increasing pressure Tesla faces from both legacy automakers and new Chinese entrants.

Overall, the European car market grew modestly by 1.9 percent in May, with the most significant growth coming from plug-in hybrids and alternative fuel vehicles. Yet, Tesla’s market share fell to just 1.2 percent — a steep drop from 1.8 percent a year ago.

Industry analysts suggest multiple factors are behind Tesla’s slump. Price-sensitive consumers are increasingly turning to more affordable Chinese EVs. At the same time, some buyers are reportedly turning away from the brand in protest over the controversial public persona and political stances of Tesla CEO Elon Musk.

The company’s position in Europe is further complicated by ongoing trade tensions between the EU and China. As traditional manufacturers and emerging brands rapidly expand their EV portfolios, Tesla must now compete on more than just innovation — it must also win back public trust and offer better value in an increasingly crowded market.

While the EV revolution in Europe shows no signs of slowing, Tesla’s role as the segment leader is far from secure.

Source: Reuters