Author: john@provenroi.com

The Lohner-Porsche Mixte, an extended-range electric vehicle from 1901, stands out as a remarkable chapter in automotive history. Designed by Ferdinand Porsche, the German automotive engineer renowned for founding Porsche AG and creating the iconic Volkswagen Beetle, this vehicle was truly ahead of its time. Porsche’s initial automotive designs were electric vehicles, created while he was working for Jakob Lohner & Company in Vienna. These early EV prototypes featured innovative technologies such as in-wheel hub motors and four-wheel brakes. However, they were limited by the range of the lead batteries available at the time, which could only provide a range…

The Trump administration’s budget reconciliation bill proposes a new solution to fund road repairs and ambitious tax cuts by introducing a $250 annual registration fee for electric vehicles (EVs) and $100 for hybrids. This move is part of the administration’s agenda to dismantle Biden-era climate policies, which includes eliminating the federal EV tax credit and overturning California’s emissions standards. However, imposing a specific tax on EVs has raised concerns among experts and lawmakers. The retroactive nature of the fee, charging owners simply for owning an EV, regardless of usage, is unprecedented and could disproportionately affect those who drive less. Critics…

Rivian is known for producing high-quality electric vehicles, with their R1S and R1T models being some of the most impressive options on the market. However, in order to continue growing and appeal to a wider audience, Rivian is working on the development of new models such as the R2, R3, and R3X. These new models aim to be more affordable while still offering the same level of quality and innovation that Rivian is known for. A recent video released by the automaker gives us a glimpse into the design and engineering process behind the upcoming R2 model. The video showcases…

Used electric vehicle prices are on the decline in the United States, according to a recent study by iSeeCars. In contrast, the overall used car market is experiencing an increase in prices due to low inventory levels. In the last month, the average price of a used EV in the U.S. dropped by nearly $3,000, representing an 8.8% decrease compared to the previous year. On the other hand, the average price of all used cars increased by $630 year-over-year, reaching $32,317. Tesla, a prominent player in the EV market, saw significant price drops in its models. The Tesla Model S…

Tesla is gearing up for an exciting month ahead as it sets a soft launch date for its highly anticipated Robotaxi service in Austin, Texas on June 22nd. This announcement comes after months of anticipation, with CEO Elon Musk finally confirming the date. While Musk’s timelines have been known to shift, the city of Austin has officially recognized Tesla as an autonomous vehicle operator, signaling progress towards the launch. The Robotaxi service will initially be launched in a geofenced area of Austin, with a focus on safety being a top priority for Tesla. The company has been piloting the program…

In the first quarter of 2025, Tesla continued to dominate global electric vehicle (EV) sales, with both the Model Y and Model 3 securing the top spots worldwide. According to data from market tracker EV Volumes, the Model Y remained the best-selling EV with 201,773 units sold, accounting for a 7.4% market share. The Model 3 followed closely behind, selling 118,964 units and capturing 4.3% of the global EV market. Despite leading in global rankings, Tesla faced some challenges in the quarter. The company’s total vehicle deliveries dropped by 13% year-over-year, from approximately 386,810 to 336,681 units. This decline occurred…

Kia has recently expanded its electric van lineup in Europe with the introduction of the PV5 Passenger, following the launch of the PV5 Cargo. The PV5 Passenger is the first passenger car model based on Kia’s innovative “Platform Beyond Vehicle” platform, designed for various customizable vehicle variants through modularity and flexibility. The PV5 Passenger is a nearly 4.70-meter long, front-wheel-drive vehicle aimed at both private and commercial users. Initially available as a five-seater, additional variants including a seven-seater, a six-seater taxi, and a wheelchair-accessible version will be introduced in the future. Customers can choose from two battery sizes (51.5 and…

Tesla has announced the rollout of Full Self-Driving (FSD) software version 13.2.9 in China, starting with the Model Y Refresh. This move signifies a major step forward in Tesla’s efforts to bring its advanced driver-assistance system to one of its largest markets. Several users in China have shared screenshots showcasing the new FSD version live on their Model Y vehicles. The update includes Tesla’s city navigation capabilities, smart summoning, traffic light and stop sign recognition, and AI-driven steering under supervision. It is available on vehicles running firmware version 2025.14.200 and above. The release of FSD version 13.2.9 follows a bumpy…

Hyundai has been teasing the highly anticipated Ioniq 6 N, a performance electric vehicle that is set to debut this year. The latest teaser reveals more of its exterior, showcasing a design that is more aggressive and sporty than ever before. The Ioniq 6 N is expected to make its debut at the Goodwood Festival of Speed in July, where it will take on the hillclimb stage and showcase its dynamic capabilities. The Ioniq 6 N is a lighter and more aerodynamic version of Hyundai’s electric sedan, with a lower center of gravity and a more focused design. Inspired by…

Electric vehicles (EVs) have become a hot topic of debate in recent years, with many arguing that they are better for the environment than traditional combustion engine cars. The evidence overwhelmingly supports this claim, as cities with high adoption rates of EVs have seen a significant decline in air pollution. However, some critics, including Toyota Chairman Akio Toyoda, have raised concerns about the environmental impact of EVs compared to hybrids. In a recent interview with Automotive News, Toyoda claimed that nine million electric vehicles have the same emissions impact as 27 million hybrids. This means that, according to him, one…