Author: john@provenroi.com

Hyundai and Kia continue to dominate the electrified vehicle market with impressive sales numbers in February. Hyundai saw a 3% increase in overall car sales, with 62,032 units sold, setting a new record. Kia also had its best-ever February with 63,303 units sold, a 7.2% year-over-year growth. The Ioniq 5, Ioniq 6, Santa Fe HEV, and the Kia EV9 were among the best-selling electric and hybrid models for both brands. The Ioniq 5, in particular, continued to be Hyundai’s dominant EV with 2,442 units sold, a 22% year-over-year increase. Hyundai’s electrified vehicle sales grew by an impressive 35%. Kia also…

Tesla’s Plan for Autonomous Ride-Hailing Service in California Tesla, the electric vehicle giant, is making moves to enter the autonomous ride-hailing market in California. The company has applied for a permit with the California Public Utilities Commission (CPUC) to launch its own transportation charter-party carrier service. This permit would allow Tesla to own and operate its fleet, setting it apart from other ride-hailing services in the state. While this development is significant, it does not mean that Tesla’s futuristic Cybercab will be hitting the streets anytime soon. Discussions with California regulators indicate that Tesla’s ride-hailing service may initially involve drivers,…

Costco members can now enjoy the biggest discount ever offered by the retailer’s auto program when leasing a 2025 Volvo EX90 electric SUV. According to CarsDirect, Costco members who are current Volvo customers can save up to $10,000 when leasing a new EX90 by Apr. 30. 2025 Volvo EX90 Costco Executive members can get $2,000 off, while Gold Star and Business members can enjoy $1,500 in savings. Additionally, there are discounts available for several General Motors EVs for Costco members. Models include the Chevrolet Blazer EV, Equinox EV, Silverado EV, GMC Hummer EV, and Sierra EV. Combine the Costco discount…

The latest episode of Tom Moloughney’s Recharge Rescue series on his State of Charge YouTube channel serves as a stark reminder of the importance of proper home electric vehicle charging installations. In this particular episode, Moloughney visits an Ohio-based Mustang Mach-E owner who experienced a frightening incident with a melted NEMA 14-50 outlet. The video opens with Moloughney emphasizing the crucial fact that not all outlets advertised as industrial grade are equipped to handle the continuous high-power demands of EV charging. He contrasts a standard Leviton 279-S00 plug, which typically costs around $10 and is marketed as industrial grade, with…

Winches play a crucial role as off-road accessories, traditionally powered by a vehicle’s 12-volt electrical system. However, Stellantis is exploring a new power source for winches in hybrids and electric vehicles. In a recent patent filing published by the United States Patent and Trademark Office (USPTO) on January 21, 2025, Stellantis revealed plans to operate a winch using a gearbox connected to one of the vehicle’s electric drive motors. Stellantis patent image of a winch geared to an electric motor The innovative approach involves mounting the winch on the vehicle’s front bumper in a traditional manner. Instead of utilizing its…

Polestar, the electric vehicle manufacturer, is making a bold move to attract Tesla defectors. In a strategic move to lure Tesla owners away, Polestar launched a special $5,000 discount for Tesla drivers who choose to lease the new Polestar 3 crossover. This offer, combined with an additional $15,000 in incentives for lessees, provides a substantial $20,000 lease discount for Tesla owners looking to make the switch to Polestar. The response to this offer has been overwhelming, with Polestar reporting a significant increase in Polestar 3 orders during the week that the deal ran. The brand’s head of U.S. sales took…

Polestar Secures Additional Funding for Electric Vehicle Expansion Polestar has announced new funding to support the development of its electric vehicle lineup. The automaker has secured a 12-month loan facility of up to $450 million, in addition to renewing a European Green Trade Finance Facility for 480 million euros. The source of the funding includes a syndicate of global banks. 2025 Polestar 3 Polestar’s financial stability is crucial as it aims to recover from a decline in share value post-IPO and missed delivery targets. The company, known as “born in Sweden,” primarily manufactures its vehicles in China with Volvo’s support…

The current state of the electric vehicle (EV) market is facing some challenges, particularly when it comes to EV charging infrastructure. According to a recent report by J.D. Power, one in five drivers (20%) has experienced difficulty charging at public locations, which is an increase from previous years. This issue is seen as a major roadblock to wider EV adoption, as the availability and reliability of charging stations play a crucial role in the decision-making process for potential EV buyers. The lack of proper charging infrastructure has raised concerns about the future of EV demand, especially if funding for building…

Elon Musk has finally shed some light on the delay in launching Tesla’s Full Self-Driving (FSD) technology in Europe. While the feature has been enabled in the United States and a variant was recently introduced in China, European Tesla owners are eagerly awaiting its arrival on the continent. The main reason for the holdup, according to Musk, is the need for regulatory approval in Europe. This hurdle was also faced in China but was eventually overcome. European regulatory agencies are currently reviewing Tesla’s FSD technology, and the company is patiently awaiting their approval before rolling out the feature in Europe.…

Tesla starts construction on new Kelowna Supercharger [British Columbia] Tesla has begun construction on a new Supercharger in the interior of British Columbia in Kelowna. This new Supercharger will be the third one in Kelowna and will effectively double the charging capacity in the city, making it easier for Tesla owners to travel through the region. The new Supercharger is expected to feature the latest V4 technology, allowing Tesla vehicles to charge at faster rates and reducing the time spent at charging stations. This will provide a more convenient and efficient charging experience for Tesla owners in Kelowna and those…