Latest news with #electriccar
Motor 1
7 hours ago
- Automotive
- Motor 1
'No One Showed Interest:' Pagani Customers Don't Want An Electric Hypercar
Pagani doesn't have trouble selling its cars. With around 50 produced every year, buyers are content to wait for an extremely long time to get their very own hand-built Italian supercar. That is, unless it's electric. In an interview with CarBuzz , Pagani spokesperson Sebastian Berridi revealed past plans for an all-electric performance car from the brand. But when the company showed this idea to customers, there was absolutely zero demand. So the idea was scrapped. The Utopia's AMG-sourced twin-turbo V-12 engine. Photo by: Sevian Daupi / Motor1 "When we started the development of the Utopia eight years ago, we dedicated a team to a fully battery-electric model," Berridi told CarBuzz . "The idea was to launch an electric Utopia and [a] combustion version. We never thought of a hybrid because we believed it was very complex. The technology was not at its peak in that period." Pagani Had Plans for an EV, But No One Was Interested Despite investing what sounds like a significant sum into the electric Utopia's development, Pagani ultimately had to drop the car from its future lineup, simply because people didn't want one. "We showed the idea to our dealers and our customers, but no one showed interest," Berridi said. "We are a family-owned company, so we had to abandon the battery-electric vehicle. It's a shame because we invested a lot in research and development. We were very close to suppliers for Mercedes-AMG. They were at the peak of technology. We had to cancel it. We have to make a sustainable company, and we can't go against our economic interest." Right now, Pagani has no plans to move away from the V-12, at least for the near future. That's thanks to AMG, which has made the engine viable until the early 2030s in the US. "AMG homologated the engine until 2030 in Europe and 2032 in California, and we are confident that the homologation will be extended," Berridi told CarBuzz . "It's very confusing because the legislation changes a lot. The V-12 is a celebration; to be able to homologate a manual with a V-12. The mechanical engineering is a cerebral celebration that the customer needs. There are no plans to move away [from the V-12]." Other Supercar Manufacturers Face Similar Hurdles Pagani isn't alone in its struggle to sell EVs. Christian von Koenigsegg told Top Gear the appetite for electric hypercars is "extremely low" right now. Mate Rimac admitted his company still hasn't been able to sell out all 150 units of the Nevera, despite it holding numerous acceleration and braking records. Maserati recently canceled plans to build an all-electric version of the MC20. Lamborghini delayed the launch of its first EV, and also pushed back the reveal of an all-electric Urus. Even Ferrari has reportedly delayed its second upcoming electric car over "zero" demand. While these manufacturers offer superior design and exclusivity, similar performance can be found in vehicles for a fraction of the price. Just look at the numbers behind cars like the Tesla Model S Plaid and the Lucid Air Sapphire. The tech just isn't there to differentiate the exotics when it comes to performance, at least right now. More on EV Sports Cars Mercedes-AMG's New Super Sedan Revealed: Insane Power, V-8 Noises China's Latest Electric Super Sedan Looks Outlandish And Has 1,287 HP Get the best news, reviews, columns, and more delivered straight to your inbox, daily. back Sign up For more information, read our Privacy Policy and Terms of Use . Share this Story Facebook X LinkedIn Flipboard Reddit WhatsApp E-Mail Got a tip for us? Email: tips@ Join the conversation ( )
Top Gear
7 hours ago
- Automotive
- Top Gear
Wait, what? China's getting an all-electric Ford Bronco, and this is it
First Look Ford gives its boxy new Bronco a load of electricities Skip 7 photos in the image carousel and continue reading God bless online translation services, is all we can say, because the communication around this new Ford Bronco 'New Energy' is sublime. Welcome to what Ford China calls 'the most beautiful square box'. It is square. And it does resemble a box. The 'most beautiful'? Jury's out, but New Bronco certainly remains a looker. And now Ford has filled its cool square box with electricities exclusively for the Chinese market. Advertisement - Page continues below Well, electricity and fuel, because Chinese consumers will be offered – we think – a pair of powertrain options. One's a full-fat electric car, fitted with a giant 105.4kWh 'super-charged' battery pack offering 'high-voltage fast charging technology' and the promise of up to 404 miles (650km) of range. There's another one, a range-extender that marries a smaller battery to an engine – at least we think it's an engine – allowing for a decent electric-only distance. As the translation explains, 'among the same level of square boxes, the extended-range version is equipped with the largest 43.7kWh battery in its class'. They're really going in on this 'square box' thing, huh. You might like Anyway, the range extender Bronco claims 137 miles running purely on electricity, or 758 when both fuel and battery are fully topped up. You will not need more, trust us. And trust us that it's one of the cooler-looking electric off-roaders. It's still a Bronco, but different: a new headlight and grille setup, a funky vent at the lip of the bonnet, chunky sides and arches, a really very squared-off, you might say 'box-like' silhouette, and a dandy new set of wheels. Advertisement - Page continues below Ford of China said it packs in 'laser radar and 30+ high-precision sensors/cameras' for lots of assisted driving and a 'smart cabin' experience. Which all sounds very good and worthy, if only we hadn't got stuck on the frickin' lasers bit. We've not been shown pictures of the interior as yet, but are assured 'the smart cockpit has preset multiple scene modes such as naps, pets, and camping overnight'. Which sounds… fun. 'New Energy is not just a car,' adds Ford, 'but also a universal key to break the boundaries of your life!', and is all in on the unbridled enthusiasm and positivity emanating from this beautiful square box. More as we get it. Thank you for subscribing to our newsletter. Look out for your regular round-up of news, reviews and offers in your inbox. Get all the latest news, reviews and exclusives, direct to your inbox.
The Independent
8 hours ago
- Automotive
- The Independent
Mercedes-Benz CLA review: Merc goes star crazy with brilliant new EV
In the new CLA, Mercedes has delivered an electric car that has the potential to be one of the best on the market. Once you've got over the frankly absurd number of stars on the car – 142 illuminated ones on the grille, a similar number on the panel in front of the passenger (worth upgrading to a screen just to avoid that), stars on the bonnet, boot, in the front lights, in the rear lights and on the wheels – this is, in my view, one of the best Mercs in a generation. But it has one rather frustrating flaw – for now. Its super-advanced 800v platform means it can charge at the fastest public chargers at speeds of up to 320kW. But only at the fastest, newest public chargers that also use 800v tech. The CLA is not compatible with 400v chargers which, while still quick, make up quite a lot of the UK's public charging network. Mercedes says that its fancy new navigation system will guide you to the right charger, but most users will rather use the navigation system in their phones – which is better. CLAs that arrive next year – hopefully including the gorgeous Shooting Brake – should feature a fix. A couple of SUVs on the same platform is due at some stage, too. It's a great shame as the CLA is a fabulous car to drive. It's quick – as you'd expect – and has a lovely ride and handling balance that's fantastic in the CLA 250+ and even better in the four-wheel drive 35-+ we get next year. The tech inside the lovely, comfortable cabin is great and the quality is okay, if not as perfect as we'd want a Merc to be – there are signs of cost-cutting around. How we test I drove the new Mercedes-Benz CLA on the international launch of the car in Copenhagen. My test route included driving around the city, out on the country roads and on the motorways. And as usual, I gave the tech a thorough test, as well as assessing all practicality features, including taking a ride in the back seats. Independent rating: 8/10 Pros: Lovely to drive, long range, excellent efficiency Cons: Won't work with all chargers – yet, styling a bit chintzy, cost-cutting in places Mercedes-Benz CLA specs Price range £45,615 to £51,770 Battery size 85kWh Maximum claimed range 484 miles Miles per kWh 5.1 Maximum charging rate 320kW Battery, range, charging, performance and drive Initially we're getting the CLA 250+ which comes with a 268bhp electric motor with what is in effect a two-speed gearbox that helps give the Merc saloon a decent turn of speed – 0-62mph in 6.7 seconds. One of the most impressive features of the CLA is how well engineered it feels, both in terms of the motor's performance and the quality of the ride. You'll rarely notice the twin-speed gearbox – I just detected the slightest jolt when slowing through regenerative braking, but power comes in smoothly with no sudden snap of performance. If this is what a luxury EVs should feel like, I like it very much. The same applies to the ride comfort. Body control is excellent, the car doesn't feel too floaty while the ride is communicative, letting you know what the road surface is like, but it never feels uncomfortable. For me, the steering could be a touch heavier, but that's solved in the CLA 350+ that I also had a drive in. That more expensive model will arrive next year with four-wheel drive meaning a motor on both front and rear axles. It gives the steering just a little more weight making it even nice than in the 250+, although the ride and handling balance is just as nice. That's all hugely impressive, as is the battery tech. The CLA sits on an 800v platform, while the latest generation battery has a lower carbon footprint and higher energy density. It means that a relatively small and light 84kWh battery in the CLA will offer a range of up to 484 miles – over 50 miles more than the most efficient Tesla Model 3. That figure drops slightly when you go for bigger wheels or the more powerful and four-wheel drive 350+ model, but it's never short of impressive and the efficiency when I was driving the car of 4.5 miles/kWh was good considering the type of fast roads I was driving on. However, currently the CLA will only charge at fast-chargers with 800-volt tech. That does mean it'll accept a maximum charge rate of 320kW and will add 200 miles of charge in just ten minutes. But with so many UK fast chargers running on 400-volt tech – admittedly not the very fastest – there will be plenty of chargers off-limits to the CLA. Mercedes is promising a fix for this next year – and hopefully the lovely Shooting Brake model will feature that fix, too. Mercedes is also quick to point out that the advanced new Google Maps-based navigation is set up to not only provide optimum advice on charging places and pre-condition the car, it will also sniff out the charge points that the CLA can actually use. That will require owners to use the in-car navigation rather than the phone-based system most people prefer. If I was interested in buying a CLA, I'd hold off until a fix for this battery charging issue is confirmed. Interior, practicality and boot space The CLA is Mercedes' smallest saloon model, yet it still feels surprisingly practical. Room in the back is okay – although I'm close to six-feet tall I didn't feel headroom was a problem, despite the CLA's sporty, sloping roofline, which gets a standard and rather lovely panoramic roof in every model. The boot is a decent size and shape with 405-litres of room, too. More of an issue is the space in the footwell – if the driver or front passenger has their seat low down there might not be enough space underneath to slide your feet. There's no doubting the high-tech nature of the interior with the potential of three screens across the dash, but the big plastic panel doesn't exude quality and there's not the usual careful alignment of the dashboard panel with the doors. The doors also shut with a shimmy rather than a thud – due partly to the lack of pillars to give the car more of a coupé feel. Generally, the quality inside is okay, but there are a few other areas of cost cutting. For example, there are no rear window switches on the driver's door – instead there are just two switches and another to select either front or rear windows. It's a feature that's disappointing on a Volkswagen, and more so on a Mercedes. Being Mercedes' smallest saloon, the car feels relatively narrow, making the steering wheel feel just a tiny bit too big – no doubt due to the CLA having to share the steering wheel with its bigger cousins. The driving position is comfortable, though, and the view out is good despite the car's sporty styling. Technology, stereo and infotainment The CLA debuts Mercedes very own latest operating system the fourth version of its MBUX infotainment. It incorporates AI from Chat GPT, Microsoft and Google, choosing which platform to direct your questions that are asked via the 'Hey Mercedes' system. It works well and seamlessly with numerous apps available too, mimicking a smart phone. However, I can't help but think that most users will just connect their Apple or Android devices and use them instead. The three screens across the dash are smart and clear – you get a ten-inch driver display, a 14-inch infotainment screen and the option of a 14-inch screen in front of the passenger, too. If you don't go for the passenger screen, you have a plastic panel with over a hundred more tiny, illuminated stars staring at you – enough already! The two-level centre console features a decent amount of storage space, while there are a couple of cup holders and a wireless phone charger on the top. The star theme is back when it comes to the headlights, with Multibeam LED technology. The daytime running lights are star shaped, the 142 stars are illuminated on the grille, and the rear lights are, unsurprisingly, star-shaped, too. There are plenty of ambient lighting options inside, too. There's the expected range of driver assistance features under the banner with level two autonomous driving that'll take care of steering, accelerating and braking (with you in charge, obviously) where appropriate. And everything will be kept up to date with over-the-air updates. The level of kit as standard is impressive, plus there's a Burmester 3D surround sound system upgrade with 16 speakers and Dolby Atmos. There are also various Sound Experience options to choose from to give this EV some sound characters, and you can even sit in the car stationary and simulate revs by prodding the accelerator. The starting price for the CLA 250+ Sport Edition is competitive at £45,615, just £625 more than a Long Range Tesla Model 3 yet the Mercedes will go 47 more miles on a full charge. A sportier AMG Line version will cost £49,375, with the current range-topping AMG Line Premium model costing £51,770 – its bigger wheels and sportier styling reduces range, but it can still outpunch the Tesla by 26 miles. The Tesla is quicker, though. That 484-mile range from a relatively small 84kWh battery is hugely impressive, as is the efficiency – 4.5 miles/kWh on my mixed test route, and not hanging around, is very good result indeed. Mercedes CLA rivals Tesla Model 3 BMW i4 Hyundai Ioniq 6 FAQs How long does it take to charge? With charging speeds of up to 320kW, you can add 200 miles to the CLA's battery in just ten minutes. How much does it cost - is it worth it? Mercedes has clearly been looking long and hard at Tesla pricing, as the CLA is priced very slightly above the Model 3. It'll go a fair bit further on a single charge, though. Does Mercedes replace batteries for free? As with all EVs, the CLA's battery is covered for eight years and 100,000 miles. Why trust us Our team of motoring experts have decades of experience driving, reviewing and reporting on the latest EV cars, and our verdicts are reached with every kind of driver in mind. We thoroughly test drive every car we recommend, so you can be sure our verdicts are honest, unbiased and authentic. The verdict: Mercedes-Benz CLA The new CLA feels like Mercedes back to its very best – and it hasn't been there for a while. I love the way the car drives, the range it offers and the on-board tech. I can take or leave the styling – there are just too many stars on there! But the biggest drawback – for the moment – is the charging compatibility of the 800v platform. I'd wait for my CLA until that issue is fixed next year.
The Independent
9 hours ago
- Automotive
- The Independent
Get ready to hear a lot more about Aion EVs in the UK
Chinese automotive powerhouse Guangzhou Automobile Group (GAC) is set to enter the fiercely-competitive UK electric car market, announcing a joint venture with distributor Jameel Motors. The team-up will see the launch of GAC's dedicated EV sub-brand, Aion, with the first models expected to reach UK customers in early 2026. The move marks the latest in a wave of new EV brands from China targeting British consumers. GAC joins an increasingly crowded EV market, competing against established European and Asian manufacturers as well as fellow Chinese newcomers like BYD and Omoda. The launch will focus on two all-electric models: the Aion V, an SUV poised to challenge the Kia EV3 and BYD Atto 2, and the Aion UT, a hatchback to rival the Vauxhall Corsa Electric, Peugeot e-208 and MG4. Additional models from the Aion line-up are also expected to come to the UK. GAC is one of China's biggest automakers, though it's unlikely you'll have spotted any of its cars on UK roads. The UK saw a 25.8 per cent year-on-year increase in EV registrations as of May 2025, according to the Society of Motor Manufacturers and Traders, highlighting the significant long-term potential GAC aims to tap into. Wayne Wei, president of GAC International says 'GAC's entry into the UK marks a crucial step in its internationalisation strategy. As we set foot in this dynamic market, GAC is committed to bringing industry-leading products and first-class services to UK consumers.' By partnering with an experienced distributor in Jameel, GAC looks to take advantage of the network's logistics, retail, and after-sales support, accelerating their path to market and mitigating the significant investment required to build a network independently. Jasmmine Wong, chief executive officer of Jameel Motors, says 'the joint venture with GAC represents a shared vision, and an exciting opportunity to meet the UK's growing demand for smarter, cleaner passenger vehicles. Led by customer preference and guided by our expertise, we're committed to staying ahead of trends and delivering first-class solutions that are both innovative and sustainable.' GAC arrives in the UK with formidable credentials. The company sold over 100,000 of its self-branded vehicles overseas in 2024. Its Aion brand is central to its electric ambitions, showcasing the company's focus on innovative tech.
Car and Driver
a day ago
- Automotive
- Car and Driver
2026 Mercedes-Benz CLA EV Succeeds with a Less-Is-More Approach
If an electric car is like a plant-based meat alternative to a gasoline car, then many of today's EVs are like Burger King Impossible Whoppers. They're packaged in familiar SUV wrappers and stuffed with massive battery packs and powerful electric motors in an attempt to convince the buying public that they're just as good as their gas-powered equivalents. Mercedes-Benz is taking a different approach with the new electric version of the CLA entry-level luxury sedan. This new model focuses on intelligence rather than excess, promising impressive range figures thanks to its efficient powertrain that makes the most out of the battery pack. It's a refreshing change from the overweight, overpowered, and overbearing electric SUVs proliferating across the market, and it has an appealing taste all its own. This content is imported from Third party. You may be able to find the same content in another format, or you may be able to find more information, at their web site. EV and Gas Versions in Harmony The CLA is also significant in that it marks a new approach for Mercedes-Benz with its electric lineup. The company is moving away from its EV-specific platforms and the EQ-badged models that looked nothing like their gasoline stablemates. The new strategy is based around platforms that can accommodate both gas and electric powertrains, such as the new MMA architecture found under this new CLA. This also means that the electric CLA looks pretty much identical to the upcoming hybrid version that arrives later. The latest CLA is the third generation of this small Mercedes four-door, and the first two served to lower the price of entry for the Mercedes-Benz brand. The new model will likely again be the least expensive Mercedes you can buy in the U.S., although we don't yet have pricing for either the hybrid or the (likely) more costly EV. It looks cute and modern, although the front-end treatment with a full-width headlight bar and a star pattern in the grille is a bit cheesy. Its economy-car roots are visible inside, where there are hard plastics on the lower portions of the dashboard and the center console, but it avoids feeling low-rent. The abundance of screens—including a large digital gauge cluster, a central infotainment screen, and an optional passenger's-side screen—distracts from the less impressive materials, and there are many interesting trim and upholstery choices. You can go in a sporty direction with carbon-fiber trim and stripes on the seats with the AMG Line package or opt for classier environs with wood and high-end leather options. How Does It Drive? We've already detailed the technical aspects of the CLA's innovative powertrain, including its highly efficient electric motors, its two-speed transmission, and its 85-kWh battery pack. The main info left to glean was how it drives. During our drive in Copenhagen, Denmark, we spent most of our time in the rear-wheel-drive CLA250+, which has a 268-hp electric motor on the rear axle. The acceleration wasn't neck-snapping, but it felt responsive, and the single-motor setup offered an appropriate level of power for a vehicle of this size. The steering effort is light and lends the car a nimble feel. With an estimated curb weight of around 4500 pounds, the CLA isn't quite a featherweight, but the nicely tuned chassis avoids the heavy-handed feel of other EVs. We also liked the tuning of the regenerative braking, which offers four settings: automatic recuperation (D Auto), no recuperation (D+), standard recuperation (D), and enhanced recuperation (D-). The D+ setting lets you coast effortlessly on the highway, while the D- mode allows for one-pedal driving. The shifting of the two-speed transmission—with the second, higher gear used mostly for greater efficiency at higher speeds—is barely noticeable. We also briefly drove the dual-motor, 349-hp CLA350, which offers considerably more grunt and all-wheel drive. It's quicker for sure, but we missed the 250+ model's agility, as the CLA350 4Matic felt heavier and less playful, with a firmer suspension tune. Some may prefer the extra scoot, but this model feels out of step with the CLA's less-is-more approach. The CLA350 also gives up quite a bit of range and efficiency compared to its lower-powered sibling. Range and Charging Specifics As for range, U.S.-specific EPA estimates aren't yet available, but based on everything we know so far, the numbers should be big. We're expecting upwards of 350 miles of range in CLA250+ form. Mercedes also makes big claims in terms of charging, thanks to the 800-volt electrical system, saying that it will charge at up to 320 kilowatts and that it will be able to go from 10 percent to 80 percent charge in 22 minutes. There's been a bit of a hullabaloo about the U.S.-spec car, with its NACS port, and its ability, or lack thereof, to use 400-volt Tesla Superchargers, but Mercedes seems to have fixed this issue. Depending on the CLA EV's starting price, it could be a compelling contender among other electric sedans. Its chief rivals will be the BMW i4, the Hyundai Ioniq 6, and the Tesla Model 3. If this smart-driving Mercedes can match or offer more range than them for a similar starting price, it could land with a splash when it arrives in the U.S. later this year. Specifications Specifications 2026 Mercedes-Benz CLA with EQ Technology Vehicle Type: rear- or front- and rear-motor, rear- or all-wheel-drive, 5-passenger, 4-door sedan PRICE (C/D EST) Base: CLA250+, $55,000; CLA350 4Matic, $65,000 POWERTRAIN (CLA250+) Motor: current-excited synchronous AC, 268 hp, 247 lb-ft Battery Pack: liquid-cooled lithium-ion, 85 kWh Onboard Charger: 9.6 kW Peak DC Fast-Charge Rate: 320 kW Transmission: 2-speed automatic POWERTRAIN (CLA350 4Matic) Front Motor: current-excited synchronous AC, 107 hp Rear Motor: current-excited synchronous AC, 242 hp Combined Power: 349 hp Combined Torque: 380 lb-ft Battery Pack: liquid-cooled lithium-ion, 85 kWh Onboard Charger: 9.6 kW Peak DC Fast-Charge Rate: 320 kW Transmissions, F/R: direct-drive/2-speed automatic DIMENSIONS Wheelbase: 109.8 in Length: 185.9 in Width: 73.0 in Height: 57.8 in Passenger Volume, F/R: 56/38 ft3 Trunk Volume: 14 ft3 Front Trunk Volume: 3 ft3 Curb Weight (C/D est): 4600–4800 lb PERFORMANCE (C/D EST) 60 mph: 4.7–6.5 sec 100 mph: 11.6–12.6 sec 1/4-Mile: 13.4–14.4 sec Top Speed: 130 mph EPA FUEL ECONOMY (C/D EST) Range: 354–367 mi Reviewed by Joey Capparella Deputy Editor, Rankings Content Despite being raised on a steady diet of base-model Hondas and Toyotas—or perhaps because of it—Joey Capparella nonetheless cultivated an obsession for the automotive industry throughout his childhood in Nashville, Tennessee. He found a way to write about cars for the school newspaper during his college years at Rice University, which eventually led him to move to Ann Arbor, Michigan, for his first professional auto-writing gig at Automobile Magazine. He has been part of the Car and Driver team since 2016 and now lives in New York City. Read full bio This content is imported from Third party. You may be able to find the same content in another format, or you may be able to find more information, at their web site.
