Good morning, good afternoon, and good evening wherever you are in the world, welcome to EV News Daily, your trusted source of EV information. It’s Wednesday 26 March, I’m Martyn Lee and I go through every EV story so you don’t have to.
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MG LAUNCHES S5 EV IN COMPETITIVE B-SEGMENT SUV MARKET
The MG S5 EV enters the competitive B-segment SUV market as MG’s fifth electric vehicle, built on the MG 4 hatchback platform. The MG 4 has sold 42,000 units in the UK since its September 2022 launch, ranking as the third best-selling EV in private retail.
David Allison, MG UK’s head of Product and Planning, noted the segment represents 30% of the UK car market, making it an ideal time to launch a new model.
The S5 EV measures 4.48 m (176.4 inches) long and 1.85 m (72.8 inches) wide, slightly larger than the MG 4. It offers 453 liters (15.98 cubic feet) of boot space compared to the hatchback’s 363 liters (12.82 cubic feet).
Its design features include a split grille inspired by the Cyberster EV, integrated low beams, a full-width rear light bar, and alloy wheels (17- or 18-inch depending on SE or Trophy trim).
Three variants are available: SE Standard Range, SE Long Range, and Trophy Long Range. The SE Standard Range has a 49 kWh battery offering 211 miles (340 km) of range. The SE Long Range and Trophy Long Range use larger batteries for up to 298 miles (480 km). Charging speeds reach up to 120 kW for smaller batteries and faster for larger ones. All models feature a 170 kW rear motor achieving 62 mph (100 km/h) in 6.3 seconds.
Prices start at £28,495 for the SE Standard Range, £30,995 for the SE Long Range, and £33,495 for the Trophy Long Range. The Trophy adds heated front seats and an electric tailgate.
Inside, the S5 EV includes a 12.8-inch infotainment screen and a 10.25-inch digital cockpit display. Safety features include seven airbags, adaptive cruise control, forward collision warning, rear cross-traffic alert, and other Advanced Driver Assistance Systems (ADAS).
FBI FORMS TASK FORCE AGAINST TESLA ATTACKS
The FBI announced Monday the creation of a task force to address escalating violent attacks on Tesla, owned by Elon Musk. For months, Tesla cars, charging stations, and facilities have been targeted with vandalism, arson, and gunfire. Peaceful protests have also taken place at Tesla showrooms, criticizing Musk’s role in reducing the federal workforce and streamlining agencies.
The FBI urged the public to stay alert for signs of potential attacks, such as surveillance, trespassing, or online threats against Tesla properties. Ben Williamson, FBI Assistant Director for Public Affairs, stated the task force will collaborate with the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives (ATF) to investigate these incidents. The Justice Department plans to prosecute individuals involved in violent acts like throwing Molotov cocktails at Tesla facilities.
FBI Director Kash Patel labeled these attacks as domestic terrorism and vowed to hold perpetrators accountable. Attorney General Pam Bondi echoed this sentiment after a recent Las Vegas incident where Tesla vehicles were shot at and set on fire. These acts have negatively impacted Tesla’s sales and stock prices. Musk described the violence as terrorism on his X account, emphasizing Tesla’s innocence in these attacks.
The FBI reported anti-Tesla incidents in at least nine states over the weekend. These attacks often occur at night by lone offenders using rudimentary tactics like incendiary devices and firearms. The agency has received reports of 48 incidents this month alone. Graffiti expressing political grievances has been common in these acts of vandalism.
The task force includes ten members from the FBI’s counterterrorism unit and ATF. While the number of personnel assigned remains undisclosed, the FBI is intensifying efforts to prevent further violence and urges anyone with information to contact law enforcement.
FREE2MOVE EXPANDS GERMAN FLEET WITH FIAT 500E AND DIGITAL CHARGING
Free2move, a provider of mobility services, including car sharing, is expanding its electric vehicle fleet in Germany. The company is adding about 300 Fiat 500e models in Berlin, Cologne (Köln), and Düsseldorf.
The new Fiat 500e features a 10.25-inch touchscreen infotainment system that works with Apple CarPlay, Android Auto, and Bluetooth. It includes safety technologies like lane departure warning, automatic emergency braking, and adaptive cruise control. The interior is designed for comfort with ergonomic seating.
Free2move has also launched a fully digital charging experience through its customer app. First introduced in Paris in late July 2024, this feature is now available in German cities where Free2move operates EVs. The app allows users to access charging stations without physical cards and provides real-time information on port availability, connector types, and maximum power output.
The app shows charging station locations on a map, helping drivers plan parking and rental returns while their vehicles charge. This enhancement simplifies the charging process and increases the number of accessible charging stations for easier electric mobility.
EUROPE’S FEBRUARY EV SALES RISE, TESLA SLIDES
In February, Europe registered 164,148 new electric vehicles (EVs), a 26% increase from last year, according to JATO Dynamics. Overall car registrations fell by 2.5% to 966,271 units. Battery electric vehicles (BEVs) held a 17% market share, up by 3.8 percentage points from February 2024. There were also 72,639 plug-in hybrids, making up a 7.5% market share, an increase of 1%.
February was the best month for BEVs so far. Combined with January, electric car registrations reached 329,700 units, a significant 31% rise over the previous year.
Tesla’s market share dropped to 9.6% in February and further to 7.7% for the year, down from 18.4% in January and February 2024. Felipe Munoz from JATO Dynamics said, “Tesla is experiencing a period of immense change… Brands like Tesla… are particularly vulnerable to registration declines when undertaking a model changeover.”
In February, Model Y registrations fell by 56% to 8,800 units and Model 3 registrations decreased by 14% to 6,800 units. Munoz noted that the larger drop in Model Y sales suggests the decline is more about the model change than Musk’s political activities.
Volkswagen became the top EV manufacturer with 19,565 units sold (up by 180%), moving Tesla to second place with 15,737 units.
Other brands with notable growth included BMW (13,475 BEVs; +20%), Audi (9,868 BEVs; +70%), Renault (9,387 BEVs; +96%), and Kia (8,153 BEVs; +56%). BMW reported that battery-electric vehicles made up 27% of its total sales.
Chinese brands registered a total of 19,800 new EVs in Europe in February, surpassing Tesla’s numbers. This includes Volvo (owned by Geely) with 6,656 BEVs among the top ten sellers. The top five best-selling models were the Tesla Model 3 and Model Y built in Germany; VW ID.4; new Renault 5 with 5,659 registrations; and VW ID.7 with 5,432 units sold.
However, due to its sharp decline in sales for February’s Model Y (-56%), it dropped out of the top ten best-selling models across all drive types.
AUDI REVEALS NEW A5 WITH PLUG-IN POWERTRAIN
Six months after launching the A4 successor, Audi has added two new plug-in hybrid electric vehicle (PHEV) variants to the A5 lineup. This move aims to keep benefiting those who enjoy tax advantages for privately used company cars, a major reason for choosing plug-in hybrids.
The new PHEV models show significant technical improvements over earlier versions.
The battery capacity has increased to 25.9 kWh (usable 20.7 kWh), and charging capability is now 11 kW. However, charging is limited to alternating current (AC), as Audi has not included a direct current (DC) fast-charging option, unlike Volkswagen, Škoda, and Seat, which offer DC options.
As a result, the Audi A5 PHEV takes about two and a half hours to fully charge from empty and cannot quickly recharge during short stops like grocery trips. On the positive side, it supports regenerative braking with up to 88 kW, with the electric motor handling over 90% of deceleration. The adaptive recuperation mode adjusts based on traffic conditions and routes for better efficiency.
The battery design is optimized for higher packing density, measuring just under one square meter and nearly 18 centimeters high. Using the cell-to-pack method, cells are directly attached to the battery housing instead of being in modules. This increases packing density and reduces costs but makes future battery replacements more complex.
Trunk space in the new PHEV models is 331 liters for the saloon and 361 liters for the estate variant.
Audi’s PHEV lineup includes both saloon and estate models with standard all-wheel drive. The entry-level version has a system output of 220 kW (about 295 horsepower); the higher-end model offers 270 kW (about 362 horsepower) and 500 Nm of torque. Both have a two-liter four-cylinder engine producing 185 kW (250 horsepower) along with an electric motor capable of up to 105 kW (141 horsepower).
In Germany pricing starts at €62,500 for the saloon and €64,150 for the estate in the 220 kW version; prices rise to €70,900 and €72,550 respectively for the 270 kW models.
Performance metrics include sprint times from 5.1 to 5.9 seconds with all models reaching a top speed of 250 km/h (155 mph). They offer an estimated WLTP range of about 110 kilometers (68 miles) on electric power alone.
Inside, standard features include 3-zone automatic climate control, a panoramic MMI display, and an inductive phone charging pad. Higher-performance versions offer the S line exterior package.
WAYMO LEADS ROBOTAXI MARKET, OUTPACES TESLA
Waymo, the self-driving branch of Alphabet, is the top player in the robotaxi industry, outpacing Tesla’s Cybercab and Full Self-Driving (FSD) system. John Krafcik, Waymo’s former CEO, said in an interview with Business Insider.
Krafcik, who led Waymo until 2021, noted that Tesla mainly operates as an electric vehicle maker with a strong driver-assistance system.
He said, “Tesla has aspired to compete with Waymo for nearly ten years, but they still don’t. They’re a car company with a driver-assist system. They haven’t delivered a single fully autonomous revenue-generating ride yet, something Waymo is already doing a million times a month.”
While Tesla plans to launch its robotaxi service using its Unsupervised FSD system by June 2025, Waymo is already providing over 200,000 rides weekly across various U.S. cities, illustrating Waymo’s established presence in the autonomous ride-hailing market.
Krafcik also criticized the design of Tesla’s Cybercab, revealed in 2024 as a two-seat robotaxi. He stated that a serious company would not design a vehicle like the Cybercab: “If a company were serious about building a safe and accessible robotaxi business, it would look nothing like what was shown.”
He defended Waymo’s use of multiple sensors like lidar on its vehicles. Krafcik explained, “The cost of a robust sensor set, including lidar, is trivial on a per-mile basis. Even more so for mapping. And the safety benefits measured in human harm reduction are real and verifiable.” This underscores Waymo’s focus on safety and efficiency through advanced technology.
REVEL EXPANDS EV CHARGING TO SAN FRANCISCO
Revel, a Brooklyn-based EV charging company, has launched its first West Coast fast-charging station in San Francisco’s Mission District at 199 Erie Street, near the 101 freeway. The station features 12 Kempower chargers, each delivering 320 kW of power, and includes CCS and NACS connectors compatible with all EV models using appropriate adapters. It operates 24/7 and charges at a rate of 59 cents per kilowatt-hour.
San Francisco Mayor Daniel Lurie attended the ribbon-cutting ceremony, highlighting the importance of the chargers in accelerating EV adoption. The city leads the nation in EV ownership, with over 35% of new vehicle sales being electric in 2024 compared to the national average of 8%.
Revel plans to install 125 chargers across San Francisco, Oakland, San Jose, and South San Francisco within a year. This marks the first phase of its Bay Area expansion. Currently, Revel operates 100 chargers nationwide and recently secured a $60 million loan to triple its network in New York City.
HYUNDAI DRIVERS CAN NOW USE TESLA SUPERCHARGERS (AND SSHHH, KIA TOO!)
Hyundai has introduced a DC fast-charging adapter for its battery electric vehicles, including those on the e-GMP platform, nearly doubling the number of available DC fast-charging stations for Hyundai EV owners. Eligible models include the KONA Electric, IONIQ Electric hatchback, IONIQ 5, IONIQ 6, and the 2025 IONIQ 5 N. Hyundai is offering free CCS-to-NACS adapters to qualifying customers who own or lease these vehicles by January 31, 2025.
Olabisi Boyle, Hyundai Motor North America’s senior vice president, announced that Hyundai EV customers now have access to 20,000 Tesla Superchargers across North America, doubling their fast-charging options. This move enhances public charging convenience and supports EV adoption.
Hyundai is promoting EV adoption with models featuring fast charging speeds and native NACS ports starting with the 2025 IONIQ 5 and future models like the 2026 IONIQ 9. The company is increasing EV and battery production in Savannah, Georgia, and expanding charging support through the IONNA high-speed charging network, which offers discounts for Hyundai customers. Additionally, customers can choose between out-of-home charging credits or a free Level 2 Home charger with installation via Hyundai Home.
Eligible customers can claim one free adapter per vehicle by maintaining an active MyHyundai account and agreeing to receive emails. Starting April 7, Hyundai will send emails to verify customer details. Customers must confirm their shipping address and agree to terms within 60 days to receive their adapter. If needed, they can update their address on MyHyundai.com and receive a new confirmation email.
New Hyundai EVs like the refreshed 2025 IONIQ 5 will have built-in NACS ports, eliminating the need for adapters at Tesla Superchargers or other DC fast-charging stations. These models are not eligible for the free adapter offer. The program applies only to Hyundai Motor America customers; details for Canada will be announced later this year.
Since Kia and Hyundai share an E-GMP platform with common components, Kia owners initially bypassed restrictions by identifying their vehicles as Hyundai Ioniqs for a week.
Kia then began distributing NACS adapters, but official Supercharger access was still pending. With Hyundai now integrated into Tesla’s network and NACS adapters available, Kia owners tested the system again and found that charging on Superchargers works. Users can start charging through the Tesla app using an official Kia adapter, a third-party adapter, or a native NACS port in the upcoming 2025 Kia EV6. Kia had previously said that Supercharger access would be available in the latter half of this quarter. As the quarter ends soon, an official announcement from Kia about Supercharger integration is expected shortly.
PREMIUM PARTNERS
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REALTORS CHOICE PHOTOGRAPHY
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THE PLUGSEEKER’S EV YOUTUBE CHANNEL
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TYLER VOSS
