Lexus has introduced an all‑new generation ES sedan that stands apart with its sleek design and a range of options that let buyers choose the level of electrification that fits their needs. We recently drove the 2026 Lexus ES in both hybrid and electric form and found the hybrid ES 350h, along with the electric ES 350e and ES 500e, a joy to experience along the La Jolla shoreline on a sunny San Diego day.
Available trims include Premium, Premium+, and Luxury, depending on the model. The hybrid 350h gives the choice of front- or all-wheel drive, in either Premium or Premium+ trim. The electric front-wheel drive 350e and all-wheel drive 500e come in either Premium or Luxury variants. For those in search of maximum luxury features, the Premium+ and Luxury trims include amenities like a Mark Levinson 17-speaker surround sound system, parking assist with auto braking, a digital rearview mirror, and a panoramic view monitor that displays a 360‑degree overhead view for parking.
All the models we drove featured a premium‑grade Lexus Interface with a 14-inch touchscreen, heated and ventilated front seats, a power tilt-and-slide moonroof, and the Lexus Safety System+ 4.0 suite of safety features. Inside, NuLuxe, Lexus’s soft and durable synthetic leather, is standard on the Premium and Premium+, with the Luxury package featuring semi-aniline leather. Both interior trims were pleasant to the touch, with no lack of comfort in either the synthetic or real leather options.
The ES 350e Luxury model offers an optional Executive Package that transforms the rear cabin into a first‑class space. Heated and ventilated outboard seats, a rear massage function, multi‑zone climate controls, and a power rear sunshade are included, along with an ottoman for the passenger‑side rear seat. The ottoman can extend forward by automatically adjusting the front passenger seat, creating an impressively open and comfortable space. With a fellow driver at the wheel, we were able to experience the setup firsthand – the seat reclined, feet elevated, and the massage function engaged – making clear just how far Lexus has taken rear‑seat comfort in this new generation.
Sure to be a popular choice for Lexus buyers is the hybrid ES 350h. This model features 244 system horsepower, with the front-wheel drive model netting a combined 46 mpg and the all-wheel drive variant 44 mpg. Those wanting to go all-electric will find the front-wheel drive ES 350e’s single 221 horsepower motor delivering welcome performance and a 307-mile range.
The all-wheel drive ES 500e’s dual motor system features a commanding 338 horsepower and achieves 0-60 acceleration in 5.1 seconds. The tradeoff is a slightly lower 276-mile range than the single-motor version. We had more than one opportunity to prove the capabilities of the uplevel AWD model and found it is indeed a luxury vehicle with plenty of power to ensure one’s commute is comfortable and fast.
Our drives in and around La Jolla provided ample opportunity to experience the luxury feel and stylings of the new Lexus ES, as we drove each model throughout the day. The smooth rides through residential and busy highways felt equally peaceful in a serenely quiet cabin, where we had ample opportunity to enjoy the Mark Levinson surround-sound belting out 80s hits through this advanced multimedia system.
During our drives, where we experienced a briefly overcast morning that gave way to a fantastic sunny Southern California afternoon, we had the chance to take the Lexus ES 500e on some back roads to keep our time behind the wheel interesting. The 500e easily handled tight corners and delivered smooth and precise braking on demand when needed. Abundant power provided by its 338 horsepower electric drive system was very much appreciated when driving in uncrowded conditions.
We came away from our time with the all‑new Lexus ES thoroughly impressed. Its expanded mix of hybrid and electric trims gives premium‑sedan buyers a wide range of choices in a sleek, stylish, and beautifully executed Lexus. The ES delivers a refined ride and a quiet cabin, along with a well‑balanced blend of technology, comfort, and performance. It stands out as a modern luxury sedan that makes choosing between hybrid or electric a matter of preference rather than compromise.
In welcome news, Volkswagen’s ID. Buzz returns to U.S. showrooms this fall after a year‑long absence. Rejoining the model lineup is a meaningful development, given that this electric van generated more sustained interest and anticipation than any other VW model in recent years. Happily, Its reemergence brings a surprising new variant that’s a nod to a familiar chapter in VW history.
That new addition is the ID. Buzz Tourer, a model designed for overnight stays and extended outings. While not expected to be the volume seller in the Buzz family, the Tourer does add a familiar layer of personality. VW camper vans have held an endearing place in automotive culture for decades, and the Tourer brings that spirit into the electric era without overstating its role.
Leaving VW’s U.S. lineup for a year left a noticeable gap in this automaker’s electric portfolio. Its return for 2027 signals renewed momentum and a clearer structure for the model line. Trims now include Pro S RWD, Pro S 4Motion, Tourer 4Motion, and Pro S Plus 4Motion, each benefiting from Volkswagen’s latest ID.S 6 software and a consolidated suite of connected services.
Color choices have been simplified to two‑tone schemes only, including a new Candy White over Cherry Red combination that recalls the Type 2 Microbus. The top trim adds an optional 21‑inch wheel package that gives the Buzz a more assertive stance while maintaining its recognizable profile.
The Tourer is built from the Pro S 4Motion model and adapted from the European “Good Night Package.” With the Tourer, Volkswagen has assembled a set of features that make the Buzz more accommodating for overnight use, including a fold‑out mattress with platform, window blinds, front window ventilation panels, and an exterior table and chairs. A dedicated Overnight Mode manages lighting, climate, and energy use to support extended stays.
Additional equipment includes Captain’s Chairs, a retractable tow hitch, Area View, an electrochromic smart roof, and 20‑inch dark graphite wheels with black discs. These aren’t exclusive to the Tourer, but together with its overnight gear they create a more adventure‑ready configuration without changing the Buzz’s core mission.
It’s important to note that the new Tourer is not a full campervan. Earlier VW camper models offered built‑in kitchenettes, pop‑top roofs, and dedicated systems meant for extended stays. A battery‑electric microbus brings different demands since overnight power use draws directly from the main battery and affects range. The Tourer takes a lighter approach that nods to VW’s camper heritage without the complexity of a full conversion.
Classic VW campervans also relied on propane systems, auxiliary batteries, and separate wiring to support long‑duration camping without compromising drivability. In an EV, those loads would draw from the same pack that supports propulsion, adding complexity to thermal and power management. By focusing on a simpler, overnight‑ready configuration, the Tourer preserves the Buzz’s everyday usability while still acknowledging VW’s long camper tradition.
While we haven't yet had an opportunity to test the 2027 model, our previous experience with the Buzz offers a clear sense of what this platform delivers. During our drives, road noise was well damped and the sounds of traffic faded as we settled in for the long haul from urban areas to open roads. Handling was tight and responsive on narrow roads and busy highways, and the Buzz never felt top heavy thanks to its MEB skateboard chassis and battery placement under the floor.
Acceleration from the dual‑motor AWD variant is impressive for a vehicle of this size, and interior flexibility stands out. Seats and consoles can be moved or removed as needed, and the cabin’s modern design balances utility with comfort. These qualities should remain consistent for 2027.
Volkswagen’s latest ID.S 6 software brings a refreshed navigation home screen for quicker inputs and a redesigned vehicle settings page for more intuitive access to interior features. The Buzz also gains a North American Charging System (NACS) adapter, expanding fast‑charging access to include Tesla Supercharger stations, and introduces one‑pedal driving for those who prefer a more EV‑centric feel.
A one‑year trial of In‑Vehicle Premium adds access to select third‑party apps such as YouTube and Spotify, integrated directly into the infotainment system. Driver‑assist systems see meaningful upgrades as well. Travel Assist now includes assisted lane changes with a wait‑for‑clear function, improved lane centering, and enhanced predictive Adaptive Cruise Control. Emergency Assist can automatically move the vehicle to the right shoulder and bring it to a halt if it detects no steering, braking, or accelerator input from the driver, as might be the case in situations like a driver becoming unresponsive or unable to maintain control.
The ID. Buzz has always been about continuity. It’s a modern interpretation of a familiar idea – the iconic VW Microbus – that blends heritage with relevance and the excitement of zero-emisison electric drive. The 2027 lineup reinforces that balance with updated tech and the Tourer, a variant that adds personality while expanding the Buzz’s everyday capabilities.
With its refreshed features and the added character of the Tourer, the 2027 model presents a distinctive choice in a segment largely driven by practicality and price. That reality will limit how broadly it resonates, but the Buzz has never been about chasing volume. It’s about offering something memorable in a market that often feels interchangeable, and on that front, it stands apart like really no other electric vehicle on the road today.
There’s just something about mini‑trucks, those small and efficient pickups of yesteryear that were fun to drive, easy to customize, and affordable to almost anyone. They were simple, practical, and easy to make your own, which is why they developed such a loyal, dare we say cult, following. So why aren’t modern versions of these trucks available today? That’s the question emerging automaker Slate is working to answer with its coming Slate EV pickup.
As we’ve seen over the years, new vehicles tend to grow with each generation and pickups are no different. Each redesign gets a little longer, a little wider, and a little taller in the name of comfort, capability, and competitive advantage. Trucks are larger than ever, and even midsize models can feel oversized in tight urban spaces. For drivers who want the utility of a pickup without the bulk, the market has offered few real alternatives. Ford does sell a smaller and more affordable answer in the form of its Maverick, a compact pickup available with hybrid or combustion power, though it’s not available as an electric like the Slate.
Other automakers are also exploring smaller pickups for the U.S. market. Toyota is reportedly developing a compact model positioned below Tacoma, Ford is working on an all‑new compact electric pickup targeted at about $30,000, and RAM is developing a smaller truck to slot beneath its full‑size offerings. Startups are active here as well, including Telo, which is creating a very compact and kind of quirky electric pickup aimed at urban users.
Slate is taking a different approach. Backed by major investors including Amazon’s Jeff Bezos, the company is developing a compact electric pickup built around simplicity, affordability, and customization. The minimalistic Slate Truck is just a bit larger than the mini‑trucks of the 1970s and 1980s like the Toyota HiLux, Chevy LUV Truck, and Ford Courier. Slate expects about 150 miles of range in standard form with an expected starting price likely to begin in the high $20,000s. Reservations are a mere $50, and production, if planning holds, is planned to begin later this year.
The Slate Truck keeps things at a strictly fundamental level. It comes with manual cloth seats, crank windows, and steel wheels. There’s no built‑in infotainment screen. A driver’s smartphone mounts to the dash instead. The truck uses composite body panels molded in slate gray to eliminate the need for paint. Partial wraps, decals, and full body wraps in 100 different colors are available for those who want something more distinctive and personal.
This approach is intentional. By avoiding paint shops and large metal stamping operations, Slate reduces factory costs that help keep the truck’s price within reach. The company’s philosophy centers on delivering a simple, durable platform that owners can personalize rather than a feature‑heavy vehicle that drives up cost. If you want to spend more, you can. You just don’t have to.
The Slate Truck fits neatly into the lineage of the compact pickups that defined the 1970s and early 1980s. Trucks like the Toyota HiLux, Chevy LUV, and Ford Courier became popular because they were inexpensive, easy to modify, and sized for everyday use. Slate mirrors those proportions closely. At 174.6 inches long, it’s nearly identical in length to the originals, though wider and taller to meet modern preferences. The resemblance is intentional. Slate is reviving a format that disappeared as trucks grew larger and more complex, and not inconsequentially, priced out of many buyers’ budgets.
Affordability was central to the mini‑truck boom. Most entry‑level models sold for $3,000 to $5,000 in the late 1970s, equal to roughly $14,000 to $23,000 in today’s dollars. Slate’s pricing in the high $20,000s places it slightly above that inflation‑adjusted range but still well below the cost of today’s full‑size and midsize pickups. In a market where trucks often exceed $60,000, Slate’s pricing strategy feels like a return to fundamentals.
Capability also aligns with the past. Classic mini‑trucks typically offered payload ratings between 1,000 and 1,500 pounds. Slate matches that with a 1,433‑pound capacity and adds a 1,000‑pound tow rating. Despite the added weight of its electric powertrain, the Slate Truck delivers the same practical utility that made the originals popular with tradespeople, small business owners, and everyday drivers.
Customization is where Slate most clearly channels the earlier era. The mini‑truck movement, which peaked by the mid‑1980s, was defined by personalization. Lowered or raised suspensions, bright graphics, fastback cargo shells, and custom interiors were common. Custom wheels were a given. Aftermarket support with customizing parts, graphics, and systems was far-reaching to optimize uniqueness. Slate revives that spirit with more than one hundred planned accessories, support for 3D‑printed parts, and modular kits that can even transform the truck into an SUV. It’s a modern interpretation of the same idea of starting with a simple, affordable platform and letting owners make it their own.
Capability remains modest but functional. The Slate Truck is designed to tow 1,000 pounds and haul just over 1,400 pounds in its five‑foot bed. Its compact footprint makes it maneuverable in tight spaces while still offering meaningful utility for daily tasks and carrying goods.
Slate is also building the support structure around the truck. A national network of service centers, powered by RepairPal, will handle accessory installation and maintenance. The use of a NACS chargeport means Slate customers will also have access to the expansive Tesla Supercharger network, which gives the truck reliable fast charging access in many parts of the country.
Production will take place in a repurposed 1.4‑million‑square‑foot facility in Indiana. Slate has been installing automated body shop robotics, trim‑line equipment, and inspection systems as it prepares the plant for full production. The company’s progress is backed by significant financial support. Slate recently closed a $650‑million Series C funding round led by TWG Global. The investment’s intended to accelerate production and help the company scale its operations as it moves toward launch.
In a market dominated by ever-larger and ever more expensive trucks, the Slate Truck stands out by going small, staying simple, and giving owners the freedom to build what they want. It’s a fresh take on the electric pickup, one that doesn’t chase excess or status. For drivers who pine for the honesty of earlier mini‑trucks, missed that era entirely, or simply want an EV that isn’t trying to be everything at once, Slate’s compact pickup isn’t just a practical new option. It’s a reminder that not every good idea needs to be supersized.
We recently spent time behind the wheel of a 2026 Kia Sportage Hybrid and came away impressed with its capabilities. This model not only offers plenty of desired features, but also important powertrain choices offered in gas, hybrid, and plug‑in hybrid form. We opted for the hybrid variant for our drives since it’s the choice that best speaks to SUV buyers aiming at a sweet spot for efficiency, value, and performance.
Illustrating that value are the numbers. The base gas model starts at $28,790, while the Hybrid LX begins at $30,490, which means you can step up to efficient hybrid power for just $1,700 more. While the price difference is small, the efficiency gain is considerable. The standard front‑wheel‑drive gas model is rated at a combined 28 mpg, while the hybrid reaches a combined 42 mpg, a significant improvement for such a modest additional spend.
This year’s Sportage Hybrid refines its appearance without altering the model’s overall edgy character. Front and rear styling has been revised with cleaner lines, and front lighting now features a stacked headlight design with square LED modules that add a sharper visual signature. Amber LED daytime running lights remain a defining element. Wheel designs in 17, 18, and 19 inch sizes help separate the trims visually, with the new Hybrid S and Hybrid X Line models gaining their own distinct wheel patterns and finishes that give each trim a more identifiable persona.
Inside, seats are comfortable and the cabin feels spacious, as it should since its one of the roomiest in the compact SUV segment. We found our ride offering generous rear legroom and useful cargo space. Upper trims offer a curved 12.3 inch display running Kia’s latest infotainment software, complete with wireless Apple CarPlay and Android Auto. Over‑the‑air updates allow the system to evolve over time. An available 10 inch head‑up display can project navigation and driver‑assist information. A multifunction touchpad beneath the main screen handles audio and climate adjustments.
Hybrid choices expand this year with the addition of S and X Line trims. The S model brings an equipment set highlighted by heated front seats and an 18 inch wheel package. Moving up to the X Line adds a slightly more adventurous look with a panoramic sunroof, a smart power liftgate, a roof rack, and 19 inch black alloy wheels.
Cabin materials in the X Line include detailed stitching on SynTex‑trimmed seats that gives the interior a more distinctive appearance. At the top of the hybrid range, the SX Prestige includes ventilated front seats, a premium audio system, and additional driver‑assist features. Safety remains a strong point, with the 2026 Sportage earning the Insurance Institute for Highway Safety’s highest rating, the 2025 Top Safety Pick Plus.
Power comes from a 1.6 liter turbocharged gasoline direct‑injection engine paired with a 47.7 kW electric motor for a combined 232 horsepower. That’s a five horsepower bump from last year and a clear step up from the gas model’s 187 horsepower. Acceleration in the hybrid is spirited, the ride comfortable, and handling predictable. The hybrid system blends electric and gas power seamlessly, and doesn’t require anything from the driver beyond simply getting in and heading out on the road. As a straightforward hybrid, there’s no charging to think about, which remains a major appeal for many buyers.
This is a hybrid that feels well suited to everyday use, delivering welcome performance and fuel economy at a reasonable price. For many new car buyers considering a compact SUV, the Sportage Hybrid is certainly worth adding to the short list. It’s a natural fit for daily life, offering capability, comfort, and efficiency in a way that’s easy to appreciate.
Nissan fans looking for greater efficiency can rejoice. The 2026 Nissan Rogue Plug‑In Hybrid is now available, adding a practical electric option to one of the brand’s most important models. It has arrived with the kind of capability that fits easily into the daily routine, offering useful electric range, familiar operation, and the flexibility that has long defined the Rogue lineup. For Nissan loyalists who have passed on going all‑electric with the LEAF or Ariya, this becomes a first experience living with electric capability day to day. The Rogue Plug‑In Hybrid makes that transition straightforward.
As Nissan’s first plug‑in hybrid for the U.S. market, the model plays a central role in the company’s Re:Nissan business plan, which focuses on a more electrified and renewed product lineup. It also gives Nissan a timely entry in a segment where competitors have offered plug‑in hybrid choices for years.
At the heart of the Rogue Plug‑In Hybrid is a dual‑motor system paired with a 20‑kWh lithium‑ion battery and a 2.4‑liter gas engine. This setup provides an EPA‑estimated 38 miles of all‑electric driving, enough for commuting and everyday errands without using the gas engine. Total driving range is an estimated 420 miles, which offers the flexibility of longer trips without planning charging stops. If the setup feels familiar, it’s because Nissan leveraged its Renault‑Nissan‑Mitsubishi Alliance relationship with Mitsubishi. Using a shared platform allowed the Rogue Plug‑In Hybrid to reach the market more quickly and align with proven plug‑in‑hybrid architecture.
The system operates in several modes depending on load and battery state. EV mode handles electric driving until the battery reaches a lower state of charge. Series‑hybrid mode uses the engine to generate electricity for the motors. Parallel‑hybrid mode engages when additional power is needed and the engine can contribute more efficiently. Charging on a Level 2 system takes just over seven hours.
Total output is 248 horsepower and 322 lb‑ft torque, which provides stronger acceleration than the standard Rogue. Intelligent All‑Wheel Drive is standard. Seven drive modes help tailor power delivery and traction for varied driving conditions, including Normal, Power, Eco, Tarmac, Gravel, Snow, and Mud. The Rogue Plug‑In Hybrid carries an EPA estimate of 64 MPGe when driving on battery power and 26 mpg combined when operating on gasoline.
Inside, the Rogue Plug‑In Hybrid offers a straightforward mix of digital features and physical controls. A 9‑inch touchscreen is standard with wireless Apple CarPlay and wired Android Auto. A reconfigurable 12.3‑inch driver display is also standard, while Platinum grade adds a 10‑inch head‑up display. Those into premium sound will appreciate the Bose nine‑speaker audio system included with the Platinum grade.
Convenience features include a wireless phone charger and USB ports for front and rear passengers. The Platinum trim adds two useful 120‑volt, 1,500‑watt power outlets, one in the cargo area and one for rear passengers. Both are handy for operating small appliances during camping or tailgating. A motion‑activated power liftgate is sure to be appreciated when juggling gear or groceries needing to be loaded in. Rear doors open to a 70‑degree angle to make the processes of loading child seats or gear go smoother.
The Rogue Plug‑In Hybrid design speaks to families and those with active lives in mind. Three rows of seats handle up to seven passengers. The second row slides, reclines, and folds forward for access to the third row, which by all measures is handy to have but also more constrained than the last row in larger SUVs. Think kid-size passengers and occasional, shorter-distance use for adults as needed and you get the picture. With the third seat folded down, cargo space is wide and tall, with room for four golf bags and enough height to carry a mountain bike.
Attention to safety is impressive, with the model equipped with 11 standard airbags and Nissan’s Safety Shield 360. This safety suite is highlighted by desired driver assist features like Automatic Emergency Braking with Pedestrian Detection, High Beam Assist, Lane Departure Warning, Rear Cross‑Traffic Alert, Blind Spot Warning, and Rear Automatic Emergency Braking.
In addition, an Intelligent Around View Monitor with Moving Object Detection provides a 360‑degree view around the vehicle at low speeds. ProPILOT Assist 1.1 also comes standard and offers steering, braking, and acceleration support in certain driving situations.
The cool factor is not overlooked, with the Rouge’s exterior cues presenting a muscular, modern look with dark‑painted 20‑inch wheels, black mirrors, and black exterior accents. Multi‑element LED headlights and all‑LED exterior lighting give the model a distinctive appearance.
Inside, soft‑touch materials on the dashboard and door armrests lend a premium feel. Physical controls for climate, audio, and drive modes keep operation simple. Acoustic‑laminated front‑door glass helps reduce cabin noise. If you are looking to go upscale, Platinum grade adds leather‑appointed seats, door illumination, and a machined‑aluminum trim plate around the shifter.
The 2026 Rogue Plug‑In Hybrid arrives at an important moment for Nissan. It gives the brand a practical and capable electrified model now, with the added benefit of three‑row seating and a welcome array of popular features. It also provides useful context for what comes next. Nissan will introduce its next‑generation Rogue with e‑POWER technology for 2027, a model that shifts to a series‑hybrid, extended‑range electric approach.
What stands out today is how well the Rogue Plug‑In Hybrid fits into everyday use. It offers real electric capability, familiar operation, and the kind of flexibility that makes it easy to live with. For drivers looking to add electric driving to their routine without changing how they drive, it’s a compelling option in its own right.
Electric vehicles reached a new record market share in 2024, so it seems the enthusiasm for electrification won’t be powering down anytime soon. Adoption of electric vans and trucks continues to grow on the commercial side, including among large cities, small towns, and businesses of all sizes. That’s what we’re seeing every day at Ford Pro, the commercial vehicles division of Ford Motor Company.
Based on conversations with real-world Ford Pro customers, we’ve gleaned three trends for 2025 on electric vehicles in business and government fleets that are worth considering.
Early adopters are entering their next phase: Many companies that were early adopters of electric vehicles in pilot programs are now expanding their fleets. That’s likely to continue in 2025, having found that electrification made good business sense for them.
Elite Home Care, a South Carolina-based senior and disability care provider, started their electrification journey with a single Ford E-Transit electric van in 2022. Today, they have 27 E-Transit vans upfitted with lifts providing over 10,000 trips per month for their patients while saving $6,500 per van each year.
Chris Russo, co-founder of Elite Home Care, shared with us what these savings have meant for his business: “E-Transits have allowed us to expand our business because we save so much money. Now we can expand our reach to more people needing care. Moving to E-Transit vans has lowered our fixed costs. It’s allowed us to do more of the things we’d like to do to give back.”
Business and government customers are increasingly learning from their connected vehicles and relying on those learnings to make informed business decisions. These insights include realizing fuel and cost savings, tracking efficiency, staying ahead of the curve on maintenance, and even knowing when to replace vehicles.
DHL Express, a global delivery and logistics company, uses Ford Pro E-Telematics to see how much gas and carbon dioxide emissions they’re saving by switching to electric vehicles.
Chris Wessel, director of U.S. Fleet for DHL Express, told us how important that data is for a sustainable company with a stated goal of 60 percent of its last-mile delivery fleet being zero-emission by 2030: “In conjunction with other tools, we’re using Ford Pro E-Telematics to look at the fuel savings of our fleet, and then we’ll tie that back to our carbon reporting, making sure that we have a holistic view of our fleet and greenhouse gases avoided.”
Data is also helping customers decide when – or if – to electrify their fleet. Ford Pro E-Switch Assist, our free online tool that uses vehicle telematics data to determine fleet suitability for electric trucks and vans, has already assessed more than 38,000 vehicles.
If you’re reading this, chances are good there’s an electric vehicle charger installed outside your office, warehouse, or other place of business. But commercial electric vehicle charging is increasingly moving beyond the vehicle depot or company parking lot and into employees’ homes and other locations – and not just in warmer locales like California or Texas, but across a wide range of climates, terrains, and geographies.
With nearly a third of fleet managers reporting company vehicles being taken home at night, that trend will likely grow throughout 2025.
Fize Électrique, an electrical contractor in Canada, has installed six Level 2 chargers at its office. But their employees who take their company electric vehicles home at the end of the workday also have chargers installed at their homes.
Alain Fiset, director of smart energy for Fize Électrique, explained why they’ve split their charging between depots and employee homes: “Having a charging station for each EV is necessary for a smooth experience. The key to success with an electric vehicle is to charge it every night on a Level 2 charger.”
Behind these trends is an important fact: having the right team behind you makes adopting electric trucks and vans easier. That’s why Ford Pro offers an end-to-end solution of vehicles, charging, software, service, and financing to help streamline the process and maximize uptime for small, medium, and large business and government fleets. Just ask BellaVista Landscaping in San Jose, California, which has used the full spectrum of Ford Pro solutions in adding 25 hybrid and electric vehicles to its fleet since 2023.
As we enter 2025, look for companies to charge ahead with electric trucks and vans, the chargers and software that power them, and the service solutions that keep them on the road.
Trevor Blum is Senior Manager, Commercial Electric Vehicles at Ford Pro
Manufactured in Tennessee on Volkswagen’s MEB modular world electric car platform, the 2021 VW ID.4 presents a new and compelling all-electric SUV that enters a segment presently dominated by Tesla, Chevrolet, and a select few others. What ID.4 brings to the battery electric SUV segment that Tesla doesn’t is price, coming in at a base cost of $39,995, some $10,000 less than Tesla’s Model Y.
For this, electric vehicle buyers get SUV hatchback utility, three-foot legroom in all seating positions, and ample luggage capacity for 5 adults. VW estimates ID.4 driving range at 250 mile on a full charge, and additionally points out that an additional 60 miles of range is attainable in just 10 minutes from a public DC quick-charge station.
Sporting a stature similar to that of Honda’s CR-V, the Volkswagen ID.4 rides on a steel-framed architecture featuring strut-like front suspension and multi-link suspension with coil-over shocks at the rear. This, combined with a long wheelbase and short overhangs, promises a smooth ride dynamic. Braking is handled by front disk and rear drum brakes.
A single permanent magnet, synchronous electric motor directs power to the rear wheels. The ID.4 produces 201 horsepower and 228 lb-ft torque that’s expected to deliver a 60 mph sprint in about 8 seconds. Electricity to power the motor is provided by an air-cooled, frame-integrated 82 KWh lithium-ion modular cell battery. An onboard 11KW charger enables three charge modes via standard 110-volt household power, 220-volt Level 2 charging, or DC fast charging. Typical charging with a home wall charger or public Level 2 charger will bring a full charge in 6 to 7 hours.
A minimalistic yet futuresque cabin with segment leading cabin volume rounds out ID.4’s architecture. Features include a driver-centric, touch sensitive steering wheel and a view-forward 5.3-inch ID information center that replaces conventional gauges. Vehicle operation is through steering wheel-mounted switches, with infotainment, climate control, device connectivity, navigation, and travel information accessed through a 10.3 inch touchscreen monitor. A 12 inch monitor is available with the model’s Statement Package.
Topping the list of features is expanded voice command and a communicative dash-integrated ID light bar. ‘Intuitive Start’ driver key fob recognition enables pre-start cabin conditioning capability. Base model upholstery is ballistic cloth with leatherette seat surfaces optional.
Volkswagen’s IQ Drive driver assist and active safety suite features travel assist, lane assist, adaptive cruise control, front and rear sensors, emergency assist, blinds spot monitoring, rear traffic watch and more. All this comes standard along with Pro Navigation, a heated steering wheel and front seats, wireless phone charging, and app connectivity for compatible devices.
The ID.4 EV is available in six colors and two trim levels, Gradient and Statement, for personalization. The optional Gradient package features a black roof, silver roof trim, silver accents, and silver roof rails along with 20-inch wheels to complete the upscale look. Looking forward, while rear-wheel drive is the choice today, Volkswagen is already talking up an all-wheel drive variant for early 2021 along with a lower-priced base model.
As the world’s largest automotive group, Volkswagen has the capacity to change the ever-expanding electric-car landscape. Looking at the style and utility of VW’s all-new ID.4, you can sense the renewed “people’s car” direction of the brand that accompanies the automaker’s commitment to electrification. VW says it’s aiming at selling 20 million electric cars based on the MEB electric car platform by model year 2029. Certainly, the potential for selling in truly significant numbers is reinforced by ID.4 pre-orders selling-out in just weeks, it’s safe to say.