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.
Stellantis unveiled its refreshed 2027 Chrysler Pacifica at the New York International Auto Show, and it’s worth taking a closer look. This family‑friendly model has an interesting story rooted in a minivan lineage that spans six generations, beginning with the original 1984 Dodge Caravan and Plymouth Voyager models that set a new course for family transportation.
We were there to experience those first-generation Chrysler-family minivans when they arrived, witnessing firsthand how this new approach to mobility reshaped the market and created a segment that would become indispensable to millions. Today, Chrysler operates under the Stellantis umbrella, but the brand’s minivan legacy remains firmly tied to those early Chrysler Corporation innovations.
At the time, family transportation was emerging from the long era of station wagons, those capable and familiar family haulers that were often found at vacation spots, sports fields, and really anywhere kids and gear converged. Not all families opted for wagons, of course, since there were plenty of other choices on the market and passenger cars remained the most common sight on our highways. But if the ultimate in hauling capability was high on the list, a station wagon certainly fit the bill.
Although wagons continued well into the late 1980s and 1990s, none offered the interior versatility of minivans. A minivan delivered the flexibility of moving between rows with little effort and offered easy entry through a sliding side door, conveniences that wagons simply couldn't match. For families by the millions it changed everything almost overnight.
There was another compelling reason to opt for a minivan. Full-size vans and a handful of utility vehicles like the Jeep Wagoneer were also on the road and could meet the needs of families, particularly those requiring maximum seating or towing capability. But these were truck‑based, body‑on‑frame machines that rode and handled like the pickups they were built from. Minivans took a different path with unibody construction, the same approach used in passenger cars. This delivered car‑like dynamics and a smoother, more comfortable ride that resonated with families looking for something easier to live with every day.
The ability to move about from the front passenger seat to the middle row, and even to the third row, without stopping the vehicle was a revelation for parents with young children. It meant tending to kids, snacks, toys, and the inevitable needs of travel with a new level of ease and flexibility. That accessibility, combined with upright seating and the space efficiency of a boxy, purpose-built design, made the early Chrysler minivans an immediate hit.
Each successive generation of Chrysler’s minivans, beginning with the original Caravan and Voyager plus the Chrysler Town and Country that followed, brought meaningful advances in design, utility, and technology. These included dual sliding doors and Stow ’n Go seating, which allows the second and third row seats to fold into floor bins to create a flat cargo area. Chrysler also explored electrification at various points, adding a brief but notable chapter to the minivan’s development. The Pacifica represents the latest evolution of this family, carrying forward Chrysler’s focus on practicality and innovation while adapting the minivan formula to modern expectations for efficiency, safety, and connectivity.
As Chrysler refined the minivan formula through successive generations, the company also explored technologies that could influence the segment’s future. Electrification was one of those areas, with Chrysler developing electric minivan concepts in the 1990s and later testing plug‑in hybrid prototypes in fleet trials during the 2000s and early 2010s.
These early efforts set the stage for the Pacifica Hybrid, which became the first mass‑market plug‑in minivan in the United States. Its discontinuation for 2027 reflects Stellantis priorities as the company reassesses the timing and direction of future electrified family vehicles, just as other automakers are reassessing their electrification plans. Pacifica Hybrid is important in that it introduced many families to electric driving without range concerns and demonstrated how plug‑in technology could fit naturally into a family vehicle. Even though it has been retired for now, we imagine that an electrified Pacifica could return to the Stellantis portfolio in the future as market conditions evolve and costs, technology, and consumer expectations align.
This long evolution has set the stage for the latest chapter. The refreshed 2027 Pacifica has emerged with updated styling, new technology, and refinements aimed at keeping Chrysler’s minivan relevant in a shifting family vehicle landscape. The debut underscored Chrysler’s intent to keep the Pacifica competitive as family needs evolve and as the broader market continues its shift toward crossovers and SUVs.
To understand how these updates build on the current model, several Green Car Journal editors recently spent time behind the wheel of the 2026 Pacifica. One staffer’s family made a several-hundred-mile trip to Disneyland with a teenager and a six-year-old, offering a real-world look at how the Pacifica supports the daily demands of family travel. These experiences provided a clear baseline for evaluating the changes coming for 2027.
On that Southern California road trip, the 2026 Pacifica proved exceptionally comfortable and family friendly. Seating remained supportive over long stretches, visibility was excellent, and charge points for devices were plentiful. Cargo capacity was right for stashing away four suitcases and an array of miscellaneous gear. An expansive dual-pane sunroof added to the experience with a feeling of openness and an absence of wind buffeting at speed.
Driving the 2026 model underscored how well Chrysler has refined this platform. The 2027 update builds on that foundation with a sharper, more technical look. Select, Limited, and Pinnacle trims receive a redesigned front fascia with vertical LED headlamps and an illuminated grille with signature "piano key" lighting. Further distinction is lent with a new Chrysler wing logo. Fresh exterior colors and new wheel designs broaden personalization options.
Inside, the Pacifica gains new materials and accents. The Pinnacle trim introduces an exclusive Blue Agave Nappa leather interior with Copper Alloy accents and a new Parquet perforation pattern. Across the lineup, updated trim finishes and a Satin Chrome wing badge on the steering wheel elevate the cabin.
For 2027, the Uconnect Theater Package is offered separately from the Family Tech Group, giving buyers more flexibility in how they equip their Pacifica. The Family Tech Group adds Uconnect 5 NAV, additional power outlets, upgraded audio, and the FamCAM interior camera. The Theater Group focuses on rear-seat entertainment with Amazon Fire TV and seatback screens.
Pacifica continues with the brand's proven 3.6-liter Pentastar V-6 and nine-speed automatic transmission, a combination appreciated for its smooth power delivery and confident performance in everyday driving. Front-wheel drive is standard, with all-wheel drive available on upper trims.
The 2027 lineup begins with the new LX trim, formerly the Voyager, which offers a budget-friendly entry point with standard power sliding doors and heated front seats and steering wheel. Pricing starts at $41,495.
The experiences gathered during our evaluations highlight how effectively the Pacifica serves families in everyday use. The 2027 refresh builds on that capability with thoughtful updates in design, technology, and safety that enhance its appeal without altering the qualities that have long defined it.
Pacifica continues a minivan heritage more than four decades in the making. As the Chrysler brand enters its second century, the 2027 model advances that long‑running story with updates and style that help this familiar family vehicle feel even more in step with today’s drivers. That matters at a time when minivans are seeing renewed interest from buyers drawn to their user‑friendliness, growing comfort, and increasingly tech‑forward features.
The Chrysler Pacifica comes across as a confident, well‑executed choice that carries this enduring family‑vehicle tradition forward with the kind of ease and everyday practicality families value. During our time behind the wheel, it also revealed a familiar, reassuring character that simply feels good on the road.
Toyota’s electric strategy has always leaned toward pragmatism, and the new 2026 bZ Woodland reflects that mindset. Rather than chasing extremes or reinventing the electric SUV playbook, Toyota has focused on what matters most: delivering a model rooted in the brand’s DNA with the features and everyday practicality buyers expect. The result is the brand’s most powerful and most rugged bZ model yet, a midsize electric SUV that broadens Toyota’s EV footprint in a way that feels intentional rather than reactionary in a seriously changing market.
The Woodland’s dual‑motor all‑wheel‑drive system delivers an impressive 375 horsepower and a combined 396 lb‑ft torque from its dual motors. That means performance is part of the package, though not in the sense of some EVs that aim toward insanely fast, and frankly unnecessary, acceleration. Toyota estimates a 0–60 mph sprint of 4.4 seconds, placing it squarely among the market’s quicker mainstream electric crossovers. For reference, that 4.4‑second time lands the bZ Woodland in the same acceleration territory as modern V-8 muscle cars like the Ford Mustang GT, Chevy Camaro SS, and Dodge Challenger Scat Pack, along with quick classic‑era standouts like the 1987 Buick GNX and late‑1960s big‑block Corvettes. That's a notable benchmark for an electric SUV built more for everyday utility than outright speed.
Driving range on a full charge is estimated at a competitive 281 miles on standard 235/60R18 all‑season tires, or 260 miles with the model’s optional 235/65R18 all‑terrain package, a reasonable tradeoff for drivers who want added traction on loose surfaces. And that confidence on more challenging roads is kind of the point with the Woodland, isn’t it?
Dimensionally, the Woodland stretches to 190.2 inches in length with a 112.2‑inch wheelbase, nearly six inches longer than the standard bZ. Notably, it adds a bit of height at the rear roofline that lends a somewhat wagon-ish appearance. Ground clearance increases to 8.4 inches, while matte‑black wheel arch moldings and 18‑inch wheels give it a more rugged look and a planted stance without drifting into off‑road theatrics. The added length pays off inside, where cargo volume reaches 74.3 cubic feet with the second row folded. Passenger space is generous as well, with 42.1 inches of front legroom and 35.3 inches in the rear.
The bZ Woodland’s design signals added capability without overstating driving-in-the-wild intentions. Toyota isn’t presenting this as a rock-crawler or an EV built for extreme terrain. We’ve driven those before and this isn’t it. Instead, the capabilities brought by the Woodland are purposeful. There’s a modest bump in ground clearance, the option of all‑terrain tires, and a longer, more functional body that expands cargo space and everyday utility. The result is a more versatile take on the bZ formula that emphasizes practical functionality rather than projecting an exaggerated adventure identity.
Capability is supported by Toyota’s X‑MODE all‑wheel‑drive management system and Grip Control, which modulates power delivery at low speeds to maintain steady progress over uneven terrain. The suspension setup, which integrates MacPherson struts up front and a multi‑link design at the rear, aims for predictable handling, aided by the low center of gravity inherent in a vehicle with an under-floor battery pack. Ventilated disc brakes at all four corners are provided to deliver confident braking.
Energy is delivered to the wheels by a 74.7‑kWh lithium‑ion battery operating at 391 volts. Level 1 and Level 2 AC charging are supported through an 11‑kW onboard charger, with Toyota estimating roughly seven hours for a full Level 2 charge. DC fast charging peaks at 150 kW, enabling up to an 80 percent charge in about 30 minutes. A NACS port is standard, which means the Woodland can charge alongside Teslas (and a growing number of other new models) at Supercharger stations. The Woodland offers battery pre‑conditioning plus Plug & Charge capability for simplified authentication at compatible stations.
Inside, the Woodland benefits from Toyota’s e‑TNGA platform, which provides a flat floor and 95 cubic feet of passenger volume. A 14‑inch touchscreen anchors the cabin and runs Toyota’s Audio Multimedia system, with wireless Apple CarPlay and Android Auto, dual Bluetooth connectivity, and integrated streaming through linked Apple Music or Amazon Music accounts. A Wi‑Fi hotspot trial is included, and both of the Woodland’s available trims feature dual Qi wireless chargers and four USB‑C ports.
The base Woodland includes heated front and rear outboard seats, a heated steering wheel with regenerative‑braking paddles, SofTex‑trimmed upholstery, and an auto‑dimming rearview mirror. The Premium grade adds ventilated front seats, radiant foot‑and‑leg heaters, a panoramic fixed‑glass roof, a digital rearview mirror, and driver‑seat memory. On the Premium grade, audio performance steps up to a nine‑speaker JBL system powered by an 800‑watt amplifier and dedicated subwoofer. Even with that subwoofer out back, cargo capacity remains a useful 71.8 cubic feet.
Toyota’s connected‑services suite is extensive but integrated in a way that supports daily use rather than overwhelming it. Cloud‑based navigation with Google POI data, Intelligent Assistant voice control, remote climate activation, Digital Key capability, and vehicle systems health reporting are all included through various trial periods. Remote charging management through the Toyota app adds another layer of convenience for EV owners.
Safety is equally comprehensive, as we’ve experienced in other Toyota models including the year-long test we confucted with a Prius Prime. Toyota Safety Sense 3.0 is standard, bringing pre‑collision detection, adaptive cruise control, lane‑keeping support, road‑sign recognition, and proactive driving assist. Blind‑spot monitoring, rear cross‑traffic alert, Safe Exit Alert, and a panoramic view monitor with multi‑terrain capability further enhance situational awareness. Toyota also emphasizes battery safety with redundant monitoring of voltage, current, and temperature, along with a high‑resistance coolant system.
Pricing for the 2026 bZ Woodland starts at $45,300, with the Woodland Premium beginning at $47,400. As with most new models, there’s an additional delivery, processing, and handling fee, and in the case of the Woodland that would be an additional $1,450.
Toyota now offers 21 electrified models across its U.S. lineup, and the bZ Woodland broadens that portfolio in a meaningful way. Building on the design of the updated electric bZ, the Woodland is positioned as a competitively priced electric SUV that emphasizes capability and practicality rather than luxury‑leaning features or premium‑segment aspirations. It doesn’t attempt to redefine the EV landscape, but it does focus on capability, space, and real‑world usability. These qualities matter to buyers who want an EV ready for the inevitable twists, turns, and sometimes joyous diversions of real life, not just the predictable sameness of the daily commute.
When Saab introduced the Aero X concept in 2006, it wasn’t just showcasing a futuristic sports car. It was making a case for a different kind of performance future rooted in aviation heritage, Scandinavian design, and the bold idea that internal combustion could evolve into something more responsible, low-carbon, and still thrilling.
Twenty years later, as the world leans heavily into electrification, the Aero X remains a compelling reminder that innovation doesn’t always follow a single path. And in fact, it shouldn’t, because keeping an open mind and exploring all possibilities is what will lead us to the cleaner and more environmentally positive driving future so many of us are hoping for.
Without a doubt, the most dramatic feature of the Aero X was its aircraft-style canopy. Instead of conventional doors and windshield pillars, the entire top of the car lifted forward in one sweeping motion, offering a 180-degree view and easy access to the low-slung cockpit. This wasn’t just a stylistic exercise but rather a functional rethink of how drivers and passengers interact with a vehicle. The design eliminated blind spots, improved entering and exiting the vehicle, and posited a panoramic driving experience meant to feel more like piloting than commuting. True, it wasn't an element that could easily translate into production, as is typically the case with unusual canopy designs, but it was food for thought.
The rest of the car followed suit with its advanced thinking. Carbon fiber bodywork kept weight down. The roofline sat less than 50 inches off the ground. Its wheels, styled like jet engine turbines, weren’t just for show. They also helped cool the brakes. The Aero X looked like it belonged in a hangar, not a garage…kind of appropriate for Saab considering its fighter jet heritage.
Under the hood, the Aero X ran on pure ethanol (E100), delivered to a 400-horsepower, twin-turbocharged V-6. This wasn’t a hybrid or a plug-in. It was a combustion car that aimed to be cleaner by changing the fuel, not the drivetrain. In Sweden, where ethanol had already gained traction thanks to supportive policies and a robust renewable fuel infrastructure, this approach made sense.
There was a time when E85 ethanol/gasoline flexible-fuel vehicles were sold in America by the millions, but without a readily accessible E85 fueling infrastructure, drivers simlply fueled up on easily-found gasoline. Today, ethanol’s profile has dimmed somewhat in the public conversation, but it remains a practical transitional fuel. It’s renewable, domestically produced, and already blended into over 95 percent of gasoline sold in the U.S., typically as E10. That alone makes it one of the few tools we have to reduce emissions from the existing vehicle fleet without requiring new infrastructure or vehicle turnover.
The U.S. Environmental Protection Agency’s Renewable Fuel Standard continues to support ethanol’s role in light-duty transportation. The agency’s 2023–2025 targets maintain a 15 billion gallon annual requirement for conventional renewable fuels – primarily corn ethanol – used in gasoline-powered vehicles. That’s not a future bet. It’s a present-day policy that recognizes ethanol’s ability to reduce lifecycle greenhouse gas emissions, especially when produced from lower-carbon feedstocks.
While ethanol has the advantage of scale, it’s butanol, another bioalcohol, that may offer a smoother path forward. Chemically closer to gasoline, butanol has a higher energy density of about 105,000 BTUs per gallon compared to ethanol’s 76,000. Plus, it behaves more like gasoline in combustion and storage.
Butanol is also produced differently. Instead of using yeast to ferment sugars from corn or sugarcane, butanol is made using specialized bacteria that can convert a wider range of plant materials into fuel, including crop residues and agricultural waste. This opens the door to using non-food biomass, while still supporting farmers by creating new markets for both traditional crops and underutilized byproducts like corn stover or wheat straw.
Because of its chemical makeup, butanol is less corrosive than ethanol, absorbs less water, and can be blended at higher levels into gasoline without requiring changes to engines or fuel systems. In short, butanol offers many of ethanol’s environmental benefits with fewer of its technical drawbacks. It’s not yet produced at the same scale, but its compatibility with current engines and infrastructure makes it a strong candidate for broader development and adoption.
Inside, the Aero X was just as radical as its sinewy exterior. Instead of traditional dials and buttons, it featured translucent “clear zones” where information was projected in layered 3D graphics. Inspired by Sweden’s glass and precision instrument industries, the interior was a study in minimalism and clarity. LED lighting, laser-etched acrylic surfaces, and a cockpit-like layout created an environment that imparted the impression of a modern aircraft rather than a traditional automobile.
Even the controls were reimagined. A central lever, styled like a throttle, handled both canopy operation and gear selection. The ignition was a green-lit button nestled within this control, a nod to Saab’s tradition of center-console key placement and aviation-style ergonomics.
Despite its concept status, the Aero X wasn’t just a design fantasy. Saab’s engineers projected a 0–62 mph sprint in under 4.9 seconds and a top speed electronically limited to 155 mph. All-wheel drive, a dual-clutch transmission, and electronically controlled suspension hinted at serious dynamic capability. Yet the car also offered practical touches like a dual-level rear cargo system to maximize real-world functionality.
While the Aero X was never meant for production, its influence lingered in Saab’s design language for years. More importantly, it captured a philosophy that feels newly relevant: that sustainability doesn’t have to mean sacrifice, and that the internal combustion engine still has an important role to play if we’re willing to rethink what fuels it.
Even as electrification dominates headlines, global automakers are actively investing in alternative fuels and synthetic e-fuels as part of broader decarbonization strategies. Porsche has been especially vocal, operating a pilot e-fuel plant in Chile that produces synthetic gasoline using renewable electricity and captured carbon dioxide. Toyota continues to explore hydrogen combustion and biofuels alongside its hybrid and EV programs. Meanwhile, companies like Mazda and Stellantis are testing bio-based fuels including advanced ethanol and butanol blends in internal combustion engines to extend the life of their existing platforms.
These efforts reflect a growing recognition that a one-size-fits-all approach may not be enough to meet global climate goals, particularly in regions where EV infrastructure is limited or where legacy fleets will remain on the road for decades. In this context, the Aero X’s ethanol-powered vision feels less like a two decade old concept and more like a modern blueprint for a diversified, low-carbon future. It reminds us that innovation often comes not only from looking forward, but also from looking back.
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.