Toyota's updated bZ5 electric SUV, now priced at roughly half the cost of a Tesla Model Y, is reshaping the mass‑market EV landscape with a blend of affordability, range, and advanced driver‑assist features.
Toyota's Updated bZ5 Hits Market at Half Tesla Model Y Price
The 2027 bZ5, built on Toyota’s e-TNGA platform, offers a 480 km (WLTP) driving range from a 71 kWh lithium‑ion pack and supports 150 kW DC fast charging. Priced around $30,000 in key markets, it undercuts the Model Y by roughly 45 %. Production will run at the Tianjin plant in China, with a targeted annual volume of 500,000 units to meet growing demand in Asia and Europe. Toyota emphasizes a suite of safety technologies, including the latest version of its Safety Sense Pro, and a cloud‑based OTA update system that can add new driver‑assist functions over the vehicle’s lifespan.
Source: Electrek
BMW iX3 Nears 100,000 Global Orders, China Leads Surge
BMW reports that cumulative orders for the new iX3 have approached the 100,000 mark, with China accounting for the lion’s share. The iX3, part of BMW’s “Neue Klasse” lineup, is powered by a 210 kW electric motor delivering 400 Nm of torque, and its 70 kWh battery provides a WLTP range of 460 km. The model’s rapid uptake is attributed to a competitive lease program and the integration of BMW’s latest iDrive 9.0 infotainment system, which includes AI‑driven navigation and a personalized energy‑management assistant.
Source: Electrek
BYD Unveils Great Seagull Hatch, Bridges Dolphin and Seagull Lineup
BYD’s upcoming “Great Seagull” hatchback slots between the Dolphin and the current Seagull (marketed as Dolphin Surf in China). Built on the e-Platform 3.0, the vehicle will feature a 55 kWh battery delivering up to 420 km (NEDC) and a 150 kW motor capable of 0‑100 km/h in 7.2 seconds. BYD highlights a modular interior with a 15.6‑inch central display, over‑the‑air software upgrades, and an optional solar roof that can add up to 5 km of range per day. Production is slated for the Shenzhen plant, with a global rollout planned for early 2027.
Source: Electrek
LKAB Deploys 130‑Ton Electric Scania Haul Trucks 4,000 ft Underground
Swedish mining giant LKAB has introduced two 130‑ton GVW electric Sc
