Honda publicly unveils the production line of all-solid-state EV batteries for the first time, and Nissan connects to Tesla's Supercharger network | Overseas Daily
"Top 3 News"
Audi 2025 RS e-tron GT High-Performance Version Unveiled: 1000 Horsepower, 0-60 mph in 2.4 Seconds
Key Points:
Audi has recently launched the 2025 RS e-tron GT and S e-tron GT. These two high-performance electric vehicle models mark the strongest and fastest-accelerating mass-produced models in the brand's history. The RS e-tron GT boasts nearly 1000 horsepower and can accelerate from 0 to 60 miles per hour in just 2.4 seconds, officially joining the ranks of electric supercars. The 2025 e-tron GT series includes two models: the S e-tron GT as an impressive entry-level option, and the highly anticipated RS e-tron GT Performance. Both models have undergone significant upgrades, including enhanced battery capacity, range, and fast-charging capabilities. The S e-tron GT has 670 horsepower, can accelerate from 0 to 60 miles per hour in 3.3 seconds, and has a range of up to 300 miles as estimated by the EPA. The RS e-tron GT Performance stands out with its record-breaking acceleration performance, advanced thermal management, a new 105 kWh battery pack, and cutting-edge chassis technology.
Audi has equipped the 2025 e-tron GT models with a series of performance-enhancing upgrades, including the Push-to-Pass Boost function exclusive to the RS Performance model, which can provide an additional 94 horsepower at speeds above 19 miles per hour for 10 seconds; an advanced energy recovery system that can recover up to 400 kW of energy during braking; and a DC fast-charging power increased to 320 kW, allowing for a 10% to 80% charge in 18 minutes. In addition, the new models have introduced a new active suspension technology to provide better cornering dynamics and ride comfort. The RS Performance mode is specifically designed for the top-of-the-line model, optimizing torque distribution and suspension settings to adapt to challenging road or track conditions.
In terms of appearance, the 2025 e-tron GT series has introduced new exterior colors, a redesigned front bumper, and unique forged carbon design elements. The RS model particularly showcases Audi's first use of forged carbon fiber on both the interior and exterior, presenting a high-tech and lightweight appearance. In the interior, Audi has debuted a glass sunroof with adjustable transparency, allowing the driver to adjust from transparent to frosted using a liquid crystal film to customize the interior atmosphere. Both models are now available for pre-order through Audi dealers in the United States, with the S e-tron GT starting at $125,500 and the RS e-tron GT Performance starting at $167,000. We are looking forward to test-driving this new e-tron GT series as soon as possible, as these models seem to have significant improvements compared to previous years.
Audi 2025 RS e-tron GT (Source: Electrek)
Opinions:
The release of the Audi 2025 RS e-tron GT not only demonstrates Audi's technical strength in the field of electric vehicles but also brings a new competitor to the electric supercar market. This electric beast, with its astonishing power and acceleration performance, once again proves that electric vehicles can be comparable to traditional fuel supercars in terms of performance and even surpass them in some aspects. The launch of the RS e-tron GT is a bold investment by Audi in the future of electrification and a positive response to market trends. With the global emphasis on reducing carbon emissions and promoting new energy vehicles, the electric vehicle market is experiencing rapid growth. By launching high-performance electric vehicle models, Audi not only meets consumers' pursuit of speed and passion but also showcases its leading position in the field of electric technology.
In addition, the technological innovations of the RS e-tron GT, such as the Push-to-Pass Boost function and the advanced energy recovery system, not only enhance the driving experience but also improve the practicality and environmental friendliness of electric vehicles. The application of these technologies indicates that in the future, electric vehicles will pay more attention to the balance between performance and efficiency, providing more choices for consumers. However, the popularization of high-performance electric vehicles also faces challenges, such as the construction of charging infrastructure, the reduction of battery costs, and the improvement of consumers' acceptance of electric vehicles. Audi needs to continue to work in these areas to ensure that its electric vehicle models can meet market demands and remain competitive in the future automotive market. Overall, the release of the RS e-tron GT is an important step in Audi's electrification strategy and a positive exploration of the future mode of transportation.
Tesla Opens Supercharging Network to Nissan Electric Vehicle Owners
Key Points:
Tesla recently announced that Nissan electric vehicle owners, particularly those of the Ariya, can now use Tesla's Supercharging network in the United States and Canada. Since the beginning of this year, Tesla has been expanding its Supercharging network to accommodate more automakers. Previously, brands such as Ford, General Motors, Rivian, Volvo, and Polestar have joined the network. Nissan has become the latest automaker to be granted access to Tesla's Supercharging network. According to the latest update on Tesla's website, Nissan can now use the NACS adapter to access Tesla's Supercharging network. Currently, Nissan has not announced or confirmed whether it will provide adapters for Ariya owners.
It is worth noting that only Nissan Ariya vehicles equipped with a CCS connector can use the NACS adapter to access the Supercharging network, while the Nissan Leaf uses the CHAdeMO standard, which is not supported by the Supercharging network. This change will enable Nissan Ariya owners to use over 15,000 Tesla Supercharger stations, significantly enhancing the convenience of fast charging. It is currently unclear whether owners need to purchase their own adapters or whether Nissan will provide them. Different automakers have adopted different strategies, and the opportunity to obtain adapters directly from the automaker is relatively limited. Some electric vehicle owners rely on third-party adapters, but these adapters are not always recommended for use.
With the access through adapters to the Supercharging network, the next step is the direct integration of non-Tesla electric vehicles. The 2025 Hyundai Ioniq 5 will initiate this process, and it is expected that from next year, many new electric vehicles will have NACS as the standard charging port. 2025 will be a transition year for North American electric vehicle connectors, and from 2026, it is expected that most, if not all, new electric vehicles will have NACS as the standard configuration.
Tesla Supercharger (Source: Electrek)
Opinions:
Tesla's opening of its Supercharging network to Nissan electric vehicle owners is a positive move. It not only provides convenience to Nissan owners but also further promotes the interconnection of the electric vehicle charging network. This action demonstrates Tesla's leadership in promoting the development of the electric vehicle industry and building an open charging ecosystem. From an environmental and sustainable development perspective, this decision by Tesla helps to reduce the range anxiety of electric vehicle owners, encourages more people to choose electric vehicles as a means of transportation, and thereby reduces carbon emissions. With more and more automakers joining Tesla's Supercharging network, electric vehicle owners will enjoy a wider charging network, which will further promote the popularization of electric vehicles. However, the popularization and standardization of adapters remain a challenge. Different brands and models of electric vehicles use different charging standards, which causes inconvenience to owners.
In the future, as NACS becomes the new industry standard, we expect to see more electric vehicle models that can directly be compatible with Tesla's Supercharging network without the need for adapters. Overall, this decision by Tesla not only brings practical benefits to Nissan owners but also sets an example of cooperation and resource sharing for the entire electric vehicle industry. With the continuous expansion of the electric vehicle market, we expect to see more such collaborations to jointly promote the development of the electric vehicle industry and the realization of environmental protection goals.
Kia 2026 EV9 GT Unveiled: A New Option for 7-Seat High-Performance Electric SUV
Key Points:
Kia Motors has globally premiered the 2026 EV9 GT high-performance electric SUV at the Los Angeles Auto Show. This large three-row SUV has undergone significant upgrades in power and performance and promises to support the North American Charging Standard (NACS). The debut of the EV9 GT not only enhances Kia's competitiveness in the high-end electric vehicle market but also provides more choices for consumers. The power of the EV9 GT has been increased to 501 horsepower, a significant improvement compared to the 379 horsepower of the current top-of-the-line GT-Line EV9. The powertrain consists of a 160kW front motor and a 270kW rear motor, enabling this three-row SUV to accelerate from 0 to 60 miles per hour in 4.3 seconds, an improvement compared to the 5.0 seconds of the current top-of-the-line EV9.
In addition, the EV9 GT has also introduced an electronically controlled suspension system for the first time, which can adjust the shock absorption according to the driving mode to provide a more sporty or comfortable driving experience. At the same time, to cope with the additional power, the size of the front brake discs has been increased, and an electronic limited-slip differential has been added to improve the handling during extreme driving.
The EV9 GT has also received exclusive upgrades in design, including fluorescent green brake calipers, green accents in the interior, a GT-exclusive steering wheel, and more supportive sports seats. Like the EV6 GT announced on the same day, the EV9 GT will also be equipped with Kia's "Virtual Shift" function, which simulates the driving experience of a traditional manual transmission vehicle through visual, audio, and motor torque adjustments. The EV9 GT is expected to go on sale in the second half of 2025 and, like the EV6 GT, will be assembled in Korea rather than Kia's factory in Georgia, USA. In addition, Kia has announced that from the first half of 2025, all EV9 models will come standard with an NACS charging interface, allowing for direct use of Tesla Supercharger stations without the need for an adapter.
2026 Kia EV9 GT (Source: Electrek)
Opinions:
The release of the Kia EV9 GT marks Kia's further expansion in the field of high-performance electric SUVs. This new model not only has improved power and acceleration performance but also enhances the vehicle's handling and driving pleasure through technologies such as the electronic suspension and limited-slip differential. The launch of the EV9 GT undoubtedly provides a new option for consumers seeking high-performance electric SUVs and also showcases Kia's in-depth development in the field of electric vehicle technology. From a market perspective, the launch of the EV9 GT helps Kia further expand its share in the high-end electric vehicle market, especially in the North American market. As more and more consumers begin to accept electric vehicles, the demand for high-performance electric SUVs is also growing.
The EV9 GT, with its excellent performance and luxurious configuration, is expected to attract consumers who value both environmental protection and driving pleasure. However, the delayed launch of the EV9 GT also gives competitors an opportunity. In today's increasingly competitive electric vehicle market, it is crucial to respond quickly to market changes and consumer demands. Kia needs to ensure that the EV9 GT can be launched within the scheduled time and provide performance and configuration that meet consumer expectations to maintain its market competitiveness.
"Big Events"
Honda Prologue EV Rental Offer: Only $229 per Month
Honda Motor Company has recently expanded its ultra-low-cost Prologue EV rental offer to at least 17 states in the United States, making this nearly $50,000 electric SUV more affordable. According to information from online automotive data company CarsDirect, Honda is now offering the Prologue EV rental offer in Colorado, Connecticut, Washington D.C., Delaware, Massachusetts, Maryland, Maine, New Jersey, New York, Oregon, Pennsylvania, Rhode Island, Virginia, Vermont, Washington, and West Virginia.
This rental offer includes an additional $1,000 cash incentive for current Honda lease customers and lease customers of competing brands. A $1,299 payment is required at the time of signing the contract, resulting in an actual monthly cost of only $259. This is an extremely attractive deal for an electric SUV with a value of nearly $50,000. The 2024 Honda Prologue EX FWD has a maximum range of up to 296 miles, while the AWD model has a maximum range of up to 281 miles.
Honda Prologue (Source: Electrek)
The Honda Prologue became the fifth-best-selling electric vehicle model in the United States in the third quarter, with sales reaching 12,644 units, surpassing competitors such as the Hyundai IONIQ 5, Chevrolet Equinox EV, Volkswagen ID.4, and Toyota bZ4X. Only Tesla Model Y, Model 3, Cybertruck, and Ford Mustang Mach-E had higher sales than the Prologue. With over 4,100 Prologues sold in October, Honda's electric SUV even outsold the Mach-E, which had 3,313 units sold.
Honda's electric SUV is taking the US market by storm, and now the huge incentive makes it more affordable than ever. These offers will end on January 2, 2025, and interested consumers may need to act quickly.
Hyundai Ioniq 9 Electric SUV Unveiled: Luxury Interior, Rotating Seats Create a Unique Riding Experience
Hyundai Motors officially unveiled its new electric SUV, the Ioniq 9, on the eve of the Los Angeles Auto Show. This large three-row SUV has attracted a lot of attention with its concept car-like interior design. The interior design of the Ioniq 9 allows the second-row seats to rotate, transforming the vehicle into a living room-like space and providing a new riding experience. The Ioniq 9 is equipped with a perhaps overly large 110.3kWh battery, providing a maximum range of up to 335 miles for the long-range rear-wheel-drive version. The vehicle supports fast charging and can charge from 10% to 80% in 24 minutes when connected to a suitable charger (Hyundai claims up to 350kW under optimal conditions).
Hyundai Ioniq 9 (Source: Electrek)
In terms of performance, the long-range version of the Ioniq 9 is equipped with a 160kW (approximately 215 horsepower) rear motor, while the all-wheel-drive version adds a 70kW (approximately 94 horsepower) front motor. The performance version of the all-wheel-drive model is equipped with a 160kW motor on each axle. The long-range rear-wheel-drive version has a