Apr 26

Unveiling Washington State’s Affordable EV Leasing Incentives for Lower-Income Families

Launching the Washington EV Affordability Initiative

In an effort to make sustainable transportation options more accessible, Washington State has rolled out a significant incentive program specifically targeting middle- and lower-income families. This August, the Washington State Department of Commerce will initiate an offering of up to $9,000 in instant rebates for those leasing new electric vehicles. This initiative aims to reduce financial barriers, making it feasible for families to lease models like the Toyota bZ4X for as little as $56 a month.

Reducing EV Costs with State-Sponsored Rebates

The typically high costs associated with electric vehicles can deter many potential buyers. Addressing this issue head-on, Washington State’s new initiative will substantially decrease monthly lease payments. The program is comprehensive, extending $5,000 rebates for new EV purchases and $2,500 for used electric cars, broadening the affordability of clean transportation.

Leveraging Tax Incentives for Greater Savings

Tax incentives are vital in promoting the adoption of electric vehicles by significantly reducing ownership costs. Washington residents can augment state rebates with a $7,500 federal tax credit and a state sales tax exemption for zero-emissions vehicles, enhancing the affordability of these green cars. These financial incentives are designed not only to lower upfront and ongoing costs but also to support the state’s environmental objectives by boosting cleaner vehicle usage.

Detailed Insights and Strategic Outcomes

Illustrating Cost-Effective Leasing Opportunities

An example from the program shows profound potential savings: a typical three-year lease costing an initial $10,364 could be lowered to just $2,798 after applying the state’s rebate, translating to an effective monthly cost of about $78. This stark reduction demonstrates the impactful role that state and federal incentives can play in making EVs financially accessible to a wider audience.

Diverse Vehicle Choices Enhancing Consumer Reach

Washington’s incentives are not limited to a single vehicle type but cover a variety of models to suit different needs and preferences. With these rebates, monthly expenses for other models like the Hyundai Kona and Nissan Leaf are expected to drop to $78 and $87, respectively, while even premium models like the Tesla Model Y could become more accessible at around $207 per month. This flexibility ensures that a broader demographic can find an electric vehicle that aligns with their financial and lifestyle requirements.

Criteria for Rebate Eligibility and Future Goals

The rebate program is structured with specific eligibility criteria, aimed at supporting those who need it most—families earning below $93,600 annually, or single-person households earning less than $45,180, can qualify. Governor Jay Inslee has highlighted that these rebates are intended to democratize access to electric vehicles, thus fostering a sustainable transportation ecosystem. Funded through June 2025, the program anticipates distributing between 6,500 and 8,000 rebates, aiming to set a precedent for environmental leadership and community health enhancement through improved air quality.

Apr 26

Toyota Starlet Rebirth Is The Best News Since The GR Yaris

Toyota is on a roll reviving iconic names and it seems they are not limited to the brand’s SUV models. An iconic hot hatchback from Toyota is making a comeback. The Toyota Starlet was what we got before the Toyota Yaris, but the name was dropped after five generations spanning 26 years (1973-1999). The Toyota Starlet is not only making a comeback, but there will also be a GR variant.

The Toyota Starlet actually made a comeback in some markets, as a rebadged, more upscale variant of the current Suzuki Baleno. There was also a rally variant of that car powered by a 2.0-liter turbo-four and featuring all-wheel drive. This begs the question, what will be powering the next-generation Starlet?

Reports from Japan indicated that Toyota is teaming up with subsidiary Daihatsu and Suzuki to collaborate on what was believed to be the next-generation Toyota MR-2. While this may still be the case, it seems the next-generation Toyota Starlet is also a co-development between the three companies.

The styling of the Toyota hot hatch is not yet confirmed, but the Japanese publication has given us fairly accurate representations of what is to come. I reported on an upcoming Toyota Starlet back in 2021, but since, there have been more developments surrounding the future of the Starlet.

Japanese publication Best Car Web reported that in February 2024, Toyota President, Tsuneharu Sato, stated that in Japan, Daihatsu will define its business as a company centered around compact vehicles. The new Starlet will, reportedly, be based on the DNGA (Daihatsu New Global Architecture) platform, which to no surprise, shares similarities with the TNGA platform.

A GR Starlet makes sense even more considering the Starlet of old had a high-performance, Toyota Starlet Glanza V model, powered by a 1.3-liter turbo-four engine.

The regular versions will, likely, utilize a Suzuki-sourced, 1.0-liter turbo-three mild-hybrid, while the GR Starlet will receive the GR Yaris’ 1.6-liter turbo-three. A 1.3-liter, 150-horsepower variant is also mentioned for the non-GR version of Toyota Starlet. This could, likely, be a GR Sport variant, positioned below the 1.6-liter GR Starlet.

The engine is already homologated for use in rallying by the Toyota GR Yaris, which is a limited-production homologation special. While the GR Yaris is already a force to be reckoned with in WRC’s Rally 1 category, the Starlet will go head-to-head with Rall 4 contenders like the Renault Clio and Ford Fiesta ST. This isn’t the first time manufacturers have homologated a powertrain in one model for motorsport application in a different model.

How much will the new Toyota Starlet cost?

In Japan, the regular Starlet is expected to have an estimated price of 2.5 to 2.8 million yen, which is $15,950-$17,860. Toyota Starlet doesn’t have a rich history as a US-offered model. The Starlet is more popular in Japan and Europe, but was also offered in the US between 1981 and 1984. Toyota Yaris was discontinued for the US market, which leaves space for a new model. Can this be the Starlet?

Apr 26

Toyota confirms plans for second US-built 3-row electric SUV

Toyota on Thursday announced plans to invest $1.4 billion in its plant in Princeton, Indiana, to support production of a three-row electric SUV.

The investment also covers production of battery packs at the site using lithium-ion batteries supplied by a Toyota battery plant under construction in Liberty, North Carolina, and slated to start production in 2025.

The latest investment announcement brings Toyota’s total investments for U.S. production to $18.6 billion since 2021.

Toyota didn’t provide any details on the SUV but a spokesman told Automotive News (subscription required) it will be a Toyota-branded model larger than the three-row electric SUV Toyota plans to build at a plant in Georgetown, Kentucky.

Toyota BZ Large SUV

The SUV planned for Georgetown, which was announced in February and has received its own $1.3 billion investment, will also be a Toyota-branded model. It will be a midsize offering to be called the bZ5X. It’s due to start production in 2026 and is thought to have been previewed by one of the dozen of EV concepts Toyota rolled out in late 2021 (shown above).

Production of the SUV in Princeton is also expected to start in 2026, with sales to start late that year, pointing to an arrival as a 2027 model in the U.S.

The Princeton plant currently builds three gas-powered three-row SUVs: the Highlander, Grand Highlander, and related Lexus TX. It also builds the Sienna minivan. The planned electric SUV is rumored to carry the Grand Highlander nameplate.

Lexus is also planning to launch a three-row electric SUV that may be built at the Georgetown or Princeton plants. The vehicle may be called a TZ, judging by recent trademark activity. Such a name would indicate the SUV is an electric alternative to the TX.

Apr 26

Robotic Dog Dressed as a Fox Saves Animals Lives…by Chasing Them?

Of all Boston Dynamics’ deployed robots, this one may have the strangest assignment.

Aurora has a tough life. The little robotic dog was built by Boston Dynamics and spent years learning to traverse all kinds of terrain. Then he was shipped from New England to Fairbanks, Alaska. When he arrived, he was immediately pressed into service, walking the rounds outdoors.

You might think this is a good thing, a chance for Aurora to meet some real life canines and other critters in the wild north. But you’d be wrong. See, Aurora’s new employers designed fur-like graphics so they could dress him up as a fox or coyote. This poor little robot’s job is to scare away any animal he encounters.

Aurora spends all day and night patrolling the highways. It’s especially important he scare migrating birds away from their nests. But if he encounters moose or bear, he’s supposed to chase them until they run away too. There’s one silver lining for Aurora: he’s doing this all to save their lives.

The view of Fairbanks International Airport from the air
Fairbanks International Airport | Alaska Air

See Aurora’s new home is the Fairbanks International Airport. His new people are the Alaska Department of Transportation. Alaska is the state with the most fatal airplane crashes per capita, and one reason is birds living near runways striking small planes during takeoff.

The DoT has tried all kinds of strategies to keep Alaskan runways clear. It has installed speakers playing loud noises on loop. It has shot at nearby animals with nonlethal paintball guns. It has unleashed pigs to eat bird eggs. It has even set up drones to spray the area with grape juice which the animals don’t like. But nothing worked, nothing until Aurora.

So next time Alaskans land or take off in Fairbanks safely, they can thank the brave little robot, patrolling through the snow and ice, night and day, just to keep the runways clear.

Apr 26

Toyota’s $1.4 Billion Boost for Electric SUV Production in Indiana

Toyota’s Strategic Expansion in Indiana

Toyota is advancing its electric vehicle strategy with a significant $1.4 billion investment into its Indiana manufacturing facility to prepare for the production of a new three-row battery-electric SUV. This initiative will not only expand the plant’s capabilities but also create 340 new jobs, increasing Toyota’s total investment in this location to an impressive $8 billion. The expansion underscores Toyota’s commitment to enhancing its manufacturing footprint in the U.S. and transitioning towards more sustainable vehicle options.

Enhancing Production with Advanced Technology

The Indiana facility will see the addition of a new battery pack assembly line that will utilize lithium-ion batteries from Toyota Battery Manufacturing in North Carolina, another major investment set to start production in 2025. Tim Hollander, president of Toyota Indiana, emphasized the company’s dedication to maintaining high standards, stating that the team is focused on delivering the new electric SUV with the same level of quality and performance Toyota’s customers have come to expect. This facility is already a significant production hub, home to over 7,500 team members assembling popular models such as the Toyota Sienna, Highlander, Grand Highlander, and the Lexus TX.

Broader Impact and Future Projections

Toyota’s Commitment to U.S. Manufacturing and Electrification

With Toyota’s ongoing strategy to increase battery electric vehicle (BEV) production in the United States, this new investment is part of a broader $18.6 billion commitment to U.S. manufacturing operations aimed at supporting the company’s electrification efforts. Indiana Governor Eric J. Holcomb praised the deepening partnership, noting that the collaboration between Indiana and Toyota has spurred job stability and economic opportunities in the Princeton area and beyond for nearly three decades. This latest investment follows a similar $1.3 billion infusion into Toyota’s Kentucky facility, marking a continued commitment to expanding the company’s electric vehicle production capacity in the U.S. and reinforcing its leadership in the automotive industry’s shift towards electrification.

Apr 26

Kim Jong Un Showcases New Toyota SUVs in Military Convoy, Despite Sanctions

North Korean Leader’s Latest Display of Prohibited Luxury

In a striking display of defiance against international sanctions, North Korean leader Kim Jong Un was recently seen with six new Toyota SUVs. These vehicles were part of an extensive 18-vehicle convoy that included the modified Toyota Land Cruiser 300s, which appeared during his visit to North Korea’s premier military university. The SUVs, notable for their removed brand logos and added flashing lights, highlighted an ongoing challenge in enforcing U.N. sanctions.

Circumventing Sanctions with Luxury Vehicles

This incident underscores North Korea’s continued ability to circumvent U.N. sanctions that explicitly prohibit the import of luxury vehicles into the country. The sanctions, aimed at curtailing Pyongyang’s procurement of luxury goods, have been in place since 2017 but appear to be routinely flouted by the regime. The public display of these high-end vehicles not only showcases the regime’s resilience against international pressures but also raises questions about the efficacy of the sanctions and the channels through which these vehicles were acquired.

Broader Implications and International Response

Implications of Sanction Evasion for Global Security

Kim Jong Un’s use of luxury vehicles from a prominent Japanese brand in such a public setting sends a bold message about the limitations of current international sanctions. This act of defiance may prompt a reassessment of how sanctions are enforced and the mechanisms in place to prevent such breaches. Moreover, it serves as a stark reminder of the complexities involved in diplomatic relations and sanction enforcement on the global stage, where political will and international cooperation play crucial roles.

Apr 26

Routine Vehicle Check Leads to Drug Arrests and Theft Charges in Hot Springs

Suspicious Vehicle Inspection Escalates to Arrests

In Hot Springs, a routine check of a suspicious SUV parked illegally on a fire service road culminated in significant legal repercussions for two individuals. On Wednesday morning, local law enforcement arrested a woman from Hot Springs on serious drug-related charges and a man from Pearcy for an outstanding felony theft warrant. The arrests occurred after authorities spotted the vehicle in a restricted area, prompting a closer examination.

Details of the Incident and Charges

The suspects, identified as Michael Wayne Simpson, 42, and Crystal Lyn Bearden, 44, were apprehended around 8 a.m. near Plemmons Terrace. Simpson faced charges related to a previous theft of over $2,000 worth of goods from a local home improvement store. Concurrently, Bearden was charged with possession of methamphetamine and drug paraphernalia, each offense carrying a potential sentence of up to six years in prison.

Background and Legal Proceedings

Past Convictions and Ongoing Legal Battles

Both Simpson and Bearden have histories of legal issues, with Simpson having prior convictions for meth possession and pending charges for meth delivery and conspiracy. Bearden’s criminal record includes convictions for drug offenses and robbery, leading to various prison sentences over the years. The recent incident further complicates their legal situations, as they were found with substances and paraphernalia during the vehicle inspection, leading to immediate legal action and their continued detention awaiting court proceedings scheduled for early June.

These arrests highlight ongoing challenges in tackling drug abuse and theft within the community, demonstrating the critical role of routine patrols and checks in maintaining public safety and enforcing the law.

Apr 22

Tragic Accident in Bengaluru: Toddler Fatally Injured by SUV Driven by Father

Heartbreaking Incident in Agara Village

In a devastating turn of events, a toddler was fatally run over by an SUV driven by her own father in Agara village, part of Bengaluru’s HSR Layout. The accident occurred late Sunday night right in front of their home. This tragic incident unfolded shortly after the family had returned from a wedding celebration in Channapatna, marking a sorrowful end to their day.

Circumstances Leading to the Tragedy

The young girl, identified as one-and-a-half-year-old Shazia Jannat, had just alighted from the vehicle along with her mother and other family members. While standing near the SUV, her father, unaware of her position near the vehicle, began to drive away, tragically running over her with the offside wheel. The father only realized the heartbreaking accident after being alerted by other family members.

Legal Consequences and Community Impact

Investigation and Aftermath

Following the incident, which was recorded on a nearby building’s CCTV system, local authorities were quick to respond. The HSR Layout traffic police have registered a case against the father for causing death by negligence under IPC section 304 A. He was subsequently arrested and later released on bail. This incident has not only caused immense grief to the family but also raised concerns about vehicle safety and awareness in residential areas, highlighting the critical need for caution and vigilance to prevent such accidents in the future.

Apr 22

U.S. Non-Tesla EV Sales Slowed Down In Q1 2024, But There Are Some Clear Winners

Ford is the only brand besides Tesla that sold over 20,000 EVs. Kia, BMW and Hyundai exceeded 10,000, while Cadillac’s EV share surged.

With the first quarter of 2024 behind us, it’s time to look at how electric vehicle sales are faring in the U.S. amid what many believe to be a slowdown in the rate of EV adoption. And while it has slowed down in some ways, several brands with strong EV games are doing well anyway—and there are a few surprise winners here too.

According to sales data analyzed by InsideEVs, during Q1 2024, the 19 brands we examined below sold over 102,000 all-electric vehicles. For this group, it’s the third-highest quarterly result ever. However, the year-over-year increase amounted to 18%, which is the slowest result for the group in a few years.

It is also crucial to note that this data looks at non-Tesla EV sales; you can find that company’s latest results here.

BEV sales surged in 2023

In 2023, all-electric car sales increased to about 1.1 million units (estimated). Out of that, no less than 450,000 were sold by traditional carmakers (up 83% compared to 2022). 2024 is predicted to be a potentially slower year as many consumers wait for more charging, cheaper options and new battery technologies to take off.

This group of non-Tesla brands includes traditional carmakers that report their all-electric car sales in the U.S., like Audi, BMW, General Motors’ BrightDrop delivery van division, Cadillac, Chevrolet, Ford, Genesis, GMC, Hyundai, Kia, Lexus, Mazda, Mercedes-Benz, Nissan, Porsche, Subaru, Toyota, Volkswagen and Volvo.

Not all manufacturers report their sales results in the U.S., especially the newer companies like Tesla, Rivian, Polestar, Lucid, Fisker and VinFast. They do not break out sales by country or region so their figures can’t be included in this report. They are also 100% electric already.

new-all-electric-car-sales-in-q1-2024-us-select-19-brands

Several non-Tesla brands are missing from the group. Additionally, assuming that Tesla represents roughly half of all EV sales in the U.S. (probably well over 100,000) we can estimate that the U.S. total EV sales in Q1 were somewhere between 225,000-250,000.

EV Sales By Brands – Q1 2024

In Q1, just like in Q3 2023 and Q4 2023, Ford sold more all-electric vehicles (20,223) than any other non-Tesla brand in the U.S. It was the only result above 20,000 within the group.

Only three other brands exceeded a level of 10,000: Kia (11,412), BMW (10,713) and Hyundai (at least 10,468). In the case of Hyundai, we don’t have the number for the Hyundai Kona Electric, as its sales are lumped in with the gas-powered Kona.

A fifth-position finish for Chevrolet is a disappointment, but we know that the brand’s ramp-up issues with the Ultium platform, followed by software issues, played a role here. The brand no longer produces the popular Chevrolet Bolt EV/Bolt EUV duo, which underpinned most of its EV sales in 2023.

Overall, we can see a strong position for many premium brands, including BMW, Mercedes-Benz and most recently Cadillac.

new-electric-car-sales-in-q1-2024-us

* Excludes Tesla and other brands for which data was not available

** Hyundai sales without the Hyundai Kona Electric model

Now let’s look at the share of EVs out of the automaker’s total sales. This shows how advanced a carmaker is on its electrification journey to become 100% electric someday.

The list of brands includes only traditional ones, for which data is available. Brands that sell only all-electric cars are excluded because their share is always 100 percent.

In Q1, the highest EV share was achieved by Cadillac at 16.4%. It was a bit surprising but a very positive outcome for General Motors’s luxury arm. Cadillac’s EV share noticeably exceeded several German luxury brands (Audi, BMW and Mercedes-Benz) that all had 12+ percent results.

Volkswagen continued to be the number one mainstream brand in terms of EV share (7.5%), followed by Kia (6.4%), Hyundai (at least 5.7%) and Ford (4.2%). Chevrolet noted 2.2%.

all-electric-car-share-in-total-new-sales-in-q1-2024-us-b

* Excludes Tesla and other brands for which data was not available

** Hyundai sales without the Hyundai Kona Electric model

*** Mercedes-Benz (excluding vans)

For reference, the U.S. average EV share for traditional brands might be estimated at over 3% (assuming roughly 7% average EV market share, when including Tesla and other all-electric brands).

Stay tuned for more data on which brand is the most electrified; a separate report for automotive groups is coming next. If you are interested in seeing more detailed sales results for the individual brands, please check our previous reports:

Apr 22

Four tons of gravel spill when an SUV makes a bad lane change

Four tons of gravel spill when an SUV makes a bad lane change into a semi truck at an intersection.

The accident happened on SR 56 east of Interstate 75 in Wesley Chapel, Florida on Monday, April 22nd, reported News Channel 8.

In the video, the SUV and the truck hauling gravel are both approaching an intersection when the SUV just smacks right into the semi truck. The force of the impact sends both vehicles skidding and the truck overturns in the middle of the intersection, spilling almost four tons of gravel.

Both the 78-year-old motorist and the 59-year-old trucker sustained only minor injuries in the crash.

Watch the video of the incident, below.