This week’s curated automotive insights take a deep dive into the real-world experience of electric vehicle ownership, stripping away the marketing hype to focus on what it is actually like to live with these cars. From the entry-level practicality of a new Korean contender to the bittersweet farewell to a German icon, these reviews offer a grounded perspective on the current EV landscape.
First, a detailed review from Battery Life examines the Kia EV4 base version equipped with the smaller 58 kWh battery. After covering over 1,300 kilometers in two weeks, the analysis cuts straight to the chase, exploring what drivers gain and lose by choosing the most affordable trim. The video candidly discusses the features that are missing from this almost-base model, providing a clear-eyed assessment of value versus compromise. This review is essential for anyone considering whether the entry point to the EV4 lineup delivers a satisfying experience or leaves too much on the cutting room floor.
In a separate, more emotional retrospective, Andrew Till of Mr. EV bids farewell to the BMW i3 after a full year behind the wheel. This review is a balanced ledger of likes and dislikes, celebrating the i3’s unique character while honestly confronting its quirks and limitations. The video serves as both a tribute and a cautionary tale, offering a nuanced perspective on a vehicle that remains a cult favorite in the electric community. Together, these two posts highlight the diverse spectrum of EV ownership, from the budget-conscious new release to the cherished, quirky veteran.
- EV Digest: Long-Term Tests, Conversions & Charging NewsThe EV Landscape: Real-World Insights and DIY Innovation This week’s EV news digest offers a rich mix of long-term ownership experiences, DIY conversion projects, and practical charging advice. From the heartwarming farewell to a beloved Renault 5 EV after a year of daily use to the garage-based conversion of a VW camper…
- EV Sales Surge, But Some Automakers Hit PauseTop Stories & Trends Global EV adoption reached a milestone: one in four new cars sold is now electric or hybrid, according to Pew Research Center. This signals a massive shift, but the road ahead is bumpy. While Chinese upstart Xiaomi is selling EVs at a rapid clip (losing $5,600 per car),…
- EV News Roundup: Autonomy, Fleets, and TechAutonomous Driving Advances BYD is advancing Level 3/4 autonomy capabilities. Tesla’s robotaxi fleet has shrunk to just 20 unsupervised cars, but the company certified its robotaxi as Level 4 autonomous and is testing on Texas roads. Tesla is replacing CV screening with neural assessments for hiring. A rumored Tesla and SpaceX merger…
- EV Digest: Kia EV4 Test, Walmart Charging & MoreThe Week in Electric Vehicles: Kia EV4 Real-World Tests, Walmart’s Charging Ambitions, and Market Moves This week’s EV news cycle brings a mix of practical range tests, brand announcements, and infrastructure insights. A recurring theme is the growing reality of electric vehicle ownership—what it’s like to drive long distances, how charging networks…
- EV News: Xiaomi Loss, Kia Win, Ferrari BacklashTop Stories Today’s EV landscape is a mix of bold bets and harsh realities. Xiaomi’s EV division posted a loss in Q1 2026, highlighting the challenges for new entrants. Meanwhile, the Kia EV3 topped a German magazine’s evaluation, beating Renault, Ford, and BYD. Ferrari faces backlash over its first electric car, signaling…
- Ferrari EV Backlash & EV News RoundupFerrari EV Sparks Controversy Ferrari faces backlash over its first electric car, the Luce, with critics arguing it dilutes the brand’s heritage. The Guardian reports on the mixed reception. The Luce has drawn criticism for straying from Ferrari’s iconic V8 and V12 engines, sparking debate on legacy automakers’ EV strategies. New EV…
- EV Digest: Kia EV4 Range, Tesla Park Assist & MoreEV Long-Distance Testing and Real-World Performance This week’s EV news highlights the growing emphasis on real-world testing and infrastructure expansion. The Kia EV4 with a 58 kWh battery undergoes rigorous long-distance Autobahn tests, demonstrating that even smaller battery packs can handle highway trips with careful planning. The tests show a consumption of…
- Xiaomi targets Tesla SUV; Ferrari EV costs $640kTop EV Stories Today Xiaomi is launching a cheaper, upgraded SUV to rival Tesla’s Model Y in China, while Ferrari’s first EV, the Luce, is priced at $640,000 and draws comparisons to a Nissan Leaf. BYD’s new hybrid engine threatens legacy automakers, and Toyota study shows PHEV owners plug in frequently. Honda…
- Global EV Roundup: Bus Orders, Ferrari’s First EV, BYD Flash Charge & MoreElectric Buses & Heavy Trucks Lead the Charge Hong Kong orders 20 Wrightbus StreetDeck Electroliners – Citybus expands zero-emission fleet with double-decker e-buses, signaling strong demand for urban electric transit. Scania demonstrates V2G for heavy trucks using MCS – The Swedish OEM showcases how mega-watt charging can enable vehicle-to-grid services, a leap…
- Kia EV4 Top Speed, Walmart Charging & Toyota C-HR+ Range TestedThe Week in EVs: High-Speed Realities and Network Expansion This week’s digest showcases the electric vehicle industry’s maturation across performance testing, infrastructure growth, and real-world ownership reliability. From high-speed Autobahn runs to exclusive interviews with Walmart’s charging guru, and from DIY conversions to long-term fleet success stories, the themes highlight that EVs…