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Meet the updated BMW iX: Now with more range, a light-up kidney grille, and a lower price - Related to ford,, a, range,, kw),, honda,

Elon can’t get it up (past 325 kW), BP can, and GM hopes to keep it up in 2025

Elon can’t get it up (past 325 kW), BP can, and GM hopes to keep it up in 2025

Despite mocking 350 kW as “a child’s toy” in 2016, the corporation is just rolling out 325 kW V4 chargers in 2025. Meanwhile companies like BP are celebrating 400 kW installations along major highways – and they’re making money doing it. All this and more on today’s thrilling January 47th episode of Quick Charge!

We’ve also got a blast from the past in the form of one of my first Electrek article from way back in 2022, GM’s performance making TSLA look like a meme stock, and a massive lithium project in the Heartland.

Prefer listening to your podcasts? Audio-only versions of Quick Charge are now available on Apple Podcasts, Spotify, TuneIn, and our RSS feed for Overcast and other podcast players.

Drop us a line at [website] You can also rate us on Apple Podcasts and Spotify, or recommend us in Overcast to help more people discover the show.

The 2025 Jeep Wagoneer S electric SUV makes the transition to regular production after a truncated first model year.

Calling itself “America’s newest zero-emission commercial truck brand,” ZM Trucks has unveiled a new, 210,000 square foot facility in Fontana, Califo......

Meet the updated BMW iX: Now with more range, a light-up kidney grille, and a lower price

Meet the updated BMW iX: Now with more range, a light-up kidney grille, and a lower price

BMW’s electric SUV is now superior in every way. The updated 2026 BMW iX packs more power and has up to 340 miles of driving range. It also gains sleek new design elements, like a light-up kidney grille. Even superior, a new entry-level trim is over $12,000 cheaper than the outgoing model. Check out BMW’s new SUV below.

2026 BMW iX prices, range, and trim options.

Almost four years after launching the iX, BMW has revamped the all-electric SUV, taking it “to a new level.” BMW introduced the 2026 iX for the first time with drastic improvements.

The 2026 iX is BMW’s first vehicle to use silicon carbide semiconductor components (SIC inverters). The new tech is more efficient and powerful, offering up to 10% more range than the outgoing model.

Combined with its fifth-gen eDrive system, BMW states the updated 2026 iX has a driving range of up to 340 miles, up from 309 miles in the 2025MY. It also includes new battery cell technology, providing up to [website] kWh of net usable energy.

The 2026 BMW iX is available in three trims, including a new xDrive45 model, starting at $75,150. The new entry-level trim translates to a $12,100 price cut from the outgoing 2025 iX ($87,250).

The iX xDrive45 has 402 hp and an estimated range of up to 312 miles. Meanwhile, the XDrive60 packs 536 hp with an expected range of up to 340 miles. For the performance fans, the 2026 BMW iX M70 xDrive now aspects up to 650 hp, 40 hp more than its predecessor, and 811 lb-ft of max torque.

Using launch control, the new M model can sprint from 0 to 60 mph in just [website] seconds with a top speed of 155 mph (electronically controlled).

BMW didn’t just give the 2026 iX more range and power, but it also restyled the interior and exterior, adding to its already impressive design.

You can see the iconic massive BMW kidney grille is still there but with a new look. BMW redesigned the frame with a new pattern, which can even light up. The illuminated grille comes standard on the M70 xDrive model and is optional for the xDriv45 and xDrive60 trims.

The headlights have also been redesigned with new daytime running lights and turn signals, giving the iX a new look up front.

Inside, the updated iX is the first BMW production vehicle to include its new Curved Display OS system. BMW’s OS [website] enables video streaming and in-car gaming.

It also elements new icons for apps like Apple CarPlay and Android Auto. The new SUV now includes the new BMW Intelligent Personal Assistant with Amazon Alexa integrated.

BMW is offering the M Sport Package with new M Multi-Function seats for the first time. The package includes an M leather steering wheel, a two-tone instrument panel with an M logo, Dark Silver trim finishers, M pedals, and more. Active seat ventilation is an option. The package is optional for xDrive45 and 60 models and is standard on the M70 trim.

Other optional functions include a Climate Comfort Package (standard on M70) with a heated instrument panel, door panels, center armrest, and rear seats. A Panoramic sunroof is standard on all trims except the xDrive45.

BMW also showcased that a tow hitch will be available for all trims this summer, enabling a towing capacity of up to 3,500 lbs.

Horsepower Starting Price* Driving Range 2026 BMW iX xDrive45 402 hp $75,150 312 miles 2026 BMW iX xDrive45 536 hp $88,500 340 miles 2026 BMW iX xDrive45 650 hp $115,500 302 miles 2026 BMW iX prices and range by trim (*excluding $1,175 destination fee).

Production for 2026 iX models is slated to begin at BMW’s Dingolfing plant in Germany this March, followed by deliveries in Q2 2025.

What do you think of the BMW’s new electric SUV? Would you buy one for around $75,000? Let us know in the comments.

Tesla (TSLA) released its financial results and shareholders letter for the fourth quarter (Q4) and full-year 2024 after market close today.

Jeep’s first electric SUV in the US just got more affordable. On Thursday, Jeep launched a new Limited trim at the Chicago Auto Show. The new 2025 Jee......

Genesis is preparing to launch its largest, most luxurious electric SUV yet. The Genesis GV90 EV was spotted for the first time in South Korea, reveal......

Honda, Hyundai, Ford, Subaru, and Kia EV sales climb in January

Honda, Hyundai, Ford, Subaru, and Kia EV sales climb in January

Several automakers, including Honda, Hyundai, Ford, and Kia, reported higher EV sales in the US in January. Here’s a look at some of the top-selling EV models (outside of Tesla) last month.

EV sales in the US by model in January 2025.

With nearly 133,000 electric vehicles sold in December, EVs accounted for [website] of new car sales in the US, a new record.

’s Kelley Blue Book, the strong end-of-year sales helped push total EV sales to [website] million in 2024, up [website] from 2024.

With Trump reportedly planning to end electric vehicle incentives, like the $7,500 federal tax credit, demand is expected to pick up as buyers look to lock in the savings before they disappear.

Several automakers reported US sales numbers for January, giving us a superior idea of how the EV market is playing out.

Ford sold 5,666 EVs last month, up 21% and a new January record. The Mustang Mach-E had its best January with 3,529 models sold, up 173% from January 2024. Last year, the Mach-E was the second best-selling electric SUV behind Tesla’s Model Y. This year, it’s already losing ground.

Despite higher demand for the Mach-E, Ford F-150 Lightning sales slipped 15% to 1,907 units. Ford’s E-Transit electric van sales also fell 80%, with only 230 models sold last month.

Kia sold 1,542 EV6 models sold last month. However, sales of its three-row EV9 were down slightly (1,232 vs 1,408 in January 2023).

Sister enterprise Hyundai notched double-digit sales growth with its popular EV models. As the upgraded 2025 model (with more range and an NACS port for charging at Tesla Superchargers) rolled out, Hyundai IONIQ 5 sales climbed 54%, with 2,250 units sold in January. Although IONIQ 6 sales were up 15% year over year (YOY), only 871 models were sold.

EV model January 2025 sales Honda Prologue 3,744 Ford Mustang Mach-E 3,529 Hyundai IONIQ 5 2,250 Ford F-150 Lightning 1,907 Kia EV6 1,542 Kia EV9 1,232 Subaru Solterra 1,052 Hyundai IONIQ 6 871 US electric vehicle sales by model in January 2025.

The biggest surprise, again, was Honda. Honda’s electric Prologue continued to take the US by storm with another 3,744 models sold last month.

After delivering the first models last March, the Prologue was the seventh best-selling EV in the US in 2024. Honda sold over 33,000 Prologue’s in the US in 2024, beating out the Chevy Equinox EV (28,874) and Rivian R1S (26,934).

GM doesn’t research monthly US sales numbers, so we’ll have to wait until April for quarterly sales to compare. Several others have yet to research January US sales. Check back for the latest numbers.

Tesla doesn’t findings monthly US sales numbers, but earlier today, Electrek reported that the EV maker saw its first annual drop in sales in California last year.

Are you in the market for a new electric vehicle? We can help you get started. You can use our links below to find deals on some of the most popular EVs in your area.

Nascent electric hydrofoil boat builder Vessev shared another key milestone this week, putting its first electric hydrofoiling boat into commercial op......

Tesla (TSLA) released its financial results and shareholders letter for the fourth quarter (Q4) and full-year 2024 after market close today.

BMW’s electric SUV is now improved in every way. The updated 2026 BMW iX packs more power and has up to 340 miles of driving range. It also gains sleek ......

Market Impact Analysis

Market Growth Trend

2018201920202021202220232024
8.3%10.0%10.5%11.6%12.3%12.7%12.8%
8.3%10.0%10.5%11.6%12.3%12.7%12.8% 2018201920202021202220232024

Quarterly Growth Rate

Q1 2024 Q2 2024 Q3 2024 Q4 2024
10.9% 11.7% 12.4% 12.8%
10.9% Q1 11.7% Q2 12.4% Q3 12.8% Q4

Market Segments and Growth Drivers

Segment Market Share Growth Rate
Connected Cars35%14.2%
Autonomous Driving22%18.5%
EV Technology28%21.9%
Telematics10%9.7%
Other Automotive Tech5%6.3%
Connected Cars35.0%Autonomous Driving22.0%EV Technology28.0%Telematics10.0%Other Automotive Tech5.0%

Technology Maturity Curve

Different technologies within the ecosystem are at varying stages of maturity:

Innovation Trigger Peak of Inflated Expectations Trough of Disillusionment Slope of Enlightenment Plateau of Productivity AI/ML Blockchain VR/AR Cloud Mobile

Competitive Landscape Analysis

Company Market Share
Tesla16.9%
Waymo12.3%
NVIDIA DRIVE10.7%
Bosch9.5%
Continental7.8%

Future Outlook and Predictions

The Elon Past Hopes landscape is evolving rapidly, driven by technological advancements, changing threat vectors, and shifting business requirements. Based on current trends and expert analyses, we can anticipate several significant developments across different time horizons:

Year-by-Year Technology Evolution

Based on current trajectory and expert analyses, we can project the following development timeline:

2024Early adopters begin implementing specialized solutions with measurable results
2025Industry standards emerging to facilitate broader adoption and integration
2026Mainstream adoption begins as technical barriers are addressed
2027Integration with adjacent technologies creates new capabilities
2028Business models transform as capabilities mature
2029Technology becomes embedded in core infrastructure and processes
2030New paradigms emerge as the technology reaches full maturity

Technology Maturity Curve

Different technologies within the ecosystem are at varying stages of maturity, influencing adoption timelines and investment priorities:

Time / Development Stage Adoption / Maturity Innovation Early Adoption Growth Maturity Decline/Legacy Emerging Tech Current Focus Established Tech Mature Solutions (Interactive diagram available in full report)

Innovation Trigger

  • Generative AI for specialized domains
  • Blockchain for supply chain verification

Peak of Inflated Expectations

  • Digital twins for business processes
  • Quantum-resistant cryptography

Trough of Disillusionment

  • Consumer AR/VR applications
  • General-purpose blockchain

Slope of Enlightenment

  • AI-driven analytics
  • Edge computing

Plateau of Productivity

  • Cloud infrastructure
  • Mobile applications

Technology Evolution Timeline

1-2 Years
  • Technology adoption accelerating across industries
  • digital transformation initiatives becoming mainstream
3-5 Years
  • Significant transformation of business processes through advanced technologies
  • new digital business models emerging
5+ Years
  • Fundamental shifts in how technology integrates with business and society
  • emergence of new technology paradigms

Expert Perspectives

Leading experts in the automotive tech sector provide diverse perspectives on how the landscape will evolve over the coming years:

"Technology transformation will continue to accelerate, creating both challenges and opportunities."

— Industry Expert

"Organizations must balance innovation with practical implementation to achieve meaningful results."

— Technology Analyst

"The most successful adopters will focus on business outcomes rather than technology for its own sake."

— Research Director

Areas of Expert Consensus

  • Acceleration of Innovation: The pace of technological evolution will continue to increase
  • Practical Integration: Focus will shift from proof-of-concept to operational deployment
  • Human-Technology Partnership: Most effective implementations will optimize human-machine collaboration
  • Regulatory Influence: Regulatory frameworks will increasingly shape technology development

Short-Term Outlook (1-2 Years)

In the immediate future, organizations will focus on implementing and optimizing currently available technologies to address pressing automotive tech challenges:

  • Technology adoption accelerating across industries
  • digital transformation initiatives becoming mainstream

These developments will be characterized by incremental improvements to existing frameworks rather than revolutionary changes, with emphasis on practical deployment and measurable outcomes.

Mid-Term Outlook (3-5 Years)

As technologies mature and organizations adapt, more substantial transformations will emerge in how security is approached and implemented:

  • Significant transformation of business processes through advanced technologies
  • new digital business models emerging

This period will see significant changes in security architecture and operational models, with increasing automation and integration between previously siloed security functions. Organizations will shift from reactive to proactive security postures.

Long-Term Outlook (5+ Years)

Looking further ahead, more fundamental shifts will reshape how cybersecurity is conceptualized and implemented across digital ecosystems:

  • Fundamental shifts in how technology integrates with business and society
  • emergence of new technology paradigms

These long-term developments will likely require significant technical breakthroughs, new regulatory frameworks, and evolution in how organizations approach security as a fundamental business function rather than a technical discipline.

Key Risk Factors and Uncertainties

Several critical factors could significantly impact the trajectory of automotive tech evolution:

Regulatory approval delays
Battery technology limitations
Consumer trust issues

Organizations should monitor these factors closely and develop contingency strategies to mitigate potential negative impacts on technology implementation timelines.

Alternative Future Scenarios

The evolution of technology can follow different paths depending on various factors including regulatory developments, investment trends, technological breakthroughs, and market adoption. We analyze three potential scenarios:

Optimistic Scenario

Rapid adoption of advanced technologies with significant business impact

Key Drivers: Supportive regulatory environment, significant research breakthroughs, strong market incentives, and rapid user adoption.

Probability: 25-30%

Base Case Scenario

Measured implementation with incremental improvements

Key Drivers: Balanced regulatory approach, steady technological progress, and selective implementation based on clear ROI.

Probability: 50-60%

Conservative Scenario

Technical and organizational barriers limiting effective adoption

Key Drivers: Restrictive regulations, technical limitations, implementation challenges, and risk-averse organizational cultures.

Probability: 15-20%

Scenario Comparison Matrix

FactorOptimisticBase CaseConservative
Implementation TimelineAcceleratedSteadyDelayed
Market AdoptionWidespreadSelectiveLimited
Technology EvolutionRapidProgressiveIncremental
Regulatory EnvironmentSupportiveBalancedRestrictive
Business ImpactTransformativeSignificantModest

Transformational Impact

Technology becoming increasingly embedded in all aspects of business operations. This evolution will necessitate significant changes in organizational structures, talent development, and strategic planning processes.

The convergence of multiple technological trends—including artificial intelligence, quantum computing, and ubiquitous connectivity—will create both unprecedented security challenges and innovative defensive capabilities.

Implementation Challenges

Technical complexity and organizational readiness remain key challenges. Organizations will need to develop comprehensive change management strategies to successfully navigate these transitions.

Regulatory uncertainty, particularly around emerging technologies like AI in security applications, will require flexible security architectures that can adapt to evolving compliance requirements.

Key Innovations to Watch

Artificial intelligence, distributed systems, and automation technologies leading innovation. Organizations should monitor these developments closely to maintain competitive advantages and effective security postures.

Strategic investments in research partnerships, technology pilots, and talent development will position forward-thinking organizations to leverage these innovations early in their development cycle.

Technical Glossary

Key technical terms and definitions to help understand the technologies discussed in this article.

Understanding the following technical concepts is essential for grasping the full implications of the security threats and defensive measures discussed in this article. These definitions provide context for both technical and non-technical readers.

Filter by difficulty:

platform intermediate

algorithm Platforms provide standardized environments that reduce development complexity and enable ecosystem growth through shared functionality and integration capabilities.

electric vehicle intermediate

interface