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- 👏 November 21: Kia Speeds Ahead, Lucid Claps Back, and Tesla Plugs Everyone In
👏 November 21: Kia Speeds Ahead, Lucid Claps Back, and Tesla Plugs Everyone In
The Gist
Kia is zipping ahead with its EV9 GT and refreshed EV6, boasting Tesla compatibility, blistering performance, and tax credit potential—giving dealers plenty to pitch. Honda’s solid-state battery efforts promise a future of longer-range EVs, while a 50% drop in battery prices by 2026 could make EVs as wallet-friendly as gas cars.
Hyundai’s Ioniq 9 is primed to charm families with space, speed, and American-made bragging rights. Tesla’s Supercharger empire keeps growing, now welcoming Nissan Ariya drivers, while Rivian and Scout are carving out their niches in the rugged EV market.
Lastly, the Lucid-Jaguar luxury showdown has begun: Jaguar’s $130K “Copy Nothing” lineup faces Lucid’s $250K “Compromise Nothing” Air Sapphire. High-end EV competition is heating up, and dealerships should gear up for an electrifying year ahead.
Fuel for Thought
🚘 Kia’s New EVs
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Kia is making waves with two revamped electric vehicles, the EV9 GT and the refreshed EV6, boasting cutting-edge performance features and Tesla compatibility. Here’s what you need to know about their latest electrifying updates.
2025 Kia EV9 GT: A Beast in the EV World
Over 500 horsepower and 0-60 mph in just 4.3 seconds.
Features virtual gear shifting with simulated engine sounds for a nostalgic driving experience.
Native Tesla charging port (NACS) means seamless access to 15,000 Supercharger stations.
2025 Kia EV6: Bigger Battery, Longer Range
Battery options include 63kWh (base) and 84kWh (extended), providing up to 319 miles of range.
Now manufactured in Georgia, possibly qualifying for the $7,500 tax credit.
Implications for Dealers
Tesla charging access could make Kia EVs a more enticing sell.
Emphasize high-performance and reliability in marketing to EV-curious customers.
🔋 Solid Ground: Honda’s Battery Revolution
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Solid-State Dream Factory
Honda is leading the charge in solid-state battery development, opening a 27,000-square-meter demo facility in Japan. By swapping liquid electrolytes for solid materials, Honda aims to produce batteries that last longer and charge faster.
Fast Forward to Mass Production
With plans to hit mass production in the late 2020s, Honda is speeding up processes like cathode formation and electrolyte activation. The goal? Affordable EVs with longer ranges that appeal to a broader market.
Why It Matters to US Dealers
Honda’s progress hints at a future where high-range EVs are the norm, potentially redefining how dealerships market and sell these vehicles.
⚡ EV Battery Prices Plunge: What It Means
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Battery prices are dropping like it’s Black Friday in the EV world, with a Goldman Sachs study predicting a 50% reduction by 2026. But what does that mean for your dealership?
Why should I care about cheaper batteries?
Lower battery costs mean lower EV prices. By 2026, EVs could cost the same as gas-powered cars. That’s great news if you’re ready to meet growing consumer demand—but not so much if you’re still clinging to the combustion era.
So, will EVs take over the market overnight?
Not quite. Batteries are cheaper, but infrastructure and consumer habits need to catch up. Still, it’s a big step toward making EVs the default choice for new car buyers.
What’s the bottom line?
By 2026, selling EVs could feel less like convincing a customer to try kale and more like offering them a steak dinner—practical, enticing, and hard to resist.
🚙 Hyundai’s Ioniq 9: Bigger, Better, Bolder
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A New EV Heavyweight
Hyundai is flexing its muscles with the Ioniq 9, a three-row SUV aimed at family buyers. With up to 335 miles of range and fast-charging capabilities, it’s poised to compete with rivals like the Kia EV9.
Fast, Efficient, and Ready for Spring
Expected to hit U.S. dealerships in 2025, the Ioniq 9 will be built at Hyundai’s new Georgia plant. Its local production could make it a strong contender for EV tax credits—if they survive the current political climate.
Dealer Takeaway
Highlight the Ioniq 9’s family-friendly features and American-made appeal to resonate with buyers seeking reliability and space.
🔌 Tesla’s Supercharger Empire Expands
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Nissan Joins the Club
Tesla’s Supercharger network now welcomes Nissan Ariya drivers. With over 15,000 stations in North America, access just got easier for Ariya owners—though Nissan Leaf drivers are still stuck on the CHAdeMO standard.
Standardizing the EV Landscape
The move aligns with Tesla’s push to make its charging ports the North American standard by 2026. For dealerships, this could simplify EV sales pitches as interoperability becomes the norm.
🛠️ Scout and Rivian: Rivals or Roommates?
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Rivian and Scout are eyeing the same rugged EV market, but Rivian’s CEO RJ Scaringe isn’t sweating it. With less than 10% EV market penetration in the U.S., he sees room for both brands to thrive.
Can two outdoorsy EV brands really coexist?
Sure, why not? Rivian’s aiming for Patagonia enthusiasts, while Scout wants to sell to Carhartt fans. There’s plenty of room for rugged EVs—until the market gets crowded.
What’s with the bromance?
Scout is borrowing Rivian tech through a partnership with VW. But don’t worry—Scaringe insists the two brands are distinct. Think of it as sharing tools, not identities.
Dealer Angle
Rivian and Scout’s coexistence could expand the rugged EV market, giving dealers more options to pitch to adventure-seeking customers.
🐆 Lucid vs. Jaguar: Luxury EV Duel
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Jaguar’s “Copy Nothing” teaser for its luxury EV lineup met Lucid’s “Compromise Nothing” flex, sparking a high-end EV rivalry.
What’s Jaguar’s play?
A dramatic, windowless luxury EV priced at $130K, aiming to rival Lucid and Porsche. Bold design, bolder price tag.
Lucid’s response?
Its Air Sapphire—a $250K, 1,234-hp speed demon that’s left rivals in the dust.
Why it matters to dealers:
Luxury EV competition could drive demand for high-end models. Sell what sparks envy—whether it’s power or design.
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