Letters to the Editor: Argument that food bank needed a luxury car for work is specious
Mary Stewart, Wilmington
This story originally appeared in Los Angeles Times.
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Yahoo
an hour ago
- Yahoo
E-Cite Motors (VAPR) Outpaces EV Industry in Stock Performance This Week and YTD
E-Cite Motors (VAPR) Outperforms Tesla (TSLA), Rivian (RIVN), and Lucid Motors (LCID) in Weekly and Year-to-Date Stock Gains Amid Breakthrough Technologies and Strategic U.S. Expansion BOTHELL, WA / / August 1, 2025 / E-Cite Motors Group (OTCID:VAPR), an emerging electric vehicle manufacturer, today announced that its stock has dramatically outperformed major electric automakers over the past week and year-to-date. E-Cite's share price closed at $0.0112 on Friday, August 1, up roughly 12% from Monday's $0.0100 opening price. This weekly gain stands in stark contrast to declines in leading EV stocks such as Tesla (NASDAQ: TSLA), Rivian (NASDAQ: RIVN), and Lucid Group (NASDAQ: LCID) during the same period. Tesla's stock fell from about $325 on July 28 to $303 by Aug. 1 (approximately, 7% change), while Rivian slipped roughly, 8% (from $13.78 to $12.60), and Lucid dropped roughly, 12% (from $2.79 to $2.46) over the week. Year-to-date, E-Cite's momentum is even more pronounced. Since January 1, 2025, VAPR shares have nearly doubled in value, rising from around $0.0057 at the start of the year to $0.0112 today (an increase on the order of +96%). In comparison, many EV peers have struggled: Tesla stock is down about 24% for 2025 (opening the year near $379 and recently trading around $308), Lucid has declined roughly 18% YTD, and Rivian remains roughly flat with a modest ~3% dip year-to-date These figures underscore that E-Cite (VAPR) has delivered industry-leading returns for investors so far this year, outpacing even the largest EV manufacturers in percentage gains. Switch Auto Insurance and Save Today! Affordable Auto Insurance, Customized for You The Insurance Savings You Expect Great Rates and Award-Winning Service "This exceptional stock performance reflects the unique advantages and progress E-Cite has achieved," said Barry Henthorn, CEO of E-Cite Motors. "We benefit from a special low-volume manufacturing exemption that lets us bring vehicles to market faster and more efficiently than traditional automakers, and our recent technological and strategic milestones are resonating with investors." E-Cite operates under the U.S. Low Volume Manufacturers Act, giving it a government exemption from certain costly certification requirements that burden traditional OEMs. Notably, E-Cite's vehicles are produced under a low-volume manufacturing exemption, allowing the company to bypass extensive crash-testing delays and expenses while still meeting all safety and regulatory standards. This streamlines development and approval, enabling E-Cite to deploy new models faster and more efficiently than any traditional OEM, a significant competitive edge that investors recognize. By accelerating time-to-market for its electric vehicles, E-Cite can capitalize on market opportunities more quickly than legacy manufacturers encumbered by bureaucracy. Recent product breakthroughs and strategic initiatives from E-Cite Motors have further bolstered market confidence. Earlier this month, the company unleashed a next-generation electric driveline for its upcoming American sports cars, doubling performance metrics and setting new benchmarks. The newly unveiled Zero Emissions electric motor spins up to 26,000 RPM (in performance trim), an astonishing leap from the previous 12,000 RPM, and delivers a face-melting 4,000 Nm of torque. This advanced powertrain, paired with dual high-density 90 kWh battery packs, will power E-Cite's EV-GT, EV-C3, and EV-DT models, all built on a common modular aluminum chassis. "The new motor's RPM increase from 12k to 26k is a game-changer," CEO Henthorn noted, emphasizing that it enables blistering acceleration and higher top speeds in a compact, lightweight package." Legendary designer Gene Langmesser, E-Cite's COO, added that "the company's revolutionary chassis was engineered for adaptability, allowing rapid integration of such upgrades across models and giving E-Cite agility that legacy OEMs can't match." In addition to cutting-edge technology, E-Cite is leveraging iconic designs to capture the imagination of enthusiasts. This July, the company announced it has secured the design and production rights to the famed 1954 Kaiser-Darrin sports car, an American classic renowned for its elegant lines and distinctive "pocket" doors that slide into the fenders. E-Cite will resurrect this legend as the all-electric EV-DT "Dutch Touch" model, preserving the Kaiser-Darrin's timeless styling (including the signature sliding doors) while infusing it with state-of-the-art electric performance. "The Kaiser-Darrin is not just a car, it's rolling sculpture," said Gene Langmesser, the vehicle's revival designer and E-Cite's COO, calling the opportunity to modernize it with electric power "a dream come true". The EV-DT will share E-Cite's proprietary chassis and driveline with the brand's other models, ensuring that beneath the retro bodywork lies the full might of E-Cite's latest EV technology. E-Cite's ambition extends to redefining the electric pickup truck segment as well. In June, the company revealed details of its upcoming RJ9 electric pickup, which boasts an unprecedented 900+ mile total range - the highest of any production pickup in the world, whether electric or gasoline. This extraordinary range is achieved via an extended-range EV (EREV) system pairing a 40-kWh battery with a small onboard generator, giving approximately 140 miles of pure electric driving plus hundreds more on generator power. The RJ9's specs are game-changing: 0-60 mph in under 5 seconds, dual-motor AWD, and rapid DC fast-charging (20% to 80% in just 26 minutes). Equally impressive are its luxury features, from zero-gravity massage seats to panoramic displays, which elevate it to an unrivaled level of comfort and tech in the truck category. E-Cite openly touts that the RJ9 will surpass Tesla's Cybertruck, Rivian's R1T, and Ford's F-150 Lightning not only in driving range but in premium appointments, "raising the bar for the entire truck industry". Crucially, the RJ9 will also take advantage of E-Cite's low-volume exemption, allowing the company to bring this advanced truck to market swiftly while meeting all safety requirements. Beyond vehicle development, E-Cite Motors has made strong commitments to American manufacturing that position it favorably amid shifting economic winds. The company recently announced a strategic initiative to dramatically increase its U.S.-based production and sourcing. Key components for E-Cite's vehicles, including body panels, lighting systems, wheels, battery enclosures, chassis assemblies, and even advanced glass, will be sourced from domestic suppliers going forward. This reshoring effort, driven by rising import tariffs and growing consumer demand for American-made EVs, is expected to optimize E-Cite's supply chain, shorten delivery timelines, and enhance production flexibility. E-Cite is currently in the final stages of site selection for expanded U.S. assembly plants, narrowing down locations and finalizing plans for new assembly operations to be announced later this quarter. "As the economic environment in the U.S. becomes more conducive to advanced manufacturing, E-Cite is proud to bring more of our production home," Henthorn said, underscoring that investing in American jobs and infrastructure is a win-win for the company and its customers. "By expanding domestic manufacturing, E-Cite aims to further differentiate itself from competitors while ensuring capacity to meet the anticipated demand for its vehicles." About E-Cite Motors Group (OTCID:VAPR): E-Cite Motors Group is a next-generation electric vehicle manufacturer redefining the American automobile by producing premium EVs that combine timeless design with groundbreaking performance. Unlike traditional automakers, E-Cite employs a modular EV platform that allows for rapid development, high efficiency, and reduced environmental impact. E-Cite's vehicles are developed under a low-volume manufacturing model, enabling the company to bypass certain regulatory hurdles and accelerate delivery of innovative models to consumers. From modernized classic sports cars to record-breaking electric trucks, E-Cite is committed to "leading the EV evolution through innovation, agility, and intelligent design". The company is headquartered in Bothell, Washington, and is majority owned by Innovative EV Technologies, Inc. Contact: Innovative EV Technologies, Inc. dba E-Cite MotorsEmail: ceo@ SOURCE: Innovative EV Technologies dba E-Cite Motors View the original press release on ACCESS Newswire
Los Angeles Times
2 hours ago
- Los Angeles Times
Tesla must pay $243 Million over fatal autopilot crash
Tesla Inc. was told to pay $243 million in a lawsuit over a 2019 Autopilot crash in Florida that killed a young woman and seriously injured her boyfriend, the first significant court loss for the automaker in litigation related to its driver-assistance technology. A jury in Miami federal court found Friday that Tesla was 33% to blame for the collision. A Tesla Model S ran a stop sign at a T intersection in the Florida Keys and rammed into the couple's parked Chevrolet Tahoe while they were standing next to it. Jurors issued their verdict after less than a day of deliberations following a three-week trial. The jury determined that the Tesla S driver was primarily responsible for the crash and that Tesla should pay $42.5 million to compensate the victims for their losses. The panel also ordered Tesla to pay $200 million in punitive damages, but the company said it expects that figure to be reduced by the court. Tesla had argued the driver was entirely at fault because he was distracted when he dropped his mobile phone on the floorboard. 'Today's verdict is wrong and only works to set back automotive safety and jeopardize Tesla's and the entire industry's efforts to develop and implement life-saving technology,' Tesla said in a statement. 'We plan to appeal given the substantial errors of law and irregularities at trial.' The Miami suit is one of a handful of crash cases that have gone to trial and the verdict tarnishes Tesla's near-perfect record in court. The electric-vehicle maker prevailed in two previous trials in California over Autopilot-related crashes and has struck confidential accords to resolve several cases that blamed defective technology for deadly accidents. The verdict comes as Tesla Chief Executive Officer Elon Musk faces enormous investor pressure after the company's stock has been battered, first by his close affiliation with President Donald Trump, and then by his dramatic falling out with the president. Musk has staked Tesla's future in part on autonomous driving as the company is launching a robotaxi business. But when Tesla recently announced disappointing second-quarter earnings, Musk warned that the company is in for a few 'rough quarters' as incentives like the EV tax credit go away in the US. At trial, the jury heard testimony from the driver of the Model S, family members of the woman who died, company engineers and various outside experts who discussed whether Autopilot played a role in the collision. George McGee, the driver of the Model S, had engaged his vehicle's driver-assistance system while traveling home from work. In the moments before the collision, data obtained from the vehicle showed that he had pressed the accelerator to 17 miles (27.4 kilometers) per hour over the posted speed limit, leading him to override the vehicle's adaptive cruise control before he went off the road. McGee testified that he had been on hold on with American Airlines trying to modify an upcoming flight. He said his phone fell and he was looking for it just before the crash. As his car left the road, McGee said he felt the texture of the road change under his tires and he remembered 'jamming on the brakes.' During questioning, he told jurors that he knew he was completely responsible for operating the car, but that he expected Autopilot to assist him in the event he made a mistake. 'In that case, I do feel like it failed me,' he said, according to a transcript of his testimony. The family of Naibel Benavides Leon, the woman who was killed, reached a confidential settlement with McGee in 2021 in a separate lawsuit. Lawyers for the estate of Benavides Leon and her boyfriend, Dillon Angulo, argued Tesla's Autopilot encourages complacency and that the company and Musk have overstated the system's capabilities, leading drivers to be overconfident in its abilities. They also alleged that Tesla failed to add safeguards to ensure the software was only available on roadways where it was designed to be used and features to monitor the attentiveness of drivers. 'Today's verdict represents justice for Naibel's tragic death and Dillon's lifelong injuries, holding Tesla and Musk accountable for propping up the company's trillion-dollar valuation with self-driving hype at the expense of human lives,' Brett Schreiber, lead attorney for the crash victims, said in a statement. Tesla, as it has in other cases, blamed driver error for the collision. Lawyers for the company argued repeatedly that McGee was an aggressive driver with a history of speeding, and that he took his eyes off the road and his hands off the wheel despite warnings in the owners' manual that drivers must stay engaged. The company has maintained there were no defects in its software and that Autopilot operated exactly as designed. Throughout the trial, Tesla defense attorney Joel Smith said no driver-assistance technology on the market in 2019 would have been able to prevent the crash. The automotive industry categorizes automation systems in vehicles from Level 0 to 5, based on what features are available. Level 0 features simply pass on information to the driver, like sounding a warning when you're driving out of a traffic lane. Tesla's Autopilot is classified as Level 2 because it requires constant driver input and supervision. Mekelburg writes for Bloomberg.
Car and Driver
3 hours ago
- Car and Driver
2026 Tesla Cybertruck Review, Pricing, and Specs
Overview The Tesla Cybertruck is perhaps the most polarizing vehicle on the road, both in its design and in the statement it makes, being the norm-busting brainchild of the brand's ever-controversial CEO. But whether you give Cybertruck drivers a thumbs-up or a dirty look, there's much to appreciate about the product itself. This full-size electric pickup currently comes in three specs, all of which top 300 miles of range and boast clever maneuverability-aiding steer-by-wire and rear-wheel-steering systems. The lineup-topping tri-motor Cyberbeast is also the quickest truck out there, with a 60-mph sprint time of just 2.6 seconds. And while that stainless-steel shell needs different kinds of care than your average car paint, it's highly dent-resistant and recognizable from afar. Expert Tip: If splotchy fingerprints on your fridge bother you, steer clear of the Cybertruck. The Rivian R1T, on the other hand, comes with a normal coat of paint, and depending on the trim and powertrain, it's nearly as quick and capable as the Tesla. What's New for 2026? Tesla doesn't really do model-year updates. Instead, it introduces, deletes, and revises features at will and often without warning. So, who knows? A rear-wheel-drive model—called the Cybertruck Long Range—arrived mid-year in 2025. No changes have been announced for 2026, though the in-bed range extender we expected is officially dead. Pricing and Which One to Buy The price of the 2026 Tesla Cybertruck starts at $72,235 and goes up to $102,235 depending on the trim and options. Long Range $72,235 All-Wheel Drive $82,235 Cyberbeast $102,235 0 $25k $50k $75k $100k $125k $150k $175k If you're buying a Cybertruck because you like the way it looks, the base model is all you need, and it gets the best range of the lot. If you're after a performance machine or an off-roader, the Cybertruck AWD makes sense. It's significantly less expensive than the Cyberbeast but still plenty quick and capable. This content is imported from Third party. You may be able to find the same content in another format, or you may be able to find more information, at their web site. EV Motor, Power, and Performance EV Motors: 315-hp single-motor (Long Range), 593-hp dual-motor (AWD), 834-hp tri-motor (Cyberbeast) 315-hp single-motor (Long Range), 593-hp dual-motor (AWD), 834-hp tri-motor (Cyberbeast) Drivetrain: Rear-wheel drive, all-wheel drive The Cybertruck Long Range propels only two wheels with a single motor at the back. The dual-motor AWD model's propulsion system generates a combined 593 horsepower. Those looking for mind-bending performance will want the Cyberbeast, which features a trio of motors making a combined 834 horses. The Cybertruck AWD and Cyberbeast have an adjustable air suspension that can raise or lower the EV on the fly to provide up to 16 inches of ground clearance. Add that to the truck's 35-degree approach and 28-degree departure angles and the Tesla pickup could prove to be a formidable off-road machine. On the road, the big Cybertruck feels more agile than expected. We drove a Cyberbeast and found its combination of rear-wheel steering and variable-ratio steer-by-wire tech made for easy maneuvering in urban environments. 0–60-MPH Times C/D 60-mph Tests: 2.6 seconds (Cyberbeast), 3.9 seconds (All-Wheel-Drive) In Comparison: The tri-motor Cyberbeast's 2.6-second 60-mph time makes it quicker than the quad-motor Rivian R1T, which needed 3.0 seconds to get to the same speed. View Photos Tesla Towing and Payload Capacity The dual- and tri-motor Cybertrucks have a maximum towing capacity of 11,000 pounds, while the single-motor rear-driver is rated to tug 7500 pounds. Payload varies by model and tire choice, but an all-terrain-shod Cybertruck AWD can haul the most, carrying 2500 pounds in its six-by-four-foot composite cargo bed. Range, Charging, and Battery Life C/D Range Test: 250 miles (Cyberbeast) 250 miles (Cyberbeast) Claimed EV Range: 320-325 miles The Tesla Cyberbeast's battery capacity is approximately 122.4 kWh. Tesla claims the Long Range model can recoup 147 miles in 15 minutes when hooked up to a Supercharger. In the same timeframe, the AWD model can restore 136 miles while the Cyberbeast adds back 128. In our testing, it took 50 minutes to charge the Cyberbeast's battery from 10 to 50 percent. The electric truck's driving range varies with the number of motors, but Tesla estimates that the single-motor Long Range will travel up to 366 miles per charge, while the dual-motor AWD and tri-motor Cyberbeast will go 325 miles and 320 miles, respectively. Those numbers are pretty optimistic: In our hands, the Cyberbeast covered just 250 miles—70 miles short of Tesla's claim. That said, we've noticed similar quoted-versus-real-world range discrepancies among other electric trucks we've tested. Fuel Economy and Real-World MPGe Since the Cybertruck is technically considered a heavy-duty pickup truck by the EPA's standards, Tesla isn't required to report fuel-economy figures to the government agency. We observed 55 MPGe in mixed driving with the Cyberbeast. Interior, Comfort, and Cargo First Row: Those who thought the Tesla Model 3's interior was minimalistic will relive that reaction when they see the Cybertruck's spartan cabin. The base model boasts heated front seats and one touchscreen, while the other two have seat heating and ventilation, plus a second screen for rear-seat passengers. Second Row: Headroom is surprisingly generous in the rear seat given the truck's dramatically sloped roofline, but riders over six feet tall may find it snug. Cargo Capacity: In our testing, we found that the truck's front trunk (frunk) holds just one carry-on suitcase, but the interior will fit 22 with the rear seats folded. The Cybertruck's cargo bed offers 121 cubic feet of volume, and inside the bed is a hidden underfloor storage compartment that's large enough to fit an additional suitcase. View Photos Tesla Infotainment and Connectivity Infotainment: 18.5-inch center touchscreen and 9.4-inch rear touchscreen 18.5-inch center touchscreen and 9.4-inch rear touchscreen Connectivity: Bluetooth Bluetooth Audio Systems: 7-speaker stereo (standard), 15-speaker stereo (optional) Every Cybertruck has a big 18.5-inch touchscreen mounted in the center of the dashboard. In the Cybertruck AWD and Cyberbeast, there's also a 9.4-inch touchscreen on the back of the center console for rear-seat passengers. SiriusXM satellite radio is included, as is a Wi-Fi hotspot, but drivers hoping for Apple CarPlay and Android Auto will be disappointed as those features do not appear in any Tesla model. Safety and Driver-Assistance Features Every Cybertruck comes standard with Tesla's controversial Autopilot driving feature. The brand's Full Self-Driving system is optional. Neither system yet enables fully autonomous driving, something Tesla has long promised. The company also provides other, more basic driver-assistance technology. Standard Safety Features: Adaptive cruise control, lane-centering assist, blind-spot monitoring Adaptive cruise control, lane-centering assist, blind-spot monitoring Optional Safety Features: Automatic lane changing, advanced parking tech For information about the Cybertruck's crash-test results, visit the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) and Insurance Institute for Highway Safety (IIHS) websites. Warranty and Maintenance Coverage Tesla provides a comprehensive warranty on its current models, however it doesn't include any complimentary maintenance. Limited Warranty: four years or 50,000 miles four years or 50,000 miles Powertrain Warranty: eight years or 150,000 miles eight years or 150,000 miles Battery-Components Warranty: eight years or 150,000 miles eight years or 150,000 miles Complimentary Maintenance: none C/D Test Results and Specs We test every vehicle we can. Data in the chart below may be for a different model year if the model remained unchanged from when we last tested it. Specifications Specifications 2024 Tesla Cybertruck Beast Vehicle Type: front- and rear-motor, all-wheel-drive, 5-passenger, 4-door pickup PRICE Base/As Tested: $101,985/$121,985 Options: Foundation Series (20-inch Cyber wheels with 35-inch tires, White décor, off-road light bar, premium accessories, Powershare home backup, Powershare mobile adapter, universal wall connector, Full Self-Driving capability, lifetime premium connectivity), $20,000 POWERTRAIN Front Motor: permanent-magnet synchronous AC, 276 hp, 320 lb-ft Rear Motor: induction AC, 284 hp, 544 lb-ft Combined Power: 834 hp Combined Torque: 740 lb-ft Battery Pack: liquid-cooled lithium-ion, 123.0 kWh Onboard Charger: 11.5 kW Peak DC Fast-Charge Rate: 250 kW Transmissions: direct-drive CHASSIS Suspension, F/R: control arms/control arms Brakes, F/R: 13.8-in vented disc/14.0-in vented disc Tires: Goodyear Wrangler Territory RT LT285/65R-20 123/120H M+S TO DIMENSIONS Wheelbase: 143.1 in Length: 223.7 in Width: 80.0 in Height: 68.5–76.6 in Passenger Volume, F/R: 62/57 ft3 Front Trunk Volume: 7 ft3 Underbed Storage Volume: 3 ft3 Curb Weight: 6901 lb C/D TEST RESULTS 60 mph: 2.6 sec 100 mph: 6.9 sec 1/4-Mile: 11.0 sec @ 119 mph 130 mph: 14.5 sec Results above omit 1-ft rollout of 0.3 sec. Rolling Start, 5–60 mph: 2.8 sec Top Gear, 30–50 mph: 1.5 sec Top Gear, 50–70 mph: 1.8 sec Top Speed (gov ltd): 131 mph Braking, 70–0 mph: 176 ft Braking, 100–0 mph: 367 ft Roadholding, 300-ft Skidpad: 0.75 g C/D FUEL ECONOMY AND CHARGING 75-mph Highway Range: 250 mi DC Fast-Charge Time, 10–90%: 50 min C/D TESTING EXPLAINED More Features and Specs
