Latest news with #electricMPV
Digital Trends
4 days ago
- Automotive
- Digital Trends
Faraday's latest EV has a massive screen instead of a grille, with its own AI avatar
What is it? The Faraday FX Super One is an upcoming, fully-electric MPV from auto maker Faraday Future, aimed at giving you a luxury car without a huge price tag. It's set to be a direct rival to the Cadillac Escalade, and come packed with AI features – including a huge exterior digital screen which replaces the traditional grille and displays your own AI agent. I'm sorry, what? According to Faraday, the Super One will redefine our experience with automobiles, with AI deeply integrated throughout the vehicle. The 'Super EAI F.A.C.E. (Front AI Communication Ecosystem) System', the clunky moniker for the display slapped on the front of the Super One, will give your vehicle a unique 'face', with the ability to express emotion. Recommended Videos This face will apparently be able to 'communicate' with the world around it and represent you. What that means in practice remains to be seen, but it's certainly an interesting feature – if not rather odd. Why should I care? There's seemingly no escaping the onslaught of AI in our lives, and manufacturers the world over are looking for new and innovative ways to integrate artificial intelligence into products. Faraday's AI offering in the FX Super One does appear to be particularly left field currently, but this might be a glimpse of what's to come more widely in the future. There's the choice of four, six and seven seat configurations, plus an AI-optimized hybrid extended range option will be available at a later date if the fully-electric model isn't for you. The four seater 'GOAT Edition' configuration is aimed at the rich and famous, with suspended zero-gravity seats feature ventilation, heating and 10-point massage. The 6 and 7-seater editions are more traditionally styled for business and family life. So what's next? Well, if the FX Super One has peaked your interest to can head over to the Faraday site and place a $100 (fully refundable) deposit to book your place in line. We don't know how much it will cost or when it'll be available, nor do we have any meaningful specs yet, all we know is the firm has said it'll offer 'tech luxury without the $300k price tag'. Faraday has openly said it's looking to challenge the Escalade, and the all-electric Escalade IQ starts at $130,000 – we'd expect the FX Super One to be in that sort of ballpark too. That's not exactly cheap then, but the firm has a budget EV in the works as well. However, don't get your hopes up too much. There's no guarantee the final vehicle will actually make it to market, as Faraday has a laundry list of factors 'that may affect actual results or outcomes.' Faraday says it still needs to 'to secure regulatory approvals for the proposed Super One front grille', says it hasn't yet secured the 'necessary agreements to license or produce FX vehicles in the U.S., the Middle East, or elsewhere'. We'll have to wait and see if the Faraday FX Super One can challenge the best luxury EVs and best electric SUVs then.
Malay Mail
27-06-2025
- Automotive
- Malay Mail
Can you hail a Grab EV outside KLIA? It's luck of the draw, but here's how
KUALA LUMPUR, June 27 — As the Grab EV service is only meant for KLIA Terminal 1 rides at the moment, we were originally under the impression that the Grab EV drivers have to come back to KLIA empty-handed once they have their passengers to the destination. As it turns out, that is not the case, as Grab EV drivers can pick up KLIA-bound customers when they head back to the airport. 'So, we don't want them to come back empty,' said Rashid Shukor, Director of Country Operations and Mobility of Grab Malaysia. Rashid pointed out that customers who booked the Standard 6-seater service might be able to obtain Grab EV's BYD M6 electric MPV, as long as their destination is KLIA. However, the M6 will be assigned randomly to customers just like any other 7-seater vehicle in the service. This is unlike in KLIA Terminal 1, whereby you can specifically choose between the Grab EV or the usual Standard 6-seater service. Aside from getting the BYD M6 as their ride, Grab EV customers also get to enjoy several perks, including having their pick-up point at Level 3, which is the same floor as the airport's arrival hall. For the Standard 6-seater customers, the pick-up point is located at Level 1 instead. In addition to that, there is also a dedicated waiting area in the form of the Grab EV Lounge near the pick-up point. That being said, the Grab EV service does cost slightly more than the Standard 6-seater option, although the fare differences depend on the destination. As a comparison, the Grab EV service costs RM28 more than its Standard 6-seater counterpart when we set our Bukit Bintang office as the destination. However, when we set Ayer@8 in Presint 8 of Putrajaya as the destination which is much closer to KLIA, the difference was only RM5. — SoyaCincau
Malay Mail
27-06-2025
- Automotive
- Malay Mail
Understanding Grab EV's KLIA-bound return trips and exclusive passenger perks
KUALA LUMPUR, June 27 — As the Grab EV service is only meant for KLIA Terminal 1 rides at the moment, we were originally under the impression that the Grab EV drivers have to come back to KLIA empty-handed once they have their passengers to the destination. As it turns out, that is not the case, as Grab EV drivers can pick up KLIA-bound customers when they head back to the airport. 'So, we don't want them to come back empty,' said Rashid Shukor, Director of Country Operations and Mobility of Grab Malaysia. Rashid pointed out that customers who booked the Standard 6-seater service might be able to obtain Grab EV's BYD M6 electric MPV, as long as their destination is KLIA. However, the M6 will be assigned randomly to customers just like any other 7-seater vehicle in the service. This is unlike in KLIA Terminal 1, whereby you can specifically choose between the Grab EV or the usual Standard 6-seater service. Aside from getting the BYD M6 as their ride, Grab EV customers also get to enjoy several perks, including having their pick-up point at Level 3, which is the same floor as the airport's arrival hall. For the Standard 6-seater customers, the pick-up point is located at Level 1 instead. In addition to that, there is also a dedicated waiting area in the form of the Grab EV Lounge near the pick-up point. That being said, the Grab EV service does cost slightly more than the Standard 6-seater option, although the fare differences depend on the destination. As a comparison, the Grab EV service costs RM28 more than its Standard 6-seater counterpart when we set our Bukit Bintang office as the destination. However, when we set Ayer@8 in Presint 8 of Putrajaya as the destination which is much closer to KLIA, the difference was only RM5. — SOYACINCAU
Auto Car
26-06-2025
- Automotive
- Auto Car
Peugeot E-Traveller review
The old Peugeot E-Traveller was a credible electric MPV that showed real signs of promise when it launched five years ago. At a time when you couldn't buy an electric seven-seater, it catered to what would likely have been a select group who wanted an eco-friendly people mover to carry plenty of passengers and their luggage, hassle-free. You'll probably have ridden in one from your hotel to the airport, you just didn't know it. And yet for all its space and practicality, the old E-Traveller was hamstrung by such a short range it was barely good enough for quick jaunts around town. Its 50kWh battery could only muster a range of up to 148 miles (closer to 120 miles in the real-world) hence its use case as a family hauler or airport shuttle was dented. Peugeot is hoping to address these limitations with the updated E-Traveller, which has been given a new battery, refreshed look and updated interior technology to help it keep pace with rivals like the Ford E-Tourneo Custom, and the technically related Vauxhall Vivaro Life and Citroën ë-Spacetourer. Moreover, Peugeot will also have its sights trained on electric seven-seat rivals like the Kia EV9 and Volkswagen ID Buzz, which have grown in number since the E-Traveller hit the road. So does this newfangled electric MPV have enough quality to persevere in the people-carrying segment, and or is it still tied back by its van-based origins? Verdict Good Cavernous interior is spacious and flexible Well-equipped with usable tech Undercuts many seven-seat alternatives on price Bad Real-world range is poor Struggles over potholes and imperfections; fuss and fidget at higher speeds Cheap-feeling interior means it doesn't wear its price well Pros Available in both short and long-wheelbase form Larger battery than before Cons Long-wheelbase is more than five metres long Not that different to the Vauxhall and Citroën siblings The E-Traveller has been given a light refresh over its blunt-nosed predecessor to bring it into line with the rest of the French marque's passenger car range. As such, the E-Traveller boasts plenty of Peugeot design hallmarks which have come to signify the brand, such as the new logo and LED three-claw light signature that adorns the front fascia of all current models. Of course, there's only so much fettling Peugeot can achieve with Stellantis's large passenger van, which is near-identical to those sold by Vauxhall, Citroën and Toyota. It looks better than the outgoing version, and while you'll struggle to spot many differences between it and its Stellanits counterparts, it's unassuming and simple. And while it looks identical to the Expert on which it is based, it does look a bit more swish thanks to its alloy wheels and body-coloured bumpers – very posh. Modest styling tweaks aside, Peugeot has centred on bringing changes to the mechanical underpinnings of the E-Traveller, chiefly to the battery. Out goes the dated 50kWh unit and in its place sits a larger 75kWh lithium ion battery that promises a range of up to 217 miles, an increase of almost 70 miles over the previous-generation. Two trims are available: entry-level Active gets 17in alloys, a 10in touchscreen infotainment system and dual zone climate control. Range-topping Allure trim gets diamond cut 17in alloys, Peugeot's upgraded i-connect infotainment system with sat-nav, heated seats and a 180 degree camera. You can have the E-Traveller with five or eight seats, and in Standard or Long (for long-wheelbase) form. Pros Vast amounts of room for passengers and luggage Plenty of buttons and switches for secondary controls Cons Full of cheap, hard plastics Touchscreen could be crisper There really isn't anything that can come close to a van-based MPV when it comes to space and practicality. Our Long test car (eight-seat Standard also available) felt cavernous inside: even with three rows and eight seats there's a 989-litre boot. Lower the 60:40 split-folding third row and luggage capacity grows to a whopping 2400 litres. Remove both rows of rear seats and you have more than 4500 litres of load space to play with. Head room is good throughout, but leg room is a bit limited for adults in the very back, much like the seven-seat Kia EV9. The lofty driving position means you have a good view out, and there's a decent amount of adjustability in the seat. Hard, durable plastics are abundant, but for a big load lugging MPV it can be forgiven in this regard. Still, some more tactile materials on the dashboard wouldn't go amiss and would certainly help move the cabin away from its van roots. The new 10in touch-operated infotainment screen is easy to use on the move despite some latency issues. You can hop between different functions without fuss, but it could be quicker and graphically sharper. The dashboard itself is well conceived, with proper toggles and switches for the climate controls. You get plenty of cubby holes and charging ports for your phone, too. Pros Regenerative brakes are easy to control via the paddles on the steering wheel Cons Hamstrung by 2.2-tonne kerb weight and underpowered motor Brake pedal feels mushy Powering the front wheels is a 134bhp electric motor that also makes 192lb ft of torque, and while those figures would be suitable for most vans, in the big, heavy E-Traveller it's not very effective. You need only look at its 14.3sec 0-62mph time to realise that 134bhp isn't enough to haul its 2240kg kerb weight – even in sport mode it feels sluggish and slow. Building pace on a slip road takes time but it's fine on the motorway – just be wary that the range will plummet when doing 70mph plus. Speaking of which, the quoted range of 217 miles is more like 180 in the real-world, which does limit the E-Traveller's usability for families or airport shuttle fleets. The regenerative braking system is controlled using the paddles behind the steering wheel (like many Stellantis EVs) and it works pretty well overall. The highest trailing-throttle regen setting is a bit too forceful, hence we opted for the mid-rung setting when driving around town. Don't expect much feel from the brake pedal, which is a bit too long and soft for our liking. Pros Ride is settled around town Untroubled at motorway speeds, but expect more wind roar Cons Light steering offers little by the way of feel or feedback Unsettled at higher speeds with lack of control over lumps and bumps Noticeable thunk over potholes and imperfections Still here? In that case, you'll be pleased to learn that the E-Traveller is generally well-mannered to drive. At 5.3-metres long, it does feel more intimidating to thread through town than say, a Kia EV9, but its lofty seating position does give you a good view out. The steering is light and lacking in feedback, with lots of dead weight off-centre and there's little feel to it when pootling around town at slow speeds. It rides ok in urban settings, but on rural backgrounds it feels quite bouncy and unsettled, with the odd thunk over potholes and pronounced imperfections. Unladen and with only the driver on board, it feels underdamped, with lots of jostle and jounce when travelling at a reasonable pace on an unkempt road. Body roll abounds through corners, but that is to be expected of a long-wheelbase MPV with van-based foundations. On smoother roads at around 40mph it's settled, pliant and is generally easy to do miles in. It's untroubled at motorway speeds, too, just don't be surprised by an increase in wind noise as a result of the Peugeot's large frontal area. The E-Traveller's 100kW peak DC charging is a drawback, especially if you're reliant on the public network. 45 minutes for a 10-80% charge is less than ideal, and it can't match the sub-30 minute charging time of the ID Buzz, which can accept up to 185kW. That sort of slow charging speed might not be an issue for the panel van version, which will likely do short distances during the day and get charged at a depot overnight, but it is an issue for a family hauler. Then there's the elephant in the room: the price. Entry-level Active models start from £48,925, but our long-wheelbase Allure model came in at £54,440. Equipment levels are strong and you get acres of room inside, but the drive and range is no match for its SUV rivals. It undercuts the likes of the Kia EV9 (£65,035) and the quirky Volkswagen ID Buzz (£59,135) on price, but both can travel further on a charge, are equally capacious and far less austere inside. And what of the Peugeot E-5008? Surely, for private buyers at least, it makes more sense – it only costs around £400 more than the E-Traveller, but can be had with seven-seats, and it will do over 400 miles on a charge in big battery form. Verdict Good Cavernous interior is spacious and flexible Well-equipped with usable tech Undercuts many seven-seat alternatives on price Bad Real-world range is poor Struggles over potholes and imperfections; fuss and fidget at higher speeds Cheap-feeling interior means it doesn't wear its price well There will be a select few who will look upon the E-Traveller with interest and be taken by its vast cabin, versatile load-lugging capabilities and genuine ease of use. Indeed, its breezily spacious interior is the key selling point, and it still makes sense for businesses who need to clean-up their fleets with a zero-emissions vehicle. But has Peugeot addressed the issues with the E-Traveller's range? In short, not quite. It's fine for town jaunts, but beyond urban environments it becomes much less efficient and, fully loaded with passengers and luggage, you'll get even less mileage from its battery. For private buyers, we'd be inclined to look elsewhere. If you need minivan levels of room and practicality it makes a strong case for families of five or more, but SUV rivals are far easier to recommend. The Volkswagen ID Buzz and Kia EV9 might be dearer, the Kia particularly so, but they're greater range and general car-ness makes them a better buy than the Peugeot.
Auto Car
10-06-2025
- Automotive
- Auto Car
Minicab-favourite VW Touran due comeback as radical EV
Smaller sibling to ID Buzz could drawn on retro concepts such as the 2011 Bulli and 2016 Budd-e Open gallery New EV will replace the Touran, plugging the gap between the Golf and ID Buzz The 2016 Budd-e concept is being revisited and could inspire the Touran replacement Close Volkswagen is weighing up the viability of an electric compact MPV to replace the Touran and offer a practical alternative to SUVs for family car buyers. The new model is said to be under internal review, with Volkswagen drawing inspiration from earlier concepts, including the 2016 Budd-e, which was based on an early version of the MEB platform that today underpins the brand's electric cars. Sources familiar with the project have told Autocar that Volkswagen recently retrieved various MPV concepts from storage to support internal discussions and presentations exploring how their design and packaging could be adapted for a new production model. The move reflects a broader shift in thinking inside Volkswagen's Wolfsburg headquarters in Germany, where there is renewed recognition that a dedicated family-focused MPV may still have commercial relevance, especially in the European and Chinese markets, amid a flood of SUV models. Although no production decision has been made, the new MPV would be positioned beneath the ID Buzz, offering a smaller footprint, a lighter weight and a more affordable price. These qualities have led to it being described as a modern-day Microbus (Type 2). The design direction of the new model remains under wraps, although it could be expected to take cues from concepts such as the 2011 Bulli and 2016 Budd-e, as well as production models such as the outgoing Mk2 Touran and 2014 Golf SV. Key considerations include an upright silhouette, short overhangs, a flat floor and a high roofline – all aimed at providing maximum interior space and the sort of overall versatility expected by potential customers, including German taxi fleets. The 2016 Budd-e concept measured 4597mm in length, some 70mm longer than the second-generation Touran and 124mm shorter than the standard-wheelbase ID Buzz. Insiders say new sliding door and seating concepts are being developed in a bid to provide the sort of modernity of potential rivals, including the recently introduced Zeekr Mix. While the existing ID Buzz targets 'premium lifestyle' buyers, the Microbus is reportedly aimed at families seeking a 'no-nonsense, high-utility electric vehicle with sliding rear doors and strong day-to-day usability'. Pressure to act has come not only from persistent Touran loyalists but also from a new generation of electric MPVs emerging out of China - particularly models like the Mix, which has attracted attention for its unique twin sliding doors and highly flexible interior. Launched in 2003, the Touran became a mainstay of Volkswagen's European line-up over two generations. Although overshadowed by SUVs in recent years, it remains one of the most successful European models of its type, with more than 2.6 million units sold globally. While it's still early days, the new MPV is expected to ride on a further developed version of Volkswagen's MEB+ platform or the newer SSP platform. It's likely to a choice of batteries in the 60–80kWh range and either single-motor front-wheel drive or optional dual-motor four-wheel drive. Should the new MPV get the green light, it could be launched by 2027 or 2028, potentially reviving the Touran badge in line with Volkswagen's plan to provide future EVs with traditional names instead of the ID numbers used today. Join our WhatsApp community and be the first to read about the latest news and reviews wowing the car world. Our community is the best, easiest and most direct place to tap into the minds of Autocar, and if you join you'll also be treated to unique WhatsApp content. You can leave at any time after joining - check our full privacy policy here. Next Prev In partnership with
