Week in EV
This story is part of our regular Week in EV round‑up series
Updated less than 2 days ago
Summer fades, car launches surge
As summer’s midpoint nears, new‑car introductions are poised to commence in rapid succession.
California’s Monterey Car Week, Munich’s IAA Mobility
The transition to fall brings Monterey Car Week in California and IAA Mobility in Munich, Germany – the first of the season’s major auto shows. This week, we teased some of the major EV debuts expected at those events.
- Monterey Car Week: Monterey EV teaser
- IAA Mobility: Munich EV teaser
Honda’s new EV era gets closer
Acura unveils RSX prototype at Monterey Car Week
First in-house electric SUV previewed for 2026 showroom debut
The new RSX prototype reclaims the name of a sporty coupe sold by the U.S. division between 2002 and 2006, but this time it is an electric crossover that leverages the latest Honda technologies.
Key features slated for production model
- Dedicated EV platform – Honda’s own architecture is ready for its own batteries and chassis.
- Asimo operating system – an advanced software suite that will power refined driver assistance and an AI‑voice assistant.
- Ohio assembly – the RSX will be built alongside Honda’s 0 series EVs and the Sony Honda Mobility joint‑venture electric sedan.
- Design inspiration – styling is drawn from the Performance EV concept shown last year’s event.
- Production‑ready prototype – the term “prototype” indicates close to final production status.
Context within Honda and Acura’s EV strategy
While the current Prologue and ZDX models use General Motors platforms, Honda is shifting toward its own electrified lineup. The RSX will serve as a tangible example of this transition, bridging the gap between concept showcasing and factory introduction.
Manufacturing and future outlook
The RSX, along with the 0‑Series sedan and SUV prototypes revealed at CES 2025, will be manufactured in Ohio. These vehicles signal Honda’s commitment to expanding the Acura brand into fully electric performance cars, anticipating a broader market reach in the coming years.
Mercedes-Benz continues its EV revamp
Mercedes-Benz Eyes a Stronger EV Portfolio
Rolling out a new GLC EV at IAA Mobility
At the IAA Mobility event, Mercedes-Benz announced the GLC with EQ Technology, a crossover that blends the brand’s electric and combustion heritage. The vehicle’s debut signals Mercedes’ push for greater commonality between its electrified and gasoline models.
Key design highlights include a plush interior and a distinctive front grille. The grille features 942 backlit dots arranged in what the automaker calls a “smoked‑glass‑effect lattice structure.” This arrangement allows the manufacturer to program pixelated patterns—like the one displayed here—and animated designs.
Why the new GLC EV matters
- Global best-seller – The GLC remains Mercedes’ bestselling model worldwide, making the electric version a critical element of its electrification strategy.
- Technological synergies – The EV will incorporate the latest Mercedes operating system, similar to the newly updated CLA. Mercedes hopes to bring efficiency gains from that model to the GLC as well.
- Competitive benchmark – The GLC with EQ Technology will face off against the BMW iX3, which also debuted at IAA. That competition represents the latest and most advanced EV technology from its rival manufacturer.
With the GLC EV coming in line with modern tech and a more unified platform, Mercedes-Benz signals its intent to strengthen its presence in the growing electric vehicle market.
Hyundai goes cheaper
Hyundai Ioniq 2: A Compact, Affordable EV for Europe
Why the Ioniq 2 Matters
Luxury electric vehicles dominate the market, but their high prices leave many buyers without a realistic option. Hyundai is aiming to fill that gap with the new Ioniq 2, a smaller crossover that promises to keep costs down while offering a modern, compact design.
Key Features
- 400‑volt charging – a lower‑voltage system that speeds up battery re‑charge without the complexity of 800‑volt E‑GMP motors.
- LFP battery cells – lithium iron phosphate batteries that cut material costs and improve safety.
- Economical E‑GMP architecture – a shared platform that supports current models like the EV6 and the Ioniq 9, but tailored for a smaller, cheaper vehicle.
Europe’s Ideal Fit
European cities are known for their narrow streets and limited parking. The Ioniq 2’s compact size makes it a natural choice for dense urban areas, where maneuverability and low footprint are prized. The vehicle’s design and battery strategy are expected to resonate with European consumers seeking a balance of performance and affordability.
U.S. Market Challenges
The U.S. presents a tougher business case for the Ioniq 2. A 15% tariff on Korean cars raises the price, while the removal of the $7,500 federal EV tax credit eliminates a key incentive for buyers. Hyundai has been building the Ioniq 9 and Ioniq 5 at its Savannah, Georgia headquarters, models that are better suited to U.S. tastes. It remains unclear whether Hyundai will consider U.S. production of the Ioniq 2, even if it would help drive affordability.
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