In the first quarter of 2025, Tesla faced a decline in its global sales figures. However, an unexpected bright spot emerged as the company experienced increased demand in Ukraine. This surge can be attributed to heightened competition from budget-friendly Chinese EV manufacturers, which has driven down prices and made Teslas more accessible to Ukrainian buyers. According to the Association of Car Manufacturers in Ukraine, interest in electric vehicles rose significantly during February and March, with Tesla leading the market for used EVs.
Electric vehicles are gaining traction in Ukraine, where affordability is becoming a key factor driving purchases. The influx of competitively priced vehicles from China has indirectly lowered Tesla's costs, attracting more consumers. At a dealership in Kyiv, Anatoliy Trepak, who recently acquired a pre-owned Tesla, expressed his satisfaction with the vehicle despite still adjusting to it after transitioning from a Skoda Superb. His purchase reflects a broader trend: used Teslas now retail at around $18,000, compared to previous prices exceeding $40,000 just a few years ago. Bohdan, a seasoned car salesman, noted that this reduction in cost barriers has opened up opportunities for many potential buyers.
Despite challenges elsewhere, Tesla remains popular among certain demographics in Ukraine. In regions like the US and Europe, tensions surrounding CEO Elon Musk’s involvement in political discourse have led to incidents of vandalism against Tesla vehicles. Yet, humor persists within Kyiv's automotive community. A local dealer decorates walls with photos of sold Teslas alongside a cardboard figure of Musk positioned thoughtfully toward the wall—an act symbolizing reflection on behavior and public statements. Some owners opt to sell their cars amid these controversies, while others embrace lightheartedness through witty bumper stickers celebrating their decision to buy before recent upheavals.
Amidst these dynamics, personal opinions about Musk vary widely among Tesla enthusiasts. For instance, Trepak separates his admiration for the product from any association with Musk himself. He acknowledges Musk's contributions to creating high-quality vehicles but criticizes his public conduct. “He should keep his opinions private,” remarked Trepak, emphasizing respect for Musk's engineering achievements without endorsing his external actions.
As Tesla navigates shifting global landscapes, its success in emerging markets such as Ukraine highlights adaptability and resilience. While controversies persist internationally, localized factors continue shaping consumer preferences favorably towards the brand. Whether due to pricing advantages or evolving attitudes, the story unfolding in Ukraine offers insight into how brands might thrive even under challenging conditions.
A pioneering British electric vehicle manufacturer, RBW EV Cars, is marking a significant achievement by securing an $8 million investment for its expansion into the North American market. The company plans to introduce its two iconic models, the Roadster and GT, to US consumers. Founded in 2017, RBW has been blending modern technology with classic British design aesthetics, creating vehicles that promise both style and sustainability. This move marks another step forward in the company's journey from a small restoration business to a global player in the EV industry.
Inspired by the potential of electric vehicles, Peter Swain transitioned his restoration enterprise into the world of EVs. Partnering with Continental Engineering Services (CES), RBW developed a "proof of concept" model for battery-electric vehicles (BEVs). Following this breakthrough, Swain unveiled a prototype in 2018, leading to a test drive event in 2019. By early 2020, production of the first RBW EV, the Roadster, commenced in Britain. Just over two years later, the company delivered its inaugural Roadster EV to a UK customer and secured additional funding to enhance its manufacturing processes.
Building on these successes, RBW opened a state-of-the-art EV factory in the UK in late 2023, coinciding with the launch of its second model, the RBW GT. Now, as part of its international growth strategy, RBW is establishing a presence in the United States. In Virginia, the company has initiated construction on a new production facility valued at $8 million. This development underscores RBW’s commitment to expanding its operations globally while maintaining its focus on innovation and quality.
Peyton Sellers, a former NASCAR driver and native of Danville, Virginia, will spearhead RBW’s US operations. Sellers will manage the production of left-hand drive versions of both the Roadster and GT EVs, with initial plans to deliver only 50 units of each model in 2025. These vehicles boast impressive specifications, including an estimated range of up to 150 miles, a top speed of 90 mph, and acceleration from 0-60 mph in just 8 seconds. Pricing details for the US market have yet to be announced, though the Roadster starts at £108,000 ($143,000) in the UK. Looking ahead, RBW intends to reveal further product developments and future vehicle lines this fall.
With its new production site in Virginia, RBW EV Cars is set to strengthen its position in the global EV market. The company's dedication to combining traditional British craftsmanship with cutting-edge technology positions it as a leader in the evolving automotive landscape. As RBW continues to expand its operations, it remains committed to delivering innovative solutions that meet the demands of environmentally conscious consumers worldwide.
In the rapidly evolving world of electric vehicles, a group of compact EVs has emerged as contenders for the title of most entertaining drive. This article explores the strengths and weaknesses of five models—Alfa Romeo Junior Elettrica Veloce, Alpine A290 GTS, Cupra Born VZ, Mini Cooper SE, and MG 4 Extended Range—through rigorous testing conducted by Autocar road testers. While all cars offer varying degrees of driving pleasure, their suitability as fun EVs is judged against specific criteria including performance, handling appeal, everyday usability, charm, and overall fun factor.
Among these contenders, the Alpine A290 GTS stood out due to its cohesive design, engaging driving dynamics, and superior engineering. Despite being heavier than traditional petrol-powered hot hatches, it excels in delivering a balanced experience that combines modern technology with driver engagement. Meanwhile, other competitors like the Alfa Romeo suffer from inconsistencies, while the MG 4, though commendable, doesn't quite meet the high expectations set by its rivals in this specialized category.
The Alpine Advantage: A Comprehensive Winner
As the crown jewel of this evaluation, the Alpine A290 GTS distinguishes itself through meticulous attention to detail in both design and performance. It offers an impressive fusion of retro aesthetics and cutting-edge engineering, ensuring it remains relevant yet nostalgic. Its lightweight construction contributes significantly to its agility, making every twist and turn feel deliberate and controlled.
What truly sets the Alpine apart is its comprehensive approach to driver satisfaction. From its tactile steering wheel providing precise feedback to its well-tuned suspension system smoothing out rough roads, each element enhances the joy of driving. Moreover, the inclusion of customizable settings allows drivers to tailor their experience according to preference, further cementing its status as a versatile companion for various terrains and conditions. Even when compared against lighter custom-built alternatives such as the Mika Meon, the Alpine holds its ground thanks to its practicality combined with exhilarating performance.
Competitor Insights: Strengths & Weaknesses
Beyond the Alpine, other participants bring unique qualities but fall short in certain areas. For instance, the Alfa Romeo Junior Elettrica Veloce boasts powerful hardware specifications but struggles with software limitations restricting full potential utilization. Similarly, the Cupra Born VZ impresses visually and functionally yet lacks emotional resonance often associated with charming vehicles.
On the other hand, the Mini Cooper SE provides delightful handling characteristics reminiscent of classic sports cars, albeit constrained by occasional fidgetiness on uneven surfaces. Lastly, the MG 4 Extended Range serves admirably as a family-friendly option prioritizing affordability over raw excitement. However, within the context of dedicated fun EVs, it lags behind owing to insufficient emphasis on thrill-inducing features tailored specifically toward enthusiast drivers.