Toyota 3-row EVs, Tesla price cuts, electric G-wagen, airless tires: The Week in Reverse

Which automaker priced its hardware set allowing its EVs to back up the home?

Which EV brand has the lowest ownership costs of any automotive brand?

This is our look back at the Week In Reverse—right here at Green Car Reports—for the week ending April 26, 2024.

The Tesla Model Y undercuts the Model 3 by $5,000—for those who are EV tax credit eligible—under the latest round of Tesla price cuts made last weekend. With it, the base Model Y rear-wheel drive could cost just $37,130, with other state incentives yet to be deducted. Tesla has also dropped the price of what it calls Full Self Driving to $8,000, but it’s eliminated the popular $6,000 Enhanced Autopilot option.

Toyota confirmed a second 3-row U.S.-made electric SUV—in Princeton, Indiana, starting in 2026. That complements the other Toyota 3-row electric SUV set to be made in Kentucky in 2025. According to reports, the Indiana-built EV could be a Highlander EV, while the Kentucky model might incorporate all the leading-edge manufacturing methods Toyota has suggested in recent years are on the way.

Michelin Uptis airless prototype tires

Michelin believes that airless tires are the future. But with this tech that could be especially well-suited for robotaxis, EVs, and more still under development and at the prototype stage, the company is also focusing on other tech like sustainable materials and retreads.

The 2025 Mercedes-Benz G-Class EV made its debut this week. Although it’s missing the silicon-anode battery chemistry the automaker suggested this model would debut, it’s going to be a serious rival to the Rivian R1S, GMC Hummer EV, and Tesla Cybertruck. Badged the G 580 with EQ Technology, this model will allow a trick G-Turn on low-friction surfaces, and it might return more than 300 miles of EPA range.

2025 Mercedes-Benz G 580 with EQ Technology

The Mini Aceman urban EV also made a bow in production form, and it quite closely follows the 2022 concept car of the same name. If this model arrives in the U.S., it would fit between the Cooper and Countryman in the brand’s lineup.

And Mazda has applied its design flair to an EZ-6 electric sedan that incorporates tech from China’s Changan Automobile.