The Mercedes-Benz G-Class Goes Electric

PLUS: Fisker bankruptcy fears, Tesla robotaxi plans, and Rivians underground.

If you have trouble reading this message, view it in a browser. Mercedes G-Class Goes All-Electric but Retains Same Blocky Form      The Mercedes-Benz G-Class traces its history back to 1979, having started off as a military vehicle. But it has also been a luxury model for almost as long.    With the automaker having now launched electric models in quite a few segments, it is now the turn of Mercedes' boxy off-road SUV.    Dubbed the G 580 with EQ Technology, the electric G-wagen promises a quad-motor layout good for 579 hp and 859 lb-ft of torque, aiming to offer serious off-road skills despite also being quite heavy. But that's now par for the course for large electric trucks and SUVs.    And yes—four motors means it will be able to do tank turns.    But these won't be hub motors, with Mercedes indicating that they're positioned "near the wheels."    Read on to find out what else the electric G-Class promises. READ THE FULL STORY Fisker Signals More Layoffs as Bankruptcy Looms       Fisker launched deliveries of the Ocean SUV in late 2023, but after several months of sales the EV startup is in serious trouble. The underlying issue is that Fisker is rapidly running out of cash for its operations, having warned earlier that it might not have enough to last through the end of 2024.    Cash is still running out, and no deal with a major automaker now appears to be in sight.    Last month Fisker made the move to offer its Ocean SUV at steep discounts. But with the EV maker in trouble, buyers could be wary of taking a chance on its cars.    Here's how soon Fisker could seek bankruptcy protection. READ THE FULL STORY  Would You Loan Out Your Tesla Like an Airbnb?          This week Tesla gave a rare update on its product plans, hinting at more affordable new models as well as a robotaxi that will be unveiled in August, indicating that it will be a car that owners will be able to rent out like an Airbnb.    "Our company is currently between two major growth waves: The first one began with the global expansion of the Model 3/Y platform, and we believe the next one will be initiated by advances in autonomy and introduction of new products, including those built on our next-generation vehicle platform," Tesla said in a message to its shareholders.    But is Tesla actually readying an SAE Level 4 system? READ THE FULL STORY Would You Loan Out Your Self-Driving Tesla like an Airbnb? READ MORE Ford Pro Rolls on Commercial Side, While Model e Losses Mount READ MORE It's about Reliable EV Charging—for EVPassport and Noodoe READ MORE Here's Why Rivian Trucks Are Going Underground READ MORE GM Saves Big Bucks on Cadillac Lyriq EV Assembly READ MORE Will the Latest Tesla EV Price Cuts Be Enough? READ MORE Spread the word: If you know someone interested in staying on top of the rapidly growing EV segment, feel free to pass this newsletter along. SIGN UP Follow Us Unsubscribe | Privacy Notice | CA Notice at Collection Autoweek is a publication of Hearst Autos. ©2024 Hearst Autos, Inc. All Rights Reserved. This email was sent by Hearst Autos, 300 West 57th Street, New York, NY 10019-3779 https://link.autoweek.com/oc/60751dea6d1a7f51693f313dkxvgy.1id1/0844023d