Automotive
Hyundai Motor Group Invests $18 Billion to Become Top 3 EV Manufacturer by 2030

Hyundai Motor Group Announces Investment Plans to Become Top 3 EV Manufacturer by 2030
Hyundai Motor Group has announced its goal to become one of the world’s top three EV manufacturers by 2030, with a combined sales target of Hyundai Motor, Kia, and Genesis electric models. The Group plans to invest KRW 24 trillion (approximately USD 18 billion) in the domestic EV industry through Hyundai Motor, Kia, and Hyundai MOBIS by 2030. The investment aims to upgrade Korea’s EV ecosystem and strengthen its role as a hub for driving innovation in the global automotive industry.
The Group plans to significantly expand the annual EV production in Korea to 1.51 million units and global volume to 3.64 million units by 2030. To enable such plans, Hyundai Motor and Kia, along with Hyundai MOBIS, plan to invest in the EV sector domestically. The investment will enhance integrated marketability across hardware and software, including diversification of dedicated platform product lineups, advancement of power electric (PE) systems that are key to EV performance, such as batteries and motors, and development of technologies to increase all-electric range (AER) on a single charge.
The companies will actively build a high-speed charging infrastructure to maximize charging convenience for EV customers and to continuously expand the charging network in Korea. The Group plans to sequentially develop dedicated platforms for each vehicle class under the Integrated Modular Architecture (IMA) system, including the ‘eM’ platform designed exclusively for passenger EVs, which will be introduced in 2025.
By 2030, Hyundai Motor Group will have a total lineup of 31 EV models, including models from Hyundai Motor, Kia, and luxury brand Genesis. The Group plans to enter the global top three based on the continuous investment. The Group also announced plans to significantly expand the annual EV production in Korea to 1.51 million units and global volume to 3.64 million units by 2030.
Last year, Hyundai Motor Group announced a new sustainable partnership program to strengthen the competitiveness of the Korean automotive industry and the future automotive era. The Group has also operated a program of KRW 5.2 trillion to better support suppliers on their profit and loss, liquidity, and competitiveness improvement measures.
The Group provides external management consulting to suppliers seeking to develop new future business strategies and discover new business growth engines while helping executives and employees of partner companies to develop future mobility capabilities through special training. Through these strategic investments, the Group plans to hone the Korean EV industry’s competitive edge to deliver unparalleled products and services that will drive the paradigm shift in the global mobility industry.
https://stmdailynews.com/category/consumer-corner/automotive/
Automotive
2027 Toyota Tundra Adds Trailhunter Package and Updated Technology
The 2027 Toyota Tundra adds a Trailhunter package, refreshed styling and a standard 14-inch touchscreen. Starting MSRP is $42,890.
Last Updated on November 7, 2026 by Daily News Staff
PLANO, Texas — Toyota is updating the 2027 Tundra with refreshed exterior styling, a new Trailhunter package and additional technology for its full-size pickup lineup.

2027 Toyota Tundra: Trailhunter Package and Tech Updates
Based on the SR5 grade, the Trailhunter package adds Old Man Emu suspension, Michelin all-terrain tires, front recovery hooks and extra underbody protection. A locking rear differential, Multi-Terrain Select and Crawl Control help drivers navigate challenging terrain, while bronze-colored wheels distinguish the package.
The TRD Pro receives newly designed, adjustable FOX Q3S shocks, standard red tow hooks and a new Honeycomb paint option.
Inside, a 14-inch multimedia touchscreen becomes standard. Toyota also adds a built-in drive recorder and makes Toyota Safety Sense 4.0 standard across the lineup. Gas and i-FORCE MAX hybrid powertrains remain available.
Toyota lists the 2027 Tundra with a starting MSRP of $42,890. Buyers should check destination charges, options and dealer pricing when comparing total costs.
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Automotive
Slate Auto and Smarties Unveil Colorful Starter Packs for Upcoming EV

Slate Auto and Smarties Launch Colorful EV Starter Packs
Slate Auto has partnered with Smarties Candy Company on six pastel customization packages for its upcoming electric truck. Announced October 27, the Smarties x Slate collection gives buyers another way to personalize the minimalist EV before deliveries begin.
The six Starter Packs are inspired by Smarties flavors: Blue Raspberry, Cherry, Grape, Pineapple, Orange and Strawberry. Each package includes a coordinating vehicle wrap, color-matched mirror decals, a Smarties-branded rocker decal, a logo decal, a customized key-fob end cap and a matching interior Slatelet.
Customers will be able to purchase the packages through the Slate Marketplace as their delivery dates approach. Pricing for the Smarties packages was not included in the announcement.
The collaboration fits Slate’s strategy of selling one simplified vehicle platform that owners can customize over time. Every truck leaves the Warsaw, Indiana, factory with gray exterior panels designed to be wrapped instead of conventionally painted. Buyers can keep the two-seat pickup configuration or select one of Slate’s five-seat SUV conversions.
The partnership does not change the truck’s core price or specifications. Slate continues to list the Blank Slate pickup at $24,950 before its $1,450 destination charge, with an estimated 205 miles of range. The range figure is still a company projection rather than a final EPA rating, and Slate continues to say its first deliveries are expected in the fourth quarter of 2026.
For Slate, the Smarties collection is more than a seasonal promotion. It demonstrates how branded wraps and accessories could become an important part of the company’s business model while allowing buyers to change the appearance of their vehicles without purchasing a different truck.
Source: Slate Auto’s official Smarties collaboration announcement
Automotive
4 Tips for Efficient EV Charging at Home
Efficient EV Charging at Home: Your car has one job – to take you where you need to go. For electric vehicle (EV) owners, that means keeping it charged so it’s ready to hit the road when you are. Charging your car at home is convenient and cost-effective, especially if you have the right equipment and routines.

4 Tips for Efficient EV Charging at Home
(Feature Impact) Your car has one job – to take you where you need to go. For electric vehicle (EV) owners, that means keeping it charged so it’s ready to hit the road when you are.
Charging your car at home is convenient and cost-effective, especially if you have the right equipment and routines. Consider these quick tips from the EV experts at Schneider Electric.
Watch this video to learn more:
//www.youtube.com/embed/IELsXkSgOQQ
Install a Level 2 Home Charger
While many EV owners start with standard Level 1 charging using typical 120-volt household outlets, upgrading to a 240-volt Level 2 charger can offer extra efficiency and convenience. With significantly faster charging speeds, these units increase your driving range per charging hour and can replenish your battery in a fraction of the time.
Charge During Off-Peak Hours
If your electric company has variable pricing based on the time of day, you may be able to lower your utility bill by shifting your charging routines. This could mean doing most of your charging overnight and unplugging during peak daytime hours when rates are often more expensive.
Consider a Smart Charger
Since Level 2 chargers can add significant electrical load to your home, many EV owners are concerned they’ll need to make costly electrical upgrades to accommodate the higher power requirements. Instead, consider a smart Level 2 home charger with dynamic power management like the Schneider Charge.
With built-in technology called SmartAmp, this charger intelligently monitors the electrical demand in the home and adjusts the output to your EV accordingly. Whether you’re running a dryer full of laundry or turning on the air conditioning, the system can automatically dial back the charging power to your EV when necessary then ramp it back up when demand drops. This way, you won’t have to worry about overloading your electrical system or being forced to install pricey new panels so you can get everything done.
Since it works with all standard EV charging formats, it’s built to fit your current vehicle and whatever you buy next. Plus, through the connected app, you can conveniently schedule charging with a tap, giving you the ability to manage your EV routine remotely – or just set it and forget it.
Track Your Habits
Understanding your current charging habits can help you fine-tune your routines over time. Smart chargers can make tracking simple and automatic with apps that allow you to access information like how often you’re charging your vehicle, how long it takes and how much energy it consumes.
Learn more about smart EV charging at SE.com.
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