The automotive industry is quickly shifting toward an electric future with new technology, new products, new policies, and new questions surfacing every day.

Here are the biggest EV-related stories, debuts, and reviews from the past month.

The 2023 BMW XM is the first PHEV to wear an M badge

ev news roundup: the new 2023 bmw xm, refreshed 2023 mitsubishi outlander phev, and more

2023 BMW XM Photo by BMW

It’s not BMW’s first time putting a plug-in hybrid system into one of its cars, or even their SUVs, but the arrival of the 2023 XM does mark the first time the German maker has allowed its performance M division in on the fun. Building on the Concept XM that was first shown in 2021, the XM runs on an all-new hybrid drivetrain consisting of a 483-horsepower 4.4L twin-turbo V8 and an electric motor integrated into the eight-speed auto transmission. With that electrical assist that adds a “pre-gearing” stage to up torque delivery, power numbers increase to 644 horsepower and 590 lb-ft of torque, enough to push the big SUV to 100 km/h in 4.3 seconds.

The “P” part of the vehicles “PHEV” designation earns it a lithium-ion battery with 19.2 kW of energy and a depleted-to-full charge time of three hours when plugged into a 240-volt charger. BMW estimates that electric source should be able to carry the car by itself for up to 50 km at speeds up to 140 km/h, but official numbers are still on the way.

Exterior styling is classically BMW, with a pair of kidney grilles and gold finishes on the wheels and more, while the interior is decked with “vintage style” leather and an Alcantara headliner with 3D prism design and LED lights embedded in it in place of a sunroof, which isn’t an option. The XM is a full-size SUV with about the same stature as the three-row X7, though with just five seats. And that’s not its only large quality: Canadian pricing starts at $220,000.

Driving the refreshed 2023 Mitsubishi Outlander PHEV

ev news roundup: the new 2023 bmw xm, refreshed 2023 mitsubishi outlander phev, and more

2023 Mitsubishi Outlander PHEV Photo by David Booth

There’s no overstating just how important the Outlander PHEV was for Mitsubishi. As Canada’s first sport-ute PHEV, it’s fair to say it almost single-handedly put the Japanese automaker back on the map and into Canadian shoppers’ sphere of consideration. So naturally we were curious how Mitsubishi would treat the popular SUV when it came time to refresh it. Well, we’re happy to report that our curiosity has been replaced by another sentiment: affection.

Because the 2023 Outlander PHEV is, in First Drive reviewer David Booth’s opinion, “better in almost every regard,” with “more lithium-ions, more horsepower, and, in a little bit of a surprise, more seats.” Its new 20.0 kWh battery is enough of a step up from the outgoing 13.8 kWh unit to position it as the largest in the compact plug-in SUV segment, and should move the vehicle for up to 61 km — we managed 68 km on our test drive — on its power alone, according to the EPA. Power also gets a boost from 221 to 248 horsepower combined, and more torque, too, which you definitely notice while behind the wheel.

There’s also an option for an added row of seating, placing the new Outlander PHEV in the family-functional 7-seater category. For a breakdown on trim, pricing, more details and photos, check out the First Drive linked above.

B.C. Tesla charger station hit by suspected copper thieves

ev news roundup: the new 2023 bmw xm, refreshed 2023 mitsubishi outlander phev, and more

A Tesla Supercharger station in Surrey, B.C. with the chargers’ cables cut Photo by Rick Postma /Facebook

Dealing with aggressive ICE-vehicle drivers who want to block their charging spots isn’t the only thing EV drivers have to deal with when looking for a place to juice up their vehicles. They also have to contend with thieves looking to make a quick buck by slicing off charging stations’ copper-filled cables and taking them to metal scrappers. That’s what some suspect happened at the Surrey Guildford Supercharger Tesla station in Surrey, B.C. where commuters recently found a number of the stations out of order, with cables having been cut at the base, rendering them useless for anything other than than acting as a perch for a coffee cup.

The well-used metropolitan station normally has 20 stalls, and often a lineup to access them, but that fell to just eight after the alleged theft, likely resulting in some longer-than-usual wait times for drivers. Another station in Surrey was similarly struck by cable cutters earlier this year while it was still under construction.

Transport Canada gives Rivian light to market its EVs in the country

ev news roundup: the new 2023 bmw xm, refreshed 2023 mitsubishi outlander phev, and more

R1T is seen during a test drive outside startup Rivian Automotive’s electric vehicle factory in Normal, Illinois, U.S. April 11, 2022. Photo by Kamil Krzaczynski /Reuters

Rivian is getting serious about selling electric vehicles to Canadians. Reports last week that the American EV maker was short on the necessary requirements to deliver its goods to customers North of the 49th was met with quick action, and Transport Canada has now certified and registered American EV maker Rivian to sell its electric pickup trucks and SUVs in Canada. Apparently, the Canadian authority simply needed a bit more info from Rivian, and they got it, because Transport Canada’s Preclearance List of Recognized Vehicle Importers now includes the brand’s R1T (Truck OEM) and R1S (MPV) in the “certified” column.

Initial release dates set for July were pushed back by the EV maker, which, despite now having the proper paperwork in hand, still hasn’t given Canadian customers a solid timeframe for first deliveries.

The 2023 Dodge Hornet’s interior benefits from Alfa Romeo underpinnings

ev news roundup: the new 2023 bmw xm, refreshed 2023 mitsubishi outlander phev, and more

Exploring Dodge’s Italy-made compact SUV, the 2023 hornet, to see what the buzz is about. Photo by Coleman Molnar

Dodge took its first step into the SUV space last month with the launch of the Dodge Hornet. The compact SUV is available as both a gas burner and a plug-in hybrid, though only the pure ICE models were on show at its in-person North American debut at the Detroit Auto Show. But not much (if anything) should change in the interior, which is where we focussed our attention when we had the chance to poke around on the showroom floor.

Sitting in the Hornet’s driver’s seat will feel quite familiar for anyone who’s spent time in the Alfa Romeo Tonale as the two vehicles share a base, as well as the same UConnect 5 infotainment system, brought to life via identical 12.3-inch “best-in-class” instrument cluster and 10.25-inch central display. In fact, the car’s inside as a whole shows many tones of Tonale, including the smart row of 11 buttons on the dash and the presence of a cigarette lighter, but distinguishes itself in a few subtle ways such as with standard red stitching along the dash, doors, and seats, plus a different shape of side vents. In all, it’s a sharp look with an intuitive layout.

So, how will Dodge shoppers feel about a new SUV that shares much of its DNA with the upscale Stellantis brand Alfa? If they’re like us, they should feel pleased.

Keyword: EV News Roundup: The new 2023 BMW XM, refreshed 2023 Mitsubishi Outlander PHEV, and more

CAR'S NEWS RELATED

Does BMW's Most Powerful Production Car Look Better As A Safety Car?

The XM Label gets a pair of Recaro bucket seats.

View more: Does BMW's Most Powerful Production Car Look Better As A Safety Car?

Mitsubishi Triton Prices and Specs Confirmed, Arrives February 2024

Mitsubishi has confirmed prices and specification details for the all-new, sixth-generation Triton ute which is set to touch down here in Australia in February 2024 with prices starting from $43,690. All up, Mitsubishi is bringing a total of six variants to Australia in February, kicking off with 4×2 and 4×4 ...

View more: Mitsubishi Triton Prices and Specs Confirmed, Arrives February 2024

Evolved: Giving BMW’s G81 M3 Touring The CSL Treatment

My favourite BMWs are the ones you can’t actually buy. Even if you see them at a BMW showroom. A few months back, BMW Park Lane in London collaborated with Evolve Automotive. It was a great example of a manufacturer paying attention to the aftermarket, and getting involved with arguably the ...

View more: Evolved: Giving BMW’s G81 M3 Touring The CSL Treatment

2023 BMW iX M60 Review: Ramping up the Power

•    Auto123 reviews the 2023 BMW iX M60. BMW takes straight aim at Tesla and its top-selling Model X with the iX all-electric SUV’s new M60 edition. This is the third variant of the model BMW has put out, after the xDrive40 and iX xDrive50 that debuted with the 2022 ...

View more: 2023 BMW iX M60 Review: Ramping up the Power

2024 BMW 530i xDrive Is A Perfect Example Of Why Electric Cars Are Great

Photo: Andy Kalmowitz / Jalopnik Having entered its eighth generation, the BMW 5 Series is all new for 2024, and for the first time, there are fully electric variants of the iconic sports sedan. While those electric i5 models are moving the 5 Series lineup into the future, the ...

View more: 2024 BMW 530i xDrive Is A Perfect Example Of Why Electric Cars Are Great

Maintaining my Cedia: Fluids replacement, engine & interior detailing

I used the leftover car shampoo to clean the engine and truly did not spare any surface when I coated the entire engine bay. BHPian SunnyBoi recently shared this with other enthusiasts. It was time to change the fluids in the car. Engine oil and filter Brake Fluid I ...

View more: Maintaining my Cedia: Fluids replacement, engine & interior detailing

BMW announce R12 nineT and R12 cruiser in rejuvenated boxer heritage range

A side view of the BMW R12 nineT 2024 BMW R12 being ridden A static view of the BMW R12 cruiser A pair of BMW R12 nineTs riding together Ten years on from the introduction of the first R nineT retro in 2013, BMW have pulled the covers off ...

View more: BMW announce R12 nineT and R12 cruiser in rejuvenated boxer heritage range

BMW’s Electric Gravel Bike Puts A Very Big, Very Fast Smile On Your Face

Photo: Jalopnik / Owen Bellwood Automakers around the world are looking for a way into the burgeoning electric bike market. Porsche bought up European bike builder Greyp to further its two-wheeled ambitions, Jeep partnered with American outfit QuietKat, and now BMW has a range of e-bikes built in partnership ...

View more: BMW’s Electric Gravel Bike Puts A Very Big, Very Fast Smile On Your Face

Imp By Name, Imp By Nature

The BMW M3 CS Is A Flawed Daily Driver But A Perfect Track Toy

Not dead yet: Mitsubishi’s compact electric SUV arrives in 2025

What is the BMW M3 top speed?

Which used BMW X1 is better: diesel or petrol?

BMW’s M Performance Parts Kit Now Includes Centre-lock Wheels

Watch A Pristine BMW E30 Go Up In Flames After It Springs A Leak

This Nurburgring Compilation Video Is Filled With Out-Of-Control BMWs

Gusheshe BMW E30 Spontaneously Combusts in Mzansi Street

What is the BMW X3 top speed?

This Awkward Looking SUV Will Replace The BMW iX3 In 2025

Monthly insurance premiums for the new limited-edition Mitsubishi Triton in South Africa

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