Good morning and welcome to our daily digest of automotive news from around the globe, starting with…

Electric Vehicle Registrations Surge In The U.S., Accounting For 4.6% Of The Market

New battery-electric vehicle registrations are up for the first quarter of 2022, with data firm Experian reporting that 158,689 EVs were registered in the U.S. It’s a 59 percent increase from the same period last year and means that EVs now account for 4.6 percent of the light vehicle market. Tesla makes up most of the new EVs registered, while Kia and Ford came in second and third respectively.

The 2023 Escalade-V Is The Most Powerful And Expensive Production Cadillac Ever

With 682-hp (508kW) and 653 lb-ft (885Nm) of torque, the 2023 Escalade-V is the most powerful production Cadillac ever. The monster SUV’s 6.2-liter V8 engine is similar to the one found in the CT5-V Blackwing but features a larger supercharger. The Escalade-V has a 0–60 mph (0-96 km/h) of just 4.4 seconds and a quarter-mile time of 12.74 seconds. To keep all that power in check, the Escalade-V is equipped with GM’s Magnetic Ride Control along with Air Ride Adaptive suspension and additional suspension hardware exclusive to the V model. To aid in bringing the 6,217 lbs (2,820 kg) SUV to a halt, it’s fitted with bespoke Brembo front brakes with Edge Red brake calipers.

2023 Toyota Highlander Goes Turbo, Packs 265 HP And New Tech

The Toyota Highlander gets an updated engine for 2023 MY, ditching the 3.5-liter V6 for a new turbocharged 2.4-liter four-cylinder. The new motor is 30 hp (22 kW / 30 PS) down on the engine it replaces, with 265 hp (198 kW / 269 PS), but gains 46 lb-ft (62 Nm) of torque, at 309 lb-ft (418 Nm). While the advantages of this change aren’t immediately obvious — especially as the new engine is expected to return the same combined economy rating of 24 mpg — the four-cylinder is said to output 50 percent fewer NOx and NMOG emissions as well as an improvement in CO2 emissions. The 2.5-liter hybrid options remain unchanged, while the interior gets larger displays and improved tech.

California To Introduce Sound Sensors To Crack Down Loud Exhausts

California is toying with the idea of introducing “sound-activated enforcement systems” to six undisclosed cities. The system would act as a speed camera for sound, allowing the state to crack down on cars and motorcycles deemed to be excessively loud. If the plans go ahead, there may be some respite for motorists: This new proposed law requires that motorists be warned with signs before entering a sound enforcement zone, and first-time offenders will not be fined. Participating city governments must also create payment plans, deferment options, and fine waivers for low-income vehicle owners who demonstrate an inability to pay.

7-Eleven Has Created A Special Ford Mustang And You Could Win It

7-Eleven has teamed up with Galpin Auto Sports to create a very special Ford Mustang that will be given away to a customer of the chain. Dubbed the “Model 711,” the 2021 Ford Mustang is wrapped in the iconic 7-Eleven color scheme, features green aftermarket wheels, and has an owl in place of the traditional Mustang badge. The shifter is designed to replicate the shape of a Slurpee, and the cup holders have been customized to fit 7-Eleven’s Big Gulp drink. There’s even a pizza snack holder. If that wasn’t enough, there’s a specially-designed air freshener to fill the cabin with the scent of 7-Eleven coffee.

Lynk & Co’s Extreme 05 Concept Looks Like A Stealth Aircraft For Fast & Furious

A new concept car from Lynk & Co has been revealed in a handful of renderings. The design study is based on the 05 SUV, but shares little with it, looking like an exaggerated take on a villain’s ride from the Fast & Furious franchise. The study has been created with the help of Chinese fashion company inxxstreet, although, at this point, it’s unclear if the concept will remain solely the preserve of a digital realm or if a life-sized version will be produced.

NAMX Reveals Pininfarina-Designed Hydrogen-Powered SUV With Removable Fuel Tanks

Automotive startup NAMX has unveiled a concept version of its first-ever vehicle. The hydrogen-powered SUV is being described as an “HUV”, featuring exclusive new technology and Pininfarina design. It won’t arrive until 2025 but will be offered in two trim levels. The first, an entry-level model, will be rear-wheel-drive and will make 296 hp (224 kW/300 PS). The GTH version, meanwhile, will get four-wheel drive and 542 hp (410 kW/550 PS). The highlight, though, is the removable capsules used as secondary tanks for hydrogen. The idea is to create a distribution network for these capsules.

What Else Is Making The News

Terra Falls More Than 99 Percent 

After peaking at $120 last month, Terra, which had ranked in the top 10 most valuable cryptocurrencies, dropped below $1. The dramatic crash meant its market cap dropped from above $40bn to just $500m, resulting in unprecedented losses for investors in the leading cryptocurrency, reports The Independent.

Google Presents New Pixel Watch 

Google has used its annual developer conference. Google I/O, to announce the launch of its new Pixel watch. The Pixel Watch will be Google’s first Smartwatch and combines ts own Wear operating system with Fitbit health tracking. Google has confirmed that the watch will not be able to pair with Apple devices. However, it can function independently of a phone, with its own 4G capability.