LA Auto Show Unveils 6 Electric Vehicles You Haven't Heard Of

Samson Amore

Samson Amore is a reporter for dot.LA. He holds a degree in journalism from Emerson College. Send tips or pitches to samsonamore@dot.la and find him on Twitter @Samsonamore.

LA Auto Show Unveils 6 Electric Vehicles You Haven't Heard Of

After a two-year pandemic-induced hiatus, the L.A. Auto Show is returning with a crush of Southern California electric vehicle makers debuting cars ahead of next week's show and new ones announcing they will enter the local market for the first time.

While there's a handful of new cars being introduced at this year's show, local automakers have yet to deliver any vehicles to customers and are planning to do so within the next five years.


One of the newest local entrants is Vietnamese electric automaker VinFast. The company bills itself as a higher-end car. It announced this week it would establish a headquarters in L.A., its first American outpost and a key foothold for the company as it looks to bring its electric vehicles to a Western market.

Another newbie in the region's brimming EV industry is Brea-based Mullen Automotive. Launched this year, the company is going after the middle market, with the price on their Mullen FIVE SUV starting at $55,000. It was one of the only electric carmakers to boast its manufacturing is entirely based in the United States –most other builders with local footprints opt to manufacture overseas and then ship to the States for further fine-tuning or regulatory adjustments.

Here's a look at some of the wheels made by local carmakers being showcased at this year's Auto Show next week, Nov. 19-28.

VinFast will debut two electric SUVs, the VF e35 and VF e36

VinFast

VinFast is a subsidiary of Vingroup, a Vietnam conglomerate that's the country's largest publicly listed company. The firm is trying to make a splash at its first Auto Show this year, springing for a large billboard outside the Los Angeles Convention Center and opting for one of the biggest reveals during the press days.

VinFast will sell two electric SUVs, the VF e35 and VF e36. The company's global CEO Michael Lohscheller said during a presser one of its core values is speed, and not just in terms of miles per hour -- both vehicles will be available for pre-order in the first half of next year, and deliveries are planned to begin in fourth quarter 2022.

The VF e35 is around the size of the Tesla Model Y, and it will have an estimated range of 250 miles. The VF e36 is slightly larger and more powerful, with a range of about 340 miles. Internally, both cars are reminiscent of Teslas, with a focus on minimalist features and a large, central screen. VinFast hasn't yet set pricing for either car.

VinFast is opting for a unique model with its batteries -- it will lease them to customers with the promise of replacing them once they are less than 70% charge and believes that this model can help lower the price point for buyers.

VinFast launched in 2017 and announced this week that it will establish its U.S. headquarters in Playa Vista. The company's manufacturing will be done at its newly-constructed facility in Vietnam, where nearly everything is automated and roughly 1,200 robots control 90% of the production line. Lohscheller also said VinFast plans to have some production facilities in North America by 2024.

Mullen FIVE crossover SUVMullen FIVE model

Mullen Automotive

Los Angeles-based publicly traded automaker Mullen will reveal its first vehicle at the Auto Show, the Mullen FIVE crossover SUV.

With a range of roughly 325 miles and max speed of 200 miles per hour, the Mullen FIVE could be one of the fastest EVs on the market -- and it'll boast a rapid acceleration time of 0-60 in a mere 1.9 seconds.

The Mullen FIVE will cost between $55,000 and $75,000 before incentives and CEO David Michery said during the presser production is scheduled to begin in fourth quarter of 2023. The vehicles aren't expected to begin shipping until second quarter 2024.

Mullen is also working on a line of electric fleet vans and its Dragonfly electric sports car is already available for reservations after debuting in 2019. The car's max speed is a roaring 125 miles per hour and its range is about 236 miles.

Edison Future's EF1-T electric pickup truckEdison Future's EF1-T electric pickup truck

Edison Future

Anaheim-based Edison Future will be at the Auto Show to showcase its two vehicles, the EF1-T electric pickup truck and the EF1-V electric delivery van.

Both vehicles are solar-powered in addition to being charged electrically, a feature Edison hopes will reel in more customers who might be worried about running out of battery while far from a charging station.

Edison Future EF1-V electric delivery vanEdison Future EF1-V electric delivery van

Several models of the EF1-T will be available, with a distance range of 300 miles to 450 miles on a full charge. Edison Future hasn't yet disclosed pricing for the electric truck or delivery van, and it didn't disclose a range for the van either.

Edison Future said during a press conference that it'll begin accepting reservations as soon as this month, and aims to deliver its cars starting in 2025.

Bilit Electric's GMW Taskman

Biliti Electric

Biliti Electric, a new company which launched this year and is based in Culver City, debuted an electric delivery vehicle at the Auto Show, called the GMW Taskman.

The vehicle is designed for commercial deliveries like Amazon and some models are already in use -- CEO Rahul Gayam said in a press conference Taskman vehicles have already delivered 12 million packages.

The vehicle has a range of 80-90 miles, but that can be greatly expanded thanks to a fold-out solar panel, which Gayam said can provide an added 110 miles. "You can rely on the sun for a 100% recharge," Gayam said.

The three-wheeled Taskman can carry loads of up to 1,500 pounds and is being produced by GMW Electric in India. Earlier this month, Biliti announced it raised $400 million from new investor GEM, which it said it will use to grow the business and accelerate its manufacturing to sell on a global scale.

Biliti said it will sell the Taskman in the U.S., U.K, Japan, Europe, U.A.E., India and Africa, with tiered pricing ranging from $4,000 to $8,000 per vehicle depending on the country purchasing (a lower price is available for India and other developing countries, Gayam said).

Canoo's electric van

Canoo

Canoo makes several electric vehicles including a loft-inspired lifestyle vehicle, a larger multi-purpose delivery vehicle, a pickup truck and one car that's yet to be named or revealed.

This year Canoo decided not to present at the Auto Show, perhaps because it's in the midst of some corporate transitions -- the formerly Torrance-based company announced this week it would move its headquarters to Bentonville, Arkansas and add factory capacity in Pryor and Tulsa, Oklahoma.

Canoo opted for a smaller display at this year's show than usual, showcasing a demo of its lifestyle vehicle that it'd previously debuted several years ago. The company's stock rallied this week after it reported Q3 earnings and CEO Tony Aquila said it would accelerate its delivery timeline, beginning assembly of its vehicles a year ahead of schedule in 2023.

Fisker's Ocean SUV

Fisker

The Torrance-based car company founded by Henrik Fisker in 2016 will spring for a large display of several of its vehicles including the flagship Fisker Ocean SUV. Fisker said it will start production on the vehicles beginning in 2022.

On Wednesday the company debuted several versions of the Fisker Ocean vehicle, which it's been hyping up for several years. The Fisker Ocean One will be the company's first produced vehicle, limited to 5,000 units and retailing for about $69,000. The Ocean One will reach a range of 350 miles per full charge.

The full-wheel drive Fisker Ocean Sport is Fisker's lowest-priced offering, retailing for around $37,500 and packing 275 horsepower and a range of 250 miles on a full charge.

Fisker will also sell the Fisker Ocean Ultra, which will retail for roughly $50,000 and can go 0-60 miles per hour in a mere 3.9 seconds. The all-wheel drive car will have a range of up to 340 miles and 540 horsepower.

For speed enthusiasts, Fisker is lastly offering the most expensive version of the Ocean, the Ocean Extreme, which will feature a rotating center display and adds 10 miles of charge and 10 extra horsepower to the Ocean Ultra model.

The Ocean cars will begin production one year from today, Nov. 17, 2022. Fisker is contracting a production facility in Austria run by Magna Steyr to do the manufacturing and will then ship worldwide.


Bremach's 4x4 electric SUV

Bremach

A European-based automaker with an outpost in Costa Mesa, Bremach manufactures its SUVs and pickup trucks in Russia and then assembles and adjusts them for local regulations at its Southern California facility. It's the only company on the list that has a gas-powered vehicle.

Bremach's cars include a 4x4 SUV which will retail for an eye-poppingly low price of around $26,405.00. Its BRIO electric pickup truck is expected to retail for $27,882.00.

Neither car has been released to dealers but Bremach is taking pre-orders now for a planned delivery of 2022.

Unlike most other vehicle sellers, Bremach CEO and co-founder Ray Hoogenraad said the company will sell its cars through dealerships exclusively, so customers can get the full test drive experience. "I don't think it does the vehicle justice when you see it on the internet," Hoogenraad said during the press conference.

Editor's note: An earlier version of this story said Bremach's vehicle was an electric car. It runs on gas.

https://twitter.com/samsonamore
samsonamore@dot.la
Can Technology Outpace Wildfires?

🔦 Spotlight

Hello, LA!

This week, tech headlines are buzzing with OpenAI's launch of Operator, a tool that promises to transform task automation, and TikTok’s major outage, which left millions disconnected. But closer to home, as wildfires blaze across Southern California, survival has become the focus—and technology is making it possible.

When the plume of smoke reappeared on the horizon, residents across Southern California turned to tools like Watch Duty. Over the past week, as flames surged, the app gained 600,000 new users in just one night, delivering critical, real-time information to help residents stay ahead of danger. Watch Duty, designed to provide wildfire updates, has proven to be much more than an alert system. It’s a lifeline.

The app integrates live data, satellite imagery, and community reports to send updates directly to users. Information includes fire locations, evacuation orders, and air quality indices, empowering quick, informed decisions. Its community-driven ethos—with contributions from locals, firefighters, and volunteers—ensures hyper-local and timely updates, filling gaps where traditional news outlets often fall short.

Image Source: Watch Duty

A New Era of Fire Alerts

Watch Duty redefines wildfire preparedness through technology and collaboration:

  • Fire Detection: Monitors data from satellites, agencies, and ground sources to identify wildfires.
  • Data Verification: A team of experts ensures reported activity is accurate.
  • Real-Time Alerts: Notifications are sent within 60 seconds of detection.
  • Community Contributions: Local residents provide photos and updates.
  • User Notifications: Alerts include fire size, location, and evacuation details.

These features make Watch Duty an indispensable tool during wildfire season. In 2024, the app processed over 2 million alerts and supported 50,000 evacuations, with plans to expand predictive modeling by 2025 to anticipate threats before they escalate.

Innovations Reshaping Wildfire Management

Early Detection Leaders:

  • AlertCalifornia: Operates over 1,000 cameras with machine learning to monitor high-risk areas.
  • Pano AI: Uses cameras and sensors to detect smoke and alert responders.
  • Torch Sensors: Deploys heat-detection sensors to identify anomalies early.

Image Source: Torch Sensors

Predictive and Analytical Pioneers:

  • Chooch AI: Employs drones and computer vision to monitor fire hazards.
  • Data Blanket: Uses analytics to forecast fire behavior and assist evacuations.
  • Rain: Leverages advanced atmospheric sensing and AI-driven technology to provide precise fire detection and tracking. Its real-time data on fire weather conditions and environmental factors helps agencies anticipate and respond to wildfires with greater efficiency.
  • SCEPTER: Tracks air quality and wildfire emissions using AI and satellite data.

Image Source: Rain

A Vision for the Future

As Los Angeles continues to adapt to the realities of a changing climate, tools like Watch Duty, Pano AI, and AlertCalifornia are proving to be invaluable. These technologies are not just reactive measures; they represent a shift toward proactive disaster preparedness. The question now isn’t whether technology can help but how much more it can achieve in the years to come.

With the integration of predictive modeling, AI, and real-time data, there’s hope for a future where wildfires are no longer unpredictable forces of destruction. Imagine every household equipped with predictive wildfire maps, heat-detecting drones, and AI-driven tools to guide safety decisions. The innovations are here—it's up to us to support and scale them to ensure they reach the communities that need them most. Which company, which app, or which breakthrough will emerge as the next lifeline? The possibilities for a safer, more prepared Los Angeles feel closer than ever.

🤝 Venture Deals

LA Companies

  • Favorited, a new livestream app positioning itself as an alternative to TikTok, has raised a $1.3M Pre-Seed from HF0, Soma Ventures, and several angel investors from the entertainment and social space. The platform, which participated in the a16z Speedrun accelerator program, offers features like streaks and leaderboards to boost user engagement. Favorited plans to use the funds to enhance its app's functionalities and expand its user base. - learn more
LA Venture Funds
  • Overture VC participated in a $12M Series A funding round for Bedrock Energy, an Austin, Texas-based startup specializing in geothermal heating and cooling systems. Bedrock Energy plans to use the funds to advance its geothermal technologies and expand deployments in Colorado, Utah, and neighboring states. - learn more
  • Navigate Ventures LLC participated in a $7.2M Series A funding round for XILO, a San Diego-based insurance technology startup that provides a quoting and sales automation platform to help independent insurance agencies convert the next generation of insurance shoppers; the funds will be used to scale operations, manufacturing, and commercial efforts for its acne products. - learn more
  • Upfront Ventures participated in a $5.25M Seed funding round for 1up.ai, a New York-based company that automates knowledge for sales teams; the funds will be used to empower their growing customer base, including industry leaders like WalkMe, Gladly, and Deliveroo. - learn more
  • MTech Capital participated in a $2.2M Pre-Seed funding round for Qumis, a Chicago-based AI platform designed to transform insurance knowledge work; the funds will be used to scale its AI capabilities, accelerate product development, and expand its customer base. - learn more
  • Amboy Street Ventures participated in a SEK 304M Series B funding round for Gesynta Pharma, a Stockholm-based pharmaceutical company specializing in anti-inflammatory and pain-relief treatments, with the funds directed toward advancing a Phase II clinical trial of their lead candidate, vipoglanstat, for endometriosis. - learn more

LA Exits

  • Bandy Manufacturing, a Los Angeles-based provider of aerospace fasteners and components, has been acquired by Novaria Group to enhance its portfolio and expand its capabilities in the aerospace and defense industries. - learn more
  • Pangea, a company specializing in eco-friendly and sustainable products with a focus on innovative technology solutions, is being acquired by Nature's Miracle Holding Inc. to accelerate growth and capitalize on synergies in sustainability and tech-driven product development. - learn more
  • Notisphere, a healthcare communication platform streamlining recall and alert management, has been acquired by Par Excellence Systems to enhance its capabilities in delivering efficient supply chain solutions for the healthcare industry. - learn more
  • Cryogenic Machinery Corp., a North Hollywood, California-based manufacturer specializing in cryogenic pumps for industrial gas and energy applications, has been acquired by PSG, a Dover company, to enhance PSG's portfolio of specialized fluid handling solutions. - learn more

Download the dot.LA App

The New Face of Live Shopping: Whatnot’s $5B Journey

🔦 Spotlight

Hello Los Angeles,

This week has been a challenging one for many in our city as we continue to face the aftermath of the recent wildfires. Recovery efforts are in full swing, and as always, the strength and resilience of our community shine through.

If you or someone you know has been impacted, there are resources available to help navigate this difficult time:

  • Pacific Palisades Fire Damage Maps: View here

These tools can provide support, whether you’re looking for financial assistance, housing resources, or updates on affected areas.

While our community focuses on recovery, we’re also reminded of what makes LA unique: its unrelenting drive to build, create, and innovate. A great example this week comes from Whatnot, the live shopping platform co-founded in 2019 by Grant LaFontaine and Logan Head, which has just achieved a major milestone.

Whatnot announced it raised $265 million in Series E funding, valuing the company at an impressive $5 billion.

For those unfamiliar, Whatnot combines shopping and entertainment through live-streamed auctions. Think of it as a vibrant, interactive marketplace where sellers showcase everything from trading cards and collectibles to fashion items, all in real time. Buyers can bid during the stream, creating a sense of excitement and connection that feels more personal than traditional online shopping.

The company’s new funding—co-led by Greycroft, DST Global, and Avra Capital—will drive expansion into markets like Australia and bring improvements to seller tools, from inventory management to advanced analytics. But what stands out most is Whatnot’s focus on its people. CEO Grant LaFontaine announced plans to buy back $72 million in shares for long-term employees, a move that underscores the company’s dedication to sharing its success.

As we move forward, let’s celebrate stories like these that show how innovation thrives in LA—even amid challenges. Whether it’s supporting wildfire recovery, building the next great startup, or simply connecting with others, we each play a role in shaping the spirit of our city.


🤝 Venture Deals

LA Companies

  • Phase Four, a leader in advanced in-space propulsion systems, announced the first close of its Series C funding round, securing nearly 60% of the target raise, led by Artemis Group Capital, to ramp up production of its Valkyrie Hall Effect Thrusters to at least 250 units annually and develop cutting-edge propulsion technologies for defense and national security needs. - learn more
  • Proper, a next-generation supplement brand launched by fitness entrepreneur Amanda Kloots, secured investment from Ben Bennett's Beauty Accelerator, The Center, to redefine the supplement industry with innovative, nutrient-focused wellness solutions tailored for modern lifestyles. - learn more
LA Venture Funds
  • Sound Ventures participated in a $17M funding round for Reshop, a platform simplifying the returns process for consumers and merchants, with plans to use the funds to enhance their technology and expand their services. - learn more
  • LFX Venture Partners participated in a $30M strategic funding round for Shippeo, a Paris-based company specializing in real-time multimodal supply chain transportation visibility; the funds will support Shippeo's global expansion, particularly across North America and the Asia-Pacific region. - learn more
  • Amboy Street Ventures participated in a $15M Series A+ funding round for Granata Bio, a biotechnology company focused on developing advanced gene therapies; the proceeds will be used to accelerate the development of their pipeline and expand their research capabilities. - learn more
  • BAM Ventures participated in a $700,000 seed funding round for MX Locker, an online marketplace for buying and selling motocross gear and parts; the company plans to use the proceeds to enhance its platform and expand its user base. - learn more
  • Crosscut Ventures participated in a $7.15M seed funding round for SoloPulse, an Atlanta-based company developing advanced radar technology; the funds will be used to enhance their product development and expand market reach. - learn more
  • Starburst Ventures participated in Loft Orbital’s $170M Series C funding round, bringing the San Francisco-based satellite infrastructure provider’s total capital raised to $280 million, with the funds aimed at accelerating their "condosat" missions to simplify and expand access to space. - learn more
  • Overture VC participated in a $100M Series B funding round for Harbinger, a Southern California-based electric vehicle company specializing in medium-duty EVs; the funds will be used to accelerate the production of their electric vehicle platforms. - learn more
  • Muse Capital and Time BioVentures participated in an $18M Series A funding round for Conceivable Life Sciences, a New York-based biotech company developing the world's first AI-powered automated IVF lab; the funds will support their ongoing commercial pilot program in Mexico City and preparations for a U.S. launch targeted for early 2026. - learn more
  • B Capital Group participated in a $25M Series B funding round for Labviva, a Boston-based AI-driven procurement platform for life sciences; the funds will be used to accelerate product development, enhance marketing and customer support, and expand internationally. - learn more
  • Focalpoint Partners participated in a seed funding round for Kerna Labs, a San Francisco-based AI biotechnology company focused on advancing mRNA payload design for new therapies, with the funds supporting operational expansion and development efforts. - learn more

LA Exits

  • Intracom Systems, a pioneer in software-based communication solutions, has been acquired by IPC, a global leader in trading communications technology, to enhance IPC's SaaS communications offerings for the financial services industry. - learn more
  • Adexa, a provider of advanced supply chain planning solutions, has been acquired by Eyelit Technologies to enhance its Manufacturing Operations Management (MOM) and Manufacturing Execution Systems (MES) offerings and expand its market presence. - learn more
  • Caramel, a platform specializing in simplifying online vehicle transactions, has been acquired by eBay to enhance its offerings for secure and streamlined automotive buying and selling experiences. - learn more
  • ImaginAb, a biotechnology company specializing in antibody-based imaging and therapeutic solutions, has been acquired by Telix Pharmaceuticals to expand its next-generation therapeutic assets and biologics technology platform. - learn more
  • Sleepypod, a global leader in crash-test-certified safety harnesses and carriers for pets, has been acquired by Paw Prosper to enhance its commitment to pet well-being and expand its portfolio of innovative pet safety solutions. - learn more

Download the dot.LA App

Standing Together Through the Flames

🔦 Spotlight

To our Los Angeles family,

This week’s wildfires have brought immense pain and hardship to our beloved city. Many of our friends, neighbors, and colleagues have faced evacuations, power outages, and the devastating loss of homes and livelihoods. Our hearts go out to everyone affected by this tragedy.

At dot.LA, we want to express our deepest sympathy to those suffering in this moment. We see your resilience and stand with you during this challenging time. This community has always been defined by its strength and compassion, and now is the time to come together in support.

If You or Someone You Know Has Been Impacted, Resources Are Available:

Evacuation Shelters:

  • Calvary Community Church: 5495 Via Rocas, Westlake Village, CA 91362
  • Ritchie Valens Recreation Center: 10736 Laurel Canyon Blvd., Pacoima, CA 91331
  • Pan Pacific Recreational Center: 7600 Beverly Blvd., Los Angeles, CA 90036
  • Westwood Recreation Center: 1350 Sepulveda Blvd., Los Angeles, CA 90025
  • Pasadena Civic Auditorium: 300 East Green Street, Pasadena, CA 91101
  • Pomona Fairplex: 1101 W McKinley Ave, Pomona, CA 91768
  • Stoner Recreation Center: 1835 Stoner Ave, Los Angeles, CA 90025

Animal Shelters:

Small Animals:

  • Agoura Animal Care Center: 29525 Agoura Rd, Agoura Hills, CA 91301
  • Baldwin Park Animal Care Center: 4275 Elton St, Baldwin Park, CA 91706
  • Carson Animal Care Center: 216 W Victoria St, Gardena, CA 90248
  • Downey Animal Care Center: 11258 Garfield Ave, Downey, CA 90242
  • Lancaster Animal Care Center: 5210 W Ave I, Lancaster, CA 93536
  • Palmdale Animal Care Center: 38550 Sierra Hwy, Palmdale, CA 93550

Large Animals:

  • Pomona Fairplex: 1101 W McKinley Ave, Pomona
  • Industry Hills Expo: 16200 Temple Ave, City of Industry, CA 91744
  • Antelope Valley Fair: 2551 W Avenue H, Lancaster, CA 93536
  • Los Angeles Equestrian Center: 480 W Riverside Dr, Burbank, CA 91506
  • Pierce College Equestrian Center: 7100 El Rancho Dr, Woodland Hills, CA 91371

Disaster Relief Information:

  • LA County Assessor: Information for property owners and FAQs about disaster relief.

Mental Health Support:

  • Los Angeles County Department of Mental Health: Crisis counseling and support for those affected. Access services through their website or call their hotline at (800) 854-7771.

Temporary Housing Support:

  • Airbnb: In partnership with 211 LA, offering free temporary housing for displaced residents. Spaces are limited; complete the form to be notified of availability.

Transportation Support:

  • Uber: Use promo code WILDFIRE25 for 2 free rides up to $40 each to/from active shelters.
  • Lyft: Code CAFIRERELIEF25 offers 2 rides up to $25 each for up to 500 riders, valid until 1/15.
  • Metro: Fare collection is suspended systemwide.

Staying Informed:

  • Watch Duty App: Provides real-time wildfire tracking, evacuation warnings, and updates.
  • Los Angeles Fire Department Alerts: Visit their website for the latest information on fire status and safety guidelines.

Safety Precautions:

  • Ready, Set, Go!: Personal Wildfire Action Plan by the Los Angeles County Fire Department.

To those in our community who are volunteering, donating, or offering aid in any form—thank you. Your efforts embody the spirit of LA: strong, compassionate, and unstoppable.

At dot.LA, we’re committed to amplifying stories of resilience and support. If you’ve seen inspiring acts of kindness or have resources to share, please let us know. Together, we can shine a light on the incredible ways this community is stepping up during these trying times.

In the days ahead, let’s hold tight to the bonds that unite us and remember that we are stronger together. The fires may scar the land, but they cannot dim the collective spirit of Los Angeles.

We’re here for you, and we’re with you.

    Download the dot.LA App

    RELATEDEDITOR'S PICKS
    Trending