Category Archives: Electric Vehicles

Electric Vehicles

Future Toyota And Lexus EVs Will Sport Tesla’s NACS Charging Connector

Toyota and its luxurious model Lexus will make the most of NACS with its battery electrical automobiles (BEV) beginning in 2025 — although which fashions will get it at the moment stays unclear. The automotive firm mentioned that customers can count on the NACS ports to be included on an “all-new, three-row, battery-electric Toyota SUV” earmarked for manufacturing in Kentucky. The NACS adapter for current BEVs, in the meantime, will made out there to house owners beginning in 2025, as properly.

This marks the newest addition to a rising record of main automakers who’re all-in on Tesla’s charging commonplace. GM, Ford, Nissan, and Honda are amongst these names, as are Mercedes, Rivian, and Polestar. With this announcement, all eyes are actually on Stellantis, which has up to now dug in its heels and resisted peer stress, stating in mid-June that it wasn’t able to decide to Tesla’s commonplace — although it had mentioned on the time that it was “evaluating” the potential of getting on board.

Electric Vehicles

Kia’s Longest Electric Range EV6 Is Becoming More Affordable: Features and Trade-offs

The 2024 Kia EV6 lineup offers various pricing options, with the Light RWD trim starting at $42,600. This particular model comes with a smaller 58 kWh battery, a 167 hp motor, and an estimated EPA range of 232 miles. The EV6 Light Long Range RWD trim is positioned above, sporting a 77.4 kWh battery, a 225 hp motor, and an EPA range of 310 miles. The price for this trim is set at $45,950.

The other trims in the EV6 lineup closely resemble the 2023 models, albeit with some minor updates. The EV6 Wind RWD trim, priced at $48,700, offers features similar to the Light Long Range RWD trim but with some advancements. Following this is the EV6 Wind e-AWD trim, which shares similarities with the Wind RWD trim but includes an all-wheel-drive system. This additional feature raises the price to $52,600, but the overall range decreases to 282 miles, although the motor power increases to 320 hp.

Continuing further, the higher-end GT Lime models provide three different variants. The EV6 GT-Line RWD trim is priced at $52,900 and offers 225 hp with a range of 310 miles. For $57,600, the EV6 GT-Line e-AW trim provides the same 320 hp motor, albeit with a slightly lower range of 252 miles. Lastly, the top-of-the-line EV6 GT trim aims at enthusiasts, with a powerful 576-horsepower all-wheel-drive system and a range of 218 miles. The price for this trim begins at $61,600.

Electric Vehicles, News

Elon Musk Announces Date for First Tesla Cybertruck Deliveries

Elon Musk, the CEO of Tesla, has set a date for the first deliveries of the highly anticipated Cybertruck. While the exact number of reservations received by Tesla has not been disclosed, it is expected that company employees will have priority based on previous models like the Model 3. However, the long line of reservations and production challenges indicate that the wait for customers will likely be quite lengthy.

In Tesla’s third fiscal quarter report, it was revealed that the Giga Texas facility will have an initial pilot production capacity of 125,000 Cybertruck units per year. This number is expected to increase to 250,000 units in the future. However, achieving mass production capacity of this scale is projected to take until 2025.

Musk acknowledged the significant challenges involved in reaching volume production with the Cybertruck during an earnings call. Tesla is investing billions of dollars to bring this ambitious ride to the market. Meanwhile, potential customers have expressed concerns as Tesla’s website has removed all details regarding pricing and configurations.

While the company initially announced a sticker price of $39,900 for the single-motor RWD model, with the dual-motor and triple-motor versions priced around $60,000 and $70,000 respectively, these figures have not been officially confirmed. Kelley Blue Book estimates that the base variant could be priced around $50,000. This places the Cybertruck in the same price range as competitors like the Ford F-150 Lightning and the Chevy Silverado. The higher-spec versions of the Cybertruck are expected to compete in the market segment dominated by GMC and Rivian.

Electric Vehicles

Why Tesla Won’t Support Android Auto Anytime Soon

Tesla has not explicitly stated that it wants to limit its customers from using another infotainment operating system, but it does so for a reason. The company aims to provide a cohesive user experience, including how people listen to music and use the navigation system. This approach is similar to Apple’s strategy of tightly controlling its products by developing both the hardware and software.

Tesla is not the only company taking this approach. General Motors announced in March that it would phase out Apple CarPlay and Android Auto in its future cars because its own software integrates better with electric vehicle architecture. On the other hand, Porsche has embraced more EV-centric smartphone compatibility for its Taycan EV.

Although Tesla’s decision may appear to be a unique quirk, the practice of favoring in-house solutions over third-party software is fairly common, although not typically with software as widespread as Android Auto.

Electric Vehicles, Reviews

2024 Lamborghini Revuelto First Drive: The Ultimate Hybrid Costs $600,000

The Revuelto, Lamborghini’s latest offering, goes beyond performance improvements. It also aims to enhance the overall driving experience. Let’s start with the scissor doors, which still swing open to the sky as expected. Lamborghini has made them more accessible by pulling in the side sills, reducing the stretch needed to get into the seat. Once inside, you’ll notice increased headroom, addressing a previous issue for taller individuals, particularly when wearing a helmet.

The Revuelto features a one-inch higher roof, providing sufficient space for comfort on the track.

The interior is not only more spacious but also more exquisite, boasting a new level of design and attention to detail that surpasses Lamborghini’s previous offerings. The integration of advanced technology is also noteworthy, including a triple-display layout. The main interface is an 8.4-inch portrait-oriented touchscreen that allows you to control most functions. Moreover, it supports wireless connectivity with both Android Auto and Apple CarPlay. Adjacent to it is another display for the passenger, and on the left side, there is a fully digital 12.3-inch gauge cluster.

An interesting feature is the interconnectedness of all three displays, allowing for the sharing of visual widgets. For instance, you can showcase the amount of G-force the car is generating through the corners on the central display, and with a simple flick of your fingers, it can be transferred to the passenger display. Similarly, you can view the car’s active safety system status on the gauge cluster by flicking it to the left.

Furthermore, the Revuelto is equipped with an active safety system, including automatic emergency braking and adaptive cruise control.

Electric Vehicles

2024 Genesis GV60 RWD Addresses the Biggest Issue with EVs

The 2024 Genesis GV60 Standard RWD starts at $52,000, while the GV60 Advanced AWD and GV60 Performance AWD models have starting prices of $60,550 and $69,550, respectively. However, one problem highlighted in SlashGear’s review of the 2023 Genesis GV60 remains unresolved – the limited availability of the vehicle in North America. Currently, the GV60 Standard RWD and GV60 Advanced AWD are only available at select retailers in 23 states, and the availability of the GV60 Performance AWD has not yet been announced.

Despite this limited availability, the 2024 Genesis GV60 should not be disregarded as an option for those looking to purchase a new EV, especially considering its increased range. The new model also introduces several standard features, including a Wi-Fi hotspot capability, Highway Driving Assist II, and Advanced Forward Collision Avoidance-Assist. Genesis has also enhanced safety measures by adding more airbags, a seat belt pretensioner, load limiter, and rear seat belt reminder to the 2024 model.

Moreover, the luxury EV retains the advanced features found in previous Genesis models, such as the ability to operate the vehicle using fingerprint and/or facial recognition instead of a key. Additionally, the GV60 boasts a unique and innovative feature – a drive shift in the form of a glowing crystal ball. Those interested in purchasing a 2024 Genesis GV60 can obtain more information from a local Genesis retailer or by visiting the automaker’s website.

Electric Vehicles, Reviews

2024 BMW I5 First Drive: A Winning Electric Car with Luxury, Performance, and Range

The i5 eDrive40 may not have the same active roll stabilization as its more powerful counterpart, the i5 M60, but it still delivers an impressive performance on narrow Portuguese b-roads. Equipped with self-leveling rear air suspension and optional electronically controlled front dampers, the i5 eDrive40 offers a comfortable and smooth ride. While the steering may feel light and relatively numb on center, the i5 is highly responsive and more engaging than its competitors from Mercedes-Benz and Tesla.

For those seeking a more exhilarating driving experience, the i5 M60 xDrive brings additional power and better steering communication. With active torque delivery to the front axle and rear-axle steering, the M60 feels well-balanced and agile. This chassis is a promising foundation for future M5 models.

The i5 also boasts strong regenerative braking, which can be adjusted through the iDrive 8.5 infotainment system. While the standard adaptive mode may not perform consistently on winding roads, setting the regen level manually allows for a more personalized driving experience. Unlike Mercedes EVs, the i5’s brake pedal does not automatically mimic brake pressure.

Electric Vehicles, News

Tesla Faces Lawsuit Alleging Racism and Harassment

Elon Musk’s Tesla is currently dealing with a high-profile case involving allegations that its Autopilot feature caused a fatal accident. The trial, which began in California on September 28, claims that a Model 3 owner died when the software malfunctioned and caused the vehicle to veer off the highway, hit a tree, and ignite. The driver, Micah Lee, was killed, and two passengers were injured.

While this is a civil lawsuit, the outcome could have significant implications for the automotive industry as a whole. Tesla’s software has been linked to several other crashes, including a nine-car pileup that occurred shortly after the Full Self-Driving beta was made available to customers. A report from the summer of 2023 suggests that over 730 car accidents have been connected to Tesla’s self-driving system. Earlier this year, Tesla had to recall 360,000 vehicles due to concerns about their self-driving software.

Electric Vehicles, News

No Adapter Needed: Jaguar EVs Are Officially Getting Access To Tesla’s Supercharger Network

Jaguar is joining major manufacturers like Ford, GM, and Mercedes in providing native NACS charging support for Tesla charging stations. The NACS connector, which was originally exclusive to Tesla, has gained popularity for its small size, lack of moving parts, and greater power compared to the Combined Charging System (CCS). Tesla opened up the charging standard last year, making the connector accessible to other car companies. By accessing Tesla Superchargers, automakers can avoid the need to build and maintain their own charging networks.

While some automakers are attempting to challenge Tesla by building a rival charging network that supports both CCS and NACS charging, Tesla remains the dominant choice for many in the U.S. Until a true rival emerges, it makes sense for companies like Jaguar to tap into Tesla’s network. Furthermore, if all automakers adopt the same charging standard, it could help overcome one of the biggest challenges faced by EVs – charging infrastructure.

Electric Vehicles

Oracle Unveils Police Cruiser Version of the Cybertruck

Electric vehicles (EVs) have become increasingly popular among police departments in the United States, primarily Tesla models. These vehicles offer easier maintenance and the potential for significant cost savings through reduced fuel consumption. For instance, the Somerset Police Department purchased a Tesla Model Y patrol vehicle and estimates it could save $80,000 in fuel and maintenance costs over 10 years.

Tesla has experienced some production and delivery delays for the Cybertruck. However, the company recently announced that deliveries will begin in the coming weeks. During an earnings call, Tesla CEO Elon Musk confirmed progress on the Cybertruck and expects deliveries to start in late September or early October 2023. Musk has also shared images of the Cybertruck on Twitter.

While the Cybertruck is highly anticipated and likely to be a popular choice among police departments and other organizations, it remains uncertain how many will select it as their next cruiser. Tesla faces competition from other companies interested in producing battery-electric police vehicles, such as Ford with their Mustang Mach-E EV.