Category Archives: Electric Vehicles

Electric Vehicles

How Long Will The Kia EV6 Battery Last?

Kia offers one of the best warranty programs in the auto industry, covering the powertrain of all new Kia vehicles for 10 years or 100,000 miles. This warranty also includes the 697V lithium-ion batteries in the EV6.

While most Kia owners won’t need to worry about battery replacement for many years, a curious EV6 driver decided to do some research and contacted their local dealership to inquire about the potential cost of a battery replacement.

According to the driver’s post on kiaevforums, they were initially informed that a new battery would cost $6000 when they purchased their EV6. However, the current market price for a new battery pack has increased to $29,000. The driver speculates that this price increase is due to the high demand for batteries in manufacturing new cars, rather than supplying them to repair shops for replacements. They believe that the cost will decrease in the future when more batteries become available from salvaged vehicles and are more reasonably priced for dealers.

Electric Vehicles, News

Tesla’s Unconventional Steering Yoke Faces More Criticism

Tesla’s current steering yoke design has divided opinions among fans of the brand. While some appreciate its unique and novel appearance, others find it challenging to handle, particularly at low speeds. Even racing drivers who utilize Teslas are split on the issue, with a round-wheeled Model S Plaid dominating its class at the 2021 Pikes Peak Hill Climb, while another Model S Plaid achieved a record lap for production all-electric vehicles on Germany’s famous Nurburgring track using the steering yoke.

According to InsideEVs, Tesla is not yet ready to abandon its unconventional steering wheel. The company is reportedly working on an updated version that combines elements of both the yoke and a regular steering wheel, aiming to appeal more to the wider audience. A prototype resembling this description was spotted on the upcoming Cybertruck at Tesla’s Investor Day event.

This recent change is part of a series of continuous adjustments to pricing and options availability throughout the Tesla lineup. Additionally, there are high expectations for the redesign of the Model 3, which is a key vehicle for the brand.

Electric Vehicles, News

The 2024 Volkswagen ID.4 Receives a Significant Boost in Range

Volkswagen has announced that the 2024 ID.4 model will have an improved range thanks to a complete overhaul of its power train and electric motors. The previous version, introduced in 2021, offered 201 horsepower for the single-motor variant and 295 horsepower for the all-wheel drive version with two motors. The updated 2024 model now delivers 282 horsepower for the rear-wheel drive version and approximately 330 horsepower for the all-wheel drive variants.

An additional advantage of the 2024 ID.4 is that it is manufactured in Volkswagen’s Chattanooga, Tennessee plant. As a result, it is expected to qualify for a $7,500 tax rebate, subject to eligibility criteria related to battery sourcing and vehicle assembly origin. The exact pricing details for the updated ID.4 have not yet been disclosed by VW. However, even a slight increase in the range, coupled with the substantial horsepower gains, is likely to be well received by consumers.

Electric Vehicles, News

Tesla Model X now eligible for full EV tax credit following significant price reductions

In addition to the price drop and qualifying for a tax credit, the Tesla Model X now offers all five color options without any additional fees. Furthermore, Tesla has reduced the cost of its FSD Beta, a Level 2 advanced driver-assistance system. Previously priced at $15,000, the FSD capability is now available for $12,000, reflecting a 20% reduction. The purchase of FSD after buying a Tesla does not impact the car’s eligibility for the tax credit. For now, the monthly subscription price will remain the same at $99 or $199, depending on the level of autopilot functionality. Tesla vehicles equipped with Enhanced Autopilot can perform tasks such as automatic lane changing, merging on and off highways, parking (parallel and perpendicular), and being summoned by a smartphone in a parking lot. FSD also includes the ability for a Tesla to autonomously stop at red lights. However, some Tesla customers have expressed dissatisfaction with the autonomous driving features.

Overall, these price reductions allow customers to purchase a new Model X at a lower cost compared to before and choose from various color options without extra charges. Tesla has also made its other models more affordable, including the Model S, which now has a price tag of $74,990, a $3,500 reduction from its previous price. As a result, the larger-battery trims of both the Model X and Model S are now cheaper than the smaller-battery options prior to the price drop. Although the pricier Plaid models have also been discounted, they still remain too expensive to qualify for a full EV tax credit.

Electric Vehicles, News

New Tesla Model 3 Highland Refresh Revealed: More Range, More Tech, New Style

The Tesla Model 3 has received a new design refresh, giving it a more polished look. The front and rear of the car have been redesigned with a lower, curved fascia, replacing the previous blunt edge. The updated lighting design is inspired by the Model S, which also received a refresh earlier this year. Tesla has introduced two new colors, Stealth Gray and Ultra Red, and new wheels in 18-inch and 19-inch sizes that are optimized for range and reducing road noise.

The refreshed Model 3 will be available in two versions initially. The Rear-Wheel Drive version will have a range of 513 kilometers (318 miles) according to the WLTP test cycle, which is known to be more generous than the U.S. EPA test cycle. It can accelerate from zero to 62 mph in 6.1 seconds and has a top speed of 125 mph.

new model 3 wheelsTesla

The Dual-Motor All-Wheel Drive Model 3 will have a range of 629 kilometers (390 miles) on the WLTP cycle. It offers quicker acceleration, going from zero to 62 mph in 4.4 seconds, but has the same top speed of 125 mph. Currently, there is no listing for a Model 3 Performance version, but this may change once U.S. specifications are confirmed.

Electric Vehicles

Why Electric Car Batteries Are Expensive to Build and Replace

One of the main obstacles with electric vehicle (EV) batteries is the gradual loss of capacity that occurs with each charge and discharge cycle. This is especially true for lithium-ion batteries, which can suffer damage due to the heat generated during rapid charging or experience a reduction in capacity when drained too low.

To extend the lifespan of your EV battery, it is advisable to charge them slowly and maintain a charge level between 20% and 80% whenever possible. By keeping your EV battery in this optimal range, you can prevent overheating and ultimately preserve its ability to hold a charge over time. This can help avoid the costly replacement of battery packs.

The high cost of replacing EV batteries, which can reach $20,000 or more, often makes it financially unfeasible for many owners. However, there are ongoing efforts by EV and battery manufacturers like Tesla and BYD to address this issue. These companies are working on innovations aimed at minimizing wasted space within EV batteries and integrating fuel cells into the vehicle structure itself. This approach seeks to reduce heat generation and slow down battery degradation over time.

Autonomous Driving, Electric Vehicles, News

Polestar 4 ‘Chauffeur’ Self-Driving Tech Promised For New EV SUV: What It Can Do

Polestar is planning to introduce Chauffeur, its self-driving technology, to the Polestar 4 electric SUV. Although no specific timeline has been provided, the release of Chauffeur will follow the launch of the EV. Similar to other advanced driver assistance systems, it is likely that Chauffeur will be an optional upgrade and will come at an extra cost. For example, Tesla’s “full self-driving” suite is priced at an additional $15,000, while Ford offers its BlueCruise functionality for $2,100 for three years if selected at the time of vehicle purchase.

On the other hand, the Polestar 3 electric SUV, which is scheduled to start deliveries in 2024, will feature ADAS and autonomous driving technology. Interestingly, the Polestar 3 will not rely on MobileEye’s technology but instead use Luminar sensors, thanks to Volvo’s investment in the LIDAR startup.

The Polestar 4 will be the most powerful vehicle in Polestar’s lineup. The long-range dual-motor version of the car is expected to have a motor with 544 horsepower and 506 lb-ft of torque. It boasts a 0-60 mph time of 3.8 seconds and a range of 438 miles on a single charge. In addition, the Polestar 4 supports 200kW fast charging, features a 15.4-inch central display, and has a unique design element using a camera instead of a rear glass window.