Fully electric vehicles, or EVs, have been in existence for a while. It wasn’t until the last five or six years that a wide range of models became available, making EVs a feasible option for almost anyone, regardless of how frequently you drive.
In addition to being emission-free, EVs boast a number of additional advantages. Instant torque, a quiet and serene cabin, and a plethora of modern tech features all contribute to the highly satisfying experience of driving one of these eco-friendly vehicles. With numerous options available, you can select something like the Tesla Model X Plaid – one of the fastest production cars. Or, if you prefer something more budget-friendly with similar features, EVs like the Nissan Leaf can be purchased for around $30,000.
The Major Benefits Of Owning An Electric Car
Electric vehicles are revolutionizing the automotive world, and there are plenty of advantages in owning one.
In order to give you the most up-to-date and accurate information possible, the data used to compile this article was sourced from various manufacturer websites and other authoritative sources, including IRS.gov, Forbes, and Car and Driver.
If You’re A Fan Of Saving Money, EVs Are Right Up Your Alley
Many people consider switching to a fully electric vehicle to save money, and EVs deliver on that promise. According to a University of Michigan study from 2018, “The average cost to operate an EV in the United States is $485 per year, while the average for a gasoline-powered vehicle is $1,117.” This means you’d spend less than half the amount to charge your EV compared to filling up a gasoline-powered vehicle over the course of a year.
In addition to fuel savings, EVs offer various other long-term cost-saving benefits, many of which may go unnoticed until after purchase. These benefits include potential tax credits, reduced maintenance and repairs, and the absence of emissions meaning no more emissions testing.
Tax Credits
One significant money-saving aspect is the possibility of obtaining tax credits. Due to the Inflation Reduction Act of 2022, up to $7,500 in credits is available, subject to factors such as:
- If the EV is for personal use
- If it is driven primarily in the United States
- Adjusted gross income (AGI)
- When the vehicle was purchased, and if it was purchased new
- Battery capacity and vehicle weight
- Where the vehicle was assembled
These factors may not apply to every EV, and there may be additional factors affecting the amount of tax credits you’re eligible for.
Several conditions determine eligibility for EV tax credits and the quantity of credits you can receive. If you’re still in the market for the perfect EV, it’s worthwhile to review the IRS site to ensure you fulfill all the requirements for the vehicle that suits your driving style while maximizing your savings potential. There’s no point in going electric if you’re not taking advantage of all possible savings.
How Much Money You Can Expect To Save
You might be thinking, “Can’t I just buy a gasoline-powered vehicle with a lower retail cost and save just as much money?” While that may sound appealing initially, it’s important to recognize the progress of EVs. Today, you’re not limited to buying a $60,000 Tesla if you want an EV. Advancements in battery technology and manufacturing processes have lowered the overall production cost. As a result, it’s now common to see entry-level EVs retailing for prices similar to or even cheaper than some popular internal combustion engine vehicles, such as a Honda Civic or Toyota Camry.
15 Disadvantages Of Electric Cars
Electric cars are revolutionizing the market and impressive innovations appear every day, however, it is also necessary to know their downside.
Avoiding The Gas Station Is A Game-Changer
It goes without saying that many people don’t realize the significance of being able to avoid gas stations until the need arises. Whether you’re on a road trip, heading to work, or simply enjoying a drive, gas stations can be frustrating and time-consuming, especially in busy areas. Not only does this save you time, it also allows you to focus on the task at hand – getting from point A to point B. Dealing with traffic on your way to work and then having to stop for gas due to the additional driving time can be very annoying and lead to a further delay.
Charge At Home, Not At Recharging Stations
Fast-charging docks are increasingly common at gas stations, providing the option to stop and quickly recharge if you forget to plug in your EV at home. However, this convenience is not always necessary.
By using your home charger (the standard AC cord provided with EVs), you can plug in your vehicle at the end of the day and have it fully charged by morning. This means no more “quick” refueling stops that somehow always take longer when you are in a rush.
How Fast Charging An Electric Vehicle Works
Explore the transformative world of EV fast charging and its revolutionary impact on sustainable mobility.
You Might Find Yourself Feeling Like Dominic Toretto With The Instant Torque
Dominic Toretto, one of the most iconic figures from the Fast & Furious franchise, may not be associated with electric vehicles in the films, but there is a similarity between Dom’s favorite type of vehicle (muscle cars) and EVs – the incredible torque and acceleration.
Instant Torque And Acceleration
These New AI Scams Are On The Rise, Here’s How To Spot Them Before It’s Too Late
Instances of AI tools being used for fraudulent activities are increasing. In a recent case, a Chinese man fell victim to a cybercriminal who used an AI face-swapping tool to impersonate the victim’s friend. The criminal persuaded the man to transfer over half a million dollars. This incident was reported by Reuters.
CBS News also covered the growing trend of audio AI tools that can replicate someone’s voice. Scammers are using this technology to pose as individuals in distress. CNN reported on a similar incident where scammers attempted to deceive a mother by using a fake voice of her daughter, claiming that she had been kidnapped. Another case, reported by Insider, involved a father receiving a phone call informing him about a serious accident involving his son.
Criminals often exploit these situations by sending fake media to loved ones and demanding money for emergency assistance. This is a modern version of imposter scams, which have been around for a while. According to a report by the FTC in February 2023, American citizens lost approximately $2.6 billion to this type of fraud in 2022. However, the emergence of generative AI has significantly raised the stakes.
Kia Pickup Truck Teaser Coming Soon, Says Design Boss
Kia has finally confirmed its plans to launch two electric pickups by 2027. The South Korean brand has been discussing the possibility of a Kia pickup for many years, and now, it seems that we are close to getting a glimpse of one of these vehicles. Karim Habib, the company’s design boss, revealed during the EV Day event in South Korea that a teaser is just around the corner. He stated, “I think you’ll get a peek pretty soon,” in an interview with Australian magazine Carsales.
According to rumors, the Kia pickup truck might be named “Tasman,” as suggested by a trademark filing. It is expected that the Kia truck will feature a design language similar to the recently unveiled EV3 and EV5 crossovers. Habib emphasized that as designers, their role is to serve the brand and customers. They design products with the intention of creating a family look that aligns with the brand’s attributes.
Porsche 718 Cayman GT4 RS Special Edition Commemorates Carrera Panamericana Race Car
Porsche unveiled a special edition 718 Cayman GT4 RS at the Weathertech Raceway Laguna Seca in California during the Rennsport Reunion 7 event. Produced in collaboration with TAG Heuer, only two of these track-focused road cars will ever be made. The purpose of this special edition is to celebrate the 550 Coupe’s participation in the 1953 Carrera Panamericana.
About a year ago, Porsche introduced the one-off 911 S Cabriolet Panamericana Special, which marked their initial entrance into the Carrera Panamericana in 1952 with the 356 S Cabriolet. The new special edition is based on the highest-performing Cayman variant and will be driven by racing driver, actor, and TAG Heuer brand ambassador Patrick Dempsey in this month’s 2023 edition of the Carrera Panamericana.
2024 Volkswagen Passat Final Teaser Confirms August 31 Debut
Volkswagen has confirmed that the new Passat will make its world premiere on August 31st. The upcoming midsize car will see significant changes, as Volkswagen will be discontinuing the sedan version and focusing solely on the wagon, known as the Variant. Additionally, production of the Passat will be shifted from Germany to Bratislava, Slovakia.
The latest teaser image reveals a portion of the headlights, which will be available with an optional matrix LED configuration capable of illuminating the road up to 1,640 feet (500 meters) ahead. Interestingly, the Passat will not feature the more advanced HD matrix technology found in the Touareg facelift, which will be available in the upcoming next-generation Tiguan at an additional cost.
Volkswagen has been generous with preview images leading up to the debut of the 2024 Passat. Although heavily camouflaged, the prototype seen earlier this year hinted at an ID design language, resembling an ID.7 with combustion engines. In addition, a fully electric model of the Passat was recently spotted without any camouflage.
Inside the cabin, the new Passat will feature a fully revamped design with most of the traditional switchgear removed. It will adopt the controversial touch sliders placed below the infotainment screen, which will come in a standard 12.9-inch size or an optional 15-inch setup. The car will also include a fully digital 10.25-inch driver’s display and a new head-up display.
Under the hood, the 2024 Passat will share its mechanical platform with the 2024 Skoda Superb. It will be larger than its predecessor, offering more legroom and a bigger cargo area. The car will be available with mild-hybrid gasoline and diesel engines, as well as plug-in hybrid powertrains with support for DC charging and an electric range of up to 75 miles.
The next-generation Passat is expected to hit the market in the first quarter of 2024, coinciding with the launch of the new Skoda Superb.
Meta Expands Messenger E2E Encryption With Full Launch Coming Soon
Implementing end-to-end encryption was a challenging task that took several years to complete. In a blog post, Meta explains that the process involved transitioning to a new server architecture and rewriting the code base to work across multiple devices, rather than just the server. Meta had to rebuild over 100 features on top of the updated code stack to support encryption. One example given is the integration of rich URL previews, which were previously pulled by Meta’s servers. Now, the Messenger app itself visits the shared URL, retrieves the necessary information, and displays the preview. Although this adds a bit of extra time, the entire feature pipeline has been redesigned to accommodate end-to-end encryption without compromising on functionality and privacy.
In addition, Meta is testing an on-device recovery option for encrypted chats. This feature requires users to set up a PIN or generate a code. Meta is also exploring the option of enabling users to save these chats on a third-party cloud storage service like Apple’s iCloud. While end-to-end encryption for Instagram direct messages is currently in the testing phase, Meta’s safety chief, Antigone Davis, mentioned in an article for The Telegraph that the chat privacy feature will be implemented for Instagram DMs by the end of 2023.
2025 Genesis GV80 Coupe Spotted Testing With Notable Design Features
In December 2021, Genesis hinted at the possibility of a GV80 Coupe, and in April of this year, a concept version was unveiled at the New York Auto Show. Following this debut, Hyundai’s luxury division confirmed its plans to release a production GV80 Coupe, which is expected to arrive next year as a 2025 model in the United States. However, before series production begins, extensive testing is still required.
The GV80 Coupe, which aims to compete with the likes of the BMW X6 and Mercedes GLE Coupe, was initially spied in February 2023. At that time, it was heavily camouflaged, but the latest spy photos reveal more details as the camouflage has been significantly reduced. Notable design updates include an updated front grille, prominent air intakes, and striking quad exhaust tips. Additionally, the vehicle is equipped with large two-tone wheels fitted with high-performance Michelin Pilot Sport 4S tires.
Why Apple’s First Laptop Was A Terrible Failure
Apple’s first laptop, the Macintosh Portable, had a similar software to the Macintosh II, with a faster 16 MHz 68000 CPU. Although it received positive reviews, the Portable failed due to several reasons.
Firstly, the Portable was extremely heavy, weighing around 16 pounds. This made it inconvenient to carry around and defeated the purpose of a portable device. Additionally, the battery life suffered due to the introduction of backlit displays in later models.
Furthermore, the Portable’s exorbitant price range of $6,500 to $7,000, adjusted for inflation, made it unaffordable for most consumers. This high price tag was a major deterrent to potential buyers.
It’s no surprise that the Macintosh Portable failed to sell as well as Apple’s desktop computers at that time. Thankfully, Apple made significant progress towards their current line of successful MacBooks with the introduction of the PowerBook in 1991.
Image: Wojciech Pędzich via Wikimedia Commons | Cropped and scaled | CC BY 4.0
Mercedes-Maybach S680 Gets a Powerful Upgrade with Brabus 850
The Mercedes-Maybach S680 continues to feature the impressive V12 engine. With its stock V12 engine producing 621 horsepower, Brabus felt the need for more power. Introducing the Mercedes-Maybach Brabus 850, a vehicle that has undergone a major engine upgrade.
Brabus didn’t hold back with their modifications. They increased the displacement of the twin-turbocharged engine from 6.0 to 6.3 liters by enlarging the bore. This highly tuned engine now boasts forged pistons, a custom billet crankshaft, and new connecting rods.
Hyundai Ioniq 5 N Drift Spec: A Closer Look at the Fake Exhaust Sound
During the recent Goodwood Festival of Speed, Hyundai unveiled the Hyundai Ioniq 5 N, accompanied by the even more aggressive Ioniq 5 N Drift Spec. While the standard performance model was remarkable, the Drift Spec model stole the show with its intimidating appearance and captivating exhaust sound, as seen in the video above.
Motor1.com has reached out to Hyundai for more information about the Ioniq 5 N Drift Spec and will update this article accordingly.
One of the standout features of this car is the distinct burble emitted during idle, reminiscent of the sound produced by traditional combustion engines. This effect is achieved through the implementation of N Active Sound + in the production Hyundai Ioniq 5 N. This technology uses the car’s 10-speaker system, consisting of eight internal speakers and two external ones, to create a unique sound signature that effectively communicates the car’s power utilization to the driver.