Author: Sofia
Tesla is now letting EVs from other brands charge at some U.S. Supercharger sites, while offering a Combined Charging Standard (CCS) retrofit for its own vehicles. “Select” Superchargers are now open to other EVs, according to a video posted to Twitter. Drivers can find these sites using the Tesla app, which is also needed to start a charging session. Select Superchargers in the US are now open to other EVs → https://t.co/zObpFM4li1 pic.twitter.com/wQW0KGvlpw — Tesla Charging (@TeslaCharging) February 28, 2023 As part of Tesla’s presentation at its Investor Day Wednesday, the company said that this currently includes 10 Supercharger sites—so…
Oh, the possibilities! The array of buttons on the steering wheel of the 2023 Porsche 911 GT3 RS boggles the mind with visions of finding the perfect tune for the perfect lap. From the tiller, I can not only pick the drive mode, but also adjust both the compression and rebound of the front and rear dampers through eight settings each, chose the locking percentage of the electronic limited-slip rear differential both on and off throttle, manually adjust a Formula 1-style Drag Reduction System (DRS), and pick from eight settings for the traction and stability control. It’s heady stuff: confusing,…
Kia’s big, boxy electric SUV is almost here. The automaker will reveal the 2024 EV9 on March 15 and will follow up with full details later in the month. A pair of teaser videos released this week hint at what’s to come. They reveal the light signatures planned for the vehicle, as well as its sculpted, almost Range Rover-esque side profile. The EV9 is the production version of a concept of the same name that debuted at the 2021 Los Angeles auto show. Judging by the teaser footage, as well as spy shots of prototypes, the production version will closely…
The United States Postal Service (USPS) this week announced plans to buy 9,250 Ford E-Transit electric vans, which will get the ball rolling on electrification while the Postal Service waits for its custom-designed electric delivery vans. The first of the Ford vans are scheduled to arrive in December of this year, with deliveries continuing through 2024, and will be accompanied by the deployment of 14,000 charging stations, according to a USPS press release. Specific locations are to be determined, the Postal Service added, noting that the off-the-shelf vehicles are left-hand drive, and thus may not be suitable in all of…
Rivian will deliver a three-row SUV with nearly 400 miles of range later this year. Drive modules for upcoming Ram, Dodge, and Jeep EVs may be made in Indiana. And the Mini Cooper SE tops an annual list of the greenest. What’s the meanest? This and more, here at DriftBreath Reports. Rivian has confirmed that a 390-mile Max Pack version of its R1S electric SUV will be delivered starting this fall. The Max Pack versions will only come in Dual Motor form, with the company’s latest, in-house Enduro drive units. Further, Rivian released updated range numbers for the trucks in…
Ford is trying to patent technology that would allow cars to repossess themselves. As first spotted by The Drive, a Ford patent application titled “Systems and Methods to Repossess a Vehicle” was published by the United States Patent and Trademark Office (USPTO) Feb. 23, although it was submitted to the agency Aug. 20, 2021. The document describes using vehicles’ built-in data connections to remotely disable “a functionality of one or more components of the vehicle,” which would serve as warnings if the owner has missed car payments. Ford vehicle repossession system patent image According to the document, deactivations would start…
Tesla is widely perceived as being on the leading edge of electric vehicle efficiency, and it’s long claimed to also be an energy company, not just a car company. Capability that might turn its EVs into rolling backup-power banks might seem like the logical next step. Until now, Tesla has shied away from the possibility of deploying bidirectional charging technology, often termed vehicle-to-grid or V2G tech, in its vehicles. As part of Tesla’s Investor Day Wednesday, which provided a look at the company’s strategy years into the future, Drew Baglino, the company’s Senior Vice President for Powertrain and Energy Engineering,…
Porsche has a new 911 GT3 RS on its hands for 2023, and we just tested it. The car may not offer the same sense of brutal acceleration as many modern supercars, but where it really shines is in its cornering and stopping ability. Audi is working on a major update for its Q7, and a prototype has been spotted. The updated Q7 should be coming for 2024 with new exterior styling, a revamped interior, and possibly more power under the hood. The related Porsche Cayenne is also due to be updated for 2024. The DeLorean Alpha5 shown last year…
Quick Facts About Infotainment Systems Large, flashy infotainment systems on new vehicles are significant selling points for many prospective car buyers. As technology advances, infotainment screens are getting bigger, better, and more capable. While most newer cars have competitive infotainment systems to adjust the radio and climate control settings, others go above and beyond with design, functionality, and more. Our guide considers infotainment screen size, capabilities, and design. Keep reading to see what cars have the best infotainment systems. What Is an Infotainment System? A vehicle’s infotainment system is an integrated media system that delivers information and entertainment functionality to…
Aramco is joining forces with Zhejiang Geely and Renault to develop efficient internal-combustion engines, including engines designed to run on e-fuel and hydrogen. The Saudi Arabian oil giant on Thursday signed a letter of intent to become a minority shareholder in a new company to be established by Geely and Renault, one focused on the development of internal-combustion engines for use in hybrid powertrains. Called PWT, the company aims to become a global supplier of engines, transmissions, and complete hybrid powertrains with an annual capacity of around five million units. The company will utilize existing powertrain plants and R&D centers…