Should Audi Bring the RS 4 Avant to North America?
Although the term “wagon” has become somewhat of an automotive slur, Audi could successfully bring the RS 4 Avant to North America.
Toyota Thinks EVs Could Be Bad For the Environment
Almost every automotive company in the world is considering making an EV to rival the likes of Tesla, but Toyota, arguably the most successful car company in the world, isn’t too quick to jump on the bandwagon.
There is a reason you don’t see fully electric vehicles at Toyota Dealerships. While Toyota does well in the hybrid car market, they haven’t yet participated in the worldwide movement that is EVs. Companies such as Honda, Ford, Chevrolet, and Hyundai, for starters, are throwing themselves into making EVs like there is no tomorrow. While this seems like a noble pursuit, with EVs being better for the environment and all, there is a major flaw that not everyone is talking about. Data from Toyota has uncovered that EVs are not as good for the environment as we thought they would be. In fact, in the long run, they could cause big problems if gone unchecked, which, right now, they are.
Toyota makes some of the most impressive and reliable cars on the planet. They’ve been around for a long time and they don’t plan on going anywhere anytime soon. Let’s hope their newfound data is just as trustworthy.
The Problem With Batteries
Toyota’s chief scientist, Gill Pratt has a lot to say about EVs. While it’s fun and all to make EVs willy-nilly, Gill Pratt thinks automakers should be diversifying their energy sources, rather than all using the same kind. For starters, companies should still be trying to utilize hybrid and hydrogen energy sources.
In the long haul, batteries, particularly ones made from lithium, won’t last us forever. In fact, they might be worse for the environment than traditional combustion engines! Pratt claims that there will likely be a shortage of batteries, due to a shortage of lithium, paired with the lack of charging stations in America, which will make EV production a challenge for both companies and consumers.
Pratt also states that making so many lithium batteries for these EVs will cause more CO2 output than regular production already does. These are the things consumers don’t know.
Toyota’s Plan
Toyota does have plans to make an EV, though. It’s been announced that Toyota will release a sedan-sized EV for the Chinese automotive market. This car is unlikely to reach global appeal, and Toyota seems fine with that, anyways. While they are in the works for an EV, Toyota doesn’t seem too interested in making one for the world.
Toyota wants to hold out, see what happens, and then decide what they will do. As a seasoned company in the global automotive market, Toyota isn’t too hurried or desperate. Will there ever be a fully electric vehicle in American Toyota dealerships? Maybe in the future, but right now Toyota wants to stick to its guns, which is making reliable cars and trusting its process. You can still find hybrids made by Toyota, but you’ll have to wait for an EV.
A New Platform Gives BMW More Electric Vehicle Confidence Than Ever
There’s no reason for BMW not to show confidence in the electric vehicle market. This is the brand that brought us the venerable i8 and interesting i3 models.
Will 2023 Be the Time to Finally Buy a Car?
The past few years have been tough on the new and used car markets. From supply chain issues to price increases and production slowdowns, buying a car has not been easy. But 2023 is a new year, and many experts predict more stability and lower prices. So, is 2023 the time to finally head to used car dealers and buy a car? Let’s take a closer look at what we might see coming in the auto industry.
Subscribe for Speed? Mercedes-Benz EV has a New Acceleration Increase Package – And Nobody Seems to be Happy About it
It started with car loans – breaking up a big purchase into smaller, more manageable payments over a longer period of time. Then, it became additional features – Bluetooth connections and customizable radio packages that enhance your driving experience.
Now, it’s speed – by paying more, your car can drive faster, and its engine performs better, according to a new package being rolled out at Mercedes dealer locations that sell EQE models. But what does that actually mean for drivers, BMW as a company, and the future of vehicle subscriptions?
What the Acceleration Increase Package Actually Does
The Acceleration Increase Package is a $1,200 per year subscription that makes acceleration quicker and improves torque for Mercedes-Benz’s EV models. For some, like the EQE 350 4Matic SUV, this can make a vehicle go 0-60mph in 5 seconds instead of 6.
That’s a pretty big improvement in acceleration and performance, and it’s one that anyone who enjoys fast cars would love! It’s also a great selling point for a luxury vehicle brand – you’re already visiting a Mercedes dealer for a good car, so why not get a package that makes it even better?
Here’s the problem: the hardware and technology are already in the vehicle from when you buy it. You just can’t use it until you pay an additional fee. BMW already made vehicles able to run this well – they just won’t sell them to you as-is.
If that sounds strange or unfair to you, you’re not alone. Subscription services for vehicles have already been getting negative feedback, and BMW’s latest package is just one of many.
BMW’s Other Packages and Subscription Attempts
BMW isn’t the first vehicle manufacturer to offer subscription services related to pre-installed features. Earlier in 2022, for example, GM announced a mandatory OnStar subscription for models like Buick and Cadillac.
This isn’t even the first package or feature BMW has provided for a monthly fee! Features like heated seats and steering wheels, as well as dash cam access, have either a one-time or monthly cost for BMW drivers. The company also had plans to charge vehicle owners a subscription fee for the use of Apple CarPlay, but ended up scrapping them.
So if this isn’t the first vehicle subscription service the company has tried to push onto consumers, the real question to ask is this: will it be the last?
The Future of Subscription Services and Laws for Vehicles
Earlier in 2022, New Jersey lawmakers began introducing legislation to ban vehicle subscription services just like the one BMW is offering. The bill would specifically prohibit automakers and dealers from charging ongoing fees for hardware that’s already present in vehicles at the time of purchase.
This means that not only would BMW be unable to offer the Acceleration Increase Package, but Mercedes dealers wouldn’t be able to tack on their own fees once vehicles are in their showrooms.
Is this the future of EVs that manufacturers intended? Or is it merely an unfortunate sign of the times? Hopefully, it’s the latter, and new laws and negative feedback can help carmakers make positive changes away from this trend.
10 Tips for Test Driving an EV
Whether it’s your first time or the hundredth time when test driving an EV, the experience is different from a traditional vehicle.
Bouncing Back: GM Decides to Continue Discount Incentive for Chevy Bolt Through End of 2022
Good news for people interested in the Chevy Bolt – GM has decided to continue the multi-thousand dollar discount for purchasing the Bolt EV and EUV through the end of 2022 instead of just August.
But while this may seem like great news, there’s more happening here. From recalls at Chevrolet dealer locations to tax credit changes, there’s a lot to talk about with the Chevy Bolt and its discount.
Chevy Bolt’s Bad Reputation
People keeping up with the latest from General Motors may remember that the company had to recall every Chevy Bolt made between 2019 and 2022. Reports said it was due to battery fires caused by defects in LG’s manufacturing of the batteries.
While GM acted swiftly by removing even brand new Bolts on the lots of Chevrolet dealers and communicating with anyone who’d purchased affected vehicles, this still left many customers unhappy and tanked the reputation of the Chevy Bolt.
Even though the situation has been resolved, GM may have decided to sell the rest of the available 2022 Bolt and Bolt EUVs at a reduced price to smooth things over for customers.
Price Changes and Incentives
So what is the big discount the Chevy Bolt is getting? Just under $6,000 for the Bolt and close to $6,500 for the EUV. This means a base model Bolt would cost $26,000 new, while the baseline Bolt EUV is $28,000. This includes the $1,000 destination fee for delivering the vehicle to a Chevrolet dealer near you.
This discount makes the Chevy Bolt the most affordable EV currently on the market. The new price beats out EVs from manufacturers like Nissan, which used to be known for their affordability.
It’s only guaranteed until December 31st, 2022, so buyers must act quickly to take advantage of the new affordable pricing.
The Future for the Bolt
But that leaves the question of what will happen to the Bolt after this promotional incentive ends.
GM, like Tesla, no longer has the EV tax credit to fall back on to provide incentives for consumers to transition to electric vehicles without paying more out of pocket or reducing manufacturer profit. A new Inflation Reduction Act may help create a new EV-specific credit, but there’s no guarantee that it’s coming any time soon.
This means that the Chevy Bolt’s bad reputation and lack of incentives may hurt its chances of survival in 2023 and beyond. It may be discontinued like the Volt. Or maybe it will survive as a less-desirable EV option.
Either way, it’s important to remember that if you want a Chevy Bolt, this is the best time to get one. They’ve been heavily inspected and repaired after the battery issues they faced, and the current discount available shaves thousands of dollars off the sale price.
Now may be the only good time to head down to your local Chevrolet dealer and find out what you can do to get an affordable Chevy Bolt or Bolt EUV.
Chevy Has Revealed Their 2024 Blazer EV
Chevy has unveiled Its electrified 2024 Blazer EV, and It’s undeniably everything drivers want out of quality crafted and high-performing electric vehicles.
GMC Offers First Look Into Its Third All Electric Vehicle, the Sierra Denali
GMC is well on its way to featuring an all-eclectic fleet by 2030. The all-American car maker has offered consumers its first glimpse into the all-electric Sierra Denali. Models of the Denali including the GMC Sierra 1500 will be the only trim in the Sierra model that is fully electric. It will join the ranks as the third all-electric vehicle offered by GMC, sitting pretty right alongside the GMC Hummer EV SUV and the GMC Hummer EV pickup.
The first glimpse of the electrified Denali is as futuristic as it gets with the front and LED lights display being as beautiful as you would imagine. GMC vice president Duncan Aldridge promises that the “Sierra Denali holds tremendous equity for GMC and our customers.” Aldred adds, “We now have an opportunity to evolve Sierra’s capabilities and technologies, as afforded by transitioning to an all-electric propulsion while also elevating the luxurious design and comfort associated with Denali.”
Built on GMC’s Ultium Platform
Partnering with LG Energy Solutions, GM has built one of the most powerful electric vehicle platforms on the market, the Ultium Platform. This intentionally designed EV platform utilizes state-of-the-art technology so that you have the ultimate experience with your electric vehicle. The Denali, along with the other EVs in GMC’s portfolio, will be built using the power of Ultium.
What Does the GMC Denali EV Have to Offer?
GMC’s third all-electric vehicle is expected to offer everything drivers want in a powerful all-electric truck. Because it will be built on GM’s Ultium battery, it is expected to offer up to 400 miles in range on a single charge. This is a punch more than what the Hummer EV currently offers with its 350 mile range on a single charge.
Going off of what the current model of the Denali already has to offer, it’s expected that the Denali EV will feature a rear-wheel drive 1 motor set up as the standard. Drivers can expect to have the option of an all-wheel drive with a 2 motor setup as well. Much like the Hummer EV, there is the possibility that the Denali could allow drivers to choose a 3 motor setup as well.
Following the path of the other V’s in GMC’s portfolio, it’s expected that the Denali EV will offer equally impressive tech and safety features as well. One such feature is the Supercruise capability which allows drivers to have full hands-free driver assistance. Along with this, drivers can expect higher quality connectivity options, and enhanced comfort features too.
When it comes to the exterior, much like GMC’s current Denali models, drivers can look forward to a futuristic and sleek design that still incorporates that aggressive and iconic look of a Denali.
When Will the GMC Sierra Denali EV Be Unveiled?
GMC is planning to unveil the all-electric GMC Sierra 1500 Denali in 2023. The company has announced that the Denali will be assembled in GMC’s Factory ZERO assembly plant which is based in Detroit and Hamtramck, Michigan.
Hyundai Seeks Top EV Branding Through Global EV Maintenance Workshop
The Hyundai Motor Company just took a huge step in ensuring that your local Hyundai dealer is ready for the maintenance demands of the evolving popularity of electric vehicles. The company held an EV Tech Lab in Seoul (June 28 to July 6) designed to brand Hyundai as the top EV maker. This effort should come as no surprise to EV enthusiasts, as Hyundai has been making some waves in the electric world.
EV Maintenance
Even though traditional gas-powered vehicles have seen a number of updates over the years, mechanics have been able to easily meet the demand for service. Electric vehicles are a completely different system that might make many mechanics feel outdated or ill-equipped.
The EV Tech Lab includes interactive courses based on actual cases and needs. Participants were able to visit several key Hyundai sites, including the Uslan plan, Motorstudio, and more. The courses were led by experts from the Hyundai Motor Company and instructed key maintenance professionals from multiple countries across the world.
Building A Better Brand
As more drivers move towards electric vehicles, having the right kind of maintenance programs in place is key. While many manufacturers are jumping into the EV game, the ones that can offer the most comprehensive service and maintenance programs will stand out on top. Hyundai wants to get a jump on the game and become the authoritative name in the EV service industry.
Hyundai doesn’t just want to be known as the premier EV manufacturer worldwide; it also wants to equip its entire team to meet the demands of the electric future. That means updating certification training for mechanics at regional and local Hyundai dealer locations.
Leading the EV Market
While everyone seems to be offering EVs these days, Hyundai is taking a solid part of the market share with a full line-up of hybrid, plug-in hybrid, and fully electric options. One of the most exciting additions to Hyundai dealer locations is the new Ioniq 5. This EV is pushing the boundaries to what’s possible and looks good doing it. More importantly, the Ioniq nameplate is going to have several brand new vehicles hit the road in the coming years.
Hyundai has some work to do if it wants to catch the name-recognition of EV automakers like Tesla, but it’s certainly taking all of the right steps. Taking on the role of teaching and training others on EV service and maintenance, Hyundai is showing itself as a true contender for EV king of the road.
If you’re interested to see what kind of innovative technologies are coming to the road, stop by your local Hyundai dealer. The future is bright, and Hyundai wants to lead the way.