Toyota developing in-wheel electric motors

2025 Toyota Crown SigniaToyota has filed a new patent application for in-wheel electric motors, indicating the automaker is still working on this tech. The patent application was published by the United States Patent and Trademark Office (USPTO) Jul. 18, 2024, and originally filed by Toyota Oct. 30, 2023. It deals specifically with a gear-case design that uses two...

Ford tackling aero efficiency with deployable roof rack rails

Ford deployable roof rail patent imageFord is looking to patent roof rails and roof racks that can stow away when not in use, helping to reduce aerodynamic drag and potentially improving fuel economy or EV range. These potential aero-improving features were detailed in separate patent applications published by the United States Patent and Trademark Office (USPTO) July 11, 2024, and...

Fastest charge? Zeekr claims 10-80% charge in 10.5 minutes

2024 Zeekr 007Chinese EV brand Zeekr claims new batteries debuting in its 007 electric sedan can support the world's fastest charging rates. These batteries allow vehicles to charge from 10% to 80% in as little as 10.5 minutes at normal temperatures, Zeekr announced this week. Even at temperatures as low as 14 degrees Fahrenheit, Zeekr claims a 10%-80% charge...

JD Power: Charging satisfaction is on the rise

Tesla chargingDC fast-charging usage has improved, according to Power Ease of charging and payment acceptance were the biggest differentiator between Tesla's network and others Some 19% of those surveyed said they'd encountered inoperable chargers Customer satisfaction with public EV charging continues to improve, with Tesla remaining on top, according to a new...

EVgo aims to improve charging reliability

EVgo charging stationsEVgo is looking to tackle the issue of charging reliability with upgraded hardware and more extensive diagnostics. In a press release, EVgo said it was making progress in bringing its public chargers up to date. Since 2022, the company says it has upgraded, replaced, or decommissioned older equipment at more than 500 charging spots in over 20...

Mazda EZ-6 electric sedan confirmed as brand’s first global EV

2025 Mazda EZ-6Mazda on Tuesday announced that the EZ-6 electric sedan will be its first global-market EV. Mazda revealed this sedan in April in China, and at that time it didn't provide information about whether it would be offered for any other markets. But in a press release Mazda said the EZ-6 will be "officially launched in the fall of 2024 as a global...

Cadillac Lyriq AWD recalled for potential brake failure

2023 Cadillac LyriqGeneral Motors is recalling 2023-2024 Cadillac Lyriq electric SUVs over potential unexpected activation of anti-lock braking systems (ABS). The recall encompasses 21,469 vehicles in the U.S., all with the dual-motor all-wheel-drive powertrain. Single-motor rear-wheel-drive models are not affected. The recalled vehicles may have overly sensitive...

Audi slashes EV interest rates, but Tesla Y can cost a lot less

2024 Audi Q4 E-TronCurrent Audi EV financing undercuts Tesla, but it may still be possible to get a better deal overall from the U.S. automaker, reports CarsDirect. A recent dealer bulletin showed 0.99% financing on all 2024 Audi EVs for up to 60 months, compared to rates of 2.99% to 6.49% for most of the brand's other models. It also undercuts the 1.99% rate Tesla...

Ford Fusion Hybrid, Lincoln MKZ Hybrid get do-not-drive warning

New 2010 Ford Fusion HybridFord on Tuesday issued a do-not-drive warning to owners of Fusion Hybrid, Mercury Milan Hybrid, and Lincoln MKZ Hybrid sedans who did not have defective Takata airbags replaced under three previous recalls. The automaker issued its first Takata airbag recall in 2015. Like many other automakers, Ford was supplied airbags by Japanese firm Takata...

2025 Genesis GV60 gets less expensive base AWD model

2025 Genesis GV60The 2025 Genesis GV60 receives minor changes and a minor price increase for its third model year on sale in the U.S., Genesis announced last week. Wireless Apple CarPlay and Android Auto are now available, along with a new Capri Blue exterior paint color. The 19-inch-wheel option for all-wheel-drive models has also been broken out into its own…