Google Maps’ eco-friendly routing: Like taking 250,000 cars off the road?

Traffic in Los Angeles on Google MapsGoogle Maps is helping reduce vehicle emissions through more efficient routing, the company claims. In October 2021, Google debuted a feature for Maps that allows drivers to select routes based on estimated fuel efficiency. Since launch, drivers have used this feature to prevent 1.2 million metric tons of estimated carbon emissions, equivalent to...

Republicans in the Battery Belt are seeking to block EV mandates

Factory Zero - GM Detroit-Hamtramck revamped for EVsRepublican lawmakers are seeking to block stricter emissions rules that would require more EVs, even as many Republican-led states stand to benefit from new manufacturing jobs related to the EV boom. A bill in the House of Representatives called the Preserving Choice in Vehicle Purchases Act was introduced in March and advanced from the House...

California station can charge up to 40 electric motor coaches

Proterra charging site for electric buses in Newark, CaliforniaElectric bus manufacturer Proterra and motor coach operator ABC Companies recently announced what the companies claim is the largest charging facility for motor coaches—larger, more luxurious buses designed for longer trips than urban transit buses—in North America. Located on a 3.5-acre site in Newark, California, the facility has 20...

Stellantis confirms second US battery factory with Samsung SDI

Ram 1500 REVStellantis announced early Monday that it plans a second U.S. battery plant to help support American EV production. With a memorandum of understanding signed between Stellantis and Samsung SDI Monday, the companies seek to start production at the facility in 2027 and “an initial annual production capacity of 34 gigawatt-hours.” But the...

Here’s why EVs don’t lose as much range in hot-weather A/C use

2023 Nissan LeafEV range loss in cold weather is well documented, but EVs may have an advantage over internal-combustion cars when driving in hot weather with the air conditioning blasting. Recurrent, which produces battery health reports for used EVs, analyzed data from 7,500 vehicles to see if hot temperatures and air conditioner use affected range. The...

Jeep Wrangler 4xe plug-in hybrid costs less to lease than non-hybrid

2023 Jeep Wrangler Willys 4xeIn California, Jeep is currently offering a lease of the Wrangler 4xe for about $100 per month less than one of the equivalent non-hybrid Wrangler that bears a lower sticker price. Looking at the overall effective monthly cost (including cash due at signing), the deal spotted by CarsDirect amounts to $399 a month for 36 months with $4,499 due at...

Study: Owner satisfaction is down for Tesla, up for other EVs

Tesla chargingA new J.D. Power study shows a decline in Tesla owner satisfaction, but an increase for other EVs. The annual J.D. Power Automotive Performance, Execution, and Layout (APEAL) study measures customer satisfaction for the first 90 days of ownership, based on a survey covering 37 vehicle attributes. With a score of 878 out of 1,000 points, Tesla...

2024 Hyundai Santa Fe Hybrid lineup looks optimized for the outdoors

2024 Hyundai Santa FeThe redesigned Hyundai Santa Fe broke cover earlier this week with a more outdoorsy exterior that will likely pair with hybrid and plug-in hybrid powertrains. Expected to reach U.S. showrooms for the 2024 model year, this fifth-generation Santa Fe goes in a different styling direction than previous generations, with a boxy profile and angular...

All four Audi electric SUVs achieve top IIHS safety ratings

2024 Audi Q8 E-TronEvery Audi electric SUV has received the highest Top Safety Pick+ award from the Insurance Institute for Highway Safety (IIHS). The safety award applies to all current-model-year Audi electric SUVs. That means the 2023 Audi Q4 E-Tron and Q4 Sportback E-Tron, as well as the 2024 Audi Q8 E-Tron and Q8 E-Tron Sportback. The Q8 E-Tron models are...

All 4 Audi electric SUVs achieve top IIHS safety ratings

2024 Audi Q8 E-TronEvery Audi electric SUV has received the highest Top Safety Pick+ award from the Insurance Institute for Highway Safety (IIHS). The safety award applies to all current model year Audi electric SUVs, including the 2023 Audi Q4 E-Tron and Q4 Sportback E-Tron, as well as the 2024 Audi Q8 E-Tron and Q8 E-Tron Sportback. The Q8 E-Tron models are...