NHTSA says no to EV driver-selectable pedestrian sounds

2023 BMW i7New rules require electric cars and hybrids to emit warning sounds at low speeds, but federal regulators won't let drivers choose their own sounds. The rules were created to address the lack of engine noise in so-called "quiet cars," mandating alternative artificial sounds at speeds below 18.6 mph to make these cars easier for pedestrians...

2023 Toyota Crown sedan debuts with Hybrid Max muscle and SUV duds

2023 Toyota CrownThe 2023 Toyota Crown will be the first model in the U.S. to offer the automaker's Hybrid Max performance-hybrid system, which drives the wheels directly with electric motor torque both at the front and rear, Toyota revealed early Friday. What’s the Crown, you ask? If you take a look at the full-size Avalon Hybrid sedan, you already have a...

US states finalize EV charging plans, as alternative fuel corridors take form

Porsche Taycan coast-to-coast record for least charging timeStates and the federal government are closer to finalizing plans for new federal EV charging infrastructure. Several states are working to submit plans ahead of a September 30 deadline to receive funds from the National Electric Vehicle Infrastructure Formula Program (NEVI), according to Transport Topics. States were asked to submit plans for NEVI...

GM and Pilot plan a 350-kw coast-to-coast charging network

GMC Hummer EV at Pilot travel centerOver the next several years, up to 500 DC fast-charging stations will be installed across the country at Pilot and Flying J travel centers, as part of a collaboration with GM and EVgo announced Thursday. While the number of chargers at each station will vary, all will be 350-kw CCS-format, with the bulk of them installed from 2023 to 2025, and the...

Cadillac Celestiq flagship teased ahead of July 22 debut

Cadillac Celestiq teaserAnother veil lifted on the Cadillac Celestiq electric flagship sedan. General Motors on Wednesday revealed more teaser images of the show car that will debut on July 22. The show car reflects all the possibility of the Celestiq production vehicle. The teaser image shows a long, low-slung fastback with a long dash-to-axle ratio and traditional...

Charge-bot could turn any parking spot into an EV charging space

Ziggy EV charging robot kioskFinding space for fixed EV chargers can be difficult, so one startup aims to make chargers mobile. EV Safe Charge recently previewed a mobile charging robot called Ziggy that drivers will be able to summon using a smartphone app or their car's infotainment system. The robot finds the car, plugs in, and then returns to a staging area to be...