2021
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Hybrid-system software could trigger a shutdown of the powertrain while driving in EV mode in cold temperatures, Toyota says.
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VW recalls some ID.4 EVs for drive-system issue
In affected vehicles, software may cause a sudden loss of power while driving, due to a reset battery management control or deactivated inverter.
Stephen Edelstein -
2021-2022 VW ID.4 gets long-awaited software upgrade
Unlike Tesla or Polestar, this won't be an over-the-air update that can be done in an owner's driveway; it will require a dealership visit and the replacement of the 12-volt battery.
Stephen Edelstein -
Tesla hits mute on "Boombox" feature, was drowning out federally mandated pedestrian warning sounds
The EV maker will issue an over-the-air software update to disable Boombox mode while vehicles are in drive, neutral, or reverse.
Stephen Edelstein -
Tesla Model S Plaid gets Nürburgring-tuned Track Mode for better cooling
Tesla has put the focus on cooling in a new Track Mode for the Model S Plaid, also boosting torque vectoring and adding a more aggressive suspension calibration.
Stephen Edelstein -
Tesla Model Y base price breaks $60,000, tops original price of Model S
As of Friday, the Tesla Model Y has an entry price that's $17,000 higher than it was earlier in the year. It's now also topped the original Model S entry price of $57,400.
Stephen Edelstein -
The Model 3 gets a modest range boost but costs $7,000 more than earlier in the year. Is Tesla making room for a new LFP base models?
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Review update: 2021 Kia Sorento Hybrid EX delivers value and nearly 40 mpg
The Sorento Hybrid delivers on its efficiency claims and interior comfort, but you’ll need to overlook some awkward bits.
Joel Feder -
Top versions of Lucid Air will be first in US with lidar, company claims
Lucid is betting on lidar as part of a full suite of sensors to be used by its top DreamDrive Pro hardware set for assisted-driving features.
Stephen Edelstein -
First drive review: 2021 Ford Mustang Mach-E GT upgrades performance without losing range
The 2021 Ford Mustang Mach-E GT offers a significant boost in power and acceleration over the standard Mach-E, but does so without sacrificing any of the Mach-E's 270 miles of estimated range.
Brian Wong -
Toyota Mirai hydrogen fuel-cell car goes 845 miles between fills—driven very slowly
Just as with battery electric cars, driving the Mirai fuel-cell EV very slowly accomplishes far more than its rated range.
Stephen Edelstein -
Tesla raises Model 3 and Model Y base prices by $2,000
That makes the Model 3 Standard Range Plus a whopping $5,000 more than it was priced just earlier in the year.
Stephen Edelstein -
Ford is exploring fleet use of its electric vehicles, such as the Mustang Mach-E, in law enforcement.
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Tesla Model S steering yoke is a pain and possible safety concern, says Consumer Reports
The consumer publication warns that Tesla's yoke could be difficult—and potentially dangerous—even after getting used to it.
Stephen Edelstein -
First VW ID.4 electric car made at Chattanooga; mass production starts in 2022
The ID.4 launched in the U.S. earlier this year, but vehicles sold so far have been sourced from Zwickau, Germany.
Stephen Edelstein -
First drive review: 2021 Hyundai Santa Fe Hybrid finds a new middle ground for efficient family SUVs
The 2021 Hyundai Santa Fe Hybrid is rated at 32 mpg combined and is a pleasant-driving alternative sized between the Toyota RAV4 and Highlander Hybrids.
Joel Feder -
Lucid Air: EV-focused Pirelli tires help enable range, performance, refinement
Pirelli has revealed more about special performance tires co-developed with Lucid for the Air electric luxury sedan.
Stephen Edelstein -
Evasive Motorsports' modified Tesla Model 3 readies for a run at Pikes Peak glory
Evasive Motorsports is heading to Pikes Peak with a modified Telsa Model 3, with the stated goal of breaking the production EV record.
Brian Wong -
The pending arrival of Kia's next-generation EV6 hasn't changed the presentation of its Niro EV for 2021, although it gets a few new features.
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Tesla Model 3 and Model Y: Safety-sensor transition is costing ratings, causing confusion
In the transition to Tesla Vision, Tesla is temporarily pulling some features from its Model 3 and Model Y—and safety agencies are pulling their accolades and ratings.
Stephen Edelstein -
36-mpg Toyota Sienna Hybrid is the basis for the highest-mileage wheelchair-accessible van
Those needing a wheelchair-accessible van need not settle for gas-guzzling vans; BraunAbility put 55,000 hours into the conversion of the 36-mpg Sienna.
Stephen Edelstein -
BMW X5 plug-in hybrid is shod with sustainably sourced natural rubber
Natural rubber and wood-based nylon are ingredients for special sustainable tires in the X5 xDrive45e PHEV.
Stephen Edelstein -
Plug-in hybrid SUV lease deal: Jeep Wrangler 4xe costs much less than Toyota RAV4 Prime
The Wrangler plug-in hybrid only goes about half as far as the RAV4 Prime all-electric, but the off-road-capable PHEV costs a lot less to lease.
Stephen Edelstein -
Ford Mustang Mach-E software updates will bring Amazon Alexa voice commands, creativity tools
Ford is calling the software updates Power-Up and will be rolling them out to other vehicles soon, including the Ford F-150 Lightning electric pickup.
Stephen Edelstein