Electric Vehicles & Cars News - Page 2

All the latest electric cars (EV) and ICE cars news covering new and upcoming releases and technologies to hit the market - Page 2.

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Tesla engineer responds to claims Cybertruck's are rusting in the rain

Jak Connor | Feb 21, 2024 4:56 AM CST

Last week, a small group of Cybertruck owners took to forums to report tiny orange speckles forming on the exterior of their Cybertruck, which at the time was widely reported as "rusting".

Tesla engineer responds to claims Cybertruck's are rusting in the rain

These new Cybertruck owners took some photos of the orange speckling as pictured above, and others referred to the new electric pick-up truck's manual, which states the exterior of the vehicle is subject to contamination. One owner said they were warned by Tesla staff when they were picking up their vehicle that there was a possibility the up to $99,900 vehicle could rust in the rain.

Now, a Tesla engineer who has been at the company for more than 13 years, per his LinkedIn account, has responded to the claims of Cybertruck exteriors rusting. Cybertruck engineer Wes Morrill took to X to say the orange spots some owners are complaining about are actually caused by metal particles either from the manufacturing factory or the railway when they were transported. Morrill further explained that when "free iron" sits on the stainless steel exterior of the Cybertruck, it will "rust", but it is only "surface contamination" that can be "cleaned off easily".

Continue reading: Tesla engineer responds to claims Cybertruck's are rusting in the rain (full post)

Cybertruck's are already rusting despite being stainless steel

Jak Connor | Feb 15, 2024 12:02 AM CST

A group of Tesla Cybertruck owners have taken to social platforms to share images of their Cybertruck's developing rust from what appears to be just rain.

Cybertruck's are already rusting despite being stainless steel

One Cybertruck owner called Raxar took to the Cybertruckownersclub forum to say that when they picked up their Cybertruck from their respective Tesla dealership, the advisor specifically told them the vehicle is prone to developing orange rust marks on its exterior if it's exposed to the rain. According to Raxar, these orange rust marks need to be buffed out. Another Cybertruck owner took to the same forum to share some images of what appears to be corrosion developing following the vehicle being exposed to the Los Angeles rain, cold weather, and some sunlight.

The Cybertruck owner said they washed to make sure the specs weren't just dirt, and since they stayed present on the metal, the owner booked a service appointment. According to the Cybertruck owner an individual at the facility said they have a "procedure/guidance for how to fix it, but they don't have the tools on hand, nor have they done this repair before." Notably, this Cybertruck owner had only clocked 381 miles on it during the 11 days they had it their custody.

Continue reading: Cybertruck's are already rusting despite being stainless steel (full post)

The Apple Car project suffers another setback as key executive leaves for Rivian

Oliver Haslam | Jan 28, 2024 3:29 AM CST

The Apple Car project, known internally as Project Titan, has had something of a difficult life over the years. The project has reportedly gone through a variety of incarnations with a number of executives and engineers moving through the project. It still isn't 100% clear whether the project will ever turn into a vehicle that can be bought, but Apple seems reticent to drop it completely after spending so long - and presumably so much money -on the project. Now, it's reported that Apple has lost yet another executive.

The Apple Car project suffers another setback as key executive leaves for Rivian

Writing for Bloomberg, Apple-focused reporter Mark Gurman says that Apple has lost a key executive to a competitor in the form of Rivian, a company that has been making popular electric vehicles for some time. DJ Novotney was reportedly involved in the Apple Car project since the beginning and was a vice president of hardware engineering before informing colleagues of his decision to leave the company this past Friday. Novotney will reportedly take over as senior vice president of vehicle programs at Rivian.

Gurman reports that Novotney worked at Apple for almost 25 years before his decision to leave and that he was instrumental in the development of a number of Apple's most iconic products including the iPod and iPhone. He was also chosen to lead the development of the iPad, too. It's also reported that he was part of the Apple Watch launch which speaks to how integral he has been in a number of huge launches for Apple. It's easy to see why he would have been chosen to be involved in the Apple Car project, but that involvement will now come to an end.

Continue reading: The Apple Car project suffers another setback as key executive leaves for Rivian (full post)

Apple Car delayed until 2028, less ambitious design with downgrade to Level 2+ autonomy

Anthony Garreffa | Jan 24, 2024 8:01 PM CST

Apple is making significant changes to its electric vehicle (EV) project, with a far less complex design and delaying its release into 2028 at least.

Apple Car delayed until 2028, less ambitious design with downgrade to Level 2+ autonomy

The new information on the Apple Car project is coming from Bloomberg, where they've had sources that are "familiar with the situation," as always. Apple has hosted board meetings about its EV project, limiting its electric vehicle's autonomous features and downgrading its EV to Level 2+ autonomy. Previously, Apple planned to build a fully driverless car without a steering wheel or pedals... not anymore.

Level 2+ autonomy allows drivers to briefly take their hands off the wheel with adaptive cruise control, self-parking features, and lane-centering control. We already see that in multiple cars on the market, with most autonomous vehicles peaking at Level 2, while Mercedes-Benz received approval for Level 3 autonomous driving systems in late 2023.

Continue reading: Apple Car delayed until 2028, less ambitious design with downgrade to Level 2+ autonomy (full post)

The new 2024 Lincoln Nautilus luxury SUV features 48-inch 4K screen across entire dashboard

Anthony Garreffa | Jan 22, 2024 10:34 PM CST

The new 2024 Lincoln Nautilus will feature a huge 48-inch 4K screen that will cover the entire dashboard. It will join its 11-inch center panel, with the company explaining its new system will have increased flexibility and efficiency while maintaining safety.

The new 2024 Lincoln Nautilus luxury SUV features 48-inch 4K screen across entire dashboard

Ford places the 48-inch panel under the windshield so that it minimizes the distance that drivers need to shift their eyes to look at the display, which minimizes distraction. You won't be reaching over to touch it, as the 2024 Lincoln Nautilus' new 48-inch display isn't touch-capable.

All the controls are on the steering wheel, and the middle 11-inch display contains all the important driving information you need to see.

Continue reading: The new 2024 Lincoln Nautilus luxury SUV features 48-inch 4K screen across entire dashboard (full post)

Polestar isn't getting ready of Apple CarPlay or Android Auto any time soon

Oliver Haslam | Jan 12, 2024 1:15 PM CST

With some carmakers like General Motors starting to turn their back on in-car entertainment options like Apple's CarPlay and Google's Android Auto, some had worried whether that would be a growing trend. Companies like Tesla prefer to offer their own in-car entertainment systems and have all of their owners use that exclusively while offering apps like Google Maps and Apple Music themselves. However, Polestar says that it won't be one of those ditching iPhone and Android connectivity any time soon.

Polestar isn't getting ready of Apple CarPlay or Android Auto any time soon

Polestar CEO Thomas Ingenlath was speaking with TechCrunch when he said that the company believes it's too important to offer customers a choice for it to ditch any of the phone-mirroring options available today. Polestar currently uses an in-car system that is powered by Google, and while Polestar believes that offers the best experience, he believes that it isn't in Polestar's best interest to try and dictate to drivers how they listen to music or use their favorite mapping systems.

The approach is a refreshing one in an industry where carmakers don't have a reputation for flexibility. CarPlay and Android Auto offer ways for drivers to connect their phones either using a cable or wirelessly and then access their apps via a large touchscreen. It's safer and easier for drivers to use those apps than try to use their phone while driving, and in many cases, the apps offered simply aren't available via the car's built-in software.

Continue reading: Polestar isn't getting ready of Apple CarPlay or Android Auto any time soon (full post)

Switchblade Flying Sports Car transforms from a luxury road vehicle into a plane

Kosta Andreadis | Jan 10, 2024 7:02 PM CST

Samson Sky has been working in the Switchblade Flying Sports Car for a while now. After its first successful flight on November 5, 2023 - the company is launching a crowdfunding investment campaign to 'get into the production phase' for its for-real flying car.

Switchblade Flying Sports Car transforms from a luxury road vehicle into a plane

The Switchblade Flying Sports Car runs on unleaded auto fuel, and with the wings folded in, it's a three-wheeled sports car with a high-tech and luxury interior that's legal and safe to drive on the road. According to Samson Sky, you could drive the Switchblade from your garage to a local airport, where the wings swing out in under three minutes, and the tail extends - ready to take to the skies.

Samson Sky notes that it has over 2300 reservations from across the globe from those interested in picking up a Switchblade, with $10 million raised prior to this new campaign and orders of $472 million.

Continue reading: Switchblade Flying Sports Car transforms from a luxury road vehicle into a plane (full post)

Tesla releases 'Cybertruck in 60 seconds' video showcasing its main features

Jak Connor | Jan 9, 2024 10:33 AM CST

Tesla has released a video on its YouTube channel showcasing what appears to be the most attractive features of the recently-started shipping Cybertruck.

Tesla releases 'Cybertruck in 60 seconds' video showcasing its main features

The video was posted to Tesla's official YouTube channel and was originally titled "Cybertruck in 60 seconds", but it has since had its title changed to "Cybertruck Features," which was more accurately named. The video shows a fast-paced series of demonstrations of the main Cybertruck features, starting off with the storage in the back of the pick-up truck, 120/240V outlets, touchscreens, 15 speakers, 2 subwoofers, 11,000 lbs of towing capacity, which is demonstrated with footage of Cybertruck towing a SpaceX Raptor engine.

The video continues to show the Cybertruck's adaptive air suspension, which can increase its height. There are also 4-wheel-steering capabilities, steer by wire, a 2,500-pound payload capacity, lockable storage, and, of course, speed. Tesla's Cybertruck, despite its weight, is able to reach 60 mph in just 2.6 seconds. The video doesn't showcase absolutely everything within the Cybertruck, but if you are interested, I highly recommend watching the video below by Marques Brownlee (MKBHD), who has spent extensive time with one and reviewed it.

Continue reading: Tesla releases 'Cybertruck in 60 seconds' video showcasing its main features (full post)

Phillips showcases new smart lock that makes the palm of your hand a key

Jak Connor | Jan 9, 2024 2:31 AM CST

Have you ever wondered if you could use the palm of your hand as a key? Well, now you can, thanks to Phillips' Wi-Fi Palm Recognition Smart Deadbolt that was unveiled at CES 2024.

Phillips showcases new smart lock that makes the palm of your hand a key

The new smart lock comes with a price tag of $359.99 and features such as the ability to save 50 palm vein pattern variations across all ages to the device. The device connects with the Phillips mobile app, which enables the smart lock to double as a doorbell. There is a bell button located at the base of the smart lock that, when pressed, sends a notification to a user's Phillips mobile app, informing them someone is at the door.

As for the inside of the Wi-Fi Palm Recognition Smart Deadbolt, users will find the device has multiple sensors designed to detect when an individual is reaching for the handle. Once detection has been made, it will automatically unlock the door and then lock it again once the individual has left. Notably, the Wi-Fi Palm Recognition Smart Deadbolt is also compatible with Amazon Alexa and Google Assistant, which enables voice commands to control the smart lock.

Continue reading: Phillips showcases new smart lock that makes the palm of your hand a key (full post)

Sony drives its new electric car onto CES 2024 stage using a PlayStation controller

Jak Connor | Jan 9, 2024 12:21 AM CST

With CES 2024 in full swing, Sony, partnered with Honda, has taken to the stage to show off the new iteration of their Afeela EV.

Sony drives its new electric car onto CES 2024 stage using a PlayStation controller

The Afeela has been a highlight at CES since 2023 and is even more impressive this year. At first glance, the car might have looked to be driving itself onto the stage until a wider perspective reveals that it was driven there using Sony's own PlayStation 5 Dualsense controller.

The car was driven on stage by Sony Honda Mobility president and COO Izumi Kawanishi, who was on stage with the DualSense controller operating the vehicle. The ability to drive the car using a PlayStation DualSense controller is more novel than anything else. It is not to imply any evidence of a PlayStation-controlled car coming sometime in the future but just an act of spectacle for those in attendance at CES. This was backed up by Kawanishi's comment that it was just "for the purpose of the tech showcase".

Continue reading: Sony drives its new electric car onto CES 2024 stage using a PlayStation controller (full post)