Electric Vehicles & Cars - Page 8

Anyone interested can now place a $990 refundable deposit for the $41,900 Electric Moke California. Moke wants to reinvigorate the Mini Moke's legacy, but with a focus on supporting electrified models. This will be the first Moke model for the US auto market since 1982.

The Californian will be manufactured in the UK, and then the rear-wheel drive model with an electric 44-horsepower motor will ship to the US. Drivers will be able to accelerate 0-34mph in 4.3 seconds. The original Moke Californian was sold in the US from 1977 until 1982, with the automaker promoting these qualities: fun, freedom, and fresh air.

The Moke Californian has a top speed of 50mph but is promoted as a highway-legal vehicle - and has a range of up to 80 miles on a single charge. A Type 1 charger will take four hours to finish a full charge.

Italian luxury automaker Lamborghini is sold out completely through 2023 and right into 2024, according to CEO Stephan Winkelmann. For a company that specializes in limited numbers of vehicles produced each year, this certainly isn't the worst position Lamborghini finds itself in.

Here is what Stephan said while interviewed by FOX Business: "We already have 18-19 months waiting period for a new car. We are selling more cars than we are able to produce."

Through the first three quarters of 2022 (January to September), the luxury automaker matched the 2020 sales year (7,430 models sold) - Lamborghini's second-best sales tally. Judging by the current vehicle lineup - and the fact that they already have unreleased cars selling thousands of units - Lamborghini will continue to see success over the next couple of years.

Republican Senate candidate Herschel Walker recently again expressed disinterest in policies such as the Green New Deal, speaking fondly of gas-guzzling cars, trucks, and SUVs. Here is what he said during a campaign appearance in Peachtree City:

Luxury automaker Maserati recently announced a partnership with the Mattel toy company. This new relationship will bring a Barbie theme for an ultra-limited edition of the Maserati Grecale Trofeo compact SUV - the 530-hp Barbie x Maserati Grecale Trofeo SUV.

The SUV is powered by a 523 horsepower Nettuno twin-turbo 3.0-liter V6 and an eight-speed automatic transmission. The Grecale accelerates 0-60 mph in just 3.6 seconds, with a maximum speed of 177 mph. The regular Grecale Trofeo trim starts at $102,500, though the Barbie x Maserati Grecale Trofeo SUV is a whopping $330,000.

The exterior features Barbie's signature pink painted on the body, with an iridescent topcoat to help the paint job really pop. A specialized Barbie logo also is noticeable on the unique exterior.

Luxury automaker Bugatti will only produce 10 hand-built units of the super-exclusive Centodieci car - and each owner can rest assured the line was thoroughly tested. The most experienced Bugatti test driver they have, Steve Jenny, with almost 220,000 miles of testing for the Veyron, Chiron, Divo, and Centodieci, is handling the assignment - but he's familiar with the smallest, possibly overlooked details in Bugatti cars.

Bugatti promotes Centodieci's pre-delivery inspection as one of the most intense and demanding among automakers. The test drive is designed to take hours and will include time on a closed runway of an airport - to ensure the car's 0-62 mph time of just 2.4 seconds, and maximum speed of 236mph - is accurate.

The Centodieci features the same 8.0-liter quad-turbocharged W16 engine as the Chiron Super Sport - pushing out a rather insane 1,578 horsepower. High-speed slaloms, emergency braking, and emergency lane changes also will be tested at high speed as part of the testing process.

French automaker Renault recently expanded its partnership with Google, the US software company tasked with aiding Renault's end-to-end digital transformation.

This is a wise strategic partnership expansion for Renault, as the company wishes to capitalize on growth opportunities. Google will help using its experience with cloud computing, artificial intelligence, and Android throughout a vehicle's lifecycle.

The software-defined vehicle (SDV) powers in-vehicle software, while both companies also discuss the so-called digital twin: "a virtual twin of the vehicle that will feature the most advanced Artificial Intelligence (AI) capabilities, for an easier and continuous integration of new services into the vehicle and the creation of new onboard (In-Car Services) and offboard applications."

Despite its transition towards a fully-electric vehicle portfolio, BMW isn't expected to just leave lower-priced auto buyers high and dry. Of course, BMW isn't really known for the most affordable vehicle lines, whether gas-powered or electric.

Here is what BMW CEO Oliver Zipse recently said while speaking at a Bosch event: "We are not leaving the lower market segment. Even if you consider yourself a premium manufacturer, it is wrong to leave the lower market segment - that will be the core of your business in the future."

Competitors found their own EV platforms to develop and nurture, while BMW was rather discombobulated making a move. However, its Neue Klasse (New Class) EV architecture shows BMW doesn't want to share drivetrain data and other EV-based solutions with anyone else.

The 2022 Land Rover Range Rover First Edition luxury SUV seems to deliver the expected performance from a rather pricey vehicle.

The test model Car and Driver tried was $169,900, slightly higher than the $164,000 base price - and featured a twin-turbocharged 4.4-liter V8 engine powering 523hp and 553 lb-ft of torque.

There is a 13.1-inch touchscreen infotainment center with Android Auto and Apple CarPlay support. In addition, drivers can sign up for a data plan and deliver voice commands using Amazon Alexa. Rear passengers also have access to 11.4" entertainment screens for them to enjoy. The front seats are 24-way heated and cooled, with a built-in electric massage feature. The leather seats are complemented with an Ecru walnut veneer.

BMW recently started production of the fully-electric BMW iX1 EV crossover at its Regensburg plant, an eastern Bavarian city in Germany. Interestingly, BMW Group Plant Regensburg is able to produce combustion-engine, plug-in hybrid, and fully-electric vehicles in a single facility.

The xDrive 30 variant from the iX1 line is aimed at auto markets in Europe and China - and the 66.5 kWh battery supports up to 272 miles of drive range per charge. The 313 horsepower motor powers 0-62mph acceleration in 5.7 seconds.

Each German production plant can assemble electric cars, a milestone the automaker announced around two years ago. At least one in three BMW models produced at Bavarian plants will be electric by 2024, according to BMW executives. These continued efforts display BMW's effort to prepare for a fully-electric car and SUV portfolio in the future.

A prototype crossover from General Motors was spotted with a camouflage wrap back in September. Initially identified as the 2024 Chevrolet Trax, it turns out the unidentified vehicle might actually be a Chevrolet Trailblazer.

The Trailblazer entered the Chinese auto market in 2019 but has recently excited China - as the 2023 Chevrolet Seeker will replace it overseas. However, the US market is expected to see a new vehicle sporting a traditional crossover shape that appears smaller than current versions of the Trailblazer.

Expect a familiar two-tiered headlight configuration with no wheel and door trim present on the prototype. Chevrolet also added some noticeable roof rails, perhaps to develop a model trim focused on the outdoors. The profile does appear to look like a Trailblazer, even though it does look smaller.

Is it just another millennial problem? It looks like younger people like the idea of electric vehicles, but often cannot afford them. Between EVs being eco-friendly and packed full of next-generation technology, guess it shouldn't be a big surprise younger people like them.

Depending on driver's age, they may be able to receive help from their parents, as they increasingly want their kids to learn to drive in tech-centric EVs. In addition, these Gen Z and millennials will get older and their interest in EVs will develop even further - and sticker shock will decrease as there is price parity in the auto market.

As noted by Camila Domonoske, cars, energy and the future of mobility reporter for the NPR Business Desk, said during a recent discussion:

Volkswagen has created an office chair that can move up to 12.5 mph with a battery range of over 7 miles per charge. This is just a VW concept...chair designed as a clever PR and marketing tactic. Check out a short introduction:

The lights are inspired by VW ID models, so the chair is easily recognizable - and illuminates a dark hallway. After buckling up with a seatbelt, the passenger also can listen to music and activate a horn while operating the chair.

For office workers that spend hours every day in an uncomfortable chair, Volkswagen has "the chair" to help. Designed to help promote Volkswagen Utility Vehicles - the tricked-out chair includes reversing cameras and 360-degree sensor coverage, with information displayed on a built-in infotainment display.

The 2023 Lexus LX 600 luxury flagship SUV continues to add customer-driven updates to the model line, with prices starting at $89,610. Expect sales of the 2023 Lexus LX 600 to begin before the end of 2022.

The LX line went under major changes between 2021 and 2022 models - so nothing significant was planned for the 2023 year. Instead, Lexus worked to make small improvements to jazz up the LX, including making the heated steering wheel standard. Leather seats are now standard across all trims for the 2023 model.

The 3.4-liter V6 twin-turbo gasoline engine produces 409 horsepower and 479 lb-ft of torque. The 2023 LX 600 uses the exact platform as the Toyota Sequoia SUV and Tundra pickup truck, so it's already something well-established.

Volvo continues gearing up for an electrified product lineup but won't hastily release and produce vehicles just to try it. Instead, expect each new Volvo car or SUV announcement ready to deliver an enjoyable driving experience.

The first four Volvo EVs should all be SUVs, though other car types will eventually become available. Volvo wants to create a roadmap that offers variety for auto buyers - and the company wants to cater to all drivers - but will be strategic. Expect one EV announcement each year, while the automaker chases climate-neutral status by 2040.

Here is what Volvo CEO Jim Rowan recently told Autocar: "Our strategy is that we will be tight. We'll look after the demographic that we think makes sense. We've teased what's coming next, and we'd already signaled we'd do a smaller SUV. Then different formats, saloons and estates or whatever: we'll get to that when we get to that."

German automaker Mercedes-Benz has its Sprinter Cargo Van that looks like a typical van - well, that was until family-owned Bossi Van Conversions tricked out a 2021 Mercedes Sprinter 170 4x4 van.

An Agile Off Road RIP (Ride Improvement Package) was installed on the demo van, designed to increase stability and comfort - and maximize the vehicle's usable suspension capability. Artemis included a heat and hot water system, solar panels, multiple batteries, solar panels, and a roof vent fan.

The inside of the van showcases custom cabinetry that is practical, while the wall panels and flooring were also custom upholstered.

The fourth generation of the Pilot series has yielded Honda's most powerful SUV they've ever built. Five different Honda Pilot trim levels will be available: Sport, EX-L, TrailSport, Touring, and Elite. The 2023 Honda Pilot TrailSport is rugged and designed to help drivers go off-road - and will ship as off-road capable straight from the factory.

Honda included all-terrain tires, steel skid plates, suspension tuned for off-roading, and higher ground clearance for the TrailSport. Although we know there is a 1-inch suspension lift, the Japanese automaker didn't disclose official ground clearance.

There is a 9-inch HD touchscreen infotainment display inside the TrailSport, with support for both Android Auto and Apple CarPlay. In addition to USB charging available to the driver and front-seat passenger, both backseat rows have access to USB charging ports.

Honda teased the 2023 Accord in late October and didn't take very long to deliver. Honda is extremely dedicated to the sedan market, with the Accord and refreshed Civic models - as the industry shows additional attention to crossovers.

The latest midsize sedan from the Japanese company will arrive in six different trim levels: turbocharged LX and EX, hybrid Sport EX-L, Sport-L, and Touring trims.

As promoted by Mamadou Diallo, VP of Auto Sales at American Honda, in a press statement: "The all-new 11th-generation Accord is essential to our lineup as a critical driver of brand loyalty, and with hybrid models representing 50% of sales, a key part of Honda's electrification strategy. This is our best Accord ever, a true benchmark in its class, offering an unbeatable combination of style, efficiency, performance and connectivity."

The 2023 Kia EV6 car has made some serious changes compared to previous models and will start at $49,795. There will be Wind, GT-Line, and GT trims available for interested buyers to choose from. Both Wind and GT-Line trims have two different options to choose from, based on drivetrain picks.

The $49, 795 2023 EV6 Wind rear-wheel drive vehicle offers 225hp and 258 lb-ft. of torque, with a 77.4 kWh battery supporting up to 310 miles of driving range. Kia's 2023 EV6 Wind (e-AWD) has 320hp and 446 lb-ft. of torque - with a 77.4 kWh battery supporting up to 282 miles driving range.

The 2023 EV6 GT-Line is $58,695 and is an e-AWD with 320hp and 446 lb-ft. of torque - with the 77.4 kWh battery supporting up to 252 miles range. The 2023 EV6 GT-Line rear-wheel drive has 225 horsepower and 258 lb-ft. of torque - with the 77.4 kWh battery supporting up to 310 miles of range. The starting price point will be $53,995.

Auto buyers interested in purchasing an electric vehicle don't have a shortage of options. There are models from numerous companies, with price points across the spectrum. US automaker Fisker is finally preparing to produce cars, with the Ocean SUV EV customers waiting anxiously.

The all-electric vehicle features bidirectional charging so the SUV can transfer energy back to the power grid. Fisker also has the SolarSky Roof, a full-length solar roof as a premium option. This gives Ocean the ability to collect solar energy - and can provide up to 1,500 miles of travel each year.

The Fisker Ocean Sport starts at $37,499, while the Ocean Ultra starts at $49,999 - with the Fisker Ocean Extreme ($68,999) and limited-edition Fisker Ocean One ($68,999) rocking higher starting MSRP. The 5,000 Ocean One models are expected to leave the assembly line sometime before the year ends.

Automakers could sell up to 400 million more gas and diesel vehicles than what allows for global heating to remain under 1.5°C. It shouldn't come as a big surprise some of the largest automakers will be responsible for overshooting the projected target.

Japanese automaker Toyota will miss the mark by 63 million, German company Volkswagen will be 63 million over, and Korean company Hyundai will be 39 million over - and that has ramifications for global climate efforts, Greenpeace recently warned.

As noted by Benjamin Stephan, climate campaigner at Greenpeace Germany, in a press statement: