Category: Hybrids & Electrics

Jul 21

City Car Thrills: Would You Drive an Extreme Urban Racer?

Unleashing the Opel Rocks e-Xtreme

While city cars haven’t quite made their mark in the U.S., the Opel Rocks e-Xtreme challenges that notion with its eye-catching design. Created by design student Lukas Wenzhöfer, this electrifying vehicle emerged from a competition where the winner’s concept was transformed into a real car. The Rocks e-Xtreme, a highly modified version of the Citroën Ami EV, features widened wheels, aggressive styling, and off-road enhancements, giving it a dynamic presence that’s far from the typical city car.

What Sets the Rocks e-Xtreme Apart?

The Rocks e-Xtreme is not just a visual spectacle; its design includes practical modifications for improved performance. While it retains the stock e-Rocks’ 8-hp motor and 5.5-kWh battery, it boasts an exaggerated rear wing from the Vectra GTS V8 DTM race car and a roll cage integrated into its body. This quirky, fun twist on urban mobility highlights how even the simplest vehicles can be reimagined for excitement and individuality, making it a conversation starter for city dwellers and car enthusiasts alike.

Jul 20

Pricing and Features of the 2024 Audi Q8 e-tron: What You Need to Know

A Look at the 2024 Audi Q8 e-tron

The 2024 Audi Q8 e-tron represents a pinnacle in luxury electric SUVs. Combining futuristic design with Audi’s renowned Quattro all-wheel drive and cutting-edge technology, this German-engineered EV boasts impressive performance and a commanding presence. The transition from the original e-tron name to Q8 e-tron reflects Audi’s broader EV lineup and updated design philosophy, offering both aesthetic enhancements and enhanced functionality.

The 2024 Audi Q8 e-tron Premium Trim

Starting at $75,595, the base model of the 2024 Audi Q8 e-tron Premium provides a comprehensive electric vehicle experience. It features a dual-motor setup that delivers robust all-wheel drive with 402 horsepower and accelerates from 0-60 mph in just 5.4 seconds. The 106 kWh battery offers an estimated range of 285 miles, and rapid charging capabilities mean the battery can go from 10-80% in only 31 minutes with a DC charger. This model strikes a balance between advanced features and everyday practicality.

Inside, the Q8 e-tron Premium blends sleek, modern aesthetics with high-tech functionality. The cabin showcases Audi’s “Digital Cockpit,” which includes digital gauges and touchscreens designed to enhance driver interaction. Standard features include adaptive air suspension for a smooth ride, 20-inch wheels, and advanced safety technologies like adaptive cruise assist with lane guidance.

Upgrading to the 2024 Audi Q8 e-tron Launch Edition

For $88,745, the 2024 Audi Q8 e-tron Launch Edition adds significant upgrades in both style and comfort. This trim level includes 21-inch wheels and S-Line accents that highlight its sporty heritage, along with distinctive black mirror housings and roof rails. The interior features luxurious flint grey Valcona leather with striking orange piping, enhancing both comfort and visual appeal.

Despite the additional features, the Q8 e-tron Launch Edition retains the same powerful electric powertrain and balanced handling praised by automotive reviewers. The Launch Edition maintains Audi’s reputation for delivering a refined and dynamic driving experience, though some buyers may seek further customization options.

Customization and Add-Ons for the Q8 e-tron

Audi offers a range of accessories and packages to tailor the Q8 e-tron to individual tastes. Optional paint finishes like Madeira Brown Metallic, Plasma Blue Metallic, and Mythos Blue Metallic, each priced at $595, add a unique touch to the vehicle’s appearance. For an enhanced look, the Premium trim can include Black Optic exterior details for an additional $1,000. Practical add-ons include a $750 trailer hitch for those who need towing capability, and a $400 rear-side airbag package for added safety. The Launch Edition can also be upgraded with an $1,850 AC charging package that includes a second charge port and a 19.2 kW onboard charger.

The 2024 Audi Q8 e-tron embodies Audi’s commitment to innovation, luxury, and performance. Its advanced electric drivetrain ensures both impressive range and quick charging, while Quattro all-wheel drive provides reliable handling in various conditions. With its striking design and high-end features, this EV offers a compelling choice for enthusiasts looking for a blend of sophistication and cutting-edge technology.

Jul 12

Act Fast: Should You Order a Chevy Bolt Before It Disappears?

GM Announces End of Chevy Bolt Production

General Motors has revealed that it will cease production of the Chevy Bolt by the end of 2023, marking the end of an era for this popular electric vehicle. Launched in 2016, the Bolt has gained recognition for its reliability and affordability, making it a top choice for many EV enthusiasts. Although production will soon end, there’s still a window to place an order, but is it worth it?

Why Is Chevy Ending the Bolt?

Despite its success, including impressive sales figures and significant contributions to GM’s position in the EV market, CEO Mary Barra has announced the discontinuation of the Bolt. GM plans to shift focus towards new electric models and increase production capacity at their Orion assembly plant. With plans to boost production of electric trucks, the decision reflects a strategic move to cater to emerging market demands.

Is Ordering a Bolt Still a Good Idea?

For those set on owning a Chevy Bolt, now is the time to act. GM intends to produce 70,000 units this year, with the final order cycle beginning August 17. However, potential buyers should be prepared for potential delays, as some customers are still waiting for their orders to be fulfilled.

Alternative Options for Prospective Buyers

If immediate availability is a priority, it may be wise to consider other EVs with higher supply levels. While the Bolt offers great value, buyers who need a vehicle right away might benefit from exploring alternative options. As the electric vehicle market evolves, numerous other choices are available to meet diverse needs and timelines.

Jul 12

Why Wasn’t the Most Popular EV Considered for ‘EV of the Year’?

The Tesla Model Y is without question the most popular EV on the road. However, it wasn’t eligible for a recent award in the indsutry.

Electric vehicles are improving every year, and now you can find sedans as well as electrified sport utility vehicles. Out of all the choices out there, which one is the most popular and is it good enough to win Car and Driver’s EV of the year? Let’s find out.

Which vehicles were in the running and which one won EV of the Year?

Car and Driver reports that this is the third year the publication has done one of these contests for electric vehicles. For 2023 the EVs that were competing included:

  • Audi Q4 e-tron
  • BMW i7
  • Cadillac Lyriq AWD
  • Genesis Electrified GV70
  • GMC Hummer EV
  • Hyundai Ioniq 6
  • Kia EV6 GT
  • Kia Niro EV
  • Lexus RZ450e
  • Lucid Air Pure AWD
  • Mercedes-Benz EQE350 4Matic+
  • Nissan Ariya
  • Toyota bZ4x
  • VinFast VF8

The model that came away with the win was the 2023 Hyundai Ioniq 6, which shouldn’t come as too much of a surprise since the Ioniq 5 won last year. This year’s winner offers both a single and dual motor setup depending on the trim you choose. The test vehicle Car and Driver evaluated was a dual-motor Limited, which could go approximately 220 miles of driving range, even though it’s rated for about 50 miles more.

The electric motor system produces a total of 225 hp (for the C&D test vehicle) and 258 lb-ft of torque. This enabled the car to go from 0 to 60 mph in 4.3 seconds. Even its braking performance impressed the judges with a distance of 182 feet from 70 mph to zero. As for runner-ups, the Genesis Electrified GV70 and the Kia EV6 GT came the closest.

Out of all the electric vehicles now on the market, the one considered to be the world’s most popular EV happens to be the Tesla Model Y. You may have noticed that the Car and Driver list didn’t even list this model as a competitor, nor was any Tesla vehicle seen there for that matter.

With two versions to choose from, the Long Range ($54,990) and Performance ($58,990) models, you get quite a bit for the money. The Long Range version offers 330 miles (AWD) of driving range and its powertrain produces 425 hp and 475 lb-ft. Tesla’s Model Y Performance version gives you 303 miles of driving range and a motor output of 456 hp and 496 lb-ft of torque.

However, being the most popular EV doesn’t necessarily make it the best EV of the year as we see from C&D’s competition.

What kept the Model Y from being an EV of the Year?

Car and Driver shares that EVs are always evolving and what used to impress, like charging times, are usually bested by another EV the following year. The publication even explains that an EV that wows this year will be just average the next and then outdated two years later. In order to win C&D’s EV of the Year award, you need to wow the editors.

While the Tesla Model Y turns heads with many, especially critics, it hasn’t offered anything new this year to make it a competitor. Actually, no other Tesla model has either.

The world’s most popular EV is the Tesla Model Y for its exceptional features and outstanding performance. But, what makes you popular doesn’t always make you a winner. Car and Driver shows you that with its EV of the Year model, the Hyundai Ioniq, which brings something new and fresh to the table.

Jul 11

Electric Vehicle Inventory Swells: Why Are Dealerships Overwhelmed with EVs?

The Current EV Supply Dilemma

Despite a surge in electric vehicle (EV) models and the growing hype surrounding them, dealerships are grappling with unprecedented inventories of EVs, with some facing up to four months’ worth of stock. This paradox arises even as Tesla continues to drive significant EV sales, while many new and traditional automakers struggle to attract buyers. Data from the first half of 2023 shows that while Tesla leads in sales, other brands like Lucid, Hyundai, and Nissan have not seen similar success, leaving many EVs languishing on dealership lots.

The Impact of Excess Inventory and Rising Affordability

The current EV market sees a 350% year-over-year increase in supply, translating to a 92-day inventory surplus compared to the ideal 45-day level. Factors such as the loss of U.S. tax credits for certain models and the higher price point of EVs contribute to this glut. However, this oversupply could benefit potential buyers, offering more room for negotiation and the possibility of better deals, especially as used EVs become more prevalent and range anxiety continues to diminish.