Author: john@provenroi.com
When it comes to converting a combustion car to run on electricity, the Tesla large drive unit (LDU) is emerging as a popular choice for those seeking high performance. In a recent video, the advantages of using a Tesla LDU for an EV conversion project were highlighted, showcasing its power and efficiency. Compared to an LS3 V8 engine, the Tesla LDU offers similar power output but with the added benefits of being lighter in weight and more cost-effective to purchase. The video delves into the inner workings of the Tesla motor, explaining why it has garnered significant attention in the…
The automotive world is filled with “forbidden fruit” – those elusive vehicles that never make it to our shores. As a car enthusiast, I remember drooling over the Honda Civic Type Rs and Audi RS6 Avants that seemed out of reach for us in the U.S. But now, in the age of electric vehicles, China has become the new king of forbidden fruit. I recently attended the Shanghai Auto Show and was amazed by the array of electric and plug-in hybrid cars on display. One standout was the Toyota bZ5 FieldGo Concept, part of Toyota’s bZ electric vehicle family. This…
Uber has announced a new partnership with May Mobility to bring thousands of self-driving taxis to the streets of the United States. The first fleet of autonomous minivans will be deployed in Arlington, Texas, by the end of this year, with plans to expand to other markets in the coming years. Prior to this collaboration, May Mobility offered rides in its driverless Toyota Sienna minivans within specific campuses and planned communities. In Arlington, the startup teamed up with the University of Texas to offer on-demand robotaxi rides to popular destinations around town, focusing primarily on the campus area. The partnership…
Tesla announces 1.99% APR financing for new Model Y Long Range AWD in the US Tesla is once again enticing customers with a new promotion for its popular Model Y electric SUV. The company has announced that it is offering 1.99% APR financing for 72 months on the Long Range All-Wheel Drive (AWD) trim of the Model Y, but this offer is only available in the US market. This promotion comes as Tesla continues to ramp up production of the Model Y, which has quickly become one of the best-selling electric vehicles in the world. The Long Range AWD version…
Slate, a new electric vehicle company, has ambitious plans to revolutionize the automotive industry with its compact and customizable electric truck. While the single vehicle model offers a range of customization options, including a five-seat SUV add-on, its compact size and capabilities limit its potential market. To expand the company’s offerings and appeal to a wider range of consumers, Slate is considering introducing a stretched wheelbase four-door wagon. The exclusive rendering of the extended Slate wagon showcases a longer body and additional seating capacity, making it more practical and versatile for everyday use. By stretching the wheelbase by approximately eight…
The automotive industry heavily relies on its supplier base to maintain quality, innovation, cost margins, and speed-to-market. Issues with suppliers can derail production, as seen in the Takata airbags recall and Bosch diesel software scandal. On the other hand, supplier innovation can drive growth, especially in emerging technologies like EV batteries and Lidar. Amidst the tariff chaos, major Japanese suppliers are increasing their investments in electric vehicles (EVs) and self-driving technologies. This strategic move could potentially push automakers like Toyota to prioritize these technologies. Toyota, once considered a laggard in the global EV race, is now gearing up to launch…
Tesla’s Director of Charging for multiple regions, Max de Zegher, recently shed light on an intriguing rule followed by the Supercharger team that is propelling EV adoption forward. The rule, which revolves around exclusivity clauses for EV charging with property owners, plays a crucial role in accelerating the transition to electric vehicles. In a recent social media post on X, the Tesla Charging team emphasized their stance against exclusivity clauses for EV charging. They actively discourage property owners from opting for such clauses, as they believe that EV charging should be accessible to all. The team emphasized that hosting more…
Elevation is a crucial factor to consider when planning road trips with electric vehicles (EVs). While technically a net change in elevation may result in zero range loss, the reality is that climbing and descending steep elevations can significantly impact an EV’s efficiency. Just like hiking up and down a mountain requires more effort than a flat-ground trek, EVs have to work harder moving up hills, generating excess waste heat, and dealing with energy loss in regenerative braking. A recent test conducted by TFLEV showcased the impressive performance of the Chevy Blazer EV SS in handling elevation changes. In the…
The 2025 Hyundai Ioniq 5 has made a comeback in the federal tax credit game, regaining full eligibility for the $7,500 incentive after a brief hiatus. Despite being built in the United States at Hyundai Motor’s Metaplant in Georgia, the latest version of the electric crossover was initially missing from the EPA’s list of eligible vehicles. This meant that the tax credit could only be applied if the vehicle was leased. However, the Ioniq 5 is now back on the EPA’s list, allowing customers who prefer to purchase the vehicle outright to take advantage of the incentive. This effectively lowers…
Mazda has been making strides in the automotive industry by incorporating higher quality interior materials, longitudinally-mounted inline-six-cylinder turbocharged engines, and traditional front-engine/rear-drive proportions. This move towards upscale positioning has set Mazda apart from its Japanese competitors in the American market. However, one area where Mazda has been lagging behind is in the development of a compelling battery electric vehicle (BEV). The MX-30, Mazda’s first attempt at a BEV, was released in 2021-2023 and only offered around 100 miles of range. It was limited to sales in California and saw minimal success with just over 500 units sold. Despite this initial…