Author: john@provenroi.com
The recent highway range test in chilly Norway brought together three luxurious electric crossovers – the Audi Q6 E-Tron, Porsche Macan EV, and Polestar 3. Conducted by Kris Rifa, the test aimed to evaluate the efficiency of these vehicles in cold temperatures, which can significantly impact their range. Driving at a constant speed of 75 mph on a 120-mile route, the efficiency of each vehicle was closely monitored throughout the test. Despite featuring the latest advancements in battery chemistry and thermal management, all three EVs were less efficient than expected due to the low temperatures, as explained in a recent…
Rivian owners will soon be able to change tires and wheels without visiting a service center Launch control feature coming to Gen 1 Rivians Framework for third-party apps on Rivian interface is completed Rivian is committed to providing regular over-the-air updates based on customer feedback, prioritizing user input for improvements. During a recent chat at Rivian’s Venice Space in CA, Chief Software Officer Wassym Bensaid revealed a range of upcoming features and software enhancements driven by customer suggestions. User-configurable tire sizes on Rivian interface Rivian’s 2025 models will offer 20- and 22-inch wheel options with all-terrain or all-season tires, allowing…
The latest Consumer Reports reliability survey brings good news for those considering making the switch to electric vehicles (EVs). The survey indicates that EVs manufactured in the last three model years have shown improvement in reliability compared to older models. Consumer Reports analyzed data on vehicles with various levels of electrification and found that hybrids are more reliable than traditional combustion engine cars, which in turn are more reliable than electric vehicles and plug-in hybrids. The survey collected data from approximately 300,000 vehicles from the 2022 to 2024 model years, with a significant increase in responses from hybrid and plug-in…
Nissan Ariya owners will now have the convenience of charging their electric vehicles at Tesla Supercharger stations starting December 10, as announced by the automaker on Wednesday. Beginning in 2025, new EVs sold by Nissan in the U.S. will be equipped with North American Charging Standard (NACS) ports. However, existing vehicles can also charge at Supercharger stations by using a $235 adapter, which can be ordered now, according to Nissan. 2023 Nissan Ariya e-4orce Many major EV brands are now planning to adopt the NACS port standard and provide adapters to owners of existing EVs. While Ford initially offered free…
One of the most impressive aspects of the new version is its ability to autonomously search for parking at the end of the planned route. This feature can save drivers time and reduce the hassle of finding a parking spot in crowded areas. Additionally, the software can now start functioning even when the car is parked, showcasing Tesla’s commitment to improving the user experience. Looking towards the future, Tesla has ambitious plans to launch its fully driverless robotaxi in 2026 or 2027, which will utilize the same self-driving software. However, it is evident that the technology still has room for…
Lucid Air considering 2-speed transmission for future efficiency gains Potential benefits include stronger launch and cost savings New technology may be integrated in upcoming Lucid EVs The Lucid Air electric sedan is known for its impressive efficiency with the current drive unit, but a recent patent filing suggests that the automaker is exploring the possibility of incorporating a 2-speed transmission in future models. The patent, filed in 2023, outlines the use of planetary gearsets to achieve two gear ratios, enhancing performance while maintaining packaging efficiency. While most electric vehicles opt for single-speed transmissions, the idea of a 2-speed gearbox has…
Rivian, the California-based electric vehicle startup, has recently received mixed reviews from two studies conducted by Consumer Reports. While Rivian topped the list for overall owner satisfaction, it also landed at the bottom for reliability among the brands tested by the nonprofit magazine. This marks the second consecutive year that Rivian’s R1S and R1T models have scored high in owner satisfaction, with a staggering 86% of Rivian owners indicating they would purchase from the brand again. Despite this positive feedback, the reliability of Rivian vehicles was called into question, with issues ranging from software glitches and powertrain issues to battery…
Improved efficiency for the refreshed iX electric crossover 2026 iX to introduce three new model designations Enhanced suspension tuning by BMW If you’ve been keeping up with EVs, BMW’s Neue Klasse should ring a bell. This term is used by BMW to categorize its new generation of electric vehicles, starting with the iX3 crossover set to debut later this year, followed by a version of the 3-Series sedan. The refreshed 2026 BMW iX marks a step towards this new class of EVs. Unveiled in 2022, BMW’s electric crossover comes with notable enhancements to its battery packs, propulsion systems, and other…
Ford Achieves Record Sales for Hybrids and EVs in November Ford has reported record-breaking sales for hybrids and electric vehicles (EVs) in November, as well as for the first 11 months of the year. The automaker sold nearly 11,000 fully electric models in November alone and has sold almost 85,000 EVs so far this year. Ford’s performance in the EV market has positioned it as America’s second best-selling EV brand, trailing behind Tesla but facing increasing competition. The strong sales figures in November are a continuation of the momentum that Ford built in the third quarter. The company’s electrified vehicle…
The Mercedes G 580 with EQ Technology is the first electric Popemobile Fisker was supposed to supply an Ocean as the first electric Popemobile While the electric G-Class is the first electric Popemobile, it’s not the first EV in the Vatican’s fleet Mercedes-Benz G-Class Popemobiles have been a fixture of the Vatican vehicle fleet for decades, so with the off-roader now going electric, it’s fitting that the latest Popemobile is doing the same. Mercedes on Wednesday presented Pope Francis with the first official electric Popemobile, based on the all-electric G 580 with EQ Technology that also reaches U.S. showrooms this…