Smart Cars
Toyota Brazil Introduces Bulletproof Retrofit for Corolla Amid Rising Violent Crime
August 15, 2024 – Typically, when one thinks of bulletproof cars, images of large SUVs like the Cadillac Escalade or luxury sedans such as the BMW 7 Series might spring to mind. However, Brazilian consumers now have the option to enjoy the same level of security in a much more accessible vehicle: the Toyota Corolla….
Tesla Suspension Faults Investigated: US Agency Suggests Broader Repairs
August 15, 2024 – The Defect Investigations Office of the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) has recently concluded its four-year probe into suspension failures in certain Tesla vehicles. This issue, known as the “whompy wheel” problem among Tesla owners, involved hundreds of reported front suspension malfunctions specifically affecting Model S sedans and Model X…
Mercedes-Benz and BMW Embrace Battery Transparency Following Korean Government Recommendation
August 14, 2024 – Following a severe fire incident earlier this month, the South Korean government held a meeting on Tuesday, urging all automobile manufacturers to voluntarily disclose detailed battery information for their electric vehicles (EVs). This information has traditionally been considered confidential within the industry. The incident, which occurred in Incheon, involved a Mercedes-Benz…
Tesla Cybertruck Undergoes Major Revisions: Price Hikes and Entry-Level Model Disappearance
August 13, 2024 – Tesla’s highly anticipated electric pickup truck, the Cybertruck, has undergone significant revisions, with the company officially removing the entry-level rear-wheel-drive variant scheduled for 2025 delivery and priced at $60,990 from its configurator. This move signals a strategic shift in the product lineup, leaving customers with revised options that reflect a new…
DOE Reveals: Electric Vehicle Battery Costs Have Dropped 90% Over the Past 15 Years
August 13, 2024 – Groundbreaking research conducted by the Vehicle Technologies Office of the U.S. Department of Energy (DOE) has unveiled a staggering 90% reduction in the cost of electric vehicle (EV) batteries between 2008 and 2023, bolstering automakers’ efforts to bridge the price gap between EVs and internal combustion engine (ICE) vehicles. The dimensions,…
Hybrid Cars Emit 2-5 Times More Greenhouse Gases Than Pure Electric Vehicles Over Their Lifecycle
August 12, 2024 – A new study conducted by the International Council on Clean Transportation (ICCT) has revealed that pure electric vehicles (EVs) significantly outperform other vehicle types in terms of emissions over their entire lifecycle, particularly when charged using renewable energy. The environmental impact is remarkably evident for the average 2024 model year vehicles…
Tesla’s Los Angeles Restaurant Takes on a Steel Exterior, Drawing Inspiration from the Cybertruck
August 12, 2024 – Tesla’s ambitious project, which integrates a supercharger station, a restaurant, and an open-air cinema, has recently made significant progress. The restaurant building, whose exterior walls have been completed in a steel finish reminiscent of the company’s Cybertruck, marks a notable milestone in the development. As reported by the YouTube channel 247Tesla,…
Tesla Takes Steps to Bring Semi Truck to European Markets
August 10, 2024 – Graham Carroll, the Business Development Lead for Tesla Semi in the US, has announced that the company is “taking steps to bring the Semi to Europe.” This move is evidenced by the posting of job openings for similar positions in Europe on Tesla’s recruitment website. Specifically, Tesla is seeking a “Semi…
Uber CEO Raises Doubts Over Elon Musk’s Tesla Robotaxi Scheme
August 10, 2024 – The CEO of ride-hailing giant Uber, Dara Khosrowshahi, has expressed doubts about Elon Musk’s vision for a Robotaxi service, suggesting that there may be significant issues with the concept. Musk’s plan involves Tesla owners renting out their vehicles as self-driving taxis when not in use, creating a fleet of private autonomous…
US Proposes Ban on Chinese Software in Autonomous Vehicles
August 05, 2024 – The U.S. government is reportedly planning to propose a ban on the use of Chinese software in autonomous vehicles within the next few weeks, according to Reuters. Citing unnamed sources, the report indicates that the Biden administration intends to introduce new regulations prohibiting the use of Chinese software in vehicles equipped…