Tag Archives: Electric vehicles

The government is investigating why Tesla drivers can play solitaire at the wheel

December 22, 2021 admin

The National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) is officially looking into the “driver distraction potential” of Tesla’s “Passenger Play” system, which drivers say allows them to play games while on the road.

A spokesperson for NHTSA told Popular Science Wednesday it has now opened a “Preliminary Evaluation” to “evaluate the scenarios” in which Tesla drivers can interact with the gaming offerings available on the dashboard screen. The vehicles included in this investigation are Tesla Models 3, S, X, and Y from years 2017 through 2022. The Associated Press, which first reported on the NHTSA evaluation, says this equates to about 580,000 cars.

According to a report from the New York Times on December 7, three new games were added to Tesla’s dashboard screens in a virtual update this summer, including solitaire, a “jet fighter game,” and a “conquest strategy game.” While more than a dozen games were previously available while the car was in park, this update also made games accessible when the vehicle was in drive. Before launching, the games ask for confirmation that the player is a passenger, not the driver, The Verge found, but the driver could still tap the confirmation button to proceed.

The Times report cited Vince Patton, a Tesla owner who filed a complaint to NHTSA after discovering the feature and had safety concerns, as well as videos on YouTube that show how the system works. NHTSA confirmed to Popular Science that it received one owner complaint about the games. In the report from the NHTSA’s Office of Defects Investigation, there are no recorded incidents of crashes or injuries related to the game system’s use.

“NHTSA based its decision on reports that Tesla’s gameplay functionality is visible from the driver’s seat and can be enabled while driving the vehicle,” the NHTSA spokesperson said to Popular Science in an emailed statement about the agency’s choice to formally look into the issue. Previously, NHTSA told the Times it was “discussing the feature with the manufacturer.”

This probe comes less than two weeks after NHTSA told CNBC it was in communication with Tesla over an Autopilot glitch and as the agency continues to investigate multiple serious accidents involving Teslas hitting emergency vehicles while in Autopilot mode. The NHTSA spokesperson said that, as a reminder, there are no commercially available vehicles today that can totally drive themselves.

“Every available vehicle requires the human driver to be in control at all times, and all State laws hold the human driver responsible for the operation of their vehicles,” the spokesperson added.

Ford Partners with CARB to Secure Green EV Charging

December 22, 2021 admin

Charging is key to the transition to electric vehicles and while more chargers are one the way, Ford Motor Co. is launching a new program to ensure the juice needed to run an EV does not contribute to the emission of greenhouse gases.

Ford debuts 2020 Escape PHEV — Ford’s program can be used by current owners of the Mustang Mach-E, E-Transit and Escape PHEV.

With help of one auto industry’s traditional foes, the California Air Resource Board, Ford is beginning what it describes as a “sustainable charging program,” which allows owners of plug-in electric vehicles in California to opt for only carbon-neutral charging at home.

“Ford’s electric vehicle customers are beginning to realize all the possibilities associated with their vehicles and sustainable energy management,” said Matt Stover, director of charging and energy services, Ford Motor Co.

“By working with regulators, utilities and customers for home integration services, we’re enabling EV drivers to lower their carbon footprints, potentially save money and help protect the grid, all through their smartphones.”

California-based owners of all current Ford all-electric and plug-in hybrid vehicles, including the Mustang Mach-E, the E-Transit and the Escape PHEV, plus the F-150 Lightning coming in 2022, are eligible for the program.

Only green energy wanted

The idea is to only use electricity made with renewable sources rather than oil, gas or coal, reducing the carbon footprint of the energy used to power the vehicles.

Carlos Tavares, Stellantis CEO, recently noted the ability of electric vehicles to limit emissions of greenhouse gases is blunted if the energy powering them comes from fossil fuels, such as oil. Other critics of EVs note EVs cannot deter climate change if they are dependent on electric grid powered by fossil fuels.

Ford plans to participate in CARB’s “Low Carbon Fuel Standard,” which will offer customers a new way to help reduce greenhouse gas emissions that contribute to climate change by matching the use of electricity used to charge plug-in electric vehicles at home with 100% local renewable energy, the automaker said.

CARB, which has control of air quality standards throughout California, has long warred with automakers about emissions. Significant health concerns, created by automotive-related air pollution in Southern California, have given CARB enormous influence over emission standards not only across California but also across the United States.

Program uses a phone app to find green energy

Under the program, owners of eligible plug-in electric vehicles connect to the program through the FordPass app.

Once enrolled, the FordPass app automatically tracks the amount of electricity used while charging at home. Ford generates, or buys, an equivalent amount of California-sourced Renewable Energy Certificates, an EPA-recognized program that records the generation and usage of green energy.

Ford then sends evidence of the matching amounts to CARB, ensuring that all home plug-in charging activity is matched with zero-carbon electricity.

Ford is investing more than $30 billion in electric vehicles and batteries through 2025. The push supports the company’s longer-term goal of creating a sustainable American manufacturing ecosystem, and to accelerate its progress towards achieving carbon neutrality no later than 2050. Overall, Ford expects 40% to 50% of its global vehicle volume to be fully electric by 2030.

Hertz Buying 100,000 Tesla Vehicles for Rental Fleet, Brady Endorsement

October 25, 2021 admin

<img data-attachment-id="1777054" data-permalink="https://www.thetruthaboutcars.com/2021/10/hertz-buying-100000-tesla-vehicles-for-rental-fleet-brady-endorsement/hertz-tom-brady-product-whore/" data-orig-file="https://www.thetruthaboutcars.com/wp-content/uploads/2021/10/hertz-tom-brady-product-whore.jpg" data-orig-size="2700,1800" data-comments-opened="1" data-image-meta="{"aperture":"0","credit":"","camera":"","caption":"","created_timestamp":"0","copyright":"2021 Getty Images","focal_length":"0","iso":"0","shutter_speed":"0","title":"","orientation":"0"}" data-image-title="hertz tom brady product whore" data-image-description="

Hertz

After managing to avoid what appeared to be certain death, Hertz has decided to purchase 100,000 Tesla vehicles before the end of 2022. Considering the firm was filling out Chapter 11 bankruptcy forms this time last year, the estimated $4.2 billion expenditure designed to ensure that 20 percent of its global fleet is electric does feel slightly frivolous. But Hertz says it’s getting out ahead of the curve and is interested in becoming a “mobility company,” rather than a business that just rents people automobiles.

“Electric vehicles are now mainstream, and we’ve only just begun to see rising global demand and interest,” said interim CEO Mark Fields. “The new Hertz is going to lead the way as a mobility company, starting with the largest EV rental fleet in North America and a commitment to grow our EV fleet and provide the best rental and recharging experience for leisure and business customers around the world.”

Fields joined Hertz in June, becoming CEO this October, and previously led the Ford Motor Co. from 2014 to 2017 — where he focused on transforming the automaker into a technology-focused firm. While the term itself is the Lorem Ipsum of empty industry jargon, claiming your business was going to evolve into a “mobility company” was popularized by Fields as he tried to pivot Ford toward becoming data-driven and more interested in electrification.

However, he received the boot from Blue Oval after an internal power struggle with Joe Hinrichs and took the blame for the manufacturer’s declining sales and lackluster stock performance. While we can debate whether Fields became a sacrificial lamb for angry investors or if his ideas were actually any good, Ford ultimately stayed on the pathways he laid out.

Hertz said it will begin adding Tesla products to its fleet in November. But the full 100,000 units don’t have to be purchased until the end of 2022 due to logistical worries (the chip shortage was mentioned) and making sure locations are set up to charge vehicles when not in use. Tesla renters will reportedly be given preferential treatment and subjected to a reeducation program about the merits of EVs.

From Hertz:

Hertz also is installing thousands of chargers throughout its location network. Customers who rent a Tesla Model 3 will have access to 3,000 Tesla supercharging stations throughout the U.S. and Europe.

Hertz will offer a premium and differentiated rental experience for the Tesla EVs. This includes digitized guidance to educate customers about the electric vehicle to get them on their way quickly, and coming soon, an expedited EV rental booking process through the Hertz mobile app.

With the current order, EVs will comprise more than 20 percent of Hertz global fleet and is expected to be supported by a combination of Level 2 and DC fast charging in approximately 65 markets by the end of 2022 and more than 100 markets by the end of 2023. Hertz said these ambitions could be affected by factors outside of Hertz’s control, such as semiconductor chip shortages or other constraints.

While Model 3s should be available across North America and Europe almost immediately, Hertz said it would be focusing on fielding them at metropolitan airport locations to start. To help them advertise this, they’ve opted to employ seven-time Super Bowl champion Tom Brady. Having been needlessly hard on the football legend in the past, I’ll save any negative things I have to say about him for another time. Regardless of what I think, he’s hardly a stranger to product endorsements and will undoubtedly do an exemplary job hawking rental EVs.

“Hertz is changing the game when it comes to the future of mobility and has come through for me time and time again,” Brady said. “Although the company has been around for over 100 years, their constant evolution, especially now, is something that is amazing to be a part of. I’ve been driving an EV for years and knowing Hertz is leading the way with their electric fleet speaks to how the world is changing and the way companies are approaching being environmentally and socially conscious. I’ve always loved how easy and convenient Hertz makes it for me when I’m traveling to my favorite places like New York, LA and Tampa and can’t wait to see what they continue to have in store.”

See? Despite how creepy some people understandably find him, the dude is a complete professional. Perhaps you’ll even match his football prowess if you rent from the same company that pays him money to say things.

Meanwhile, news that Hertz was buying up EVs resulted in bumping Tesla’s stock to a $1 trillion market cap. The deal brought Tesla stock to more than $1,045 per share by noon, resulting in a new record just one trading day after the shares broke $900. The stock closed up 12.66 percent at about $1,022 a share. Bloomberg cited it as the largest ever single purchase of EVs, estimating the total cost at $4.2 billion.

CEO Elon Musk issued a celebratory tweet suggesting that these were “wild times.”

<img data-attachment-id="1777056" data-permalink="https://www.thetruthaboutcars.com/2021/10/hertz-buying-100000-tesla-vehicles-for-rental-fleet-brady-endorsement/hertz-tom-brady/" data-orig-file="https://www.thetruthaboutcars.com/wp-content/uploads/2021/10/hertz-tom-brady.jpg" data-orig-size="2700,1800" data-comments-opened="1" data-image-meta="{"aperture":"0","credit":"","camera":"","caption":"Tom Brady on the set of the Hertz \"Let's Go\" Campaign Celebrating the future of mobility by making Electric Vehicle rentals fast, seamless and more accessible than ever before","created_timestamp":"0","copyright":"","focal_length":"0","iso":"0","shutter_speed":"0","title":"","orientation":"0"}" data-image-title="hertz tom brady" data-image-description="

Hertz

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[Images: Hertz]

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Lordstown Motors Sells Home to Foxconn

October 1, 2021 admin

<img data-attachment-id="1766260" data-permalink="https://www.thetruthaboutcars.com/2021/06/lordstown-deathwatch-another-unflattering-sec-filing-emerges/lordstown-factory-solar-array/" data-orig-file="http://ghostridermotorcycle.com/wp-content/uploads/2021/10/lordstown-motors-sells-home-to-foxconn-6.jpg" data-orig-size="1024,512" data-comments-opened="1" data-image-meta="{"aperture":"0","credit":"","camera":"","caption":"","created_timestamp":"0","copyright":"","focal_length":"0","iso":"0","shutter_speed":"0","title":"","orientation":"0"}" data-image-title="Lordstown factory solar array" data-image-description="

Lordstown Motors

The troubled Lordstown Motors has announced it will be selling its Ohio production facility to the Taiwanese Hon Hai Precision Industry, better known as Foxconn. But this is not a case of the prospective automaker offloading its assets so it can pay off its debts in full retreat. Instead, Lordstown has asserted this is a necessary partnership that will help guarantee it can still deliver the all-electric Endurance pickup truck.

Terms stipulate that Lordstown Motors will sell the sprawling factory to Foxconn for about $230 million. Two years ago, the site was purchased from General Motors for a very breezy $20 million after the Detroit-based manufacturer decided to abandon the Chevrolet Cruze. Foxconn will also be buying up $50 million worth of common stock and effectively take responsibility for production at Lordstown Assembly. However there is a laundry list of things that need to be done before pickup assembly is even an option.

The duo have yet to formalize their agreement as to how the Endurance will be assembled (with Foxconn presumed to take the lead) or collaborate with the relevant suppliers so that production can be maintained. They will also need to assemble the vehicles that will be used for the testing, validation, and verification, in order they can get the necessary regulatory approvals for moving forward.

Foxconn is assumed to be jumping in because it’s a multinational entity with trillions in revenue and ties dispersed across the technology sector and eager to expand into vehicle production. Some of its biggest clients have included Amazon, Apple, BlackBerry, Cisco, Dell, Fisker, Google, Hewlett-Packard, Huawei, Intel, Microsoft, Motorola, Nintendo, Sega, Sony, Toshiba, Vizio, and Xiaomi. Globally, Foxconn has more than a million employees and it remains the largest employer in mainland China by far.

Despite the prospective automaker having gotten itself into trouble of late (not that Foxconn is lacking in terms of scandal), news of the deal caused Lordstown shares to increase by as much as 12 percent on Thursday evening. Bloomberg reported that the stock climbed by 8.4 percent during regular hours, closing at $7.98.

From Bloomberg:

The accord gives both companies something they badly need. Lordstown Motors gets a partner that will hasten the startup’s move into large-scale production, which will help lower the high costs required to make EVs. Foxconn gets a plant in North America where it can build its open-source electric vehicle platform and do contract manufacturing for partners like Fisker Inc.

“It’s less about a facility sale than a strategic partnership,” Lordstown Motors Chief Executive Officer Dan Ninivaggi said in an interview. “You have to find a way to get scale in the auto industry. Foxconn has a vision. They’ve got enormous capabilities in manufacturing and they will be able to fill that plant faster than we could.”

Foxconn’s manufacturing prowess is irrefutable and it’s likely the firm was responsible for manufacturing at least one gaming console, computer, or cell phone you’ve previously owned. It also appears to be getting the better deal here since Lordstown had grown vocally desperate over the summer. Finances had reached a point where the company no longer knew if it would be able to reach the production phase and it is currently under investigation by the Securities and Exchange Commission and Department of Justice over its deal to go public — in addition to some allegedly false or misleading statements made by former management, including company founder and ex-CEO Steve Burns.

While the partnership does provide the cash-strapped EV startup with more funding, Foxconn now owns its only manufacturing facility and has the ability to jumpstart vehicle production ahead of plans to assist Fisker (likely using the same facility).

On a longer timeline, this could bode similarly well for Apple’s sporadic interest in building an automobile. But it’s a little early to presume anything right now. We’ll be impressed if Lordstown Motors manages to adhere to its promise of delivering its pickup within the first half of 2022.

<img data-attachment-id="1766264" data-permalink="https://www.thetruthaboutcars.com/2021/06/lordstown-deathwatch-another-unflattering-sec-filing-emerges/lordstown-motors-endurance-prototype/" data-orig-file="https://www.thetruthaboutcars.com/wp-content/uploads/2021/06/Lordstown-Motors-Endurance-prototype.jpg" data-orig-size="2000,1333" data-comments-opened="1" data-image-meta="{"aperture":"0","credit":"","camera":"","caption":"","created_timestamp":"0","copyright":"","focal_length":"0","iso":"0","shutter_speed":"0","title":"","orientation":"0"}" data-image-title="Lordstown Motors Endurance prototype" data-image-description="

Lordstown Motors

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[Image: Lordstown Motors]

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Rivian Delivers First Electric Pickup to Customer

September 15, 2021 admin

The race to see what company would build the first battery-electric pickup for a customer is over and the winner is … Rivian. The startup began production the “Launch Edition” of its R1T pickup for buyers from its plant in Illinois today.

First Rivian off line nose — Rivian’s first production version of its R1T battery-electric pickup truck rolls off the line.

The first truck, an appropriately named Rivian Blue “Launch Edition” model, rolled off the line at the company’s facility, the former Mitsubishi plant in Normal, Illinois while dozens of plant employees cheered.

“After months of building pre-production vehicles, this morning our first customer vehicle drove off our production line in Normal,” Rivian CEO R.J. Scaringe tweeted. “Our team’s collective efforts have made this moment possible. Can’t wait to get these into the hands of our customers.”

Getting the first one off the line is a feat, but as the head of another EV maker famously noted, automobile “production is hard.” Scaringe and his group will be looking to avoid many of the same manufacturing issues the previously referenced CEO Elon Musk did. So difficult was the process, he described it as “production hell” at one point.

Pot of gold at the end of the rainbow

First R1T pickup closer — Rivian CEO R.J. Scaringe drove the first Rivian Blue R1T off the production line at the company’s Normal, Illinois plant.

Despite the difficulties, Musk and Tesla are the best-selling EV company in the U.S. currently with the top two sellers, the Model Y and Model 3, outselling the next 10 EVs combined — twice. Tesla is currently the most valuable automaker in the world with a market cap hovering around $733.5 billion, with its stock price trading in the low $740 range.

Tesla’s market cap is almost 2.5 times greater than the next closest automaker, Toyota, which is at about $303.5 billion. Its stock is at about $180 a share in early morning trading today.

Rivian isn’t necessarily expecting to approach those numbers, but officials are trying to convince Wall Street investors the nascent EV maker — with vehicles it’s actually delivering, albeit slowly — could be worth as much as $80 billion as it moves toward its initial public offering, tentatively set for November.

Going public

Scaringe after first R1T rolls off line — Scaringe speaks to Rivian employees after the first customer-ready pickup debuts.

That number is a bit more than General Motors is worth, but only by a little at $74.4 billion. Ford is a bit further off the pace at $51 billion. By comparison, Fisker Inc., another startup, comes in at $3.9 billion. However, the most apt comparison is Lucid Motors, which currently boasts a market cap of $31.3 billion.

Lucid’s got some things going for it that Fisker does not, or at least, not yet. First is first vehicle, the Lucid Air is viewed by many as a real competitor to Tesla, in terms of performance. The company’s boasted for some time it expects its top-level vehicle, the Dream, to meet or surpass the performance metrics of Tesla’s top vehicle, the Model S Plaid.

Rivian’s got its own selling points, starting with an impressive group of companies that have already invested billions of dollars into the fledgling company, including Amazon and Ford.

The company is also expected to produce 100,000 battery-electric delivery vans for … Amazon. The vehicle, which the online retail giant helped to develop, is currently undergoing real world testing. There is no finite time frame for when it will begin production.

However, Rivian is already hunting for a place to build a second factory, which may suggest the time is getting very close. Early betting is on it joining Tesla in Texas, but no commitments have been confirmed by Rivian officials.

Genesis GV60 Becomes Luxury Brand’s Second All-Electric Model

August 19, 2021 admin

Just four months after revealing its first all-electric model, Genesis has uncovered a second battery-electric vehicle, this time in crossover form.

2022 Genesis GV60 debut rear — The new Genesis GV60 is the brand’s second battery-electric offering. It uses the E-GMP platform from parent company Hyundai.

And unlike the Electrified G80 sedan, the Genesis GV60 crossover will ride on an all-new, dedicated EV architecture. The skateboard-style platform will underpin BEVs the luxury brand plans to bring to market in the future – along with all-electric models coming from mainstream brands Hyundai and Kia.

What Genesis has dubbed the “Crystal Sphere” is one of the more distinctive features on the GV70. The sphere-shaped knob will not only operate the GV60’s shift-by-wire system but also provide ambient lighting for the electric crossover’s interior.

Gv60 will switch to the new E-GMP platform

When the electrified G80 sedan debuted at the Shanghai Motor Show in April, Jay Chang, the global head of the Genesis brand, said that electrification will be “one of the key strategies” going forward.

2022 Genesis GV60 debut side — The GV60 compact crossover employs features specially designed for the battery-electric vehicle.

That model is almost a technical afterthought, with Genesis engineers taking the old approach of squeezing batteries into vehicles wherever possible. Nonetheless, it’s expected to deliver as much as 310 miles of range per charge using the European WLTP standard, and about 250 using the U.S. EPA driving cycle.

Genesis isn’t saying much about the technical details of the GV60, other than noting it will share the E-GMP, or Electric-Global Modular Platform, that underpins upcoming products like the Hyundai Ioniq 5 and Kia EV6. The key feature is the way batteries and motors are mounted below the load floor. That frees up space normally used for an engine compartment, allowing for more passenger and cargo space, despite a smaller vehicle footprint. It also lowers the center of gravity, helping improve handling.

The E-GMP was designed to permit multiple motor layouts and, in keeping with the brand’s general direction, it’s expected that the GV60 will offer all-wheel-drive using at least two motors, one on each axle.

Look for solid performance

Genesis G80 EV front — Genesis is looking to make up some ground when it comes to electrification with the new Electrified G80.

In terms of performance, electric motors can deliver immediate, off-the-line torque, the electrified G80 rated at 4.9 seconds in the 0-60 sprint in Sport mode, Genesis previously said. Few would be surprised to see the GV60 hit 60 even more quickly.

The E-GMP architecture is also expected to be optimized for the sort of ride and handling Genesis buyers expect. By lowering the base of the grille, it will not only “emphasize the dynamic performance of the vehicle (but also) increase the cooling efficiency of the high-voltage batteries in the underbody,” Genesis said.

The crossover will pick up on key styling cues seen on current Genesis products, such as the signature “Crest Grille,” though it will be “wider and more athletic,” the company said in a statement released early Thursday from Seoul.

The GV60 also will pick up on the two-line quad headlamps used on current Genesis crosovers. But, viewed from the side, the new BEV will offer a more coupe-like profile. It also will adopt a clamshell-style hood that combines the fenders to reduce the number of body panel cut lines.

2022 Genesis GV60 debut interior — The interior design of GV60 takes on Genesis’ design ethos of the ‘Beauty of White Space,’ while seeking to create a spacious and comfortable interior.

Aerodynamics critical

Like many new BEVs, aerodynamics are key to the design, lowering wind resistance critical to maximizing range, as well as performance. That includes such details as the hideaway door handles that pop out as the driver approaches the GV60, as well as the fixed rear spoiler.

The interior is designed to take advantage of the freedom offered by the E-GMP platform. There will be no driveshaft hump, for one thing. Though specs have not yet been released, it’s quite likely the new battery-electric crossover will have class-above interior space.

2022 Genesis GV60 debut dashboard — The GV60’s dashboard is designed in a “wide slim shape” focusing on the high-tech look of the new offering.

The cabin features various elements that appear to float freely, including the center console upon which the Crystal Sphere is mounted. Describing it as “one of the most compelling design elements of the GV60,” Genesis noted, “When the vehicle is turned off, the Crystal Sphere provides ambient lighting, adding to the aesthetic of the driving experience. When you’re ready to drive, the sphere rotates and the SBW (the shift-by-wire system) appears, creating an indoor atmosphere of futuristic mobility.”

There will be widescreen displays replacing conventional analog gauges, as well as to operate the GV60’s infotainment system and vehicle controls.

2022 launch planned

Among the questions left for later, Genesis didn’t disclose the size of the GV60’s battery pack, its projected range or its charging time. But when the electrified G80 was launched, company officials indicated that future models would use a drive system that can flip from 400 to 800 volts, allowing the use of the latest public quick chargers. Using the newest 350 kilowatt systems the electric sedan can go from a 10% to 80% state-of-charge in just 22 minutes.

More details “will be announced in the coming months,” the Genesis statement said, with deliveries of the GV60 set to begin sometime next year.

New EV and Hybrid Sales Remain Hot But Value Can be Found in Used Market

July 28, 2021 admin

Sales of new electrified vehicle sales jumped more than 200% during the second quarter as gas prices remain high.

2017 Toyota Prius Prime — The Toyota Prius Prime plug-in hybrid is one of the best deals on a used hybrid or EV for $20,000 or less.

With the prices of new vehicles rising across the board, potential EV or hybrid buyers looking for a deal need only wander over to the used car lot, says Kelley Blue Book. The website cobbled together what it views as some of its best deals on used electrified vehicles for less than $20K and $15K.

The average new vehicle sold for a little more than $42K in June and used vehicle prices topped $25,000 that month. Those numbers have been on the rise for all of 2021 and are unlikely to change anytime soon as the chip shortage is expected to continue through the end of the year.

So, if you want to save on gas and on the price of your EV or hybrid, “previously owned” is where its at, say the experts.

Finding a deal

“One of the most underrated deals is to buy a used hybrid, plug-in hybrid, or all-electric vehicle,” said Matt DeLorenzo, senior managing editor for Kelley Blue Book. “Alternative-power vehicles have been on the market for 20 years now, so these models are well-established and have proven reliability.

“There also are plenty of choices out there — an attractive option to consider, since currently there is a major shortage on new-car inventory across the board. Buyers of a used electrified vehicle certainly will save money at the pump, and some can even skip the gas station entirely.”

The 2018 Nissan Leaf can be had for less than $20K and offers a range of 151 miles.

Most of the best deals are on hybrids because they are far more prevalent than EVs, which until recently accounted less than 3% of all new vehicle sales. However, the vehicles making the lists are solid performers in terms of reliability and fuel economy.

Best deals under $20,000

Kelley Blue Book’s 10 Best Used Hybrids and EVs Under $20,000 for 2021 include:

2017 Toyota Prius: Fuel Economy: 52 mpg combined and a range of 588 miles
2017 Toyota Camry Hybrid: Fuel Economy (LE): 40 mpg combined and a range of 680 miles
2016 Toyota RAV4 Hybrid: Fuel Economy: 32 mpg combined and a range of 474 miles
2013 Toyota Highlander Hybrid: Fuel Economy: 28 mpg combined and a range of 482 miles
2015 Honda Accord Hybrid: Fuel Economy: 47 mpg combined and a range of 602 miles
2015 Lexus ES 300h: Fuel Economy: 40 mpg combined and a range of 688 miles
2017 Chevrolet Bolt EV: Fuel Economy: 119 MPGe combined and a range of 238 miles
2018 Nissan Leaf: Fuel Economy: 112 MPGe combined and a range of 151 miles
2017 Chevrolet Volt: Fuel Economy — first 53 miles: 106 MPGe combined; next 367 miles: 42 mpg combined and a range of 420 miles
2019 Kia Niro Hybrid: Fuel Economy: 49 mpg combined for a range of 583 miles

The 2015 Toyota Camry Hybrid was named a best deal under $15K by KBB.com.

Best deals under $15K

Kelley Blue Book’s 10 Best Used Hybrids and EVs Under $15,000 for 2021, including:

2015 Toyota Prius: Fuel Economy: 48 mpg combined and a range of 571 miles
2014 Toyota Camry Hybrid: Fuel Economy: 40 mpg combined and a range of 680 miles
2015 Honda Civic Hybrid: Fuel Economy: 44 mpg combined and a range of 581 miles
2015 Chevrolet Volt: Fuel Economy — first 38 miles: 98 MPGe combined; next 342 miles: 37 mpg combined and a range of 380 miles
2017 Nissan Leaf: Fuel Economy: 112 MPGe combined and a range of 107 miles
2014 Kia Optima Hybrid: Fuel Economy: 37 mpg combined and a range of 636 miles
2015 Hyundai Sonata Hybrid: Fuel Economy: 37 mpg combined and a range of 684 miles
2017 Toyota Prius C: Fuel Economy: 46 mpg combined and a range of 437 miles
2015 Ford Fusion: Fuel Economy: 41 mpg combined and a range of 554 miles
2016 Volkswagen Jetta Hybrid: Fuel Economy: 44 mpg combined and a range of 524 miles

Prelude to the Prologue: Honda Names Next EV

June 28, 2021 admin

<img data-attachment-id="1767362" data-permalink="https://www.thetruthaboutcars.com/2021/06/prelude-to-the-prologue-honda-names-next-ev/010-2021-honda-accord-hybrid-1200×900/" data-orig-file="http://ghostridermotorcycle.com/wp-content/uploads/2021/06/prelude-to-the-prologue-honda-names-next-ev-8.jpg" data-orig-size="1200,900" data-comments-opened="1" data-image-meta="{"aperture":"11","credit":"JAMES HALFACRE","camera":"GFX 50S","caption":"","created_timestamp":"1597862490","copyright":"JAMESHALFACRE.COM","focal_length":"64","iso":"400","shutter_speed":"0.25","title":"","orientation":"1"}" data-image-title="2021 Honda Accord Hybrid Honda Logo Honda grille" data-image-description="

Honda

Despite issuing some of the most realistic messaging pertaining to electric vehicles you’re likely to encounter within the automotive industry, Honda has started to come around to making bold commitments that it’ll probably have to revise. In April, the company stated that it wanted EVs and fuel-cell vehicles to make up 40 percent of all new-vehicle sales by 2030 — with the figure climbing to 100 percent by 2040.

Right now, its alternative energy products include the Honda Clarity and marvelously executed Honda E (neither of which are likely to be available in your area). But more vehicles are coming and the brand recently announced the starting point for the business’ battery-electric offensive targeting North America. The whole shebang is supposed to kick off in 2024 when the all-electric “Prologue” goes on sale.

Honda announced the vehicle on Monday, stating that it would be the first in a series of EVs aimed at our market. But your author cannot stop but think of the obvious connections Honda is making to the Prelude (below), though the company never mentioned it directly and was probably wise not to sully by attaching the name to what’s likely to be another vanilla crossover.

<img data-attachment-id="1767352" data-permalink="https://www.thetruthaboutcars.com/2021/06/prelude-to-the-prologue-honda-names-next-ev/1997-honda-prelude-type-sh/" data-orig-file="https://www.thetruthaboutcars.com/wp-content/uploads/2021/06/97Prelude_TypeSH-source.jpg" data-orig-size="2916,1903" data-comments-opened="1" data-image-meta="{"aperture":"0","credit":"Wieck","camera":"Nikon SUPER COOLSCAN 4000 ED","caption":"1997 Honda Prelude Type SH.","created_timestamp":"0","copyright":"","focal_length":"0","iso":"0","shutter_speed":"0","title":"1997 Honda Prelude Type SH","orientation":"1"}" data-image-title="1997 Honda Prelude Type SH" data-image-description="

Honda

” data-medium-file=”http://ghostridermotorcycle.com/wp-content/uploads/2021/06/prelude-to-the-prologue-honda-names-next-ev-10.jpg” data-large-file=”http://ghostridermotorcycle.com/wp-content/uploads/2021/06/prelude-to-the-prologue-honda-names-next-ev-1.jpg” class=”aligncenter size-large wp-image-1767352″ src=”http://ghostridermotorcycle.com/wp-content/uploads/2021/06/prelude-to-the-prologue-honda-names-next-ev-1.jpg” alt width=”610″ height=”398″ srcset=”http://ghostridermotorcycle.com/wp-content/uploads/2021/06/prelude-to-the-prologue-honda-names-next-ev-1.jpg 610w, http://ghostridermotorcycle.com/wp-content/uploads/2021/06/prelude-to-the-prologue-honda-names-next-ev-9.jpg 75w, http://ghostridermotorcycle.com/wp-content/uploads/2021/06/prelude-to-the-prologue-honda-names-next-ev-10.jpg 450w, http://ghostridermotorcycle.com/wp-content/uploads/2021/06/prelude-to-the-prologue-honda-names-next-ev-11.jpg 768w, http://ghostridermotorcycle.com/wp-content/uploads/2021/06/prelude-to-the-prologue-honda-names-next-ev-12.jpg 120w” sizes=”(max-width: 610px) 100vw, 610px”>

Remember how Mitsubishi attempted to leverage the Eclipse name to help draw attention to the Eclipse Cross? Presumably, so does Honda and we expect it doesn’t want to invite the same kind of comparisons that might enrage automotive journalists who have a tendency to fetishize old models.

The Prologue will be the first of two vehicles that Honda is co-developing with General Motors and will borrow the American firm’s Ultium battery pack. Vehicle number two will be an Acura model that’s yet to be named and is likely to use the same architecture.

From Honda:

In addition to the Honda Prologue, the company will introduce an all-electric Acura SUV in the 2024 calendar year. Both will utilize the highly flexible global EV platform powered by Ultium batteries based on the company’s strategic partnership with General Motors. Honda also plans to launch a new series of EV models in the second half of the decade based on a new e:Architecture, with development led by Honda.

“Our first volume Honda BEV will begin our transition to electrification and the name Honda Prologue signals the role it will play in leading to our zero-emission future,” said Dave Gardner, executive vice president of American Honda. “The Prologue will provide our customers with a battery-electric SUV with the excellent functionality and packaging they’ve come to expect from Honda.”

This is a pretty slick way of Honda diving into EVs in North America, without having to commit itself to global battery platforms. But that’s really only going to be praiseworthy if the Japanese automaker’s earlier reservations about EV adoption turn out to be correct. Its Clarity models are presently fielding just about all of its alternative-energy aspirations, with the adorable Honda E (below) taking care of a limited number of urban EV fans since its 2020 introduction. However, the battery-driven Clarity EV was pulled from the market that same year, mildly undermining its commitment to electrification.

<img data-attachment-id="1679998" data-permalink="https://www.thetruthaboutcars.com/2019/07/the-honda-e-is-starting-to-sound-like-a-lot-of-fun/honda-e-prototype/" data-orig-file="https://www.thetruthaboutcars.com/wp-content/uploads/2019/07/Honda-E-prototype-e1562090572277.jpg" data-orig-size="4730,3225" data-comments-opened="1" data-image-meta="{"aperture":"0","credit":"","camera":"","caption":"","created_timestamp":"0","copyright":"","focal_length":"0","iso":"0","shutter_speed":"0","title":"","orientation":"0"}" data-image-title="Honda E prototype" data-image-description="

Honda

” data-medium-file=”http://ghostridermotorcycle.com/wp-content/uploads/2021/06/prelude-to-the-prologue-honda-names-next-ev-14.jpg” data-large-file=”http://ghostridermotorcycle.com/wp-content/uploads/2021/06/prelude-to-the-prologue-honda-names-next-ev-2.jpg” class=”aligncenter size-large wp-image-1679998″ src=”http://ghostridermotorcycle.com/wp-content/uploads/2021/06/prelude-to-the-prologue-honda-names-next-ev-2.jpg” alt width=”610″ height=”416″ srcset=”http://ghostridermotorcycle.com/wp-content/uploads/2021/06/prelude-to-the-prologue-honda-names-next-ev-2.jpg 610w, http://ghostridermotorcycle.com/wp-content/uploads/2021/06/prelude-to-the-prologue-honda-names-next-ev-13.jpg 75w, http://ghostridermotorcycle.com/wp-content/uploads/2021/06/prelude-to-the-prologue-honda-names-next-ev-14.jpg 450w, http://ghostridermotorcycle.com/wp-content/uploads/2021/06/prelude-to-the-prologue-honda-names-next-ev-15.jpg 768w, http://ghostridermotorcycle.com/wp-content/uploads/2021/06/prelude-to-the-prologue-honda-names-next-ev-16.jpg 120w” sizes=”(max-width: 610px) 100vw, 610px”>

[Images: Honda]

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