Rivian is preparing to expand its native software stack with advanced voice assistants and automation tools designed to handle everyday tasks. According to Chief Software Officer Wassym Bensaid, future updates will streamline vehicle maintenance booking and assist drivers with routine stops like mobile ordering. The automaker aims to roll out these connected features across its EV lineup beginning around 2027.
Tesla's Emergency Drive Away feature lets drivers override charging interlocks to escape dangerous situations, but utilizing it comes with hidden costs. Activating the emergency override triggers a mandatory service alert requiring technicians to inspect the charge port and connector for potential damage. Even if the car never actually moves after activation, owners may face hundreds of dollars in labor fees to clear the fault code.
Tesla's software update 2026.38 includes system files for the Grok voice assistant on older Intel-equipped Model 3 and Model Y vehicles. The code hints that Tesla may bring the AI-powered assistant to legacy hardware despite previous concerns over processor limitations. It remains unconfirmed whether Tesla will activate the feature fully or roll out a pared-down version for older infotainment chips.
Rivian is preparing an extensive software overhaul that will introduce an upgraded digital assistant to its electric vehicles starting next year. The expanded system is designed to manage contextual daily requests, including placing mobile food orders and diagnosing vehicle alerts. According to Rivian software chief Wassym Bensaid, the technology will also proactively coordinate mobile service appointments to streamline vehicle maintenance.
Toyota provides an extensive 10-year or 150,000-mile hybrid warranty, but frequent commuters and rideshare operators can exhaust the mileage allowance in just a few years. Surpassing that limit early leaves owners vulnerable to paying out of pocket for expensive repairs, including the persistent high-voltage rear cable corrosion issue commonly dubbed Cablegate.
Because conventional and plug-in hybrids repeatedly shut off and restart their gasoline engines during daily driving, many drivers worry that the powertrain suffers accelerated mechanical wear. Modern hybrid systems mitigate this strain by using electric traction motors to spin the combustion engine up to operating speed before firing fuel and spark, significantly reducing cold-start friction. Combined with electric auxiliary pumps and modern low-viscosity oils, well-maintained hybrid engines generally deliver longevity comparable to or better than standard gas vehicles.
Aftermarket aero wheel covers promise both distinctive styling and tangible highway range improvements for electric vehicles. Real-world testing reveals whether accessories like Haloblk disc-style covers deliver meaningful efficiency gains or merely offer cosmetic appeal.
A Tesla Semi caught fire on Interstate 880 in Hayward, California, prompting emergency crews to shut down the southbound freeway for roughly 10 hours. The driver escaped without injury, but the commercial truck's high-voltage battery burned intensely before crews could clear the scene. The incident raises fresh questions regarding thermal safety and reliability for Tesla's heavy-duty electric trucking platform.
A Tesla Semi caught fire along Interstate 880 in Hayward, California, forcing authorities to shut down southbound lanes for approximately ten hours. Emergency responders contained the blaze, which occurred without an apparent collision. The cause of the commercial electric truck's fire remains under investigation.
A creative builder transformed a salvaged BMW i3 into a fully functional compact electric pickup truck on a modest budget. The DIY project involved cutting away the rear cabin and fabricating a custom cargo bed out of the EV's carbon-fiber-reinforced structure. The resulting mini-truck beats upcoming compact commercial electric pickups to the road for just a fraction of the cost.
Edmunds evaluated an aging, high-mileage Tesla Model S to determine how an early luxury electric sedan holds up on the secondhand market. Despite showing more than 135,000 miles on the odometer, the vehicle achieved 221 miles in real-world range testing alongside respectable performance. The test demonstrates that cheap, older EVs can still offer practical daily utility, provided buyers account for potential out-of-warranty repair risks.
Tesla's mobile application is slated to receive major updates aimed at aligning the remote interface more closely with the in-vehicle touchscreen experience. Lead developer Alex Guichet revealed that the roadmap includes expanded remote vehicle controls, an immersive Powerwall status screen, and a dedicated macOS desktop application. These upcoming enhancements focus on improving daily usability and bringing unified telemetry to Apple desktop users.
Long-term ownership provides vital clues about how modern electric sedans hold up over time and miles. A 30-month retrospective evaluates the Hyundai Ioniq 6 on real-world efficiency, charging reliability, and daily usability to determine if it makes sense as a pre-owned purchase.
Tesla has rolled out mobile app version 4.62.3, targeting display and interface bugs across a wider range of hardware form factors. The update resolves layout glitches on iPads, dual-screen setups, and Android foldables to ensure seamless access to vehicle controls. The improvements streamline everyday digital interactions for owners managing their EVs from tablet and folding screens.
General Motors is preparing a direct competitor to Tesla's popular Sentry Mode through a new service dubbed OnStar Connected Cameras. The system automatically uploads incident footage to the cloud rather than relying strictly on local USB storage. However, unlike Tesla's built-in feature, GM will require an active subscription and delays the full companion app rollout until 2027.
With pump prices crossing $5.00 per gallon in the Chicago metro area, fuel efficiency gains drastically shorten the payback period for electrified vehicles. A cost analysis shows that the Toyota RAV4 Hybrid recoups its initial price premium over the standard gas model in roughly two to three years under normal driving habits. For commuters facing regional fuel price spikes, the hybrid powertrain quickly transitions from an upfront investment into direct monthly savings.
Originally launched with a supercar silhouette and a six-figure price tag, BMW's futuristic plug-in hybrid sports car is now trading for roughly $40,000 on the secondhand market. While the i8 delivers head-turning styling and electrified performance at a fraction of its original cost, prospective buyers must carefully weigh aging battery packs and specialized maintenance expenses. Here is what to consider before taking the plunge on a bargain-priced German PHEV.
Spotify has launched its first custom-designed native in-car application, bypassing Google's standard automotive design restrictions to offer a more integrated media experience. The new infotainment app is rolling out globally on Audi's next-generation electric vehicles, starting with the A6 e-tron and Q6 e-tron. Drivers will gain smoother playback controls, tailored interface layouts, and independent operation without relying on smartphone mirroring.
A growing supply of pre-owned electric vehicles is making battery-powered driving far more accessible for budget-conscious drivers. By slashing fuel and maintenance expenses at a lower upfront cost, used models offer a practical pathway to ditching the gas pump without paying premium showroom prices. Analysts emphasize that expanding the second-hand market remains vital for broad EV adoption across diverse household income levels.
Hyundai is looking to alleviate winter performance anxieties by backing the 2026 Tucson Hybrid with an eight-year, 160,000-kilometer powertrain and battery warranty in Canada. The extended coverage aims to reassure drivers concerned about low-temperature battery longevity, directly taking on rival electrified crossovers. Even with the bolstered protection package, the Korean automaker still faces stiff competition from Toyota's longstanding hybrid reputation.
General Motors is upgrading its long-standing OnStar connected service into an interactive, voice-driven virtual assistant. The refreshed system can field vehicle troubleshooting questions and help electric vehicle drivers locate and map out charging stops along their routes. The rollout marks GM's latest effort to modernize in-cabin software and streamline the EV ownership experience.
General Motors is rolling out a security feature called OnStar Connected Cameras to mirror the surveillance capabilities of Tesla's Sentry Mode. The upcoming system uses onboard vehicle cameras to record footage and notify owners of potential security incidents while parked. The move highlights GM's push to match key software-defined features popularized by EV rivals.
Tesla has rolled out an updated mobile application featuring an optimized interface designed specifically for larger displays like iPads and foldable smartphones. The refreshed design introduces side-by-side navigation panels, in-cabin style vehicle visualizations, and quick-access buttons such as tire pressure readouts. This update improves the overall user experience by taking full advantage of broader screen real estate for vehicle monitoring and controls.
Owners of older Toyota hybrids have more affordable options when dealing with degraded traction packs. Several discontinued hybrid models can now receive complete battery replacements for under $3,000 through aftermarket and refurbished programs. These lower repair costs help ease long-term reliability concerns and keep aging electrified vehicles on the road longer.
Electric vehicles steadily consume a small amount of battery power even when sitting idle, a phenomenon commonly known as vampire or phantom drain. Background computer systems, cellular connectivity, and battery temperature regulation typically siphon off one to two percent of charge per day, though severe weather can increase that figure. Owners can curb unnecessary standby energy loss by dialing back constant monitoring features like Tesla's Sentry Mode and moderating mobile app check-ins during long periods of parking.
As Halloween approaches, Tesla owners are embracing a new tradition: 'frunk-or-treating.' This trend involves decorating the unique front trunk of their electric vehicles with festive themes, transforming them into mobile candy stations for trick-or-treaters. The practice highlights the playful community spirit among EV enthusiasts.
A recent owner of the new Rivian R2 shares their experiences and observations after two months behind the wheel. The report highlights the SUV's comfortable ride and enjoyable driving dynamics, while also noting a significant drop in efficiency during highway travel.
This personal account highlights one family's decade-long shift towards electric vehicle ownership, starting with early models and culminating in a recent Hyundai Ioniq 5. The story illustrates the evolving accessibility and appeal of EVs as more family members make the switch, driven by a growing understanding of their benefits.
Two tech-savvy Tesla owners have bypassed the need for external adapters, managing to natively embed Apple CarPlay and AirPlay functionalities directly into their vehicles' infotainment systems. This development could offer Tesla drivers a streamlined way to access Apple's in-car features, contrasting with Tesla's own rumored, but as yet unreleased, official CarPlay integration.
Washington-based EV car-sharing cooperative ZEV has rolled out a new mobile application to streamline its services. This nonprofit initiative, operating in areas like Seattle and Spokane, aims to improve access to electric vehicles for underserved communities through easier signup, booking, and vehicle access.
Amidst concerns about new EV costs, this analysis highlights a specific two-year-old used electric vehicle offering exceptional value for everyday commuters. It challenges the perception that affordable pre-owned American EVs always come with significant compromises. For those considering an entry into electric driving, this model could represent a smart, budget-friendly option.
A Fort Worth Cadillac dealership experienced a devastating fire that destroyed multiple electric vehicles overnight. The blaze, which reportedly burned for over 17 hours, resulted in the total loss of at least six cars, marking a significant incident for the dealership.
A new analysis by AAA indicates that electric vehicles will continue to have higher overall ownership costs compared to their gasoline-powered counterparts for at least the next two years. Despite fluctuating fuel prices, the report suggests EVs still command a premium in depreciation, insurance, and purchase price. This finding could particularly influence the used EV market, prompting buyers to re-evaluate potential savings.
Amidst ongoing reliability challenges for many electric vehicle startups, one automaker stands out for mastering the balance between dependable vehicles and affordable upkeep. This brand has earned a reputation for providing owners with a hassle-free experience, mitigating common concerns about EV service costs and unexpected repairs.
A recent survey highlights a significant disconnect between the actual daily driving requirements of U.S. consumers and their desired electric vehicle range. While most Americans report driving less than 75 miles daily, a substantial portion still prefers an EV offering 300 miles or more on a single charge. This preference suggests a psychological barrier related to range anxiety, even when practical usage indicates less is needed.
A recent BMW study reveals that American electric vehicle prospects continue to prioritize extended range, often exceeding their actual daily driving needs. Despite most drivers covering less than 75 miles daily, the survey indicates a strong preference for EVs offering at least 300 miles of range.
A recent analysis suggests that electric vehicles are currently less likely to reach 250,000 miles than the average internal combustion engine car. While the Tesla Model X ranks highest among EVs for potential longevity, only a small percentage are projected to hit this mileage milestone. The report attributes this disparity primarily to the high cost of battery replacements and other component failures in EVs.
When an electric vehicle's dashboard shows 0% battery, it doesn't immediately stop, but rather enters a low-power mode to provide a short grace period. This article details the sequence of events as an EV runs out of charge and offers practical advice for drivers caught in this situation, from finding the nearest charging station to calling for roadside assistance.
The Red Lake Nation in Minnesota recently partnered with Plug In America and Native Sun Community Power Development to host its first electric vehicle and renewable energy showcase. This collaborative event aimed to introduce tribal members to the benefits and accessibility of EVs, fostering interest and education within the community.
Modern electric vehicles rely heavily on Electronic Control Units (ECUs) to manage critical functions from braking to battery systems. Ensuring these ECUs operate safely and predictably, even under fault conditions, is paramount for EV manufacturers and test engineers. PXI-based fault insertion and sensor simulation systems are emerging as essential tools to rigorously test these vital components.
After a month behind the wheel of the Audi E-Tron GT, owners share their real-world experiences, highlighting both the luxury BEV's strengths and its few drawbacks. This long-term test drive offers potential buyers a practical look at what to expect from Audi's performance electric sedan.
U.S. purchasers of new Tesla Model 3 and Model Y Performance variants will now receive complimentary Premium Connectivity for the lifetime of the vehicle, as long as they are the original owner. This perk, which typically costs $9.99 per month, provides advanced features like live traffic visualization, satellite-view maps, and in-car entertainment streaming.
As gasoline prices continue their upward trend, more consumers are contemplating the financial benefits of transitioning to an electric vehicle. This analysis from The Washington Post provides a framework to consider factors such as purchase price, charging costs, and environmental impact against traditional internal combustion engine vehicles.
While traditional gasoline-powered lawn mowers remain popular, battery-electric models are increasingly favored for their reduced noise and zero tailpipe emissions. This shift highlights a growing consumer preference for more environmentally friendly and user-friendly outdoor power equipment options.
Considering a pre-owned electric vehicle? Navigating the used EV market requires understanding key factors like battery health, warranty coverage, and current pricing trends. This guide offers essential advice to help prospective buyers make informed decisions and find the right EV for their needs.
ZF Aftermarket has rolled out a new line of E-Mobility Repair Kits designed to simplify maintenance for electric and plug-in hybrid vehicles. These kits allow independent workshops to repair specific components like electric motors, inverters, and reducers, rather than requiring full assembly replacements, making EV servicing more efficient and cost-effective.
A new online platform has launched, offering a comprehensive library of custom wraps for Tesla vehicles. This interactive resource allows owners and enthusiasts to browse a wide array of designs, from whimsical Lightning McQueen themes to iconic Teenage Mutant Ninja Turtles motifs, for various Tesla models.
A two-year-old boy in Texas was fatally injured after his father accidentally backed a Tesla Cybertruck into him while reversing. The tragic incident, which involved the vehicle and its operator, is currently under investigation by authorities.
Tesla has enabled backward compatibility for its latest Powerwall 3 home battery, allowing existing Powerwall 2 owners in North America to easily integrate the newer model into their current home energy systems. This update provides a simpler upgrade path for customers looking to expand their energy storage capacity, avoiding the need for a full system overhaul.
Honda is reportedly exploring plans for a new flagship three-row SUV, aiming for a 2032 debut. While details are scarce, early indications point to a conventional V6 hybrid powertrain, suggesting this potential model will not be a battery-electric or plug-in hybrid vehicle.
