Latest news with #Comfort
The Sun
5 days ago
- Automotive
- The Sun
Leapmotor B01 Electric Sedan Debuts in China with 650km Range
LEAPMOTOR has officially launched its all-electric B01 sedan in China, introducing a highly competitive model across six variants that combine aerodynamic efficiency, modern electric powertrains, and advanced driver assistance features. The B01 offers three range options – 430 km, 550 km, and 650 km (CLTC standard)—and caters to different performance and tech expectations at prices starting from just RM58,900. The variant line-up includes the 430 Comfort Edition priced at 89,800 yuan (RM58,900), 550 Comfort at 95,800 yuan (RM62,900), 550 Enjoy at 103,800 yuan (RM68,100), and 550 LiDAR Edition at 113,800 yuan (RM74,700). The longer-range 650 Enjoy Edition comes in at 109,800 yuan (RM72,100), while the flagship 650 LiDAR Edition tops the list at 119,800 yuan (RM78,700). Built on the manufacturer's LEAP 3.5 modular platform, the B01 boasts a remarkably low drag coefficient of 0.197 Cd. In terms of size, it measures 4,770 mm in length, 1,880 mm in width, and 1,490 mm in height, with a wheelbase of 2,735 mm—positioning it closely alongside the Tesla Model 3 in the mid-size electric sedan segment. Depending on the trim, the curb weight ranges from 1,550 kg to 1,711 kg. All B01 variants utilise a rear-wheel-drive setup and feature different powertrains to match performance demands. The 430 Comfort Edition is equipped with a 134hp electric motor delivering 175Nm of torque, drawing energy from a 43.9 kWh lithium iron phosphate (LFP) battery. It achieves a top speed of 150km/h and accelerates from 0–100km/h in 9.4 seconds. The mid-range 550 variants offer two motor options—either 177hp or a more potent 215hp version, with up to 240Nm of torque, powered by a 56.2 kWh LFP battery. These models hit 160km/h, with the quickest acceleration time recorded at 6.4 seconds. The high-end 650 Enjoy and LiDAR Editions feature the same 215hp motor with 240Nm, paired with a larger 67.1 kWh LFP battery. Top speed remains at 160km/h, with a 0–100km/h sprint time of 6.5 seconds. On the technology front, the B01 is equipped with Leapmotor Pilot—an advanced driver assistance system powered by Qualcomm's Snapdragon 8650 chip. The standard safety suite includes five cameras and 12 ultrasonic radars, while premium versions gain 10 cameras, three millimetre-wave radars, and a 128-line lidar sensor with a 300-metre range and 140° field of view. Altogether, the system enables 26 autonomous driving features, including navigation on autopilot in city and highway settings, as well as comprehensive parking assistance. The interior of the B01 is designed with a strong focus on comfort and digital functionality. Buyers can select either a grey or purple cabin theme, both of which are anchored by a flat-bottom steering wheel, an 8.8-inch digital instrument cluster, and a 14.6-inch 2.5K central touchscreen. The car operates on Leapmotor OS 4.0 Plus and features Qualcomm Snapdragon 8155P or 8295P chips, depending on trim level. AI voice command functionality is supported through integration with DeepSeek's proprietary AI model. To enhance practicality, six modular 'magic expansion holes' are located in front of the front passenger seat, allowing users to attach various add-ons such as foldable tables and smartphone mounts. Luggage space is also generous, offering 460 litres of cargo capacity. With a compelling mix of design, electric performance, advanced software, and competitive pricing, the Leapmotor B01 enters the electric vehicle market as a strong alternative to established rivals like the Tesla Model 3—particularly for buyers prioritising cutting-edge features and real-world value.
The Sun
5 days ago
- Automotive
- The Sun
Leapmotor B01 Electric Sedan Launches in China with 650km Range
LEAPMOTOR has officially launched its all-electric B01 sedan in China, introducing a highly competitive model across six variants that combine aerodynamic efficiency, modern electric powertrains, and advanced driver assistance features. The B01 offers three range options – 430 km, 550 km, and 650 km (CLTC standard)—and caters to different performance and tech expectations at prices starting from just RM58,900. The variant line-up includes the 430 Comfort Edition priced at 89,800 yuan (RM58,900), 550 Comfort at 95,800 yuan (RM62,900), 550 Enjoy at 103,800 yuan (RM68,100), and 550 LiDAR Edition at 113,800 yuan (RM74,700). The longer-range 650 Enjoy Edition comes in at 109,800 yuan (RM72,100), while the flagship 650 LiDAR Edition tops the list at 119,800 yuan (RM78,700). Built on the manufacturer's LEAP 3.5 modular platform, the B01 boasts a remarkably low drag coefficient of 0.197 Cd. In terms of size, it measures 4,770 mm in length, 1,880 mm in width, and 1,490 mm in height, with a wheelbase of 2,735 mm—positioning it closely alongside the Tesla Model 3 in the mid-size electric sedan segment. Depending on the trim, the curb weight ranges from 1,550 kg to 1,711 kg. All B01 variants utilise a rear-wheel-drive setup and feature different powertrains to match performance demands. The 430 Comfort Edition is equipped with a 134hp electric motor delivering 175Nm of torque, drawing energy from a 43.9 kWh lithium iron phosphate (LFP) battery. It achieves a top speed of 150km/h and accelerates from 0–100km/h in 9.4 seconds. The mid-range 550 variants offer two motor options—either 177hp or a more potent 215hp version, with up to 240Nm of torque, powered by a 56.2 kWh LFP battery. These models hit 160km/h, with the quickest acceleration time recorded at 6.4 seconds. The high-end 650 Enjoy and LiDAR Editions feature the same 215hp motor with 240Nm, paired with a larger 67.1 kWh LFP battery. Top speed remains at 160km/h, with a 0–100km/h sprint time of 6.5 seconds. On the technology front, the B01 is equipped with Leapmotor Pilot—an advanced driver assistance system powered by Qualcomm's Snapdragon 8650 chip. The standard safety suite includes five cameras and 12 ultrasonic radars, while premium versions gain 10 cameras, three millimetre-wave radars, and a 128-line lidar sensor with a 300-metre range and 140° field of view. Altogether, the system enables 26 autonomous driving features, including navigation on autopilot in city and highway settings, as well as comprehensive parking assistance. The interior of the B01 is designed with a strong focus on comfort and digital functionality. Buyers can select either a grey or purple cabin theme, both of which are anchored by a flat-bottom steering wheel, an 8.8-inch digital instrument cluster, and a 14.6-inch 2.5K central touchscreen. The car operates on Leapmotor OS 4.0 Plus and features Qualcomm Snapdragon 8155P or 8295P chips, depending on trim level. AI voice command functionality is supported through integration with DeepSeek's proprietary AI model. To enhance practicality, six modular 'magic expansion holes' are located in front of the front passenger seat, allowing users to attach various add-ons such as foldable tables and smartphone mounts. Luggage space is also generous, offering 460 litres of cargo capacity. With a compelling mix of design, electric performance, advanced software, and competitive pricing, the Leapmotor B01 enters the electric vehicle market as a strong alternative to established rivals like the Tesla Model 3—particularly for buyers prioritising cutting-edge features and real-world value.
Hindustan Times
6 days ago
- Automotive
- Hindustan Times
Uber to test new safety measure in US: Pairing women riders and drivers
Uber Technologies Inc. is piloting a new ride type in the US that will match female riders and drivers, expanding access to a safety feature it already offers in some international markets. Riders will see a new on-demand ride option called 'Women Drivers' alongside the existing UberX, Comfort, UberXL and Black offerings. (Unsplash/Representational) The service will launch in Los Angeles, San Francisco and Detroit over the next few weeks, the company said in a statement Wednesday. Riders will see a new on-demand ride option called 'Women Drivers' alongside the existing UberX, Comfort, UberXL and Black offerings. Customers can reserve such a trip in advance, or set their preference in the app settings to increase the likelihood of being matched with a woman driver. Female drivers, who make up about 1 in 5 of Uber's US driver population, can similarly choose that preference in the settings of their driver app. Drivers' eligibility for the program will be based on the gender listed on their license. For riders, it will be determined by their first name or whether they specified their gender as female on their Uber profile. 'It's about giving women more choice, more control, and more comfort when they ride and drive,' said Camiel Irving, vice president of operations in the US and Canada. Cities that have a bigger population of women drivers will be the ones that get the feature sooner, she said, but added that the three options are designed to allow different ways of matching without compromising wait times and service availability. The company also sees the option as a way to attract more female drivers to the platform. 'The product is really popular whenever we're able to launch it,' said Irving. 'Our expectation is that it's going to be just as popular in the US both with drivers and with prospective drivers.' The introduction of the feature comes nearly two years after rival Lyft Inc. introduced a similar offering in the US, underscoring a tit-for-tat competition between the two rideshare apps to win over customers with features tailored to certain demographics. Earlier this year, for instance, the two companies rolled out simplified versions of their apps for elderly riders in close succession. In May, Uber also introduced a $2.99 monthly pass aimed at commuters that lets users lock in prices for for favorite routes. The launch came months after Lyft debuted a similar product. However, unlike Lyft's women-matching program, which also includes non-binary users, Uber's product is solely for those with commonly identifiable feminine names or those who identify as female in the app. The company has had 'a couple of conversations' with LGBTQ organizations and concluded this 'is not quite the right way to serve the non-binary population right now,' Irving said in an interview. Uber launched the matching feature for female drivers in Saudi Arabia in 2019 to mark a landmark decision that granted women the right to drive. Since then, it said, it's completed more than 100 million such trips having expanded the feature to drivers in 40 countries including Australia, Brazil, Canada, India and Mexico. It has also tested the feature for riders in Germany and France.
Los Angeles Times
23-07-2025
- Automotive
- Los Angeles Times
Uber tests option to match female riders and drivers
Uber Technologies Inc. is piloting a new ride type in the US that will match female riders and drivers, expanding access to a safety feature it already offers in some international markets. The service will launch in Los Angeles, San Francisco and Detroit over the next few weeks, the company said in a statement Wednesday. Riders will see a new on-demand ride option called 'Women Drivers' alongside the existing UberX, Comfort, UberXL and Black offerings. Customers can reserve such a trip in advance, or set their preference in the app settings to increase the likelihood of being matched with a woman driver. Female drivers, who make up about 1 in 5 of Uber's US driver population, can similarly choose that preference in the settings of their driver app. Drivers' eligibility for the program will be based on the gender listed on their license. For riders, it will be determined by their first name or whether they specified their gender as female on their Uber profile. 'It's about giving women more choice, more control, and more comfort when they ride and drive,' said Camiel Irving, vice president of operations in the US and Canada. Cities that have a bigger population of women drivers will be the ones that get the feature sooner, she said, but added that the three options are designed to allow different ways of matching without compromising wait times and service availability. The company also sees the option as a way to attract more female drivers to the platform. 'The product is really popular whenever we're able to launch it,' said Irving. 'Our expectation is that it's going to be just as popular in the US both with drivers and with prospective drivers.' The introduction of the feature comes nearly two years after rival Lyft Inc. introduced a similar offering in the US, underscoring a tit-for-tat competition between the two rideshare apps to win over customers with features tailored to certain demographics. Earlier this year, for instance, the two companies rolled out simplified versions of their apps for elderly riders in close succession. In May, Uber also introduced a $2.99 monthly pass aimed at commuters that lets users lock in prices for for favorite routes. The launch came months after Lyft debuted a similar product. However, unlike Lyft's women-matching program, which also includes non-binary users, Uber's product is solely for those with commonly identifiable feminine names or those who identify as female in the app. The company has had 'a couple of conversations' with LGBTQ organizations and concluded this 'is not quite the right way to serve the non-binary population right now,' Irving said in an interview. Uber launched the matching feature for female drivers in Saudi Arabia in 2019 to mark a landmark decision that granted women the right to drive. Since then, it said, it's completed more than 100 million such trips having expanded the feature to drivers in 40 countries including Australia, Brazil, Canada, India and Mexico. It has also tested the feature for riders in Germany and France. Lung writes for Bloomberg.
CNN
19-07-2025
- General
- CNN
How a Hurricane Katrina victim is helping the smallest survivors of the Texas floods
Most people don't expect Mimi Hymel to remember Hurricane Katrina. After all, she was only 3 when the Category 5 storm slammed into her Louisiana home in 2005. But nearly 20 years later, as Hymel watched news of the floodwaters inundating Texas Hill Country and saw the harrowing images of destruction from Camp Mystic, she said those memories came back with sharp clarity. She can still recall the moment her family decided they couldn't ride out Katrina and the sinking feeling she felt as her mom placed Hymel and her sister in their car and drove away, leaving their dad behind to work at a nearby hospital. But most of all, Hymel said, she remembers how she struggled to fall asleep for days after they escaped the storm because she didn't have her favorite stuffed animal. 'I just had no idea if my dad was OK or even coming home at all,' she recalled. 'I had a teddy bear named Cuddles that I didn't get to take in the car with me. In a scary time like that, I really wanted it for comfort.' Indeed, the importance of these plush companions was apparent as the floodwaters began seeping through the Chatterbox cabin at Camp Mystic, prompting a 9-year-old to offer her top bunk as a safe place for campers to store their stuffies during the storm. Hymel said the trauma of escaping a natural disaster has a way of changing you. But all these years later, she's found a way of channeling her experience during Katrina into helping today's youngest survivors. In the immediate aftermath of Katrina, Hymel said there was no shortage of local organizations and kind neighbors who tried to meet her family's immediate needs for food, clothes and shelter. But as a child, she said she struggled to process such dramatic and rapid change. 'When we finally did get back to our house, everything was destroyed,' she recalled. And Cuddles had been lost to the floodwaters. Studies have long shown blankets or stuffed animals can help children adapt to unfamiliar or distressing situations and they become even more important when a child is processing grief. Although the family ultimately resettled in Texas, as she grew older, Hymel said she noticed how some first responders or families would share photos of stuffed animals they recovered after a disaster. 'I was once that child so it's always just emotional seeing those photos,' she said. 'I realized that kids experience disasters a little bit differently, so relief needs to work a little differently for them too.' That realization sparked Hymel to mobilize after catastrophes, coordinating with local businesses to host donation drives for stuffies and then partnering with first responders and other organizations to help distribute the plush toys in the aftermath of a tragedy. After the success of her early donation efforts, Hymel founded Comfort Bears in a Catastrophe. The nonprofit not only provides kids with a new stuffed animal after a crisis, but they also connect families to mental health resources. Each stuffed animal is tagged with a card offering free crisis counseling through the national Disaster Distress Helpline, which offers children and their families help navigating traumatic events. As interest in her work grew, so did the need. From the Miami Surfside condo collapse to the destructive fires in Maui and Los Angeles and countless floods and tornadoes, these days the steady drumbeat of disasters has been relentless, Hymel said. And so far, the nonprofit has donated more than 50,000 stuffed animals to children in need, Hymel said. She has also written a series of children's books called 'Miss Prepared and Captain Ready.' 'It teaches them important skills to know if a disaster were to hit, but it also encourages kids to get involved in their own way,' she said. But nothing, Hymel added, can compare to the joy of seeing a child receive a new stuffed animal and finding a sense of comfort in the midst of a crisis. 'After Hurricane Ian, I was able to donate to the hospital I was actually born in,' Hymel said. 'That was just kind of full circle.' From her home in Houston earlier this month, Annie Gully and her daughter watched as reports of flooding in the Texas Hill Country grew more dire by the hour. A close friend, she later learned, lost her niece, 8-year-old Blakely McCrory, in the floodwaters at Camp Mystic. 'It's just unfathomable to even wrap your head around something like this happening,' she said. 'You kind of have to go through the sadness and then you're like, 'OK, what can we do to help.'' Gully, who owns Tree House Arts and Crafts, a local children's art studio, said over the years she's seen how a child's favorite stuffed animal can become like a family member. So, when her daughter suggested a donation drive for kids, she leaped at the idea. She reached out to Comfort Bears on social media and within hours they had a game plan. Gully's donation drive was covered on the local news and 'that day alone, I think we collected 600' stuffed animals, she said. After three days they received more than 1,100 donations to be distributed throughout the state. 'Children don't really have an outlet to help' after a crisis, Gully said. 'You could tell their parents had explained to them that other kids have lost their lovies and how sad would it be if you lost your(s).' Gully is also selling 'Mystic Strong' artwork, and the proceeds will be donated to charity in honor of McCrory and the other lives lost at Camp Mystic. 'I feel like every time you turn on the news, there's just something worse that you hear about,' Gully said. But, she added, watching her community come together to donate comfort to the smallest victims of the floods in Kerr County has given her a reason to hope. 'No one cares who you are, what you look like or who you voted for,' she said, 'We're all just doing things together to help.'
