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Yahoo
26-04-2025
- Automotive
- Yahoo
Toyota reveals next-generation vehicles with game-changing features — here's what we know
Toyota's recent press conference in Brussels, Belgium, revealed the future of the automaker's electric vehicles in Europe. Green Car Reports said many of the updates "are expected to follow in the North American market as well." Perhaps the most significant revelations concerned the updated bZ4X crossover. This next-generation, eco-friendly car looks poised to help Toyota achieve its goal of reaching "100% CO2 reduction in all new vehicle sales by 2035 in Europe." The Toyota bZ4X is the company's first fully electric SUV. It was launched in 2022, and subsequent models have remained relatively similar to the original — until now. In Brussels, Toyota shared details of the EV's first significant update, as described by Green Car Reports. One key change in the new bZ4X is the addition of battery preconditioning. This feature warms or cools the EV's battery pack to the perfect temperature before charging or driving to optimize performance. EV batteries charge more slowly when cold, and they also perform better and last longer when an optimal temperature is maintained. The automaker will also be offering multiple battery options: a 57.7 kWh and a 73.1 kWh. The former comes with front-wheel drive and a single motor with 164 horsepower. The latter comes with either front-wheel or all-wheel drive and either a single motor with 221 horsepower or a dual motor with 338 horsepower. The 73.1 kWh pack has silicon carbide semiconductors for a significant boost in power. But more power won't mean more noise. Per Green Car Reports, Toyota says they've adjusted the vehicle's suspension to create a quieter driving experience. Range — or the distance the vehicle can drive on just one charge — is obviously a big factor for many when deciding whether to upgrade to an EV. The company hasn't shared all of those details for the new bZ4X yet, but, according to Green Car Reports, the 73.1 kWh front-wheel-drive model has an estimated range of 356 miles. That's well above the average for EVs, which is around 300 miles. As companies like Toyota continue to refine their EV models, the benefits of making the switch to electric become more and more undeniable. EV detractors have long pointed to less engine power, shorter driving range, and poor charging speed as reasons to stick with fossil-fueled cars. The new bZ4X addresses all of those issues. Plus, choosing to drive an EV isn't just great for the environment. It can also save you a ton of cash on fuel and maintenance. Those personal savings are estimated to total in the thousands every year. And saving money while reducing your environmental impact is a deal that's pretty hard to beat. If you were going to purchase an EV, which of these factors would be most important to you? Cost Battery range Power and speed The way it looks Click your choice to see results and speak your mind. Join our free newsletter for good news and useful tips, and don't miss this cool list of easy ways to help yourself while helping the planet.
Yahoo
18-04-2025
- Automotive
- Yahoo
New report makes surprising discovery about 9 out of 10 electric vehicle drivers: 'A significant improvement'
The results are in. Green Car Reports shared a surprising conclusion from J.D. Power's 2025 Electric Vehicle Experience Ownership Study. Once auto buyers purchase an electric vehicle, it is unlikely that they will return to a gas-powered car. The study surveyed 6,164 EV and plug-in hybrid owners of 2024 and 2025 vehicles, asking them about their first year of ownership. Of those surveyed, 94% said that they were likely to consider purchasing another EV as their next car. The study showed that although consumers have been pulling away from the Tesla brand, EV satisfaction, in general, is increasing and has been on the rise year over year. In fact, EV sales have been on the upswing and stand to gain 3% of the market share in 2025. Improved charging infrastructure is one reason for this. While about 30 million tons of elements are, indeed, dug up each year for the mining and manufacturing of EVs, it is making far less of a negative impact when compared to the 16.5 billion tons of dirty energy dug from the earth each year for gas-powered transportation. In addition, dirty energy is burned and not reused the way the mined minerals can be. So while converting more of our automobile supply to EVs is not perfect, it is progress in the right direction. Overall, switching from a gas-powered car to an EV reduces air pollution that contributes to the warming of the planet and can save consumers money since they are not subject to paying high gas prices. EV owners may also be able to take advantage of tax credits for further cost savings, depending on the vehicle they purchase. The Green Car Reports article offers hope in the trend toward increasing EV acceptance, purchasing, and owner satisfaction, showing "a significant improvement in the overall picture." If you were going to purchase an EV, which of these factors would be most important to you? Cost Battery range Power and speed The way it looks Click your choice to see results and speak your mind. Join our free newsletter for good news and useful tips, and don't miss this cool list of easy ways to help yourself while helping the planet.
Yahoo
15-04-2025
- Automotive
- Yahoo
Massive electric vehicle charging project moves forward despite potential huge obstacle: 'We remain confident'
Despite the Trump administration's move to freeze funds for federal electric vehicle charging installations, the state of California has continued to support projects to add more charging stations across the state. According to an article by Green Car Reports, California recently announced a multimillion-dollar project to add EV charging stations to key points, including gas stations, convenience stores, and hotels. The California Energy Commission will oversee the $55 million project and install direct current fast-charging stations. Green Car Reports noted that though this project is only a small piece of the state's most recent billion-dollar EV and hydrogen plan, it still demonstrates California's commitment to EVs amid the federal government's current freeze. "The CEC is reviewing the recent memo and coordinating with federal and state counterparts," spokesperson Harrison Reilly told Green Car Reports while explaining the impact the federal freeze may have on the state's EV charging funding moving forward. "We remain confident in our ability to continue serving Californians and leading the state to a 100% clean energy future for all," he added. California has been a leader in encouraging the widespread adoption of EVs, adding charging stations across the state to make driving an EV more accessible. According to reports from Statista, California has the highest number of charging stations and ports in the U.S. The state's continued dedication to EV infrastructure will help make it easier for EV drivers to navigate the roads. From an environmental standpoint, adding more charging locations will encourage more people to switch to an electric vehicle, which will help reduce the total amount of pollution in the atmosphere. Switching to an EV not only saves you money on gas and car maintenance but also helps improve air quality. The fewer gas-powered vehicles on the road, the less tailpipe emissions will enter the atmosphere and heat up our planet. If you were going to purchase an EV, which of these factors would be most important to you? Cost Battery range Power and speed The way it looks Click your choice to see results and speak your mind. Join our free newsletter for good news and useful tips, and don't miss this cool list of easy ways to help yourself while helping the planet.
Yahoo
04-04-2025
- Automotive
- Yahoo
Gas company launches new initiative that will have big impacts for drivers — here's what's happening
Charging your electric vehicle in the Sunshine State just got a whole lot easier. BP recently launched its first major electric vehicle charging hub along the busy I-95 corridor in Jacksonville, Florida, according to Green Car Reports. This new development marks the beginning of a nationwide network that combines ultrafast charging with the comfort and convenience travelers expect on long journeys. The new charging station features six CCS DC fast chargers and 12 total bays, offering impressive 400-kilowatt charging capability. This power level allows compatible electric vehicles to add significant range in just minutes, making EV road trips more practical and convenient than ever before. BP acquired TravelCenters of America (TA) in 2023, creating the perfect partnership to offer EV drivers the same comfortable rest stops that traditional car and truck drivers have long enjoyed. This Jacksonville location is just the beginning of BP's ambitious charging network expansion. The company plans to create more than 40 similar hubs at TA locations across major highway routes. BP Pulse, the company's charging division, currently operates 31 U.S. locations but intends to grow that number to over 100 nationwide. Recent studies show that while Americans don't necessarily expect EVs to charge as quickly as gas tanks fill, they do prioritize access to pleasant amenities during charging stops — and the TA travel centers are aiming to provide both. The travel center charging trend continues to grow, as Love's also announced in 2024 that all of its future travel stops will include EV chargers. Both Walmart and Sam's Club are also working to build EV charging stations at thousands of locations around the country by 2030. This infrastructure growth provides more charging options while reducing air pollution across America's highways. For EV owners and potential buyers, BP's expansion offers practical benefits like reduced range anxiety, more convenient road trip planning, and access to comfortable facilities during necessary charging stops. The 400-kW charging capacity means significantly shorter wait times compared to older charging stations, turning what was once a barrier to EV adoption into a manageable rest break along the way. This network also makes electric vehicles a viable option for more Americans, regardless of travel needs. As these charging hubs expand across major travel routes, they'll reduce transportation-related carbon pollution by supporting the transition away from gas-powered vehicles, improving air quality in communities nationwide. If you were going to purchase an EV, which of these factors would be most important to you? Cost Battery range Power and speed The way it looks Click your choice to see results and speak your mind. Join our free newsletter for good news and useful tips, and don't miss this cool list of easy ways to help yourself while helping the planet.
Yahoo
03-04-2025
- Automotive
- Yahoo
Chevrolet debuts stunning prototype vehicle with incredible performance: 'The fundamental objective is clear'
In anticipation of the release for the all-electric Chevrolet Blazer EV SS, the car manufacturer made waves with the electric vehicle at the Daytona 500. In February, the Blazer SS served as the pace car at the prestigious NASCAR race, the first time a battery-electric vehicle will serve in the role. Pace cars lead the field during warm up laps and caution periods that occur when there are hazards on the track. The sportiest version of the Blazer has 615 horsepower and goes from zero to 60 mph in 3.4 seconds, according to Green Car Reports. Chevy also debuted a NASCAR prototype of the Blazer, the Blazer EV.R. CNN reported that the vehicle has twice the power of the typical NASCAR vehicles, which use an internal combustion engine. The outlet also reported that it was quieter and did not emit the exhaust fumes that are often associated with these races. The partnership with Chevy sits among NASCAR's efforts to build a more sustainable operation by 2035. In 2023, the organization promised to reduce its pollution by installing renewable electricity at owned race tracks and facilities, expanding recycling efforts, and building on-site EV charging stations. "There is much work to be done but the fundamental objective is clear: we must reduce our emissions over time," said Eric Nyquist, NASCAR's chief communications and impact officer in a press release. The Chevy Blazer EV SS is available now and starts at around $61,995, according to Green Car Reports. It also qualifies for the federal tax credit of up to $7,500 for EVs, potentially putting money back in your pocket. Electric cars save you money in the long run by cutting gas and oil change costs. They also reduce the amount of air pollution emitted into the atmosphere each year. One MIT study found that EVs emit 200 grams of carbon air pollution per mile, compared to 350 grams per mile from cars with internal combustion engines. Going electric is a win for you and the environment. "I guarantee you there's more EVs in the parking lot today than there was five years ago," former NASCAR driver David Ragan told CNN. "And then in another five years, there's gonna be a lot more." If you were to switch from a grass lawn to a more natural option, which of these factors would be your primary motivation? Making it look better Saving money on water and maintenance Helping pollinators No way I ever get rid of my lawn Click your choice to see results and speak your mind. Ragan also told CNN he personally drives an EV because it's fast, fun, and cheaper to maintain than a gas vehicle. Join our free newsletter for good news and useful tips, and don't miss this cool list of easy ways to help yourself while helping the planet.
