Latest news with #JillCiminillo
Motor 1
18-07-2025
- Automotive
- Motor 1
'So Useless:' Hyundai Tucson Hybrid Drivers Say the Wireless Charging Pad Overheats, Charges Slowly. What Can You Do?
Big screens? Check. Panoramic sunroof? Love it. Wireless charging pad? Not so much. That's the verdict from a Hyundai Tucson hybrid reviewer whose glowing review of Hyundai's new SUV was tripped up by one recurring tech complaint: A wireless charger that just can't keep up. Get the best news, reviews, columns, and more delivered straight to your inbox, daily. back Sign up For more information, read our Privacy Policy and Terms of Use . The TikTok from automotive enthusiast Jill Ciminillo ( @jillciminillo ) explains why she's disappointed by the slow charging speed of the Tucson hybrid's wireless charging pad. 'I like the location of the charging pad, but I will say, it doesn't charge your phone very quickly. So, if you need to charge your phone, you're gonna wanna wire in, and, um, it does heat up your phone a little bit,' she says. Why Wireless Pads Still Disappoint Trending Now 'We're Not Seeing It:' Woman Takes 2016 Versa to Nissan 5 Days Before Her Warranty's Up. Then the Tech Says Something Shocking 'Looked Forever For This Color:' Ohio Woman Buys Sonic Pearl Grey Honda Civic. Then She Notices Something Off About Her Mirrors Wireless charging in cars still sounds futuristic until you actually try using one. Most in-car systems, including the one in the 2025 Hyundai Tucson hybrid, use the Qi wireless charging standard , which typically delivers five to 10 watts of power. That might keep your phone from dying on short errands, but it's far slower than the 15W to 20W wireless speeds available with modern phones and premium home chargers. The problem gets worse in a car cabin. Unlike your desk or nightstand, vehicles are exposed to fluctuating temperatures, limited airflow, and other electronic devices competing for power. That's especially true in hybrids and EVs, where thermal management systems prioritize battery health over accessories. When ambient temperatures rise or your phone's battery is already warm, charging speeds drop even further. The system may also shut off entirely to prevent overheating. The result? A wireless pad that looks like it belongs in 2025 but performs like it's stuck in 2015. This isn't just a Hyundai thing. Drivers have voiced similar frustrations on Reddit pages dedicated to Hyundai, Toyota, and Ford. Complaints range from pads that won't charge at all to phones overheating or slipping out of alignment while driving. Some Volkswagen ID.4 owners even reported that their wireless pads caused device thermal warnings, particularly on longer drives. So why haven't automakers fixed it? Part of the answer is legacy engineering. Qi wireless pads are a 'checkbox feature' that's cheap to integrate, easy to promote, and rarely upgraded after the initial design. Plus, not all automakers test wireless performance across a full range of smartphones, cases, and driving scenarios. Until more customers demand faster, better in-car charging—or until Qi2, the next-gen magnetic wireless charging standard , becomes widespread—don't expect significant improvements. What Can You Do About It? If you're tired of watching your battery percentage drop while it's sitting on the charger, don't worry. You're not powerless. Here are a few easy upgrades: Plug In: Although it may feel old-school, wired charging remains the king. Using your vehicle's USB-C or Lightning port can deliver up to 18W or more, and it avoids the heat buildup that plagues wireless pads. This is by far the most reliable option if you're looking to quickly boost your charge during a commute. Get a Vent-Mount Charger with Cooling: If you're set on wireless charging, consider upgrading to a vent-mounted charger with a built-in fan. These stay cooler and align more reliably than center-console pads. Consider the iOttie Velox MagSafe Charger (for iPhone users) or the Anker MagGo Air Vent Mount, both of which are highly rated and excel at managing heat. Use Battery Optimization Features: Modern smartphones often include adaptive charging , low-power mode, or battery health settings. Features like Optimized Battery Charging (on iPhone) or Adaptive Charging (on Android) help reduce thermal stress and extend battery life, even when using a weak wireless charger. Disable or Avoid the Pad (If You Can): Some vehicles allow you to turn off the wireless charger via system settings. If yours doesn't, treat the pad like a glorified phone tray and rely on a cord or external charger instead. Another option is to store a short, braided USB-C cable in the center console and never worry about low power again. Motor1 reached out to Ciminillo via direct message. We'll be sure to update this if she responds. More From Motor1 The 2025 Hyundai Tucson Is God-Tier NPC Transportation: First Drive Review 10 PHEVs With the Best Electric Range for 2024 The 20 Best-Selling Cars of 2024 Watch The 2025 Hyundai Santa Cruz, Tucson, And Kia K4 Debut: Livestream Share this Story Facebook X LinkedIn Flipboard Reddit WhatsApp E-Mail Got a tip for us? Email: tips@ Join the conversation ( )
Forbes
30-06-2025
- Automotive
- Forbes
Five Reasons To Choose The Ram 1500 RHO (Even Though The Hemi Is Back)
2025 Ram 1500 RHO Last year, the Ram 1500 RHO debuted with the High Output version of the new 3.0-liter twin-turbo Hurricane engine, good for 540 horsepower and 521 lb-ft of torque. While Ram insisted the RHO was a distinct model for a different audience than the outgoing TRX, many saw is as the T-Rex's successor. That's where things got a little muddy. See, the Ram 1500 TRX was a beast, powered by a supercharged Hemi 6.2-liter V8. The throaty Hellcat engine produced 702 horsepower and 650 lb-ft of torque in the 2024 TRX model and was generally hailed as a monster machine. Some folks were disappointed by the announcement of the RHO, which seemed to be 'underpowered' compared to the TRX. However, what they didn't know is that the RHO is incredibly capable on- and off-road, and it has a few new tricks of its own. 2025 Ram 1500 RHO 1. The RHO Is As Comfortable As A Plush SUV In October of 2024, my teammate Jill Ciminillo and I were the first journalists to drive the Ram 1500 RHO. It wasn't your ordinary test drive, either: we drove the RHO for two weeks straight to participate in the grueling Rebelle Rally out in the deserts of California and Nevada. This year, I had time to put it through its paces during an ordinary week with my family to baseball games, grocery shopping, and running errands. I already knew it could perform admirably, but it's also a comfortable vehicle for everyday life. The seats are plush and they're also heated and ventilated. Materials are upscale but tough, so kids can do their worst and this cabin is not going to wilt under stress. And the suspension absorbs all of the speed bumps and potholes your neighborhood can throw at it. When it's off-road, it's even better. "The truck is more tossable,' Doug Killian, Chief Vehicle Synthesis Manager for Ram, told Popular Science in 2024. 'It's easier to set up into a drift. The turn in is quicker, allowing for transitions faster on a dirt track. It's more fun in those environments because it's easier to get sideways.' Ram 1500 RHO 2. The Infotainment System Is Tops Stellantis, Ram's parent company, put together an excellent infotainment system it calls UConnect, and it has held a spot in my Top 3 list since the 1500's redesign several years ago. Featuring a 12- inch touchscreen or an optional 14.5-inch reconfigurable touchscreen display with split-screen capability, the usability is excellent. Plus, I'm a huge fan of the volume-adjusting or station-changing toggle switches snugged just behind the space where your fingers rest behind the steering wheel. That means I can adjust the music in a variety of ways without taking my eyes off the road. Ram 1500 RHO 3. A Truck With Massaging Seats? Yes, Please Driving gets tiring, whether you're driving a few kids around, shuttling the Sheepadoodle to the vet, or barreling down a dirt desert road. In the case of your latter, your body is taking a lot of punishment even if you have the best shocks in the world. What's nice about the RHO is that it has massaging seats, and all you have to do is press a button on the door panel. Ram 1500 RHO pedal adjusters 4. Adjustable Pedals And Tons of Leg Room My mom is five feel tall, as is my Rebelle Rally teammate Jill. Ram made it easier for them to drive a big truck like this with an ingenious amenity: pedal adjustment capability. Instead of having to set up the seat way down into the cabin to reach the accelerator and brake pedals, the driver can put a button and get a lot more comfortable with the reach. It's safer, too, and more accessible for all sizes. Ram 1500 RHO door pockets 5. Blissfully Generous Small Storage Space Of course, the Ram 1500 RHO has a large bed for hauling, and it can be fitted with any number of accessories like toolboxes, shelves, and more. Inside the cabin, the RHO also boasts a giant console that is cavernous enough to hold a purse, a laptop, or a combination of snacks. Plus, the door pockets are large enough to hold a Yeti or Stanley water bottle plus a Venti cup of coffee from Starbucks without squishing them in there. Overall, unless you really feel like you need a V8 in your life, the Ram 1500 RHO costs several thousand dollars less than the TRX and checks the boxes across the board for a livable, comfortable, well-equipped truck.
