Latest news with #electricVehicle
Edmunds
3 days ago
- Automotive
- Edmunds
Tested: The 2025 Porsche Macan Turbo Electric Does Its Badge Justice
Getting into the aforementioned launch control is relatively easy. As our test driver explains, "Select either Sport or Sport Plus driving mode, hold the brake pedal down, mash the throttle, wait for the launch control message to appear on the dash and let it fly. Doing that shaves about half a second off the already fast time, and the Macan Turbo picks up even more steam." Our tester adds, "Other EVs can go quicker still, but the Macan's compact dimensions and general lack of theater make the speed just a bit more shocking. Even with all this power, all-wheel drive and our test car's super-sticky tires, traction was never an issue; the Macan Turbo simply goes. Power is wonderfully linear and never seems to taper off considerably, even over 100 mph. Unlike the Porsche Taycan, which uses a two-speed gearbox, the Macan Turbo sticks with the more conventional (for an EV) single-speed unit." Tires make a big difference Our test vehicle was equipped with the optional "Performance Summer Tires for 22-inch wheels" option, which in our case were Pirelli P Zero Corsa tires with a ridiculously low treadwear rating of 80. This number refers to the tire's expected durability, or how long it will last. The higher the number, the longer it should last. For context, a common treadwear for an SUV is usually over 500, whereas an ultra-high-performance summer tire, like a Michelin Pilot Sport Cup 2, is 200. The Macan's tires are 80, meaning they should last less than half as long as those Michelins, especially if you use them as their manufacturer intended. In short, these tires are sticky and deliver a ton of grip.
Geeky Gadgets
21-05-2025
- Automotive
- Geeky Gadgets
All-New Toyota RAV4 Debuts Worldwide
The all-new Toyota RAV4 plug-in hybrid represents a significant leap forward in hybrid technology, combining efficiency, performance, and innovative features. With a next-generation plug-in hybrid system, the RAV4 offers an impressive 100 km electric range (WLTP combined), making it ideal for daily commutes and urban driving. The new high-capacity 22.7 kWh lithium-ion battery not only extends the electric range but also enables faster charging. A DC 50kW onboard charger can replenish the battery from 10% to 80% in just 30 minutes, while an 11 kW AC charger reduces home charging time to as little as three hours. This significant improvement in charging capabilities allows owners to spend less time waiting and more time enjoying the benefits of electric driving. The RAV4's hybrid powertrain is designed to deliver a dynamic driving experience, with a total power output of 304 DIN hp and a 0-100 km/h acceleration time of just 5.8 seconds. This impressive performance is achieved through the seamless integration of the electric motor and the gasoline engine, providing instant torque and smooth power delivery across the entire rev range. The intelligent all-wheel drive (AWD-i) system ensures optimal performance in various driving conditions, distributing power between the front and rear wheels as needed for enhanced traction and stability. Additionally, the new geo-fencing technology optimizes electric driving by switching seamlessly between hybrid and EV modes based on real-time data and driver habits, maximizing efficiency and reducing emissions in urban environments. Pricing and Availability The all-new Toyota RAV4 will be available in Europe exclusively as a plug-in hybrid or full hybrid, reflecting Toyota's commitment to sustainable mobility. This strategic decision aligns with the growing demand for electrified vehicles and the need to reduce carbon emissions in the transportation sector. Pricing details are expected to vary by market, with the plug-in hybrid model positioned as a premium offering due to its advanced technology and extended electric range. Customers can expect the RAV4 to hit dealerships in early 2024, with pre-orders opening soon, allowing them to secure their place in line for this highly anticipated SUV. To further enhance the ownership experience, Toyota also offers a comprehensive ecosystem for plug-in hybrid owners, including insurance and charging solutions, ensuring a seamless transition to electric mobility. Advanced Safety and Digital Features The RAV4 introduces Toyota's new Arene software development platform, allowing advanced safety features and a seamless digital experience. The latest Toyota Safety Sense suite includes innovations like Front Cross Traffic Alert, which warns the driver of approaching vehicles when pulling out of a parking space or driveway, and Blind Spot Monitor with Rear Vehicle Approach Indicator, which alerts the driver to vehicles in their blind spot or approaching from behind when changing lanes. Lane Change Assist provides steering support when changing lanes, ensuring a smooth and safe maneuver. These features work together to enhance driver awareness and reduce the risk of accidents, providing an added layer of safety and peace of mind. Inside, the RAV4 features an innovative multimedia system with a 12.9″ home screen and a 12.3″ driver's combimeter. The high-resolution displays provide clear and intuitive access to a wide range of features, including real-time navigation with Google Points of Interest integration, allowing drivers to easily find and navigate to nearby restaurants, gas stations, and other amenities. The system also offers over-the-air updates, ensuring that the latest functionalities and software improvements are always available. The MyToyota app further enhances the user experience, providing remote services such as climate control, vehicle status checks, and a Smart Digital Key+ that allows owners to lock, unlock, and start their RAV4 using their smartphone. Subscription-based features offer additional convenience and flexibility, tailoring the RAV4's capabilities to individual needs and preferences. Specifications Powertrain: Plug-in hybrid with 22.7 kWh lithium-ion battery Plug-in hybrid with 22.7 kWh lithium-ion battery Electric Range: 100 km (WLTP combined) 100 km (WLTP combined) Charging: DC 50kW (10%-80% in 30 minutes), 11 kW AC (3 hours) DC 50kW (10%-80% in 30 minutes), 11 kW AC (3 hours) Performance: 304 DIN hp, 0-100 km/h in 5.8 seconds 304 DIN hp, 0-100 km/h in 5.8 seconds Safety Features: Front Cross Traffic Alert, Blind Spot Monitor, Lane Change Assist Front Cross Traffic Alert, Blind Spot Monitor, Lane Change Assist Digital Features: 12.9″ home screen, 12.3″ driver's combimeter, MyToyota app 12.9″ home screen, 12.3″ driver's combimeter, MyToyota app Drive Modes: Intelligent AWD-i and geo-fencing technology Explore More For those interested in Toyota's broader innovations, the RAV4 GR SPORT trim offers a motorsports-inspired design and enhanced driving dynamics. This special edition features unique exterior styling elements, such as a black grille, spoiler, and 19-inch alloy wheels, as well as sport-tuned suspension and steering for a more engaging driving experience. The interior also receives exclusive touches, including sport seats with red stitching and a GR-branded steering wheel, appealing to enthusiasts who desire a more dynamic SUV. Looking beyond the RAV4, Toyota's advancements in software-defined vehicles and over-the-air updates signal a future where cars are more connected and adaptable than ever. As technology continues to evolve, Toyota aims to stay at the forefront, offering vehicles that can grow and improve along with their owners. This commitment to innovation ensures that Toyota vehicles, including the RAV4, will remain relevant and competitive in an increasingly digital world. Whether you're drawn to hybrid efficiency, innovative safety, or digital convenience, the all-new Toyota RAV4 sets a new benchmark in the SUV market. With its impressive electric range, fast charging capabilities, and advanced features, the RAV4 plug-in hybrid offers a compelling package for those seeking a versatile and sustainable vehicle. As Toyota continues to push the boundaries of what's possible in the automotive industry, the RAV4 stands as a testament to the company's dedication to creating vehicles that not only meet the needs of today's drivers but also pave the way for a cleaner, more connected future. Source Toyota Filed Under: Auto News Latest Geeky Gadgets Deals Disclosure: Some of our articles include affiliate links. If you buy something through one of these links, Geeky Gadgets may earn an affiliate commission. Learn about our Disclosure Policy.
Top Gear
13-05-2025
- Automotive
- Top Gear
Land Rover Range Rover Review 2025
The Range Rover is one of those vanishingly rare cars that defies the industry's traditional product cycle. The previous gen model arrived in 2012 and even in these unpredictable times it was still hitting the spot with its high-end client base a decade later. But then you see the current L460 – only the fifth generation in 51 years – and you realise there are some things even the Range Rover can't out-run forever. Namely, the march of technology and connectivity, and more pressingly the need to future-proof it as climate change ceases to be a debate and becomes a genuine existential emergency. Advertisement - Page continues below On its reveal in late 2021, this was an all-new car in every aspect with a critical reappraisal of its place in the world. Key here are two plug-in hybrids, badged P460e and P550e (that equates to 454 and 542bhp respectively). These combine Land Rover's 3.0-litre six cylinder petrol engine with a 31.8kWh battery feeding a 105kW (141bhp) electric motor to deliver 'up to 75 miles' of pure electric driving with CO2 emissions as low as 16g/km. 50 miles in the real world is more plausible. Land Rover reckons that typical Range Rover customers will be able to complete 75 per cent of their journeys without ever bothering the internal combustion engine. Not quite a 'get out of jail free' card, but a big improvement. Want more e-range? A fully electric version is on the way with a 117kWh battery pack and 542bhp. Click these words here for our initial impressions from the passenger seat of a prototype. Alongside the PHEVs sit a pair of mild-hybrid diesels badged D300 and D350 – making 296bhp and 345bhp respectively – and two mild-hybrid petrol twin-turbo V8s sourced from BMW. They're known as the P530 and the P615, with the former getting 523bhp and the latter a hefty 607bhp for a 0-62mph time of 4.5 seconds. Oh, and the intakes have been reconfigured to enable a 900mm wading depth, plus a few other robust mods. Seriously, has anyone ever taken their Range Rover into a chuffing river? Well, except Her late Majesty. It has to have the chops to do it though to live up to the reputation. Same for the upcoming EV, although that's even less likely to go swimming up the Severn. Advertisement - Page continues below Everything. The previous L405 Range Rover remains such an archetype that the scale of the challenge here was substantial. There are five fundamental visual pillars on the Range Rover: the falling roofline, pronounced waistline, the rising sill, clamshell bonnet and floating roof. They were all reimagined for the current car, although you need to see new and old side-by-side to grasp just how ingeniously nuanced the changes are. The panel gaps and shutlines are fabulously tight, and the flush glazing abuts the bodysides in memorable fashion. The rain guttering is hidden, too. Design pushed engineering – and vice versa – and the result is as much an ode to metal-beating and manufacturing technique as it is aesthetics. This is a car that will be at its imperious best sweeping along the motorway like an automotive super-yacht. The car's rear end taps into that idea, and is the area of the car that's most obviously different to its predecessor. Check out the vertical tail-lights, and the way the whole thing is resolved. It's also notably aerodynamic for a big SUV, with a drag coefficient of 0.30 and a smoother frontal area. Americans might spot shades of Kia's impressive but not-for-Europe Telluride, but that's no bad thing. It's a great looking car, that. And what tech lies beneath the skin? Land Rover says it took out 125 patents for this generation of Rangie and carried out a rigorous development programme that encompassed 140,000 hours of computational analysis. It's also connected up the wazoo, has a sophisticated air filtration system, active noise cancellation tech in its headrests, and Standard and Long Wheelbase iterations are available, with the option of seven seats for the first time. None of which are cheap. It's also important to distinguish between the regular trim levels – SE, HSE and Autobiography – and the SV opportunities. That last one is a whole different ball-game, offering 'curated' luxury in the form of Serenity or Intrepid packages. While prices for the Range Rover start at £105,675, the fully loaded SV long wheelbase with the 'Signature Suite' – that's the one you need a chauffeur to fully enjoy – is double that (plus the aforementioned chauffeur's salary). "Much of the investment and engineering inside has gone into the tactility," SVO boss Michael van der Sande told TG at the latest Range Rover's launch. "This is about amplifying the luxury remit and the new car isn't trying to be something it's not. We want to avoid mixing our drinks too much." This is important information. The new iteration pushes Range Rover even further upmarket, leaving the Range Rover Sport to be more, erm, sporty. A target it doesn't hit nearly as cleanly as this nails the luxury brief. How is it to drive? Commanding. That sums it up in one word. It's not rapid even with a V8. It's too heavy (around 2.8 tonnes depending on spec) to be able to haul in a straight line, and too ponderous around corners. It really needs the 48v anti-roll system that is only fitted as standard to flagship models. But accusing the Range Rover of not being dynamic is to miss the point – it's not intended to be. Instead it is calm, relentlessly comfortable and batters its way through bad weather like nothing else. Is it still capable off-road? Well, duh. This is Range Rover's non-negotiable talent. A 911 GT3 has to be exceptional on track, a Range Rover has to mix it in the rough. And this one does, with a full suite of off-road accoutrements: low range gearbox, Terrain Response, height adjustable air suspension, ground cameras, locking diffs and, for the first time, four wheel-steering to really sharpen up the turning circle. That's actually handier in Knightsbridge than in the back of beyond, mind you. How's the cabin? Well, it was arguably even better than the exterior, but a model year update for 2024 added the new 13.1in touchscreen for the infotainment and thus removed lots of the physical buttons and the excellent heating controls. Ah. So yes, the interior has the same reductive design language as the exterior, with a clean aesthetic that's attractive but now slightly less easy to get on with than it was at launch. There are a lot of haptic controls on the steering wheel too and they're occasionally frustrating to use. At least the screen is responsive and logical. Plus it feels luxurious to sit in, and the view out is wonderfully open and commanding. For the full luxury experience, you need the long wheelbase version which features limo levels of legroom. Bear in mind this does reduce practicality as the seats don't fold as flat as the regular cars. The boot is generous and at least this Range Rover still has the iconic split tailgate.
Malay Mail
09-05-2025
- Automotive
- Malay Mail
Sarawak transport minister: EV plates must meet JPJ specs, even if not mandatory
KUCHING, May 9 — All electric vehicle (EV) dealers and owners in Sarawak are encouraged to ensure their number plates comply with the specifications under the Road Transport Department's (JPJ) ePlate initiative, even though it is currently not mandatory. Sarawak Transport Minister Datuk Seri Lee Kim Shin said that while his ministry is not the implementing agency, it plays a supporting and communicative role to help ensure that the public and industry stakeholders receive timely and accurate information. 'Although the ePlate is not yet compulsory, EV owners are strongly encouraged to adopt it in line with national efforts to improve enforcement, standardisation, and to support road safety and emergency response operations,' he said in a statement today. He explained that fire and rescue operations involving electric vehicles require different handling protocols due to the high-voltage battery systems. 'When emergency responders can quickly identify that a vehicle is electric, they can act more effectively and safely using the correct rescue techniques,' he added. Lee said the ePlate initiative, which currently applies only to cars, is a federal policy and remains in its voluntary phase. During this period, enforcement is advisory in nature and no compounds are issued. His reminder comes after a recent case where an EV owner in Sarawak received a notice from JPJ regarding non-compliance with ePlate specifications, raising public concern. Lee said Sarawak JPJ later clarified that the notice was issued as part of advisory enforcement and no further action was taken as the plate met the required specifications. 'We appreciate JPJ's quick response in reviewing the case and issuing clarification. This incident highlights the importance of public awareness and understanding of new initiatives,' he said. He also emphasised that green mobility is not only a global trend but a key pillar in Sarawak's Post Covid-19 Development Strategy (PCDS) 2030, which aims to position the state as a developed and sustainable region. — Bernama
Digital Trends
08-05-2025
- Automotive
- Digital Trends
Tesla just scrapped the Cybertruck range extender
The writing was pretty much on the wall for the Cybertruck range extender last month when Tesla removed the option from its website. Now, it's officially scrapped it and is refunding the $2,000 deposits that customers put down for the $16,000 battery pack. The Cybertruck range extender was designed to address Tesla's failure to deliver on the promised ranges for the outlandish pickup when it launched toward the end of 2023, and would've added about 120 miles to the vehicle's range. For example, the tri-motor version of the Cybertruck was expected to have more than 500 miles of range but only offers 320 miles. Recommended Videos Tesla's response was to boost the range using a separate battery pack — the range extender — that would've been installed in the pickup's bed by a Tesla technician. The automaker originally said the pack would launch in early 2025, though toward the end of last year it changed it to 'mid 2025.' The changes to the range extender's launch schedule means that folks who dropped a deposit for it have yet to receive it. And now they never will. Tesla unveiled the Cybertruck in 2019, promising a futuristic electric pickup with bold, angular styling. While the Elon Musk-led automaker originally targeted a 2021 launch in North America, production faced repeated delays due to design and manufacturing challenges before finally starting at Gigafactory Texas in 2023. Deliveries to the first buyers started in December of the same year, but they involved the dual-motor and tri-motor 'Cyberbeast' variants, with those who preordered the single-motor Long Range model still waiting for it. But the Cybertruck appears to be struggling, with only 6,406 units delivered in the first quarter — less than half the sales achieved in the previous quarter. The reduced demand has resulted in about $200 million worth of unsold inventory amid reports of thousands of unsold trucks. The vehicle faces quality issues, high pricing — the available models start at $80,000 — and increasing competition, making it challenging for Tesla to boost sales. The fall in Cybertruck sales appears to reflect Tesla's broader sales decline, which some have attributed to the negative public perception stemming from Elon Musk's political activities and controversies.
