Some will call people security conscious, others paranoid, but what many don’t realize is the amount of data collected by our vehicles. We’ve come to understand that our smartphones are little listening devices that collect tons of information about us, which is almost impossible to avoid, but many don’t realize their cars are doing the same thing. Some vehicles collect data that can be problematic in your personal and professional life, especially if the data isn’t cleared before selling the car.

What are the risks of your car’s data being collected and shared?

Your vehicle stores information in one or more of the many onboard computers. If you utilize any form of traffic data or GPS location systems, your vehicle likely stores your latest routes, most common places visited, and how often you go to these locations. This means it’s recording where you live, work, shop, and travel with frequency and your general schedule, leaving you exposed to potential trouble.
Other risks involved in this data collection include:

• Personal and professional communication is exposed – This includes your health status, media tastes, and work communication.
• Hacking – Automakers hire hackers to show how car systems can be breached. This could certainly happen to anyone when hackers access the computer systems and collect data or take control of the vehicle to do you harm
• Other could limit your access – If you lease, rent, or share your car another entity can monitor your behavior and limit access to systems within the vehicle

How does your car share data with other parties?

Your car is almost always collecting data about you and your habits. The systems share this information to bring you more information and help you care for your car, receive appropriate advertising, and improve your driving experience, but it can cause trouble for you. Your vehicle shared data in four different ways, which are:

• Via cellular network signal
• Through the Wi-Fi connection
• Via Bluetooth devices
• Through the USB drive

While not all of these systems are directly accessible through over-the-air systems, once the car copies the data, there’s no telling what happens to that information.

What data is your car collecting?

Some models are more personal than others, while some only collect data required to get you from one place to another. Regardless, the data collected could become problematic for you when this information falls into the wrong hands.
The data collected could include:

• Vehicle identification number
• Mileage, speed, fuel level, and oil life
• Tire pressure, engine temperature, and battery status
• Brakes, steering, and acceleration patterns
• GPS location, destination, and route
• Voice commands, phone calls, and text messages
• Media preferences, playlists, and contacts
• Biometric data – heart rate, blood pressure, and stress level

Much of the collected data is essential for your car’s performance, providing you with alerts and information to schedule maintenance visits and updates. Other information is used to improve your driving experience, while some are personal and should be private. Unfortunately, in a world where we expect computers to remember/store information to be used later, this can be problematic and create security weaknesses in your life.

Can you protect your privacy and the data collected by your car?

Although your car is almost always collecting data about you, there are ways to protect your privacy and ensure your car isn’t a security weakness. Some of these tips involve actions you should take when you sell your vehicle, while others are actions you should take regularly.
Protect your privacy and data by:

• Erasing all your personal data and settings before selling or trading the car
• Perform a factory reset when you buy a used car
• Only give access to your data to trusted third parties
• Use strong passwords and two-factor authentication for apps and services
• Limit data collected when connecting to your car
• Disable or delete apps you don’t trust
• Opt out of mobile location sharing
• Don’t use apps if you’re concerned about targeted advertising
• Actually read the privacy policy and terms of service to learn what data the manufacturer will collect

Like it or not, your car is constantly collecting data from you while driving. Whether that’s simply car service information or personal information about your schedule, contacts, and conversations, this data is being collected and could be at risk if you don’t take action to prevent your car from being a security weakness in your life.

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Here are the top five reasons to consider buying your next vehicle from your local dealer.

1. Convenience and Test Drives

One of the best reasons to buy from your local car dealer is convenience. With a dealership right in your neighborhood, it’s easy to swing by and browse the selection or talk to the sales team. Local dealers also simplify test drives: you can easily spin around familiar roads on your lunch break or weekend. Buying from an out-of-town dealer would require traveling for a short test drive on roads you don’t usually take.

2. Service and Maintenance

Purchasing from a local car dealer also ensures you have a go-to place for service and maintenance. Dealerships provide manufacturer-recommended upkeep to keep your car warranty intact. They use factory parts and technicians trained specifically for your vehicle make and model. Having an established relationship with your local dealer’s service department means you already know where to bring your car when it’s time for an oil change, new tires, recalls, and other work.

3. Negotiating and Pricing

There are opportunities to negotiate pricing when buying from a local car dealer. Out-of-town dealers less familiar with your area may not be as motivated to earn your business. Local dealerships want to make sales and build their reputation in the community. Having a hometown dealer with room to negotiate can help you save money.

4. Personal Relationships

Getting to know your local car dealer’s sales staff and management builds a personal relationship. You want to feel comfortable asking questions and trusting the person helping you buy. Building rapport with your salesperson at a local dealership means you’ll have an advocate who understands precisely what you’re looking for, which leads to a smoother purchase experience.

5. Supporting Local Business

Purchasing from local car dealers helps boost the economy right in your community. Your sales taxes go directly to your city and county to support infrastructure and services. Local dealerships also employ residents of your town. When these businesses thrive, it strengthens the entire community. So you can feel good knowing your business helps neighbors and contributes to the place you call home.

Find Your Next Car at a Local Dealer

Buying your next car from a dealer in your neighborhood has many advantages. From convenience to personal service, you’ll be glad you shopped locally. Building a relationship with a hometown dealership pays off now and down the road – so don’t overlook the benefits of buying local when it’s time for your next vehicle.

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Nissan Leaf

The Nissan Leaf is an ideal choice for buyers who want to switch to an EV and have a short commute. Lease deals for this model tend to be pretty affordable. For example, $289 per month for three years. Like most affordable small EV models, the Nissan Leaf features a fairly short range of 149 miles on a full charge in the base trim.

Kia EV6

Increasing numbers of EV models are crossovers. The Kia EV6 is a sleek and sporty model with agile handling that gives it a fun driving experience. The cabin approaches luxury quality with many upmarket materials and styling. Recent lease deals on this crossover are for the Wind trim, which features a range of 310 miles and RWD. The EV6 Wind makes 225 horsepower. Inside, you’ll find modern features like a 12.3-inch touchscreen, wireless charging, smartphone connectivity, and heated front seats.

Kia Niro EV

Kia has several lease deals on EV models right now. The Kia Niro is another one that makes a good choice for the first-time EV buyer. The Niro features FWD, a single-speed transmission, and an electric motor to make 201 horsepower and 253 miles of range. The base trim offers some decent standard features, like a 10.25-inch touchscreen, wireless smartphone connectivity, wireless charging, and heated front seats.

Subaru Solterra

The new Subaru Solterra has both purchase and lease deals available. This EV offers a range of 220 miles, and it comes standard with AWD and a decent ability to perform off-road. The Subaru Solterra uses two electric motors to make 215 horsepower. Some of its all-terrain features include hill ascent and descent, selectable drive modes for different conditions, and grip control. Standard interior features include wireless smartphone connectivity and an eight-inch touchscreen.

Hyundai Ioniq 5

The Hyundai Ioniq 5 has been on the market for a few years but was recently refreshed to offer more range and efficiency. Lease deals are available for most models of this sleek crossover. The Ioniq 5 boasts plenty of standard features, including a safety suite, a 12.3-inch touchscreen, and wireless smartphone connectivity.

Nissan Ariya

The Ariya is another new crossover with a handsome, modern appearance. It offers exceptional efficiency and plenty of standard equipment. The range for the Nissan Ariya goes up to 304 miles and AWD is available. Nissan offers a long list of standard features, and some lease deals allow you to choose additional options on top of the basic model.

Toyota bZ4X

This is Toyota’s new EV crossover, and it offers a comfortable cabin with simple furnishings. The bZ4X powertrain maxes out at 252 miles, which is roughly standard for this crossover segment. Standard equipment on this Toyota EV includes wireless charging, a 12.3-inch touchscreen, smartphone connectivity, and five USB ports.

Finding EV lease deals is relatively easy, but it may depend on your local area and what your nearby dealerships are offering. Lease deals may also change from month to month.

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Charging an electric car isn’t as easy or as straightforward as pulling up to a gas pump. There’s a lot more technology and things to consider when you need to plug in to recharge your EV batteries.

What happens if you charge your EV to 100% every time you charge? Should you use DC Fast-Charging exclusively? Can you still use a regular 120-volt outlet to charge your electric car? Where are the nearby electric charging stations?

Prior Proper Planning Prevents Problems

Even before you buy your new electric vehicle, you should know where the public charging stations in your area are located. Whether you’re heading out for a road trip that will take you away from home for several days or you’re taking a different path than normal, it’s important to know where the charging stations are so that you don’t end up stranded.

There’s An App For That

Thankfully, most charging networks provide apps to customers, and many electric vehicles have charging station locations programmed into the GPS system. Still, you need to have a charging plan before heading out in an EV. Electric vehicle charging stations aren’t as plentiful as gas stations for ICE vehicles yet.

Overcharging Your Battery – Reduces EV Battery Lifespan

Electric car batteries aren’t like smartphone batteries. They don’t need to be charged to 100% every time, and charging them past 80% can reduce the lifespan of the battery. Although 80% is the sweet spot for EV charging, most owners will plug in the EV overnight to ensure the battery hits 100% while charging.

Fast Charging, Slow Charging, Which Cable?

Electric cars come with various charging cables, each designed for a specific purpose. Using the wrong cable can slow down your charging time and damage your car’s battery. This could be a costly mistake, especially if you repeat it several times over. Make sure you have the right charging cable for your vehicle.

In most areas, the overnight time is considered the off-peak hours, which is also when electricity is cheapest. This is why many homeowners will run a clothes dryer at night because they can save some money. An electric vehicle uses the same amount of power to charge as an electric clothes dryer, which makes overnight charging a smart financial decision.

Less Frequent Maintenance Doesn’t Mean No Maintenance

Although EVs require less frequent maintenance, there’s still a schedule to follow, which is necessary when you drive any vehicle. This schedule is meant to help you keep your car running smoothly and avoid costly repairs. The battery pack is typically under warranty for eight years, but that coverage ends if you don’t keep up the vehicle’s maintenance.

Frequently Charging Your EV To 100% – The Optimum Level Is Less

Automakers list the driving range of a vehicle when it has a full battery, but they don’t add that you don’t need to charge it to full every time. If you’re planning a road trip, you’ll want to start with a battery at 100%, but this isn’t optimal for daily overnight charging.

Short Commutes Require Less Charging

If you want to optimize EV battery life, you’ll need to understand what your daily and weekly driving habits are. If you know that you won’t drive more than 40 or 50 miles in a given day, it’s not necessary to charge the batteries to 100% or to plug the car in every day. EV batteries will last longer when recharged less frequently, but if you’ve got a long journey coming up, by all means, charge the EV to 100%.

You Can’t Go To The Nearest Station For A Gallon Of Electricity

What used to be a pretty common sight is a person walking along the road toward the next gas station with a gas can in their hand. These drivers thought they could make it to the station, but that wasn’t the case. Unlike this inconvenience, you can’t just walk to the nearest EV charger and pick up a gallon of electricity. It’s important to watch your battery level and keep it in the sweet spot between 20 and 80% charge at all times.

Rapid Charging Reduces Battery Life

Some drivers swear by rapid charging or are still in the mindset that they must go to a station to refuel their vehicle. Current electric vehicles are made to be recharged most effectively at home using a 240-volt charging port. Although some people can’t avoid using rapid charging exclusively, if you have an at-home charger, plan to use it for almost all of your EV charging needs.

The post Maximize Your EV Battery Life: The Dos and Don’ts of Charging first appeared on Ride4Watts.com.

The post Maximize Your EV Battery Life: The Dos and Don’ts of Charging appeared first on Ride4Watts.com.

Until the infrastructure exists to support EVs in a similar manner to gas-powered vehicles, charging time, charger locations, and driving range will continue to be a serious consideration. Of course, there are other aspects of EVs that you’ve got to think about as well. Because these vehicles are new to the market, many automakers offer incentives, and the federal government also has a tax break for most EVs.

Here are some things you want to consider when you’re ready to buy an electric car.

Where do you go, and what do you take with you?

The early days of EVs offered nothing more than fully-electric hybrid vehicles, with Tesla being the only outlier. Today, EVs come in all shapes and sizes. There are off-road SUVs, pickup trucks, sedans, family-sized SUVs, and hatchbacks. The only thing missing is an all-electric minivan, but that’s probably coming. With this wide array of options, it’s important to know what you need and where you go when selecting the right EV to drive.

Where will you get fuel?

Owners of gas-powered cars don’t typically worry about finding a gas station but rather the price of a gallon of fuel. Unfortunately, electric car owners don’t have this same comfort. The infrastructure supporting EVs is still being created and expanding, which puts you at a disadvantage. Before buying an EV, find the local public chargers that you can use and find out whether or not you can install an at-home Level 2 charger for your overnight charging needs. If you can’t refuel your EV with electricity, it’s not worth buying.

Will your EV qualify for tax incentives?

The first round of the Federal EV Tax Credit was more of a blanket credit for hybrids, PHEVs, and EVs. This early version also had a vehicle limit, which was exceeded by a few automakers. The most recent tax credit opens things up for automakers that previously exceeded the limit while adding several constraints regarding the type of vehicle, where battery materials are mined, and where the vehicles are built. Will your EV qualify for these tax incentives?

How much driving range is required?

Electric cars list the driving range to help owners understand how far they can go between recharges at home. If you spend all of your time driving around town, you might not need more than 200 miles of driving range or an entire week. On the other hand, if you have a long commute or like to take weekend trips, you’ll want EV with at least 300 miles of driving range. Most EVs offer more than 200 miles, and some reach as high as 400 miles of range.

How much fun are you looking for in your EV?

Some EVs are advertised as fun, exciting, and fast. The Tesla Model S Plaid is considered the fastest electric vehicle in the world, but the new Lucid Air Sapphire might take this title away. Some EVs are built with off-road qualities, making adventures into the wilderness possible and fun. Although electric cars drive and feel different from traditional gas-powered vehicles, they can fit your lifestyle and offer the fun and excitement you desire.

Should you buy or lease your electric car?

This might be the second-most important question you’ll answer. Most advice normally points to buying over leasing, but EV technology is advancing so rapidly that leasing could be a much better option. Electric vehicles are new enough that some uncertainty still exists regarding the lifespan of EV batteries. If you want to err on the side of caution, it’s probably best to lease your first or second EV until more is known about the longevity of these new vehicles.

Would a PHEV or hybrid be a better option right now?

The newness of the electric car world could cause us to pause and take a step back. If you’re unsure whether or not you should drive a fully-electric car, you can dip a toe in the proverbial alternative fuel market with a traditional hybrid or plug-in hybrid vehicle. A PHEV could be the best option because most offer some of the same tax benefits as EVs and also provide 20 to 40 miles of all-electric driving range. Hybrid vehicles utilize a traditional gas engine for most of the driving, which makes them much more versatile than EVs.

Are you ready to buy an EV? Use these tips to help understand if you, the auto market, or the infrastructure is ready for you to drive a fully-electric vehicle.

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The post How to Buy an Electric Car appeared first on Ride4Watts.com.

For most people, the answer to the initial question is a desire to save the environment with less pollution. Some might say they are tired of paying the high price of gas, which makes sense, while others are looking for a way to get into a new vehicle and know that the government expects a transition to electric vehicles in the future.

Let’s look at some things to consider when you want to buy an electric car.

Why do you want to buy an electric car?

Starting with our initial question, which is the most important question in car buying. If your answer is that you want to reduce pollution and save the environment, the advice given might surprise you. In this case, you should drive your gas-powered car until it dies. If you trade it or sell it, another person will drive it, and the EV you buy only adds to a climate-negative industry. Of course, the other answers given are sensible reasons to switch to an EV.

Will the EV be your only car?

Some households have two or more vehicles parked outside, but if yours isn’t one of these, you’ll need to think about what you need in your new EV. If this is the only car you own, it’s important to have enough driving range for more than a single day of driving. On average, most EVs offer between 250 and 300 miles of driving range, with some reaching over 400 miles of range. Choose the EV that can deliver enough driving for a few days.

Is your EV going to be the second car?

If the EV is meant to be the second car in your household, you’ve got a lot more flexibility. In this case, you can choose a used model with as little as 150 miles of driving range, and it should be a great fit for your family. A pre-owned EV should come at a much lower price point and give you enough driving range to handle your weekly errands and running the kids to their activities. An EV as a second vehicle is a great choice for fuel savings.

Where will you change your EV?

Public charging stations aren’t located on every corner of America like gas stations. Although the infrastructure of public chargers is growing, most EV owners are expected to have at-home Level 2 charging stations. If you live in an apartment building or condo, it can be difficult to have an at-home charger installed. Before you purchase an electric car, you’ll need to know where you will charge, especially when you need to charge your batteries to 100%.

Do you like to take road trips?

Some people travel across the country every year in their vehicles, but some prefer to fly, ride on a train, or take a bus. If your new electric car is your only vehicle, road trips become challenging. Most EVs take more than 30 minutes to reach 80% of the maximum driving range at public charging stations. This means an EV with 300 miles of driving range is reduced to 240 miles. An alternative option that still meets most EV standards is a plug-in hybrid which uses a gas-powered engine and electric motor.

Where will you charge the EV during a road trip?

Most electric cars include apps that can help you locate public charging stations along your route, making it easy to find a place to refuel your EV. That said, some chargers lack proper maintenance and might not connect to your EV as easily as a gas pump. It’s important when heading out on a road trip to consider a primary and secondary location to charge the batteries.

Are there any incentives to buying an EV?

Most electric vehicles are much more expensive than their gasoline counterparts. With an average price of more than $60,000 before incentives, you’ll want to know how to reduce the cost of an EV. Currently, some EVs qualify for the $7,500 Federal EV Tax Credit, which reduces your tax liability when you file. If you don’t normally owe at least $7,500, this credit might not be of much value to you. Still, fueling an EV with electricity is much cheaper than gasoline, which is a huge benefit to driving an EV.

Before you dive into the electric vehicle world, you should understand what it means to drive one of these new vehicles. You’ll find many benefits but also some warnings when switching from a gas-fueled vehicle to an all-electric model.

The post Choosing the Right Electric Car: What You Need to Know first appeared on Ride4Watts.com.

The post Choosing the Right Electric Car: What You Need to Know appeared first on Ride4Watts.com.

2023 Tesla Model 3: The most affordable Tesla

The Tesla Model 3 is the cheapest model from this brand, offering competitive pricing across the range. The Model 3 is a Top Safety Pick+ winner from the IIHS and earned a five-star rating from the NHTSA. This safe and impressive electric car is eligible for the Federal EV Tax Credit, reducing the price by up to $7,500 for qualifying owners. The price range for the Model 3 is $40,240 to $53,240 covering three trims. You’ll find a lean and sparse interior when you step inside the Tesla Model 3. This small Tesla has a large touchscreen in the center of the dashboard to handle most of the controls required in the cheapest Tesla car. The Model 3 is the cheapest Tesla car, and it has up to 358 miles of driving on a full charge in the Long Range model. Both the Long Range and Performance models include AWD to send power to all four wheels for better traction and stability. The Model 3 is where affordability meets practicality in the EV world.

2023 Tesla Model Y: Could this small Tesla EV be right for you?

The Tesla Model Y is second on the list of the longest-range electric SUVs ranked by Kelley Blue Book. The Model 3 and Model Y share a platform, allowing the Model Y to be a small and useful electric SUV. The shared platform ensures that the Model Y achieves the same safety ratings as its sibling, hitting top marks with the IIHS and NHTSA. The Tesla Model starts at $47,490 and goes up to $54,490 across three trim levels. Surprisingly, the Tesla Model Y offers three rows of seats, despite its small footprint. Legroom in the third row is tight, but this area is still useful for small children or short drives across town. The second row brings up to 41.8 inches of legroom, making passengers comfortable. The second and third rows fold flat to open up 72.1 cubic feet of space behind the front seats in the 5-seat models, while 7-seat versions have 67.9 cubic feet of cargo room.

2023 Tesla Model S: Long-range luxury electric car dominance

The 2023 Tesla Model S isn’t the cheapest Tesla car, but the pricing fits in the luxury electric vehicle class. Only the Lucid Air brings a longer driving range than the Model S, which includes a maximum of 405 miles of EV driving on a single full charge. Only two versions of the Model S exist, the Standard, which starts at $88,490, and the high-performance Plaid model, which costs $108,490. When a performance EV is on the menu, the Tesla Model S Plaid is extremely quick, rocketing you to 60 mph in only 2.0 seconds, which is staggeringly fast. The Model S has interesting qualities, including the option of a regular steering wheel over the new Tesla yoke-style system. When you want a luxury EV with the highest level of tech, the Model S is what you’ll want to drive.

2023 Tesla Model X: Fast and futuristic Tesla fun

Although far from the cheapest Tesla model, the Model X is an impressive luxury electric SUV that captures the hearts and minds of those in its presence. The Model X brings luxurious comfort and a minimalistic cabin with three rows of comfortable seats to be a fantastic family SUV. The Tesla Model X, similar to the Model S, has two trims. The Standard trim starts at $98,490, while the Plaid trim costs $108,490. In addition to the luxury qualities, the Tesla Model X is the longest-range electric SUV on the road today, with up to 348 miles of electric driving range on a single charge. This Tesla SUV, along with the other models, can recharge at any of the many Tesla Supercharging stations located throughout the country. Although the price of the Tesla Model X isn’t low, it could be worth every penny you spend on it. Currently, these four Tesla models make up the entire vehicle lineup. The new Tesla Cybertruck is on the way, which will give this electric car brand five great EV models to choose from.

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