As you might expect, the Sierra EV and Silverado EV are built on the same platform, but as has always been the case, the GMC truck has higher-class features and qualities to make it the more upscale truck for your driving experience. The first model year for the Sierra EV came late in the model-year cycle, which means it hasn’t been available for long, but now we’ll get a full year with this new electric truck.

A few updates for a newish truck

The 2025 version of this electric truck will have a smaller battery option to provide more choices than before. There will be new trims added later in the year, with the AT4 and Elevation models entering the lineup to give you more options when looking at this electric truck. This truck debuted last year with only a few choices, but a more affordable Extended Range version or the Denali trim has been added to the mix.

Until the new additions arrive, the Denali trim includes remote automatic parking and an upgrade to the 5G connection. New paint colors, including Dark Ember Tintcoat, Deep Ocean Metallic, Summit White, Onyx Black, and Moonlight Matte, are available this year, giving you several new colors to choose from.

The power you need in an electric truck

The GMC Sierra EV comes standard with a powerful setup in the Denali trim. This electric powertrain has motors at the front and rear wheels, giving you the benefits of AWD in every model. The motors produce 754 horsepower and 785 lb-ft of torque.

You’ll also have several other tricks up your sleeve with this truck including an air suspension that can raiser or lower the truck to give you the height you need when you get behind the wheel. The Sierra EV should also have the benefits of the Hummer Ev’s “Crab Walk” feature which allows the truck to drive diagonally thanks to the turning off the rear wheels in the same direction as the front wheels.

Admirable driving qualities

This electric pickup truck from GMC isn’t short on anything. You’ll find a variety of drive models that allow the Sierra to drive the way you want. This truck also features a one-pedal driving option, which utilizes the regenerative braking system to slow the truck when you lift of the accelerator. The Sierra EV is shockingly quick, pardon the pun, but that’s what you get when you drive an electric vehicle of any size.

Quick and capable, what more would you ask for?

The GMC Sierra EV in the Denali Edition 1 trim can hit 60 mph in 4.1 seconds. While that’s not as quick as the Hummer EV, which completed the sprint in 3.3 seconds, it’s still exciting and quick. This is an incredible number for a truck that weighs as much as the Sierra EV.

While the sprint time is admirable, you probably don’t need this truck to rocket off the line for you. Instead, you’re probably more interested in the towing capacity. The Sierra EV can tow up to 10,000 pounds and can be equipped with the ProGrade Trailering system, which gives you:

• An integrated trailer brake controller
• A hitch-view camera
• Trailer tire pressure sensors
• Trailer camera
• Blind-spot compatibility to the rear of the trailer

How far can you go?

If you want to drive this big and powerful truck for work, you need to know that it has you covered all day long. GMC offers this electric truck with an impressive driving range of 440 miles with the Max Range battery pack. If you need to add more range to the mix, it won’t take long. The Sierra EV can add up to 100 miles of range in 10 minutes using a Level 3 DC fast charging station. This means you can drive this truck all day long and keep working the way you would with a gas-powered Sierra.

One build for all

Every version of the GMC Sierra EV is a crew cab pickup with a six-foot bed. This should give you more than enough space for your whole family or work crew to enjoy the comfort offered inside this truck. There is a midgate function that expands the bed into the cabin to make it easier for you to carry longer items. You’ll also find a frunk where the gas engine would have resided, which means you’ve got all the cargo space you could ask for.

Will the new 2025 GMC Sierra EV become the electric truck you depend on every day?

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Tesla’s Story

Tesla began the EV market as we know it today and the company remains the strongest seller of EV models in the world. From China, BYD is close, but nothing in the United States compares. The Tesla Model Y is currently the world’s best-selling vehicle. Alongside the compact SUV, the Model 3 sedan is the second most popular. Higher-end models include the Model S sedan and the Model X SUV. Most recently, the Cybertruck has captured the imaginations of EV buyers.

Rivian’s Story

Several EV startups have tried to take on Tesla and gain success, but only a few have managed to produce a large number of vehicles and get them to customers. Rivian is one of those. The California company began in 2009 and in 2021 it launched its first vehicle, the Rivian R1T pickup truck. It was the first electric pickup of the modern EV era. Rivian followed that with the R1S, a big SUV based on the same platform. Rivian also makes a delivery van for Amazon, one of its original investment backers.

Comparing Rivian and Tesla Vehicles

Tesla’s trademark is mostly medium-sized sedans and SUVs, while Rivian is going after buyers who want larger vehicles with off-road ability. Rivian’s brand description embraces the outdoors. Both Tesla and Rivian vehicles are packed with cutting-edge and thoughtful features.

For example, the R1T has a nifty gear tunnel where you can stash items between the cab and bed. The Rivian truck and SUV have a choice of four motors, an adjustable height suspension, and multiple drive modes for taking on rough terrain.

On the other hand, Tesla’s vehicles are strongly geared toward urban and suburban driving. They’re designed to deliver on-road performance, and that’s especially true if you look at a sporty model like the Model S Plaid. There is some overlap between the two brands, including modern technology and design simplicity.

Both Rivian and Tesla have done away with physical buttons, which is cool on one front, but frustrating when you need to use the touchscreen simply to change the air vent direction.

Buying a Tesla or Rivian

One perk of buying either a Tesla or a Rivian is that you can order easily online. Both companies reject the traditional dealership model and instead sell their models directly to customers via their websites. This easy ordering method makes both companies feel distinctly modern and it may even represent the future of the auto industry.

Which Should You Choose?

It’s difficult to say that one brand is heads and tails better than the other as they both appeal to different consumers. If a truck or a large SUV with impressive off-road chops is your preference, then Rivian beats Tesla easily. However, Rivian doesn’t have an answer for Tesla’s sportier offerings either. So, it largely depends on what you want.

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A Bold Promise: Zero Crashes, Zero Emissions, Zero Congestion

At a 2021 trade show, Barra shared GM’s vision for the future, one that includes zero crashes, zero emissions, and zero congestion. According to Barra, the key to achieving this vision is electrification. Under her leadership, GM has launched several all-electric models and expanded its EV lineup to nine cars and trucks, with four more on the way.

While Tesla continues to dominate the EV market, GM is gaining ground with its growing range of electric vehicles. From the affordable Chevy Bolt to the upcoming electric Cadillac Escalade IQ, GM is proving that it is serious about competing in the electric space. The Escalade IQ, with a starting price of $130,000 and a range of 460 miles per charge, is a prime example of GM’s commitment to innovation and luxury in the EV market.

Will GM Be All-Electric by 2035?

When asked whether GM will be entirely electric by 2035, Barra remained confident but realistic. “For our light-duty vehicles, yes,” she stated, adding that GM’s transition to electric vehicles would be guided by consumer demand. However, Barra acknowledged that the path to an all-electric future won’t be linear, especially in the face of slowing EV sales. While last year saw a decline in EV sales in the U.S., other countries are adopting electric vehicles faster, and Barra believes the trend will eventually catch up here. Despite the challenges, Barra is optimistic about GM’s ability to meet its 2035 target.

A Changing Market

GM’s move toward electrification isn’t without its hurdles. While EVs made up only about eight percent of new car sales in the U.S. last year, government subsidies and consumer incentives could help speed up the transition.

Barra’s approach to GM’s all-electric future is focused on flexibility and innovation. Whether it’s developing semi-autonomous driving systems like Super Cruise or working on high-performance electric models like the hybrid Corvette E-Ray, GM is staying ahead of the curve.

The Road Ahead

As the automotive industry undergoes rapid transformation, Barra remains confident in GM’s ability to lead the charge. With major investments in EV technology, a workforce driven by innovation, and a commitment to reducing emissions, Barra is betting on a future where GM will be at the forefront of the electric vehicle revolution.

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Introducing the IONIQ 5 N

The Hyundai IONIQ 5 is already an impressive vehicle. Now, drivers can also find a high-performance version of their favorite electric SUV at the Hyundai dealer. The IONIQ 5 N combines the best of the Hyundai N line with its EV tech to great effect.

Get Ready to Hit the Track

The AWD IONIQ 5 N features a dual-motor configuration that puts out 601 hp under regular use. Though that’s already an impressive feat, drivers who want an edge on the track can also use the N Grin Boost feature to temporarily bump power production up to 641 hp.

Because the IONIQ 5 N features an AWD system, drivers can choose to distribute power to the front or rear wheels using four different drive modes. They can also switch the IONIQ 5 N from Endurance to Sprint mode to unlock its full power potential.

The IONIQ 5 N hits 60 in three seconds and can complete a quarter-mile run in just over 11 seconds. It tracks straight during all-out launches and features controllable handling when needed. However, drivers can also switch to drift mode when they want to have a little fun.

Hyundai also caters to the needs of performance drivers with N e-Shift. The feature can be turned on and off, simulating a dual-clutch transmission by elevating feedback with rev-matching. N Active Sound+ also simulates engine noise.

Range, Charging, and Other Real-World Concerns

The Hyundai IONIQ 5 N features an 84 kWh battery pack that charges at speeds of up to 238 kW. With an EPA-estimated range of 221 miles of mixed driving, it doesn’t perform quite as well as the regular IONIQ 5 in this realm but holds up admirably as a high-performance EV.

Drivers familiar with the IONIQ 5 will find the 5 N’s cabin quite familiar. However, Hyundai has added a few extras to improve the driving experience. They include unique steering wheel features to access drive modes, regenerative braking, and N Grin Boost.

The IONIQ 5 N features the same infotainment system as the IONIQ 5, with separate 12-inch touchscreens for infotainment and a digital gauge cluster. Drivers will still get access to standard smartphone integration and voice-recognition software.

Enjoy a Wealth of Standard and Available Features

The IONIQ 5 N features track-ready tuning and more athletic hardware than the IONIQ 5, including a larger rear diffuser, wheels, brakes, and fenders. Inside the cabin, aggressively bolstered front seats make high-speed cornering a breeze.

Many active safety and driver-assistance features also come standard on the IONIQ 5 N, including automated e-braking, lane-keep assist, and more. Extras like adaptive cruise control with lane-centering are still add-on features for the 5 N.

Head to a Hyundai Dealer to See the IONIQ 5 N

Interested in learning more about the Hyundai IONIQ 5 N high-performance EV? The best way to get a feel for this impressive sports vehicle and what it has to offer is to head to the Hyundai dealer.

The post The N Line Gets Electrified first appeared on Ride4Watts.com.

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The electric vehicle world covers almost anything with wheels, a motor, and a battery. A bike powered by an electric motor could be extremely useful for college students on campus, for an urban population, and as a companion vehicle for some driving adventures. Ford recently teamed up with N+ to build some electric bikes that will wear two of the most popular Ford nameplates: Bronco and Mustang.

Let’s see what these two new electric bikes have to offer.

The differences in character

The Ford Bronco and Mustang couldn’t be much different from each other, save for the ultimate goal of each vehicle. These two vehicles are made to make driving fun but in different ways. The Bronco is a hardcore off-roader that’s designed and developed to tackle nearly every outdoor trail and obstacle in its path, while the Mustang is made to be a fun and fast muscle car that can tear up the track and leave other cars in the dust. Both vehicles are made to be fun, and Ford has teamed up with N+ to make a bike that fits each vehicle’s individual personality.

Ideal design DNA

Much like the vehicles they are named for, the two electric bikes are made to tackle different areas of biking fun. The Bronco model is a trail-riding mountain bike with an electric motor that is ideal for your fun hill climbs and trail rides while the Mustang has performance and handling on the street in its DNA, giving it the spirit of the iconic pony car.
These two builds make it easy to have a bike that can be a lot of fun wherever you want to take your ride.

What does the Bronco e-bike offer?

The Bronco e-bike has a motorcycle-style seat to make it more comfortable when you hit a bump or ride over some roots in the forest. This bike has a dual suspension system with rims that are wrapped in Pirelli Scorpion Enduro M hardwall tires that are knobby and made to give you better grip and durability when you take this bike on the wilderness trails that you want to explore. This bike could be the perfect companion to its namesake, giving you a great way to explore trails where the Bronco 4×4 can’t go.

What does the Mustang e-bike offer?

If you want an electric bike that has a sportier look and feel, the Mustang e-bike is the right choice. This model has an aluminum alloy frame and a conventional saddle-style seat that makes it look more like a regular bike. The tires are a set of Pirelli Angel GT semi-slicks that give this bike the perfect riding feel when racing down the streets in your local town. The Mustang e-bike helps celebrate 60 years of the pony car with a 60th Anniversary Edition with vintage decals and available limited numbers to give you something extra special.

What drives these two e-bikes?

Both bikes use the same hub-mounted electric motor that is good for 1 horsepower (yes, only one) and 63 lb-ft of torque. This is more than enough power to allow an average-sized person to enjoy the ride. The top speed of these e-bikes is limited to 28 MPH, and the driving range is 60 miles. The battery pack is a 48-volt 720-Wh battery, which takes 3.5 hours to charge to refresh the batteries.

These bikes also feature a set of four-piston hydraulic disc brakes, a set of bright lights, and an LDC display on the handlebars that shows the speed, range, and battery life to ensure riders know what’s going on with the motor and drive system.

These Ford-branded e-bikes aren’t cheap

You wouldn’t expect an electric bike with Pirelli tires to be cheap, and these e-bikes are not. The Mustang model starts at $4,000, while the Bronco model will cost at least $4,500. Both bikes offer the choice of ten colors, but these choices cost an additional $390 to go away from the standard colors provided.

These new Ford e-bikes should begin delivery later in 2024, giving many shoppers an option of a fantastic companion vehicle or the right electric bike for students to ride around on college campuses.

How will you use your e-bike

Could the Bronco or Mustang e-bike be the right choice for you? If you love to ride around on two wheels but you don’t want to pedal, these bikes give you an enjoyable electric option that bridges the gap between a traditional bicycle and a motorcycle.

The post Ford’s Bronco and Mustang Electric Bikes: Style Meets Power first appeared on Ride4Watts.com.

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The rapid advancement in automotive technology, much like the breakthroughs in semiconductor chips, is not only transforming new vehicles but also impacting the value and appeal of used cars. Let’s explore how the tech boom is influencing used car sales and what potential buyers should look out for.

Technology Upgrades Enhancing Older Models

Just as Nvidia and other tech companies are pushing the boundaries of what’s possible with chips, automotive manufacturers are constantly upgrading their tech, from enhanced safety features to digital dashboards and connectivity. For buyers of used cars buyer, this means that even models that are a few years old now come equipped with advanced technology that was once considered premium. This shift has made used cars more attractive to buyers looking for modern features without the new car price tag.

Electric Vehicles and Hybrid Models

The surge in semiconductor technology has paralleled the rise of electric vehicles (EVs) and hybrids, which rely heavily on advanced chips for their operation. As more consumers buy into new energy vehicles, the secondary market sees an influx of these high-tech cars. This trend diversifies the used car market but also makes it more appealing to environmentally conscious drivers. The growing infrastructure for EVs and better battery technologies are making used electric and hybrid vehicles a more viable option than ever before.

Impact of Tech on Used Cars Sales

Technology has also transformed how used cars are sold. Online platforms powered by powerful data analytics are making it easier for consumers to find the right used car at the right price, mirroring the accessibility and efficiency seen in the tech industry. From virtual test drives to digital transactions, the used car market is becoming more aligned with the expectations of a tech-savvy generation.

Smart Buying in a Tech-Driven Market

For those interested in purchasing a used car, the current landscape offers several advantages. It is wise to look for vehicles that are not just in good physical condition but are also equipped with desirable tech features. This could mean opting for a slightly older model with a higher spec over a newer but more basic vehicle. Understanding the tech specifications and their impact on long-term value is key.

Choosing the Right Time and Model

As with investing in stocks like Nvidia, timing in the used car market can affect the value you get. Watching market trends, such as the introduction of new technologies or changes in consumer preference towards EVs, can guide you in making an informed decision on when to search for used cars. With the right knowledge and timing, purchasing a used car in today’s tech-influenced market can be as rewarding as investing in a thriving tech company.

The post How the Rise of Tech Innovations Boosts the Used Car Market first appeared on Ride4Watts.com.

The post How the Rise of Tech Innovations Boosts the Used Car Market appeared first on Ride4Watts.com.

Your gas-powered vehicle loses power and acceleration while driving in the mountains. This is caused by the extra work a vehicle has to do to drive uphill but also because the air is thinner, and most gas and diesel-powered vehicles are made to perform ideally at sea level. EVs tend to maintain power better in the mountains because they don’t require air to operate the electric motors, but are you losing driving range when going up a mountain?

How well do EVs handle climbing a mountain?

It only makes sense that when a machine is working to go up a mountain road, it takes more energy to complete this task than driving on flat ground. EVs don’t lose power like combustion vehicles because the thinner air doesn’t affect them, but they will lose driving range more rapidly while climbing a mountain than when driving on level ground.
Because your EV will lose some driving range when going up mountains, you need to plan for some range loss when driving these roads. It is smart to know where the nearest electric charging stations are located to plan stops along the way.

Can you regain driving range on the way down?

Driving down a sloped mountain road means you’ll use the engine to handle much of your braking. Electric vehicles not only use engine braking but capture some of that energy by utilizing the regenerative braking system. This energy is sent to the batteries and can add more miles to your driving range.

In a recent test by the team at The Fast Lane, the team learned that EVs regain much of the energy lost from the incline during the decline portion of a mountain drive. They did this test by going up on one side and back down, going in the opposite direction. If you test this out during your mountain drive and continue to go forward toward your destination, there might be some variances in slope, which means you might not recapture as much energy on the way down as you lost on the way up.

What factors impact an electric vehicle’s driving range?

Colder temperatures

Driving on mountain roads that rise high above sea level means you might face some challenges while behind the wheel. Other than the incline and decline of the mountain grades, the air temperature is often colder when you reach high altitudes. This colder temperature could mean driving range loss for an EV, even if all you do is park it for a little while.

Driving style

While not as much an environmental issue as a user problem, your driving style and driving conditions can significantly impact your driving range. When you drive at high speeds or aggressively, you will quickly notice a decrease in your driving range due to the increased energy consumption. Don’t allow other drivers to force you to drive faster or more aggressively than you would normally.

Vehicle makeup

Each electric vehicle has a quoted driving range, and that figure is based on several factors. This number is calculated using battery capacity, vehicle weight, electric motor power, and aerodynamics. Most modern EVs have a 70% useful rate for the maximum driving range.

Charging habits

What are your charging habits? If you typically charge at home and push the battery capacity to 100% of its charge, your battery lie will be reduced. The same can be said if you use fast charging stations almost exclusively. If you choose to charge at home, set a limit for the charge you want on the battery. Stopping below 100% battery charge can extend your battery’s life. The only time you should charge to 100% capacity is when you head out on a road trip and will need to charge several times along the way.

How can you maximize your driving range?

You probably never thought about the driving range of your vehicle until you bought an EV. Electric vehicles come with this concern because you can’t find a charging station on every corner. If you want to maximize your driving range, you should:

• Employ efficient driving habits
• Plan your route
• Avoid poorly maintained roads
• Minimize using climate system in your EV
• Maintain your tires

For the most part, the driving range lost in an electric vehicle while going up a mountain road will be regained on the other side while coming down. This is good to know, but if you drive an EV, you’ve got to keep an eye on that driving range and know where charging stations are located along your route.

The post How Well Do Electric Vehicles Handle Mountain Roads? first appeared on Ride4Watts.com.

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This isn’t an award to be taken lightly. The council takes the assessment of more than 1,200 available cars in 2024, measuring the pollutants generated and emissions and ensuring the vehicles exceed all standards. This plug-in hybrid Toyota edged out the greenest electric vehicle, which is the Lexus RZ 300e. Its kind of interesting that Toyota-branded vehicles hit these top two spots.

This Prius offers plenty of power

Being the greenest car doesn’t mean that the Prius Prime is fun or exciting. Thankfully, the new styling, improved power, and excellent handling tackle that challenge for us. This new version of the Prius Prime uses a 2.0-liter 4-cylinder gas engine and electric motor to deliver 220 horsepower. This power is sent to the front wheels, making this car more efficient during the drive.

In addition to excellent power, the Prius Prime can be driven up to 44 miles on electric power, which is an improvement over the 25 miles provided by the previous version.

What does the Toyota Prius Prime SE include?

The SE trim is the base model of this Toyota plug-in hybrid car. To be called the greenest car, the Prius Prime must also be affordable, which means the base model receives this distinction. Also, the XSE and XSE Premium models can only travel up to 39 miles on electric power.

The Toyota Prius Prime SE gives you:

• • Toyota Safety Sense 3.0
    • Forward collision warning with pedestrian detection
    • Low-speed automatic emergency braking
    • Lane-departure warning
    • Lane-keeping assist
    • Lane-change assist
    • Front cross-traffic detection
    • Road sign recognition
    • Adaptive cruise control
    • Automatic high-beam headlights
    • Blind-spot monitoring
    • Rear cross-traffic alerts
    • Rear seat reminder
    • Safe Exit Assist
    • Traffic Jam Assist
  • Bi-LED headlights
  • Rain-sensing wipers
  • 17-inch alloy wheels
  • Heated power side mirrors
  • Active grille shutters
  • Smart Key keyless entry
  • Push-button starting
  • Heated tilt/telescoping steering wheel
  • Single-zone climate controls
  • 7-inch digital instrument cluster
  • 8-inch infotainment touchscreen
  • Wireless Apple CarPlay and Android Auto
  • SiriusXM satellite radio
  • Wi-Fi hotspot
  • Rearview monitor
  • Toyota connected services
  • 6-speaker audio system
  • 6 USB-C charge ports

  The only available options for the base SE trim is the front and rear park assist with automatic braking.

  What does the next trim offer?

  Moving up to the XSE trim reduces the electric driving range by five miles but gives you more than the Toyota Prius Prime SE. This middle trim of Toyota’s popular PHEV gives you:

  • 8-way power driver’s seat with power lumbar support
  • SofTex simulated leather upholstery
  • Automatic headlights
  • 19-inch wheels
  • Heated front seats
  • Smart Key entry system
  • Folding rear-seat armrest with cupholders
  • Wireless charging pad
  • Auto-dimming interior mirror
  • Front and rear park assist with automatic braking

  The XSE trim provides more options than the base SE model. This middle trim can be had with:

  • Digital Key
  • Fixed glass roof
  • 12.3-inch multimedia touchscreen

  Does the XSE Premium trim appeal to you?

  If you want the most equipment available for the Toyota Prius Prime, you’ll skip the SE and XSE trim and head for the XSE Premium. This top trim gives you:

  • Fixed glass roof
  • Power hatchback
  • Driver’s seat memory settings
  • Heated and ventilated front seats
  • Digital Key
  • 12.3-inch multimedia touchscreen
  • 8-speaker JBL audio system

  This top trim can also be upgraded with some great options. Some of these are:

  • • Digital rearview camera mirror
    • Heated rear seats
    • Solar-charging roof
    • Advanced Technology Package
      • 360-degree camera
      • Advanced Park self-parking assistant

  The Digital Key is a really cool feature

  Eventually, features like Digital Key will be standard, but for now, you can have this in the top two trims of the Prius Prime. This feature turns your phone into a key and allows you to share access with other drivers. If your friends need to borrow your car, they can, and you get to control how long they have access to your Prius Prime.

  Added electric power from the solar roof

  The top trim can be had with a solar roof that adds enough extra power to the battery to run a few of the items you need to enjoy while driving. This isn’t a replacement for a battery charger for the electric drive system, but it can give you a little more juice for the climate system or lights.

  The Toyota Prius Prime SE is the greenest car offered right now, with the higher trims coming in close to the base model. Will you choose a Prius Prime as your daily driver?

The post Toyota’s New Car Wins the Title for Greenest Car first appeared on Ride4Watts.com.

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What Drivers Should Consider Before They Buy

Everyone knows the benefits of buying a new EV. Electric vehicles don’t use fossil fuels, reducing their environmental impact and saving drivers money. These days, most used car dealerships have at least one or two in their showrooms. But are they worth buying?

Batteries Are the Biggest Worry for Used EV Buyers

Electric vehicles have fewer moving parts than their gas-powered alternatives. Fewer moving parts means less to go wrong, and EV owners’ typical driving habits further improve the situation. The limited range of most EVs means people don’t drive them as far.

What most drivers worry about when buying used EVs isn’t the general condition of the cars but the batteries. Most major battery components come with manufacturers’ warranties, and the EVs found at used car dealerships are usually well within the eight-to-ten-year warranty periods.

The flip side of the coin is that when EV batteries reach the end of their warranty periods, they are expensive to replace. The cost of purchasing a new battery pack starts at around $4,000 and can range as high as $10,000 for some models.

Eco-Friendly Drivers Can Do Their Part for the Planet Twice

Buying an EV takes one more combustion-powered engine off the road. That’s good for the environment since the pollutants emitted by traditional gas-powered cars contribute to climate change.

Buying any vehicles at used car dealerships is also better for the environment since it reduces the need for natural resource extraction. The initial manufacturing of an electric vehicle has a larger carbon footprint. Drivers who buy them new don’t start making up for the higher manufacturing emissions for 6 to 18 months.

Used EVs have already offset their initially higher emissions. Buying them instead of going for brand-new models right off the factory lines means drivers are doing their part for the future of the planet not once but twice.

Used EVs Don’t Make Sense for Everyone

That EVs run off electricity instead of gas is what sets them apart from traditional vehicles with combustion engines. Unfortunately, it also makes them a poor choice for some drivers.

EVs require frequent charging and older models have shorter ranges and lower battery capacity. Drivers who don’t have a place to plug in at home may find themselves at a disadvantage. The price of public charging stations varies significantly.

Renters may have difficulty convincing landlords to install dedicated 240-volt plugs. Plus, not all homes can support EV charger installation. If a home has old wiring, an electrician will need to fix it. Even if the house has modern wiring, installing an EV charger can cost thousands of dollars.

All these factors make it essential that buyers consider whether a used EV is the right solution. Talking to experts at reputable used car dealerships about the pros and cons of purchasing an electric vehicle can make the decision easier.

The post Is a Used EV a Good Idea? first appeared on Ride4Watts.com.

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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.

The post Beware! Your Car Might be Collecting Your Personal Data first appeared on Ride4Watts.com.

The post Beware! Your Car Might be Collecting Your Personal Data appeared first on Ride4Watts.com.