The Ford Mustang Mach-E – Ready for Fun

Ford drivers have a great option for an EV. The Mustang Mach-E is great in any form, but the Premium or the GT will take your driving to new heights. The Mach-E offers the perfect blend of power and style, but get behind the wheel of the GT, and you’ll experience up to 480 horsepower and 600 pound-feet of torque from the two electric motors.
Inside, a 15.5-inch touchscreen puts all your infotainment at your fingertips and a large panoramic glass roof lets in lots of natural light.

The Hyundai Ioniq 5 – Well Rounded Performance

The latest Ioniq 5 has the comfortable cabin you want for an everyday driver, impressive range to help alleviate any range anxiety, and it’s got the power you want. There’s something for everyone when it comes to powertrains. A single motor setup is perfect for commuting, but if you like swift acceleration the dual-motor setup with all-wheel drive makes passing other vehicles more fun and effortless.

Kia Sportage PHEV X-Line – A Combination of Style and Substance

The Kia Sportage PHEV X-Line is the plug-in hybrid for drivers who need some versatility in their vehicle but want to look good driving it. Power comes from an electric motor and a gas engine, giving you the best of both worlds. Drive up to 35 miles on pure electric power before the gas engine needs to kick in. All-wheel drive comes standard, so you always have plenty of traction.
Inside, everyone has a comfortable place to sit, and the X-Line has dual-zone automatic climate control, navigation, wireless charging, and Apple CarPlay and Android Auto for syncing your phone.

Chevy Blazer EV – Sharp Looks and Power to Back them Up

The Chevrolet Blazer EV has a lot to offer. It’s a sleek-looking little SUV with options galore. You can get this EV with rear-wheel drive, front-wheel drive or all-wheel drive. Power comes from one or two electric motors, and horsepower ranges from 225 to 615 if you want to splurge on the top-level SS. This Blazer EV comes standard with all-wheel drive and uses regenerative braking.
The RS with its dual motor will zip to 60 mph in just six seconds, but if range is your priority, take a look at the rear-wheel drive version. It can go up to 334 miles before you need to stop and charge the battery.
Is it your time to buy an electric vehicle? Now just may be the best time to get one.

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As electric vehicle adoption surges, one major concern remains—can the U.S. charging network keep pace? With more EVs hitting the road, the demand for reliable, fast, and accessible charging stations is skyrocketing. While federal and state initiatives aim to expand infrastructure, challenges like slow charger deployment, inconsistent coverage, and outdated grid capacity pose serious roadblocks. This article explores whether the current charging network is enough, what improvements are needed, and how this issue could impact EV ownership in the coming years.

An EV surge

Electric vehicles have become increasingly popular and more widespread in recent years. The increased demand for EVs means a greater need for more public charging stations and a much better electric grid that can handle greater capacity. There may be some serious roadblocks that will keep the number of EV owners from growing, causing automakers to rethink their investment into electric vehicles. How could these challenges impact the need for improvements in the coming years? Could we see more reliable, fast, and accessible charging systems in the future?

A Band-Aid Fix

Tesla came to the rescue, to some degree, of the charging infrastructure. Previously, only Tesla-branded vehicles could use the company’s Supercharging network, but once a deal was struck, many vehicles could use these charging stations. This meant drivers with NACS-compatible charging plugs could pull up at a Teal Supercharger and plug in. Tesla allowed access by updating the software in most stations, but non-Tesla vehicles still charged at slower speeds than Tesla models. Still, adding these charging stations increased the number of available public charging stations significantly, but this only provides a band-aid fix at best.

The original plan thwarted

When the decade began, President Joe Biden drafted Presidential Orders to increase the number of public charging stations to 500,000. This project, funded by the federal government, was a good start, but most experts could not have predicted the demand for EVs that would grow furiously over the next few years. As emissions regulations became stricter, more drivers began to choose EVs. Automakers have dumped billions of dollars into developing electric vehicles, and the need for more than one million charging stations has become evident. Unfortunately, the growth of this network has already hit another major roadblock.

A huge roadblock

The political climate in the United States is tenuous at best. Unfortunately, when one party succeeds another in the Oval Office, the work of the previous administration can sometimes be in jeopardy. This is exactly what happened beginning on January 20 of this year. Immediate orders were put in place when the newly elected official took office, and Joe Biden’s term was over. This mean the billions that had already been spent on the EV charging infrastructure would go to waste unless plans continued, but that wasn’t the order given.

Why the stoppage of EV charger growth?

When parties fundamentally disagree and are extremely opposed to each other, the country can sometimes suffer. Despite the growing demand for EVs, which should translate immediately to the need for more public charging stations, the latest administration paused billions of dollars that were already allocated to states to build fast electric car chargers. Some states halted work on Inauguration Day, but some continued on. Many of those have since stopped building chargers due to the stoppage of federal funding coming from the most recent orders of the White House.

The power grid could be problematic

Although the current EV climate has cooled, especially since January, it’s expected that nearly half of all vehicles sold in the U.S. by 2030 will be electric. This means half the drivers will switch from using fossil fuels to renewable electricity, but there might be a serious problem. The current electric grid isn’t likely capable of keeping up with the demand required to fuel this many EVs. The electric grid is an aging system that’s built for a world that uses fossil fuels for many things.

Some automakers have produced more band-aid solutions including using EVs as battery backups for the electric grid. Part of the issue is the grid isn’t made to store energy, only supply it at an on-demand basis. This electric grid needs to be updated with storage facilities to back up the on-demand portion.

The EV charging infrastructure might be in jeopardy of failing miserably thanks to much higher demand than originally expected, the halting of federal funds, and an aging electric grid. Can anything be done to save this part of the automotive industry?

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How To Choose An Affordable EV

If you’re hoping to get into the EV game for a budget price, you do have a few options. You might just need an efficient secondary vehicle for driving around town and don’t want to spend a fortune on a replacement for your ICE vehicle. With this in mind, it’s usually adequate to have around 200 miles of range.

The prices for affordable EVs generally do not include any state or federal credits. It’s possible that if you qualify for any of these credits that you can reduce any new prices. Also, it’s worth considering a used EV as they depreciate faster than ICE vehicles in most cases.

Affordable EV Options Around $30,000

Although it’s no secret that EV models are still quite a bit more expensive than gas-powered models, there are still some fairly affordable EVs available. The target price range for affordable EVs is usually around or under $30,000. One of the lowest priced EVs available is the Chevy Bolt EV and EUV. The starting price is around $27,000. The EUV has a range of 247 miles and has more space than the EV.

Another top option for an affordable EV is the Nissan Leaf. It starts at around $29,280 and has a range between 149 and 212 miles, depending on the model. The Leaf has long been one of the most affordable EVs out there despite having a lower range than some rivals. It’s a good choice for those who need something economical to drive around town or as a secondary vehicle.

The Hyundai Kona Electric costs a bit more than the above two options at around $34,000. However, it does offer a good range, between 200 and 261 miles. The Kona Electric delivers a nice balance of range, features, and an affordable price tag.

Mid-Range EV Options Around $40,000

If you can move into the $40,000 range for EVs, you’ll have even more options to choose from. The Chevrolet Equinox EV is the electric version of Chevy’s popular compact crossover. It’s roomy with plenty of features, and starts at around $35,000. If you need something bigger, the VW ID 4 is a more spacious option for families, with a starting price of around $40,000.

Hyundai and Kia both have options in the $40,000 range with the Hyundai Ioniq 6 and the Kia Niro EV. Both models are stylish and efficient, with plenty of features for the price. Tesla’s Model 3 checks in at around $40,000 for the base RWD model. At the higher end of the range is the Volvo EX30, with a starting price just under $45,000. This is Volvo’s cheapest EV.

It’s likely that EV prices will eventually get lower in the future, so it makes sense not to break the bank on something unduly expensive.

The post What Are the Most Affordable EVs Available? 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.

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

On the outside, however, the Acura ZDX is arguably one of the most handsome Acura vehicles ever.

GM Bones Meets Acura Style

It’s not a secret that the 2025 Acura ZDX uses the GM Ultium platform, features an interior built with GM parts, and is even on the GM production line in Tennessee. The most GM part about the ZDX is how it provides a ton more features than its rivals, but its interior is pretty boring. Not far from the description of many Cadillac models.

The other thing about the ZDX is that its main rival is, in fact, the Cadillac Lyriq. The Lyriq offers a similar price tag, features, and EV specs, but oddly, its interior isn’t at all boring. The two models share the same platform and basically the same motor choices. It’s difficult not to compare the two for this reason.

Why choose the ZDX over the Lyriq? To sum up, the ZDX has more features for the money and delivers better handling than the Lyriq. Let’s take a closer look at what the ZDX has to offer compared to other similar electric vehicles.

Three Versions of the ZDX

The Acura ZDX starts at $65,850 for the base A-Spec trim. It makes 358 horsepower and is in a RWD layout. It’s rated for about 313 miles on a full charge, which is roughly the same as the Lyriq and Chevrolet Blazer EV. However, it’s stronger performance than anything from Hyundai, Kia, or Genesis. Other luxury models are a lot more expensive than the Acura.

The dual-motor A-Spec adds a front motor to deliver a total of 490 horsepower. The range for this one is right around 304 miles, slightly less than the Lyriq with a dual motor. However, the ZDX’s trump card comes in the form of the ZDX Type S.

The ZDX Type S makes up to 499 horsepower and an impressive 544 pound-feet of torque. The range dips sharply to about 278 miles, but that’s still better than many electric vehicles on the market, especially high-performance ones. For example, the Genesis GV60 Performance only gets 235 miles.

Driving the Acura ZDX

The interior of the ZDX, as mentioned above, is not very noteworthy, but the main reason to get the ZDX is performance. The A-Spec trim gets adaptive dampers and the Type S has a height-adjustable air suspension paired with Brembo brakes. The ZDX boasts an incredibly smooth ride in every trim.

If you’re after a ride that’s a little more sporty, you can set the ZDX to Sport mode for an automatically lowered suspension and firmer dampers. You can feel bumps more in this setting, but the ZDX hugs corners and injects nimble handling into your daily driver.

Ultimately, the Acura ZDX competes strongly against other electric vehicles on performance and range, but its uninspiring interior is somewhat of a distraction in an otherwise luxury package.

The post What to Expect From The 2025 Acura ZDX first appeared on Ride4Watts.com.

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