GM’s Vision for a Bidirectional Electric Future: Powering Homes, Vehicles, and Beyond

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In a groundbreaking announcement, General Motors (GM) has declared that by the model year 2026, all its electric vehicles (EVs) will be equipped with bidirectional vehicle-to-home (V2H) charging capabilities. This transformative move is set to redefine the relationship between vehicles and homes, turning cars into potential power sources during grid outages and peak demand periods. The Dawn of Bidirectional Charging Bidirectional charging, as the name suggests, allows for a two-way flow of electricity. Traditional unidirectional EV chargers draw power from the grid to charge the vehicle. In contrast, bidirectional chargers enable not just the charging of the EV but also

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Readers Write: A love affair with Tony Bennett

As it turns out, Tony Bennett’s music influenced a lot of people. It’s an obvious statement, of course. But what is surprising is how many remembrances of the recently deceased entertainer are similar. Shortly after Bennett died, I wrote an essay and posted it to TheWeeklyDriver.com. The article also appeared on Aug. 7 in the print editions of the San Jose Mercury and East Bay Times, daily newspapers in the San Francisco Bay Area owned by Bay Area News Group. The article resonated with readers, many of who expressed their memories and compliments via email. To further celebrate Bennett’s life

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CSAA Insurance Group Reunites Boy Band Legends for ‘Boys No More’ Musical Campaign

In an era where brands are constantly seeking innovative ways to connect with their audience, CSAA Insurance Group has taken a melodious leap into the past. Their latest campaign, “Boys No More,” is a harmonious blend of nostalgia and contemporary marketing techniques, bringing together iconic figures from the golden age of boy bands. The ensemble includes Joey Fatone of *NSYNC, Joey McIntyre of New Kids On The Block, Nick Lachey of 98 Degrees, and Wanya Morris of Boyz II Men. Together, they have crafted “Make It Right,” a song that is poised to dominate summer playlists which not only taps

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Porsche 911 S/T commemorates 60 years of 911

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The Porsche 911 is among only a handful of vehicles on the product line for 60 years. Porsche commemorated the legendary sports car recently by unveiling the limited-edition 911 S/T. The S/T is best described as two cars in one. It combines fan-favorite elements from the 911 GT3 RS and 911 GT3 Touring models. For the first time, it marries a 992-generation 911 with a manual transmission to a GT3 RS engine as well. Only 1,963 of the S/T will be manufactured, paying respect to the first production year of the original 911 just as Porsche did with the 911

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Hyundai and Kia Issue Recall Over Oil Pump Fire Risk

Hyundai and Kia, the South Korean automakers, have issued recalls for nearly 92,000 vehicles due to a defect in the oil pump that could potentially cause fires, according to regulatory filings. The recall is the latest in a series of similar actions taken by the companies this year over concerns of fire risks from defective parts. The recall involves an electronic controller for an oil pump assembly, known as the “Idle Stop & Go” system, which may contain damaged components from a supplier. These faulty components could cause the pump to shortcircuit and overheat, leading to a risk of fire.

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2023 Toyota Prius Prime: Older Hybrid Good, New Better, No Stereotype

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During the past two decades, the Toyota Prius has been as polarizing as any car in the United States. Many consumers associate the vehicle with liberalism and chastise its appearance. Sometimes lost is the significance of the carmaker’s advancement in the hybrid and electric marketplace. The Prius debuted in the United States in 2020, three years after it was unveiled in Japan. It arrived a few months after the Honda Insight, which had limited availability and in only a few states. Toyota’s innovative lineup had mainstream distribution. Approaching its mid-20s, it has surpassed 15 million in global sales. Toyota now

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EV Cost Per Mile vs Gas: A Comprehensive Comparison for 2023

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The debate over EV Cost Per Mile vs Gas continues to be a hot topic as the automotive landscape witnesses a pivotal shift. A recent study by Anderson Economic Group has shed light on the ongoing debate between electric vehicles (EVs) and their gas-powered counterparts. The findings reveal the cost of charging many electric cars is still not cheaper than fueling traditional gas vehicles. The automotive world is in a state of flux, with EVs gaining traction and traditional internal combustion engine (ICE) vehicles facing new challenges. Anderson Economic Group’s latest report, released in July 2023, provides a detailed analysis

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The Return of a Legend: 2024 Toyota Land Cruiser

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The 2024 Toyota Land Cruiser is making a triumphant return, and it’s packed with features that off-road enthusiasts and luxury lovers alike will appreciate. With three distinct trim options—Land Cruiser 1958, Land Cruiser, and Land Cruiser First Edition—this iconic SUV offers a blend of rugged capability, innovative technology, and refined comfort. Whether you’re navigating rough trails or cruising city streets, the Land Cruiser’s range of options ensures there’s a model tailored to your needs. Explore the specifications, features, and unique characteristics of each trim to discover why the 2024 Toyota Land Cruiser is set to become a sought-after vehicle in

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#266, Cars.com releases 18th ANNUAL American-made index

Podcast: Play in new window | Download (Duration: 33:20 — 60.4MB)Subscribe: Apple Podcasts | Spotify | MoreBuying a vehicle made in the United States is essential to many consumers. According to Cars.com, about half of the car buyers in the United States say they will pay more for a vehicle that creates U.S. jobs. Additionally, 24 percent of Americans believe a manufacturer has to be headquartered in the U.S. to qualify as “substantially contributing to the U.S. economy.” Jenni Newman, the editor-in-chief of cars.com, is our guest this week on The Weekly Driver Podcast. We discuss consumers’ preferences for cars

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BEYOND THE GLOVE BOX: ESSENTIALS FOR EMERGENCY KIT ON A ROAD TRIP

Imagine cruising along a picturesque road, wind in your hair, favorite tunes playing — a perfect road trip. Suddenly, a hiccup occurs in your journey. You’ve got a flat tire. Or perhaps your engine is grumbling in an unfamiliar way. But you’re not stressed because you’ve put together a vehicle emergency kit. It’s like the Swiss Army Knife of car preparedness. It’s more than just jumper cables and a flashlight. It’s a comprehensive blend of survival gear, communication tools and information reserves to deal with roadside surprises. Here are key items to include: Think Medical Emergencies First Always be prepared

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What you need to know before buying an SUV

More consumers are buying an SUV for the combination of style, performance and convenience. It’s a logical choice for families and individuals needing versatility in the vehicle. But there are several key areas to consider before investing in a new SUV: What Are Your Needs? Do you require an SUV with superior off-road capabilities or a vehicle with plenty of cargo space and transport capabilities? Carefully consider the choices carefully narrow the possible vehicles remembering and how and where you plan to drive the vehicle. What Is Your Budget? As soon as you’ve established your needs and chosen an SUV

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Overcoming range anxiety for EV DRIVERs

The increasing popularity of electric vehicles (EVs) has also prompted an increasing concern for drivers — range anxiety. It’s the fear or worry of running out of battery power while driving an electric vehicle. It can leave the driver and their passengers stranded with no charging station nearby. The apprehension stems naturally from the apparently limited driving range of EVs compared to traditional fossil-fuel-powered, internal combustion engine vehicles. While EV batteries have improved considerably since their first launch, range anxiety remains a concern for potential buyers. However, with careful planning and adopting some essential practices, EV drivers can effectively manage

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Volvo’s Electric Future With Tesla Superchargers and In-House Autonomous Driving

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In the rapidly evolving world of electric vehicles (EVs), strategic partnerships and technological advancements are key to staying ahead of the curve. Volvo Cars, renowned Swedish automaker, is making significant strides in this direction. The company recently announced a landmark agreement with Tesla, granting Volvo’s EV drivers access to Tesla’s vast Supercharger network across North America. While Volvo is leveraging Tesla’s charging infrastructure, it has chosen to develop its own autonomous driving technology, underlining its commitment to innovation and independence in the EV sector. A Strategic Partnership with Tesla Volvo Cars is the first European automaker to sign an agreement

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A family remembrance: driving with Tony Bennett

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Our family left Ridgewood, N.J. for Walnut Creek, Ca., in 1961. The former had snow and woods to explore, the latter walnut tree orchards and dry rolling hills, a youngster’s paradise. We moved because my father accepted an opportunity to open a San Francisco office of a New York-based insurance company. Tony Bennett seemed like family we never met. My grandfather immigrated from Sicily and lived from my earliest memories with my grandmother, in Queens, N.Y, Bennett’s birthplace. They raised three children, including my father, Anthony, who was almost always called Tony but also Sonny by relatives. They’re all now

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2024 Subaru BRZ tS unveiled as best of the best

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If you own one of Subaru’s driver-focused BRZ’s, you know it packs a lot into a small and affordable package. The carmaker recently unveiled the 2024 Subaru BRZ tS at Subiefest in California featuring upgrades that instantly elevate it to the top of the sub-$50,000 sports car crop.  The lightweight tS takes an often top-rated and highly sought-after car and improves it via a top-level trim that sits above the Premium and Limited specifications. Unlike the previous generation, the 2024 Subaru BRZ tS is not production limited to 500 units. tS stands for “Tuned by Subaru Tecnica International (STI),” Subaru’s

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How Simplifying IP Laws Can Help Spur Innovation In Automobiles?

Over the years, innovation has transformed how people travel in terms of safety, fuel efficiency, and environmental conservation. The path to today’s advancements in the automobile has been smooth, with one of the hindrances to innovation being intellectual property (IP) laws.  IP laws play a positive role in innovation because they offer protections to innovators, ensuring they get value for their input. However, they can stand in the way of innovation. This guide looks into the good, and the bad of IP laws and how simplifying them can help spur innovation. Understanding IP Laws  IP laws are laws designed to

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