Automotive News, Car Reviews, and Podcast
The 2026 Rivian R1T buyer's guide with price, range, Quad Motor performance, and how the Gen-2 refresh compares to the Ford F-150 Lightning and Tesla Cybertruck.
Read moreThe 2026 Rivian R1S buyer's guide with price, range, trim walk, Gen-2 refresh highlights, IIHS safety, and how it compares to the Kia EV9, Volvo EX90, and Tesla Model X.
Read moreRivian reliability in 2026, with three years of R1T and R1S owner data, Consumer Reports coverage, NHTSA recall history, and TWD's own reliability database findings.
Read moreThe 2026 Rivian R2 buyer's guide: price, release date, Launch Package features, range, and how it compares to the Tesla Model Y.
Read moreThe 2025 Lexus UX 300h represents continual evolution in the subcompact luxury crossover segment. This model year brings an entirely new hybrid powertrain that delivers more power while maintaining the fuel efficiency Lexus hybrids are known for. Finished in Eminent White Pearl with a Palomino NuLuxe interior, the UX 300h demonstrates how Lexus positions its entry-level crossover against established German competitors. Lexus equipped the 2025 UX 300h with its fifth-generation hybrid system, shared with the redesigned 2024 Toyota Prius. The 2.0-liter Atkinson-cycle four-cylinder engine produces 150 horsepower and 139 lb-ft of torque on its own. Combined with two electric motors in front-wheel-drive configuration, the system generates 196 horsepower. This is a 15-horsepower increase over the previous UX 250h. The new
Read moreElectrum, the home electrification marketplace behind platforms for major automakers, has partnered with Nissan to launch the NISSAN ENERGY Marketplace nationwide. The timing is critical: federal EV charger incentives expire September 30, 2025, and solar tax credits end December 31, 2025, a tightening deadline for homeowners nationwide. In an exclusive interview with Michael Kahn, publisher of The Weekly Driver, Electrum CEO Max Aram explained in-depth how the company’s new partnership with Nissan will help homeowners, and Nissan EV owners, simplify home electrification. “We are thrilled to bring our home electrification expertise to Nissan and support their EV owners on the path to a fully electrified lifestyle,” said Max Aram, CEO of Electrum. “Together, we are breaking down the barriers to
Read moreSolid-state batteries (SSBs) are at the center of the most significant technological leap in electric vehicle (EV) energy storage as of 2025, promising to overcome the limitations of today’s lithium-ion batteries (LIBs) with breakthroughs in range, charging speed, and safety. As of 2025, this is the current state of SSB science, global supply chain dynamics, and the environmental implications of sourcing critical materials like lithium and sulfur-a pivotal shift as the industry prioritizes Scope 2 and 3 emission reductions. Unlike conventional LIBs, which use flammable liquid electrolytes, SSBs employ solid ceramic or polymer electrolytes, enabling much higher energy density, rapid charging, and greater thermal stability. This is the current state of SSB science and technology, with a focus on Toyota’s
Read moreThe highly anticipated Sony Honda Mobility AFEELA 1 EV represents a watershed moment in automotive partnerships, merging Sony’s technological prowess with Honda’s manufacturing expertise. I was invited down to the popup showroom to experience the AFEELA 1 firsthand. After seeing the development over the years at CES in Las Vegas, I was excited for some dedicated time with the production version. I was taken through the Signature trim level of the AFEELA 1 by Shay at Corte Madera, who went over the infotainment system and customization features. Additional information and talking points were provided by Adre Rodriguez, Public Relations Manager, and Monica Matsuda, Marketing and PR. The Signature is slated to begin deliveries in 2026, with Origin beginning in 2027.
Read moreThe 2025 Subaru Forester Limited Hybrid arrived with Autumn Green Metallic paint, a color that blends naturally with pine trees, granite shorelines, and the blue expanse of mountain lakes. Over the course of a week, I loaded this compact SUV with paddle boards, coolers, and camping gear for day trips to California’s network of reservoirs and lakes. Each drive reinforced why the Forester remains a top choice among outdoor enthusiasts who prioritize capability and reliability over flashy performance numbers. Exterior Adventure The sixth-generation Subaru Forester receives a significant redesign for 2025, and the new hybrid powertrain represents the most substantial change. The exterior presents a cleaner, more contemporary look while preserving the practical proportions that define this nameplate. At 183.3
Read moreNavigating the bustling streets of Midtown Sacramento in the 2024 Fiat 500e RED, I couldn’t help but appreciate the vehicle’s nimble handling and compact size. The electric motor’s instant torque made darting through traffic a breeze. Swiftly changing lanes for the hard to find parking spots that would challenge larger vehicles was effortless. On my way to grab a coffee from a local coffee shop, I maneuvered through tight alleyways and crowded intersections with ease. The 500e’s responsive steering and compact dimensions allowed me to slip into a curbside spot that most cars would have passed by. Vehicle Specifications The 2024 Fiat 500e is powered by a single permanent-magnet electric motor that produces 117 horsepower and 162 lb-ft of torque.
Read moreThe recreational vehicle industry is experiencing a significant shift towards electrification, with two leading the charge: the Lightship AE.1 vs Pebble Flow. Both of these electric travel trailers are set to redefine the RV market with their advanced Smart technologies and eco-friendly designs. These are the notable differences in their approaches and specifications. Lightship AE.1 Lightship, an American electric RV manufacturer, has unveiled its production model AE.1 Cosmos Edition. Originally introduced as the L1 at the 2023 SXSW show, this “aero-electric” travel trailer is designed and manufactured in Broomfield, Colorado. Features of the AE.1 Cosmos Edition include: The AE.1 Cosmos Edition is limited to 50 units and priced at $250,000 (or $239,900 after available tax credits). Production is scheduled to
Read moreThe rapid electrification of the global automotive industry has made electric vehicles (EVs) a central piece of efforts to reduce greenhouse gas emissions. While the shift to EVs brings the promise of cleaner transportation, the supply chain and lifecycle of EV batteries introduce complex environmental challenges. The creation of a circular economy around EV batteries—a system that minimizes waste by reusing and recycling materials—is seen as a solution to these challenges. Building this system from scratch requires innovation, regulatory support, and technological advancements. Beyond merely reducing emissions, it aims to optimize resource use, limit reliance on virgin materials, and create a sustainable infrastructure for handling millions of EV batteries over the coming decades. EV Battery Boom: Critical Infrastructure The surge
Read moreGeneral Motors is not just making strides in electric vehicle (EV) technology; it’s now making a significant impact in home energy solutions. With the launch of GM Energy’s PowerBank, the company aims to provide homeowners with a robust, reliable backup energy storage system that integrates seamlessly with its Ultium platform. The PowerBank is designed to offer backup power for homes during outages and peak demand periods, while also enhancing energy efficiency and sustainability. This marks a major step forward in GM’s broader strategy to establish itself as a leader in renewable energy solutions. With the PowerBank, GM Energy is delivering more than just a simple energy storage solution—it’s offering homeowners the ability to control, manage, and optimize their energy usage
Read moreTesla has made waves yet again with the unveiling of its latest innovation: the Tesla Robovan. Introduced at the 2024 ‘We, Robot’ event, the Robovan is designed to be both a passenger and cargo vehicle, capable of fully autonomous operation. Much like the recently revealed Cybercab, the Robovan is set to revolutionize how we think about urban transportation, offering solutions for logistics, public transit, and mobility as a service. A Van Like No Other The Tesla Robovan isn’t just a larger version of Tesla’s other vehicles—it’s an entirely new concept. Elon Musk described it as “a Swiss army knife of transportation” during its reveal, highlighting its versatility for both passenger and cargo applications. Whether it’s transporting commuters or delivering packages,
Read moreIn an era where autonomous vehicles are no longer a distant dream, Tesla has taken yet another leap forward with its highly anticipated Cybercab—an all-electric, fully autonomous robotaxi designed to transform urban mobility. Unveiled by Elon Musk at Tesla event ‘We, Robot’ on October 10, 2024, the Tesla Cybercab is more than just a vehicle; it’s a glimpse into a future where human drivers may become obsolete. But what does this mean for city transportation, and how does the Cybercab compare to Tesla’s other innovations? The Concept Behind the Cybercab Elon Musk’s vision for Tesla has always included a future where vehicles operate without human intervention. Tesla‘s Cybercab is the embodiment of that vision—a purpose-built, driverless taxi designed to ferry
Read moreElectric vehicles (EVs) were once heralded as the inevitable future of the automotive industry, with automakers rushing to announce bold plans to electrify their lineups. But as 2024 unfolds, it’s becoming clear that this future may not arrive as quickly as once expected. The last few months have seen a significant pullback from several major automakers, including Ford, General Motors (GM), Mercedes-Benz, Tesla, and Volvo. Economic headwinds, rising costs, and supply chain issues are forcing these companies to reassess their once-lofty EV ambitions. While consumer demand for electric vehicles remains strong, the reality of scaling EV production has proven far more complicated than anticipated. Ford’s Battery Plant Delay and Mixed Results Ford has been one of the most vocal advocates
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