Acura EV entry loaded with Google Apps from thedrive.com news. Are you curious about Acura’s entry into the electric vehicle market? Well it looks a little like a Dodge Magnum Sport station wagon, and it surely has some head snatching acceleration. Automakers call these things “Crossover SUV’s” and it should be a little taller than a Dodge Magnum, but we don’t know for sure.

All Wheel Drive – Will it be AWD?

Nothing firm, but almost for sure the initial releases will be all wheel drive. Here’s some things we do know, from the article mentioned above:

• The 2024 Acura ZDX will be the brand’s debut electric vehicle.
• It will have comprehensive Google integration, including a special enhanced version of Google Maps.
• This will allow drivers to optimize long routes by finding the most convenient charging stops.
• Automakers have historically built their own infotainment systems, but Apple CarPlay and Android Auto have risen in prominence in recent years.
• The ZDX will do an end run around that concept by simply integrating Google’s smarts directly into the vehicle.

Expect MSRP’s starting in the 60,000 decile.

Ford and Tesla have reached an agreement on charging stations. The agreement, which was announced on May 25, 2023, will allow Ford electric vehicle owners to access Tesla’s Supercharger network in North America. Ford will also equip its future electric vehicles with Tesla’s charging port, removing the need for an adapter for direct access to Tesla Superchargers.

The agreement is a major step forward for the electric vehicle industry. It will make it easier for Ford electric vehicle owners to charge their cars, and it will help to accelerate the adoption of electric vehicles.

Here are some of the key details of the agreement:

• Ford electric vehicle owners will be able to access Tesla’s Supercharger network in North America starting in early 2024.
• Ford will equip its future electric vehicles with Tesla’s charging port, removing the need for an adapter for direct access to Tesla Superchargers.
• The agreement is for a period of five years.

The agreement is a win-win for both Ford and Tesla. It will make it easier for Ford electric vehicle owners to charge their cars, and it will help to accelerate the adoption of electric vehicles. It is also a sign of the growing cooperation between automakers as they work to transition to a more sustainable future.

Technical Challenges

There are a few technical barriers that Ford and Tesla face in sharing chargers.

• Different charging standards: Ford and Tesla use different charging standards. Ford uses the SAE J1772 standard, while Tesla uses its own proprietary standard. This means that Ford vehicles cannot directly connect to Tesla chargers, and Tesla vehicles cannot directly connect to Ford chargers.
• Different charging speeds: Ford and Tesla chargers also have different charging speeds. Ford chargers typically charge at a rate of 25-50 kW, while Tesla chargers typically charge at a rate of 100-250 kW. This means that Ford vehicles would take longer to charge at Tesla chargers, and Tesla vehicles would take longer to charge at Ford chargers.
• Different payment systems: Ford and Tesla also use different payment systems for their chargers. Ford uses a credit card system, while Tesla uses a proprietary payment system. This means that Ford drivers would need to create a Tesla account and add a credit card to their account in order to use Tesla chargers, and Tesla drivers would need to create a Ford account and add a credit card to their account in order to use Ford chargers.

These technical barriers can be overcome, but it would require cooperation between Ford and Tesla. Ford and Tesla would need to agree on a common charging standard, a common charging speed, and a common payment system. This would be a complex and time-consuming process, but it would be worth it to make it easier for electric vehicle owners to charge their cars.

In addition to the technical barriers, there are also some legal and regulatory barriers that could prevent Ford and Tesla from sharing chargers. For example, in some jurisdictions, there are laws that require electric vehicle charging stations to be accessible to all electric vehicles, regardless of the manufacturer. These laws could make it difficult for Ford and Tesla to share chargers without violating the law.

Despite the challenges, there are a number of reasons to believe that Ford and Tesla will eventually be able to share chargers. The demand for electric vehicles is growing rapidly, and there is a need for more charging infrastructure. By sharing chargers, Ford and Tesla can help to meet this demand and make it easier for electric vehicle owners to charge their cars.

Tesla EvGo charging

You can charge a Tesla on EVgo, however, you need to purchase a Tesla CCS Combo 1 adapter. This adapter will allow you to connect your Tesla to EVgo’s DC fast chargers.

EVgo has over 850 fast charging stations across the United States. These stations can charge your Tesla at speeds up to 250 kW. This means that you can add up to 100 miles of range in just 10 minutes.

To charge your Tesla on EVgo, simply find a station near you and plug in your car. You will then need to pay for the charge using the EVgo app or a credit card.

Charging your Tesla on EVgo is a great way to add range quickly and easily. It is also a great way to support the growing network of electric vehicle charging stations in the United States.

Here are some additional tips for charging your Tesla on EVgo:

• Make sure you have the Tesla CCS Combo 1 adapter before you go.
• Plan your route in advance so you know where the EVgo stations are located.
• Use the EVgo app to find available stations and to pay for your charge.
• Be patient when charging. DC fast chargers can charge your Tesla quickly, but it will still take a few minutes to add a significant amount of range.

F150 Lightning on EvGo

Yes, you can charge a Ford F-150 Lightning on EVgo. The F-150 Lightning has a CCS charging port, and EVgo has over 850 DC fast chargers across the United States that are compatible with CCS charging ports.

To charge your F-150 Lightning on EVgo, simply find a station near you and plug in your car. You will then need to pay for the charge using the EVgo app or a credit card.

Charging your F-150 Lightning on EVgo is a great way to add range quickly and easily. It is also a great way to support the growing network of electric vehicle charging stations in the United States.

Here are some additional tips for charging your F-150 Lightning on EVgo:

• Plan your route in advance so you know where the EVgo stations are located.
• Use the EVgo app to find available stations and to pay for your charge.
• Be patient when charging. DC fast chargers can charge your F-150 Lightning quickly, but it will still take a few minutes to add a significant amount of range.

It is important to note that the charging speed of your F-150 Lightning will depend on the power output of the EVgo charger. EVgo has chargers that range in power output from 50 kW to 350 kW. The higher the power output of the charger, the faster your F-150 Lightning will charge.

For example, if you plug your F-150 Lightning into a 50 kW charger, it will take about 8 hours to fully charge the battery. If you plug your F-150 Lightning into a 350 kW charger, it will take about 45 minutes to fully charge the battery.

Overall, charging your F-150 Lightning on EVgo is a great way to add range quickly and easily. It is also a great way to support the growing network of electric vehicle charging stations in the United States.

The Tesla Model 3 is selling very well. In 2021, Tesla sold over 500,000 Model 3 sedans, up 40 percent year over year. This made the Model 3 the ninth best-selling car in the world, and the best-selling electric car. The Model 3 is also selling well in the used car market, where it is often selling for more than its original MSRP.

There are a number of reasons for the Model 3’s success. First, it is a very good car. It has a long range, a comfortable interior, and excellent performance. Second, Tesla has a strong brand and a loyal following. Third, the Model 3 is relatively affordable, starting at just $42,000.

The Model 3’s success is a major victory for Tesla. It shows that the company is capable of mass-producing high-quality electric cars that people want to buy. The Model 3 is also helping to accelerate the adoption of electric vehicles. As more people buy Model 3s, they will become more familiar with electric cars and more likely to consider buying one themselves.

The Model 3 is a major milestone for Tesla and for the electric vehicle industry. It is a sign that electric cars are finally becoming mainstream.

Top ten selling car models in the world

Here are the top 10 best selling car models in the world in 2023 so far:

1. Toyota Corolla
2. Ford F-Series Pickups
3. Toyota RAV4
4. Tesla Model Y
5. Chevrolet Silverado Pickups
6. Toyota Hilux
7. Toyota Camry
8. Hyundai Tucson
9. Tesla Model 3
10. Ram Pickups

It is important to note that these numbers are estimates and may change as the year progresses.

Tesla Model 3 vs Model Y

Tesla sold more Model Ys than Model 3s in 2022. In the first half of the year, Tesla delivered 42,320 Model Ys and 38,993 Model 3s. This is a significant increase for the Model Y, which only outsold the Model 3 in the fourth quarter of 2021.

There are a few reasons why the Model Y is outselling the Model 3. First, the Model Y is a more versatile vehicle. It is larger and has more cargo space, making it a better choice for families or those who need a lot of space for activities. Second, the Model Y is a crossover SUV, better for moms than the Model 3. The starting price of the Model Y is $46,990, while the starting price of the Model 3 is $42,000.

The Model Y’s success is a good sign for Tesla. It shows that the company is capable of selling a variety of electric vehicles, and that it is not just a niche player in the auto industry. The Model Y is also helping to accelerate the adoption of electric vehicles. As more people buy Model Ys, they will become more familiar with electric cars and more likely to consider buying one themselves.

The Model Y is a major milestone for Tesla and for the electric vehicle industry. It is a sign that electric cars are finally becoming mainstream.

The starting price of a Tesla Model Y is $46,990. This is for the base rear-wheel drive model with a range of 279 miles. The Long Range all-wheel drive model starts at $52,990 and has a range of 330 miles. The Performance all-wheel drive model starts at $62,990 and has a range of 303 miles.

These prices do not include the $1,390 destination charge.

The Tesla Model Y is a popular electric SUV that offers a long range, a comfortable interior, and excellent performance. It is also relatively affordable, making it a good option for those looking for an electric car.

Maximum Range of the Model Y

The $53k Model Y with a range of 330 miles would allow a family to travel at least four hours at 70 miles per hour, assuming a little air conditioning and such, before recharging.

This is why your family will have to plan on finding the supercharger on your trip. Your first stop after 3 to 4 hours should be to spend 20 to 30 minutes at the supercharger where you can add between 150 to 200 miles to your range, probably enough to finish your first day. But don’t think you can just run an extension cord out the door of the motel room, as now an overnight charge may only add 50 miles to your range.

Tesla no longer offers free supercharging, so you will have to pay around $20 at a supercharger to get a full charge, probably less since you got a few miles overnight from your extension cord. The length of time at the supercharger should be at least 15 minutes, and a full charge could take over an hour. So it is most likely that you will go from the motel to the next supercharger you can find.

Charging Strategies

Instead of relying purely on the Tesla superchargers, a better strategy is to use Kroger, Publix or Whole Foods charging stations, and get as much charge as you can while you shop for fresh fruit and fresh salads.

Instead of stopping your family at a smelly gas station with nothing but chips and soda, you will make much healthier choices for your family, albeit at a few more minutes spent for charging.

Common supermarket charging stations are ChargePoint and EVgo. These are slower than Tesla superchargers, but still quite impressive. The cooler the battery, the faster the charge, so this is best done in the morning. Expect to spend between $14 and $24 to add up to 100 miles of range in less than 40 minutes. This is assuming a cool battery, discharged to less than 100 miles in the tank. As the battery charges, the rate of charging will slow.

This is a good time to eat some fresh fruit, rather than spill it all over a moving car. It is also important to take at ten to 20 minute walk, because if you are too sedentary, your health declines.

How long does it take to charge my EV

Stop 1 – 20 to 30 minutes.

With this strategy, it will depend on whether you find a 100kw or a 350 kw charger. The supermarket chargers are generally the newer 350kw chargers. Don’t be surprised if you get more than 80% charge in 15 to 40 minutes. Assuming the model Y with 330 miles of range, now you can plan on finding another 350kw supermarket charger in between two and three hours of travel at 70 miles per hour. Again, as you plug in, eat your salads and plan your ten minute walk. Consider running in for some turkey subs for later.

Daily total so far – 200 miles

Stop 2 – 30 to 40 minutes

Before you know it, you will probably be at 90%. Considering also that you will be back on the road, don’t worry about charging even higher, but don’t spend extra time on that. This is the slowest charging speed, might as well hit the road.

Daily total so far – 400 miles.

Next stop?

Now we’ve been on the road, at 70 miles per hour, for at least four, maybe five hours. We’ve covered over 300 to 400 miles in six hours elapsed, and need to charge again it’s 3:15 pm and we do a 10 minute walk, buy more fruit, eat snacks and prepare for at least 200 more miles.

Hit the road, final leg of the day.

Final total, around 600 miles, Motel arrival time, 7pm

Total charging cost, around $ 80.00

Exciting solar energy news continues to arrive.

• Solar power is becoming more affordable. The cost of solar panels has been declining steadily for years, and it is now more affordable than ever to install solar panels on your home or business. In fact, the U.S. Department of Energy estimates that the cost of solar will continue to decline by 50% by 2030.
• Solar power is becoming more efficient. Solar panel technology is also improving rapidly, which means that solar panels are now able to generate more electricity from the same amount of sunlight. This is making solar power even more attractive as a viable source of energy.
• Solar power is becoming more popular. The popularity of solar power is growing rapidly, as more and more people are looking for ways to reduce their reliance on fossil fuels. In the United States, the number of solar installations has increased by over 50% in the past five years.
• Solar power is becoming more accessible. There are now a number of ways to get solar power, even if you don’t own your own home or business. For example, you can sign up for a solar lease or power purchase agreement, which allows you to use solar power without having to invest in the upfront costs of installation.

Technological breakthroughs happening in solar energy

• Perovskite solar cells. Perovskite solar cells are a new type of solar cell that is made from a material called perovskite. Perovskite solar cells are much cheaper to make than traditional silicon solar cells, and they can be made in a variety of shapes and sizes.
• Multi-junction solar cells. Multi-junction solar cells are made from multiple layers of different materials, each of which absorbs a different wavelength of light. This allows multi-junction solar cells to capture more of the sun’s energy and convert it into electricity.
• Concentrating solar-thermal power (CSP). CSP is a technology that uses mirrors or lenses to concentrate sunlight onto a small area. The concentrated sunlight is then used to heat a fluid, which can then be used to generate electricity. CSP is a very efficient way to generate electricity from solar energy, and it can be used to generate electricity even when the sun is not shining.
• Solar-powered water desalination. Solar-powered water desalination is a technology that uses solar energy to desalinate seawater. This is a very important technology for areas that do not have access to fresh water.

Perovskite solar cells

Perovskite solar cells (PSCs) are a type of solar cell that uses a perovskite-structured compound as the light-harvesting active layer. Perovskite materials, such as methylammonium lead trihalide (CH3NH3PbI3), are cheap to produce and simple to manufacture. As a result, PSCs have the potential to be a low-cost, high-efficiency alternative to traditional silicon solar cells.

The name “perovskite” comes from the mineral calcium titanium oxide, which has the same crystal structure as the perovskite-structured compounds used in PSCs. The general formula for a perovskite is ABX3, where A is a monovalent cation, B is a divalent cation, and X is an anion. The most commonly studied perovskite absorbers for PSCs are methylammonium lead trihalide (CH3NH3PbI3) and formamidinium lead trihalide (H2NCHNH2PbI3).

PSCs work by absorbing sunlight and converting it into electricity. When sunlight hits a PSC, the photons excite electrons in the perovskite material. These excited electrons are then transported to the conduction band, where they can flow through an external circuit and generate electricity.

PSCs have a number of advantages over traditional silicon solar cells. First, they are much cheaper to produce. The cost of manufacturing a PSC is about 10% of the cost of manufacturing a silicon solar cell. Second, PSCs can be manufactured using simple, additive deposition techniques, such as printing. This makes them much easier to manufacture than silicon solar cells, which require a multi-step, high-temperature manufacturing process. Third, PSCs can be made in a variety of shapes and sizes, making them ideal for use in applications where space is limited, such as on rooftops or in windows.

However, PSCs also have some disadvantages. First, they are not as efficient as silicon solar cells. The best PSCs have an efficiency of about 25%, while the best silicon solar cells have an efficiency of about 26%. Second, PSCs are not as stable as silicon solar cells. They can degrade in sunlight and moisture, which limits their lifetime.

Despite these disadvantages, PSCs are a promising new technology for solar energy. They are cheap, easy to manufacture, and can be made in a variety of shapes and sizes. As the technology continues to develop, PSCs have the potential to become a major player in the solar energy market.

Here are some additional details about the advantages and disadvantages of perovskite solar cells:

Advantages

• Low cost
• Simple manufacturing process
• Variety of shapes and sizes
• Potential for high efficiency

Disadvantages

• Not as efficient as silicon solar cells
• Not as stable as silicon solar cells
• Degrade in sunlight and moisture

Researchers are working to address the disadvantages of perovskite solar cells. One approach is to develop new perovskite materials that are more stable and efficient. Another approach is to develop new manufacturing processes that can improve the stability of perovskite solar cells.

Cameras

There are 8 cameras equipped in a base model Tesla 3.

• 1 front-facing camera located above the rearview mirror.
• 2 side-facing cameras located in the turn signal badges on the side of the car forward of the front passenger entry doors.
• 1 rear-facing camera located above the rear license plate.
• 2 side repeater cameras located in the side mirrors.
• 1 cabin camera located above the rearview mirror.

These cameras are used for a variety of purposes, including:

• Autopilot and Full Self-Driving features.
• Backup camera.
• Sentry Mode.
• Cabin monitoring.
• Traffic Light and Stop Sign Control.
• Automatic Emergency Braking.
• Lane Departure Warning.
• Blind Spot Monitoring.
• Adaptive Cruise Control.
• Auto High Beams.

Diver assist

The base Tesla Model 3 comes standard with a variety of driver assist features, including:

• Automatic Emergency Braking (AEB): This feature uses radar and cameras to detect potential collisions and automatically apply the brakes if necessary.
• Lane Departure Warning (LDW): This feature uses cameras to detect if you are drifting out of your lane and alerts you with a visual and audible warning.
• Blind Spot Monitoring (BSM): This feature uses radar to detect vehicles in your blind spots and alerts you with a visual warning in the side mirrors.
• Adaptive Cruise Control (ACC): This feature uses radar to maintain a set distance between you and the car in front of you. It can also accelerate and brake automatically.
• Auto High Beams (AHB): This feature uses cameras to detect oncoming traffic and automatically switches between high and low beams.

Four door

The base Model 3 is a four-door sedan. It has two doors on each side of the car, and it can seat up to five people.

Trunk

The trunk of the Tesla Model 3 is large enough for two sets of golf clubs. The trunk has a volume of 15 cubic feet, which is enough space to fit two sets of golf clubs, as well as other items such as luggage, groceries, or sporting equipment. The trunk is also accessed through a large, wide opening, which makes it easy to load and unload items.

Tesla Rear Trunk – Owners Manual

Front Trunk

The base Tesla Model 3 has a rear trunk with a volume of 15 cubic feet and a front trunk with a volume of 3.1 cubic feet.

Bluetooth

The base Model 3 Tesla has Bluetooth audio. You can connect your phone to the car’s Bluetooth and play music, podcasts, or audiobooks. You can also use the car’s voice controls to play music or change the volume.

To connect your phone to the car’s Bluetooth, follow these steps:

1. Turn on your phone’s Bluetooth.
2. In the car, open the Media menu.
3. Select Bluetooth.
4. Select your phone’s name from the list of available devices.
5. Enter the passcode if prompted.

You can talk on your phone through the base Tesla Model 3 radio audio. To do this, you will need to connect your phone to the car’s Bluetooth. Once your phone is connected, you can use the car’s voice controls to make calls. You can also use the car’s steering wheel controls to answer and hang up calls.

Once your phone is connected to the car’s Bluetooth, you can start making calls. To make a call, simply say “Call [contact name]” to the car’s voice controls. You can also use the car’s steering wheel controls to answer and hang up calls.

Here are some tips for using the car’s Bluetooth for phone calls:

• Make sure your phone is within range of the car’s Bluetooth.
• Speak clearly and slowly when making a call.
• Avoid making calls in noisy environments.
• If you have trouble making a call, try restarting your phone or the car.

Using the car’s Bluetooth for phone calls is a convenient way to stay connected while you’re driving. It’s also a safe way to make calls, as you can keep your hands on the wheel and your eyes on the road.

According to Motor Biscuit, the prices on used F-150 Lightnings is dropping, so we decided to take a look. We priced a new Lightning and with the same packages it came out to a list price of $64,569 using the Ford Official Truck Build web page.

We also looked for a used 2022 model east of the Mississippi and found one with 8,800 miles on it for $58,500 with the same max trailer tow package (8,200 miles). For a truck that should go 200,000 miles on the battery, this would come out to .3050 per mile vs. .3179 for the new truck, or a tiny savings. So we are skeptical about the savings on used lightning trucks.

Expected Battery Life

We asked Bard about the expected battery life for a Ford Lightning. Bard says:

The expected battery life on the Ford Lightning is 8 years or 100,000 miles, whichever comes first. The battery is covered by a warranty that guarantees it will retain at least 70% of its original capacity during that time.

In reality, the battery is likely to last much longer than that. There are many examples of electric vehicles with over 200,000 miles on their original batteries. The key to long battery life is to keep the battery cool and to avoid deep discharges.

If you take good care of your Ford Lightning battery, it should last for many years to come.

Bard.google.com

Other notes,

According to a recent report by Torque News, prices for pickup trucks are starting to come down, especially for used trucks². Used truck prices trend down, and have dropped about 2.6% year over year, and 2.7% in the last 90 days³. According to Business Wire, used electric vehicle prices declined by 4% from July to August 2023, to an average of $64,306¹.

(1) Used Pickup Truck Prices May Drop Dramatically as Recession Hits. https://www.torquenews.com/1/used-pickup-truck-prices-may-drop-dramatically-recession-hits Accessed 4/17/2023.
(2) Used Pickup Truck Prices Are Finally Dropping (a Little Bit). https://www.motorbiscuit.com/used-pickup-truck-prices-are-finally-dropping-a-little-bit/ Accessed 4/17/2023.
(3) Used Car Prices Are Falling. Is a Market Crash Coming?. https://bing.com/search?q=used+ev+pickup+truck+price+drop Accessed 4/17/2023.
(4) Used Car Prices Are Falling. Is a Market Crash Coming?. https://investorplace.com/2022/09/used-car-prices-are-falling-is-a-market-crash-coming/ Accessed 4/17/2023.
(5) It’s Not 2022 Anymore: Massive Drop For ‘Slightly Used’ 2023 EV Prices …. https://www.motorbiscuit.com/not-2022-anymore-massive-drop-used-2023-ev-prices-q1/ Accessed 4/17/2023.
(6) Electric Trucks for Sale Near Me | Cars.com. https://www.cars.com/shopping/truck/electric/ Accessed 4/17/2023.

Tesla Price Drops

Tesla has announced several price decreases for its models in recent months. The most recent price cuts were announced on April 7, 2023, and affected all of Tesla’s models. The price cuts ranged from $1,000 to $5,000, depending on the model.

Here is a summary of the price decreases:

• Model S: $5,000
• Model X: $10,000
• Model 3: $1,000
• Model Y: $2,000

These price cuts are part of Tesla’s ongoing effort to make its electric vehicles more affordable. Tesla CEO Elon Musk has said that he wants to make Tesla cars “affordable for everyone.”

The price cuts are also likely a response to increasing competition in the electric vehicle market. Several other automakers, such as Ford and Volkswagen, are now producing electric vehicles. These automakers are offering their electric vehicles at a lower price than Tesla.

Prius Charging