Author: Stephen Edelstein

Kia previews design of production EV9 flagship electric SUV

Teaser for 2024 Kia EV9 debuting on March 15, 2023Kia has released teaser images of its EV9 flagship electric SUV, which is scheduled to debut in production-ready form March 15. Those images hint at styling that's broadly similar to the EV9 concept that debuted at the 2021 Los Angeles Auto Show, preserving the concept's boxy profile, vertical headlights, and even the angled side glass, which...

Study: Heated surfaces could help boost range in some EVs

Ford E-Transit with experimental heated interior surfacesIn cold weather, energy needed to heat vehicle interiors can negatively impact EV range. Ford claims its engineers have found a solution—for delivery vehicles, at least. As part of a research project with the European Commission, Ford engineers fitted an E-Transit deliver van with heated armrests, floor mats, door panels, and sun visors, as...

Study: Gas-vehicle resale worries could drive subscriptions

Lincoln boutiques and dealershipsAutomakers are trying out subscription models for EVs as an alternative to traditional buying or leasing, but a new Deloitte report argues they may also play a somewhat surprising role in gasoline-car sales. With expected growth in EV adoption, concerns over the resale value of internal-combustion cars may drive subscription models, according to...

Here are the EVs and plug-in hybrids with top IIHS safety ratings

2023 Top Safety Pick awards by the IIHSDespite more stringent standards, a number of electric cars and plug-in hybrids were recognized with Insurance Institute for Highway Safety (IIHS) Top Safety Pick awards for 2023. The IIHS strengthened requirements in a number of areas in 2023, and as a result only 48 models received awards, compared to 65 for 2022 (including eight EVs). Of that...