Tesla recalls nearly 3,000 Model 3 and Model Y vehicles over separating suspensions

Tesla is recalling 2,791 Model 3 and Model Y vehicles over concerns that their front suspension lateral link fasteners may loosen, potentially shifting the wheel alignment and increasing the risk of a crash. The affected vehicles are 2019, 2020 and 2021 versions of the Model 3, and 2020 and 2021 editions of the Model Y.… Continue reading Tesla recalls nearly 3,000 Model 3 and Model Y vehicles over separating suspensions

Amazon reveals 20% stake in Rivian ahead of EV maker’s IPO

Amazon disclosed Friday that it owns a 20% stake in Rivian, the electric automaker that filed for an IPO earlier this month. As of September 30, the e-commerce giant held equity investments, including preferred stock of Rivian that represented about 20% ownership interest, according to the filing. That holding had a “carrying value” of $3.8… Continue reading Amazon reveals 20% stake in Rivian ahead of EV maker’s IPO

Toyota fixes Tesla’s ‘yoke’ steering wheel in its first electric SUV with steer-by-wire system

Toyota has unveiled a steering wheel similar to Tesla’s “yoke” steering wheel in its first electric SUV, but the automaker has introduced an important feature that fixes the main problem of the Tesla yoke. When Tesla unveiled the new Model S with the “yoke” butterfly steering wheel, it was controversial. Some were worried about the… Continue reading Toyota fixes Tesla’s ‘yoke’ steering wheel in its first electric SUV with steer-by-wire system

Toyota’s first battery EV has 280-mile range and a solar roof option

This past April, Toyota teased the bZ4X, the first of seven “Beyond Zero” fully electric vehicles the automaker said it would debut by 2025. Other than to reveal it was working with Subaru to develop the SUV and that it would include its upcoming e-TNGA powertrain, the company didn’t share many details about the bZ4X. On… Continue reading Toyota’s first battery EV has 280-mile range and a solar roof option

Toyota’s new electric SUV has a solar roof and a steering yoke like Tesla

Toyota released new details about its upcoming electric compact SUV, the BZ4X, which includes an optional solar roof and a steering yoke similar to the one featured in the latest version of the Tesla Model S. The steering yoke, which Toyota describes as having a “wing-shape,” employs a steer-by-wire system, where there is no mechanical… Continue reading Toyota’s new electric SUV has a solar roof and a steering yoke like Tesla

Bosch to invest another $467 million to boost chipmaking capacity

German technology and parts supplier Robert Bosch GmbH will invest another 400 million euros ($467 million) to expand its chip manufacturing facilities in response to the ongoing semiconductor shortage that has wreaked havoc on the production of everything from vehicles and appliances to personal computers and power tools. The boosted expenditure, which is earmarked for… Continue reading Bosch to invest another $467 million to boost chipmaking capacity

Mercedes cars will have optional Dolby Atmos audio starting in 2022

You won’t have to buy a Lucid Air if you want a car with more immersive Dolby Atmos. Mercedes will equip its cars with Atmos audio on all models that use both its latest MBUX interface (introduced with the latest S-Class) and an optional Burmester 3D or 4D sound system. Whether or not you’ll driving, you’ll hear compatible music in… Continue reading Mercedes cars will have optional Dolby Atmos audio starting in 2022

Audi turns to software to add more range to its older e-tron EVs

Audi has rolled out a new software update to its 2019 model year e-tron electric SUV that will add up to 12 miles of range to the battery. While the improvement might not seem significant — it is, after all, only 12 miles — it does show how automakers are using software to improve older… Continue reading Audi turns to software to add more range to its older e-tron EVs

Ford delays launch of its ‘hands-free’ BlueCruise driver assist feature until 2022

BlueCruise, the “hands-free” driver assist feature that Ford sees as a viable competitor to GM’s Super Cruise and Tesla’s Autopilot, won’t reach car owners until the first quarter of 2022, the company’s executives said Wednesday night. The automaker had originally planned on pushing an over-the-air (OTA) software update activating BlueCruise for select Ford customers before… Continue reading Ford delays launch of its ‘hands-free’ BlueCruise driver assist feature until 2022

Tesla order could double to 200,000 Model 3s to satisfy deal with Uber, says Hertz CEO

Hertz CEO Mark Fields revealed that its deal to supply Tesla vehicles to Uber includes an option on 100,000 more Tesla Model 3s, which would double its total order to 200,000 vehicles. Earlier this week, Hertz announced that it ordered 100,000 Model 3 vehicles from Tesla as part of a new plan to electrify its fleet.… Continue reading Tesla order could double to 200,000 Model 3s to satisfy deal with Uber, says Hertz CEO