Automotive

2017 Toyota Highlander SE V6 FWD Review

2017 Toyota Highlander SE V6 FWD Review

The Toyota Highlander looks like it could tackle some rough terrain, but it’s better suited for a family’s rough use. The SE V6 FWD model we tested is good for city commutes and family hauling. Families looking for versatility, comfort, practicality, and three-row seating need to check out the 2017 Toyota Highlander SE V6 FWD.
We recently took it for a lengthy test drive.
What’s New For 2017
The 2017 Toyota Highlander gets a number of mid-cycle changes like a new grille, redesigned LED taillights, a new V6 engine with more power and better fuel economy, along with an eight-speed transmission and an automatic stop-start system. New features include the Toyota Safety Sense technology suite, which comes standard on every trim level. When we tested the new SE trim, we found the retuned suspension made for sharper handling.
Features & Options
The 2017 Toyota Highlander SE V6 FWD ($39,690) comes standard with keyless entry and ignition, blind-spot monitoring and rear cross-traffic alert, an upgraded instrument panel, leather seats, heated front seats, a four-way power passenger seat, an auto-dimming rearview mirror, captains chairs (second-row), second-row window sunshades, backup camera, and navigation.
The new SE trim also gets LED running lights, sport-themed styling elements, the aforementioned suspension tuning, 19-inch wheels, and a sporty interior theme. Our tester came with the optional Rear-Seat Entertainment system ($1,810). Total MSRP including destination: $42,440.

Interior Highlights
The interior of the SE trim is sportier than other models and the leather seats are extra comfy for long trips. The cabin of this crossover is more car/minivan-like which is perfect for growing families on the go. The navigation system features a large touchscreen, with many of the functions using real buttons which we like. It’s got plenty of creature comforts inside like second row window shades, heated front seats, and of course the DVD system to keep the kids entertained on those longer trips.
Visibility is excellent in the Highlander, thanks to a larger rear-quarter window and strategically positioned pillars. The new 2017 Toyota Highlander SE comes standard twin reclining captains chairs that can be pushed back for maximum legroom. We carried two large passengers this week who were lounging in the back on the way to the restaurant and nearly fell asleep!
As is true of most competitors, the first and second rows provide copious room for adult occupants. The third row is squishier than that of the Honda Pilot despite having three seat belts — only small kids are likely to fit three abreast back there. The third row works well for smaller kids and access is easy with the captains chairs. Cargo space totals 13.8 cubic feet behind the third row, and there’s plenty of versatility for busy families with a maximum of 83.7 cubic feet, with the seats folded flat.

Engine & Fuel Mileage Specs
The Highlander’s 3.5-liter V6 engine is new, boasting more power and better fuel economy. The new power plant makes an impressive 295 horsepower and 263 lb-ft. of torque. It comes mated to an eight-speed automatic transmission and features an automatic stop-start system to save fuel. Fuel economy estimates come in at 21/27 city/highway mpg and 23 combined.
Driving Dynamics
The Highlander’s engine provides impressive acceleration, and the new V6 works well in tandem with the gearbox. The new eight-speed automatic is smooth and reasonably responsive. It didn’t seem to hunt for the right gear as we pushed it hard uphill in the mountains west of Denver.
The Highlander feels bigger than some competitors when behind the wheel, so tighter parking maneuvers may feel hairy in the city. It has nice-and-easy steering for parking lots, though, and indeed this is a very easy SUV to drive in general. One of the Highlander’s best qualities is its ride comfort. This crossover is highly isolated and confident without feeling like a floating barge. Few if any road irregularities intrude.
Conclusion
The 2017 Toyota Highlander SE V6 offers a big, comfortable cabin with seating for 7 to 8. It offers a quiet ride with the performance and driving dynamics of a crossover. Yet, it also provides the versatility and fuel mileage of a wagon. The Highlander provides a sweet spot between an SUV and a crossover/wagon/minivan type vehicle. As a complete package, the Highlander is hard to beat for growing families with active lifestyles. For families looking for little bit of everything, the Highlander SE V6 is a winning ticket.
Denis Flierl has invested over 25 years in the automotive industry in a variety of roles. Follow his work on Twitter: @CarReviewGuy
2017 Toyota Highlander SE Gallery

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2017 Toyota Highlander Official Site
Photos: Toyota Motor Sales, U.S.A., Inc.

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Report: Maserati to drop sports cars for now, focus on crossovers, EVs, and hybrids

Report: Maserati to drop sports cars for now, focus on crossovers, EVs, and hybrids Sports cars might be absent from Maserati’s lineup for a couple of years as they focus on things that sell, crossovers and sedans.

What’s going on?
Things are going a bit rough at Maserati as they still struggle to meet sales goals. Hopefully, the introduction and launch of the new Levante crossover changes that. Though because of this, Maserati is preparing support a lineup without any sports cars for a couple of years, focusing on crossovers and sedans.
This means replacements for the GranTurismo and GranCabrio will be on the back-burner until around 2019 or 2020. Production is slated to end in 2017.
What’s left?
While sports cars drop down on the priority list, crossovers and sedans rise, or basically, the cars that sell and turn a profit. Once production for the GranTurismo and GranCabrio end, that leaves the Levante, Ghibli, and Quattroporte.
Should you fear absolutely not. They will return, it will just be a while.
Does this mean the Alfieri is also delayed?

Ah yes, the beautiful Alfieri. Unfortunately, that’s a future sports car for Maserati so yes, that will be delayed as well. But Maserati promises it will come and it’s just in a “holding pattern,” according to CEO Reid Bigland.
We can expect some all-electric Maseratis as well. The company continues to investigate hybrid, plug-in hybrid, and 48-volt EV powertrains, accoriding to managing director of Maserati Europe, Giulio Pastore.
– By: Chris Chin
Source: CAR Magazine
The post Report: Maserati to drop sports cars for now, focus on crossovers, EVs, and hybrids appeared first on egmCarTech.

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Dodge Challenger R/T Scat Pack 1320: Because Drag Racing

Dodge Challenger R/T Scat Pack 1320: Because Drag Racing Yes, that’s the actual full name of the car: Challenger R/T Scat Pack 1320. Dodge says this latest Challenger variant is a “drag-oriented, street-legal muscle car designed with the grassroots drag racer in mind.” To which I can only say: Duh! Gee, why am I supposed to think it’s a drag-oriented, street-legal muscle car designed with the grassroots drag racer in mind?
Is it the Dodge part, the Challenger part, the R/T part, the Scat Pack part or the 1320 part?
Stripped Down
Guess what (and I’m not kidding here) it’s the 1320 part. No really. Dodge mentions “1320” and what it means seemingly 147 times in their press materials about this car. For those of you that, unlike me, did not spend an inordinate amount of time hanging out at drag strips with guys with named “Big” Ed and “Smitty” and “Slo-Poke” Ron and other grease-fingered, knuckle-banging speed-freak reprobates, you will be happy to know that a drag strip is (drum roll please) 1,320 feet long.
Now, it is important to note that the Scat Pack 1320 is not like a COPO Camaro or a Drag Pack Mustang. The Scat Pack 1320 is, unlike those very fine rides, completely street legal. This, of course, warms my heart. Selling race cars to any 18-year-old kid with a big enough wallet? Why, that’s as American as apple pie and phony wars, that’s what that is. Brings a tear to my eye, it truly does.
Anyhoo, what does this R/T 1320 get you? As with all bat-guano-crazy Mopar stuff, it gets you a lot. To the base Dodge SRT, you add a bunch of drag specific components and tech to seemingly shorten that asphalt quarter by ten feet or so. Dodge calls it a “street-to-strip value package,” which is easily my favorite marketing term of the week.
Dodge Challenger R/T Scat Pack 1320. Photo: FCA US LLC.
Old School Tech Tools
For starters, you get the TorqueFlite 8HP70 eight-speed automatic transmission. No ifs, ands or buts, this is the tranny you get with the Scat Pack 1320 package. The Dodge TransBrake is in there too to lock the output shaft before a standing start, like a modern version of an old school line lock. This gizmo called Torque Reserve works in combination with the TransBrake, managing fuel flow to cylinders and advancing or retracting the spark to balance engine rpm and torque for max power delivery and launch performance.
“Launch performance” is further boosted by the Nexen SUR4G Drag Spec 275/40R20 street-legal drag radials. The boss meats are all-new and were developed to deliver exceptional grip on the drag strip. Supposedly these Nexen tires give super-consistent run times with minimal burnout preparations, but what’s the fun in less burnouts guys?
The SRT three-mode Adaptive Damping Suspension has been electronically re-tuned for the Scat Pack 1320, and now includes a Drag Mode that optimizes weight transfer to the rear for optimal launch traction. The diff is a performance-tuned unit with an asymmetrical limited-slip set up and a 3.09 final drive. Thankfully, the rear axle half shafts are the extreme-duty, 41-spline pieces from the Challenger SRT Demon.
In drag strip testing compared with a Dodge Challenger R/T Scat Pack, the Challenger R/T Scat Pack 1320 shaves .3 seconds off the quarter-mile time to 11.7 seconds at 115 mph, and cuts .3 seconds off the 0 to 60 mph acceleration time to 3.8 seconds. Photo: FCA US LLC.
Launching & Braking
A Line Lock is there in addition to the TransBrake, locking the front brakes while the rear wheels are free for a burnout to heat up and clean the rear tires and look totally wicked. The Launch Assist uses wheel speed sensors to watch for any driveline damaging wheel hop when you let off all the binders. Launch Assist can, in milliseconds, modify the engine torque and regain full grip before you look like a total grommet.
Launch Control does even more of the same, controlling tire slip during that straight-line burst of acceleration.
The Brembo High-Performance Brake Package with four-piston calipers will be there for you at the end of the run, and the Low Gloss Black 20 x 9.5-inch aluminum-forged wheels with knurled bead seats minimize tire slip on the wheel and look boss while doing it.
Photo: FCA US LLC.
Single Shot
And my absolute favorite option: The standard interior has just the driver’s seat only. Goodbye 114 lbs., hello lower reaction times and ETs. Okay, okay, okay, if your honey and the rugrats got to come along, front passenger and rear seats are available, individually, as $1 options.
1320. Remember that number.
Tony Borroz has spent his entire life racing antique and sports cars. He is the author of Bricks & Bones: The Endearing Legacy and Nitty-Gritty Phenomenon of The Indy 500, available in paperback or Kindle format. His forthcoming new book The Future In Front of Me, The Past Behind Me will be available soon. Follow his work on Twitter: @TonyBorroz
Dodge Challenger R/T Scat Pack 1320 Gallery

Photos & Source: FCA US LLC.

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2019 Chevy Silverado 1500: I Like Big Beds & I Cannot Lie

2019 Chevy Silverado 1500: I Like Big Beds & I Cannot Lie Chevy is showcasing a new metric in the ongoing truck wars: bed space. According to the automaker, the 2019 Chevy Silverado has best-in-class cargo volume, box depth, and box length at floor. Chevy also says the Silverado’s 12 fixed tie-downs and power up/down tailgate make it the most functional bed of any pickup.
“The bed is the heart and soul of any pickup, so we made several improvements to the bed of the all-new Silverado to give our customers an even better hauling experience,” explained Tim Herrick, Executive Chief Engineer, Full-Size Trucks, General Motors. “We’ve added so many features and benefits that it deserves its own name – Durabed.”
Bed Science
Although different than the average suburban four poster at the furniture mart, Chevy’s Durabed does share some of that space-age magic often touted by mattresses of the late-night shopping network variety. For example, Durabed uses higher grades of steel, and the overall quality of the bed floor materials has improved from 340 megapascals to 500 megapascals. Chevy points out the strength difference here, noting that Ram’s bed is still 340 megapascals while the F-150 is made from aluminum.
Earlier this year, one of Silverado’s lead engineers explained Chevy’s “mixed material strategy” at length with us.
The 12 aforementioned fixed tie-downs have doubled in strength: from 250 lbs. to 500 lbs. of force before bending. An additional nine moveable tie-down points are available, along with in-bed LED lighting and a 110/120-volt power outlet.
Photo: Chevrolet.
Tailgate Tech
In order to access the bed, the 2019 Chevy Silverado comes with one of four tailgates: a standard, manual gate, a lockable “Lift Assist” gate, an automatic release/power lockable gate, and the power up/down tailgate. The latter, available on the LTZ and standard on High Country, raises or lowers using the key fob, gate touchpad, or button in the cabin.
Bigger Is Better
Every Silverado bed size has increased significantly in volume for the 2019. The short-box’s volume is up to 20 percent more than any competitor’s short-box, according to Chevy. Most of that increase was achieved by widening the maximum width of the bed floor nearly ten percent (seven inches), which is implemented across all three bed sizes. Below are charts provided to us by Chevy that show their dimensions versus the competition.
The 2019 Chevy Silverado goes on sale this fall.
Carl Anthony is Managing Editor of Automoblog and resides in Detroit, Michigan. He studies mechanical engineering at Wayne State University, serves on the Board of Directors for the Ally Jolie Baldwin Foundation, and is a loyal Detroit Lions fan.
By Comparison
Silverado Short Box
Silverado Standard Box
Silverado Long Box
2018 cargo box space
53 cubic feet
62 cubic feet
75 cubic feet
2019 cargo box space
63 cubic feet
72 cubic feet
89 cubic feet

Cargo Box Space
2019 Chevrolet Silverado
2019 Ford F-Series
2019 Ram 1500
Short box
63 cubic feet
53 cubic feet
54 cubic feet
Standard box
72 cubic feet
62 cubic feet
62 cubic feet
Long box
89 cubic feet
77 cubic feet
–

Cargo Box Depth
2019 Chevrolet Silverado
2019 Ford F-Series
2019 Ram 1500
Short box
22 in.
21 in.
21 in.
Standard box
22 in.
21 in.
22 in.
Long box
22 in.
21 in.
–

Cargo Box Length At Floor
2019 Chevrolet Silverado
2019 Ford F-Series
2019 Ram 1500
Short box
70 in.
67 in.
67 in.
Standard box
79 in.
79 in.
76 in.
Long box
98 in.
98 in.
–

Photos & Source: Chevrolet.

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2019 Lexus ES: A Brief Walk Around

2019 Lexus ES: A Brief Walk Around The 2019 Lexus ES enters its seventh generation with a number of improvements. Lexus says the ES resides in one of the industry’s most competitive segments and, as a result, the 2019 model gets a bump in luxury, performance, and fuel efficiency. An F SPORT variant is available for those who want a little extra spice.
Here is a brief walk around the 2019 Lexus ES.
Essential Foundations
The new ES rides on the Lexus Global Architecture – K (GA-K) platform, a rigid front-wheel drive chassis. The platform employs various grades of high-strength steel to reduce weight while a new multi-link rear suspension facilitates better handling. The rack-mounted electric power steering and a V-brace mounted behind the rear seat provided engineers the flexibility to further tune the 2019 ES.
Photo: Toyota Motor Sales, U.S.A., Inc.
Power & Performance
The 2019 Lexus ES 350 is powered by a 3.5-liter V6 that includes an updated D-4S fuel injection system. The engine, which creates 302 horsepower and 267 lb-ft. of torque, is paired to a new eight-speed Direct Shift automatic. Lexus says the transmission was configured with a wider spread of ratios for an optimum combination of low-end acceleration and high-end efficiency.
EPA fuel mileage estimates are 22/33 city/highway with a combined of 26 mpg. Lexus says this is a two mile-per-gallon improvement in combined driving, despite an extra 34 horsepower and 19 lb-ft. of torque for the new model year.
The new ES 300h runs Lexus’ fourth-generation Hybrid Drive System, paired with an Atkinson cycle, 2.5-liter four-cylinder gas engine. With lighter, more compact designs for the electric motor and self-charging hybrid system, the new ES 300h returns an EPA rating of 43/45 city/highway and 44 combined mpg.
Total system output is 215 horsepower.
Photo: Toyota Motor Sales, U.S.A., Inc.
Safety & Technology
The Lexus Safety System+ 2.0 is now standard equipment, which includes daytime bicyclist detection and low light pedestrian detection. The tech treatments are numerous, from Apple CarPlay compatibility and Siri Eyes Free voice control, to Amazon Alexa functionality.
Interior Layout
Designers wanted the driver to have a more focused view of the road. For example, the layout of the center display screen, instrument panel, and available heads-up display are meant to keep the driver engaged. On the other hand, designers wanted to give passengers a feeling of openness, spaciousness, and comfort.
The F SPORT model includes a new metallic theme inspired by Japanese swords. The Hadori aluminum trim contains fluctuating wave patterns for a three-dimensional appearance that varies depending on the viewing angle.
Lexus ES 350 F SPORT interior layout with Hadori aluminum trim. Photo: Toyota Motor Sales, U.S.A., Inc.
Pricing & Availability
The 2019 Lexus ES will arrive in September with a base price of $39,500, a $550 increase over the outgoing model. The ES 300h starts at $41,310, a $510 decrease compared to its predecessor.
The ES 350 F SPORT, starting at $44,035, includes a re-tuned suspension and 19-inch wheels and tires. F SPORT models also offer the Adaptive Variable Suspension system borrowed from the LC coupe and LS sedan with 650 levels of damping force.
Carl Anthony is Managing Editor of Automoblog and resides in Detroit, Michigan. He studies mechanical engineering at Wayne State University, serves on the Board of Directors for the Ally Jolie Baldwin Foundation, and is a loyal Detroit Lions fan.
Photos & Source: Toyota Motor Sales, U.S.A., Inc.

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Automoblog Book Garage: Pontiac Trans Am

Automoblog Book Garage: Pontiac Trans Am I have been staying up at night recently, scraping the depths of the interwebs for three vehicles: a 2006-2008 Pontiac Grand Prix GXP, a 2005-2006 GTO, and a 2009 G8 GT GXP. I have a soft spot in my heart for Pontiac, which comes from my time as a Service Advisor at a GM dealership. These slightly older Pontiacs are on my list of dream cars.
If they existed as new models, I would be beside myself. I miss Pontiac.
Grit & Guts
With today’s vehicles, it’s often about connectivity; Bluetooth this, smartphone that. But these Pontiac cars were never about infotainment and internet connections. They were about performance. They were about those sweet engines. They were about grit and guts.
I only gravitate toward the GXP models and the more modern GTO because they are what I would deem the essential Pontiacs of my generation (I’m approaching 37). But the truth is, there is an entirely different Pontiac that represented an entirely different generation. And as the youth would say today, it’s cool “AF.”
Cue the Trans Am.
By 1979, the Pontiac Firebird was the last performance car standing, and 117,108 Trans Ams were sold that year out of 211,454 Firebirds. Americans still wanted an automobile with V8 power and trendsetting style – and the Trans Am delivered. Photo: Tom & Kelly Glatch.
The Eagle & The Horse
Pontiac Trans Am by Tom Glatch is a deep dive into a car that tore up race tracks, thundered down main street, and blazed across Hollywood’s silver screens. On the heels of the GTO, the Firebird had its work cut out when it rolled onto the scene in 1967. Across town, Ford’s Mustang was raking it in, an instant sensation among baby boomers. And so it was: the screaming eagle would clash with the charging horse.
Glatch takes us through the entire history, from 1969 when the mighty Firebird Trans Am arguably ruled the roost, to the quiet years of the 1970s, to a reemergence in the 1980s. When muscle cars became dormant for a generation, it was this classic Pontiac that revived American performance.
If you feel that itch – that one modern cars can’t quite scratch – this book is for you. Pontiac Trans Am: 50 Years is available through Amazon and Motorbooks.
Author
Since 1983, Glatch has contributed hundreds of stories and photographs to major collector, Corvette, Mustang, muscle car, and Mopar magazines. Glatch grew up during the muscle car era, later owning a 1970 Plymouth Duster 340, described as a “very quick” machine.
He and his wife Kelly have contributed photographs for others in the Motorbooks family. When not pursuing old muscle cars, he works for a Fortune 500 company as a data and systems analyst and developer.
Carl Anthony is Managing Editor of Automoblog and resides in Detroit, Michigan. He studies mechanical engineering at Wayne State University, serves on the Board of Directors for the Ally Jolie Baldwin Foundation, and is a loyal Detroit Lions fan.
Pontiac Trans Am: 50 Years Gallery

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2019 Ford F-150 Limited: Rolling Out The Red Carpet

2019 Ford F-150 Limited: Rolling Out The Red Carpet It’s kinda like having a Raptor if the Raptor were wearing a suit and tie. That is how one might describe this latest news from truck country: the 2019 Ford F-150 Limited is getting the Raptor’s high-output EcoBoost V6. The “Limited” trim is exactly how it sounds – it’s the fancy F-150 likely described as “loaded” by the dealer.
In this instance, it’s about combining the best of both words, something Ford says their customers wanted.
“They wanted more power, so we combined Raptor’s engine with Limited’s business-class features to deliver Baja fierceness, boardroom style, and the grit to tackle tough jobs,” said Todd Eckert, Ford Truck Group Marketing Manager.
Power & Performance
With the Raptor’s engine, the 2019 Ford F-150 Limited should provide plenty of grit. We recently dove the new PowerStroke diesel F-150 and thought the same thing – now we’re talking 450 horsepower and 510 lb-ft. of torque, which means Ford has the most powerful truck in the segment at the moment. The high-output EcoBoost is attached to a 10-speed automatic.
An added bonus is the new dual exhaust system, which Ford says is “smoothly integrated into new rear bumper cutouts.”
Translation: we copied Ram.
Photo: Ford Motor Company.
Red Carpet Treatment
Premium amenities include a Miko suede headliner, leather-topped instrument panel, and Camel Back two-tone leather seats. The front seats have the “Active Motion” feature, meaning they provide extra lumbar support with a massage function for those longer trips.
“It was important for us to get this interior just right as we continue to raise the bar for premium pickup trucks,” said Aileen Barraza, Ford Color and Materials Manager. “The materials we chose to incorporate are authentic, distinctive, and durable.”
Ford’s designers didn’t leave anything to chance – they wanted the F-150 Limited to be tough, like a truck should be, but as elegant as a luxury car.

“The gradated ash swirl trim is like something you see in a fine instrument,” Barraza continued. “Each piece is hand-finished, and a halo around the edges with a heavily polished center really brings out the natural beauty of this wood.”
Even the holes in the micro-perforated leather are enlarged to improve the cooling performance of the ventilated captain’s chairs. There’s a heated steering wheel, twin-panel moonroof, and a special laser-etched plaque on the center console armrest which displays the truck’s serial number.
“F-150 Limited customers create their own success,” Eckert explained. “The truck is their reward.”

Technology & Availability
Years ago, a tape player was considered a luxury in trucks, but the 2019 Ford F-150 Limited comes to the party with a standard B&O PLAY audio system by HARMAN. Toss in the Wi-Fi access for up to 10 devices and Apple CarPlay and Android Auto compatibility and it’s a rolling hot spot.
Those big towing jobs are helped along by an integrated trailer brake controller and a 360-degree camera with a split-view display, useful when hitching up. Optional is the Pro Trailer Backup Assist feature; drivers rotate a knob to control its direction, with the F-150 automatically steering to follow the course selected.

Expect the 2019 Ford-150 Limited in dealerships later this year.
Carl Anthony is Managing Editor of Automoblog and resides in Detroit, Michigan. He studies mechanical engineering at Wayne State University, serves on the Board of Directors for the Ally Jolie Baldwin Foundation, and is a loyal Detroit Lions fan.
Photos & Source: Ford Motor Company.

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Owning An Electric Vehicle: What You Need To Know

Owning An Electric Vehicle: What You Need To Know After years of hesitation, car buyers have shifted their thinking to become more accepting of electric vehicles. A recent AAA study found that one in five Americans will choose an electric vehicle when it’s time for their next purchase. While one in five may still sound like a small portion of the population, this equates to about 50 million Americans who are interested in owning an electric vehicle for a variety of reasons, whether it be for the lessened environmental impact or the lower than average costs of ownership.
There are some major questions and common misconceptions to address before owning an electric vehicle.
Understanding The Many Forms of Electric Cars
There are a variety of cars on the market today with electric components, from various types of hybrids (which have electric motors AND gas engines) to pure EVs. Let’s break down the number of options you have when going green (or at least, greener).
In its simplest term, a hybrid vehicle uses two or more separate systems to propel itself forward, with these systems either working in tandem or separately. A “mild hybrid” lacks the ability to run on electric power alone. The electric motor in a mild hybrid does not propel the vehicle forward – it merely assists the gasoline engine. While a mild hybrid will deliver better fuel economy than a conventional gas-powered engine, the savings are minimal compared to other hybrids.
The overall benefit of the mild hybrid is the fuel savings from the engine shutting down when stopped, braking, or cruising. A mild hybrid also costs less than other hybrid vehicles.
There are some major questions and common misconceptions to address before owning an electric vehicle.
Series & Parallel Hybrids: Getting Closer To Fully Electric
Series, parallel, and combination series-parallel hybrids are what most people think of when defining “hybrid.” These vehicles use both an electric motor and a gasoline engine. Depending on driving conditions, driver selection, or other factors, the vehicle can run on battery only, or engine only, or both at the same time. These systems return tremendous economy because the electric motor is used when its high torque is needed, and the gas engine only runs when it can operate at its highest efficiency.
In some cases, the gas engine, instead of propelling the vehicle, powers a generator to recharge the battery. While these systems cost more, the fuel savings and lower overall maintenance costs can offset much of the initial purchase price.
Plug-in Hybrids: Charging At Home To Avoid Range Anxiety
The plug-in hybrid option is the closest to a fully-electric vehicle. These vehicles have a larger battery pack which provides an extended EV-only range. The plug-in feature allows owners to recharge at home (either on a household 120V or optional 240V) to avoid “range anxiety.”
For example, the Chevy Volt can travel up to 53 miles in electric mode, or up to 420 miles on a combination of the electric and gas powertrains. These vehicles are more expensive than similarly-sized gas engine cars, but for now, the available $7,500 federal tax credit helps offset the cost of owning an electric vehicle.
2018 Nissan Leaf. Photo: Nissan Motor Corporation.
Full Electric: Going Green by Going Gasless
Probably the best-known of the EVs is Tesla, which has successfully marketed a range of sedans, SUVs, and sports cars. Of course, the competition doesn’t stand still, so mainstream manufacturers like Nissan (Leaf) and Chevrolet (Bolt) now have full electric choices. Tesla has generally led the field in terms of range, which is especially important while we wait for our infrastructure to catch up.
But Teslas are on the high end price-wise, the upcoming Model 3 notwithstanding. The Bolt, starting under $40,000 before any tax credits, advertises an EPA-estimated range of 238 miles on a single charge. It’s no wonder more Americans are considering EVs.
Maintaining An Electric Vehicle
There are some common misconceptions regarding ownership of hybrids and electrics, especially when it comes to maintenance. While their initial purchase price may be higher, in general these vehicles require less maintenance than gas-powered cars. AAA estimates that electric vehicles, at $982 per year, have lower repair and maintenance costs than any other type of vehicle (the average new vehicle costs $1,186 annually to repair and maintain).
While an electric vehicle foregoes an internal combustion engine and all its attendant maintenance, this doesn’t mean you’re off the hook entirely for any preventative care. You should regularly be changing your wiper blades and checking brake and washer fluids. Tires and brakes will still need replacing.
Unfortunately, replacing your battery will cost more than in a traditional vehicle, but many manufacturers provide an extended warranty that covers the EV battery for eight years or 100,000 miles.
In June 2017, General Motors produced 130 self-driving Chevy Bolt EV test vehicles. The fleets were equipped with GM’s latest autonomous technology at the time, and joined more than 50 other Bolt EV test vehicles already in use. Photo: General Motors.
The Link Between Autonomous & Electric
Despite new updates nearly daily on the future of autonomous vehicles, it’s safe to say we will most likely not see widespread adoption for several years to come. When self-driving cars finally do hit the streets en masse, it’s inevitable they will be electric for their fuel efficiency and lower maintenance. It will also be easier for on-board computers to autonomously operate all-electric devices.
We see this trend already occurring as a recent study by Securing America’s Future Energy found that 58 percent of autonomous, light-duty vehicle retrofits and models are built over an electric powertrain, while 21 percent utilize a hybrid powertrain. As autonomous vehicles will most likely be in constant use ferrying passengers (instead of being parked all day), the increased fuel efficiency will be important. Since electric vehicles give off zero emissions, this will also enable self-driving vehicles to meet emission and fuel mileage standards.
Future Considerations
This is an exciting time for consumers as advancements in technology make driving more enjoyable and continued improvements with hybrid and electric vehicles make them last longer at a lower cost. If you do your homework and prepare ahead, owning an electric vehicle could be a favorable choice on your wallet and on the environment.
Richard Reina is the Product Training Director at CARiD and an auto enthusiast and expert with over 30 years of experience working with cars.
Cover Photo: Kia Motors America.

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