February 2021

Questions and answers on winter EV charging from Electrify America



(February 27, 2021) "Behind the Charge" takes viewers behind the scenes at Electrify America, interviewing employees across fields and exploring different features at the fast charging network to answer commonly asked questions. For many, this winter has been more of a challenge than normal across many states. Electrify America recognizes that electric vehicle (EV) charging is a new experience for drivers who may have purchased their first EV, and they may not know that frigid winter temperatures can have an impact when charging their  EV.
 

Nothing 'stationary' about the 2021 Mercedes-AMG E63 S Wagon



By Paul Borden
MotorwayAmerica.com

(February 27, 2021) Back in the day long before SUVs and minivans existed, the station wagon ruled when it came to family transportation. Often with wood-grained side panels and foldable seats in the far back that faced to the rear, the station wagon offered much-needed space to accommodate larger families and all the stuff they tended to pack for summer vacations.

Drivers say improving car safety systems takes priority over self-driving cars



(February 26, 2021) ORLANDO, Fla.  — Automakers may already hold the key to improving public acceptance of self-driving cars — fine-tuning existing vehicle technology. AAA’s annual automated vehicle survey finds that only 22% of people feel manufacturers should focus on developing self-driving vehicles. The majority of drivers (80%) say they want current vehicle safety systems, like automatic emergency braking and lane keeping assistance, to work better and more than half—58%—said they want these systems in their next vehicle.

J.D. Power study finds EV supply outweighs consumer interest



(February 26, 2021) With some encouragement, undecided battery electric vehicle (BEV) shoppers can become likely purchase considerers, which is good news for automakers expanding their EV product lineup, according to the inaugural J.D. Power U.S. Electric Vehicle Consideration (EVC) Study.

Hyundai Veloster N gets 8-speed dual-clutch automatic for 2021



By Paul Borden
MotorwayAmerica.com

(February 23, 2021) Though the three-door configuration gets a lot of the attention, it is not the only thing that makes the 2021 Hyundai Veloster N a worthy competitor to any compact hatchback coming from its Asian rivals from Japan. With its turbocharged 2.0-liter 4-cylinder engine pumping out 275 horsepower and 260 pound-feet of torque to the front wheels, the Veloster N compares very well with much-heralded rivals like Honda’s Civic Type-R when it comes to performance and fun-to-drive quotient.

Severe winter weather sends gas prices soaring


AAA photo

(February 23, 2021) WASHINGTON, D.C. — Motorists are filling-up to some of the most expensive gas prices seen in over a year. With the forced shutdown of Gulf Coast and some Midwest refineries due to last week’s winter weather, gasoline stocks have tightened and gas prices have skyrocketed. On the week, 66% of state averages spiked by double digits (10–22 cents), driving the national average up by 13 cents to $2.63. That is the most expensive national average since October 2019, according to AAA.

Lexus on top, Porsche and Kia next, in J.D. Power dependability study



(February 21, 2021) Vehicle dependability is at an all-time high, with the overall level of problems cited by owners declining 10% from a year ago, according to the J.D. Power 2021 U.S. Vehicle Dependability Study (VDS), released Friday.

2021 Mustang Mach-E — Skip Tesla: This all-new EV is the one to buy



By Jim Prueter
MotorwayAmerica.com

(February 20, 2021) There’s been quite a buzz about the new Mustang Mach-E, ever since it debuted at the 2019 Los Angeles Auto Show. Fast forward through 12 months of presidential-election fever, a global pandemic, and we finally got a week of seat time behind the wheel of Ford’s first mass-market all-electric SUV, and it bears the legendary Mustang pony badge fore and aft.

Kelley Blue Book names coolest affordable new vehicles of 2021



(February 19, 2021) IRVINE, Calif., — With the average transaction price for a new car hovering around $40,000, most shoppers want to feel excited about their vehicle choice rather than spending hard-earned money on a boring car that simply gets them from point A to point B. With that in mind, today Kelley Blue Book names the 10 Coolest Cars Under $20,000 for 2021 and the 10 Coolest Cars Under $30,000 for 2021 based on Kelley Blue Book Fair Purchase Prices.

2021 Cadillac Escalade offers first-class family travel



By Casey Williams
MyCarData

(February 19, 2021) My family has spent way too much time in our house during the last few months — because of COVID, winter temps, and admittedly, general laziness.  We needed to get away, to have a retreat.  With the completely redesigned 2021 Cadillac Escalade in the driveway and just two and a half hours between us in Indianapolis and the Potawatomi Inn at Pokagon State Park, we loaded up to go.