Motor News

The 2025 Volvo EX30 debuts as the brand’s smallest electric SUV, slotting below the C40 Recharge and XC40 Recharge in size and price. Starting at $36,145, the 268-hp rear-drive EX30 has a claimed range of 275 miles; a punchier, albeit pricier, 422-hp all-wheel-drive model is available too.The EX30’s interior boasts a single 12.3-inch touchscreen, myriad recycled materials, and a full-width sound bar on the dashboard.Chevy called the Bolt EV an SUV when most people with two working eyes saw it as a high-riding hatchback. However, the Bolt will be six feet under after this year, and there aren’t many small, affordable electric hatches—er—SUVs for Americans to choose from. That’s why the 2025 Volvo EX30 is so refreshing.The Smallest VolvoThe EX30, which measures 166.7 inches long and 61.1 inches tall, is a few inches longer and a couple inches shorter than the regular Bolt. The Volvo is almost 3 inches wider, though, at 72.3 inches. The EX30 is also smaller and less expensive than the fully electric Volvo XC40 Recharge and C40 Recharge, which both occupy the subcompact end of the SUV spectrum. Riding on a short 104.3-inch wheelbase, the EX30 has 6.5 inches of ground clearance. It’s also rated to tow 2000 pounds (same as the Recharge twins).The Swedish automaker can market its smallest model however it likes, because the EX30 exemplifies the EV ethos better than many other electric models currently sold on our shores. It’s the exact opposite of four-ton-plus behemoths such as the GMC Hummer EV SUV and the growing number of electric pickup trucks. A smaller vehicle obviously needs fewer materials to make, but Volvo took extra measures to make the EX30 sustainable.Simple to Be Sustainable Along with using more recyclable and renewable materials, Volvo says it has streamlined the manufacturing process by increasing the number of stamped body parts. The company also partners with suppliers who share its climate-neutral mission, with a majority of them said to have committed to using 100 percent renewable energy by 2025. Volvo also uses blockchain technology to trace critical raw materials used to make its batteries.The EX30 will begin production in China, in a factory that’s said to be primarily powered by climate-neutral energy, but a company spokesperson declined to say whether it would eventually be built in Volvo’s South Carolina plant, as is the plan for the larger, three-row EX90. As a result, it remains to be seen whether or not the EX30 will ever become eligible for federal EV tax credits under the new guidelines. Inside the EX30 is where people can see how Volvo simplified things for the sake of sustainability. Instead of scattering stereo speakers in both the doors and dashboard like most cars, the EX30 comes standard with a full-width sound bar mounted at the base of the windshield. Containing seven speakers, it clears room for more storage space in the door panels and reduces the amount of wiring. Of course, the sound system can be further upgraded with optional Harman/Kardon equipment.Minimalist doesn’t mean plain, boring, and questionably screwed together in the EX30 like it does in the Tesla Model 3 and Model Y. Instead, it channels Volvo’s chic cabins, with attractive upholstery options, from wool-blend fabrics to recycled denim. It also has interesting trim pieces on the dash and doors that are accented by adjustable ambient lighting. The center console has loads of storage space, and it features retractable cupholders and other versatile bins for front- and rear-seat passengers. There’s also a glovebox mounted below the center stack with tons of room thanks to the flat load floor. For bulky items, the EX30 offers 14 cubic feet of space behind the back seats and 32 cubes with that row stowed.Like the Teslas, the EX30 has a single center-mounted display where all critical driving information as well as other vehicle settings and infotainment options are controlled. The vertically oriented 12.3-inch touchscreen runs the latest version of Google’s Android operating system. The big news is that it finally includes wireless Apple CarPlay. A Volvo spokesperson says wireless Android Auto isn’t included since the native system serves that function.Powered UpThe EX30 is built on the Sustainable Experience Architecture (SEA) electric platform that was developed by Geely, Volvo’s Chinese parent company. The little ute is offered with two powertrains. There’s a single-motor rear-wheel-drive configuration that generates 268 horsepower and 253 pound-feet of torque. The dual-motor all-wheel-drive variant delivers a combined 422 horses and 400 pound-feet. Volvo claims that’s enough punch to launch the EX30 to 60 mph in just 3.4 seconds.VolvoVolvoEvery EX30 features a 64.0-kWh battery pack. Volvo estimates a full charge will send the single-motor model 275 miles, while the extra motor is expected to shave 10 miles off that figure. Neither range rating has yet been certified by the EPA. With a peak charging rate of 153 kW, Volvo claims it takes about 27 minutes to charge the EX30’s battery from 10 to 80 percent when plugged into a DC fast charger.On the road, the EX30 continues to promote Volvo’s safety-minded image. It comes with all manner of common driver-assistance tech, but it also features an alert to help prevent opening a door into oncoming cyclists and such. There’s a new driver-attention monitor too, which is said to be better at recognizing if a driver is drowsy or distracted. For those who struggle with parking, the EX30 also marks the debut of Volvo’s latest-generation automated Park Pilot Assist feature. It’s basically able to identify and execute more parking scenarios, such as curved and diagonal fishbone-style spots.EX30 Cross Country ComingVolvo will finally offer an EV with its outdoorsy Cross Country treatment. While production isn’t slated to start until sometime later in 2024, the EX30 Cross Country will have the hallmarks of its predecessors. That includes higher ground clearance and rugged-looking exterior bits. Along with black 19-inch wheels, a set of 18-inchers with knobby BFGoodrich All-Terrain T/A KO2 tires will be available. Black panels on the front bumper and tailgate as well as a Swedish flag on the hood will be other telltale details, and an optional roof rack is available.The U.S. version of the 2025 Volvo EX30 is currently available to pre-order. Prices start at $36,145 for the entry-level Core trim with the single motor. While the company has confirmed that a mid-level Plus and a loaded Ultimate will complete the lineup, it isn’t releasing pricing yet. That will happen sometime before U.S. models start reaching dealerships next summer.Extra EX30 ReadingThis content is imported from poll. You may be able to find the same content in another format, or you may be able to find more information, at their web site.Senior EditorEric Stafford’s automobile addiction began before he could walk, and it has fueled his passion to write news, reviews, and more for Car and Driver since 2016. His aspiration growing up was to become a millionaire with a Jay Leno–like car collection. Apparently, getting rich is harder than social-media influencers make it seem, so he avoided financial success entirely to become an automotive journalist and drive new cars for a living. After earning a journalism degree at Central Michigan University and working at a daily newspaper, the years of basically burning money on failed project cars and lemon-flavored jalopies finally paid off when Car and Driver hired him. His garage currently includes a 2010 Acura RDX, a manual ’97 Chevy Camaro Z/28, and a ’90 Honda CRX Si. More

The C8 Corvette is the first model in the nameplate’s long history to offer a right-hand-drive configuration directly from the factory. This has allowed the C8 Stingray and C8 Z06 models to find plenty of interested parties in Europe and Japan. Thanks to a report from WebCG, we now know that every C8 Z06 headed to Japan will carry the same trim package and color combination. Know Your CorvettesThe news comes directly from GM Japan executives Yoshiaki Uehara and Satoshi Nakano, who discussed the Japan-spec Z06 with the publication. According to the report, every C8 Corvette Z06 being ordered by GM Japan will be a loaded-up 3LZ coupe, complete with black exterior paint and a red interior. In order to keep the color theme in order, all cars will also feature black wheels and red brake calipers. The track-oriented Z07 package will also not be available for customers at the time of the sales debut, nor does the company expect to be able to retrofit those parts with ease. The executives specifically noted that this combination is currently the most popular with Z06 customers in the United States, and one that fits the car nicely. It’s a Production ThingThe Japan spec wasn’t made on styling preference alone, however. Uehara noted that if customers overseas were given the same access to the Z06 configurator as here in the States, the cars might never get built. GM’s difficulties in getting C8s to customers have been well documented through the car’s production run, with high interest in the Z06 only making that more of a challenge. ChevroletJapan-market Z06 models will also lose the car’s unique center-exit exhaust system found on U.S.-spec cars. This comes as a result of the country’s more stringent emissions and sound requirements for vehicles, which the trumpet-style straight pipes on the Z06 will not meet. This means the cars will wear the standard Stingray’s corner exit setup, resulting in a slight drop in horsepower output. Whereas U.S.-spec cars make 670 horsepower, these particular units will be limited to 636 horsepower. That should still be plenty of power to beat up on all sorts of JDM goodness at any of Japan’s incredible circuits. ChevroletBorn and raised in Metro Detroit, associate editor Lucas Bell has spent his entire life surrounded by the automotive industry. He may daily drive an aging Mustang, but his Porsche 944 and NB Miata both take up most of his free time.  More

Toyota revealed the Prius 24h Le Mans Centennial GR Edition, a racing-influenced concept version of the fifth-generation hybrid, ahead of the 24 Hours of Le Mans.The sporty Prius is fitted with a carbon-fiber hood, a rectangular rear wing, dive planes on the front bumper, and a rear diffuser.The track has been widened and the 18-inch wheels are unique to the concept, but Toyota didn’t reveal if the powertrain was modified at all.Before the 2023 Toyota Prius debuted last fall, we would’ve never used the words “Prius” and “sporty” in the same sentence. But then Toyota took the wraps off of the fifth-generation hybrid, which wowed with a sleek new body and a punchier powertrain. Now Toyota has brought out another surprise with the Prius 24h Le Mans Centennial GR Edition, a concept revealed ahead of the 24 Hours of Le Mans this weekend, showing a vision for a high-performance Prius.ToyotaToyota says this special Prius is meant to honor the iconic race, and the hybrid hatchback has been fitted with a variety of motorsports-inspired parts. The GR-modified Prius—which we will henceforth call the GRius—wears dive planes on the front bumper, beefy side skirts that flow into extended wheel arches, and a sizable rear diffuser. There is also an aggressive wing sprouting from the rear hatch, and these aerodynamic add-ons are said to be influenced by the GR010 Hybrid race car that won Le Mans in 2021 and 2022.ToyotaThe GRius concept also features a wider track that the standard Prius, and the black 18-inch wheels are shod in 235/50 Michelin tires, versus the usual 195-width rubber. The front bumper gains a wide, rectangular grille and square clusters of LED headlamps, while the hood has been replaced with a carbon-fiber unit to reduce weight. Toyota didn’t mention any mechanical changes to the GRius, but we would hope that power has been boosted from the Prius Prime’s 220 ponies. We doubt that Toyota will actually put a GR-branded Prius into production for the U.S. market, but this concept won’t stop us from dreaming.More Speedy GR ToyotasThis content is imported from poll. You may be able to find the same content in another format, or you may be able to find more information, at their web site.Associate News EditorCaleb Miller began blogging about cars at 13 years old, and he realized his dream of writing for a car magazine after graduating from Carnegie Mellon University and joining the Car and Driver team. He loves quirky and obscure autos, aiming to one day own something bizarre like a Nissan S-Cargo, and is an avid motorsports fan. More

Shelby American has revealed its latest creation, the 2023 Ford F-150 Centennial Edition. The Centennial Edition F-150 can be ordered in either 400- or 800-hp configurations, with only 100 units of the more powerful version being made.Pricing for the Centennial Edition includes the donor Lariat 4×4, 5.0L SuperCrew, and starts at $129,495 for the naturally aspirated truck and $138,495 for the supercharged version.Shelby American is continuing the long tradition of naming things after Carroll Shelby with the creation of more specially tuned creations. The performance outfitter kicked off the year with the introduction of a 750-hp Centennial Edition Mustang. In a slight twist, the newest creation built to honor the late Shelby is an F-150–based performance truck, capable of producing up to 800 horsepower. Based on the 2023 F-150 Lariat 4×4 SuperCrew, the Centennial Edition comes standard with the same naturally aspirated 4.0-liter V-8 that comes optional on the standard Ford model. That’s kind of boring, so Shelby also added an optional supercharger system complete with a performance air intake with high flow filter, aluminum heat exchanger and a billet throttle body with high-flow fuel injectors. The optional system brings total output to a much more reasonable 800 horsepower. Opting for either engine configuration will equip the Centennial Edition with a Borla cat-back exhaust system to snort exhaust fumes out the black dual exhaust pipes at the back. Shelby AmericanNot satisfied with an exhaust system and supercharger, the Shelby team fit the Centennial with Fox shocks that have adjustable dual speed controls. According to Shelby, the system allows the shocks to be adjusted from better off-road capability, to better track handling, and even to a more luxurious ride. Off-road capability is also aided by upgraded brakes that now live within a set of 22-inch alloy wheels wrapped in BFGoodrich all-terrain KO2 tires.More Centennial ShelbyThe interior is updated as well, and now has two-tone leather upholstery complete with Centennial Edition logos. Shelby Centennial floor mats, billet racing pedals, and tinted windows complete the rest of the interior, with the official Shelby serial number printed on a plaque on the dash.Shelby AmericanNaturally, Shelby will only make 100 examples of the truck to commemorate the 100th anniversary of its founder’s birth. The base 400-hp version carries a starting price of $129,495, while the supercharged truck starts at $138,495. The trucks come with a three-year/36,000-mile warranty, which includes the powertrain and still allows for stock features like over-the-air updates and the onboard generator. This content is imported from poll. You may be able to find the same content in another format, or you may be able to find more information, at their web site.Associate News EditorJack Fitzgerald’s love for cars stems from his as yet unshakable addiction to Formula 1. After a brief stint as a detailer for a local dealership group in college, he knew he needed a more permanent way to drive all the new cars he couldn’t afford and decided to pursue a career in auto writing. By hounding his college professors at the University of Wisconsin-Milwaukee, he was able to travel Wisconsin seeking out stories in the auto world before landing his dream job at Car and Driver. His new goal is to delay the inevitable demise of his 2010 Volkswagen Golf. More

The 2024 Mazda CX-5, CX-30, and 3 are all adding a new trim level called Carbon Turbo with a special color combo.They’re finished in Zircon Sand exterior paint and have an interior that combines brown Terracotta leather and black suede.We’ll get more details soon on the 2024 model-year pricing and equipment.Mazda is adding another spin on the Carbon Edition for the 2024 versions of the CX-30 subcompact crossover, CX-5 compact crossover, and 3 sedan and hatchback. Following the previous Carbon Edition that combined a gray exterior with a red interior, this new Carbon Turbo model flaunts a brown on brown color scheme.More Mazda Carbon EditionsAvailable only for models equipped with the optional 256-hp turbocharged 2.5-liter inline-four, the Carbon Turbo cars are finished in Zircon Sand exterior paint, a hue first introduced on the CX-50. They also get gloss-black trim pieces including mirror caps, grille trim, and wheels. Inside, the interior has brown Terracotta leather upholstery with black suede accents and gunmetal trim accents. The pictured interior is of a 2024 CX-5.MazdaThose are all the details we have until now, as info such as pricing will have to wait until Mazda releases specifics for each of these 2024 models. We’re not expecting any major updates to these cars for the new model year, but there could be some minor changes. These 2024 Mazda Carbon Turbo vehicles should be arriving at dealerships within the next few months.Senior EditorDespite being raised on a steady diet of base-model Hondas and Toyotas—or perhaps because of it—Joey Capparella nonetheless cultivated an obsession for the automotive industry throughout his childhood in Nashville, Tennessee. He found a way to write about cars for the school newspaper during his college years at Rice University, which eventually led him to move to Ann Arbor, Michigan, for his first professional auto-writing gig at Automobile Magazine. He has been part of the Car and Driver team since 2016 and now lives in New York City.   More

Chevrolet has released details for the 2024 Camaro, including a new Collector’s Edition commemorating the sixth-generation model’s final year.The Collector’s Edition has black paint, special trim, different wheels, and other goodies.It costs between $4995 and $5995 for the standard models and $14,995 for the supercharged ZL1.As Chevy prepares to open orders for the sixth-generation Camaro’s final model year, it’s releasing a special Collector’s Edition version of the muscle car. The 2024 Camaro Collector’s Edition is an option package that brings special visuals including black paint, badging, different wheels, and other extras. It’s available for the coupe and convertible and on the 1LT, LT, and 1SS trim levels; the supercharged ZL1 gets its own extra-special Collector’s Edition that will be limited to 350 units.More on the CamaroThe standard Collector’s Edition package, which costs $4995 for the 1LT, $5495 for the LT1, and $5995 for the 1SS, brings Panther Black metallic paint, black stripes, 20-inch black wheels, the front splitter from the 1LE performance package, and—on coupes at least—the ZL1’s rear spoiler. Chevy is highlighting that the Camaro’s original code name was Panther (not to be confused with Ford’s Panther platform, of course) by integrating Panther graphics into the Camaro badges on the doors and onto the steering wheel. There are also special floor mats and a welcome kit that includes two Camaro posters.ZL1 Collector’s EditionChevroletFor significantly more money, the ZL1’s Collector’s Edition upgrades include Panther Matte Black paint, a serialized badge notating which number the car is in the run of 350 units. Purchase of a ZL1 also includes a special Shinola watch meant to match the car.For the 1LT and LT1 trims, choosing the Collector’s Edition also requires adding the RS package. This puts the all-in prices for coupe models at $39,440 for the 1LT Collector’s edition, $47,385 for the LT1 Collector’s Edition, $49,890 for the 1SS Collector’s Edition, and $89,990 for the ZL1 Collector’s Edition.Chevy is also dropping the Camaro’s available turbocharged 2.0-liter inline-four base engine for 2024. This leaves the 335-hp 3.6-liter V-6, the 455-hp 6.2-liter V-8, and of course the ZL1’s 650-hp supercharged 6.2-liter V-8. Base prices rise accordingly, to $32,495 for the LT coupe and $38,495 for the LT convertible. Orders for the 2024 model open June 15, and production will end in January 2024.This content is imported from poll. You may be able to find the same content in another format, or you may be able to find more information, at their web site.Senior EditorDespite being raised on a steady diet of base-model Hondas and Toyotas—or perhaps because of it—Joey Capparella nonetheless cultivated an obsession for the automotive industry throughout his childhood in Nashville, Tennessee. He found a way to write about cars for the school newspaper during his college years at Rice University, which eventually led him to move to Ann Arbor, Michigan, for his first professional auto-writing gig at Automobile Magazine. He has been part of the Car and Driver team since 2016 and now lives in New York City.   More

A day at the track is not limited to the able-bodied anymore. Performance driving programs are out there for people with disabilities.The use of unique controls can open up new possibilities for people with restricted arm or leg movement or visual impairment.In the world of racing, drivers with limited mobility have been participating—and excelling—in Esports as well as on real-world racing teams.A track day full of low-slung, loud, and exuberant supercars is a dream come true for many car enthusiasts. In the past decade, supercar track experiences have become popular and relatively common. Most major racetracks have a program for first-timers to get behind the wheel, either with their own cars or rented speed machines. Even better, some have instructors to help new drivers get acquainted with high-speed driving.For those with disabilities, these fun-run events can seem inaccessible, but there are people all around the world helping to make driving and even competing on track something that drivers with vision or mobility concerns can participate in. “Just because you have a physical disability or visual impairment, it does not mean experiences like this should be unavailable to you, and we want as many [people] as possible to be able to enjoy driving a supercar around a track,” explained Dan Jones of Driving Experience Days Limited in the U.K.Driving Experience Days Limited has partnered with a leading disability organization, AbleNet, to provide several high-performance adapted courses for those with restricted arm and leg movement, as well as people who are visually impaired or blind, bringing the joy of motoring to more drivers. The cars involved have been specially adapted with unique controls to make them more usable by those with limited mobility. A common modification is to the steering wheel, an addition called a steering ball that allows a car to be maneuvered with just one hand, even one with limited grip. This allows those unable to operate the traditional pedals to operate the vehicles with hand controls. Hand controls to replace foot pedals.Car and DriverMany of the vehicles feature an automatic gearbox as well, with the roster of rides including the Aston Martin DB9, McLaren 650S, Lamborghini Gallardo, Ferrari California, Nissan GT-R, and Audi R8. Even visually impaired drivers can take a spin in these supercars, with the help and guidance of a trainer. Those programs are both outside the U.S. for now, but there’s a nonprofit called Adaptive Driving Experience that is currently putting the final touches to a U.S.-oriented program that is oriented toward military veterans. “We have a race car derived from the NASCAR Car of Tomorrow chassis that Brian Keselowski raced in the Daytona 500,” director Danny Chrissanthis told C/D. “It’s got a small-block Chevy that makes about 400 horsepower but features swivel chairs and adapted controls, as well as a second set of controls for the passenger.”The idea is that a pro racer can coach the driver from the passenger seat, or take control and provide a hot lap. “We did all our modifications last year. We’re just waiting on our helmets and fire suits so we can host bigger groups,” explained Chrissanthis. The orders are in, so the program is set to start, but Adaptive Driving Experiences is just one of a few such programs in the U.S. Chrissanthis said they’ve contacted “various racetracks” about offering the program but that the response has been muted, with many saying the project just wouldn’t make enough money to cover the costs. It’s forced the organization to take a different approach. “I believe getting out on track and having people see that, watching the videos and how this experience impacts people will open doors and create more opportunities,” he says. Automaker Programs for Disabled DriversThe goal of expanding these high-performance driving experiences and lessons to those with limited access is shared with a few other organizations, including automakers. In 2021, BMW and Mini expanded their Driving Experience program to include Safety Training for people with physical disabilities. The program includes lessons about braking, evasive maneuvers, slalom driving, driving the ideal line, and drifting. While Driving Experience Days Limited’s program uses flashy supercars, the BMW 230i, BMW M3, and Mini John Cooper Works the BMW program uses have slightly different controls. Rather than use the ball, the BMW and Mini cars retrofit the steering wheel with a ring that acts as the throttle. This allows a user with limited lower-body mobility to accelerate without taking their hands off the wheel. These cars also have a hand-operated brake lever, to help users get control of the 510-hp M3 on track. BMW’s ring-type adapted steering wheel.BMW”Driving is self-determination and thus also a kind of freedom,” says instructor Bettina Schmidt-Kiendl in a news release by the automaker. Schmid-Kiendl uses a wheelchair and is an active driver. “With the new program, we want to give people with comparable disabilities the joy of driving that I also live every day.”Racing Academies and MotorsportsCompetitive drivers with disabilities have the opportunity to take their speeds to the big leagues. Team BRIT Racing is a sports-car team with a team of disabled drivers that participates in the British GT Championship, British Endurance Championship, Britcar Trophy, and Citroën C1 Series. Conceived in 2015, the racing team offers a racing academy for those with disabilities. There’s also an eSports team competing in Gran Turismo, iRacing, Assetto Corsa, and rFactor 2—and several of its drivers have secured podium finishes.Team BRITRacing is a different beast than track experiences, so Team BRIT Racing has developed a bespoke hand control system to operate the steering, brakes, clutch, throttle, and gearbox of its cars and racing sims. The Motorsport U.K.-approved system is how the team can compete against able-bodied racers in a variety of motorsports. With plans to race in the Le Mans 24-hour endurance race, the racing team has already delivered impressive finishes in the Britcar Trophy and Britcar Endurance GT4 ProAM, among others.Accessibility for the WinSupport for disabled drivers and advancements in this field don’t just benefit young enthusiasts who don’t want their disabilities to keep them from the cockpit. Racing remains dangerous, and accidents often leave formerly able-bodied racers unable to compete. Rising IndyCar star Robert Wickens suffered a violent crash in the 2018 ABC Supply 500 at Pocono Raceway, which left him with limited use of his legs. Wickens (pictured at top) returned to racing in 2022 in the 2022 Michelin Pilot Challenge with Bryan Herta Autosport behind the wheel of the #33 Hyundai Elantra N with specially adapted hand controls. He quickly found success with BHA, scoring a podium with teammate Mark Wilkins in his first race at Daytona, and winning at Watkins Glen International and Canadian Tire Motorsports Park. He finished his first season in sixth place in the 2022 TCR championship and is continuing in 2023. Perspective is everything: accessibility may seem like a niche concern to most motorists, but expanding the world of motorsports and speed to those with different abilities is a win for everyone. If everyone can enjoy driving, then we can have more fun on the roads and tracks together. More

Oh, the Internet. Sometimes a website address takes you to a bicentennial history site; sometimes, that same URL brings up a site advertising gambling. Most of the time, when a URL changes owners or content, it’s not news. But it is when the new gambling URL can be found on almost a million official Maryland license plates.The mixup came from a 2007 plan to promote the state’s history with the War of 1812. After 15 years, someone forgot to renew the URL or just let it lapse. And here we are.Around 800,000 vehicles in Maryland have been driving around with official government documents that publicly promote an online casino in the Philippines. The documents in question here are license plates, leaving few options available to anyone who’d rather not support international Internet gaming as they’re out and about.The License Plate GameOriginally spotted by Reddit user Samuel Zehr and reported by Vice, the situation here revolves around Maryland license plates that were issued between 2012 and 2016. These plates were created to commemorate the War of 1812 as part of the state’s War of 1812 Bicentennial Commission. The commission, established in 2007, came up with many ways for citizens to learn about and remember the war, including a social studies curriculum, improvements to historic war sites in the state, and a series of bicentennial activities and events. And, of course, the idea to put a website address, or URL, on state license plates that would direct people to a page with more information about the war.Seemed Like a Good Idea at the TimeMaryland was heavily involved in the war two centuries ago, so the idea to promote local history was good while it lasted. In fact, in 2010, people in Maryland approved of the “star-spangled design,” as The Baltimore Sun called it in a poll it conducted on the new plate design at the time. The problem came after the Commission’s authorization ended in June 2015, and you can probably guess how the website printed on the license plates, fell into someone else’s hands.According to Vice and the Internet Archive, the War of 1812 information was still up as of December, but since then, a new owner decided that online gambling was a better use of the domain name and adding useful information like the fact that “gambling is permitted in the Philippines” where “extremely lenient laws govern gaming.” The Washington Post noted that the 798,000 now-pro-gambling license plates are on about 15 percent of all registered vehicles in Maryland.Drivers who’d rather not promote gambling on their cars don’t have a lot of easy options. Sure, they could order a new plate, but that costs money and time. Maryland does not allow drivers to use any sort of aftermarket plate cover that obscures “any of the characters of a vehicle’s registration plate.” We’re not sure if that applies to duct tape on top of a URL.Perhaps what’s most interesting is that a spokesperson for the Maryland Motor Vehicle Administration told the Washington Post that “The URL is not and was never owned or maintained by the MVA.”Seems like that’s maybe something a government agency should do before printing a URL on almost a million government-issued pieces of metal that will be displayed on cars for years.Contributing EditorSebastian Blanco has been writing about electric vehicles, hybrids, and hydrogen cars since 2006. His articles and car reviews have appeared in the New York Times, Automotive News, Reuters, SAE, Autoblog, InsideEVs, Trucks.com, Car Talk, and other outlets. His first green-car media event was the launch of the Tesla Roadster, and since then he has been tracking the shift away from gasoline-powered vehicles and discovering the new technology’s importance not just for the auto industry, but for the world as a whole. Throw in the recent shift to autonomous vehicles, and there are more interesting changes happening now than most people can wrap their heads around. You can find him on Twitter or, on good days, behind the wheel of a new EV.  More