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    2024 Toyota Tacoma Teases New Overlanding-Focused Trailhunter Trim

    The 2024 Toyota Tacoma will be available in an overlanding-ready Trailhunter trim.Expect plenty of off-road-ready kit, including an ARB rear bumper and big tow hooks.Those features are confirmed in Toyota’s latest teaser, as are the Trailhunter’s branded headlight bezels.Toyota is looking to further appeal to off-roaders with its 2024 Tacoma mid-size pickup. After initially teasing the new truck in hybrid TRD Pro guise, Toyota is now giving us a small peek at the forthcoming Trailhunter trim.Related StoriesThough the Tacoma appears to be the first production vehicle from Toyota to bear the Trailhunter name, it’s not the first time we’ve heard of this new nameplate. That honor goes to the Tundra Trailhunter concept from last year’s SEMA show. Like its full-size concept brethren, the Tacoma Trailhunter has its sights set on the overlanding crowd. What exactly that entails remains to be seen. ToyotaFor now, we can confirm the Tacoma Trailhunter will have an ARB-sourced rear bumper (almost certainly made of steel) and a big frame-mounted tow hook. Additionally, the model sports darkened, Trailhunter-branded headlight bezels, flared fenders, and what look like all-terrain tires. We wager a good deal of what made the Tundra Trailhunter concept (shown below) so special will also separate the Tacoma Trailhunter from its lesser kin. This includes a trim-specific suspension setup, a number of underbody skid plates, roof racks, and off-road driving lamps. toyotaThe Tundra Trailhunter concept also included a bed rack with a roof-top tent mounted to it, a refrigerator, and custom in-bed storage features to make living off the grid a little more bearable. Frankly, we’d be shocked if Toyota didn’t at least offer these bits as optional accessory items. That said, we won’t hold our breath on such items making it to the production model’s standard features list. Toyota is mum on much else regarding the 2024 Tacoma and its less off-road-focused models. Nonetheless, mid-size-truck buyers looking for a hybrid-powered off-road pickup or a factory-built overlander will surely want to give the 2024 Tacoma a look. When exactly Toyota plans to let us see the truck in its entirety, however, is anyone’s guess.Senior EditorDespite their shared last name, Greg Fink is not related to Ed “Big Daddy” Roth’s infamous Rat Fink. Both Finks, however, are known for their love of cars, car culture, and—strangely—monogrammed one-piece bathing suits. Greg’s career in the media industry goes back more than a decade. His previous experience includes stints as an editor at publications such as U.S. News & World Report, The Huffington Post, Motor1.com, and MotorTrend. More

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    Baojun Yep Jimny Rival Electric SUV Spied – Heading To Dealer

    Baojun cars are on sale in India under the MG branding – Will we get the new Yep small car next?Jimny Rival Electric SUVSuzuki Jimny is one of the hottest vehicles in multiple global markets. SAIC-GM-Wuling JV are developing a rival that will solely get an electric powertrain. Baojun Yep EV is its global name. 59,800 Yuan (rumoured) is the leaked starting price, which is about Rs 7.12 lakh, making it a rather tempting proposition.Baojun Yep SUV is expected to make its global debut at the 2023 Shanghai Auto Show, to be held between April 18 and 27, 2023. Ahead of that, new spy shots have leaked online, which reveal the production version in an undisguised state for the first time. It is seen getting transported to dealer showrooms ahead of launch.Jimny Rival Electric SUVWhat To Expect From MG’s Jimny Rival, Yep?Baojun Yep is a small SUV with 3-door, 4-seat layout. Apart from executing duties in your day to day city life, it is also meant to perform during weekend camping excursions among other lifestyle activities.Yep measures 3381 mm in length, 1685 mm in width and 1721 mm in height. Wheelbase measures 2110 mm and kerb weight is surprisingly low at 1006 kg. Considering that it is an EV with a heavy electric powertrain, low kerb weight should ensure peppy performance. A new teaser video shows the mini electric SUV drifting in the snow.[embedded content][embedded content]Speaking of electric powertrains, Baojun Yep is powered by a LiFePO4 (Lithium Iron Phosphate, LFP) battery. The sole drivetrain is a 50 kW (68 bhp) and 140 Nm single motor with RWD architecture. Baojun Yep claims a range of 303 km under CLTC test conditions. There are reports suggesting a dual motor layout with AWD and even 5-door versions in the future. This will deliver more power and performance.Jimny Rival Electric SUVInspirations Drawn From Jimny SUVOne look at Yep is enough to see that it is shooting for Jimny’s design. Even colours are somewhat similar. We can spot design elements inspired by Mercedes-Benz G Wagon and Land Rover Defender. Front fascia gets projector headlights, quad-pod LED DRLs, a gloss black grille and a radar module for ADAS functions.At the sides, stylish alloy wheels denoting either an ‘x’ or ‘+’, flared wheel arches and boxy silhouette catch attention. Roof rails and squared-off rear section lend a rugged aura around it. Previous spy shots revealed twin horizontal displays. These take center stage on the inside.Jimny Rival Electric SUVWill It Launch In India?MG cars on sale in India, were first launched in China. These were then re-engineered for launch in India. Hector, Astor, Gloster, ZS EV as well as the soon to be launched Comet EV, are on sale in the Chinese market.But that does not mean all cars sold by MG’s parent in China are on sale in India. Only those cars which make sense to the Indian market, will be launched. Considering that India has been reporting exponential growth in electric car space and popularity of lifestyle products like Jimny and Thar is exploding – Yep makes an exciting proposition for India. As of now, there is no official confirmation regarding a launch in India. More

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    2024 Acura Integra Type S Is a Civic Type R for Grown-Ups

    Acura has revealed the 2024 Integra Type S in its final production form. It has similar specs as the Honda Civic Type R, but with slightly more horsepower from its turbo 2.0-liter engine. The Type S will go on sale in the U.S. in June, and we’re eager to find out how much it will cost compared to the base Integra and the Civic Type R.The Acura Integra you’ve been waiting for has finally arrived. While the base model didn’t necessarily meet everyone’s expectations for the revived nameplate, this new 320-hp 2024 Type S performance model ensures that the Integra remains part of the sport-compact conversation.Like the standard Integra, the Type S borrows many ingredients from the Honda Civic—but in this case, those components come from the red-hot Civic Type R hatchback. That includes its turbocharged 2.0-liter inline-four engine, which in the Acura pumps out 320 horsepower and 310 pound-feet of torque. That’s an extra 5 horsepower compared with the Civic, which Acura says is thanks to the Integra’s unique exhaust system. The power differential could also be for bragging rights, but we think the two cars’ acceleration performance will be similar given that the Acura’s claimed curb weight is around 30 pounds higher than the Civic Type R’s. A six-speed manual transmission with a rev-matching function is the only gearbox on offer in the Type S, and a limited-slip differential is standard equipment.More on the Integra Type SAll the expected chassis upgrades are in store too. The front and rear tracks are wider, and the Integra has the same dual-axis front suspension setup as the Civic Type R that’s meant to quell torque steer. Adaptive dampers, also available in the Integra A-Spec, adjust based on the drive-mode selection, which in the Type S comprises Comfort, Sport, and Sport+. The brakes are upgraded with larger rotors front and rear, and the lightweight 19-inch wheels are wrapped in 265-series Michelin Pilot Sport 4S summer tires.The Integra will attempt to appeal to a different fanbase than the Civic, with looks that are slightly toned-down compared with the street-racer Type R. The Type S still has widened fenders and an appropriately aggressive stance, but it does without the Civic’s giant rear wing, and its air intakes, front splitter, and rear diffuser look more subtle. The Integra’s active exhaust, however, promises to sound even more special than the Civic’s, with plenty of pops and bangs in Sport+ mode. Seven colors will be offered, including blue, white, and the striking gold Tiger Eye Pearl hue available on the TLX and MDX Type S models.AcuraInside, the Type S offers front seats with a bit of extra bolstering that are trimmed in a leather and suede upholstery combination available in either red, black, or white. There are some features that aren’t available on the Civic Type R, such as a head-up display and a 16-speaker ELS audio system. The front seats are heated, and the driver’s seat is power-adjustable and has an adjustable lumbar support. The Type S gives up its center rear seating position, meaning it’s a four-seater. The 9.0-inch touchscreen display has wireless Apple CarPlay and Android Auto capability.Acura hasn’t priced the Integra Type R yet, and this tidbit will be crucial for understanding its positioning. We’re hoping it comes in under $50,000, which would put it a few thousand dollars more than the Civic Type R and in the neighborhood of German rivals such as the Audi S3 and BMW M235i Gran Coupe. We should know more soon, as the Type R will start reaching U.S. dealerships in June after making its debut this weekend at the Acura Grand Prix of Long Beach.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

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    Keeway 300cc Motorcycles Price Cut By Rs 55,000 – KTM, Apache 310 Rival

    Keeway India has announced a massive price cut of their 300cc range of motorcycles K300 N and K300 RKeeway K300 with rival KTM RC 390. Image – Preet Vlog.Keeway, an established two wheeler maker based in Hungary and with sales operations across 98 countries, entered India last year via Adishwar Auto Ride India. Keeway offers a range of premium scooters and motorcycles, among which are Vieste 300 maxi-scooter, Sixties 300i retro scooter, K-Light 250V cruiser and K300 motorcycles.Keeway K300 Price Cut April 2023K300 is offered in two variants of K300 N which is a naked street version and K300 R a fully faired racing sports oriented model. Until now, Keeway K300 N was available at a price from Rs 2.65 lakh-2.85 lakh while K300 R was priced from Rs 2.99 lakh-3.20 lakh (ex-showroom). Both these bikes have now received a massive price cut.Keeway K300 N and K300 R – New prices April 2023As per the new prices, all colour options of Keeway 300 N are priced at Rs 2.55 lakh while all colours of K300 R are priced at Rs 3.65 lakh. This in effect, is a price cut of Rs 10k to Rs 30k for K300 N and Rs 34k to Rs 55k for K300 R. The reason for price cut, the company states – “We have now been able to gain better import costs for the K300N and K300R models. Being a responsible manufacturer, the company has decided to pass on the benefit to its customers.”Keeway K300 N and K300 R – Modern DesignKeeway K300 N is offered in colour options of Matte White, Matte Red and Matte Black. This naked street bike boasts of a bassinet frame. It offers a more upright riding position with seat height of 795mm and kerb weight of 151 kgs. Below is a detailed walkaround of the new Keeway K300 N, shared by MRD Vlogs channel.[embedded content][embedded content]It gets raised handlebars with mounted mirrors, a 12.5 liter angular fuel tank and low profile fenders. It is fitted with 110/70 and 140/60 tyres at the front and rear respectively. Dimensions stand at 1,990mm length, 780mm width and 1,070 mm height. It rides on a 1,360mm long wheelbase and gets 150mm ground clearance.Image – Biker Prakash ChoudharyKeeway K300 R is offered in a glossy colour scheme. It features an aerodynamic design with a short windshield, compact handlebars and drag reducing fairings. It offers a more aggressive riding position with dimensions at 2,010 mm length, 750mm width and 1,080 mm height along with a 1,360mm wheelbase. It gets seat height at 780mm, ground clearance at 135mm and kerb weight at 165 kgs.Both the bikes get similar LED headlamp unit, digital instrument cluster, angular fuel tank, split seats and a short tail section along with an underbelly exhaust. The bikes also ride on alloy wheels in a similar design with tubeless tyres.Keeway K300 specs for IndiaKeeway K300 – Engine, Gearbox, SuspensionKeeway K300 N and K300 R share the same engine specifications. They are powered by a 292.4cc, liquid cooled, DOHC, 4 stroke, single cylinder engine offering 27.50 hp power at 8,750 rpm and 25 Nm torque at 7,000 rpm mated to a 6 speed transmission. Suspension is via 37mm USD shock absorbers in the front and central monoshock at the rear while braking is via 292 mm single discs at the front and 220mm single disc at the rear. Both bikes get dual channel ABS as standard.Where competition in the Indian market is concerned, the Keeway K300 N and K300 R will find many rivals in its segment. They will not only take on the BMW G 310 R and G 310 RR but it will also compete with the Honda CB300R and CB300F, Bajaj Dominar, Apache RR 310, KTM Duke 250, KTM Duke 390, KTM RC 390 and others. More

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    Porsche Recalls 1/3 of All Carrera GTs over Suspension Failure

    Porsche is recalling 489 examples of its legendary Carrera GT from 2004 and 2005.Only around 1300 Carrera GTs were ever produced, so 489 vehicles is a pretty significant number. According to documents filed with NHTSA, spherical joints connecting the wishbone suspension components on the front and rear axles may fail due to mechanical stress or corrosion. Take a minute today to empathize with the 489 Porsche Carrera GT owners who will need to take time out of their busy days to schedule a dealership appointment. Or, more likely to ask their assistant to schedule a dealership appointment for their recently recalled million-plus-dollar supercar. Porsche issued a recall for 489 Carrera GTs over an issue with the suspension components, which could increase the risk of a crash. According to a recent filing with the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA), the spherical joints that connect the wishbone suspension components on the front and rear axles can fail due to damage from mechanical stress and corrosion.”The material used does not provide sufficient resistance to inter granular stress corrosion when exposed to salt and mechanical stress over service life,” Porsche’s defect notice reads. “This could result in cracks or fractures in the spherical joints, and possible [sic] the wishbone.” PorschePorsche said it first found the issue in an isolated case in August 2019, when one owner brought a Carrera GT in for an unrelated service. According to the filings, Porsche struggled with further analyses on more Carrera GTs, because of the age and extremely limited production run of the vehicle. The recall notes that owners might be able to perceive noise and vibration due to a loosening or failure of the connection, but the component could also fail without warning. Due to parts not being available, the company has a two-phase remedy plan. It first wants to inspect all the affected vehicles. If the issue doesn’t show up during the inspection, the vehicle will be cleared for unrestricted use and the customer will be notified when the remedy parts become available. If the issue does make itself known, Porsche will advise customers not to drive their vehicle until the fix is completed. This being the Carrera GT, Porsche will offer alternative transportation upon request. In the unlikely event you own one, you can check the NHTSA recalls site to determine whether your Carrera GT is included in the recall.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

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    MG Cyberster Electric Spied With 3 Screen Layout – Scissor Doors

    After almost 13 years of absence, MG is getting ready to enter the two-seat sports car segment once againMG Cyberster Electric Spied. Images – Tycho de FeijterMG Motor will be launching an all-new sports car based on Cyberster concept, which was first unveiled in 2021. Global debut is expected to take place later this month, at the 2023 Shanghai Auto Show. Ahead of that, some new undisguised spy shots of the MG Cyberster interiors have leaked online.Upcoming MG Cyberster Gets Mesmerising DesignDespite most of the design elements of the concept car being watered down, MG Cyberster is still a looker. Spy shots reveal a handsome two-seat electric sports car with a convertible fabric top. The automated soft top roof gracefully tucks away behind its roll hoops.MG Cyberster Electric SpiedWe can also see the presence of scissor doors – commonly referred to as Lamborghini doors. Overall design is swoopy and curvaceous in typical British fashion. In the front, we have a sleek fascia with some similarities to the Ferrari 812 Superfast. Rear profile, as executed, reminds me of Ford GT-40.The 3D LED tail lights shaped to resemble arrows might split some opinions. But they add a touch of sophistication and create a unique identity. At the rear, a large diffuser takes center stage. Large alloy wheels, wide rear haunches and sharp side skirts are further eye-catching elements.MG Cyberster Electric SpiedFuturistic Interiors For a Futuristic EVInside, a driver gets a steering yoke, and three displays pointed toward them. This steering yoke might come off as inconvenient, but it allows an unobstructed view of the three displays.MG Cyberster Electric SpiedThe V-shaped center console houses various vehicle controls. Boot space at the rear could be slightly compromised due to the convertible roof mechanism. Since it is an electric vehicle, there could also be a front luggage compartment.Powertrain & Potential Rivals When LaunchedNot much is known about this. So, it is anyone’s guess at the moment. Base version of MG Cyberster could be equipped with a single-motor layout, to offer a lower entry-level price point. A dual motor layout with AWD is expected with the top trims.MG Cyberster Electric SpiedThe concept version claimed to deliver 800 kms on full charge. That might not be the case with the production version. Upon launch, MG Cyperster will compete with electric two-seaters from Toyota, Lotus, Porsche and more. Will it launch in India? Only time will tell. More

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    The State of India’s Electric Vehicle Industry in FY 22-23

    Overview of Indian Electric Vehicle Industry in FY 22-23TVS iQube electric scooterIn its recent fiscal year report, Society of Manufacturers of Electric Vehicles (SMEV) stated that India witnessed growth. Sales growth of electric vehicles (EVs) during the FY22-23, including electric buses, cars, three-wheelers, and two-wheelers.Total number of EVs sold was 1,152,021. Indicating a significant milestone for the Indian EV industry, which is striving to achieve the Government-mandated EV goals. This trend is expected to continue in the future. Concerns have been raised regarding the slow adoption of high-speed electric two-wheelers (E2W).Electric vehicle sales in India FY 2022/23Slow Adoption of High-Speed E2Ws: Challenges, Solutions, OpportunitiesAccording to industry experts and stakeholders, slow adoption of high-speed electric two-wheelers (E2Ws) in India isn’t due to a lack of consumer demand. But due to issues related to subsidies and compliance with government norms. Many original equipment manufacturers (OEMs) have already passed on over Rs. 1200 crore in subsidies to their customers.However, the pretext of delays in localization has led to the withholding of subsidies. Allegations of under-invoicing by premium OEMs for FAME subsidy have resulted in a shortage of working capital. This amounts to Rs 400 crore of OEM money. And Likewise, it affects business operations and the growth of the industry.EV Sales FY 22 / 23Key factors that can strengthen the EV ecosystem in India include improving the supply chain for essential components such as motors and batteries. There must be clarity on the continuation of the FAME scheme. A direct subsidy mechanism can be implemented to avoid discrepancies. Moreover, phasing out subsidies gradually after achieving a certain threshold and promoting local manufacturing of EV components can reduce dependence on imports. Together, this can make the EV ecosystem self-sustaining.EV sales in India FY 17 to FY 23Growth of Electric Two-Wheeler Sales in India – Strengthening the EV Ecosystem in IndiaDespite challenges, growth of electric two-wheeler sales in India is noteworthy. In FY23, 7,26,976 high-speed e-scooters and 1,20,000 low-speed e-scooters were sold. As were 50k units of e-cycles and 2,85,443 units of low-speed e-rickshaws. Total e3W sales are reported at 4,01,841 units. Electric 4W (E4W/electric car) sales is reported at 47,217 units. E-Bus sales are reported at 1,904 units. Total e2W sales stood at 8,46,976 units.In FY22, this number stood at 3,38,000 units – 2,52,543 units for high speed e-scooters, and 75,457 units for low speed e-scooters. However, it’s worth noting that growth rate in the High Speed electric two-wheeler segment slowed down in the latter part of the fiscal year. Consequently, it resulted in annual estimates being in the red by over a quarter (25 percent shortfall) as per research organisations and Niti Aayog. Estimates stood at 10,00,863 units.EV Sales projectionEV Industry in India Grows Exponentially: Challenges Remain for High-Speed E2WsSohinder Gill, DG SMEV, said, “While all the earlier schemes since 2015 had negligible effect on the EV adoption, the revised FAME2 in late 2021 had a dramatic effect on E2W adoption as it decreased their prices by around 35%.This started attracting the component supply chain that had earlier shunned anything to do with E2WS because of extremely low volumes and it is only in the late 2021, suppliers started queuing up to OEMS to show their eagerness of developing EV components. It took most of these suppliers 12 to 18 months, the usual time that it takes to localise and now most of them have started setting up sufficient capacities.” More

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    2023 Toyota Corolla Cross Hybrid Starts Just under $30,000

    Adding the hybrid powertrain to the Toyota Corolla Cross will cost you around $5000.For the money, you get around a 10-mpg improvement and almost 30 more horsepower.Options for the three trims include two-tone paint and a moonroof, with the top XSE model under $35,000.The literal Corolla of SUVs will start at $29,305 with a hybrid powertrain for the 2023 model year. The 2023 Toyota Corolla Cross Hybrid will come in three trim levels and will top out at $35,090 for the top-of-the-line XSE trim with all available options. The nonhybrid 2023 Toyota Corolla Cross starts at $24,395, and you get more than just better efficiency for your five grand. For one thing, the hybrid model has slightly different front and rear styling. Also, while the base engine in the nonhybrid version produces just 169 horsepower, the hybrid system uses three electric motors for a combined output of 196 hp.Related Stories The good news is that the all-wheel-drive Corolla Cross Hybrid comes with a fuel-economy improvement as well. While the nonhybrid Corolla Cross models are rated at either 30 or 32 combined mpg by the EPA, Toyota said it expects the EPA will rate all grades of the Corolla Cross Hybrid at 42 combined mpg. Depending on gas prices in the coming years, someone planning to keep the Corolla Cross for about a decade would be able to recoup the increased cost of the hybrid model based on fuel efficiency. To run just one example of an average American driver putting on 13,500 miles a year, they’d need 450 gallons of gas in the 30-mpg nonhybrid Corolla Cross. In the hybrid? Just 322. At this weekend’s average national price of $3.60 a gallon, the hybrid driver could save $461 at the pump. Some of the money saved on fuel could be used to option up the new Corolla Cross Hybrid. Toyota Safety Sense 3.0 is standard in all of these models, and it includes a pre-collision system with pedestrian detection, lane-departure alert with steering assist, and dynamic radar cruise control, among other features. The lone optional feature that’s somewhat safety related is the adaptive headlights, which can be had for $615 on the XSE trim.Other options include a more premium JBL sound system ($800), a moonroof ($940), and two ways to make your vehicle stand out paint-wise. There are six standard exterior paint colors and one that costs extra (Wind Chill Pearl, $425). There are also four $500 two-tone color combinations that add a black roof.Finally, a $1250 convenience package is available. Toyota doesn’t specifically say what’s included in this package, but what appears to be the same option on the nonhybrid Corolla Cross includes a moonroof and power liftgate. The only option for the S base trim is the optional color. All other options can be had on the SE trim, which starts at $31,625, or the XSE, starting at $32,400. An 8.0-inch touchscreen with wireless Apple CarPlay and Android Auto and the voice-controlled “Hey Toyota” Intelligent Assistant is standard, as are 17-inch alloy wheels and LED headlamps. The SE trim adds two important convenience features—blind-spot monitor and rear cross-traffic alert—as well as roof rails and paddle shifters. The XSE grade gets 18-inch alloy wheels, heated front seats, and a power driver’s seat.The 2023 Corolla Cross Hybrid will arrive at Toyota dealerships in June. Toyota will build the car at the new Mazda Toyota Manufacturing plant in Huntsville, Alabama.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