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    Hero Electric Launches 2023 Optima CX2.0, CX5.0, Nyx CX5.0

    Hero Electric – Updated 2023 Optima CX2.0, Optima CX5.0, and Nyx CX5.0 electric scooters2023 Hero Electric Scooters LaunchedHero Electric updates its Optima and Nyx scooter range with the launch of Optima CX2.0, Optima CX5.0, and Nyx CX5.0. The prices for these scooters are yet to be announced. With electric scooters being an ever-growing segment, price competitiveness is key. The electric car manufacturer says its Comfort and City speed scooters are now available at a price range of Rs 85,000-95,000, and Rs 1,05,000-1,30,000, respectivelyHero Electric Optima CX 2.0: Price, Specs, Mileage, Colours2023 Hero Electric Optima CX2.0 features a single LFP battery, with a range of 89 km. It has a 2 kWh lithium-ion battery and a 1.9 kW motor, with a top speed of 48 kmph. The full charge time is 4.5 hours, and it weighs 93 kg. The scooter also includes features like CBS, side-stand sensor, drive mode lock, and reverse roll protection.2023 Hero Electric Scooters LaunchedOn the other hand, the Hero Electric Optima CX5.0 and Nyx CX5.0 come with dual LFP batteries. Optima CX5.0 has a range of 113 km on a single charge, a 3 kWh lithium-ion battery, a 1.9 kW motor, and a top speed of 55 kmph. It weighs just over 100 kg and has a full charge time of 3 hours, with a dual charger setup. Nyx CX5.0 has a top speed of 48 kmph, and a range of 113 km on a single charge. It weighs 106 kg with a 3 kWh lithium-ion battery. Full charge time is pegged at 3 hours. 2023 Hero Electric Scooters Launched2023 Hero electric Optima CX2.0, Optima CX5.0, and Nyx CX5.0 e-scooters – Ground ClearanceHero Electric has focused on ensuring customer safety with specific features. They include battery safety alarm, drive mode lock, reverse roll protection, and side-stand sensor. Nyx CX5.0, has a ground clearance of 175 mm, highest for this range. Ground clearance for both the other models is 165 mm.Optima CX5.0 is available in Dark Matt Blue and Matt Maroon. Optima CX2.0 comes in Dark Matt Blue and Charcoal Black. Nyx CX5.0 is available in Charcoal Black and Pearl White.Hero Electric Optima CX and Nyx Electric ScootersHero Electric plans to set up a new greenfield plant in Rajasthan with an annual production capacity of 2 million units, with an investment of around Rs 1,200 crore. The company has a brand new modern factory under construction at Ludhiana. Plans are afoot to manufacture 10 lakh vehicles annually in the next 2-3 years from its manufacturing plants in India.In conclusion, the Hero Electric Optima and Nyx range offers a range of features and benefits, with a focus on customer safety and the country’s electric mobility mission. With the addition of new models and plans for expansion, Hero Electric is committed to providing sustainable transportation solutions in India. More

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    New Volkswagen Small Electric Car Debuts – 450 Km Range, 4.05m Length

    Volkswagen’s new small electric car – ID 2all will ride on an MEB Entry platform making it the first ID model to sport a front wheel drive formatNew Volkswagen Small Electric Car – ID. 2all ConceptVolkswagen has previewed its upcoming electric small car called the ID.2all. Currently a concept, it is only slated to be launched sometime in 2025 with sales to commence from early 2026. This electric car is among a host of new EVs planned for launch by the automaker among which will be the new ID.3, long-wheelbase ID. Buzz, and ID.7Volkswagen ID 2all Concept – Small Electric Car For The New GenVolkswagen ID.2all is slated to come in at a base price of under 25,000 euros ($26,331 / Rs 22 Lakh). Showcased in a concept format, this new ID.2all is different from the ID.Life that made its debut in September 2021. It will boast of a futuristic design and will be based on Volkswagen Group’s MEB platform for front-wheel-drive models.New Volkswagen Small Electric Car – ID. 2all ConceptThis will make it the first VW offering to come in as a FWD MEB model. Dimensions will stand at 4,050mm in length, 1,812 mm in width and 1,530mm in height. It will have a wheelbase of 2,600mm, just an inch less that that seen on the Golf Mk8.Where exterior styling is concerned, the Volkswagen ID 2all concept will sport an LED light bar spanning its full width in the front. It will also see massive wheel arches and will ride on 20 inch wheels fitted with 225/40 R20 tyres. On board features will also include a straight window line, concealed door handles, new C pillars and the rear bumper with a prominent black diffuser.New Volkswagen Small Electric Car – ID. 2all ConceptThe interiors will show off a clear and spacious cabin with a host of driver and passenger comforts and conveniences. The 5 seater model will sport rear seats in a 40:60 split, passenger seat backrest that can be folded down, storage space under the boot floor and in the form of a lockable 50 liter storage area under rear seats.New Volkswagen Small Electric Car – ID. 2all ConceptInfotainment will be via a 12.9 inch touchscreen system. It will also receive air conditioning panels, wireless charging smartphone pads, multi-function steering wheel, 10.9 inch digital cockpit screen and a head up display unit. Advanced system will also include Travel Assist and Park Assist along with massaging electric seats and a panoramic sunroof.Volkswagen ID 2all battery capacity and range, specsVolkswagen ID 2all concept will draw power via a front mounted motor offering 222 hp power. This is the same as that offered on the base Volkswagen Golf GTI. Acceleration from 0-100 km/h is achieved in under 7 seconds while it is expected to offer a range of 450 kms on the WLTP test cycle.New Volkswagen Small Electric Car – ID. 2all Concept SpecsBattery capacity has not yet been revealed but charging from 10-80 percent can be achieved in 20 minutes via a DC fast charger. Buyers will also get the option of home charging through an 11 kW charger.Along with the other VW electric models being planned, the Volkswagen ID 2all is set to be produced at the Spain plant which is run by Volkswagen Group brand Seat from 2026. Volkswagen will also launch an even smaller electric car, which will sit below the ID2 all. It is expected to be the size of the Polo, and could be launched as Polo electric in the future. More

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    2023 Royal Enfield 650 Launch Price Rs 3.03 L – New Colours, Alloys, Tubeless Tyres

    Alloy wheels for Royal Enfield 650 twins have been a long pending demand, which has now been fulfilled2023 Royal Enfield 650 LaunchedActing on market feedback, Royal Enfield has launched alloy wheels for Interceptor 650 and Continental GT 650 in India today. RE 650 twins also get other updates such as new LED headlight, new colours and USB charger. Levers and switchgear are also new, borrowed from new-age Royal Enfield bikes. 650 twins are currently the most popular bikes in 500cc+ segment, with a market share of more than 75%.2023 Royal Enfield 650 Twins Launched – Much Needed Updates, New PricesVisually, alloy wheels for 650 twins don’t seem to match the elegance of wire-spoke wheels. However, alloy wheels with tubeless tyres can be a lot more convenient of users. For example, fixing a puncture and changing tyres becomes a lot less painful. Alloy wheels are also largely maintenance free and have higher resistance to things like corrosion.Royal Enfield 650 Twins – New PricesTalking about the new colours, Interceptor 650 gets Black Ray and Barcelona Blue, whereas Continental GT has Slipstream Blue and Apex Grey. A unique aspect about these two new colourways is their blacked-out theme. Much of the surfaces across the engine, alloy wheels, exhaust and side panels have been blacked out. The new colours expand options available to buyers.As of now, alloy wheels are available with only the blacked-out variants. It could be introduced with other colour variants of 650 twins. Or at least they could be offered as an accessory with other colour variants. However, wire-spoke wheel variants are expected to continue to be the favourites, especially among retro enthusiasts.2023 Royal Enfield 650 LaunchedOther updates include a new LED headlight. It appears similar to the one used with Super Meteor 650. Some components like USB charger and switchgear seem to be borrowed from Royal Enfield Hunter 350. Prices of the new Royal Enfield 650 Interceptor is priced from Rs 3.03 lakh to Rs 3.31 lakh while Continental GT 650 starts from Rs 3.19 lakh and goes all the way to Rs 3.45 lakh. All prices are ex-sh. In comparison to outgoing version, prices have been increased by up to Rs 14,000.2023 Royal Enfield 650 LaunchedB. Govindarajan, CEO, Royal Enfield, said “The Interceptor 650 and the Continental GT 650 have received immense love from riding enthusiasts across the world. We are certain that the new colors, especially the all-black variants with alloys, will definitely give customers more reason to ride these motorcycles, while the new functional upgrades will add to a fun and enjoyable riding experience.”650 twins’ performanceIn India, 650 twins have been updated to meet BS6 Phase 2 compliance norms. Royal Enfield Interceptor and Continental GT are powered by a 648cc parallel twin, air/oil-cooled engine that churns out 47 hp of max power and 52 Nm of peak torque. It is mated to a 6-speed constant mesh gearbox. The engine has been designed to deliver smooth throttle response across the rev range. It makes the 650 twins suitable for both city streets as well as effortless cruising on wide open roads.650 twins have tubular steel frame with bolted trussing, suspended on 41mm front forks and dual coil-over shocks at rear. Braking duties are performed by 320 mm disc at front and 240 mm disc at rear. Dual-channel ABS is offered as standard. More

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    2024 Hyundai Ioniq 5 N Finally Gets a Rear Windshield Wiper

    It took nearly half an hour on an ice lake to realize we could see behind ourselves in the 2024 Hyundai Ioniq 5 N prototype. That may not seem extraordinary, but considering every Ioniq 5 thus far lacked a rear windshield wiper—a constant point of frustration for any reviewer who lives where there’s weather—it’s a bigger deal than you might think.Hyundai declined to confirm anything on the record, but sources close to Hyundai have told us that the Ioniq 5 lineup will finally receive a rear windshield wiper. It’s unclear if it will be standard or an option, but it’ll be available, and that’s what matters.HyundaiFor those of you living under perpetual sun, it may be hard to figure out why this is a big deal. And for many cars with rear ends of various slopes, a missing wiper is hardly a major transgression. But there’s something about the Ioniq 5’s hatch that makes the rear glass accumulate snow, rain, dust, and dirt like nobody’s business. After a few trips, it’s generally dirty enough to require a stop at a gas station (quelle horreur!) to squeegee that glass and restore rear visibility. A wiper will likely cause a bit of additional drag, which can eat into the Ioniq 5’s overall range, but the benefits outweigh the drawbacks here.Full Details and SpecsIt’s not yet clear if the Ioniq 5 will receive the rear wiper at the same time as the Ioniq 5 N, and there is no confirmation whether this will come as part of a greater product refresh for the 2024 model year. That’s what our sources said, but Hyundai declined to confirm our sources’ claims. Considering the 5 N will head to the Goodwood Festival of Speed—albeit in the same prototype form seen here—perhaps we’ll get more information about the rear wiper then.Car and driverCar and driver Lettermark logoSenior EditorCars are Andrew Krok’s jam, along with boysenberry. After graduating with a degree in English from the University of Illinois at Urbana-Champaign in 2009, Andrew cut his teeth writing freelance magazine features, and now he has a decade of full-time review experience under his belt. A Chicagoan by birth, he has been a Detroit resident since 2015. Maybe one day he’ll do something about that half-finished engineering degree. More

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    2021 Dodge Durango Hellcat Owners Are Not Happy There’s a 2023 Version

    Dodge wasn’t bashful about promoting the 710-hp 2021 Durango Hellcat SUV, telling potential customers they had only “one shot” at getting behind the wheel of the fastest team bus idling in the dropoff lane.Buyers were understandably frustrated when Dodge said last year that it would bring the Durango Hellcat back as a 2023 model.Seven original customers have now filed a class-action lawsuit against the company, asking for damages in excess of $5 million.A class-action lawsuit was filed last week against the idea of the 2023 Dodge Durango Hellcat. Okay, technically, the lawsuit alleges that Dodge used “false and deceptive advertising and marketing” back in 2020 when it told potential buyers that the 2021 Durango Hellcat would see the only year of production but then reversed course in late 2022 when it announced the 2023 Durango Hellcat with nearly identical specs. The lawsuit is asking for in excess of $5 million in damages, citing a few instances where Dodge representatives made claims that sounded like there wouldn’t be any more after that year. The big one? Dodge CEO Tim Kuniskis said in a Dodge promotional video that “the Hellcat Durango will be a single-model-year run. When we turn the order books over to the ’22 model year, the Durango Hellcat will be gone. So you’ve only got one shot [to buy one].”Hellcat of the Recent PastThe lawsuit also quotes from a Dodge press release that attributes this to Kuniskis: “The 2021 Durango Hellcat is only a single-model-year run, ensuring that it will be a very special, sought-after performance SUV for years to come. Based on anticipated demand, all dealer allocations have already been reserved, but there is still some time to secure an unsold dealer order.”2023 Dodge Durango SRT Hellcat.DodgeMad Enough to SueBased on those quotes, the case appears to have at least some merit. Dodge promoted this as a limited-edition, power-mad SUV, and some people paid out the nose for them. The lawsuit says some paid almost $115,000 for their Hellcats. Now, all of a sudden, Dodge is making more of what’s basically the same vehicle, and those people are litigiously angry. Of course, there’s another side to this: why Dodge said it would only build a year’s worth of Durango Hellcats. Let’s start with a brief timeline. The “one shot” video mentioned above was part of the Hellcat Durango’s introduction in July 2020. That same month, Kuniskis told Muscle Cars and Trucks that the Durango Hellcat would not be a serialized, limited-edition vehicle. Instead, Dodge was only building a small number because of the pandemic:”With all of the changes we made in the plant to come back up [to production] post-COVID with the sequencing and spacing in the plant, it’s changed the number we can build . . . I don’t have an actual number but it will be less than 2000. I don’t know how much less than 2000. It will be determined by customer demand and how much we can build in that six-month period,” he was quoted as saying.No Limit on 2023 Production?COVID was part of the problem, but it became part of the solution. The global chip shortage allowed Dodge to make more Durango Hellcats by adjusting the production of other models. The final nail in the coffin was that the fuel-gulping Hellcats were not helping Stellantis meet its emissions targets. COVID-related disruptions are on the decline, and Dodge engineers were able to meet emissions regulations by changing the fuel tank, fuel filler and carbon canister, according to Motor Authority, which also cited a Dodge spokesperson as saying the 2023 Durango Hellcat will not be a volume-limited model. Dodge did not respond to Car and Driver’s request for comment before publication. The company did tell other media outlets it does not comment on pending litigation. 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

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    The Electric Lightship L1 Camper Practically Tows Itself

    Lightship’s L1 integrates an electric drivetrain and a large-capacity battery pack.Integrated solar panels help the L1’s battery pack maintain a charge.Deliveries of the approximately $125,000 L1 begin at the end of 2024.There are many questions that keep us up at night. Does extraterrestrial life exist? Is peace on earth possible? How will we be able to tow a camper long distances with an electric vehicle?Related StoriesThe latter question is one that may soon have a solution, as various recreational vehicle manufacturers work to integrate battery-electric propulsion into their products. The latest company to throw its hat into this ring is a startup called Lightship. LightshipFounded by Ben Parker and Toby Kraus, both of whom spent a half-decade working at Tesla, Lightship intends to kick off production of its solar-powered battery-electric L1 camper trailer in late 2024. With an available 80.0-kWh battery pack (that’s usable capacity, per Lightship), the L1 can motor itself about without taxing the electric motor(s) or internal combustion engine of the vehicle it’s attached to. In theory, this means the EV or ICE vehicle the L1’s hitched to would see no reduction in energy efficiency or driving range. We won’t truly know how this plays out in the real world until we get our hands on an L1 of our own.LightshipRegardless, Lightship estimates the L1’s large-capacity battery pack holds enough energy to push this camper an estimated 300 miles on a full charge at “highway speed” (we suspect this estimate assumes towing speeds of 55 mph or so, and at 70 mph that figure will likely come in at 180 miles). The company also plans to equip the L1 with a number of solar panels, which Lightship claims can generate up to 3 kW of power. Although the solar panels can charge the battery pack, we suspect most L1 buyers will either charge the rig’s battery at home on a Level 1 or Level 2 charger or on the road at a DC fast charger. Those towing an L1 with their EV may find it difficult to charge both their tow vehicle and L1 simultaneously—or one after the other, given most chargers only stretch so far—at a fast charger, and doing so may result in some glares from other EV drivers looking for a charge. Nonetheless, it’s nice to know L1 owners will not need to wait hours on end to charge this camper on a slower AC charger or via its solar panels on long road trips.LightshipThe L1’s electric drivetrain may benefit gas-, diesel-, and battery-powered tow vehicles alike, but America’s nascent electric charging infrastructure means this low-slung sleeper will likely court a bit of extra interest from EV drivers looking to travel far distances with their camper in tow. As we discovered in our testing, hitching a 6100-pound camper to a Ford F-150 Lightning, GMC Hummer EV pickup, and Rivian R1T, respectively, resulted in each electric truck’s driving range falling by more than 50 percent relative to their unladen results on our 75-mph highway test.If the solar-powered L1’s sleek looks and accompanying electric drivetrain are a combination that appeals to you, then this camper can be yours for approximately $125,000—and that’s not including the $6600 tax credit that Lightship claims the L1 qualifies for. Tax credit or not, the L1 is no small purchase. LightshipOn the plus side, interested buyers only have to put $500 down to secure a reservation for an L1. Given that deliveries are still more than a year away, reservation holders have some time to figure out a way to come up with the rest of the money needed to purchase an L1.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 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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    VW Reveals the ID.2all, Its Idea for a €25,000 EV Hatchback

    The VW ID.2all concept previews features and styling of an upcoming electric hatchback.The production version of the EV hatch will be priced under €25,000—the equivalent of about $26,300—but it likely won’t be sold in America.The front-drive concept has a single 223-hp electric motor and about 280 miles of estimated range based on the European WLTP cycle.Volkswagen likes to think that it’s going back to its roots—as “the people’s car”—with this latest concept, called the ID.2all. This tiny hatchback portends a new electric model that will almost surely be called the ID.2. Production PreviewThe production version is slated to go on sale in Europe in 2025, with a price starting under €25,000—or around $26,300, at current exchange rates. Since we don’t even get the ID.3 in the U.S., we doubt the ID.2 will come to America, but we’re digging its simplistic, nicely proportioned styling that’s meant to recall the Mk1 Golf. We also hope Volkswagen figures out a way to bring something like this to our shores.More on VW EVsThe ID.2 will use an updated version of the MEB platform that underpins all the existing ID models. Unlike the rear-driven ID.3 and ID.4, it will have front-wheel drive, with the concept boasting a front-mounted electric motor producing 223 horsepower—a fair bit more than the base RWD ID.4’s 201 hp. VW isn’t sharing battery size but estimates a 280-mile range on the optimistic WLTP cycle. Of course, the actual €25,000 base model will surely have less power and less range than that, with VW likely to offer multiple battery sizes and output configurations.Golf ComparisonsAt 159.4 inches long, it’s almost 10 inches shorter than the current Mk8 Golf, but its wheelbase is just over one inch shorter than the Golf’s. This makes for fantastic-looking hatchback proportions, with the GTI-style wheels pushed out to the corners and short overhangs that create a sporty stance.Due to the more space-efficient packaging of an electric platform, VW promises that it’s nearly as spacious inside as the Golf despite having a smaller footprint. The concept has a sharp-looking interior, with a sporty steering wheel shape, a prominent center console, and dual screens serving as a digital gauge cluster and a large central screen. We can only hope that VW improves its subpar infotainment software by the time it launches this new model.It makes sense that Europe will be the primary market for the ID.2, as buyers there are already immersed in small hatchbacks like this. Unfortunately, the subcompact segment has all but disappeared in the U.S., and we think VW would struggle to make a business case for such a car in America.Still, we really like the idea of an affordable EV that looks like this, and we think many other Americans would too. We doubt we’ll be able to change VW’s mind, but at the very least, we can hope the ID.2all’s great design previews the future of other electric VWs that will make their way to our shores.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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    Ford F-150, Chevy Silverado Help California Farmers Plug Levee Breach

    As you may be aware, drought-ravaged California has lately received so much precipitation that they’ll be skiing in Tahoe till August and the lower elevations are starting to look like Louisiana bayou. Systems calibrated to deal with a predictable amount of rain (read: not much) are failing, as exemplified by a particular levee in Tulare Lake Basin, a farming region in the San Joaquin Valley.The problem with long-drained Tulare Lake is that it periodically likes to reappear after heavy rains, which thoroughly bonks the intricate water-delivery systems that feed the farmland. And yesterday, after a levee failed, local farmers came up with a quick and inspired solution: Drive a couple trucks into the breach. Don’t Try This at HomeThis idea immediately raises number of questions, most notably whether two of the area’s least-favorite half-ton trucks would be heavy enough to stop up raging floodwaters. To get ahead of that problem, our dam-building maestros filled the beds of the trucks—a Chevrolet Silverado and a Ford F-150—with an amount of dirt surely beyond their rated payload, an insult that would look trivial compared to what happened next.In this video posted on Twitter by farmer Cannon Michael, we see the F-150 already sunk in the levee gap, its bed and roof covered in dense-looking soil. “How did they do that?” you might ask. Well, we see exactly how they did that a moment later as the Silverado makes the ultimate sacrifice and joins the Ford for a quick dip.This content is imported from twitter. 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.Less safety-conscious fellows might attempt some kind of stuntman drop-and-roll out the driver’s-side door as the truck headed for its watery demise, but these guys seem to have had a different (and surprisingly effective) plan: put something heavy on the accelerator, drop the transmission into gear, and stand back.The Chevy appears to have a column shifter, making this gambit slightly less dangerous, but our muddy protagonist still needs to step lively once the LS V-8 goes into drive. Which he does, stepping back to admire the temporarily autonomous Silverado make its short trip from atop the levee to down into it, where it lodges against the F-150 and indeed seems to mostly impede the floodwaters from reaching the orchard on the opposite side. The guys in the video seem pleased with the outcome, anyway. Given more time and heavy equipment, they might’ve gone a slightly different route. According to a 1997 story in the Los Angeles Times, Tulare Lake levees were reinforced with crushed cars during floods in 1969. But those presumably weren’t driven in under their own power. That, we can all agree, is the innovation here. We hope the plan worked out and the truck-based dam held up. But if, a few months from now, you see a blue Silverado or an extended-cab F-150 4×4 for sale real cheap in the San Joaquin Valley, maybe be extra thorough on that pre-purchase inspection.Senior EditorEzra Dyer is a Car and Driver senior editor and columnist. He’s now based in North Carolina but still remembers how to turn right. He owns a 2009 GEM e4 and once drove 206 mph. Those facts are mutually exclusive. More