Tag Archives: automotive technology

Smartphones are extensions of many peoples’ arms. That has made it increasingly important for automakers to offer phone mirroring technologies in new vehicles, such as Apple CarPlay. The interface projects a familiar iPhone-like display on top of the standard infotainment system, giving users the ability to stream music and maps, use voice controls, and more. This overview will help you get a feel for Apple CarPlay’s functionality and how it could be a useful feature in your next car.

And for those interested in seeing if the grass is greener on the other side, we got this piece up for Android Auto and Android Automotive, as well. Yes, they’re related. No, they’re not the same.

Everything on Android Automotive and Android Auto

What does Apple CarPlay do?

Akin to Android Auto and Android-based phones, Apple CarPlay brings some of the iPhone’s most commonly used apps to the in-vehicle infotainment system. Some vehicles offer wireless connectivity, while others require a wired connection, but the functionality is the same regardless of how it’s set up. Though it might seem counterintuitive, CarPlay is intended to reduce the common distractions caused by using a smartphone while driving by placing most used functions closer to the driver’s line of sight.

Though CarPlay-capable vehicles have manufacturer-designed infotainment systems, the Apple interface overlays the stock software. That means that certain functions still rely on the vehicle’s built-in hardware, but the Apple software handles the visual and interactive components. A great example is with phone calls, as most vehicles offer hands-free calling through Bluetooth. While Apple CarPlay’s call system still relies on Bluetooth, the phone interface looks and feels just like an iPhone’s.

CarPlay can also supplement vehicle technology and add functionality to lesser-equipped models. The iPhone has had GPS navigation capabilities for as long as anyone can remember, but navigation isn’t a feature lavished on every new vehicle. CarPlay enables navigation in vehicles without the function and can bring other mapping apps, such as Waze and Google Maps.

Getting started with Apple CarPlay

Unlike past technologies, which could require complicated setup and configuration, CarPlay is mostly a plug-and-play operation. If your car has wired Apple CarPlay, plug the device into the data USB port, and the vehicle should automatically recognize the phone as offering CarPlay. You may be asked to agree to share the device’s information with your vehicle, and Apple delivers a popup message on the device, also asking for confirmation.

Wireless connections offer similar ease of use, but there may be a few extra steps to getting started. You’ll have to turn on Bluetooth on your device and make sure that it’s discoverable to outside connections. Once you’ve selected the vehicle and begun the connection from your device, there is often a code or number that you’ll need to confirm between the two devices. 

Once set up, CarPlay should connect automatically each time you enter and start the vehicle. Depending on the model, you should also have multiple ways to access the native infotainment system, either by using a home button or an on-screen icon.

Siri works with Apple CarPlay

Siri works with Apple CarPlay, even if your car has built-in voice controls. The digital assistant offers many in-vehicle functions, including calls and text messages. Siri can read incoming messages and take dictation for outgoing messages, though it can sometimes be challenging to get the right wording or punctuation with voice commands. Similarly, users can make and take calls using Siri, and the function usually works with vehicles’ built-in voice command buttons. You can also get directions, play music, set calendar reminders, and get weather updates by asking simple questions.

Turning off Apple CarPlay

Turning off CarPlay is as easy as unplugging your phone, but there is a way to disable the vehicle connection going forward. You’ll need to head to your iPhone’s settings app and locate the CarPlay menu by searching. You can remove the vehicle from the list of CarPlay-approved connections there, but you’ll have to go through the initial setup again if you want to reconnect.

Cars that have Apple CarPlay

The vast majority of new vehicles come with Apple CarPlay, leaving only the most outdated, cheapest models without it. Some automakers charge extra for the functionality, and some may only offer Apple CarPlay without Android Auto, but it’s hard to find a new car without the feature. If you’re looking for a used car, many started offering the tech in 2017 and 2018, but you’ll need to check the specific vehicle’s options list to be sure. Apple provides a list of every CarPlay-compatible vehicle right here if you have any questions. 

Big, longtime users of CarPlay include but absolutely, sure as heck are not limited to: BMW, Volkswagen, Ford, Chevrolet, Hyundai, Acura, Honda, Subaru, and pretty much mostly everyone else under the sun. But again, never hurts to check first.

Should you wish to add CarPlay to a vehicle that never included it, retrofit kits do exist, from Amazon to aftermarket parts retailers. Such goodies range from full-on infotainment system upgrades and screen replacements to more simplistic, dashboard-mounted nav screens.

Apple CarPlay FAQs

Does Apple CarPlay use my phone’s data connection?

Unless your car has a Wi-Fi hotspot, yes, your iPhone will use data for maps, traffic information, streaming music, and more. You can play downloaded podcasts and music without a data connection, but most CarPlay functions require one.

Can I add Apple CarPlay to a vehicle that doesn’t have it?

Depending on the age of the vehicle, maybe. Some newer models tie several functions into their infotainment systems, making it difficult or impossible to change things. Older cars with CD head units or even a cassette system should be pretty easy to retrofit. Having said that, some companies have devised methods of “projecting” CarPlay over a factory interface, but they’re not available for every model and may be clunky to use. 

Is there a monthly fee for Apple CarPlay?

While some automakers desperately want to charge owners for ongoing tech features, Apple CarPlay is free to use. That said, you may have subscription fees and other charges associated with specific apps or functions, so it’s a good idea to make sure you know what’s coming.

Can I use an iPad with Apple CarPlay?

Though it might seem like a no-brainer for CarPlay to offer iPad support, the system only works with iPhones. Beyond the physical differences between tablets and phones, there are software differences, and Apple has not extended CarPlay support to the iPad.

Some Ram commercial vans are about to go fully electric – minus the high-tech luxuries tacked on by most passenger EVs. With an approximate 162-mile city range and up to 150-kilowatt charging, the Ram ProMaster EV is poised to compete with Rivian’s EDV and Ford’s E-Transit. This van is part of the Dare Forward 2030 plan from Stellantis (formerly Fiat-Chrysler) to electrify 50% of its U.S. offerings in the next decade, as it’s doing with the unconventional 1500 RamCharger pickup truck.

Electrification doesn’t compromise what makes the current gas-powered ProMaster great. The delivery model can haul around 2,030 pounds, and the future cargo model is expected to be able to carry around 3,020 pounds. In the back, it has 524 cubic feet of cargo space, a best-in-class interior cargo height of 86 inches, and a 159-inch wheelbase. The cargo length is 12 feet for the delivery model and 13.5 feet for the non-delivery model.

Designed from the ground up for its electric powertrain, its flat floor means cargo capacity is not compromised compared to its internal combustion counterpart. The iconic rear-roll-up door makes offloading easy and perfect for last-mile deliveries.

And don’t think Ram is ditching the upfitters! The Ram ProMaster EV will have an electrical connector and an integrated cab configuration for easy conversions. For longer trips, expect Level 2 ADAS with multiple sensors, radars, and cameras. It has a digital rearview mirror as well as other safety and security features. In addition to commercial applications, it might also find a home in the #VanLife community.

In terms of power, a 200-kilowatt electric motor delivers 268 horsepower and 302 pound-feet of torque with a front-wheel drive configuration. If you’re looking for connectivity, wireless Apple CarPlay and Android Auto will keep you engaged. It’s even got Alexa with over-the-air updates.

Ram telematics brings real-time diagnostics, performance data, vehicle location, and driving insights for those in the commercial space. Last-mile navigation via the Uconnect smartphone app means your drivers will never look at house numbers again.

Stellantis still needs to release official pricing data, but based on the current Stellantis electric van offering, the Fiat E-Ducato, we expect pricing to start at approximately $50,000. This pricing also aligns with the Ford E-transit that starts at $48,000. It also faces stiff competition from another upcoming electric van, the Kia PBV.

Screens have infiltrated your car! For better or for worse, your favorite infotainment features are now bound to a touchscreen, and Android Auto and Android Automotive will be a part of that. But infotainment is much more than a screen; it’s a gateway. It’s your portal to navigation, music, and even games. Some would argue that most of this is useless because they love driving, and you can’t look at a screen, or you’ll crash! So, you need an intuitive, hands-free, and proactive system like your smartphone.

We blame Google for this, but the Android naming scheme and app names constantly change or disappear from existence. The perfect solution to this is explaining everything on Android Automotive and Android Auto and forever updating it into the future, so that’s what we did!

Oh, and by the way. If you wanted to see if the Apples grow any better on the other side, we got a piece up for Apple CarPlay, as well.

Everything you need to know about Apple CarPlay

Android Automotive vs. Android Auto — What’s the difference?

Android Automotive is a version of Google’s Android OS designed specifically for vehicle infotainment systems – the big tablet or normal-sized display, depending on your make and model, sitting in your center console. 

Volvo and Audi were the first auto brands to partner with Google in building Android Automotive for their next-generation vehicles. Although Google revealed Android Automotive to the public in 2017, it didn’t officially debut until the Polestar 2 came along in 2021. Some supported vehicles ship with Google Automotive Services (GAS). This app package contains services like Google Maps, Google Assistant, and Play Store. 

The crucial differentiating factor is that cars without GAS will not directly support Google apps, opting for their customized Android-based app implementations. You cannot access third-party apps through the Google App Store, but if these vehicles support Android Auto, you can still access some of your favorite apps.

What is Android Auto? 

Android Auto is an app for Android phone users to display content from their mobile devices to the infotainment display in their cars. Often bundled with CarPlay, Apple’s iPhone equivalent, Android Auto has been a mainstay since Google announced it in 2014.

Android Auto gets frequent over-the-air system updates and bug fixes, always doing its best to deliver the optimal on-the-road experience for Android folks. You can use Android Auto wirelessly or with a USB cable, though compatibility varies from car to car. Only 2020 models and newer support wireless connectivity.

Key features of Android Automotive

Perfect! Now you know the difference between Android Automotive and Android Auto. But your favorite electric car needs an electric operating system. Android Automotive has its own feature set, design language, and cool integrations.

Safety first

Focus on the road! The Android Automotive UI is designed to be easy to navigate and reduces the need for prolonged interactions with infotainment while driving. Google Assistant provides context-aware responses. Proactive suggestions like traffic alerts, route changes, rest stops, and hotels keep you informed without the need for device fumbling.

In an emergency, Android Automotive can call 911 or provide location information to first responders. This can be integrated with vehicle sensors and driver monitoring, making the response instant. 

Wireless connectivity

Similar to your smartphone, Android Automotive provides regular updates through cloud services. It supports Wi-Fi connectivity to connect to local Wi-Fi networks for software updates and enhanced app functionality. Hands-free calling, audio streaming, phone calls, text messaging, and app mirroring are all enabled through Bluetooth.

Certain vehicles offer remote vehicle control with a smartphone app. You can lock, unlock, and locate your vehicle remotely from anywhere as long as you can access the internet.

Advanced driver assistance

ADAS features are fast becoming the tech to have in your car. Driver and blind spot monitoring, sensors, night vision, and traffic jam assistance are some driver assistance features that can be integrated with Android Automotive.

OEMs implementing their software is also vital for the Android ecosystem and consumers. You get more features, and BMW gets to add lane-keeping to its X6. Self-driving is the first thing that comes to mind when people think of ADAS, and the more consistent and intuitive these systems are, the better. A single base that manufacturers can modify is the best implementation to achieve this.

Accessibility

Accessibility is essential for colorblind drivers and those with auditory/visual impairments. Haptic feedback makes it easier to access touchscreen features without distracting you from the road. So you don’t need an impairment for these features to be helpful.

Connectivity and integration in Android Automotive

Connectivity is becoming increasingly important. What if you need to access your ring doorbell while on holiday or ensure a package gets delivered to your house, not your nosy neighbor? You can’t look at your phone while driving, so the best way to do this is through your car.

App ecosystem

Third-party app support is a must in today’s connected world. Android Automotive gives you access to your favorite apps through the Google Play Store. Car-integrated features like voice control make these apps easy to control without taking your hands off the wheel. You can even access games and movies when your vehicle is stopped.

Integration with Google Services

You can link up your Google account and access all your photos, calendar dates, and messaging apps. Android Automotive doesn’t integrate Apple’s ecosystem, but if you’re an iPhone user, you can use Apple CarPlay.

Integration with smart homes

Need to get the mood right, but you’re thousands of miles away? Android Automotive can control features like A/C, surveillance, and lights with your smart home hub. Geofencing means you can trigger these features when you’re in or leaving the vicinity of your house. 

Navigation

Do you need anything more in a car OS than navigation? Android Automotive allows you to access more than just Google Maps: real-time traffic updates, traffic camera alerts, lane guidance, and site discovery. Navigation with Android Automotive is more like a co-driver than just a map.

Android Automotive’s ever-expanding car list

Acura

• Acura ZDX (2024+)

Audi

• Audi Q6 e-tron (2024+)

BMW

• BMW X1 (2023+)

Cadillac

• Cadillac CT5 (2025+)
• Cadillac Escalade IQ
• Cadillac Lyriq
• Cadillac XT4 (2024+)

Chevrolet

• Chevrolet Colorado (2023+)
• Chevrolet Corvette E-Ray
• Chevrolet Equinox EV
• Chevrolet Silverado (2022+)
• Chevrolet Silverado EV
• Chevrolet Traverse (2024+)
• Chevrolet Suburban (2022+)
• Chevrolet Tahoe (2022+)
• Chevrolet Blazer

Chrysler

• Chrysler Pacifica (2021+)

Dacia

• Dacia Duster (2024+)

Dodge

• Dodge Durango (2021+)
• Dodge Hornet (2021+)

Fiat

• Fiat 500

Ford

• Ford Mustang (2024+)

GMC

• GMC Canyon (2023+)
• GMC Hummer EV
• GMC Sierra (2022+)
• GMC Yukon (2022+)

Honda

• Honda Accord (2023+)
• Honda Prologue (2024+)

Lincoln

• Lincoln Nautilus (2024+)

Lotus

• Lotus Eletre
• Lotus Emeya

Lucid

• Lucid Air

Lynk

• Lynk & Co 01

Nissan

• Nissan Rogue (2024+)

Polestar

• Polestar 2
• Polestar 3
• Polestar 4
• Polestar 5

Renault

• Renault Austral
• Renault Espace (2024+)
• Renault Mégane E-Tech Electric
• Renault Master (2024+)
• Renault Rafale
• Renault Scénic E-Tech (2025+)

Volvo

• Volvo C40
• Volvo EX30
• Volvo EX90
• Volvo S60 (2023+)
• Volvo S90 (2022+)
• Volvo V60, V60 Cross Country (2023+)
• Volvo V90, V90 Cross Country (2022+)
• Volvo XC40 (excluding T2 engine model) (2023+)
• Volvo XC40 Recharge (only BEV version)
• Volvo XC60 (2022+)
• Volvo XC90 (2023+)

Alfa Romeo

• Alfa Romeo Tonale

Maserati

• Maserati Ghibli (2022+)
• Maserati GranTurismo (2022+)
• Maserati Grecale (2022+)
• Maserati Levante (2022+)
• Maserati MC20 (2022+)
• Maserati Quattroporte (2022+)

Rivian

• Rivian R1S
• Rivian R1T

Togg

• Togg T10X

Relation to Android Auto

Android Auto is constantly evolving. It has been around longer than Android Automotive and is available via aftermarket head units. So your favorite 2000s sports car, budget beater, or classic car can access modern maps and features. A great strategy for sustainable car use.

Key features of Android Auto

• User-Friendly Interface: Large, easy-to-read icons and minimal distractions allow quick access while driving.
• Phone Integration: You can conveniently make calls, access contacts, and see call history. All the usual phone features without the phone!
• Home Screen Customization: You can customize the Android Auto home screen to access your favorite apps quickly.
• Music: Music playback can be controlled via voice commands, steering wheel controls, or the touchscreen.

Connectivity and integration in Android Auto

Entertainment

You can access your favorite music streaming services, like Spotify, and control playback through voice commands or the vehicle’s controls. Podcasts, audiobooks, and radio apps are also readily available.

Navigation

Android Auto leverages Google Maps for real-time traffic updates, turn-by-turn directions, and detailed route information. So it’s pretty much the same as your phone in the sense of navigation, without having to fumble through touchscreen menus.

The future of Android-based infotainment

Android Automotive and Android Auto will undergo remarkable advancements in the future. These systems will offer drivers and passengers more personalized, and intelligent experiences, focusing on safety. Strong competition is also arising as Apple further develops CarPlay.

So, we’ll keep you updated on everything there is to know about Android Automotive and Android Auto. Keep up!

The famous road-trip novel, Zen and the Art of Motorcycle Maintenance, made the simple act of keeping machines running seem all fine and dandy, a worthy pursuit that teaches life lessons as much as practical problem-solving. But just as anyone who regularly wrenches on cars or bikes will admit, I have undoubtedly experienced some of my most frustrated moments while covered in grit and grease, knuckles bloodied and hands shaking, stuck in a bizarre stew of furious exhaustion.

The logistics of actually riding classic motorcycles over long distances forced the semi-autobiographical author Robert M. Persig to pack light on a Honda Super Hawk, but the realities of working on multiple makes and models of cars and motorcycles over the past decade-plus of my life all combined to teach me one very simple rule.

The right tool makes all the difference.

Skip to section:

• Michael’s story (what to know)
• Michael’s shopping list (what to buy)

(Editor’s note: Keep an eye out for the all-star tools that saved Michael’s ass! We’ll drop them in a final shopping list down below. Happy reading, and happy shopping.)

Mitsubishi Pajero: see prices at CarGurus

A master’s degree in absolute amateurism

Like most backyard or driveway mechanics, I started working on a high-mileage 2001 Audi TT I bought, hoping to teach myself to master a manual transmission by commuting in a beater with a clutch pedal. I wore out my right arm and left quad driving that stick shift through stop-and-go LA traffic for four hours once on the way back from Palm Springs, slid around on snow and ice in Mammoth, and ripped through every local canyon as fast as the Haldex-based Quattro AWD allowed. I loved the squat little pill car, though the relative heft inspired some light modifications over two years in the form of a Stage 1 REVO tune and a thicker H&R rear sway bar.

I installed that uprated rear sway bar myself on my back in a cold garage while doing my absolute best to keep the rest of the suspension at least serviceable. Over even a relatively brief ownership period, I quickly realized that I needed to do the smaller jobs myself. Otherwise, the TT would have happily eaten me out of house and home as the electronics increasingly went on the fritz.

While an Audi served as solid practice, by the time my stick shift skillz felt solid enough, I similarly felt confident enough in my own wrenching abilities to trade up into a 2001 Porsche 911 Carrera 4—back before values skyrocketed, obviously, after I sunk so much capital into the TT. The 911 was also my first true performance car, so I wanted to get it truly dialed in with refreshed suspension, additional cooling to help prevent oil starvation (the real 996 engine killer that nobody talks about amid the IMS bearing fiasco), and an el cheapo Amazon short shift kit I purposefully marred to add a bit more weight to the throw. 

But I still needed to do all the oil changes, filter replacements, and random other minor jobs to save up in case anything serious went wrong—and to help combat the Porsche parts tax, a known quantity. Next up, a pair of pandemic purchases: a 2006 Porsche Cayenne Turbo that I built up for mild overlanding and ski season storm chasing, plus a 1971 Porsche 914 that I bought as a disassembled project. (Please don’t ask, I am entirely beyond saving.)

That Cayenne sold recently and the 914 still lives in a shipping container next to a rebuilt engine and transaxle on tables. In reality, as the pandemic travel restrictions have steadily lifted and automotive journalism picked up in pace, I now spend most of my wrench time doing mostly smaller jobs on the two cars I actually daily drive and off-road regularly: a 1998 Mitsubishi Montero and a 1997 Pajero Evolution.

Mitsubishi Montero: see prices at CarGurus

Close scrapes in tight spaces

I’ve revisited all of the above only to serve as a bit of background, establishing my relative bonafides as a total nerd bordering on insolvency who pours money and time I objectively do not have into passion projects that make no sense. So when the going gets tough, and the prospect of sending one of my cars to a professional mechanic crops up because of some mistake I’ve made, the frustration begins building…

The latest close scrape occurred not while working on one of my babies but instead while helping a fellow Pajero Evo owner prepare to refresh his front suspension and steering. Dan, a similarly insane former Aston Martin product manager who still owns two Astons despite professionally knowing better (not to mention a Ferrari and the PajEvo), showed up with tie rod ends, ball joints, both the idler and pitman arms, sway bar end links and bushings, and even front struts. A big list for a single day, to be sure, but one that came to a grinding halt when we reached the point of pulling off what sure looked like the original pitman arm.

Luckily, the project ended with only minor injuries—and the need for a new set of just about every bearing and ball joint puller currently for sale on the planet.

As we proceeded first to loosen the sway bar end links, then inner and outer tie rods, I sprayed the pitman arm with WD-40 penetrating oil a few times. By the time the final steering ball joint (the pitman arm’s own) popped out using the smaller of our two ball joint pullers, the pitman arm’s connection to the steering box looked absolutely drenched. And yet, using a 36-millimeter socket for the massive retaining nut—that just happened to measure the same diameter as a Volkswagen Bus axle nut—even a three-foot cheater bar required a ton of effort to break the rust loose.

And that was just for the nut. Next up came multiple attempts to pull the pitman arm itself off the splined shaft coming down from the steering box. The smaller of our two-ball joint pullers had a narrow mouth and minimal travel for the lever arm, but even the bigger couldn’t split the wide splined shaft. Time to get a legit bearing puller out. No luck on the first try, which seemed to strain the puller immensely with the full torque of the cheater bar once again in use.

Time to dig deep into the realm of heating and hammering. I torched, Dan sledged, and vice versa. We torched and sledged a bit together and then luckily realized fairly quickly that maybe heating and hammering just below the steering box might be a bad idea. Back to square one: more penetrating oil. We let the pitman arm sit for a bit and focused on other parts of the job to let the penetrating oil, you know, penetrate.

Back at it with a larger puller, aligned perfectly and cheater bar at a max stretch, we still saw no movement. I scraped away with a pick, trying to clear out any crud, then put more muscle into the puller, which gave up the goose and broke off at the neck. And this is for an American-made piece of Craftsman history!

At this point, we needed to start reassembly so that Dan could get home before midnight, so we gave up, too, and hastily threw the new tie rod ends and sway bar components back on. Driving home, he reported how much of a difference even those new parts made in the suspension and steering feel—lending a sense of purpose and pride to the mission thus far.

Stop, drop, and eat dinner

The next day, deciding wisdom was the better part of valor, I did a few more odd jobs on my own PajEvo, including swapping on a new set of upper front ball joints. But I left the pitman arm untouched. I’d already installed new tie rod ends, new sway bar end links, and a new idler arm, but the new upper front ball joints tightened up the steering better than even replacing my torn-up tie rod ends. Very interesting, the result being a piqued curiosity on how much of a difference a new pitman arm might make along with my new lower ball joints.

And so, the next weekend, I set out to do just that—albeit now armed with the beefiest set of pullers ever amassed in history, as well as a new penetrating oil that promised even better rust removal according to reviews online. I measured my Montero’s pitman arm since the PajEvo generally shares steering components with the Gen 2.5. But I still felt a bit of trepidation as I loosened my new tie rods and hinged down my new sway bar end links to make room around the pitman arm again.

This time, knowing I didn’t want to use the torch or sledgehammer, I sprayed the Moovit liberally all over the pitman arm splines in advance. The pitman arm’s ball joint popped off, no problemo, and my nut required much less effort than the one on Dan’s truck (the benefits of a slightly less corroded underbelly, Dan’s having lived a few years in the UK before he bought it off CollectingCars.com). Applying more Moovit, I scraped away at any gunk beneath the pitman arm and saw plenty of rusty dust flowing off. Time to give these new pullers a go.

At first, I struggled to get the bigger jaws aligned since my sway bar now blocked some access. But then the big, beefy Harbor Freight (Pittsburgh) puller seemed to grip well, and I started applying some arm strength with the breaker bar. No luck. I loosened up that puller and tried a couple of the even larger versions, one of which proceeded to bend dramatically at the neck. And yet, still no movement, hmmmm.

More Moovit and maybe time to slip on the cheater. Sure enough, with a bit more juice, more length, and the Harbor Freight puller back in place, maybe flexing just a bit, the pitman slammed down off the splines with a loud crack. Not broken, but this time, I had left the large nut in place, hoping to prevent parts from flying everywhere—a lesson learned best by Dan the previous weekend when we almost broke his finger in carelessness.

I scrubbed away at the pitman arm splines and began reassembly, but not before spending a few hours trying to replace my lower front ball joints—all in vain, since the Mitsubishi engineers who completely redesigned the lower A-arms to house the same Gen-2.5 lower ball joints in a position that looked better for quick removal on a homologated racecar, in fact, only made removal harder. And in my haste, frustration building and darkness falling as I hoped to avoid a seemingly inevitable full hub removal, I began to tear an unobtanium CV axle boot. Time to stop for dinner and reassess in the morning.

Next time, I’ll be a pro

That night, at least I rested reassured that Dan’s pitman arm job could be completed with the right tools—a beefier puller and, in this case, “tools” also referring to the hardcore penetrating oil. “Next time I do this job, I’ll be a pro,” I always tell myself. The next morning, I reassembled my front end without the new lower ball joints and went for a test drive, with the steering a bit tighter but a newfound clunk on the right front where I’d struggled for hours the previous night. So, the next test of willpower, problem-solving, and patience will definitely be that front hub removal. Of course, that begs the question of what new tools might I need then.

Now, I’m lucky. I work on my own cars in front of my tiny apartment and in the back alley, out on off-roading trails, and stopped on the side of a highway. But I also have access to all my dad’s tools, and he’s a former contractor with just about everything known to man on hand. That 36-mm socket? He probably bought it in 1969. I’ve unwrapped brand-new tools from the 1970s. Hell, we even have Whitworth tools. So thanks, Dad, if you’re reading this. Of course, the convenience of internet research, quick modern shipping, and local Harbor Freight stores also help a ton.

But Dad also bears a lot of the blame for many of the messes I get myself into and (usually) out of. He probably sparked the obsession with cars and motorcycles in me at a young age and spends plenty of his own time wrenching on his two Monteros, two 1967 Volvo Amazons, and an E36 M3. Hence, from a young age, his incessant proselytizing about the right tool made all the difference. This guy would rather drive to the store than spend time struggling—and he’s spent a lifetime learning that lesson building homes for wealthy celebrities in West LA.

Lessons for the often uncoachable

Dad also spent much of my childhood jokingly referring to me as “uncoachable” (my many teachers, as well as football and lacrosse coaches, all agreed, I can admit.) As a case in point, I recently replaced the O2 sensors on my Montero in the street in front of the apartment. With tight spaces and no leverage, I couldn’t use my smallest socket because it needed to fit around the sensor wires. Multiple bloody knuckles and a torrent of swearing later, I drove to Harbor Freight and picked up an O2 sensor wrench. The job required all of five minutes, no injuries, and zero four-letter words once armed with the right tool. 

Have I learned? Maybe. Every job well done brings a certain sense of satisfaction, making the car or motorcycle more fun to drive. (Bonus: the new addition of working on motorcycles requires a whole new set of unknown tools!) But a bunch of random helpful tools have become indispensable along the way. It is not just a set of every socket extension length possible but also two different torque wrenches for larger and smaller projects. I use a multimeter all the time on these old trucks. I have oil filter wrenches in the proper size for each vehicle I own (and a few more that fit Dad’s available if I need them). Ratcheting box wrenches in metric and imperial save arm muscles by the end of the day. Hex drivers, in addition to hex wrenches, truly help on bicycles, cars, and motorbikes alike. A box for figuring out threads on screws and bolts saves a ton of time flipping through random boxes on the shelf at the hardware store. And a good circlip pick also makes all the difference while effectively doubling as a rust scraper on a stuck pitman arm when required.

Getting the job done sometimes requires making modifications to the tools on hand. Like one time, I needed to shave down a box wrench to squeeze in and loosen a control arm nut for the 996’s rear suspension. Other times, though, Murphy’s Law simply reigns supreme. And even when armed with every tool in the known universe, when things go wrong, the old stomach-churning frustration still bubbles up. 

Tricks I’ve noticed that can help to stave off the strings of curse words: Always eat a full meal before starting a project and take plenty of water or snack breaks. Try not to have a time crunch and plan stop-start decision points in any workflow process before reaching points of no return. Do the research in advance and ask for advice from more knowledgeable friends—in the cases of the Montero and Pajero, I find plenty of support from a helpful community on forums and social media. We’ve all been there, after all, since we’re all the type that buys Monteros hoping to save a few bucks versus a Toyota Land Cruiser, knowing full well (or soon discovering) that problem-solving experience comes with the truck, too.

And always, always, always, safety first. Use jack stands and/or chock blocks anytime you go under a car. Gloves prevent cuts, broken nails, and broken fingers. Eye protection might seem silly, but you never know when it might save your vision.

My biggest and best tool yet? One time, as I drove by my Audi/Porsche mechanic’s shop—in a running car that needed nothing, please note—I spied the car lifts being replaced with new Bendpaks. I swung in to say hi, and he said that if I saved him the hassle of making more trips to the dump, I could take one home in pieces. Of course, having a lift is only possible if you have the space and budget, but this one tool truly changes everything, making life easier, safer, and quicker all at the same time.  

Even while using a lift, the hilarious number of tools I sometimes need to finish even small jobs downright blows my mind. But tools last a lifetime, and the lessons we learn while using those tools last a lifetime, too.

Tools that saved Michael from certain doom:

Zen and the Art of Motorcycle Maintenance – on paperback for $13

There is no tool. Go read a book.

JD-Hi-Five Porsche 996/986/987 short shifter – what do you have to lose for $90

Do you trust an $89.99 Amazon short shifter? Michael did, and he turned out fine. I think. Real talk, perhaps this is what that budget junker Porsche project needs to have a little extra flair without obliterating the bank.

WD-40 Specialist Penetrant – good ol’ reliable for $10

You already know what’s up. Treat yourself to some of that good stuff now with a flexible metal straw.

Stalye Thread Checker kit – never make a wrong guess for $51

Didn’t even know they made such a thing, and now this editor needs one more than anything.

NEIKO Hex Bit Socket Set – for those dastardly hex screws; $17

Plenty of tuner car hardware kits feature hex heads, so don’t be caught lacking at the next friend group garage hangout.

TEKTON 6-piece Long Flex Head 12-Point Ratcheting Box End Wrench Set – a simple necessity for $165

For home or garage, it’s nice to have a proper wrench set always at the ready. You’ll never know when IKEA or that Pic-A-Part find will betray you.

EPAuto 1/2-inch-drive 150 ft lb. Click Torque Wrench – torque it tight and torque it right for $55

For engines, suspension hardware, or wheel lug nuts, always be prepared with one of these suckers. Torque it right the first time and never worry or second guess.

Captain Phab MOOVIT High-Performance Penetrating Lubricant – “high performance” anything often means something; $22

WD-40 not cutting it? Some extra penetrating power should do the trick. 

EMPI 5770 Gland Nut / Axle Nut Socket 36mm with ½-inch Drive – apparently not just for classic Volkswagens; $19

Apparently, these are the move if you especially own an old air-cooled Vee-Dub. But as Amazon reviewers and Michael have learned, it matters little what the car is. If it fits, it sits, right?

OEMTOOLS 74mm 14 Flute Oil Filter Wrench – underrated here for $8

I, myself, can’t stress enough how nice it is to have one of these, especially after some bastard dunce who last did the oil change (me) decided to torque down the last oil filter with the hand of God.

7-Function Digital Multimeter – feel like a genius for $10 (in-store only)

Are electrical gremlins running you up the wall? Something like this will make you feel like a real hero. Or at least look like one to friends and neighbors.

Pittsburgh Automotive ⅜-inch Offset Oxygen Sensor Wrench – make a simple job simpler for $9

I’ve never had many issues with removing oxygen sensors on exhaust systems. Good for me. Let’s keep it that way with one of these. Try one for yourself and see how something so simple can make a big difference.

Pittsburgh Automotive Tie Rod and Pitman Arm Puller – honestly, might as well just snag one if it’s $16

Has a slim fit for tight spots while still being able to withstand the forces of a big, tough hunk like you yoinking on your steering hardware.

In a “strategic decision,” Hertz is selling approximately 20,000 electric vehicles (one-third of its EV fleet), according to an SEC filing. The car rental company is among the latest in a recent wave of organizations backpedaling on earlier EV plans.

Hertz plans to reinvest some of the funds from the sale of EVs into purchasing internal combustion engine (ICE) vehicles to meet customer demand. The plan is to reduce lower-margin rentals and the expenses of repairing EVs while gradually increasing the electric fleet.

The company will lose approximately $245 million from the sale of these vehicles based on vehicle depreciation. Later in the filing, Hertz acknowledged that it needs to balance EV supply and demand. Initially, it set a target of 25% electric vehicles for 2024. Take these numbers with a pinch of salt, as actual data can differ from SEC filing calculations, and fourth-quarter financial data has not been finalized.

In 2021, Hertz announced plans to place 100,000 electric vehicles from Tesla into service by the end of 2022. It only has about 50,000 EVs in service, comprising 11% of its total fleet, with Teslas making up 80% of those vehicles.

This is just the latest blow to Hertz’s ambitious EV goals, but it’s not the first time it’s pulled out of a decision it made on EVs with an SEC filing. In 2023, Hertz signed agreements with Tesla and Polestar to buy nearly 200,000 EVs in 2023. In December 2023, it announced a rollout pause because of falling resale values and the high cost of repairs.

Hertz is far from the only company scaling back its EV plans, however. In a Q3 2023 earnings report, Ford announced it would pause construction of a $12 billion BEV factory because many North American customers were no longer willing to pay extra for electric vehicles over their ICE counterparts. GM told a similar story in November. Other companies like Mazda are choosing to focus on plug-in hybrids like the CX-90 PHEV.

“It’s actually become somewhat more of an issue in the past year or so, even though prices of a lot of EVs have come down,” said Sam Abuelsamid, an analyst at Guidehouse Insights.

CES 2024 has fallen upon Las Vegas, drawing an international audience to come and see all the latest and greatest in techy goodness and electronic nerdery. Nowadays, much of that includes cars and mobility, especially as the former evolves more into supercomputers with every passing day and as the latter becomes a growing concern in a densely populated world. Poised as the next great car show for its showcase of future tech and mobility solutions, we owe CES our attention as motorists to see just what it has to offer us, and we’re happy to report CES 2024 didn’t disappoint. In fact, we’re actually quite bummed we didn’t take it that seriously if we’re being honest!

But we made it. We covered it. We shot it on our socials and on camera. So here’s our round-up of all the innovative future rides on display at CES, including some of the pens we unfortunately missed–and I’ll say this again: they really got to put up more signs in more places. I couldn’t find squat half the time!

View this post on Instagram

A post shared by Acceleramota (@acceleramota)

Sony Honda Mobility Afeela – New ADAS and specs announced

Ah, how refreshing it is to see a fancy new EV launch with relatively normal styling inside and out. The Afeela is as relatable and familiar as it is innovative and cutting-edge, and that’s why this is arguably the biggest star of CES 2024. The lovechild of Sony and Honda, the Afeela is poised to be one of the market’s hottest new EVs when it launches next year.

The Afeela isn’t totally a new thing, as it’s been circulating around headlines and internet discussions since its debut at last year’s CES. But now, the car takes the stage once again, sporting some updated tech and a fresh laundry list of specs. Boilerplate items? How about standard dual motor AWD with a 241-horsepower motor on each axle (combined output TBA)? Or what about a comprehensive ADAS system backed by lidar, radar, and cameras for added safety and better visualization of its environment in a variety of conditions?

On top of all that, go back to the styling and just look at it. The Afeela is a beauty, which is ironic, given how smooth and plain it is. But in an age where it seems companies try too hard to stand out with their design languages, it’s the Afeela’s inoffensiveness that makes it one of the more visually attractive choices.

CES 2024: Sony and Honda show off updated Afeela electric car

XPENG AeroHT eVTOL Flying Car – The mobility solution for those whose net worths are measured in billions

Riiight. Because this will solve all of our problems. But man, it sure is cool!

If anyone remembers XPENG from that one earnable car from the Forza Horizon 5 playlists, well, they also built this in 2022, and it’s been making rounds around the world ever since. Go figure. With zero attempts at subtlety, this is exactly what it looks like: a freaking flying car… literally called “Flying Car.” 

Designed and built from XPENG’s AeroHT spin-off, it’s merely another one of their efforts at normalizing flight as an optional mode of transportation. Among other offerings include the X2 and X1 eVTOLS. However, the Flying Car differs by serving a dual purpose as a semi-practical supercar for shuttling oneself from the mansion to the country club before deploying the retractable quad rotors and departing for the office in the city.

Will it be a practical mobility solution should they ever put this into mass production? Ha. Not for us, it’s not.

VinFast Wild Concept – Vietnam’s take on cyberpunk Americarna

“Get in, choom. We’re going mud-bogging. Sound nova to you?”

Okay, so no one is really going mudding in an electric mid-size pickup, but the VinFast Wild Concept certainly looks the part. Bulging body lines and squared-off edges scream macho pickup, and the large wheels with all-terrain tires carry implications that it’s ready for overlanding excursions (within its range, of course). It’s mid-size, too. This means you waste no less space on the road as a Tacoma, Ranger, or Colorado. 

However, this is merely a concept and a vision of what to expect from a VinFast entry, so certain things definitely did not scream production-ready. There were no visible backup cameras or parking sensors. The seats were bolstered aggressively in a way you’d usually only see at Tokyo Auto Salon. And the pillarless suicide doors, while incredibly fun to adore, seemed a bit far-fetched for a company that prides itself on affordable, accessible EVs.

Should the Wild make it to production, expect it to challenge the lower tungs of Fisker Alaska and Rivian R1T, with anywhere between 230 to 321 miles as those trucks do. Dual motor all-wheel drive ought to be standard, as will street and off-road-oriented packages. If anything, don’t be surprised if production variants just rehash powertrains from the VF8 and VF9.

The next big question is: Will the Wild rectify the VinFast’s past controversies and missteps or perpetuate them?

CES 2024: VinFast shows off the VF Wild electric pickup truck concept

Volkswagen ID.7 and Mk8 Golf GTI – ChatGPT voice commands

I’m not quite sure how to feel about this, really. On one hand, the kid in me thinks, “Wow, cool gizmos! Just like the sci-fi movies.” On the other hand, the cynical adult thinks, “Is that it? Is that really it? Alright then.” But who cares what I think because this entry will certainly enthrall legions of consumers all over the world, regardless if it serves them any practical use or not.

Partnered with Cerence, Volkswagen delivers ChatGPT-based voice controls for most of their ID electric cars, as well as the Golf, Tiguan, and Passat. That’s right. Volkswagen storms onto the scene at CES 2024 with… an AI chatbot-based voice command system for most of their future cars. Not the most groundbreaking thing at this year’s show, but whether you love or hate the idea, it’s certainly interesting enough to talk about it. 

As a traditional system does, you can use it to assist with infotainment functions and navigation, but the system can also be used to control in-car functions like the radio, climate controls, or ambient lighting. It can also be used to provide vehicle status updates, weather reports, general knowledge questions, assist with conversations, and more. Being an AI system, it could be capable of learning over time to better meet the needs of owners as their ownership tenure carries on, which one could infer from VW’s claims of its “continuously expanding abilities.”

Cool or gimmick? I’ll let you decide. But one can easily call it a fun, innovative evolution of a familiar, age-old convenience feature. 

CES 2024: No more lonely trips as Volkswagen brings ChatGPT to future cars

Kia PBV Prototypes – Mix n’ match electric vans

I can see the SEMA maniacs clamoring for one to slam on its battery pack and turn it into an art van or a parts runner for their shop. And you know what? They’d have a hell of a van to do it in. Say hello to Kia’s “Platform Beyond Vehicle” concepts and peek at what they intend to be a production line of modular, customizable urban haulers.

The idea is fairly simple, and it’s an idea hinted at in previous EV concepts from auto shows of years past. Take a skateboard EV platform and make it do many things. In Kia’s case, their idea of “many things” is having niche cargo and people movers with swappable bodies that can be changed to suit a variety of tasks, from handicap-accessible transport to taxis to moving goods for small businesses. The driver’s cab would remain mostly the same, but the space behind the driver can be interchangeable for whatever purpose. 

Kia aims to launch their Transit-sized PV5 in 2025, followed by the larger, extended-wheelbase PV7, and the diminutive PV1. The latter is unique, positioned as an autonomous grunt intended for finishing those last-mile stints to the final destination, complete with four-wheel steering and a crab-walking mode for maximum urban mobility.

Brilliant idea for Kia to possibly steal shares of the market from Rivian or whoever makes those new postal service vans, but one can only imagine the potential and practicality of a privately-owned PV5. Party van or camper, anyone?

CES 2024: The Kia PBV is the modular minivan of the future

Hyundai’s Ease The Way plan – Revitalizing interest in hydrogen cars 

Kia packed the van. Hyundai has the plan. 

Although Hyundai had little vehicular presence outside of an Ioniq demo car here and there, they still managed to make waves for their bold and optimistic plan to revitalize interest in hydrogen power as the first half of their Ease The Way plan. The latter half focuses on software and connectivity to improve mobility, but for the sake of not making this a whole essay, we’ll focus on their hydrogen game plan. 

Key boilerplate items for the hydrogen half? Deploy the means of generating hydrogen, not only from the traditional method of electrolysis but also through recycling waste. Any waste. From sewage slop to plastics and garbage. From there, they aim to build an abundance of regional hydrogen production and distribution plants around the world, including several across the United States and with Georgia plants already under construction. Such a move would give us the much-needed infrastructure boost to adopt more clean energy for not only our cities and homes but also our vehicles, as Hyundai was also eager to tease its upcoming NEXO fuel cell car, due in 2025, and mention its XCIENT fuel cell semi-trucks.

No, this CES announcement was not related to any specific car. But it is related to a clean, green future, where commuters can potentially fuel themselves on clean energy, and gearheads can feel a little less guilty about installing high-flow cats on their two-decade-old muscle car. So, hats off to Hyundai for reinvigorating interest in something other than your traditional battery electric vehicle. 

CES 2024: Hyundai has high hopes for hydrogen – even in the U.S.

This gargantuan John Deere tractor thing – I got a little sidetracked

I don’t know why this was here. There was no panel or spec sheet anywhere detailing what it was or what new-fangled tech it was sporting. Apparently, John Deere was present to showcase autonomous farming equipment and remote-controlled tractors. But I didn’t know that at the time. My small ape brain sees big giant machine. My big monkey brain says climb inside of big giant machine.

To our agricultural trade workers who get to whip these suckers on a regular basis, I envy you. 

Honorable mentions we missed out on…

Honda 0 Series

Separate from the Sony Afeela collab, Honda launches their own headline-grabbing EV pucked straight from video game and sci-fi fantasies. Enter the 0 Series of EVs, wildly outlandish and alien-looking electric cars that Honda insists will enter production within the next few years. Seriously, these concepts look like they belong in Blade Runner. 

The Saloon flagship and the Space Hub minivan thingamajig are mere concepts, and it’s too early to hit anyone with any sort of range estimates, power figures, or powertrain details. Honda does promise superb aerodynamics, a new generation of ADAS, and great battery efficiency. We’re willing to bet a company like that could make it happen. Honda states that a production Saloon based on the concept should debut in 2026, so by then, perhaps we can expect 800V architecture and 400 miles of range as standard. Maybe. Expect the Space Hub to follow not long after.

In addition to these hot new concepts, Honda has also announced a simplified “H” logo for all EVs going forward, reminiscent of old Honda logos without the squared surround. Certainly, these cars can earn that callback to CVCCs of old if they turn out just as innovative today as that car was back then. 

CES 2024: Seize astro-vibes with the Honda 0 Series EVs

Mercedes-Benz CLA Concept

Nothing too earth-shattering here, although it is exciting to see a legacy automaker like Mercedes dive into the realm of 800V architectures. This vision of a next-generation CLA-Class rides on a rear-drive, single-motor, 800V platform with faux-Maybach styling and a proposed 466-mile range. More specifically, it’s Mercedes Modular Architecture or MMA. Should such a vehicle make it into production with the same specs, it’d handily keep up with the very best in the market and blow most rival EVs way out of the water, all with the efficiency of an 800V system. 

The CLA Concept is not all that new, having debuted in the Fall of last year, but it’s nice to see it making rounds at auto and tech shows like CES. Following the lukewarm reception to the EQ family, something like a production CLA Concept could be just what Mercedes needs to launch the brand right towards the front of the pack for dependable, high-performing, far-driving luxury EVs. Perhaps this concept serves as a test bed for future EQs, which will reportedly upgrade to 800V architectures starting in 2025.

Indy Autonomous Challenge

For Sheilah, if she was a robot.

The Indy Autonomous Challenge is exactly what it sounds like. Take Indy cars, or scaled-down clones of them in this case, and tell them to drive themselves around a track and compete to see who’s the fastest Level-4-autonomous supercomputer. It’s a program for colleges to assemble teams of young brainiacs to see who can develop the fastest robo-racer AI.
CES 2024 marks the debut of a faster race car, the AV-24, complete with radar by Continental and lidar by Luminar, the same company that demoed their lidar systems on the Polestar 3 and AMG GT Black Series from our social media. And while it currently sits as a test bed for college students’ brains, it’d be a whimsical spectacle to see OEMs get in on the fun. After all, they say competition improves the breed.

View this post on Instagram

A post shared by Acceleramota (@acceleramota)

Reinvention. This concept is almost standard for Honda. The Honda 0 Series will be a new chapter in the Honda story and a very fruitful one from our CES 2024 eyes.

Let’s start with philosophy. Honda calls the design concept for this vehicle “The Art of Resonance.” It means that future designs should align with the world and its people. It should resonate with society.

The joy of driving is a concept that Honda has never strayed away from. The Honda 0 Series will combine modern electric power with classic Honda aero and driving dynamics. The sleek profile of the Honda saloon concept combined with steer-by-wire embodies this.

Like the AFEELA electric car, the Honda 0 series will integrate the internet and AI with the philosophy of “fun to drive, fun to use, and be connected.” For example, the car will learn your favorite music and driving behavior (hopefully, without being too judgemental about the former).

The ADAS is based on Honda’s “human-centric” safety concept. This Level 2 and sometimes Level 3 system will sometimes deliver risk-prediction and preventative action.

Honda’s hybrid and electric technology development seems to culminate in the 0 Series, although it’s still too early to have any concrete power specs, range estimates, or charging rates. All we know is that the 0 Series is coming. E-axles and light high-density battery packs already exist in Honda Motorsport and consumer vehicles. More interesting is Honda’s claim that future cars will charge from 15% to 80% in 15 minutes and achieve a 10-year battery degradation of 10%.

Honda 0 Saloon

Finally, we get to fawn over the spaceship-looking car. The Saloon is the flagship concept of the Honda 0 Series. It doesn’t look like any current EV on the market, and the sloping front can only help for aero and visibility. An intuitive human-machine interface adds to the driving experience. 

It will feature a motion management system and posture control. The aim is to combine Honda’s robotics development knowledge to augment your driving experience. In most cases, steer-by-wire would take away from the driving feel, but in this case, we know Honda will deliver.

Sustainable exterior and interior materials feature as well, although specifics are not known yet, 

Honda 0 Space Hub 

It’s got the new Honda logo, and it has a boxy van-shaped frame. That’s pretty much all we know now, but it will carry the same design language and philosophy as the Saloon. Similar to the Kia PBV, it will cater to the needs of ordinary citizens, connecting people and augmenting their lives.

Honda H mark Logo

As far as logos go, this one might take the cake. We love the original Honda logo, and it’s essentially the same thing. This logo will be used on all future Honda EVs and Honda 0 series models.

Platform Beyond Vehicle — A perfect summation of Kia’s vision for this next generation of vehicles. The Kia PBV is positioned to be the single vehicle that meets most, if not all, your needs. A key line in the sand for sustainability, but is it even possible to build such a vehicle? Kia certainly hopes so.

Revealed at CES 2024, The Kia PBV concept is more than a single vehicle or platform. Kia wants to be the end-to-end “Sustainable Mobility Solutions Provider” for businesses and consumers. The key idea behind the PBV is Modularity.

Life modules will allow you to extend and customize your vehicle for every purpose. Deliver your cargo in the morning and take your family camping in the evening. The tech is still behind closed doors, but Kia calls them “Easy Swap” life modules, secureable with mechanical couplings and electromagnets. A skateboard electric powertrain will have a fixed driver cab, and the rest of the vehicle will be hot-swappable.

Kia PV5 to launch first, followed by larger PV7 and tiny PV1

The Kia PV5 will be this platform’s first proof of concept with innovative and intuitive technology and will likely be the most commonly sold variant, being available in passenger and cargo van configurations. With the consumer model in mind, Perovskite solar roof cells will supply power to the vehicle and provide electricity along the rails for users to use immediately.

New Kias: see prices at CarGurus

The modular tile system allows you to change your seating and add a desk, lights, or other accessories. So you can face your friends for more intimate drives and fun or have your mobile hustle-station on hand when driving to the meeting. The steering wheel can be equipped with an iPad or Smartphone and put away for more front cabin space. For mobility-impaired people, a lift will place you perfectly in the vehicle with magic folding seats!

The Kia PV5’s high roof is designed with automated commerce in mind for more commercial use. Kia says it can accommodate multiple “cabinets”, essentially large boxes with items in them, enabling large-scale single-trip deliveries. Real-time management software can access delivery information at the touch of a button.

And your spunky little Kia PV1 completes the trip with automated last-mile delivery. Its active electromagnetic suspension allows up-and-down and tilt movement of the floor with 4-wheel steering and a crab-walking mode (like a baby Hummer EV).

The Kia PV5 will hit the market in 2025 with a pricing goal set around $35,000. The PV7, the larger, longer-wheelbase model, is expected in 2027, and the smaller PV1 soon after that. A robo-taxi and pickup are also potential additions to the lineup.

VinFast has had ups and downs since coming to America, but the automaker finally appears to be eying an upward trajectory with its electric vehicles. It’s building a factory in North Carolina and will offer at least one new model by the end of this year. The company attended this year’s CES in Las Vegas and brought a previously unseen concept that it said could be available in the next two years.

The VF Wild pickup truck concept features seating for five and a unique midgate function similar to the setup seen in the new Chevrolet Silverado EV. We don’t have any other solid details yet, but the truck’s interior design is an adventure khaki-inspired acid trip that would be a radical departure from traditional truck styling if VinFast pushed it to production unchanged. That said, this is an early-stage concept, so it will most likely see updates on its way to the factory.

VinFast also announced the VF 3 electric microcar. The company considers it a “mini eSUV,” and said that the Vietnam-focused vehicle would enter production later this year. Surprisingly, the automaker confirmed that the car would come to the United States, where it would compete with Tesla’s upcoming small car and the future Chevrolet Bolt EV revival.

The Vietnamese company is set for significant growth in the States, as it plans to open 125 dealers in its first phase of expansion, with the first five openings in Kansas, New York, North Carolina, and Texas. It originally planned four crossovers for sale here but changed course to include the VF 3 after prospective dealers asked for the tiny car.

At CES 2024, Sony and Honda unveiled the prototype Afeela electric car. Sony Honda Mobility (SHM) revealed details at the 2023 Japan Mobility Show, but finally, we have a real car on our hands! Well, not in our hands, but in the media’s hands in general. And wow, it’s quite the stunner in person.

This variant of the Afeela is the first time we see more than an announcement, so even though SHM was founded in September 2022, it’s now more than lip slap. These two industry behemoths are more than capable of delivering an excellent electric car; judging by the gorgeous exterior, tastefully premium interior, and a big dollop of fresh specs, the Afeela hits that spot. 

Specs overview

After much waiting, specs for the Afeela have now trickled out, from dimensions to motor power output and tire sizing! Check out what’s now known below.

New Hondas: see prices at CarGurus

Length	4,915mm (16.14 ft.)
Width	1,900mm (6.23 ft.)
Height	1,460mm (4.78 ft.)
Wheelbase	3,000mm (9.84 ft.)
Drivetrain	AWD
Front Motor Type	Interior Permanent Magnet Synchronous Motor
Front Motor Power	180kW
Rear Motor Type	Interior Permanent Magnet Synchronous Motor
Rear Motor Power	180kW
Battery	Lithium-Ion
Battery Capacity	91kWh
DC charging	150kW
AC charging	11kW
Front Suspension	Double Wishbone
Rear Suspension	Multi-Link
Suspension type	Air Suspension
Front Tires	245/40R21
Rear Tires	275/35R21

Afeela AI and ADAS

SHM calls this “mobility intelligence.” Revealed at CES 2024, the company plans to combine sensors and ADAS technology to deliver a car that redefines the relationship between people and mobility.

Sensors and Cameras — 360º Vigilance

No blind spots. 360º Vigilance is not new in a car. Still, to implement some of the mentioned features and an authentic next-level driving experience for Afeela drivers, a crazy camera setup is needed. The Afeela will park upon arriving at a parking space. It will also open the door when you approach and display your destination if this is a regular trip.

Advanced Driving Assistance 

With great software comes excellent hardware (Uncle Ben). Lidar, radar, and cameras band together to feed information to a litany of driving aids, with each adding a level of redundancy to one another for maximum safety netting and adaptability to a wide variety of conditions and obstacles. To support these features, the Afeela will partner with Qualcomm to achieve Level 2 /2+ and, under certain conditions, Level 3 driving autonomy. They will also use Vision Transformer (ViT) to capture and detect objects. Essentially, it’s the God of image detection for AI. 

SHM and Epic Games

Stemming from a newly-minted partnership with Epic Games (sigh, yes, that Epic Games) SHM will use Unreal Engine 5.3, real-time sensing, and vehicle data to simulate external environmental conditions. This system will give drivers information about other vehicles, pedestrians, terrain, and weather, providing an immersive experience with a real purpose — safety. 

Conversational personal agent

A conversational, personal agent is also in development, using the Microsoft Azure OpenAI Service. So you will have your own personal Delamain in the future!

AI plays an essential role in achieving our goal to redefining the relationship between people and mobility, enhancing emotional user experience. Microsoft is a key partner to provide conversational personal agent. We are pleased to be working with Microsoft to realize our vision.

Izumi Kawanishi, Representative Director, President and COO, Sony Honda Mobility

SHM and Polyphony Digital

SHM and Polyphony Digital (the developers of the Gran Turismo series) will work together to share information. This collaboration will improve player experiences in future GT games. Still, arguably more importantly, it will bring sim data, experience, intuitive operating systems, and more to the Afeela and future vehicles. SHM wants to fuse the virtual and the real, mainly in the area of human senses and emotions.

The announcement at CES 2024 also brought great news for Gran Turismo 7 fans, as the Afeela will be included in a patch update for GT7 later this year (release date TBA.)

Afeela Co-Creation Program

SHM’s Afeela Co-Creation Program will allow developers and creators to work on applications and services running on the Afeela. Android Automotive OS will be the operating environment for apps.

• Contents of Media Bar
• Themes on panoramic screens
• e Motor sound
• Additional information on maps
• Any application

Spatial audio 

Of course, it wouldn’t be a Sony car without spatial audio. Honda’s mobility audio environment expertise with Sony’s renowned spatial audio craftsmanship maximizes multiple speakers throughout the vehicle for an unimaginably immersive experience.

Afeela production model

And a production model is coming! SHM plans to start taking pre-orders in the first half of 2025, begin sales at the end of 2025, and deliver from spring in 2026 in North America and by the end of 2026 in Japan.