Augmented Reality Windshields Coming to Kia, Audi and More Could Change the Way We Drive
Automakers are poised to introduce technology on new cars, trucks and SUVs that projects directions onto the windshield and draws a circle around pedestrians or deer on the roadway.
Depending on the vehicle, these augmented reality windshields may also display vehicle information, identify ice patches and, eventually, serve as a screen for entertainment purposes when self-driving cars become a reality.
Read the article at USA Today.
Senate Panel Wants to Bump EV Incentives up to $12,500
The U.S. Senate Finance Committee gave a boost to President Joe Biden’s pro-EV agenda by advancing legislation that would provide up to $12,500 in tax credits to electric-vehicle buyers, and eliminate the cap on how many EVs each manufacturer can sell before losing their tax credits.
The Clean Energy bill, as proposed by Senator Debbie Stabenow, a Michigan Democrat, would retain the original $7,500 credit, and create two additional benefits. EVs built in the U.S. would qualify for up to another $2,500, and those built here by union workers could generate another $2,500 in credits.
Read the article at The Detroit Bureau.
Consumer Reports, IIHS Update Recommended Vehicles for Class of ’21
Consumer Reports (CR) and the Insurance Institute for Highway Safety (IIHS) have updated their list of affordable, safe and reliable vehicles for teens for 2021.
“With used car prices so high this year, it may be tempting to have a newly licensed teen make do with a clunker or to buy them the smallest, cheapest new car available,” says IIHS President David Harkey.
Even in this tight market, it’s possible to find some good options for young drivers. IIHS and CR identified 61 used vehicles ranging from $6,400 to $19,800 that meet safety and reliability criteria. A separate list of new vehicles with state-of-the-art protection has 29 models ranging in price from $19,900 to $39,500.
Read the article at IIHS.
Consumer Reports Renews its Low-Key Battle With Tesla
Tesla said that it would stop using radar on new Model 3s and Model Ys, leading the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration to say they no longer have some advanced safety features. Occasional Tesla antagonist Consumer Reports agrees it could be a problem.
At issue are forward collision warning and automatic emergency braking, two features that relied on radar in Model 3s and Model Ys, along with lane departure warning and dynamic brake support, which kicks in if the car senses you aren’t braking enough before a potential collision.
NHTSA said Wednesday that those features on new Model Ys and Model 3s “do not have NHTSA’s check mark” because NHTSA, “only includes check marks for the model production range for the vehicles tested.” That also means that for CR and the Insurance Institute for Highway Safety, new Model 3s aren’t good enough for their top awards.
Read the article at Jalopnik.
EVgo Launches Reservations Charging Program on US West Coast
Public fast-charging network EVgo has announced a new program called EVgo Reservations that gives drivers the freedom to claim their spot at a charger ahead of time. The initial rollout consists of 17 locations across California and the Seattle area in a pilot program that has already expanded.
The company’s software team developed this new feature by integrating various makes and models of EV fast chargers with its own back-end software system. As a result, drivers can now make a reservation at a charger of their choice while en route, or up to two weeks in advance.
Allowing for reservations could help those running errands to plan their route based around an available charger at whatever store they’re looking to visit. This could prove super effective for travelers as they can reserve their spot from the road or even weeks before they depart to ensure they can charge quickly to get back on their journey.
Read the article at Electrek.
