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Opel Astra Gets a Facelift: Hatchbacks Still Have Their Place
Industry & Business, News

Opel Astra Gets a Facelift: Hatchbacks Still Have Their Place

Stellantis is revving up excitement with the upcoming facelift for the Opel Astra, teasing its refreshed look ahead of an official debut. The compact hatchback, which has been a stalwart in the European market since 2021, is getting a much-needed makeover to stay competitive against the ever-growing SUV segment.The teaser images reveal that the facelifted Astra will sport sharper styling with an illuminated Vizor grille, enhancing the Opel Blitz badge. This update aligns closely with recent changes seen in other Stellantis models like the Peugeot 308, ensuring a cohesive design language across the brand.Florian Huettl, CEO of Opel, promises that this refresh will delight customers with its new, more precise design highlights and innovative technologies. The front end is clearly the focus, ...
EV Drivers Face Pay-per-Mile Tax Starting £200 Annually in 2028
Industry & Business, News

EV Drivers Face Pay-per-Mile Tax Starting £200 Annually in 2028

Starting April 2028, electric vehicle (EV) drivers will face a new pay-per-mile tax costing an average of £200 to £300 annually. The Autumn Budget announcement by Chancellor Rachel Reeves introduces this road pricing scheme for EVs and plug-in hybrids (PHEVs), which will apply on top of existing Vehicle Excise Duty (VED).Under the new system, EV drivers will be charged three pence per mile, while PHEV owners will pay half that rate. These costs are expected to rise annually in line with inflation as measured by the Consumer Price Index.The Office for Budget Responsibility predicts this tax could raise approximately £1.4 billion per year by 2029-30. However, critics argue it might hinder EV adoption and reduce the number of electric cars on UK roads from around four percent to a lower figur...
2025 MINI Cooper S Convertible Iconic Trim: A Cheeky Twist on Open-Air Fun
EV & Electric Cars, News, Supercars

2025 MINI Cooper S Convertible Iconic Trim: A Cheeky Twist on Open-Air Fun

As the sun sets over the city, there's something undeniably charming about cruising in a car that lets you feel every breeze and hear every hum of the engine. The latest addition to the MINI family, the 2025 Cooper S Convertible Iconic Trim, does just that with its power-folding soft top, offering a unique blend of style and performance. This fourth-generation model keeps the cheeky character and tech features we've come to love in previous models but adds an extra layer of open-air drama.The MINI Cooper has always been about making small packages feel big on fun, and the Iconic Convertible doesn't disappoint. With a 2.0-liter turbocharged four-cylinder engine producing 201 horsepower and 221 pound-feet of torque, it's no surprise that this car feels stronger than its numbers suggest. The ...
ACT Expo 2026: The Future of Clean Fleets
News, Pickup Trucks

ACT Expo 2026: The Future of Clean Fleets

The automotive industry is on the cusp of a significant transformation, with TRC's ACT Expo 2026 set to be a landmark event for commercial fleets. As Sr. VP of incentives at TRC, Joe Annotti provides an overview of what attendees can expect from this year’s expo, which will take place in Las Vegas and attract over 12,000 professionals from various sectors.With the accelerated development of digital solutions, powertrain technologies, and fuel choices available to commercial customers today, ACT Expo aims to be a comprehensive resource for fleet managers. The event will feature real-world case studies and direct access to industry leaders who are shaping the future of clean fleets through innovative technology and sustainable practices.One of the key themes at this year’s expo is incentive-...
Mazda 6e: A Stylish Electric Hatchback Enters the Arena
EV & Electric Cars, News, Reviews

Mazda 6e: A Stylish Electric Hatchback Enters the Arena

Mazda's latest entry into the electric vehicle market, the Mazda 6e, is a breath of fresh air in an industry dominated by SUVs. This large electric hatchback represents a significant departure from typical EV offerings, showcasing Mazda’s commitment to innovation while staying true to their unique design philosophy.First impressions of the Mazda 6e are overwhelmingly positive. Its sleek exterior and stylish interior immediately catch the eye, making it stand out in a crowded market. The car feels well-built and offers a comfortable driving experience, which is no small feat for an electric vehicle that’s not just another SUV on the block.One of the most intriguing aspects of the Mazda 6e is its unconventional underpinning. While the exterior proudly displays the Mazda badge, much of the ca...
JackRabbit MG Doble: A Compact Yet Fun Ride for Two
EV & Electric Cars, News, Reviews

JackRabbit MG Doble: A Compact Yet Fun Ride for Two

When I first laid eyes on the JackRabbit MG Doble, it was love at first sight—or curiosity, to be more accurate. This quirky micro e-bike caught my attention with its unique design and promise of a two-person ride that's both compact and enjoyable. Despite not fitting neatly into any traditional category—neither fully an electric bike nor a mini-motorbike—it offers something truly special: a sense of freedom and fun that’s hard to resist.At first glance, the MG Doble looks like a stretched version of JackRabbit's XG series microbikes. But once you climb aboard, it feels more like a stripped-down motorcycle than an oversized scooter. Its front 24×3″ tire and rear 20×3″ tire give it that distinctive mullet look, making it easy to store in tight spaces without sacrificing stability on the roa...
Chevy Silverado EVs Embark on Holiday Road Trip Across America
EV & Electric Cars, News, Pickup Trucks

Chevy Silverado EVs Embark on Holiday Road Trip Across America

Chevrolet is set to embark on a festive journey across the United States with its Chevrolet Silverado EV, marking the fifth installment of their 'Holiday Card to America' campaign. A convoy of electric pickups will travel nearly 3,000 miles from San Diego to Detroit, making stops in Dallas, Nashville, and Atlanta along the way.The trip aims to highlight the capabilities of the new Silverado EV, showcasing its impressive range, towing capacity, and mobile power features at various events. In each city, the vehicles will participate in lighting ceremonies for holiday trees and surprise onlookers with light shows while providing offboard power for community gatherings.Chevrolet's campaign also includes a 60-second advertisement featuring an empty-nest couple reminiscing about past family trip...
Velotric Offers Up to $750 Savings on E-Bikes for Black Friday
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Velotric Offers Up to $750 Savings on E-Bikes for Black Friday

Velotric has ramped up its Black Friday Sale with increased savings and expanded bundle packages, offering discounts of up to $750 on select e-bike models. The T1 ST Plus Lightweight Urban e-bike is a standout deal, available at $1,299 with a free range extender battery ($400 value) included.Other Velotric deals include the option to save 30% on three accessories and new low prices starting from $999. The brand's lineup features lightweight commuter models like the T1 ST Plus, which weighs only 39 pounds, making it easy to maneuver in tight spaces.EcoFlow is also joining the fray with a 24-hour Black Friday flash sale offering new lows on various units such as the DELTA 2 Max at $799 and the DELTA 3 Ultra solar home backup bundle. Lectric's XPeak 2.0 e-bike bundles are close to selling out...
Porsche Draws Inspiration from Hyundai Ioniq 5 N for Electric 718
EV & Electric Cars, News, Supercars

Porsche Draws Inspiration from Hyundai Ioniq 5 N for Electric 718

When Porsche, a brand synonymous with automotive excellence and innovation, openly praises another automaker's vehicle, it’s clear that car is making waves. At the recent Icons of Porsche event in Dubai, Frank Moser, who oversees both the 718 and 911 model lines, expressed his admiration for the Hyundai Ioniq 5 N. This Korean hot hatch has not only impressed with its performance but also with its unique features that are now inspiring new developments at Porsche.The Hyundai Ioniq 5 N stands out due to its impressive straight-line speed and innovative theater-like driving experience. The car’s artificial powertrain sound, known as N Active Sound+, and simulated gearshifts, called N e-Shift, have caught the attention of many automotive enthusiasts and engineers alike. These features are not ...
Biofuels: A Climate Solution or a False Promise?
Industry & Business, News

Biofuels: A Climate Solution or a False Promise?

As the world grapples with climate change, biofuels have emerged as both a beacon of hope and a source of skepticism. At COP30 in Brazil last week, delegates discussed the potential for biofuels to decarbonize transportation energy, aiming to quadruple their use over the next decade. This ambitious goal has garnered support from countries like Brazil, Italy, Japan, and India, who see it as a pathway towards reducing carbon emissions.However, the journey of biofuels in the United States since 2005 hasn't been without controversy. The federal Energy Policy Act mandated blending ethanol with gasoline to lower exhaust emissions, but many saw this move as a subsidy for corn farmers rather than an environmental initiative. Today, similar debates are echoing across global forums about whether bio...