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Why it's difficult to accurately test the efficiency of a plug-in car

When it comes to electric vehicles and plug-ins in general, the Environmental Protection Agency-certified range is a hugely important number. While actual range anxiety is largely psychological, the magic number does provide a point of comparison of buyers considering one EV over another. The driving distance is also often touted by automakers when marketing their models. Unfortunately, as Green Car Reports finds in a recent deep dive, the way the EPA calculates the figure is a convoluted mess, and discovering the reasons why is definitely worth the read. The issue isn't about bad science but instead comes down to vague wording. The EPA's accepted range test is sourced from an evaluation called J-1634 from the Society of Automotive Engineers, and it seems to provide balanced results for vehicles that automatically reach a single state of charge when plugged in. However for models with multiple charge settings, the situation gets complicated very quickly. Of course, these modes are often created in the software, meaning that a car's certified driving distance can change with just a few taps of the keyboard without the real world results owners might experience actually changing. By showing the test's effects on the certified range for the Tesla Model S, Nissan Leaf and Mercedes-Benz B-Class Electric Drive over the last few years, Green Car Reports makes a compelling argument that it's the evaluation that needs to change. Thankfully, it appears that the solution is a very simple one. Get the details here.

Lots of new cars were unveiled in Munich this week. Here's what you might've missed

The 2021 Munich Auto Show is happening this week and due to ongoing corporate travel restrictions, we remained firmly planted on this continent. So, although we can't tell you exactly what it's like inside the futuristic new Mercedes EQE electric sedan or fully appreciate the funky Volkswagen ID.Life concept, there's no shortage of details and analysis to provide.  Obviously, as Germany's premier auto show in 2021, the cars unveiled were primarily from the German brands. We also focused mostly on the cars that might actually make their way to the United States, or at least inspire those that will.   2023 Mercedes-Benz EQE is an electric alternative to the E-Class While the EQS paved the way for Mercedes' electrified future, much like the S-Class before it, the EQE stands to be the car that will move in far greater numbers -- much like the E-Class before it. Mercedes-Benz EQE 350 View 12 Photos   Mercedes-Maybach EQS Concept shows SUV future of the flagship brand Opulence will still have a place in an electrified future, as Maybach gets into the EQ game with a grand electric SUV. Mercedes-Maybach EQS Concept View 4 Photos   Volkswagen ID.Life concept previews the city car's high-riding EV future Well, isn't this adorable? Though perhaps a tad derivative of the Honda E, Volkswagen's blocky little crossover EV nevertheless represents a handsome new direction for VW design. We like this better than the rounded looks of the current ID.3 and ID.4.  2021 Volkswagen ID.Life concept View 20 Photos   BMW i Vision Circular is a 100% recycled and recyclable hatch Behold, the next BMW 3 Series! Just kidding. Besides this, BMW displayed cars in person for the first time that it had previously only unveiled on the interwebs, including the new 2 Series and revised iX3. It also unveiled some bikes. BMW i Vision Circular Concept View 63 Photos   Audi's GrandSphere concept was designed as a road-going private jet Does Audi know what a sphere is? Cause this isn't anything like one. Still, it's quite a handsome thing, and as one of three Sphere-branded concepts, previews the next direction of Audi design (which is pleasantly reminiscent of two-decade-old Mazda design). No complaints here. 2021 Audi GrandSphere concept View 26 Photos   Porsche Mission R is a 1,000-horsepower electric monster Just like the Mission E previewed the Taycan, this apparently previews another future car.

2017 Infiniti QX30 price anounced ahead of September launch

The 2017 Infiniti QX30 will start at $30,945 for the base model and will max out at $39,495 for the Sport trim. The oversized hatchback will be available in six different trims: the QX30, QX30 Luxury, QX30 Premium, QX30 Sport, QX30 Luxury AWD, and QX30 Premium AWD. There will also be a 2017 QX30 Reservation Program for buyers interested in getting their hands on the car first. Buyers in the program will be able to choose from a selection of gifts to go along with their new QX30. The QX30 Luxury starts at $33,595, while its AWD variant is $1,800 more. The QX30 Sport, which is front-wheel drive only and is 0.6 inches lower than the rest of the lineup, is priced at $39,495. The QX30 Premium will start at $36,295 with the QX30 Premium AWD commanding an additional $2,400. All trims are powered by a 2.0-liter turbocharged inline-four that puts out 208 hp and sends power to a seven-speed dual-clutch gearbox. While the QX30 borrows a lot of components from the Mercedes-Benz GLA-Class, it's priced lower than its German counterpart. The Mercedes GLA250 starts at $33,775, while the GLA250 4Matic is priced at $34,775. The QX30 also comes in under the Acura RDX ($36,510), BMW X1 ($34,095), Audi Q3 ($34,625), and the larger Lexus NX 200t ($35,915). The QX30 will hit showroom floors in September.Related Video: This content is hosted by a third party. To view it, please update your privacy preferences. Manage Settings. Featured Gallery 2017 Infiniti QX30 View 19 Photos News Source: InfinitiImage Credit: Infiniti Infiniti Mercedes-Benz Crossover Hatchback Luxury infiniti qx30