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The 500cc 1 Stroke Engine
"1 stroke" 84lb engine making 120 hp? Call me weird. I like weird things like this. A company has developed a 500cc one-stroke engine that has impressive power to weight- and promptly installed it in a Miata. Breaking the Mold: The 500cc One-Stroke Engine Contrary to the trend of electric powertrains and hybrid systems where that's basically all you hear about lately, a company has rekindled the spirit of traditional combustion engines with its 500cc one-stroke engine. This engine's design departs from the conventional multi-stroke engines found in most vehicles. Instead, it operates on a one-stroke principle, where each cylinder fires only once per cycle. Unveiling the Power Potential: The Read More...
Why should I replace the rotors with the brake pads?
Today, we're diving into an essential aspect of vehicle maintenance – the brakes. Specifically, we'll explore why it's crucial to replace not just the brake pads but also the rotors. Before we talk about rotors, let's quickly review how the brake system works. When you press the brake pedal, hydraulic fluid rushes through the brake lines, applying pressure on the brake pads. These pads then clamp down on the rotors, which are large metal discs attached to the wheels. The friction between the pads and the rotors creates the stopping power that slows down or halts your car. Brake pads are crucial components of your vehicle's braking system. As they Read More...
Texas postpones EV chargers
Texas postpones EV chargers Texas has decided again to postpone a vote on the use of federal funds for building electric vehicle chargers; and I believe this is lack of education on the commission's part. Previously, Texas had announced its intention to mandate the use of both Tesla's North American Charging Standard (NACS) and the Combined Charging System (CCS) for state-funded EV chargers (see ya later, #CHAdeMO) However, this decision faced resistance from manufacturers and operators of EV chargers, who argued that additional time is required to thoroughly test the compatibility and functionality of both CSS and NACS when used in conjunction. Why? Because even CCS is now going to be Read More...
Driving Laws and Road Safety
Driving laws have a significant impact on our daily lives as motorists. They are put in place to maintain order, promote road safety, and protect both drivers and pedestrians. In this article, we delve into the ongoing debate surrounding driving laws and their effectiveness in enhancing road safety. By shedding light on different perspectives, we aim to provide valuable information that fosters awareness and responsible driving practices. Striking a Balance Between Safety and Individual Freedom: The discussion surrounding driving laws often revolves around finding the right balance between safety and personal freedom. While the intent of driving laws is to safeguard lives and prevent accidents, an excessive number of regulations Read More...
Electric Truck Startup Lordstown Motors Corporation Files For Bankruptcy
Lordstown Motors Corp., an electric truck startup based in Ohio, has filed for Chapter 11 bankruptcy protection and is up for sale after failing to resolve a dispute with Taiwan's Foxconn over a promised investment. The company accuses Foxconn of fraudulent conduct and broken promises related to a $170 million investment agreement. Lordstown claims that Foxconn misled them about collaboration on vehicle development plans and is refusing to purchase additional shares as agreed. Foxconn, on the other hand, states that Lordstown breached the investment agreement. The clash between the two companies could have implications for Foxconn's EV ambitions and partnerships with other automakers. Lordstown's bankruptcy filing sets the stage for Read More...
Paper Vehicle License Plates Coming To An End in Texas
The Abuse of Paper License Plates Coming To An End Living in Houston, Texas, I'm sure you're well aware of the pandemic we face with paper temporary license plates on vehicles. These plates, used when someone purchases a vehicle, have been a source of abuse and criminal activities for quite some time. The local news/rags have been constantly writing articles on how they are used and abused. However, the recent signing of HB718 into law, effective in 2025, brings hope for a positive change. Let's explore why this development is so significant. The Problem with Paper Plates: A quick search on the issue reveals numerous articles discussing the problems associated Read More...
Sustainability In The Automotive Industry
More Automakers Are Going Green The automotive industry has shifted in recent years to more "green" production and materials, due to the environmental concerns and impacts of prior manufacturing methods. All industries should attempt to reduce their environmental impact in some way or another. One of the most significant environmental initiatives in the automotive industry is the push towards electric and hybrid vehicles. I'm not entirely convinced this is a long term fix or solution. These vehicles emit significantly fewer greenhouse gases compared to traditional gasoline-powered vehicles- but production of the batteries and components just "shift" the pollution or environmental impact elsewhere in the world. In recent years, many automakers Read More...
Trends In Automotive Sales and Marketing
The automotive industry is constantly evolving, with new technology and changes in consumer behavior affecting the way cars are marketed and sold. Here are some of the key trends in automotive sales and marketing that are shaping the industry today: 1. The automotive industry is undergoing a digital transformation. Automotive manufacturers and dealers are increasingly using online presence from websites and social media, to online marketplaces and virtual showrooms. When was the last time you've seen a car ad as a commercial on TV vs. radio/social media/online commercial? 2. Personalized and/or targeted marketing is becoming increasingly important in the automotive industry, with consumers expecting customized and tailored experiences. Automotive companies Read More...
Electric Vehicle Charging Infrastructure
EV Charging Is Here, And Growing The rise of electric vehicles (EVs) is revolutionizing (and shaking up) the automotive industry. With it comes the need for a robust charging infrastructure. As more and more people switch to EVs, it's becoming increasingly important to have a charging network that can support the growing demand for electric mobility. Types of Charging Stations: There are two main types of EV charging stations - Level 1 and Level 2, and Level 3 (DC fast charging). Level 1 Level 1 charging stations use a standard 110V outlet, which is suitable for overnight charging at home. An example would be my current daily driver- a Ford Read More...
Emerging technologies in the automotive industry
The automotive industry is undergoing a rapid transformation with the advent of new technologies. From electric vehicles to autonomous driving, the industry is being reshaped by innovations that promise to change the way we move. Here are some of the most exciting emerging technologies in the automotive industry. Electric Vehicles: Electric vehicles (EVs) could be the future of mobility, but I'm not convinced yet. With advancements in battery technology and charging infrastructure, EVs are becoming increasingly popular. Owning an EV myself, I can tell you that while this may be an alternative for some folks, it is not a viable solution (yet) for the mainstream population for transportation. Autonomous Driving: Read More...