As the CEO of Tesla and an outspoken advocate of green technology, Elon Musk developed a large and loyal fanbase and was frequently credited as a major force helping to build demand for the automaker’s EVs. But things have changed over the nearly two years since Musk purchased what was then Twitter and began a visible shift towards the political right. That’s changed perceptions of the South African-born Musk for many former fans. But is that costing Tesla sales? Headlight.News has this story.
Environment
Disneyland’s Autopia Goes Electric
It’s been billed as “The Happiest Place on Earth,” and environmentally minded visitors to Disneyland’s Autopia now have a big reason to smile – the popular auto-themed ride replacing its old, smoke-belching cars with new, all-electric models. Contributor John Faulkner has been a long-time visitor to Disneyland and dropped by to check out the newly updated ride.
UAW Charges Musk, Trump With Trying to Intimidate Workers
The United Auto Workers is challenging the explicitly anti-union, and anti-workers language used by former President Donald Trump and Tesla CEO Elon Musk during an interview on Musk’s social media service X on Monday.
Musk Uses Live Conversation With Trump to Pitch EVs to Candidate’s Skeptical Followers
It was billed as an “interview” with presidential candidate Donald Trump but billionaire entrepreneur Elon Musk used the Monday night event on social media service X to promote the benefits of EVs – those from Tesla, in particular. It’s no easy sell, at least to the former president’s followers.
Auto Industry Remains Central to Presidential Race
As the 2024 Presidential campaign moves into higher gear, the U.S. auto industry is once again at the center of the nation’s political conversation. There are numerous places where candidates Kamala Harris and Donald Trump conflict. But they suddenly seem to agree on one key issue – sort of – EVs.
First Drive: 2025 Ram ProMaster EV
Online retailing will generate over $1.2 billion in revenues this year. And whether you’re buying from Amazon, WalMart, Target or countless other Internet retailers your package is likely to will make it to your doorstep in a delivery van. Increasingly, those vans are going electric as fleet operators seek low-cost solutions. Now, Ram is getting into the game with the new ProMaster EV. Headlight.News had a chance to take the rig for a run – without having to make any delivery stops.
Plug-in Hybrids Now Outselling EVs
As EV sales growth slows, automakers are looking for other ways to reduce emissions without turning off potential buyers. That’s led to a wave of new plug-in hybrids coming to market – and to a surge in demand for PHEVs which grew 50% globally during the first five months of the year. But will they continue to outpace all-electric models? That’s a matter of debate.
A Week With: 2024 Chevrolet Blazer EV: A Hint of Great Things to Come
The Blazer name has had a long history at Chevrolet. In its newest incarnation it offers a sign of the direction the bowtie brand plans to take in an electrified automotive market. But does it live up expectations? Jeff Zurschmiede spent a week with the new Chevy Blazer EV to find out.
EVs Are Twice as Energy-Efficient as Gas Vehicles
Battery-electric vehicles use half as much energy to run a given distance as do vehicles powered by gasoline, according to a new study by Yale University. And the cleaner and more efficient the source of electricity used to charge a vehicle the better the equation gets.
Paraplegic IndyCar Driver Finds Electric Racing Car Uniquely Adaptable
Left a paraplegic following a crash six years ago, promising IndyCar driver Robert Wickens is back on track as part of the Formula E racing series thanks to an ell-electric race car specifically modified by manufacturing partner SPARK he can drive via hand controls. The third-generation Formula E car is the world’s fastest, lightest and most sustainable electric race car.
Jeep Confirms $25,000 Renegade EV Coming in 2027 – Offers First Details
Jeep will introduce a $25,000 EV in 2027, officials from parent Stellantis confirmed on Thursday. CEO Carlos Tavares – who first dropped hints about the affordable offering last month – added a number of other details during a meeting with investors.
Volvo Recalling All EX30 EVs to Repair Software Glitch
Volvo is recalling nearly 72,000 EX30 SUVs because of a software problem that can glitch the EV’s speedometer. It’s the second software problem that has plagued the new battery-electric vehicle. But motorists may not even know there’s a problem unless they read the mandatory recall notice sent under federal guidelines.