Chad Kirchner
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Articles by Chad Kirchner
Saudi Arabia wants a car industry, launches Ceer with two EVs
Tech News Tube is a real time news feed of the latest technology news headlines.Follow all of the top tech sites in one place, on the web or your mobile device.
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The new carmaker is a joint venture between the Saudi PIF and Foxconn. The Ceer Exobot sedan and SUV. The Ceer Exobot sedan and SUV. KING ABDULLAH ECONOMIC CITY, Saudi Arabia—It may come as a surprise to some, but Saudi Arabia has never had a domestic automaker. That changes with Ceer.
Saudi Arabia wants a car industry, launches Ceer with two EVs
iOS 27 2 hours ago Apple Notes adds a power user feature in iOS 27 that’s rare in other apps 9to5Mac - Ryan Christoffel • 2h Apple Notes in iOS 27 adds a variety of new features, including one that power users are sure to appreciate: section links. Apple Notes lets you link to specific sections of your note in iOS 27 There’s no shortage of third-party notes apps on the App Store.
Anthropic’s latest troubles should give automakers pause
The China Problem™️ is incredibly nuanced, and there isn’t a simple social media post-sized solution. Nor is it a problem I intend to solve today in this newsletter. (Though I’m certain my solution makes the most sense). Instead, if I want to talk about Anthropic. Last week, Anthropic — the creators of Claude — made its most advanced model available to the public.
GM Is An Energy Company Now Original
You heard it here first: General Motors is no longer a mere automotive manufacturer. While GM will continue to produce vehicles long into the future, it has determined that to be truly competitive in an electrified future, it needs to become an energy company. And that's exactly what it is doing.
2026 Lexus ES 350e and ES 500e first drive review: A confident step into electric
The Lexus ES has, for generations, been the answer to a specific question: what’s the most comfortable thing I can buy with a Lexus badge that isn’t an LS? It’s been front-wheel drive, often hybrid, and gently sprung. The 2026 ES is the eighth generation of the car, and it’s the first one available as a battery-electric vehicle. There are two BEVs — the ES 350e in front-wheel drive, and the ES 500e in Direct4 all-wheel drive — and a new ES 350h hybrid is coming later this year.
Reviewing MSI's EV life home charging EVSE
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Reviewing MSI’s EV Life home charging EVSE
Table of Contents Toggle I’m going to let you in on a little secret, dear reader. Reviewing home EV chargers, or EVSE, is one of the most difficult aspects of the job as an EV expert. When reviewing a car, there are a bunch of things to look for. All that really matters with charging equipment is whether it works and how much it costs.
ID. Buzz returns for 2027 with a new Tourer trim built for overnight camping
Table of Contents Toggle Volkswagen of America has confirmed that the ID. Buzz will return to the United States for model year 2027 after sitting out the 2026 calendar, and the relaunch arrives with a meaningful expansion of the lineup rather than a straight carryover. The 2027 ID.
Website update
Hello, good readers, Over the weekend, we’ll be working on some changes to make Destination Charged an even more enjoyable browsing experience. While I don’t expect any significant issues, I am pointing out that there might be weird moments of downtime or features that aren’t currently available.I expect any downtown to be minimal, but I’m also an idiot. For the real-time status of all of our systems, view our uptime monitor.
Gas prices in Alabama
Table of Contents Toggle Key findings Alabama drivers pay 29.2 cents per gallon in state gas taxes, ranking 28th highest in the country. The average residential electricity rate in Alabama is 16.2 cents per kWh, compared to the national residential average of 17.7 cents per kWh. Over the past month, gas prices in Alabama have remained relatively stable. What are current gas prices in Alabama? Current gas price data for Alabama is being updated. Check back soon for the latest numbers.
Ioniq V is Hyundai's first China-only electric car, and it has a 27-inch screen Microsoft Cares About Your Privacy
Chad Kirchner Hyundai Motor used the Auto China 2026 stage in Beijing to announce one of the most aggressive product commitments the company has made to any single market, unveiling the new Ioniq V electric sedan and officially launching the Ioniq brand in China.
Microsoft Cares About Your Privacy The best EVs for new drivers in 2026
Use precise geolocation data and actively scan device characteristics for identification. This is done to store and access information on a device and to provide personalised advertising and content, advertising and content measurement, audience research and services development. List of partners (vendors) Chad Kirchner Getting your first car is a big deal. Getting your first electric car? That's even more exciting. EVs are quiet, smooth, and surprisingly simple to drive.
2026 Mitsubishi Outlander PHEV gets more range, more power, and interior updates
Mitsubishi has announced pricing and details for the refreshed 2026 Mitsubishi Outlander Plug-in Hybrid, which is scheduled to arrive at U.S. dealerships in early May. The updated model carries a starting manufacturer’s suggested retail price of $43,245. Including the $1,745 destination charge, the base price comes to $44,990. The Outlander Plug-in Hybrid serves as the electrified version of Mitsubishi’s flagship compact SUV.
Honda's very weird admission
The Kirchner Report is 100% independent automotive journalism. If you want to support our coverage, subscribe for free, become a paid member, or leave a tip. We all know that EV sales in the United States are having a bit of a moment. With the elimination of any federal incentives, it was expected that there would be a sales decline until things stabilized.
Here's Where Automakers Freeze Their Lugnuts Off For Cold Weather Testing Original
For those of you living in a place like San Diego, you probably experience nearly the same climate year-round. Designing and engineering an automobile to work in average weather conditions isn't a challenge. But many, many more people have to deal with rain, snow, sleet, and extreme heat or cold temperatures. For customers living in those areas, automakers have to test their cars in all environments. And in the world of winter testing, that means they'll have to go somewhere cold.
50 mpg in a Nissan crossover? Testing the new E-Power hybrid system.
Tech News Tube is a real time news feed of the latest technology news headlines.Follow all of the top tech sites in one place, on the web or your mobile device.
50 mpg in a Nissan crossover? Testing the new E-Power hybrid system.
Nissan imported some Qashqais from Europe so we could sample the hybrid system. Later this year, Nissan's new E-Power hybrid system will show up in the Rogue. The company gave us a preview in an imported Qashqai. Later this year, Nissan's new E-Power hybrid system will show up in the Rogue. The company gave us a preview in an imported Qashqai. While Toyota and Honda’s showrooms are littered with electrified offerings, Nissan hasn’t had much to counter.
How To Avoid Headaches Trying To Charge Your Rivian At A Tesla Supercharger Original
In a perfect world, there would be a single type of connector for every EV sold on the planet. Every single charging station would connect to every EV sold, and software glitches wouldn't exist. But we don't live in a perfect world, and charging an EV at a fast charging station can be fraught with issues and frustrations. That can be especially true when attempting to charge a non-Tesla EV — like a Rivian – at a Tesla Supercharger.
Looks a lot like an electric station wagon: the 2026 Toyota bZ Woodland
A little more ground clearance and a lot more cargo room make the bZ compelling. Out-outbacking the Outback? This is the 2026 Toyota bZ Woodland. Out-outbacking the Outback? This is the 2026 Toyota bZ Woodland. When you think about what makes a perfect single-car garage—occupied solely by a vehicle that can do it all—you probably think of some crossover or SUV like the Toyota RAV4 or BMW X5. Something that can handle the snow and weekend camping trips with a decent-sized cargo capacity.
Costco Is A Surprisingly Cheap Place To Replace A Key Fob Original
Costco Wholesale is known for many things. You can spend $1.50 (or the local currency equivalent) for a hot dog and a fountain drink anywhere in the world. You can get a new set of tires for your car and possibly save money compared to going to a place like Tire Rack. You can buy a replacement battery for your car. You can get discounted gasoline compared to local stations, and you can even get a discount on a brand-new car without negotiation or hassle. But what about a replacement car key?
Ford Mustang Vs Chevy Camaro: Which Muscle Car Depreciated Faster? Original
Two American muscle cars have fought for supremacy back and forth for over 50 years. The Ford Mustang, in continuous production since its launch in 1964, regularly battles the Chevy Camaro, which went out of production again in 2024, for dragstrip and sales supremacy. Owners and fans alike argue over horsepower, quarter-mile times, track performance, and anything else that can be compared between the two. What about depreciation?
How Did Chevy's 2.2L Ecotec Compare To The 2.2L OHV It Replaced? Original
Around the turn of the century, streets and parking lots were filled with a plethora of tuner cars. Honda Civics, Toyota Celicas, and Nissan Sentras acted as canvases for creatives. Chevrolet was part of this scene — in a lesser capacity — with the Chevy Cavalier. It was powered by a 2.2-liter OHV inline-four unless you sprung for the Z24 version, which had a 2.4-liter twin-cam engine I4.
These Are The Automakers Who Don't Support Apple CarPlay Original
The Apple CarPlay software is built into many cars, allowing their drivers to pair their phone with the infotainment system and project their interface. In a matter of a few seconds, you can access many of your apps on your phone (including navigation, podcasts, and music players) without having to use the car's built-in system, log in to any additional accounts, or pay an extra monthly fee for a data connection. People love it and consider it to be absolutely essential when buying a new vehicle.
Why Did Automakers Switch From Sealed Beam Headlights? Original
Do you remember sealed beam headlights? Depending on when you were born, you might never have driven a car with them. But they used to be all the rage in the automotive world, even being required by law by 1940. But now, you don't see them anymore on any new car. New lighting technology and automakers seeking to further design their cars were among the primary reasons as to why they vanished. No matter how great sealed beams were at solving automotive lighting problems, they also hindered design.
What's The Biggest Load A Semi Truck Can Tow? Original
Semi trucks are massive pieces of equipment powered by massive diesel engines (not gasoline V8s). They're also designed to haul large loads, with some of these tractors — the front of the truck that does the work and holds the driver — able to tow two or three trailers at once. But have you ever wondered exactly how much one of these semi trucks can tow? Surely there's a limit like there is in pickup trucks, right?
What's The Difference Between The Ford Maverick's 2.5-Liter PowerBoost And 2.0-Liter EcoBoost Engines? Original
Ford's bread and butter is pickup trucks. The company offers a range of sizes to fit any job, from the massive F-750 commercial chassis cab to the massively-popular F-150, as well as the small-yet-practical Maverick. That Maverick is the newest truck in the Ford lineup, and it targets small business owners, DIY-ers, and anyone else who needs a practical and affordable utility.
This GM Brand Introduced Heated Seats Years Ahead Of Its Time Original
Automobiles these days are brimming with modern technology, but the features we take for granted were once brand-new. Volvo was the first car company to integrate modern three-point safety belts, Mercedes-Benz was the first to offer a vehicle with electronic stability control, and Packard was the first to offer a car with air conditioning. But what about creature comforts like heated seats? As it turns out, heated seats aren't a recent invention.
The Big 3 Better Get Use To Seeing Chinese EVs In Their Own Backyards Original
Canada shook up the car world by dropping its 100% tariff on Chinese cars down to just 6.1%, ensuring a flow of cheap EVs into the country just as soon as the auto giants can do the pesky work of setting up a dealership network, marketing, and distribution.
Here's How Much A 2021 Porsche Taycan Cross Turismo Has Depreciated In Just 5 Years Original
Electric vehicles had a rough time in 2025. With the elimination of the federal tax incentive for new and used EVs, sales have suffered. When you add the massive depreciation that EVs have faced on top of that, some used cars out there aren't being sold for much. According to the credit reporting agency Experian, the average five-year depreciation rate for vehicles is 45%. Does that rate apply to Porsche, though?
These Are The Car Batteries Consumer Reports Rates The Lowest Original
We don't generally think of batteries the same way we do about other car-related consumables like gasoline or even tires, but at some point in your life, you'll probably need to replace your car's battery. The battery plays a critical role in the operation of your car. It provides the much-needed electricity required to actually start the car. It also helps power your car's electronics, especially when the ignition is off.
Trump's Tariffs Push Canada To Get Cozy With China On EVs Original
What was unfathomable just a few short years ago has actually happened. After Trump flipped off a plant employee at Ford's Dearborn truck plant this week, he addressed the media about negotiating a replacement to the USMCA (United States-Mexico-Canada Agreement), which he implemented in his first term. During that press conference, Trump said, "We don't need Canada product." With statements like these, Canadians understandably began second-guessing some of their trade agreements.
Can You Tow With The Corvette? Original
The Chevy Corvette is powered by a small-block V8 engine. You can find several Chevy pickup trucks also powered by a small-block V8 engine. If a pickup truck is rated to tow, then certainly a Corvette would also be rated to tow, right? No. The eighth-generation Chevrolet Corvette is not rated to tow, according to General Motors.
Do Subaru Boxer Engines Require Any Special Maintenance? Original
All internal combustion engines require some kind of maintenance. (If that's news to you, your car probably needs to be inspected by a mechanic.) But there are different types of internal combustion engines out there. They come in a variety of cylinders, with different types of fuel injection and even different piston orientations. Piston orientations are what make some engines unique; Subaru is known for its horizontally opposed layout.
Here's How Much An Alfa Romeo 4C Has Depreciated In 5 Years Original
Back in 2020, you could buy a purpose-built sports car with a carbon fiber tub and the looks of an exotic Italian supercar. Plus, it had one of our favorite side-view mirror designs. You could also buy that car for much less than any other Italian supercar on sale. It had an Alfa Romeo badge on the hood and fancy looks to go with it, but it also had components from normal, everyday cars.
Is It Legal For A Car To Have Two Different Color Headlights? Original
Headlights appear to be pretty straightforward. If you have a car — and not a motorcycle – you have to have two headlights. Those headlights also have to work, of course, but you'll have to watch out for additional regulations surrounding them, including basic rules surrounding their color. You might be tempted to replace your headlight bulbs with a different color, or even to have one headlight in one hue, and the other headlight in a different color.
Full Vs. Mild Vs. Plug-In Hybrids: What's The Difference? Original
Not too long ago, if you wanted to get a new car, your only choice was a straight-up internal-combustion vehicle with a choice of gasoline or diesel. While you can still do that today, there are many more options for those looking for their power train to be electrified. Most of these options are a hybrid of some type or another. There are three different types of hybrids out there. Traditional hybrid systems make up the average, while mild systems are basic and plug-in hybrids are advanced.
Is Switching To A K&N Cold Air Intake Worth It? Original
One of the first things many people do when they want to improve their vehicle's performance is look for bolt-on modifications. These items bolt onto the vehicle, making them easy to remove if you decide to restore the car to its stock setup, and can add decent gains for relatively little money. There are several mods that'll easily make your car faster. A common first step is to install a cold-air intake. They are offered by a variety of manufacturers, with K&N among the leading players.
Why Do Some States Mount Traffic Lights Horizontally? Original
Traffic lights help traffic flow by directing specific lanes to go and others to stop. Some are more complex and include signals for buses. But at the end of the day, they're devices with red, yellow, and green lights, designed to prevent crashes at intersections. You'd think that there would be regulations behind how they should look and operate, and you'd be right. They're not always the same, though.
Can You Return Tires To Costco? Here's What Its Policy Actually Allows Original
Costco Wholesale is known for having a pretty generous return policy. Outside of some very specific products, Costco insists that it will "guarantee your satisfaction on every product ... and will refund your purchase price" if you aren't happy. With a guarantee like that, you might be tempted to buy everything you need from your local warehouse. You can even purchase a new set of tires from there, and possibly save money over Tire Rack in the process.
Why Your Car Windows Get That Nasty Haze On Them Original
We've all been there. You have a car that you want to keep showroom fresh, but you find yourself constantly cleaning the inside of the windshield. You think it's just dust, so you keep your windows closed and your climate control on its recirculate setting, but the glass keeps getting dirty. You look closer and realize that it's not just regular old dust, but some sort of gross film. This nasty haze continues to build up, making headlights and other street lighting blurry at night.
The Fiat Topolino is coming to the United States
Last week, President Trump's administration announced that it wanted to open up a pathway for small cars - referred to as kei cars in Japan with special restrictions - to be available to consumers in the United States. I talked about what it would take for the cars to be viable here, both here on this site and over on Jalopnik, and regardless of what internet commenters say, the concept has a tough road ahead if it is to actually happen.
The 2026 best EV value list
For the 2026 model year (some cars might be 2027s, depending on when we receive pricing), we have compiled a list of the EVs on sale in the United States and a ranking of their value. We determine value, in this case, but the number of miles the EV will travel per $1,000 spent on the manufacturers suggested retail price. The price shown includes the mandatory destination charge. This list will be updated as more information is received, and may not be complete.
What Would It Take For Kei Cars To Make Sense In The U.S.? Original
The President of the United States declared last week that he would like kei cars, the microcars common on the streets of Japan, to be built and sold in the United States to help with the affordability crisis surrounding new cars. While it's unlikely to happen for a number of practical reasons, there is a segment of people who would welcome them being available at their local dealership. It's also not like automakers wouldn't consider it at all.
How a Costco membership might save you money over Tire Rack
When shopping for a new set of tires, there's a litany of places you can go. One popular option is ordering from Tire Rack and having it installed by a local shop. Another option is hitting Costco and taking advantage of that membership fee. Which is the better deal?
These Celebrities Provided Their Voices To Ford And Other Automakers Original
Celebrities starring in car advertising is hardly a new phenomenon. But there's another entire aspect of a car commercial where celebrities have also taken part, but their faces are never seen. The voice providing the narration in car commercials might very well be an actor or actress that you're familiar with. While some commercials use dedicated voice actors, a few automakers have leveraged the star power of people like Denis Leary for Ford, Jon Hamm for Mercedes, or Chris Pine for BMW.
What A Corvette's Torque Tube Actually Does, And Why It Matters Original
In a vehicle with an internal combustion engine, mechanical processes must work together to take the power the engine produces and transfer that energy to the wheels so the vehicle moves. In many vehicles with a front-mounted engine and rear-wheel drive, a driveshaft sits in the middle of the process, sending power from the engine to the rear of the car. In a Chevy Corvette, General Motors engineers forgo the driveshaft for something called a torque tube.
The electric vehicle reality check: Where America stands right now
Photo credit: Chevrolet It is late 2025, and the hangover has officially set in. If you rewind the tape to 2021, the automotive industry was tripping on a cocktail of zero-interest rates, SPAC money, and PowerPoint slides promising a Jetsons-like future by the middle of the decade.
General Motors will integrate AI into its cars, plus new hands-free assist
Tech News Tube is a real time news feed of the latest technology news headlines.Follow all of the top tech sites in one place, on the web or your mobile device.
AI and hands-free driving are coming to GM’s vehicles
Do we want LLMs in our cars? GM thinks we do. General Motors held a preview event today to show the world what it’s working on. We’ve already seen some projects, like the further development of lithium manganese-rich battery technology or backup power for EVs that can power a home or support the power grid. The most significant new announcement is that Cadillac will offer an Escalade IQ with a so-called “Level 3” conditional automated driving system in 2028.
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