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☆ EV charging needs big improvements soon if the auto industry's transition is going to work
▼ + stars: | 2023-09-19 | by ( John Rosevear | In Jrosevear | ) www.cnbc.com time to read: +11 min

Simply put, America's patchwork of CCS chargers offers spotty coverage, hard-to-use devices, and, too often, chargers that are broken. Not to mention, there are fewer than 12,000 CCS fast chargers across the U.S. today. Opening up the Tesla charging network to our customers, that's about them and it scales very quickly for them. watch nowThe broad uptake of Tesla's charging tech is generally good news. What's more, Tesla's chargers all work the same way, whereas CCS chargers from rival companies may have very different procedures.

Persons: Mark Blinch, Reuters There's, General Motors, it's, Joe Biden, Tesla, Justin Sullivan, JD Power, Brent Gruber, Ford, John Lawler, Lawler, We're, Elon Musk, EVgo Organizations: Benz, Canadian, Reuters, Ford Motor, General, Volkswagen, Cox Automotive, Consumer, Energy, Institute, University of Chicago, Associated Press, NORC, for Public Affairs Research, United Auto Workers, EV, Public, U.S . Department of Energy, —, Detroit, CCS, University of California, JD, Ford EV, Ford, GM, Volvo, Mercedes, SAE International, ABB Locations: Toronto , Ontario, Canada, U.S, San Rafael , California, Berkeley, Bay, Swiss

☆ Buying a car? What the UAW strike means – and doesn’t mean – for auto sales
▼ + stars: | 2023-09-15 | by ( Peter Valdes-Dapena | ) edition.cnn.com time to read: +5 min

New York CNN —Now that the United Auto Workers union has started a strike, the US auto market is about to be thrown into turmoil all over again. Auto sales hadn’t entirely recovered from the pandemic, but car shopping in the United States could change once more. The auto manufacturing crises of recent years have left auto dealers better prepared to deal with disruptions, said Scott Kunes, chief operating officer of Kunes Auto and RV Group, which owns more than 40 dealerships in the Midwest. It pays to be flexibleBefore the strikes started, auto dealerships had reasonably healthy inventories of new vehicles, according to Michelle Krebs, an analyst with AutoTrader. That means they’ll still have vehicles to sell for a few weeks, but, as the strike wears on, the choices available will start to dwindle.

Persons: They’re, Jonathan Smoke, Scott Kunes, ” Kunes, “, Kunes, Tyson Jominy, JD Power, Thomas Goldsby, Jominy, Michelle Krebs Organizations: New, New York CNN, United Auto Workers, Auto, Ford, GM, Cox Automotive, Kunes, RV Group, Toyota, BMW, Hyundai, Nissan, Volvo, Subaru, South Korean, JD, University of Tennessee, Trailblazer, Dodge, AutoTrader Locations: New York, United States, Michigan, Canada, Mexico, South Korea

☆ EV owners are fed up with charging stations that lack bathrooms, snacks, and even trash cans
▼ + stars: | 2023-09-01 | by ( Tim Levin | ) www.businessinsider.com time to read: +6 min

EV charging stations sometimes lack simple amenities like 24-hour bathrooms, food, and trash cans. That's because charging stations today often lack basic amenities that we take for granted at gas stations: things like bathrooms, rain and sun cover, food options, and even trash cans. AdvertisementAdvertisementIf electric cars really are going to be the future, experts told Insider, the experience at charging stations needs to get a whole lot more convenient. Rove, a startup, is working on huge charging stations with grocery stores, fresh espresso, and 24/7 lounges. Rove, a startup, is working on huge charging stations with grocery stores, fresh espresso, and 24/7 lounges.

Persons: that's, Tim Levin, I'm, JD Power, Brent Gruber, Gruber, EVs weren't, Loren McDonald, Brendan Jones, Rove, Rove Blink, Jones, Tesla Organizations: EV, Morning, JD Locations: waded, America

☆ The EV plateau is coming. It's bad news for companies like Ford and Tesla.
▼ + stars: | 2023-08-10 | by ( Nora Naughton | ) www.businessinsider.com time to read: +3 min

Current EV market growth "cannot be sustained," analyst says. The cap for rapid EV growth appears to be around 7% of the market. After years of rapid growth, the electric vehicle market is heading for a plateau. The states with the biggest share of electric vehicle sales are also the slowest to grow sales at the moment, according to a recent study from iSeeCars. California, Oregon, and Washington – where EV sales account for between about 7% and 10% of the market – are currently among the slowest-adopting states, the study found.

Persons: Tesla, Ford, It's, Sam Fiorani, Fiorani, Karl Brauer Organizations: Morning, EV, GM, Ford, AutoForecast Solutions Locations: iSeeCars . California , Oregon, Washington

☆ Drivers Frustrated With Their Cars Door Handles, Screens, Other Tech
▼ + stars: | 2023-08-07 | by ( Alexa St. John | Tim Levin | ) www.businessinsider.com time to read: +4 min

The auto research firm JD Power assessed dozens of vehicle brands for its latest quality study. The overall quality of new vehicles is deteriorating and nagging problems are on the rise, according to a new study from JD Power. "The basic touch point of door handles is now a percolating problem area as manufacturers attempt to redesign them," JD Power said. JD Power assigned a score to each auto brand based on problems per 100 vehicles, and calculated an industry average of 192 problems per 100 vehicles (PP100), up from 180 in 2022. In terms of vehicles themselves, the Nissan Maxima had the highest initial quality overall, with 106 problems per 100 vehicles, according to the survey.

Persons: Tesla, Dodge, Frank Hanley, Power, JD Power, Ram, Alfa Romeo, Polestar Organizations: JD Power, Fiat Chrysler, French PSA Group, Buick, Chevrolet, Volvo, Chrysler, Volkswagen, Nissan, JD, Dodge, Romeo, GMC, Porsche, Kia, Lexus, Maserati, Hyundai, Honda, BMW, Mitsubishi, Toyota, Ford, Benz, Rover, Mazda, Acura, Lincoln

☆ Drivers are frustrated with cupholders, door handles, and horns that sound like 'clown cars' in newer models as automakers push for more tech in vehicles, study finds
▼ + stars: | 2023-07-08 | by ( Lloyd Lee | ) www.businessinsider.com time to read: +5 min

An annual study by auto research firm JD Power found that the overall quality of cars declined. Part of the issue stems from automakers' push to put more tech in vehicles, JD Power tells Insider. Automakers are increasingly putting more tech in their new vehicles, but they can't seem to get basic features such as cupholders, door handles, and car horns right, a study from auto research firm JD Power found. Smith Collection/Gado/Getty ImagesPart of the desire to redesign door handles is due to the shift to electric vehicles, Hanley said. "They're trying to make the vehicles as aerodynamic as possible because it helps with range ... and door handles was one of those opportunities," he said.

Persons: Power, JD, Frank Hanley, Hanley, they're Organizations: JD, Drivers, Android, aren't, Manufacturers Locations: Teslas, Hanley

☆ JD Power quality survey: Alfa Romeo takes top spot
▼ + stars: | 2023-06-30 | by ( Peter Valdes-Dapena | ) edition.cnn.com time to read: +4 min

This time it was Alfa Romeo, an Italian car with a reputation for excitement – but not necessarily trouble-free ownership. Alfa Romeo leaped 24 places in the rankings to third overall, with 143 problems per 100 vehicles. Not every Stellantis brand ranked near the top, though, or even close. Last year, four Stellantis brands, including Ram and Alfa Romeo, were below average. Even if Alfa Romeo has improved enormously, it will be a long while before those scores changes much.

Persons: CNN —, Romeo, it’s, Alfa Romeo, Stellantis’s Dodge, Ram, Romeo Giulia Stellantis JD Power’s, doesn’t, Kristin Kolodge, Power, David McDonald, Larry Dominique, ” Organizations: CNN, Lexus, Alfa, Fiat Chrysler Automobiles, France’s PSA, Chrysler, Alfa Romeo, Consumer Locations: Italian, Stellantis, North America

☆ Technology is giving cars more nagging problems than ever
▼ + stars: | 2023-06-23 | by ( Alexa St. John | Tim Levin | ) www.businessinsider.com time to read: +4 min

Auto research firm JD Power assessed dozens of vehicle brands for its latest quality study. The overall quality of new vehicles is deteriorating and nagging problems are on the rise, according to a new study from JD Power. "The basic touch point of door handles is now a percolating problem area as manufacturers attempt to redesign them," JD Power said. JD Power assigned a score to each auto brand based on problems per 100 vehicles, and calculated an industry average of 192 problems per 100 vehicles (PP100), up from 180 in 2022. In terms of vehicles themselves, the Nissan Maxima had the highest initial quality overall, with 106 problems per 100 vehicles, according to teh survey.

Persons: Tesla, Dodge, Frank Hanley, Power, JD Power, Ram, Alfa Romeo, Polestar Organizations: Auto, JD Power, Fiat Chrysler, French PSA Group, Buick, Chevrolet, Volvo, Chrysler, Volkswagen, Nissan, JD, Dodge, Romeo, GMC, Porsche, Kia, Lexus, Maserati, Hyundai, Honda, BMW, Mitsubishi, Toyota, Ford, Benz, Rover, Mazda, Acura, Lincoln

☆ What Tesla’s EV charging win really means for drivers
▼ + stars: | 2023-06-15 | by ( Peter Valdes-Dapena | ) edition.cnn.com time to read: +8 min

A Tesla charging station stands in a parking lot on January 17, 2023 in Springfield, Virginia. But other EV charging companies have, so far, faced a far greater reliability challenge than Tesla’s. It’s an integrated system and has been from the very beginning,” said Jim Burness, chief executive of National Car Charging, a wholesaler of equipment to the EV charging industry. In both cases, drivers will be able to access Tesla chargers without having to use Tesla apps. That could lead to more lines at Tesla chargers, irritating Tesla owners.

Persons: Tesla, Anna Moneymaker, Stephanie Brinley, Jon McNeill, ”, “ Tesla, Jim Burness, Justin Sullivan, Alan Wexler, “, ” Wexler, Dan Barbossa, CNN’s, Mark J, Terrill, they’re, you’re, Brendan Jones, Blink, Burness, “ That’s, Stephen Beck, Gary Silberg Organizations: CNN, P Global Mobility, Ford, General Motors, EV, GM, Nissan, Tesla, DVx Ventures, CNN Business, Detroit, CCS, KPMG Locations: United States, Springfield , Virginia, America, San Francisco , California, Westlake, Calif

☆ A Rivian customer waited 3 years for his dream car. It died within days.
▼ + stars: | 2023-06-12 | by ( Nora Naughton | ) www.businessinsider.com time to read: +7 min

When Chase Merrill took his first ride in his new Rivian R1S, it was his favorite car that he had ever driven. "I hit about 2 ½-feet of snow and it just stopped right there," Merrill told Insider. Rivian risks alienating early adoptersChase Merrill's Rivian R1S the day it was delivered. For a young company like Rivian, these early fans can make or break its reputation, shareholders, analysts, and Rivian investors have told Insider. Merrill's Rivian returns with an error messageChase Merrill's Rivian R1S was loaded onto a flatbed tow truck.

Persons: I'm, Chase Merrill, Merrill, Rivian's, Bensaid, Chase Merrill's Rivian, Chase Merrill Merrill isn't, Rivian, —, Tony Caravano, Caravano, Merrill's Rivian, Chase, Rivian R1S, it's Organizations: Morning, Merrill, Toyota, EV Locations: , New York, snowbanks, Chelsea , Massachusetts, Toyota Tacoma

☆ What Tesla charging partnerships with Ford and GM mean for the EV industry
▼ + stars: | 2023-06-09 | by ( John Rosevear | In Jrosevear | ) www.cnbc.com time to read: +4 min

Most other EVs and charging stations in the U.S. use the public domain Combined Charging System (CCS) plug standard. Currently, Tesla EVs can use CCS chargers with an adapter, but only Teslas can use NACS chargers. An August 2022 study by JD Power found similar results for CCS chargers in other parts of the country. Notably, it also found Tesla's charging network to be much more reliable. Potential buyers of a Ford or GM EV might like what they experience on a test drive, but without a reliable charging network, both have been at a disadvantage to Tesla.

Persons: Harry Langer, Tesla, JD Power, we've, Barra, CNBC's, Jim Farley, Farley Organizations: American, Detroit, University of California, San Francisco Bay Area, JD, CCS, Ford, GM, ICE Locations: Merklingen, Germany, U.S, Berkeley, San Francisco Bay, Canada

☆ Your Amazon Prime plan might soon cut your cell phone bill down to around $10 — or even make it free
▼ + stars: | 2023-06-02 | by ( Steven Tweedie | ) www.businessinsider.com time to read: +3 min

Amazon could be gearing up to offer "Prime Wireless." The low-cost cell phone plan could help Amazon boost its Prime subscribers, Bloomberg reports. Amazon may soon be dangling yet another perk in front of prospective Prime members: the chance to save big on your monthly cell phone bill. The company is in talks with wireless carriers about potentially offering a Prime Wireless plan that could range from $0 to $10 per month for Amazon Prime members, Bloomberg reported on Friday. Even at $10 a month, a Prime Wireless plan would represent real savings for most people.

Persons: Bradley Mattinger, JD Power, Jeff Bezos Organizations: Bloomberg, Mobile, Verizon, Wireless, Amazon Prime, Amazon, juicing, Prime Wireless, JD, CNBC, Alexa

☆ More and more Americans don't want electric cars
▼ + stars: | 2023-05-01 | by ( Tim Levin | ) www.businessinsider.com time to read: +3 min

Americans are getting more divided on electric vehicles. While EVs gain market share, more and more people say don't want one as their next car. Battery-powered cars seem like the next big thing, but a growing portion of Americans aren't ready to give up internal combustion. The percentage of Americans who say they're "very unlikely" to buy an electric vehicle as their next car is growing, according to JD Power, which keeps close tabs on consumer sentiment around EVs. "Top-line metrics on overall EV market share, availability and affordability have been on a long-term upward trend," the market research firm said.

It also partners with Costco to offer Canadian members discounts on any Pets Plus Us Pet Insurance plan. Types of Pet Insurance Plans from Pets Plus UsPets Plus Us coverage is offered in a few different tiers, which include a starter tier of accident-only coverage. To file a claim with Pets Plus US, you can:Submit a claim online at Portal.PetsPlusUs.comBegin a claim by emailing submissions@petsplusus.comFax claims information to 1-855-456-PETS (7387)You can also file a pet insurance claim through the mail using the following address:Pets Plus UsSuite #400, 710 Dorval DrOakville, ON L6K 3V7Pets Plus Us Pet Insurance FAQsDoes Pets Plus Us offer pet insurance plans in the United States? Methodology: What Went into Our Pets Plus Us Pet Insurance ReviewBefore we wrote this Pets Plus Us review, we gathered information from more than 20 pet insurance providers offering similar pet health coverage. Pets Plus Us Pet Insurance Competitors PetSecure Pet InsurancePHI Direct Pet InsuranceFetch Chevron icon It indicates an expandable section or menu, or sometimes previous / next navigation options.

☆ US government’s proposal to boost EV sales is challenging but not impossible
▼ + stars: | 2023-04-12 | by ( Peter Valdes-Dapena | ) edition.cnn.com time to read: +6 min

By 2032, electric vehicles would need to make up about two-thirds of all the new cars sold in America. And even as EV market share rises to two-thirds, it’s not like EVs will flood America’s roads overnight, he said. Reaching two-thirds EV market share mark by 2032 isn’t a sure thing, said Cantor, but it should be manageable. The increasing number of automakers entering the EV market will also help, said Ivan Drury, an industry analyst with Edmunds.com. General Motors also has a number of EV models coming in the next year or two.

☆ JD.com plans to spin off units, following Alibaba's lead
▼ + stars: | 2023-03-31 | by ( ) www.cnbc.com time to read: 1 min

Share Share Article via Facebook Share Article via Twitter Share Article via LinkedIn Share Article via EmailJD.com plans to spin off units, following Alibaba's leadCNBC's Deidre Bosa joins 'Power Lunch' to report on JD Power's plan to split off its units.

☆ A Rivian buyer got his dream car after a 3-year wait. Days later, the car was dead and he faced a $2,100 bill.
▼ + stars: | 2023-03-25 | by ( Nora Naughton | ) www.businessinsider.com time to read: +7 min

In an interview with Insider, Rivian executives said the car did exactly what it was programmed to do in a dangerous slide-away situation. Rivian risks alienating early adoptersChase Merrill's Rivian R1S the day it was delivered. Chase MerrillMerrill isn't the first early Rivian fan to start souring on the company. Merrill's Rivian returns with an error messageChase Merrill's disabled Rivian R1S is loaded onto a flatbed tow truck. After Insider called Rivian this week to ask about Merrill's experience, a Rivian representative called Merrill and offered to cover the $2,100 bill.

☆ Tesla opening its exclusive Superchargers to rivals leaves some owners worried about waiting in line behind Fords and Kias
▼ + stars: | 2023-03-16 | by ( Tim Levin | ) www.businessinsider.com time to read: +5 min

The reliable and extensive Supercharger network used to be only for Tesla owners. Some Tesla owners worry the move could lead to long waits at charging stations. He believes the Tesla charging experience is so far ahead of the competition that non-Tesla owners will arrive in droves. Other Tesla owners Insider spoke with don't foresee major issues and cheer a move that could accelerate EV adoption. Experts said Tesla Superchargers could get more crowded, but there probably won't be major issues.

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☆ Rivian is forcing some customers to wait years for their vehicle deliveries — and it risks alienating them at a critical time in its fight to become the next Tesla
▼ + stars: | 2023-03-01 | by ( Nora Naughton | Alexa St. John | ) www.businessinsider.com time to read: +6 min

Rivian runs the risk of alienating customers who have been waiting years for their vehicles. He's hedged his bet on Rivian with orders for the Tesla Cybertruck and the electric Ram 1500. Some feel embarrassed by their early support of Rivian while their wait times increase to nearly half a decade. Rivian has previously said timing of deliveries is "based on a number of factors, including delivery location, configuration and original preorder or reservation date." Are you a current or former Rivian employee, Rivian vehicle owner, or Rivian order holder?

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☆ American drivers have a blinding headlight problem. It could last for years.
▼ + stars: | 2023-02-13 | by ( Madison Hall | ) www.businessinsider.com time to read: +6 min

Drivers say they're routinely getting blinded by surrounding cars' headlights. This isn't because headlight regulations have changed — regulations on brightness haven't been altered in decades. This isn't because headlight regulations have shifted — they haven't changed in decades, according to Greg Brannon, AAA's director of automotive engineering. Adaptive driving beams automatically adjust the high beams emitted from LED car headlights in real time to avoid blinding pedestrians and other drivers. So prepare for the immediate future to be even brighter, as the blinding glare problem may get worse before it gets better.

(See our methodology to see how we choose the car insurance companies for high-risk drivers.) Best car insurance for high-risk driversBest overall: State FarmState Farm Best for at-fault accidents: ErieErie Best for speeding tickets: GeicoGeico Best for DUI/DWI: ProgressiveProgressive Best for military members and veterans: USAASubscribe to the Select Newsletter! What's the best car insurance for high-risk drivers? Each car insurance company considers your risks differently and will price your car insurance premium accordingly. Our methodologyTo find the best insurance companies for high-risk drivers, CNBC Select looked at dozens of insurers offering coverage to high-risk drivers.

☆ It's time for automakers to take EV charging seriously or risk missing out
▼ + stars: | 2023-02-09 | by ( Alexa St. John | ) www.businessinsider.com time to read: +5 min

They've depended on third-party charging firms like ChargePoint, EVgo, and Electrify America to provide EV buyers with public plugs. Many automakers even offer their EV customers free charging through partnerships with these networks. For EV buyers attracted to brands with free public charging deals, the promises don't always seem to live up to expectations. The argument could be made that a majority of EV charging can be done at home — but many prospective EV buyers live in multi-family buildings without access to a garage plug. Mercedes recently announced the launch of its own charging network in an attempt to catch up to Tesla.

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