by Ricki Muñoz | Apr 15, 2024 | auto, design, review
Kia’s 3-row family hauler has been widely lauded for its compelling combination of space, cutting-edge platform, price, and original, distinctive design. The consensus has merit. Only a few EVs on the market today offer 3 rows and aside from the diminutive...
by Ricki Muñoz | Nov 20, 2023 | auto, economy
Have to admit this trend is ominous. While it is understandable to be optimistic, we are talking about a 70% drop in less than a calendar year. To me, the Ocean seems well-designed. And from what I’ve read, the early critical feedback has been quite positive....
by Ricki Muñoz | Oct 16, 2023 | auto, design, user experience, Vehicle OS
Kia’s Remarkable EV Strategy by Ricki Muñoz | Jun 19, 2024With Kia's launch of their new EV3 compact crossover, it has become evident that along with EVs 6, 9, and 5, Kia has rolled out a robust EV lineup covering nearly every key crossover segment: subcompact...
by Ricki Muñoz | Sep 26, 2023 | auto, design, user experience
From Motor Trend: “We know how to do drivetrains … and we’ve been in chemistry research for batteries for 20 years now. Software was bigger decision, because … We need to control the brain and the central nervous system of the car, and we...
by Ricki Muñoz | Sep 13, 2023 | auto, design, user experience, video
As part of BMW Blog’s excellent, in-depth interview with Kai Lander, head of BMW iDesign about BMW’s intriguing Vision Neue Klasse concept sedan, we were treated to a sneak preview of the next-generation iDrive software, including some novel interactions...
by Ricki Muñoz | Sep 7, 2023 | auto, design
I consider myself a big fan of Kia as a brand and of their impressive design journey of the past several years. From the 2011 K5/Optima sedan and 2018 Stinger hatchback, through their clever and funky Soul over the years, to today’s lineup full of neatly...
by Ricki Muñoz | Sep 1, 2023 | auto, economy, politics
The funds, from the Department of Energy, are available as loans to support the transition of manufacturing plants to build EVs or hybrid vehicles. This is likely aimed at supporting both auto unions, to help persuade automakers to keep plant capacity on US soil, and...
by Ricki Muñoz | Aug 30, 2023 | design
The origin story of how Elon Musk used his money & will to take over Tesla, as told by his cofounders and other early employees. Learn how Musk was brought on as a crucial early investor but soon used his clout, money, and even a few strong-arm tactics to oust...
by Ricki Muñoz | Aug 29, 2023 | auto, culture
“The reality of buying a combustion powered vehicle, in light of the policy that’s coming, is sort of like building a horse barn in 1910. Like, imagine buying a Chevy Suburban in 2030. Like, what are you going to do with that, right? In 10 years? …...
by Ricki Muñoz | Aug 24, 2023 | auto, culture, design
Stellar bonafides, muted reception Lucid is exactly the type of EV startup that you’d think had a chance to replicate some of the alchemy that’s taken Tesla from longshot to EV domination. Executive ranks rife with ex-Tesla stars, headquartered in the...
by Ricki Muñoz | Aug 9, 2023 | auto, culture, design
Escalade EQ Vitals FeatureEscalade IQ specStarting Price$130,000Battery Capacity212.7 kWhRange450 miles (estimated)Power750 horsepower785 lb-ft of torque0-60 MPHUnder 5 secondsToo Much: Is there such a thing? Cadillac ESCALADE IQ Cadillac previewed the all-new EV...
