Category: General

Air pollution remains a major threat to the health of many Americans, but stricter emissions rules could help, according to the American Lung Association.

The organization’s 25th annual “State of the Air” report found that 131 million people—39% of the U.S. population—live in areas with unhealthy areas of air pollution. And spikes in deadly air pollution are the most severe recorded in the history of the report. That’s based on air quality assessment data from 2020-2022 (the most recent available), and accounting for new EPA particulate-pollution rules finalized in February 2024.

2024 Volkswagen ID.4

The report also found that people of color are disproportionately exposed to air pollution. A person of color in the U.S. is 2.3 times more likely than a white person to live in a community with a failing grade on all three of the report’s measures for air pollution—short-term particle pollution, long-term particle pollution, and ozone.

The American Lung Association acknowledged recent regulatory efforts, including stricter EPA emissions rules for passenger cars and commercial trucks, as a way to “help clean up particle pollution and address climate change.” But the organization is now pushing for stricter national limits on ozone pollution as well.

2024 Ford Mustang Mach-E GT

In the meantime,  EPA tailpipe rules for model years 2027-2032 are much tighter in key pollutants, per vehicle, but they don’t mandate EVs. A Department of Energy decision to delay a key factor in how vehicle emissions are calculated on a fleet basis may undermine those rules in the short term though, leading to more plug-in hybrids that could pollute more than billed if not plugged in regularly.

EVs aren’t a silver bullet, though. Research from 2021 looking at the Los Angeles region suggested that EVs won’t completely solve that metropolitan area’s pollution issues. Powerplant emissions remain an issue as well. Electricity generated from fossil fuels still affects the carbon footprint of an electric car.

Electrify America confirmed Thursday, on the sixth anniversary of its first fast-charger installation, that it’s planning a big expansion of its fast-charging network in 2024.

EA aims to reach 5,000 chargers by the end of the year, including larger charging stations and broader support for Plug & Charge payment tech. 

In 2023 it expanded into North Dakota and Hawaii, pushing its total number of chargers over 4,000 by the end of the year.

According to the DOE’s Alternative Fuels Data Center, as of May 2, there are currently 931 Electrify America station locations and 4,182 charge ports; the latter corresponds to what Electrify America considers a charger. The expansion would constitute a roughly 20% increase over what’s currently available.

Electrify America growth in 2023

Electrify America growth in 2023

The charging network says that according to independently validated records it logged 10 million customer charging sessions in 2023, double the number in 2022. It also more than doubled the energy dispensed.

Also on Thursday the company noted that its 2023 expansion included “upgrading more than 680 underperforming legacy chargers to Electrify America’s next-generation charger.”

Ford F-150 Lightning at Electrify America

EA may have made that statement in response to claims that the California Air Resources Board (CARB) didn’t press the network for more charger-reliability fixes in its latest and final 2.5-year cycle. EA was established as part of a 10-year, $2 billion investment mandated as part of the Volkswagen diesel settlement. EA funneled $800 million of that to the California portion of the network plus California-specific projects.

EA’s rollout of chargers has made the federal government aware of the importance of considering reliability and uptime in the scope of the National Electric Vehicle Infrastructure (NEVI) buildout.

A 2022 study focusing on California’s EV-savvy Bay Area market found poor reliability and many nonfunctioning fast-chargers, with indications some of those were relatively new EA units. Separately, the network topped a survey looking at the EV charging user experience, reliability aside. 

First Electrify America indoor charging station opens in San Francisco

Earlier this year EA opened a flagship urban EV charging station, a new template for indoor charging. VW has reportedly attempted to shop Electrify America around to other companies—including automakers—but as of yet its only outside investment is from the German supplier conglomerate Siemens. 

Tesla’s Supercharger network has been consistently rated the best for customer satisfaction, but that might soon change with this week’s layoffs of Tesla’s entire Supercharger team. 

The vice president of automotive, transportation and cross-manufacturing at research and advisory firm Gartner Inc. breaks down the disbanding of Tesla’s EV charging team, Elon Musk’s latest robotaxi promises and the company’s fresh ‘AI and robotics’ focus.

Tesla re-released its Model Y Long Range on Friday, as the model in the lineup providing the longest range at the lowest price—with an extra twist for those who have recently purchased the base Model Y. 

The latest Model Y Long Range includes an EPA range of up to 320 miles and a 0-60 mph time of 6.5 seconds, costing $46,630, including mandatory destination and order fees. That brings a 320-mile EPA range—10 miles more than the current $49,630 Model Y Long Range AWD, which can accelerate much more quickly, at 4.8 seconds to 60 mph.

But that wasn’t the most noteworthy piece of news from Tesla’s most recent realignment of pricing and models. On Saturday CEO Elon Musk chimed in on his X social network, explaining that the base Model Y versions that have been built and delivered in recent months actually have more available range—to be unlocked for $1,500 to $2,000, with corresponding gains of 40 to 60 miles of range, pending “regulatory approvals.”

Post on X by Elon Musk – May 4, 2024

That would mean someone who bought a base Model Y at the $44,630 it cost after Tesla’s most recent price cuts might be able to step that up to the 320-mile range with a total outlay of the same $46,630. 

The possibility begs plenty of questions—like why Tesla was again building vehicles with far more battery capacity than it needed to deliver the rated range—a head-scratcher when profitability is squeezing the entire market and battery capacity is one of the greatest single costs. There’s a backstory here that, as of yet, Musk appears unwilling to tell. Perhaps there will be more info pending those regulatory approvals.

2024 Tesla Model Y. – Courtesy of Tesla, Inc.

The automaker notes that the Model Y in any of these versions qualifies for the full $7,500 EV tax credit. While that’s a big advantage—lowering the effective cost to $39,130 for many households—the Model Y is no longer a far-ahead range leader. The 2024 Ford Mustang Mach-E, for instance, in its rear-wheel-drive extended battery version will also go an EPA-rated 320 miles (although that takes a larger battery). Electric crossover models without luxury prices that go more include the Fisker Ocean (360 miles) and the Chevy Blazer EV (324 miles, not yet officially confirmed). The Nissan Ariya, Hyundai Ioniq 5, and Kia EV6 all provide 300 miles or more of range, too. 

Tesla offers more consistency in the charging experience, and that remains the company’s competitive advantage—although with the pending sharing of the network with a wide range of automakers and the recent layoffs of the entire team, that advantage is looking less certain.

Which automaker is adding hybrid production at its U.S. dedicated EV plant?

Which Lexus model has gone hybrid-only for 2025?

This is our look back at the Week In Reverse—right here at Green Car Reports—for the week ending May 3, 2024.

A brief Lucid Gravity prototype test drive was enough to tell us that this upcoming EV will offer a unique layout and a different driving experience than any other three-row electric SUV. 

Lucid Gravity prototype

The 2024 Acura ZDX EV is the quickest SUV ever from the Honda luxury brand—and it definitely looks the part. Yesterday in a review of the Acura ZDX Green Car Reports looked at whether the first fully electric vehicle from this Honda luxury brand keeps it on-brand—even with GM bones.

The 2025 Lexus UX 300h has gone hybrid-only, and the most popular AWD version of this model gets a noteworthy gas-mileage boost. The UX 300h AWD now gets 43 mpg combined, and it starts around $40,000. 

2025 Lexus UX 300h

Hyundai last week confirmed that its Metaplant in Georgia, once due to be a dedicated EV plant, will also get U.S. production of more hybrid models, as part of an effort to expand the range of hybrid trims of its gasoline vehicles. 

Jeep announced Thursday that a plug-in hybrid version of its Wrangler-based Gladiator pickup will arrive “later next year.” The Jeep Gladiator 4xe PHEV arrives just after a report suggested the brand was considering a hybrid version of its Recon, which at least at launch will be a fully electric model. 

2024 Jeep Gladiator

GM’s Cadillac luxury brand might not go all-EV by 2030 as previously said. The brand has clarified that while its EV rollout may proceed as planned its retirement date for ICE models may be extended. 

Are electric vehicle sales down in California? A quarterly report out this week underscored some of the complexities of the current EV market. Overall EV deliveries were pulled downward by sagging Tesla sales but mostly countered by strong sales of EVs from other brands, including Hyundai. So overall, EV sales are up in California versus the previous quarter, but with growth of the market as a whole they’ve skewed downward in market share. 

The Biden administration provided updated EV tax credit rules for manufacturers and suppliers on Friday, and they amount to an easing of critical-mineral origin requirements over the next two years that could result in more vehicles eligible for the top $7,500 credit. But foreign entity of concern requirements that will keep Chinese automakers and suppliers out are remaining in place. 

Polestar 5 prototype

Polestar reports that with StoreDot’s “silicon-dominant” cells it has a prototype EV capable of 10-minute 10-80% charging. Although it might still be years away from large-scale production and the Polestar 5 used as a basis for the testing will launch with different batteries, it’s a proof point for the tech. 

The company behind the Emily GT EV, engineered by a braintrust of former Saab engineers, might build it in Italy, as part of a whole electric vehicle family with other body styles including a wagon, coupe, and convertible. 

NEVS Emily GT

Toyota is looking to localize U.S. hydrogen fuel-cell development of all kinds with the opening of a California Hydrogen Headquarters. Toyota’s H2HQ will showcase a flexible microgrid and lead the application of fuel cells in trucks, stationary power generation, and more.

According to a recent brief from Department of Energy researchers at Oak Ridge National Laboratory, more flexible controls and a gas-station-like layout might go a long way in boosting EV charging station reliability.

2024 Tesla Model Y. – Courtesy of Tesla, Inc.

An annual update from the used-vehicle retail giant CarMax revealed that the most popular used EVs cost up to $5,000 less than last year. Once again, that list includes the Tesla Model 3, Tesla Model Y, and Nissan Leaf—all down significantly. And this year’s list of top-selling EVs included fewer non-Tesla luxury EVs. 

Or if you’re looking for the best price on a new EV, it might pay to first head to Costco first. The big-box retailer is now offering incentives of $1,000 applying to the the Volvo XC40 Recharge, C40 Recharge, and EX40 EVs,, several Volvo plug-in hybrids, and three General Motors EVs—the Cadillac Lyriq, Chevrolet Blazer EV, and Chevrolet Equinox EV. Or they’re offering a $2,000 incentive on the Polestar 2.

Matchbox Mercedes-Benz G 580 with EQ Technology premium die-cast

And while last week marked the debut of the 2025 Mercedes-Benz G 580 with EQ Technology—the electric G-wagen to the rest of us—this week a more affordable version arrives. With a premium die-cast electric G-wagen made of recycled metal and sustainable plastic from Mattel’s Matchbox, and a mass-produced version of that on the way this fall, those dreaming of electric off-roading have a way to show it off.

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A plug-in hybrid Gladiator will join the Jeep lineup next year. Cadillac gets cold feet about its 2030 end date for gasoline. And Biden agencies ease one area of the EV tax credit that could mean more qualifying EVs. This and more, here at Green Car Reports. 

The Biden administration provided updated EV tax credit rules for manufacturers and suppliers on Friday, and they amount to an easing of critical-mineral origin requirements over the next two years that could result in more vehicles eligible for the top $7,500 credit. But foreign entity of concern requirements that will keep Chinese automakers and suppliers out are remaining in place. 

Jeep announced Thursday that a plug-in hybrid version of its Wrangler-based Gladiator pickup will arrive “later next year.” The Jeep Gladiator 4xe PHEV arrives just after a report suggested the brand was considering a hybrid version of its Recon, which at least at launch will be a fully electric model. 

According to recent comments from top executives, GM’s Cadillac luxury brand might not go all-EV by 2030 as previously said. The brand has clarified that while its EV rollout may proceed as planned its retirement date for ICE models may be extended. 

The 2024 Acura ZDX EV is the quickest SUV ever from the Honda luxury brand—and it definitely looks the part. Yesterday in a review of the Acura ZDX Green Car Reports looked at whether the first fully electric vehicle from this Honda luxury brand keeps it on-brand—even with GM bones.

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• Julie Herrera’s Texas group grows

• Carvana Q1 net income rises

• GM’s new HQ in Detroit

• April sales report

Executive comments suggest that Cadillac could continue to sell gasoline vehicles beyond its 2030 target date for going all-electric, reports Automotive News.

Cadillac boss John Roth told media during a sales and business briefing that electric and gasoline powertrains “will coexist for a number of years,” adding that “we will be offering an all-electric portfolio by the end of the decade, and we will let the customer be our guide.”

2024 Cadillac Lyriq

A Cadillac spokesperson also told media that the General Motors luxury brand has not changed its plan to introduce more EVs, but that the shift away from internal-combustion powertrains may be slower than expected, reports Automotive News.

Cadillac was the first of GM’s brands to be on board with its strong EV-focused vision, and announced plans to go all-EV by 2030 in 2019. Since then it made that target more definite, and required its dealerships to update for it—or ship out. Many dealerships opted to exit. 

2025 Cadillac Escalade IQ

Cadillac didn’t have any EVs at the start of the decade. But in just a few years it’s shown five of them and put one of them on sale. The Cadillac Lyriq was first to arrive, launching for the 2023 model year.

Since then, the pace of Cadillac EV introductions has picked up. Cadillac as shown the $300,000 Celestiq flagship and the Escalade IQ as more high-end models sitting above the Lyriq, along with the Optiq and Vistiq crossovers. The Cadillac Vistiq is a bit larger than the Lyriq, while the Optiq is due to be the smallest and most affordable Cadillac EV.

• Automatic emergency braking at night

• Tesla superchargers and job cuts

• Toyota’s hydrogen HQ in U.S.

• Q1 results at Credit Acceptance

• Ford’s AI-powered dealer training

The 2024 Acura ZDX is the Honda premium brand’s first-ever electric vehicle, a midsize crossover SUV with five seats. 

Visually it’s every inch an Acura, and it’s very close in size to the brand’s bestselling model, the MDX midsize crossover. But the EV is differently proportioned—3 inches lower, on a wheelbase that’s 8 inches longer. 

Named after a low-volume Acura SUV sold from 2010 to 2013, the new ZDX is actually built by General Motors and rides on that company’s Ultium EV platform—as does the related Honda Prologue from Acura’s parent brand. EPA range ratings vary from 313 miles for the rear-wheel-drive base ZDX A-Spec model to 278 miles for the top Type S trim, which has all-wheel drive standard. The ZDX A-Spec with AWD comes in between those ranges, at 304 miles.

In late April, we spent more than four hours driving the Acura ZDX in and around Santa Barbara, California. All our test vehicles were the top Type S version, so we can’t comment on the differences between those and the A-Spec models.

2024 Acura ZDX

2024 Acura ZDX

2024 Acura ZDX

An Acura inside and out—and electric

Overall, the Acura ZDX will likely appeal to MDX owners willing to make the jump to battery-electric power, though it foregoes that SUV’s third-row seating and it’s less sporty than other Acuras. For SUV buyers in particular, that is likely to be an acceptable tradeoff. 

The 2024 ZDX looks every inch an Acura, inside and out. The shield-shaped front “grille” is a blanking plate, but the designers have managed to reduce the visual height of a midsize SUV. Tricks include a sculpted lower front fascia with horizontal fins, an optional black roof, a chrome band outlining the top of the windows—opinions on that flourish were very mixed indeed—and a silver “swoosh” under the doors.

Sadly, there is no front trunk under the long nose. Acura and GM engineers chose to package power electronics and charging equipment there instead, foregoing one of the benefits of an EV ‘skateboard’ platform.

2024 Acura ZDX

ZDX charges quickly, has route planning

The 102-kwh battery pack charges at rates up to 190 kw, Acura says, noting that the ZDX can add “nearly 81 miles” in 10 minutes of fast-charging. That, of course, is under ideal conditions: low battery charge, optimal ambient and battery temperatures, and a charging station that can deliver that power. A more realistic road-trip scenario—20-80% fast-charging—is quoted at 42 minutes.

Acura says Google Assistant will route the ZDX to EV charging stations if a trip exceeds the car’s available range, and the electric SUV will also precondition its battery en route if needed to provide a faster charge. On our short drive, we weren’t able to test the routing functions. We did try to recharge our test ZDX, but the one CCS charging station within our deadline was entirely full—so that’ll have to wait for a longer-term test car.

2024 Acura ZDX

On our various drive legs, we recorded efficiencies of 2.2 to 2.4 miles per kwh, lower than some EV SUVs but perhaps not surprising for a three-ton SUV, given the hills along our route and substantial travel at California highway speeds. 

Acura takes an interesting approach in offering buyers a choice of three different options for charging gear. One option is a Level 2 home charging station; a $500 credit toward installation; and $100 in public charging credits. Buyers who don’t want to install a permanent charger can get a portable charging cord, with $250 toward installation and $300 in charging credits. Finally, users who can’t charge at home can opt for $750 in public-charging credits. Acura has wisely stayed away from the “unlimited” public-charging offers other makers use to lure buyers, which often leads drivers who could easily charge at home to clog public-charging sites because they’re free.

2024 Acura ZDX

Acura says 2024 ZDX models will come with the CCS charging port, but 2025 model-year cars should have the Tesla-style NACS connector. We recommend checking back closer to the start of next year to confirm that.

ZDX is quickest Acura SUV ever

Acura says the new electric ZDX is the quickest SUV it’s ever sold, underscoring the “performance” aspect of the brand. It’s also heavy: almost 1,200 pounds more than an MDX with roughly the same footprint. The all-wheel-drive electric powertrain gives it close to a 50/50 weight distribution, and the air suspension with adaptive dampers provides a Sport Mode that allows it to ride 15 mm lower than normal. Snow Mode raises the ride height by 25 mm and adjusts traction for slippery conditions, and an Individual Mode that lets owners tune settings for the steering, suspension, and power to their liking—though we doubt it will be used much.

2024 Acura ZDX

The all-wheel-drive A-Spec is quoted at 360 kw (490 hp), while the Type S ekes out a few more horses to achieve “nearly 500 hp,” according to product planning manager Jonathon Rivers. The Type S also produces up to 544 lb-ft of torque, which he noted exceeds even the second-generation NSX two-seat performance car, with its mid-mounted V-6 engine and three electric motors. The base A-Spec model uses a single 263-kw (358-hp) motor that powers the rear wheels.

Massive Brembo brakes on our Type S use six-piston front calipers clamping down on 15.6-inch front rotors (13.6 inches at the rear). The calipers are painted bright yellow to underscore the sporty aspirations of the ZDX, and they hauled the 6,050-pound Type S down to a stop just fine under emergency braking. Our Type S rode on 22-inch wheels; all-weather tires are standard, or buyers can opt for performance tires as a $1,000 option.

The default drive mode approximates the powertrain feel of a conventional vehicle with an automatic transmission—minus the shifts, of course. The suspension was comfortable on most surfaces, with good damping and a comfortable ride. Sport mode gave us less added punch than we had hoped for: the suspension felt tighter but added some harshness, and the steering was both lighter and quicker. 

2024 Acura ZDX

2024 Acura ZDX

2024 Acura ZDX

Tapping a permanent icon at the top of the touchscreen brings up a box for “One Pedal Driving” set to the “Normal” level. (Tapping it again turns off regenerative braking altogether.) But to get the strongest regen requires further action: a driver must tap the words “Set Level” and then choose the “High” option from a dropdown that appears. This seems like it could all be combined into a single popup for considerably less distraction.

Inside the ZDX cabin, the front seats are power-adjustable and comfortable. The perforated Milano leather upholstery with contrast stitching is appealing, and our Type S test model added embossed Type S logos for extra flash. The flat floor in front of the wide rear seat makes carrying three adults less cramped than in comparable crossovers with driveline humps.

2024 Acura ZDX will feature popular Google apps built in

ZDX doesn’t omit CarPlay or Android Auto

All models come with an 11.0-inch digital instrument cluster; the Type S adds a head-up display. It also comes with Google Assistant built into the infotainment system. The large icons on the central 11.3-inch touchscreen are easy to hit, and the ZDX offers both Android Auto and Apple CarPlay—unlike some Ultium-based EVs sold by GM. We tested wireless navigation mirrored to the car on both types of phone, and it worked flawlessly—though the word “Google” in conversation seemed to interrupt the Apple Maps app as the car woke up to await a command.

A wide console between the seats accommodates both two large cups and two smartphones lying side by side. A pocket just ahead of the central armrest offers wireless charging and keeps smartphone screens hidden to prevent drivers sneaking a glance—or worse. Large buttons and knobs on the dash provide familiar controls for things like audio volume and tuning, and ventilation functions. There’s also a large area under the forward part of the console for a small backpack or a purse—which was almost entirely invisible amidst the uniform dark gray plastic of the dash and console and the black carpeting.

2024 Acura ZDX

Cargo volume is a substantial 28.7 cubic feet behind the second row; with that row folded down, it rises to 62 cu ft. The rear seatbacks, however, don’t fold quite flat. It’s not a huge impediment, but it’s also not a flat load floor all the way up to the front seats.

The active safety system in the ZDX includes all usual automated driver-assistance systems, including automatic emergency braking, active lane control, and too many others to list here. 

2024 Acura ZDX

Acura ZDX lineup is simplified

The 2024 Acura ZDX lineup is simple, with rear- or all-wheel-drive A-Spec models, the Type S for additional bling, and minimal options. Keyless access is standard, and both key-card and smartphone access are offered. One notable standard feature is an 18-speaker Bang & Olufsen audio system in all ZDX versions; it will be fitted to other Acura vehicles for the 2025 model year.

The ZDX is built at the same Spring Hill, Tennessee, assembly plant that produces the Cadillac Lyriq. As such, Acura says it should qualify for the $7,500 EV tax credit that, as of January 1, can be applied directly to the sticker price to reduce the cost of the vehicle. Acura told us it expects to deliver 20,000 ZDXes this year, and 30,000 annually in subsequent model years.

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Acura provided airfare, lodging, and meals to enable Green Car Reports to bring you this first-person drive report.