Electric vehicles

The previous Mustang was a beautiful car, so it makes sense that the 2024 model is more about tweaking than making dramatic changes. The lower panel at the rear is more detailed and the top of the taillights integrate more with the duck-tail truck lid. PHOTO: FORD

2024 Mustang returns in all its heritage-driven glory

For Mustang devotees, heartbeats quicken, blood pressures rise and palms moisten in…

  • May 1, 2023
The previous Mustang was a beautiful car, so it makes sense that the 2024 model is more about tweaking than making dramatic changes. The lower panel at the rear is more detailed and the top of the taillights integrate more with the duck-tail truck lid. PHOTO: FORD
The Nissan Ariya represents a leading-edge EV that takes a something-for-everyone approach in content plus battery, power and range. PHOTO: NISSAN

2023 Nissan Ariya EV offers astonishing diversity and many modern conveniences

Supply chain issues have delayed numerous new vehicle models, including the electric…

  • Apr 25, 2023
The Nissan Ariya represents a leading-edge EV that takes a something-for-everyone approach in content plus battery, power and range. PHOTO: NISSAN
The provincial government reports the number of registered ZEVs has skyrocketed from 5,000 in 2016 to more than 100,000 today.

Reflecting on EV progress this Earth Day

By Blair Qualey Earth Day is a great opportunity to recognize the…

  • Apr 22, 2023
The provincial government reports the number of registered ZEVs has skyrocketed from 5,000 in 2016 to more than 100,000 today.
People look at the Volkswagen Tiguan during the Canadian International Auto Show in Toronto on Thursday February 16, 2017. German auto giant Volkswagen secured an exclusive contract with Canada that could be worth more than $13 billion over the next 10 years to build an electric vehicle battery plant in southern Ontario. THE CANADIAN PRESS/Mark Blinch

Canada’s EV battery contract with Volkswagen could be worth more than $13 billion

German automaker set to build a plant in St. Thomas, Ont.

People look at the Volkswagen Tiguan during the Canadian International Auto Show in Toronto on Thursday February 16, 2017. German auto giant Volkswagen secured an exclusive contract with Canada that could be worth more than $13 billion over the next 10 years to build an electric vehicle battery plant in southern Ontario. THE CANADIAN PRESS/Mark Blinch
The Sequoia’s new bodywork is highlighted by a larger and aggressive-looking grille. It’s flanked by more prominent fenders with deep creases, which underscore the character-changing appearance. PHOTO: TOYOTA

2023 Toyota Sequoia: As tough as they come in this class, and now it’s a hybrid

With the price of fuel soaring dramatically, automobile owners are experiencing plenty…

  • Apr 18, 2023
The Sequoia’s new bodywork is highlighted by a larger and aggressive-looking grille. It’s flanked by more prominent fenders with deep creases, which underscore the character-changing appearance. PHOTO: TOYOTA
To help prevent vehicle theft, keep your garage door open​er out of sight or take it with you when parking away from your home.

April is Auto Crime Prevention Month – here’s how to lock out auto crime

By Blair Qualey April is Auto Crime Prevention Month and the latest…

  • Apr 18, 2023
To help prevent vehicle theft, keep your garage door open​er out of sight or take it with you when parking away from your home.
The REV Ram 1500 is introduced at the New York International Auto Show in New York April 5, 2023. (AP Photo/Craig Ruttle)

New Ram electric pickup can go up to 500 miles on a charge

An electric Ram pickup truck with up to 500 miles of range…

The REV Ram 1500 is introduced at the New York International Auto Show in New York April 5, 2023. (AP Photo/Craig Ruttle)
(L-R) Coun. Korleen Carreras, Coun. Sunny Schiller, energy minister Josie Osborne, MLA Bob D’Eith, and MLA Lisa Beare, all helped announce $26 million in new funding to help B.C. increase its number of EV charging stations. (Brandon Tucker/The News)

B.C. receives $26 million in new funding for EV charging stations

Provincial government sets target of 100% light-duty vehicle sales being EVs by 2035

(L-R) Coun. Korleen Carreras, Coun. Sunny Schiller, energy minister Josie Osborne, MLA Bob D’Eith, and MLA Lisa Beare, all helped announce $26 million in new funding to help B.C. increase its number of EV charging stations. (Brandon Tucker/The News)
For the 2023 Lexus RX redesign, the doors and fenders have been smoothed, while the floating-style rear roof pillars maintain their familiar look. A new taillight bar extends the full width of the vehicle. PHOTO: LEXUS

2023 Lexus RX: The all-star in the Lexus stable keeps getting better with age

Through the past four generations spanning more than two decades, the Lexus…

  • Apr 5, 2023
For the 2023 Lexus RX redesign, the doors and fenders have been smoothed, while the floating-style rear roof pillars maintain their familiar look. A new taillight bar extends the full width of the vehicle. PHOTO: LEXUS
The Cassiar Highway provides access to some of the most spectacular scenery in British Columbia, but with no fast-charging stations, it’s inaccessible to people driving electric vehicles.

Completing B.C.’s Electric Highway

Many B.C. residents want to take the plunge and purchase their first…

  • Apr 4, 2023
The Cassiar Highway provides access to some of the most spectacular scenery in British Columbia, but with no fast-charging stations, it’s inaccessible to people driving electric vehicles.
The GR Corolla’s special three-piece muffler with stainless-steel exhaust tips increases flow, which aids efficiency and performance of the 1.6-litre three-cylinder engine. PHOTO: TOYOTA

All the Corolla hatchback needed was a bit more power + AWD, but Toyota went all-in

Small hatchbacks make affordable fuel-sipping commuters that can tote a good amount…

  • Mar 30, 2023
The GR Corolla’s special three-piece muffler with stainless-steel exhaust tips increases flow, which aids efficiency and performance of the 1.6-litre three-cylinder engine. PHOTO: TOYOTA

Council modifies its support for resolution against provincial vehicle emissions mandate

New motion asks for reconsideration of EV mandate if 2030 targets not met

The updated 2024 Cadillac XT4 gets new front styling and a 33-inch (84-centimetre) curved display to replace the current eight-inch screen. PHOTO: CADILLAC

The Auto Sleuth: New course for Cadillac; Updated Explorer + more

The Cadillac XT4 sets a course for modest changes For 2024, the…

  • Mar 27, 2023
The updated 2024 Cadillac XT4 gets new front styling and a 33-inch (84-centimetre) curved display to replace the current eight-inch screen. PHOTO: CADILLAC
The AWD SS is the first Blazer EV model to arrive. It’s also the most expensive, with loads of content, all-wheel-drive and 557 horsepower. The base 1LT is expected to arrive in the first quarter of 2024. PHOTO: CHEVROLET

2024 Chevy Blazer EV: have-it-your-way trim levels, plus a variety of power + price points

The familiar Chevrolet Blazer name, which was revived for 2020, will soon…

  • Mar 27, 2023
The AWD SS is the first Blazer EV model to arrive. It’s also the most expensive, with loads of content, all-wheel-drive and 557 horsepower. The base 1LT is expected to arrive in the first quarter of 2024. PHOTO: CHEVROLET
The Venue is 12.5 centimetres shorter than the next-up Hyundai Kona, although passenger room is similar. Where the Venue makes its sacrifice is total cargo room, lack of powertrain choice and it doesn’t offer all-wheel-drive. The Kona does. PHOTO: HYUNDAI

2023 Hyundai Venue: Introverted subcompact city runner is big on saving money

Big and brawny utility vehicles aren’t to everyone’s liking, or to their…

  • Mar 24, 2023
The Venue is 12.5 centimetres shorter than the next-up Hyundai Kona, although passenger room is similar. Where the Venue makes its sacrifice is total cargo room, lack of powertrain choice and it doesn’t offer all-wheel-drive. The Kona does. PHOTO: HYUNDAI
It’s anticipated the B.C. auto industry will need more than 20,000 new hires over the next 10 years to fill projected job openings across the sector, from technical positions to sales and management.

Addressing the labour shortage in B.C.’s auto sector

British Columbia’s new vehicle industry, like many other sectors, is in the…

  • Mar 20, 2023
It’s anticipated the B.C. auto industry will need more than 20,000 new hires over the next 10 years to fill projected job openings across the sector, from technical positions to sales and management.
The Encore was cancelled, but the Encore GX gets new exterior styling and fresh interior with a large touch-screen. PHOTO: BUICK

The Auto Sleuth: Updated Encore GX; Ferrari crossover a hit + more

The recent departure of the compact Encore utility vehicle leaves the similarly…

  • Mar 20, 2023
The Encore was cancelled, but the Encore GX gets new exterior styling and fresh interior with a large touch-screen. PHOTO: BUICK
The Civic Type R has wider track – the distance between the left and right wheels — than the standard Civic, so the fenders are flared to cover the tires. The Type R is front-wheel-drive, but the Toyota GR Corolla, the Volkswagen Golf R and the Subaru WRX are all-wheel-drive. PHOTO: HONDA

Honda ‘hatches’ a new performance compact with more flair and finesse

From the bones of the latest Honda Civic comes a new powered-up…

  • Mar 17, 2023
The Civic Type R has wider track – the distance between the left and right wheels — than the standard Civic, so the fenders are flared to cover the tires. The Type R is front-wheel-drive, but the Toyota GR Corolla, the Volkswagen Golf R and the Subaru WRX are all-wheel-drive. PHOTO: HONDA
The CleanBC Roadmap to 2030 (released in October 2021) proposes to complete B.C.’s Electric Highway by 2024 and reach a target of 10,000 public EV charging stations in B.C. by 2030.

The road to electric vehicle ownership

By Blair Qualey A recent survey by KPMG suggests that 70 per…

  • Mar 17, 2023
The CleanBC Roadmap to 2030 (released in October 2021) proposes to complete B.C.’s Electric Highway by 2024 and reach a target of 10,000 public EV charging stations in B.C. by 2030.
For the 2023 redesign, the doors and fenders have been smoothed, while the floating-style rear roof pillars maintain their familiar look. A new taillight bar extends the full width of the vehicle. The new RX is about the same length as before. PHOTO: LEXUS

2023 Lexus RX: The all-star in the Lexus stable keeps getting better with age

Through the past four generations spanning more than two decades, the Lexus…

  • Mar 14, 2023
For the 2023 redesign, the doors and fenders have been smoothed, while the floating-style rear roof pillars maintain their familiar look. A new taillight bar extends the full width of the vehicle. The new RX is about the same length as before. PHOTO: LEXUS