Electric vehicles

The RAV4 Prime makes 302 horsepower compared with the Outlander PHEV’s 248. In EV mode, the Prime is rated at 2.5 l/100 km equivalency versus the PHEV’s 3.6. That’s with full battery packs. PHOTO: TOYOTA

2023 Outlander PHEV + 2023 RAV4 Prime: Is it time to plug in?

Plug-in hybrid electric vehicles (PHEVs) represent the midpoint between nonplug-in hybrids and…

  • Jun 19, 2023
The RAV4 Prime makes 302 horsepower compared with the Outlander PHEV’s 248. In EV mode, the Prime is rated at 2.5 l/100 km equivalency versus the PHEV’s 3.6. That’s with full battery packs. PHOTO: TOYOTA
For those who are driving less, ICBC has introduced a distance-based discount.

New distance-based discount from ICBC may benefit remote workers

By Blair Qualey In a post-pandemic world in which many British Columbians…

  • Jun 19, 2023
For those who are driving less, ICBC has introduced a distance-based discount.
The coming EV9 electric vehicle has a blocky appearance that straddles the line between attractive and utilitarian. PHOTO: KIA

Kia’s 2024 EV9; Mercedes electric G-Class; Subaru Crosstrek updates + More

Kia reveals 2024 EV9 in final form The brand’s full-size electric utility…

  • Jun 7, 2023
The coming EV9 electric vehicle has a blocky appearance that straddles the line between attractive and utilitarian. PHOTO: KIA
Hundreds of electric cars, built in Vietnam and newly certified for sale in Canada, arrived at the B.C. Vehicle Processing Centre in Nanaimo on May 16 and will available to Canadian buyers this month. (Chris Bush/News Bulletin)

Vietnamese-made electric cars arrive at Port of Nanaimo for sale in Canada

More than 750 VinFast electric vehicles being processed at Nanaimo’s B.C. Vehicle Processing Centre

Hundreds of electric cars, built in Vietnam and newly certified for sale in Canada, arrived at the B.C. Vehicle Processing Centre in Nanaimo on May 16 and will available to Canadian buyers this month. (Chris Bush/News Bulletin)
Blair Qualey, from the New Car Dealers Association of B.C., and Josie Osborne, Minister of Energy, Mines and Low Carbon Innovation, marked EV Day at the Legislature in May. NCDA photo

Celebrating progress in zero-emission vehicle adoption

By Blair Qualey The New Car Dealers Association of BC (NCDA) hosted…

  • May 29, 2023
Blair Qualey, from the New Car Dealers Association of B.C., and Josie Osborne, Minister of Energy, Mines and Low Carbon Innovation, marked EV Day at the Legislature in May. NCDA photo
Five years ago, who would have dreamed of a midengine all-wheel-drive hybrid Chevrolet Corvette that makes 655 horsepower? PHOTO: CHEVROLET

2024 Chevrolet Corvette E-Ray: representing performance progress more than change

The eighth-generation Corvette, launched for 2020, brought the biggest change in the…

  • May 21, 2023
Five years ago, who would have dreamed of a midengine all-wheel-drive hybrid Chevrolet Corvette that makes 655 horsepower? PHOTO: CHEVROLET
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: Ferrari’s crossover; An updated Encore + more

Buick updates the Encore GX The recent departure of the compact Encore…

  • May 6, 2023
The Encore was cancelled, but the Encore GX gets new exterior styling and fresh interior with a large touch-screen. PHOTO: BUICK
Most new car dealers are classified as small businesses, meaning they employ fewer than 50 people, but combined, those members directly and indirectly employ more than 27,000 people in B.C. in a wide variety of jobs.

The value of local franchised New Car Dealerships

By Blair Qualey Across British Columbia, there are more than 400 franchised…

  • May 1, 2023
Most new car dealers are classified as small businesses, meaning they employ fewer than 50 people, but combined, those members directly and indirectly employ more than 27,000 people in B.C. in a wide variety of jobs.
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 2023 Ford Bronco Sport is designed to handle any terrain, with features that make it ideal for off-road adventures. Chilliwack Ford Photo

Why the Ford Bronco Sport is perfect for outdoor enthusiasts

If you’re an adventure enthusiast, you need a vehicle that can keep…

  • Apr 4, 2023
The 2023 Ford Bronco Sport is designed to handle any terrain, with features that make it ideal for off-road adventures. Chilliwack Ford Photo
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