Do EVs Have Less Cargo Space Than Gas-Powered Cars?

by Gabrielle DeSantis

EVs are more popular every year, and they will be the cars of the future. But, EVs aren’t flawless. One common complaint folks have about EVs is they don’t have much cargo capacity. Here’s a look at why EVs generally have less cargo space than gas-powered cars.

How much cargo capacity do EVs have?

EV cargo space | Getty Images

Bigger segments will have bigger cargo capacities. Like the Tesla Model Y, electric SUVs are almost guaranteed to have more cargo capacity than smaller, compact EVs. The hard numbers back this up. With its rear seats folded down, the Model Y has a max cargo capacity of about 68 cubic feet.

Similarly, the Volkswagen ID.4 has just over 64 cubic feet of cargo capacity, with its rear seats folded down. Both electric SUVs are compact SUVs. Compared to gas-powered compact SUVs, the popular Model Y and ID.4 do actually fall behind in cargo capacity. However, the gap isn’t actually that massive.

For example, the Toyota RAV4 has just under 70 cubic feet of max cargo capacity. This puts the RAV4 at an arm’s length away from the Model Y’s max cargo capacity. Similarly, the Honda CR-V has almost 76 cubic feet of max cargo capacity. This is significantly more than the Model Y and ID.4. But, it’s still not a double-digit difference.

Why EVs seem to have less cargo capacity

As the Model Y demonstrates, EVs can have as much cargo capacity as many of their conventional peers, but EVs will still lose out to the best in the segment. Like Green Car Reports wrote, it’s a balancing act between a lot of factors. Batteries are heavy, and to get a good enough range, the car will need many batteries.

However, batteries aren’t cheap. To get the best value in an EV, automakers have focused on building smaller EVs. It’s no surprise that small EVs will have a small cargo capacity. Like Green Car Reports wrote, until cheaper batteries come along, automakers will need to find a good balance between all those things.

The batteries themselves have to take some blame. Batteries aren’t small in terms of dimensions. Due to that, cars with battery packs will tend to have less room than the same car without battery packs. That’s exactly why PHEV versions of a car will have less cargo capacity than the regular gas-powered version.

The frunk is nice, though

But, many EVs have some extra space to play with by taking out the gas or diesel engine. Many automakers have converted this extra space where the engine used to be into a trunk. However, since it’s on the front of the car, it’s called a frunk. This is not something every EV has, but many popular ones have this feature. The Ford F-150 Lightning will definitely have a frunk.

The frunk will add cargo capacity to a car without forcing people to fold their seats down. This will allow families to sit on every seat while also carrying around more stuff than usual. However, since the frunk is a relatively new idea, automakers have been playing around with it. For example, the F-150 Lightning’s frunk should be capable of doing some useful stuff, especially at tailgate parties.

RELATED: The Frunk on the 2022 Ford F-150 Lightning Is Ridiculously Useful

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2022 Infiniti QX80 Interior Gets Much-Needed Upgrades

by Gabrielle DeSantis

With changes coming to the QX80 as it releases its 2022 model this fall, one stands out the most. The Infiniti QX80 interior has had nearly the same dual-screen center control panel since it was still named the QX56 in 2013. Even the non-luxury owner of the Infiniti brand, Nissan, updated the identical Armada center control panel since then. Outside the lack of QX80 body changes since 2018, this was the one feature falling behind other large luxury SUVs.

An Aging Interior, Upgraded

2022 Infiniti QX80 All New Center Control Panel | Infiniti USA

The brand new 2022 Infiniti QX80 interior features a 12.3-inch screen and built-in navigation as standard features. It also comes with wireless Apple CarPlay and wired Android Auto compatibility in all trims. There are three trim levels that add a wireless smartphone charger and a premium Bose stereo system. QX80s can cost more than $85,000, so aging technology does not do well compared to other brands. Especially when Infiniti’s parent company, Nissan, is selling the much less expensive Armada with more updated technology.

Recently, a buyer could purchase a Nissan Armada Platinum for $65,300, nearly $20,000 fewer than the Premium QX80. For that kind of price difference, one might expect the more expensive option to have better technology. Thankfully, that’s finally changing in 2022. The QX80 dual-screen display and controls weren’t bad, but they’ve become outdated and went unchanged for far too long. The interface could be confusing and difficult to manage, and no features like Apple CarPlay were available. Apple CarPlay has been available in much more affordable vehicles for a long time.

What will the 2022 Infiniti QX80 cost?

A brown 2022 Infiniti QX80 parked within view of a city skyline.
2022 Infiniti QX80 | Infiniti USA

The Infiniti QX80 will release in the fall of 2021, with price increases coming for all three trim levels. If buyers want the four-wheel-drive version of any trim level, it’ll cost an extra $3,100.

  • 2022 Infiniti QX80 Luxe RWD: +$1,450 to $71,995
    • The base Luxe trim level will come with Napa leather seats, a premium Bose audio system featuring 13 speakers, a power liftgate, heated front seats, and 20-inch alloy wheels.
  • 2022 Infiniti QX80 Premium Select RWD: +$1,935 to $76,780
    • The Premium Select trim will add 22-inch chrome-finish wheels and stylish interior trim.
  • 2022 Infiniti QX80 Sensory RWD: +$1,935 to $83,630
    • The Sensory trim level adds ventilated front seats, an even better 17-speaker audio system, and chrome exterior accents.

These price increases come from only interior center control panel and technology upgrades in the 2022 Infiniti QX80. No major changes have been made to the vehicle mechanically or otherwise. The QX80 will still come standard with a 400 hp 5.6-liter V8 engine. The body style of the vehicle has gone unchanged for the 2022 model year, according to Cars.com.

As far as large SUVs are concerned, the QX80 has a lot to offer. However, even with updated technology, Infiniti’s most expensive SUV will rely on power to outperform its competition. Staying within the Infiniti family of vehicles, the 2022 Infiniti QX60 also offers third-row seating but starts at just $46,850. Meaning for almost half the price of a QX80, you can purchase a midsize SUV that also seats seven. The standard V8 engine and spacious interior are important features for standing out against other SUVs.

The 2022 Infiniti QX80 will become available for purchase in the fall of 2021.

RELATED: The 2022 Infiniti QX80 Didn’t Stop When the NYIAS Was Canceled

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What Is the Oldest Dealership in America?

by Gabrielle DeSantis

When it comes to car dealerships, owners seem to come and go over time. However, the oldest dealership in America has been able to stay in the hands of the same family for over a century. This historic auto dealership finds its roots in St. Cloud, Minnesota. It did not even start out selling automobiles. So, what is the oldest car dealership in America and its fascinating history? 

Tenvoorde Ford outlasts all the competition 

Car dealership lot | Getty Images

The Tenvoorde Ford dealership has found a way to outlast all of its competition over the last century. Ford Motor Co was founded by Henry Ford and officially incorporated in June 1903. However, even before Ford was officially incorporated, they began signing franchise agreements with automobile dealers across the United States. The second Ford franchise agreement ever signed was by Steve Tenvoorde of St. Cloud, Minnesota, in March 1903. 

According to Tenvoorde Ford, Steve Tenvoorde was the son of John W. Tenvoorde, one of the founders of St. Cloud, Minnesota. Steve Tenvoorde engaged in several occupations over the years but had a keen interest in bicycles. This interest led Tenvoorde to open a bicycle shop in St. Cloud. In 1901, Mr. Tenvoorde began selling cars out of his bicycle shop in downtown St. Cloud, and by March 1903, he had signed up to be the second Ford franchise dealer in the United States.       

Becoming the oldest dealership in the United States 

As of 2021, Tenvoorde Ford, out of St.Cloud, Minnesota, is still in business and the hands of the Tenvoorde family. After outlasting all of its original competition, Tenvoorde is officially the oldest dealership in the United States. According to Automotive News, this means that the oldest American car dealership is a Ford franchise that is actually older than Ford Motor Co. itself. 

Interestingly, the oldest car dealership in the United States actually started as a bicycle shop thanks to the foundations of Steve Tenvoorde. Mr. Tenvoorde was definitely a forward-thinking man, as NPR reports that Steve Tenvoorde was actually the first automobile dealer to St. Cloud in 1899. Jack Tenvoorde, a grandson of Steve Tenvoorde, recalls his grandfather telling him, “It was the first time people had seen a horseless carriage.”

Five generations later and the dealership is still going strong  

When Steve Tenvoorde originally started selling automobiles out of his bicycle shop in St. Cloud, Minnesota, he signed up as a dealer for Ford, Oldsmobile, Saxon, Buick, Chandler, Oakland, and several others. If it had anything to do with early automobiles, Mr. Tenvoorde was all about it.

Steve Tenvoorde eventually dropped all other lines and entirely concentrated on Ford after a few years in business. Steve Tenvoorde’s decision to focus on selling Ford turned out to be a great decision for future generations of the Tenvoorde family who are still running the original Tenvoorde Ford dealership in St. Cloud, Minnesota, to this day. 

Steve Tenvoorde’s forward-thinking and business savvy got his bicycle shop turned into a car dealership and is still going strong five generations down the line. Not only are Steve Tenvoorde’s descendants reaping the benefits of his initial efforts, but they are also the proud owners of the oldest Ford dealership and the oldest car dealership in the entire United States. With a great history and legacy, Tenvoorde Ford remains the oldest dealership in America 118 years after its founding. 

Related: Here Is What a Car Dealership in North Korea Looks Like

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Can You Make a Box Truck Into a Camper?

by Gabrielle DeSantis

Plenty of people had some time on their hands during the pandemic. Some saw television programs that talked of full-time RV living. Others heard of opportunities to turn box trucks into living spaces. However, these are not your typical trucks.

Instead, hobbyists ready to cross from truck to RV look for a box truck to begin the transformation. These vehicles come in multiple sizes. What they have in common is a chassis cab truck with cube-shaped cargo space. There is no connection between cabin and cargo space.

Yes, it is possible to convert box trucks into campers

Inside of a box truck | Getty Images

Before you go looking for tools, let’s make sure you know what you are getting into. The finished product can indeed look spectacular. Also, you have full design freedom to make the box truck conversion a direct expression of your personality. However, there are some downsides to the conversion.

For starters, you will not have the fancy gadgets and built-ins that standard RVs come with. In addition, you need to give thought to water flow issues, human waste disposal, and electricity. Most importantly, you may need to think about operating some appliances with propane.

The kind of work that goes into the transformation

Any box truck RV conversion starts with the purchase of a box truck. Since you will be making plenty of modifications, it does not matter if the vehicle is a beauty. It does, however, have to be in excellent structural shape. So, avoid cheap box trucks that an insurer totaled and instead pick up a used item that is inexpensive and intact.

A quick look at eBay Motors shows that you can pick up larger models for about $6,000. The WayWard Home folks suggest drawing a floor plan. We recommend doing it to scale. Know where the couch goes, where the kitchen area will be, what you envision for a bathroom space, and how you want storage to look.

Because human waste is a problem, plenty of insiders choose a composting toilet. Others find that an outdoor shower is a better option than trying to fit it inside. Another pro-tip: choose LEDs rather than other lights to avoid heating the space. Also, insulation is a must.

With the plan in hand, draw areas where you will make cuts. These are likely for the windows, doors, and roof hatches. Select power tools that let you cut through the metal with clean edges. As you begin putting together walls, doors, exterior, and interior pieces, use the same standards that home builders would.

The insulation on the interior should be airtight. There needs to be the ability for moisture to escape on the exterior if you plan to hook up electricity to a recreational generator.

Likely costs versus possible cheaper options for conversions

Talking dollars depends on what you have in the garage. Do you have some great power tools or know someone who does? Do you have access to leftover construction materials? That would be another savings opportunity.

The Two Roaming Souls have put down what they invested, and it makes sense to pay attention. Start with the cost of the box truck. Remember that you need to keep it street legal, so you will pay tax on the price and register it. What do the vehicle and chassis need?

Are the tires in good shape? Does the engine need work? How about the brakes? They spent more than $10,000 on their vehicle and what it took to keep it running well.

Insulation ran about $400, the kitchen space a little less than $1,200, solar paneling about $2,600, electrical almost $900, and so on. Their total was about $17,714 for a van. School bus conversions may sound like a better deal, but remember that Skoolie Livin puts the cost between $20,000 and $30,000, which does not include the cost of the bus.

In short, converting a box truck to achieve your camper living dreams requires hard work and a good chunk of change. However, once it is done, you will have a fully customized camper that will allow you to travel in your own style.

Related: Why Is #Vanlife So Popular?

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