Audi Wants to Change How You Charge Your EV

by Gabrielle DeSantis

EV charging structure is a bit of a problem for the world right now. Chargers are few and far between in most places, especially rural ones, and there’s no standardization across brands. Audi is hoping to solve a few of those problems. Earlier this week, the German car company unveiled its idea for a new way to charge your EV. The idea looks to centralize charging a little more, as opposed to the smattering of chargers found in supermarket parking lots. However, whether this will solve the charging problems humanity faces remains to be seen.

What is Audi’s new charging station?

Audi charging hub exterior | Audi

In accordance with the Ingolstadt-based marque’s plan to increase its EV lineup by 2025, charging infrastructure is getting a boost too. Per the press release, the above image is what can be expected when you go to charge your four rings-branded EV. Looks kind of like a gas station doesn’t it? According to the German brand, it’s supposed to be a little more than that, however.

In addition to providing a centralized location to charge your e-tron EV, the charging hub will improve on how EVs get charged. Hopefully, this technology gets shared with other manufacturers. Competition in the EV market is healthy, but a balance must be struck. That being said, chargers at these stations will be capable of up to 300 kW and will use a more conventional 400-volt hook-up. The goal here is for customers to only spend around a half-hour at a charging station.

Ingolstadt’s vision of the new gas station

The interior of Audi's new charging hub concept with wood, tile and black walls
Audi charging hub | Audi

RELATED: Which Audi Vehicles Are EVs?

That’s not all. Audi wants you to enjoy your premium charging experience, and the design of their station reflects that. So much so that these stations could be mistaken for small dealerships. The German automaker states that the upstairs lounge will provide a “perfect space and setting for a break with added value”. Being a luxury brand, there will of course be amenities on offer.

What these amenities are is a little vague. Coffee is specifically mentioned in the press release, as well as snacks and non-food items. In all likelihood, you’ll be able to pick up some Audi swag at the charging station. The feel of this lounge is already dealership-like, and Audi seems to want to capitalize on that to set the charging station apart from conventional gas stations.

Can this help change charging for the better?

A blue Audi RS e-tron GT on stage at an auto show in Shanghai
The Audi RS e-tron GT | Qilai Shen via Getty Images

With any luck, these stations will become the norm. The concept seems convenient, just like say, a convenience station. If the concept catches on with other manufacturers, it will surely stay brand-specific at least for now. It’s not hard to see third-party charging stations becoming part of the norm, hopefully with some kind of universal charger. For now, Audi plans to have a prototype station up and running later this year, with more to come soon after.

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Texas Awards a Tiny Toyota With a Promising Performance Award

by Gabrielle DeSantis

This year, after members of the Texas Auto Writers Association (TAWA) tested and voted on our favorites, a tiny Toyota earned the Performance Vehicle of Texas award. In fact, it was the 2021 Toyota Supra. And it really is an awesome car. 

2021 Toyota Supra 3.0 Premium | Kevin McCauley

A day at the Texas Auto Roundup left me in a whirlwind

On the day of the Texas Auto Roundup, hosted by TAWA, I drove several performance vehicles (among many others). I felt like a racecar driver in the 2021 Dodge Challenger R/T Scat Pack Widebody model. I powered around the track with an instructor, as she gave me driving tips and information about the vehicle. 

The 2021 Lexus IS 350 F Sport was smooth and quiet, yet still delivered in terms of power. But overall, I have to say I agree with the vote. The 2021 Toyota GR Supra 3.0 is a value-packed performance vehicle with a fun side. 

Is the 2021 Toyota Supra a good car? 

a close of of the rear of the Supra with Texas plates
2021 Toyota Supra 3.0 Premium | Kevin McCauley

Yes, the 2021 Toyota Supra 3.0 is a great car. It’s a spritely performance coupe that offers a lot in terms of value as well as an engaging driving experience. There’s a reason why so many journalists, bloggers, and critics voted to make this the Performance Vehicle of Texas. 

The 2021 Toyota Supra at the event was striking. I immediately fell in love with the matte Storm Gray paint coat. In fact, even after finding out that this paint color costs $1,495 extra and that the final assembly has to take place in Austria due to this unique paint job I thought to myself–– “if I bought this car, this is the only color to have it in.” 

It’s rather inconspicuous compared with others at the roundup such as the Lexus LC500 or the Dodge Charger SRT Hellcat Redeye. But in that Storm Gray metallic paint it is absolutely stunning. It’s aesthetic appeal alone had me at hello. But when I got to have it to myself for 20 minutes, zipping around at the Texas Motor Speedway I realized why so many people love this car. 

2021 Toyota Supra specs

The 2021 Toyota Supra 3.0 side view on the track at speed.
2021 Toyota Supra 3.0 Premium | Kevin McCauley

The 2021 Toyota Supra 3.0 (called the GR Supra on the Monroney sticker) employs a 3.0-liter inline six-cylinder engine with a twin-scroll turbocharger. This mighty little engine generates up to 382 hp and 368 lb-feet of torque. 

An 8-speed automatic transmission moves power to the rear wheels. All four wheels of the 2021 Toyota Supra 3.0 are 19-inches of aluminum wrapped in Michelin Pilot super sport tires. The Premium trim Supra I tested comes with all the bells and whistles. This includes niceties such as an 8.8-inch touchscreen and a 12 speaker JBL audio system. 

How much is this year’s Performance Vehicle of Texas?

the rear view of the 2021 Toyota Supra the garage
2021 Toyota Supra 3.0 Premium | Kevin McCauley

The MSRP for the 3.0 engine Premium trim Supra starts at $54,490. The one at the Texas Auto Roundup costs $58,250 as equipped. However, there are other options too. 

The 2021 Toyota Supra 3.0 without the extras that the Premium trim adds starts at $51,090. Toyota also offers a 2.0-liter four-cylinder version of the GR Supra starting at $43,090. Overall, the Toyota Supra earned its title as the Performance Vehicle of Texas. It’s compelling and value-packed––and I still can’t get that matte paint coat out of my head. 

RELATED: Ford Transit Recall Affects Over 200,000 Transit Connect Models

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How Fast Does the 2022 Ford F-150 Lightning Charge?

by Gabrielle DeSantis

Ford has finally revealed the F-150 Lightning, and it has certainly caused a stir. Not only is it a relatively affordable all-electric truck, but it also just looks like any other F-150. However, one of the most important things about an EV is its charging speed, and here’s a look at just how fast the 2022 Ford F-150 Lightning can charge.

The basics of the 2022 Ford F-150 Lightning

Unlike Tesla, Ford seems to have stuck to what works when it comes to the F-150 Lightning. Like MotorTrend said, not only does it look like a regular F-150, but it’s also equipped with things that will satisfy most F-150 fans. The first and foremost consideration is price, and at an MSRP of about $40,000 before tax credits, the F-150 Lightning isn’t that much more expensive than a fancy trim of the F-150. 

As far as payload and towing go, the Ford F-150 Lightning can do both well, too. It has a 5.5-foot bed which has pretty much the exact same dimensions as the regular F-150’s bed, and overall, the F-150 Lightning can carry around a 2,000-pound payload. When properly equipped, the Lightning model can also tow up to 10,000-pounds. Those aren’t heavy-duty numbers, but for most households, they’re good enough for most jobs.

And of course, there’s the battery. The standard Lightning configuration gets about 230 miles of range, while the more powerful version gets up to 300 miles of range. That being said, things will get a bit more complicated when it comes to charging speeds.

How fast does the 2022 Ford F-150 Lightning charge?

Just like with many things in life, the answer is “it depends.” Unlike a conventional car where you just need to fill up the tank with gas, electricity is a more complex beast. For example, MotorTrend said that if you plug the Ford F-150 Lightning up to a 240-volt outlet, then it will charge at about 32 amps, which will provide about 13 miles of range per hour. But if you plug it in to a 120-volt outlet, then the Lightning will only get about 3 miles of range per hour.

That said, Ford does offer a better home charging solution, the Ford Charge Station Pro. It’s an 80-amp charger, and it can provide 30 miles of range per hour. It can also fill up the Ford F-150 Lightning’s extended range battery from 15 percent to 100 percent in eight hours. 

However, there are also DC fast chargers available. If you can charge with one of those, then the Lightning can get 54 miles of range in just 10 minutes, according to MotorTrend. These DC fast chargers can also bring the F-150 Lightning’s extended-range batteries from 15 percent charge to 80 percent charge in about 41 minutes.

A look at Ford’s new skateboard design

The Ford F-150 Lightning | Bill Pugliano/Getty Images

Although the Ford F-150 Lightning looks like a regular F-150, it’s actually the first car designed on Ford’s new EV platform. This design features a skateboard that was designed from the ground up, according to MotorTrend. The Lightning’s skateboard is how the batteries are housed and protected, but Ford was mindful about keeping the skateboard “flat and low,” as that allows customers to more easily load and unload stuff from the Lightning’s frunk.

Due to the design of the Lightning’s skateboard, repairs can be easy. As MotorTrend wrote, technicians can remove chunks of the battery piece by piece. However, new skateboard or not, batteries for any EV are going to be heavy. Indeed, the Lightning weighs over 6,500 pounds, and that’s 1,000 pounds heavier than the regular F-150 when it’s equipped with a V6 engine. The battery alone weighs about 1,800 pounds, according to MotorTrend.

No matter what, this vehicle is something we’ve never seen before. Thankfully, it’s expected to achieve quick charging numbers.

RELATED: 2022 Ford F-150 Lightning Receives Over 20,000 Reservations in 12 Hours

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Bring a Trailer Bargain of the Week: 2002 Ford F-150 SVT Lightning

by Gabrielle DeSantis

The electric F-150 is here, and Ford has given the Lightning name. For Blue Oval fans, that name should be familiar. That’s because the F-150 SVT Lightning was Ford’s first real performance pickup. And this week, there’s a second-gen model available on Bring a Trailer.

The second-gen Ford F-150 SVT Lightning is a fast supercharged sports truck

1993 Ford SVT F-150 Lightning | Ford

Although Ford now has the Raptor for high-speed (off-road) shenanigans, that wasn’t the case in the ‘90s. At the time, pickup trucks were about utility, rather than performance. That changed when GM introduced the Chevy 454SS and the GMC Syclone, Hagerty explains. The latter truck gained noticeable enthusiast acclaim when it accelerated faster than some contemporary Ferraris.

In response, Ford launched the first-gen F-150 SVT Lightning in 1993. It rides lower than the contemporary F-150 and features Monroe shocks, aluminum wheels, larger brakes, and stiffer sway bars. And under the hood is a 5.8-liter V8 rated at 240 hp and 340 lb-ft, sent to the rear wheels via a four-speed automatic. That’s enough to give the 1993-1995 F-150 SVT Lightning a 0-60 mph time of 7.2 seconds, MotorTrend reports.

The second-gen 1999-2004 Ford F-150 SVT Lightning, though, is even more potent. Instead of a naturally-aspirated V8, the second-gen truck has a 5.4-liter supercharged V8. In 1999-2000 models, it’s rated at 360 hp and 440 lb-ft, Hagerty reports. 2001-2004 SVT Lightnings, though, offer 380 hp and 450 lb-ft, once again with a four-speed automatic.

The 2001 upgrade let the Ford F-150 SVT Lightning go 0-60 mph in 5.2 seconds, Car and Driver reports. And with a 147-mph top speed, the second-gen Lightning was the world’s fastest production truck, MT reports. At least until the Ram SRT-10 came along.

Nevertheless, the second-gen F-150 SVT Lightning offers more than just straight-line speed. It has four-wheel vented disc brakes, performance tires, thicker anti-roll bars, and starting in 2001, Bilstein shocks. And while it’s not quite a sports car, the truck “was a revelation in handling” back in the day, TruckTrend notes.

The 2002 Ford F-150 SVT Lightning on Bring a Trailer

A black modified 2002 Ford F-150 SVT Lightning by a brick building
Modified 2002 Ford F-150 SVT Lightning | Bring a Trailer

Being a 2002 model, the Ford F-150 SVT Lightning currently listed on Bring a Trailer has the 380-hp version of the supercharged V8. However, this truck might have more power than that, because it’s not stock.

The seller notes that this 2002 F-150 SVT Lightning was previously modified by Tim Skelton of Team Rebar Racing. So, under the hood, it has an LFP single-blade throttle body, a C&L intake tube and plenum, a larger intercooler reservoir and Meziere pump, an AFCO heat exchanger, and Flex-a-Lite radiator fans. This truck also has a transmission cooler, a differential cooler, and a performance exhaust with a Magnaflow muffler.

The rear 3/4 view of a black modified 2002 Ford F-150 SVT Lightning in a parking lot
Modified 2002 Ford F-150 SVT Lightning rear 3/4 | Bring a Trailer

RELATED: Forget the Ford Lightning: The Saleen F150 Sport Truck Has the Thunder

Skelton didn’t just modify the truck’s powertrain, though. This 2002 Ford F-150 SVT Lightning has a chassis brace, drilled rotors, and front Brembo brakes. It also has front and rear Hellwig sway bars, Moog ball joints, urethane end links and bushings, Foothill Offroad spring plates, So-Cal shock extenders, and Flex-Form fiberglass leaf springs. The truck has Lincoln Blackwood traction bars, too, as well as additional auxiliary gauges. And the Moda wheels with Toyo tires have an aftermarket tire-pressure monitoring system. Plus, this SVT Lightning comes with a Keystone ‘shaker’ hood, a DG Motorsports air dam, and a Grillcraft grille.

Inside, this 2002 Ford F-150 SVT Lightning has Corbeau TRS sport seats, a microsuede headliner, A/C, cruise control, LED interior lighting, and extra sound-deadening material. It also has a Ford Audiophile six-disc CD changer, an MTX Thunderform subwoofer with a 350W amplifier, and LED turn signals.

The black interior of a modified 2002 Ford F-150 SVT Lightning
Modified 2002 Ford F-150 SVT Lightning lightning | Bring a Trailer

RELATED: Why Did This 1987 Buick GNX Just Sell for $205,000?

On the downside, this 2002 Ford F-150 SVT Lightning isn’t perfect. It has some front bumper scrapes and sustained some front/side damage in a December 2004 accident. And while the odometer “shows 34K miles…total mileage is unknown,” Bring a Trailer says. However, it has a clean title.

These trucks are “coming into their own” as collector’s items, Hagerty says, but this one’s still a bargain

As of this writing, this 2002 Ford F-150 SVT Lightning is listed on Bring a Trailer at $12,000 with three days left in the auction. Considering its condition, that’s a below-average price.

RELATED: The Toyota Tacoma X-Runner Was a Japanese Ford Lightning That Could Handle

A fair-to-good-condition second-gen SVT Lightning typically goes for $15K-$20K, Hagerty reports. And the average Bring a Trailer price has started climbing to the $20,000-$25,000 range. That makes this truck a great opportunity to get into a Lightning before they’re priced out of affordability. Plus, you can get behind the wheel of the same truck Paul Walker drove in the first Fast & Furious.

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