Ford’s Best-Selling SUV Is Going Electric

by Gabrielle DeSantis

On Wednesday, May 26, 2021, Ford announced that it will be making an electric version of the Explorer, its best-selling SUV. An electric Ford Explorer would be the first large electric SUV available on the market. Although there are three-row electric SUV’s on the market, the third row is typically more a checked box than an actual place adults would want to sit. It would join Ford’s EV lineup including the Mustang Mach-E, E-Transit and F-150 Lightning. As demand for electric vehicles grows, an electric Ford Explorer would certainly be a hit. 

2021 Ford Explorer | VCG/VCG via Getty Images

Will an electric Ford Explorer be as powerful as the current one?

Ford's newest electric vehicle, the Ford F-150 Lightning logo on a truck outside of a car show.
Ford Motor Company’s electric F-150 Lightning logo | JEFF KOWALSKY/AFP via Getty Images

RELATED: Ford’s Best 2021 Hybrid SUV Isn’t the Explorer

Although Ford hasn’t released its exact plan for the electric Ford Explorer (or a release date), there’s every reason to believe that the electric version would be comparable to the gas-powered one. The Ford Explorer currently has a 2.3-liter V6, while the hybrid Explorer comes with a 3.3-liter V6. Considering Ford’s coming F-150 Lightning will be similar to the standard F-150, there’s a good chance large SUV shoppers won’t have to sacrifice power for low-emissions. 

Ford has electric plans for the future

A red 2021 Ford Mustang Mach-E sits on the floor of a car show. The Mach-E is one of Ford's new electric vehicles.
Ford Motor Mustang Mach-E | Zhe Ji/Getty Images

The electric Explorer announcement was made during Ford’s Capital Markets Day. The announcement is part of Ford’s plan to make electric vehicles 40% of their vehicle production by 2030. Ford wants to be a leader in electric vehicles. Currently less than ten percent of Ford’s lineup is electric.

To achieve this goal, which is part of new CEO Jim Farley’s Ford+ plan, Ford has said that it will spend $30 billion on electric vehicle production by 2025. Although this is more than many car manufacturers have committed to electric vehicles, it is still behind Tesla, GM and Volkswagen. Tesla only produces electric vehicles and GM says they will be 100% electric by 2035. 

What other EVs does Ford have planned?

A silver Ford F-150 Lightning outside at night.
Ford F-150 Lightning | JEFF KOWALSKY/AFP via Getty Images

During the Capital Market’s Day, Ford also announced that it will make two dedicated electric vehicle platforms. One platform would be for cars and small SUVs. Another, larger platform would let Ford make larger electric SUVs and pickup trucks. Ford would be able to make a variety of electric vehicles that share the same components and chassis. Currently Ford makes the Mustang Mach-E and the E-Transit electric van. It is releasing the all-new electric pickup truck, the F-150 Lightning, early in 2022. It has also hinted at an electric update to the Mustang coupe. The electric Ford Explorer would expand Ford’s electric offerings.

Ford also teased a large, “rugged” electric SUV, showing the outline of an SUV with a spare tire in the back. This has people speculating that Ford has plans to make an electric Bronco. It isn’t the first time that Ford has hinted at an electric Bronco. Farley tweeting the possibility that Ford has considered making one in the past. Ford already plans on offering a hybrid Bronco.

If Ford makes good on all of its electric vehicle promises, including an electric version of the Ford Explorer, car shoppers will be able to get electric versions of all of their Ford favorites in the near future.

The post Ford’s Best-Selling SUV Is Going Electric appeared first on MotorBiscuit.

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What’s the Difference Between a Riding Lawn Mower and a Lawn Tractor?

by Gabrielle DeSantis

So you have a large yard, garden, or otherwise good-sized chunk of land to mow. But how do you choose the right kind of mowing machine for your unique job? What’s the difference between a riding lawn mower and a lawn tractor?

Riding lawn mowers. | Daniel Acker/Bloomberg

First of all, the two are not the same. Despite some similarities, lawn tractors and riding lawn mowers are definitely different. The right machine for you depends on the size of the lawn, as well as important factors such as budget and storage.

What is a lawn tractor?

A lawn tractor is typically a gas-powered machine that can cut a yard significantly faster than your run-of-the-mill push mower. They are great for larger lawns. If you have a suburban lot that’s on the large side, or need the perfect mower to keep the lawn near your country home looking well-manicured, then you might consider a lawn tractor.

Consumer Reports notes that a lawn tractor “can cut two to three times faster than simple push mowers, making them best suited for larger lawns.” In addition, it’s worth mentioning that lawn tractors with hydrostatic transmissions tend to be simpler to operate. Plus, lawn tractors equipped with hydrostatic transmission are generally smoother than those without, according to Consumer Reports.

Some benefits of a lawn tractor are that it mows a wide swath (from 42-inches up to 54 inches + with a wide-deck model.) Plus, they can side-discharge, bag, or mulch the clippings––and they’re easy to steer. However, it will cost extra for a bagging kit, and they aren’t cheap.

Gas mowers, like most other related machines, need routine maintenance in addition to blade sharpening and oil changes. Consumer Reports recommends using a lawn tractor to mow grassy areas that meet or exceed half an acre.

So how does a riding lawn mower differ from a lawn tractor?

a man mowing a pristine lawn with a lawn tractor
mowing the lawn with a lawn tractor Becker & Bredel/ullstein bild via Getty Images

According to Husqvarna, there is one “key difference” between a riding lawn mower and a lawn tractor. That is, when using a lawn tractor the cutting blades are positioned in the middle. This means they are great for cutting large open areas.

However, the smaller riding lawn mower cutting deck is usually located a little off-center. That and the usually smaller turning radius offered by a riding lawn mower make this a great machine for large lawns with more landscaping obstacles to maneuver around. A riding lawn mower can also reach areas beneath objects such as a bench or picnic table.

How much do they cost?

In addition, a riding mower tends to start cheaper than a lawn or garden tractor. Tractor Supply Co. writes that riding lawn mower models start at $800. On the other hand, a lawn tractor can cost anywhere between $2,000 and $7,000. That said, there are also front-engine lawn tractors, which start at around $1,200.

A front-engine tractor kind of in between a riding lawn mower and a traditional lawn or garden tractor. It doesn’t allow for attaching implements but can tow a small yard trailer. If you can’t decide between a full-on lawn tractor and a riding mower, the front-engine lawn mower bridges the gap.

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Akon’s 2020 Range Rover Was Stolen in Atlanta

by Gabrielle DeSantis

Oh no, hip-hop singer, Akon was a victim of a crime in Atlanta, Georgia. Akon’s 2020 Range Rover was stolen from a gas station! But Akon made one crucial move that made it easier for the thief to flee in his Range Rover. 

Akon’s 2020 Range Rover was stolen in Atlanta 

2020 Range Rover | Land Rover

According to WSB-TV, Akon was the victim of a crime! His luxury SUV was stolen with expensive items inside while he was in a gas station. The luxury SUV just happened to be his 2020 Range Rover, which begins at around $90,900. 

Atlanta police said officers were called to the QuickTrip on Sidney Marcus Boulevard just before midnight about vehicle theft. Once they arrived, they met Aliaune Thiam, aka Akon, who admitted to making one major mistake. 

Akon left his Range Rover running at the gas station as he went inside. Then someone slipped inside and drove off. Never leave your vehicle running or with the keys inside, as that provides an opportunity for thieves to strike! 

What we know about the stolen Range Rover 

RELATED: Another Range Rover Recall Doesn’t Help the Brand’s Reputation

Akon shared that once his 2020 Range Rover was stolen, it was being followed by a dark-colored sedan heading eastbound on Sidney Marcus Boulevard toward Buford Highway. Surveillance video shows the suspect car pulling up near Akon’s SUV. Then a passenger got out and slipped into the driver’s seat before speeding off. 

But Akon made a pretty smart move after realizing his iPhone was left inside of the SUV. He was able to use the Find My iPhone app to track the Range Rover. The app said the SUV was in Forest Park, and that’s where the SUV was found. 

Akon mentioned to the police that he had some expensive items in that SUV, including a diamond necklace worth $25,000, his passport, and thousands of dollars worth of Louis Vuitton luggage. 

He isn’t the only rapper to have his vehicle stolen in Hotlanta. In January, Ludacris had his Mercedes-Benz stolen while he went into the ATM near 8th and Peachtree Street in Midtown. He had his iPad inside. 

The location of the iPad led police to a Hyundai SUV parked on Lois Place in northwest Atlanta. Luda’s iPad, Louis Vuitton bag, and laptop were inside and returned to him. Ludacris also left his vehicle running while he went inside! The Mercedes-Benz was later found.

Is the Range Rover a nice SUV? 

Gray Range Rover Velar crossover luxury SUV on display at Brussels Expo
The Land Rover Range Rover Velar | Getty Images

Well, with the base price of $90,900, the 2020 Range Rover better be nice. It doesn’t disappoint. The base engine is a turbocharged inline-six option with electric assist. In the P360, it pumps out 355 hp. In the HSE 400, it provides 395 hp. 

Each Range Rover model comes standard with wood-veneer trim, leather seats, and a heated leather steering wheel. As you move up in trim levels, you get even more leather in the interior. The carpet that lines the cargo compartment can be upgraded to attractively finished wood. 

Under the main infotainment screen, a secondary screen provides access to the climate controls, driving modes, and vehicle settings, such as the optional massage seats. Standard features include forward-collision warning, automated emergency braking, and lane-departure warning. 

We bet Akon was thrilled to see his Range Rover again! Atlanta Police Deputy Chief Micheal O’Connor shared, “It’s imperative that people take their key fob with them when they leave their vehicle.” Don’t leave your car running or with the keys inside, folks!

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$1.7 Million McLaren Elva Adds Windscreen – the Speedster Is a Tough to Sell

by Gabrielle DeSantis

While it’s likely always a blast to be a billionaire, it must be especially fun as of late with the wide variety of ultra-fast million-dollar hypercars available like the McLaren Elva. One of the latest trends in this section of the market has been windscreen-less hypercars with as little as a single seat. While these cars are ideal for a quiet rode with no traffic throwing up road debris, they’re quite limited if you want to use them in the real world.

McLaren’s latest addition to its lineup finds a simple, yet elegant solution for the problem, adding a windscreen. However, as Motor1 reports, the windscreen is her for more than just a nice driving experience.

How much does the McLaren Elva cost?

2021 McLaren Elva | McLaren

Before diving into this latest version of the McLaren Elva and what it means for the brand, let’s go over. how much this model costs in the first place. According to KBB, the standard speedster model carried a base price of $1,690,000. For this you get a twin-turbo 4.0-liter V8 pushing out 804 hp and 590 lb-ft of torque. The key figure here is the car’s weight which sits at just 2,900 lb.

A seven-speed dual-clutch automatic transmission sends all of that power to the rear wheels exclusively. This allows the Elva to reach 60 mph in less than three seconds. Additionally, it can even reach 124 mph in 6.7 seconds.

Once you consider these performance figures, the need for a windscreen becomes more than just a safety concern. Accelerating this quickly with the wind blowing on your face cannot be an enjoyable experience. On top of that, if you don’t want to wear a helmet every time you drive your car, a windscreen is the best way to go.

Why is this ultra-rare model getting a windscreen?

An image of a 2021 McLaren Elva parked inside of a photo studio.
2021 McLaren Elva | McLaren

RELATED: There’s Only 1 Mechanic in the U.S. Certified to Repair the $20 Million McLaren F1

While giving the McLaren Elva a windscreen is bound to improve the overall driving experience massively, there’s another good reason to add it. As Motor1 points out, the British carmaker planned to build 399 examples of its roadster at the aforementioned base price of $1.7 million. However, filling those orders proved much harder than anticipated. In fact, Motor1 reports that the original run was downsized to 249 and then to 149 units.

As you might imagine, legalizing a vehicle with no windscreen is likely significantly harder than we can imagine. As a result, adding this vital component will likely allow the British carmaker to offer the Elva in other markets and potentially boost sales. Additionally, the windshield really brings out the Elva’s good looks, easily beating out the original model.

Is this version of the McLaren Elva slower?

An image of a 2021 McLaren Elva parked inside of a photo studio.
2021 McLaren Elva | McLaren

As you might imagine, giving the McLaren Elva a new windscreen comes with an added weight penalty. However, as Motor1 reports, it’s surprisingly small. In fact, the addition this major component adds just 44 pounds in total. The British carmaker achieved this by removing the car’s Active Air Management System and rear glass. As a result, we should expect to see similar performance figures for this model.

According to Motor1, the carmaker is targeting a 0-60 mph run of 2.8 seconds and a run to 124 mph of 6.8 seconds. Regardless of the performance, this might be the best version of the Elva the world’s billionaires have been waiting for.

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