Here’s Why Buying an Electric Lawn Mower Might Not be Such a Bad Idea

by Gabrielle DeSantis

Spring has finally arrived and, chances are, that lawn of yours needs a fresh cut. But what if you need a new mower? If that’s the case, it might be time to consider an electric lawn mower. Not only are electric lawn mowers more eco-friendly than gas-powered ones, but they’re also quieter. Those aren’t the only reasons why buying an electric mower might not be such a bad idea either.

The most common types of lawn mowers

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There isn’t one single type of lawn mower. In fact, there are several different types of lawn mowers. According to Consumer Reports, some of the most common types of mowers include battery mowers, gas mowers, lawn tractors, zero-turn mowers, and rear-engine riders.

More recently, manufacturers have introduced battery-powered or electric lawn mowers. Consumer Reports says that these types of lawn mowers are best suited for small yards. They are also more eco-friendly and not nearly as noisy as gas-powered mowers are.

How does an electric lawn mower work?

An electric lawn mower being demonstrated. | Karl Gehring, The Denver Post

According to Electric Mower Report, it all depends on whether or not the electric lawn mower has a cord. If it does, the mower will be able to cut grass as long as it remains plugged into a working outlet.

If the electric mower does not have a cord, it works just a tad bit differently. Rather than having to plug it in, a cordless electric mower runs on battery power. Like all battery-powered devices, an electric mower’s battery will need to be charged. Electric Mower Reports that the major advantage to buying a cordless electric mower is its longer range.

To start a cordless electric lawn mower, simply turn a key and either pull a lever or push a button. If you must plug in the electric mower, start by plugging it in and then either pushing an on button or flipping a switch.

Reasons to buy an electric lawn mower

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There are several advantages to buying an electric mower. According to the Electric Mower Report, they often require less maintenance than gas mowers do. Starting an electric mower is also significantly easier than starting a gas-powered one. 

SFGate added that another reason to buy an electric mower has to do with how quiet they are. Electric mowers operate at an average of 75 decibels, which is a similar noise level as a normal conversation. In comparison, gas-powered mowers operate at about 90 decibels. They also require ear protection, while electric mowers don’t.

Those aren’t the only reasons to buy an electric lawn mower, either. Unlike gas-powered mowers, electric mowers are considered eco-friendly. “Electric mowers emit no exhaust or other pollutants, making them an environmentally friendly choice,” explained SFGate. 

Perhaps the biggest advantage of electric lawn mowers is that they’re often less expensive. In fact, CNET reports models like the Electric Hover Walk Behind Push Mower from Sun Joe start as low as $88. For a mower, that’s pretty cheap.

The best electric lawn mowers to buy 

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As for the best electric lawn mowers to buy? Fortunately for you, there are several electric mowers worth your attention. The Spruce reports that the EGO 21″ POWER+ Self Propelled Mower ($499) is ideal for houses with less than a half-acre of land. 

For a cheaper electric lawn mower, The Spruce suggests the American Lawn Mower Company Corded Electric Lawn Mower ($120.) “For lawns that just need quick shape ups, this budget pick has easily adjustable height, an ergonomic handle, and a compact size,” The Spruce explained.

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The 2021 Honda Ridgeline and the Toyota Tacoma Duel as The Most Reliable Midsize Pickups

by Gabrielle DeSantis

From towing a boat to hauling a trailer, chances are you bought your pickup for the utility that it offers. But to do all of those things? You’re not only going to need a strong pickup but a reliable one too. Fortunately, after analyzing over 11.8 million used cars sold in 2020, iSeeCars has determined which models are the most reliable midsize pickups. And among them? Are the Honda Ridgeline and the Toyota Tacoma.

What is the most reliable midsize pickup truck?

Toyota Tacoma Trail Special Edition | Raymond Boyd/Getty Images

If you’re shopping for a new midsize pickup, you’ve got plenty of options to choose from. But if you’re shopping for the most reliable midsize pickup? iSeeCars recommends putting two options at the top of your list: the 2021 Honda Ridgeline and the 2021 Toyota Tacoma.

According to iSeeCars, after analyzing more than 11.8 million used cars sold in 2020, both models earned a pretty impressive reliability rating. While iSeeCars gave the 2021 Honda Ridgeline an 8.2 reliability rating, it gave the 2021 Toyota Tacoma an 8.0 reliability rating. For those on the hunt for a reliable midsize pickup, those ratings make for a winning recommendation.

But what is it that makes these midsize pickups so reliable? According to iSeeCars, it all comes down to how long these pickups last. iSeeCars reports that, on average, 1.9% of pickups sold in 2020 reached 200,000-miles. Approximately 3.4% of Honda Ridgeline models reached 200,000-miles. Meanwhile, 2.8% of Toyota Tacoma pickups were able to do the same.

How reliable is the 2021 Honda Ridgeline?

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Sure, according to iSeeCars, the 2021 Honda Ridgeline is the most reliable midsize pickup. But is it really that reliable? As it turns out, it might be. In fact, iSeeCars isn’t the only one singing the 2021 Honda Ridgeline’s praises.

Head over to Consumer Reports, and you’ll find that this year’s Ridgeline has scored some pretty high marks. Consumer Reports gave it an 80 overall score. It also gave this year’s model an 83/100 score in road tests. And when it came to reliability? The organization awarded the 2021 Honda Ridgeline with a four out of five predicted reliability rating. 

RepairPal awarded the 2021 Honda Ridgeline with some impressive reliability ratings too. It gave this year’s model an above-average reliability rating, adding that it has lower than average ownership costs. The downside, however, is that when problems do arise, RepairPal reports they have a higher chance of being severe than with other models.

Is the 2021 Toyota Tacoma a reliable midsize pickup?

RELATED: Is the Toyota Tacoma the Best Midsize Truck to Buy Used?

Here’s the thing, reliability is kind of a mixed bag for the Toyota Tacoma. Yes, iSeeCars did report that the 2021 Toyota Tacoma is the second most reliable midsize pickup. But when it comes to Consumer Reports? It gave the 2021 Toyota Tacoma a three out of five predicted reliability rating. It also gave this year’s model a 51 overall score.

RepairPal, meanwhile, gave the 2021 Toyota Tacoma an above-average reliability rating. Similar to the Honda Ridgeline, RepairPal reports the Tacoma has lower than average ownership costs. And, while repairs tend to be more severe, they are uncommon for this reliable midsize pickup.

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The 2021 Ford Bronco Is Struggling Against the Semiconductor Shortage

by Gabrielle DeSantis

What?! Say it isn’t so! The 2021 Ford Bronco was just added to the long list of popular trucks and SUVs that may face delays due to the semiconductor chip shortage. We don’t want to wait any longer to see the Ford Bronco hit the streets. 

Is the 2021 Ford Bronco being delayed again? 

2021 Ford Bronco | Ford

Maybe. According to CNBC, the ongoing semiconductor shortage has impacted the 2021 Ford Bronco and the Ford Ranger. Other vehicles facing delays include the Ford SuperDuty models and the Mustang. 

On Wednesday, Ford announced that another round of production cuts will occur due to the semiconductor shortage and will impact the early output of 2021 Ford Bronco models. Shutdown times at several plants will be extended. 

Plus, two weeks of downtime will be added to the Michigan Assembly plant, beginning on May 17. This plant manufactures the 2021 Ford Ranger and relaunched Bronco, which was scheduled to enter full production this summer. 

Will your Ford Bronco be delivered this summer? 

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It’s possible. The downtime isn’t expected to delay Ford’s plan to begin delivering the vehicles to dealerships this summer. It looks like Ford doesn’t want to push the Broncos back even further after the spring launch was delayed due to the ongoing Coronavirus (COVID-19) outbreak and supply chain shortages. 

According to The Drive, on March 25, Ford sent an email to 2021 Ford Bronco reservation holders that many drivers may receive 2022 models due to production delays.

But Mark Gruber, Ford Bronco Marketing Manager, shared that vehicles equipped with the standard molded-in-color, unpainted plastic roofs are still on schedule to be delivered in June. 

Some delays are being caused by supplier issues related to the hardtop roof variants, including the modular painted or dual roof options. To make up for this, Ford allowed reservation holders to switch to the unpainted molded-in-color option. 

But you had to update your reservation by April 8, so that deadline has passed. Also, if you already had the molded-in-color roof selected, then it will now come with the optional sound-dampening headliner for free. It usually costs about $495. 

Those who stick with their original order will receive up to $1,000 worth of FordPass reward points that can be used for various things such as oil changes and accessories. Also, if you get a 2022 model, the price will not increase. 

Is Ford going out of business? 

The 2021 Ford Bronco driving through sand
2021 Ford Bronco | Ford

No, Ford is doing fine for now. But Ford CEO Jim Farley warned investors that the company is expected to lose about 50 percent of its planned second-quarter production. This is a 17 percent increase from the first quarter. 

The semiconductor shortage could cut $2.5 billion from its earnings in 2021. Computer chips are needed in vehicles such as the 2021 Ford Bronco, F-150, and more for critical components in the manufacturing process, such as infotainment systems, power steering, braking systems, and more. 

Some vehicles are currently being built without the semiconductors they need and being stored. Once Ford receives several different types and sizes of the necessary computer chips, they will be added to the vehicles. The vehicles will then be quality tested before being delivered.

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Broken 2021 Ford Mustang Mach-E Software Might Cause a Dead Battery

by Gabrielle DeSantis

The Ford Mustang Mach-E is a groundbreaking entry into the original pony car stable for two reasons. It’s the first Mustang SUV, and it’s the first with an electric powertrain. That’s a big perk for fans who want to go green. But software hiccups could sour their enjoyment.

According to The Verge, some unfortunate Mach-E drivers might fall victim to battery malfunctions. An EV’s battery is its most expensive component and is costly to fix. So, what’s going on with the Mustang Mach-E, and how is Ford handling the problem?

The 2021 Ford Mustang Mach-E’s battery problem

In some Mustang Mach-E models, the battery won’t start despite being fully charged. The Verge explains this is because the 12-volt lead-acid battery continuously gets its power from the main lithium-ion battery pack. The smaller battery is responsible for powering many of the Mach-E’s drive systems.

If the lithium-ion battery pack is being charged, the lead-acid battery won’t have any resources to charge itself. That’s why the car won’t start despite a full night of charging. Even worse, Ford actively instructs drivers in colder climates to charge the battery, allowing the car to warm up faster.

Ford’s response

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Since becoming aware of the issue, Ford filed a technical service bulletin encouraging drivers to take their Mustang Mach-E to a dealership. The automaker says the problem affects only vehicles built this past February 3. Ford doesn’t clarify exactly how dealers will fix the problem because there’s no update to fix the battery yet.

However, it says an over-the-air update should be available later this year. Ford also assured the Verge that the battery issue doesn’t affect new Mustang Mach-E models. In the meantime, affected owners can contact Ford’s free roadside assistance program to jumpstart their cars’ batteries. Or they can jumpstart it themselves, but the process is complicated, and many people have damaged their vehicles in the attempt.

Don’t write off the Mustang Mach-E just yet

Nobody wants to deal with a faulty battery design, especially in a new vehicle. However, Ford clarified this error resulted from a since-resolved software glitch. The Mustang Mach-E is still one of the most promising entry-level vehicles in its segment.

Its base powertrain is a 198-kWh electric motor producing 266 hp. The California Route 1 and Premium trims boast bigger motors and offer the option to include the 300-mile Extended Range battery pack. The Mach-E’s standard range is only 230 miles.

The electric motor inside the Mustang Mach-E GT trims can produce up to 480 hp, but its range drops to 250 miles. The Mach-E GTs are the only models to include standard all-wheel drive, optional on every other model. Switching to AWD also gives the motor some extra torque.

Even though it’s an SUV, the Mach-E is as fun to drive as a traditional Mustang. It exhibits athletic cornering and steering yet doesn’t sacrifice ride comfort. According to U.S. News, the base powertrain model can reach 60 mph in six seconds. The powerful GT models can jump that distance in as little as 3.5 seconds.

Unsurprisingly, the Ford Mustang Mach-E is roomier than a regular Mustang. Despite the EV’s sloping roofline, most passengers in both rows have plenty of room to stretch. Synthetic leather seats are standard, and the cargo area is quite functional by EV standards.

Every Ford Mustang Mach-E also comes with a massive 15-inch touchscreen, programmed with the praised SYNC 4 infotainment system. It comes equipped with features like a Wi-Fi hotspot and smartphone integration, plus a full library of driver’s aids. Here’s hoping future Mustang Mach-E owners can experience this fun SUV as intended, with no battery problems.

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