Ram Debuts 2022 ProMaster Vans, Promises They’ll Be Electric for 2023

by Gabrielle DeSantis

The Ram ProMaster is a great option as a van, and Ram is looking to make some big changes soon. These updates shouldn’t really affect what the ProMaster is good for, but it will add all-new tech to the van. Here’s a look at the 2022 Ram ProMaster, as well as its upcoming electric version.

An overview of the 2022 Ram ProMaster

Ram logo | Getty Images

The name of the game, as far as the 2022 ProMaster is concerned, is new features. Like Stellantis wrote, the 2022 ProMaster will have the “most safety features ever offered on ProMaster.” While many of those features are optional, many are standard. For example, forward collision warning, a drowsiness detection system, and a traffic sign recognition system are all standard.

The ProMaster will have access to adaptive cruise control, lane-keep assist, a 360-degree Surround View camera, and more in terms of optional features. According to Stellantis, the ProMaster will have a 3.5-inch driver’s screen and a 7-inch touch screen. These screens will allow drivers to control the ProMaster’s all-new Uconnect 5 infotainment system, which is standard.

There are more updates, but the ProMaster’s most important feature is its capabilities. It’s equipped with a 3.6-liter V6 engine, which allows the ProMaster to tow just over 6,900 pounds. It’ll also allow the ProMaster to carry around almost 4,700 pounds in the payload. According to Stellantis, the 2022 ProMaster will be available in the fourth quarter of 2022. However, its price is currently unknown.

An electric Ram ProMaster is coming in 2023

Buried in all of that information about the 2022 ProMaster, Stellantis also announced that an electric version of the van is coming in 2023. Stellantis didn’t have much to say about it. Stellantis said that there’s consumer demand for an electric version and that it would release more information at a later date.

Like Jalopnik wrote, the good news is that Stellantis already has an electric ProMaster; it just isn’t sold in America right now. In Europe, Stellantis sells electric vans under different names, such as the Fiat e-Ducato and the Peugeot e-Boxer. These electric vans don’t have great range, but that’s OK.  These electric vans are used for last-mile deliveries, so the range isn’t a big factor.

Jalopnik said that the e-Boxer gets about 139 miles of range, while the e-Ducato gets about 142 miles of range. These range numbers were determined by Europe’s testing agency and not the EPA. As such, the electric ProMaster’s EPA-estimated range should be a bit different. 

Stellantis is investing billions into EVs

While the electric ProMaster will be one of the latest EVs to enter Stellantis’ lineup, it won’t be the last. Like Jalopnik reported, the company plans to phase out conventional cars in favor of EVs eventually. Currently, Stellantis’ transition will involve having an EV in the majority of its segment by 2025. Then, in 2030, an EV in every segment, and to only make EVs in 2030.

To do this, Stellantis is investing over $35 billion in itself for EVs. One of the bigger EVs in Stellantis’ upcoming lineup will be an electric version of the popular Ram 1500 pickup truck. Currently, Stellantis plans to offer an electric Ram 1500 in 2024. While the electric Ram 1500 is still a way away, it should be a powerful competitor against its rivals.

RELATED: Let’s Guess Together What This Mystery Stellantis/Chrysler EV Concept Started As

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“Carolina Squat” Truck Modification Illegal in North Carolina December 1

by Gabrielle DeSantis

While 2021 has been ridiculous enough, the “Carolina Squat” is banned in North Carolina on the first of December. The “Carolina Squat” is a truck or SUV modification that looks as silly as it sounds. But it is about to be banned in North Carolina, so read up before your truck gets caught in the drama.

What is the “Carolina Squat” truck modification?

“Carolina Squat” Illegal in North Carolina Effective December 1 | Donut Media via YouTube

The Carolina Squat modification is a change with the suspension. The front end of the truck or SUV is lifted up while the back of the vehicle is lowered. It looks like a teeter-totter in motion, but on a moving car. This isn’t fad all over the U.S.; it is more prevalent in certain states. North Carolina, South Carolina, Florida, and other southern states have glamorized the trend on social media. If you are in Tennessee, you might know it as the Tennessee Tilt. In California, it’s known as the Cali Lean.

No matter what people call it, it has to be hard to see out of a vehicle that is pointing up. In addition to that, it cannot be safe for the occupants of the car or those outside the car. Visibility is already reduced when a truck sits too high, let alone when the vehicle is tilted toward the sky.

House Bill 692 / SL 2021-128, the Carolina Squat bill

House Bill 692 / SL 2021-128 passed on August 30, 2021. Effective December 1, 2021, and applies to offenses committed on or after that date. The bill isn’t named the Carolina Squat bill, but it aims to reduce that. The bill’s text limited how much suspension can change on a truck, car, or SUV.

The term “private passenger automobile” basically means a vehicle with four wheels designed for carrying passengers. It goes in to noted that the following is considered a prohibited modification.

If, by alteration of the suspension, frame, or chassis, the height of the front fender is 4 or more inches greater than the height of the rear fender. For the purposes of this subsection, the height of the fender shall be a vertical measurement from and perpendicular to the ground, through the centerline of the wheel, and to the bottom of the fender.”

House Bill 692 / SL 2021-128 | General Assembly of North Carolina

The bill states that drivers will receive a “Mandatory revocation of license by Division” for 12 months if caught three times. Unfortunately, this will be a kerfuffle if cops start trying to measure large truck’s suspension on the side of the road.

The history of the baja rally vehicles and suspension mods

Donut Media says that the history of this truck goes back to the popularity of Baja-style rally trucks. Desert racing or Baja trucks will often lift the front of the truck, so when the vehicle goes over a jump, the truck doesn’t immediately nose dive back into the dirt. That’s not the only reason, but it’s one of the reasons. Such a ridiculous stance serves a certain purpose for certain trucks. Passenger vehicles on local residential roads do not count.

It will be interesting to see how this plays out and if other states follow suit. Will any cops actually pull over a truck to measure the change in suspension? Only time will tell.

RELATED: Consumer Reports Worst Trucks of 2021: Chevrolet Silverado, GMC Sierra

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How to Save up to $7,500 on an Audi

by Gabrielle DeSantis

The federal government currently encourages car buyers to opt for electric vehicles (EVs) through its tax incentive program. It’s possible to earn up to $7,500 as a non-refundable tax credit on some EV and hybrid models, including Audi. Read on to find out what the tax credit is, what Audi models have it, and how you can take advantage of it.

What is the federal tax credit on EVs?

Audi logo | Getty Images

The federal tax credit on EVs is designed to encourage EV use, which will reduce greenhouse gas emissions over the long term. Along with state incentives, it has encouraged many consumers to purchase their first EV, thus boosting the market. This credit may expand over time, as some plans are currently in place, which may increase the maximum to $12,500.

In terms of the exact amount you’ll receive, it varies depending on the model. Some models and brands are ineligible for the credit. According to the IRS, only the first 200,000 EVs or hybrids sold by a manufacturer are eligible. For models included in it, the amount will vary depending on the battery. The base amount for the credit is $2,500. A 5 kWh battery will increase this by $417, and for every kWh above this, it will add $417—the amount caps at $7,500.

There are also a few other fine print limitations that may change your eligibility or amount. According to Electrek, if the tax credit is above the amount you pay for your annual taxes, you won’t get the remainder. The credit can pay your taxes, but it can’t pay more than your taxes. Also, the tax credit only applies to new vehicles– you can’t purchase a used EV. 

Audi models that are eligible for the credit

Audi began its venture into EVs for the 2017 model year when its first e-tron models hit the market. E-trons still exist today in multiple versions, including an SUV and a Sportback. Audi has also created a few different hybrid models.

While they’ve had limited efforts in the EV realm so far, Audi plans to change this in due time. An article from Automotive News Europe states that Audi’s CEO plans to have 20 all-electric models by 2025. The company also has plans to go entirely electric, which will carry out over the next decade.

As for the cars eligible for the tax credit, its all-electric 2021 e-tron Sportback will get you the full $7,500. The EV has up to 402 hp and can reach a top speed of around 124 mph. It can also accelerate from 0-60 mph in about 5.5 seconds. It has a 218-mile range on a full charge.

Similar to this is the 2021 e-tron SUV, which has the same technical specs as the Sportback for the most part, including the hp and the acceleration. It does, however, have a greater range of 222 miles thanks to its 432-cell battery. The SUV is also eligible for the full $7,500.

Two of Audi’s 2021 Quattro models are also eligible for the tax credit, both of which will get you $6,712. These include the A8 L 60 TFSI e Quattro and the Q5 55 TFSI e Quattro. The first model, the A8, has a maximum of 335 hp thanks to its 3.0-liter six-cylinder engine. It has a top speed of 130 mph and reaches 0-60 mph in about 5.6 seconds.

The second model, the Q5, has a max of 261 hp and a 2.0 -liter four-cylinder engine. It can reach a top speed of 130 mph like the A8 and accelerates from 0-60 mph in 5.7 seconds.

How to take advantage of the credit

To claim the federal EV tax credit, you’ll need to include it on your tax return for the year you purchased the vehicle. The IRS has a dedicated form for this, which is Form 8936. If you follow the instructions on it, you’ll be able to calculate your amount and see how much you’ll save on your taxes.

MORE: Does the Chevy Bolt Qualify for the EV Tax Credit in 2021?

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Climate Change Affects Roadways More Than You’d Think

by Gabrielle DeSantis

Most Americans have experienced climate change firsthand. The increase of wildfires, severe hurricanes, and destructive flooding are just a few examples. While large-scale natural disasters get the most attention, the impact of climate change on cars shouldn’t be overlooked. 

The environment and infrastructure planning have always gone hand in hand. As our climate is changing, so will our infrastructure. Some of this involves building greener highways, but a large portion of it will be damage mitigation. Here is what you need to know about climate change’s impact on automotive infrastructure. 

How infrastructure is planned with climate

A burned vehicle and destroyed forest road from the Dixie Fire | David Odisho/Getty Images

Infrastructure planning can’t be done without climate forecasts. For any infrastructure to last, city planners need to account for weather extremes.  Extreme weather can degrade all forms of infrastructure, including power lines, road quality, and even the functionality of electric vehicles. 

According to a Environmental Protection Agency report, most engineers want infrastructure to have a shelf life of 50 years. As such, engineers will account for “100-year events” that are likely to occur during the lifetime of a specific piece of infrastructure. This range includes heat waves, blizzards, extreme winds, flooding, and more. 

Left out of the equation are 1,000-year events. These are so rare that they are unlikely to occur during the lifetime of a specific piece of infrastructure. At least, that’s how planning used to be done. 

With the onset of climate change and its unpredictability, engineers are now accounting for 1,000-year events, as reported by Smithsonian. While scientists are certain that climate change will bring more volatile weather, the specifics of how that will manifest are still uncertain. As such, engineers are planning for worst-case scenarios when it comes to building expensive new infrastructure. 

Climate change’s impact on roads and driving

Climate change will undoubtedly impact the life span of most roads.  Higher temperatures will increase what is called “road softening.” To oversimplify, road softening is when the asphalt gets warm enough that it becomes malleable. Road softening starts to occur at 122 degrees Fahrenheit, according to Wisbech Standard. 

Even if you live in a place where 122-degree highs are incredibly rare, it’s worth noting that asphalt is almost always warmer than the air temperature. According to Wisbech Standard, a sunny day in the 70s can easily warm asphalt to the softening point.  In some cases, asphalt softening can be so severe that it shuts down entire airports, according to the Las Vegas Review-Journal. As a result, older roads that weren’t built with climate change in mind will be subject to higher maintenance costs. 

New measures by cities for climate change

As we experience the increasing severity of climate change, cities are taking innovative new steps to keep infrastructure functioning. One such feature is a new concept called “road mapping.” Road-mapping accounts for which roads are more susceptible to flooding in extreme rainfall or storm surge.

In Miami’s case, areas that are designated for high risk of flooding will have floating roads. These roads will essentially float in the event of flooding or a storm surge so that they can remain functional. Miami has also installed newer pumping infrastructure to mitigate the risk of flooding. In total, the City of Miami spent about $500 million in additional infrastructure costs for climate change, as reported by The Smithsonian. 

Kuala Lumpur is going even further. To mitigate extreme flooding, city planners have developed “smart tunnels.” In dry times, these tunnels will be used as normal roads for cars. But during monsoons, they will be closed to cars and act as drainage pipes. Smart tunnels are clearly marked so drivers will be aware not to use them during monsoons. 

RELATED: Indiana to Build Magnetic Concrete Pavement That Wirelessly Charges EVs

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