by Gabrielle DeSantis

Do you see that dog resting comfortably in this Tesla Model X? See the windows rolled all of the way up? And, can you see there isn’t the dog’s owner in sight? That’s because this dog is testing a popular Tesla feature.

It’s called “Dog Mode.” It keeps the inside of your Tesla at a comfortable 68-degrees, regardless of how hot or cold it is outside. It has been available since early 2019 as an update for older Teslas and comes with every new Tesla sold. If you talk to any dog owner with the feature they usually rave about the added convenience.

What else is new about this Tesla Model X?

If you can see the touch screen you’ll see the big 68°F announcing the inside temperature. But that’s not even the big thing about this particular Model X. That’s because it is a prototype Plaid high-performance version being tested in Silicon Valley. 

Model X Plaid cars should be out sometime in 2022

The Model X Plaid versions are expected to start being delivered in the middle of 2022. It is sporting 22-inch Turbine wheels; up from the 20-inch Cyberstream wheels lesser trims come with. They’re a bit pricey at $5,500 extra. 

The price for a 2022 Tesla Model X Plaid will start at $119,990. Similarly-priced Model S Plaid sedans run about $10,000 more. Of course, the Plaid version is the high-performance variant that is currently only available with the Model S. With 1,020 hp and 1,050 lb-ft of torque, there isn’t much else on the road like it. 

Besides the increased performance, the Model S Plaid is notorious for the Yoke steering wheel. The first ones were delivered earlier this summer, so they’re not especially visible right now. Outside there is very little that differentiates the Plaid version from a more typical Model S.

Here’s how the Plaid “Launch Control” works

Another unique Plaid feature is launch-control. Tesla calls it the “Drag Strip Model.” Choosing it sets up the battery for the surge of acceleration. But you’ve got to wait for a few minutes before it is fully activated. You’ll know once the “Peak Performance is Ready” notice pops up on the control screen.

Next, you stomp on the brake with your left foot and then the accelerator pedal with your right. This initiates the “Cheetah Stance” which lowers the Tesla two inches. Tesla says this improves “traction and anti-lift geometry during maximum acceleration.” Once engaged, let up off of the brake and hang on. 

Try not to take your eyes off of the road because at this point you’re flying.  And try not having your dog with you as it might have an accident if it realizes what is going on. 

RELATED: Whatever You Do, Don’t Leave Your Dog Behind In The Car This Summer

The post This Tesla Model X is Testing Dog Mode: What’s That? appeared first on MotorBiscuit.

by Gabrielle DeSantis

If you have recently used a rideshare service like Uber or Lyft, then you may have noticed that the fares are much higher nowadays. In fact, these fares are actually inching up as the months go on. Some might think it’s due to inflation, or perhaps the ongoing pandemic. But in reality, it’s mainly due to a driver shortage.

It’s an issue of supply and demand

Prices for any type of good or service are based on supply and demand and rideshare services are no different. According to Mashable, U.S. rideshare fares were 50 percent higher in July 2021 as compared to where they were in January 2020, before the pandemic hit. Additionally, an analysis by the Wall Street Journal confirms that the fares have been increasing every month since the start of this year and that passenger costs were up 40 percent in April.

However, both Uber and Lyft have reported that their driver counts increased by around 30 percent in July compared to June, but it’s not enough to meet the demand. Many drivers have not returned to work as ride-share operators, but the demand for them has increased, so fares will continue to rise.

Uber and Lyft drivers are turning to food delivery instead

One question that might be in the air is: Where have all the drivers gone? Well, they’re not just sitting in quarantine. Instead, many of them are heading over to popular food delivery platforms like Uber Eats and Door Dash. Mashable notes that although people are now going out to dinner and buying food themselves, these food delivery platforms are still doing well.

If anything, it could be a residual habit of people ordering delivery as opposed to going out during the pandemic. Dara Khosrowshahi, the CEO of Uber, mentioned in the company’s July earning’s call that the majority of Uber drivers have not returned to the job due to “safety concerns,” especially as the Covid-19 delta variant is spreading throughout the U.S.

Vaccinations could aid in rideshare drivers returning

Khosrowshahi also noted in the call that as vaccination rates are going up around the country, some Uber drivers are getting back to work. That’s good news considering many of the U.S.’ major cities are seeing pre-pandemic levels of passenger ride-hailing, but it’s still not enough to meet the demand. As such, the fares for rides will likely continue to rise.

Uber says that they won’t require drivers to get the vaccination in order to give rides, but both the driver and passenger will need to have masks on. It’s a fair trade considering public health and safety are still primary concerns across the nation.

If you’re still in need of a ride and have to use a rideshare app, then don’t be surprised if you have to pay a pretty penny to get to your destination for the time being. It might cost a little more than usual, but at least it beats walking or perhaps being exposed to a larger crowd of people like if you were to take public transportation.

RELATED: Uber Is Spending $50 Million on Health Supplies for Drivers

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