by Gabrielle DeSantis

In recent history, a slew of electric trucks was announced by several manufacturers. The Rivian R1T, Tesla Cybertruck, Ford F-150 Lightning, and the Hummer EV have all promised to arrive “soon” by their respective manufacturers. The lofty promise of an electric truck’s added utility and efficiency is too attractive for consumers and enthusiasts to ignore.

We are thirsty for the smallest update on production, features, and especially release date when it comes to these alleged near-future trucks. There is lots of interest, but we have to wonder who the potential buyers for these electric trucks are?

On a recent episode of the Waveform podcast host, Marques Brownlee and automotive reviewer Doug DeMuro discussed the potential customers for electric trucks and what their interests in them might be. They also had a few things to say about Cybertruck’s looks.

Is the Cybertruck ugly?

The Tesla Cybertruck has effectively owned the conversation on EV trucks since its unconventional reveal back in 2019. Its boxy “low polygon” design instantly became one of the most polarizing discussions on social media. Of course, ardent Tesla fans love Cybertruck’s dystopian, utilitarian design. Other people felt differently. Doug and Marques seem to be on opposite sides of the debate.

“Do you not feel that the Cybertruck is the ugliest truck you’ve seen in your entire life?” Asked Doug.

“Do you know what’s funny about that? It isn’t actually ugly to me.” Marques replied. “It does have a very strange look. It looks like a 2D render sometimes. I’ve only seen it in person once, and I’ve seen it in various videos. But to me, the brutish nature of it is kind of endearing. Like they don’t care about looking good, which is kind of cool to me. I don’t know why. It’s just interesting.”

To each their own!

What do Marques Brownlee and Doug DeMuro think about electric truck customers?

When the topic shifted to electric trucks during the podcast, Doug and Marques wondered who the customers would ultimately be for each of the electric trucks. When it comes to the Cybertruck and the Hummer EV, both seem to agree that the customers may not be who most would expect.

“Everyone associates pick up tucks with the middle of the country and think ‘those people are not going to buy electric,’ and that is probably true. But crazy pick-up trucks are primarily sold to wealthy people on the coasts.” Said Doug.

Marques Brownlee agrees that there are potentially two different audiences who are eyeing the Ford F-150 Lightning versus the flashier Cybertruck and Hummer EV for various reasons.

“That’s what’s funny about the Cybertruck and the Ford F-150 lightning. I feel like I’m talking to two very different groups of people. Because I’m talking about a truck [F-150] on one hand where it’s like utility matters and this thing can power your tools and it has a huge amount of covered storage and ‘look at all this great utility don’t you want this better truck?’”

“But then there’s also this premium electric vehicle enthusiast whos like, ‘I never wanted a truck, but this one is sick!’ How many millions are in the same boat?” Said Brownlee.

It seems that the consensus between the two is that the Cybertruck and Hummer EV that lean into the cool factor will see most of their popularity in urban coastal cities with customers looking for cool points; white the F-150 Lightning will appeal more to those looking for utility.

We are hardpressed to disagree.

RELATED: Elon Musk Says the Tesla Cybertruck Will Cost $1M If Made This Way

The post Who Is Going To Buy Electric Trucks? appeared first on MotorBiscuit.

by Gabrielle DeSantis

Choosing the right type of tire is one of the most important vehicle maintenance choices you can make. But all the different types of tires can be confusing. Here is a basic overview of the four most common tire types. As a bonus, we are including four aftermarket tire upgrades most people do not know about.

Common Tire Types

When choosing tires, your first consideration should be the weather in which you’ll be driving. Many modern cars come equipped with all-season tires. Though engineers design these tires to function in all conditions, they only offer average performance. If you live in a place with a long winter, consider separate sets of tires for the summer and winter. You will find seasonal tires offer better safety and performance in their respective seasons and can save you money in the long run. Common tire types include:

1. Summer/Performance tires
2. Three-season tires
3. Winter tires
4. All-terrain tires

Drivers in warmer climates can opt for Summer or “Performance” tires. Many of these tires work on either dry or wet pavement. Some of these tires are designed exclusively for dry pavement. They are often made of a softer, “stickier” rubber and are a favorite tire of sports car owners. 

Manufacturers offer three-season tires for wetter and more difficult driving conditions. Three-season tires offer a pliable rubber that will perform well all summer but not have much traction at freezing temperatures. 

Winter tires have an aggressive tread designed for maximum traction in ice and snow. They feature a stiffer rubber designed to maintain traction at freezing temperatures. Studded winter tires boast metal studs for added traction in icy conditions. Unfortunately, studded tires break down road pavement, so many states only allow them in winter months. 

If you often find yourself on dirt or gravel roads, you may prefer an all-terrain tire’s traction. However, note that your fuel mileage, tire lifespan, and pavement traction may decrease with an all-terrain tire–while your noise level increases.

Ideas To Have Aftermarket Tires Upgraded

If you want to upgrade with aftermarket tires, you have several choices to make. First, do you want to keep the same size tire your vehicle had stock? Second, do you want to upgrade from stock, common tire types, to more capable tires? Finally, are you interested in specialty tires designed for performance, fuel-efficiency, or to last longer?

Remember, not only is it safest to replace your tires with the same size your vehicle manufacturer recommends, most standard tire shops will refuse to install larger or smaller tires on your vehicle. This is because larger tires may rub against your wheel well while turning or going over a bump, and smaller rims may interfere with your brake components. In addition, any tire with a different overall diameter will change your speedometer and odometer readings and could lead to ABS or traction control malfunctions.

Tire Types That Will Upgrade Your Ride

You are safe to upgrade the load index and speed rating with your replacement tires. Tires with a higher load index or speed rating offer a greater weight capacity or a higher top speed. But they may “perform” better at the cost of a stiffer, noisier ride, so be sure to do your research. Learn more about your tire load index.

One upgrade option is to choose premium tires designed to last longer. Some tires are manufactured with higher quality rubber compounds, stiffer rubber, or have a thicker tread pattern and will take longer to wear down.  Most new tires come with a mileage warranty. These can range from 30,000 to 100,000 miles. A more extended warranty is a good indicator that the manufacturers expect their tires to last a long time. Though tires with a lower mileage warranty often claim a lower price, you will have to replace them sooner and pay to have their replacements mounted and balanced. Therefore, investing in the longest-lasting tires, you can afford is a great way to save both money and time in the long run. 

You can also seek out tires that offer better fuel mileage, are quieter, or boast a smoother ride. In addition, you can look for tires with better traction on pavement or off-road. You can even shop for tires that corner and accelerate better than stock. 

When speaking with a tire salesperson, do not be afraid to make your needs and preferences clear. Ask questions about the tires you are considering. If you select your tires a few days before going to the store or shop to have them installed, the salesperson may be able to order specialty tires just for you.

Sources: Tire America and Popular Mechanics

RELATED: NHTSA Tire Grades Tool Will Help You Buy the Best Tires

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