Can a super tiny electric car still work in the US? We'll soon find out! Fiat will soon start selling the 500e hatchback EV stateside in 2024 for $32,500 ($34,095 including the destination fee), the company announced. It hasn't been available in the US since 2019, but the latest model is a big update with more range, a nicer interior, better tech and more.
The 500e is tiny by EV standards, particularly in the weight department. It puts just 3,000 pounds onto the pavement, making it what Stellantis calls "the lightest passenger BEV in the segment." It's a refreshing change from larger electric SUVs and pickups that can weigh double that, though potential buyers may find its tiny size a detriment, safety-wise.
Fiat
A big reason for that lack of heft is the relatively small 42 kWh battery pack that allows for a maximum 149 mile range. Considering the relatively slow maximum DC charging rate of 85 kW (giving you 80 percent range in 35 minutes), that means it's likely to be used mainly as a city runabout. On the plus side, the price of the Fiat 500e includes a Level 2 home charger from Fiat's Free2Move subsidiary (Fiat is part of Stellantis group which also owns Jeep, Chrysler, Citroen, etc.).
With 117 horsepower and 162 pound feet of torque on tap, it goes from 0 to 60 MPH in 8.5 seconds — leisurely, but fine for a city runner. Users will no doubt focus more on preserving charge, so it offers three increasingly aggressive modes: Normal, Range and Sherpa.
Fiat
The interior is nicer than the plasticky one from the 500e sold back in 2019. So far, Fiat has only shown some concept interiors with crossover designs from Armani, Bulgari and Kartell, though it's not clear if those will actually be sold in the US. In any case, it does come with a 10.3-inch infotainment touchscreen with support for Android Auto and Apple CarPlay, along with a wireless smartphone charging pad, 7-inch digital gauge display and more. One fun touch is that the low-speed exterior audio alert (required on all EVs), is custom classical music created by Italian composers.
My first thought when I saw the $34,095 price tag was "hey that's the same price as the Volvo EX30!" which has 275 miles of range and a lot more room. It's also a lot more than Tesla's Model 3, which is $28,490 after US federal tax credits (it's not clear if the 500e will qualify for those credits, but it doesn't seem likely).
However, Fiat is no doubt hoping to attract young or urban buyers with the adorable design and high-tech features. And instead of mass-marketing the car, it's using a strategy of "dropping" special versions at regular intervals and making them available for a limited time, according to Car and Driver. It's set to hit dealerships starting early next year.
This article originally appeared on Engadget at https://www.engadget.com/the-tiny-fiat-500e-is-coming-to-the-us-in-early-2024-094754049.html?src=rss
Can a super tiny electric car still work in the US? We'll soon find out! Fiat will soon start selling the 500e hatchback EV stateside in 2024 for $32,500 ($34,095 including the destination fee), the company announced. It hasn't been available in the US since 2019, but the latest model is a big update with more range, a nicer interior, better tech and more.
The 500e is tiny by EV standards, particularly in the weight department. It puts just 3,000 pounds onto the pavement, making it what Stellantis calls "the lightest passenger BEV in the segment." It's a refreshing change from larger electric SUVs and pickups that can weigh double that, though potential buyers may find its tiny size a detriment, safety-wise.
Fiat
A big reason for that lack of heft is the relatively small 42 kWh battery pack that allows for a maximum 149 mile range. Considering the relatively slow maximum DC charging rate of 85 kW (giving you 80 percent range in 35 minutes), that means it's likely to be used mainly as a city runabout. On the plus side, the price of the Fiat 500e includes a Level 2 home charger from Fiat's Free2Move subsidiary (Fiat is part of Stellantis group which also owns Jeep, Chrysler, Citroen, etc.).
With 117 horsepower and 162 pound feet of torque on tap, it goes from 0 to 60 MPH in 8.5 seconds — leisurely, but fine for a city runner. Users will no doubt focus more on preserving charge, so it offers three increasingly aggressive modes: Normal, Range and Sherpa.
Fiat
The interior is nicer than the plasticky one from the 500e sold back in 2019. So far, Fiat has only shown some concept interiors with crossover designs from Armani, Bulgari and Kartell, though it's not clear if those will actually be sold in the US. In any case, it does come with a 10.3-inch infotainment touchscreen with support for Android Auto and Apple CarPlay, along with a wireless smartphone charging pad, 7-inch digital gauge display and more. One fun touch is that the low-speed exterior audio alert (required on all EVs), is custom classical music created by Italian composers.
My first thought when I saw the $34,095 price tag was "hey that's the same price as the Volvo EX30!" which has 275 miles of range and a lot more room. It's also a lot more than Tesla's Model 3, which is $28,490 after US federal tax credits (it's not clear if the 500e will qualify for those credits, but it doesn't seem likely).
However, Fiat is no doubt hoping to attract young or urban buyers with the adorable design and high-tech features. And instead of mass-marketing the car, it's using a strategy of "dropping" special versions at regular intervals and making them available for a limited time, according to Car and Driver. It's set to hit dealerships starting early next year.
This article originally appeared on Engadget at https://www.engadget.com/the-tiny-fiat-500e-is-coming-to-the-us-in-early-2024-094754049.html?src=rss
The Steam Deck, with its custom AMD Ryzen mobile APU, is already a strong contender in the portable gaming market. But for those who demand more from their devices, especially when running resource-intensive games or juggling multiple applications, the default 16GB of LPDDR4 memory might not suffice. That’s where the upgrade to 32GB memory or […]
Toyota has added a new model to its Hilux range with the launch of the new Toyota Hilux Hybrid 48V, the car is designed to offer improved performance and smoother driving in off-road and urban areas. The car is powered by a 2.8-litre diesel engine and a 48V hybrid system and this new model will […]
Yesterday we saw several new electric vehicles from Toyota and today we have another one, the new Toyota Urban SUV Concept, the car was unveiled at Toyota’s Kenshiki forum in Brussels. The Toyota Urban SUV Concept has an authentic SUV presence, with a compact body set on strong shoulders and a high driving position. Space […]
This guide is designed to show you how to reverse engineer GPTS with ChatGPT. Have you ever wondered about the intricate workings of Generative Pre-trained Transformers (GPTs) and how they can be manipulated or reverse-engineered? If so, you’re part of a growing community fascinated by these developments. In a recent, in-depth video, experts took a […]
As we approach the end of the year, it’s the perfect time to refresh your iPhone with some innovative apps. Whether you’re looking to enhance your device’s security, personalize its appearance, or streamline your daily routines, the following selection of apps, as highlighted in a recent video, will surely pique your interest. Let’s dive into […]
With the Biden administration's continued attempt to limit Chinese battery components in US electric vehicles, Tesla has now announced that two of its models won't qualify for the full $7,500 federal tax credit as of January 1, 2024. As pointed out by our sister site TechCrunch, Tesla's website currently has a top banner claiming that tax credit "reductions likely for certain vehicles in 2024," urging customers to "take delivery by 12/31" in order to qualify for the full claim. A link in the banner toggles a message that specifies which two models are likely to be affected:
"Customers who take delivery of a qualified new Tesla and meet all federal requirements are eligible for a tax credit up to $7,500. Tax credit will reduce to $3,750 for Model 3 Rear-Wheel Drive and Model 3 Long Range on Jan 1, 2024. Take delivery by Dec 31 to qualify for full tax credit."
According to the IRA (Inflation Reduction Act) rules, vehicles using battery components that are 50 percent made or assembled in the US qualify for the first half of the tax credit, i.e. $3,750. The cars can only get the remaining half of the credit if their manufacturer sources at least 40 percent of their critical minerals from the US or its free trade partners, which don't include China. If a company meets one or the other standard, the vehicle gets a half credit.
However, with the latest proposal on IRA credit rules issued on December 1, the Biden administration wants to further tighten the clean vehicle tax credit requirements by targeting FEOCs (Foreign Entity of Concern), which include China, Russia, North Korea and Iran:
"Beginning in 2024, an eligible clean vehicle may not contain any battery components that are manufactured or assembled by a FEOC, and, beginning in 2025, an eligible clean vehicle may not contain any critical minerals that were extracted, processed, or recycled by a FEOC."
Back in June, the cheapest Tesla car, the rear-wheel drive Model 3, was able to switch from half the tax credit to full credit, likely due to a change in supplier or materials to meet the guidelines. While the latest reversal still offers half the credit, this may eventually be zeroed next year, unless Tesla is willing to source batteries from other countries — which are likely more expensive.
This article originally appeared on Engadget at https://www.engadget.com/psa-the-cheapest-tesla-car-wont-qualify-for-full-federal-tax-credit-starting-january-1-040835278.html?src=rss
When Briiv debuted in 2020, little did they know the importance of air quality would skyrocket in the three years to come. The pandemic aside, we’ve seen a consistent deterioration in the air quality of our cities in the past three years with really no improvement. For the people who think being indoors is safer, research shows the absolute opposite. While traditionally ‘pollution’ comes from the outdoors, it gets trapped in stale indoor air which can be bad for your health. This is compounded by the fact that cooking food, burning candles, and even having pets around can affect air quality significantly. To counter this, people choose to either rely on air purifiers or on house plants… but the Briiv Pro combines them both into an eco-friendly purifier that simultaneously uses nature and technology to cleanse indoor air. Now more powerful than before, the Briiv Pro relies on what it calls a ‘mini forest’ to purify a 16 sq.m. room (172 sq.ft.) in just 21 minutes. That’s roughly 6900% more effective than house plants, which is remarkable for a purifier that size. It also has the added benefit of looking like a gorgeous tabletop terrarium, unlike those ugly appliances that get passed off as air purifiers these days.
Live healthier, sleep better and breathe as nature intended with AI-powered Briiv Pro
The visual highlight of the Briiv Pro is also its secret sauce. The terrarium-inspired tabletop purifier sports a glass container on its top that reveals its micro-forest filtration system underneath. Unlike most purifiers that use disposable HEPA filters to catch particulate matter, the Briiv Pro relies on a layered trifecta of moss, coconut fiber, and a silk nanofiber matrix with activated carbon. This trio tackles pollutants ranging from pet dander and pollen to dirt, dust, smoke, and volatile organic compounds (VOCs) caused during cooking, etc. In essence, it works exactly how a forest does to purify the atmosphere. Leaves help absorb harmful gases and carbon, while also catching dust. The soil, on the other hand, purifies toxins – a natural process that the Briiv Pro borrows from and miniaturizes into a device no larger than an Apple Homepod.
Briiv Pro is 6900% more effective than house plants at cleaning your air
The way the Briiv Pro works is similar to its predecessor, albeit with a few upgrades. Air makes its way through the top of the purifier, passing through the moss and coco fiber where pollen, pet fur, and dust/smoke get trapped and VOCs and odors get neutralized. The air then goes through a medical-grade 98% plastic-free silk nanofiber filter that catches the remaining particles, filtering up to PM2.5 or fine particulate matter. Purified air makes its way out of the bottom of the Briiv Pro, where it gets spread in a 360° radius. The Briiv Pro works at a whisper-soft noise level, purifying 68 cubic feet of air per minute, which means an hour’s worth of use should cleanse an entire bedroom of bad air.
Replace the Moss with Activated Carbon to Remove Bad Smells
The Briiv Pro, however, has two pretty noticeable upgrades from its 2020 version. For starters, it comes with AI-based sensors that allow the purifier to activate the second it detects a drop in air quality. Dubbed the Canary Mode, this feature gives the Briiv Pro air-monitoring features that let it run autonomously so you don’t need to worry about switching your purifier on after checking the air quality on your smart home dashboard. Moreover, a Zen Mode lets multiple Briiv Pro units communicate with each other, so when one switches on, it alerts other purifiers around it to switch on too, ensuring you have clean air in every corner of your house. The second upgrade comes in the form of a tiny chamber where you can add a few drops of an essential oil of your choice; allowing your advanced nature-inspired air purifier to also double as a fragrance diffuser.
A different approach to design. Briiv blends beautifully into your interior
If you want to manually operate your Briiv Pro (rather than relying on AI-powered sensors), it’s as simple as tapping on its side and intuitively reading the LEDs to know what level your purifier is operating at. Alternatively, the Briiv Pro also comes with a free smartphone app that lets you activate your purifier and select its fan speed, and there’s even Alexa integration that lets your purifier connect to your broader smart home network.
Build a network of Briiv Pro air purifiers that work in unison to automatically improve air quality.
When Sean Sykes and James Whitfield set out to design the Briiv, their vision was to condense the effects of a forest into as small a footprint as possible, while testing the theory of building a ‘sustainable’ eco-friendly air purifier. 3 years after the Briiv launched as a crowdfunding campaign (gathering over $1 million USD) in funding, the Briiv Pro pushes that theory to its limits. The Pro variant is just as sustainable as its regular counterpart, with the fact that its filters are entirely compostable/recyclable. The moss filter (which sits right on top) can be washed and reused indefinitely, and Briiv also offers the option of choosing between different moss types to harness different natural properties. Conversely, you can use your own dry moss in the Briiv Pro, allowing you to customize your terrarium/purifier. The silk nanofiber filter that sits within the Briiv Pro is the only filter that really needs replacing (every 3-ish months), and the fact that it’s 98% plastic-free puts it miles ahead of most standard HEPA filters that are manufactured almost entirely out of polymer fibers, making them difficult to recycle.
With built-in sensors you can use the Briiv app to track your air quality in real-time
In the end, the payoff is easy to see. Not only does the Briiv Pro look like a gorgeous terrarium that you’d be proud to keep by your bedside or on your coffee table, it’s designed to be eco-friendly, and as its makers say, 6900% more effective than having house plants. The Briiv Pro comes with multiple design awards under its belt, while also boasting of the smart features you’d expect from leading air purifiers on the market, and a low hourly power consumption of 0.005kWh. Each Briiv Pro is made in the UK and starts at a discounted £349 (roughly $440), which may seem pricey until you realize the roughly hundreds of dollars you save per year on filter replacements. Plus, do I need to remind you of how incredibly gorgeous the Briiv Pro looks in comparison?!
After a long and tiring day at work, I really don’t have the energy to deal with complicated and cumbersome kitchen appliances. I need appliances that are quick, efficient, or to be more accurate…Smart! Smart kitchen appliances are a boon in today’s day and age, they do most of the work for you. All you need to do is adjust a few settings on the touchscreen or swipe through a few options on your smartphone – and most of your kitchen chores are done for you. And, we’ve curated a few of our favorite smart kitchen accessories for you that we believe deserve a spot in your kitchen. These innovative accessories are the ingenious sidekicks you need on your cooking adventures!
1. Hoto Kitchen Scale
Designed by Lu Zheng, Hoto is a smart kitchen scale that integrates the perks of smart technology such as accompanied social media channels and interactive control panels.
The smart kitchen scale is minimally designed and features stainless steel controls, and a polished reflective sheen. It doesn’t include a whole bunch of controls and buttons, and in fact, consolidates every control into one interactive knob.
What we like
Sleek and smart design with one knob operating it
Allows Hoto users to share recipes using the accompanying social media app
What we dislike
Since it allows users to keep track of how much they’re consuming, it could promote an unhealthy lifestyle if not used in a balanced manner
2. BORA x BO Flex Oven
The BORA x BO flex oven is intended to be the ultimate dream smart oven, that automates many parts of the cooking process for you, allowing you to pay more attention to preparing the dish.
Why is it noteworthy?
Cooking is a complicated and multi-step process that can take up a lot of your time, and can often feel overwhelming. The BORA x BO smart steam oven makes the cooking process easier, and more streamlined, taking care of many of the parts that you may have taken for granted.
What we like
Features an animated grid right on the screen
You can control all the operations via a bright 19-inch touch display on top
What we dislike
The BORA x BO flex oven is a massive kitchen appliance and will occupy a substantial amount of space in your kitchen
3. Suvie Kitchen Robot
Meet Suvie – a smart WiFi-enabled countertop multi-zone cooker and refrigerator that transforms four individual meal components – raw proteins, dry starches, fresh veggies, and chef-designed sauces into one delicious restaurant-quality meal.
Suvie is designed for those people who want healthy meals made from fresh ingredients but don’t have the time to cook them. Suvie is combined with optional meal kits, providing fresh healthy meals for working parents and busy professionals.
What we like
Comes with a fully customizable Suvie Smart Meals delivery service
Requires minimal clean-up
What we dislike
Serves 2-4 adults, so not the best appliance to cater to a dinner party or provide meals for a larger family
4. Super Smart Fridge
The Super Smart Fridge by Rocco co-founders Alyse Borkan and Sam Naparstek is a compact and stylish refrigerator that looks more like a furniture piece than a modern kitchen appliance!
Why is it noteworthy?
The Super Smart Fridge is a mix between a small fridge and a dedicated wine fridge. The good-looking fridge features a modern and contemporary design, which includes a smart exterior paired with a fluted glass door.
What we like
Effortlessly merges with the rest of the home decor and furniture in the room, so you can place it in your living room as well
What we dislike
Looks more suited to hold wine bottles than food items or containers, so not the most versatile appliance
5. TOKIT Omni Cook
Dubbed the TOKIT Omni Cook, this all-in-one kitchen appliance is the ultimate kitchen assistant you’ve been looking for. It makes meal prep, faster and more efficient, and with an element of fun involved!
Why is it noteworthy?
It is equipped with innovative technology, an automated cooking process, and step-by-step digital recipes, which makes cooking up delicious dishes super easy and simple. It has 11+ built-in culinary modes and can function as 21 cooking appliances.
What we like
Features an integrated 7-inch touchscreen display, allowing you to customize and tweak your preferences
Compact design that occupies minimum space
What we dislike
The numerous culinary modes and functionalities can make the appliance a bit difficult to use and operate
