Test driving cars can be a lot of fun but it's also quite interesting because automobile and modes of transportation are changing. In this episode of "She Drives" I had an opportunity to test drive the Hyundai Santa Fe PHEV, for those who are unfamiliar that's a plug-in hybrid electric vehicle.
That means you have the benefits of a electric motor but you also have gas capabilities. I think it's a great option is for those who are not ready to immerse themselves completely into all electric. It was a beautiful day in sunny South Florida, in a nearby park, just a few miles from the beach and a perfect day for a test drive.
I respect my viewers time so I keep my "She Drives" shows quick and short, with enough information to interest you, without deep diving into all the details. I figure, if you like the vehicle, you'll do your own research. I would love to hear your feedback.
One of the things that surprisingly I really enjoyed, was the about the design specifically was the respect a bit like a throwback and the dash and center console. With so much technology out there I appreciate the healthy mix of touch screen and knob controls.
Lastly if comfort is important to you, there are plenty of creature comforts to satisfy even the most discerning taste. Enjoy the show and don't forget to drop a comment and subscribe to the channel.
HOT SEDANS
The Mazda 3
Consistently among the top sedans on the market, this is a great pick for savvy buyers. Click the link below for details
Audi S3
One of the surprise hot picks of the year, the S3 is impressive on many levels. Click the link below for details
INNOVATION
Toyota Motor North America (Toyota) and Oncor Electric Delivery (Oncor), a Texas-based electric transmission and distribution company, have agreed to collaborate on a pilot project around vehicle-to-grid (V2G), a technology that allows vehicles to flow energy from their battery back onto the electric grid. The effort will be led by Toyota’s Electric Vehicle Charging Solutions (EVCS) team, marking an important first collaboration with a public utility for Toyota in the U.S. around Battery Electric Vehicles (BEVs).
The results from the research will allow Toyota and Oncor to be better prepared to support the broader EV charging ecosystem in the United States. Further, these efforts will allow Toyota to elevate the customer experience for Toyota BEV customers, accelerate efforts in carbon neutrality and provide advances in business opportunities.
Initially, the two companies have agreed to a research project that will use Oncor’s research and testing microgrid at its System Operating Services Facility (SOSF) in south Dallas, located just south of Toyota’s nearby national headquarters. The SOSF microgrid is composed of four interconnected microgrids that can be controlled independently, but also operated in parallel, tandem or combined into a single, larger system. The microgrid and its subsystems also include a “V2G” charger, solar panels and battery storage for testing and evaluation. Toyota and Oncor plan to use a BEV along with the system to better understand the interconnectivity between BEVs and utilities.
Beyond this initial phase, a second phase of the project slated for 2023 will include a V2G pilot where testing will be conducted with BEVs connected at homes or businesses within Oncor’s service territory, pursuant to all standard interconnection processes and agreements.
The collaboration will help provide both Oncor and Toyota insight into the current and future needs of its customers. Furthermore, it will provide Oncor with additional insight into the infrastructure needed to enable the rapid growth of electric vehicles and electric vehicle charging infrastructure, meet their needs and support electric vehicles and better understand the impact of V2G on the electric grid.
Toyota’s first mass-market BEV, the bZ4X, went on sale this past year in the U.S. and Canada. The first Lexus BEV, the RZ 450e, is scheduled to go on sale in early 2023.
2019 AutoFOCUS AWARDS
FLASHBACK
It was a perfect day on South Beach where VIP's fro across Miami gathered for an exclusive awards event at the world famous Miami Beach Convention Center. Little did attendees know that a global pandemic was only 2 months away causing the event to be postponed from 2020 to 2022.
Plans are now underway to bring the awards back with the VIP reception, the fashion and style activities and of course the party, Stay tuned each week for udates and be sure to join us in the voting process for FAn Favorite and Best design.