Category Archives: Going Green

Why electric car buyers need to weigh the pros and cons of all-wheel drive

All-wheel-drive in an EV means better performance but less range.
Ford
  • All-wheel drive has different advantages and disadvantages in electric cars
  • AWD EVs have an extra motor, which consumes more energy and decreases range. 
  • For some buyers, AWD capability may not be worth the reduced driving range. 

The new wave of electric vehicles is shaking up the way people think about buying cars. Instead of miles per gallon, EV shoppers are thinking hard about range. On top of size and price, buyers also need to consider things like charging speed.

It can all get a little confusing for people who have bought combustion-engine cars for decades. And there’s another key decision that electrification has turned on its head: all-wheel drive or not?

AWD provides many of the same benefits in an EV as in a gas car. Two extra drive wheels help increase traction and mean an AWD EV will be more capable and confident in snow and other slippery conditions. But they also necessitate an extra motor sucking additional energy from the battery pack and making the car heavier, dealing a blow to range.

A two-wheel-drive EV will generally have one motor mounted to its front or rear axle. An AWD model usually has two motors, so there’s one driving the front wheels and another turning the rears. Thanks to that boost in horsepower and torque, AWD EVs tend to accelerate much quicker than ones with front- or rear-wheel drive. 

The fun doesn’t stop at two motors. Companies like Rivian, Tesla, and GMC, sell EVs with three or four motors, dialing up performance even more. 

Take a closer look at the specs for some of the country’s most popular electric models, and you’ll see the impact AWD has on efficiency and range. 

With RWD, the Hyundai Ioniq 5 SUV earns an EPA range rating of up to 303 miles. Add on AWD for $3,500 and your estimated range drops to 266 miles. Ford rates the entry-level Mustang Mach-E at 250 miles for RWD models and 226 miles for AWD ones. 

The disparity gets starker the more power and performance you inject. The RWD Kia EV6 is rated at 310 miles of range. The new souped-up EV6 GT, which comes with two mighty motors driving all four wheels, can travel a paltry 206

Of course, you still can find EVs that offer the best of both worlds. For example, the Tesla Model Y Long Range delivers 330 miles of range and AWD. 

AWD gas vehicles are also less fuel efficient than their 2WD counterparts, but it isn’t a big deal beyond the added emissions and gas costs. 

In an EV, though, you need to think hard about whether the extra capability of AWD is worth the hit to range — particularly if you can get by without it. Charging stations aren’t nearly as common as gas pumps, and EVs are already limited in how far they can travel in one go. So those extra couple-dozen miles could make a big difference when you need them most. 

Read the original article on
Business Insider

Hummer EV SUV official range announced: 3X truck tops 350 miles

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Continue reading Hummer EV SUV official range announced: 3X truck tops 350 miles

Hummer EV SUV official range announced: 3X truck tops 350 miles originally appeared on Autoblog on Fri, 21 Apr 2023 15:35:00 EDT. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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GM CEO Mary Barra predicts mass electrification will take decades

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Continue reading GM CEO Mary Barra predicts mass electrification will take decades

GM CEO Mary Barra predicts mass electrification will take decades originally appeared on Autoblog on Tue, 9 Jun 2020 13:40:00 EDT. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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Recycle Your Battery!

Here at Freeman Grapevine, we like to be aware of any “footprints” our dealership can potentially leave on our environment.  Take your car battery, for example. When most green-minded folks think about being stewards of our planet,  they’re more likely to have visions of planting trees and cleaning  streams than pondering their car battery’s place in the universe. Understandable…there’s a lot you may not know about your new car’s battery.

First, your new car’s battery is highly toxic, being made up primarily of lead,  acid, and plastic. But the good news is they’re also highly recyclable,  and old ones usually end up getting turned into more batteries.

According to the industry trade group Battery Council International:

More than 97 percent of all used battery lead is recycled into new  batteries. When compared to the 55 percent of aluminum soft drink and  beer cans, 45 percent of newspapers, and 26 percent of glass bottles  that BCI says get recycled, batteries start looking pretty green. In  fact, lead-acid batteries top the list of  recycled consumer products.

In addition to recycling the lead, the plastic cases are melted down and used to make new ones. The acid, they say, can even get turned into  sodium sulfate, a powder used in glass, detergents, and textiles.  Alternatively, some recyclers neutralize the acid, turn it into water,  and release it into the public sewer system once it is cleaned and  tested.

While that last part may sound a little scary, it’s still better than  batteries ending up in a landfill, an incinerator, or by the side of  the road.

The BCI Web site lists 44 states that prohibit disposing of old  car batteries in landfills and incinerators. Nearly 40 of those states  also require retailers and distributors to collect used batteries from  consumers for recycling. (Go to www.batterycouncil.org to see the details for your state.)

When shopping, your best bet is to find a dealer that will install  your new one for free and recycle the old one for you. If there’s a charge for installation, make sure to find out what it is before making a  purchase.

Recycle, recycle , recycle…If you want any more info, don’t hesitate to leave a comment or call Freeman Grapevine

“Slime” your tires to help prevent flats

ghostbustersAs much as I wish I was talking about the movie Ghostbusters, I’m, in fact, talking about a product that will reduce the likelihood of having to change a flat tire on the side of a busy highway. It’s called Slime PowerSpare Flat Repair and it can be a lifesaver if you were to pick up a nail or chunk of metal while on the  road. Of course, in the video demonstration below, it’s an ice pick and the Slime still seals the leak with no problem. Check it out:

According to Slime.com:

The 48-piece kit includes 24-ounce bottle of Slime tire sealant, heavy-duty powerful 12V tire inflator with built-in light and pressure gauge, 25-foot coiled air hose and an adapter for inflatables, 10-piece tire tackle kit, 30 black plugs, t-handle reamer and plugger, tire gauge, alligator power-clip, slime decal set and instructions in both English and Spanish. Suggested MSRP is US$89.99

So the next time you pick up a nail on the road, instead of braving the dangers of a busy highway, freeway or road, fill you tire with some slime and have the powers of a self-sealing tire work for you. If you have any questions about this product or others, feel free to contact Freeman Grapevine Service. They can point you in the the right directions.

You Can Save Money and Be Green Without Owning a Hybrid!

At Freeman Grapevine, we are always wanting to save you money. There is a lot of expense that goes into owing a car, fuel being a big one. Even if you don’t own a hybrid or an electric, you can do your part in reducing your emissions. I know these things get hard to remember sometimes and without seeing the direct effects of your emissions, you probably don’t give this stuff much second thought. I found a list on the Consumer Reports car blog that might help remind you. It explains that there are still ways you can drive responsibly and make less of a carbon footprint with your new car.

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  • No idling. A number of schools across the country have instituted a no idling rule to reduce children breathing in exhaust, but you can stop unnecessary idling every day. There is no need to warm up your car or keep your car running while waiting for passengers. The general rule-of-thumb is to turn off your car if you know you’ll be stopped for more than 30 seconds. Stopping idling helps air quality, saves gas, and reduces pollutants.
  • Keep your tires properly inflated. In our tests, we found fuel economy is reduced when tires are not inflated to where they should be. Do this when the tires are cold (before the vehicle has been driven or after no more than a couple of miles of driving). Use the inflation pressure recommended by the vehicle’s manufacturer, not the maximum pressure embossed on the tire’s sidewall. The recommended pressure is usually found on a placard on a front doorjamb, in the glove compartment, or in the owner’s manual.
  • Slow down. Slowing from 75 to 55 mph boosted gas mileage 33 percent in testing performed on a family sedan and a large SUV.
  • Combine trips. Avoid making multiple short trips or try to combine all errands into one trip. If you can, avoid rush hour as sitting in traffic burns more gas and emits more pollutants.
  • Drive light. Reduce the amount of cargo you have in your vehicle–clean out all the useless junk in the trunk–and take off your roof rack when you’re not using it. This will lighten your load, reduce drag, and aid fuel economy.
  • Ride share. Carpool to work or ride with other families to school or sporting events. Better yet, ditch the car altogether and use public transportation or bike/walk to do errands or get to work.

Does anyone else have any useful suggestions? Your Dallas Buick Dealer, Freeman Grapevine would love to hear them.

Do you recycle your car battery when it’s time?

recycling car battery

Here at Freeman Grapevine, we like to think of ourselves hyper-concious about the any “footprints” our Dallas Buick dealership can potentially leave on our environment.  Take your car battery, for example. When most green-minded folks think about being stewards of our planet, they’re more likely to have visions of planting trees and cleaning  streams than pondering their car battery’s place in the universe. Understandable…there’s a lot you may not know about your new car’s battery.

First, your new car’s battery is highly toxic, being made up primarily of lead,  acid, and plastic. But the good news is they’re also highly recyclable,  and old ones usually end up getting turned into more batteries.

According to the industry trade group Battery Council International:

More than 97 percent of all used battery lead is recycled into new  batteries. When compared to the 55 percent of aluminum soft drink and  beer cans, 45 percent of newspapers, and 26 percent of glass bottles  that BCI says get recycled, batteries start looking pretty green. In  fact, lead-acid batteries top the list of  recycled consumer products.

In addition to recycling the lead, the plastic cases are melted down  and used to make new ones. The acid, they say, can even get turned into  sodium sulfate, a powder used in glass, detergents, and textiles.  Alternatively, some recyclers neutralize the acid, turn it into water,  and release it into the public sewer system once it is cleaned and  tested.

While that last part may sound a little scary, it’s still better than  batteries ending up in a landfill, an incinerator, or by the side of  the road.

httpv://www.youtube.com/watch?v=UWvZ4BA_ylg

The BCI Web site lists 44 states that prohibit disposing of old  car batteries in landfills and incinerators. Nearly 40 of those states  also require retailers and distributors to collect used batteries from  consumers for recycling. (Go to www.batterycouncil.org to see the details for your state.)

When shopping, your best bet is to find a Dallas Car dealer that will install  your new one for free and recycle the old one for you. If there’s a  charge for installation, make sure to find out what it is before making a  purchase.

Recycle, recycle , recycle…If you want any more info, don’t hesitate to leave a comment or give me a call.

Increase Your New Car’s Performance Today!

The performance of a new car is always related to the amount of fuel consumed by it. However, a new car’s performance can be increased in certain ways without negatively affecting the gas mileage of a car. Given below are few tips from autoblog.net:

Performance chips: Computer chips that operate most new cars these days keep track of how much horsepower and torque can be displaced. Using performance chips or recalibrating the current chip used in a car can help in increasing the torque and horsepower to a great extent.

Cold air Intake: Power of a car engine can be increased if the temperature of the air that enters the car can be reduced. An under the hood modification in the form of cold air intake can help in this. Such an enhancement also beautifies the engine bay by making it colorful and attractive. Such a unit will also make an appealing sound.

Reusable air filters: Throughout the life of most of the cars, about 6 to 12 auto air filters are used without facing any problem, but when not in use most of them end up at the landfills for waste materials. Even though reusable air filters cost thrice as much as normal air filters, they are washable and last much longer than the regular ones. In fact, when you buy a reusable air filter for your car, it is actually the last one you will be ever buying for it. These air filters help you to increase acceleration and horsepower, besides having a very positive impact on the environment.

Performance exhaust systems: Another way to unleash horsepower, trapped up torque, and improve the overall automotive performance is by using “catalyst-back exhaust systems” (cat-back) for cars. Such a system installed in a car reduces exhaust back pressure by using low restriction performance mufflers and large width exhaust pipes while keeping all the important emission parts in their proper place. In addition to better performance, the exhaust system emits awesome sound.

Check out this video for enhanced fuel performance:

httpv://www.youtube.com/watch?v=NfPY2vyjDzo

Want an expert to help increase your new car’s performance? Call these guys.

More Fuel Saving Tips!

It’s getting into the Summer months and the price of gasoline has been hovering around $3.50 per gallon here in North Texas. I can’t complain, it’s much higher in the Western states ($4.40 in Hawaii). It’s still a beating on my wallet when I have to fill up my tank, though, and I’m always looking for good fuel saving tips without having to go buy a hybrid or electric vehicle. I’m just going to touch on 3 of the most effective tactics for releasing some of the strain on your wallet.

1. Slow Down, Speedy Gonzales

I realize that that’s not what you want to hear, but slowing down noticeably decreases your fuel consumption. There’s no need to go 80 on the highway or try to get to work as fast as possible. You’ll more than likely get there around the same time if you were to take your time and keep your foot off the gas.

2. Lighten Your Load

We know you like to carry your bowling ball in the trunk of your car, just in case someone challenges you. But if you think about it, when’s the last time you actually used it? If it’s been clunking around back there for a few weeks, it may be time to take it out and give it a rest. That’s 20 lbs of weight that the car is no longer having to spend gas on. Cleaning out your car of heavy, bulky items not only helps with your miles per gallon, it also makes your parents think that they didn’t raise a crazy person.

3. Don’t Drive

Easy as can be, right? If you can stay home all day and keep your car in the garage, then why go out? It’s the easiest and simplest way to keep gas in your tank and money in your pocket. If you start to go stir crazy, go for a walk instead of a drive.

What Exactly is E85?

Photo Courtesy of CarlsVanRentals.com

I was filling up my car the other day and I noticed an E85 pump. Being in the auto industry, I knew this was coming, but it still made me do a double take, so I wanted to write a post about what exactly E85 is and what happens if you put it your car and it’s not equipped to handle it.

What is E85?

Some cars being manufactured today are being equipped to run on a special ethanol-gasoline mix. E85 is 85% ethanol and 15% gasoline. With the United States trying to reduce its dependence on foreign oil, E85 is a way to reduce our intake.

Can I put E85 in my vehicle?

Unless your car is Flex Fuel equipped, more than likely, no. Your engine must be tuned and equipped to handle the the mix. If you accidentally put E85 in your car, you could damage your engine and be forced to make costly repairs. E85 is more abrasive and produces more oxygen than your typical gasolines. Some cars out on the road can handle E85 without any modifications, but always check with your manufacturer or dealer to verify.

Are there benefits to using E85?

Using E85 in a car that is built for it will spend less money on gasoline in the long run. E85 is anywhere between 15-25% cheaper than normal gasolines. However, flex fuel vehicles do get less gas mileage due to ethanol not being able to produces as much energy as higher grade gasoline.

Again, do not put E85 in your car without verifying that it is equipped to handle it. But next time you’re at the pump and you see a strange pump off by itself, you’ll know what it is!

Do you know of anyone who drives a Flex Fuel vehicle?