Sasha Lekach

San Francisco

@Forbes Cars/@Autoblog EV contrib. Go @ucdavis & @ucbsoj! SF native. Past: @forbeswheels, @mashable, @twitter, @SFGate, @chicagotribune. Keep up: @keepingtabsNL

Articles

2025 Volvo XC90: The classic Volvo SUV gets a plugged-in update with a new look and tech

2 months ago | autoblog.com | Sasha Lekach

The classic Volvo XC90 SUV comes with a redesign and tech updates for its 2025 plug-in hybrid version and two mild hybrid variants. Just last month, Volvo revealed an updated XC90 plug-in hybrid and traditional hybrid lineup. In an attempt to make a plug-in more enticing, the T8 version offers 33 miles of pure electric range.
How much range do EVs really lose in freezing temps?

Jan 17, 2025 | autoblog.com | Sasha Lekach

With an Arctic cold snap set to hit a large swath of the U.S. over the weekend and into next week, EV drivers in the States and other cold January climates might be stressing about battery range. While improved battery technology is making this expectation more outdated, there's still some truth to the idea that cold winter weather degrades battery potential.
How much range do EVs really lose in freezing temps?

Jan 17, 2025 | flipboard.com | Sasha Lekach

12 hours agoThe Great Salt Lake Will Be Gone SoonFor some time, there has been a forecast that The Great Salt Lake, once one of the largest inland salt lakes in the world.
ChargePoint Takes On Vandals With New Cut-Resistant EV Charging Cables

Jan 16, 2025 | forbes.com | Sasha Lekach

EV charger cable theft and damage is rampant, so ChargePoint decided to do something about it. The Campbell, California-based charging network announced Thursday a two-pronged plan to deter EV charging equipment vandalism. The first step is adding new cut-resistant cables that ChargePoint hopes spreads industry-wide. The second is a new alarm system called ChargePoint Protect.
Mercedes Adds AI-Powered Conversational Navigation With Google Gemini

Jan 13, 2025 | forbes.com | Sasha Lekach

Talking with your car is becoming the norm. Mercedes-Benz announced Monday a partnership with Google to bring AI-based conversations to the built-in navigation system. The Automotive AI Agent (part of Google Cloud) will be able to find destinations based on specific queries along with charging stations and other mapping needs. The new CLA series will be the first vehicle with Mercedes’ new MB.OS operating system that offers the new Google-backed AI tools.
CES 2025 Was All About Software-Defined Vehicles

Jan 10, 2025 | forbes.com | Sasha Lekach

The automotive buzzword at CES 2025 in Las Vegas this year was “SDV.”That’s “software-defined vehicle,” which automakers have gone all-in on with for AI integrations, autonomous and advanced driving, in-vehicle displays, passenger comfort features, smart charging and much more. BMW, Honda, Sony, Garmin, Harman, HERE Technologies, Nvidia and even Maserati were some of the companies at the annual tech expo showing what it means to have software-driven experience (instead of the usual hardware).
For $185, Current Mercedes EV Drivers Can Charge At Tesla Superchargers

Jan 9, 2025 | forbes.com | Sasha Lekach

Starting in February Mercedes-Benz is giving its electric vehicle owners more ways to charge while out on the road. The German automaker announced Thursday it will integrate the Tesla Supercharger public fast-charging system into its “Mercedes me Charge” service. Tesla uses the North American Charging System (NACS) system, which all vehicles other than Tesla do not yet have direct access with their built-in charging systems.
Sony/Honda's Afeela 1 EV is here, can it compete with Tesla?

Jan 8, 2025 | autoblog.com | Sasha Lekach

When electronics, entertainment, and carmaker behemoths like Sony and Honda combine forces, you get the Afeela 1. At the start of the CES consumer technology show in Las Vegas this week, the joint venture known as Sony Honda Mobility announced the first step in launching a production electric sedan. Reservations for the Afeela 1 opened Monday night for $200. The Afeela was first shown as a concept vehicle at CES 2023 and is expected to start deliveries sometime next year or in 2027.
CES 2025: Take a look at BMW’s new Panoramic iDrive display for the Neue Klasse EV

Jan 8, 2025 | star-telegram.com | Sasha Lekach

BMW's next generation of EVs, known as the Neue Klasse, will have a boosted visual display. At a CES press conference in Las Vegas Tuesday morning, the German carmaker announced the BMW Panoramic iDrive - a complete overhaul of the current iDrive infotainment system from the operating system to the display screen.
CES 2025: Take a look at BMW’s new Panoramic iDrive display for the Neue Klasse EV

Jan 8, 2025 | mahoningmatters.com | Sasha Lekach

BMW's next generation of EVs, known as the Neue Klasse, will have a boosted visual display. At a CES press conference in Las Vegas Tuesday morning, the German carmaker announced the BMW Panoramic iDrive - a complete overhaul of the current iDrive infotainment system from the operating system to the display screen.