Why do cheap cars matter?

Before getting to the core of it, let us first understand why we should even worry about this trend. If consumers are ok with buying expensive cars, then where is the issue? The simple answer to this goes back to the reason why cheap cars were produced in the first place.

At the beginning of automobile history, not everyone could afford a car. However, mass production would bring economies of scale and significantly lower the costs of vehicle manufacturing. Therefore, cars needed to sell in volumes and nudge customers of all categories.

This is when Ford introduced the first moving assembly line for automobile mass production. And then Volkswagen came up with the concept of the people’s car. People could finally afford cars and soon, they became loyal to these brands. They would keep buying new cars for themselves and their children, too.

Nowadays, cheap cars may seem not profitable in the short term. However, in the long run, they may bring in additional customers. Small compact cars such as Toyota Corolla or Honda Civic can seem appealing to the youth or first-time car buyers. Who wants to spend a ton of money on their first car?

However, if new drivers end up liking a particular brand, they become regular customers. Thus, cheap cars can bring a way of nudging younger targets, who, when wealthier, will buy into their more expensive vehicles.

Why are cheap cars becoming extinct?

Supply and demand

The economics of producing cheap cars needs large volumes to cover factory fixed costs. This comes with the risk of not being able to sell so many cheap cars in the market.

Usually, budget vehicles are smaller, and consumers in the U.S. prefer more passenger room and cargo space, especially those with big families. This, in turn, can bring the profit margins down for car producers.

Even though automakers may optimize and use parts made for cheap cars in their more expensive models, the opportunities for higher profit are slim.

On the other hand, drivers have shown high demand for bigger vehicles such as SUVs, which now sell at a more affordable price than before. Thus, consumers are still paying above $20,000, but they feel like they are getting a great deal and value for money. They prefer the flexibility SUVs offer, higher ground clearance, bigger space, and overall comfort. This is reflected in the higher willingness to pay for such cars.

Another price premium consumers are willing to pay is related to all car tech features, such as infotainment systems, in-car phone connectivity, or voice recognition, among others. The new generation is highly digitalized. Younger drivers also want their cars to have smart options and would not compromise for a simpler-looking interior, even if the latter would be cheaper.

Regulatory factors

As the country is going towards decarbonization, there are increasing regulatory restrictions regarding the type of cars that one can buy. Thus, vehicles that are highly polluting or older than a certain year are not allowed to be sold. The era of diesel may be coming to an end. Electric vehicles and low-emissions cars are becoming increasingly popular. They also carry a heftier price tag, as they embed technological innovations and car designs improvements.

Financial factors

Last but not least, it has become easy nowadays to get loans and purchase or lease cars, even accounting for inflation. This can make even more expensive cars more accessible for lower-income buyers. Leasing can even be cheaper, allowing one to simply swap cars for new models every couple of years or so.

And if one can utilize these resources and get the car of their dreams, then why compromise for a cheaper and less sophisticated car?

Having all these factors in mind, the cheap car extinction trend makes a bit more sense. If the incentives for expensive cars are there, and consumers use them, then the outlook for cheaper cars is definitely not bright.

What is your stance on this trend? Would you prefer a cheap car, or are you into premium vehicles? Let’s start a conversation.

The post Cheap cars are about to become extinct. Why? appeared first on Altered Steel.

What was the ancient nomadic life like?

Hunting animals and gathering plants were the main activities of hunter and gatherer societies around 11,00 to 12,000 years ago. They created a community of equals, where responsibilities were well-divided and everyone knew their role. Though there were not any modern means of organizing or researching the next best place to settle, people in this culture did a great job arranging all the travels. Quite amazing in terms of logistics, especially considering they mainly traveled by foot.

There were no fancy tools, no need for money, and no sense of individual ownership. The common property was what prevailed, as nature did not belong to anyone.

There seem to be no place for greed. The people hunted just enough to eat for a short period of time, without exceeding their limits. For a practical reason, this made sense, as they wanted to have less to carry with them.

There was no need for money either, as the barter economy allowed for simple transactions. Was it an isolating lifestyle? Maybe. But although we oftentimes think of it as primitive, we should keep in mind that we still cherish many of these lifestyle traits.

Nomadic lifestyle: the past and the present.

Regardless of the number of years that pass, the value system of a nomadic lifestyle has stayed unchanged for the most part. Connecting with nature, exploration, and adventure still remain at the center of it. Respect for nature is vital, and each nomad creates a special relationship with the trees, the woods, flowers, and all parts of the ecosystem.

What has changed with modern nomads is highly related to their additional motives for choosing the #vanlife and the logistics of it. Many modern nomads want to escape from a stressful life and to even get off the grid for some time. Restoring the energy while enjoying the feeling of independence, is oftentimes the best cure for stress. However, there are also those who are not escaping from anything. They just want to get back to their roots instead. Fascinated by their ancestral past, they try to keep their legacy alive.

Moreover, technological developments and social progress have equipped modern nomads with some of the best means of living sustainably and yet comfortably. People can choose this lifestyle. This was not always the case with ancient societies. Therefore, in modern days, being a nomad is not for everyone. Especially not for those who prefer comfort, indoor showers, or abundant wardrobes.

Are nomadic feelings innate in humans?

Although the word “migrant” is nowadays loaded with mixed meanings, which are not always pleasant, it seems that there is a common pattern across times and places. People have always liked moving and exploring, engaged in curiosity, and succumbed to wanderlust. Felix Marquardt calls these feelings “ancestral, essential and instinctive” in his book “The New Nomads: How the Migration Movement is Making the World a Better Place”.

The challenges of walking long distances, keeping social equality, or struggling to get food seem trivial to the modern convenient arrangements of renting or buying an RV, working remotely from a laptop, or buying food from local stores.

It is because of all these modern inventions that sometimes we forget that in essence, we still carry many of the inner traits of the ancient nomads. One of the most forgotten ones seems to be the drive to preserve nature without taking from it more than we can replace. Hopefully, modern nomads will bring this trait back to life as they explore different natural habitats and raise awareness.

How do you feel about modern nomads? What other common qualities with ancient nomads do you see? Let’s start a conversation – share your thoughts with us.

The post Ancient roots of the modern nomads appeared first on Altered Steel.

What data does your car gather about you?

Try to remember your actions the last time you were in your car. Did you connect your phone to make and receive calls, or listen to music and news? Did you use the different temperature options or navigation system?

Probably, now that I am asking these questions, you are realizing how much your car might know about you. And by your car, I mean the auto manufacturers and possibly other entities as well. They have information on your interaction with other people, your music taste, regular routes you take, and even health conditions.

Now imagine driving an autonomous vehicle. Yes, it may be convenient not to worry about the actual act of driving. But the price you pay is giving up terabytes of personal data. Autonomous vehicles need more devices that capture information on the inside and outside of the car in order to operate smoothly without a driver.

For example, Tesla has already received criticism about the potential usage of the amount of data it is gathering from the in-vehicle camera monitoring services. These cameras are running even when the autopilot is off, gathering information on driving habits and even the frequent charging places used. This is quite an extensive range of personal information that Tesla collects. Being aware of this fact is only the first step towards addressing the issue.

How can your car be a surveillance tool?

The classic issue with collecting private data circles around the entities that own it and the way they use it. Continuing with the case of Tesla, how the company uses the collected data is still unclear.

On the one hand, the automaker can be using the data to improve the existing tech. But on the other hand, the company may even be sharing it with other interested parties.

All can happen, as long as there is no current federal law that can regulate this type of data usage. The legislative loophole implies that the data can be shared with insurance companies, telecommunication companies, or even the police.

The next time you apply for car insurance, you might get a higher premium because you have driven faster than usual a couple of times, or because your blood pressure was up during the last week. This may sound dystopian, but it is increasingly becoming more realistic and probable.

The surveillance concern has gone beyond the individual level, to the point when it is a matter of national security. The most recent case is with China banning Tesla vehicles from entering its military facilities due to concern about the vehicles’ built-in cameras. Even though Tesla has stated that the data from cameras overseas are not collected by the company, the scrutiny remains at high levels.

What is the ethical concern about the use of AI in the auto industry?

The function of the car has changed dramatically during the last couple of decades. Before it was perceived simply as a transportation means to take people from point A to B. However, with technological progress, the concept of a car has shifted to a set of offered services, where transportation is just one of them. You may think that you have privacy in your car but as we have shown in this article, the privacy line is blurry.

Does it have to be this way, though? Do we have to sacrifice our privacy for the sake of progress or is there a more ethical way to balance both? I think that the key to managing this issue lies in establishing stricter laws on disclosure of data collection and usage. These laws should be strictly enforced and followed by penalties when violated.

After all, information, like any other tool, can be very useful or can become a weapon in the wrong hands. If there is an already existing legislature on confidentiality in traditional business settings, why not raise awareness and push for high standards in information security in the automobile sector? What are your thoughts on this matter? Feel free to initiate a conversation below.

The post Could you car be a tool for surveillance? appeared first on Altered Steel.

What is the story behind this man who self-describes as “Doctor Frankenstein of Teslas”? Join us in this post, as we explore his work that, no doubt, serves as an inspiration for seasoned and novice mechanics alike. 

What is the story behind Rich Benoit’s passion for rebuilding cars?

Rich Benoit, a father of three, had been working in the IT sector until very recently. However, his transfer from IT to the automobile world is not coincidental. Ever since he was a child, he loved deconstructing and then rebuilding fake Rolexes that his father, an electrical engineer used to bring him. His curiosity and patience while putting all the pieces back together were remarkable.

He gained the confidence that he could truly fix things and was willing to ride along self-learning curves. He wouldn’t use manuals or consult with other experts, just intuition and trial and error approach instead. Little did he know that his passion would eventually bring him on the path of reverse-engineering.

Interestingly, he did not interfere much with his first car: a 2004 Dodge SRT-4. However, soon enough, he would come across damaged second-hand motorcycles and cars. This triggered his ambition to go bigger with his rebuilds. Thus, another more challenging phase would begin for him, as he would figure out a lot of mechanics knowledge on his own.

How did Rich Benoit come across Teslas?

Even though rebuilding gadgets or wrecked automobiles was a genuine passion, focusing on Teslas was more of a coincidence. In 2014, one of his friends calls him and tells him about his latest car: a Tesla Model S. Rich was eager to test it. But, the moment he sat behind that steering wheel and drove the car, he fell in love with it. Probably it was something related to the specific EV engine, or its quietness, which impressed him. He had to have that car!

Once Benoit found out the six-digit price of the car though, he was shocked. Therefore, he started brainstorming for cheaper ways to get his Tesla. He was able to find an old Tesla, which needed parts to be fixed. However, at that time, Tesla refused to sell him any parts, due to its strict repair policy.

However, Rich Benoit was determined to rebuild his Tesla, one way or another. Soon enough, he figured that he could use the parts of another Tesla to do that. Thus, after spending more than 500 hours in his garage, he reached his goal, deciding to call his first rebuilt Tesla, Dolores. He documented the entire process and began posting videos on a random forum, eventually moving to YouTube. This is how his journey as a vlogger began.

What are the dynamics between Tesla and ‘Rich Rebuilds’?

Rich Rebuilds is the name of Benoit’s YouTube channel, a medium that has triggered a lot of debate around him, but which has ultimately contributed to some of his videos going viral. No doubt he is an interesting, snarky, and humorous character, who is not afraid to come across as goofy. His videos are watched by car enthusiasts, as well as by amateurs.

The first controversy came to light when by accident his hand appeared in one of the uploads, and viewers realized that he was black. The racist comments flooded, but that did not stop him. In fact, he would pin the most racist comments and eventually realize that this strategy would actually decrease such comments by 80%.

The next range of polemics had to do with Tesla. For a long time now, Tesla has been very strict about not letting any information regarding its auto pieces or diagnostic tools become publicly available. The idea of having someone documenting this information publicly did not resonate well with the automaker. As a result, YouTube has removed a couple of his videos, and Tesla has canceled Rich’s referral account. It even refused to provide him with service manuals. As you can imagine, this has not stopped Benoit either. On the contrary, he kept expanding his audience and business operations.

What is next for Rich Benoit?

In late 2019, Rich Benoit partnered with Chris Salvo and Chad Hrencecin to open “The Electrified Garage” in Seabrook, New Hampshire. This garage would be solely dedicated to repairing electric vehicles. He then expanded to Florida in late 2020.

Considering the high demand, he plans to get bigger. In fact, he has even announced that he might go back to rebuilding gas cars, which again has raised a lot of controversy among his followers. Probably, someday, we will see him restoring classic cars too. As he says, “Remember: I’m a car enthusiast, not an EV enthusiast”

The right to repair is one of the main causes that stands behind his determination to grow his business. Benoit believes that it is not fair that car manufacturers make it difficult for customers to fix their own cars. Capable auto mechanics should be allowed to get into business and repair different brands too.

Despite changes in the MA legislation, this is an ongoing effort. The story of Rich Benoit though is definitely unique. It shows how someone who is self-taught can accomplish so much and attempt at demonopolizing areas of the auto industry.

The post Rich Benoit – A man with a knack for rebuilding Teslas appeared first on Altered Steel.

Understanding the autonomous driving levels is important in order to be able to fully grasp the evolution of driverless cars and how they will change mobility as we know it. How much control are we giving up at each level? Join me in this post as I explore these questions.

What are the different autonomous driving levels?

As driving gets enhanced by various levels of technology, our cars become less and less dependant on human drivers. Based on the automated features, there are 6 levels of autonomy – from 0 (fully manual) to 5 (fully autonomous). Below is a breakdown:

Level 0

This is a fully manual level. The driver needs to be all eyes and ears and hands-on, in order to drive a vehicle. There might be some warning signals from the car, such as for the fuel level or battery, but it is up to the driver to ignore or to keep going. Usually, classic cars and other older vehicles fall under this category. And although there’re talks of modernizing classic vehicles, most still fully depend on their drivers.

Level 1

Level 1 cars offer some driving assistance, but the driver still needs to be hands-on all the time. The automated features come in the form of adaptive cruise control, which helps maintain a safe distance between vehicles applies breaks when the distance becomes too dangerous. Other features include lane keep assist and parking assistant. Most cars produced within the last 5 years have this level of automation. One example is the 2018 Toyota Corolla, equipped with different sensors to avoid pre-collision or lane deviation.

Level 2

In addition to the previous level features, level 2 cars can also do the steering. However, the driver still needs to be alert when to intervene. Tesla Full Self-Driving Autopilot system is one of the Level 2 vehicle examples. It is important to remember that even though the vehicle can adjust its speed, know when to change lanes, or when to stop, the driver still needs to keep their eyes on the road, to avoid any accidents. Tesla sometimes is treated as a level 3 or even 4 car, but remember that technically, it hasn’t reached that driverless level yet.

Level 3

At this point, the car knows how to monitor the environment, and the driver can relax a bit, maybe even read a book or answer messages on their phone. The “co-driver” will be in charge. This can be considered a conditional autonomy. The vehicle can’t be driver-independent in all circumstances, but only when traffic is sufficiently slow.

When the Japanese government announced in 2019 that it would allow level 3 autonomous cars in the streets, Honda took heed. The automaker promised a level 3 model before this year ends. Even though the pandemic has slowed the development, we are all curious to learn about Japan’s experience with level 3 cars on the road.

Level 4

By this level, your car will already be highly automated. Your intervention will be minimal, limited to certain driving modes, or in difficult situations. Otherwise, you can expect to stay hands-off the steering wheel, eyes-off the road most of the time, and you can even watch a movie meanwhile.

As we move up the levels, it is harder to find car models that fully reflect high autonomy. In this case, one of the best representatives is Waymo, a subsidiary of Alphabet Inc. Waymo offers self-driving taxi service in Arizona, and during the last 5 years has been continuously increasing the autonomy features of its fleet. For example, currently, the autonomous taxis can freely drive on the road in Arizona. However, they are not yet prepared to drive in areas with harsh weather or rough road conditions.

Level 5

This is the ultimate level of full autonomy that tech companies and car manufacturers are aiming to achieve. If your car reaches this level, then it will know how to drive at different speeds, choose lanes, and respect traffic signs the same way or even better than you would (ideally, if nothing goes wrong!). A fully autonomous car in all drive modes and conditions is still not legally operating in the US market. However, continuous tests and improvements on existing models are in progress in order to reach level 5 soon.

The path to autonomy is complex, in every aspect of life. In the automotive sector, it is the same. Reaching autonomy presents challenges from the regulatory and safety perspective, which ultimately will require innovative hardware and software solutions.

How do you feel about riding a level 5 car one day? Are you ready to get hands-off and let your car make decisions for you?

The post Understanding the autonomous driving levels appeared first on Altered Steel.

At first glance, the whole question sounds ridiculous. As if you are asking “Will taking away your ability to drive kill the joy of driving?”. Of course, it will!

But let us take a step back since things get a bit more complicated than most of us think. To actually understand the whole issue, we have to answer three questions:

• What does it mean for a car to be autonomous (and will it ever happen)?
• Can autonomous and non-autonomous cars coexist?
• What is the joy of driving worth?

What is an autonomous car?

Honestly, most of us do not even understand what “self-driving” even means. To clear things up, engineers have proposed 5+1 theoretical levels of autonomy. However, the definitions are rather fluid, so take them with a grain of salt.

Level 0 means no autonomy at all, and the drivers have to do everything on their own. You may be surprised, but most cars no longer fall into this category. They are actually Level 1: some driver assistance present. Think of this as adaptive cruise control, sensors for emergency braking, or park assistance, among other features.

Then comes Level 2, which some luxury models have already. They can keep you in your lane, steer in certain situations, and even accelerate if necessary. From there we get to Level 3, where you can take your eyes of the road in certain conditions. At this point, the car has some self-driving capabilities, but you need to be present for navigating more complex situations (e.g. traffic jams, maneuvering). As of now, no cars are truly Level 3, and anything above that still lies in the future.

Think of Level 4 cars as “drivers in training”. They are autonomous, for the most part, but you still have to handle emergencies. Finally, we get to Level 5: full autonomy. At this point, the vehicle does not even need a steering wheel.

Although Elon Musk has said Tesla is close to level 5 autonomy, I remain skeptical. In order for Level 5 cars to actually work, we need to solve more things than just automation. Such vehicles will need fast internet, stable networks, standardized communication, and other crucial details. That leads us to our second question.

Can autonomous and non-autonomous cars coexist?

If both types of vehicles can work together, driving enthusiasts will have nothing to worry about. In other words, we can have our cake and eat it too. Or can we?

Most of the arguments for self-driving cars require us to go to the extreme. That means getting rid of any traditional vehicles. Though that sounds harsh, it is a logical conclusion.

Let’s look at the self-driving vehicles’ case. Autonomous cars will supposedly reduce accidents, alleviate road congestion, minimize traffic overall by improving efficiency, cost you less, and the list goes on. Even if we accept these benefits at a face value, the only way to get them will be… to do away with conventional cars. Why? Because autonomous vehicles rely on near-perfect data sharing and AI reactions.

If you are a fan of driving, this news sounds horrible. Some folks have proposed compromises, but we still do not know if they will work. For instance, we can have “driver” and “driverless” roads. Or we can just vote whether we even want Level 5 everywhere. Though it comes down to one final thing…

What is the joy of driving worth?

According to official data, more than 12 people per 100,000 die in a traffic accident in the US. Many more get severe injuries. If self-driving vehicles can halve that, will it not be worth it? Even a 25% accident reduction translates to millions of lives saved worldwide. Or do we care more about pleasure?

Currently, statistical models show that autonomous cars will reduce deaths by more than 90%. Of course, you may not agree with such estimates, but real-world data will start piling up at some point, and then we will have to face the results. Still, I will be happy to hear the opposing argument. Unfortunately, even enthusiasts agree that autonomous cars will reduce accidents if they take over.

Plus, it looks like most people are not that fond of driving anyway. In fact, folks in Europe are now fighting for car-free zones. Maybe giving up on driving will not be that big of a problem for most of us.

That does not mean driving should cease to exist altogether. Maybe it can be a hobby for special tracks or off-road routes. You can manually do plenty of other automated things for fun nowadays (e.g. woodworking). Why should driving be different?

So, yes – in a sense, autonomous cars will kill the joy of driving. But hopefully, they will make it harder for driving to continue with its actual killing spree. Or maybe they will not? That would be a topic for another day.

The post Will autonomous cars kill the joy of driving? appeared first on Altered Steel.

Imagine a vehicle that knows you as well as you know it – a car that seizes to be just a car, it becomes your partner. Imagine that it knows your driving habits and daily routine and uses that information to suggest routes; it knows your music preferences and is capable of holding a conversation. This is also the path towards fully autonomous cars.

However, as you expose more personal data to your car, you may want to be aware of what happens with that information, and who ultimately owns it.

Join me as I explore this subject and learn how we can protect ourselves from revealing too much.

What information is my car gathering?

The car’s onboard sensors and computerized systems gather information on your driving patterns such as speed, routes, and destinations, and keep track of your climate control preferences. Furthermore, if you connect your phone to your car, then you have automatically shared your contacts, emails, music, messages, browsing history, and sometimes photos and financial information too.

Interestingly, we are aware of the huge amount of personal information that platforms such as Facebook or Google collect and store. Many would agree that their control of our digital lives undermines the very essence of privacy. Thus, we demand accountability from the tech giants, as well as ownership of our private data. Yet, when it comes to the information that auto manufacturers are obtaining from the vehicle infotainment systems, by offering highly connected cars, we still have to work on spreading awareness among car drivers.

What happens to the information collected by my car?

Often times, we think that once we disconnect our phones from our car’s infotainment platform, we automatically erase all the data from it. However, this is wrong! The car computer systems continuously record data – on average, 25 gigabytes every hour. This data is processed and stored in the cloud afterward, becoming a matter of interest for other businesses.

Moreover, as cars are converting into big data centers, automakers have many incentives to further monetize this data. For example, information on your driving patterns helps insurance companies determine your premium. Data on the most frequented streets can be helpful to coffee chains, gas stations, or other stores for their marketing and network expansion strategy. Online purchasing data can further indicate your spending behavior pattern and be of use for fintech companies or other businesses to give you personalized offers.

Who owns the data my smart car collects?

Ideally, this data should be yours, and yours only. After all, it is private information, and you need to be aware of what your car knows about you and how it is used. However, unfortunately, there is no specific federal legislation that regulates car manufacturers on data processing and sharing.

It means that the whole picture on who ultimately gets to use your data, and even monetize it, is still blurry. There are some privacy policies that you sign at the time of the car purchase. However, the language is too technical, and usually, people do not bother to read and understand them fully.

How can I protect my smart car data from unauthorized sharing?

In the absence of a well-defined legal framework, it is up to you to follow a more proactive approach in protecting your data.

• Increasing your awareness is a good first step in making you more cautious about what you share.
• When you connect your phone to your car, try not to have saved passwords on your phone or make any online purchases.
• If you rent a car, avoid connecting your phone to it. However, if you decide otherwise, take some time to delete whatever information you can on the car computer, before returning your rental.
• If you decide to sell your car, take it to an authorized maintenance shop and ask for help permanently deleting your data from the car’s systems.
• When you buy a new car, get as much information as you can on the manufacturer’s data security policy and how to turn off certain data connection features so that you can control what gets stored.

Even though these tips can help you minimize the risk of unauthorized data sharing, they still won’t fix the privacy issue.

Proper fully-developed cybersecurity legislation should be implemented on a federal and state level in order to limit data mining applications within the auto industry and increase transparency.

However, until that time comes, the only thing we can do is grow awareness of our private data usage and try to preserve it as much as we can.

What is your stance on this issue? Share your thoughts in the comments below.

The post What your car knows about you appeared first on Altered Steel.

When you buy something, you own it and, theoretically, you should be able to do whatever you want with it. Yet in practice, things get a lot more complicated.

Currently, a number of organizations are fighting for the so-called electronics right to repair. But did you know it extends way farther than that? It actually started with the automotive industry, and this is what we are going to explore today. Is your car really yours? Surprisingly, it is not a clear-cut answer!

What is the right to repair?

In today’s world, the repairs niche suffers quite a bit. We are more eager to buy something new when the old breaks (or just gets too old) than fix it. That said, you can still opt for repair… usually.

Think of it like this – if your coffee machine breaks out of warranty, you can get it repaired wherever you see fit. You can try it yourself, or have a specialist do it. The manufacturer of the appliance should not have a say in your decision. Or to put it simply – they cannot require you to only use their repair services. However, things often play out differently.

To get technical, a general “right to repair” does not exist to apply wherever you want. Some say it is implied by the nature of ownership. And while this has rarely been an issue in the past, our world is now split on it. Why? Because the products we use are no longer just “a product”. You buy the hardware, but you also need software to use it. Here things get complicated!

Companies say that while you do own the hardware, you only license the software. Want to break your phone? Go ahead. Want to repair it? Well, that involves a lot of software tinkering as well, and that is often proprietary. It does not stop with phones either – all that also applies to cars!

Do you have the right to repair your car?

Vehicles used to be mostly hardware. You could go to any old mechanic and they could do wonders on your ride. They did not have to know programming, microscale electronics, or software diagnostics. For better or worse, this is changing.

Now Elon Musk calls his vehicles “computers on wheels”. Thanks to the EV revolution he sparked, you can apply the same description to conventional cars too. They are filled to the brim with electronics and proprietary software.

So, what happens when your vehicle’s sensors shout out “ISSUE”? You go to an authorized shop, of course! Only they can decipher what that even means, thanks to the closed source software that runs your car. At least, manufacturers want it to be that way.

What you need to know about the automotive repair rights

Because of legislation passed back in 2012, car companies have agreed to provide third parties with their diagnostic tools. That means that in theory, you do have the right to repair your car.

As you would expect, there is still a catch. Official diagnostics are available… for a hefty fee. That leaves smaller shops to rely on aftermarket tools, which may or may not work. Furthermore, your local mechanic will likely not be able to fix software problems.

This raises the question: Which problems are considered software? Here is how we can classify issues after running diagnostics:

• Mechanical – Those would be your regular part failures. Any repair shop should be able to take care of them without too much trouble.
• Electronic – Those have to do with the electrical system of the car, often related to sensors that talk to the software. Here you might run into repair problems if you opt for aftermarket solutions. Though on paper you can fix such issues anywhere, you may still have to rely on OEM parts.
• Software – While some repair shops can probably handle certain software problems, the “official” way of handling them is to go to authorized shops.
• Mixed – Such issues involve a mechanical/electrical and a software system. Here we get into murky waters. This may be the loophole for companies to go around any further legislation.

Where are the limits of the right to repair your vehicle?

Thanks to current laws, you have the right to repair mechanical and possibly electrical issues. But that may also change. If the modern trend continues, cars will become more and more like computers. How long until car manufacturers start labeling themselves as IT companies? Tesla is halfway there already.

The more vehicle repairs get tangled up with software the harder they will become. Manufacturers can complicate the process, label their software as intellectual property, and gatekeep any further repairs.

To make things worse, they can actually make a good legal case. With more complicated systems, driving safety becomes even more important. Sure, a simple battery change may not amount to much, but what if it disrupts some signals, which compromise the safety features of the software? Dress that up in more technical lingo and you have a recipe for denial of any repair rights.

Put all of this together and you can see how companies can start working towards labeling all issues as “mixed”. Meaning they would all require some sort of software calibration. Where does this leave us then?

Do you really own your car?

According to Apple, you own your iPhone, not its operating system. The tech giant is licensing it to you. In simpler terms, you are renting the software. That renders the device virtually useless on its own.

Could we be heading the same way with vehicles? Of course, you own the car, but you have no rights to the software systems that make it move. For all intents and purposes, all your car’s functions have to be rented. And repairing them? Well, that is messing with the intellectual property!

Do you think that is going to happen soon? Or does it sound a bit too far-fetched for you? To be honest, I think the future of mobility does not favor car ownership.

The post Right to Repair: Is your car really yours? appeared first on Altered Steel.

Besides, as micro-mobility continues to evolve, bikes have also been gaining popularity. Who knows, maybe a bike will really be your next car. And you may want to begin exploring all possible facets of its use, including adventure cycling. Ready to learn more about it?

What is adventure cycling?

Adventure cycling may sound like a fancy concept. But, in reality, it is simply riding your bike longer-than-usual, following an itinerary of your choice.

A bicycle, some minor supplies, and the spirit of adventure are the key ingredients for this experience. Mother Nature will assist you with the rest. Let me guess – a gamut of questions is rushing through your head right now.

Where to go for your cycling adventure?

The sky is the limit when it comes to destinations. Make this adventure YOURS by choosing your favorite and most convenient roadmap. Do you prefer mountains or flatter areas? Is there a national park that you would like to visit? What about the remote areas around your city, with those narrow streets, where you cannot normally drive? And what about biking along the coastline, while breathing in the sea breeze?

It all depends on how adventurous you are, and also how comfortable you feel with cycling on rough upward terrains. The Adventure Cycling Association is a good resource for selecting your biking route.

How long should my biking adventure be?

There are no written rules on the length of adventure cycling. It all depends on the free time you have. You can spend one night, one weekend, or more exploring different places. Another factor that may impact your choice is how long you are willing to live without creature comforts.

One way you can test this is by recalling the last time you went camping. For example, if it was for two nights, did you enjoy it? Did you feel comfortable sleeping outside? If you are not particularly fond of camping, but still want to spend a few days adventure cycling, then you may arrange for sleeping indoors. For instance, you can book an Airbnb room or find other nearby accommodations.

How expensive is adventure cycling?

If planning your vacation budget gives you headaches, I have good news for you. Adventure cycling will cost you very little money if you plan ahead.

As I mentioned in the beginning, the first ingredient of this experience is the bicycle itself. This is where you may want to invest most of your planned budget. Make sure that your bike is in good condition, and don’t forget to take a bike repair kit with you. You do not need the latest and most expensive model to go on this adventure. What matters is that the bike is properly maintained.

Depending on your budget, you may spend your nights in camping sites, hostels, or hotels. If you don’t want to spend much in this category, then you can use the “Warm Showers” to find nearby houses that are willing to offer you accommodation for free.

What about the food? This is also up to you. If you prefer to stay frugal, you can alternate between cooking your own meals and eating out at local budget restaurants. This will help you stay healthy and on budget.

Five reasons to go on an adventure cycling trip

Now that you know what adventure cycling is all about, let’s explore some of the reasons why to embark on this journey.

Get to know yourself

I still remember the time I learned to ride a bike. I was five, and, at first, I was cycling using a bike with a couple of auxiliary wheels, until one day, my dad took them off. It took me a while before I realized that I was cycling on my own. No auxiliary wheels, no one holding me. It was a fantastic feeling of freedom and independence, which I still cherish with a smile on my face.

I have biked short distances several times during these years. I remember once biking through the forest with friends. Even though pedaling uphill was challenging, the satisfaction I received on the way down made it worth it. As the wind was playing with my hair, the image of the trees passing by, and the smell of the woods all made me feel part of nature. Now imagine experiencing this a few days in a row, while combining it with meeting other people and visiting new places. No doubt, you will truly get to know yourself and test your limits.

Save the environment

No need to say that biking is a zero-carbon emission activity. As such, it does not pollute the environment. This is also a reason to feel proud of being an adventure cycler. After all, it is a win-win situation: you get to experience a fun weekend, and the environment is saved from the CO2 emitted by fuel vehicles.

Enjoy a flexible mobility

Recall all the times that your flight was canceled, rescheduled, or all those hours of sitting in traffic while driving to your vacation destination. I have also been through these experiences, and the feelings of frustration are not easy to forget.

You will not have to think about all of these in adventure cycling, though. You can bike according to your pace, rest whenever you feel like, and then resume your trip.

Besides, you can park almost anywhere and explore paths that are not accessible by cars.

You are your own boss and make your own rules while biking. After a long working week, it is definitely rewarding to have some control over your routine, isn’t it?

Embrace a unique experience

Adventure cycling allows you to experience the lifestyles of locals anywhere you visit. Forget about the cliché touristic spots and give yourself the chance to meet new people, make new friends, and learn about their culture. You would be surprised by all the little things and all the human stories you will uncover.

Keep healthy

“The bicycle is the noblest invention of mankind,” says William Saroyan, an Academy Award prize winner. I think that its nobility is not only related to the low environmental footprint but also our mental and physical health. The combination of the sense of freedom, experiencing nature, relaxation, and adventurous encounters, produce feelings of accomplishment. At the end of a successful adventure cycling trip, you can proudly say: “I made it.”

Not only this, but your body will also thank you, as cycling is considered one of the healthiest sports. According to a Harvard Medical School publication, “Going for a ride is good for your heart and muscles, and it may improve how you walk, balance, and climb stairs.”

As you saw, adventure cycling can offer you first-hand experience of nature and new lifestyles, while embracing feelings of empowerment, freedom, and healthy achievements.

Are you ready to get yourself a bike and pedal towards the adventure? Feel free to share your story with us. We can’t wait to hear about your cycling adventures.

The post What is adventure cycling, and why you should try it appeared first on Altered Steel.

Infrastructure? Practically non-existent. Not even the most developed cities were EV-friendly.

Today, the general picture has changed significantly. Not only can we name six EV brands, but we also have the luxury of selecting the best six out of numerous other options.


The outlook for electric vehicles seems to be highly positive today.

Car manufacturers worldwide have been investing in developing and perfecting electric models. And companies like Tesla and Hyundai have proudly revealed more than one electric vehicle model.

What has changed? What trends accelerated EV production and spiked market demand?

Cars going green: key modern trends

• Extended driving range: through better battery technology, today’s EVs can traverse over 300 miles on a single charge. An impressive range like this enhances the feeling of independence while driving. No more looking for charging stations. And the best part is that automakers are continuously looking for ways to improve the range. Maybe someday, “Go electric, go free” will be the marketing slogan used by EV manufacturers.
• Faster charging time: Overnight charging is quickly becoming a thing of the past. You can now charge your EV as quickly as 30 minutes. It seems like enough time to enjoy a good cup of coffee nearby. Again, all that thanks to better, more efficient batteries.
• Mass-market production: Electric vehicles are becoming more mainstream. It means that the number of EVs on the market is increasing, and, as an economist would say: once the supply goes up, the price goes down. Indeed, these cars have become more affordable. As you’ll see below, EVs are sold at a wide range of prices to fit different budgets.
• Better green technology: According to the BloombergNEF research, “the volume-weighted average battery pack fell 85% from 2010-2018.” It means that the price went down along with it. Cheaper and longer-lasting Li-ion batteries ultimately significantly lower the EV production costs.
• Better infrastructure: As EVs’ market has been growing, the network of charging stations has expanded. California remains the leading state with the most private and public electric vehicle charging stations, followed by Texas and Florida. EVs are also strongly encouraged in places that generate clean electricity through renewable resources.

Best EVs you can buy today:

2019 Nissan Leaf – $29,990

The Nissan Leaf is among the most affordable EVs on the market. The 2019 model is significantly better than the previous versions in terms of range and battery charging time. The 2019 Leaf Plus can last up to 215 miles on a single charge. Depending on the voltage, the charging time can vary between 7.5 hours and 35 hours. I know this is a big difference, but unfortunately, the range and chargers are not the strongest qualities of the Nissan Leaf.

The performance is very decent in terms of acceleration and horsepower (147-horsepower electric motor). Yet, the interior design looks a bit on the cheap side and is far from luxurious. A big up for Nissan is that each year it brings improved and better-looking EVs at affordable prices.

2019 Volkswagen e-Golf – $31,895

The e-Golf does not look much different from the manufacturer’s non-EVs. Also, driving it does not feel much different either. Thus, if you are looking forward to driving an EV, but worry that it will not feel like driving a “real car,” then this is a perfect fit for you. The interior is of premium quality, and there is enough space to make your driving experience pleasant.

The main drawback of the e-Golf is a low range. It can drive up to 125 miles on a single charge, which pretty much makes it a city car. If you plan on traveling longer distances, you should make sure to locate charging stations along the way.

2020 Chevrolet Bolt – $36,620

With the Chevrolet Bolt, you can go farther than you think. While still being in the affordable range, it can take you as far as 259 miles on a single charge. If you use the DC fast charging, you can charge 100 miles in 30 minutes.

Drivers and passengers alike will appreciate the roomy interior, infotainment system, driver assistance technology, and generous cargo space. The driver screen shows you the percentage of energy used at each car process and activity. Getting real-time information about your driving efficiency definitely adds value to the whole EV experience.

2020 Hyundai Kona Electric – $36,990

This EV offers a great balance of good performance, upscale interior, and price. The range is the generous  258 miles. No wonder it has been voted as the 2019 North American Utility Vehicle of the Year.

Hyundai has publicly declared its long term focus on e-mobility, aiming to reach a leading position on the EV market globally. Even though the South Korean auto manufacturer may not be the most popular choice among American drivers, its U.S. sales have been increasing. So, you might want to keep an eye out for Hyundai’s upcoming EV models, not only for more innovative features but also for good value for money.

2020 Jaguar I-Pace – $69,850

Oh, the Jaguar! I am personally happy that even luxury auto manufacturers have their electric models. The Jaguar I-Pace could not be any different in terms of premium interior and exterior design when compared to its non-electric versions.

The all-electric SUV has a 234-mile range and promises to take you from 0 to 60mph in 4,5 seconds in style –  part of the Jaguar magic. This is costly magic, though, as this EV costs almost double the previously mentioned Hyundai Kona. But if you give it a chance, you will see it as a good investment in no time.

2020 Tesla Model X – $86,190

Of course, Tesla could not be absent from this list. The reason why we mention it last is its cost. Tesla S and especially Tesla X are among the most expensive EVs on the market today. Yet, for an EV enthusiast, Tesla model X remains the greenest car with the best performance and the highest range – over 300 miles. This model also comes in AWD, meaning that you will be able to drive it safely, even in bad weather conditions.

The interior cabin is spacious, fitting up to seven people, and has a decent infotainment system. The best part for a speed lover: it can reach 60 mph in 2.6 seconds. Driving fast and green in a high-end car. A dream of any environmental and car enthusiast!

What’s your favorite EV?

The six options above are proof that EVs are rapidly growing in popularity. And as the prices are lowering, ultimately, the demand for EVs is going up. As a female EV enthusiast, I can happily say that the cycle is getting reinforced at an exponential rate. More people buy EVs, there is more incentive for manufacturers to go electric, there is more competition, and ultimately, higher-quality cars.

So, after browsing through our top six EVs, which one do you see as a good investment? Would dive into the whole EV experience head-on, or do you prefer an EV that looks more like a regular car? I personally cannot wait to see the 2021 models. Maybe electrifying our mobility is not such a distant dream, after all!

The post The six best EVs to buy in 2020 appeared first on Altered Steel.