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Australia's best-selling PHEVs halfway through 2026

Damion Smy Honda Accord SUV planned as Subaru Outback rival 28 Minutes Ago BYD dominates the Australian plug-in hybrid vehicle market, but other Chinese brands like Chery and GWM are making gains. News Editor News Editor Plug-in hybrid vehicle (PHEV) sales in Australia have more than doubled in the space of a year, and BYD remains by far the market leader. Per data supplied by the Federal Chamber of Automotive Industries (FCAI), a total of 54,256 PHEVs – including extended-range electric vehicles (EREVs) – were delivered to local customers in the first half of 2026, up 111.8 per cent on the first half of 2025. That was sharper growth than that exhibited by conventional hybrids, sales of which were up by 11.9 per cent, but these plug-less vehicles still account for a larger portion of the market. Year-to-date, PHEVs are holding an 8.6 per cent share of the total new-vehicle market, which is sitting at 631,583 deliveries. Hybrids are sitting at 16.6 per cent, and electric vehicles (EVs) at 16.4 per cent. That's in contrast with the first half of 2025, when hybrids sat at 15 per cent, EVs at 7.6 per cent, and PHEVs at 4.1 per cent. The top five best-selling PHEV brands in the first half of the year were all Chinese. BYD sold almost exactly four times as many vehicles as second-placed Chery for a 42.7 per cent share of the total PHEV market, while its premium brand Denza finished in fifth place. Chery's second-place finish and Geely's fourth-place showing are impressive given they weren't even selling PHEVs here in the first half of 2025, while GWM came in third with 5242 deliveries – up a whopping 278.5 per cent as the brand fleshes out its PHEV lineup. BYD took the top three spots with its

Australian Government urged to tighten <b>connected</b>-<b>car</b> data laws

Damion Smy Fuel prices to rise when excise cut ends within days 3 Hours Ago An electric vehicle advocacy group has called for tighter data laws for connected cars, citing regulations already introduced in Europe and China. Deputy News Editor Deputy News Editor The Australian Electric Vehicle Association (AEVA) has called on the federal government to introduce tougher laws governing the growing number of internet-enabled 'connected vehicles' on Australian roads. The EV advocacy body said Australia's privacy framework, based on the Privacy Act 1988 and voluntary industry standards for connected vehicles, is no longer robust enough to protect motorists or clearly define how vehicle data is collected, used, shared and owned. "With the expectation that 95 per cent of all new vehicles, including electric vehicles, sold in Australia by 2035 will be internet-enabled, consumer protection and national security risks will likely escalate without intervention," said the AEVA in a statement issued yesterday. Most major brands, including Ford, Toyota, BYD, GWM and Tesla, offer connected services, typically accessed through a smartphone app or built-in SIM card, allowing vehicles to communicate via the internet. Examples include Toyota Connected Services, FordPass, MG iSmart, Nissan Connected Services and the MySkoda app, which are available across petrol, diesel, hybrid and electric vehicles. "The threat extends to any modern vehicle equipped with an internal SIM card or telematics system capable of transmitting data to external locations – not just electric ones," the AEVA statement said. "Consumers nationwide continue to be let down by insufficient data privacy legislation," added AEVA president James Pickering. "Instead of instigating fear and distrust in the connected vehicles we drive, policymakers have the power to make effective changes to protect drivers and consumer choice." Earlier this year, the Australian Privacy Commissioner confirmed it was investigating two unnamed automakers over potential breaches of

Privacy law gaps turn smart <b>cars</b> into foreign weapons

Authoritarian regimes could harvest and weaponise sensitive data from electric vehicle drivers, issue orders to remotely kill their car engines, switch off their headlights in the dark or disable airbags, experts say, unless Australia updates its privacy and cybersecurity laws. Consumer rights groups and cybersecurity experts have warned the failure of Australian laws to keep pace with modern vehicle technology, including software and data capabilities, poses major data privacy and national security risks. Loading...

Mercedes-Benz CEO vows to protect U.S. investment as Congress targets Chinese ownership

Mercedes-Benz CEO vows to protect U.S. investment as Congress targets Chinese ownership Featured Stories Audi courts affluent U.S. households with Q9, the brand’s largest vehicle yet The all-new Audi Q9, priced from $89,095, and $119,395 for a high-performance variant, is significantly larger than the redesigned Q7 and tops rivals in wheelbase, length and width.

<b>Automotive</b> Cluster <b>Connects</b> Companies, Universities and Government to Generate Business

Texas Border Business Texas Border Business McALLEN, Texas — The San Luis Potosí Automotive Cluster connects manufacturers, suppliers, universities and government agencies through a nonprofit organization focused on training, industry needs and business opportunities, its director told Rio South Texas region economic development officials. The Council for South Texas Economic Progress, known as COSTEP, led by Adam Gonzalez, CEO, hosted the meeting at the Cambria Hotel in McAllen. The agenda focused on industrial growth, supply chain integration and investment opportunities across the Rio South Texas region and northern Mexico. Luis Alberto González, director general of the cluster, described its structure during a June 11, 2026, presentation hosted by COSTEP at the Cambria Hotel in McAllen. “We foster connections between companies and identify industry capabilities and needs,” Luis Alberto said. “We promote training, link various sector stakeholders, and help generate business opportunities.” The San Luis Potosí Automotive Cluster was established in 2015 with seven participating companies, González said. BMW arrived in the state in 2016, and the cluster had more than 100 participating companies by 2022. The organization operates as a nonprofit civil association. Its work follows a collaborative model involving private companies, government agencies and educational institutions. The cluster’s board is led by President Alberto Rosales, Luis Alberto said. Its secretary is the state’s secretary of economy. The board also includes representatives from BMW, General Motors, two public universities and several Tier 1 automotive suppliers. The organization operates four committees focused on human resources, purchasing, supply chains and academics. Each committee is led by an employee of a participating company. Luis Alberto said the committees identify matters affecting member companies and organize programs around those needs. The cluster had already conducted a human resources event and scheduled a supply chain event for July, another human resources event for September and

Automakers are obsessed with bigger screens and more apps—I just want better phone integration

Automakers have made infotainment a major selling point, and during a test drive, dealers are quick to point out the size of the screen, the built-in apps, the voice controls, and all the connected features packed into the dashboard. I understand why. Technology helps make a car feel newer and more advanced, especially when two models are otherwise difficult to separate. But when I'm deciding whether I could live with a vehicle for the next several years, I'm less interested in everything the screen can do on its own and more interested in how well it fits into the way I already use technology. My phone is already my infotainment system Everything I listen to is already there Most Americans own a smartphone, and for many of us, that device has become the center of our entertainment. That's certainly true for me. My music, podcasts, and audiobooks are already on my phone, along with my playlists, subscriptions, listening history, and recommendations. I don't need my car to recreate all of that with another set of apps and accounts. I just need it to give me an easy way to access what I already have. That's why phone integration matters more to me than the number of built-in apps on the dashboard. I want my phone to connect quickly, stay connected, sound good through the car stereo, and respond reliably to the steering-wheel controls and voice commands. Whether I'm using Apple CarPlay, Android Auto, Bluetooth, or a wired connection, the experience should feel seamless. Instead, it often feels like the phone is being treated as an accessory when, for many drivers, it's already the real infotainment system. Car tech ages faster than the cars it's built into Software updates can't always overcome old hardware A well-maintained car can stay on the

Tesla wins UK 5G patent appeal over $32 fee

Tesla wins UK 5G patent appeal over $32 fee Tesla has secured a UK Supreme Court victory that revives its legal challenge over the licensing terms for patents needed to launch 5G-enabled vehicles in Britain. - Tesla can resume its FRAND licensing claim against InterDigital and patent platform Avanci. - Avanci’s proposed licence reportedly cost $32 for each 5G-connected vehicle when proceedings began. - Tesla continues to hold 11,509 Bitcoin despite recording a $112 million quarterly digital-asset loss. - Dogecoin remains available for eligible Tesla Shop products, but not for vehicle purchases. Tesla revives UK lawsuit over 5G patents Britain’s Supreme Court ruled in Tesla’s favor on July 27, overturning earlier decisions that had blocked part of the automaker’s lawsuit against InterDigital and Avanci. Tesla brought the case in London’s High Court in 2023 as it prepared to introduce 5G-enabled vehicles in the UK. The company wants an English court to determine the fair, reasonable and non-discriminatory, or FRAND, terms under which it can license standard-essential patents used in connected vehicles. InterDigital owns some of the patents available through Avanci’s 5G licensing platform. Avanci combines intellectual property from multiple patent owners and offers licences primarily to vehicle manufacturers. According to the UK Supreme Court’s case summary, the platform licence cost $32 per vehicle when Tesla filed its claim. Tesla argued that the rate was not FRAND. The Supreme Court concluded that patent owners cannot avoid their FRAND commitments by placing their patents into a pool or licensing platform. The ruling allows Tesla’s claim to return to the High Court for further proceedings. Why Tesla challenged Avanci’s licensing model The High Court rejected Tesla’s request for a FRAND determination in 2024 after InterDigital and Avanci sought to have that part of the lawsuit dismissed. However, it allowed Tesla to continue separate

Trump gets a show of GM's performance beasts

More Videos Final GM race: Corvette ZR1X vs Hummer EVFord joins Army truck competition with GMFord gets pact to build truck prototypes for PentagonFast and furious. Red Bull Showrun in Dearborn A look at Ford Custom Garage's F-150 FP700SWalkaround of the Maverick SV300T from Ford Custom Garage700-horsepower Ford F-150 FP700S goes 0-60How Ford customized the Bronco ORV A walkaround of Ford Custom Garage's Mustang FP800S2026 Toyota GR Corolla on trackFord Custom Garage sees growing demand for special vehicle packagesUS automakers racing to replace Chinese connected-car tech

Sen. Bernie Moreno pushes <b>Connected Vehicle</b> Security Act, says bill protects dealers ...

Welcome to a special edition of Inside Automotive. On today’s episode, we’re bringing you on location in St. Louis, where CBT News Co-Founder Jim Fitzpatrick is joined by Ohio Senator Bernie Moreno, who says the momentum is behind building the Connected Vehicle Security Act, legislation aimed at preventing vehicles with ties to foreign adversaries from entering the U.S. market. During today’s interview, Moreno says the bipartisan bill cleared the Senate Commerce, Science and Transportation Committee unanimously and the full Senate will consider it next. Moreno, who introduced the legislation alongside Sen. Elissa Slotkin (D-Mich.), said the bill is intended to prevent future national security threats before they emerge. He repeatedly described Chinese-connected vehicle technology as “automotive fentanyl,” arguing the U.S. cannot afford to depend on systems that adversaries could exploit remotely. "If we open a door to this automotive fentanyl, we're going to be in deep, deep trouble. I compare it to committing industrial suicide, and that's exactly what this bill is preventing." Addressing compliance concerns Notably, the senator rejected reports suggesting the legislation would effectively ban Mercedes-Benz vehicles from the U.S. market. Moreno emphasized the automaker has invested heavily in U.S. manufacturing and employment and said lawmakers are committed to finding a compliance path. “There is no scenario on earth that we will ban Mercedes-Benz vehicles from the United States,” he said. Adding that, “Mercedes-Benz has been a great corporate citizen.” Under the bill, automakers with more than 15% ownership by entities the U.S designates as foreign entities of concern would need to restructure to comply. Moreno said Mercedes-Benz can resolve its ownership situation and stressed the legislation provides manufacturers time to make necessary changes. Additionally, Moreno addressed concerns from Volvo and Polestar dealers, arguing that Polestar’s exit from the U.S. market was driven by the company’s financial challenges

Toyota RAV4 GX HEV FWD review: new beginnings

Our review programme of the new Toyota RAV4 starts here. Quite literally. This is the GX hybrid FWD, the least RAV4 you can buy at the lowest price: $50,990. But probably not the least interesting, despite our car being delivered in rental car white (sorry, Glacier White). Does somebody at Toyota NZ specifying media test cars have a sense of humour about these things? Anyway, the entry GX introduces something completely new for RAV4 in NZ: the hybrid powertrain with two-wheel drive. All previous RAV4 hybrids (and that's been all RAV4s in NZ for a while now) have been powered by Toyota's E-Four AWD system, with an electric motor on the back axle. On the outside: what are the Toyota RAV GX HEV FWD's main design features? Not so long ago, a base-level RAV4 shouted "base-level RAV4" on the outside, with pared-back styling and small/shiny wheels. You'd need make no apologies for choosing the RAV4 GX. It's an entry-level model that feels remarkably complete. No longer. The chunky body addenda of the new RAV4 gives the GX a visual lift (esecially in white, we'd have to say), there's LED lighting, much of the badging is blacked-out premium-style and while the wheels are still modestly sized 17-inchers, they're in a dark finish, too. The next-RAV4-up GXL gets upsized wheels of a more ornate design and some silver garnish on the bumpers, but there's not a lot between them at first glance. Both are based on the "core" RAV4 styling package with a slotted EV-ish flat grille, distinct from the look of the Adventure and GR Sport - both of which get their own masks. The more muscular Land Cruiser Prado-esque styling makes the RAV4 look bigger, but it isn't. Toyota has kept the exterior footprint the same. OVERVIEW | Price |

Conversica launches Ignite, an AI-native Revenue Activation Engine for <b>automotive</b> retail

SAN FRANCISCO–(BUSINESS WIRE)–Conversica today launched Ignite, an AI-native Revenue Activation Engine for dealers and dealer groups, and announced a majority recapitalization led by a fund managed by Morgan Stanley Expansion Capital. Under the partnership, Morgan Stanley Expansion Capital acquires a majority stake while Conversica’s management team continues to lead the business and retains a significant ownership position. Automotive retail is being reshaped by customers who expect greater confidence, transparency, and control in every buying and ownership interaction. Dealers have the local relationships, service history, transaction data, and human expertise to deliver a more trusted experience than any purely digital marketplace. The challenge is that this context is often fragmented across the systems dealers rely on every day: transaction details live in the DMS, customer records sit in the CRM, audience data is organized into rigid segments, and conversations across email, SMS, chat, phone, and the showroom are rarely connected into a complete view of the customer. Conversica calls this disconnected retail. Its cost is felt by both dealership teams and customers. Employees are forced to piece together context by hand across multiple screens, often while seeing only part of the picture. When that context is missing, customers feel it. They can be treated like strangers by businesses that should know them, receiving offers and outreach that miss the moment, the need, or the relationship. Over time, every disconnected interaction compounds the operational burden and weakens the trust customers expect from the dealership. That is why Ignite was built: to make context-driven revenue activation possible, end the perceived trade-off between trust and profit, and make the most trusted dealership the one best positioned to win. Ignite unifies scattered customer, vehicle, sales, service, and conversation data into a single context layer, then surfaces the revenue opportunities hidden inside it: from owners nearing

Daily 5 report for July 27: More trouble for Western brands in China, Honda's Outback fighter on deck

Daily 5 report for July 27: More trouble for Western brands in China; Honda’s Outback fighter on deck July 27, 2026 03:00 PM EDT Featured Stories Trump touts tariffs, EV rollback in visit to GM’s Michigan proving ground Donald Trump, the first sitting president to visit GM's Milford Proving Ground near Detroit, touted recent automaker investments as evidence that tariffs work and criticized UAW chief Shawn Fain for not endorsing him.

Slotkin, Moreno Bill to Ban Chinese <b>Vehicles</b> Passes Key Senate Committee With Bipartisan Support

WASHINGTON, D.C. — Last week, legislation from U.S. Senators Elissa Slotkin (D-MI) and Bernie Moreno (R-OH), the Connected Vehicle Security Act of 2026, passed the Senate Commerce Committee with unanimous bipartisan support. The legislation will ban Chinese cars from the United States. The legislation is designed to defend the American auto industry against the increasing threat of Chinese-manufactured vehicles. By cutting off Chinese vehicles, software, and critical hardware at every stage, from the factory floor to the dealership parking lot, the bill ensures that data collected on U.S. roads cannot be funneled back to the Chinese government. The Connected Vehicle Security Act of 2026 has drawn broad support from across the American auto industry and national security community – with statements of support from labor unions, the car companies, and auto industry trade groups. WHAT THEY ARE SAYING ABOUT COMMITTEE PASSAGE OF THE CONNECTED VEHICLE SECURITY ACT OF 2026: U.S. Senator Tammy Baldwin (D-WI): “Chinese connected vehicles pose a serious threat to American jobs and Americans’ safety. I am proud to have worked with my Democratic and Republican colleagues to take a step forward in our fight to prevent China from collecting our data and help keep Wisconsin workers and families safe.” “Today’s action by the Senate Commerce Committee marks an important step toward protecting American manufacturing and preserving the American Dream. The UAW applauds every member of the committee who voted to advance a strong version of the bill, and we thank the bill’s sponsors, Senators Bernie Moreno and Elissa Slotkin, for their leadership. “The committee recognized that America needs an auto industry that invests in American workers—not one that rewards dependence on China, whose industrial strategy has leveraged Western brands to expand its market influence while advancing a business model built on low wages and weak labor standards.

Presenting <b>Automotive</b> Technology Through Immersive Display Spaces

It is much harder to communicate with static displays the advanced software, electric power systems, sensors and connectivity features found in modern vehicles. Visitors would like to see these technologies in action, not just read about technical specifications. An immersive display space can achieve this using interactive demonstrations, digital media and hands-on experiences. By creating meaningful links between the brand, its products and prospects, a well planned exhibition booth allows people to better comprehend complex innovations in the automotive world and hold their interest for longer. Why Automotive Technology Needs a Physical Story Consider the most recent time you viewed a new EV, AADAS or connected car platform in an exhibition. Was all that meant by a printed board? Probably not. The technology of today’s automobiles is software, electronics, sensors and mechanical components that can’t be understood through static displays. People will recall experiences more than lengthy descriptions. Physical story with technology to bridge the gap between technology and real driving situations. For instance, people can stop by to get a sense of a collision avoidance system through actual demonstration, or they can try a digital simulation that lets them play with how sensors respond to obstacles. This way, technical concepts are easier to grasp and confidence in the product is increased. This is a battle I am prepared to fight for the good of the entire industry. The Center for Exhibition Industry Research (CEIR) reports that interactive exhibits keep visitors engaged longer than passive exhibits, and that hand-on experiences have a greater impact on brand recall than passive displays. Immersive spaces can make complex engineering come to life, making the experience memorable for automotive companies launching EV’s, Connected Mobility platforms, or Autonomous Driving solutions. Understanding the Audience Before Booth Planning Every successful automotive exhibition begins with one question: Who

Tesla Wins UK Supreme Court Fight Over 5G Patent Licensing

Tesla scored a unanimous victory at the UK Supreme Court on Monday, winning the right to revive its London lawsuit against U.S. technology firm InterDigital and patent licensing platform Avanci. The case centers on whether Tesla can force a court determination of fair licensing terms for 5G patents — a fight that directly shapes the cost of connecting future Tesla vehicles to 5G networks in Britain. How We Got Here Tesla first filed suit at London's High Court in 2023, challenging the licensing terms Avanci offers automakers for access to a global pool of 5G standard essential patents (SEPs). Avanci's current rate for a 5G vehicle license is $32 per vehicle — more than double the $15 per vehicle rate it charges for 4G. Tesla's position is that this rate does not meet the FRAND standard: Fair, Reasonable, and Non-Discriminatory terms that SEP holders are legally obligated to offer. The initial High Court ruling in 2024 went against Tesla, with the court dismissing its claim for a FRAND determination while allowing a separate patent revocation challenge to proceed. Tesla's appeal to the Court of Appeal was also rejected. The company then escalated to the UK Supreme Court, drawing support from interveners including the Computer & Communications Industry Association (CCIA) and the Motion Picture Association — both of which have a stake in how courts treat SEP licensing globally. What the Supreme Court Actually Decided The Supreme Court's July 27 ruling resolves two critical legal questions that had blocked Tesla's case from moving forward. First, the court held that UK courts do have jurisdiction to hear claims for declarations regarding whether rates and terms for global pools of SEPs are FRAND. This is significant: Avanci's license covers patents from multiple countries bundled into a single global rate, and a key defense

Next-Gen Hyundai Creta – Hybrid Tech, Bigger Cabin and New Platform

By proceeding, I acknowledge that I have read and agreed to the Privacy Policy, Terms & Conditions, consent declaration, and the sharing of my information with lending partners, dealers, OEMs, and for marketing communication via Phone Calls, SMS & WhatsApp. Next-gen Creta could get a strong hybrid engine for the first time. Bigger cabin, new platform and fresh styling are also expected. Hyundai may launch the new Creta in India next year. Hyundai Creta has been one of the best-selling SUVs in India for years, but the competition is only getting stronger. With new models like the Tata Sierra, Renault Duster, Nissan Tekton and the next-generation Kia Seltos on the way, Hyundai is preparing a major update for its popular SUV. The third-generation Creta is expected to arrive in India next year with a fresh design, a larger cabin, a new platform and a strong hybrid powertrain. Spy shots suggest the next-generation Creta will look quite different from the current model. Hyundai is expected to give the SUV a more upright and boxy shape. The front could feature a wider grille, new LED headlamps and a full-width light bar, while the rear is likely to get redesigned LED tail-lamps and a more upright tailgate. The new model is also expected to be slightly larger than the current Creta, which should help improve cabin space. Also Read: New Toyota Hilux Launch This Month; Innova Hycross Next Inside, Hyundai is expected to introduce a completely redesigned cabin. The SUV could get a new dashboard layout, updated seat upholstery and redesigned door trims. Larger digital displays, the latest Pleos Connect system and improved connected car features are also likely to be offered. One of the biggest highlights could be a zero-gravity front passenger seat, similar to the one available in the Hyundai Ioniq

'Polestar Has Already Been Banned. Lotus And Mercedes Could Be Next'

The bipartisan Connected Vehicle Security Act was approved by the US Senate Commerce Committee, which doubles down on the US government’s economic sanctions against Chinese automakers. The bill, introduced by Republican Senator Bernie Moreno of Ohio and Democratic Senator Elissa Slotkin of Michigan in April 2026, brings into question other automakers that are partly owned by Chinese entities. Within the act (s.4429), a stipulation states that companies with more than 15% ownership stemming from North Korea, Iran, Russia, and China will have to reduce that entity's stake or exit the US altogether. Volvo and Polestar were first brought into question as both are controlled by Chinese conglomerate Geely, but brands like Mercedes-Benz and Lotus are all put at risk by their Chinese investors. What Does the Connected Vehicle Security Act Do? Riding the coattails of the existing Connected Vehicle Security Rules implemented in January 2025, the act contains provisions to penalize some companies that do not sever financial or operational relationships with China. More specifically, car companies that are owned by Chinese investors, have more than 15% of shares held by Chinese investors, or contain certain equipment supplied by Chinese companies will need to adjust their supply chain accordingly or face being barred from selling vehicles in America starting in 2032. Vehicle components like battery management systems, infotainment systems, safety features, autonomous driving features, and camera systems have all been named as security threats as they fall into the envelope of what a “connected vehicle” reports data of back to the manufacturer. Previous legislation pushed out under the Biden Administration against Chinese vehicles outlined other sanctions, but did not specifically cut out battery management systems, stating that international communication of battery management systems was not considered a threat to national security. Other companies were not prohibited from sourcing these components

Bill to keep AM radio in <b>cars</b> could move to vote in US Senate

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Need backup power? Automakers want you to look no further than their <b>vehicles</b> in your driveway

- Experts are seeing potential in vehicle-to-grid tech amid growing power outages and EV market shifts. - Automakers like Kia and Tesla explore vehicle-to-home power solutions for customers. - Ford is also now offering F-150 models as home backup power sources during outages. DETROIT — Winter Storm Uri, the multiday freeze that slammed Texas in February 2021 and pummeled the state's power grid, has been on Kenneth Kovar's mind ever since. Though the resident of New Braunfels, northeast of San Antonio, didn't lose power at the time, he wasn't able to run his septic tank — it is independent from local systems. He had to fill his toilets with water from his backyard pool. So when Kovar, 64, bought a Ford F-150 last fall, his hope was to be better prepared for any new crisis. "I was interested in trying to find some sort of power backup situation," he said. Now, Kovar has a setup from Ford that allows drivers of certain F-150 models to plug their vehicle directly into their electric meter to power parts of their home during an outage. It is the latest example of automakers broadly adapting their electrification technologies to the home energy business, especially as demand on the grid increases and sales of electric vehicles slow. Car companies are looking to leverage their multibillion dollar EV investments to tap into a promising market in vehicle, home and grid technology, both for backup power and for supporting electrical grid resiliency. "They're trying to look for other businesses that they might sell into," said Parth Vaishnav, assistant professor of sustainable systems at the University of Michigan. Ford's latest connects F-150 drivers to their meter Drivers of the F-150 PowerBoost hybrid and F-150 Lightning electric pickup trucks can now plug in a 1-foot-long adapter to a 240-volt

I stopped dreading rental <b>cars</b> once I brought my own Android <b>Auto</b> setup

Rental cars are fine until you actually have to drive one. Android Auto doesn't just make everything feel smooth, and you may not be ready to try a whole new style. Instead of going to pick up the car with nothing ready, you should make a checklist with some hardware choices, software prep, and small configuration decisions that will make the car feel like your own. Get the right hardware so your phone stays connected Pick a vent mount and a reliable cable Turning a rental car into something that actually feels like your own setup comes down to having the right hardware. You need small stuff that works everywhere and takes seconds to set up without leaving a scratch or sticky residue behind. Windshield suction cups and adhesive bases tend to be more trouble than they're worth in a rental because they fail in the heat, leave marks, and put your phone directly in the sun, which causes it to overheat and throttle itself into uselessness. A clip-on vent mount is the better movement. I've used plenty of tools you can buy from a dollar store, and they've lasted a while. Parking your phone in front of the air conditioning isn't just convenient either; it's probably the most effective way to keep processor temperatures down when Android Auto is running hard. Don't overlook the cable and don't buy one from the gas station. If you want consistent quality that will feel natural in any car, you need a consistent cable. The wireless adapter still needs to plug into the car's USB port, and a cheap cord is normally responsible for a lot of dropped connections, lagging displays, and unnecessary heat. You want a USB-IF certified USB-C 3.1 cable that is around three feet. Shorter cables mean less electrical resistance,