Which electric car has the best battery warranty?

As more Australians consider buying electric cars, automotive brands are likely to face scrutiny over the warranty periods on their most expensive component: the on-board battery packs. Improvements in charging infrastructure and battery technology have eased concerns about their practicality and usable driving range, meaning electric car batteries are likely to get more use in the coming years as they cover more kilometres.

Bugatti Chiron air-conditioning so powerful it can cool an entire apartment

The air conditioning technology used in the ultra-fast Bugatti Chiron and Bugatti Divo hypercars is capable of operating at speeds in excess of 400km/h – and is so powerful it could cool an entire apartment, according to the woman tasked with engineering the complex systems.

Missed EOFY? Skoda and Suzuki have you covered

Did you miss out on an end-of-financial-year deal in June? There is hope if you're prepared to bet on an underdog brand. Czech brand Skoda has had a tough year in line with the rest of the market, having reported 2752 cars as sold in the first half of 2020 so far, down 20.8 per cent compared to the same period the prior year. Japanese car maker Suzuki reported 7163 cars as sold, down a similar 21.3 per cent when compared to this time last year.

2020 Alpina B3 review

Despite being separate companies, BMW and Alpina have long since had the sort of ultra-close friendship that enables them to finish each other’s sentences. Alpina has been tuning Beemers since the 1970s, and the relationship is now so close that it gets to see future product well ahead of its introduction. And even, in the case of the new G20-generation B3, launch its version before BMW’s own M Division gets its variant to market.

Video: 2020 Ram 1500 Laramie EcoDiesel review (off-road and towing)

Since launching in June 2018 with the 5.7-litre Hemi V8, the Ram has filled a void that the typical 4X4 ute simply cannot service. And now the 2020 Ram 1500 Laramie EcoDiesel offers an extra choice for Australian buyers.

Electric start-up Rivian gets $US2.5 billion funding boost

US electric-car start-up Rivian has finalised another investment round of $US2.5 billion ($AU3.6 billion). The company has raised nearly $US5 billion ($AU7.2 billion) in 2020, adding to the $US2.85 billion ($AU4.1 billion) invested into Rivian in 2019. Counted among its investors are Ford, Amazon, and an investment firm owned by billionaire George Soros, a US stock trader and financier.

Jeep Gladiator diesel on sale in US, still a no go for Australia

The Jeep Gladiator will get the option of diesel power in the US but it is still a no go for Australia. Despite diesel engines accounting for the overwhelming majority of ute sales locally, the Jeep Gladiator has only been developed as a V6 petrol for right-hand-drive markets such as Australia.