Latest News From Bumper to Bumper Radio

Study Finds Electric Vehicles Provide Lower Carbon Emissions Through Additional Channels

With new major spending packages investing billions of dollars in electric vehicles in the U.S., some analysts have raised concerns over how green the electric vehicle industry actually is, focusing particularly on indirect emissions caused within the supply chains of the vehicle components and the fuels used to power electricity that charges the vehicles.

But a recent study from the Yale School of the Environment published in Nature Communications found that the total indirect emissions from electric vehicles pale in comparison to the indirect emissions from fossil fuel-powered vehicles. This is in addition to the direct emissions from combusting fossil fuels -- either at the tailpipe for conventional vehicles or at the power plant smokestack for electricity generation -- showing electric vehicles have a clear advantage emissions-wise over conventional vehicles.

"The surprising element was how much lower the emissions of electric vehicles were," says postdoctoral associate Stephanie Weber. "The supply chain for combustion vehicles is just so dirty that electric vehicles can't surpass them, even when you factor in indirect emissions."

Hyundai Wins More US News 2022 Best Cars for the Money Awards than Any Other Brand

WASHINGTON, Jan. 20, 2022 -- Hyundai today won five U.S. News and World Report 2022 Best Cars for the Money Awards, more than any other automotive brand. Covering 11 automotive categories, the awards put a spotlight on cars and SUVs that represent the best combination of long-term value and excellent ownership experience. Scores are based on safety and reliability data, as well as the collective opinion of the automotive press. The process includes real-time transaction prices and five-year total cost of ownership data: https://cars.usnews.com/cars-money.

The five Hyundai models won in the following categories:

Kia EV6 wins 'Car of the Year' at 2022 What Car? Awards

- Latest in long list of global accolades for Kia's first dedicated EV

- EV6 also named 'Electric SUV of the Year' by What Car?

- Only the second fully electric vehicle ever to win the 'Car of the Year' award – after the Kia Niro EV in 2019

- Kia Sorento wins 2022 'Tow Car Award'

SEOUL, South Korea, Jan. 20, 2022 -- The Kia EV6 has won the overall 'Car of the Year' award at the prestigious 2022 What Car? Awards, alongside being named 'Electric SUV of the Year'. This historic win for Kia's first dedicated electric vehicle marks only the second time that an EV has won the What Car? 'Car of the Year' crown after the Kia Niro EV in 2019.

The latest 'Car of the Year' trophy for the Kia EV6 follows a record number of awards and accolades from experts at opinion-leading international media titles in the 10 months since the car was first introduced globally in March last year.

Travel Advice for 2022: What AAA Wants You to Know Before You GoTravel Advice for 2022: What AAA Wants You to Know Before You Go

WASHINGTON, D.C. (January 19, 2022) — So far this year, flight cancellations, wintery weather and the COVID-19 omicron variant have all combined to create the perfect storm for travelers. However, AAA’s travel advice makes it possible to travel in the pandemic without losing your mind or your money.

What to Know Before Traveling in 2022

Anticipate the expenses associated with delays and cancelations including the possibility of having to stay longer if stranded.

Pack N95 or KN95 masks, hand sanitizer, disinfecting wipes and disposable gloves in your carry-on and make sure it is easily accessible.

Purchase travel insurance that specifically provides coverage for travel interruption and additional expenses due to COVID-19.

Notify credit card providers of your travel details (specify location and duration) to reduce the risk of frozen cards due to unusual activity.

Despite Less Demand for Gas, Consumers Find Higher Pump Prices

WASHINGTON, D.C. (January 18, 2022) — Gasoline prices rose a penny last week, driven primarily by the cost of crude oil, which has vaulted above $80 a barrel. The primary reason for the rise in oil prices is the perception that the COVID-19 omicron variant may ebb, allowing the world’s economic engines to kick into high gear. The potential increase in oil demand, coupled with lagging crude production, will only increase prices. Since the price of oil accounts for roughly half of what consumers pay at the pump, higher oil costs will likely result in higher gasoline costs. The national average for a gallon of gas rose one cent to $3.31.

“In the past few weeks, we have seen the price for a barrel of oil slowly work its way from the mid-$60s to the low $80s,” said Andrew Gross, AAA spokesperson. “And the primary reason is global economic optimism, whether well-founded or not, that the worst of COVID may soon be behind us.”

Bumper Audio Clip of the Week

Bumper to Bumper helps a listener who is having possible transmission issues with their Chevrolet Equinox.