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Did you know that the U.S. has set a goal for zero net carbon emissions by 2035? With an aggressive goal like that, it's easy to see why electric vehicles with their great gas mileage are an attractive option. But is buying an electric car worth it? There is a lot to know about the emerging technology in electric vehicles. This includes the general operating systems for the sources of battery life and power. Read on to learn more about how they work and why one might be a great fit for you. What is the Power Source with Electric Vehicles? Most electric vehicles are powered through lithium-ion batteries. These batteries convert the supplied alternating current (AC) into direct current (DC) electricity. This conversion is facilitated through an onboard charger. The batteries are typically found under the seats and directly supply the electric motor. The simplicity of the operating system allows for the engine to be quieter than a typical gas-power vehicle. While electric vehicles are limited to less than 100 miles per charge, charging has gotten easier. Many vehicles can charge through a 120-volt outlet. What Types of Electric Vehicles are There? There are three types of electric vehicles. There are purely electric vehicles that don't require any fuel at all are simply power by charging. The other two types are hybrids, one that plugs in and one that runs on traditional fuel but has a regenerative battery. The plug-in hybrid option does have a fuel engine in case the charge runs out. What Other Considerations are There with an Electric Vehicle? Whether you choose a purely electric vehicle or a hybrid comes down to how much you commute daily and whether or not chargers are available. If you need to travel more than 30 miles, you might consider the hybrid route, such as a Toyota Prius. Charging stations are more prevalent in larger cities too, another fact you should consider. There are tax rebates available for purchasing an electric vehicle. There are some federal tax breaks but individual states offer their own, ranging from several hundred to several thousand dollars. How Much Do Electric Vehicles Cost? The price range on electric vehicles varies just as traditional models, from $25,000 on the low end to more than $100,000 for luxury models. Remember to factor in the added tax breaks and other potential savings when debating costs. Toyota as an Eco-Friendly Company The Toyota company has a goal of being powered 100% by renewable energy. This starts with the line of electric and hybrid vehicles they offer. The plan starts in 2026 and will last 20 years. Are You Ready to Get Your Electric Vehicle? Now that you know about how electric vehicles work and the benefits they offer, what are you waiting for? While the design and functionality of electric cars is simple, the rewards are great. The tax rebates offered on both the state and federal levels that can reduce the purchase price. Offering these vehicles is part of Toyota's commitment to renewable energy. If you're looking for an electric or hybrid in the San Antonio area, contact Universal Toyota to get started.

Are you considering buying an electric car but unsure about the battery life? The car battery's range and longevity are crucial considerations when buying an electric car. You want to know exactly what you're getting into. This article delves into the factors affecting electric car battery life and provides tips for maintaining your battery to ensure it lasts as long as possible. So, buckle up and get ready to learn everything you need to know about electric car batteries! How Long Do Electric Car Batteries Last? The battery life of an electric car depends on several factors, including driving habits, charging habits, environmental conditions, the age of the battery and advancements in battery technology. Your usage patterns also play a significant role in determining your car battery longevity. How often you drive, how frequently you charge the battery and the methods you use impact its longevity. Environmental conditions and the battery's age can also have an impact. For example, extreme temperatures can shorten battery life. Over time, the battery capacity may decrease, affecting how long the battery will last. The good news is that battery technology is advancing rapidly, and newer electric car models feature longer-lasting batteries. As the industry continues to evolve, electric car owners can expect to see further improvements in battery life. Moreover, most electric car manufacturers offer warranties for battery life. These warranties cover the battery for a certain number of years or a certain amount of mileage. For example, Toyota offers a warranty for its electric car batteries that covers 8 years or 100,000 miles, whichever comes first. Maintaining Your Electric Car Battery for Longevity Your electric car battery is the heart of your vehicle. It powers all the electrical systems. Properly maintaining your electric car battery is critical for ensuring its longevity and keeping your car running smoothly. Here are some tips for extending the life of your electric car battery. Proper Charging: Charge your electric car battery correctly. Overcharging or undercharging can negatively impact the battery's health and lifespan. Understand and adhere to the manufacturer's charging guidelines. Minimizing Exposure to Extreme Temperatures: Exposure to high or low temperatures can shorten the battery's lifespan. Park your car in a shaded area during hot weather, and insulate it properly in cold weather. Regular Battery Maintenance: You can extend your electric car battery's life and improve its performance by regularly checking the battery's water levels, inspecting the terminals and cables, and ensuring that the battery is properly secured. Proper battery maintenance can improve performance, prolong battery life and reduce repair costs. Get the Most Out of Your Electric Car Battery Life Electric car batteries are a crucial component of electric vehicles, and their longevity and performance play a significant role in the overall driving experience. With proper charging, minimal exposure to extreme temperatures and regular maintenance, you can extend the life of your electric car battery and enjoy improved performance. If you're ready to take the next step and purchase an electric car, visit Universal Toyota to find the perfect vehicle for you. Our knowledgeable team will be happy to answer any questions and help you make the most of your investment.

The Toyota Corolla is one of the best-selling vehicles of all time in America, routinely selling over 200,000 units per year. Since 2020, Toyota has been capitalizing on both the popularity of the Corolla and the public desire for crossover and SUV vehicles with the Corolla Cross. As one of the most affordable and reliable vehicles in its class, the Corolla Cross has become a staple in Toyota's current lineup. Today, we're going to give you an overview of the 2023 Toyota Corolla Cross. If you're interested in the latest Toyota news, keep reading and you'll have everything you need to know about these amazing new vehicles. 2023 Toyota Corolla Cross This year's cross is getting an all-new hybrid powertrain, which includes all-wheel drive and a 2-liter 4-cylinder engine with 3 electric motors that give it 194-hp total. A few new trim levels - S, SE, and XSE - are also available, which all contain a new 8-inch infotainment system. Performance The non-hybrids all have that same 2-liter 4-cylinder engine worth 169-hp. FWD is standard with all trim levels, but you can also opt for AWD. All-in-all the Corolla Cross feels similar to its sedan counterpart, but the extra height is what modern drivers will fall in love with. This isn't a car you're going to win any street races with, but it's a comfortable ride, and the continuously variable automatic transmission makes for smooth acceleration and deceleration. Interior and Tech If you've owned a Corolla before, the 2023 Corolla Cross will make you feel at home. Everything from the dashboard layout to the convenience features is almost exactly the same as the Corolla Sedan. The one major and predictable difference between them is the amount of space in the Corolla Cross. In the middle of the dash, you're going to see Toyota's infotainment display, which is compatible with both Apple CarPlay and Android Auto. Sirius XM radio comes standard, but you can add wireless charging and a JBL sound system if you want a little boost. Safety and Fuel Economy If buying a vehicle that keeps you safe is important, you'll be impressed by Toyota's commitment to safety with the Corolla Cross. Driver assistance features such as lane-departure warning and automated emergency braking are standard. It's a top safety pick by the IIHS and earned a 5-star crash rating. An FWD Corolla Cross will get you 31 mpg in the city and 33 mpg on the highway, while the AWD gives you 29 mpg in the city and 32 mpg on the highway. Although the hybrid ratings aren't out, Toyota is predicting 37 mpg combined. Get Your Corolla Cross From a Trusted Texas Dealership Now that you know a bit more about the 2023 Toyota Corolla Cross, it might be time for a test drive. You should always buy Toyota vehicles from a trusted Texas dealership, so pay Univeral Toyota a visit at our San Antonio showroom. We've got a wide range of Toyota models, as well as other types of vehicles, both new and used. Check out our inventory and don't hesitate to contact us with any questions.

If you're in the market for a new pickup truck, an all-new 2023 Toyota Tacoma is a great choice. Most car owners have heard of how safe and reliable Toyota vehicles are, but this amazing pickup has been taking people by surprise. If you're looking for a combination of affordability, toughness, and configuration, this is going to be the best mid-sized truck for you. In this post, we're going to give you our review of the 2023 Toyota Tacoma. Whether you're a long-time truck owner or this is your first foray into the world of mid-sized pickups, keep reading and you'll see that choosing to buy Toyota will pay dividends for a long time. What Is the Latest Toyota News? The first thing you'll notice when you look into the Toyota Tacoma is that there are seemingly countless trim options. What's new for the 2023 model is the two appearance packages for the SR5 trim: the SX package and the Chrome package. Every V6 in the 2023 line is getting automatic dual-zone climate control. The Limited trim levels are getting a power adjustable driver's seat, an 8-inch infotainment system, and a 360-degree camera on the double cabs. Power and Performance Looking under the hood, the base Tacoma comes with a relatively small 159-hp 4-cylinder that only gives about 180 lb-ft of torque. You can upgrade to the 278-hp V-6 and take that up to a respectable 265 lb-ft of torque. Which Tacoma you opt for depends on the nature of your driving. The Sport and Limited models are better suited for city driving, while the TRD Off-Road and Pro versions are - you guessed it - better for rugged settings. Towing and Payload The strongest Tacoma can pull 6,800 lbs with rear-wheel drive and 6,500 lbs with four-wheel drive. In terms of payload capacity, it gives you a maximum of 1,685 lbs exclusively from the 2-wheel drive 4-cylinder engine models. Interior and Technology When you enter the Tacoma, you're presented with a minimalist design, which should suit most drivers just fine. The 5- or 6-foot truck bed gives most people enough space to cart around whatever they need, but things can get a bit cramped in the back seat. Every Tacoma has implemented a touchscreen infotainment system. The base models have 7-inch screens, while other trim levels have an 8-inch one. They've also implemented Apple CarPlay and Android Auto to bring the Tacoma into the modern day. Safety and Gas Mileage What the Tacoma gives you for safety is plenty of driver's assistance. Adaptive cruise control, lane-departure warning, and forward collision warning are all standard with every level of Tacoma. Gas mileage is also respectable and ranks in the middle of the pack for its class, giving you 23 mpg on the highway. Get Your 2023 Toyota Tacoma from a Trusted Texas Dealership If you're currently vehicle shopping for a solid, no-frills pickup that comes in at the right price, the 2023 Toyota Tacoma is a safe bet. Toyota vehicles come with rock-solid warranties and one of the best complimentary service plans around. To test drive a 2023 Tacoma from a trusted Texas dealership, come on down to Universal Toyota. Our San Antonio showroom prides itself on being a people-first dealership, so check out our inventory and contact us today with any other questions you have about the 2023 Tacoma.