Automotive

What’s the cheapest way to charge your EV

You'll pay substantially less to charge an electric vehicle (EV) than if you were refueling a petrol car to go the same distance. But what...

Imagine a car that repairs itself—this material makes it possible

Imagine a car that fixes its dents after a crash or an airplane part that repairs itself mid-flight. That’s the promise of a remarkable new...

How Uber’s star ratings turn ordinary drivers into safer, smarter road pros

If you’ve ever taken an Uber, you’ve probably noticed the star rating system that lets you rate your driver after each trip. It turns out...

Five reasons why driverless cars probably won’t take over your street any time soon

The UK government has launched a consultation on driverless cars, ahead of on-the-road trials of the vehicles next year. It has now been more than...

Self-healing batteries could supercharge the future of electric cars

Imagine if electric car batteries could fix themselves when damaged and last twice as long. That’s exactly what a group of EU researchers is working...

Smart metals could make fighter jets lighter, faster, and more efficient

Fighter jets like the F/A-18 rely on powerful machines to fold their wings when parked on crowded aircraft carriers. These systems are heavy and use...

Why beeping cars might be making us worse drivers

Some safety warnings may backfire, study finds If you’ve driven a newer car lately, you’ve probably heard a lot of beeps and alerts—warnings when you're...

Scientists unlock affordable, high-speed charging for electric cars

A team of researchers at the U.S. Department of Energy’s Oak Ridge National Laboratory (ORNL) has made a major leap forward in electric vehicle...

Scientists build stealth ships that slice through waves like butter

In a unique twist of inspiration, engineers at the University of Michigan are helping the U.S. Navy design futuristic ships that can skim quietly...

Electric cars are quiet — maybe too quiet, say researchers

Electric cars are known for being much quieter than traditional vehicles, which is great for reducing noise pollution. But a new study from Chalmers University...