Westbound lanes of Maryland's Bay Bridge closed due to crash
The westbound lane closures on US-50 were reported around 11:45 a.m.
This story will be updated as more information becomes available.
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Car and Driver
31 minutes ago
- Car and Driver
Best Cargo E-Bikes of 2025, Tested
Thanks to ever-improving electric motors and increasingly affordable battery power, e-bikes have exploded in popularity over the past few years. Having already tested electric scooters, we decided it was time to dip our toes into another corner of two-wheeled transportation. Instead of chasing speed this time, we kicked off our e-bike coverage with the utilitarian workhorses of the category: cargo e-bikes. After all, what better way to offset car usage than with the two-wheeled equivalent of a minivan? Over the past few months, we've logged countless hours and miles to find out which models look sharp, ride well, and offer the most real-world utility. Spoiler: There's no one-size-fits-all winner. But our roundup breaks down the standouts so you can find the cargo e-bike that best fits your needs. Things to Consider When Buying a Cargo E-Bike Motor Power Most cargo e-bikes come with motors rated between 250 and 750 watts. The higher the wattage, the easier it is to climb hills and accelerate when carrying heavy loads. More power can mean more weight and faster battery drain, so balance your needs with your riding style. Hub-Drive vs. Mid-Drive Hub motors are mounted in the center of the rear wheel and provide a simple, often more affordable setup. Mid-drive motors, by comparison, are located at the crank (where the pedals are). They generally have a more traditional-bicycle experience and feel more natural under load. Unfortunately, that normally comes at a cost, with mid-drive motors often costing a decent bit more than their hub-driven counterparts. Class 1, 2, or 3: Class 1 e-bikes offer pedal-assist up to 20 mph and are legal on most bike paths. Class 2 models add an accelerator control to let you ride without pedaling, also limited to 20 mph. Class 3 bikes bump pedal-assist speed to 28 mph, making them quicker on streets but sometimes restricted on multi-use trails. Cadence vs. Torque Sensors: A cadence sensor activates the motor when you start pedaling and provides an equal level of power (at any given pedal-assist mode) regardless of how fast you're actually pedaling. Torque-sensing motors, on the other hand, measure how hard you're pedaling and adjust power output accordingly. This offers a more intuitive response that can feel more natural compared to cadence-sensing systems. Although purists may disagree, we don't think one is necessarily better than the other—they simply have different feels and one might fit your needs and preferences better than the other. Weight Capacity Cargo e-bikes are built to carry stuff, but exactly how much varies widely from one bike to another. Many bikes support 300 to 400 pounds, while heavy-duty models can handle upwards of 500. Always check the total payload capacity (including rider and gear) to ensure you're riding safely. Range Based on our experience, expect around 30 to 60 miles on a single battery charge, depending on weight, terrain, and assist level. If you're planning long trips or regular heavy-duty use, look for models that support a second battery to double your range. Pedal-Assist Modes (PAS Modes) Most e-bikes offer three to five levels of pedal assist. These modes, sometimes shortened to PAS, let you choose how much help you get from the motor when pedaling or using the accelerator. More modes mean better fine-tuning of control over battery use and riding effort, while maintaining flexibility when trying to extend your range or battle that final hill before you get home. Comfort and Ergonomics Comfort is key when you're hauling people or packages. An adjustable and properly padded saddle, adjustable handlebars, and other components can make a big difference, especially on longer rides. Another thing you'll want to keep in mind is your height. Some bikes, such as those with step-through frames, might be better if you're on the shorter end of the spectrum, while taller people might want to prioritize bikes with taller handlebars and seating positions. Assembly and Maintenance Some e-bikes arrive nearly ready to ride out of the box. Others require tools, patience, and some elbow grease. Mid-drive motors offer great performance but put more strain on chains and drivetrains, increasing long-term maintenance. Consider local bike-shop support or mobile services if you're not a DIY type. Interface E-bike interfaces range from minimalist LEDs to full-color screens that show speed, range, and assist levels. Accelerator controls are another consideration you'll want to take into account. You'll almost only ever come across thumb lever or wrist-twist types, and there's no one-size-fits-all solution here. Some riders on our team preferred the thumb-lever design, while others preferred a twisting accelerator. Best Cargo E-Bikes, Tested
Yahoo
2 hours ago
- Yahoo
What to know about buying electric vehicles after the federal tax incentives end
The massive tax and spending cut bill that Congress passed Thursday ends federal tax incentives for electric vehicles. Buyers have until Sept. 30 to qualify for the federal tax credits on EVs before they are terminated. But experts say there are still strong financial reasons to consider buying the vehicles even without those incentives. Before the bill passed, new electric vehicles came with a $7,500 federal tax credit, and used EVs included up to $4,000. Those incentives were originally designed to help make the vehicles more affordable. According to the latest data from Kelley Blue Book, the average purchase price of a new EV is roughly $9,000 higher in the United States than the average new gas-powered car. Used EVs on average cost $2,000 more than comparable gas cars. Those credits, paired with other incentives in many states, helped bridge that price gap. Without them, Senior Policy Director Ingrid Malmgren of the nonprofit advocacy group Plug In America said they will become unaffordable to many lower- and middle-income Americans. 'That's really disappointing because ... they're just a really great way to reduce transportation energy cost burden," Malmgren said. The up-front cost of an electric vehicle might be higher, but for those who can afford to consider the lifetime fuel and maintenance savings, Malmgren said the EV is still a good financial and environmental move in every state. EVs are typically still cheaper to own long-term That is because electric vehicles might not be cheaper to buy, but they are cheaper to drive. Malmgren said that even without the federal tax credits, an electric vehicle owner would still come out ahead. 'Quickly you'll end up paying less than a gas car because it costs much less to fuel, and it needs almost nothing for maintenance,' Malmgren said. Malmgren said the point at which an EV driver's savings on fuel and maintenance outweigh the higher initial price varies. It depends on the kind of car and how often they are driven, as well as the cost of gasoline and electricity in an area. She said EV owners pay less in upkeep because the cars typically have fewer moving parts to maintain and require less frequent servicing. There are multiplecalculators online that pinpoint that moment based on some of those criteria. A 2020 study in the academic journal Joule found that the average EV in the U.S. charged with a typical mix of public and private chargers saves the driver $7,700 in fuel costs over a 15-year life span, compared to filling a car with gas. Savings vary by state. The study found that someone charging a car at home during off-peak hours, deemed as a best-case scenario, could save more than $14,000 over 15 years in Washington, where electricity is relatively affordable. The study said that an EV driver in any state exhibiting typical driving and charging behavior would save money on fuel costs. The study did not account for the car's purchase price, its maintenance cost or associated tax credits. EVs are still cleaner, even when they charge on coal power Manufacturing an electric vehicle typically creates more pollution than making a traditional gas-powered one. But experts say that driving an EV over the long term is still less polluting than a gas car. Once they both drive about 15,000 miles (24,000 km) — slightly more than the average American drives in a year — the total pollution that has gone into making and driving each type of car has evened out, said Peter Slowik, U.S. Passenger Vehicles Lead for the International Council on Clean Transportation. Every mile after that widens the gap between the cleaner electric car and the more pollutive gas car. By the end of the car's life, emissions caused by the average EV are roughly half the average gas car, according to the U.S. Department of Energy. So unless you buy a new car each year, the EV is the cleaner choice, he said. 'They are a no-brainer,' Slowik said. 'Electric vehicles are already inherently so much more efficient.' A 2023 analysis by Yale Climate Connections found that electric vehicles are responsible for less carbon dioxide pollution even in areas where the electricity used to charge them comes from coal. An EV in West Virginia, which is one of the most coal-reliant states, still pollutes 31% less than an equivalent gas-powered car, according to the analysis. Slowik said that is because electric cars are better at translating energy into forward motion. For example, the most popular EVs in the U.S., the Tesla Model Y and the Tesla Model 3, can drive more than 100 miles (161 km) on energy equivalent to what is provided by a gallon of gasoline. 'If you compare that to a 25-mpg gasoline vehicle, that's already four to five times more efficient,' Slowik said. ___ The Associated Press' climate and environmental coverage receives financial support from multiple private foundations. AP is solely responsible for all content. Find AP's standards for working with philanthropies, a list of supporters and funded coverage areas at
Edmunds
2 hours ago
- Edmunds
Ford Bronco Sport Sasquatch: How Much Fits in the Trunk?
When it comes to stuffing stuff into the back of a vehicle, I've learned time and again that boxy is better. That's certainly the case with the Ford Bronco Sport. I previously crammed what is effectively a big compact SUV's worth of luggage into the subcompact Bronco Sport Big Bend's 32.5-cubic-foot cargo area. Alas, that represented the baby Bronco at its best. If you get the Badlands trim level or apply the Sasquatch package to an Outer Banks, the added all-terrain spare tire raises the floor and reduces volume to 29.4 cubic feet. If you get a Badlands with Sasquatch, the cargo volume goes down further to 29.1 cubic feet. OK, so what does that mean in terms of actual stuff? How much cargo capacity are you giving up by getting the Badlands and/or the Sasquatch's giant off-road tires? Well, that's what I'm here for. I'll also be looking beyond capacity at the Bronco Sport's many clever storage solutions.
