Welcome to “The Drive” with Alan Taylor, car expert, automotive journalist, and Voice of Reason. BJ Killeen talked about how hurricanes in Florida could affect electric cars. She mentioned that the salty water from hurricanes can damage the batteries in electric cars and warned against starting a submerged electric car without getting help from a dealer first to avoid the risk of fire or explosion. Honda Motor Company said it might change its plans to make electric cars because fewer people want them. This change is because Honda wants to keep up with other electric car companies. Toyota also doubts how quickly people will start using electric cars, but they know that more and more cars will be electric in the future. BJ Killeen also talked about a study that found that most Americans don’t want to ride in driverless cars because they fear technology. The study said that most people in cities have yet to use driverless cars and only know about them from news stories about accidents with companies like GM and Cruise. Before leaving, BJ said that the average price for a new car this summer is about $47,716, 30% more than five years ago. This price increase means more people are taking out longer car loans. The number of people taking out 84-month or seven-year car loans went up from 15.8% to 18.1% in the third quarter of this year. Also, about 17% of people taking out new car loans are spending $1,000 a month or more on car payments, raising worries about whether cars are affordable for everyone. Karl Brauer, Automotive Industry Analyst, Forbes Autos Contributor, North American Car and Truck of the Year juror, and board member and Executive Analyst for ISeeCars.com study from ISeeCars.com highlights trends in fuel efficiency and the adoption of hybrid and electric vehicles (EVs) over the past five years. Nationally, fuel efficiency has improved by 11.2% from 2019 to 2024, with Arkansas leading at a significant 31.7% increase, moving from 22.8 MPG to 30.1 MPG. The state also saw hybrid and EV market share rise from less than 1% to 8.9%. Other states like Washington, California, and Utah have made similar gains, underscoring the importance of efficient internal combustion engines alongside electric vehicle growth. Concerns about EV charging infrastructure were raised, particularly after storms in Florida and North Carolina left many stranded. Flooding poses risks for both EVs and traditional cars, with electric vehicles at greater risk of fire from water damage. Additionally, reports reveal that 20% to 50% of current EV owners are dissatisfied, raising questions about future purchases. In discussing McLaren’s new W1 supercar, Brauer noted its impressive performance stats, placing it as a milestone in their lineup. The W1, featuring a powerful V8 combined with hybrid technology, weighs about 3,200 pounds and is expected to produce 12158 horsepower, improving the power-to-weight ratio. With 399 units planned at $2.1 million each, the W1 aims to be a desirable addition to the supercar market. Next isJosh Hancock, Hollywood Car Consultant and art director for “Cars in the Movies,” who recently attended the Audrain Concord d’Elegance in Newport, RI. This growing four-day event aims to compete with Pebble Beach, offering easier navigation despite potential traffic. Set among grand mansions, attendees also have access to the Audrain Museum. The recent floods in Florida are expected to significantly impact the car market, damaging vehicles and increasing the demand for replacements. Sadly, classic cars are also at risk. Meanwhile, Donald, CEO of the Audrain Museum, and Jay, who recently bought a mansion in Newport, are promoting car events. At a recent gathering, Cadillac showcased its new luxury electric vehicle, the Celestiq, priced at $340,000.