Electric Cars

A Whimsical Solution for Electric Vehicle Enthusiasts

Kia's Creative Approach to EV Transition: A Scent of the Past

Kia has rolled out an unexpectedly charming product: an air freshener that smells like gasoline, specifically crafted for electric vehicle users who long for the distinct scent of traditional automobiles. This distinctive, limited-edition item, styled as a miniature fuel canister, was unveiled in Finland alongside Kia's new EV4 model, signaling a playful yet strategic move in the automotive market.

The Art of Scent: Crafting the \"Gasoline\" Experience

In collaboration with Finnish fragrance expert Max Perttula, the air freshener's aroma is a sophisticated blend of motor oil, metallic undertones, birch tar, and jasmine. Perttula's objective was to infuse the electric vehicle experience with a hint of familiar automotive nostalgia, leveraging jasmine's natural hydrocarbons which echo components found in gasoline. This creation acknowledges and celebrates the sensory aspects of car culture, offering a unique bridge for drivers embracing electric mobility.

More Than a Gag: Strategic Intent Behind the Scent

The introduction of this novelty item, spearheaded by Kia's Finnish distributor Astara Auto, serves a deeper purpose beyond mere amusement. It recognizes the psychological hurdle many drivers face when parting with the sensory experiences of gasoline cars—the engine's rumble, the vibrations, and especially the distinct fuel smell. For Kia, it's a shrewd strategy to emotionally engage with consumers, facilitating a smoother shift from conventional car enthusiasm to the burgeoning electric era.

Kia's Electrifying Vision and Market Presence

This initiative aligns perfectly with Kia's expanding electric vehicle aspirations. Models such as the EV4, EV6, and EV9 signify Kia's evolution from a producer of budget-friendly vehicles to a leader in boldly designed, electric automotive technology. The company is actively promoting EV adoption, as seen with attractive leasing offers for the EV9 that combine favorable monthly rates with zero-percent financing. Concurrently, Kia continues to cater to traditional buyers with appealing internal combustion engine and hybrid options, ensuring a gradual and comfortable pace towards electrification for all its customers.

Embracing Change While Honoring the Past

Kia's gasoline-scented air freshener, while lighthearted, underscores a significant industry trend: the realization that the shift to electric vehicles involves profound cultural and emotional adjustments for drivers. By validating the nostalgia for past driving experiences, Kia humanizes its brand and demonstrates inventive marketing prowess. This approach also highlights Kia's selective global deployment of its electric lineup, focusing on core models like the EV6 and EV9 in North America, while reserving smaller EVs for other international markets such as Europe and Asia.

The Underlying Message: Evolving Automotive Passion

Ultimately, Kia's gasoline-scented air freshener is less about the actual fragrance and more about its symbolic message: progress does not necessitate abandoning the cherished elements of automotive passion. It's a humorous and thoughtful way to bid farewell to the age of combustion, reassuring drivers that the excitement of driving can endure, even as traditional fuels become a thing of the past.

Enhanced Power, Unexpected Peril: Ford Mustang Supercharger Kits Recalled

The Unintended Consequences of Performance Enhancement

While installing a supercharger kit on a Ford Mustang is typically intended to boost performance and acceleration, a newly issued recall highlights a concerning side effect: the potential for unintended acceleration. The National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) has identified a flaw in the Ford Performance M-6066-M8800 Whipple aftermarket supercharger kit. This issue stems not from the supercharger unit itself, but from a software error within the powertrain control module (PCM).

Scope of the Recall: A Focused Safety Concern

The recall report indicates that approximately 1,048 supercharger upgrade kits are potentially impacted. The core problem lies in an updated PCM software that inadvertently deactivates crucial Level 2 functional safety features. This means that if a throttle actuator malfunction were to occur, such as a stuck-open throttle, the vehicle's built-in safeguards might not engage as designed, significantly elevating the risk of an accident. While not all affected vehicles will necessarily show immediate symptoms, some owners might observe a Malfunction Indicator Lamp or a wrench symbol illuminated on their dashboard, signaling a potential problem.

Swift Action: Ford's Response to the Safety Hazard

The issue was initially discovered during final testing on August 20, 2025, prompting Ford Performance Parts to halt sales of the problematic upgrade kits just three days later. Fortunately, Ford has confirmed that there have been no reported warranty claims, field incidents, crashes, injuries, or fires attributed to this specific defect. Furthermore, the company has not advised owners to cease operating their vehicles. Despite the lack of immediate incidents, the gravity of the situation is undeniable, especially considering these kits can elevate the Mustang's output to an impressive 810 horsepower and 615 lb-ft of torque, with a retail price of $10,500.

The Upcoming Solution and Broader Reliability Concerns

In line with standard safety recall procedures, Ford will rectify this issue at no charge to customers. Dealerships and affected owners have already received notifications, with a remedy notification scheduled for dispatch between October 27-31. For Ford, this recall, though affecting a relatively small number of vehicles, adds to a recent string of reliability setbacks. The automaker has recently conducted recalls for 625,000 vehicles due to fire risks and an additional 1.9 million vehicles for rearview camera malfunctions. Despite CEO Jim Farley's recent assertions about Ford's powertrain durability matching that of Toyota, the recurring recall events across its product range suggest that improving Ford's reputation for reliability remains an ongoing challenge. The company hopes that 2026 will bring a more positive outlook regarding its vehicle dependability.