India’s most-talked about train, Vande Bharat Sleeper, has become an Internet sensation. Since its inauguration, the train has been attracting positive praises from travellers. From Instagram to X, travellers have been sharing pictures and videos of the train’s food, interiors and cleanliness. “This looks so nice” to “Flight-like” experiences are some of the most common praises and comments that the videos of the trains are getting. The train is drawing widespread attention for its sleek design and upgraded passenger experience. Viral images and videos have triggered happy reactions and some are even calling it “flight-like” and “next-generation travel” experience. The Vande Bharat Sleeper train was introduced in January 2026 on long-haul routes.
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180 Kmph While You Sleep! India’s Latest Vande Bharat Sleeper Marks New Era. Check Fares, Features
Overnight travel between Howrah and KamakhyaThe first Vande Bharat Sleeper service started between Howrah and Kamakhya. The train connects West Bengal and Assam which is an important corridor for long-distance travel. The Indian Railways plans to launch more sleeper trains by the end of 2026.Viral videos and imagesThe viral videos on social media platforms show the train’s upgraded interiors and modern design and good food.Some of the prime features include:Ergonomic berthsModern lightingAircraft-style finishes Charging pointsAdvanced suspension systems Polka-dot interiorsAutomatic doors Fully air-conditioned coachesBio-vacuum toilets Wi-FiPassenger information systemsCCTV surveillance Emergency communication systemsThe First AC coaches are being called the “hotel-on-wheels”! From privacy to cleanliness, everything is just top-notch in Vande Bharat Sleeper coaches. Quality of foodThere are several videos showing how good the catering service is on the train. The food is gaining praise and positive reviews in terms of taste and quality from travellers. As per videos circulating online, the dinner/lunch thali includes classic yellow dal, mixed veg, a bowl of packed dahi, chappatis/parathas, rice, pulao and one sweet. Speed, Safety and CapacityThe train is built with cutting-edge modern technology. The Vande Bharat Sleeper is designed for a top speed of up to 180 km/h but operational speeds are expected to range between 120–130 km/h. Each train comprises 16 coaches, capable of accommodating over 800 passengers across First AC, Second AC, and Third AC classes.The social media is clearly in awe of the sleeper variant of Vande Bharat showing it is more than just a new train. The train represents a shift in passenger expectations with improved comfort, cleanliness, safety, and technology.
A mini burger, mini fries and mini beer, Clinton Hall’s “Teeny Weeny Mini Meal”, is pictured next to a regular-sized combo on Dec. 8, 2025 in New York City. Approximately one in eight American adults are currently taking drugs from the class of GLP-1 agonists that are now popular for weight loss, according to a November poll by the non-profit health policy tracker KFF. Some in the restaurant industry are taking note.
Angela Weiss | AFP | Getty Images
The cost of GLP-1 drugs is falling, and pill versions are hitting the U.S. market. For restaurant chains and snacking giants, higher adoption of weight loss and diabetes treatments poses a threat to their sales — or an opportunity.
GLP-1 drugs slow digestion, suppress users’ appetites and increase satiety. For many restaurants and packaged food manufacturers, those reactions will likely mean weaker sales. Adults who use GLP-1s consume 21% fewer calories and spend nearly a third less on grocery bills on average, according to KPMG. JPMorgan estimates the growing use of the medications could wipe out $30 billion to $55 billion in annual sales for the food and beverage industry as soon as 2030.
About one in every eight U.S. adults is currently taking a GLP-1 drug like Ozempic or Zepbound, according to the KFF Health Tracking Poll conducted from Oct. 27 to Nov. 2. That number doesn’t include consumers who have discontinued their use of the drugs; 18% of respondents said that they have taken a GLP-1 medication at some point.
Those numbers are expected to keep climbing, especially after Novo Nordisk launched its Wegovy pill in January and Eli Lilly prepares to roll out its own oral drug this year. By 2030, more than 30 million Americans could be on a GLP-1 treatment, up from 10 million in 2026, based on J.P. Morgan estimates.
Michael Siluk | UCG | Universal Images Group | Getty Images
But the shift also presents an opportunity for restaurants and food and beverage companies.
With new protein- and fiber-rich options, many businesses are hoping to win over GLP-1 consumers and mollify investors’ concerns about how the treatments will affect their bottom lines.
“Whether it is labeling as GLP-1 friendly, decreasing the serving size, emphasizing protein content, or even when you shift over to the beverage world, because hydration is certainly a concern, there are a number of players that are starting to react to this,” said Don K. Johnson, principal of strategy and execution for EY-Parthenon.
Skipping snacks and breakfast
About half of GLP-1 users report consuming fewer calories while taking the medications, according to UBS Evidence Lab. But the effects aren’t even across the industry, and “certain categories are more impacted than others,” Johnson said.
Snacking, once one of the fastest-growing grocery segments, has taken the biggest hit. About 70% of GLP-1 users who report consuming fewer calories said that they are snacking less, according to a survey conducted by EY-Parthenon last spring.
“I think it is about the specific type of snack, but I do think they’re also snacking less … Having said that, we do see that there is a shift to healthier foods, and that certainly will include healthier snacking,” Johnson said.
Think more yogurt, nuts or fruit, and fewer chips or pretzels.
Since GLP-1 drugs lead patients to lower their caloric intake, every calorie consumed means more. Protein intake is more important to prevent muscle loss. So, too, is fiber to support gut health and digestion. And staying hydrated helps mitigate some of the drugs’ side effects, like nausea and headaches.
The effects of eating less extend to restaurants. About 60% of those respondents to the EY-Parthenon survey said that they are dining out less frequently.
The shift could also hit full-service restaurants where diners order a drink with their meals. Roughly 45% of survey respondents who are eating and drinking less said that they are drinking less alcohol.
Surveys conducted by Bernstein indicate that the frequency of restaurant visits among GLP-1 users can fall by as much as 45%, depending on the category of food and the nature of the occasion, analyst Danilo Gargiulo of Bernstein wrote in a research note published on Tuesday.
The pullback in restaurant visits isn’t spread evenly across times of day, according to Dana Baggett, executive director of restaurant client strategy at RRD, which works with more than 200 restaurant brands.
Lunch, so far, hasn’t been impacted, she said. But breakfast has taken a hit, particularly from high-income GLP-1 users, who represent a bigger percentage of current patients, she said. In practice, that means fewer sugary coffee drinks and doughnuts, although options like Starbucks‘ protein cold foam could encourage those consumers to return.
A commercial for GLP-1 drugs during the Super Bowl LX broadcast on television screens at a bar in Los Angeles, California, US, on Sunday, Feb. 8, 2026.
Jill Connelly | Bloomberg | Getty Images
Dinner, especially at fast-food restaurants, has taken the brunt of the damage so far.
Dinner traffic has fallen 6% among consumers who have been taking the medication regularly, according to Baggett; in other words, overall restaurant sales during dinner hours have declined about 0.4% due to GLP-1 use, she said. But as the number of consumers who use the drug consistently grows, so too will the pressure on restaurant traffic.
And snacking isn’t confined to grocery store aisles. For limited-service restaurants, like McDonald’s or Taco Bell, snacking accounts for 12% of spending, according to Bank of America Global Research.
Even so, threats to those large restaurants chains may only be gradual, which gives them time to adapt.
“I think there shouldn’t be this panic out there in the marketplace, but this is a trend that’s not going away,” Baggett said. “This is an amazing opportunity for brands to start repositioning themselves and focusing on what consumers want: less sugar, higher protein and that focus on fiber.”
How Big Food is evolving
If recent earnings conference calls are any example, restaurant and food executives also think that it isn’t time to panic just yet. For some companies, the trend offers a chance to reach new customers through healthier options.
“I think there are more opportunities than threats, but there are both,” PepsiCo CEO Ramon Laguarta told Wall Street analysts on the company’s earnings conference call in early February.
In recent months, Pepsi has released protein-packed Doritos, relaunched Gatorade and unveiled fiber-rich varieties ofSunChips and Smartfood popcorn. Those moves are part of the company’s broader strategy to modernize its portfolio and boost sales by appealing to health-conscious consumers, but they also align with Laguarta’s assumption that GLP-1 medications will be adopted more broadly.
Domino’s Pizza CEO Russell Weiner sounded unshaken when he told analysts last month that the pizza chain hasn’t seen GLP-1 drugs affect its sales yet.
“Dinner, for us, is a sharing occasion, so perhaps that’s why we’re not seeing any impact, but we’re going to continue to watch it,” he said. “But if there needs to be menu innovation around that, we will do that.”
RRD’s Baggett told CNBC that she thinks portions and snack sizing will be key for restaurants to attract consumers who are on GLP-1 treatments.
When asked about the drugs on McDonald’s earnings conference call last month, CEO Chris Kempczinski touted the burger chain’s existing protein options. But he added that the preferences of GLP-1 users are also being considered as the chain creates new menu items.
“We’re also seeing changes around maybe less snacking, changes in some of the beverages that they drink, less sugary drinks, and so all of those things are factoring into some of what we’re out there experimenting with and testing with,” he said.
Other restaurant chains have already launched options that appeal to diners on GLP-1 drugs, even if the medications weren’t the key impetus. For example, Chipotle launched grab-and-go protein cups in December, aiming to cash in on the protein and snacking crazes as its restaurant sales struggled.
And Olive Garden, owned by Darden Restaurants, released a Lighter Portions menu last year, downsizing a handful of its classic entrees at a lower price. Darden CEO Rick Cardenas said that the chain introduced the new menu to give all of its customers more options.
“It just so happens to benefit the consumers that might want smaller portions that are on GLP-1 medications, and we have a lot of options like that in all of our menus,” Cardenas said on the company’s earnings conference call in December.
Marketing to GLP-1 users
Other companies have explicitly appealedto GLP-1 users, particularly when it comes to innovation.
In 2024, Nestle led the pack when it launched Virtual Pursuit, a frozen-food brand targeting GLP-1 users. While the packaging initially didn’t call out that it was “GLP-1 friendly,” the food company updated it later to include it prominently, boosting sales.
“It’s a big initiative for Nestle,” Nestle USA CEO Marty Thompson told CNBC at a media event earlier in March. “There will be those things that are designed for GLP-1, and there will be those things that will be sort of a companion to GLP-1, clearly calling out protein and fiber, but not necessarily designed portion-size wise or whatever for GLP-1.”
Nestle’s focus will extend beyond food, too. Thompson said that the company plans to expand into beverages and listed protein shakes as one potential way to appeal to GLP-1 customers.
Even food companies without much exposure to GLP-1 users are broadening their portfolios to reach them.
Close-up view of Dippin’ Dots ice cream cup in a person’s hand, Santa Cruz, California, June 22, 2024.
Smith Collection | Gado | Archive Photos | Getty Images
For example, Dippin’ Dots and Icee owner J&J Snack Foods makes most of its sales in stadiums, theme parks and malls. Because of its “experiential” focus, CEO Dan Fachner told CNBC that he thinks that J&J is more insulated from the effect of GLP-1 drugs compared with its snacking peers.
“I still think that in most cases, even people on GLP-1 drugs will still use those occasions for snacking,” he said.
Even still, more than a year ago, Fachner presented employees with a challenge for the company’s grocery business, which accounts for 13.5% of annual sales.
“Take the core products — pretzels and churros and Icees and Dippin’ Dots and frozen novelties — tell me how we can make them more GLP-1 friendly as it continues to grow,” he said.
This year, J&J has a number of new products hitting the freezer aisle. Protein has been added to its soft pretzels, now available in a smaller portion size. And Luigi’s Italian Ice, traditionally sold in a cup, will come in a “mini pop size,” with a formula that includes more antioxidants or helps hydration, according to Fachner. If the new products succeed in grocery stores, then J&J plans to take themto the company’s food service customers, as well.
J&J’s new products also have the benefit of appealing to a wider audience than just consumers who are on GLP-1 medication. For example,Fachner expects the new Luigi’s mini pops will appeal to health-conscious moms as a snack for their kids.
Uptake could change strategies
For restaurants and food suppliers, current data on the eating and drinking habits of GLP-1 users are informing their efforts to appeal to those consumers. But that behavior can still fluctuate.
About 5% of users lapse in taking the medications, due to cost, side effects or hitting their weight goal. After quitting, they tend to maintain the same eating habits for a couple of months before eventually returning to a higher caloric intake.
“I think that we don’t spend enough time talking about the fact that there may be sort of a cycle of behaviors — people going on and off of the drugs — that will have sort of an interesting impact on manufacturers of food because there’s no ‘before’ and ‘after,'” EY’s Johnson said. “It’s a process.”
And a whole new group of consumers could soon be taking daily pill versions of GLP-1 medications. It’s too soon to tell if oral GLP-1 drugs will result in more consistent usage or higher quit rates and to know who exactly is trying the pill version over the injectable.
“I don’t have a crystal ball, but my guess is from our survey that the folks using the oral version of the drug will be a new set of people, because one of the barriers to trial was — as can be expected — a lot of people don’t like to take shots of injections,” Johnson said.
There is one prediction that is widely accepted: the pill version will mean much higher adoption of GLP-1 drugs.
Japan edges tournament hosts Australia 1-0 in the Women’s Asian Cup final to claim third title in four editions.
Published On 21 Mar 202621 Mar 2026
Maika Hamano scored the only goal as a formidable Japan battled past Australia to clinch a third Women’s Asian Cup title in front of a record-breaking 74,357 fans in Sydney.
The Tottenham star hit a stunning long-range strike in the 17th minute at Stadium Australia to break Australian hearts and add to their continental crowns from 2014 and 2018.
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Those finals were also against Australia and ended 1-0.
The edge-of-the-seat decider culminated a landmark tournament with more than 350,000 fans through the turnstiles, reinforcing the growth in popularity of the women’s game.
This was about six times as many as the previous tournament record set in 2010 in China, with the final setting a new attendance record for a single game in tournament history.
The Asian Cup doubled as qualifying for the World Cup in Brazil next year, with Australia, Japan, South Korea, China, North Korea and the Philippines all punching their tickets.
The Japanese team, stacked with English-based players, was invincible in their run to the final, fluid across the park, and defending well, steamrolling everyone in front of them.
While Australia proved a much tougher test, nothing could stop them as they accumulated 29 goals and conceded just one through their six tournament games to reinforce their status as Asia’s number one team.
Japan named an unchanged lineup from their 4-1 semifinal thumping of South Korea.
Australia made one change to the team that beat defending champions China 2-1 in the last four with Wini Heatley preferred in central defence to Clare Hunt.
The hosts were composed at the start, looking to dictate the game, and Caitlin Foord should have scored on 11 minutes when Mary Fowler threaded a pass through inside the box.
But the unmarked Arsenal striker sent her shot straight into the arms of Japan keeper Ayaka Yamashita to miss a golden opportunity.
It proved costly with Japan breaking the deadlock six minutes later when Tottenham midfielder Hamano collected the ball outside the penalty area and unleashed a 25-yard rocket that found the top corner.
Foord had another chance when she pounced on a sloppy clearance from Yamashita, but failed to find the target from a tight angle, then scuffed another wide just before the break.
Japan were always a threat, and West Ham’s Riko Ueki went close twice in as many minutes soon after the restart.
With the game on a knife-edge, Australia threw everything they had at Japan in a desperate attempt to find an equaliser as the crowd noise reached fever pitch.
Alanna Kennedy almost pulled off a late equaliser in the 88th minute, but despite intense pressure, Japan were rock solid and absorbed the threat to cling on for the win.
LONDON — An Iranian man and a Romanian woman have been charged after trying to enter the naval base in Scotland that is home to Britain’s nuclear-armed submarines, police said Saturday,
Police Scotland said the 34-year-old man and 31-year-old woman will appear at Dumbarton Sheriff Court on Monday.
As is customary in Scotland, police did not release the suspects’ names or the charges they face before their court hearing.
The pair were detained on Thursday after attempting to enter HM Naval Base Clyde, about 40 miles (64 kilometers) northwest of Glasgow.
The base, also known as Faslane, is home to the core of the U.K.’s submarine fleet, including the vessels that carry nuclear weapons.
Britain has been a nuclear power since the 1950s. Since the 1990s, its nuclear deterrent has consisted of four Royal Navy submarines armed with Trident missiles.
President Trump signaled that the U.S. may be “winding down” its operation in Iran as more than 2,000 Marines head to the Middle East. Meanwhile, oil prices continue to soar amid tension in the region.
We all know cats represent a major threat to native animals and birds. Australia’s 5.3 million domestic cats kill a total of 546 million animals each year in Australia. What’s less well known is that allowing your domestic cat to roam outside exposes them to considerable danger – and the risk of a short life.
About two-thirds of all Australian cat owners have had a cat die while out roaming. The top risks are road traffic accidents, fighting and falls.
Our recent research review found keeping your cat at home at all times isn’t just good for wildlife – it’s much safer for your cat.
Losing a cat is tragic. But there are other risks too. Many owners rack up large veterinary bills while their cats are left with lifelong health conditions. Our review also found this situation is not unique to Australia, but reflects the global risk faced by free-roaming cats.
What are the risks?
Cameras mounted on collars provide a cat’s-eye view of the hazards roaming cats face. In one study of 55 free-roaming felines in the United States, 25% risked poisoning by eating or drinking while away from home – any substance could be hazardous. Nearly half (45%) crossed roads, 25% encountered other cats, 20% crawled under houses and 20% explored storm drains.
A research review found that keeping your cat at home is much safer for your cat (Getty)
This isn’t just American feline bravado. When cameras were fitted to 37 cats in New Zealand, 59% drank away from home, 40% ate away from home, 32% crossed roads and 21% risked falling by climbing onto roofs.
Australian cats are no exception. In one study, 428 radio-tracked cats averaged 4.8 road crossings per day.
What are the outcomes?
If you’re a fan of The Simpsons you might recall the fate of their family cats: Snowball I and Snowball II died on the road, Snowball III drowned, Coltrane (AKA Snowball IV) fell to his death, and Snowball V is still with us. The reality is uncomfortably similar. Our review found that trauma – mainly road traffic accidents, fighting and falls – kills or injures many free-roaming cats globally.
In a recent UK study, road traffic accidents were the leading cause of death for cats aged less than one year old all the way to eight-year-old cats.
This aligns with European estimates, which suggest 18–24% of cats are struck by a car during their lifetime, with around 70% of those incidents proving fatal. Victims are often under five years old and predominantly male. Risks are higher for those not desexed, as they tend to roam wider and more frequently.
Love and status offer no protection. Former New Zealand Prime Minister Jacinda Ardern’s cat, Paddles, colloquially known as New Zealand’s first cat, died after being hit by a car in 2017.
In a recent UK study, road traffic accidents were the leading cause of death for cats aged less than one year old (AP)
The dangers extend well beyond road accidents. Roaming pet cats face serious infectious diseases, such as Feline Immunodeficiency Virus (FIV), and frequently engage in fights, often developing abscesses that can kill and require expensive veterinary treatment.
While it’s hard to quantify the instances of deliberate human cruelty to cats, there is global evidence for deliberate poisoning and injury to roaming cats, many of which die before receiving medical intervention.
In one study tracking 55 roaming cats in Western Australia over just eight months, two were poisoned, one lost a front leg in a traffic accident, one fractured two canine teeth in a fall, and two required veterinary treatment for fight-related injuries.
Drawing all these factors together, we estimated outdoor pet cats have lives at least 2–3 years shorter than the population of contained pet cats. Those that survive accidents or disease may have lifelong disabilities.
How can you reduce the risks?
The simplest way to protect your cats is to contain them on your property, just as Australians do with other domestic animals. Extensive advice is available on how to keep cats happy and healthy while contained.
Importantly, containment doesn’t mean keeping your cat indoors at all times. Backyards can be modified with fence-top rollers to prevent escape. Some owners enclose part of the yard to create a “catio” – an outdoor cat enclosure – allowing their cats to enjoy fresh air and sunshine while remaining secure.
About the authors
Mike Calver is an Associate Professor in Biological Sciences at Murdoch University. Heather M. Crawford is an assistant researcher at Murdoch University and Trish Fleming is a Professor at Murdoch University.
Many cats can also be trained to walk on a harness or leash, making it possible to take them for supervised outings. A recent report from Norway found providing controlled outdoor access is often important for maintaining cat wellbeing.
Cats need to be entertained when in the house. They enjoy outside views, toys, scratching surfaces, above-ground climbing and sitting spaces, and opportunities for play. They are naturally solitary animals, so places to hide are useful.
If cats can’t go outside to toilet, they will need two indoor litter trays. Because cats are fastidious, trays must be cleaned frequently. In multi-cat households, provide one litter tray per cat, plus an extra. Place the trays in separate, quiet locations, and never beside the food bowl.
Responsible cat ownership
Australians love their cats. In 2019, roughly a quarter of Australian households owned a cat. By 2025, that figure had risen to a third. Over the same period, households reporting they kept their cats indoors rose from 36% to 48%.
Perhaps we are finally valuing our cats as we do our dogs and listening to Aussie songwriter and singer Eric Bogle’s sage advice: “Oh you who love your pussy be sure to keep him in. Don’t let him argue with a truck, the truck is bound to win. And upon the busy road don’t let him play or frolic. If you do I’m warning you it could be CAT-astrophic.”
Electric car owners may be feeling smug because they don’t need to worry about soaring gasoline prices. And people with combustion engine cars may be wondering whether it’s time to buy an electric vehicle.
It’s anyone’s guess how long war with Iran will last and how high oil prices will climb. But the argument for electric vehicles has clearly become stronger.
Whether electric vehicles are a good option for any individual or family depends on many factors, including where you live, whether you have access to a charger and how much you drive.
In the United States, prices for new electric vehicles have fallen but still average $6,500 more than vehicles that run on fossil fuels, according to Cox Automotive. From a purely financial point of view, an electric vehicle makes sense for people who will save that much on fuel and maintenance during the time they own it.
The New York Times offers a tool to help people make that calculation based on local electricity prices and driving habits. But there is more to the decision than dollars and cents. Some benefits of electric vehicles are hard to put a price on, like the peace of mind that comes from not being at the mercy of geopolitics.
There are tentative signs that “people want to be taken off the gas-price roller coaster,” said Jessica Caldwell, head of insights at Edmunds. The share of people researching electric vehicles on Edmunds’s online car shopping site rose to 24 percent at the beginning of March from 21 percent in early February.
Here are some things to consider if you’re thinking about electric vehicles.
E.V.s are getting more affordable.
Last year, Congress eliminated a federal tax credit that could close the price gap between new electric vehicles and cars that run on gasoline. But some states and utilities still offer credits, rebates or other financial support for electric car buyers, and there are exceptionally good deals to be had on used electric vehicles.
Illinois and New Jersey offer residents up to $4,000 in incentives depending on their income. New Yorkers are eligible for incentives of up to $2,000.
While new electric vehicles are more expensive than comparable gasoline-powered cars, used electric vehicles are often cheaper.
A used Tesla Model 3, Ford Mustang Mach-E or Hyundai Ioniq 5 sells for about the same price as a used Toyota RAV4, Nissan Rogue or Honda CR-V, according to Recurrent, a firm that tracks the market for used electric vehicles. But used electric vehicles are likely to have been driven for fewer miles than the gasoline cars and trucks and to be newer.
“And it’s probably loaded with a lot more cool technology inside,” said Scott Case, the chief executive of Recurrent. “It boggles the mind that that free lunch hasn’t been taken.”
Car buyers are noticing. Sales of used electric vehicles in February rose 29 percent from a year earlier, according to Cox.
Automakers are introducing new electric models.
Some automakers delayed or scrapped electric models after federal tax incentives disappeared last year. This month, Honda canceled production of three new electric vehicles in the United States. Ford Motor has stopped making the F-150 Lightning pickup.
The cancellations may create the impression that electric vehicles are hard to find. That is not the case. There is a growing selection of moderately priced cars that charge faster and travel farther between charges than vehicles available a few years ago.
Toyota and its luxury brand Lexus, which had been slow to sell electric vehicles, will sell four new models this year. Rivian and Lucid, whose vehicles sell for more than $70,000, are preparing to sell models for around $50,000.
General Motors has reintroduced the Bolt compact with a starting price below $30,000. The Nissan Leaf, one of the first mass-produced E.V.s, has gotten cheaper and better, with a starting price under $30,000 and 300 miles of range.
Tesla began selling entry-level versions of its Model 3 sedan and Model Y sport utility vehicle last year for $37,000 and $40,000 before destination charges.
The supply of used electric vehicles is expected to increase in coming months as hundreds of thousands of leases expire. That should help keep prices low.
Charging electric cars can be cheap.
Electricity is not immune to price increases, but it generally doesn’t swing as much as gasoline. The cost per kilowatt at a public fast charger has barely budged since the war in Iran began on Feb. 28, according to Paren, which tracks data on electric vehicles.
Meanwhile, gasoline prices have risen about 30 percent nationwide. In many states, gasoline has risen more than $1 per gallon.
The fuel cost savings from electric vehicles are greatest for homeowners who can install chargers in their garage or driveway. Home chargers can replenish a car’s battery overnight, easily taking care of daily driving needs for most people.
A home charger eliminates most refueling stops, except on long trips. The cost of installing one varies widely but is usually at least $1,000. Some utilities and state governments offer incentives that cover part of the cost. Electric vehicles can also charge at standard outlets, but it can take several days to refill a typical battery.
Some utilities, including Con Edison in New York, Georgia Power and Pacific Gas & Electric in California, offer lower electricity rates to people who charge their vehicles when demand for power is lower, usually at night. Charging a vehicle at home costs a few dollars per session.
“Anyone who can charge at home is a really good candidate,” said Stephanie Valdez Streaty, director of industry insights at Cox Automotive.
People who can’t install home chargers may be able to use what are known as Level 2 chargers, which are increasingly found at apartment complexes, shopping centers or office parking lots. These chargers are generally inexpensive or even free but take several hours to refill a battery.
Many electric car drivers use fast chargers as their main fuel source, charging companies say, much the way owners of conventional vehicles use gas stations. The time to refuel at fast chargers is dropping to less than half an hour because of technical advancements.
A road trip with an electric vehicle takes some planning. But it’s getting easier. There are more than 72,000 fast-charging ports in the United States, according to Paren, about 2,000 more than at the start of the year.
Fast chargers can be expensive, however, in some cases more costly per mile than filling up with gasoline.
Electric cars also require less maintenance.
Electric vehicles don’t need oil changes and don’t have fuel pumps, mufflers and other parts that wear out and need to be replaced. Brakes tend to wear more gradually because of systems that recover energy when the car slows down.
But these vehicles tend to be heavier and can wear out tires more quickly. Many owners, however, report getting 40,000 miles or more before needing new tires as long as they don’t drive aggressively.
Contrary to widespread perception, batteries do not quickly lose their ability to hold a charge. On average, they still have 95 percent of their original capacity after five years, according to Recurrent.
Electric vehicles tend to be less reliable than hybrids or cars that run solely on gasoline or diesel, largely because the technology is new. But as the industry has gotten better at making them, the cars have become more reliable.
“It isn’t necessarily an issue with the cars themselves, something that’s fundamentally less reliable about an E.V.,” said Keith Barry, senior autos reporter at Consumer Reports. “If you think about it, an E.V. should be more reliable because it has fewer moving parts and less to worry about.”
The Middle East conflict has entered its fourth week and the ripple effects are beginning to show up across major economies. Concerns are growing that any further escalation could disrupt energy flows and add pressure to an already fragile global outlook. The strain is not falling evenly on every country.Some nations are far more exposed than others, and have limited room to absorb the shock. Much of the attention is now centred on Iran’s role in the Strait of Hormuz, a critical route for global energy shipments.Germany, with its manufacturing-heavy economy, is particularly sensitive to rising energy costs. Industrial activity has only recently stabilised after contracting since 2022. As a major exporter, it also remains vulnerable to any slowdown in global demand. While a sizeable stimulus package announced last year offers some support, budget shortfalls in the coming years limit how much additional assistance can be provided, Reuters reported.Italy’s exposure stems from both its strong manufacturing base and its energy mix, where oil and gas make up a relatively large share of primary consumption in Europe. This leaves the economy more exposed to swings in global energy prices, especially during periods of supply uncertainty.Britain depends more heavily on gas-fired power for electricity generation than many of its European peers, meaning gas prices have a strong influence on overall electricity costs. As gas prices are soaring more than oil, inflationary pressures remain elevated. While an energy price cap may ease the immediate impact, it could also contribute to higher interest rates, keeping borrowing costs among the highest in the G7 for longer, alongside rising unemployment. Limited fiscal space and pressure from bond markets further restrict policy options, Reuters reported.Japan relies heavily on Middle Eastern oil, importing around 95% of its supply, with nearly 90% transported through the Strait of Hormuz. This dependence adds to inflationary pressures already stemming from a weak yen, which raises the cost of imported essentials such as food and raw materials across the economy.India is also facing the threat, importing with about 90% of its crude oil and nearly half of its liquefied petroleum gas, with a large portion passing through the Strait of Hormuz. Growth forecasts have already been revised downward, while the rupee has slipped to record lows. The impact is also visible in daily life, with rising gas prices leading to informal rationing and the disappearance of items such as samosas, dosa and chai from menus in eateries.Turkey, which shares a border with Iran, is dealing with both geopolitical uncertainty and the possibility of refugee inflows. On the economic side, pressure is mounting on the central bank, which has paused its interest rate-cutting cycle for the second time in a year and sold up to $23 billion in reserves to support the currency, signalling renewed strain on monetary stability.Sri Lanka has moved to strict cost-control measures to manage energy pressures, including declaring Wednesdays a public holiday for state-sector workers. Schools, universities and public institutions have been shut, non-essential transport suspended, and a National Fuel Pass system introduced to regulate fuel access and limit consumption.Pakistan, which narrowly avoided a crisis two years ago, has responded with higher petrol prices and temporary school closures. Government departments, according to Reuters, have seen fuel allowances reduced, restrictions placed on purchasing appliances and furniture, and instructions issued to reduce the use of official vehicles as part of broader austerity steps.Egypt is under pressure from rising fuel and food costs, along with potential declines in Suez Canal and tourism revenues, the latter contributing nearly $20 billion last year. Servicing its debt, much of which is denominated in US dollars, has become more difficult, further compounded by a near 9% depreciation of its currency since the conflict began.
