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John O'Dell

Contributor

John O’Dell has been a journalist for more than 40 years and has tested and reviewed hundreds of vehicles, specializing in EVs since before the first hybrids appeared in the U.S. in 1999. John is a correspondent at Edmunds and was an Edmunds senior editor from 2007 through 2015. Earlier, he was the Los Angeles Times’ auto reporter. John also has written for Forbes.com, Trucks.com, the National Academies of Science and other outlets. He got in trouble in third grade for drawing race cars on a math test and still enjoys his 1965 Mustang when not driving an EV.

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Electric Car

Tesla’s Supercharger network opens a lot of new opportunities for non-Tesla EV drivers, but there are a few important caveats that owners need to know.

By John O'Dell

Charging Your EV at a Tesla Supercharger vs. a CCS charger

Car Buying

Used electric vehicles can be a bargain, with the bonus of inexpensive charging and low maintenance costs. But EVs aren't for everyone. Here are a few reasons you might — or might not — want to buy an electric car with some miles on it.

By John O'Dell

The Pros and Cons of Buying a Used EV

Electric Car

We round up a list of the fastest-charging EVs right now, and some of the cars and where they fall might surprise you. Here are the electric cars that charge faster than the rest.

By John O'Dell

These Are the Fastest-Charging Electric Cars on Sale Right Now

How To

Decode your VIN. Learn what your vehicle identification number (VIN) means. We'll show you a few ways to get a detailed VIN check for any car.

By John O'Dell

VIN Lookup: How to Perform a VIN Check

Car News

Automakers are responding to U.S. tariffs with measures ranging from “wait and see” to price increases and plant shutdowns. It could get worse.

By John O'Dell

How Are Automakers Responding to the Tariffs?

Electric Car

Used electric cars are a good value proposition these days. The Edmunds experts are here to help with tips on how to buy a used EV.

By John O'Dell

How to Buy a Used Electric Car

Car Buying

New electric vehicles continue carrying higher price tags than their gasoline counterparts, but they can save buyers money over the long run despite their hefty MSRPs.

By John O'Dell

Big Gap Remains in Average Price of Electric Car vs. Gas Car

Car News

Mercedes-Benz provides an update on the expansion of its fast-charging network, which is open to all EVs. Can it be a true Tesla competitor?

By John O'Dell

Mercedes-Benz Is Rapidly Expanding Tesla-Fighting Charging Network