
Specialty Publications Editor
Melanie Marshall
Melanie Marshall is the specialty publications editor for Skyline Studio, the in-house custom content and creative agency for The San Diego Union-Tribune and Southern California News Group. A former journalist, she specializes in helping businesses and organizations tell stories that elevate their brand and inspire action.
All Stories

Electric vehicles (EVs) have come a long way in a short amount of time. In just the past four years, more than 75 new EV models have hit the market,...

2025 Kia Sportage Hybrid earns nod on ‘Best Hybrids for the Money’ list
The 2025 Kia Sportage Hybrid has landed a spot on Cars.com’s annual Best Hybrids for the Money list, earning top honors in the Compact SUV category. It’s the second year...

What happens to EV batteries when they die? A surprising second life
When you think about the end of an electric vehicle’s (EV’s) life, what comes to mind? Maybe a worn-out battery tossed into a landfill. But the truth is far more...

Home EV chargers: do you really need one?
If you’ve recently bought or are thinking about buying an electric vehicle or plug-in hybrid, you’ve probably heard a lot about home EV chargers. But do you really need one?...

Gravity to launch 8 ultra-fast EV charging stations across Greater L.A.
Electric vehicle infrastructure startup Gravity has announced plans to install eight new charging stations across the Greater Los Angeles area. The sites, expected to open by the end of 2025,...

Smart safety tech: Top features available in electric and hybrid vehicles
Electric and hybrid vehicles are getting smarter—and safer. While most modern cars offer basic safety assist features like backup cameras and lane departure warnings, some EVs and hybrids go above...

How to get the most out of regenerative braking
If you drive an electric vehicle (EV) or a hybrid, regenerative braking is one of the easiest ways to boost your car’s efficiency — and possibly extend the life of...

Kia EV owners now have access to Tesla Superchargers
Kia electric vehicle owners now have access to the Tesla Supercharger network, adding more than 21,500 DC fast chargers to their available charging options, Kia America announced in a recent...

The best of both worlds: Why more consumers are choosing hybrids
Drivers who want some of the savings and eco-friendly benefits of an electric vehicle with the convenience of a gas-powered car are finding the perfect mix in hybrids: great mileage...

Analysis: Electrified vehicles cost less to maintain than gas-powered cars
If you’re weighing the cost of an electrified vehicle—either fully electric or hybrid—here’s an interesting fact to consider: they typically cost less to maintain than gas-powered cars. According to a...

Learn more about electric and hybrid vehicles at these 2025 events
If you’re ionate about electric vehicles, several expos and industry events across the U.S. this year will highlight the latest advancements in electrified vehicle technology, infrastructure and policy. These events...

IONNA begins national expansion of its charging network
IONNA, a new electric vehicle (EV) charging network backed by several major automakers, has begun its national expansion, with 100 sites under contract and 1,000-plus charging bays expected to go...

California e-bike incentives: What they are and how to get them
California has ramped up its efforts to promote environmentally friendly transportation by offering financial incentives for electric bikes. These incentives aim to make e-bikes more accessible, especially for residents in...

Study: EV owners more satisfied as battery ranges and charging networks improve
If you're on the fence about switching to an electric vehicle, recent data from J.D. Power might give you a nudge. According to the company’s 2025 U.S. Electric Vehicle Experience...

Used EV sales growing, report says
The market for used electric vehicles (EVs) is expanding, with online car retailer Carvana reporting that EVs made up 5.7% of its sales in 2024—significantly higher than the industry average...

Couple cooks up great date with a shopping trip in a Kia Sorento Hybrid
A great date is even better when it starts with a great ride; just ask Ashley Rodriguez (@firstdateguide), an expert on creating fun dates in Southern California and beyond. She...

Kia EV9 named Edmunds Top Rated 2025 Electric SUV
The 2025 Kia EV9 has been named Edmunds Top Rated 2025 Electric SUV, the second year in a row Kia’s game-changing sport utility vehicle has captured the prestigious honor. The...

SoCal family shines sharing adventures online
With twin 7-year-old daughters, dual careers and a thriving business as content creators, life is a constant adventure for Erik and Adam McEwen – and they wouldn’t have it any...

Will California offer rebates on electric vehicles?
California recently sured 2 million zero-emission vehicles sold, roughly two years after the state celebrated its first million in zero-emission vehicle sales. To maintain the momentum, Gov. Gavin Newsom has...

Working at McDonald’s is a recipe for future success
When Ava Turiano experienced a death in her family four years ago, it left her mom as the sole breadwinner. Still in high school and wanting to help her...

Electrify your ride: EVs and hybrids for beginners
You’ve seen them on the road and ired them in your neighbor’s driveway. Electric vehicles and hybrid vehicles are surging in popularity right now, and it’s easy to see why....

Hybrid, plug-in hybrid or EV: Which one is right for you?
If you’re ready to go green with your next new car, you’ve got a lot to consider. Choosing between a hybrid and an electric vehicle depends largely on your driving...

Charge ahead: Tips for maximizing your EV’s range
Electric vehicles are a leap forward in sustainable transportation, but like any new technology, there are important things to consider before you make the switch. One of the key concerns...