Sasha is a news writer at Mashable's San Francisco office. She's an SF native who went to UC Davis and later received her master's from the UC Berkeley Graduate School of Journalism. She's been reporting out of her hometown over the years at Bay City News (news wire), SFGate (the San Francisco Chronicle website), and even made it out of California to write for the Chicago Tribune. She's been described as a bookworm and a gym rat.
By Sasha Lekach
The best travel app is an iPhone feature you're probably ignoring
I was lost, but now I am found.
By Sasha Lekach
![Boy using a compass app on his smart phone.](https://helios-i.mashable.com/imagery/articles/03EFk19Xfl6xvSfgC6Y3Gxd/hero-image.fill.size_220x133.v1614273988.jpg)
![Boy using a compass app on his smart phone.](https://helios-i.mashable.com/imagery/articles/03EFk19Xfl6xvSfgC6Y3Gxd/hero-image.fill.size_220x220.v1614273988.jpg)
Cheapest electric cars: 7 electric cars cheaper than the least expensive Tesla
The Tesla Model 3 is no bargain.
By Sasha Lekach
![A Tesla](https://helios-i.mashable.com/imagery/articles/07wNW7ZGkRS1nY7Nrm0J1C0/hero-image.fill.size_220x133.v1635588308.jpg)
![A Tesla](https://helios-i.mashable.com/imagery/articles/07wNW7ZGkRS1nY7Nrm0J1C0/hero-image.fill.size_220x220.v1635588308.jpg)
Vitruvian Trainer+ is a fitness machine that won't take over the living room
It's like an entire weight room in a compact stepping platform.
By Sasha Lekach
![A woman lifting weights in a white living room with plants at her sides.](https://helios-i.mashable.com/imagery/articles/04KyVkgkXBdxbRt2XW9QMJE/hero-image.fill.size_220x133.v1648742550.jpg)
![A woman lifting weights in a white living room with plants at her sides.](https://helios-i.mashable.com/imagery/articles/04KyVkgkXBdxbRt2XW9QMJE/hero-image.fill.size_220x220.v1648742550.jpg)
Car meditation is a thing — and EVs make it easier
Does driving mix well with practicing mindfulness? Experts, apps, and the cool interiors of electric cars say yes.
By Sasha Lekach
![A shadow of a car with a woman in a green shirt sitting in the drivers seat with her eyes closed.](https://helios-i.mashable.com/imagery/articles/05JRGYSVvZ4ZtUc3fUHzCa7/hero-image.fill.size_220x133.v1647557446.jpg)
![A shadow of a car with a woman in a green shirt sitting in the drivers seat with her eyes closed.](https://helios-i.mashable.com/imagery/articles/05JRGYSVvZ4ZtUc3fUHzCa7/hero-image.fill.size_220x220.v1647557446.jpg)
FedEx's newest cargo plane is an autonomous drone
It's a hybrid-electric aircraft that can carry up to 500 pounds of cargo.
By Sasha Lekach
![An orange plane flying above a green field, highway, and FedEx building](https://helios-i.mashable.com/imagery/articles/076Ll7uKf06OrVtaZoQXVwM/hero-image.fill.size_220x133.v1648580554.jpg)
![An orange plane flying above a green field, highway, and FedEx building](https://helios-i.mashable.com/imagery/articles/076Ll7uKf06OrVtaZoQXVwM/hero-image.fill.size_220x220.v1648580554.jpg)
Volvo C40 Recharge is the EV version of that boxy, family-friendly Volvo we all know and love
Volvo's first electric-only SUV feels familiar.
By Sasha Lekach
![A blue car on the road with a desert background.](https://helios-i.mashable.com/imagery/articles/07CC6QgCglPNG8D6cg3zRFG/hero-image.fill.size_220x133.v1648062386.jpg)
![A blue car on the road with a desert background.](https://helios-i.mashable.com/imagery/articles/07CC6QgCglPNG8D6cg3zRFG/hero-image.fill.size_220x220.v1648062386.jpg)
Google Maps is down, but no one wants to use Apple Maps
We're all lost without Google Maps.
By Sasha Lekach
![The Google Maps icon on a phone resting on a laptop keyboard.](https://helios-i.mashable.com/imagery/articles/056dverrlocKSY4j1lJzo6E/hero-image.fill.size_220x133.v1647629519.jpg)
![The Google Maps icon on a phone resting on a laptop keyboard.](https://helios-i.mashable.com/imagery/articles/056dverrlocKSY4j1lJzo6E/hero-image.fill.size_220x220.v1647629519.jpg)
Maserati electrifies its luxury sports car line-up
The first electric Maserati will arrive in 2023.
By Sasha Lekach
![A sports car with a trident painted on its side.](https://helios-i.mashable.com/imagery/articles/05HTvacTnfFn1PwrPGPLZhX/hero-image.fill.size_220x133.v1647548913.jpg)
![A sports car with a trident painted on its side.](https://helios-i.mashable.com/imagery/articles/05HTvacTnfFn1PwrPGPLZhX/hero-image.fill.size_220x220.v1647548913.jpg)
GMC's Hummer EV supertruck gets the documentary treatment
Watch behind the scenes of the making of the Hummer EV.
By Sasha Lekach
![A white Hummer EV climbs up a steep desert hill.](https://helios-i.mashable.com/imagery/videos/03khHPeA9BNs49pwI4Y4str/hero-image.fill.size_220x133.v1647359024.jpg)
![A white Hummer EV climbs up a steep desert hill.](https://helios-i.mashable.com/imagery/videos/03khHPeA9BNs49pwI4Y4str/hero-image.fill.size_220x220.v1647359024.jpg)
Volvo brings fast EV charging to Starbucks locations
I'll have the iced decaf white mocha with sweet cream foam, 20 kWh of battery charge, and extra caramel drizzle.
By Sasha Lekach
![A blue car in front of a Starbucks plugged into a charging station.](https://helios-i.mashable.com/imagery/articles/06sdSDmMOdvGCcXZs0RUiCp/hero-image.fill.size_220x133.v1647277346.jpg)
![A blue car in front of a Starbucks plugged into a charging station.](https://helios-i.mashable.com/imagery/articles/06sdSDmMOdvGCcXZs0RUiCp/hero-image.fill.size_220x220.v1647277346.jpg)
iPhone SE (2022) vs iPhone SE (2020): What's new and different?
Biggest change: Price.
By Sasha Lekach
![A stack of iPhones.](https://helios-i.mashable.com/imagery/articles/04yB2SppI862KNBTOD5sU18/hero-image.fill.size_220x133.v1646772566.jpg)
![A stack of iPhones.](https://helios-i.mashable.com/imagery/articles/04yB2SppI862KNBTOD5sU18/hero-image.fill.size_220x220.v1646772566.jpg)
General Motors wants its EVs to power homes
Your GM vehicle may soon keep your lights on.
By Sasha Lekach
![A blue pickup truck under lights.](https://helios-i.mashable.com/imagery/articles/06wq2mgNxQXqBlzbPbRfMi9/hero-image.fill.size_220x133.v1646696814.jpg)
![A blue pickup truck under lights.](https://helios-i.mashable.com/imagery/articles/06wq2mgNxQXqBlzbPbRfMi9/hero-image.fill.size_220x220.v1646696814.jpg)
SXSW 2022: Everything you need to know
It's in-person for the first time since 2019 and will include free events with Sammy Hagar, Mt. Joy and more.
By Sasha Lekach
![SXSW logo floating on a VR version of downtown Austin.](https://helios-i.mashable.com/imagery/articles/05A7ypzvHXq6975vODonSvJ/hero-image.fill.size_220x133.v1646675883.jpg)
![SXSW logo floating on a VR version of downtown Austin.](https://helios-i.mashable.com/imagery/articles/05A7ypzvHXq6975vODonSvJ/hero-image.fill.size_220x220.v1646675883.jpg)
Remote-controlled mobile vending machine comes to you
It's a roving robot that sells you snacks.
By Sasha Lekach
![A mobile vending machine with one big wheel selling pastries in front of Dolores Park in San Francisco.](https://helios-i.mashable.com/imagery/videos/04hdXMZ10If7VpREeFUfysh/hero-image.fill.size_220x133.v1646353004.jpg)
![A mobile vending machine with one big wheel selling pastries in front of Dolores Park in San Francisco.](https://helios-i.mashable.com/imagery/videos/04hdXMZ10If7VpREeFUfysh/hero-image.fill.size_220x220.v1646353004.jpg)
Watch a drone launch from a moving Polestar concept convertible
What if your EV came with a little drone friend?
By Sasha Lekach
![Looking from above down to an opened baby blue convertible.](https://helios-i.mashable.com/imagery/videos/01oy2PZtVP7unq3PGswyZsR/hero-image.fill.size_220x133.v1646179507.jpg)
![Looking from above down to an opened baby blue convertible.](https://helios-i.mashable.com/imagery/videos/01oy2PZtVP7unq3PGswyZsR/hero-image.fill.size_220x220.v1646179507.jpg)
Razor brings back its classic scooter with an electric twist
The iconic scooter all millennials remember from the 2000s is back.
By Sasha Lekach
![A helmeted person crouch on a scooter in front of colorful garages.](https://helios-i.mashable.com/imagery/articles/05oeoc2Ya4XZzUDLNWlzu2s/hero-image.fill.size_220x133.v1646095410.jpg)
![A helmeted person crouch on a scooter in front of colorful garages.](https://helios-i.mashable.com/imagery/articles/05oeoc2Ya4XZzUDLNWlzu2s/hero-image.fill.size_220x220.v1646095410.jpg)
Uber Explore adds reservations, activities to the ride-hailing app
Book dinner reservations through the Uber app.
By Sasha Lekach
![The Uber Explore screen with a cartoon image with binoculars.](https://helios-i.mashable.com/imagery/articles/07aMdBhYTuNvc6BjCdXDzm4/hero-image.fill.size_220x133.v1646080748.jpg)
![The Uber Explore screen with a cartoon image with binoculars.](https://helios-i.mashable.com/imagery/articles/07aMdBhYTuNvc6BjCdXDzm4/hero-image.fill.size_220x220.v1646080748.jpg)
I chatted with a hologram, but holographic meetings aren’t here yet
Zoom is still the cheapest, easiest way to video conference.
By Sasha Lekach
![Two people on a stage with a blue curtain behind them.](https://helios-i.mashable.com/imagery/articles/02FgewhMp7ksNjqk0iSyi05/hero-image.fill.size_220x133.v1645237687.jpg)
![Two people on a stage with a blue curtain behind them.](https://helios-i.mashable.com/imagery/articles/02FgewhMp7ksNjqk0iSyi05/hero-image.fill.size_220x220.v1645237687.jpg)
Spotify's Car Thing available to all premium users
There's no more waitlist for the $90 car accessory.
By Sasha Lekach
![A screen device in a car with the road behind the windshield.](https://helios-i.mashable.com/imagery/articles/02jGYAytpNTzmNbokjjRtlX/hero-image.fill.size_220x133.v1645223513.png)
![A screen device in a car with the road behind the windshield.](https://helios-i.mashable.com/imagery/articles/02jGYAytpNTzmNbokjjRtlX/hero-image.fill.size_220x220.v1645223513.png)
Tesla-less 'Consumer Reports' autos list crowns Mustang Mach-E top EV
Also, congrats to their number one car of 2022: the Nissan Sentra!
By Sasha Lekach
![A white Ford Mustang Mach-E facing forward.](https://helios-i.mashable.com/imagery/articles/001vILxZLzpnaRPLzmGrCMK/hero-image.fill.size_220x133.v1645050295.jpg)
![A white Ford Mustang Mach-E facing forward.](https://helios-i.mashable.com/imagery/articles/001vILxZLzpnaRPLzmGrCMK/hero-image.fill.size_220x220.v1645050295.jpg)
Uber reveals rider ratings breakdown for first time
Finally you can see what's bringing down your five-star rating.
By Sasha Lekach
![A person holds a phone while cars line up in the street behind them.](https://helios-i.mashable.com/imagery/articles/02VrP6A0yPH5raQPIFwiyh4/hero-image.fill.size_220x133.v1644965914.jpg)
![A person holds a phone while cars line up in the street behind them.](https://helios-i.mashable.com/imagery/articles/02VrP6A0yPH5raQPIFwiyh4/hero-image.fill.size_220x220.v1644965914.jpg)