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Christian de Looper

Christian de Looper

Contributor

Christian de Looper is a long-time freelance writer who has covered every facet of the consumer tech and electric vehicle space over the past decade-plus. Christian's byline can be found in the largest and most influential consumer tech publications on the internet. He got his start covering mobile for Talk Android, then moving to a five-year stint as a mobile contributor at Digital Trends, covering new smartphones, the rise and rollout of 5G, and the many mergers and attempted telecom mergers that took place during that time. During that time, he also covered mobile technology for the likes of TechRadar, and began covering other areas of the consumer tech industry. Today, he covers automotive and electric vehicles for Digital Trends, including all the latest and greatest EVs and everything that happens in the EV industry. He also covers personal audio for PCMag, smart home and home theater for Tom's Guide, consumer tech reviews for BGR, and general consumer technology for Forbes Vetted, and tech design for Design Milk. Since 2012 when he first began writing about consumer technology, he has also appeared in publications like Lifewire, Mashable, US News & World Report, AP Buyline, and CNN Underscored. He’s attended all the biggest trade shows in the industry, including CES, MWC, and IFA, and personally reviewed all the biggest and most important gadgets over the past ten years.

Christian studied music production at a small music school in Minnesota, where he both learned how to produce music and discovered his passion for writing. In college, he found himself wanting a job, but couldn’t go to one in person without a car or a driver’s license — so he turned to online work. He soon started writing for small phone blogs (his first big gig was at Talk Android), building his byline over time.

Christian's lack of a driver's license wasn't because of a poor driving ability. He spent the first 14 years of his life in Canberra, Australia, where he spent hours on his PlayStation 2 and honing his drumming skills. After his father got a job in Paris, France, Christian spent the next five years of his life there, learning French and developing an interest in music production. In Paris, he graduated from high school, and with the U.S. citizenship that he got through his American mother, he soon moved to Minnesota to pursue a higher education in music technology. After college, Christian moved to Los Angeles but eventually settled in Santa Cruz, California, where he now lives with his wife, daughter, and cat. When he's not hanging out with his family or working, he can be found playing PlayStation or developing a new hobby (his latest is leather-working). Oh, and he's a pretty good driver now too.

Rivian R1S Gen 2.

Rivian is more tech company than car company, and that’s a good thing

Rivian is building some of the most-loved EVs out there right now, but those cars are more tech than car. That's a good thing.
The front and side of a blue 2025 Rivian R1T truck

2025 Rivian R1T review: The best electric truck out there

The Rivian R1T set the stage for a great electric truck. Now on its second generation, the vehicle is as compelling as ever.
Front and left side of the Tribit StormBox Lava speaker

Tribit StormBox Lava review: Pushing all boundaries but price

The Tribit StormBox Lava takes on Anker with a good audio response and helpful additions like an aux port and shoulder strap -- all for $130.
2025 BMW X5 xDrive50e front quarter view

2025 BMW X5 xDrive50e review: Sporty and sleek plug-in hybrid

The 2025 BMW X5 xDrive50e is a strong performer with a luxurious interior -- plus it can be used as an EV for day-to-day driving.
Xiaomi SU7 Ultra at MWC 2025

The Xiaomi SU7 Ultra could be the coolest EV out there right now

The Xiaomi SU7 Ultra was on full display at MWC 2025, and it looks stunning. Even better? It's one of the fastest cars ever made.
2025 Kia Sorento PHEV front angle

2025 Kia Sorento SX-Prestige PHEV review: comfortable and roomy, with an electric touch

The 2025 Kia Sorento comes in two PHEV flavors, but no matter which one you get, you'll get a decent electric range and plenty of interior space.
2025 Range Rover Sport front angled view

2025 Range Rover Sport PHEV review: Comfortable luxury, with an electric touch

Land Rover's Range Rover Sport may not be as sporty as it could be, but it's still luxurious, comfortable, and powerful.
White Ford E-Transit electric van

The Ford E-Transit makes it easy for companies to go electric

The Ford E-Transit may not look like an all-new electric vehicle, but that's actually the point -- and it's making the switch to electric much easier.
Front and side of the Mercedes-Benz GLC 350e

2025 Mercedes-Benz GLC 350e review: a sporty feel and solid electric range

The Mercedes-Benz GLC 350e is the first GLC plug-in hybrid, offering a solid electric range in its sporty body.
BMW i5 exterior

The BMW i5 gets the electric sedan right — for the most part

There aren't a whole lot of electric sedans out there, but if you're looking for luxury the BMW i5 might be your best bet.
Tesla Model Y 2025.

Tesla Model Y Juniper vs Ford Mustang Mach-E: 2025 EVs battle it out

The Tesla Model Y Juniper is finally rolling out, but how does it compare with the 2025 iteration of another loved EV, the Ford Mustang Mach-E?
Blue Tesla Model Y Juniper in the snow

Tesla Model Y Juniper vs 2024 Tesla Model Y: what’s actually new?

The Tesla Model Y is finally getting a major redesign -- but how does the new Model Y Juniper compare with the previous-generation vehicle?
White Tesla Model Y Juniper at a Supercharger

Tesla Model Y Juniper vs Kia EV9: Can the new Model Y beat a large SUV?

The Tesla Model Y Juniper is now rolling out -- but how does it compare with the Kia EV9, a much-loved electric SUV?
Tesla Model Y 2025.

Tesla Model Y Juniper vs Rivian R1S: Can Tesla’s newest take out a much more expensive vehicle?

Tesla is in the middle of the rollout of a complete Model Y refresh. But how does the Model Y Juniper compare with the Rivian R1S?
2025 Volvo EX90 front quarter view.

Volvo CTO Anders Bell chats its new do-it-all tech platform and future EVs

We had a chance to chat with Volvo CTO Anders Bell about its new Superset platform, and how it will power future Volvo EVs.
Bose logo on a speaker grille

Bose wants to dominate car audio, and I heard its next-gen 3D automotive speakers

Bose is expanding its automotive speaker lineup, and at CES 2025 I had a chance to check out its next-gen spatial speakers in person.
Livall PikaBoost 2

The Livall PikaBoost 2 turns any old bicycle into a powerful e-bike

E-bikes can get pricey, but what if you could turn your existing bicycle into a powerful e-bike? That's the idea behind the PikaBoost 2.
Nvidia logo.

Nvidia will power Toyota’s next-gen self-driving cars

Nvidia made a series of huge AI-related announcements at CES 2025, including a new partnership with Toyota for future self-driving cars.
Headlights of the second-generation Rivian R1S

Volvo EX90 vs Rivian R1S: Can Volvo take out the king of electric SUVs?

The Volvo EX90 is here, and it looks to have a lot to offer. But can it take out the king of electric SUVs in the Rivian R1S?
2025 Volvo EX90 front quarter view.

Volvo EX90 vs Tesla Model Y: Is Tesla’s cheaper EV also better?

The long-awaited Volvo EX90 is finally here, and it has a lot going for it. But it also has to compete with the Tesla Model Y. Which electric SUV wins?
Hyundai Ioniq 9 driving

Hyundai Ioniq 9 vs. Tesla Model Y: Does Hyundai’s electric SUV beat the bestselling EV?

The Hyundai Ioniq 9 is likely to be a stellar electric SUV -- but how does it compare with the bestselling EV, the Tesla Model Y?
Kia Niro EV Charging Port

Plug-in hybrids are becoming more popular. Why? And will it continue?

Plug-in hybrids are exploding in popularity, while all-electric cars are leveling off in growth a little. Why is that, and is it a long-term trend?
Main screen of the Mini infotainment system

Mini’s infotainment system is very charming, but still needs work

Mini's new infotainment system brings a lot of charm, but while it's decently designed, it still needs work. Here's why.
Hyundai Ioniq 9 driving

Hyundai Ioniq 9 vs. Kia EV9: Electric SUV sisters battle it out

The Hyundai Ioniq 9 is finally on the way, and we have an idea of what the production model will look like. But how will it compare with the Kia EV9?
Hyundai Ioniq 9 driving

Hyundai Ioniq 9 vs. Rivian R1S: Should you spend more?

The Hyundai Ioniq 9 is set to be a great choice for those who want an affordable electric SUV, but how does it compete with the more expensive Rivian R1S?
Telo MT1 on the beach

This tiny electric truck could be the most affordable yet

Looking for an electric truck, but don't want to spend much? The tiny Telo MT1 could be the cheapest electric truck yet.
ChargePoint Home EV charger plugged into car.

When the grid died, these EV owners powered their homes with their cars

In an era of increasingly hard-hitting disasters, some people are turning to their EVs as a part of their recovery plan.
Infotainment system in the Lincoln Nautilus

The Lincoln Nautilus gives me hope for legacy automakers’ infotainment systems

The Lincoln Nautilus offers Ford's new approach to in-car infotainment — and it gives me hope that the legacy automakers could finally get it right.
Electrify America charging stations

These EVs come with the best free charging deals

EV manufacturers often offer great fast-charging deals — but not all of them. Which EV makers have the best offers?
Kia EV9 GT-Line Three Quarters

If you’ve been planning on buying an EV, now might be the time

Planning on buying an EV? You may want to consider doing so sooner, as President-elect Donald Trump's team may be considering killing the EV tax credit.
Kia EV4 Front

Kia EV4: everything we know so far

Kia is set to release a few more cars in its EV lineup, including the Kia EV4, which was announced as a sedan, but has also been spotted as a hatchback.
Kia EV9 front exterior

Kia EV5: everything we know so far

Kia is expanding its much-loved lineup of electric cars -- and has gone as far as to launch the Kia EV5 in Australia.
White Kia EV3

Kia EV3: everything we know so far

Kia is expanding its series of electric vehicles, and has finally started rolling out its low-cost electric vehicle, the Kia EV3.
Scout Motors Terra truck front

Could extended range EVs be commonplace? Experts think so

Extended range EVs offer a gas-powered way to improve on electric vehicle range -- but could these EREVs become more common over time?