Electric Vehicle News and Reviews (Page 150)

Electric Vehicle News and Reviews

Electric vehicles (EVs) have come a long way in a short time. Barely a decade has passed since the ambitious Silicon Valley startup Tesla Motors introduced the world to an electric car capable of traveling more than 300 miles on a single charge. Since then, Elon Musk and Tesla have convinced many dubious onlookers that electric vehicles are not only here to stay, but that they can become the future of transportation.

Other automakers have joined the EV movement at very different rates. The Nissan Leaf, for example, debuted in 2010 and went on to become the best-selling all-electric vehicle in the world for a time. Competition from the BMW i3 followed, as well as the plug-in hybrid Chevy Volt and its all-electric successor the Chevy Bolt EV, but only the Tesla Model 3 has been able to steal the Leaf's crown. Heading into a new decade, electric vehicles are set to go from strength-to-strength, with new models like the Hyundai Kona Electric and Kia Niro EV competing in the entry-level category and the Audi e-Tron, Porsche Taycan, or Jaguar I-PACE vying with Tesla at the top end of the market.

With entire classes of vehicle still lacking an electric version, such as pick-up trucks and affordable SUVs, there's huge potential for expansion and growth in the EV marketplace. For now, Tesla is still blazing the trail, but legacy manufacturers are lining up to electrify their fleets and promising startups like Rivian and Byton are waiting in the wings with exciting new electric vehicles.

The future is bright for EVs and you can keep up to date with all the latest stories right here on Torque News.

Ford Mustang Prepares For An EV Future, What Will It Need To Do To Adapt?

By Carl Malek on January 19, 2022 - 4:39PM

The Ford Mustang has always been one of the most visible and iconic members of the muscle car family. A big burbly V8 and gobs of performance have always been Mustang trademarks for years. But with rival Stellantis teasing a potential EV future for the muscle car segment with a mysterious EV muscle car concept, what does Ford need to do to help prep the Mustang for electron-powered performance?

GM Receives Tax Abatement For Proposed Orion Assembly Plant Upgrades

By Carl Malek on January 19, 2022 - 4:04PM

When we last heard word on GM's plans to upgrade the 50 year old Orion Assembly Plant, the car giant was trying to secure a tax abatement from Orion Township to help convert it into a cog in its EV producing machine. In a welcome update, GM has confirmed that it has received the abatement.

Subtle Changes to Tesla Model 3 And Model Y, Slightly Affecting Range

By Nicolas Caballero on January 19, 2022 - 2:08PM

The two most popular Tesla models, Model 3 and Model Y, have just updated their different ranges due to slight, subtle changes in their equipment and chip processing technology.

Image showing a gold Lucid Air on a sand-covered road in a desert.

The Saudi PIF Will Not Sell Its Lucid Shares After Lockup Expires

By James Walker on January 19, 2022 - 2:03PM

With Lucid founding shareholders able to sell for the first time since 2021's SPAC merger, investors are worried the Saudi Public Investment Fund will dump a large amount of its position. Here's why that's unlikely to happen.

Elon Musk Defends Tesla’s Latest FSD Price Increase Says People Don’t understand Its Value

By Tinsae Aregay on January 19, 2022 - 9:48AM

Tesla fans have been complaining after the EV maker recently increased FSD price to $12,000 in the US. Elon Musk explained why the price increase is fair saying "people do not yet understand how valuable an autonomous vehicle will be."

We're About To See Giga Texas Awaken

By Jeremy Johnson on January 18, 2022 - 9:05PM

Giga Texas has a completed building with all sides covered and production is eminent. Giga Texas is about to awaken and the production is going to be faster than anything Tesla has done before.

Image showing a copper colored Lucid Air parked outside the wood-clad sales studio in Millbrae California.

Lucid's Sales Model Gives It A Huge Advantage Over Legacy Automakers

By James Walker on January 18, 2022 - 8:02PM

The past couple of years have been extremely tough for the auto industry and the skyrocketing prices of new vehicles reflects that. Here's how Lucid's sales model eliminates a major headache for new car buyers, and how the big guys are pushing customers towards a new Lucid Air.

Image courtesy of National Electric Highway Coalition Press Page

With Wireless Charging Roads We Won’t Need Battery-Electric Vehicles

By John Goreham on January 18, 2022 - 4:57PM

It may seem counterintuitive, but wireless charging roads would negate the need for expensive, heavy, battery-electric vehicles. Nor will we need a massive public DC fast-charging network. All we need are the affordable hybrids we already have in abundance.

Tesla To Offer FSD System In Canada In 2 To 4 weeks

By Nicolas Caballero on January 18, 2022 - 1:59PM

The deployment of Tesla's "Full Self-Driving" or FSD system continues at a steady pace. It is important to clarify though that it is still a semi-autonomous Level 2 system, very far from fully autonomous capabilities (from A to B without human intervention). To date, Tesla's FSD system is only available in the United States, and for drivers with very high and safe driving scores.

Tesla Giga Texas Model Y, image by Jeff Roberts

Blogger Notices The First Fresh Batch of Model Ys at Tesla Giga Texas

By Armen Hareyan on January 18, 2022 - 11:48AM

Everything Points to Mid-February Start of Giga Berlin

By Armen Hareyan on January 18, 2022 - 11:43AM

Toyota RAV4 Hybrid image courtesy of Kate Silbaugh

Poll: Most Toyota RAV4 Hybrid Buyers Paid MSRP Or Less

By John Goreham on January 18, 2022 - 8:56AM

Dealer markup horror stories are easy to find. To find out what buyers actually pay is a bit more difficult. Here is what the owners of Toyota RAV4 Hybrids we polled told us that they paid.

Tesla FSD v10.9 Released - What Are People Saying About It?

By Jeremy Johnson on January 17, 2022 - 9:08PM

Tesla FSD v10.9 has been released in the U.S. Tesla is planning on releasing FSD in Canada soon. What are the first impressions of this software update? We'll go over that now.

Image of I-PACE with bike rack courtesy of Jaguar

5 Reasons Battery-Electric Vehicle Road Trip Range Stinks

By John Goreham on January 17, 2022 - 3:18PM

Electric vehicles have multiple issues that make them harder to use on road trips than plug-in hybrids or hybrids. Here is why the range between charges is so low on long road trips.

Lucid Motors, Jay Leno and the Lucid Air Go for a Ride

By Anthony Donati on January 17, 2022 - 2:34PM

Lucid Motors and Jay Leno team on Jay Leno Garage that provides the audience with the 2022 Motor Trend Car of the Year LucidAir Dream Edition.

Tesla Giga Berlin Model Model Ys To Pickup Elon Musk at The Airport

By Armen Hareyan on January 17, 2022 - 2:12PM

Hours ago I got a word from Tesla Giga Berlin employee who revealed some very interesting details about the production start at Giga Berlin, Elon Musk’s arrival and Model Y vehicles produced at Giga Berlin for test purposes.

Kia Sorento driver’s display showing 45.2 miles per gallon

Testing Kia Sorento PHEV Winter Driving Performance: The Road Trip Continues

By Justin Hart on January 17, 2022 - 2:03PM

I am testing out the efficiency and range of my 2022 Kia Sorento plug-in hybrid, among other things, and this piece concludes my two part review of its performance on a 210 mile road trip. The Sorento PHEV, once again, impresses me with just how efficient it is for a heavy, three-row, mid-sized 6 passenger SUV.

Tesla Takes the Lead in U.S. Luxury Vehicles. Next Up: All Vehicles

By Jeremy Johnson on January 17, 2022 - 1:25PM

Tesla has taken the lead as the #1 U.S. luxury electric vehicle maker. This only took 4 years to happen and is for the Model Y and Model 3. Next up for Tesla: taking the lead for overall vehicle sales, including ICE cars.

Tesla Supercharger, courtesy of Tesla Inc.

BP Fast charging Network, About To Be As Profitable As Fuel Pumps, Following Tesla Business Model

By Nicolas Caballero on January 17, 2022 - 1:01PM

One of the major worldwide oil companies, BP, is about to achieve the same profitability figures with its fast charging network as it does with its fuel pump stations; a business model established by Tesla long ago.

Dealers Reassure Ford They Aren't Charging Huge Up Fees For Lightnings

Most Dealers Reassure Ford That They Are Not Slapping Huge Up Fees On Lightnings

By Marc Stern on January 17, 2022 - 11:49AM

Ford dealers reassured the manufacturer that they are charging only the MSRP on Lightnings. The reassurance was needed following reports last week, as detailed earlier by other Torque News stories, that there were dealers taking advantage of the limited supply of the sought-after electric pickups. Reports circulated that there were up fees of $30,000 but most averaged only $5,000.

Tesla Planning To Use 90% Recycled Scrap Metal For The Cybertruck’s Exoskeleton

By Tinsae Aregay on January 17, 2022 - 5:23AM

Tesla's steel supplier, Steel Dynamics, recently opened a new plant in Sinton, Texas. According to General Manager Dennis Black, the plant will use 90% recycled scrap metal. The plant is expected to supply Tesla with stainless steel for the Cybertruck.

Image showing a gold BMW i8 charging port with cable attached.

Battery Breakthrough Provides Five Times The Driving Range Of Lithium-Ion At A Lower Price

By James Walker on January 16, 2022 - 8:12PM

Scientists at the University of Michigan have made a breakthrough in lithium-sulfur technology that could lead to widespread adoption of batteries with five times the energy density of today's lithium-ion cells.

White Kia Sorento PHEV with sailboats in background

Testing Kia Sorento PHEV Winter Driving Performance: Road Trip, 1st leg

By Justin Hart on January 16, 2022 - 5:22PM

I finally took a longer trip in my 2022 Kia Sorento plug-in hybrid and I was able to test several important capabilities and features. My primary question was: what kind of fuel economy can I expect in colder temperatures on a long drive? For this test, that long drive was 210 miles. But I also tested a number of things people have been asking about on social media.

Elon Musk Might Be Ringing The Alarm On Tesla (TSLA) Stock Price And No One Is Listening

By Tinsae Aregay on January 16, 2022 - 4:07AM

Tesla CEO Elon Musk is famous for saying the EV maker's stock price is too high. And despite his calls, Tesla stock just keeps rising. However, now Musk seems to be ringing the alarm saying Tesla shares, with the broader stock market, have reached their peak.

Getting to Know LucidVerse, Plus What You Need to Know for Lucid Next Week

By Anthony Donati on January 15, 2022 - 10:30PM

Getting to know LucidVerse, Plus what do Investors need to know for $LCID next week. $AAPL x $LCID is just speculation, but here are the connections.

Ford F-150 Lightning EV vs Chevrolet Silverado EV RST A Battle of Numbers

By Carl Malek on January 15, 2022 - 6:22PM

The Ford F-150 Lightning is facing a growing pool of competition as it prepares to enter the EV pickup segment. A new arrival in the pool is the 2024 Chevrolet Silverado EV RST. How do these two stack up in a battle of statistics?

GM Losing Momentum To Ford In EV Wars, Will It Recover Lost Ground?

By Carl Malek on January 15, 2022 - 2:27PM

Recent reports have claimed that GM is losing precious ground and momentum to Ford as the race to electrification picks up steam. But what's really going on, and does GM have a chance to regain some lost ground?

Tesla Accepts Dogecoin Only For Merchandise

By Jeremy Johnson on January 15, 2022 - 1:55PM

Tesla has made yet another bold move in innovation as it is now accepting Dogecoin only for select merchandise. What is that merchandise, how much is it, and why did Tesla do this? We'll discuss it now.

Tesla Masterfully Avoided Microchip Crisis Thanks To Controlling Own Software; Record Sales In 2021

By Nicolas Caballero on January 15, 2022 - 1:55PM

Tesla's unified computing architecture has become a key part of the manufacturer's dodging of the recent semiconductors crisis, allowing its AI engineers to rewrite its own software as they see fit; a huge and decisive difference also related to widely using Open Source Software.

Image of Ford Mustang Mach-E by John Goreham

Poll: Nearly All Ford Mustang Mach-E Owners Paid MSRP or Less

By John Goreham on January 15, 2022 - 12:38PM

Despite the buzz surrounding dealer markups, most Ford Mustang Mach-E battery-electric vehicle buyers paid MSRP or less over the past 13 months.

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