Electric Vehicle News and Reviews (Page 172)

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.

EV Technology trumps older ICE technology and some owners are finding it time to make the switch

What Could Make A Long Time Mustang Driver Switch To Electric? Check Out The Audi E-Tron GT

By Frank DiMuccio on June 17, 2021 - 7:41PM

The Audi E-Tron GT, new in 2021, is a stunning EV. While related to the Porsche Taycan, the E-Tron GT also features Audi’s fabled Quattro all-wheel-drive system. Audi has made the E-Tron GT with the driver in mind and it shows. My friend has been driving Ford Mustangs for the last 20 years, but he’s considering swapping to an EV thanks to the E-Tron GT, and here’s why:

2021 Subaru Crosstrek, 2021 Subaru Crosstrek Sport, pricing, specs, features

The Sporty Subaru Crosstrek Hybrid U.S. Customers Want But Can’t Have

By Denis Flierl on June 17, 2021 - 10:03AM

Subaru announced a new 2021 Crosstrek e-Boxer Hybrid "Smart Edition" in Japan. Customers in the U.S. can only look and not touch.

The Cabin Noise in The New Model S and New HVAC Firmware

By Armen Hareyan on June 16, 2021 - 5:27PM

The cabin noise in the new refreshed Tesla Model S is amazing. If you are wondering how is the cabin noise in a new Model S, we are going to find out now and with a new update from Elon Musk about Tesla's new HVAC firmware.

Polestar 3 announcement that it will be made in the US.

Competitive All-Electric Foreign SUV Will Be Manufactured in the USA

By Timothy Boyer on June 16, 2021 - 3:59PM

A recent news release announced today that the Swedish-born all-electric Polestar 3 SUV will be manufactured in the United States.

Endurance EV truck image courtesy of Lordstown Motors

Trouble Brews At EV Truck Maker Lordstown Motors

By John Goreham on June 16, 2021 - 9:40AM

A quick peek at the most recent news on Lordstown Motors makes the company's future look bleak.

RAV4 has already been electrified, so hopefully it will be back as a BEV soon

Toyota Hinted At An Electric RAV4; What's The ICE One Like?

By Frank DiMuccio on June 15, 2021 - 10:17PM

Toyota, as a brand built a reputation of reliability in the 80s and 90s. The 2000s seemed a little rocky for them, with vehicles like the Solara and Venza not being the star performers that companies hope for. Regardless of their foibles, the Japanese automaker has managed to regain a lot of that reliability cred. The RAV4 is one of Toyota’s most popular choices and hopefully a BEV version will be on the way soon.

GM Will Use Its Battery and Hydrogen Fuel Cell Technology to Modernize Trains

By Mary Conway on June 15, 2021 - 9:33PM

GM will use its decades of hi-tech research to help transform rail lines and make them greener.

Here’s What Yoke Steering in Tesla Looks Like in Actual Use

By Timothy Boyer on June 15, 2021 - 6:24PM

Are you undecided about whether Tesla’s yoke steering is right for you? Here’s a link to a video of yoke steering in action that illustrates at least one bothersome aspect of driving with this type of non-wheel, steering wheel.

The Original Tesla Roadster and Beyond

By Jeremy Johnson on June 15, 2021 - 2:49PM

In May, 2015, I had the honor of having my first Tesla car ride. It was in the original Tesla roadster with a friend in California. Let's talk about the Tesla Roadster then, now, and in the future.

Creative Use of Smart Summon Gets The Job Done for Tesla Owner

By Timothy Boyer on June 15, 2021 - 2:34PM

Here’s one use of Smart Summon you won’t find in your Tesla manual that helped one creative Tesla owner take care of a difficult part of his job.

Tesla Giga Berlin Needs To Undergo Another Public Review Rules State Office For Environment

By Tinsae Aregay on June 15, 2021 - 1:38PM

Brandenburg State Office for Environment has confirmed Tesla's decision to add a battery plant to the Giga Berlin plans will necessitate a second public review and possibly a public hearing.

The Dodge Circuit, revealed in 2009, never made it to production.

Toyota Eyes ICE Motorsports While Dodge Whispers About An EV Demon-Hunter

By Frank DiMuccio on June 14, 2021 - 11:03PM

When Toyota brought out the Prius two decades ago, the small, efficient vehicle carved out a niche and a cult following for itself. The RAV4 Prime has earned respect in its own right as well with the plucky hybrid cross-over being a very quick grocery getter. For a company that was so early to adopt electric technology, they seem hesitant to swap over fully. Even Dodge seems more excited to make the swap.

Toyota Motor vs. Tesla - Which Stock is a Better Buy

Toyota vs Tesla: Which Stock To Buy These Days

By Armen Hareyan on June 14, 2021 - 4:58PM

European Tesla Model Y Reservation Holders Might Get Their Vehicles Soon From Giga Shanghai

By Tinsae Aregay on June 14, 2021 - 3:52PM

According to rumors, Tesla is planning to export made-in-China Model Ys to European customers. Model Y deliveries in Europe could begin as soon as the beginning of Q3 2021.

Tesla Owner Builds Automatic EV Charger in His Garage Using a Raspberry Pi

By Timothy Boyer on June 14, 2021 - 3:36PM

A recent YouTube video shows how one Tesla owner was able to automate his EV charging needs using a Raspberry Pi microcontroller and some mechanical hardware to turn his garage into a hands-off charging station.

2022 Lexus NX 450+ vs. Toyota RAV4 Prime - Which Is Your Favorite PHEV?

By John Goreham on June 14, 2021 - 2:34PM

We compare and contrast the known similarities and differences between the Lexus NX 450h+ plug-in hybrid-electric vehicle and the Toyota RAV4 Prime PHEV. Check out our comprehensive comparison/contrast chart.

Mustang Mach-E Beats EPA Range Estimates In Testing While Tesla Falls Short

By Jimmy Dinsmore on June 14, 2021 - 10:37AM

All three iterations of Mustang Mach-E have exceeded their EPA range in testing by Edmunds. Meanwhile seven of the Teslas tested by Edmunds have fallen short of their range estimates. Mustang Mach-E standard-range battery with RWD gets 34 miles over its EPA estimation in Edmunds latest testing.

Tesla, Porsche, And Ford: New Hype Vs Experience And Excellence

By Frank DiMuccio on June 13, 2021 - 11:14PM

25 lucky folks have gotten their Tesla Model S Plaids. I can’t imagine the thrill. I’d have to guess It would be similar to what Ford’s CEO Jim Farley felt behind the wheel of the Mustang Mach E 1400. When Porsche says the Taycan will sprint you to 100 km/h in 2.6 seconds, but you get there in 2.4, it’s probably pretty fantastic, too.

Ford F-150 Lightning Hits 100,000 Orders

Ford Hits 100,000 Advance Reservations For Its Electric F-150 Lightning

By Marc Stern on June 13, 2021 - 12:48PM

In the three weeks since its introduction, Ford's F-150 Lightning has hit 100,000 orders. It is a significant milestone.

Tesla Could Have Big Plans Up Their Sleeve For Future FSD Software Updates

By Daniel Cappo on June 12, 2021 - 11:15PM

Tesla is currently behind schedule and was supposed to come out with Version 9 almost a month ago. It is probably smart for Tesla to take their time on new updates given they just switched away from radar.

Stunning Aerial Footage of Giga Shanghai

By Jeremy Johnson on June 12, 2021 - 3:48PM

We have some stunning areal footage from up above Giga Shanghai, from YouTube user Jason Yang. It's impressive the sheer amount of infrastructure required for this Giga factory.

As we see more examples in the wild, we can hope that the dearth of new cars is nearly over.

Rivian R1S Sighting In Pasadena, Mustang Mach Es In The Wild; Is The Vehicle Drought Coming To An End?

By Frank DiMuccio on June 12, 2021 - 9:57AM

With Tesla’s spectacular Model S Plaid event and Ford’s Maverick reveal, it can be hard to remember that we’ve been suffering a shortage of both new and used vehicles. Today, we got sightings of both a Spy-shot Clad Rivian R1S, and a show-room floor Ford Mustang Mach E in the wild. I’d like to think that at least some of the waiting for deliveries on ordered vehicles may finally be coming to an end.

What Attracts Daimler's Top Managers To Tesla Giga Berlin

For Some Former Daimler Managers Daimler Is Authority, While Tesla Is Like a Startup

By Armen Hareyan on June 11, 2021 - 11:03PM

Daimler Unintentionally Subsidizes Tesla Giga Berlin With Top Engineers

How Daimler Unintentionally Subsidizes Tesla Giga Berlin

By Armen Hareyan on June 11, 2021 - 10:57PM

Daimler's Big Corporates Change of Strategy from Automation to Electrification

Daimler Changes Strategy Prioritizing Electronics and Software Over Level 4 Autonomy

By Armen Hareyan on June 11, 2021 - 10:35PM

Mazda's New MX-30 Cork Trim- A Sustainable Nod To Mazda's Origin

By John Goreham on June 11, 2021 - 2:11PM

Mazda is using one of man's oldest materials in its newest vehicle. Here's why cork was the company's choice as a trim material in its new electric vehicle.

Take 10 Minutes Out of Your Day to Watch the Tesla Plaid Event

By Timothy Boyer on June 11, 2021 - 9:46AM

It’s the morning after the highly anticipated Tesla Plaid Event. And while not everyone can stay up at night because of kids, deadlines, and work the next morning, here is your opportunity to watch the Tesla Plaid Event in a 10-minute recap. So, during your coffee break today, take a look at this select video that show-and-tells the least you will want to know that stands out among the plethora of post-Tesla Plaid Event videos.

Top 5 Things To Take Away From Teslas Model S Plaid Event

By Jeremy Johnson on June 11, 2021 - 9:41AM

Tesla recently had its Model S Plaid event last night. The car is one of the safest, fastest, most entertaining, most robust, and most "alien" of any production car ever made. The Tesla Model S Plaid - "It's Alien Technology" - Elon Musk.

Toyota RAV4 Prime Charging - Image courtesy of TN reader LP

Why Level 1 Public EV Charging Makes The Most Sense For Many Scenarios

By John Goreham on June 11, 2021 - 8:58AM

Lost in the discussion about public EV charging is simple math. Here’s why the slowest possible EV charging method may be the best option for many situations.

Autonomous driving will be the future of Volkswagen and the Tesla Model S

AI Driving Will Be Here Soon: Tesla And Volkswagen Make Plans

By Frank DiMuccio on June 11, 2021 - 12:08AM

As Tesla moves forward in their quest to bring full self-driving onto the road, companies like GM and Volkswagen are following suit. The HUMMER EV and any Cadillac EV will likely have Super Cruise installed. Tesla has recently started offering paid trials for FSD, and Volkswagen has recently bandied about the concept of offering vehicle autonomy as a premium hourly service.

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