Electric Vehicle News and Reviews (Page 186)

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.

Tesla Makes Either a Visionary or Foolish Choice To Drop Radar

By Armen Hareyan on May 26, 2021 - 8:12PM

Tesla ditching its radar system supporting Autopilot and maybe FSD and replacing it with the video camera only Pure Vision has people nervous in the automotive industry. Is Tesla's Choice to drop radar visionary or foolish? Torque News EV commentator Dean McManis thinks that Tesla may be looking to lower cost and complexity on its electric vehicles, but the rumor of radar sensor shortage may be at the heart of the decision to change now. Here is Dean McManis in his own words.

Comparing The Mustang Mach-E To The Volkswagen ID.4. Which Is Better?

By Jimmy Dinsmore on May 26, 2021 - 3:01PM

2021 Mustang Mach-E and Volkswagen ID.4 are actually quite different in many ways. Both compact electric SUVs have their own merits. But with no frunk, less power and less range ID.4 poses less of a challenge.

Eyesight camera image courtesy of Subaru

Tesla’s New Optical Sensors - The End Of The Weird Crashes?

By John Goreham on May 26, 2021 - 10:44AM

Tesla has shifted its path on self-driving technology from radar to camera-operated optical sensors. Will this change stop the company’s cars from smashing into firetrucks, roadway barriers, semi-trailers, and other static objects?

Image of Tesla Model S courtesy of Tesla media kit

Tesla Model Tops List of Vehicles With Lowest Retained Value Over Past 12 Months

By John Goreham on May 26, 2021 - 9:23AM

Used car prices are booming, but this Tesla Model bucks that trend. Here is the old model from Tesla that nobody seems to want to pay more for.

On the Left, the Bronco, on the Right, the Jeep Wrangler

How Does The New Ford Bronco Compare To The Wrangler 4xe, Its Hybrid Nemesis?

By Frank DiMuccio on May 25, 2021 - 9:29PM

The first Ford Bronco was released in 1966 to be discontinued some 30 years later in 1996. 25 long years have passed and finally, the Blue Oval has released the New Bronco, a legitimate SUV with an emphasis on Utility. In ’66, the Bronco had to contend with the CJ5 Jeep. Today, how does a New Bronco compare to a Jeep Wrangler 4xe, with its torque heavy hybrid drivetrain?

Tesla Vision Rollout Report Card

By Daniel Cappo on May 25, 2021 - 5:22PM

Tesla has begun to rollout Tesla vision which is a new setup for its self-driving fleet that uses only cameras and no radar. This rollout has mostly been good so far, but there are a few things Tesla could have maybe done differently.

Refreshed Tesla Model S/X To Launch With 350KW V4 Supercharging, V11 Software

By Tinsae Aregay on May 25, 2021 - 4:07PM

According to rumors going around the Tesla community, with the upcoming June 3 delivery event of the refreshed Model S, Tesla is also expected to announce 350KW V4 supercharging, V11 UI, and many more exciting things.

Ford's Mustang Mach-E Named A Pop Mechanics' Excellence Winner

By Marc Stern on May 25, 2021 - 12:49PM

Ford's Mustang Mach-E continues to garner awards. The latest is Popular Mechanics' "Excellence Award." For many reasons, the editors and testers lauded the Ford entry.

Pay Less for a New Tesla With These Tips

By Timothy Boyer on May 25, 2021 - 10:57AM

Follow this break-down by a new Tesla owner who reveals some very helpful tips and info that you can use to help you understand just how much a new stock Tesla can cost, and what you can do to insure that you are making a smart purchase.

Lausitzring is to become a test site for new Tesla models produced at Giga Berlin

Tesla's New Racetrack for Giga Berlin Cars Will Test Self-Driving Cars

By Armen Hareyan on May 25, 2021 - 9:44AM

Lausitzring is to become a test site for new Tesla models produced at Giga Berlin factory as talks are currently ongoing with the racetrack operator Dekra. What's especially interesting, is that Lausitzring racetrack will be capable to host self-driving cars for testing.

The Volkswagen ID.4 proved itself in the Mexican 1000 and has a smart interior.

Volkswagen ID.4 Lacks The Oomph Of Jeep Wrangler 4xe, But I Love It!

By Frank DiMuccio on May 24, 2021 - 11:11PM

The Volkswagen ID.4 is a very cool electric SUV. It’s shown itself to be off-road capable, competing in the Mexican 1000 against legends like the Jeep Wrangler and Ford Bronco. The Volkswagen ID.4 may not have off-roading as its main intent, but it makes a great family vehicle.

5 Important Things To Know About the Hyundai Ioniq 5

By Keith Griffin on May 24, 2021 - 9:20PM

Hyundai Motor North America took the wraps off the all-new IONIQ 5, an electric crossover utility vehicle with a targeted driving range of 300 miles.

Baidu To Operate 3,000 Driverless Apollo Go Robotaxis in 30 Cities in 3 Years

By Armen Hareyan on May 24, 2021 - 7:30PM

When it comes to robotaxis you have probably heard about Tesla robotaxis because Elon Musk has envisaged a robotaxi network with vehicles that can park and plug in themselves using Tesla's self-driving technology. Or you may have heard of Waymo One. But Baidu Apollo Go robotaxis have already registered over 6.2 million miles of Level 4 driving and plan to operate 3,000 driverless Apollo Go robotaxis in 30 cities within the next three years.

Tesla May Have To Stop Making Its Own Chargers

By Daniel Cappo on May 24, 2021 - 6:58PM

Tesla makes good chargers, but it’s being debated whether a shared charging system would be better going forward. And thus, Tesla may have to stop making its own chargers.

Tesla Ushers In “Pure Vision” FSD Era With An Update To Its Configurator

By Tinsae Aregay on May 24, 2021 - 1:10PM

Tesla has removed radar from the company's Autopilot suite and replaced it with a "pure vision" system. This is expected to be the final major update before FSD wide release.

Side repeater camera use on Tesla Roaster

Excellent View of Tesla Side Repeater Camera Spotted on Roadster

By Timothy Boyer on May 24, 2021 - 11:06AM

A recent Reddit post offers a nice view of exactly where the Tesla side repeater cameras are positioned on a Roadster.

RAV4 Prime image courtesy of Kate Silbaugh

Comparison Nails Why Toyota PHEVs Feel Different Than Competitors' Efforts

By John Goreham on May 24, 2021 - 10:18AM

All plug-in hybrid-electric vehicles are not created equal. Just like the feel, performance, and driving satisfaction from battery-electric vehicles varies, so too do PHEVs. This review highlights the biggest difference to look for.

Tesla Giga Shanghai's Parking Lot with Vehicles Ready to Be Delivered

Tesla Has Reportedly Localized 90% of Giga Shanghai's Supplies

By Armen Hareyan on May 24, 2021 - 9:35AM

According to Shanghai media reports, the latest disclosure from Tesla is that more than 90 percent of the cars produced at the Shanghai plant have been localized in terms of parts, which can significantly reduce costs while steadily increasing productivity.

Could This Be a Future Electrified Jeep?

By Mary Conway on May 22, 2021 - 10:11PM

Jeep just announced the winners of its Drive for Design contest. Why one winner is showing particular determination!

The Ford F-150 Lightning Does Not Represent A Missed Opportunity For Tesla

By Daniel Cappo on May 22, 2021 - 7:30PM

There have been some who think that the new Ford F-150 Lightning shows a missed opportunity for Tesla. This train of thought doesn’t take into account why vehicles like the Cybertruck are produced to begin with.

Tesla Begins Complex Foundation Work At Berlin Cell Factory Suggesting Arrival Of Gigantic Machinery

By Tinsae Aregay on May 22, 2021 - 5:46PM

Tesla has begun foundational work at the future Giga Berlin Battery site. The complexity of the foundational mesh suggests the area will be house to truly gigantic battery manufacturing pieces of machinery.

Both of these vehicles offer more than 8 inches of ground clearance, necessary for traversing difficult terrain.

Toyota RAV4 Prime And Jeep Wrangler 4xe Are Both Off-Road Capable Hybrids! How To Choose?

By Frank DiMuccio on May 22, 2021 - 10:32AM

Toyota has been stunning us with hybrid technology for quite some time, but the RAV4 Prime is a truly spectacular piece of machinery. It is the second fastest vehicle on Toyota’s line-up, and it can get 600 miles on a single tank. Jeep’s Wrangler 4xe is not nearly as economical, but it has its uses.

Ford Unveiled Its Important Electric Pickup

Computer Chip Shortage Brings Further Downtime At Ford, Others

By Marc Stern on May 22, 2021 - 8:59AM

On a day when Ford was celebrating the introduction of its important electric truck, the Lightning, Ford also announced depressing news as it announced downtime of its major lines due to the chip shortages.

Nine Porsche Taycans Are Under NHTSA Investigation After ‘Power Loss’ Issues

By Max Larsen on May 22, 2021 - 8:57AM

Nine 2020-2021 Porsche Taycans experienced power loss while in motion and have been reported to both Porsche and the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration.

Tesla Model Y Castings spotted at Giga Texas

Model Y Castings Arrive At Giga Texas Leading To Speculation That Production May Start Soon

By Daniel Cappo on May 21, 2021 - 4:24PM

New castings have arrived at Giga Texas. It is unclear if these castings are for the production models.

Cold air rocket thrusters will make Tesla history

The G Force You Can Expect From A SpaceX Package Roadster

By Timothy Boyer on May 21, 2021 - 11:26AM

Excitement rose recently about the possibility of a Tesla Roadster expected to become available next year that might be outfitted with a “SpaceX Package” that could help accelerate the EV from 0 to 60 mph in an estimated 1.1 seconds. Which begs a question: What will it feel like? Here’s the kind of G-Force pressure you can expect on such a wild ride.

Tesla Stops Accepting New Plaid Plus Model S Orders Pointing To High Demand

By Tinsae Aregay on May 21, 2021 - 10:34AM

Tesla in an update to the company's online configurator has removed the Plaid Plus variant of the Model S from the order page.

Elon Musk Updates On Hydrogen Energy With Most Compelling Use

By Daniel Cappo on May 20, 2021 - 5:03PM

VW CEO Herbert Diess said that hydrogen cars are a bad idea and to “listen to the science”. Elon Musk then sent out a statement agreeing with Deiss that hydrogen is not something worth investing in for automobiles.

Ford F-150 Lightning's Main Specs Compared to Tesla Cybertruck: Advantages and Disadvantages

By Armen Hareyan on May 20, 2021 - 4:00PM

Five Things We Like About The 2022 Ford F-150 Lightning And Three Things We Don’t Like

By Jimmy Dinsmore on May 20, 2021 - 3:33PM

Ford dubs it the truck of the future, and that it may be. After launching the F-150 Lightning, there’s a lot to like about this all-electric pickup truck. Ford's big reveal left a lot of unanswered questions however.

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