Electric Vehicle News and Reviews (Page 227)

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.

Prius Sales Fell Off A Cliff In January - Was It Tesla, Or Could This Be The Real Reason Why?

By John Goreham on February 4, 2019 - 3:18PM

Toyota Prius sales declined at the fastest rate in a decade in January. Maybe the reason isn't what we all assume.

What does Jaguar I-Pace offer that Tesla does not?

2019 Jaguar I-Pace - What It Offers That Tesla Models Do Not

By John Goreham on February 4, 2019 - 12:28PM

We tested the battery electric vehicle Jaguar I-Pace this week and looked for things that Jaguar includes in its new crossover that Tesla does not offer. The list is pretty long.

From Jalopnik.com man caught sleeping in Tesla

Driving Distracted While AutoPilot, and the Dangerous Brinksmanship that Goes With It

By Al Castro on February 3, 2019 - 5:45AM

ANALYSIS AND OPINION: I wonder if the people who are caught red handed being “distracted while AutoPilot” realize how lucky they are they got away with their crime. Unlike the people who I last wrote about who face the wrath of the NTSB and the courts for their tort who proclaim “my Tesla did it, not me,” “driving distracted while AutoPilot” is a crime of reckless endangerment, and most are getting away with it without realizing it.

Koenigsegg To Introduce $1.5 Million ‘Entry-Level’ Supercar

By Marc Stern on February 2, 2019 - 9:06PM

Supercar manufacturer Koenigsegg, whose production has maxxed out its facility, and Chinese carmaker NEVS have agreed to build a new "entry-level" supercar. The cost will be only $1.5 million.

A Family Portrait of the Tesla Model Range Courtesy Tesla Media

With Lower Priced and Less S and X, Tesla Revamps Model Range Structure and Readies for Base Model 3 Production

By Al Castro on February 1, 2019 - 6:40AM

By selling the entire model range in three categories, Tesla Corporation makes each car more cheaply, and simplifies discerning which car is which. If you want “Ludicrous,” which now comes in a separate upgrade package at a $20,000 premium, no more looking at old school Bentley-like badges to see battery energy capacity, you just look for “Performance.” This also helps with pricing and sales: by having cheaper Base Models S and X, Tesla is getting ready to sell Base Model 3.

How Cars Like Tesla Model S and Nissan Leaf Disrupt Gas Stations

By Damien Ludwick on January 31, 2019 - 3:55PM

The disruption of the gas station is looming. What will the future gas station look like? Cars like Tesla Model S, Model 3, Nissan Leaf and Chevy Bolt will turn the future gas station into a Wall Connector charging your car inside your garage. Most likely it will be two cars load sharing on a charger powered by 14 solar panels.

VW’s Goes Back To The Past For Another Electric Concept

By Marc Stern on January 31, 2019 - 2:51PM

Volkswagen has gone back for another look at one of its future cars. At Geneva's Motor Show next month, the automaker will debut its latest concept electric that takes its cues from the dune buggies that were popular in the 1960s and 1970s.

The world of Tesla AutoPilot courtesy Tesla and Wikipedia

“My Tesla Did it:” The Push Button Excuse from Life’s Responsibilities. Owning Technology Before it Owns Us

By Al Castro on January 31, 2019 - 6:27AM

ANALYSIS AND OPINION: One of the worse things a driver can do in a late model car engaged in an accident is to fib or outright lie. You see, whether you realize it, their car may help you, but your car is going to make it really easy to tell your side of the story, with data and soon even images, sooner than later, and regardless of what kind of shape the car is in, and whether for your benefit or not. Your car always telling the truth, is one thing! Getting on the same page with you, is another.

Tesla Lost About A Billion Dollars In 2018 - But There Is Good News

By John Goreham on January 31, 2019 - 12:01AM

Tesla has lost another billion dollars, but look past that and the future is bright.

Why did Toyota suddenly partner with Panasonic on EV batteries?

By Damien Ludwick on January 30, 2019 - 1:52PM

Toyota has finally taken notice to where its Prius drivers defected, and it was not the Honda Accord. They have converted to all electric Tesla vehicles. The expansion of Toyota-Panasonic battery partnership, announced a week ago, is a clear sign that Toyota is gradually moving toward battery-electric cars. Has Toyota waited too long to go all-electric? Why would Prius and other drivers defect to Tesla?

Tesla's Latest Cancelled Program - Referral Perqs - Ends Friday

By John Goreham on January 29, 2019 - 4:09PM

Tesla's referral program goes the way of free supercharging. Here are the details.

The Future Now - A Fighter Pilot’s View On Tesla Autopilot

By Damien Ludwick on January 29, 2019 - 1:38PM

After completing a month on Tesla’s autopilot trial on the Model 3 it is clear - Tesla is currently the most technologically advanced automobile you can currently purchase and drive. The ability to update and improve the vehicle via a software update is a competitive advantage not available to any current automobile manufacturer. Including the ability to send an autopilot trial over the air.

Ford V8 AWD Hybrid Drive Patent Discovered, Possibly for Mustang and F-150

By Patrick Rall on January 28, 2019 - 12:00PM

It has been known for some time that Ford will eventually offer a hybrid variant of the Mustang and the F-150, but a patent filing from the Motor Company reveals a V8 hybrid drivetrain that also integrates all-wheel-drive – possibly signaling the first Mustang that powered all four wheels.

How Can GM Bring Back The Chevy Volt from China

By Ivan Jue on January 26, 2019 - 12:50PM

Bringing Back Chevy Volt from China could help GM to use the Volt as a transitional vehicle for a bit longer, so General Motors may have the time to launch additional electric car offerings.

Tesla Model 3 ready for delivery and checklist

Tesla Model 3 Delivery Checklist: Detailed and Complete

By Armen Hareyan on January 25, 2019 - 1:05PM

A lot of people all over the world are about to get their Tesla Model 3. Here is a very nice delivery checklist that you can use. Thanks Navid Gondal and Chris Davis from TM3SLO website for permission to use this Model 3 delivery checklist.

Bukoff's letter to Mark Reuss questioning Chevy Volt termination

Email I sent to Mark Reuss - By killing the Volt now, you are throwing away the best transition vehicle

By Armen Hareyan on January 25, 2019 - 12:33PM

Mark Reuss, could You give us a better explanation of why GM is killing the Volt now? asks Allen Bukoff, an automotive researcher and an avid EV enthusiast in this letter sent to Mark Reuss, the president of General Motors. It's a very interesting letter asking valid questions about untimely termination of Chevy Volt when the new generation of EVs are still two years away from showing up.

The 1964 Chrysler Imperial Crown Ghia and a sample of the Luxury Brands

The Cadillac XT6-Gate Debate: Luxury Car Brands: Are They Even Needed Anymore In the Age of Car Sharing, RoboTaxis, and Autonomy?

By Al Castro on January 25, 2019 - 11:22AM

ANALYSIS AND OPINION: It’s not looking too good in the public relations arena for Cadillac and GM when the national, now world conversation nows turns toward questioning the existence of luxury car brands after the Cadillac XT6-Gate GM Debacle. Aston Martin’s CEO weighed in with the XT6-Gate to establish six ultra brands, and none of the ones below it like Cadillac will surpass them. But let’s be clear: XT6-Gate is an American problem, not a European one.

Tesla Model 3 Resale Value by Kelley Blue Book

Great News For Tesla Model 3 Resale Value Based on Very Little Data

By Armen Hareyan on January 25, 2019 - 10:37AM

According to the list of Kelley Blue Book's 2019 Best Resale Value Award Winners Tesla Model 3 is apparently going to hold its resale value better than its closest competition. However, Tesla Model 3's resale valuation raises lots of questions as its based on a very little data.

Porsche Doubles Electric Taycan Production Before First Sold

By Marc Stern on January 24, 2019 - 11:01PM

Even before the first Taycan has rolled off an assembly line, Porsche has doubled the number of E-Taycans that will be built this year. It also expects that it will sellout of the 2020 personal sports electric.

Cadillac Escala Concept, XT6, and the President’s State Car via GM press Room

The Cadillac XT6-Gate Debacle, the “Lead Brand” Stumble, and the Solutions: What Now to Do Moving Forward

By Al Castro on January 24, 2019 - 5:40AM

ANALYSIS AND OPINION: While GM didn’t strike an iceberg like Titanic with the recent Cadillac XT6-Gate Roll Out, XT6’s Super Cruise “Radio Delete” from the options list Gaffe, and Caddy’s the ”Lead Brand” Announcement Kerfuffle with no Caddy BEV for three years, it certainly ran into the reefs too quickly like the Costa Concordia. Although it isn’t a massive blockbusting disaster, it is a serious debacle that needs some changes. And they better do it soon.

White Porsche Taycan To Charge in 15 Minutes

Would Tesla Model S Be Able To Support Porsche Taycan Type Charge Rate?

By Armen Hareyan on January 21, 2019 - 8:32PM

The new Porsche Taycan is expected to be able to charge at 350 kW. Would Tesla Model S cars be able to support that kind of charge rate as is? Could Porsche and Tesla partner together to handle the battery issue?

After Smashing Pike’s Peak Record, VW Sets Sights On Nordschleife

By Marc Stern on January 21, 2019 - 9:57AM

Moving to its next major target, Volkswagen has confirmed that it plans to make a run at the single-lap record for a fully electric racing vehicle at the Eifel's Nordschleife racetrack.

A Cadillac Goin at it with Tesla, a 2022 Concept and the New XT6 CUV

With 3 New Gas CUVs on Sale and No BEV Until 2022, Cadillac Proclaims Itself King of Electric with an Announcement That Really Anoints Tesla as Lead Luxury Brand

By Al Castro on January 20, 2019 - 8:19PM

ANALYSIS AND OPINION: GM President Mark Reuss’ recent announcement of putting Cadillac as the lead brand against Tesla helped everything else but Cadillac. Cadillac just put their third gas CUV into their portfolio right after this announcement! A real all electric car company doesn’t do that! To be taken seriously by anyone you have to be reliable and believable, and that means having honesty, and to be honest, starting with yourself, you have to believe in yourself. Who’s fooling who?

Plug-in hybrids dominate affordable EV market in the U.S.

Plug-in Hybrid Electrics Dominate the Affordable EV Market - Honda Clarity Is the One To Watch in 2019

By John Goreham on January 17, 2019 - 10:23AM

The affordable EV market in the U.S. is now dominated by plug-in hybrid electric vehicles. The top two sellers, Toyota's Prius Prime and the Honda Clarity are beating the battery electrics easily.

2019 electric vehicle sales forecast for the U.S market.

Our Annual Electric Vehicle Sales Forecast 2019 - Call Us Wrong

By John Goreham on January 17, 2019 - 9:44AM

We break down our expectations for 2019 EV sales in the U.S. market by model and name the winners, losers, and no-shows.

2019 Subaru Forester, Crosstrek, Outback, Ascent, plug-in-hybrid, All-electric, PHEV

Electric Forester, Outback, Crosstrek, Ascent Coming Sooner Than You Think

By Denis Flierl on January 17, 2019 - 7:55AM

All-electric Subaru Forester, Crosstrek, Outback and Ascent vehicles are coming sooner than you think. See how Subaru will use external expertise to pull it off.

VW Picks Chattanooga For Electric Production; Plans $800 Million Expansion, 1,000 Jobs

By Marc Stern on January 16, 2019 - 11:32PM

While some may have doubted either VW's planned investment or the number of electric vehicles that the automaker would be making by 2022 -- 27 -- it looks like VW's predictions and plans may be coming true.

VW-Ford Alliance To Spawn New Pickup, It Just Won’t Get Here Now, Later, Who Knows?

By Marc Stern on January 16, 2019 - 8:04PM

Following long discussions, Ford and Volkswagen have entered into an agreement that will likely result in new vehicles, such as autonomous cars or electrics. There is also talk of VW and Ford jointly developing a global mid-sized pickup. That, though, is several years away.

We score our 2018 EV sales predictions an A+.

Our 2018 Electric Vehicle Forecast vs. Actual Sales - We Give Ourselves an A and Name the Winners, Losers and No Shows

By John Goreham on January 16, 2019 - 10:59AM

We look back at how we did when we predicted the 2018 U.S. market EV sales. If you can find a more accurate prediction, please let us know.

Various key models under the GM and VW Group Brands,Courtesy their Media

Converting a Car Company from Making Gasoline to All Electric Vehicles: The Stakes Involved and the Brands Least Likely to Survive as a Result.

By Al Castro on January 16, 2019 - 3:08AM

ANALYSIS AND OPINION: Until recently no one in the car industry ever had an experience of what it was like to end production of a car product due to obsolescence, they and other peer brands have produced since its invention in the mid-nineteenth century. Shutting down gas while ramping up electric is a double money losing proposition into the tens to hundreds of billions. Only the wealthiest and most powerful car companies on earth can survive this conversion process, and I look into how this is so.

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