Electric Vehicle News and Reviews (Page 230)

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.

Headquarters at Dearborn for Ford, Wolfsburg for VW Group, and the brands they sell.

The VW and Ford “Collaboration:” In Light of DaimlerChrysler, VW Group ain’t no Mercedes, and Ford ain’t no K-Car, Okay?

By Al Castro on November 9, 2018 - 4:30PM

There are two powerful entities on Earth, VW Group and Ford, that are now looking to (ahem) “work more closely together” in areas where they can help each other most. Daimler and FCA, the two divorcées of another kind of Germanic-Americano relationship long ago, are mutual friends of both the Fords and VWs, and they send their regards to wish them both well. I explain why.

How The Toyota Prius All-Wheel Drive System Works

By John Goreham on November 9, 2018 - 1:51PM

Toyota's recent teaser leads us to think it will add all-wheel drive to the Prius for 2019. Here is how that system will work.

How Owning a Scooter Company Helps Ford Motor

By Mary Conway on November 8, 2018 - 11:36PM

Ford Motor just bought a scooter company named Spin. Spin helps Ford further its mobility plan and build its brand loyalty with younger customers.

Toyota hints at 2019 Prius with all-wheel drive

Toyota Teases All-Wheel Drive Prius For 2019

By John Goreham on November 8, 2018 - 8:59AM

Is Toyota adding all-wheel-drive capability to the Prius for 2019? It certainly seems that way.

Honda Clarity is top-selling affordable EV in October.

Honda Clarity Number One Affordable EV In October Sales, Tops Toyota Prius Prime

By John Goreham on November 5, 2018 - 7:21PM

Honda's new Clarity has continued to climb in sales. This past month it was America's top-selling affordable electrified vehicle model.

The 2019 eCOPO Camaro presented at 2018 SEMA

The 2019 eCOPO BEV Camaro Race Car Concept: the Pony All Electric Both GM and Ford Should’ve Been Making by Now

By Al Castro on November 5, 2018 - 8:16AM

In my frustrating effort to keep pushing the movement toward full electric cars, I often get frustrated by the lack of enthusiasm and missed steps the legacy car makers have taken. If they really were enthused and eager to adapt to electric cars, they would have an all electric option for both their halo sports and pony cars. They don’t. Still. With lackluster Camaro sales, Chevy needs a “comeback kid” car. The eCOPO Camaro is it.

General Motors is the Latest to Unveil an eBike

By Mary Conway on November 3, 2018 - 8:16PM

General Motors is inviting fans to get in on the ground floor of its plans to market eBikes. GM is the latest automaker to include integrated eBikes in its mobility plans. Ford and Audi have been developing the eBikes for years.

The UK Built Swedish Uniti One credit Uniti Media Package

The 2020 UK Built Swedish Uniti One Electric Mini “Smart Phone Car” Debuts Now to Ramp Up Production Late 2019 to Early 2020

By Al Castro on November 1, 2018 - 3:56PM

While Tesla takes care of the other high end of the electric vehicle market with Models S, 3, X, and soon Y and U, Uniti, the Swedish electric car startup maker is trying to find an angle on the opposite end by soon shortly putting an unorthodox 2 seat high tech and feature rich micro BEV into production. This car will be a hit in the EU, India, and Brazil no doubt, but in NA? Hmm. Well I hope so.

Pictures of Tesla Model Range, Model Y Reveal, Model U pickup render (TruckTrend), and Roadster 2

With Company History Making Record Productivity and Profits and Four New Vehicles Coming, Tesla Must Turn the Page and Forge Ahead

By Al Castro on October 30, 2018 - 2:17PM

Tesla always seems to have side distractions they can never shake off, mostly originating from their mercurial CEO. But with both record profits and productivity, Tesla mustn’t destroy momentum to seize the moment and not be distracted by FBI investigations or stock fluctuations. They have four upcoming vehicles that will help them corner the electric car market at least for a while, and they need to capitalize on that.

Two COPO Camaro Drag Cars Debut at SEMA, One is Electric

By Patrick Rall on October 30, 2018 - 11:47AM

The biggest surprise from Chevrolet at the SEMA Show thus far is the introduction of two new COPO Camaro drag cars – one being the 2019 production car and the other being an all-electric, 9-second concept.

As If The FBI Didn't Have Enough On Its Plate - It's Now Investigating Tesla

By John Goreham on October 30, 2018 - 11:23AM

Among its many duties protecting America, the Federal Bureau of Investigation is now taxed with proving the obvious when it comes to Tesla's fibs.

Tesla Model S kicked off Consumer Reports List

Tesla Model S Booted From Consumer Reports Recommended List - Again

By John Goreham on October 30, 2018 - 10:23AM

Consumer Reports closely follows the quality of vehicles. The pricey Tesla Model S is again out of favor.

Installing a roof rack on a 2018 Nissan Leaf

Putting a Roof Rack on Your 2018 Nissan Leaf

By Armen Hareyan on October 29, 2018 - 8:08AM

Robert Ouimet, a 2018 Nissan Leaf owner from Canada, shares his experience of putting a roof rack on a 2018 Leaf and what he has learned from installing it.

All photos from either ChargePoint, Tesla, Electrify America, US DOE, or Porsche Media sites

Attention Electric Car Owners: Here’s an Update on Choices for EV Public Charging Options

By Al Castro on October 26, 2018 - 4:50AM

One of the most frustrating things about owning an electric car is missing the easy dynamic once had by going to a gas station to refuel. As electric cars proliferate and investment money is spent, however, more and newer options, either now or coming on the horizon, will make public charging easier, and in a few cases, even for free.

New Promotional Video Teases Hybrid Next Gen Ford Mustang, or Maybe the Mach 1

By Patrick Rall on October 22, 2018 - 5:16PM

A new video from Ford Motor Company that talks about building the future reveals the shadowy car above that looks like a futuristic Mustang with a hybrid V8 and a glowing running pony logo on the grille – possibly previewing the next big thing to come once the GT500 has finally been introduced.

Workhorse Group’s New NGEN-1000 BEV Van now in production.

The Workhorse NGEN All Electric Delivery Van: The EV Delivery Truck Replacement Has Arrived to Out-Match Diesels Out of Existence

By Al Castro on October 22, 2018 - 7:00AM

With half the weight, a 100 mile range, low operational costs, and prices to match a compatible diesel vehicle, Workhorse’s new NGEN BEV truck means the gasoline and diesel delivery van is now on its way to becoming obsolete with an all electric one coming to a local delivery route near you.

Porsche Verifies Mission E Cross Turismo Will Be Built

By Marc Stern on October 21, 2018 - 12:57PM

Last March, Porsche gave some rather large hints that the Mission E Cross lineup would include a Turismo model. That was confirmed during a meeting of top members of the automaker's executive ranks. The new vehicle will reportedly have a 3.2-second 0 to 62 time and a top speed north of 155 mph.

Tesla Pulls "Full Self-Driving" From Its Menu

By John Goreham on October 21, 2018 - 11:17AM

Tesla just pulled Full Self-Driving off of its menu. What does this mean for Model 3 shoppers?

Audi E-Tron GT Aims At Tesla Model S P100D

By Marc Stern on October 20, 2018 - 10:49PM

Here's an interesting tidbit: as you may suspect, automakers like to tease their special models. It's a way of hooking gearheads with the new iron well before the official release of the vehicle. That's exactly the way Audi has been handling the release of its EV E-Tron GT.

Mercedes is first to market with a plug in EV/Hydrogen GLC F-Cell

By Dean McManis on October 19, 2018 - 11:45PM

Germany is serious about building zero emissions vehicles as demonstrated by Mercedes new GLC F-Cell crossover, which will be on sale in several cities in Germany by the end of this month. The introduction did not mention the U.S. market, but there shouldn’t be any reason why we wouldn’t see this fuel cell hybrid here within a year or so after the German release.

New Mid-Range Model 3 - Tesla Just Can't Resist The Urge To Exaggerate Its Pricing

By John Goreham on October 19, 2018 - 4:12PM

Tesla drops a lower-priced Model 3. Like always, the luxury automaker can't just be honest about its price.

The One Thing Tesla Model S Owners Would Like to Ask Elon to Change About Model S

By Armen Hareyan on October 18, 2018 - 8:13PM

If you could ask Elon Musk to change one thing about your Tesla Model S what would it be?

The Bollinger B2 Pickup Truck as Introduced by Bolliger on Their Website

Bollinger Adds 1 Ton Dedicated B2 Pickup Truck to its LineUp: B1 Converts to a Pickup but the Newly Added B2 is all 100% Pickup

By Al Castro on October 18, 2018 - 3:51AM

In a strategy to keep them viable in what definitely will be an intensely competitive pickup truck market with the addition of several electrics by several makers, Bollinger Motors adds a sole purposed dedicated 1 ton Pickup truck based on its SUT it plans to put into production late next year, early 2020.

Buying a Tesla Vehicle Just Got $3,750 More Expensive

By John Goreham on October 16, 2018 - 2:53PM

Tesla vehicles will be costing more as the company's qualification for the federal tax credit begins its wind-down.

Volvo Dares To Be Different With XC60 T8 E-AWD Inscription

By John Goreham on October 15, 2018 - 4:39PM

Volvo’s XC60 has a number of unusual design features. Here’s a quick peek at a vehicle that bucks the mainstream.

2019 Jaguar i-Pace Year 2 Review: Continuing the British BEV Response to Tesla Amongst a Beginning German BEV Onslaught

By Al Castro on October 15, 2018 - 2:55PM

Four years in the making and now its second year of production, the first European full production full electric response to Tesla is a British SUV already on its way in Jaguar fashion toward iconic status. If this represents the latest theater of battle in the cultural British invasion of America between David Beckham, tea and toast, the Mini, Elton John, James Bond, Range Rover, fish and chips, the BBC, Duran Duran, Bentley, the Beatles and so forth, then bring it on!

2019 Subaru Crosstrek, new Crosstrek, PHEV, plug-in-hybrid

Subaru’s Slow EV Launch Could Pay Off Big in Two States Best For EV Owners

By Denis Flierl on October 14, 2018 - 8:11AM

Subaru Corp is slow to the all-electric vehicle party, but it could pay off big. Two states where Subaru is hot are best for EV owners.

Toyota Prius has lowest depreciation of any green vehicle.

Report: Toyota Prius Models Have The Best Retained Value Among All Green Vehicles

By John Goreham on October 12, 2018 - 2:04PM

Another report validates what Toyota Prius fans already know - Their car retains its value better than any green car or electric vehicle.

Images from the 2018 OC International Auto Show credit: OCIAS Media for main pic and Map, JLR for Al Castro in Classic Range Rover rendering, the rest taken by me, A Castro.

Orange County CA Auto Show 2018: A Preview What’s to Come for the LA Show

By Al Castro on October 11, 2018 - 9:36PM

Although the annual Orange County International Auto Show is the eighth largest auto expo in the world, it’s not the show New York, Geneva, Paris, Frankfurt, Tokyo has. What the show does do, however, is it gives you quality time for serious car shopping, and for us all a preview of the chicks to hatch without giving away the auto henhouse. That’s what the annual LA Auto Show is for, just eight weeks and 30 miles way.

Hyundai's 2019 Kona Electric With 258 Mile Range May Shake Up The Affordable EV Market

By John Goreham on October 11, 2018 - 1:14PM

Hyundai's new Kona melds crossover usability with long EV range. What took so long?

Subscribe to