Electric Vehicle News and Reviews (Page 233)

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.

With Chevrolet Menlo Release in China, GM Stokes Speculation About the Bolt EUV

By Steve Birkett on August 15, 2019 - 8:40AM

China's appealing crossover, the Chevrolet Menlo EV, seemingly won't make it to U.S. shores, but it offers a glimpse at where GM is headed with electric vehicles.

Audi e-tron tops Tesla in Safety testing.

2019 Audi e-tron Earns Top Safety Pick Plus Rating From IIHS Ahead Of Any Tesla Model

By John Goreham on August 14, 2019 - 3:03PM

With Tesla's Model 3 testing now underway, the Audio e-tron jumps ahead of Tesla by being the top-rated BEV for safety.

Tesla Model 3 As A Family Vehicle – Thumbs Up Or Down

By John Goreham on August 14, 2019 - 1:52PM

The Tesla Model 3 is many things to many people. But is it a “great family vehicle?”

2020 Subaru Outback, new Subaru Outback, fuel mileage, Outback hybrid, Forester hybrid

You Will See New Subaru Outback Hybrid Model Before All Electric

By Denis Flierl on August 13, 2019 - 8:26AM

The 2020 Subaru Outback XT turbo arrives soon, but when will customers be driving an all-electric Outback? Look for the AWD model to get hybrid power first.

Can a Traditional Car Guy Choose To Buy a Visibly Economical Car Like The Toyota Prius or Tesla?

By Dean McManis on August 12, 2019 - 7:10PM

Economy cars mean different things to different people, and with EVs coming out that are both economical and quick, it is changing how car enthusiasts view modern cars like the Toyota Prius Prime and Tesla. Especially if you have a long commute each day.

A Big Week for Elon Musk's Bold Tesla Safety Claims

By Steve Birkett on August 12, 2019 - 11:18AM

After a stream of negative mainstream media coverage and a cease-and-desist letter from the NHTSA, Tesla safety claims will be put to perhaps their most important test this week.

First Volt, now Clarity - EVs are going away

Honda Pulls Back 2019 Clarity PHEV & Chevy Kills Volt EREV - Tell Us Your Theories As To Why Popular EVs are Going Away

By John Goreham on August 11, 2019 - 6:27PM

Manufacturers are putting the brakes on some of the most-loved electric vehicles in America. We can't get a straight answer why, so tell us your conspiracy theories.

Why EV sales are up in China and Europe but down for the U.S. Except for Tesla

By Dean McManis on August 7, 2019 - 10:21PM

Overall across the globe, EV sales are up, and the future looks bright. But in the U.S. recent changes in national fuel economy and smog requirements have caused EV sales to drop here. Tesla seems to be the only U.S. automaker who is not holding back, and their growing sales numbers show that many buyers want EVs.

Tesla Tries Adding Back Free Supercharging To Help Slumping Model S and X Sales

By John Goreham on August 6, 2019 - 1:50PM

Tesla is seeing sales of the Model S and Model X decline by roughly 50%. Will adding back a feature help?

U.S. Electric Vehicle Sales Decline In July - Affordable EVs Down Across The Board

By John Goreham on August 5, 2019 - 7:52AM

U.S. EV sales declined in July with affordable models struggling to meet half their prior sales levels.

Ecotuned Provides Ford F150 EVs Today With Its Conversion Kits

By Marc Stern on August 2, 2019 - 10:16PM

If you are looking to purchase a Ford F150 Electric Truck and don't want to wait another couple of years until it rolls off the assembly line, you may want to try an electric conversion from Ecotuned of Montreal.

The new Chevy Volt silver color front view

Why the Chevy Volt is Hands Down Better Than the Gen 1 Toyota Prius or the Nissan Leaf

By Dean McManis on August 2, 2019 - 9:30PM

If I were making a recommendation of a car to a friend who was interested in buying a used EV, I would definitely choose a Chevy Volt. Here's why.

Lined up and rolling, Ford's F150 EV Proto Pulls Its Weight

Ford F150 EV Proto Is Here Even As Elon Promises Competition From Tesla

By Marc Stern on July 31, 2019 - 11:45PM

Maybe it is marketing or maybe it is wishful thinking, but Elon Musk of Tesla has promised to challenge Ford in on of its strongest markets, the F150 pickup arena. He has made somewhat of a challenge that Ford may have already won.

Record-setting Tesla Model 3 Road Trip Goes Coast-to-Coast in 48 Hours

By Steve Birkett on July 31, 2019 - 2:31PM

For anyone who has ever uttered the words "you can't get across the U.S. in an EV," this family vacation in a Tesla Model 3 just made it look easy.

3 Areas Where the Tesla Model 3 is a Luxury Car (and 1 Where It's Not)

By Steve Birkett on July 29, 2019 - 6:29PM

WIth early quality issues quickly resolved, the Tesla Model 3 can lay claim to the luxury tag in several areas, although there's still room for improvement.

Ford F150 EV’s 1.25M-Pound Train Pull Turns Out To Be Pretty Easy

By Marc Stern on July 29, 2019 - 3:07PM

The auto world was shaken up a little last week when it heard that the planned Ford F150 EV (electric) would tow more than 1.25 million pounds. It did exactly that but it turns out that, after some checking with a computer, that it wasn't as hard as everyone thought.

Why the Kia Niro EV Takes the Non-Tesla Electric Car Lead in 2019

By Steve Birkett on July 26, 2019 - 11:26AM

Without excelling in any one area, the 2019 Kia Niro EV delivers the kind of all-round qualities that could bring non-Tesla electric vehicles into the mainstream.

Panasonic Very Quietly Becomes A Key Automotive Supplier

By John Goreham on July 25, 2019 - 4:58PM

Panasonic’s impact on the automotive industry is growing rapidly. Here are just some of the ways Panasonic is impacting what you will drive.

Purpose of Internal Camera in Tesla Model 3 Revealed

By Alex Guberman on July 24, 2019 - 6:02PM

Ever since the launch of the Tesla Model 3, we have been aware of the subtle cabin-facing camera located in the rearview mirror. The camera comes as standard equipment, but so far it remains dormant. So what is the latest news regarding the Tesla Model 3 internal camera? AJ McGinnis reports for Torque News.

How will the Cadillac Escalade stay GM's profit leader with their promise of an EV future

By Dean McManis on July 24, 2019 - 11:00AM

A big SUEV like a Cadillac Escalade EV would sell really well under the Cadillac banner, but just like Tesla's Maxwell battery initiative, GM also needs to come up with some revolutionary EV battery initiative of their own to get head of competition. Producing an affordable EV battery will be a decisive factor in taking electric cars to the next generation.

Check your Toyota Prius MPG on Dashboard

Tell Us Your Toyota Prius Real World MGP Results and If You’re Happy

By John Goreham on July 24, 2019 - 10:54AM

The Toyota Prius hybrid is a vehicle that impresses with big MPG numbers. We’d like to know what your Prius returns.

How Electrify America Is Handling Kia Niro EV, Hyundai Kona Electric, and Other Charging Issues

By Steve Birkett on July 23, 2019 - 11:58PM

An update from Hyundai Kona Electric, Kia Niro EV, and Chevy Bolt EV drivers on the challenges facing the rapidly expanding Electrify America EV charging network.

Why the Rumored Cadillac Escalade Electric SUV Is Essential to a Growing EV Market

By Steve Birkett on July 22, 2019 - 8:08AM

The 400-mile range all-electric Cadillac Escalade SUV could be exactly what the market needs to stoke EV adoption in an underserved luxury segment.

Tesla Can Make Charging Faster If It Jumps Into Hybrid Battery Packs

By Dean McManis on July 19, 2019 - 1:13PM

Tesla Semi and pickup truck will greatly benefit from Tesla's Maxwell battery production, but the quickest profit that Tesla could derive from the new batteries would be in the Model 3, Model Y and Model F(?) pickup truck. Here is why.

How the Tesla Model 3 and Chevy Bolt EV Are Defining New Pricing Tiers for EVs

By Steve Birkett on July 18, 2019 - 6:07PM

Once considered close rivals at the $35k price point, the Tesla Model 3 and Chevy Bolt EV are heading in opposite directions, competing in distinctly different categories.

Tesla Semi truck is backing up for charging

The Sooner Tesla Semi Comes The Better For Everyone, but Better Reduce The Battery Cost

By Armen Hareyan on July 18, 2019 - 10:24AM

In May 2019 Tesla completed the acquisition of Maxwell and took over the battery technology development. The question is will Tesla Semi and the pickup truck, which will need stronger batteries will have to weight until Tesla develops Maxwell batteries?

2019 Audi e-tron charging on Electrify America

3 Reasons to Believe Volkswagen Group Could Be an EV Leader by 2022

By Steve Birkett on July 17, 2019 - 3:53PM

VW has become the problem child of the EV world, tarnished by the errors of recent years but with the potential to surge past its non-Tesla competitors over the next 18-24 months.

3 Ways the 2019 Toyota Prius AWD-e Exceeds Expectations and One Way It Does Not

By John Goreham on July 17, 2019 - 3:41PM

We try the updated 2019 Toyota Prius and find its still exceeds expectations in all but one way, particularly to those new to Prius.

Why the Tesla Model 3 Outselling All Major Rivals Combined Looks Like the Beginning of an EV Monopoly

By Steve Birkett on July 16, 2019 - 8:14PM

The dominance of Tesla Model 3 sales in the first half of 2019, combined with the brand's forthcoming models, makes it hard to see any other manufacturer competing in the all-electric marketplace.

Why GM Fails to Impress with Official 2020 Chevy Bolt EV Updates and Changes

By Steve Birkett on July 15, 2019 - 6:58PM

The confirmed fleet order changes and improvements for the 2020 Chevy Bolt EV don’t address the primary concerns of drivers or the rising competition from other long-range electric vehicles.

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