Electric Vehicle News and Reviews (Page 236)

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.

Driving the 2019 Toyota Prius with AWD-e.

Here’s What the Experts Say About Driving the 2019 Toyota Prius With All-Wheel Drive

By John Goreham on December 18, 2018 - 11:25AM

The media launch of the new 2019 Toyota Prius AWD-e has been completed. Here is what the folks who drove the car say about it.

Toyota Prius sales drop by half - where did they go?

Toyota's Prius Sales Are Now Half of What They Were In 2015 - Here's Where Those Sales Went

By John Goreham on December 17, 2018 - 1:26PM

The Prius is now selling at exactly half the rate it was in 2015. Here's a quick rundown of where those Prius customers have gone.

Woman tries to put gas in Tesla - Video.

Tesla Video Of Woman Trying to Gas Up A Model S - Real or Fake? Vote Here

By John Goreham on December 17, 2018 - 12:16PM

A newly posted vidoe shows a woman trying to fuel up a Model S. Real or fake - vote here.

Tesla Model S similar to the 12/31/14 caught fire courtesy Tesla media. A frunk Courtesy tesa forums. A lith ion combustion courtesy YouTube.

Firearms Onboard a Tesla Should be Holstered or in a Locked Case, Not Discharged through a Battery Pack

By Al Castro on December 17, 2018 - 9:15AM

ANALYSIS AND OPINION: Attention military, law enforcement, security, and/or hunters who validly possess a firearm, or anyone else with the gall to carry a firearm illegally: the chances of your battery electric vehicle catching fire from a purposeful or accidental firearms discharge through the battery pack are much greater than if pierced through a gas tank. Read this story now coming to light about a 2014 Tesla S to find out why.

MEB Platform exampleIf you have been following the new vehicles coming from Volkswagen, you may have noticed the recurring reference to the MEB platform. It is the platform underlying the new generation of electric cars using the same fundamental underpinnings. Indeed, it is interesting to note the ways that Volkswagen has already used the platform. Among the many uses already seen for the platform, it is the basis for a new family for vehicles – the I.D. series. To illustrate the versatility of the MEB, VW

Volkswagen MEB Platform Wins 2019 AVT ACES Awards

By Marc Stern on December 13, 2018 - 12:17AM

Volkswagen has been honored with an AVT ACES Award for its flexible MEB electric vehicle platform. The MEB platform can be used for vehicles ranging from hatchbacks to SUVs, like the VW I.D. family of vehicles.

Camaro Chief Engineer Moved to EV Program

By Patrick Rall on December 11, 2018 - 11:28AM

Perhaps the most shocking move by General Motors last week was reassigning Camaro chief engineer Al Oppenheiser to the company’s electric vehicle program, taking him away from the muscle car program that he has led since the Camaro returned for 2010.

The Date of 60kWh Nissan Leaf's Debut Is Known, but Without Liquid-Cooling

By Armen Hareyan on December 11, 2018 - 8:48AM

Some German automotive reporters have gathered information about the date when the new 60kWh Nissan Leaf will debut and we already know why the 2019 Leaf didn't debut at the LA Auto Show. However, there seems to be a little disappointment that it will be without liquid-cooling. Many EV drivers were waiting for this feature that the Bolt has.

Would The U.S. Government Have Let Tesla Fail?

By John Goreham on December 10, 2018 - 12:33PM

Tesla was single weeks from "death" earlier this year according to Elon Musk. If Tesla had failed, would The U.S. government have offered a lifeline?

2019 Toyota Prius AWD-e vs. Subaru Impreza- Space, Safety, Performance, Ground Clearance, Price Comparison

By John Goreham on December 10, 2018 - 10:30AM

We compare the all-wheel drive 2019 Toyota Prius AWD-e to the Subaru Impreza and focus on space, safety, and price. You may be surprised at this tale of the tape.

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

New Subaru Crosstrek Plug-In Hybrid May Not Be a Good Fit For You

By Denis Flierl on December 10, 2018 - 7:56AM

Subaru launches their first-ever all-new 2019 Crosstrek plug-in hybrid. See why it may not be a good fit for you.

1970 Aston Martin DB6 MkII Volante Drophead Roadster Courtesy Aston Media

By Offering BEV Conversions to Older Aston and Other Classic Cars, Aston Martin Ensures its Legacy Forever

By Al Castro on December 10, 2018 - 7:31AM

OPINION AND ANALYSIS: Inasmuch as we are fooling ourselves into believing that gasoline new car purchases will be a viable option even in some parts of the world past 2030, we are also fooling ourselves into believing that we’ll be able to drive our present and near future classic cars around twenty plus years from now. This is a tail pipe dream. Well, like Jaguar Land Rover, Aston Martin has also found a solution to anticipate this issue.

Bentley’s Heritage from Spped Six to Bentayga Courtesy Bentley Media

Will There Ever Be a True Electric Bentley?

By Al Castro on December 8, 2018 - 10:25PM

OPINION AND ANALYSIS: With VW Group’s accelerated plans to cease gas car production sooner, Bentley needs to ask itself what kind of car company does it want to be? If Aston Martin stuffed battery packs inside the seats and boot spare tire wells and fenders of a Rapide, why there isn’t something similar done inside a Spur or a Mulsanne? Bentley isn’t doing that; they’re running counterculture to their heritage, and risk losing what they worked hard to get after leaving Rolls Royce: not becoming another Cadillac.

Electric Vehicle Tax breaks go to the wealthy.

Tax Breaks For the Rich - 63 Percent of Electric Vehicle Tax Credits Applied To Luxury Vehicles In November

By John Goreham on December 6, 2018 - 11:01AM

A close look at which electric vehicles buyers actually take home reveals that they are primarily luxury models costing between about $50K and $150K.

Tesla Model 3 sales outpace some brands'.

Tesla Model 3 Outsells Every Car Model At BMW, Lexus - Outsells All of Audi and Acura

By John Goreham on December 5, 2018 - 12:06PM

The Tesla Model 3 U.S. market sales juggernaut is hard to overstate. But we will try out best.

2020 Toyota Corolla Hybrid MPG will be 50 MPG.

Toyota Predicts 50 MPG Combined EPA Rating for New 2020 Corolla Hybrid

By John Goreham on December 4, 2018 - 12:32PM

The all-new 2020 Toyota Corolla Hybrid is expected to earn an impressive MPG rating.

Best tires for all-wheel drive Toyota Prius.

These Winter Tires Will Make The Most of The 2019 Prius With All-Wheel Drive

By John Goreham on December 4, 2018 - 11:38AM

We run down a quick list of tires that fit the Toyota Prius and which have the highest owner review ratings.

VW Recalls 169 2018 e-Golf, Golf R Models; Audi A3, RS3 As Well

By Marc Stern on December 3, 2018 - 10:25PM

Volkswagen has recalled 169 2018 e-Golf, Golf R, Audi A3 and RS3 models to repair a rear seat frame problem. If the problem is left in corrected it could result in injuries if an accident occurs.

Which is quicker? Prius, Crosstrek, or Chevy Colorado Duramax?

Which Is Quickest? Toyota Prius vs. Chevy Colorado Duramax, vs. Subaru Crosstrek

By John Goreham on December 3, 2018 - 1:35PM

Here is a matchup between a hybrid car, a tough truck, and a top-selling sporty crossover. Which wins in a stoplight race? You may be surprised at the answer.

The New 2021 Rivian R1S SUV by Rivian Media

Rivian R1S SUV: This is How the Americans Take on Range Rover SVAutobiography: Get Your Autograph Book Ready, Land Rover!

By Al Castro on December 3, 2018 - 9:12AM

OPINION ANALYSIS: Rivian Automotive, the once Clandestine now Maverick Electric Pickup Truck Maker added another BEV to its portfolio, a full sized three rower SUV called R1S. I’m so glad they made it nice and boxy and conservative and all BEV. All they need to do now is stretch that battery tray and back seat room, bespoke it out, make it LWB, send it upmarket past Bentley and Rolls, and let it sit next to Rover SVAutobiography, to let their brand take off, and let the doe roll in.

Ode to Chevy Volt: the Car that Started as Green Electroshock Therapy Rightfully Ends with Barely a Spark

By Al Castro on December 3, 2018 - 8:00AM

OPINION ANALYSIS: America’s first plug in hybrid, a segment opening PHEV was put to death recently, the Chevrolet Volt was a cutting edge trailblazing vehicle that bridged the gap between siphoning off gas and waiting for battery technology to improve before pushing on to an all electric car world. So cancelling it seems counterintuitive. It is not. Actually Volt was a great accidental/incidental transition vehicle who’s time came and was way gone.

T-Lazy Ranch CO Model X crash on Twitter and Model X Courtesy Tesla

Horrific Colorado Tesla Crash Proves Not Only Tesla Built Means Safety, But Also a Happier Holiday Season

By Al Castro on November 28, 2018 - 5:38PM

Traditional and conventional engineering wisdom dictated for years that the purpose of a Mercedes Benz was to enable you to withstand a crash, so that you can survive to buy another Mercedes. Perhaps that conventional thinking now also applies to a Tesla. Five kids driving and riding in a high speed Tesla crash their Model X into a tree and creek. The car was destroyed. Fatalities: 0. The hero: the Tesla.

All-Wheel Drive Prius With Robust Winter Battery And More Cargo Capacity Than Many Crossovers Revealed For 2019

By John Goreham on November 28, 2018 - 9:46AM

Toyota's new AWD-e Prius will hit the market in 2019 with more capacity than a Mazda CX-5 or Subaru Crosstrek.

By Marc Stern on November 27, 2018 - 5:42PM

Electrify America, the Volkswagen subsidiary charged with expanding or creating more zero emissions infrastructure, has been awarded Popular Science 'Best of What's New" for 2018. Specifically, PopSci called out EA's high-speed charging stations and the special tech. that they use.

The 2020 Rivian R1T All Electric Pickup Truck

The Rivian R1T Suddenly and Impressively Becomes the World’s First All-Electric Pickup Truck. Not Ford. Not Tesla.

By Al Castro on November 27, 2018 - 8:20AM

Unveil Review: Rivian Automotive, the Michigan based startup that for ten years carefully, but secretly planned to find the right vehicle, at the right time, and at the right moment, to launch an all BEV the world hasn’t seen, seemed to find the right recipe to unveil that vehicle NOW, as they launched something that Tesla had expectations of doing first: to launch the first all electric pickup truck in the world. And Rivian did it. Not Ford. Not Tesla. This is a game changer . . .

Cadillac wagons over the years: Escalade, SRX, CTS, 1959 Hearse

Twenty Years of Cadillac Escalade: A Vision of the Future, with Lessons, a Nod Toward the Past

By Al Castro on November 27, 2018 - 1:00AM

It was around this time twenty years ago that the now legendary Cadillac Escalade started hauling the ruling class and celebritydom on the streets of the big American cities as if they were elegant stage coaches of the Victorian or Edwardian Eras over 100 years ago. So after reading a story about the disastrous 2009 hybrid I decided to do a flashback ode to the iconic 20th century truck that lives on today.

Will Toyota cut the Prius c from its lineup?

Will Toyota Axe The Prius c? We Argue Both Sides And Ask For Your Prediction

By John Goreham on November 26, 2018 - 7:49PM

Toyota is planning to cut some models from its vast lineup. All will be cars that are not selling well. Will the Prius c be one of those that gets the boot?

Did Elon Musk just admit to lying to investors?

Did Elon Musk Just Admit On Video That He Lied To Investors About Tesla's Finances?

By John Goreham on November 26, 2018 - 5:09PM

Watch Elon Musk talk about Tesla being weeks from death earlier this year - at exactly the time he scoffed at the media, investors, and shorts who were all saying that was exactly the situation.

GM Announces New Direction - Will Focus On EVs and Autonomy

By John Goreham on November 26, 2018 - 12:41PM

General Motors will close eight plants and restructure its workforce to meet its future plan to shift to autonomous electric vehicles.

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

First-Ever Subaru Crosstrek Plug-In Hybrid Launches In Canada

By Denis Flierl on November 25, 2018 - 7:41AM

It was supposed to be for the U.S. market only, but Subaru Canada announces they will also get the new Subaru Crosstrek Plug-in Hybrid. See when it’s coming.

Mass production of VW Neo and Hyundai Kona Courtesy VWG and HMG Media Hyundai Kona by Al Castro

The Mass Incursion of BEV’s Begins! Hyundai Imports “Production Hell” onto the Pacific, While VW Gets Ready for Theirs onto the Atlantic

By Al Castro on November 22, 2018 - 4:16AM

D Day Reversed! As Tesla prepares for Cheap Model 3 “Production Hell,” the competition takes a Last Stand: Hyundai is ready to unleash a manufacturing fury of a “Production Hell,” with Kona to invade America via the Pacific. While VW and Ford sign a war pact treaty to enact their diabolical anti-Tesla master plan to unleash triple flanking fury coming soon from Dearborn, Chattanooga, and from the North Atlantic shores.

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