Electric Vehicle News and Reviews (Page 242)

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.

The Take Down of the $35,000 Model 3 and Its Meaning to Tesla: Analysis and Opinion

By Al Castro on July 16, 2018 - 2:28AM

Tesla Inc was smart for itself by taking down the mystery $35,000 price for a model version some have long been waiting for, hadn’t yet been built, not sure if it will ever exist, and that they were never really in a position to offer. They need to worry about surviving first, and you do that by making money. Period.

Competitors battle it out in TexasThey are again! Scott Speed and Tanner Foust, drivers for the Volkswagen Andretti Rallycross effort, are swapping leads and taking advantage of each other’s miscues to increase the team’s Championship lead. They are also upping their own totals in the race for the individual winner. <strong>Almost Perfect Weekend</strong> Speed completed a near-perfect weekend by claiming his first victory of the year, ahead of his teammate. Tanner Foust, on the other hand, worked hard to

Speed, Foust Battle In Texas ARX Rallycross Event

By Marc Stern on July 15, 2018 - 11:57PM

Scott Speed and Tanner Foust continued their competition as the Volkswagen ARX Rallycross team bumped its way through COTA.

Audi Debuts Factory E-Prix Team, E-Tron SUV at NYC E-Prix

By Marc Stern on July 14, 2018 - 10:07PM

As the Formula E series comes down to the wire in New York City, Audi's factory team finds itself in second place but within an easy shot of number one.

Has Tesla Scared Fiat Into Building Electric Cars?

By Dean McManis on July 14, 2018 - 1:25PM

It looks like Fiat is finally going to build some electric cars after all. For those of you who have been watching the auto industry, it was clear that Fiat (and Chrysler) had been trailing all of the other major automakers in having any plan for electrification of their cars. There was no hint of any interest in building competitive EVs, and in fact their CEO Sergio Marchionne suggested that buyers skip buying their Fiat 500e, because they were losing $10,000 on each one sold.

The Electric Mini Cooper is Finally Scheduled for Production, But I Don’t Appear Excited

By Al Castro on July 12, 2018 - 6:49PM

BMW unveils an all-electric version of the classic Mini - its third electric Mini concept. BMW is tight lipped with details, but the Mini-E BEV will go into production November next year. After 10 years of waiting for a Mini production car, its time has come finally.

Cadillac's Pricing Problem and Buick's Potential Rebranding Opportunity with Velite 6 and Enspire

By Dean McManis on July 12, 2018 - 11:18AM

Velite 6 and Enspire definitely could be comeback vehicles for Buick in the United States.

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

How Subaru’s New Boss Taps Toyota to Rebuild Customer Trust

By Denis Flierl on July 12, 2018 - 7:25AM

Subaru has a new boss and he’s using Toyota Motor to improve quality, bring new EVs to market and most importantly rebuild customer trust.

Porsche's Quick Charge Stations Have Arrived, and They Have a Crucial Advantage Over Tesla's

By Max Marck on July 11, 2018 - 8:03PM

Torquenews has been keeping a close eye on the progress of Porsche's electric vehicle. Like the EV contender Tesla, Porsche has been making substantial promises about future developments. Among these promises was the guarantee of a network of fast-charging stations. Tesla currently has their own proprietary equivalents, and Porsche's late entry puts them behind the game in this regard. Now, however, it looks like Porsche is delivering: super-fast charging stations have begun to pop up.

Maserati’s Upcoming Lineup Includes Electrics. All Photos Courtesy FCA Websites

Better Late than Never: FCA Chrysler Details their EV Plans, Finally

By Al Castro on July 11, 2018 - 7:19PM

Sergio Marchionne, CEO of FCA Chrysler laid out a 5 Year Plan to investors in Italy last month that will be his swan song before leaving in April 2019. Investors were eager to know what his plans were to electrify the entire portfolio. He gave few details other than throwing money and some numbers. But this week he leaves it to his minions at Maserati and Alfa Romeo to hash the details as to how the Ítalo-American auto company will become electrified.

Prius scores high on list of vehicles with most annual miles.

Toyota Prius Scores Very High On List of Older Cars With Most Annual Miles

By John Goreham on July 11, 2018 - 12:00PM

The Toyota Prius is well-known as a high-mileage car. Here is more data to support that fact.

Tesla Concerns: Why or Why Not

By Armen Hareyan on July 10, 2018 - 10:37AM

Regarding the future of Tesla there are both concerns and appreciation for Elon Musk.

What Comes After Chevy Bolt: There’s an Electric GM in Your Future

By Al Castro on July 10, 2018 - 2:21AM

GM’s race for 20 electric cars by 2023 is underway with two concept cars that most likely will go into production. They’re both Chinese Buicks, for now, one is a wagon, the other, an SUV with the potential to become something so much more.

Thanks To Flexible Platform, A New Beetle May Be In VW’s Future

By Marc Stern on July 9, 2018 - 9:18PM

Thanks to the MEB platform's flexibility, the folks at Volkswagen haven't ruled out bringing back the Beetle in two or three years. The platform can be adjusted for any electric vehicle. The I.D. series, VW's bread-and-butter EV's of the future, all feature this platform.

Tesla Model 3 Deliveries Drop In June - Toyota Prius Prime Has Outsold Model 3 Since Its Arrival

By John Goreham on July 9, 2018 - 5:01PM

Despite the hype from Tesla, the company delivered less Model 3 cars last month than it did the month before. On the other hand, Toyota Prius Prime has outsold Model 3.

The RV World Just Got More Electrified with Tesla Semi RV Camper Concept

By Al Castro on July 9, 2018 - 9:43AM

Recently a Spanish designer based in Madrid created a rendering of a Tesla Semi Class 8 Tractor heavily modified to be an RV camper. He then posted it on Instagram. It instantly went viral and caused such a frenzy on the Internet to bring to the imagination the possibilities of such a vehicle that Tesla could make.

Two systems and methods of chevy volt and nissan leaf battery coolants

Chevy Volt's Liquid Cooled Battery vs Nissan Leaf's Air Cooled Battery: 2 Systems

By Armen Hareyan on July 7, 2018 - 8:19AM

Chevrolet and Nissan use two different systems to cool their electric cars' batteries. Chevy is using the liquid to cool its batteries in Chevy Volts and Chevy Bolts, whereas Nissan is using the air cooling method to cool Leaf's battery. They both have pros and cons.

The Hoovie’s Garage Bargain $33,500 Tesla Model S

By Al Castro on July 6, 2018 - 8:38PM

With the introduction of the new executive car, the Tesla Model 3, combined with the dynamic of the aging of the first generation of the current flagship sports saloon, the Tesla Model S, Tyler Hoover of YouTube’s Hoovie’s Garage capitalizes on this dynamic to find an excellent example of a 2012 Model S for a small fraction of the price of a Model 3. Deals are to be had!

I Would Totally Keep My Fiat EV If The Top Went Down Like This 500 Spiaggina

By Armen Hareyan on July 6, 2018 - 6:35PM

Fiat has teamed up with Garage Italia and Pinninfarina to celebrate Fiat's 60th anniversary with this convertible Fiat 500 called Spiaggina. Now someone has to convert one into an E, making Fiat 500e more appealing to electric car buyers.

2018 Nissan Leaf Battery Charging 1200x900

If You Want Nissan Leaf or Chevy Volt/Bolt Check Out How The Battery Is Cooled

By Armen Hareyan on July 6, 2018 - 12:15PM

Most people only see the electric cars' exterior/interior and features, but aren’t aware about the most essential component - the battery and how it’s cooled. If you are looking to buy a Nissan Leaf, Chevy Volt or a Chevy Bolt you need to know how the battery is cooled.

Nissan Leaf Owners: Beware of a Required Third Charge and if so, Call Nissan!

By Al Castro on July 5, 2018 - 12:31PM

Nissan Leaf owners in the UK are expressing their dissatisfaction with the actual verses the reported range of their BEVs. Some are reporting problems requiring the car to need a third rapid charge during the course of the day. Many feel that they’ve been mislead to request some kind of compensation, prospective buyers have canceled their sales contracts. Could the charging problem be happening also in the US?

The 3rd Gen Beetle Retires, VW Bosses Look For the Next Beetle to Go Old School but in a Sedan

By Al Castro on July 4, 2018 - 9:10AM

When the Third Generation Volkswagen “New”Beetle begins its swan song next year to leave at the end of 2019, there will be a record of successes and setbacks, happiness and sadness stemmed from the iconic halo car’s third rebirth that has defined not only another generation of people as the Classic Beetle did, but also what the next car should be, as that might possibly be their 100 year anniversary model, and what it is for a car to now be a Volkswagen. Especially for the next electric one, Beetle 4.

What a Difference 100 Years Make: The Return of the Electric Car

By Al Castro on July 4, 2018 - 8:45AM

If for whatever reason you have a problem driving an EV that they’ve been here over the span of 3 centuries but we pretend they’re a new invention, you need to get over that hang-up as soon as possible.

Turning Your Rolls Royce Into an EV: Using Retrograded EV Conversion Kits for Older and Classic Cars

By Al Castro on July 4, 2018 - 8:31AM

Many car owners of older and vintage classic cars are considering converting their vehicles to BEVs. Imgine converting a once expensive now older Rolls Royce into an electric car. While conversion is still expensive, it’s still much cheaper to convert to a BEV than to purchase a new EV.

Model 3 Made Tesla The Largest Selling Sedan in Its Segment and a Real Car Company

By Francis Martin on July 3, 2018 - 8:51AM

Tesla reaches 5000+ goal weekly production numbers on Model 3, invites all North American reservation holders for Model 3 to order their car now. How Tesla just became a real car company.

What's New with the 2019 Volt?

By Dean McManis on July 2, 2018 - 11:47PM

Last week Chevy announced updates for the 2019 Volt, and there are some nice improvements including faster charging, stronger regen, and various software and option package updates.

2019 Subaru Forester, new Forester, Forester hybrid, e-Boxer

Subaru Forester e-Boxer Hybrid Coming in 2019; Outback Hybrid is Next

By Denis Flierl on July 2, 2018 - 7:49AM

Subaru will launch the new Forester Hybrid in 2019. It’s going to Europe and Australia, but what about the US?

AV Turbo Chord Offers Affordable Dual Power Home Charging Solution

By Parks McCants on July 1, 2018 - 8:07PM

The number one concern raised by consumers when considering the purchase of an electrified vehicle is the task of home charging. How, how much, and how often? Aerovironment has an affordable easy to use answer to home EV charging concerns.

New Subaru Crosstrek Hybrid Details; Why You May Not Be Able To Get One

By Denis Flierl on June 30, 2018 - 8:21AM

When the new 2019 Subaru Crosstrek PHEV arrives later this year, it won’t be available where the brand is most popular.

Porsche 919 Evo Hybrid Sets New Lap Mark on the Nordschleife; It Is 5:19.55.

By Marc Stern on June 30, 2018 - 1:12AM

Porsche has knocked the old holder of the best lap record at the Nordschleife, the Nurburgring's "Green Hell." The driver, Timo Bernhard, slice nearly a minute off the old record. The new record should stand for a bit, though,Porsche may decide it wants a better record and may go again.

A Different Kind of Circus Comes to Fremont: Tesla Pitches a Tent To Save Model 3 and Itself

By Al Castro on June 29, 2018 - 11:19AM

In an attempt to wrestle its finances to focus on competition and avert bankruptcy, Tesla tries once again to do something that hasn’t been done before in automotive history. And Model 3 customers wind up benefiting.

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