Electric Vehicle News and Reviews (Page 245)

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.

5 Things You Need To Know About Tesla and Elon Musk That Happened This Week

By Armen Hareyan on May 25, 2018 - 11:37PM

Tesla had a rough week, especially the Thursday and Friday, but there is also good news. The week started with Consumer Reports not recommending Tesla Model 3 because of problematic brakes and other issues, but we are not even going to mention that anymore in this article. Let's see what else happened that is noteworthy.

Red Nissan Leaf in a dealership 1200x90 size

Real Experiences of Nissan Leaf Owners from Dealerships When Buying an EV

By Armen Hareyan on May 25, 2018 - 2:46PM

Yesterday, when I published the story discussing the 4 most common ways car dealerships steer car buyers away from electric cars I asked several Nissan leaf owners about their experiences when buying a car from a dealership. Here is what they said.

4 Most Common Ways Dealers Steer Car Buyers away From EVs

By Armen Hareyan on May 24, 2018 - 8:01PM

The last time you went to a car dealership to buy a new or used car, most probably you were not introduced to the dealership's used or new electric car inventory. At last, this is according to a new study by a group of researchers who posed as car shoppers. I am not surprised as I will tell you what my local Chevy dealer told me once.

Tesla can't build an affordable Model 3.

Tesla Can't Make Affordable Model 3 Cars - Company Will "Lose Money and Die"

By John Goreham on May 24, 2018 - 5:38PM

Elon Musk explains why Tesla has never built a single base version of its Model 3 at the imaginary $35K price point.

Chevy Volt is Better For The Middle Class Than Tesla Because Electricity Is Always Cheaper Than Gas

By Armen Hareyan on May 24, 2018 - 12:58PM

Let's say you are a middle class family and need to decide between the Chevy Volt and Tesla Model S, how do you make the decision? I am not even talking about Tesla Model 3 as we haven't yet seen the the $35,000 price. Thus, it's not for the middle class.

Chevy Volt vs Tesla Model 3 Charging Cost and The Math

By Armen Hareyan on May 24, 2018 - 11:59AM

Many people debate about the cost to charge electric cars and if it's cheaper to charge at home vs charging them in public or commercial stations. Really, how much does it cost to charge an electric car at a commercial charging station and at home. Which one is less expensive to charge: Chevy Volt or Tesla Model 3?

2019 Honda Insight may Buck the SUV Buying Trend

By Parks McCants on May 23, 2018 - 11:06PM

There’s no question in the automotive industry that crossover and SUV sales have long outsold sedans in North America, that’s a given So why does Honda embrace the 4-door sedan as demonstrated through Clarity and the soon to arrive Insight?

Fact checking Tesla Model 3 brake problem response.

Fact Checking Tesla's Model 3 Brake Problem Response - Does It Pass the Sniff Test?

By John Goreham on May 22, 2018 - 12:59PM

Following the revelation that another test confirms Model 3 brake problems, Tesla promises a fix and offers an excuse. Are any of Tesla's comments on this issue fact-based and believable?

How 2018 Honda Clarity EV Trilogy Earns California Clean Air Award

By Parks McCants on May 21, 2018 - 9:05PM

As announced Monday morning by American Honda Motors the well received 2018 Honda Clarity electrified sedan series earns high honors from the Coalition for Clean Air. Why it won is a bit more interesting.

Model 3 fails to earn Consumer Reports recommendation.

Problematic Brakes and Other Issues Prevent Consumer Reports From Recommending Tesla Model 3

By John Goreham on May 21, 2018 - 4:16PM

Consumer Reports found that the Model 3 they paid $59,000 for has problematic brakes, controls issues, ride issues, and other problems that preclude the model from earning the group's “Recommended” stamp of approval.

Tesla is on HBO's Silicon Valley, but It Comes With Much Criticism

By John Falk on May 21, 2018 - 11:18AM

Tesla automobiles have been showing up on a number of TV series. With this exposure comes much criticism of product placement. The fact is HBO's Silicon Valley mined some great humor from a story line involving a Tesla

Tesla Informally Announces New $84K Model 3 Performance Trim - Still No Base Trims Being Delivered

By John Goreham on May 21, 2018 - 11:10AM

Tesla still isn't delivering the imaginary base Model 3 car, but will now take orders for a $78K performance variant.

2019 Subaru Crosstrek, new Subaru Hybrid, PHEV, EV, California zero emissions vehicle (ZEV)

You Can’t Buy New Crosstrek PHEV Unless You Live in These 10 US States

By Denis Flierl on May 21, 2018 - 7:29AM

Subaru launches a first-ever 2019 Crosstrek plug-in-hybrid, but you can’t buy one unless you live in these 10 U.S. states.

Eugene Oregon’s Arcimoto Electric Online for BETA Production Summer 2018 : An update from Arcimoto

By Parks McCants on May 20, 2018 - 11:25PM

As an E.V. advocate, I’m often asked by micro-car fans why more startup electric car companies don’t, or can’t, take their logically progressive compact prototypes to market viability? There’s a lot to it! Our friends at Arcimoto Electric speak up.

VW ID R: It takes a lot of work to ready a new racer for an old race

By Marc Stern on May 20, 2018 - 10:12PM

Though you probably have guessed it, it does take a lot of work to get a race car ready for a race that hasn't run yet. If you are wondering, here are some of the details of the VW ID R.

2019 Subaru Crosstrek, new Subaru Hybrid, PHEV, EV, Toyota Prius Prime

How Subaru Taps Toyota Technology For First-Ever Crosstrek PHEV

By Denis Flierl on May 20, 2018 - 8:00AM

The 2019 Subaru Crosstrek is coming with plug-in-hybrid power. See how Subaru tapped Toyota for their technology.

Tesla Model X Towing a Qantas Boeing Dreamliner

Watch Qantas Using a Tesla 2nd Time in a Marketing Move as Model X Tows a Dreamliner

By Armen Hareyan on May 19, 2018 - 10:53AM

The Tesla Model X has a reported towing capacity of 5,000 pounds, but Australian Qantas Airlines shows that this electric SUV can tow more than any other electric car currently on the market. Watch this video, which shows how Model X tows a Boeing Dreamliner and beats a Guinness Record.

2019 Subaru Forester, e-Boxer, Forester hybrid

Subaru Reveals Japan-Spec Forester e-Boxer Hybrid Details

By Denis Flierl on May 18, 2018 - 7:13AM

Subaru releases specs on the new 2019 Forester e-Boxer Hybrid. Will it see U.S. shores?

IIHS can't complete the safety testing of the Tesla Model 3.

IIHS Can't Complete Tesla Model 3 Crash & Safety Testing - Here's Why

By John Goreham on May 15, 2018 - 8:12PM

The Insurance Institute For Highway Safety has released a small part of the Tesla Model 3 safety test results. The reason the Institute can't complete the testing is unique.

Two Reasons to Love the Kia Niro Touring

By Patrick Rall on May 15, 2018 - 4:20PM

I recently had a chance to spend a week behind the wheel of a 2017 Kia Niro Touring and I came away from the experience impressed with the driving dynamics and the loaded cabin of the roomy hybrid hatchback.

Tesla Model 3 fails to earn highest IIHS safety ranking.

After Just Two Initial Tests, Tesla Model 3 Already Excluded From Top IIHS Safety Rating

By John Goreham on May 15, 2018 - 11:57AM

The Tesla Model 3 is presently undergoing testing by the Insurance Institute For Highway Safety. With just two tests performed, the Tesla Model 3 is already excluded from the top ranking.

Tesla reorganizing following huge losses.

Tesla's Reorganization - Cash Flow Improvement Plan or Shuffling Deck Chairs on the Titanic

By John Goreham on May 14, 2018 - 3:54PM

Tesla has 99 problems, but sales ain't one.

Update: Second Tesla Model S Slams Into the Back Of Firetruck - Occupant Says Car Was In Autopilot Mode

By John Goreham on May 14, 2018 - 2:57PM

If you think you've heard this before, its because it has now happened twice. Another Tesla Model S has slammed into the back of a firetruck.

How does the 2nd gen Chevy Volt behave once it's only using gasoline

By Armen Hareyan on May 14, 2018 - 2:22PM

I test drove a 2nd Gen Chevrolet Volt today for the 1st time and was pleasantly surprised how much I liked it. I was, however, driving it only on electric power. On the 1st Gen, I didn't like how sluggish and slow it felt when using gas only. How does the 2nd gen Volt behave or feel once its only using gasoline?

Elon Musk's Twitter feed shows his true priorities.

If You Think Elon Musk Is Focused On Tesla Model 3 Production A Peek At His Twitter Feed Will Bring You Back To Earth

By John Goreham on May 14, 2018 - 1:02PM

Elon Musk recently told investors and fans he was taking over control of Model 3 production. Based on his Twitter feed, it sure looks like he has other interests.

Is Tesla looking into the rearview and watching behemoths coming? It should be

By Marc Stern on May 14, 2018 - 9:01AM

For some years, Tesla has been the de facto electric vehicle market leader. Then again, why wouldn't it be? There was no one to challenge its leadership. Well, with the change in the automotive world, Tesla had better watch out.

Chevy is Expanding the Bolt Voluntary Recall to Upgrade Battery Software

By Mary Conway on May 13, 2018 - 5:24PM

General Motors and Chevrolet aren't technically calling this a recall but they are asking all 2017 and 2018 Chevrolet Bolt owners to come back to their dealerships for a software upgrade.

2019 Subaru Crosstrek, new Subaru Hybrid, PHEV, EV

Subaru Announces New Crosstrek Plug-in Hybrid With Toyota Prius Prime Tech

By Denis Flierl on May 11, 2018 - 5:14PM

Subaru announces its first-ever 2019 Crosstrek plug-in hybrid vehicle. See when consumers can get one.

Tesla's current delviery rate shows an 8-year wait for cars.

Easy Math - If Tesla Has 400K Model 3 Reservations, It will Take 8 Years To Fill Them At Current Delivery Rate

By John Goreham on May 11, 2018 - 1:54PM

Wo do some simple math and come to the conclusion that at its delivery rate, Tesla won't catch up to its Model 3 reservations until 2026.

Tesla Model 3 costs twice what a Chevy Volt or Prius Prime does.

Real World Pricing Comparison - Chevy Volt & Prius Prime Cost Half What the Tesla Model 3 Does

By John Goreham on May 11, 2018 - 12:01PM

We compare real-world prices of the 2018 Chevy Volt and Prius Prime to the Tesla Model 3.

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