Electric Vehicle News and Reviews (Page 248)

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.

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.

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

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.

Jeep and Tesla Have 2 Things in Common: The Fun Factor and Community

By Tom Wyrick on June 29, 2018 - 10:44AM

While Tesla owners don't have the Jeep Wave, Tesla and Jeep still have two very important things in common. They both have great communities and the fun factor.

The 2 Biggest Reasons that Meeting Production Numbers May Not Be Enough for Tesla

By Max Marck on June 28, 2018 - 11:18AM

In a recent email, Tesla's Elon Musk stated that skeptics who doubted that the Model 3 would have strong production were "in for a rude awakening." However, there may be reason, or two reasons, to believe that this confidence is premature, despite improvements.

Tesla's EV Pickup Is Aiming at F-150 But The Open Field May Soon Close

By Al Castro on June 28, 2018 - 9:04AM

Tesla may introduce a Ford F-150 pickup truck killer by 2020. The EV truck field is still open to the introductions of bold and courageous electric pickup trucks. But is Ford's F series hybrid the remedy or antidote to a revamped proposed Tesla EV Pickup truck?

Pre-Owned Toyota Prius Is The Perfect Ride-Share Vehicle

By John Goreham on June 27, 2018 - 8:30AM

The Toyota Prius Hybrid has advantages other green cars don't share when it comes to ride-sharing.

What Tesla Wants To Do Is a Great Idea All The Carmakers Should Do

By Al Castro on June 27, 2018 - 8:25AM

Tesla CEO Elon Musk has his version of crowdsourcing. He tweeted that he was thinking of offering an extended Tesla factory tour option where you could help build part of a car & understand how they come together.

2018 Drive Revolution: 2018 Chrysler Pacifica PHEV voted Northwest Green Vehicle of the Year

By Parks McCants on June 26, 2018 - 11:59PM

After driving 18 electrified vehicles from the broadest segment sampling feasible in 6 hours, members of NWAPA (Northwest Automotive Press Association) voted Chrysler Pacifica Hybrid Northwest Green Vehicle of the Year. Yes, the minivan, what?

Tesla Pickup Truck: Seriously Next Level Ideas

By Dean McManis on June 26, 2018 - 11:41PM

Today Elon Musk tweeted: "What would you love to see in a Tesla pickup truck? I have a few things in mind, but what do you think are small, but important nuances and what would be seriously next level?"

Personally, I think that Tesla should build two truck models.

Electric Sticker Shock: The Electric Vehicle Federal Tax Rebate Winds Down, and Mass Market EV Models Face a Quandary

By Al Castro on June 26, 2018 - 8:34PM

After all the auto makers went through earlier this year to save the federal $7500 EV tax credit to make their EVs affordable, they’re back at square one again, this time because they’re reaching the production goals set in the law that created the credit.

Mercedes PHEV Move Only Prolongs an Inevitable Problem

By Al Castro on June 26, 2018 - 5:01PM

Mercedes Benz's PHEV move is disappointing, but why do carmakers insist on PHEVs? There are three reasons for it.

Unlock and start your Prius with a dead key fob.

How To Unlock and Start Your Toyota Prius With a Dead Key Fob

By John Goreham on June 26, 2018 - 3:23PM

A dead key fob will not prevent you from entering and starting any modern automobile. Here's the trick to opening and then starting the Toyota Prius even with a dead fob.

Bentley Bentayga Crushes Record By 2 Minutes In Hill Climb

By Marc Stern on June 26, 2018 - 1:40PM

Following Volkswagen's historic win in an electric vehicle Sunday, the automaker's Bentley subsidiary also set a new market for SUVs. It, too, crushed it.

Tesla Ranks Second on Dream Car Survey... Behind a Mustang?

By Max Marck on June 26, 2018 - 11:07AM

A recent survey by a company called Gold Eagle asked participants about their dream cars. Among them were the Jeep Wrangler, Chevrolet Corvette and Camaro. But the top two cars make for interesting reading, as do the breakdowns for men and women. The latter showed strong preference for the Jeep Wrangler (81%), while the former went for the Tesla Model S (63%).

Audi, Porsche and Jaguar Are Finally Giving Tesla a Competition for an Interesting Reason

By Al Castro on June 26, 2018 - 10:18AM

Luxury car buyers don't want to be left behind and look for luxury electric cars. This forces luxury car makers like Audi, Porsche, Mercedes and Jaguar to finally give Tesla a real competition. Take a look at these interesting stats.

Hydrogen Cars in 2018: The Mirai, Clarity FC, and Nexo Charge Ahead

By Dean McManis on June 26, 2018 - 9:00AM

In concept, hydrogen cars sound like a perfect solution to reduce air pollution from commuter automobiles. How come we don't see hydrogen cars like the Toyota Mirai, Hyundai Nexo and Honda Clarity FC commonly on the roads?

VW ID R racer does it at Pikes Peak hill climb

VW I.D. R Racer Tears Up Record Books in Successful Pikes Peak Challenge

By Marc Stern on June 24, 2018 - 6:19PM

Volkswagen has done it. After all of the teasers and development advance stories, the new I.D. R racer set out to take the speed record for the Pikes Peak Hill Climb and it did.

Today’s the Day: We Will Finally Know if VW Takes Pikes Peak Record

By Marc Stern on June 24, 2018 - 9:14AM

It all comes down to today. As Volkswagen prepares its I.D. R Pikes Peak challenger, the automaker hopes to set a bit of history with a new record mark for electric cars.

Why 2019 Insight is Honda’s Answer to the perfect Compact 4-Door Sedan

By Parks McCants on June 23, 2018 - 7:36PM

It’s not often that a major manufacturer delivers a superior car or light truck these days for less than $23,000. Honda’s 2019 Insight hybrid is the maker’s answer to the perfect compact 4-door sedan. However, there’s a heck of a lot more going on here than fuel economy.

New Ludicrous Tesla Racecar is a Stripped Down Track Beast, But Will People Watch It?

By Max Marck on June 22, 2018 - 10:06AM

A new all-electric race series is being developed - the Electric GT Championship - and the first car has been delivered. It started life as a normal Tesla P100DL, but has become an absolute monster.

Italdesign's flying taxi with Audi and airbus

The Next Taxi Might Be Audi's Flying Taxi with Italdesign and Airbus

By Marc Stern on June 22, 2018 - 9:01AM

The next time you are in Ingolstadt, waiting for your cab, you might try looking up and watching. The reason is that your taxi is coming, however, this time it will be flying. Meet the flying taxi by Audi, Italdesign and Airbus.

2019 Subaru Crosstrek Gets Small Pricing Increase; All-New Plug-In-Hybrid

By Denis Flierl on June 22, 2018 - 7:13AM

The 2019 Subaru Crosstrek gets a small price increase. The big news is the new Crosstrek plug-in-hybrid.

How the 2018 Toyota Prius Lost Its IIHS Top Safety Pick Plus Rating

By John Goreham on June 21, 2018 - 2:53PM

The 2018 Toyota Prius and Prius Prime no longer hold the top rating by IIHS. Here's why.

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