Electric Vehicle News and Reviews (Page 282)

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.

Nissan's Andy Palmer drops details on new LEAF, Infiniti EV plans

By Aaron Turpen on May 11, 2014 - 12:51AM

At the 2014 Beijing Auto Show, Nissan big wig Andy Palmer let loose some details on the plans the company has for the LEAF and the planned Infiniti branded electric vehicle.

Toyota, California, and FirstElement Fuel to build 100 hydrogen stations

By John Goreham on May 9, 2014 - 1:42PM

Toyota is stepping up to help the state of California and a hydrogen supplier build 100 hydrogen fuel cell vehicle fueling stations.

Tesla narrowly surpasses own sales estimate for Q1, expects huge second half

By Luke Ottaway on May 8, 2014 - 8:03AM

First quarter deliveries of Model S did not blow anyone away, eclipsing Tesla’s expectations by a slim margin. However, if the company’s projections hold true an enormous Q3 and Q4 could be on the way.

Nissan starts production of e-NV200 electric LEAF-based van

By Aaron Turpen on May 7, 2014 - 9:33AM

The Nissan LEAF-based electric cargo van, the e-NV200, begins production in Barcelona, marking the company's second full production electric vehicle. Video included.

Chrysler will add two large plug-in models by 2017, but not because it wants to

By Luke Ottaway on May 7, 2014 - 7:34AM

Not exactly known for electric vehicles, Chrysler plans to produce not one but two plug-in hybrids as part of their five-year plan revealed yesterday. It is a move driven primarily by regulations.

Chinese company now sells both Fisker Karma and Tesla Model S based vehicles

By John Goreham on May 6, 2014 - 12:38PM

Detroit-based VL Automotive, co-founded by the legendary Bob Lutz, is now part of WMGTA, an electric car maker with Chinese connections.

Tesla’s game-changing sedan will not be called Model E

By Luke Ottaway on May 6, 2014 - 9:37AM

The hyped Generation III vehicle due to begin production in 2017 remains nameless, as Tesla has dropped its pursuit of the trademark “Model E.”

This astonishingly fast electric supercar is one step closer to reality

By Luke Ottaway on May 5, 2014 - 10:10AM

The stunning Rimac Concept_One has not seen much progress since its unveiling at the 2011 Frankfurt Auto Show, but recent investments have brought the Croatian startup closer to its goal of producing “the best car in the world.”

Will the Nissan LEAF copy the Tesla Model S with battery options?

By Aaron Turpen on May 3, 2014 - 4:50PM

There are rumors and rumors of rumors that Nissan plans to offer a range of battery pack size options akin to what Tesla Motors does with the Model S. Is this true?

Toyota's 2014 Prius Plug-in is the second most popular electrified vehicle in April

By John Goreham on May 2, 2014 - 3:31PM

The Prius Plug-in quietly continues to be one of the top selling electrified cars in North America.

Driving impressions of the new BMW i3 electric vehicle

By John Goreham on May 2, 2014 - 2:39PM

BMW has created its own space in the EV market in terms of price and content, but does this car actually drive and feel like a BMW? The answer is interesting.

British Gas e-NV200 vans in front of Nissan HQ in UK

British Gas loves the e-NV200, buys more of them

By Aaron Turpen on May 2, 2014 - 12:08AM

After a successful pilot program testing the Nissan LEAF-based e-NV200 small cargo van, British Gas has ordered fifty more of them, making for a fleet of 100 to start.

California injects $25 million to extend electric vehicle rebates through summer

By Luke Ottaway on May 1, 2014 - 7:15PM

Recently the California Air Resources Board has been suffering from a shortage of resources, namely cash. The wildly successful Clean Vehicle Rebate Program needed an infusion of funds that the agency has now provided.

Nissan LEAF truck being tested in Japan

By Aaron Turpen on May 1, 2014 - 12:57AM

Nissan is testing a new battery electric truck, the e-NT400, in Japan with all components being based on the Nissan LEAF's electric powertrain.

An intriguing cure for range anxiety allows any EV to take a road trip

By Luke Ottaway on April 30, 2014 - 11:42AM

Electric vehicle manufacturers have come up with different solutions for alleviating range anxiety, none of them ideal. A company called ebuggy has its own intriguing proposed fix.

Elon Musk "bites the hand" eliminating California as a site for gigafactory

By John Goreham on April 30, 2014 - 11:41AM

Elon Musk says that California’s environmental nonsense rules it out as a spot for the gigafactory.

Young talent sees Audi as a preferred career choice.

Audi Seeks Top Engineering Talent to Increase Electric Innovation

By Mechele Dillard on April 29, 2014 - 3:35PM

Audi's status as one of the top performers for Volkswagen Group may be helped by its status as one of the most sought-after employers for new graduates.

Are electric vehicles cleaner than gasoline? Absolutely

By Luke Ottaway on April 29, 2014 - 11:00AM

A popular refrain from critics and some news outlets is that electric vehicles may not represent an environmental benefit over conventional vehicles due to pollution from power plants and battery production. It is time to put an end to the misinformation.

Everything you need to know about 2014 Mercedes B-Class Electric Drive

By Denis Flierl on April 29, 2014 - 6:48AM

The all-new 2014 Mercedes-Benz B-Class Electric Drive is rolling off the assembly line and gets ready to launch.

Forget plain old electric cars – how about a flying electric car?

By Luke Ottaway on April 28, 2014 - 11:50AM

Someday in the future you may be able to back your electric car out of the garage, unfold its wings, and lift off into the air to proceed to your destination through the skies. And the future could arrive ahead of schedule.

Consumer Reports finds to nobody’s surprise that dealers are not the best EV salespeople

By Luke Ottaway on April 27, 2014 - 11:12AM

A Consumer Reports investigation has officially confirmed what those following the electric vehicle industry already knew: traditional dealers can be really lousy at selling EVs.

Amazing electric bus runs without any battery

By John Goreham on April 25, 2014 - 1:50PM

Electric buses are a great idea, but let’s not fool ourselves about how far we’ve come.

Tesla will manufacture in China, but not as soon as Musk claims

By Luke Ottaway on April 25, 2014 - 12:59PM

Any automaker that wishes to sell cars in China has great incentive to build those cars in China due to the 25% tax on imported vehicles. Tesla plans to build its own vehicles in China in the near future, but just how near is decidedly up in the air.

Are electric vehicles really “toys for the wealthy?”

By Luke Ottaway on April 24, 2014 - 7:33PM

Electric vehicles in general command a higher price tag than even hybrids and appeal to a tech-savvy crowd. A study by Experian Automotive breaks down the electric and hybrid vehicle demographics, with several statistics of particular interest.

The interesting factor Cars.com says is holding back EV sales

By John Goreham on April 24, 2014 - 10:52AM

Cars.com says the residential private “infrastructure” to support EVs is not yet in place.

Epic Electric American Road Trip successfully concludes 12,183 miles later

By Luke Ottaway on April 24, 2014 - 9:42AM

On Monday, Norman Hajjar pulled into Venice, California after traveling 12,183 miles over 24 days in a Tesla Model S. His epic road trip proved an electric vehicle can travel to all four corners of the country, though there is plenty of room for improvement.

Toyota adding thousands to deals to move slow-selling RAV 4 EV

By John Goreham on April 23, 2014 - 5:32PM

Toyota is having difficulty selling the RAV 4s it needs to in order to comply with government mandates. Those looking for an EV crossover could get a great deal.

Tesla acquires Lathrop facility to meet mysterious additional needs

By Luke Ottaway on April 23, 2014 - 9:21AM

The Gigafactory has been headline news this year, but Tesla recently made an under-the-radar move to acquire and renovate an old Daimler-Chrysler distribution center for unspecified manufacturing purposes.

Arctic Whisper electric bus charges in 6 minutes, has highly appropriate name

By Luke Ottaway on April 22, 2014 - 9:28AM

Electric vehicles typically take hours to recharge, but there is one brute-force tactic to get around this problem: lots and lots of power. Sweden’s Arctic Whisper is an all-electric bus that can replenish its battery in 6 minutes, and the maker says even that’s not good enough.

Nissan LEAF fire blamed on faulty charger, NHTSA investigates

By Aaron Turpen on April 22, 2014 - 2:35AM

Another electric vehicle fire, this time involving a Nissan LEAF, is being blamed on the charging unit and has prompted the NHTSA to get involved, but the investigation isn't looking at the LEAF.

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