Electric Vehicle News and Reviews (Page 287)

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 Nissan LEAF is now profitable – sort of

By Luke Ottaway on October 7, 2014 - 9:23AM

Comments by Nissan CEO Carlos Ghosn indicate that the Nissan LEAF has at last moved into the black, although it will be a while before the up-front investment is recovered.

The 2016 Cadillac CT6 plug-in hybrid will be no ELR

By Luke Ottaway on October 6, 2014 - 5:48PM

Cadillac is planning to introduce a plug-in hybrid version of its upcoming CT6 large sedan next year. What we do know is that the luxury saloon will not bear much resemblance to the other Cadillac plug-in, the ELR.

Tesla Model S gets lane departure warning, plus a curious feature

By Luke Ottaway on October 6, 2014 - 11:32AM

Tesla has finally implemented one long-overdue active safety feature in the Model S, known as lane departure warning. But the other feature arriving simultaneously is a bit of an eyebrow-raiser.

The Lamborghini Asterion may be the world’s most desirable plug-in vehicle

By Luke Ottaway on October 2, 2014 - 3:11PM

This week at the 2014 Paris Motor Show, Lamborghini almost reluctantly showed off a plug-in hybrid beast called the Asterion. It only exists because of regulations, but we’re glad it does.

Musk ready to “unveil the D” and another surprise next week – what will it be?

By Luke Ottaway on October 2, 2014 - 11:56AM

Last night Elon Musk got the internet excited with a tantalizing (and unintentionally suggestive) tweet involving the letter D and “something else.” Let the speculation blitz begin.

Chevrolet Volt sales take a dive in September - is the 2016 model to blame?

By Luke Ottaway on October 1, 2014 - 4:32PM

After a promising August, the Chevy Volt ended its 2014 streak of monthly sales increases with a disappointing September. Is the upcoming 2016 model responsible?

Do projections for future plug-in vehicle sales mean anything?

By Luke Ottaway on September 30, 2014 - 10:33PM

It is fun to try to predict the future, and some firms are devoted entirely to the art and science (and guesswork) of projecting what the future will hold. But in the case of plug-in electric vehicles, do projections of future sales really mean much?

Tesla opens 200th Supercharger station as charging network continues to grow rapidly

By Luke Ottaway on September 30, 2014 - 2:47PM

Tesla Motors continues to demonstrate the benefits of an automaker doubling as its own charging provider, as the company opened its 200th Supercharger fast-charge station just five months after opening station number 100.

Volkswagen to unveil Passat GTE plug-in hybrid – when will it make it to the U.S.?

By Luke Ottaway on September 29, 2014 - 12:50PM

Why do you tease us so, Volkswagen? Following in the footsteps of the (for now) Europe-only Golf GTE plug-in hybrid, the European spec Passat GTE will be unveiled at the 2014 Paris Motor Show this week. When will we be graced with its presence across the pond?

Why the Porsche Cayenne S E-Hybrid will be a success

By Luke Ottaway on September 25, 2014 - 10:11PM

For the 2015 model year, Porsche has ditched the outgoing Porsche Cayenne Hybrid in favor of a plug-in version. Here’s why it will do well.

The surprising culprit behind a recent Chevrolet Volt fire

By Luke Ottaway on September 25, 2014 - 12:34PM

“Electric car” and “fire” are words that EV advocates hate to see in the same sentence. But in the case of a Chevrolet Volt fire last month, the cause was a component found in every vehicle on the road today.

2015 Fiat 500e hits California and Oregon and it is cheap

By Luke Ottaway on September 24, 2014 - 9:45AM

A slightly refreshed all-electric 2015 Fiat 500e is now available at select studios in California and Oregon. If you live in one of those states and are in the market for an EV, the 500e deserves serious consideration on lease price alone.

This electric vehicle company is surely doomed

By Luke Ottaway on September 23, 2014 - 4:35PM

GreenTech Automotive has released the prices for its MyCar and G2 vehicles, and neither appears to have much chance of succeeding.

Consumer Reports underwhelmed by first drive of Mercedes B-Class Electric

By Luke Ottaway on September 23, 2014 - 12:20PM

The influential publication came away largely unimpressed with its first experience with the new all-electric offering from Mercedes. Here’s why that is not a surprise.

Why it may not be a good idea to re-launch the old Fisker Karma

By Luke Ottaway on September 22, 2014 - 10:34AM

The Fisker Karma is making a comeback, as the company’s new owners plan to bring the plug-in hybrid sedan to life once more next year. Will the rush to get the Karma back to market hurt its chances of success?

What Would a Nissan LEAF and Frontier Mashup Look Like? Fuglymazing!

By Aaron Turpen on September 19, 2014 - 3:35PM

Nissan engineers build an electric cruck by merging an electric LEAF and a Frontier pickup truck. The results are fuglymazing.

Will the Renault Eolab – a 282 MPG hatchback of the future – make it to the U.S.?

By Luke Ottaway on September 18, 2014 - 12:05PM

Step aside, Volkswagen with your landmark XL1. The Renault Eolab achieves similar efficiency benefits in the form of a more practical hatchback – though it may be a while before a similar version hits the States.

Eva Hakansson standing atop the KillaJoule in Bonneville

Eva Hakansson Makes 270 mph run at Bonneville in KillaJoule

By Aaron Turpen on September 18, 2014 - 11:17AM

Computer modeling estimated that the top speed for the KillaJoule electric streamliner motorcycle was about 270 miles per hour. Now, the fastest woman on a motorcycle has proven that with a new world record.

Chicago to purchase quiet, clean, expensive all-electric Motiv garbage trucks

By Luke Ottaway on September 17, 2014 - 9:45AM

Garbage trucks are not generally associated with being clean or green, but pretty soon Motiv Power will provide the city of Chicago with the cleanest, greenest garbage trucks you’ve ever seen.

No EV or hybrid can match the 2015 Toyota Corolla LE Eco

By John Goreham on September 16, 2014 - 6:53PM

In terms of practicality, size, and cost of ownership, the very-green Toyota Corolla LE Eco is unrivaled.

An electric S-Class is the spearhead of the Mercedes plug-in hybrid offensive

By Luke Ottaway on September 16, 2014 - 12:41PM

Sure, it is the approximate size of a small yacht and will cost about the same. But the new Mercedes S550 plug-in hybrid represents just the first in what is promised to be a long line of electrified vehicles bearing the distinctive three-point star.

How Mercedes uses F1 technology for the new Mercedes S550 Plug-in hybrid

By Denis Flierl on September 16, 2014 - 7:27AM

The all-new 2015 Mercedes-Benz S550 is the first Plug-in hybrid from the German automaker. How is it related to F1 racing?

Tesla direct sales victory in Massachusetts could pave way for similar rulings

By Luke Ottaway on September 15, 2014 - 8:24PM

On Monday, the highest court in the state of Massachusetts ruled in favor of Tesla Motors in yet another battle with auto dealers over the company’s direct sales model. The significance of the ruling could extend beyond just Massachusetts.

Nissan may outsource batteries to LG Chem – what does it mean for Leaf?

By Luke Ottaway on September 15, 2014 - 4:00PM

Reports from Renault-Nissan sources suggest that the company is rethinking the battery supply for its electric vehicles. It is reported that Nissan may shift to LG Chem to provide superior cells for its next-generation battery packs. What are the implications?

Tesla Model X outsold all electric vehicles except Volt and Leaf in August

By Luke Ottaway on September 14, 2014 - 10:18PM

The upcoming Tesla Model X has been hyped like no other crossover in recent memory. That hype has generated an impressive number of pre-orders for the falcon-winged wonder, particularly in recent months.

Inaugural Formula E race ends in thrilling fashion, spectacular crash

By Luke Ottaway on September 13, 2014 - 4:03PM

The first-ever Formula E race in Beijing on Saturday provided its share of excitement, particularly on the final lap that featured a scary crash.

2014 Nissan LEAF named as best car deal by KBB.com

By Aaron Turpen on September 13, 2014 - 10:36AM

Kelley Blue Book has named its 10 Best New Car Deals of the Month for September and the LEAF is on that list.

2015 Kia Soul EV pricing announced with attractive lease deal

By Luke Ottaway on September 11, 2014 - 4:05PM

Another electric vehicle will soon be arriving on U.S. shores. The 2015 Kia Soul EV will bring with it a price tag fairly typical of its class, but many buyers may opt for the lease.

Silence - that’s the sound of the police (coming for you in a VW e-Golf)

By Luke Ottaway on September 11, 2014 - 1:16PM

Volkswagen presented the e-Golf battery electric car as a police emergency vehicle at an exhibition this week. Though it wouldn’t last long in a high-speed chase, the e-Golf would be quite a stealthy cop car.

Tesla vehicles could have full autopilot by 2020

By Luke Ottaway on September 10, 2014 - 12:19PM

As the debate over autonomous driving rages on, Tesla is doing its best to catch up to rival automakers in developing self-driving cars. New comments from CEO Elon Musk shed more light on the company’s plans.

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