Electric Vehicle News and Reviews (Page 291)

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.

Toyota Releases Final FCV Fuel Cell Vehicle Design

Toyota shows off final FCV Fuel Cell Vehicle Look

By John Goreham on June 25, 2014 - 10:40AM

Toyota's FCV design is now finished. The vehicle has a familiar look to our eye.

Electric vehicle sales will reach significant milestone by September

By Luke Ottaway on June 24, 2014 - 11:59PM

Since the dawn of the modern electric vehicle era in late 2010, over 220,000 EVs have been sold in the United States. That means a big milestone lies just around the corner.

How Mitsubishi will use Outlander PHEV for future EVO development

By Denis Flierl on June 24, 2014 - 7:59AM

The new Mitsubishi Outlander PHEV will compete in the grueling Asia Cross Country Rally 2014. Mitsubishi isn’t done Rally racing yet.

Tesla is world’s most important automaker because of the present and the future

By Luke Ottaway on June 23, 2014 - 11:16PM

A prominent Morgan Stanley analyst has called Tesla Motors “arguably the most important car company in the world.” We agree based on the impact Tesla has on the auto industry right now but also its influence on the future.

Like the Mercedes B-Class, every electric vehicle should offer extra range as an option

By Luke Ottaway on June 23, 2014 - 6:31PM

The Mercedes-Benz B-Class Electric Drive is being offered with an optional $600 package that extends range by 17 miles. It is an option that makes a whole lot of sense if used wisely.

Stop the presses – Harley-Davidson has built an electric motorcycle and it looks spectacular

By Luke Ottaway on June 20, 2014 - 10:16AM

Could it be? The maker of some of the loudest, most hallowed cruiser motorcycles in the world has succumbed to the allure of electric mobility?

Chevrolet Volt passes a significant milestone, makes the most of electric range

By Luke Ottaway on June 19, 2014 - 8:09PM

Despite its limited electric range, the plug-in hybrid Chevrolet Volt has surpassed 500 million miles powered exclusively by electricity. Ensuing milestones will be reached in short order as the number of Volts on the road grows.

Survey provides fascinating insight into the reasons people buy electric vehicles

By Luke Ottaway on June 18, 2014 - 10:26PM

A survey of California EV owners came up with some interesting results about, among many other things, the main reasons people choose to go electric.

Massachusetts EV rebate program is now online, looks to boost short-term sales

By Luke Ottaway on June 18, 2014 - 5:08PM

Incentives for electric vehicle purchases are hotly debated and not all programs are successful. Massachusetts is now one of the most generous states as it kicks off its rebate program for new EV buyers.

Could active thermal battery management in Nissan e-NV200 foreshadow future LEAFs?

By Luke Ottaway on June 17, 2014 - 11:30PM

The Nissan LEAF is notable for spurning active cooling and heating systems in favor of passive thermal management for its battery pack, which has its pros and cons. The company’s all-electric e-NV200 commercial van manages battery temperatures differently, but might future LEAFs do the same?

BMW, Nissan, and Tesla – the big three EV makers want to team up on fast charging

By Luke Ottaway on June 16, 2014 - 11:30PM

The nascent electric vehicle industry still has not agreed on a universal standard for fast charging, but that could soon change if the three biggest players in the EV industry join forces.

ZEOD RC sets records, but fails overall in Le Mans 24 Hours

By Aaron Turpen on June 16, 2014 - 1:44PM

The Nissan ZEOD RC managed to set the records expected of it during the Le Mans 24 Hours endurance race, but failed to finish and bowed out early due to a problem having nothing to do with its advanced design and everything to do with boring reality.

BMW i3 check engine light issue close to resolution

By John Goreham on June 16, 2014 - 12:52PM

BMW is preparing a solution to the problem according to a new BMW memo.

BMW i3 REx vs. Chevrolet Volt: two different approaches to plug-in hybrids

By Luke Ottaway on June 16, 2014 - 12:00AM

Aside from general misunderstanding of how plug-in hybrids work, an even less understood nuance is how the range-extended version of the BMW i3 is different from the most well known plug-in hybrid, the Chevrolet Volt. Torque News breaks it down.

Two reasons Subaru will revive SVX as a high-performance hybrid flagship for the brand

By Denis Flierl on June 13, 2014 - 11:41AM

The sporty Subaru SVX could be revived by Subaru as a new flagship high-performance coupe with a performance hybrid powertrain.

How Pikes Peak will influence 2015 Mitsubishi Lancer EVO successor

By Denis Flierl on June 13, 2014 - 8:03AM

We can say goodbye to the 2015 Mitsubishi Lancer Evolution, but say hello to the new-generation successor’s technology that will be at Pikes Peak.

Musk satisfies appetite for disruption by unleashing every Tesla patent

By Luke Ottaway on June 12, 2014 - 5:17PM

When Elon Musk said he would do something controversial with regard to Tesla’s patents, few expected he would open all of them to outside use. But that is exactly what the CEO has done, and the implications are unpredictable.

Portland becomes test market for Nissan e-NV200 electric van

By Aaron Turpen on June 12, 2014 - 5:06PM

Nissan has chosen Portland, Oregon as its "breeding ground" for the e-NV200 electric commercial van. A six-week trial there in partnership with PGE will put the second of Nissan's fully electric vehicles into real-world testing on American soil.

Will America’s most affordable EV 2014 Mitsubishi i-MiEV be a hit?

By Denis Flierl on June 12, 2014 - 6:49AM

The 2014 Mitsubishi i-MiEV electric-powered vehicle gets a new low price of $22,995. What makes it even more attractive for consumers?

Rumors that the Chevrolet Spark EV is destined to be more than a compliance car?

By Luke Ottaway on June 12, 2014 - 12:15AM

Though GM still insists the impressive little EV will remain only available in California and Oregon, a few Ohio and Michigan dealers claim otherwise. Could the Spark EV climb from the ranks of mere compliance?

BMW i3 Poll reveals surprising facts about who buys electric vehicles

By John Goreham on June 11, 2014 - 11:52AM

Torque News' exclusive poll reveals that buyers of the newest electric vehicle, the BMW i3, are not who BMW predicts will buy the car, and what they trade in does not fit the gas guzzler to green car narrative.

Derek Joyce from Hyundai fills up Tucson FCV

12 Things Good and Bad About the Hyundai Tucson FCV

By Keith Griffin on June 11, 2014 - 8:42AM

Hyundai introduced the Tucson Fuel Cell Vehicle at a simple first customer ceremony and media drive event in Tustin, California, and after some time behind the wheel and talking to the experts, it's safe to say there are good and bad things about this new vehicle.

Tesla to offer up Supercharger network and patents, but don’t get excited yet

By Luke Ottaway on June 10, 2014 - 11:31PM

Speculation has run rampant since Elon Musk recently hinted more than once that he would open up several patents and would be happy to offer Supercharger access to other automakers. But will it amount to anything?

Extreme in every way, ultra-efficient Volkswagen XL1 has reached 1st customer

By Luke Ottaway on June 9, 2014 - 11:02PM

Ultra-light, ultra-efficient, ultra-expensive – the limited-production Volkswagen XL1 is a car of extremes. The first of just 250 copies of the world’s most efficient production car was delivered to a lucky customer last week.

Unique BMW i3 attracts new customers to the brand

By Luke Ottaway on June 8, 2014 - 10:58PM

The BMW i3 is what you might call a radical electric vehicle. It has seen strong demand so far, and BMW is thrilled at the number of buyers the i3 has taken from other brands.

New Jersey will allow Tesla to sell direct, but eventually it might not matter

By Luke Ottaway on June 8, 2014 - 3:12PM

Nearly two months after Tesla was forced to halt sales at its two New Jersey stores, the state assembly has passed a bill permitting direct sales for zero-emission vehicle manufacturers. The big question is whether or not Tesla will eventually change its business model.

Everyone wants a cheaper Tesla, according to unscientific poll

By Luke Ottaway on June 6, 2014 - 7:20AM

It is fairly common, when the subject of Tesla is brought up, to hear people say “I’d love to buy one if only it wasn’t so expensive.” They really mean it, according to a recent poll.

As Tesla slips to fourth in sales many underestimate Toyota's impact on US electric car market

By John Goreham on June 5, 2014 - 10:35PM

In the EV sales race Nissan leads, Toyota is looking to pass, Chevy drops back, Ford accelerates, and Tesla is stuck in fourth. Nobody else matters.

Repurposed Camry Hybrid batteries to power Yellowstone campus

By John Goreham on June 5, 2014 - 12:12PM

Toyota’s commitment to the environment goes beyond selling more green cars than any other automaker. Toyota’s Camry batteries play a new key role in clean power generation at our nation’s oldest national park.

U.S.S. Tesla Motors remains on course – with some interesting surprises

By Luke Ottaway on June 4, 2014 - 10:49PM

At Tesla’s annual shareholders’ meeting CEO Elon Musk covered a great deal of topics important to those following the electric car company, and his answers were reassuring as usual with hints of a few twists to look forward to.

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