Electric Vehicle News and Reviews (Page 292)

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.

Record-breaking EV sales in May led by one mainstay and two surprises

By Luke Ottaway on June 4, 2014 - 6:20PM

Electric vehicle sales have increased year-over-year in every month for 42 straight months. Still, the record-setting numbers the industry put up in May were impressive.

Solar Roadways would be great, and just might happen

By Luke Ottaway on June 4, 2014 - 7:54AM

You may have heard the idea of replacing many of America’s roads with durable solar panels that could generate electricity. It’s a great idea, and here’s why it could work.

2014 Prius Plug-In defies skeptics with sales leap as California HOV lane stickers run out

By John Goreham on June 3, 2014 - 2:54PM

The predicted drop in Prius Plug-In sales by some EV advocates does not come to pass. Rather, sales quadrupled in May and the PIP outsold every green car except the Leaf.

EPA power plant regulations won’t have much effect on EVs in short term

By Luke Ottaway on June 2, 2014 - 10:56PM

The power plant regulations announced Monday by the Environmental Protection Agency will affect carbon emissions of the electricity grid as well as electricity prices, two things electric vehicle owners and potential owners should be very interested in. But the near-term effect is minimal.

Solar Roadways would be great, but won't happen

By Luke Ottaway on June 2, 2014 - 7:58AM

You may have heard the idea of replacing many of America’s roads with durable solar panels that could generate electricity. It’s a great idea, but here’s why it probably won’t work.

Porsche 911 plug-in is inevitable and will be spectacular, but is not official yet

By Luke Ottaway on June 1, 2014 - 12:14PM

Last week it was reported that a patent filed by Porsche confirmed the development of the rumored 911 plug-in hybrid. Not so fast: it still is not official.

Zero-emission alliance among 8 states unveils plan for 3.3 million vehicles by 2025

By Luke Ottaway on May 29, 2014 - 11:03PM

A group of eight states has released a plan to facilitate the adoption of zero-emission vehicles, with the ultimate goal of placing 3.3 million such vehicles on their roads by 2025.

GM takes workplace charging to a new level, others should follow

By Luke Ottaway on May 28, 2014 - 10:33PM

General Motors is doing its best to convince the world that it is fully committed to the success of electric vehicles. The company now boasts 401 electric vehicle charging stations at its U.S. locations.

Despite roadblocks, Mitsubishi Outlander Plug-In Hybrid will arrive in US in fall 2015

By Luke Ottaway on May 28, 2014 - 9:16PM

The plug-in sport utility vehicle that has sold well in Europe and Japan is at last on its way to the United States, and will arrive sooner than some recent reports feared.

No EVs make it to the top 5 of AAA’s Green Car Guide best value list

By John Goreham on May 28, 2014 - 4:12PM

We have made the case off and on over the years that EVs and diesel cars may not be the best value for those trying to buy a green car. AAA’s branch in the heart of green-car country now makes that point.

Tesla Model S bumps Toyota RAV4 EV from top spot on Green Car list

By John Goreham on May 28, 2014 - 2:58PM

AAA of Southern California’s annual Green Car Guide chose the most expensive electric car as its top choice. Surprised?

Top Gear host to buy a BMW i3 for ‘different sort of pleasure in motoring’

By Luke Ottaway on May 27, 2014 - 11:03PM

James May, a host on the popular UK car show, is planning to purchase a BMW i3 REx. He conceded that electric motors are better for propelling vehicles than the combustion engines that his show typically favors.

Panasonic still hesitant about Gigafactory, Tesla doesn’t appear worried

By Luke Ottaway on May 26, 2014 - 11:45PM

As battery supplier Panasonic continues to demonstrate a reluctance to commit to Tesla’s planned Gigafactory, the California automaker is pushing on and plans to break ground soon.

50,000th U.S. Nissan LEAF delivery made in Texas

By Aaron Turpen on May 24, 2014 - 5:58PM

A Texas family has purchased LEAF number 50,000 to be sold in the United States. Learn about the aptly-named Bolt family and their reasons for purchasing the electric car.

Owner data: once you go electric, you never go back

By Luke Ottaway on May 23, 2014 - 8:54AM

Preliminary results from electric vehicle owners indicate that EV owner satisfaction blows that of conventional vehicles out of the water.

Tesla Superchargers to arrive Down Under in 2015

By Luke Ottaway on May 22, 2014 - 1:13PM

Drivers around the world want a go at Tesla’s Model S, but many are forced to wait as China and Europe get first global dibs. Australia hasn’t been tops on Tesla’s list but it was recently revealed that the company will begin deploying Supercharger stations in the country next year.

Why Fiat's CEO saying "don't buy our electric cars" makes perfect sense

By John Goreham on May 22, 2014 - 12:45PM

Fiat is not alone among the world’s leading automakers in thinking that EVs are not working out. Toyota feels the same way.

Want a Tesla Model S convertible? No problem, says Newport Convertible Engineering

By Luke Ottaway on May 22, 2014 - 10:08AM

Tesla’s Model S is already a highly desirable and expensive vehicle. If it’s not exactly what you’re looking for and you have a lot of extra cash to burn, Newport Convertible Engineering can help.

BMW i3 least expensive EV to maintain in America

By John Goreham on May 21, 2014 - 3:40PM

The new BMW i3 will save owners money due to a very low cost of maintenance, something not all popular EVs can offer.

Major blow to EV charging convenience as ChargePoint drops out of EZ-Charge alliance

By Luke Ottaway on May 21, 2014 - 2:42PM

Nissan’s EZ-Charge program was created to bring free and convenient charging to new LEAF owners, but at the last minute the most important player in the agreement got cold feet and withdrew from the promotion.

CARB shelves proposed $60,000 ZEV rebate limit, Tesla breathes sigh of relief

By Luke Ottaway on May 21, 2014 - 8:57AM

The California Air Resources Board had been toying with the idea of limiting state rebates to zero-emission vehicles with a price tag below $60,000. Now it appears that this proposal has been scrapped.

Toyota reveals breakthrough that will increase future Prius MPG by 10%

By John Goreham on May 20, 2014 - 4:36PM

Toyota explained today how its next generation of Prius and other hybrid vehicles will achieve the 5% efficiency gains promised, and how an added 5% may be added by 2020.

Does BlueIndy electric car-sharing have a chance to succeed in Indianapolis?

By Luke Ottaway on May 20, 2014 - 1:07PM

Car sharing is by all accounts on the rise, as younger urban-dwellers realize that owning a car isn’t necessarily a good investment. A French car sharing company bringing its electric vehicles and business model to Indianapolis therefore could be a big hit, but the risk is high.

New Fisker owner prepared to put money where his mouth is, and a lot of it

By Luke Ottaway on May 20, 2014 - 9:35AM

It takes a great deal of money to produce a successful startup, especially for one that makes electric vehicles. That shouldn’t be a problem for Fisker under its deep-pocketed and passionate new owner.

The most affordable EV in America: Mitsubishi i-MiEV arrives this spring

By Denis Flierl on May 20, 2014 - 8:26AM

The 2014 Mitsubishi i-MiEV is the most affordable electric vehicle in America. It arrives here in the U.S. this spring.

Nissan issues small recall for big problem with 2014 LEAF

By Luke Ottaway on May 19, 2014 - 2:35PM

Nissan is recalling certain 2014 LEAF vehicles built within a 13-day period that may be missing critical spot welds. The good news: very few vehicles are affected by this serious problem.

Can the Tesla Model S beat the Mazda Miata's time around a racetrack?

By John Goreham on May 19, 2014 - 11:25AM

Teslas beat Corvettes and other near-super cars on the drag strip, but can the Model S driven by a pro beat a Mazda Miata on a road course? You may be surprised by the test results.

This dual-carbon EV battery could eliminate shortcomings of lithium-ion technology

By Luke Ottaway on May 17, 2014 - 7:24PM

A Japanese company has unveiled a battery chemistry breakthrough that is significantly longer-lasting, safer, and more recyclable than conventional lithium-ion batteries while providing equivalent energy density.

2015 Chevy Spark EV gets battery overhaul after only a year on the market

By Luke Ottaway on May 16, 2014 - 9:28AM

Just a year into its life, the Chevy Spark EV will be updated for 2015 with an entirely new battery pack. The change will reduce costs and is indicative of GM’s sincere interest in building quality electric vehicles.

Smith Electric Vehicles keeps on trucking thanks to $42 million investment

By Luke Ottaway on May 15, 2014 - 10:17AM

Things are looking up for the Kansas City-based maker of all-electric delivery trucks after a new $42 million investment from Sinopoly Battery Limited.

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