Electric Vehicle News and Reviews (Page 294)

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.

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.

Fisker plots an unlikely comeback, may restart production of Karma next year

By Luke Ottaway on April 21, 2014 - 12:26PM

Though best known for losing most of the money it received from the government as part of President Obama’s stimulus plan, the new owner of Fisker has breathed life into the electric automaker that could return to production as early as next year.

Volkswagen Claims Role of Pioneer for E-Mobility in China

By Mechele Dillard on April 19, 2014 - 11:22AM

Volkswagen Group recognizes China as a key player in its Strategy 2018 for expansion and further development of an efficient, eco-friendly product world-wide.

Owner of lemon Model S waves white flag, will dismiss case if Tesla refunds vehicle

By Luke Ottaway on April 19, 2014 - 11:13AM

Robert Montgomery and his lawyer, Vince Megna, made it very publicly known that Tesla had sold the Wisconsin doctor a defective vehicle. Despite a loud beginning, it appears Montgomery’s lawsuit will end quietly with a small settlement.

Proposal to eliminate California rebate for expensive EVs is both logical and unfair

By Luke Ottaway on April 18, 2014 - 2:01AM

The California Air Resources Board is to be commended for encouraging EV sales with substantial rebates. Now in debt, however, CARB is debating removing the state rebate for electric vehicles with a price tag above $60,000.

Do electric vehicle subsidies make sense?

By John Goreham on April 17, 2014 - 5:22PM

If the goal is to increase sales and make EVs affordable to the average consumer the answer appears to be "no."

Nissan streamlines public charging, offers free access for LEAF

By Luke Ottaway on April 17, 2014 - 11:22AM

The makers of the range-limited LEAF have invested heavily in public charging infrastructure to support sales of their all-electric vehicle. Now they are making another huge investment that is proven to provide a great boost to sales, but not in all markets.

How long will electric vehicle batteries last? Tesla’s Roadster could be a guide

By Luke Ottaway on April 16, 2014 - 11:39AM

One of the most important questions to the electric vehicle industry does not have a clear-cut answer. However, certain factors such as temperature and charging habits are known to have a great effect and the Tesla Roadster provides intriguing real world data.

BMW i3 increases production to meet high demand, will double 2014 projections

By Luke Ottaway on April 15, 2014 - 12:43PM

The quirky electric city car with a luxury badge and price tag has been in high demand, and BMW is ramping up production to keep pace. The company now expects to double its initial projected sales of the i3 for 2014.

Musk - Model S underbody shield would have prevented fire even in violent Mexico crash

By Luke Ottaway on April 15, 2014 - 11:04AM

Elon Musk recently gave details on the fiery Model S crash in Mexico last year, and it is no small wonder the vehicle caught fire. Even still, Musk claims if that Model S had been outfitted with the current titanium and aluminum underbody shields there would have been no flames.

Audi’s range anxiety-destroying electric SUV to feature wireless charging

By Luke Ottaway on April 14, 2014 - 5:11PM

Last week CEO Rupert Stadler provided further confirmation of Audi’s plan for a 2017 all-electric SUV with 370 miles of range and indicated the vehicle will be capable of charging without a plug.

You Only Live Once, unless you are an EV battery

By Luke Ottaway on April 13, 2014 - 8:35PM

The expression that enjoyed a brief but spectacular reign as the motto for our nation’s youth does not apply to the batteries of electric vehicles. Once the range of your EV falls to an unacceptable level, that battery will not simply get thrown away.

2014 Mercedes B-Class Electric Drive BMW i3 / Leaf killer rolls off the line

2014 Mercedes B-Class Electric Drive BMW i3 / Leaf killer ready to launch

By Denis Flierl on April 12, 2014 - 7:19AM

The first all-new 2014 Mercedes-Benz B-Class Electric Drive has rolled off the assembly line in Germany.

Why does the 2104 Toyota Prius have a 42% better resale value than the Nissan Leaf?

By John Goreham on April 11, 2014 - 2:20PM

You will be surprised at the answer. Basically, it’s all your fault.

Map of Tesla Model S Fast Chargers in the USA

Tesla Model S owner is on a 12,000-mile road trip - and fuel is free

By Luke Ottaway on April 11, 2014 - 12:17PM

Norman Hajjar is more than halfway through the “Epic Electric American Road Trip” in his all-electric Tesla Model S. His journey will take him to all four corners of the United States without using a drop of gasoline. Here’s why what he is doing is so important.

Tesla cries foul in response to suspicious lemon law claim

By Luke Ottaway on April 10, 2014 - 9:12AM

In a case that is starting to resemble last year’s New York Times test drive debacle, Tesla alleges factual inaccuracies in the story of a Wisconsin Model S owner and his lawyer, who has filed a lawsuit against the company under the state’s lemon laws.

Bentley jumps on board the plug-in bandwagon

By Luke Ottaway on April 9, 2014 - 2:07PM

The luxury automaker will introduce a Mulsanne plug-in concept at the Beijing auto show and will follow with a production SUV in 2017. Bentley plans to electrify 90% of its vehicles by 2020.

GM’s $450M investment in next-generation Volt hints at grand plans

By Luke Ottaway on April 8, 2014 - 3:01PM

Today GM officially announced it will invest $449 million to support the launch of the next-generation Chevrolet Volt and two upcoming unspecified models. The investment reaffirms GM’s commitment to the Volt and raises speculation about the mystery cars.

Study says many wish to change their car as often as their smart phone

By John Goreham on April 8, 2014 - 9:06AM

Still using that old iPhone 4 and ready to upgrade? Why not get a new car while you’re out?

China adds more incentives for electric cars as sales lag

By Luke Ottaway on April 7, 2014 - 12:42PM

Last week the Chinese government announced that buyers of electric vehicles will be exempt from the country’s 10% sales tax on new automobiles. Despite previous incentives, EVs have not sold well to date in China.

BMW X5 plug-in to bring latest efficiency tech to New York Auto Show

By Luke Ottaway on April 7, 2014 - 8:39AM

BMW has announced they will bring an updated concept of their plug-in hybrid X5 eDrive model to the New York International Auto Show later this month. The automaker says the production version will achieve outstanding efficiency for a hybrid vehicle its size.

VW e-Golf, like LEAF, will have air-cooled battery

By Luke Ottaway on April 5, 2014 - 10:27AM

Though Nissan LEAF owners in hot climates like Arizona have complained of extreme heat dramatically reducing their range due to an ineffective battery cooling system, the soon-to-arrive Volkswagen e-Golf will also lack an active liquid cooling system. VW says they don’t need it.

Bill O'Reilly - Tesla's most influential fan

By Luke Ottaway on April 4, 2014 - 12:11PM

The popular conservative host of "The O’Reilly Factor" on Fox News has devoted plenty of attention on his show to Tesla this week, and he is a surprisingly strong supporter of the electric car company. Here’s why his opinion is so important.

LEAF smothers Volt in EV sales for March and 2014

By Aaron Turpen on April 3, 2014 - 2:40PM

On both the year-to-date and March 2014 frames, the Nissan LEAF is dominating sales over the Chevrolet Volt. Long-term marketing pays off.

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