Electric Vehicle News and Reviews (Page 265)

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.

Should the EPA change the way it rates electric range?

By Luke Ottaway on August 21, 2014 - 8:35AM

Earlier this week we looked at how the Environmental Protection Agency tests battery electric vehicles to determine the electric range that gets reported on the window sticker. But why is there just one number?

As EV battery prices fall, is greater range or lower cost more important?

By Luke Ottaway on August 20, 2014 - 12:34PM

A new study brings an old topic back to the forefront: how much range is enough, and is it better to use battery advancements to decrease price without improving range or make electric vehicles go further on a charge?

Winning Outlander PHEV technology to be passed on to Lancer EVO successor

By Denis Flierl on August 19, 2014 - 7:10AM

The Mitsubishi Outlander PHEV plug-in hybrid wins a key rally race. How will this effect the 2015 Lancer Evolution successor?

How the EPA determines an electric vehicle’s range - not as simple as it sounds

By Luke Ottaway on August 19, 2014 - 6:42AM

One of the most important factors in the consideration of battery electric vehicles is driving range before the battery is fully discharged. The EPA calculates this number using procedures unique to electric vehicles – here is how it works.

The newest electric supercar on the block revisits an American classic

By Luke Ottaway on August 18, 2014 - 4:44PM

Though most of us will never attain the level of wealth required to own one, the list of hybrid and pure electric supercars is growing. The latest comes from Silicon Valley and may look familiar.

2015 Toyota Prius Persona Series Special Edition

Special Edition 2015 Prius adds to evidence of an all-new 2016 model

By John Goreham on August 18, 2014 - 4:01PM

The 2015 Prius Persona Series Special Edition will help keep buyers interested until the all-new Prius arrives.

Tesla counters negative press about drivetrain replacements with “infinite” warranty

By Luke Ottaway on August 16, 2014 - 2:30PM

The makers of Model S have been in the news recently for a higher-than-normal rate of total drivetrain replacement, with several highly publicized examples. Tesla has deftly responded by offering a nearly unrivaled warranty.

Not to be outdone by GM, Ford unveils plans for massive solar canopy for EV charging

By Luke Ottaway on August 14, 2014 - 11:19PM

GM has backed up its stated commitment to electric vehicles by leading the industry in workplace charging, particularly the solar-powered variety. Ford has responded with plans for a solar canopy of epic proportions, partly to charge its own electric vehicles.

Hydrogen fueling costs should be final nail in the coffin for fuel cell vehicles

By Luke Ottaway on August 14, 2014 - 6:05PM

Not that fuel cell cars are dead yet - in fact, their life in the hands of regular consumers is only beginning. Yet the price of refueling seems to be often overlooked in the debate over the viability of hydrogen vehicles, and Toyota’s initial estimates are not encouraging.

Mazda reported to be working on diesel hybrids

By John Goreham on August 13, 2014 - 9:24PM

Mazda may be working to bring a diesel electric hybrid vehicle to markets where diesel is priced lower than gasoline.

Watch amazing onboard video of MiEV Evolution III Pikes Peak record run

By Denis Flierl on August 13, 2014 - 6:46AM

Watch this amazing 9:35 minutes of incredible speed as the Mitsubishi MiEV Evolution III wins the Electric Modified Division at Pikes Peak.

Should income dictate eligibility for electric vehicle rebates?

By Luke Ottaway on August 12, 2014 - 10:09PM

California is considering a new proposal to give higher rebates to lower-income EV buyers and take them away from the wealthy. Torque News attempts to answer the controversial question: should income determine eligibility for EV rebates?

Contender for title of best EV ad: smart fortwo electric drive at the drag strip

By Luke Ottaway on August 11, 2014 - 11:36PM

Could the pint-sized electric vehicle from smart possibly defeat iconic performance cars in a drag race? No, of course not. But it makes for one entertaining advertisement with a great knockout punch at the end.

GM may be trying to limit expectations for 2016 Chevrolet Volt

By Luke Ottaway on August 10, 2014 - 6:57PM

Has General Motors learned its lesson from the unreasonably high expectations it encouraged for the first-generation Chevrolet Volt? The automaker has toned down its position on the upcoming 2016 Volt and is reconsidering its marketing strategy.

Tesla Model R to spectacularly succeed the Roadster sooner than expected?

By Luke Ottaway on August 10, 2014 - 1:56PM

Tesla Motors’ first car, the Lotus-based Roadster, ended production in 2012 so the company could focus on the higher-volume Models S and X. A new report suggests the Roadster will be revived in 2017, although we find that timetable unlikely.

Long-awaited 2016 Chevrolet Volt to reveal all at NAIAS in Detroit this January

By Luke Ottaway on August 7, 2014 - 8:17PM

Arguably the most polarizing car America has ever seen, the Chevrolet Volt is finally getting a major redesign. The next-generation Volt will make its first appearance at the North American International Auto Show in Detroit this January, and we can’t wait.

VW Group (sort of) commits to fighting climate change with carbon offset program

By Luke Ottaway on August 6, 2014 - 11:01PM

Though driving on electricity emits fewer greenhouse gases than gasoline, it is still not a true “zero emission” solution. Volkswagen and Audi aim to do something about that, but their solution will be minimally impactful for now.

In case you haven’t heard, Big Oil is pretty much the worst

By Luke Ottaway on August 5, 2014 - 11:04PM

A new study has found that oil and gas giants paid an effective 11.7% federal tax rate in the United States from 2009 to 2013 against 46.2% abroad. Though they aren't the only villains, we are putting too much money back in the pockets of oil and gas corporations.

Why a Nissan dealership in Wyoming became LEAF certified

By Aaron Turpen on August 5, 2014 - 12:54AM

When you think "Wyoming," you think "electric cars." Right? Well, maybe you should.

July is a largely positive mixed bag for plug-in vehicle sales

By Luke Ottaway on August 4, 2014 - 10:38PM

The month of July saw electric vehicle sales in the United States continue a strong 2014, but the third highest-selling month of the year had its ups and downs among the individual cars available.

Musk raises expectations for Tesla with more bold statements

By Luke Ottaway on August 4, 2014 - 12:25AM

Tesla Motors CEO Elon Musk is always one to think big and talk big. He usually delivers, too, which is what makes a couple of his comments from Thursday’s conference call so interesting.

The 2014 Cadillac ELR Review: 125mpg, EV Freedom and Premium Luxury from a Proven Automaker

By Patrick Rall on August 2, 2014 - 12:07PM

The Chevrolet Volt is a fantastic extended range electric vehicle so it should come as no surprise that the 2014 Cadillac ELR arrives as the best option for anyone looking to buy a true luxury EV from a company that will still be around in a few years – while also doing away with range anxiety in the true premium style.

Tesla beats quarterly sales estimate again, expects big volumes by end of 2015

By Luke Ottaway on July 31, 2014 - 6:21PM

Though overshadowed by big Gigafactory news, Tesla released strong second quarter sales numbers and repeated its lofty target for the end of the year.

Gigafactory takes big step forward as Panasonic signs contract with Tesla

By Luke Ottaway on July 31, 2014 - 6:11PM

It was a big news day for Tesla – in addition to releasing strong second quarter sales numbers, the company announced the long-awaited Gigafactory deal with battery supplier Panasonic.

All-electric Infiniti LE with greater range back on track for 2017 production

By Luke Ottaway on July 30, 2014 - 7:41PM

The Infiniti LE has emerged from its slumber in the shadows of the electric vehicle industry where it had been residing for the past year. With an anti-EV former Infiniti boss out of the way, the promising LE has once again been given the green light.

A powerful alliance has been formed to save the grid from electric vehicles

By Luke Ottaway on July 29, 2014 - 11:27PM

Electric vehicles should not be viewed as a threat to the electricity grid, but rather as an opportunity. With this in mind, eight major automakers and 15 utilities have joined forces to make electric vehicles charge intelligently.

BMW brings DC fast charging to a remarkable new low – in price

By Luke Ottaway on July 28, 2014 - 11:24PM

The most expensive yet most practical form of electric vehicle charging, DC fast charging is viewed by many as a big part of the solution to range anxiety. BMW now has unveiled the smallest and cheapest DC fast charger on the market.

Update: Reno out of the running for Gigafactory as California bolts into the lead?

By Luke Ottaway on July 28, 2014 - 12:05AM

Ah, the joys of speculation. Since activity was reported at the Tahoe-Reno Industrial Center that looked suspiciously like Gigafactory construction, new reports have emerged that the site may already have been shut down. Meanwhile, California continues to make its case to Tesla.

Not surprisingly, Nissan will lose money on first LEAF replacement battery packs

By Luke Ottaway on July 24, 2014 - 11:00PM

Nissan surprised some people when it announced LEAF replacement batteries will cost just $5,499 plus the return of the old pack. The company has now confirmed it is subsidizing the cost to an undisclosed degree.

Want to pay $0.75 per gallon to fuel your car? Drive on electricity

By Luke Ottaway on July 23, 2014 - 11:47PM

If you’re like most people, you wish gasoline wasn’t quite so expensive. If only there was a way to fuel your car for just 75 cents per gallon...

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