Electric Vehicle News and Reviews (Page 268)

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's 2014 Prius Plug-in is the second most popular electrified vehicle in April

By John Goreham on May 2, 2014 - 3:31PM

The Prius Plug-in quietly continues to be one of the top selling electrified cars in North America.

Driving impressions of the new BMW i3 electric vehicle

By John Goreham on May 2, 2014 - 2:39PM

BMW has created its own space in the EV market in terms of price and content, but does this car actually drive and feel like a BMW? The answer is interesting.

British Gas e-NV200 vans in front of Nissan HQ in UK

British Gas loves the e-NV200, buys more of them

By Aaron Turpen on May 2, 2014 - 12:08AM

After a successful pilot program testing the Nissan LEAF-based e-NV200 small cargo van, British Gas has ordered fifty more of them, making for a fleet of 100 to start.

California injects $25 million to extend electric vehicle rebates through summer

By Luke Ottaway on May 1, 2014 - 7:15PM

Recently the California Air Resources Board has been suffering from a shortage of resources, namely cash. The wildly successful Clean Vehicle Rebate Program needed an infusion of funds that the agency has now provided.

Nissan LEAF truck being tested in Japan

By Aaron Turpen on May 1, 2014 - 12:57AM

Nissan is testing a new battery electric truck, the e-NT400, in Japan with all components being based on the Nissan LEAF's electric powertrain.

An intriguing cure for range anxiety allows any EV to take a road trip

By Luke Ottaway on April 30, 2014 - 11:42AM

Electric vehicle manufacturers have come up with different solutions for alleviating range anxiety, none of them ideal. A company called ebuggy has its own intriguing proposed fix.

Elon Musk "bites the hand" eliminating California as a site for gigafactory

By John Goreham on April 30, 2014 - 11:41AM

Elon Musk says that California’s environmental nonsense rules it out as a spot for the gigafactory.

Young talent sees Audi as a preferred career choice.

Audi Seeks Top Engineering Talent to Increase Electric Innovation

By Mechele Dillard on April 29, 2014 - 3:35PM

Audi's status as one of the top performers for Volkswagen Group may be helped by its status as one of the most sought-after employers for new graduates.

Are electric vehicles cleaner than gasoline? Absolutely

By Luke Ottaway on April 29, 2014 - 11:00AM

A popular refrain from critics and some news outlets is that electric vehicles may not represent an environmental benefit over conventional vehicles due to pollution from power plants and battery production. It is time to put an end to the misinformation.

Everything you need to know about 2014 Mercedes B-Class Electric Drive

By Denis Flierl on April 29, 2014 - 6:48AM

The all-new 2014 Mercedes-Benz B-Class Electric Drive is rolling off the assembly line and gets ready to launch.

Forget plain old electric cars – how about a flying electric car?

By Luke Ottaway on April 28, 2014 - 11:50AM

Someday in the future you may be able to back your electric car out of the garage, unfold its wings, and lift off into the air to proceed to your destination through the skies. And the future could arrive ahead of schedule.

Consumer Reports finds to nobody’s surprise that dealers are not the best EV salespeople

By Luke Ottaway on April 27, 2014 - 11:12AM

A Consumer Reports investigation has officially confirmed what those following the electric vehicle industry already knew: traditional dealers can be really lousy at selling EVs.

Amazing electric bus runs without any battery

By John Goreham on April 25, 2014 - 1:50PM

Electric buses are a great idea, but let’s not fool ourselves about how far we’ve come.

Tesla will manufacture in China, but not as soon as Musk claims

By Luke Ottaway on April 25, 2014 - 12:59PM

Any automaker that wishes to sell cars in China has great incentive to build those cars in China due to the 25% tax on imported vehicles. Tesla plans to build its own vehicles in China in the near future, but just how near is decidedly up in the air.

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.

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