Electric Vehicle News and Reviews (Page 269)

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.

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.

The Oatmeal: Tesla Model S is a 'magical space car'

By Luke Ottaway on May 14, 2014 - 5:28PM

The Tesla Model S has received its share of rave reviews from owners. One of the most prominent and entertaining reviews of all comes from Matthew Inman, cartoonist of The Oatmeal.

Toyota ending RAV4 EV collaboration with Tesla may mean a Prius EV surprise

By John Goreham on May 14, 2014 - 3:22PM

Toyota has been losing money on each RAV4 EV it builds. Maybe the automaker will instead surprise Californians by offering a Prius EV compliance car in its place?

BMW i8 ad campaign will give you the chills

By Luke Ottaway on May 14, 2014 - 9:49AM

Some automakers have failed spectacularly at marketing their plug-in offerings. After the spine-tingling launch of the i8 global campaign, it is clear that every automaker should take lessons from BMW.

Lexus apologizes for misleading and inaccurate anti-EV, pro-hydrogen ads

By Luke Ottaway on May 13, 2014 - 10:23AM

It is no secret that Toyota believes the future of zero-emission transportation lies with hydrogen fuel, not batteries. The company’s Lexus brand went a bit too far attempting to force their opinion upon visitors to their website.

Could the redesigned 2014 Torejia be Subaru’s new electric vehicle?

Could the redesigned 2014 Trezia be Subaru’s new electric vehicle?

By Denis Flierl on May 13, 2014 - 7:24AM

Subaru is releasing an improved Trezia in Japan. Could this be the platform for Subaru’s electric vehicle?

What will the used Tesla Model S market look like?

By John Goreham on May 12, 2014 - 1:27PM

As the Tesla Model S enters its second year of production the car edges closer towards the used car market.

Boulder turns to the sun for public EV charging

By Luke Ottaway on May 12, 2014 - 12:13PM

Solar power and electric vehicles are an obvious pairing for carbon-free transportation. The city of Boulder, Colorado has deployed two public charging stations powered entirely by the sun.

Nissan's Andy Palmer drops details on new LEAF, Infiniti EV plans

By Aaron Turpen on May 11, 2014 - 12:51AM

At the 2014 Beijing Auto Show, Nissan big wig Andy Palmer let loose some details on the plans the company has for the LEAF and the planned Infiniti branded electric vehicle.

Toyota, California, and FirstElement Fuel to build 100 hydrogen stations

By John Goreham on May 9, 2014 - 1:42PM

Toyota is stepping up to help the state of California and a hydrogen supplier build 100 hydrogen fuel cell vehicle fueling stations.

Tesla narrowly surpasses own sales estimate for Q1, expects huge second half

By Luke Ottaway on May 8, 2014 - 8:03AM

First quarter deliveries of Model S did not blow anyone away, eclipsing Tesla’s expectations by a slim margin. However, if the company’s projections hold true an enormous Q3 and Q4 could be on the way.

Nissan starts production of e-NV200 electric LEAF-based van

By Aaron Turpen on May 7, 2014 - 9:33AM

The Nissan LEAF-based electric cargo van, the e-NV200, begins production in Barcelona, marking the company's second full production electric vehicle. Video included.

Chrysler will add two large plug-in models by 2017, but not because it wants to

By Luke Ottaway on May 7, 2014 - 7:34AM

Not exactly known for electric vehicles, Chrysler plans to produce not one but two plug-in hybrids as part of their five-year plan revealed yesterday. It is a move driven primarily by regulations.

Chinese company now sells both Fisker Karma and Tesla Model S based vehicles

By John Goreham on May 6, 2014 - 12:38PM

Detroit-based VL Automotive, co-founded by the legendary Bob Lutz, is now part of WMGTA, an electric car maker with Chinese connections.

Tesla’s game-changing sedan will not be called Model E

By Luke Ottaway on May 6, 2014 - 9:37AM

The hyped Generation III vehicle due to begin production in 2017 remains nameless, as Tesla has dropped its pursuit of the trademark “Model E.”

This astonishingly fast electric supercar is one step closer to reality

By Luke Ottaway on May 5, 2014 - 10:10AM

The stunning Rimac Concept_One has not seen much progress since its unveiling at the 2011 Frankfurt Auto Show, but recent investments have brought the Croatian startup closer to its goal of producing “the best car in the world.”

Will the Nissan LEAF copy the Tesla Model S with battery options?

By Aaron Turpen on May 3, 2014 - 4:50PM

There are rumors and rumors of rumors that Nissan plans to offer a range of battery pack size options akin to what Tesla Motors does with the Model S. Is this true?

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.

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