Electric Vehicle News and Reviews (Page 271)

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.

In war against dealers, no reinforcements for Tesla as battleground shifts to Ohio

By Luke Ottaway on March 19, 2014 - 4:27PM

You might think automakers with electric models, such as GM and Nissan, would be helping out Tesla in their endless legal and political battle with car dealers. But that hasn’t been the case.

Local Motors wants to revolutionize the way cars are built

By Luke Ottaway on March 19, 2014 - 11:04AM

Local Motors is the most interesting automotive company you’ve never heard of. This September they are going to build an electric car using a 3D printer at the International Manufacturing Technology Show.

Nissan observes electrons for fun and profit

By Aaron Turpen on March 18, 2014 - 11:06AM

Nissan has developed an analysis technique for improving lithium-ion battery durability. The analysis method they've developed could change electric vehicle batteries for the better.

Does Ford’s plan for electric vehicles lack vision?

By Luke Ottaway on March 18, 2014 - 7:47AM

Recent comments from an exec at Ford indicated the company isn’t going to get behind battery electrics just yet, but instead will continue to focus its efforts on plug-in hybrids. Is this a clever strategy, or is their attitude toward pure electrics a self-fulfilling prophecy?

Why are there no diesel hybrid cars?

By John Goreham on March 17, 2014 - 4:53PM

We analyze why automakers have not come up with an affordable car using a diesel electric-hybrid powertrain. Seems obvious, right?

eVgo bringing Freedom with more DC fast charging stations

By Luke Ottaway on March 17, 2014 - 1:15PM

The electric vehicle charging network is expanding, particularly in California. The number of eVgo fast charge stations in the state will increase from 15 to more than 200.

Electric vehicle range and the power of your right foot

By Luke Ottaway on March 16, 2014 - 9:50AM

Though electric vehicles are gradually entering the peripheral vision of the automotive market, many people still don’t fundamentally understand how to drive their vehicles efficiently. In this case, a little knowledge can literally go a long way.

Diesel vehicles blamed for polluting Paris air by authorities

By John Goreham on March 15, 2014 - 1:50PM

Diesel vehicles are more polluting than gasoline vehicles and do not return better mileage. Europe is finally seeing its mistake.

I want to build electric cars - what major should I choose?

By Luke Ottaway on March 15, 2014 - 8:06AM

Since there is not yet an “electric vehicles” major at institutions of higher education, what should one study to prepare for a career in the electric vehicle industry?

Volkswagen is testing a super-battery, but how should they use its powers?

By Luke Ottaway on March 14, 2014 - 2:12PM

The practicality of current electric vehicles on the market, with the exception of the Tesla Model S and its huge battery pack, is inhibited by the energy storage capability of lithium-ion batteries. Volkswagen is working on a new battery that could change the game entirely.

Tesla Direct State Sales - Political or Politics?

By Armen Hareyan on March 13, 2014 - 6:19PM

NJ and its Republican governor have gotten a fair amount of criticism these last few days over their decision to deny Tesla renewals of their waivers which enabled them to sell their products directly in NJ. Some quickly made this into another Republican vs. Democratic battle, but I don’t see it that way at all.

Will the new 2015 Prius reverse sales crash?

By John Goreham on March 13, 2014 - 1:33PM

Toyota is preparing a new Prius. Will it come in time to keep the Prius the world’s number one selling green car?

Tesla Direct Sales: NJ Exposed A New Paradigm of Retailing

By Armen Hareyan on March 12, 2014 - 6:17PM

The Tesla New Jersey retail license has not been renewed for what appears to be partly political reasons - pressure from NJ Dealer lobbies on the governor’s office to cut off this new paradigm of direct sales of automobiles.

Tesla fans horrified to learn politicians lie and there is no free market in NJ

By John Goreham on March 12, 2014 - 3:33PM

New Jersey insults Tesla's intelligence. Tesla fans hate it when the law applies to them.

Tesla: wrong move, New Jersey

By Luke Ottaway on March 11, 2014 - 9:45PM

On Tuesday New Jersey added itself to the short list of states barring Tesla’s direct-to-consumer sales model that already includes Arizona and Texas. It’s been a war of words since as Tesla lashes out at the state for what appears to be a sleazy move.

Ohio State University students build one of the world’s top electric racing motorcycles

By Luke Ottaway on March 11, 2014 - 6:56PM

Electric motorcycles haven’t been around very long and have only been out on the world’s racing circuits for about half a decade. But they’re quickly catching up to their gasoline-powered counterparts, and the Ohio State University is right in the thick of the race to the top.

BMW’s i3 Electric Car to Feature Life360 "Big Brother" Integration

By Armen Hareyan on March 11, 2014 - 5:39PM

Kia Announces Pricing for Soul EV and It's High

By Keith Griffin on March 11, 2014 - 11:38AM

At a press conference today in South Korea, Kia has announced pricing for its Soul electric vehicle that will go on sale as a 2016 model. It seems high for the U.S. market by about $10,000.

Toyota’s iRoad: the coolest tricycle you’ll never get to drive

By Luke Ottaway on March 11, 2014 - 9:46AM

Electric vehicles can be practical and compete on a level playing field with internal combustion automobiles as they do here in the United States...or they can be 33 inches wide and defy every conventional notion of how a vehicle moves.

Proterra’s "infinite range" electric bus is coming to a city near you, but you won't hear it

By Luke Ottaway on March 10, 2014 - 8:52AM

With last month’s announcement that the Nashville MTA will purchase seven all-electric buses from Greenville, S.C.–based Proterra Inc., the zero-emission bus manufacturer continues its steady upward climb.

2014 Hyundai Sonata Hybrid gets upgrades

Hyundai Sonata Hybrid Upgrades – Are They Enough?

By Keith Griffin on March 9, 2014 - 10:31AM

The Hyundai Sonata is in a weird place for a couple reasons: the 2015 model is going to be introduced at the New York Auto Show and the formerly white-hot sedan has been in an extended cool-down period. Will announcing upgrades to the 2014 Sonata Hybrid make a difference?

New Mexico should be tesla Gigafactory location

Why New Mexico, not Texas, should win the Gigafactory

By Luke Ottaway on March 9, 2014 - 9:40AM

The potential location for Tesla’s Gigafactory has been narrowed down to four states: Arizona, Nevada, New Mexico, and Texas. The Lone Star State looks like the most attractive option on paper and Nevada and Arizona are both very viable candidates, but the relationship thus far between Texas and Tesla compared to New Mexico’s enthusiasm for the company’s vision could tip the scales in favor of New Mexico.

Nissan e-NV200 electric taxi to reduce at least one kind of smoke in Amsterdam

By Aaron Turpen on March 9, 2014 - 5:29AM

Amsterdam is known for a lot of things, but most would agree that the haze you see on the horizon shouldn't be from vehicle emissions. Taxi Electric agrees and has become the first taxi company in Amsterdam to adopt the Nissan e-NV200.

Chevrolet Volt to receive much-needed upgrade for 2016

By Luke Ottaway on March 8, 2014 - 8:42AM

The Chevrolet Volt has been the gold standard among plug-in hybrid electric vehicles since its much-hyped debut in 2010, but the vehicle has remained largely unchanged since and appears to be due for a refresh as sales have stalled in recent months. GM hopes the second generation of the Volt will rejuvenate its flagship plug-in.

Green car sales have the winter blues

By John Goreham on March 7, 2014 - 2:55PM

US monthly sales rate of leading EVs and hybrids dip over the past couple of months. Prius down shockingly compared to prior year.

CarCharging rescues struggling Blink network of EV chargers

By Luke Ottaway on March 7, 2014 - 1:29PM

It was a big blow to the electric vehicle charging industry when government-backed ECOtality, the company that supplied public and residential chargers for the EV Project under the name Blink network, filed for bankruptcy in September 2013.

Why Tesla’s 2014 Model S cannot earn the US' top safety rating

By John Goreham on March 6, 2014 - 11:55AM

The Tesla Model S cannot even be considered for the industry's highest rating because it lacks an important safety system now common in affordable family cars.

Prius, not Tesla, the best Green Car according to Consumer Reports

By John Goreham on March 3, 2014 - 4:24PM

2014 Toyota Prius the best Green Car according to Consumer Reports. "This one goes to eleven."

Nissan LEAF edges out Volt, Model S for 2014 plug-in dominance

By Aaron Turpen on March 3, 2014 - 12:42PM

What's the best-selling electric car of all time? It's also the one that outsold all others last month thanks to increased manufacturing capacity and continuously growing consumer interest.

You won't guess which EV in your neighborhood is the sportiest

By John Goreham on March 3, 2014 - 11:04AM

It is also the longest running EV in your neighborhood, and is really cool.

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