Electric Vehicle News and Reviews (Page 274)

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.

Myth busted - Electric vehicles cost more to maintain than gas cars do

By John Goreham on March 31, 2014 - 1:25PM

Although EVs could cost a consumer less due to their design, they don’t. Here’s why.

Tesla gets to keep selling direct in New Jersey, New York, Ohio

By John Goreham on March 31, 2014 - 11:48AM

All of a sudden the tide has turned and Tesla gets is own very special treatment in three key markets.

Could carbon-free EV recharging be on its way to the US?

By Luke Ottaway on March 31, 2014 - 11:40AM

German owners of the 2015 Audi A3 e-tron plug-in hybrid electric vehicle will be able to purchase carbon-free electricity to recharge their vehicles if they so choose. A similar program could eventually find its way to the States.

Volkswagen Going Green in China with e-up!

By Mechele Dillard on March 31, 2014 - 10:21AM

Volkswagen is moving to get a bigger part of the green vehicle market in China with its electric variant of the Up!, the e-up!

Tesla has fire fix - No you can’t download it

By John Goreham on March 28, 2014 - 4:45PM

Tesla has come up with a solution to its Model S catching fire after hitting road debris. Unlike the previous idea, this one can’t be downloaded over the air.

Workplace charging could be key to widespread EV adoption

By Luke Ottaway on March 28, 2014 - 10:14AM

Public charging infrastructure for electric vehicles is expanding, but it is difficult to make a profit on and drivers do most of their charging at home. Charging at the workplace could increase the scale of EV adoption but it would come at the expense of public infrastructure.

Tesla's Model X will be an even bigger hit than Model S

By Luke Ottaway on March 28, 2014 - 7:43AM

There is no doubt that the Tesla Model S has been wildly successful so far, but America’s newest automaker is just getting started. The upcoming SUV/crossover Model X will be even more popular, particularly in the United States.

Panasonic’s hesitation over Tesla Gigafactory not surprising

By John Goreham on March 27, 2014 - 3:55PM

Panasonic is signaling some hesitation to partner on the Tesla Gigafactory. Here’s one person’s view on why this might be.

Cars are about to become free, which will you choose?

By John Goreham on March 27, 2014 - 3:01PM

Car deals are growing ever closer to being free of charge. Here are a couple of examples available today.

A123 Systems is slimmed down but still around

By Luke Ottaway on March 27, 2014 - 9:58AM

The battery company A123 Systems has been best known for its failure since it filed for bankruptcy protection in October 2012. Yet the company is still operating under its old name with new ownership and has sold its grid storage division to focus on the automotive sector.

Nissan celebrates the 100,000+ LEAF owners

By Aaron Turpen on March 27, 2014 - 1:45AM

So far, more than a hundred thousand people worldwide have purchased a Nissan LEAF. Nissan is utilizing some interesting crowd-sourced social outreach to share those owners' stories. Check it out.

Tesla owners want autonomous driving in their Model S

By John Goreham on March 26, 2014 - 9:39AM

The majority of actual owners of Model S cars say that they would pay $5,000 for autonomous driving features.

California’s green HOV-lane access stickers are running out fast

By Luke Ottaway on March 26, 2014 - 8:57AM

One of the notable perks of buying an electric vehicle in California has been the coveted right to drive in the high occupancy vehicle (HOV) lane even without passengers. Soon, though, there will be no more green stickers left for new owners of plug-in hybrids.

Honda Smart House will charge your 2015 Fit EV with solar power

By Parks McCants on March 25, 2014 - 6:12PM

In Davis California, Honda has built a working model of “tomorrows” self sustaining zero carbon footprint urbane environment. Torque News looks into the $ cost viability of low to no environmental impact living.

Fisker sale to Chinese automaker is complete, now what?

By John Goreham on March 25, 2014 - 9:51AM

The sale of Fisker’s assets is now complete. Will the car re-emerge?

Star Wars fans will love Formula E racing

By Luke Ottaway on March 25, 2014 - 9:19AM

A new breed of motorsport is coming later this year, and it’s powered by electricity. Critics say it will lack excitement without the tremendous noise of high-speed combustion engines, but the man in charge thinks its unique sound will capture fans around the globe.

Critical exemptions for Tesla sales model could be on the way in AZ and NJ

By Luke Ottaway on March 24, 2014 - 12:09PM

Earlier this month, New Jersey joined Arizona on the short list of states prohibiting Tesla from selling its vehicles within state borders. However, proposed legislation is making the rounds in both states to make a legal exception for the all-electric automaker.

Why can’t we agree on a DC fast charging standard?

By Luke Ottaway on March 22, 2014 - 2:07PM

There are now four different recognized charging standards worldwide for DC fast charging. This fragmentation of infrastructure hinders the growth of electric vehicles.

Good news for EV owners from DC fast charging results

By Luke Ottaway on March 21, 2014 - 11:05AM

DC fast charging is important to the electric vehicle industry because it drastically reduces charge times. There has been speculation that charging at high power rates will lead to capacity loss and reduced range, but a new study shows it is likely not a major concern.

Fix in sight regarding Tesla Model S charging fire recall

By John Goreham on March 21, 2014 - 10:48AM

Fully two months after the official recall related to charging fires, Tesla owners alerted fix is near, but there is some confusion to clear up.

EV Battery degradation in extreme temperatures might not be as bad as AAA says

By Luke Ottaway on March 20, 2014 - 11:49AM

AAA announced yesterday that electric vehicle range is significantly reduced in hot and cold weather. However, their tests are no substitute for real-world data.

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?

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