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.

Derek Joyce from Hyundai fills up Tucson FCV

12 Things Good and Bad About the Hyundai Tucson FCV

By Keith Griffin on June 11, 2014 - 8:42AM

Hyundai introduced the Tucson Fuel Cell Vehicle at a simple first customer ceremony and media drive event in Tustin, California, and after some time behind the wheel and talking to the experts, it's safe to say there are good and bad things about this new vehicle.

Tesla to offer up Supercharger network and patents, but don’t get excited yet

By Luke Ottaway on June 10, 2014 - 11:31PM

Speculation has run rampant since Elon Musk recently hinted more than once that he would open up several patents and would be happy to offer Supercharger access to other automakers. But will it amount to anything?

Extreme in every way, ultra-efficient Volkswagen XL1 has reached 1st customer

By Luke Ottaway on June 9, 2014 - 11:02PM

Ultra-light, ultra-efficient, ultra-expensive – the limited-production Volkswagen XL1 is a car of extremes. The first of just 250 copies of the world’s most efficient production car was delivered to a lucky customer last week.

Unique BMW i3 attracts new customers to the brand

By Luke Ottaway on June 8, 2014 - 10:58PM

The BMW i3 is what you might call a radical electric vehicle. It has seen strong demand so far, and BMW is thrilled at the number of buyers the i3 has taken from other brands.

New Jersey will allow Tesla to sell direct, but eventually it might not matter

By Luke Ottaway on June 8, 2014 - 3:12PM

Nearly two months after Tesla was forced to halt sales at its two New Jersey stores, the state assembly has passed a bill permitting direct sales for zero-emission vehicle manufacturers. The big question is whether or not Tesla will eventually change its business model.

Everyone wants a cheaper Tesla, according to unscientific poll

By Luke Ottaway on June 6, 2014 - 7:20AM

It is fairly common, when the subject of Tesla is brought up, to hear people say “I’d love to buy one if only it wasn’t so expensive.” They really mean it, according to a recent poll.

As Tesla slips to fourth in sales many underestimate Toyota's impact on US electric car market

By John Goreham on June 5, 2014 - 10:35PM

In the EV sales race Nissan leads, Toyota is looking to pass, Chevy drops back, Ford accelerates, and Tesla is stuck in fourth. Nobody else matters.

Repurposed Camry Hybrid batteries to power Yellowstone campus

By John Goreham on June 5, 2014 - 12:12PM

Toyota’s commitment to the environment goes beyond selling more green cars than any other automaker. Toyota’s Camry batteries play a new key role in clean power generation at our nation’s oldest national park.

U.S.S. Tesla Motors remains on course – with some interesting surprises

By Luke Ottaway on June 4, 2014 - 10:49PM

At Tesla’s annual shareholders’ meeting CEO Elon Musk covered a great deal of topics important to those following the electric car company, and his answers were reassuring as usual with hints of a few twists to look forward to.

Record-breaking EV sales in May led by one mainstay and two surprises

By Luke Ottaway on June 4, 2014 - 6:20PM

Electric vehicle sales have increased year-over-year in every month for 42 straight months. Still, the record-setting numbers the industry put up in May were impressive.

Solar Roadways would be great, and just might happen

By Luke Ottaway on June 4, 2014 - 7:54AM

You may have heard the idea of replacing many of America’s roads with durable solar panels that could generate electricity. It’s a great idea, and here’s why it could work.

2014 Prius Plug-In defies skeptics with sales leap as California HOV lane stickers run out

By John Goreham on June 3, 2014 - 2:54PM

The predicted drop in Prius Plug-In sales by some EV advocates does not come to pass. Rather, sales quadrupled in May and the PIP outsold every green car except the Leaf.

EPA power plant regulations won’t have much effect on EVs in short term

By Luke Ottaway on June 2, 2014 - 10:56PM

The power plant regulations announced Monday by the Environmental Protection Agency will affect carbon emissions of the electricity grid as well as electricity prices, two things electric vehicle owners and potential owners should be very interested in. But the near-term effect is minimal.

Solar Roadways would be great, but won't happen

By Luke Ottaway on June 2, 2014 - 7:58AM

You may have heard the idea of replacing many of America’s roads with durable solar panels that could generate electricity. It’s a great idea, but here’s why it probably won’t work.

Porsche 911 plug-in is inevitable and will be spectacular, but is not official yet

By Luke Ottaway on June 1, 2014 - 12:14PM

Last week it was reported that a patent filed by Porsche confirmed the development of the rumored 911 plug-in hybrid. Not so fast: it still is not official.

Zero-emission alliance among 8 states unveils plan for 3.3 million vehicles by 2025

By Luke Ottaway on May 29, 2014 - 11:03PM

A group of eight states has released a plan to facilitate the adoption of zero-emission vehicles, with the ultimate goal of placing 3.3 million such vehicles on their roads by 2025.

GM takes workplace charging to a new level, others should follow

By Luke Ottaway on May 28, 2014 - 10:33PM

General Motors is doing its best to convince the world that it is fully committed to the success of electric vehicles. The company now boasts 401 electric vehicle charging stations at its U.S. locations.

Despite roadblocks, Mitsubishi Outlander Plug-In Hybrid will arrive in US in fall 2015

By Luke Ottaway on May 28, 2014 - 9:16PM

The plug-in sport utility vehicle that has sold well in Europe and Japan is at last on its way to the United States, and will arrive sooner than some recent reports feared.

No EVs make it to the top 5 of AAA’s Green Car Guide best value list

By John Goreham on May 28, 2014 - 4:12PM

We have made the case off and on over the years that EVs and diesel cars may not be the best value for those trying to buy a green car. AAA’s branch in the heart of green-car country now makes that point.

Tesla Model S bumps Toyota RAV4 EV from top spot on Green Car list

By John Goreham on May 28, 2014 - 2:58PM

AAA of Southern California’s annual Green Car Guide chose the most expensive electric car as its top choice. Surprised?

Top Gear host to buy a BMW i3 for ‘different sort of pleasure in motoring’

By Luke Ottaway on May 27, 2014 - 11:03PM

James May, a host on the popular UK car show, is planning to purchase a BMW i3 REx. He conceded that electric motors are better for propelling vehicles than the combustion engines that his show typically favors.

Panasonic still hesitant about Gigafactory, Tesla doesn’t appear worried

By Luke Ottaway on May 26, 2014 - 11:45PM

As battery supplier Panasonic continues to demonstrate a reluctance to commit to Tesla’s planned Gigafactory, the California automaker is pushing on and plans to break ground soon.

50,000th U.S. Nissan LEAF delivery made in Texas

By Aaron Turpen on May 24, 2014 - 5:58PM

A Texas family has purchased LEAF number 50,000 to be sold in the United States. Learn about the aptly-named Bolt family and their reasons for purchasing the electric car.

Owner data: once you go electric, you never go back

By Luke Ottaway on May 23, 2014 - 8:54AM

Preliminary results from electric vehicle owners indicate that EV owner satisfaction blows that of conventional vehicles out of the water.

Tesla Superchargers to arrive Down Under in 2015

By Luke Ottaway on May 22, 2014 - 1:13PM

Drivers around the world want a go at Tesla’s Model S, but many are forced to wait as China and Europe get first global dibs. Australia hasn’t been tops on Tesla’s list but it was recently revealed that the company will begin deploying Supercharger stations in the country next year.

Why Fiat's CEO saying "don't buy our electric cars" makes perfect sense

By John Goreham on May 22, 2014 - 12:45PM

Fiat is not alone among the world’s leading automakers in thinking that EVs are not working out. Toyota feels the same way.

Want a Tesla Model S convertible? No problem, says Newport Convertible Engineering

By Luke Ottaway on May 22, 2014 - 10:08AM

Tesla’s Model S is already a highly desirable and expensive vehicle. If it’s not exactly what you’re looking for and you have a lot of extra cash to burn, Newport Convertible Engineering can help.

BMW i3 least expensive EV to maintain in America

By John Goreham on May 21, 2014 - 3:40PM

The new BMW i3 will save owners money due to a very low cost of maintenance, something not all popular EVs can offer.

Major blow to EV charging convenience as ChargePoint drops out of EZ-Charge alliance

By Luke Ottaway on May 21, 2014 - 2:42PM

Nissan’s EZ-Charge program was created to bring free and convenient charging to new LEAF owners, but at the last minute the most important player in the agreement got cold feet and withdrew from the promotion.

CARB shelves proposed $60,000 ZEV rebate limit, Tesla breathes sigh of relief

By Luke Ottaway on May 21, 2014 - 8:57AM

The California Air Resources Board had been toying with the idea of limiting state rebates to zero-emission vehicles with a price tag below $60,000. Now it appears that this proposal has been scrapped.

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