Electric Vehicle News and Reviews (Page 288)

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.

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?

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

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