Electric Vehicle News and Reviews (Page 374)

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.

Proposal to eliminate California rebate for expensive EVs is both logical and unfair

By Luke Ottaway on April 18, 2014 - 2:01AM

The California Air Resources Board is to be commended for encouraging EV sales with substantial rebates. Now in debt, however, CARB is debating removing the state rebate for electric vehicles with a price tag above $60,000.

Do electric vehicle subsidies make sense?

By John Goreham on April 17, 2014 - 5:22PM

If the goal is to increase sales and make EVs affordable to the average consumer the answer appears to be "no."

Nissan streamlines public charging, offers free access for LEAF

By Luke Ottaway on April 17, 2014 - 11:22AM

The makers of the range-limited LEAF have invested heavily in public charging infrastructure to support sales of their all-electric vehicle. Now they are making another huge investment that is proven to provide a great boost to sales, but not in all markets.

How long will electric vehicle batteries last? Tesla’s Roadster could be a guide

By Luke Ottaway on April 16, 2014 - 11:39AM

One of the most important questions to the electric vehicle industry does not have a clear-cut answer. However, certain factors such as temperature and charging habits are known to have a great effect and the Tesla Roadster provides intriguing real world data.

BMW i3 increases production to meet high demand, will double 2014 projections

By Luke Ottaway on April 15, 2014 - 12:43PM

The quirky electric city car with a luxury badge and price tag has been in high demand, and BMW is ramping up production to keep pace. The company now expects to double its initial projected sales of the i3 for 2014.

Musk - Model S underbody shield would have prevented fire even in violent Mexico crash

By Luke Ottaway on April 15, 2014 - 11:04AM

Elon Musk recently gave details on the fiery Model S crash in Mexico last year, and it is no small wonder the vehicle caught fire. Even still, Musk claims if that Model S had been outfitted with the current titanium and aluminum underbody shields there would have been no flames.

Audi’s range anxiety-destroying electric SUV to feature wireless charging

By Luke Ottaway on April 14, 2014 - 5:11PM

Last week CEO Rupert Stadler provided further confirmation of Audi’s plan for a 2017 all-electric SUV with 370 miles of range and indicated the vehicle will be capable of charging without a plug.

You Only Live Once, unless you are an EV battery

By Luke Ottaway on April 13, 2014 - 8:35PM

The expression that enjoyed a brief but spectacular reign as the motto for our nation’s youth does not apply to the batteries of electric vehicles. Once the range of your EV falls to an unacceptable level, that battery will not simply get thrown away.

2014 Mercedes B-Class Electric Drive BMW i3 / Leaf killer rolls off the line

2014 Mercedes B-Class Electric Drive BMW i3 / Leaf killer ready to launch

By Denis Flierl on April 12, 2014 - 7:19AM

The first all-new 2014 Mercedes-Benz B-Class Electric Drive has rolled off the assembly line in Germany.

Why does the 2104 Toyota Prius have a 42% better resale value than the Nissan Leaf?

By John Goreham on April 11, 2014 - 2:20PM

You will be surprised at the answer. Basically, it’s all your fault.

Map of Tesla Model S Fast Chargers in the USA

Tesla Model S owner is on a 12,000-mile road trip - and fuel is free

By Luke Ottaway on April 11, 2014 - 12:17PM

Norman Hajjar is more than halfway through the “Epic Electric American Road Trip” in his all-electric Tesla Model S. His journey will take him to all four corners of the United States without using a drop of gasoline. Here’s why what he is doing is so important.

Tesla cries foul in response to suspicious lemon law claim

By Luke Ottaway on April 10, 2014 - 9:12AM

In a case that is starting to resemble last year’s New York Times test drive debacle, Tesla alleges factual inaccuracies in the story of a Wisconsin Model S owner and his lawyer, who has filed a lawsuit against the company under the state’s lemon laws.

Bentley jumps on board the plug-in bandwagon

By Luke Ottaway on April 9, 2014 - 2:07PM

The luxury automaker will introduce a Mulsanne plug-in concept at the Beijing auto show and will follow with a production SUV in 2017. Bentley plans to electrify 90% of its vehicles by 2020.

GM’s $450M investment in next-generation Volt hints at grand plans

By Luke Ottaway on April 8, 2014 - 3:01PM

Today GM officially announced it will invest $449 million to support the launch of the next-generation Chevrolet Volt and two upcoming unspecified models. The investment reaffirms GM’s commitment to the Volt and raises speculation about the mystery cars.

Study says many wish to change their car as often as their smart phone

By John Goreham on April 8, 2014 - 9:06AM

Still using that old iPhone 4 and ready to upgrade? Why not get a new car while you’re out?

China adds more incentives for electric cars as sales lag

By Luke Ottaway on April 7, 2014 - 12:42PM

Last week the Chinese government announced that buyers of electric vehicles will be exempt from the country’s 10% sales tax on new automobiles. Despite previous incentives, EVs have not sold well to date in China.

BMW X5 plug-in to bring latest efficiency tech to New York Auto Show

By Luke Ottaway on April 7, 2014 - 8:39AM

BMW has announced they will bring an updated concept of their plug-in hybrid X5 eDrive model to the New York International Auto Show later this month. The automaker says the production version will achieve outstanding efficiency for a hybrid vehicle its size.

VW e-Golf, like LEAF, will have air-cooled battery

By Luke Ottaway on April 5, 2014 - 10:27AM

Though Nissan LEAF owners in hot climates like Arizona have complained of extreme heat dramatically reducing their range due to an ineffective battery cooling system, the soon-to-arrive Volkswagen e-Golf will also lack an active liquid cooling system. VW says they don’t need it.

Bill O'Reilly - Tesla's most influential fan

By Luke Ottaway on April 4, 2014 - 12:11PM

The popular conservative host of "The O’Reilly Factor" on Fox News has devoted plenty of attention on his show to Tesla this week, and he is a surprisingly strong supporter of the electric car company. Here’s why his opinion is so important.

LEAF smothers Volt in EV sales for March and 2014

By Aaron Turpen on April 3, 2014 - 2:40PM

On both the year-to-date and March 2014 frames, the Nissan LEAF is dominating sales over the Chevrolet Volt. Long-term marketing pays off.

Tesla’s European sales: spectacular success in one country and disinterest in another

By Luke Ottaway on April 3, 2014 - 9:48AM

The California-based electric automaker has made it clear that it plans to deliver a significant portion of Tesla vehicles to the European market. So far, they have met with spectacular success in one country and disinterest in another.

EV sales strong in March, led by LEAF

By Luke Ottaway on April 2, 2014 - 3:09PM

Sales of electric vehicles were merely respectable in January and February but ramped up in March as winter reluctantly faded away.

Honda Toyota and hydrogen fuel cell cars

Honda, Toyota to abandon hydrogen fuel cell plans

By Luke Ottaway on April 1, 2014 - 9:20AM

In a shocking and abrupt reversal of course, the two Japanese auto giants that had previously thrown their lot in with a hydrogen future have announced a joint venture to pursue battery electric vehicle technology that is “far more likely to succeed.”

4 ways to maximize your electric vehicle's range

By John Goreham on April 1, 2014 - 7:51AM

These four things are proven to make the most of your electric vehicle’s cruising range.

Massachusetts is serious about going electric with new rebate

By Luke Ottaway on March 31, 2014 - 3:17PM

Some states encourage electric vehicle adoption more than others through incentives and public charging infrastructure. Massachusetts has finally announced a new rebate program that vaults it to the top of the list of EV-friendly states.

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.

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