Electric Cars
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Swiss startup Piëch wants to be more than a pretty face. The company showed a sleek new electric concept coupe at the Geneva auto show in March called the Mark Zero, which it plans to put into production in 2022, and recently released sketches of two models expected to follow the Mark Zero: a four-seat GT coupe, and a five-passenger SUV. As first reported in Britain's AutoExpress, the two new models will share the same platform as the Mark Zero, which is expected to weigh about 4,000 pounds. The Mark Zero will be renamed the GT-2 in production. The four-seat GT will be called the GT-4...
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Rivian builds R1T Overland as cookout camping special
Rivian hasn't even launched any vehicles, and it's already building special editions and devising expensive accessories for its R1T electric pickup. The latest is a camping special, not sized for a giant slide-in camper, but outfitted with a bed-top tent and an integrated slide-out kitchen for...
Eric C. Evarts -
Report: Apple once attempted to buy Tesla
An analyst in a CNBC report has confirmed that Apple bid for Tesla in 2013, at $240 a share. Apple is reportedly no longer working on a self-driving car of its own.
Eric C. Evarts -
"How should EV owners pay for road maintenance?" Twitter poll results
Last week, after several states proposed new registration fees on electric cars, ostensibly to pay for road maintenance, we wondered what our readers thought would work best. We have nothing against electric-car drivers paying their fair share for road maintenance, but some state proposals seemed...
Eric C. Evarts -
2019 Tesla Model S Long Range vs. 2013 Model S 85: How do they compare in value?
The Tesla Model S has gained more features over the years—including a longer driving range of up to 370 miles—and yet its price adjusted for inflation has decreased.
David Noland -
Report: EPA model will count fewer deaths to help favor coal plants
As reported by the New York Times, sources familiar with the EPA's plans indicate the agency may use a new model that will count fewer premature deaths as caused by air pollution.
Eric C. Evarts -
Electric vehicle incentives, such as the $7,500 federal EV tax credit, can go a long way in making electric vehicles more attractive. Which one drives you?
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Seawater could bring breakthrough for hydrogen cars
A new type of anode catalyst could help prevent salt from corroding it, making it possible to use seawater to make hydrogen for fuel cells.
Eric C. Evarts -
GM builds new electric architecture for EVs, self-driving cars
General Motors is building some of its future vehicles with a backbone that can support over-the-air updates and better overall security.
Eric C. Evarts -
Big investment not enough for long term at Tesla, Musk says: report
Elon Musk told Tesla employees he will review "all expenses of any kind anywhere in the world, including parts, salary, travel expenses, rent, literally every payment that leaves our bank account" going forward
Eric C. Evarts -
Why Norway leads the world in electric vehicle adoption
Incentives, tax breaks, and more breathing room are part of it, but oil wealth leaves the nation with an odd relationship to some of the top-level sustainability questions.
Robert Duffer -
2018 BMW i3 recalled for circuit-board issue causing sudden shutdowns
Just 159 examples of the 2018 BMW i3 electric-car range-extended EV are being recalled for an issue in which the car could suddenly lose power and shut down.
Bengt Halvorson -
A preliminary report released on Thursday by the National Transportation Safety Board has confirmed an important piece of information in the fatal crash involving a 2018 Tesla Model 3 earlier this year: Autopilot was engaged. On March 1, the Model 3 was traveling southbound on U.S. 441—a divided highway—in Delray Beach, Florida. A semi tractor-trailer was crossing those lanes to turn northbound, but slowed before the turn, obstructing the lane ahead of the electric car, which struck the left side of the semi’s trailer and then continued traveling for 1,600 feet (nearly a...
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Volkswagen says EV batteries to last "the life of the car"
As it ramps up its global battery-supply chain and looks at the carbon footprint of its upcoming electric cars, VW is expecting that the battery packs in its EVs will last the life of the vehicles.
Eric C. Evarts -
Mercedes-Benz lays out plan for carbon-neutral future
Under a plan called Vision 2039, which includes more plug-in hybrids, electric cars, and fuel-cell vehicles, and renewable power, Mercedes-Benz is aiming to make its entire global vehicle fleet carbon-neutral by 2039.
Eric C. Evarts -
Volvo announces battery suppliers for upcoming EV lineup, including Polestar
Volvo plans to source $1 billion of batteries from LG Chem and CATL, for vehicles carrying the Volvo and Polestar brands.
Eric C. Evarts -
"Honda e" becomes official name of Urban EV, more hybrids to come
Honda's urban electric car, positioned for Europe, has been named the Honda e. Meanwhile, the company ramps up its hybrid plans in Europe and globally.
Eric C. Evarts -
First drive review: 2020 Mercedes-Benz EQC electric crossover charges ahead, luxury first
The 2020 Mercedes-Benz EQC400 SUV is Mercedes’ first long-range fully electric vehicle, its fastest-charging EV, and a quiet and comfortable family vehicle.
Bengt Halvorson -
States around the US are imposing new fees on electric-car owners to make them contribute to state highway maintenance funds. How should EV owners pay for road maintenance?
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Hyundai, Kia team with Rimac for battery tech
Along the way to building 44 "eco-friendly" models by 2025, Hyundai Motors, which includes Kia, announced that it will invest $80 million in Croatian EV startup Rimac. Rimac is most famous for building the Rimac Concept One, known at its introduction in 2016 as the world's fastest electric car. The...
Eric C. Evarts -
Volkswagen plans $1.1 billion battery partnership in Germany
Volkswagen announced plans on Tuesday to build a large new battery factory—with an unspecified partner or partners—in its home state of Lower Saxony in Germany. Volkswagen has announced plans to build 22 million new electric cars by 2029, and has announced battery contracts for up to 50...
Eric C. Evarts -
Tesla Model Y batteries, Aston Martin Rapide E, $1,000 EV fees: Today's Car News
Panasonic says it may not have the juice for the Model Y crossover, Aston Martin tracks the Rapide E, and Illinois looks to tax EV drivers.
Eric C. Evarts -
Tesla Model Y production will strain battery supplies: Panasonic
Tesla's main battery supplier, Panasonic, says the two companies won't have enough battery-building capacity to support production of the Model Y. In a conference announcing the company's annual earnings last Thursday, Panasonic CEO Kazuhiro Tsuga told reporters that "batteries will run out if...
Eric C. Evarts -
$1,000 Illinois fee? State fees, credits can make or break EV sales
Illinois, New Mexico, Washington, and North Dakota take drastically different approaches to EVs
Eric C. Evarts