Toyota RAV4-EV Immune to “Bricking”

Toyota RAV4-EV Immune to “Bricking”
Share this Article
Following up on Tesla’s battery problems, we got a chance to talk to Toyota about the upcoming RAV4-EV. Toyota has been working closely with Tesla in developing their electric crossover. We were curious to see if the issue that is now worrying owners of Tesla Roadsters will be a problem with Toyota’s vehicle as well…. Continue Reading...

First Volkswagen eGolf Electric Car Arrives in California

2
First Volkswagen eGolf Electric Car Arrives in California
Share this Article
German automaker Volkswagen is joining the electric vehicle party, and the first eGolf has been shipped to their Electronic Research Laboratory in Belmont, California. 20 electric VW Golfs will make their way to America for testing, and Volkswagen will build a total of 500 to test its new electric powertrain. There is nothing evolutionary or… Continue Reading...

Tesla Says Newer Models Less Prone to “Bricking”

3
Tesla Says Newer Models Less Prone to “Bricking”
Share this Article
Tesla has been weathering a storm of questions regarding its Tesla Roadsters ‘bricking’. Earlier today, the company posted an entry in its blog explaining the situation, and claiming that newer models can last significantly longer without being plugged in. The blog post titled “Plug It In” reminds Tesla Roadster owners to plug in their vehicles… Continue Reading...

2012 Chevrolet Volt Low Emissions Gets California HOV Approval

2012 Chevrolet Volt Low Emissions Gets California HOV Approval
Share this Article
The Chevrolet Volt finally has some good news to share. The HOV decal that helped Toyota Prius sales get off the ground in California has now made its way onto the 2012 Chevrolet Volt with the Low Emissions Package. “The Volts with the Low Emissions Package are certain to be a strong draw for California… Continue Reading...

Volvo Launches ELVIIS to Streamline Public EV Recharging Process

Share this Article
The dawn of a new era is upon us with electric vehicle charging and it appears that Swedish automaker Volvo wants to help streamline the recharging process for owners out in public looking for juice for their EV. The project, titled Electric Vehicle Intelligent Infra Structure (ELVIIS) is being kicked off with the help of… Continue Reading...

Is Your Electric Vehicle at Risk of Bricking? Know the Facts

4
Is Your Electric Vehicle at Risk of Bricking? Know the Facts
Share this Article
The recent stories of the Tesla Roadster “bricking” will likely cause owners of other electric vehicles to worry. We’ve managed to track down and get a comment about the measures in place that can prevent other EVs from becoming damaged like the Tesla. A “bricked” car is a lot like a bricked gadget. It can’t… Continue Reading...

Tesla Roadster Top Gear Lawsuit Thrown Out

12
Tesla Roadster Top Gear Lawsuit Thrown Out
Share this Article
Top Gear host Jeremy Clarkson is paid to piss you off, it’s what he does best. Maybe someone should have forwarded the memo to Tesla’s CEO, Elon Musk. Musk probably should have taken Top Gear’s pot shots with a laugh and kept doing business, but it’s easy to understand why he might be feeling defensive…. Continue Reading...

Tesla Roadsters Can Become ‘Bricked’, Cost $40,000 to Fix

2
Tesla Roadsters Can Become ‘Bricked’, Cost $40,000 to Fix
Share this Article
The term “bricked” is often used with smartphones and other devices that can become completely unusable and are essentially, well… just a brick. To hear that terminology being used by an automaker is a little disconcerting, especially when that automaker sells cars that cost over $100,000. If the battery is ever completely discharged in a… Continue Reading...

Fisker Automotive Running Out of Time and Funds?

4
Fisker Automotive Running Out of Time and Funds?
Share this Article
Earlier this month, electric car manufacturer Fisker Automotive laid off around 65 workers and it became public knowledge that they were renegotiating loan details with the US Department of Energy. Now analysts (or at least one analyst) are predicting the inevitable death of Fisker as a company, especially since Fisker apparently did not meet certain… Continue Reading...

Rinspeed Dock+Go is a Backpack on Wheels for Electric Cars: Geneva Motor Show Preview

Rinspeed Dock+Go is a Backpack on Wheels for Electric Cars: Geneva Motor Show Preview
Share this Article
Making its way to the upcoming 2012 Geneva Motor Show will be Rinspeed’s Dock + Go creation, an innovative yet strange concept that will leave some scratching their heads. The Swiss-based tuner is marketing the Dock + Go as a backpack on wheels but is also a detachable range-extender for electric cars. The product essentially… Continue Reading...

Chrysler Withdraws Application for D.O.E Loan

Chrysler Withdraws Application for D.O.E Loan
Share this Article
Chrysler has announced the withdrawal of its Advanced Technology Vehicles Manufacturing (ATVM) loan from the U.S. Department of Energy. A loan signed in 2007 by former President George W. Bush, the ATVM program was designed to provide financial aid to companies to pursue development of advanced, high-mileage power train technologies in order to reduce dependence on… Continue Reading...

Tesla To Supply Powertrain For Future Electric Mercedes-Benz

Tesla To Supply Powertrain For Future Electric Mercedes-Benz
Share this Article
Some may remember in 2009, Daimler purchased a 10 percent stake in Tesla for the joint development of a Smart EV. Once again, Tesla and Daimler will once again collaborate on a new project, this time an electric Mercedes-Benz. Tesla’s fourth-quarter earnings report revealed details regarding its role as the full powertrain supplier for a… Continue Reading...

Tesla Model S Will Not be Available to Media Before Release

1
Tesla Model S Will Not be Available to Media Before Release
Share this Article
One of the great perks of becoming an automotive journalist is the opportunity to get behind the wheel of practically any new car on the market, whether it be the latest Porsche or a Pagani Huayra. However, Tesla has chosen not to oblige. According to Tesla CEO Elon Musk during an announcement last night, no… Continue Reading...

Tesla Model X Gets $40 Million in Advance Orders

Tesla Model X Gets $40 Million in Advance Orders
Share this Article
Tesla Motors unveiled its Model X all-electric SUV last Thursday and announced that the order books would open the following day. That Friday, the Model X racked up an impressive $40 million in pre-orders. The debut generated serious industry buzz, thanks in part to the SUV’s unique doors. The falcon wings, which open like gull… Continue Reading...

Bigger Electric Car Subsidy Possible in 2013

3
Bigger Electric Car Subsidy Possible in 2013
Share this Article
Things might get a lot sweeter in 2013 for folks considering a “new technology car,” as they’re being called at the White House. President Obama’s 2012 fiscal year budget apparently includes a provision for increasing the federal tax credit from $7,500 to a more substantial $10,000. The subsidy hasn’t been passed yet, but if it… Continue Reading...

Electric Race Car Debuts New EV Technology

Electric Race Car Debuts New EV Technology
Share this Article
A dream team of ten engineers and tech experts have assembled at the UK-based Lola-Drayson to develop an extremely innovative all-electric race car. This electricity powered car is aiming at a top speed of 320 km/h or 200mph. While that seems like an astronomical number, this actually isn’t the ultimate goal of the electric racer. According… Continue Reading...

2013 Volkswagen Golf to Shed Weight, Gain Technology

2013 Volkswagen Golf to Shed Weight, Gain Technology
Share this Article
Later this year, Volkswagen will reveal its all-new Mk7 Golf (Spy photo shown above). A pivotal new car for Volkswagen, the Golf will be improved in almost all aspects, including a swath of more luxurious features. The staple hatchback will receive a wider range of powertrains including a natural gas variant, an electric variant, and… Continue Reading...

Electric Car Sales Not Taking Off Any Time Soon: Survey

Electric Car Sales Not Taking Off Any Time Soon: Survey
Share this Article
Why get an electric car when new gas powered vehicles are getting such high marks for fuel efficiency? According to a survey by KPMG, the rising standard of efficient gas engines is going to lead to minimal sales of electric vehicles. KPMG’s 13th annual Global Automotive Executive Survey found that, although electric engines are a… Continue Reading...

Next Generation Tesla Roadster Won’t Come Until 2015

1
Next Generation Tesla Roadster Won’t Come Until 2015
Share this Article
Tesla is currently making headlines with the debut of the new Model X, but many are probably wondering when the next generation Roadster is coming. Well, apparently not anytime soon, according to Tesla Chairman and CEO Elon Musk. Musk disclosed on Thursday that a replacement roadster won’t come until Tesla has launched its “Gen 3”… Continue Reading...

Morgan Plus E Coming to 2012 Geneva Auto Show

Morgan Plus E Coming to 2012 Geneva Auto Show
Share this Article
British performance car maker Morgan will unveil an electric car called the Morgan Plus E at the 2012 Geneva Auto Show next month. The company is using an electric drivetrain from Zytek, the same group they went to for their previous EV (pictured above). Like the last time, this car will also come with a manual… Continue Reading...

Tesla Model X Revealed

Tesla Model X Revealed
Share this Article
Well, it has finally arrived. After all the hype and teasers Tesla has unveiled its Model X all electric SUV at the Tesla design studio in California. Well, we thought it would be an SUV, but after having a look, its probably safe to say its more of a crossover than anything. The model X… Continue Reading...

Tesla Model X Second Teaser Revealed by CEO

Tesla Model X Second Teaser Revealed by CEO
Share this Article
The all-electric Tesla Model X will debut today at 8 p.m. Pacific Standard Time at Tesla’s design studio in California. Mere hours before the official unveil Tesla founder and CEO, Elon Musk tweeted a new teaser photo which shows off what are being called the Model X’s falcon wing doors. The new picture doesn’t give… Continue Reading...

Fisker Automotive Lays Off Workers, Renegotiating Government Loan

2
Fisker Automotive Lays Off Workers, Renegotiating Government Loan
Share this Article
Fisker Automotive, an electric car manufacturer based out of Southern California announced that it had laid off employees and contractors at both their headquarters and assembly facility in Wilmington, Delaware as they attempt to renegotiate terms from their $529-million loan from the US Department of Energy. Fisker spokesman, Roger Ormisher, recently told the Associated Press… Continue Reading...

Chevrolet Volt Teardown Reveals Volt was Designed for Upgrades

Chevrolet Volt Teardown Reveals Volt was Designed for Upgrades
Share this Article
Such commentary clearly indicates that down the road, GM plans to add additional circuits, with the goal of improving both range and performance, in fact, that was exactly what company engineer Doug Parks told Reuters during an interview. Continue Reading...