Torque-vectoring clutch unit could nix the need for two rear motors

Magna Powertrain three-motor Model S setupSome upcoming high-performance electric vehicles—such as those with Tesla’s upcoming Plaid powertrain—are positioning a second electric motor at the rear axle to assure accurate torque vectoring, and improved handling. If the new Torque-Vectoring Dual-Clutch unit from the supplier BorgWarner works the way it’s intended to...

Tesla confirms Model Y ahead of schedule, launch in summer 2020

Tesla Model YIn a company update released Wednesday to investors, Tesla formally confirmed the launch of the Model Y electric crossover has been moved up to summer 2020. To meet that timeline, production of the Y could begin as soon as early 2020, versus the summer to fall 2020 timeline (with first deliveries before the end of 2020) that Tesla had originally...

Hitachi betting on 800V to go mass-market with high-output inverter

Porsche Taycan production in Zuffenhausen, GermanyWhen Porsche developed its Taycan electric car on 800-volt systems, it had to go the expensive route—designing from scratch many components that EV makers might otherwise secure from suppliers. That’s because while a robust supply network exists by now for 400-volt systems, the idea that 800V might be the future is just starting to be...

Report: All-electric Hummer revival being mulled as part of GM EV push

Hummer H2The idea of bringing the maligned Hummer brand back as a standalone electric-truck brand is likely to elicit quite the range of responses from longtime social- and eco-conscious car shoppers. General Motors is seriously considering that, as part of a full-size electric-truck push that will reach its full vigor in 2024 and may bring some new life...