Even BMW’s hometown may ban older diesel cars

A semi-autonomous BMW 5 Series, on the highway outside of Munich Diesel-powered vehicles are facing a tough road ahead as more European cities move to ban older, dirtier, oil-burning cars. Diesel has long been the preferred fuel of European drivers thanks to its efficiency and lower carbon dioxide levels. However, mounting research has shown diesel-powered cars spew harmful toxins that may cause cancer and...

How California and China plan to push for millions of zero-emission vehicles

California state capitol, SacramentoCalifornia has long been the nation's leader in zero-emission vehicles, with initiatives dating more than two decades. Now the Golden State is partnering with China, the world's largest car market, to accelerate that country's zero-emission goals. The state announced a new initiative with China, in which they will work together to accelerate the...

European electric and plug-in hybrid sales for Jan-April 2017

2017 Renault ZoeElectric vehicle sales are holding steady in Europe; the latest sales data shows popular battery electric vehicles remain popular. Plug-in hybrids continue to hold their own as well, according to data aggregated from numerous individual national markets. The Renault Zoe, in particular, continues to sell quite well. DON'T MISS: European electric...

VW too will launch electric-car joint venture in China with partner

Teaser photo for next Volkswagen I.D. electric-car concept, to be shown at 2017 Detroit Auto ShowVolkswagen is following the lead of many other global automakers: it has signed a deal for a new electric-vehicle joint venture in China. The German automaker said this week it has partnered with Chinese automaker Anhui Jianghuai Automobile Co. (JAC) to produce electric vehicles, as well as to market various mobility services. Both Volkswagen and...

Tesla changes warranty, cuts used Model S prices, to lure Model 3 buyers

2016 Tesla Model STesla has given its used electric-car sales a jolt and sweetened the deals for potential buyers. CEO Elon Musk announced changes to the Tesla Model S sedan's warranty structure and major price cuts on used examples during the annual shareholder meeting held June 6. "Maybe somebody wants to buy a Model S for $35,000, $40,000," he said, "and they...

How to drive Ford C-Max Hybrid for best gas mileage? Owner video explains

Hypermiling a Ford C-Max HybridPurchasing a hybrid vehicle makes for a slightly different ownership experience than a traditional gasoline-only car. There are always a few tips and tricks for owners to return the best mileage and range from electrified vehicles, and now a 2013 Ford C-Max Hybrid owner has shared his secrets. Owner Paul Jones has prepared a detailed video to...

Electric-car leases in California: Leaf, Volt, Focus vs Clarity

2017 Honda Clarity ElectricThe state of California is undeniably the United States' premier market for electric vehicles. It's also a market where automakers actually need to sell certain volumes of zero-emission cars, which means some of the nation's best lease deals on electric cars can be found in the Golden State. There are plenty of electrified vehicles to choose from...

Hyundai Kona small SUV revealed, with electric version to come

2018 Hyundai KonaHyundai has finally shown the world its subcompact crossover utility vehicle, the 2018 Hyundai Kona. The 2018 Kona marks the brand's first foray into the subcompact SUV segment and will likely arrive in the United States next year or for 2019. The Kona name comes from the tourist spot in Hawaii and is meant to signify the vehicle's adventurous...

2018 Honda Fit: new safety features, style update, Sport model added

2018 Honda FitHonda's smallest of vehicles—the Fit hatchback—has received some incremental updates for the new model year. The 2018 Honda Fit now has updated styling, additional safety features, and a new Sport model to add to the little hatch's variants. While not a drastic departure, the 2018 Fit's new grille now features a two-piece chrome and...

Bill in NY legislature would let Tesla quadruple store locations in state

Tesla Store Los Angeles [photo: Misha Bruk / MBH Architects]Tesla's five New York state stores could increase four-fold should a new piece of legislation pass the state legislature. The bill calls for an increase "certificates of registration for entities that manufacture or assemble zero-emissions vehicles." In turn, it would "authorize 20 certificates with at least five to be located in certain upstate...

All-electric Fisker EMotion orders open June 30, starting at $129,900

Teaser for Fisker EMotion debuting on August 17, 2017Henrik Fisker is planning to return to the luxury electric fold with his new company's EMotion sedan, and potential buyers now have a price tag. The brand's first vehicle, the Fisker EMotion sedan, will become available for pre-order on June 30. And when the EMotion eventually goes on sale, it will cost $129,900 and up. DON'T MISS: Fisker EMotion...

Coal-country voters laugh at politicians who deny climate change

Coal, by Flicker user oatsy40 (Used Under CC License)The "war on coal" has long been a talking point of politicians running for elected office in the state of Kentucky. The state was once home to a booming coal industry that has floundered over the years as cheaper fracked natural gas has supplanted coal for electricity generation. The state's coal industry job losses have thus been due to the surge...

Best deals on hybrid, electric, fuel-efficient cars for June 2017

2017 Ford C-MaxNow that we're into a new month, it's time to check out the best deals on green cars—this time for the month of June. As always, Cars Direct has compiled its monthly list of the most budget friendly options for buyers looking to go green. It should be noted there's now a separate category for "Best fuel efficient SUV," since small passenger...

Car buyers have no idea electric-car charging stations even exist

2017 Chevrolet Bolt EV electric car at EVgo fast-charging station, Newport Centre, Jersey City, NJElectric cars have promised to revolutionize transportation for years now. As more manufacturers offer electrified vehicles and prices continue to drop for battery technology, the easy correlation would be to assume that consumer interest has spiked. Actually, it remains pretty darn low, according to extensive research from J.D. Power. DON'T MISS...

Toyota sold all its Tesla shares by the end of 2016

Tesla Motors and Toyota logosToyota quietly unloaded the rest of its Tesla shares near the end of last year. In the process, the Japanese automaker confirmed its partnership to develop electric vehicles and related technologies had been ended. Toyota has by far shown the most restraint in developing battery electric vehicles—an intriguing move from the company that...

Hyundai Kona Electric: will new small electric SUV come to North America?

Teaser for Hyundai KonaHyundai has already taken its first step into the realm of electric cars with the Ioniq Electric. In fact, a plug-in hybrid and dedicated hybrid round out three alternative propulsion choices from Hyundai, but a Hyundai Kona electric car is slated to join the Korean brand's portfolio. The Kona will be Hyundai's subcompact crossover, comparable in...

Germany investigates possible Audi diesel emission cheats

2014 Audi A8 TDIJust as the Volkswagen Group begins to wind down its diesel scandal in the United States, things may be ramping up in Europe. A German government task force discovered a new type of defeat device in Audi vehicles, which allows the cars to cheat emission tests. Both V-6 and V-8 powered Audi A8 diesels—built between 2009 and 2013—were...