Tesla Model Y cost now dips below average new vehicle, EV or not

Tesla Model YAfter multiple price cuts this year, the Tesla Model Y now costs less than the average new vehicle in the U.S.—EV or not. That's the conclusion of a recent Bloomberg article that compared Tesla Model Y price cuts to average new vehicle prices in 2023. The base price of the Model Y has decreased 24% since January, the steepest price cut of...

Toyota is looking at plug-in hybrids powered by low-carbon fuels

2021 Toyota RAV4 PrimeToyota is partnering with ExxonMobil to research plug-in hybrids powered by low-carbon fuels. A short video recently released by the two companies discusses collaborative efforts to reduce emissions, including low-carbon fuels being developed by ExxonMobil that the company claims have the potential to reduce greenhouse gas emissions by up to 75%...

Zeekr X tackles Model Y with sub-$30,000 price, tech twists

2023 Zeekr XChinese automaker Geely's Zeekr brand this week unveiled its third model, a nearly Tesla Model Y-sized crossover that will sell for less than $30,000 in its home market. The Zeekr X follows the 009 van and the 001, a hatchback based on a concept originally badged for Geely's Lynk & Co. brand, in the all-electric Zeekr brand's lineup...

Battery firm: Faster-charging cells could cut EV cost and weight

StoreDot sample batteriesStoreDot claims its fast-charging battery tech will allow automakers to design EVs with smaller battery packs—saving cost and weight. The argument seems to be that, by enabling what the company calls "extreme fast charging," allowing more frequent recharges with less inconvenience, automakers won't need to rely as much on larger battery...

Toyota confirms fuel-cell, plug-in hybrid versions of Crown

Toyota Crown familyThe Toyota Crown lineup is due to expand with hydrogen fuel-cell and plug-in hybrid powertrains, as well as multiple body styles, Toyota confirmed Wednesday—although it hasn't yet confirmed what is coming to the U.S. The Crown returned to the U.S. for the 2023 model year with hybrid powertrains and a raised-sedan body style Toyota now refers...

EPA tailpipe emissions rules for 2027-2032: EVs not mandated

2023 Ford F-150 LightningThe EPA on Thursday proposed a new phase of tougher emissions standards for model years 2027 to 2032 that would trigger a massive increase in the sales of EVs—but not technically mandate them. The proposed standards aims for fleet average emissions of 82 grams of CO2 per mile by the 2032 model year, a 56% reduction in emissions from the...

Poll: Nearly half in US support EV incentives, fewer to buy them

2023 Kia EV6 GTPublic support for EV incentives and charging infrastructure is strong, but Americans aren't necessarily buying EVs for themselves, according to a new poll. Conducted by The Associated Press-NORC Center for Public Affairs Research and the University of Chicago's Energy Policy Institute (EPIC), the poll showed significant support for measures to...

VW plans 25 EVs qualifying for $7,500 tax credit by 2030

2023 Volkswagen ID.4Volkswagen plans to sell 25 all-electric models in the U.S. by 2030, all of which will qualify for the full $7,500 federal tax credit under new Inflation Reduction Act (IRA) rules, the top U.S. executive of VW said in an interview with Bloomberg (via Automotive News Europe). "We have a great opportunity in the U.S.," VW Group of America CEO Pablo...

BYD active suspension bows with dancing U9 electric sports car

BYD Yangwang U9Chinese automaker BYD recently demonstrated a new active suspension system for future EVs in dramatic fashion—with a jump. From the car itself. The system, formally known as the BYD DiSus Intelligent Body Control System, is similar to active suspension systems like Porsche Dynamic Chassis Control and Mercedes-Benz Magic Body Control. BYD...

EPA might ensure 60% EV sales by 2030, align with California

U.S. production of Genesis Electrified GV70 in AlabamaThe EPA is expected to propose stricter emissions rules that would ensure more than half of new cars and trucks sold in the U.S. are electric, The New York Times reports. The proposal would not mandate a specific percentage of EV sales, but would set emissions limits so stringent that it would essentially force automakers to ensure that EVs...