Big energy hugely underestimates electric cars, renewable power

2016 BMW i3Mass adoption of electric cars and renewable energy could significantly decrease global consumption of fossil fuels. But does the established energy industry view these new developments as a threat? In a recent report, ExxonMobil said coal could continue to provide the majority of the world's electricity-generation capacity in 2040, and that...

Electric-car charging station safety: what you need to know

Size comparison of electric-car charging stations (EVSEs) on sale today, March 2016Like any consumer product, it's important to consider safety when buying a charging station for an electric car. While plugging the vehicle into a station is straightforward, the large amount of current carried over the cord from the power source to the car makes caution worthwhile. Even safety-conscious consumers may find choosing the best...

Plug-in hybrid price guide: every 2017 model, with specs

2017 Chevrolet VoltT he number of plug-in hybrid cars has expanded greatly over the past few years. If you've had trouble keeping track of all of these new plug-in cars, fear not. A couple of weeks ago, we gathered the relevant data for every battery-electric car on sale today, and presented it to you in one place. DON'T MISS: Electric Car Price Guide: every 2017...

Plug-in hybrid price guide: every 2017 model, with specs

2017 Chevrolet VoltT he number of plug-in hybrid cars has expanded greatly over the past few years. If you've had trouble keeping track of all of these new plug-in cars, fear not. A couple of weeks ago, we gathered the relevant data for every battery-electric car on sale today, and presented it to you in one place. DON'T MISS: Electric Car Price Guide: every 2017...

Production for Elio 3-wheeler slides to 2018; is time running out?

Elio E1A test vehicle, June 2016Elio Motors continues to drag its feet regarding the start of production for its three-wheeled, two-seat, "84-mpg" vehicle, but it may now be running out of time. The company previously said it had received 55,000 reservations for the car, representing potential sales of $300 million. Last year, it raised $17 million through small-investor...

Production for Elio 3-wheeler slides to 2018; is time running out?

Elio E1A test vehicle, June 2016Elio Motors continues to drag its feet regarding the start of production for its three-wheeled, two-seat, "84-mpg" vehicle, but it may now be running out of time. The company previously said it had received 55,000 reservations for the car, representing potential sales of $300 million. Last year, it raised $17 million through small-investor...

Nikola Tesla drives Tesla Model S: amateur fan video imagines

Nikola Tesla drives a Tesla Model S in fan-made videoAs an auto company that exclusively produces electric cars, Tesla Motors has a very appropriate name. It is, of course, named after Nikola Tesla, a famed engineer who pioneered technologies related to electricity. So what might Nikola Tesla think of his namesake? DON'T MISS: Pilot production of Tesla Model 3 to start Feb 20: report That's the...

California goal: eliminate gasoline, diesel light vehicles altogether

2017 Nissan Leaf  What if gasoline and diesel cars and light trucks were simply eliminated altogether from the new vehicles sold in a state? Residents of one state in the U.S. may, eventually, find out. California already leads the nation in promoting zero-emission vehicles, but the Golden State may soon take that policy a step further. DON'T MISS: Will California...

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

2017 Mitsubishi Mirage G4As we roll through the second month of 2017, it's once again time to take a look at the best deals on green cars. This month's batch of deals spans a wide array of models, from one of the best-selling plug-in hybrids to a pair of subcompact sedans. It also includes one of the newest green cars to hit the U.S. market, as well as one held over from...

Electric-car batteries: $100 per kwh before 2020, $80 soon after?

Lithium-ion cell and battery pack assembly for Nissan Leaf electric car in Sunderland, U.K., plantModern electric cars have developed to the point where range itself may become less of an issue than the cost of providing it. Automakers can create longer-range electric cars simply by installing larger battery packs, but that adds significant cost tot he car's single priciest component. Just ask Tesla, which sells multiple versions of its Model...

VW suggests engine downsizing is done; emissions rules are the reason

2018 Volkswagen Golf SportWagenWhen it comes to improving fuel efficiency, simply making an engine smaller is a fairly direct way to get results. It's the approach that many automakers have taken in recent years. They have downsized engines across model lines, usually adding turbochargers at the same time to match the power output of the larger-displacement engines that they...

Bowing to inevitable, Faraday Future scales back plant plans

Faraday Future FF 91During a press conference at the 2016 Consumer Electronics Show, Faraday Future announced plans to build its first electric car within two years. Later in 2016, it selected a site for what it claimed would be a $1 billion electric-car factory to be built in North Las Vegas, Nevada. But work at the site stopped late last year, and a new report...

Lucid Air electric car video show luxury sedan on the road

Lucid AirLucid Motors, the California automotive startup formerly known as Atieva, unveiled its Air electric car in December 2016. But so far, the car hasn't been seen on public roads. Lucid has now rectified that by releasing a video that shows its luxury sedan driving around the San Francisco Bay Area. DON'T MISS: Lucid reveals design for its luxury Air...

Toyota shows Mirai Super Bowl ad, but only in California

2017 Toyota Mirai Super Bowl ad 'Daisy' screenshotAs is the norm these days, the ads running during Super Bowl LI this past weekend drew almost as much attention as the game itself. Automakers are among the myriad companies that expend considerable creative and monetary resources on Super Bowl ads every year. And green cars make occasional appearances in these ads. DON'T MISS: Here are the car...

Faraday has 64,000 reservations: why they’re different from Tesla’s

Faraday Future FF 91Faraday Future unveiled its first production electric car, the FF 91, last month at the 2017 Consumer Electronics Show in Las Vegas. The public debut of the much-hyped luxury utility vehicle generated considerable interest from potential customers. At least, that's how it looks at first glance. DON'T MISS: Faraday Future unveils FF 91, its first...