Audi E-tron recalled for battery seal, potential “thermal event”

2019 Audi E-tronAudi confirmed Monday that it is recalling 1,644 E-tron electric SUVs, including 544 vehicles that have been delivered to customers, due to an issue with the battery pack’s seal that it says could lead to “a short circuit or thermal event.” Audi is not aware of any such shorts or thermal events, it says, insisting that the move...

Rivian CEO confirms auxiliary batteries, truck-to-truck charging

Rivian R1T electric pickup conceptThe U.S.-based startup electric automaker Rivian is already showing plenty of signs that it's doing things differently than Tesla. While Tesla CEO Elon Musk discusses potential features of the company's new cars on Twitter, Rivian has held back on boasting about some of its most innovative ideas. The latest, according to a wide-ranging new...

Could battery lawsuits, material shortages delay some EVs?

2019 Audi e-tron battery packShortages of raw materials for batteries, as well as a new lawsuit among battery suppliers, may lead to delays in some upcoming electric cars. On Thursday, according to Reuters, Tesla's global supply manager for battery metals, Sarah Maryssael, told a conference of mining executives and lawmakers in Washington that the company expects global...

Busting 7 of the most common myths about electric cars

2019 Nissan Leaf PlusAh, yes, forwarded emails with subject lines like, “The real story behind …” or “Things you haven’t been told about ….” They can contain much misinformation, and their “facts” can spread at digital speeds. We recently got one from an Australian acquaintance, who helpfully sent it to 70 or so...

Report: Panasonic pumps brakes on Tesla Gigafactory expansion plans

Tour of Tesla battery gigafactory for invited owners, Reno, Nevada, July 2016Battery-giant Panasonic put a damper its planned investment of hundreds of millions of dollars to expand Tesla's Gigafactory site in Nevada, raising concerns that slowing investment could slow the pace of progress for EVs. Media reports indicated that Panasonic was reportedly considering investments of up to $1.3 billion for battery production to...

Purdue scientists test flow battery for EVs, claim 300-mile range

Purdue University IFBattery flow battery runs electric and fuel-cell golf cartAccording to scientists at Purdue University, the best way to charge electric car batteries may be to take them to a gas station, and have them serviced at an instant oil-change shop. The two scientists have been testing a new type of flow battery in golf carts, and say the battery now develops enough energy density and power to be viable in a...