BMW doubles battery production in US for coming X3 and X5 plug-in hybrids

2021 BMW X5 xDrive45e iPerformanceBMW is doubling is battery production capacity in preparation for producing two new plug-in hybrids at its South Carolina factory. The company plans to begin producing the 2020 BMW X5 xDrive 45e plug-in hybrid SUV there on August 1, followed by the new plug-in hybrid X3 xDrive 30e in December. The two vehicles—and the expanded battery...

Is GM planning an electric Cadillac Escalade?

2019 Cadillac Escalade Sport EditionCadillac is poised to become the lead brand from General Motors for some of its most advanced electric vehicle technology. As part of that, the company could be working on an electric version of its flagship Escalade SUV, the vehicle most often seen operating as high-end limo services, and popular among the glitterati from Hollywood to the...

Would solar cells add value to your EV? Twitter poll results

Lightyear OneLast week, after a spate of introductions of concept electric cars with solar cells, we asked our readers if such a system would add value for them. Despite a lot of reservations and skepticism, a clear majority of readers said it would. Our poll was inspired by a new concept Prius PHV (Prius Prime in the U.S.) that Toyota says can get up to 27.6...

Report: US Nissan Leaf owners to get update allowing subsequent fast charges

2019 Nissan Leaf for sale at Lokey Nissan Some owners of second generation Nissan Leafs are about to get a big update that will cool some overheated owners—if not their cars' batteries. According to a report in CleanTechnica, Nissan will update the cars to allow multiple DC fast charge sessions in rapid succession to make it easier for drivers to take advantage of the cars' full 150...

Cheaper electric rates could hasten EV adoption in Northeastern states

Offshore wind farmElectric cars are taking the West Coast by storm. In California, they amount to 7.8 percent of all car sales. In Washington state, it's more than 4 percent, and in Oregon more than 3 percent. One big selling point is operating costs. At the national average 12 cents per kilowatt-hour used as a target for setting home charging rates in California...