Daimler sale of EV-savvy Smart plant enables diesel SUV production

2021 Ineos Grenadier prototypeIneos Automotive confirmed on Tuesday that it’s acquired the Daimler AG facility in Hambach, France that builds Smart EQ Fortwo electric cars—for building throwback SUVs that are gasoline, diesel, and perhaps hydrogen fuel-cell powered. The plant, which has been nicknamed Smartville and has made future-leaning cars from the city-car...

Report: Plug-in hybrids are polluting more than claimed

2021 Volvo XC60Real-world emissions of plug-in hybrids on European roads are significantly higher than automakers claim, according to a report released earlier this month by the environmental group Transport & Environment. While real-world emissions are always dependent on how often owners plug in, many plug-in hybrids "lack the necessary EV power, range...

QuantumScape battery tech: A fast-charging electric-car game-changer?

Volkswagen ID Space Vizzion conceptVolkswagen-backed startup QuantumScape on Tuesday revealed new data showing the capabilities of its solid-state battery tech. Several companies are working to develop solid-state batteries, which use a solid electrolyte instead of the liquid or gel used in current lithium-ion battery cells. But QuantumScape claims to be ahead of competitors in...

Volvo XC40: Best Car To Buy 2021 finalist

2021 Volvo XC40 RechargeVolvo’s vehicles have for years been unified around a mantra of safety and longevity, and Scandinavian design themes that are stylish and confident but not too over-the-top. The brand’s first electric vehicle, the Volvo XC40 Recharge, is a finalist for Green Car Reports’ Best Car To Buy 2021. It shows all the signs of carrying...