Coal in China: huge problem for clean power, climate efforts

Coal, by Flicker user oatsy40 (Used Under CC License)Over the past few years, China has made impressive strides in renewable-energy investment. The promotion of renewable energy will only become more important as China works to meet its commitments under the recently-ratified Paris climate agreement. But the country's reliance on coal for electricity generation still poses a huge problem for these...

Tesla to charge new buyers for Supercharging after Jan 1

Tesla Model S at Supercharger site in Ventura, CA, with just one slot open  [photo: David Noland]A major perk for Tesla Model S and Model X owners has been free access to the carmaker's network of Supercharger DC fast-charging stations. But after January 1, new Tesla buyers won't get that free access. Tesla will charge anyone who buys one of its cars after that point for use of Supercharger stations, a move it says is meant to emphasize use...

Could an EU switch to on-road emission tests allow more pollution?

2016 Renault Clio RSThe Volkswagen diesel scandal convinced European regulators to switch from laboratory emissions testing to tests that involve actual, on-road driving. This could prevent automakers from deploying "defeat device" software like the kind used by VW on laboratory tests, as well as produce results that more closely align with what consumers can expect...

Toyota to offer electric car in 2020 as fuel-cell sales struggle

2012 Toyota Prius Plug-In HybridToyota has been a confirmed naysayer on long-range battery-electric cars for two decades. Instead, hydrogen fuel cells have been its zero-emission technology of choice. In that context, a new report suggesting Toyota will start building significant numbers of battery-electric cars is quite stunning indeed. DON'T MISS: Now Toyota can make electric...

2017 Toyota Prius Prime plug-in hybrid: video road test

2017 Toyota Prius Prime PremiumThe 2017 Toyota Prius Prime is a new plug-in version of the fourth-generation Prius hybrid launched last year. It succeeds the previous Prius Plug-In Hybrid, but it's a much better—and considerably more electric—vehicle than that discontinued model. We've driven the new Prius Prime in southern California, but is it the right car for...

Emission debate in Europe: should new EU agency test, or each nation?

Portable Emissions Measurement Systems (PEMS) on a Peugeot 308The Volkswagen diesel scandal has brought increased scrutiny on how new cars are tested for emissions and fuel economy. VW's use of "defeat device" software to cheat on laboratory emissions tests could cause regulators to put greater emphasis on on-road emissions testing. But, in Europe at least, there is some debate about which entity will...