Electric VW Microbus-like concept to appear at Detroit Auto Show

Teaser photo for next Volkswagen I.D. electric-car concept, to be shown at 2017 Detroit Auto ShowThe original Volkswagen Microbus is an iconic design that is still instantly recognizable decades after the last ones were sold in the U.S. That might explain why rumors of the vehicle's return are so persistent. A new VW Microbus has been whispered about multiple times over the past few years, and now the automaker has teased us with photos of...

Now, a $500 electric Tesla: it’s a holiday gift for your kids (video)

Tesla Model S for kids by Radio FlyerWith the holiday season in full swing, here's a gift idea that will indoctrinate tomorrow's potential electric-car buyers at a young age. It's a miniature Tesla Model S produced by Radio Flyer. The company known for its red wagons collaborated with Tesla on the toy Model S, which starts at $499. CHECK OUT: Tesla Model S Radio Flyer: Ludicrous Mode...

Toyota changes course, offers to share hybrid technology with rivals

2016 Toyota Prius, Catskill Mountains, NY, Dec 2015Over the past six months, Toyota has made some remarkable decisions about its present and future car technologies. After years of staunch opposition to battery-electric vehicles, it committed to launching one by 2020. Now, the company has decided to offer its proprietary hybrid technology in volume to other automakers. DON'T MISS: Toyota battery...

What effect will Trump presidency have on electric cars? Poll results

The White House, Washington, D.C.  [Creative Commons license by dcjohn]It may reflect unshakable confidence in the future prospects of electric cars. Or perhaps it's a lack of conviction that the incoming Trump Administration can have enough effect on incentives, emission regulations, and gas-mileage rules to make a difference. Either way, the respondents to our most recent poll don't think the new president will...

VW 3-liter diesel updates OKed, but buyback negotiations continue

2015 Audi Q7 TDIVW Group announced yesterday it had reached a preliminary agreement with various regulators to resolve civil suits related to "defeat device" software in vehicles fitted with its 3.0-liter V-6 diesel engines. Those cars—a variety of SUVs and sedans sold by Audi, Porsche, and Volkswagen—will either be modified to comply with emission...

BlueLA expands French electric-car sharing service to California

Bollore BlueCars recharging at Paris curb for the Autolib electric-car sharing service, Sep 2016First there was AutoLib, a French electric-car sharing service operated by the Bolloré Group. Then came BlueIndy, the first U.S. franchise of the service, which put the same BlueCars onto the streets of Indianapolis. Now Bolloré is expanding its car-sharing operations to a second U.S. city, one that may be much more in the public...

Under Trump, renewable-energy progress may not change much

The White House, Washington, D.C.  [Creative Commons license by dcjohn]President-elect Donald Trump's energy policies are expected to be a sharp departure from those of his predecessor. During his campaign, Trump pledged to expedite and deregulate exploration and processing of fossil fuels, enact an "all-of-the-above" energy policy, and "bring back coal," among other promises. That has led to concerns among...

Michigan says Tesla sales ban not unconstitutional, responding to lawsuit

Michigan state capitol, Lansing (photo by Brian Charles Watson)Tesla Motors continues to fight for the ability to sell its electric cars directly to customers in Michigan, home of the rest of the U.S. auto industry. The Silicon Vallery automaker has been banned from doing so for about two years, thanks to subtle changes made to the state's franchise laws to prevent direct sales. Having failed to overturn the...