Analysis: Lighter EVs are greenest, thirsty gas trucks are meanest

2023 Mini Cooper SE Resolute EditionWhen considering the overall environmental impact of new cars and trucks, it's important to look not only at the powertrain, but also the curb weight, according to a new analysis from the American Council for an Energy-Efficient Economy (ACEEE). The group annually releases a "Greenest List" of the 12 vehicles estimated to do the least damage to...

Indiana-made drive modules may muscle EVs from Ram, Jeep, Dodge

Dodge Charger Daytona ConceptStellantis on Tuesday announced a $155 million investment in three Kokomo, Indiana, plants to produce drive modules for future electric vehicles beginning in 2024. Consisting of an electric motor, power electronics, and transmission assembled as one unit, these modules will be used in vehicles based on the STLA Frame and STLA Large platforms...

Rivian confirms 390-mile R1S Max Pack for fall deliveries

2023 Rivian R1SRivian on Tuesday confirmed that it will be delivering Max Pack versions of its R1S, in Dual Motor form, starting this fall. According to Rivian, the R1S Max Pack will accelerate to 60 mph in as little as 3.5 seconds and offer three rows of seating. With the announcement, part of a quarterly financial update for shareholders released Tuesday, the...

Rivian R1T, Mini Cooper SE, Kia EV6 top EV ownership study

2023 Rivian R1TIndustry newcomer Rivian is already wowing owners not just with its R1T electric truck but as part of a well-rounded assessment of the ownership experience. The Rivian R1T was ranked highest in satisfaction in results released Tuesday from an annual study focusing on EV ownership from survey giant J.D. Power. It’s followed, in order of...

Research: Tires and brakes emit more particulates than tailpipes

Goodyear tire made from 70% sustainable materialCurrent emissions regulations are focused on what comes out of vehicle tailpipes, but a new study claims more than half of road-vehicle particulate emissions—fine particles that can pollute surrounding air and water—comes from other sources. Conducted by Imperial College London, the study (via Green Car Congress) estimates that in 2021...

Vinfast drops VF 8 lease price, confirms US deliveries start March 1

Vinfast VF 8Vinfast on Monday confirmed plans to begin U.S. deliveries March 1, as a report indicated the automaker is planning to lower lease prices. Vinfast had reported the first batch of 999 U.S.-bound VF 8 electric SUVs shipped out in late November, following the delivery of 100 vehicles to customers in its home country of Vietnam in September. The...