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...

Nissan accelerates EV plan for Europe and Japan, but not US

Nissan Chill-Out concept  -  December 2021Nissan announced Monday that as part of an accelerated shift to electrified and fully electric vehicles it sees 55% of global mix made up by “electrified” vehicles by 2030—up from its previous 50% forecast. Although after the solidification of various pieces of Biden administration EV policy, it hasn’t set any higher target...

Study: Heated surfaces could help boost range in some EVs

Ford E-Transit with experimental heated interior surfacesIn cold weather, energy needed to heat vehicle interiors can negatively impact EV range. Ford claims its engineers have found a solution—for delivery vehicles, at least. As part of a research project with the European Commission, Ford engineers fitted an E-Transit deliver van with heated armrests, floor mats, door panels, and sun visors, as...

Nissan will use electric semis to deliver Ariya EV in California

Nikola Tre electric semi trucks delivering Nissan vehicles in the Los Angeles areaNissan Ariya electric SUVs are making part of their journey to dealerships on electric semi trucks. The automaker said in a press release said it will use up to four battery-electric Class 8 semis to haul vehicles from the Port of Los Angeles to dealerships. Tractors are being provided by Nikola and Kenworth. They haul traditional car carriers and...

Review: Mazda MX-30 EV masquerades as an exotic, misses what matters

2022 Mazda MX-30 EVThe MX-30 EV is a confusing one. It embodies a unique package not shared with any gasoline model and its design details transcend its sub-$40,000 price tag. Yet it sends out some of the disappointing signals of the so-called compliance cars from a decade earlier. For the most part, these were electric conversions of small cars—the Fiat 500...