Sono crash-tests its Sion solar EV, says panels “behave as predicted”

Sono Sion crash testSono Motors announced Tuesday that it had completed the first crash tests of its Sion EV, which has solar cells integrated with every body panel. The company said in a press release that those panels "behave as predicted," with no splintering of the polymer-based material in a 31-mph frontal crash test, confirming no additional risk to vehicle...

Lexus RZ 450e EV priced, puts the priority on features not range

2023 Lexus RZ 450eLexus has announced pricing for its first electric vehicle for the U.S., the 2023 RZ 450e electric luxury crossover, just before it heads to dealerships later this month. The RZ 450e comes in two different trim levels, Premium and Luxury, with both offered only in all-wheel-drive form. In Premium form, the RZ 450e, as it’s badged, costs...

California bill proposes $2,000 for converting gas vehicles to EVs

Chevrolets E-10 ConceptA California bill would offer residents a rebate of up to $2,000 to convert an existing internal-combustion car or truck to an EV. Spotted by Green Car Congress, California Senate Bill 301 would establish a Zero-Emission Aftermarket Conversion Project (ZACP) with up to $2 million in annual funding for EV conversion rebates to supplement...

Review: 2023 Honda Accord Hybrid improves in most measures

2023 Honda Accord HybridSouthern California might be known for its sunshine and warmth, but it gets rain and, in the mountains, snow. It wasn’t enough to deter the redesigned 2023 Honda Accord Hybrid from climbing more than 5,000 feet to Palomar Mountain, from the hallmark coastal sunshine to unusual bluebird snow. The curving ascent showed off the impressive...

VW recalls some ID.4 EVs for drive-system issue

2021 Volkswagen ID.4Volkswagen is recalling 20,904 ID.4 EVs—all from the 2021 model year—to address an issue that stems from faulty drive-system control software. In the affected vehicles, current software may cause the battery management control module to reset or the pulse inverter to deactivate, according to the National Highway Traffic Safety...

BMW’s next-gen Neue Klasse EVs will be made in Mexico

BMW Group Plant San Luis Potosí in MexicoBMW's next-generation EVs will be built in San Luis Potosí, Mexico, alongside two European production sites, the automaker confirmed in a press release Friday. That may allow these new EVs, and their related battery production facility, to qualify for U.S. tax credits and supply-chain incentives. These models, based on a dedicated platform...