Tesla will raise prices on all but $35k Model 3, keep more stores open

2018 Tesla Model S and 2018 Tesla Model XTesla's announcement late February that it will close stores and move entirely to online sales has already been cause for a minor uproar, as news emerged about mammoth lease obligations it may need to keep. Those lease obligations potentially add up to $1.6 billion currently and $1.1 billion until 2023, as tallied by the Wall Street Journal. And...

Jeep announces two more plug-in hybrids, for Europe

2019 Jeep RenegadeLast week, Fiat Chrysler announced plans, along with a $4.5 billion investment, to expand its lineup of plug-in hybrids, including plans to build two new plug-in hybrid Jeeps in the U.S., including the Grand Cherokee and new versions of the Jeep Wagoneer and Grand Wagoneer planned to roll out in 2020. Last June, at an investors' meeting, late Fiat...

Colorado to launch smart-charging pilot program as it prepares for EVs

eMotorWerks JuiceBox wall mount charging Tesla Model XAs it prepares to launch an electric-car mandate in coming years, Colorado is working to learn how electric cars can help it move to a more renewable energy grid. The non-profit Platte River Power Authority announced last month that it is teaming up with eMotorWerks, which sells home smart chargers, to sell and install 250 smart chargers for...

EPA says fuel economy rose in 2017, but it may be falling again

2019 Honda InsightAn EPA report released Wednesday shows that cars are getting better gas mileage in response to rising fuel economy standards. Yet a roaring economy and low gas prices have put Americans on a truck-buying spree, and the EPA is working to undermine those standards. According to its annual automotive trends report, the average new car reached a...

Electrified Bell Nexus concept shows how Uber Air could take off

Bell Nexus VTOL hybrid air taxiAlthough flying cars aren’t looking that much closer to reality, your Uber could take to the air in just a few years and be electric. Well, mostly electric, eventually. Hybrid electric-powered vertical takeoff and landing (VTOL) vehicles could come into service specifically as air taxis. In January, at CES, Bell Helicopter presented one such...