VW e-Crafter, Mercedes Urban e-truck concept: electric vans for Europe

Volkswagen e-CrafterTo realize truly significant reductions in carbon emissions, powertrain electrification will have to extend beyond just passenger cars. But electric commercial vehicles have received relatively little attention from established manufacturers. That is seemingly about to change, at least in Europe. DON'T MISS: Road for electric trucks with...

Nissan Note hybrid leaked, but not likely for North America

Leaked image of Nissan Note e-Power hybrid (Japanese market version) published on Liveblog siteThe Nissan Versa Note has never been a particularly big seller in North America. Its sedan counterpart is one of the largest and most capacious vehicles in the subcompact segment, but the Note has always been more of a car for European and Asian markets. There, it does fairly well, in part due to a higher-quality interior than the one fitted to...

Tesla Model S race car revealed for Electric GT series

2016 Electric GT Championship Tesla Model S race carEarlier this year, a group called Electric GT Holdings announced plans for a race series exclusively for the Tesla Model S electric car. While the Formula E series currently runs events around the globe with purpose-built open-wheel race cars, Electric GT organizers reasoned that fans would relate better to a series that used cars based on...

Mercedes electric SUV concept for Paris: teaser video released

2017 Mercedes-Benz SLC  -  First Drive  -  April 2016Mercedes-Benz is expected to debut an electric SUV concept at the 2016 Paris Motor Show this fall. The concept will likely preview one of what could be up to four all-electric models Mercedes plans to launch over the next few years. This lineup of electric cars will help Mercedes compete with Tesla Motors, as well as German rivals that are now...

New 2018 Jeep Compass unveiled, replaces old Compass and Patriot too

2017 Jeep CompassThe redesigned 2018 Jeep Compass will replace both the current Compass small crossover and the related Patriot. It was unveiled at the Goiana, Pernambuco, plant in Brazil—where it will be built—ahead of a more formal debut at the 2016 Los Angeles Auto Show in November. The Brazilian unveiling underscores the importance of the Compass...

China ratchets down green-energy growth for first time ever

ChinaOver the past few years, China has made a major push to reduce carbon emissions by encouraging use of green technologies. Thanks to generous government incentives and fleet purchases, it is now the world's largest market for plug-in electric cars. Construction of new solar and wind farms has also proceeded at a rapid pace. DON'T MISS: Chevy Volt...