Grove launches hydrogen fuel-cell car brand in China

Grove Hydrogen Automotive fuel-cell carChina is the world's largest market for cars—especially electric cars. The country has even announced that at some point in the future it will ban internal combustion cars. But it's not all about battery electric EVs, it turns out. A new company called Grove Hydrogen Automotive Co. announced that it will focus on fuel-cell cars, starting...

EPA panel says air pollution not harmful

EPA Acting Administrator Andrew WheelerIt isn't just global warming emissions that the EPA plans to deregulate. At a meeting last Thursday, a key air quality standards board at the agency cast doubt on longstanding findings that particulate matter—the microscopic particles spewing from diesel tailpipes—can cause health problems leading to premature deaths. In the absence of...

Obama, buy that Volt!

President Obama inspects the 2011 Chevrolet Volt Our current President, Donald Trump, has made it abundantly clear where he stands on electric cars. It’s quite a contrast to our former President, Barack Obama, whose administration widely supported policy fostering more fuel-efficient vehicles, greener energy, and the path to more vehicles that plug in. This weekend marks the last one for...

Hybrid or not, 2019 Ram 1500 eTorque does some smart things with 48V tech

eTorque system in 2019 Ram 1500As more mainstream vehicles, like the 2019 Ram 1500 lineup, get increasing levels of electrification, but stop short of becoming fully electric or even full-fledged hybrids, it can be easy to get lost in semantics. Generally speaking, the term “mild hybrid” means some energy can be recaptured by a motor/generator, but the motor might...

New wind and solar power costs less than keeping old coal running

Smokestacks pollution air qualityFrom an environmental standpoint, it's rare that buying something new can have a lower impact that keeping whatever's old. But that's what's happening with renewable energy now, according to a new report published by Energy Innovation. For most of their history, the knock on renewable wind and solar power is that they cost more than fossil fuels...

Motor supplier sees mass-produced in-wheel motors around 2023

In-wheel motor teaser  -  from Nissan BladeGlider videoIn-wheel motors have been the future for electric cars—including fuel-cell cars and series hybrids—for decades. Their benefits include simpler packaging and more interior or cargo space for the vehicle. They could help make vehicles lighter, and lower the center of mass. There are also potential efficiency gains, too, and traction and...