EPA’s Ann Arbor test lab threatened; emission tests in the balance

The White House, Washington, D.C.  [Creative Commons license by dcjohn]The 436 scientists who spend their days testing new vehicles and enforcing environmental rules at the National Fuel Emissions Lab in Ann Arbor, Michigan, face a very uncertain future. The lab sits in the crosshairs of President Trump's proposed budget, which eliminates 99 percent of its funding, as part of a 31-percent cut to the overall...

Romania doubles electric-car subsidies, adds ‘cash for clunkers’ program

Cash for Clunkers banner with Mercury Sable, Albany, New YorkIn recent years, governments have increasingly worked to encourage the sales of plug-in electric vehicles. Incentive programs for the purchase of a low-emission vehicle have been adopted across the world. The amounts granted and the mechanisms vary according to the individual program, but the goal is the same: reduce emissions. DON’T MISS...

Assessing the Honda Clarity range: how electric cars fit in, and why

Honda Clarity lineup: Electric, Plug-In Hybrid, Fuel Cell, at 2017 New York auto showThe 2017 Honda Clarity Fuel Cell is the only model presently on sale, though the all-electric version will arrive later this year. The hydrogen-powered mid-size sedan with a rated 366 miles of range is the one that's gotten by far the most publicity from Honda, as its technology halo vehicle. Last month, at the New York auto show, Honda unveiled...

Judge approves VW diesel V-6 settlement, last major piece of scandal

2014 Audi A6 TDIThe Volkswagen diesel cheating saga has closed another chapter as a U.S. judge approved a proposed settlement for V-6 powered vehicles, the final major U.S. piece of the entire scandal. In total, Volkswagen will pay $1.22 billion in settlements with owners and to modify or buy back 88,500 3.0-liter V-6 TDI powered vehicles in the United States...

European electric and plug-in hybrid sales for Jan-Mar 2017

Longer-range Renault Zoe electric car, introduced at 2016 Paris Motor ShowThe first quarter of 2017 is now behind us, which means we get to take a peek at the European plug-in electric vehicle sale numbers. The year-to-date numbers show a significant growth in sales for most electric models, according to the recent European Alternative Fuels Observatory report. The Renault Zoe remains the top seller across the continent...

2017 electric motorcycle buyers guide

Energica Eva electric motorcycle test ride, San Francisco Bay AreaElectric motorcycles have seen a year of growth and challenges, both reflected in the offerings for 2017. Zero continues to push for its lineup to have more power, greater range, and lower prices, while new entries from Alta Motors and Energica expand available offerings. The demise of Victory motorcycles, however, seems to be the end of the...