FCA announces production Jeep Renegade plug-in hybrid in Italy

2019 Jeep RenegadeJeep said Monday that it laid the groundwork to begin production of a plug-in hybrid version of its small Renegade at the factory in southern Italy where it's produced alongside the Fiat 500X. The model is expected to go on sale in early 2020, though it's not clear whether it is intended for the U.S. Jeep did not immediately respond for comment on...

One size won’t fit all for future Kia EVs

2019 Kia Niro EVFor an automaker that’s pitching itself toward the fun side of the Hyundai Motor Group, the tone for the automaker’s sizable electric push soon sounds altogether like pants. “It’s all about what fits,” said Michael Winkler, director of powertrains for Kia in Europe. By the end of next year, Kia will offer in the U.S...

Best deals on hybrid, electric, fuel-efficient cars for September 2018

2018 Honda Clarity Plug-In HybridThis month's best deals list includes a newcomer among plug-in hybrids. That could be a great thing for buyers who want the best deal along with the latest technologies. Our partners at CarsDirect.com, now focus the list of best deals on models that are widely available, not "compliance cars" available only in token quantities in select locations...

Chevy recalls some Bolt EVs, Volts over supplier brake issues

2018 Chevrolet Bolt EVChevrolet this week recalled three to four months worth of production Bolt EVs and Volt plug-in hybrids over a potential brake issue that could increase stopping distances of the small vehicles. The recall affects 2018-2019 Chevrolet Bolt EV and 2018-2019 Volt models sold in the U.S. and Canada. General Motors' filing with federal regulators...

BMW drops diesels in favor of plug-in hybrids

2021 BMW X5 xDrive45e iPerformanceBMW is the latest automaker to eliminate diesels from its lineup and focus on plug-in hybrids and electric cars. A BMW spokesman told Green Car Reports on Tuesday that it will drop diesels from its lineup for 2019. "We're putting all our eggs in the PHEV basket," said BMW spokesman Alexander Schmuck. BMW currently sells five plug-in hybrid models...

2021 BMW X5 xDrive45e plug-in hybrid will have more range, 6 cylinders

2021 BMW X5 xDrive45e iPerformanceOn Friday, BMW revealed the next-generation X5 plug-in hybrid, with significantly more electric range and a 6-cylinder engine replacing the 4-cylinder in the current X5 plug-in hybrid. Based on the new third-generation X5, BMW says theX5 xDrive45e iPerformance will have up to 50 miles of electric range from an expanded battery pack that sits...

2019 Chevy Volt gets higher prices with more equipment

2019 Chevrolet VoltIn June, we heard that the 2019 Chevrolet Volt will come with a faster charger and more luxury features. Now, CarsDirect has learned how much those features will add to the price. The price of the base Volt LT model will go up $300 to $34,395, including destination and before any applicable federal or state tax breaks. The top-level Volt Premier...

Ford recalls Focus Electric, Fusion Energi, and C-Max Energi charge cords

charging cord for 2012 Ford Focus ElectricFord announced a recall on Wednesday of the 120-volt charge cords supplied with nearly all of the plug-in hybrid and electric cars it built through 2015. The cars affected include the 2012 to 2015 Focus Electric, the 2013 to 2015 Ford C-Max Energi, and the 2013 to 2015 Ford Fusion Energi. Ford says that if the included charge cords are plugged...

Best deals on hybrid, plug-in and electric cars for August 2018

2019 Chevrolet EquinoxThis month, green-car buyers can find some screaming deals. These aren't just local programs or restricted to California buyers, either. As always, our list of deals comes from our partners at CarsDirect. This month, they have focused on deals available nationwide and on cars that are more shoppers can find (unlike, for example, the VW e-Golf, of...