Test drive: 2024 Volvo S60 Recharge PHEV is better in charge

2024 Volvo S60 RechargeIt’s been nearly a decade since Volvo first started rolling out plug-in hybrids in the U.S., and while the formula for them hasn’t changed a whole lot, a couple of important details have. One of them is that Volvo’s made the batteries larger every few years, leading to more plug-in electric range, improved hybrid drivability, or...

Volvo’s highest-mileage plug-in hybrid is going away

2025 Volvo S60The Volvo S60 sedan—which in Recharge form is currently the Swedish automaker's most efficient plug-in hybrid—is being discontinued in the U.S. Motor1 first reported that S60 production would end at Volvo's Ridgeville, South Carolina, factory (located near the city of Charleston) this month. That was telegraphed by Volvo in 2021, when...

Will plug-in hybrids be plugged in, or will they add oil demand?

2025 Ram 1500 RamchargerThe global fleet of internal-combustion vehicles will peak in 2025, but plug-in hybrids may determine whether this leads to decreased oil demand, according to new analysis from Bloomberg New Energy Finance (BNEF). Sales of internal-combustion vehicles already peaked in 2017, and BNEF expects them to be 29% below that peak in 2027. While BNEF still...

Final US mpg rules through 2031 go easy on gas trucks, SUVs

2024 Toyota TundraThe federal government on Friday revealed vehicle efficiency standards for 2027-2031 that improve the fleet fuel efficiency of new cars and trucks—slightly. The final rules for Corporate Average Fuel Economy (CAFE), announced Friday by the Department of Transportation’s National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA), set the...

Jeep Wagoneer 3-row SUV will go electric too—with range-extender

2024 Jeep WagoneerAt the reveal of its Jeep Wagoneer S electric SUV, the Stellantis SUV brand on Thursday confirmed plans to push ahead with what potentially might amount to a great many different electrified powertrain options across its lineup later in the decade. That includes extended-range EV versions of the Wagoneer and Grand Wagoneer, which were confirmed...

GM plug-in hybrids due in 2027, as tighter EPA rules apply

2019 Chevrolet VoltGeneral Motors earlier this year confirmed plans to reintroduce plug-in hybrids to supplement its EV lineup, but we're only now getting a hint at the timing for those new plug-in hybrids. Speaking to the Detroit News, GM CEO Mary Barra said the automaker was "timing the launches to help us comply with more stringent fuel efficiency and tailpipe...

Mitsubishi plans EVs, plug-in hybrids in expanded US lineup

Teaser for future Mitsubishi U.S. lineupMitsubishi plans to update its U.S. lineup with new hybrids, plug-in hybrids, and EVs over the next few years. The automaker on Thursday unveiled a new business plan called "Momentum 2030" which includes plans for one new or refreshed model to be introduced between 2026 and the end of the decade, nearly doubling the automaker's U.S. lineup from...

China’s BYD launches Shark plug-in hybrid pickup in Mexico

BYD Shark plug-in hybrid pickupAs the Biden Administration hikes tariffs to keep Chinese EVs out of the U.S., one of that country's largest automakers is continuing its push into America's southern neighbor. Just hours after President Biden announced a quadrupling of tariffs on Chinese EVs to over 100% as part of a new round of tariff increases, BYD unveiled a new plug-in...

Jeep confirms Gladiator 4xe PHEV pickup, mulls Recon hybrid

2024 Jeep GladiatorThe Jeep Gladiator pickup truck will get a 4xe plug-in hybrid variant, while the upcoming Recon SUV could get a hybrid powertrain alongside the previously discussed all-electric option. The Gladiator 4xe was confirmed by Jeep North America CEO William Peffer in a LinkedIn post. Peffer said the plug-in hybrid will come to market "later next year,"...

Costco deal saves up to $2,000 on these EVs and PHEVs

2024 Volvo C40Costco is once again offering deals on EVs and plug-in hybrids for its members. Between May 1 and July 31, the retail chain is offering a $1,000 incentive on 2024 and 2025 Volvo models, including the 2024 XC40 and C40 Recharge EVs and XC60 Recharge and XC90 Recharge plug-in hybrids, as well as 2025 XC60 and XC90 plug-in hybrid models. The XC40...