Toyota Crown PHEV aims for electric miles, home backup capability

Toyota Crown Sport PHEVThe Toyota Crown is getting an all-wheel-drive plug-in hybrid variant in Japan. Known as the Toyota Crown Sport PHEV, the new model was unveiled Monday. It's based on the Japanese-market Crown Sport crossover SUV unveiled in October. It's one of multiple Crown body styles, including the high-riding Toyota Crown hybrid sedan that's available now in...

Reliability survey: Vehicles that plug in are more trouble-prone

2021 Audi Q5 plug-in hybridThe reliability of electric cars and plug-in hybrids is improving, but they still remain more trouble-prone than cars without plugs, according to a new Consumer Reports survey. On average, EVs had 70% more problems than internal-combustion vehicles, the survey found. Electric cars, electric SUVs, and electric pickups are all among the...

Wireless charging aligns for automated use in EVs, plug-in hybrids

WiTricity and Siemens wireless charging stationSAE International finalized methodology this past week for an important hardware component of EV wireless charging systems. The organization announced a single wireless charging standard—officially J2954—in 2020. As part of the finalization process of that standard, the organization has settled on a methodology for hardware that aligns...

2021-2024 Jeep Wrangler 4xe recalled, owners told not to charge

2021 Jeep Wrangler 4xeJust ahead of the Thanksgiving holiday weekend, Stellantis issued a recall that advises owners of some Jeep Wrangler 4xe plug-in hybrids not to plug in—and tells them not to park the SUV near buildings or other cars. In 32,125 Wrangler 4xe models—certain models from the 2021-2024 model years—a potential battery issue could lead...

Toyota’s $8M battery boost heralds US-made EVs, plug-in hybrids

2023 Toyota Prius PrimeToyota on Tuesday announced an expansion of its planned North Carolina battery plant to accommodate additional volume for EVs and plug-in hybrids. A new investment of nearly $8 billion will add eight EV and plug-in hybrid battery production lines to the two previously announced, Toyota said in a press release. Toyota previously announced that the...

Dodge Hornet R/T, Alfa Romeo Tonale PHEVs recalled over fire concern

2024 Alfa Romeo TonalePlug-in hybrid versions of the Dodge Hornet and Alfa Romeo Tonale crossover SUVs are being recalled over possible loose battery cables that could lead to fires. The two related crossovers are the first plug-in models from their respective brands, both part of Stellantis. The Tonale launched for the 2024 model year with a standard plug-in hybrid...

2024 Mazda CX-90 plug-in hybrid makes the list of safest SUVs

2024 Mazda CX-90Plug-in hybrid versions of the 2024 Mazda CX-90 three-row crossover SUV have received the highest Top Safety Pick+ rating from the Insurance Institute for Highway Safety (IIHS). To earn a spot on the Top Safety Pick+ list, a vehicle must earn top "Good" scores in the driver-side small overlap front, passenger-side small overlap front, original...

2023 Toyota Prius, Prime plug-in hybrid make IIHS Top Safety Pick+ list

2023 Toyota Prius PrimeThe redesigned 2023 Toyota Prius and Prius Prime plug-in hybrid have received the highest Top Safety Pick+ award from the Insurance Institute for Highway Safety (IIHS). To qualify for the award, vehicles must earn top "Good" scores in the IIHS' driver-side small overlap front, passenger-side small overall front, and original moderate overlap front...

2018-2022 Kia Niro Plug-In Hybrid recalled due to fire risk

2022 Kia NiroKia is recalling certain Niro hybrid and plug-in hybrid models due to an issue that could cause engine compartment fires. The recall encompasses 121,411 vehicles, including 2017-2022 Niro Hybrid and 2018-2022 Niro Plug-In Hybrid models, according to recall documents published by the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA). Kia also...

One of four new California vehicles has a charge port

2023 Toyota Prius PrimeEVs and plug-in hybrids accounted for 25.4% of California new car sales in the second quarter of 2023, reports electric vehicle advocacy group Veloz. The actual number of vehicles with charge ports sold was 125,939, representing a new quarterly record for California, which typically leads the U.S. in plug-in car sales. The Q2 total was a 59%...