As automakers cut tech spending, will Tesla get an even greater lead?

General Motors' BEV3 platform and Ultium batteriesLike most other facets of society, the auto industry has been disrupted by the ongoing coronavirus pandemic. Factories have shut down, or retooled to make medical equipment. Sales are plummeting amid a major economic downturn, and low gas prices could hurt fuel-efficient vehicles in particular. So what does this mean for the major investments many...

Byton names a partner for home charger installation, and it isn’t Amazon

Byton M-ByteAhead of the U.S. arrival of the M-Byte electric SUV next year, the fledgling electric automaker Byton has announced a partnership with Qmerit for residential charger installations. Initially, the agreement will result in a program for coordinated installation of Level 2 home wall-box charge points. Most brands offering plug-in vehicles have so...

Porsche doesn’t see Tesla as a rival, R&D boss explains

2020 Porsche Taycan 4S first drive  -  Los Angeles, CABy combining electric powertrains with impressive performance and a modicum of convenience features, Tesla has taken aim at established luxury automakers, particularly the German quartet of Audi, BMW, Mercedes-Benz, and Porsche. But while it is now launching electric cars of its own, Porsche does not see Tesla as a direct rival, R&D boss...

Mercedes-Benz pushes plug-in hybrid tech, will have 20 PHEVs by end of 2020

Mercedes-Benz plug-in hybrids at Ionity charging stationsMercedes-Benz is betting big on plug-in hybrids. The German automaker will have 20 of them in its global lineup by the end of 2020, although many will not be available in the United States. In a press release, Mercedes said plug-in hybrids will be a "key bridging technology" to all-electric cars. Mercedes announced plans for a third-generation...