Lexus details dual-motor drive tech for future hybrids and electric cars

Lexus DIRECT4 all-wheel drive system development muleLexus is planning a dual-motor all-wheel-drive system for future hybrids and electric cars. Called DIRECT4, the system includes an electric motor and transaxle for both the front and rear axles, Lexus said in a press release. Taking advantage of the instant response and infinite adjustability of electric motors, the system will directly manipulate...

Another fuel-cell outage hampers Bay Area fuel-cell drivers

True Zero hydrogen fueling stationYet another hydrogen shortage has befallen Bay Area drivers of fuel-cell vehicles—and this one has been attributed to a hurricane. Yes, we know hurricane season is over, and hurricanes don’t reach California. This only serves to underscore the absurd state of the hydrogen distribution network, which is dependent on trucking liquid...

Polestar 2: Green Car Reports’ Best Car To Buy 2021 finalist

2021 Polestar 2Take a performance heritage, a focus on sustainability, Swedish engineering at the core, and an interface that’s all about “Hey Google,” and you’ll end up with a beeline to the Polestar 2. The Polestar 2 is probably the closest comparison to the Tesla Model 3 yet—although probably to the delight of many, it’s a...

$3,000 DIY electric Mini Cooper is a fun exception among conversions

Rich Rebuilds electric Mini conversionThe 2020 Mini Cooper SE offers an all-electric powertrain from the factory, but YouTuber Rich Benoit took a different path to an electric Mini. Benoit's Rich Rebuilds YouTube channel gained popularity focusing on Tesla rebuilds, but recently its star has been branching out. As documented in a series of videos, he bought a non-running...