The latest automotive icon that Tesla is setting out to smash: side mirrors (wing mirrors to our British friends). Eagle-eyed EV watchers may have noticed that the original concept of the Model X had no mirrors, and neither does Volkswagen’s diesel hybrid spaceship, the XL1. According to John Voelcker of Green Car Reports, the rear-view… Read more »
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Supercars, hybrids and EVs take the stage in Geneva
At Geneva’s enormous Palexpo convention center, it’s obvious we’re not in Detroit – there’s hardly a pickup truck in sight, and the wine and coffee are flowing freely. Reflecting Europe’s colorful collage of cultures, a vast variety of vehicles from hybrids to EVs to seven-figure super-sports cars are spinning on the turntables. Europe is just… Read more »
VIDEO: Nissan LEAF is now the second-best-selling car in Norway
The LEAF made history in April by taking the number two spot in overall auto sales in Norway, second only to the immensely popular VW Golf. Nissan’s electric hatchback has been a smash since it went on sale in the Nordic country 18 months ago – it has sold over 4,500 units, making it #13… Read more »
Tesla owners to congregate at Teslive conference, Musk to keynote
There are several cars that have fan clubs of fanatical and fiercely loyal owners – GTOs, Minis, VW camper fans – but Tesla must hold some sort of record for inspiring such a close-knit group in such a short span of time. Model S and Roadster owners will be celebrating their green, tech-savvy style at… Read more »
Volkswagen unveils CrossBlue Coupé plug-in hybrid concept
The CrossBlue Coupé is based on VW’s new Modular Transverse Matrix, a system that specifies uniform positions for motors and transmissions across several platforms.
Mercedes B-Class EV comes to US in 2014, S-Class PHEV in the pipeline
The German automakers are plugging in. Audi introduced its first PHEV, the A3 Sportback e-tron, in Geneva in February, and VW has promised an electric version of its blockbuster Golf later this year. Now Mercedes has unveiled its B-Class Electric Drive at this week’s New York Auto Show. Daimler hasn’t offered many details, but it seems that… Read more »
Its not just EVs that are selling slowly in Europe
Many of us have been puzzled about the fact that plug-in sales are taking off more slowly in Europe than in the US, given the continent’s compact cities, high fuel prices and tradition of greenery. However, looking at 2012’s auto sales figures may provide a simple explanation. While the US auto industry had a spectacular… Read more »
Energy Secretary Chu poses the Workplace Charging Challenge to US employers
Thirteen major US employers and eight “stakeholder groups” have joined the DOE’s new Workplace Charging Challenge.
New study: using aluminum instead of steel can reduce the cost of an EV
Automakers are devoting a lot of effort to making cars lighter these days, and the quest is especially critical for builders of electric vehicles, as less weight can translate into more range…or lower cost. A German research institute called FKA has done a new study, at the behest of a pair of aluminum trade groups,… Read more »
December 2012: best month ever for plug-in vehicle sales
Even as the mainstream press continues to insist that no one is buying plug-in vehicles, December set a new monthly sales record, as the three market leaders continue to battle for the top spot, and a couple of new entrants posted impressive early results. The Chevrolet Volt rebounded from a weak November to sell 2,633… Read more »