Kia may be the auto brand with the biggest disconnect between perception and reality in the US today. It makes stylish, modern vehicles – passenger cars plus a growing range of crossover utilities – packed with advanced features. It’s a legitimate competitor to Toyota, Honda, and others. But ask the average buyer if he or… Read more »
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2019 Hyundai Kona Electric: A viable EV competitor for the average car buyer
As a company, Hyundai often sets goals that slightly exceed those set by competing automakers. The engineers who designed the Ioniq Hybrid and Plug-In hatchbacks were told that the new vehicles had to beat the fuel-efficiency ratings of the Prius hybrid and Prius Prime plug-in hybrid. So it is with the Hyundai Kona Electric. We… Read more »
Kia and Hyundai to add solar roof panels to electric, hybrid and ICE vehicles
Kia and Hyundai plan to introduce solar roof charging technology on selected vehicles, including legacy ICE vehicles. Yes, you read that correctly. Solar panels will be incorporated into the roofs or hoods of vehicles, and Hyundai Motor Group claims this will increase fuel efficiency and/or range. The first generation of this technology, which is to… Read more »
Prius Prime Advanced: the prince of PHEVs
Looking for an objective review of the Toyota Prius Prime Advanced? Sorry, you’ll have to look elsewhere. I’m one of “the pious” – annoying Prius drivers who sing the praises of our favorite hybrid vehicle to anyone who will listen. I’ve owned three Prii (and yes, replaced batteries on two), and this is a completely… Read more »
A closer look at DC-DC converters
As far as we know, all EVs in production by major automakers use a conventional lead-acid battery for the 12 V system (surprising, but true – more on why in a bit) and this battery needs charging, just as it does in an ICE vehicle. While you could hang an alternator off the traction motor… Read more »
South Korea to officially adopt CCS fast charging standard
The war is winding down. After years of conflict between the CHAdeMO and CCS DC fast charging standards, it’s beginning to look as if CCS is destined to be the ultimate victor, at least outside of Japan. Business Korea (via Green Car Reports) reports that the South Korean Agency for Technology and Standards plans to… Read more »
A redesigned Nissan LEAF arrives in 2018, joining the new generation of plug-ins
When some future author writes a book about the most influential cars in automotive history, the Nissan LEAF will be right up there with the Model T, the VW Beetle and the Tesla Model S. The LEAF was the first EV aimed at the mass market, and as of this writing, it remains the best-selling… Read more »
Hyundai announces plans for 8 EVs and 3 fuel cell vehicles
Hyundai has announced that it will place EVs at the center of its product strategy. Its plans include 8 battery EVs and 3 fuel cell vehicles. The company is developing its first dedicated EV platform, which will allow it to produce multiple models with longer ranges. The South Korean automaker is planning to launch an… Read more »
New study: EVs are cleaner than ICEs everywhere in the US, and advantage is growing fast
It’s a fair question: What are the total global warming emissions of EVs, including power generation and manufacturing? Numerous studies have found that, thanks to their far superior efficiency, EVs in general produce less emissions than legacy vehicles, even if powered by coal-generated electricity. However, the mix of power sources varies widely among different parts… Read more »
EV fast charging in transition: What’s currently installed, coming soon and still years away?
Phoenix Contact discusses the upcoming transition phase for DC fast charging We receive a lot of press releases at Charged about plans for next-generation DC fast charging. It’s easy to lose track of exactly what is currently installed, what is coming in the near future, and what is still a few years away. Despite all… Read more »