The US and European auto markets differ in several significant ways, so it’s not surprising that the sales figures for the various plug-in models available look quite different across the water. One of the biggest differences is size. We Americans love our pickups and SUVs, while Europeans love cute little cars that would be laughed… Read more »
Search Results Found For: "e-tron"
LG Chem to supply batteries to Audi
Korean giant LG Chem has agreed to supply batteries to Audi for hybrids and plug-in hybrids, and the companies will collaborate on various future plug-in projects, according to Reuters. “The batteries will be used in Audi’s next-generation plug-in hybrid electric vehicles. Given that Audi shares many auto platforms with parent Volkswagen, we expect more such… Read more »
Audi powers ahead with PHEVs, poo-poos pure EVs
Audi plans to have a plug-in hybrid version of each of its “key models” by 2020, reiterated Board Member for Technical Development Ulrich Hackenberg. Speaking at the launch of the A3 Sportback e-tron, Hackenberg said Audi had decided to prioritize plug-in hybrids because “they meet all of our customers’ expectations.” He said that Audi is developing… Read more »
VW’s Chinese expansion plans include plenty of plug-ins
The Volkswagen Group is the latest automaker to trumpet a major push into the Chinese market, and electrification is very much a part of its strategy. The Porsche Panamera S E-hybrid is already in showrooms in China, the electric up! and e-Golf will be launched this year, and the Audi A3 e-tron and Golf GTE… Read more »
Volkswagen Group announces plans for 40 more electrified models
The Volkswagen Group plans to electrify more than 40 models over the next few years. Speaking at the Geneva Motor Show, VW Chairman Dr. Martin Winterkorn said that Europe’s largest automaker has increased its R&D expenditure to the record value of €10.2 billion, with the lion’s share going to “green” technologies. VW’s modular Baukästen (assembly… Read more »
IHS Automotive: global plug-in production will increase 67 percent this year
According to IHS Automotive, EV sales are about to take off like a Model S on a freeway onramp. The research firm predicts that worldwide production of plug-ins will soar to more than 403,000 in 2014, a 67% increase. The Europe, Middle East and Africa region will account for the largest share of production at… Read more »
UQM Technologies secures $5.3 million in additional financing
Colorado-based UQM Technologies, a manufacturer of electric motors, generators and power electronic controllers, has closed on a $5.3-million offering of stock and warrants to institutional investors. The company plans to use the new funds for potential joint ventures, capacity expansion in new regions, and working capital for new business opportunities that are currently being pursued…. Read more »
VW CEO: Germany’s 1 million EV goal achievable, if…
The German government has set a goal to have one million electric cars on the country’s roads by 2020. “We will make our contribution toward this goal,” Volkswagen CEO Martin Winterkorn told reporters this week. However, according to Bloomberg, Winterkorn said that the goal was feasible only if plug-in hybrids are included in that million-vehicle… Read more »
Volkswagen plugs China in
As VW cautiously rolls out its electrified product line, it seems to see plenty of potential for plug-ins in China. The Volkswagen Group has five plug-in models ready for production, and four were on display at a press event in China this week. The four offerings spanned the price range, from the practical two-door VW… Read more »
Audi A3 PHEV to be released in early 2015
Audi has been talking about a plug-in hybrid since at least 2011. In March 2012, CEO Rupert Stadler announced that the A3 Sportback e-tron PHEV was being tested, and would come to market in 2014. In March 2013, we got a look at the new PHEV in Geneva. She’s a front-wheel drive parallel hybrid with… Read more »