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DC Fast Charging maps highlight differences between Tesla and CHAdeMO/CCS rollouts

Tesla touts its Supercharger network as a no-compromise solution for electric road trips, and has strategically placed Superchargers along well-traveled highways. Elon Musk himself has embarked on a coast-to-coast adventure in a Model S to demonstrate that it can be done in about the same timeframe as with any other vehicle. On the other hand,… Read more »

PG&E exportable power truck saves the day in California wildfire evacuation

The latest spate of California wildfires has driven thousands from their homes. In September, several hundred Calaveras County residents had taken shelter in a local church when the only generator went down, leaving the evacuees with no power to refrigerate their food or charge their phones. Electric vehicles to the rescue! Pacific Gas and Electric… Read more »

Public chargers going online in Moscow, nationwide network planned

The Russian electricity company Rosseti has installed a public EV charging station in a Moscow parking lot, the first of 150 that will be deployed in the city’s public parking lots by the end of next year. Rosseti already operates a network of about 30 charging stations on Moscow streets and highways and at shopping… Read more »

CARB announces $24 million in new grants for zero-emission truck and bus pilots

The California Air Resources Board (ARB) has announced a grant solicitation for Zero-Emission Truck and Bus Pilot Commercial Deployment Projects. Almost $24 million is available for fiscal year 2014-15, and an additional $60 million may be appropriated by the California legislature by next June. This project is intended to speed the deployment of commercially available… Read more »

Why is Ford suddenly advertising its Focus Electric after 3 years?

Many EVangelists believe that the plodding progress of plug-in sales has a lot to do with the automakers’ minimal marketing efforts. So it’s welcome news that Ford has launched a new ad campaign for its Focus Electric. It seems to be a substantial buy (although Ford declined to talk about budgets), with TV ads running… Read more »

Karma is Fisker is Karma: The Luxury PHEV company rebrands and continues hiring

Fisker Automotive, the maker of the star-crossed plug-in hybrid sports car called the Karma, has now changed its name to Karma Automotive. The Fisker story has been colorful, and mostly tragic, since renowned designer Henrik Fisker co-founded the company in 2007. It was involved in a lawsuit with Tesla, became an issue in the 2012… Read more »

Volvo: Electric buses could save cities millions per year

It’s indisputable that electric buses can save local transit authorities substantial amounts on fuel and maintenance costs. However, a new analysis conducted by the Volvo Group and the audit and advisory firm KPMG finds that, taking into consideration such factors as noise, travel time and emissions, the total savings may be much higher. “Standard investment… Read more »

Slow sales for Tesla in Germany. Are more EV incentives on the way? (UPDATED)

Last month’s Frankfurt auto show was positively crackling with EV news, as Audi, BMW and Porsche presented concept EVs, Mitsubishi showed its 2016 Outlander PHEV, and several suppliers touted tech advances. However, the comparatively low-key presence of electric trendsetter Tesla – which was showing red, white and blue Model S but no Model X –… Read more »

BASF expands range of high-voltage plastics for color-coded connectors

BASF is expanding its range of engineering plastics for electric and hybrid vehicles. Tailor-made Ultramid and Ultradur materials are now available for equipping vehicle-interior and -exterior high-voltage plug-in connectors with precisely fitting characteristics. Plastics used for connectors in vehicles must meet stringent requirements regarding flame retardancy, color stability and electrical isolation. High-voltage connectors are typically… Read more »

Will a post-diesel VW turn to EVs?

The developing VW scandal has highlighted the lengths to which some automakers will go to find an alternative to electrification. Some industry gadflies have speculated that Volkswagen might opt to redeem itself by becoming a (sorely needed) leader in the electromobility field. “With hydrocarbon combustion we’ve hit the limits of physics,” Elon Musk told Auto… Read more »