Ford may start selling PHEVs in Europe, following the lead of rival Volkswagen Group. Ford’s Fusion Energi and C-MAX Energi PHEVs have been pretty popular in the US market, but the company hasn’t launched plug-ins in Europe because of what it sees as low demand. However, this week, Uli Koesters, Ford’s Vehicle Line Director for… Read more »
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VW plans to launch more than 20 plug-ins in China
The plug-in party is in full swing in China, as the government pushes “new energy vehicles” as a solution to choking air pollution. The Volkswagen Group plans to be a major player, launching more than 20 electric vehicles and plug-in hybrids in China by the end of 2018. By 2020 there could be “some hundred… Read more »
Odyne delivers 6 plug-in hybrid trucks to Michigan utility
Odyne Systems has delivered six new plug-in hybrid trucks to Consumers Energy, Michigan’s largest utility. The vehicles include three Terex Commander digger derricks, two Terex bucket trucks and an under-deck compressor vehicle with a Boss hydraulic lift and compressor. All six trucks were manufactured by Milwaukee-based DUECO, an independent provider of trucks for the utility… Read more »
UC Davis study: Plug-in buyers less satisfied with the dealer purchase experience
The nation’s network of auto dealers has not exactly embraced electromobility, as we explained in a recent feature article. The Institute of Transportation Studies at UC Davis has released a detailed study of the issue, which finds that buyers of plug-in vehicles (PEVs) tend to be far less satisfied with the dealer purchase experience than… Read more »
GM’s next generation of plug-ins includes a 2017 Sonic and a Cadillac EV
Although Volt sales haven’t been all they should be lately, GM is not discouraged – it is planning a range of new plug-in models, and some enticing details are beginning to trickle out. Cadillac’s new CEO, Johan de Nysschen, speaking with Reuters last week, confirmed that there will be a plug-in hybrid version of the… Read more »
Chrysler announces plug-in hybrid minivan
Chrysler will launch a plug-in hybrid version of the next-generation Town & Country minivan late next year, about a year earlier than the company had previously indicated. Other hybrids, including a full-size crossover, are also in the product pipeline. The plug-in minivan, which would be a first for the industry, will get 75 MPGe, according… Read more »
September plug-in sales: Revenge of the pure EV
September plug-in sales showed a slight decrease compared to August, but 2014 is still on track to decisively beat 2013’s figure. Pure electricity ruled this month, as the leading EVs made strong showings, and all the major PHEV models showed steep declines. The Nissan LEAF still leads the pack. Sales shrank slightly to 2,881 in… Read more »
California enacts a new round of pro-plug-in measures
In honor of National Drive Electric Week, California Governor Jerry Brown signed into law half a dozen bills to further strengthen California’s EV market. In 2012, Governor Brown set a target of 1.5 million zero-emission vehicles on the road in California by 2025. California accounts for 40% of US plug-in sales, and recently surpassed the… Read more »
Mercedes reveals details of S 500 Plug-in Hybrid as deliveries begin
Mercedes has released some more details on its S 500 Plug-in Hybrid, which is scheduled to begin deliveries in Germany this month. The plug-in Benz sports a V6 biturbo engine, an 85 kW electric motor, an 8.7 kWh water-cooled lithium-iron phosphate battery, and a 3.6 kW on-board charger. The high-voltage battery and plug-in components are covered… Read more »
Plug-in hybrid kit maker Echo Automotive goes out of business
The commercial fleet market promises great opportunities for startups, but also great dangers. A number of companies are trying to electrify this segment, and several have already fallen by the wayside. The latest to run out of juice is Echo Automotive, which was profiled in our April issue. The Arizona-based company has been forced to… Read more »
