Global sales of plug-in vehicles grew by 64% in 2018, reaching a total of 2.1 million units. Plug-ins’ share of the global light vehicle market was 2.2% for the year, and reached 3.8% in the month of December (as reported by EV-Volumes.com). Pure EVs are leading the way: 69% of sales were all-electric models (BEVs)… Read more »
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2019 Subaru Crosstrek Hybrid review: Subaru’s first PHEV offers its loyal customers a taste of zero-emission miles
Any new plug-in vehicle from a maker that hasn’t previously offered one is cause for excitement, even if volumes are low at first. So I approached my six-day test of the new plug-in Subaru Crosstrek Hybrid with anticipation. Sure, its rated 17-mile electric range is below the curve, but at least it’s a start –… Read more »
Global automakers planning to invest over $300 billion in electrification
Global automakers are planning an unprecedented level of investment to develop electrified vehicles and procure batteries over the next five to 10 years, according to a Reuters analysis of public data. Carmakers have announced plans to spend at least $300 billion on electrification projects. The lion’s share – some $136 billion – will be directed… Read more »
Tesla names new Chairperson, laps BMW, knocks on door of S&P 500
Changes are afoot at Tesla. The company has announced that existing board member Robyn Denholm will replace Elon Musk as Chair of the Tesla Board, effective immediately. Ms. Denholm will be serving as Tesla Chair on a full-time basis, and plans to leave her position as CFO and Head of Strategy at Australian telecom giant… Read more »
Tesla’s back! Q3 earnings report includes record revenue and healthy profit
Those of us who saw past the tweets and the alarmist headlines were expecting good news from Tesla’s third-quarter earnings report, as it became apparent that demand for Model 3 remains robust as the company emerges from production hell. However, even most true believers were expecting a small loss, or perhaps a nominal profit. Instead,… Read more »
CARB announces $200 million in new funding for clean freight transport
Passenger cars get most of the press, but heavy-duty vehicles are arguably even more in need of reducing emissions. In California, there’s a comprehensive (and complicated) plan to electrify everything. The California Air Resources Board (CARB) has announced up to $205 million in new grants for projects to advance clean freight technologies. The grants will… Read more »
A quiet hit: 2018 Honda Clarity PHEV
Honda sneaks into third place in the PHEV race It’s ironic that Honda, which has long been known for the fuel efficiency of its vehicles, has been a laggard on the long road to electrification. The Japanese automaker launched its Insight Hybrid in 1999, shortly after Toyota introduced the Prius, but sales have been modest… Read more »
The Kia Niro PHEV is a fine vehicle, but…
Kia plans to pursue a “pick your powertrain” policy with the Niro. The hybrid version is now available in the US, and the PHEV version is available in select markets (a Florida dealer told us that it could be special-ordered). The EV version recently went on sale in Korea, and is to arrive in Europe… Read more »
A glimpse into the auto shop of the future at Tampa Hybrids
EVs haven’t been around long enough, or in great enough numbers, for any large-scale market in replacement batteries to develop. However, Toyota’s Prius hybrid went on sale in the US in 2000, and has sold well over two million units. There’s a lively market for replacement batteries, with both OEM and aftermarket options available. For… 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 »