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 Chevy Bolt EV – still charged and ready
We first reviewed the Chevrolet Bolt EV in June 2017, and were impressed. I gave the Bolt two thumbs up in 2017, and I’ll repeat that assessment for the 2019 model. The Bolt has plenty of range for a driver’s daily needs, it handles well, and it has enough power to surprise the hell out… Read more »
The auto industry is finally advertising its EVs
Over the past few years, we in the EV media have been highly critical of automakers for failing to advertise their EVs (and then claiming that there’s no consumer demand for them). So it’s only fair that we praise them now that they’re starting to release some pro-EV ad spots. Several TV campaigns have referred… Read more »
EVs become a major issue in upcoming Australian elections
EVs seem to have become a bone of contention in the Australian federal election, which will take place in May. The political nuances may be hard for us Boreals to follow, but it appears that the Coalition, an alliance of center-right political parties that has been in power since 2013, recently had a colorful clash… Read more »
EU awards $4.5 million grant to UpScale Project to reduce EV development time using AI
UpScale, an EU project aimed at using AI for more efficient EV production, has received a €4 million ($4.5 million) grant from the European Commission to develop computer simulations to aid in the development of EVs. UpScale (Upscaling Product development Simulation Capabilities exploiting Artificial intelligence for Electrified vehicles) consists of 11 companies and European entities… Read more »
AI algorithm accurately predicts the life cycle of Li-ion batteries
Scientists at MIT, Stanford and the Toyota Research Institute (TRI) have developed an AI algorithm that they say can accurately predict the useful life of Li-ion batteries. The algorithm analyzed factors such as voltage decline to make predictions as to how many more cycles a battery would last. The predictions turned out to be within… Read more »
Global EV sales surge in 2018 – China and Scandinavia are the stars
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 »
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 »