Photo of author
Steve Schaefer is Micromobility Editor and plug-in vehicle specialist at Clean Fleet Report. He has written a weekly automotive column for almost three decades, testing more than 1,300 cars. Now, he’s focusing on EVs and plug-in hybrids. Steve remembers the joy of riding in his father’s Austin-Healey. After discovering the August, 1963 issue of Motor Trend, he became entranced with the annual model change, and began stalking dealers’ back lots to catch the new models as they rolled off the transporter. Coming from a family that owned three Corvairs, Steve was one of the first Saturn buyers, earning him a prominent spot in their 1994 product catalog. Steve had a Chevrolet Bolt EV and now drives a Fiat 500e. A founding member of the Western Automotive Journalists, Steve is a Climate Reality Leader, trained by Al Gore. Read his EV/green living blog at Stevegoesgreen.

Steve Schaefer

2021 BMW 330e Plug-in Hybrid

Personal: A Rare 2020 Treat—A Car Conversation with a Stranger

by

I’m so happy now, because beyond the loss of lives and jobs and business and connection and a sense of “normal” this year, we have missed out on most of these chance conversations about common interests that used to happen.

2020 Hyundai Sonata Hybrid

Road Test: 2020 Hyundai Sonata Hybrid

by

The eighth-generation 2020 Hyundai Sonata is quite a looker. It offers an alternative to the ubiquitous Toyota Camry and Honda Accord sedans, and with its hybrid drivetrain, averages up to 52 miles per gallon.

Proterra electric bus

Analysis: The Green New Deal and the Biden Plan

by

President-elect Joe Biden’s environmental plan will be an enormous undertaking, but it will put America on the path to being environmentally responsible over the next 10 to 15 years, when it’s crucial, and create millions of good jobs for those who need them.

2021 Toyota RAV4 Prime plug-in hybrid

Road Test: 2021 Toyota RAV4 Prime

by

The 2021 Toyota RAV4 Prime, like the Prius Prime, enables 42 miles of EV range, which will likely serve most people’s daily needs. When they have to drive farther, the 2.5-liter four-cylinder gasoline engine kicks in.

+ More