News: 2019 Plug-in Car Sales Drop Blamed on PHEVs
Plug-in vehicles sales (pure battery electrics and plug-in hybrids) hit a speed bump after a meteoric rise in 2018, dropping from 361,300 to 325,800.
News: Dozen Greenest Cars of 2020 Named
The ACEEE (American Council for an Energy-Efficient Economy) uses its own methodology to determine the most environmentally friendly cars offered for sale. This year they picked 12 top candidates, including the expected electric cars (EVs), but also a variety of gasoline-electric hybrids, topped by the Toyota Prius Prime plug-in hybrid.
Road Test: 2019 Honda Clarity Plug-In Hybrid Touring
The 2019 Honda Clarity was designed as an electric vehicle, and the packaging of interior space for people and gear shows, rivaling compact crossovers. The interior, which seats up to five adults, is made with eco-friendly materials.
Personal: Looking Forward to an Electric Decade
What began in 2019 and promises to accelerate in 2020 is company for Tesla’s current and future vehicles.
Personal: My Chevy Volt—10,000 Miles=50 Gallons
Beyond the incredible fuel economy, 10 grand of miles has reinforced my long-held opinion about the Chevrolet Volt, one established when I first drove a Gen. 1 Volt when they were launched. While not a sports car, the low center of gravity created by the floor-mounted battery pack, coupled with the torque from its twin electric motors, turn the Volt into a sporty hatch.
Los Angeles Auto Show: The Electric Evolution Continues
Manufacturers showcased more than a dozen electrified cars, SUVs and crossovers at the 2019 LA Auto Show, demonstrating the importance of auto companies getting into this area of vehicle propulsion and the breadth of expanded plug-in offerings.
News: Hyundai Launches MoceanLab Mobility Venture
Hyundai Motor Group launched MoceanLab, an arm of the automaker that will provide mobility services in Los Angeles. First up will be a pilot carshare service, Mocean Carshare, followed by autonomous ridesharing, shuttling, multimodal transportation and personal mobility.
Road Test: 2019 BMW 745e
The 2019 BMW 745e combines the inline, 280-horsepower, 3.0-liter six-cylinder with an 111-horsepower eDrive electric motor and a 10.3 kilowatt-hour lithium-ion battery pack to deliver a potent 389 total horsepower. That’s good for a 4.9-second zero-to-60 sprint.
News: Toyota Announces Its Electrified Future
By model year 2025, all Toyota vehicles will have an electric option. This includes all current non-electrified models.
Flash Drive: 2020 Ford Escape Hybrid
After our brief time in the new 2020 Ford Escape Hybrid we can give it a solid report card. It delivered excellent fuel economy, a super-quiet ride, flat cornering, a good road feel and an expansive interior. Here are some details.