electric car | Clean Fleet Report

Road Test: 2014 Chevy Spark EV

October 22, 2020November 13, 2013 by John Faulkner

Plain and simple: I like this car. The 2014 Chevrolet Spark EV 2LT came with a surprising list of options such as ten airbags, a seven-inch color Driver Information Center (DIC) where you will find MyLink featuring SiriusXM, Bluetooth and hands-free smartphone integration. This car is quick, whether it is from a standing start or at speed when accelerating to pass, and that is in the regular drive mode. For more oomph you can press the Sport mode button that pumps out even more torque, but at the expense of battery charge and driving distance.

How to Find the Best Price for an Electric Car

November 10, 2020August 15, 2013 by Michael Coates

Consumers interested in plug-in cars got more good news this month as the Mercedes-built Smart and Chevy Volt both joined the recent moves to drop prices on their models. The Smart dropped lease prices to $139/month, substantially below much of the competition, and GM lowered the 2014 Chevy Volt price by $5,000.

First Drive: 2013 Ford Focus Electric

November 7, 2020July 6, 2013 by Larry Hall

The final decider between the Focus Electric and Nissan Leaf could be styling. For those who don’t want to show off their environmental leanings, the Focus EV is designed for the generic aisle of the dealership. Its styling is edgy, sporty, decidedly European and its green credentials are incognito. Tough choice, huh? But if you want to drive one of the sharpest-looking cars on the road while smiling to yourself because you have no personal connection to OPEC, the Focus Electric might be the EV for you.

Top 10 Best-Selling High-MPG Cars in May 2013

November 7, 2020June 27, 2013 by Michael Coates

May continues the trend of good sales for hybrids, electric cars, plug-in hybrids and clean diesels. Consumers are seeking out these cars and keeping their sales numbers high.

2013 Fiat 500e Road Test

November 7, 2020June 24, 2013 by Michael Coates

The Fiat 500e is flat-out the most fun of the pack of electric cars that I have driven over the past two decades. It’s got the sportiness of the original EV1 with a hip Italian package.

Battle of the Esses–New S-Class Mercedes vs Tesla Model S

July 31, 2021May 19, 2013 by Michael Coates

Mercedes, the traditional automaker, offers choice to its customers while the upstart Tesla bets on one power source–electricity. The early returns for the year show the newcomer charging ahead, but this is a long race and one being fought on a worldwide stage.

Better Fuel Economy Front-and-Center at 2013 NY Auto Show

November 6, 2020March 31, 2013 by Michael Coates

You need look no further than the 2013 New York International Auto Show media preview this last week to see that automakers are aggressively laying out multiple paths to get to the fuel economy goals of the U.S., Europe and Japan. Electric vehicles, plug-in hybrids, hybrids, diesels and advanced gasoline engines (as well as other technologies) point to a diverse future.

Electric Vehicles: A Disconnect in 2013?

June 27, 2024March 18, 2013 by Michael Coates

While many recent headlines paint a grim picture of electric vehicle sales and the market future for those vehicles, in reality consumer acceptance of the new vehicles has been stronger than hybrids and can be expected to grow in the future.

Personal: Electric Car Drivers Free of Range Anxiety

September 17, 2020October 29, 2012 by John Addison

The 50,000 electric car owners in the United States are discovering more range from their electric vehicles. Range anxiety is real, but over played due to 2 car households, public charging, business model and battery innovation, and especially due to the convenience of plug-in hybrids.

No Learning Curve Required with the Toyota’s Smallest Electric Car

February 2, 2020October 22, 2012 by Tom Bartley

I did not drive the Toyota IQ at highway speeds where the short wheel base suggests less stability, but I would consider taking the car on a road trip if I could pull a battery trailer to increase the range.

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