Volvo had always promoted the V-60 plug-in hybrid electric vehicle as a limited run of 1,000 units, with a planned production of 2013. Then back in October 2012, Volvo announced the V60 PHEV had been a “worldwide success with the initial run of 1000 cars sold out before the car reached the showrooms.” This was… Continue reading Volvo V60 Plug-in demand increases again
The Chevrolet Spark EV is getting closer to launch, and the closer we get, the more details GM is releasing. However, there have been some conflicting reports and misleading information that’s been reported. Thanks to our friends at Inside EVs, they took the time to set the record straight. For example, one spec on the… Continue reading Chevy Spark EV launch delayed and other confusion
Researchers at MIT claim to have a breakthrough HVAC system that needs very little energy to run. This system will first be testing by Ford in the Focus Electric in the next year or two. Funded by a $2.7 millioin grant from Advanced Research Projects Agency for Energy, the system uses materials to store a… Continue reading Range-saving breakthrough in heating to be test in Ford Focus Electric
Last month, Mitsubishi had to halt production of its i-Miev and Outlander PHEV after a battery pack caught fire and another overheated causing the Outlander plug-in inoperable. The batteries in the Outlander PHEV, and in some of the Mitsubishi i-Miev electric vehicles are made by Lithium Energy Japan.Lithium Energy Japan is owned by a joint-venture… Continue reading Mitsubishi Outlander PHEV battery problems have been identified
The EPA has released the official figures for the upcoming 2014 Chevy Spark EV, and impressive they are. The EPA has rated the Spark EV’s electric range at 82 miles, and an overall combined efficiency of 119 MPGe. Full EPA specs are: 82 miles electric range 128 MPGe city 109 MPGe highway 119 MPGe combined… Continue reading Chevy Spark EV rated at 82 miles, 119 MPGe
Similar to the Chevy Volt, Cadillac does not expect all 956 of its US dealers to sell the extended range ELR plug-in vehicle. General Motors will require Cadillac dealers to undergo specific ELR training and to purchase special equipment if the dealership wishes to sell and service the 2014 Cadillac ELR. Cadillac’s global marketing head,… Continue reading Cadillac ELR will be for sale at select dealerships
Volvo has announced that the C30 electric will get some upgrades for its second generation. The Volvo C30 Electric has been in production since June 2011, but its in limited production. About 250 of the electric vehicles were delivered to customers throughout Europe. It is a prototype vehicle that is available for lease only, and… Continue reading Volvo C30 Electric gets bigger motor, faster charger
In a partnership with FedEx, Nissan is conducting a ‘field testing program’ in Singapore. Previous tests have been in the UK and in Japan. Now Singapore will see at least one e-NV200 used for FedEx deliveries in urban areas of Singapore. If the tests are successful, the Nissan e-NV200 will later be used to transport… Continue reading Nissan e-NV200 testing expands to Singapore
According to Autocar.co.uk, BMW will open the order books for the i3 electric vehicle at the very end of July. Autocar cited a BMW source, but didn’t specify who. The i3 is due to arrive in showrooms at the end of October. Cost estimates for the BMW i3 put the price around £35,000 for the… Continue reading BMW i3 orders rumored to start end of July in the UK
Daimler has confirmed that its next-generation Smart ForTwo and Smart ForFour will be available in electric drive models. The next-gen Smart ForTwo is expected some time in 2013 and may make it to production in early 2014. The Electric Drive version will likely come a few months after that. Daimler confirmed that the upcoming Smart… Continue reading Smart ForFour Electric Drive confirmed for 2015
The 2014 Cadillac ELR range extended electric vehicle will feature something GM is calling ‘Regen-on-demand’. By using paddle shifter style paddles mounted on the back of the steering wheel, drivers will be able to temporarily regenerate electricity and store it in the battery pack simply by pulling back on either the left or right paddle.… Continue reading Cadillac ELR will have paddle shifter regen selectors
It comes as a surprise, considering Fiat has been saying all along that the Fiat 500e is a compliance only car and Fiat would lose $10,000 on each one they sell. However, in a recent press release from FIAT Brand North America, when the Fiat 500e launches in California it can be bought outright for… Continue reading Fiat 500e pricing announced at $32,500
In the past, Audi has officially said the R8 E-tron development program is on hold. However, new images have surfaced of the electric sports car undergoing winter testing in Europe, and the car has been spotted running tests in Spain as well. Both sightings support that the R8 E-tron may be back under development, ultimately… Continue reading Audi R8 E-tron winter testing in Europe?
Yesterday, Mitsubishi announced it would be extending the production and shipment stoppage of the Outlander PHEV until it can find the cause of an overheating lithium-ion battery that caused one of the vehicles to catch on fire. Batteries in the Mitsubishi Outlander PHEV (and in some iMievs) are supplied by a venture that is owner… Continue reading Mitsubishi extends halt of Outlander PHEV shipments
Due to unexpectedly high demand for the Mitsubishi Outlander PHEV in Japan, Mitsubishi has said the Australian launch will be delayed until early next year. Production of the Australian Outlander PHEV has been pushed back to November at the earliest, which means it will arrive in Australia 8 months later than planned. The Mitsubishi Outlander… Continue reading Mitsubishi Outlander PHEV launch delayed 8 months in Australia
Currently in test fleets across the globe, early reports on the Nissan e-NV200 are positive from both fleet operators, and the people driving the vans themselves. One of those fleet testers is energy firm British Gas. They’ve announced that they hope to make a large proportion of its 13,000 vehicle fleet electric by 2015. If… Continue reading Nissan e-NV200 testing going well
Back in the early 1900’s, Detroit Electric produced around 13,000 electric vehicles. Now, they’re back in action, and they recently unveiled their first product set to go on sale later in 2013. Called the SP:01, the electric sports car is relying on a Lotus Exige shell. The SP:01 uses bespoke bodywork conducted for Detroit Electric,… Continue reading Detroit Electric unveils SP:01 electric sports car, says sedan and hatchback coming
Liberty Electric Cars has announced the it will unveil an electric vehicle next year that will have an all electric range of as many as 1,000 miles. The UK based company says the production model debut will come in 2014. There are no details as to whether this will be a converted Land Rover like… Continue reading Liberty Electric Cars says it will have a 1,000 mile EV for 2014
