The Gravity charging company on Wednesday unveiled a new design for EV charging stations that it believes will be the foundation of a massive urban fast-charging network. Styled as Distributed Access Energy Points (DEAPs), the chargers take the form of what Gravity calls “trees,” taller structures in which the charge cable dangles from an extended…
Category: Auto
Tesla Model Y rival set for May 30 reveal
Stellantis on Wednesday released a new teaser video for the 2024 Jeep Wagoneer S showing that the electric SUV has the Tesla Model Y in its sights. A voiceover declares that Jeep is “taking on America’s bestselling EV brand,” setting up a race between a Wagoneer S (albeit a pre-production one) and a Model Y…
Younger US drivers are more open to Chinese EVs
Younger U.S. drivers are more open to driving vehicles from Chinese brands than their older counterparts, according to a new AutoPacific survey. But concerns about how Chinese brands manage data privacy were high regardless of age. No vehicles from Chinese brands are currently sold in the U.S., and that’s unlikely to change due to new…
Kia EV3 debut, Silverado EV review, Bolt EV settlement, ID.7 delay: The Week in Reverse
Which electric SUV was teased as quicker than the Tesla Model Y Performance? How much real-world range do Teslas lose over the first three years? This is our look back at the Week In Reverse—right here at Green Car Reports—for the week ending May 24, 2024. In a first drive of the 2024 Chevrolet Silverado…
Lawmakers demand emissions data for $8B federal hydrogen hubs
Two House Democrats are demanding that the Department of Energy report projected lifecycle emissions for seven federally-funded hydrogen hubs. First reported by Politico, Reps. Jamie Raskin of Maryland and Don Beyer of Virginia wrote a letter to the Energy Department’s of Office of Clean Energy Demonstrations (OCED) asking for clarification on the emissions from the…
Silverado EV review, hydrogen hub emissions, Millennials and Chinese EVs: Today’s Car News
We drive the Chevy Silverado EV and, like everyone else, seem to have some mixed feelings. Younger U.S. drivers might be more open to Chinese EVs. And the hydrogen hubs costing taxpayers billions of dollars will be how much cleaner than diesel overall? This and more, here at Green Car Reports. In a first drive…
Kia EV3 revealed, Jeep Wagoneer S teased, curbside fast-charging: Today’s Car News
Jeep teases its Wagoneer S with a Model Y Performance faceoff. Kia reveals its stylish compact EV3. And could streetside fast-charging work across U.S. urban areas? This and more, here at Green Car Reports. Kia has revealed the production-bound EV3 electric SUV, and it closely follows both the EV3 concept and the much larger EV9…
2024 Chevy Silverado EV RST arrives for civilians
The 2024 Chevrolet Silverado EV full-size electric pickup truck was first delivered in Work Truck specification to fleet buyers nearly a year ago; but only now can civilians take one home. The first retail version to arrive is the top-of-the-line 2024 Chevy Silverado EV RST First Edition. We had a chance to spend several hours…
Kia EV3 small electric SUV follows EV, tops 300 miles of range
Kia on Wednesday revealed the production-bound version of its EV3 compact electric crossover that might, if Kia keeps to original hints, start around $35,000. The EV3 emerges on the way to production in much the same form as the EV3 concept that was first shown in October 2023, albeit with a little more round to…
Honda Civic Hybrid details, VW ID.7 delay, Camaro EV: Today’s Car News
GM gets its plug-in hybrids ready for 2027 and considers an electric Camaro. The Civic Hybrid will be perky and provide nearly 50 mpg. And VW puts its ID.7 on hold for the U.S. This and more, here at Green Car Reports. The Volkswagen ID.7 EV has been delayed for the U.S., VW confirmed Wednesday….
GM plug-in hybrids due in 2027, as tighter EPA rules apply
General Motors earlier this year confirmed plans to reintroduce plug-in hybrids to supplement its EV lineup, but we’re only now getting a hint at the timing for those new plug-in hybrids. Speaking to the Detroit News, GM CEO Mary Barra said the automaker was “timing the launches to help us comply with more stringent fuel…
2025 Honda Civic Hybrid nears 50 mpg with Civic Si pep
Honda has revealed a few more details about its upcoming Civic hybrid lineup ahead of its arrival in June as a sedan and later this summer in hatchback form. The company appears set to position the hybrid version of the Civic as both the most efficient one in the lineup as well as one of…
Here’s how much range Tesla EVs lose in the first three years
In real-world driving range, a three-year-old Tesla Model 3 or Model Y will likely retain roughly 64% of its EPA rating, according to analysis from battery-data firm Recurrent. Recurrent cites battery health reports from used EVs, based on observations of cars already on the road. In 898,504 observations of 7,078 Model 3 sedans and 664,642 observations…
Bolt EV settlement, EV interest waning, Honda hydrogen semi: Today’s Car News
Automakers might be losing younger EV shoppers over the lack of affordable models. A Honda hydrogen semi kicks off a new fuel-cell push for the brand. And megawatt charging for big electric trucks is finally starting to arrive. This and more, here at Green Car Reports. Versus last year, interest in EVs is waning, according…
Megawatt charging for electric big rigs is starting to arrive
After a few years of slow rolling, megawatt charging for electric commercial trucks is arriving in a substantial way. WattEV this week announced the opening of a solar-powered charging station for medium-duty and heavy-duty commercial trucks in Bakersfield, California. Announced in 2021, it’s the fourth station WattEV has opened, following three other California locations positioned…
Mercedes electric G-wagen review, Chinese EV tariffs, BMW and Honda EV targets: The Week in Reverse
Which EV charging network remains slated for growth, with nearly the entire team laid off? How will EV tires last longer while tapping into more renewable materials? This is our look back at the Week In Reverse—right here at Green Car Reports—for the week ending May 17, 2024. In a first drive of Mercedes’ electric…
Mitsubishi plans EVs, plug-in hybrids in expanded US lineup
Mitsubishi plans to update its U.S. lineup with new hybrids, plug-in hybrids, and EVs over the next few years. The automaker on Thursday unveiled a new business plan called “Momentum 2030” which includes plans for one new or refreshed model to be introduced each year between 2026 and the end of the decade, nearly doubling…
Michelin doesn’t want you to buy as many EV tires
The tire maker Michelin provides original-equipment tires for seven out of 10 EVs sold in the U.S. And yet it acknowledges that EV drivers shouldn’t be buying as many tires as they are. It’s a technology challenge on multiple fronts. EVs wear through tires quicker, as they weigh more and their torque-rich motor systems tear…
Chevy Bolt EV owners may get up to $1,400 for battery recall
Those who’ve owned or leased a Chevrolet Bolt EV from the 2017 through 2022 model year are likely eligible for an amount ranging from $700 to $1,400, as part of a $150 million settlement amount against GM and LG Energy Solution. The Michigan class-action case is the consolidated version of eight class-action cases filed in…
Mitsubishi EVs, Honda AWD hybrids, EV tire sustainability: Today’s Car News
Honda promises more all-wheel-drive hybrids. Mitsubishi teases new EVs and hybrids for the U.S. And we run through why you shouldn’t need to buy EV tires as often in the future. This and more, here at Green Car Reports. Honda has confirmed that it plans to make two million EVs annually by 2030. And, as…
Honda AWD hybrids are coming soon—and 2M EVs annually by 2030
Honda will leverage EV hardware in a new all-wheel drive system for future hybrids, while also targeting two million annual EV sales by the end of the decade, according to a Thursday business update from the automaker. The all-wheel drive system for hybrids will use an electric motor developed for EVs to power one axle,…
BMW EV targets, Ford hybrid recall, Aptera funding pivot: Today’s Car News
Aptera is done with crowdfunding. Ford recalls Maverick Hybrid and Escape Hybrid models for a software issue. And BMW holds to its EV targets as other automakers waver. This and more, here at Green Car Reports. BMW is sticking to the EV targets it announced several years ago—50% fully electric sales by 2030, not including…
Ford recalls hybrids over software issue putting them in limp mode
Ford is recalling nearly 9,000 hybrid vehicles to address a software issue that could cause the drivetrain to shift into neutral unexpectedly. Affected vehicles include 8,369 Maverick hybrid pickup trucks from model years 2022-2024, as well as 277 Escape crossovers from model years 2020-2022 and 81 Lincoln Corsair plug-in hybrid crossovers from model years 2021…
BYD Shark plug-in pickup, Kia EV6 update, US EV market share: Today’s Car News
EV sales are up but market share is down. The Kia EV6 shows off a facelift and more range. And BYD drops a Shark of a plug-in hybrid pickup south of the border. This and more, here at Green Car Reports. The same morning the Biden administration hiked tariffs vs. Chinese EVs in an effort…
China’s BYD launches Shark plug-in hybrid pickup in Mexico
As the Biden Administration hikes tariffs to keep Chinese EVs out of the U.S., one of that country’s largest automakers is continuing its push into America’s southern neighbor. Just hours after President Biden announced a quadrupling of tariffs on Chinese EVs to over 100% as part of a new round of tariff increases, BYD unveiled…
2025 Kia Sorento Hybrid, Subaru Crosstrek Hybrid, Biden tariff hikes: Today’s Car News
The Biden administration hikes tariffs on various goods from China, and it goes beyond just EVs and batteries. Kia refreshes its three-row hybrid SUV. And Subaru is looking to Toyota for more of its EVs. This and more, here at Green Car Reports. In a first drive of Mercedes’ electric G-wagen, we found it to…
VW ID.Buzz features, Supercharger network growth, Vinfast and Sony: Today’s Car News
The Tesla Supercharger network is set to grow, even though the EV maker fired most of the people making its expansion possible. Vinfast debuts a new Sony entertainment interface. And VW gets a little more specific about how its ID.Buzz vans will be sold in the U.S.—but there’s still no price tag. This and more,…
2025 Mercedes-Benz G-Class works on its quads (motors, that is)
It has four motors, 579 hp, and an off-road heritage that goes back further than the Rivian R1S, GMC Hummer EV, and Tesla Cybertruck. With the electric version of its military-grade G-Class, Mercedes-Benz promises even more freedom from pavement than all those American-built flagwavers, and it does it all with batteries. And it’s a sort…
BP seeks stranded Tesla Supercharger sites in $1B EV charging buildout
BP is eying Tesla Supercharger sites as part of a planned expansion of the oil giant’s U.S. charging network, Bloomberg reports. The company said it “is aggressively looking to acquire real estate to scale our network, which is a heightened focus following the recent Tesla announcement.” Tesla CEO Elon Musk earlier this month fired most…
Ioniq 6 review; Supercharger cuts; Toyota and Ram fuel-cell trucks: The Week in Reverse
Why did Tesla sell a base Model Y with a bigger battery than needed? Why do rural communities see EV charging as less relevant? This is our look back at the Week In Reverse—right here at Green Car Reports—for the week ending May 11, 2024. In a follow-up Hyundai Ioniq 6 test drive, Green Car…
Trump offered to nix EV incentives for $1B donation from Big Oil
At a meeting with top oil executives at his Mar-a-Lago club last month, Donald Trump offered to reverse Biden administration environmental policies in exchange for a $1 billion donation to his presidential re-election campaign, the Washington Post reports. The donation would be a “deal,” Trump said, because of the taxation and regulation oil companies would…
Tesla Supercharger network plans $500M expansion despite layoffs
Despite recent layoffs, the Tesla Supercharger network is due for an expansion, CEO Elon Musk claims. Tesla will spend “well over” $500 million on the Supercharger network this year, Musk said Friday on X (formerly Twitter), the social media network he owns, adding that this investment will fund “thousands” of new chargers and is separate…
Toyota supersizes battery in fuel-cell semi, teases formula for pickups
In its latest production-bound version of hydrogen fuel-cell semis, Toyota is adding much more of something that will help it go the distance consistently: batteries. Hydrogen fuel cell power is often seen as an alternative to batteries, but here the latter makes the former better. Toyota has opted to fit 200 kwh of lithium-ion NCA…
BP’s Supercharger bailout, Trump’s Big Oil bet, big batteries in fuel-cell trucks: Today’s Car News
Trump reportedly offers to scrap EV-friendly EPA emissions rules. BP seeks to rescue stranded Supercharger stations as Tesla’s charging plans fizzle. And does going with a very large battery pack but no charge port make sense in fuel-cell semis and even pickups? Toyota thinks so. This and more, here at Green Car Reports. Although big…
2024 Hyundai Ioniq 6 overshadows Model 3
With more range, better functionality, actual style thanks to a better design, and competitive price, the Hyundai Ioniq 6 just makes better sense than the Tesla Model 3. But that style does come at a price for taller passengers; Tesla has upped its interior-material game; and the car that’s so forward-thinking still lacks some tech…
Hyundai Ioniq 6 review, cheaper California charging, EV flame retardants: Today’s Car News
The Hyundai Ioniq 6 is a strong alternative to the Tesla Model 3. California shows ho it can make home EV charging cheaper. And are EV interiors—and car interiors in general—making us sick? This and more, here at Green Car Reports. In a follow-up Hyundai Ioniq 6 test drive, Green Car Reports found that this…
Rivian aims for 155,000 of its $45,000 R2 electric SUVs in Illinois
Just after the reveal of its more affordable R2, R3, and R3X models in March, Rivian announced plans to rejigger its production capacity at its existing plant in Illinois, to accommodate the R2 electric SUV at that plant instead of an even larger one in Georgia that remains on the drawing board. Recognizing that the…
Rivian R2 production, Kia EV3 debut date, Eli Zero: Today’s Car News
Kia confirms the EV3 for production. Rivian revamps its Illinois plant for R2 production. EVs are already having a big effect on gasoline demand. And how small of an EV is big enough? This and more, here at Green Car Reports. Rivian is rejiggering the production capacity of its plant in Normal, Illinois, to accommodate…
Ram hydrogen fuel-cell truck, BMW EV batteries, rural charging: Today’s Car News
EV battery production for BMW is setting up south of the border. Ram aims to scale up its hydrogen fuel-cell muscle. And why do rural governments see EV charging as less important? This and more, here at Green Car Reports. BMW has started building a battery plant in Mexico that will provide more energy-dense cylindrical…
Kia confirms EV3 for May 23 reveal, arrival in late 2024
Kia on Tuesday confirmed that its compact EV3 electric SUV will go on sale later this year. The production-bound EV3 is due to make its debut on May 23 and will in its shift from a concept vehicle to a production-bound one arrive “comprehensively equipped,” according to Kia, while also offering “outstanding performance through…
EV charger reliability gains will take more than a Tesla connector
Nearly every EV brand in North America is adopting Tesla’s North American Charging Standard (NACS) connector and gaining access to the automaker’s Supercharger network. But despite that network’s fairly good reputation for reliability, the NACS connector alone may not guarantee an overall improvement in charger reliability, says one expert. Joerg Heuer is the CEO of…
Tesla drops base Model Y, Electrify America push, NACS and reliability: Today’s Car News
Electrify America is on an expansion streak. EVs are part of the solution to remedy unhealthy air. Tesla has dropped the base Model Y for a 320-mile version that only costs $2,000 more. And will the Tesla connector fix charging? This and more, here at Green Car Reports. Tesla has canceled its cheapest Model Y,…
Jeep confirms Gladiator 4xe PHEV pickup, mulls Recon hybrid
The Jeep Gladiator pickup truck will get a 4xe plug-in hybrid variant, while the upcoming Recon SUV could get a hybrid powertrain alongside the previously discussed all-electric option. The Gladiator 4xe was confirmed by Jeep North America CEO William Peffer in a LinkedIn post. Peffer said the plug-in hybrid will come to market “later next…
Electrify America EV charging network set to grow by 25% in 2024
Electrify America confirmed Thursday, on the sixth anniversary of its first fast-charger installation, that it’s planning a big expansion of its fast-charging network in 2024. EA aims to reach 5,000 chargers by the end of the year, including larger charging stations and broader support for Plug & Charge payment tech. In 2023 it expanded into…
Tesla cancels cheapest Model Y, adds Long Range version
Tesla re-released its Model Y Long Range on Friday, as the model in the lineup providing the longest range at the lowest price—with an extra twist for those who have recently purchased the base Model Y. The latest Model Y Long Range includes an EPA range of up to 320 miles and a 0-60 mph…
Lucid Gravity drive, Acura ZDX review, Jeep plug-in hybrid pickup: The Week in Reverse
Which automaker is adding hybrid production at its U.S. dedicated EV plant? Which Lexus model has gone hybrid-only for 2025? This is our look back at the Week In Reverse—right here at Green Car Reports—for the week ending May 3, 2024. A brief Lucid Gravity prototype test drive was enough to tell us that this…
EV tax credit supply chain rules ease, but China restrictions remain
In a coordinated push through federal agencies, the Biden administration on Friday released a revised set of regulations applying to the EV tax credit that will ultimately make the credit easier to claim for a wider range of vehicles in 2025 and 2026 but no easier for Chinese companies to gain a foothold on the…
Jeep plug-in pickup, Acura ZDX, Cadillac’s EV shift, tax credit rules: Today’s Car News
A plug-in hybrid Gladiator will join the Jeep lineup next year. Cadillac gets cold feet about its 2030 end date for gasoline. And Biden agencies ease one area of the EV tax credit that could mean more qualifying EVs. This and more, here at Green Car Reports. The Biden administration provided updated EV tax credit…
Feds to formalize foreign entity rules for EV tax credit
The U.S. Treasury Department could issue clarifications on federal EV tax-credit eligibility rules as early as Friday, reports Transport Topics. Citing anonymous sources familiar with the matter, the report claims the federal government is ready to issue rules relating to its “foreign entities of concern” requirement. Specifically, vehicles with battery components or critical minerals from…
2024 Acura ZDX Type S keeps first EV mostly on-brand
The 2024 Acura ZDX is the Honda premium brand’s first-ever electric vehicle, a midsize crossover SUV with five seats. Visually it’s every inch an Acura, and it’s very close in size to the brand’s bestselling model, the MDX midsize crossover. But the EV is differently proportioned—3 inches lower, on a wheelbase that’s 8 inches longer. …
Lucid Gravity might defy segments
Is that a minivan? Is that a wagon? Is that an SUV? The answer to these questions in order is no, kind of, and yes. The Lucid Gravity is the startup automaker’s upcoming crossover SUV, but in many ways it redefines the genre in terms of packaging, design, and how it drives. Here’s what I…
Lucid Gravity prototype, Toyota hydrogen plans, California EV sales: Today’s Car News
Stagnant Tesla sales flatten EV growth in California. Toyota sets up shop for all things hydrogen. And a drive of the Lucid Gravity tells us that it’s built on a layer of Air but adds much more. This and more, here at Green Car Reports. A brief Lucid Gravity prototype test drive was enough to…
2025 Lexus UX 300h AWD hybrid earns 42 mpg, starts around $40,000
The updated 2025 Lexus UX 300h has been given official EPA ratings, and for the popular all-wheel-drive version they’re a bit better than what the Toyota luxury brand estimated months ago. Although this U.S. version of the UX looks mostly the same as it did for 2024 and in previous model years, it’s now a…
Used EV price drop, Lexus UX hybrid mpg, die-cast electric G-wagen: Today’s Car News
The Mercedes G-wagen EV goes die-cast, with a sustainability twist. Used EVs are selling at lower prices than last year. And the most affordable Lexus gets more fuel-efficient. This and more, here at Green Car Reports. The 2025 Lexus UX 300h has gone hybrid-only, and the most popular AWD version of this model gets a…
Matchbox marks Mercedes’ electric G-wagen with a sustainable twist
The first-ever electric version of the Mercedes-Benz G-Class—also known as the “Gelandewagen” or “G-wagen”—is getting the Matchbox treatment—with a sustainable twist to match its electric powertrain. Formally known as the Mercedes-Benz G 580 with EQ Technology (a name that might prove difficult to fit on the packaging), the electric G-wagen Matchbox die-cast car will be…
Hyundai hybrids, Emily GT, Polestar battery test, charger reliability: Today’s Car News
Hyundai reneges on the promise of an all-EV plant. Polestar tests a different kind of battery at the charger. Federal researchers see ways to make fast-charging more reliable. And the EV with Saab roots might be made in Italy. This and more, here at Green Car Reports. Hyundai last week confirmed that its Metaplant in…
Mazda applies its design flair to China with EZ-6 electric sedan
An electrified successor to the Mazda 6 mid-size sedan goes on sale in China later this year, but prospects for the U.S. are unclear. Unveiled at the 2024 Beijing auto show, the Mazda EZ-6 combines the Japanese automaker’s signature design flair with powertrain tech from Changan Automobile, Mazda’s Chinese partner. Mazda hasn’t confirmed sales plans…
Flexible controls could boost EV charging station reliability
EVs and charging stations have aspired to provide EV drivers with something that rivals the turnaround time of gas stations. While charge rates are important, reliability and simply being able to get a charge, ultimately, are perhaps more important points that some charging networks seem to have glossed over in the process. According to a…
Ford promises more affordable EVs as it loses money on them
In its quarterly earnings call this week, Ford reported significant losses on EVs—but still promised lower-priced models. As reported by CNN, Ford said its Model E business unit, focused toward long-term EV profitability, lost $1.3 billion in the first quarter, or $132,000 for each of the roughly 10,000 EVs attributed to the unit. Sales were…
Toyota 3-row EVs, Tesla price cuts, electric G-wagen, airless tires: The Week in Reverse
Which automaker priced its hardware set allowing its EVs to back up the home? Which EV brand has the lowest ownership costs of any automotive brand? This is our look back at the Week In Reverse—right here at Green Car Reports—for the week ending April 26, 2024. The Tesla Model Y undercuts the Model 3…
Honda commits to $11B EV hub in Canada, to start in 2028
Honda on Thursday announced plans to push its EV supply chain into Canada, in a move that it said recognizes “the long-term attractiveness of the Canadian EV manufacturing ecosystem.” The investment is significant—$11 billion U.S. dollars, including investments by joint-venture partners—but it doesn’t yet actually commit to an EV assembly plant. Honda says that it…
Toyota 3-row EVs, lower-priced Ford EVs, Honda EV hubs, Mazda EZ-6: Today’s Car News
Ford EVs are losing money, but hope is on the way with a next generation of vehicles. Mazda shows an appealing electric sedan so far limited to China. Toyota plans a second U.S.-made three-row electric SUV. And Honda is creating another EV hub in Canada. This and more, here at Green Car Reports. More lower-priced…
Does EV home-backup capability outmode the Tesla Powerwall?
GM last week announced details regarding its vehicle-to-home (V2H) system, set to launch with the Chevrolet Silverado EV RST, that will help EV owners back up their home without the help of a storage battery like a Tesla Powerwall or a backup generator. It’s ultimately part of GM’s big energy play that sees EVs becoming…
Mini Aceman EV, GM home-backup hardware, 2024 EV sales to climb: Today’s Car News
GM reveals more about what will turn its EVs into backup power for the home. Mini shows its Aceman EV. And EV sales are set to make gains in the U.S. and globally in 2024. This and more, here at Green Car Reports. The Mini Aceman urban EV has been revealed, and it quite closely…
Tesla Model 3 Performance bows with adaptive suspension, track mode
A new Tesla Model 3 Performance based on the refreshed Model 3—codenamed “Highland” by the automaker—is now available to order in the U.S. Appearing on Tesla’s website Tuesday, the new Model 3 Performance has a dual-motor all-wheel drive powertrain rated at 510 hp and 546 lb-ft of torque. Tesla quotes 0-60 mph in 2.9 seconds,…
Mercedes G-Class EV, Model 3 Performance, Tesla ownership costs, Vinfast dealers: Today’s Car News
Tesla reintroduces the Model 3 Performance, and the brand rules in ownership costs. Mercedes rolls out its electric G-Class. And Vinfast adds U.S. dealerships. This and more, here at Green Car Reports. In addition to Tesla’s quarterly call for investors—which ended up very much focused around robotaxi plans—the EV brand revealed its Tesla Model 3…
2025 Mercedes-Benz G-Class works on its quads (motors, that is)
It has four motors, 579 hp, and an off-road heritage that goes back further than the Rivian R1S, GMC Hummer EV, and Tesla Cybertruck. With the electric version of its military-grade G-Class, Mercedes-Benz promises even more freedom from pavement than all those American-built flagwavers, and it does it all with batteries. Joining the G-Class in…
Tesla leads with lowest ownership cost, beats Toyota
Teslas are less expensive to maintain than other car brands, including some with strong reputations for reliability, according to Consumer Reports. As part of its 2023 Annual Auto Surveys, Consumer Reports asked owners how much they paid out of pocket for maintenance costs like oil changes over the previous 12 months. Researchers then compared cumulative…
Model Y undercuts Model 3 by $5,000 with tax credit
Tesla on Saturday once again cut prices on several of its models for the U.S. market, as part of around-the-world price cuts. Given the cuts, anyone considering the Model 3 and Model Y in the U.S. may want to take a fresh look at the numbers. The base price of the Model Y rear-wheel drive…
Tesla prices; in-wheel motor Land Rover; airless tires, robotaxis, Autopia: Today’s Car News
Tesla cuts prices nearly across the board and appears to be pushing more people into Full Self Driving. Disney is making a popular automotive ride all-electric. Airless tires look like the future. And do in-wheel motors make more sense for EV conversions? This and more, here at Green Car Reports. The Tesla Model Y undercuts…
EV factories may be leading utilities to dirtier decisions
New factories producing EVs and their batteries are bringing more jobs to the Southeast, but utilities are trying to meet the power demands of these factories with natural-gas power plants rather than renewable energy, reports Energy News Network. Anticipated demand from the auto industry—as well as solar-panel manufacturing and data centers—is leading utilities to forecast…
Disneyland will remake its Autopia around EVs in 2026
Disneyland will replace gasoline vehicles at its Autopia ride with EVs in 2026, the Los Angeles Times confirmed this week. Autopia is one of the longer-running attractions at the Anaheim, California, Walt Disney Co. theme park and it undoubtedly has a role in nurturing auto enthusiasm for kids. With clarification that these vehicles will be…
US EV fast-charger growth is accelerating, filling in the flyovers
The U.S. now has nearly 8,200 public DC fast-charging stations, filling in gaps on the route map, according to a new Bloomberg report. The number of public fast chargers increased 7.6% in the first quarter of 2024, fueled by the Biden administration’s $5 billion National Electric Vehicle Infrastructure (NEVI) program, according to the report, which…
Camry hybrid, Ioniq 5 N reviews; Prius and Cybertruck recalls; Highlander EV: The Week in Reverse
Which EV maker is grading how reliably fast-charge stations work with its vehicles? Which automaker reportedly scrapped development of ICE range extenders for EVs? This is our look back at the Week In Reverse—right here at Green Car Reports—for the week ending April 19, 2024. In a first drive of the 2025 Toyota Camry hybrid,…
Tesla Cybertruck recall prompted by “trapped” accelerator pedals
Tesla is recalling nearly 4,000 Cybertrucks over sticky accelerator pedals, after the NHTSA earlier this week said that it was already communicating with Tesla on the issue. Cybertruck pedals may become trapped in a depressed, “accelerate” position after a lot of pressure has been applied by the driver, explains documents filed with the federal government. …
Cybertruck recall, US fast-charger growth, EV factories taxing grid: Today’s Car News
Road-trip fast-chargers for EVs are growing at a record pace. EV factories in the Southeast may inadvertently be creating more pollution for all ratepayers. And saving seconds with soap may have initiated an in-person recall of thousands of Cybertrucks. This and more, here at Green Car Reports. “Trapped” accelerator pedals are prompting a Tesla Cybertruck…
US-made 3-row electric SUV is Toyota Highlander EV
The Toyota Highlander midsize SUV could go all-electric, while the Grand Highlander would continue with internal-combustion engines, according to a new report from CarBuzz. This is part of a strategy to replace the alphanumeric naming scheme used by the Toyota bZ4X—currently the only EV in Toyota’s U.S. lineup—for more conventional names, according to the report….
2025 Camry hybrid review, Highlander EV, Prius recall: Today’s Car News
The 2025 Toyota Camry goes all-hybrid and does that matters to Camry shoppers a little bit better. Prius owners need to keep those doors locked. And is the U.S.-made three-row Toyota electric SUV a Highlander EV? It’s a variety pack of Toyota news today, here at Green Car Reports. In a first drive of the…
If $50,000 EVs still lose $6,000, when will EVs become profitable?
Legacy automakers are still losing thousands of dollars on many EV sales, according to newly published analysis from the Boston Consulting Group. BCG estimates that most automakers lose around $6,000 on each EV they effectively sell for $50,000, that price accounting for any tax credits or other incentives the customer might be eligible for. Automakers…
Lucid Air charging boost, Mercedes range extenders, EVs losing money: Today’s Car News
Lucid adds a heat pump and subtracts charging time for its range-leading Air electric sedan. Mercedes-Benz might not see what Ram sees in a plug-in range-extended vehicle. And why is each EV still losing thousands to full-line automakers? This and more, here at Green Car Reports. The 2024 Lucid Air Grand Touring is now being…
Maserati reveals US-bound luxury electric convertible
The Maserati GranTurismo Folgore is getting a convertible sibling that will create a new EV market niche in the U.S. Unveiled Monday, the Maserati GranCabrio Folgore is scheduled to arrive in the U.S. in the fourth quarter, as a 2025 model, with a price tag of more than $200,000 that will likely make it the…
2024 GMC Sierra EV boasts 440-mile range, CrabWalk, lower price
GMC confirmed on Tuesday that the limited-edition launch version of its 2024 Sierra EV pickup will arrive in summer 2024—with about 10% more EPA range than originally suggested. The full-size electric truck, touted to be the “Denali of EVs,” bears GMC’s top-luxury Denali badge and will offer a CrabWalk mode, unlike the top-trim 2024 Chevrolet…
2025 Mercedes-Benz eSprinter adds smaller battery, shorter wheelbase
The Mercedes-Benz eSprinter electric van debuted for the 2024 model year with a long 170-inch wheelbase, a large 113-kwh battery, and a high roof. For 2025, it adds a shorter 144-inch wheelbase, a smaller 81-kwh battery, and a shorter standard roof, the brand announced on Monday. In that configuration, the base price falls from $74,181…
Rivian grades chargers, China’s battery problem, EV ownership cost: Today’s Car News
China is making too many EV batteries. Rivian is applying real-world letter grades to EV fast-chargers for smoother route planning. And despite depreciation woes, many EVs still pay back big over five years of ownership. This and more, here at Green Car Reports. Rivian has announced that it’s rating EV fast-chargers for real-world reliability—and including…
2025 Mercedes-Benz EQS gets more range, better brakes, and a fake grille
The 2025 Mercedes-Benz EQS electric sedan gets a number of updates for its third model year. The refreshed EV arrives at U.S. dealerships later this year, with pricing to be revealed closer to that time. A new 118.0-kwh battery pack for all models represents a 9% increase from the 108.4 kwh usable capacity in current…
Half of 2024 EVs have lower 5-year ownership cost vs. ICE
Many EVs have a lower five-year cost of ownership than comparable gasoline models, according an annual roundup from Vincentric, a source for ownership cost calculations for websites and automakers. Vincentric’s analysis covers eight factors: depreciation, fees and taxes, financing, fuel cost, insurance, maintenance, opportunity cost and repairs. It assumes new vehicles are driven 15,000 annually…
EV efficiency gains could cut grid demand, save billions
EVs could end up using a lot of electricity, but efficiency improvements to support them could significantly reduce the need for new grid infrastructure, cut energy usage, and potentially save consumers billions of dollars, according to a new study from non-profit utility organization EPRI and the Natural Resources Defense Council (NRDC). By 2050, charging of…
Fiat 500e review, F-150 Lightning price cut, diesel hybrids, curbside EV chargers: Today’s Car News
Do EVs need a breakthrough in battery energy density before they make environmental sense? And which luxury EV is bringing back the appearance of an internal combustion grille? Will fake tailpipes come next? This is our look back at the Week In Reverse—right here at Green Car Reports—for the week ending April 12, 2024. In…
Could Honda soon outpace all but Tesla in US EV production?
Honda is well underway on a $700 million effort to retool three of its plants and create a new $3.5 billion battery plant for U.S. EV mass-production. But it’s also emphasizing how much flexibility it has in the shift to accommodate that production. As it confirmed Friday, it would potentially be able to make hundreds…
Fewer Americans aspire to EV ownership, Gallup poll suggests
American EV ownership is growing, but fewer car shoppers who don’t already own an EV are considering one, according to a new Gallup poll. Of those households surveyed, 7% reported owning an EV, up from 4% a year ago, while a steady 16% of Americans over the past few years indicated that they are “EV…
Sales of big pickups help bankroll EV push, but they’re sinking
Sales of expensive full-size pickup trucks from the Detroit Three automakers fell in the first quarter of 2024 which, as a Bloomberg report explains, could negatively impact those automakers’ EV plans. Ford, General Motors, and Stellantis have been cashing in on high-end versions of full-size pickups, piling on features like bigger touchscreens and massaging leather…
Mercedes EQS refresh, curbside EV chargers, full-size pickup sales: Today’s Car News
Lamppost charging is coming to more U.S. cities soon. Sagging full-size pickup sales might soon impact EV plans. And is a grille looking more like that of combustion versions what Mercedes needs to spur more EQS sales? This and more, here at Green Car Reports. The big 2025 Mercedes-Benz EQS hatchback is getting an extensive…
Ford reverses course, cuts F-150 Lightning prices by up to $5,500
Ford is cutting prices on some 2024 F-150 Lightning electric pickup trucks by up to $5,500, CarsDirect reports, citing a bulletin sent by Ford to dealerships. Effective April 5, the XLT Standard Range grade gets a $2,000 price cut, bringing its base price down to $65,090 with the mandatory $2,095 destination charge. The Lariat Extended…
Fiat 500e review, F-150 Lightning price cuts, BMW and Rimac: Today’s Car News
The Fiat 500e is back, and we drove it in its element. Rimac is working on battery cells for future BMW EVs. And official Ford F-150 Lightning prices are heading back downward. This and more, here at Green Car Reports. In a first drive of the 2024 Fiat 500e electric car, Green Car Reports found…
2024 Fiat 500e urban EV has its charm
The 2024 Fiat 500e is a small electric three-door hatchback that looks remarkably similar to the previous Fiat 500, sold in the U.S. from the 2012 through 2019 model years. This one’s offered only as a battery-electric vehicle (hence the “e”), at least for the moment. But Fiat plans to market it as a fashion…
2024 Mustang Mach-E, Toyota diesel hybrids, states delay EV mandate: Today’s Car News
Toyota may be mulling a bigger role for diesel. Several states are stalling on adopting California’s EV mandate. And the Mustang Mach-E gets better in many different ways. This and more, here at Green Car Reports. The 2024 Ford Mustang Mach-E boasts more range and faster charging—as well as quicker acceleration for much of the…
Kia keeps to EV goals but plans to enhance hybrid lineup
Kia remains committed to an ambitious EV sales goal, but plans to keep hybrids and plug-in hybrids as part of its product mix, the automaker announced Friday in a presentation to investors. Kia still targets 1.6 million global EV sales annually by 2030. That’s the same goal the automaker stepped up to in 2023, versus…
Kia EV plans, NJ $1,000 EV fee, Stellantis’ EV skepticism: Today’s Car News
Kia keeps to its EV goals. New Jersey is asking for EV buyers to pay $1,000. And the CEO of global automaker Stellantis seemingly denies that EVs are a greener choice yet. This and more, here at Green Car Reports. Kia on Friday detailed plans for its shift toward EVs and electrified powertrains through the…
Audi RS E-Tron GT, Porsche Taycan recall prompted by battery concerns
Audi E-Tron GT, RS E-Tron GT, and Porsche Taycan electric cars are being recalled for a battery issue that could lead to short-circuits and fires. The recall population includes 606 Taycans from model years 2020 to 2023 and 1,042 E-Tron GT and RS E-Tron GT vehicles from model years 2022 to 2024. Audi is conducting…
Taycan review, Equinox EV deal, R1T top safety, 70-mile PHEVs: The Week in Reverse
Which electric truck detailed this week got a lower price and more range than originally announced? Is CEO Elon Musk costing Tesla sales? This is our look back at the Week In Reverse—right here at Green Car Reports—for the week ending April 6, 2024. In a first drive of the 2025 Porsche Taycan, we found…
Tighter EPA emissions rules for big trucks don’t mandate EVs
The EPA last week announced stricter emissions standards for heavy-duty commercial vehicles, such as trucks and buses, for model years 2027 to 2032. Like the new emissions standards for passenger cars recently confirmed, these rules do not mandate EVs, but do set much tougher emissions targets that will likely lead to more EV sales. The…
Here’s how Nissan might electrify trucks and SUVs for the US
Not every automaker’s taking the same strategy when it comes to electrification. During an interview at the 2024 New York auto show Nissan North America’s Senior Vice President and Chief Planning Officer, Ponz Pandikuthira laid out for Green Car Reports the automaker’s viewpoint on where EVs, PHEVs, and series hybrids make the most sense. The…
Tesla sets Robotaxi reveal for Aug. 8
Tesla will unveil its Robotaxi August 8, CEO Elon Musk announced Friday. In his typical fashion, Musk made the announcement on X (formerly Twitter), the social media site he owns. The post included the date with no further details. According to a Reuters report earlier in the day, Tesla has reportedly dropped its $25,000 affordable…
$25,000 Tesla Model 2 project nixed in favor of robotaxis
The most affordable Tesla may have been canceled. Again. According to a report Friday morning from Reuters, citing three sources familiar with the matter, the company has ceased plans to build a $25,000 Tesla that would slot below the Model 3 and Model Y in the lineup. Self-driving robotaxis would continue to be developed on…
Ford delays next-gen electric truck and SUV, plans hybrids across lineup
The electric future will take a bit longer than originally promised at Ford. On Thursday, Ford announced its next-gen electric truck, known as T3, will arrive a year later than planned while the unrelated three-row electric SUV will arrive two years later than planned. Subsequently, Ford said it plans to offer a hybrid powertrain in…
Ford delays EVs, Quebec incentive phaseout, EV rejectors as Luddites: Today’s Car News
Ford promises more hybrids but is delaying several key EVs. Are EV rejectors behind the times? And will EV sales hold up with the phaseout of incentives in Canada’s EV hotbed? This and more, here at Green Car Reports. Ford has delayed its next-generation electric pickup and 3-row electric SUV, while stepping up plans to…
Chevy dials back 2024 Silverado EV RST price, confirms 440-mile range
Chevrolet confirmed on Wednesday that the 2024 Chevrolet Silverado RST First Edition—that’s the top-of-the-line model and the first version of the electric Chevy pickup available to individual buyers—is still coming and it will be a better deal than it what was originally announced. The Silverado RST First Edition will arrive “by mid-year,” according to Chevrolet,…
2025 Taycan review, Silverado EV arrival date, Equinox EV discount: Today’s Car News
Chevy Bolt EV drivers could get a discount on the Equinox EV. The Silverado EV gets an arrival date and a price cut. And the Taycan holds true to the original mission of the Mission E. This and more, here at Green Car Reports. In a first drive of the 2025 Porsche Taycan, we found…
Tesla had its worst quarter since pandemic shutdowns
Tesla on Tuesday revealed preliminary production and delivery numbers for the first quarter, and they’re down markedly—falling versus the same period the previous year for the first time since 2020 and the onslaught of the pandemic. In the first quarter of 2024, Tesla made 433,371 vehicles, while it delivered just 386,810 vehicles. Both figures are…
Rivian R1T tops safety list, Tesla sales drop, Musk factor: Today’s Car News
Tesla sales plunged over the past three months; is Elon Musk a factor? And Rivian gains some enviable safety credentials. This and more, here at Green Car Reports. Could the safest pickup be fully electric? The Rivian R1T makes a strong argument for that; it just landed atop the IIHS Top Safety Pick+ list for…
Next-gen batteries may benefit plug-in hybrids as much as EVs
Plug-in hybrids with twice as much range are about to become the hot new thing. You can thank the California government and automakers’ lobbying efforts, in part, for delaying the all-electric transition. In interviews at the 2024 New York auto show, two executives familiar with their brands’ future products independently told Green Car Reports the…
Next-gen PHEVs, Nissan EV pickup, Tesla at 6M, GM and CATL: Today’s Car News
Tesla hit six million cumulative EV sales, and we roundup all the achievements. GM is reportedly seeking a deal with CATL. Nissan and Mitsubishi team up for EVs, hybrids, and PHEVs, and next-generation pickups. And will next-generation batteries help plug-in hybrids make more sense at 70 miles? This and more, here at Green Car Reports. …
Ferrari partners with battery supplier SK On for advanced cells
Ferrari on Tuesday signed a memorandum of understanding with battery supplier SK On for future battery development. The two companies will partner to “explore new possibilities and potential solutions to advance cell technology,” according to an SK On press release. This is in addition to an existing battery-supply arrangement in place since 2019, which has…
US-bound Polestar 4 starts at $56,300, arrives late 2024 from China
The 2025 Polestar 4 electric SUV coupe will be available to order in April with a starting price of $56,300. U.S. deliveries are scheduled to start in the fourth quarter. The starting price, which includes a $1,400 destination charge, applies to base Long Range Single Motor models. Polestar will also offer Pilot Pack ($57,800), Pro…
What it’s accomplished, what it hasn’t
Ahead of the release of preliminary Q1 2024 production and delivery figures, expected next week, it’s now official: Tesla has delivered more than 6 million vehicles since 2008, every one a battery-electric vehicle. Its 5 million total last September got a lot of attention. But 6 million is more important, because it cements Tesla as…
Fuel-cell Honda CR-V review, Genesis GV60 test, Fisker Ocean price cut: The Week in Reverse
Which automaker outlined an all-of-the-above electrified approach for the near future, including hybrids, PHEVs, and a 3-row electric SUV? Which luxury brand teased radiant cabin heat for a future electric SUV? This is our look back at the Week In Reverse—right here at Green Car Reports—for the week ending March 29, 2024. In a first…
Fisker prices slashed by up to $24,000, Tesla freezes them as trades
Fisker has slashed prices on its Ocean electric SUV as it looks to relieve a glut of unsold vehicles. In a move that it calls “strategically positioning Ocean to be a more affordable and compelling EV choice,” the company on Wednesday announced significant price cuts on the 2023-model-year vehicles that represent the majority of the…
Will the remains of EV startup Arrival help keep Canoo alive?
The U.S. EV startup Canoo earlier this week announced that it had acquired “a substantial portion of the advanced manufacturing assets” formerly owned by the U.K. startup Arrival for “pennies on the dollar.” The assets acquired by Canoo from the failed startup include robots, control equipment, and dynamic vehicle testing equipment, it said. “These assets…
FCEV plugs a benchwarmer into the grid
The charge port on the front fender of the 2025 Honda CR-V e:FCEV is, ironically, what may help keep drivers of this fuel-cell vehicle away from a state of range anxiety. It signals plug-in-hybrid-like electric range for the commute, without any need for hydrogen—a departure from the modest, hybrid-sized packs that have been typical in…
Fuel-cell Honda CR-V drive, Polestar 4 pricing, Ferrari and SK: Today’s Car News
The U.S. Polestar 4 has a price. Ferrari’s teaming up with the battery supplier SK On. And we review the fuel-cell version of the Honda CR-V. This and more, here at Green Car Reports. In a first drive of the 2025 Honda CR-V e:FCEV, we found it to be well-packaged, roomy, and refined, with a…
2024 Genesis GV60 delivers rolling design statement
Few automakers are as on-point with their design game at the moment as Genesis, and the automaker’s first electric car is no exception. In an era of garish design and massive grilles, Genesis has figured out how to stand out from the crowd with the 2024 GV60 with delightful details and reasonable efficiency. But it…
Genesis GV60 review, plug-in hybrid pass, China WTO complaint: Today’s Car News
Plug-in hybrids are getting a pass from the EPA for a few years, despite evidence they’re polluting more than billed. China complains to the WTO. And we drive the Genesis GV60, just as Genesis reveals there’s more on the way for this compact luxury EV. This and more, here at Green Car Reports. In a…
Why nighttime EV charging is incentivized while daytime is cleaner
When it comes to overall carbon emissions, EVs are cleaner than internal-combustion cars, but how much cleaner can depend on when they’re charged, according to a recent Bloomberg New Energy Finance blog post. A grid more reliant on renewable energy will shrink the carbon footprint of EVs charging from it. Emissions associated with charging can…
Nissan EV and hybrid plans, Genesis SUV concept, LFP for $25,000 Tesla: Today’s Car News
Nissan announces a three-row electric SUV due in 2028. Genesis rolls out a large electric SUV concept and a performance GV60. CATL might be making cells for the very affordable Tesla. And why are we having our EVs charge at night if we work from home? This and more, here at Green Car Reports. Nissan…
Big Genesis electric SUV warms up, Magma performance sub-brand erupts
Genesis on Monday night pulled the wraps off two very different new concept vehicles—one of them pointing to a flagship electric SUV for the brand, the other showing the direction of a new performance “program” that will produce go-fast versions of the Hyundai luxury brand’s increasingly electrified lineup. The Neolun Concept is, almost certainly, a…
Nissan hybrids and PHEVs US-bound, 3-row electric SUV for 2028
Nissan on Monday revealed a roadmap that will pivot the automaker back toward hybrids and plug-in hybrids for the U.S., as well as higher-volume, reduced-cost EVs, with aims to cut the cost of next-generation EVs by 30%. As such, they’ll cost the same or less than combustion models by 2030. Under a new business plan…
Jeep sidesteps EVs with ICE off-road concepts, points to PHEVs
At its annual Easter Jeep Safari in Moab, Utah, Stellantis’ Jeep brand has presented four new concept off-roaders. And this year, unlike other recent years, all of them were gasoline-fueled. Among them, the lone plug-in concept among them was the Jeep Wrangler 4xe Willys Dispatcher plug-in hybrid concept that, according to the brand, provides “a…
2025 Mercedes GLC 350e PHEV brings fast charging, long electric range
A new plug-in hybrid version of the Mercedes-Benz GLC-Class crossover SUV is coming to the U.S. for the 2025 model year, the company confirmed this past week. Called the GLC 350e, the plug-in hybrid is scheduled to reach showrooms in the second half of the year, with pricing to be announced closer to that time….
Will Toyota Prius Prime gain EV route planning smarts?
Among the new features of the Toyota C-HR plug-in hybrid recently launched in Europe is an efficiency-boosting trip planner that could be useful to Toyota’s U.S. plug-in hybrid customers. Called Predictive Efficient Drive, this feature analyzes traffic conditions and learns the driver’s behavior and regular routes to maximize use of electric mode, according to a…
VW ID.4 review, Audi Q6 E-Tron preview, Lexus RX PHEV, Trump EV tariff: The Week in Reverse
Which automaker recalled nearly 150,000 U.S. EVs? Which generation buys the most EVs? This is our look back at the Week In Reverse—right here at Green Car Reports—for the week ending March 22, 2024. A first drive of the 2024 Volkswagen ID.4, with a vastly better infotainment interface and a little more acceleration punch complementing…
Hyundai, Kia, Genesis recall 147,000 US EVs over 12V battery issue
Hyundai, Kia, and Genesis are recalling nearly 150,000 EVs in the U.S. over an electronics issue that may cause 12-volt batteries to lose charge while driving. The recall population includes 98,878 Hyundai and Genesis EVs from model years 2023 and 2024—including the Hyundai Ioniq 5, Hyundai Ioniq 6, Genesis GV60, Genesis Electrified GV70, and Genesis…
BMW previews future electric SUV with faster charging, more range
BMW continues to preview its next-generation EVs with a new concept car, while also providing a bit more detail on some of the engineering for these new models, which are due to start production next year. The BMW Vision Neue Klasse X is an electric SUV that forecasts a model due to start production in…
Shell is shedding some gas stations in favor of EV charging
Shell plans to eliminate some of its current gas stations while putting further emphasis on EV charging. “We are upgrading our retail network, with expanded electric vehicle charging and convenience offers, in response to changing customer needs,” Shell said in its 2024 Energy Transition Strategy report (via Yahoo! Finance). That includes plans to “divest around…
GM considers odd EV battery cell shapes for better cooling
As it seeks to address production issues with its current Ultium battery cells, General Motors may be considering something even more complex. First spotted by Motor1, a recently filed GM patent application discusses battery cells with Lego-like shapes meant to accommodate cooling channels. Instead of building battery modules out of a solid mass of cells…
2024 Lexus RX 450h+ half-steps into future
One of the most important vehicles in the Lexus lineup, the RX, finally plugs in. The 2024 Lexus RX 450h+ plug-in hybrid arrives on the scene with 37 miles of electric range from the Toyota RAV4 Prime’s powertrain, in a more eye-catching and softer-to-the-touch package. As I found in a recent drive of the RX…
Lexus RX 450h+ review, Toyota PHEV route smarts, Biden eases rules: Today’s Car News
The Biden administration eases the path ahead for automakers to go electric. Toyota hints of more advanced route planners for plug-in hybrids in the future. And we find the Lexus RX PHEV compelling on some numbers but not others. This and more, here at Green Car Reports. The Lexus RX finally has a plug-in hybrid…
Rivian adapters arrive in April, enable Tesla Supercharger waypoints
Rivian will begin shipping free North American Charging Standard (NACS) adapters to customers in April, giving them access to over 15,000 Tesla Supercharger fast-charging stations across North America, the automaker announced Monday. Compatible Supercharger sites will be added to roughly 16,000 pubic chargers customers already have access to, according to Rivian. Like those chargers, Superchargers…
Audi Q6 E-Tron review, Fisker pause, Rivian Tesla adapter: Today’s Car News
Rivian sets its drivers up for using Tesla Superchargers. Fisker sends out a mix of optimism and warning signs. And Audi’s next electric SUV shows the next level of EVs from the brand. This and more, here at Green Car Reports. In a first drive of the 2025 Audi Q6 E-Tron, we saw the promise…
2025 Audi Q6 E-Tron casts a potent EV shadow
I step on the brake with my left foot, press the accelerator to the mat with my right—then, slip off on the left. Motors whirl to life as they whorl out warp-speed forward thrust. Traffic cones fly by in the side windows like mailboxes on a country road until I let off the pedal and…
VW ID.4 review, Trump tariffs, generational EV gap, Mercedes solar: Today’s Car News
Trump threatens some very high tariffs against Chinese cars made in Mexico. Mercedes-Benz considers a solar roof on EVs. We drive the revamped VW ID.4. And is there a generational gap in EV interest? This and more, here at Green Car Reports. A first drive of the 2024 Volkswagen ID.4, with a vastly better infotainment…
Nio and CATL ally for longer-life EV batteries, swapping tech
Chinese automaker Nio is partnering with battery supplier CATL for research into longer-life EV batteries, including for use with Nio’s battery-swapping service. The two companies “will jointly carry out discussions, make technological breakthroughs and innovation, and promote product applications,” according to a Nio press release, with CATL developing batteries with longer service lives for future…
Gen X, Millennials buy the most EVs, as Boomers dominate policy
Gen X and Millennials tend to buy more EVs than Baby Boomers, but the older generation is still in control of EV policy, a pair of recent studies show. Experian’s fourth quarter 2023 Automotive Market Trends report, released Thursday, noted that 9.4% of new vehicles purchased by Gen X in 2023 were electric. Gen X…
Brake-dust particles’ electric charge might help curb emissions
Up to 80% of brake-dust particles have an electric charge, which could serve as a means of controlling brake dust and improving air quality, according to a new study from the University of California, Irvine (via Green Car Congress). The study, which was funded by fees paid by Volkswagen as part of its 2016 diesel-emissions…
XC90 Recharge review, Polestar 3, Rivian R3, EV tax credit update: The Week in Reverse
Which automakers are considering a partnership that could span EVs, hybrids, and software? Which automaker said it’s aiming for its future EV batteries to last longer? This is our look back at the Week In Reverse—right here at Green Car Reports—for the week ending March 15, 2024. In a review of the 2024 Volvo XC90…
Honda and Nissan point to partnership for EVs, hybrids, software
Nissan and Honda on Friday disclosed that they’re considering a “strategic partnership in the fields of vehicle electrification and intelligence.” As of yet, the companies have only committed to a feasibility study for the idea, but such a partnership would aim to combine strengths and accelerate carbon-neutrality and safety efforts for both companies. The initial…
Volvo EX30 impact, Nio and CATL, Honda and Nissan, brake dust: Today’s Car News
Magnets could help clean up brake dust. Honda and Nissan ally for EVs. Nio and CATL go in on battery swapping together. And which is the greenest Volvo EX30? This and more, here at Green Car Reports. In a lifetime carbon analysis released Thursday, Volvo reported that the LFP version not offered in the U.S….
LFP version not offered to US is greener pick
In a life cycle assessment of the Volvo EX30 electric vehicle released Thursday, the automaker underscored that its upcoming compact EV has the lowest carbon footprint of any electric Volvo yet. The team behind the EX30 analysis looked at two EX30 versions—one with the 69-kwh lithium nickel cobalt manganese oxide (NMC) battery pack, the other…
Apps claiming to boost EV efficiency can hike insurance rates
App-based features pitched as a way to become a safer and more efficient driver may end up reporting you as a higher-risk driver to insurers, The New York Times reports. New cars, EV or not, have substantial data-gathering capability thanks to their array of onboard sensors, which is sometimes presented to consumers as a way…
Biden agencies draw roadmap for EV charging along freight corridors
The Biden Administration on Monday sketched out plans for EV charging and hydrogen dispensing along major U.S. freight corridors. The National Zero-Emission Freight Corridor Strategy was developed by the administration’s Joint Office of Energy and Transportation with input from the Department of Energy (DOE), Department of Transportation (DOT), and the Environmental Protection Agency (EPA). It…
Volvo seeks 30% quicker EV charging without battery upgrades
Volvo is looking to quicken EV charging times by relying on software rather than upgrades to batteries and other hardware. The automaker on Monday announced a partnership with U.K.-based Breathe Battery Technologies to access that company’s “algorithm-enabled charging software” with its battery management systems—with the goal of optimizing charging performance. Testing has indicated that this…
Some retailers aren’t doing much to support EV charging
Big-box stores and fast-foot chains offer large parking lots perfect for EV charging, but most lag in offering charging to customers, according to a new Consumer Reports study. Consumer Reports surveyed 270,000 retail locations controlled by 75 major retail and fast-food chains—brands like Costco, Ikea, Walmart, and Target—and found that only 1% offered EV charging….
More than a third of Prius owners get another one, finds CarMax
When it’s time to replace their cars, many Toyota Prius owners choose another of the hybrids, according used-car retailer CarMax. More than 38% of CarMax customers who own a Prius purchase another one, according to the company. That makes the Prius the model with the highest loyalty in CarMax’s inventory. The Prius displaced the Chevrolet…
2024 Volvo XC90 Recharge adds polish to Swedish plug-in hybrid
Just before Volvo continues its all-electric shift with the XC90-sized EX90 EV, it’s smoothed out its popular plug-in hybrid powertrain in the XC90. With more electric range, more power, and more refinement all baked into the already appealing Swedish package, the 2024 Volvo XC90 Recharge is now nearly ideal for families That said, Volvo’s move…
Volvo XC90 plug-in hybrid review, Chinese EV tariffs, retailers shun EV charging: Today’s Car News
Big-box retailers could be doing more to support EV charging. Senators push the idea of new tariffs to keep out Chinese EVs. We revisit the XC90 plug-in hybrid. And could the Rivian R3 help EV revive small cars in America? This and more, here at Green Car Reports. In a review of the 2024 Volvo…
$45,000, over 300 miles, the future of the SUV?
The Rivian R2 is two years away, but with the debut of an R2 in prototype form on Thursday, it’s clear this electric SUV will arrive with a proposition unlike any EV yet: A boxy silhouette, rugged off-road chops, range topping 300 miles, and a target price effectively below today’s average new-vehicle price, regardless of…
Blazer EV price cut, Dodge electric muscle, Rivian R2 and R3: The Week in Reverse
Which major battery supplier has 9-minute-charging solid-state cells and a 20-year EV battery in its sights? Which affordable EV regained its EV tax credit eligibility this week? This is our look back at the Week In Reverse—right here at Green Car Reports—for the week ending March 9, 2024. Rivian on Thursday provided the most significant…
Honda Prologue, Acura ZDX qualify for full $7,500 EV tax credit
The 2024 Honda Prologue and 2024 Acura ZDX will both qualify for the full $7,500 federal EV tax credit, Honda and its Acura luxury brand have confirmed. For the Prologue, which is scheduled to start arriving at dealerships in the coming weeks, the $7,500 credit applies to the purchase of vehicles built after February 26,…
Could Rivian R3 EV revive a stagnant small-car market?
Rivian on Thursday delivered what was expected—the R2 electric SUV. And then it stole the R2’s stage with products that fans, investors, and EV shoppers didn’t know they needed: the Rivian R3 and R3X. A short time after the reveal, I noted that while plenty of fans were checking out the R2, there was a…
GM cuts 2024 Chevy Blazer EV price by thousands, resumes sales
GM announced Friday that it’s dropping prices by up to $6,520 on its 2024 Chevrolet Blazer EV, while resuming sales and deliveries of the model to customers. The Blazer EVs once again reaching customers have been given “significant software updates,” according to Chevrolet. Examples include updates to the ambient lighting system and gauge-cluster graphics for…
2024 Audi Q4 E-Tron charges faster, goes farther, accelerates quicker
The 2024 Audi Q4 E-Tron gets a number of changes, including faster charging, more range, quicker acceleration, and retuned ride and handling. These changes, which previously weren’t expected to arrive until the 2025 model year, are incorporated into a new Q4 55 E-Tron grade that replaces the Q4 50 E-Tron. Standard SUV and Sportback body…
Rivian R3 and R3X hatchbacks aim for masses for less than $45,000
The Rivian R2 electric SUV won’t be the least expensive model in the startup automaker’s lineup. On Thursday, CEO RJ Scaringe surprised everyone at the R2 debut by unveiling the R3 hatchback, as well as a performance variant called the R3X. When they eventually arrive after the R2, which won’t hit the market until the…
20-year EV battery, 9-minute charging in Samsung SDI roadmap
Samsung SDI this week presented a battery-development roadmap with ambitious performance targets for charging, energy density, and battery life. On the charging front, the company believes it can begin mass-producing battery cells capable of being charged from 8% to 80% in just nine minutes by 2026. This will be made possible by “optimizing lithium-ion transfer…
Gravity’s very fast charging, EV price drop predicted, Aptera funding: Today’s Car News
Some very fast EV chargers land in the middle of Manhattan. Aptera once again says it needs more money. And raw materials and innovation could lead to a plunge in EV battery prices—and EV prices—analysts predict. This and more, here at Green Car Reports. EV battery prices are due to drop dramatically this year and…
Aptera lacks the funds to produce solar EV, hints of design changes
Startup vehicle maker Aptera said it has begun production-intent builds on the body for its three-wheel solar EV, although the timeline for actual deliveries might not be quite as bright as it sounds In a video address accompanying the update, CEO Steve Fambro noted that Aptera chose Italy’s CPC Group for its “incredible ability” to…
Nissan Ariya price cut, E-Transit range boost, Dodge Charger Daytona EV: Today’s Car News
Nissan cuts the price of the Ariya. Ford gives its E-Transit vans more range. And Dodge reveals its electric muscle car. This and more, here at Green Car Reports. Ready for a very different kind of EV? The 2024 Dodge Charger Daytona EV has been revealed, and it gives a decidedly muscle-car spin to the…
2024 Dodge Charger Daytona EV charges up next muscle car era
The 2024 Dodge Charger Daytona is not like other electric vehicles. The three- and five-door hatchback hurtles the performance brand into its electric future by embracing all the muscle car machismo of its past. As for range and efficiency—the typical pride points of an EV launch— Dodge CEO Tim Kuniskis was characteristically blunt: “I don’t…
Audi EV discounts, public EV charging use, Nissan and Fisker: Today’s Car News
Nissan might help get a Fisker electric pickup built. Public charging is essential even for those who charge at home. And Costco is offering thousands off the price of Audi EVs. This and more, here at Green Car Reports. Costco members can get Audi EV discounts—including up to $3,000 off the E-Tron GT and RS…
Audi EV prices lowered by up to $3,000 through Costco
Costco members can once again gets discount of thousands of dollars on new Audi EVs starting this week. Between March 1 and April 30, Costco members can get significant discounts on the purchase or lease of many new 2023 or 2024 Audi models, assuming they take delivery by May 15. Looking at EVs, the biggest…
Rivian trip planning adds Tesla chargers in March, adapters coming soon
Rivian said Thursday that it will add Tesla Supercharger sites to its in-vehicle trip planner in March, with adapter shipments to owners starting soon after that. This will give Rivian owners access to more than 15,000 Superchargers across North America, the company said on X (formerly Twitter). As of Thursday Tesla had added Rivian to…
Safest EVs, VW ID.4 update, Honda fuel-cell PHEV, Fiat’s EV future: The Week in Reverse
Which major automaker might be partnering with Fisker for an electric pickup? Should EV charging stations be allowed where gas stations aren’t? This is our look back at the Week In Reverse—right here at Green Car Reports—for the week ending March 2, 2024. Ford detailed how EV owners can reserve a free Tesla charging adapter…
GMC Hummer EV joins gas-guzzlers in list of meanest for the environment
The 2024 American Council for an Energy Efficient Economy (ACEEE) list of “meanest” vehicles for the environment includes the expected array of gas-guzzling trucks—but also one EV. The 2024 GMC Hummer EV SUV was ranked ninth on the list, between the GMC Sierra pickup truck and Mercedes-Benz G 550 SUV. The annual list is based…
Rivian Supercharger plan, Hummer EV among the “meanest,” Fisker future: Today’s Car News
Fisker struggles, as it seeks to ally with a large automaker. The Hummer EV shows that not all electric vehicles are the greenest. And Rivian is set to add Supercharger stops in route planning. This and more, here at Green Car Reports. Rivian will be adding Tesla Supercharger sites to its trip planner in March,…
Nissan may build Fisker Alaska electric pickup, its own derivative
Nissan may build the Fisker Alaska electric pickup truck, as well as a derivative sold under its own brand name, Reuters reported Friday. The report, based on anonymous sources familiar with the matter, claims Nissan is in “advanced talks” to invest in Fisker, with a deal possibly closing later this month. Terms reportedly being discussed…
Fisker confirms potential EV partnership with “large automaker”
Fisker is in talks with an unnamed “large automaker” for a potential investment, development of one or more EV platforms, and North American manufacturing. The announcement, first reported by Automotive News, came directly from Fisker’s fourth-quarter 2023 earnings report Thursday. The company reported a $463 million net loss for the quarter. Fisker Alaska electric truck…
Ford EVs at Tesla Superchargers, EV Top Safety Picks, Aston EV delay: Today’s Car News
Ford has detailed how its EVs can charge on the Tesla network. Several EVs are among the safest new vehicles on the market. And Aston Martin has hit snooze on EVs in favor of plug-in hybrids. This and more, here at Green Car Reports. Three EVs are on the IIHS Top Safety Pick+ shortlist, despite…
These EVs are top-rated for safety by the IIHS
Several EVs earned high marks from the Insurance Institute for Highway Safety (IIHS) for 2024, the organization revealed this week. The IIHS toughened requirements to earn its highest Top Safety Pick+ and second-tier Top Safety Pick awards for 2024, but 71 models still qualified for at least one of the awards (with 22 earning the…
Tesla Roadster arriving in 2025 with SpaceX ties
Tesla CEO Elon Musk gave some conflicting signals about the upcoming Roadster on Tuesday night. “Tonight, we radically increased the design goals for the new Tesla Roadster,” the CEO said, via a post on X. Musk then clarified that the production design is complete and the product is due to be unveiled at the end…
Here’s why the tiny Fiat 500e is a big litmus test for the US EV market
The 2024 Fiat 500e returns to the U.S. in March to relaunch the brand, and this time Fiat is all about EVs—and keeping the 500 lineup as a two-door icon. As Fiat has already said in various ways over the past couple years, the U.S.-bound 500e will stand on its own. It won’t be a…
Honda CR-V fuel-cell, affordable Renault 5 EV, Fiat concepts: Today’s Car News
Renault brings back its hot hatch in affordable EV form. Fiat reveals five new EV concepts. And Honda details another impressive-looking hydrogen fuel-cell vehicle, as infrastructure questions remain. This and more, here at Green Car Reports. Honda has revealed the upcoming fuel-cell version of its Honda CR-V and, once again, it will only be available…
29 miles on a charge, few places to fuel up
Honda on Tuesday revealed a new electrified version of its 2025 Honda CR-V that can go 29 miles, powered only by a battery pack. Then, another source can kick on, providing power for longer trips. While the formula might sound familiar, what’s different, in the case of what’s set to be badged the CR-V e:FCEV,…
Ineos off-road EV, liquid-hydrogen tech, gas stations vs. EV chargers: Today’s Car News
Some lawmakers want to ban public EV charging stations wherever gas stations aren’t permitted. Ineos revealed a fully electric off-roader while talking up its range-extended versions instead. And liquid hydrogen could have greater potential for fuel-cell long-haul semis, suggests This and more, here at Green Car Reports. Lawmakers in Kentucky have made a confounding proposal:…
Ineos reveals Fusilier electric SUV, emphasizes range-extender option
Ineos Automotive on Friday announced an electric SUV, with an optional range-extended powertrain. Called the Fusilier, the new model shares the overall look of the internal-combustion Ineos Grenadier SUV currently in production, but is slightly shorter in length and lower, according to an Ineos press release. It will use a dedicated skateboard platform composed mostly…
Here’s why in a few years EVs may cost less than gas models
Lithium supply may soon exceed demand for use in EV batteries, potentially bringing price parity with internal-combustion vehicles later this decade, according to a new study from the International Council on Clean Transportation (ICCT). New emissions rules proposed by the EPA are expected to boost EV sales to 67% of total U.S. new-car sales by…
Is it fair that EV chargers are allowed where gas stations aren’t?
As EV charging infrastructure expands, lawmakers in the Kentucky legislature have introduced a bill to “protect” gas stations, local television station WKYT reports. House Bill 581 seeks to prevent zoning authorities from treating EV charging differently from gasoline dispensing. That means any location considered suitable for EV charging would also have to host gas stations….
Volvo cuts Polestar funding, as EV startup struggles
Volvo will stop funding Polestar, in a move that will give its parent, China’s Geely, greater control of the EV brand. But according to Volvo, in terms clarified on Friday, it won’t completely let go. It will retain about 18% of Polestar shares, while the rest of it will go to Volvo’s shareholders—allowing its majority…
Honda Prologue review, GM plug-in hybrids, Mach-E price cut: The Week in Reverse
Which automaker pushed an important EV target back by five years? Which brand is at least considering adding artificial engine vibration to its EVs? This is our look back at the Week In Reverse—right here at Green Car Reports—for the week ending February 23, 2024. In a first drive of the 2024 Honda Prologue EV,…
When EVs get cheaper, Mercedes EV targets, Volvo and Polestar: Today’s Car News
Mercedes reels back its global targets for EV sales, although it’s still pushing ahead with current EV plans. Volvo details how it’s backing away from Polestar. And EVs will likely get cheaper than gasoline vehicles before the end of the decade. This and more, here at Green Car Reports. Mercedes-Benz has delayed its EV targets…
Here’s why in a few years EVs may not cost more than gas models
Lithium supply may soon exceed demand for use in EV batteries, potentially bringing price parity with internal-combustion vehicles later this decade, according to a new study from the International Council on Clean Transportation (ICCT). New emissions rules proposed by the EPA are expected to boost EV sales to 67% of total U.S. new-car sales by…
Honda Prologue review, GM PHEV pickups, vibrating EV muscle car: Today’s Car News
GM may soon have Chevy and GMC plug-in hybrid pickups. Dodge considers EVs that have much more than a V-8 soundtrack. And the Honda Prologue remixes GM’s Ultium into its own gateway EV. This and more, here at Green Car Reports. In a first drive of the 2024 Honda Prologue EV, we found that this…
2024 Honda Prologue EV gets to something greater
The Prologue is Honda’s first mass-market EV. And fortunately it’s making a lot more sense on arrival than it was a few months ago. What happened last month was a big contextual piece. The company rolled out two head-turning Honda EV concepts providing a glimpse of its 0 Series (Zero Series) electric vehicles set to…
Ford Mach-E EV price cut, Genesis hybrids, tailpipe emissions rules: Today’s Car News
Ford knocked thousands off the price of its Mach-E electric crossover. Genesis may be going hybrid—and against its own EV current. And will the Biden administration loosen its own pollution standards? This and more, here at Green Car Reports. Ford on Tuesday cut Mustang Mach-E EV prices by up to $8,100. The price adjustment brings…
EPA may allow weaker emissions rules, slower EV rollout
The Biden administration may throttle back strict emissions rules in order to give automakers more time to ramp up EV sales, the New York Times reported earlier this week. Last April, the EPA unveiled proposed tailpipe emissions rules for model years 2027 to 2032. The agency estimated at the time that this would lead to…
Ford cuts Mach-E EV prices by thousands as sales plunge
Ford cut Mustang Mach-E prices by up to $8,100 after sales of the electric SUV reportedly fell by more than 50% in January. The automaker has lowered prices on multiple 2023 Mustang Mach-E models, reducing the base price by $3,100 to $41,695 with the mandatory $1,800 destination charge. The biggest discount is offered on several…
VW ID.7 Tourer EV boasts long range, looks set for a European vacation
The Volkswagen ID.7 is getting a wagon variant for Europe, but this new model hasn’t been confirmed for the U.S. Unveiled Monday, the VW ID.7 Tourer combines range that’s fairly close to the hatchback version (VW estimates up to 425 miles on the European WLTP testing cycle) with cargo space that puts many SUVs to…
2025 Porsche Panamera plug-in hybrids mix in more EV miles
Porsche hasn’t forgotten about plug-in hybrids. Although the sports-car brand just earlier this month revealed a revamped 2025 Taycan EV that offers more range, better efficiency, and stronger acceleration, and it’s soon rolling out its fully electric Macan SUV, it has a whole suite of other plug-ins on the way. Porsche already revealed in November…
Sono Motors revives with solar bus kit, not Sion solar EV
Germany’s Sono Motors has emerged from bankruptcy, but isn’t discussing the fate of its Sion solar-assisted EV. A press release announcing a plan to bring Sono out of bankruptcy did not mention the Sion, a small hatchback designed to use every body panel as a solar panel to boost range between charges. Instead, the company…
Survey suggests lack of experience with EVs is slowing adoption
Car shoppers’ lack of experience with EVs is still holding back adoption, a new Consumer Reports survey suggests. The nationally representative survey of 9,030 American consumers—80% of whom said they owned a non-hybrid gasoline vehicle—was conducted in late June and July 2023. Seven in 10 respondents expressed some level of interest in buying or leasing…
2023 EV sales blew past 2022 levels every month of the year
EV sales not only increased in 2023 overall, but they were higher than 2022 levels for every month of the year, according to the U.S. Department of Energy (DOE). Car sales are seasonal, and they always have been, so there’s no reason to expect that total vehicle sales or even EV sales broken out will…
VW’s Scout EV brand bows, around $2B US plant and truck nostalgia
Scout Motors on Thursday announced it has broken ground on a $2 billion plant in South Carolina that could eventually produce up to 200,000 EVs per year. The facility in Blythewood, “near major cities and talent hubs,” is also near the ports of Charleston and Savannah, and it’s possible that a portion of the plant’s…
Equinox EV details, Lucid Air price cut, Kia hybrid minivan, EV9 markups: The Week in Reverse
Which automaker revealed a far-out concept EV but skipped the auto show? And when did Republicans turn against EVs? This is our look back at the Week In Reverse—right here at Green Car Reports—for the week ending February 16, 2024. The 2024 Chevy Equinox EV will qualify for the $7,500 EV tax credit and remains…


































































































































































































