As EV sales growth slows, automakers are looking for other ways to reduce emissions without turning off potential buyers. That’s led to a wave of new plug-in hybrids coming to market – and to a surge in demand for PHEVs which grew 50% globally during the first five months of the year. But will they continue to outpace all-electric models? That’s a matter of debate.
Environment
A Week With: 2024 Chevrolet Blazer EV: A Hint of Great Things to Come
The Blazer name has had a long history at Chevrolet. In its newest incarnation it offers a sign of the direction the bowtie brand plans to take in an electrified automotive market. But does it live up expectations? Jeff Zurschmiede spent a week with the new Chevy Blazer EV to find out.
EVs Are Twice as Energy-Efficient as Gas Vehicles
Battery-electric vehicles use half as much energy to run a given distance as do vehicles powered by gasoline, according to a new study by Yale University. And the cleaner and more efficient the source of electricity used to charge a vehicle the better the equation gets.
Paraplegic IndyCar Driver Finds Electric Racing Car Uniquely Adaptable
Left a paraplegic following a crash six years ago, promising IndyCar driver Robert Wickens is back on track as part of the Formula E racing series thanks to an ell-electric race car specifically modified by manufacturing partner SPARK he can drive via hand controls. The third-generation Formula E car is the world’s fastest, lightest and most sustainable electric race car.
Jeep Confirms $25,000 Renegade EV Coming in 2027 – Offers First Details
Jeep will introduce a $25,000 EV in 2027, officials from parent Stellantis confirmed on Thursday. CEO Carlos Tavares – who first dropped hints about the affordable offering last month – added a number of other details during a meeting with investors.
Volvo Recalling All EX30 EVs to Repair Software Glitch
Volvo is recalling nearly 72,000 EX30 SUVs because of a software problem that can glitch the EV’s speedometer. It’s the second software problem that has plagued the new battery-electric vehicle. But motorists may not even know there’s a problem unless they read the mandatory recall notice sent under federal guidelines.
Trump Loads Campaign Appearance With False EV Claims
In years past, Donald Trump has declared he is “all for” EVs, but you’d have a hard time believing it based on the claims made during a weekend campaign rally. Declaring battery power a “hoax,” the presumptive GOP nominee for president insisted there are “no chargers,” and that EVs are so heavy they’d destroy every bridge in the country. He also warned during a stop in Las Vegas that electric boats can’t float, among other problems.
Virginia Quits “Misguided” California EV Mandate
Gov. Glenn Youngkin announced Wednesday that Virginia is walking away from the California electric vehicle mandate which he termed “misguided” and “fundamentally wrong.” Seventeen states and the District of Columbia have adopted the rules which set strict targets for the adoption of zero-emission vehicles, primarily EVs. The move by Youngkin, a Republican, faces legal challenges, however.
Shift to Plug-in Hybrids and Range-Extenders Accelerates
While growth in the battery-electric vehicle segment has slowed sharply this year, sales are rising fast for hybrids – and automakers like Toyota, General Motors, Hyundai Motor Group and others are forecasting demand could grow at a near exponential rate for plug-in hybrids and range-extenders – driven in part by revised federal emissions standards.
First Drive: 2024 Chevrolet Equinox EV – An Affordable, Long Range Option
Chevrolet’s line-up of battery-electric vehicles is about to get larger with the launch of the new 2024 Equinox EV. The compact crossover has plenty of features that could win over EV skeptics, including a price coming in at under $30,000, reasonable good performance and range of up to 319 miles. Here’s our review.
Drivers in California May Soon Pay By the Mile
States have long relied on gas taxes to cover the cost of building and maintaining their highway infrastructure. That approach falls apart as more and more EVs take to the road. California is exploring another option: tracking the mileage motorists log and charging them according to how far they drive. That could help prevent a gas tax shortfall of more than $4 billion over the next decade.
First Look: 2025 Honda Civic Hybrid
After a several-year absence, Honda is bringing back the Civic Hybrid, offering it as an option for both sedan and hatchback buyers for the 2025 model year. While if will offer as much as 50 mpg fuel economy, the new hybrid will put more emphasis on performance than past versions, the automaker said Tuesday.