Filed under: Green,Truck,Electric
Continue reading Alpha Wolf+ electric pickup adds space for friends, if only just
Alpha Wolf+ electric pickup adds space for friends, if only just originally appeared on Autoblog on Thu, 15 Apr 2021 17:16:00 EDT. Please see our terms for use of feeds.
Permalink | Email this | CommentsFiled under: Green,Auto Shanghai,Convertible,Electric
Continue reading GM's adorable convertible EV for the masses revealed ahead of Shanghai Auto Show
GM's adorable convertible EV for the masses revealed ahead of Shanghai Auto Show originally appeared on Autoblog on Thu, 15 Apr 2021 16:16:00 EDT. Please see our terms for use of feeds.
Permalink | Email this | CommentsFiled under: Green,Podcasts,Honda,Mazda,Porsche,Crossover,Electric,Luxury,Performance,sedan
An electric Mazda, the driver's Porsche Panamera and an intriguing Citroen | Autoblog Podcast #674 originally appeared on Autoblog on Thu, 15 Apr 2021 14:18:00 EDT. Please see our terms for use of feeds.
Permalink | Email this | CommentsFiled under: Auto News,Green,Mercedes-Benz,Green Automakers,Electric,Luxury,sedan
Continue reading 2022 Mercedes-Benz EQS flagship electric sedan comes into full view at last
2022 Mercedes-Benz EQS flagship electric sedan comes into full view at last originally appeared on Autoblog on Thu, 15 Apr 2021 12:00:00 EDT. Please see our terms for use of feeds.
Permalink | Email this | CommentsFiled under: Green,Alfa Romeo,Fiat,Jeep,Maserati,Citroen,Lancia,Opel,Peugeot,Vauxhall,Electric,Hybrid
Continue reading Stellantis to offer electric versions of most of its European lineup by 2025
Stellantis to offer electric versions of most of its European lineup by 2025 originally appeared on Autoblog on Thu, 15 Apr 2021 11:16:00 EDT. Please see our terms for use of feeds.
Permalink | Email this | CommentsFiled under: Design/Style,Green,Audi,Concept Cars,Electric,Luxury
Continue reading Audi previews the EV concept it's bringing to the Shanghai show
Audi previews the EV concept it's bringing to the Shanghai show originally appeared on Autoblog on Thu, 15 Apr 2021 11:15:00 EDT. Please see our terms for use of feeds.
Permalink | Email this | CommentsFiled under: Green,Misc. Automakers,Hatchback,Wagon,Electric,Future,Performance
Continue reading Geely launches its new Zeekr brand with the electric 001
Geely launches its new Zeekr brand with the electric 001 originally appeared on Autoblog on Thu, 15 Apr 2021 09:33:00 EDT. Please see our terms for use of feeds.
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Continue reading Watch the Mercedes-Benz EQS electric car debut
Watch the Mercedes-Benz EQS electric car debut originally appeared on Autoblog on Thu, 15 Apr 2021 08:36:00 EDT. Please see our terms for use of feeds.
Permalink | Email this | CommentsAnother week, another new electric crossover. That seems to be the story as automakers big and small around the globe try to stake a piece of the market’s move to electric vehicles. The small car company Mazda showed off a new electric version of its small MX-30 crossover this week, promising that it would be available in California dealerships this fall.
Mazda said the MX-30 EV would be characterized by its “stylish” design and a driving experience that fits the brand’s performance image. The latest iteration of Mazda’s Kodo (“Soul of Motion”) design philosophy aims to blend minimalist elements with a futuristic design. The result, at least as can be discerned from the company photos released, is a smooth-sided car with a bit of a retro look, reminiscent of some models like Nissan Cube or Figaro or the Honda E. It contrasts with the more sculpted look of the current gas-powered CX-30.
Performance may be a bit more of a stretch for the MX-30 EV. According to Mazda, a single electric motor rated at 144 horsepower and 200 pound-feet of torque will power the vehicle. That compares with the nearly identical CX-30’s base engine 186 horsepower/torque, but trails the turbo-engine versions 250 horsepower and 320 pound-feet of torque. We found the CX-30 base engine performance to be adequate, but the car’s suspension gave it credentials to be a true driver’s car.
The electric Mazda was first previewed at the Tokyo Motor Show in October 2019, so the real news here is that it will finally be going on sale in the U.S. Mazda touted its fast-charging capability (20-to-80 percent charge of its 35.5 kilowatt-hour battery in 36 minutes with a 50 kWh charger), which compares favorably with some of its rivals, but it doesn’t appear to have the ability to charge at the higher rates some newer fast-chargers offer. Mazda is partnering with EV charger company ChargePoint to offer home charging options for MX-30 buyers.
Mazda’s announcement also included a preview of some additional models that will follow, including a series plug-in hybrid that uses a rotary engine as a generator as well as a traditional hybrid. The use of the rotary engine should excite some enthusiast who are enamored with the engine’s unique design and smooth power. Mazda deployed the Wankel rotary in models from 1967 through 2002.
Inside the five-door MX-30 you’ll find a typical Mazda driver-oriented layout with control laid out for easy use while driving. The car will feature a floating center console and other areas that use cork, a renewable and eco-friendly material that also hints of Mazda’s origin as a cork manufacturing company more than a century ago. That console features an electronic shifter, a multi-function “commander” knob and shortcut buttons to control the Mazda Connect infotainment system. A 7.0-inch touchscreen provides access to the car’s various functions.
Mazda Connected Services will allow owners to monitor and control various functions of the car remoted through the MyMazda App. Owners will be able to lock and unlock doors, adjust the climate control and checking on the battery status/charging status through the app.
The MX-30’s five doors may be one of its more unique features. Its rear doors are described as “freestyle,” which means they are rear hinged so they are center opening, allowing greater access to the rear space. That said, they’re not full doors like those found on the CX-30, so will present a new process for those who’ll be uses the rear seat.
The car will come with a full suite of advanced safety equipment. We look forward to getting behind the wheel of this new entry and providing readers with a full report of how it stacks up in the expanding world of electric crossovers.
Related Stories You Might Enjoy—The Non-Electric Mazdas
Road Test: 2021 Mazda CX-30
Road Test: 2020 Mazda6
Road Test: 2020 Mazda3 Hatchback
Flash Drive: 2020 Mazda CX-30
Road Test: 2019 Mazda CX-9
Road Test: 2019 Mazda MX-5 Miata RF
Road Test: 2018 Mazda CX-5
Road Test: 2018 Mazda CX-3
Road Test: 2018 Mazda MX-5 Miata Club
The post News: Mazda Joins EV Crowd with MX-30 EV first appeared on Clean Fleet Report.Filed under: Green,Cadillac,GM,Electric
Continue reading GM to announce second U.S. battery plant, in Tennessee, with LG Chem, sources say
GM to announce second U.S. battery plant, in Tennessee, with LG Chem, sources say originally appeared on Autoblog on Wed, 14 Apr 2021 15:01:00 EDT. Please see our terms for use of feeds.
Permalink | Email this | CommentsFiled under: Green,Audi,Crossover,Electric,Luxury
Continue reading Audi's Q4 E-Tron EV duo wants to electrify one of the hottest segments
Audi's Q4 E-Tron EV duo wants to electrify one of the hottest segments originally appeared on Autoblog on Wed, 14 Apr 2021 13:15:00 EDT. Please see our terms for use of feeds.
Permalink | Email this | CommentsFiled under: Green,Motorsports,Truck,Electric,Off-Road,Racing
Continue reading Lordstown Motors Endurance race truck hits the dirt in reveal video
Lordstown Motors Endurance race truck hits the dirt in reveal video originally appeared on Autoblog on Wed, 14 Apr 2021 12:00:00 EDT. Please see our terms for use of feeds.
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Continue reading It's time for Jeep to build a legitimate electric Wrangler
It's time for Jeep to build a legitimate electric Wrangler originally appeared on Autoblog on Wed, 14 Apr 2021 11:00:00 EDT. Please see our terms for use of feeds.
Permalink | Email this | CommentsFiled under: Auto News,Green,Ford,Green Automakers,Technology,Truck,Crossover,Autonomous,Electric
Continue reading Ford to roll out 'BlueCruise' hands-free driving system in 2021
Ford to roll out 'BlueCruise' hands-free driving system in 2021 originally appeared on Autoblog on Wed, 14 Apr 2021 08:50:00 EDT. Please see our terms for use of feeds.
Permalink | Email this | CommentsFiled under: Green,Plants/Manufacturing,Tesla,Technology,Infotainment,Electric
Continue reading Electronics maker Petragon to build Texas plant to supply Tesla
Electronics maker Petragon to build Texas plant to supply Tesla originally appeared on Autoblog on Wed, 14 Apr 2021 08:27:00 EDT. Please see our terms for use of feeds.
Permalink | Email this | CommentsFiled under: Green,Mazda,Crossover,Hatchback,Electric,Hybrid
Continue reading 2022 Mazda MX-30 EV launches here in fall, rotary coming for 2023 model year
2022 Mazda MX-30 EV launches here in fall, rotary coming for 2023 model year originally appeared on Autoblog on Wed, 14 Apr 2021 08:00:00 EDT. Please see our terms for use of feeds.
Permalink | Email this | CommentsFiled under: Green,Electric,Luxury,sedan,Polestar
Continue reading Polestar announces more-affordable front-wheel-drive version of the 2
Polestar announces more-affordable front-wheel-drive version of the 2 originally appeared on Autoblog on Tue, 13 Apr 2021 08:09:00 EDT. Please see our terms for use of feeds.
Permalink | Email this | CommentsFiled under: Auto News,Design/Style,Hyundai,Green Automakers,Hatchback,Electric,Classics
Continue reading 1975 Hyundai Pony gets an electric overhaul to celebrate new design studio
1975 Hyundai Pony gets an electric overhaul to celebrate new design studio originally appeared on Autoblog on Mon, 12 Apr 2021 15:01:00 EDT. Please see our terms for use of feeds.
Permalink | Email this | CommentsFiled under: Green,Electric,Supercars
Continue reading Yamaha develops 496-horsepower motor for electric hypercars
Yamaha develops 496-horsepower motor for electric hypercars originally appeared on Autoblog on Mon, 12 Apr 2021 14:26:00 EDT. Please see our terms for use of feeds.
Permalink | Email this | CommentsFiled under: Green,Toyota,Crossover,Concept Cars,Electric
Continue reading Toyota's first global EV shows its nose ahead of its Shanghai debut
Toyota's first global EV shows its nose ahead of its Shanghai debut originally appeared on Autoblog on Mon, 12 Apr 2021 08:07:00 EDT. Please see our terms for use of feeds.
Permalink | Email this | CommentsOn March 30, 2021, LEVA-EU member Bafang Electric received a UK Conformity Assessment Marking (UKCA) from TUV SUD Certification and Testing (China) Co., Ltd. (TUV SUD). It indicates that Bafang’s Central Motor Drive System M200 (M200) conforms to the latest market access requirements of the UK. It is also the first UKCA certificate issued by TUV SUD to China’s e-bike industry.
The UKCA certificate requires that EMC test results of products meet the requirements of EN61000. Electromagnetic compatibility (EMC) refers to the ability of a device or system to operate in its electromagnetic environment without causing intolerable electromagnetic interference to any other device in its vicinity. With reliable anti-electromagnetic and anti-interference abilities, Bafang’s M200 ensures that it will neither affect the use of other electronic products during its operation, nor lose control due to strong electromagnetic radiation and interference around it, thus providing a safety guarantee for daily cycling.
In addition, as an entry-level e-city bike product independently developed by Bafang, the M200 is stable, quiet and economical, suitable for e-city bikes and highly popular among OEMs and brand owners. Over the past two years, Bafang’s R&D team has been continuously innovating, optimizing the structure of the M200’s motor transmission parts and achieving almost total silence, without affecting the 250W power output of the motor and strong performance of the system.
In this respect, Mr. Jiang Huiping, director of Bafang Marketing & Sales Center, said, “The UK is one of the most important and promising markets of Bafang in Europe. Receiving the first UKCA certificate is of great significance for Bafang to further develop its business in the UK market and expand its overseas business. Over the years, Bafang has been committed to providing consumers with safe and high-quality products. In the future, we will continue to set a good example in the industry with high quality and standards, and strive to become No. 1 in more areas, with quality as the cornerstone.”
The post Bafang Receives China’s First UK Conformity Assessment Certificate appeared first on LEVA-EU.
Filed under: Green,Green,Recalls,Ford,Electric
Continue reading Early owners of the Mustang Mach-E are having 12-volt battery issues
Early owners of the Mustang Mach-E are having 12-volt battery issues originally appeared on Autoblog on Sat, 10 Apr 2021 08:00:00 EDT. Please see our terms for use of feeds.
Permalink | Email this | CommentsIf you see a Polestar 2 parked along the street or hear it roll silently by, you’re forgiven if you don’t know what it is. You will notice that it’s a handsome, premium-grade midsize car that looks like a tall sedan (it’s actually a hatchback).
The secret is that Polestar is an electric performance brand from Volvo and its Chinese owner, Geely Holding. It was established in 2017 and is based in Gothenburg, Sweden, where Volvo has been for a long time (although the Polestar 2 is built in China).
I enjoyed a long weekend with a 2021 Polestar 2, and it certainly makes a great first and lasting impression in a market segment that is starting to grow—and will soon be full of choices.
The car is a “2” because it was preceded by the “1,” which is an electric performance plug-in hybrid GT, with a six-figure price tag and a limited output of 500 units per year over the next three years.
If you’re thinking, “this sounds like a Swedish Tesla,” you’re getting the idea. By taking what could be “Volvo’s EV model” and breaking it out as a standalone brand, Volvo and Geely are promoting exclusivity while creating a high-tech customer experience. From my experience, it’s working.
The vehicles will be sold online, and also shown off at strategically located “spaces,” where you can browse in a minimalist, Danish (Swedish?) modern showroom to get a feel for the cars before placing your order. There are already spaces in New York City and Los Angeles, and there are now two in the San Francisco Bay Area, where I’m located. The newest Polestar Space just opened in Silicon Valley, at the Westfield Valley Fair, 2855 Stevens Creek Boulevard, San Jose. There’s a second location in Corte Madera in Marin County.
Polestar also offers a convenient home delivery and service program, allowing customers who live within 150 miles of the Valley Fair Space, meaning from San Francisco in the north to Monterey Bay Peninsula in the south, to have a new car delivered to their door, as well as complimentary roundtrip transportation for future servicing.
The 2021 Polestar 2 makes a fine first impression, with its smooth flanks and chiseled edges, open mouth with black-square-filled grille and slices of taillamps at the rear. The Polestar logo looks like two boomerangs and is not at all like the familiar Volvo ironmark.
In a world obsessed with crossovers and SUVs, this is a car that looks like a tall sedan but actually provides hatchback practicality, including a fold-up panel for grocery bags that includes hooks and a strap.
I tested the car with two trips—one primarily freeway and the other on my local, beautiful back roads. In each case, the car acquitted itself athletically and in great comfort, as expected and hoped. The freeway jaunt was to San Rafael, in Marin County, which meant open freeways, bridge crossings and a short test loop through town, where I showed off the car’s rocket acceleration to my son. A BMW owner, he is a possible future Polestar buyer, which made this a demo ride and reinforced my positive impressions.
The backroad jaunt is where I recently took the all-new Ford Mustang Mach-E—a competitor—and the Polestar 2 showed its sharp reflexes and balanced handling around the bends. EVs benefit from a low center of gravity, and the 2’s steering was taut and the assist felt natural. I later found the screen on the center panel where you can configure the performance settings and saw that it was set up for “sporty,” which made sense. I guess I was driving “sporty” on the freeway, as well.
The 2021 Polestar 2 is a potent beast. The Launch Edition features two motors, one up front and one in the rear, powered by a 78-kilowatt-hour battery. This all adds up to 408 horsepower and 487 pound-feet of torque, good for a pulse-raising zero-to-60 run in under five seconds. Range is 233 miles, which is good, if not the best in the market.
The Polestar 2 features one pedal driving—a favorite of mine and many other EV drivers—where, thanks to regenerative braking, you use only the accelerator to move forward or slow down (even to a full stop). Of course, the brake pedal is right there when you need it, but in normal driving you can ignore it. The car offers three drive modes for regenerative braking (Off, Low, Standard), along with on or off settings for creep mode (where it acts like a “normal” automatic). It could stop and go with pinpoint accuracy with the “Standard” setting.
As an EV, the 2021 Polestar 2 is a silent traveler, and the time on the road gave me the chance to test what is the world’s first in-vehicle application of an infotainment system powered by Android with Google apps and services built-in. As the setup was done already, all I did was say, “Hey, Google, play Bluegrass,” and the friendly female voice said, “I’m choosing Indie Bluegrass from Spotify,” and that was that. I also tested Google for navigation and asking for my home address produced a large map on the center screen and turn-by-turn voice directions.
Inside, the 2021 Polestar 2 shows its Volvo origins. The lines are drawn with a brilliant, clean, and slightly cold aesthetic, and materials are matte and, according to the press info, it’s a fully vegan interior with the WeaveTech fabric and reconstructed wood trim. The ambiance isn’t overtly luxurious, but the traditionally super-supportive Volvo seats are right there with multiple adjustments and the fat, leather-wrapped wheel is nice to hold.
The 11-inch center panel screen is smaller than a Tesla’s, but Polestar parent Volvo has developed a beautiful and practical touchscreen interface. The home screen is quartered into maps, Phone, Driver Performance, and Music, but you can swipe to lots of different views, including the settings pages, where you can configure your driving experience.
Enquiring minds always want to know about charging. I used my solar-panel-powered Level 2 (240V) home charger, but if you’re on the road and want to top off quickly, DC fast charging at 150 kilowatts takes about 40 minutes to get you to 80 percent. It’ll take eight hours to refill the battery from 0 to 100 percent using Level 2 charging (perfect for overnight or a workday). If you just plug in to standard a 120V household outlet, you’d better give it 22 hours. That’s pretty normal for a battery of this size in 2021.
The EPA gives this all-electric car ratings of 96 MPGe city/88 highway/92 combined (where MPGe is Miles per Gallon equivalent that measures how far the car will travel on the electric energy equivalent of a gallon of gasoline/33.7 kilowatt-hours). Use that number to compare with other electric vehicles or, better yet, use the kWh/100 miles metric that is also on all new vehicles. That will tell you how much energy your vehicle needs to travel 100 miles, a more accurate measurement than our traditional fuel economy (mpg) numbers.
Of course, the EPA “green” scores are 10 for both Smog and Greenhouse Gas. Any emissions for an EV come not from a tailpipe but from manufacturing, transportation and how the electricity to move it is produced. These should diminish as more and more of the grid uses power from renewable sources, such as solar and wind, and as the manufacturers themselves use green energy—some, including GM, already do.
High tech treats include the absence of a start button. Just carry the chunky key fob in your pocket and walk up to the car. Open the door and sit down. Pull the stylish ring-shaped shift knob into D or R and the car moves. Leaving is the same thing. Put it in P (Park), open the door, step out, close the door, and walk away. You can press “Lock” on the digital key fob if that makes you feel more secure.
This is a premium vehicle, and the window sticker shows it. My test car, in “Moon” metallic, started at $59,900, and with $1,200 extra for the paint and $1,300 for destination (it’s shipped from its Chinese factory), came to $62,400.
This brings up a point. Who’s the customer, and what makes the 2021 Polestar 2 stand out? The obvious direct competitor is the Tesla Model Y (if you want the hatchback capability) or the Model 3. Teslas have the advantage of their supercharger network at this point, although Polestar is affiliating with ChargePoint and is compatible with most of the existing and growing charging network by all providers.
Tesla offers the same kind of minimalism as the Polestar 2. I haven’t yet driven a Model Y, but compared to other Teslas I’ve sampled, the Polestar 2 feels like a traditional car, with a more elaborate instrument panel and a more developed interior design language.
One new and more affordable option is the Mustang Mach-E, but the personality difference is substantial. If the Polestar 2 is a Tesla for Volvo enthusiasts, the Mach-E is a first EV for muscle car fans. With its exuberant styling inside and out and leftward running horse logo, the Mustang is competitive with the Polestar 2 only in its EV performance.
Matching the Polestar in power and range is the Jaguar I-Pace. However, the base S model is already $10,000 more expensive than the Polestar 2, although the interior ambiance is a bit fancier. The Audi E-tron is another luxury competitor, but I haven’t had any seat time in it yet. Mercedes-Benz is rolling out its EQ models and that brand has huge luxury equity. Ones to watch include the upcoming BMW i4 and recently announced Kia EV6, but you can’t buy one of those yet. Lexus, Infiniti and Acura are all promising EVs, but most of those don’t even have target introduction dates. New electric vehicles like the VW ID.4 are worthy, but can’t touch the Polestar 2 for sheer performance.
Time will tell with the Polestar brand, but the 2021 Polestar 2 is competitive and hits all the right buttons. The next model, the 3, will be a coupe marketed between the 1 and the 2 in price. There is also the stunning Precept concept that is slated to appear sometime in the future. For more affordable EVs, the Volvo brand has big plans to expand its lineup, and already offers the XC40 Recharge crossover.
It’s an exciting time to be an EV shopper, and it’s just going to get better.
Story by Steve Schaefer. Photos by Steve Schaefer and Volvo.
Make sure to opt-in to the Clean Fleet Report newsletter (top right of page) to be notified of all new stories and vehicle reviews.
Related Stories You Might Enjoy—The EV Competition
Another take on the Polestar: Gary Lieber Polestar 2 Road Trip
Tech: Benchmarking the Model Y EV
Flash Drive: Tesla Model 3
Flash Drive: 2021 Ford Mustang Mach-E EV
Road Trip: 2021 Ford Mustang Mach-E EV
Road Test: 2021 Ford Mustang Mach-E EV
Road Test: 2019 Jaguar I-Pace
Flash Drive: 2021 Volkswagen ID.4
News: Mercedes EQC 400 EV Debuts
Disclosure:
Clean Fleet Report is loaned free test vehicles from automakers to evaluate, typically for a week at a time. Our road tests are based on this one-week drive of a new vehicle. Because of this we don’t address issues such as long-term reliability or total cost of ownership. In addition, we are often invited to manufacturer events highlighting new vehicles or technology. As part of these events we may be offered free transportation, lodging or meals. We do our best to present our unvarnished evaluations of vehicles and news irrespective of these inducements.
Our focus is on vehicles that offer the best fuel economy in their class, which leads us to emphasize electric cars, plug-in hybrids, hybrids and diesels. We also feature those efficient gas-powered vehicles that are among the top mpg vehicles in their class. In addition, we aim to offer reviews and news on advanced technology and the alternative fuel vehicle market. We welcome any feedback from vehicle owners and are dedicated to providing a forum for alternative viewpoints. Please let us know your views at publisher@cleanfleetreport.com.
The post Road Test: 2021 Polestar 2 first appeared on Clean Fleet Report.Filed under: Green,Truck,Commercial Vehicles,Electric
Continue reading Freightliner electric semi and commercial trucks available to order
Freightliner electric semi and commercial trucks available to order originally appeared on Autoblog on Fri, 9 Apr 2021 15:00:00 EDT. Please see our terms for use of feeds.
Permalink | Email this | CommentsFiled under: Podcasts,Mazda,Mitsubishi,Pontiac,Subaru,Toyota,Coupe,Crossover,SUV,Electric
A pair of Mitsubishis, the Mazda CX-30 and electric incentives | Autoblog Podcast #673 originally appeared on Autoblog on Fri, 9 Apr 2021 14:36:00 EDT. Please see our terms for use of feeds.
Permalink | Email this | CommentsFiled under: Design/Style,Green,Volkswagen,Crossover,Electric
Continue reading Volkswagen ID.6 EV crossovers lurk in the shadow before Shanghai debut
Volkswagen ID.6 EV crossovers lurk in the shadow before Shanghai debut originally appeared on Autoblog on Fri, 9 Apr 2021 12:10:00 EDT. Please see our terms for use of feeds.
Permalink | Email this | CommentsFiled under: Green,Auto Shanghai,Convertible,Electric
Continue reading UPDATE: MG reveals Cyberster, its electrifying return to the roadster segment
UPDATE: MG reveals Cyberster, its electrifying return to the roadster segment originally appeared on Autoblog on Fri, 9 Apr 2021 10:55:00 EDT. Please see our terms for use of feeds.
Permalink | Email this | CommentsFiled under: Government/Legal,Green,Plants/Manufacturing,Electric
Continue reading Biden faces deadline in EV battery battle between LG Chem, SK Innovation
Biden faces deadline in EV battery battle between LG Chem, SK Innovation originally appeared on Autoblog on Fri, 9 Apr 2021 09:04:00 EDT. Please see our terms for use of feeds.
Permalink | Email this | CommentsPrice is one of the most significant roadblocks to clean transportation. Tesla, arguably the most iconic electric automaker right now, recently raised the price of several models in the U.S. While new EVs come out all the time, many of them aren’t cheap.
Despite these trends, there are still affordable clean cars on the market today. The most famous examples may be expensive, but not everything is. Here are five budget options for sustainable transportation (with links to further Clean Fleet Report tests and news).
The 2020 Mini Cooper SE is the cheapest electric car available in the U.S. right now. It comes in at an MSRP of $29,900, and that’s before the $7,500 federal EV tax credit. When that’s applied, buyers can get this car for less than $23,000. There are a variety of state and local incentives that can reduce that price even further.
Keep in mind that the Cooper SE has a relatively short range of 110 miles. If you don’t need to drive long distances, though, this remarkably affordable option could be ideal.
When most people think of electric cars, Tesla is probably the first name to come to mind. While the Tesla Model 3 became the best-selling EV in 2020, the Nissan Leaf held that distinction for years. That should come as no surprise, either, given the Leaf’s low price tag of $31,600.
The Leaf has a range of 149 miles, but the $38,200 Leaf Plus can go for 226. While the Leaf Plus isn’t exactly cheap, the EV tax credit and other incentives can make it even more affordable affordable.
The Hyundai Ioniq Electric is only available in some states, but it offers a lot for your money. The $33,045 hatchback includes features like Bluetooth, heated seats and an 8.0-inch touch screen as standard. It also has a 170-mile range, one the longest of similarly priced all-electric cars.
Like the Leaf, the Ioniq Electric has a pricier model that comes in at $38,615 before the tax credit. This model has the same range and power but comes with more features.
Hybrid cars are often more affordable than fully electric options, so you may want to consider one of these. They might also be easier to find, as virtually every major automaker produces at least one hybrid or plug-in hybrid model. If buyers can’t get their hands on a full-electric car, these are accessible, affordable alternatives.
Keep in mind, though, that hybrids may not be as green as they seem. The average hybrid car can emit around 28 tons of CO2 over its lifetime. That’s far less than gas and diesel vehicles, but still a considerable amount of emissions.
Even the cheapest cars can still be pricey. Thankfully, buyers can get green transportation for less money than even a gas-powered vehicle. Electric bikes also produce no tailpipe emissions (since they have no tailpiep) and cost far less than any car.
Some electric bikes can go for more than 100 miles without pedaling. While they’re not as speedy as cars, they may go faster than you think, often reaching speeds of 20 mph or higher.
The idea that green technologies are inherently expensive is somewhat of a misconception. As this list shows, even electric cars can be affordable. There are also even cheaper sustainable alternatives available.
Eco-conscious consumers don’t have to wait for green transportation to become cheaper. It’s already surprisingly affordable.
Story by Martin Banks. Photos from the manufacturers or Clean Fleet Report archive.
Make sure to opt-in to the Clean Fleet Report newsletter (top right of page) to be notified of all new stories and vehicle reviews.
The post Buyers Guide: Budget EV Options for Clean Transportation first appeared on Clean Fleet Report.Filed under: Green,Genesis,Coupe,Concept Cars,Electric,Luxury
Continue reading Genesis wants to know: Will you put down a deposit for the X Concept?
Genesis wants to know: Will you put down a deposit for the X Concept? originally appeared on Autoblog on Thu, 8 Apr 2021 14:38:00 EDT. Please see our terms for use of feeds.
Permalink | Email this | CommentsFiled under: Green,Ford,Crossover,Electric,Road Tests
2021 Ford Mustang Mach-E First Edition Road Test Review | Revisiting the past in Ford’s future originally appeared on Autoblog on Thu, 8 Apr 2021 09:00:00 EDT. Please see our terms for use of feeds.
Permalink | Email this | CommentsSource: VanMoof, San Francisco, April 7, 2021 – LEVA-EU member VanMoof is announcing that their S3 and X3 e-bikes ordered from now on, will work with Apple’s Find My app. VanMoof is one of the first e-mobility brands to join Apple’s Find My network. Riders are now able to add their latest VanMoof bikes to the new Items tab in the Find My app, allowing them to find and track their bike in a private and secure way using the vast and global Find My network, made up of hundreds of millions of Apple devices.
This integration with Apple’s Find My app fits seamlessly into VanMoof’s vision of the future. “We’re ushering the future of cycling into the present day,” says Ties Carlier, co-founder of VanMoof. “In the near future, when bikes are the primary mode of transportation in cities, this will come in handy as it gives riders around the world peace of mind they’ll be able to swiftly locate their ride.” With the new Items tab in the Find My app, riders can now locate their bike on a map from iPhone, iPad, or Mac.
VanMoof is one of the first brands to implement this capability and was able to do so because of its in-house product philosophy and the pre-existing advanced tech of their bikes. The new Find My network accessory program enables third-party companies to build finding capabilities into their products, letting riders use Apple’s Find My app to locate and keep track of their important items.
The Find My network, a network of hundreds of millions of Apple devices, can locate their e-bike while utilizing all of the network’s built-in privacy and security protections. The Apple Find My network is anonymous and uses advanced encryption. This means that no one else – not even Apple or VanMoof – can view the location of the riders.
VanMoof has always been actively seeking the best tech offerings in the cycling market. With this new capability, VanMoof has shown it is ready to welcome the future of cycling. The number of e-bikes worldwide has recently increased dramatically; the global e-bike market forecasted to reach $46B+ by 2026. The global e-bike boom has resulted in cities across the world working hard to find spatial solutions to create parking spaces, bike racks, and necessary infrastructure for cyclists.
The post VanMoof S3 and X3 now work with Apple’s Find My app appeared first on LEVA-EU.
Filed under: Government/Legal,Green,Car Buying,Electric
Continue reading $100 billion of Biden infrastructure plan would be for EV consumer rebates
$100 billion of Biden infrastructure plan would be for EV consumer rebates originally appeared on Autoblog on Wed, 7 Apr 2021 18:52:00 EDT. Please see our terms for use of feeds.
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Continue reading Tesla tells China its built-in cameras are not enabled outside North America
Tesla tells China its built-in cameras are not enabled outside North America originally appeared on Autoblog on Wed, 7 Apr 2021 08:31:00 EDT. Please see our terms for use of feeds.
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Continue reading News of Silverado EV pickup production sends GM shares to record high
News of Silverado EV pickup production sends GM shares to record high originally appeared on Autoblog on Tue, 6 Apr 2021 13:59:00 EDT. Please see our terms for use of feeds.
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Continue reading Chevrolet Silverado EV production coming to Factory Zero, with 400-mile range
Chevrolet Silverado EV production coming to Factory Zero, with 400-mile range originally appeared on Autoblog on Tue, 6 Apr 2021 12:38:00 EDT. Please see our terms for use of feeds.
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Continue reading Cyberlandr is a pickup camper for the Tesla Cybertruck
Cyberlandr is a pickup camper for the Tesla Cybertruck originally appeared on Autoblog on Tue, 6 Apr 2021 12:10:00 EDT. Please see our terms for use of feeds.
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Continue reading GMC explains why the Hummer EV SUV has only 830 horsepower
GMC explains why the Hummer EV SUV has only 830 horsepower originally appeared on Autoblog on Tue, 6 Apr 2021 09:20:00 EDT. Please see our terms for use of feeds.
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Continue reading GMC offers more 2024 Hummer EV SUV details, photos
GMC offers more 2024 Hummer EV SUV details, photos originally appeared on Autoblog on Mon, 5 Apr 2021 13:39:00 EDT. Please see our terms for use of feeds.
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Continue reading Cadillac Lyriq shown in pre-production form for the first time
Cadillac Lyriq shown in pre-production form for the first time originally appeared on Autoblog on Mon, 5 Apr 2021 13:08:00 EDT. Please see our terms for use of feeds.
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Continue reading Polestar previews what looks like a higher-performance EV
Polestar previews what looks like a higher-performance EV originally appeared on Autoblog on Mon, 5 Apr 2021 12:17:00 EDT. Please see our terms for use of feeds.
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Continue reading Extreme E inaugural electric off-road race won by Nico Rosberg's team
Extreme E inaugural electric off-road race won by Nico Rosberg's team originally appeared on Autoblog on Mon, 5 Apr 2021 08:55:00 EDT. Please see our terms for use of feeds.
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Continue reading Tesla's market value set to gain $50 billion on record first-quarter deliveries
Tesla's market value set to gain $50 billion on record first-quarter deliveries originally appeared on Autoblog on Mon, 5 Apr 2021 08:11:00 EDT. Please see our terms for use of feeds.
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Continue reading Tesla's Q1 deliveries break previous record
Tesla's Q1 deliveries break previous record originally appeared on Autoblog on Sun, 4 Apr 2021 15:00:00 EDT. Please see our terms for use of feeds.
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Continue reading 2024 GMC Hummer EV SUV revealed, priced the same as the truck
2024 GMC Hummer EV SUV revealed, priced the same as the truck originally appeared on Autoblog on Sat, 3 Apr 2021 18:16:00 EDT. Please see our terms for use of feeds.
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Continue reading Mercedes-Benz EQS reveals its powertrain and battery secrets in detail
Mercedes-Benz EQS reveals its powertrain and battery secrets in detail originally appeared on Autoblog on Fri, 2 Apr 2021 18:01:00 EDT. Please see our terms for use of feeds.
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Restomod Hummers, compact pickups, and a long-lost turbine truck | Autoblog Podcast #672 originally appeared on Autoblog on Fri, 2 Apr 2021 15:22:00 EDT. Please see our terms for use of feeds.
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Continue reading Biden aims to juice EV sales with tax credits, rebates: Will it work?
Biden aims to juice EV sales with tax credits, rebates: Will it work? originally appeared on Autoblog on Fri, 2 Apr 2021 08:37:00 EDT. Please see our terms for use of feeds.
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Continue reading Rivian announces warranty info, equals or betters Tesla in critical areas
Rivian announces warranty info, equals or betters Tesla in critical areas originally appeared on Autoblog on Thu, 1 Apr 2021 11:40:00 EDT. Please see our terms for use of feeds.
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Continue reading Lordstown Endurance electric truck beta production launches
Lordstown Endurance electric truck beta production launches originally appeared on Autoblog on Thu, 1 Apr 2021 11:03:00 EDT. Please see our terms for use of feeds.
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Continue reading Mercedes EQS EV range to reach 770 km, or 478 miles, says CEO
Mercedes EQS EV range to reach 770 km, or 478 miles, says CEO originally appeared on Autoblog on Thu, 1 Apr 2021 09:58:00 EDT. Please see our terms for use of feeds.
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Continue reading VW forced to buy green car credits from Tesla in China
VW forced to buy green car credits from Tesla in China originally appeared on Autoblog on Thu, 1 Apr 2021 09:04:00 EDT. Please see our terms for use of feeds.
Permalink | Email this | CommentsIt happens every year. One or two or sometimes more companies let their PR folks’ creative juices loose on a gag press release sent on April 1. Some get a chuckle; many more a groan. The auto industry is not known as a second career for comedy writers.
Volkswagen took April Fools Day to a new level this year with a convoluted plan to announce a name change to VOLTSWAGEN to highlight its new ID.4 battery electric crossover and the corporate commitment to EVs. Except the announcement “leaked” early, was confirmed as news—or was it?—and then, finally, the overlords from Wolfsburg called time-out on the game and said it was all an innocent joke. And we hadn’t even made it to April 1.
Insert confused, sad emoji here.
What’s sad to me is not that VW’s staff tried to pull off a clever scheme to garner attention for its electric efforts, but that they didn’t have some real news to play off of. I’ve spent a few days in the ID.4 as have many of my colleagues and collaborators. It’s a serious EV, enough to make the name change almost credible—until you realize we’re talking about a German corporation that is one of largest auto companies in the world. Also not known for its humor.
Maybe the attention was worth it. I initially found it a little strained because it came off to me as counterintuitive for a company that didn’t bring its first new electric model, the Golf-sized ID.3, to the U.S. and also recently announced that the iconic ID.Buzz would be delayed coming to these shores.
The VW fake news pales even more in light of announcements from VW’s competitors during the past few weeks.
All these news items and not an attempted joke among them.
The post Opinion: Hey VW, Electric Vehicles Are Not a Joke first appeared on Clean Fleet Report.Filed under: Auto News,Green,Emissions,Green Culture,Electric,Future,Hybrid
Continue reading Forget the end of internal combustion; let's cancel commuter culture
Forget the end of internal combustion; let's cancel commuter culture originally appeared on Autoblog on Wed, 31 Mar 2021 10:00:00 EDT. Please see our terms for use of feeds.
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Continue reading Daimler says it's off to a strong year, will speed up EV rollout
Daimler says it's off to a strong year, will speed up EV rollout originally appeared on Autoblog on Wed, 31 Mar 2021 08:58:00 EDT. Please see our terms for use of feeds.
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Continue reading Biden infrastructure plan: What's in it, how it would be paid for
Biden infrastructure plan: What's in it, how it would be paid for originally appeared on Autoblog on Wed, 31 Mar 2021 08:21:00 EDT. Please see our terms for use of feeds.
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Continue reading Genesis X concept is beautiful, and Genesis needs to build it
Genesis X concept is beautiful, and Genesis needs to build it originally appeared on Autoblog on Tue, 30 Mar 2021 21:10:00 EDT. Please see our terms for use of feeds.
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Continue reading Tesla Semi — remember it from 2017? It's delayed again
Tesla Semi — remember it from 2017? It's delayed again originally appeared on Autoblog on Tue, 30 Mar 2021 14:03:00 EDT. Please see our terms for use of feeds.
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Continue reading Tesla allegedly charged some of its customers twice for their car
Tesla allegedly charged some of its customers twice for their car originally appeared on Autoblog on Tue, 30 Mar 2021 12:44:00 EDT. Please see our terms for use of feeds.
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Continue reading UPDATE: VW 'Voltswagen' rebranding was a marketing stunt
UPDATE: VW 'Voltswagen' rebranding was a marketing stunt originally appeared on Autoblog on Tue, 30 Mar 2021 09:14:00 EDT. Please see our terms for use of feeds.
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