CrossBlue Coupé. Click to enlarge. At the 2013 Shanghai Auto Show, Volkswagen will introduce the “CrossBlue Coupé” concept plug-in hybrid SUV. The automaker introduced the “CrossBlue SUV” concept—developed specifically for the US and Canada—at the North American International Auto Show earlier this year. (Earlier post). The CrossBlue C
AWD Tesla Model S Coming Soon? (Warning: Pure Speculation)
With the delay of its Model X crossover until "late in 2014," it may look as if Tesla's product pipeline is running dry. But we suspect the Silicon Valley startup electric-car company will offer a few new variants on its sole product, the Model S luxury sport sedan. And an obvious next step for Tesla Motors [NSDQ:TSLA] would be to add the option..
Colorado State Team Teaches Middle School Girls about HEVs
Colorado State University Vehicle Innovation Team (CSU VIT) members Emily Keats and Allison Kotewicz participated in GESTEM (Girls Exploring Science, Technology, Engineering, and Math) 2013 held in Denver, CO in April. Their workshop – titled “Hybrid/Electric Vehicles – for Girls!” – was one of 93 selected to participate in this event. The girls wh
Volkswagen CrossBlue Coupe Concept: Plug-In Hybrid At Shanghai Auto Show
Volkswagen has hinted at the direction of its future SUVs--and their powertrains--by unveiling the CrossBlue Coupe Concept at the Shanghai Auto Show. As is increasingly common these days, the CrossBlue is Coupe in spirit more than it is in construction, the five-door liftback body distinctly more SUV than coupe. It's also recognizably a...
Can An ‘Ultralight Adventure Vehicle’ Be An Electric Bicycle?
Got some money to burn and in need of a hobby? Perhaps some sort of adventure sport, but nothing too crazy--off-road bikes, perhaps? Not just any off-road bike though. It has to be electric, for a start. What about one of Outrider's electric recumbent bikes? Yes indeed--there is now such a thing as an electric recubment bike for adventure sports..
Honda opens order book for NSX hybrid supercar
Honda has opened a pre-order bank for its new hybrid sports car, after receiving unprecedented demand for the new high-performance model, the carmaker claims. UK buyers can now pre-order the new NSX for a deposit of £5,000, ahead of the car’s launch in 2015. First unveiled at the Detroit Motor Show in 2012, the new
Killer gas could be key to boosting biofuel yields
Hydrogen sulphide-a toxic substance often referred to as sewer gas-may have been implicated in several mass extinctions, but it might just hold the key to increasing biofuel yields. Research by the University of Washington has revealed that the deadly gas, if used at low concentrations, can actually spur plant growth. This could help increase food
Fiat will lose $10,000 on every electric car, says Marchionne
Fiat-Chrysler CEO Sergio Marchionne has attacked US policies which support electric cars, claiming the carmaker will lose $10,000 on every Fiat 500e electric car it sells — even with government subsidies. The new 500e is due to launch this summer, initially only in California, to meet the state’s strict legislation supporting the production of zero
Honda reveals details of Accord Plug-in Hybrid engine
Earlier this year, Honda released the Accord Plug-in Hybrid (pictured) on limited sale: and now the company has revealed details about its engine as part of the SAE World Congress in Detroit. The vehicle, which has sold 45 units to date, boasts an all-electric range of 13miles; with combined fuel economy of 115mpge. So what
CA Air Board Head To Carmakers On ZEV Rules: Back Off, Boys
California is the largest single market for new vehicles in the United States: more than 1.5 million vehicles are sold each year. So when state officials speak, the auto industry has to listen. On Tuesday, Mary Nichols spoke. She heads the powerful California Air Resources Board, which has legal authority to set emissions regulations for vehicles.
Patrick Davis of DOE Receives President Rank Award
Director of the Vehicle Technologies Office at the U.S. Department of Energy (DOE) Patrick Davis was awarded the Presidential Rank award for his exemplary leadership of the government’s research and development (R&D) program to address the United States’ on-road fuel consumption and greenhouse gas emissions. “The award is a reflection of the wo
2013 Nissan Leaf review – the updated, British-built EV
by Lem Bingley Rating: 5 out of 5 stars Good: Improved cabin, steering, heating and suspension, longer range Bad: Still pricey and still limited in range Price: From £15,990 after grants, battery not includedFor reasons best known to Nissan, I’ve travelled all the way to Norway to test the newly updated Leaf electric car, which is now built in the
VP Don Butler says Cadillac prefers electric assist over full EVs
Filed under: EV/Plug-in, Cadillac, AutoblogGreen Q & A, At Witz End One other interesting and timely interview I was offered at this year's Detroit North American International Auto Show was with Don Butler, Cadillac's enthusiastic marketing VP. Why so timely? Because it was right after Cadillac unveiled the production version of its soon-to-co