Hybrids
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Earlier this month, Ford announced a host of new electrified vehicles, including prototype and production hybrid, plug-in hybrid, and battery-electric models. Before its planned 2019 production launch, one of those vehicles will soon begin testing in London. It's a plug-in hybrid version of the Ford Transit Custom van, designed for commercial use. DON'T MISS: Ford plans 300-mile electric SUV, hybrid F-150 and Mustang, more U.S. production The Transit Custom is one of three variants to wear the Transit name, and the only one not sold in the U.S. In European terms, it's a mid-size van, slotting...
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2017 Nissan Rogue Hybrid: gas mileage reviewLast year, Nissan sold almost 330,000 Rogues in the U.S., making it by far the brand's most popular model. For 2017, the compact crossover utility vehicle has added a new model, a hybrid that competes with the very successful Toyota RAV4 Hybrid—of which 44,000 were delivered last year. We...
John Voelcker -
Honda hybrid minivan, SUV, or pickup coming; dedicated hybrid in 2018 tooIn recent years, Honda has announced that it planned to release advanced-technology green cars in the future—without mentioning even their names, let alone any details or specifications. That's what happened two years ago with a pair of unnamed battery-electric and plug-in hybrid vehicles...
John Voelcker -
Best deals on hybrid, electric, fuel-efficient cars for January 2017It's a new year, and that means a new crop of buyer deals on green cars. The 2017 model year is now well underway, but older 2016 versions of certain vehicles still sit on dealer lots. As dealers get more anxious to clear this older stock, look for more aggressive incentives on these models. DON'T...
Stephen Edelstein -
Explaining how Honda Accord Hybrid system works: videoThe 2017 Honda Accord Hybrid mid-size sedan returned last year, ending a one-year hiatus for the model. The new version uses an updated version of the two-motor hybrid powertrain fitted to earlier hybrid Accords, which were sold as 2014 and 2015 models. That powertrain is notable because it uses a...
Stephen Edelstein -
Green car preview at Detroit Auto ShowThe 2017 Detroit Auto Show will include a mix of hybrid, electric, and fuel-efficient car debuts.
Stephen Edelstein -
In recent years, Ford has acquired a bit of a reputation for opacity in its dealings with the media. One example was its promise in December 2015 that it would introduce 13 new "electrified" vehicles by 2020. Ford didn't specify what those were, or what the term meant, leading to widespread inaccurate reporting that assumed that meant 13 electric cars ... with plugs. DON'T MISS: Ford plans 300-mile electric SUV, hybrid F-150 and Mustang, more U.S. production It didn't mean that at all. Technically, all cars are "electrified" to some degree—but the term is customarily used to refer to...
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Ford Transit Connect Hybrid taxi prototype to appear in DetroitA prototype Ford Transit Hybrid taxi will appear at the 2017 Detroit Auto Show.
Stephen Edelstein -
Most autonomous cars shown at CES are electrified: previewNumerous electrified cars are expected to debut at CES this year.
Stephen Edelstein -
2017 Kia Niro hybrid: first drive reportAccording to its maker, the 2017 Kia Niro is the first "crossover hybrid vehicle" sold in the U.S.—but what does that really mean? We drove150 miles in two different versions of the top-of-the-line Niro Touring model two weeks ago, and concluded that the Niro represents an interesting package...
John Voelcker -
Fusion Hybrid again used for latest Ford autonomous test vehicleFord will deploy a second-generation version of its autonomous Fusion Hybrid sedan in 2017.
Stephen Edelstein -
Michigan socks hybrid owners with new fees—that don't apply to most hybrids (updated)The state of Michigan, to help pay for road repairs, decided more than a year ago to hit owners of hybrids and electric cars with additional fees starting this January 1—on top of higher registration rates for all cars. The new fees have been added to the registration bills for hybrids...
John Voelcker -
Consumer fear of green cars may be hurting sales, one analyst believes.
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Toyota changes course, offers to share hybrid technology with rivalsOver the past six months, Toyota has made some remarkable decisions about its present and future car technologies. After years of staunch opposition to battery-electric vehicles, it committed to launching one by 2020. Now, the company has decided to offer its proprietary hybrid technology in volume...
John Voelcker -
XL Hybrids gets big order for pickup truck plug-in hybrid 'upfit'XL Hybrids is expanding its business to pickup trucks.
Stephen Edelstein -
2018 BMW 530e 'iPerformance' plug-in hybrid sedan for U.S. unveiledThe 2018 BMW 530e iPerformance is a plug-in hybrid version of the recently-redesigned 5-Series sedan.
Stephen Edelstein -
Which green-car technology will matter least in 2025? Poll resultsThere's no single silver bullet that will reduce the energy consumption and emissions from the 80 million new road vehicles sold globally each year. Instead, thousands of individual efforts to improve the efficiency of powertrains, reduce vehicle weight, cut wind resistance, and all the rest come...
John Voelcker -
Best deals on hybrid, electric, fuel-efficient cars for December 2016These are the best deals on green cars for December 2016.
Stephen Edelstein -
The 2017 Chrysler Pacifica Hybrid is rated at 33 miles of electric range, and 84 MPGe.
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2017 Cadillac CT6 Plug-In Hybrid: 30 miles of electric range, $76,000 base priceThe 2017 Cadillac CT6 Plug-In Hybrid will have 30 miles of electric range.
Stephen Edelstein -
Feds issue mandatory-noise rule for new electric, hybrid carsThe National Highway Traffic Safety Administration finally issued mandatory-noise rules for so-called "quiet cars."
Stephen Edelstein -
2017 Chrysler Pacifica Hybrid: first drive of plug-in hybrid minivanThe 2017 Chrysler Pacifica Hybrid wraps a number of firsts into one innovative package. The Pacifica minivan, launched this year, has received positive reviews for its combination of stylish design, comfortable interior, easy-to-use infotainment, and capacious carrying capacity for up to eight...
John Voelcker -
Best deals on hybrid, electric, fuel-efficient cars for November 2016These are the best deals on green cars for November 2016.
Stephen Edelstein -
Dominant Audi racing team dumps diesel hybrids for electric powerAudi will stop racing at the 24 Hours of Le Mans, and focus on Formula E instead.
Stephen Edelstein