Utility Companies Jump Aboard the Electric Vehicle Bandwagon

Photo: CBS Los Angeles Electric utility companies have been having a bit of a problem recently, and that is that, after decades of climbing demand, the industry wasn’t prepared for the impact of cheap renewable and natural gas production, combining greater efficiency, outsourcing, and on-site power generation have flattened demand. Be Prepared: Get ready for…

A Brief History of Electric Vehicles

Three very happy looking men sitting in one of Thomas Parker’s early electric vehicles Photo: Wikimedia Commons via CC The fact that all-electric vehicles are soon going to be as common as their gas-powered siblings should shock nobody. Most major automakers are restructuring to ramp up EV production, and Volvo is even going so far…

The First Buick Electric Vehicle Debuts in China

The Chinese are getting dibs on the first Buick electric vehicle ever, as the car company has made a splash with its Velite 6 wagon, sporting a fresh design, large trunk, and handy features. Besides its original look on the outside, its cargo space in the back trunk amounts to 16 cubic feet. This number…

How Cold Weather Affects Electric Vehicles

Bolt EV Premier Photo: Chevrolet It’s normal to consider winter’s impact on conventional gas-fueled vehicles. You might not have considered its effect on electric vehicles (EVs), however. Here are just a couple ways that chilly weather affects EVs — and some helpful tips for optimizing your vehicle’s range during the winter. How EVs lose in cold…

Maine Proposes Annual Fee for Hybrid and Electric Vehicle Owners

Portland, Maine Photo: Matthew Baron While the electric and hybrid vehicle trend has started gradually infiltrating the U.S., Maine residents might soon face a government-imposed pediment to buying a green energy ride of their own. The Maine Department of Transportation (DOT) recently announced a new proposal that would obligate owners of hybrid or fully electric vehicles…

California to Double Down on Electric Vehicle Rebates to Fight Emissions

Photo: byronv2 California is having a bit of a problem with its air pollution. Despite probably being the lead state in eco-conscious and especially air-quality-conscious regulations, its population still seems to be responding to improving economic times and low gasoline prices by buying more “light trucks” (meaning trucks, SUVs, and vans) than ever. So, what…

Subaru Considers Adding Electric Vehicle to Lineup

The Subaru Crosstrek Hybrid was discontinued for 2017 after only three years on the market Gas prices remain low in the United States, yet automakers are pouring money into alternative fuel vehicles—partly due to regulations requiring them to improve their lineups’ overall MPG ratings, but also partly to be at the cutting edge. Surprisingly, Subaru…

FCA Joins Partnership to Offer Charging Stations for New Electric Vehicles

Plug-in hybrid Jeep Renegade Photo: Jeep With the release of the plug-in hybrid Jeep Renegade and full-electric Fiat 500 on the horizon, Fiat Chrysler Automobiles is partnering with Enel and Engie to develop charging stations for these new electric vehicles. Learn More: The new electric Jeep model What the partnership entails In June of 2018,…

Hawaii Boasts the Second Highest Percentage of Hybrid or Electric Vehicles in the US

Ka’u, Hawaii Photo: Les Williams According to the latest report from Insurify, more than half a million hybrid and electric vehicles sold in 2017. The report also ranked the top 10 states with the highest ownership rates for hybrid and electric vehicles. Hawaii placed second on the list, just below California. As the report articulated,…

Report: Approximately 80% of Electric Vehicles Are Leased

Although electric models are leaving dealership lots, they are not being bought With each passing week, more automakers are introducing new electric vehicles to their future lineups. Despite this rapid electric adoption, only about 1% of the global market has gone fully electric. This statistic would suggest that people are not buying new electric vehicles, and this…

Is Hyundai Done Making Electric Vehicles?

The first member of Hyundai’s Ioniq family–the gas-electric hybrid–has just been made available for purchase, and with the other two Ioniq siblings on the way, Hyundai is already looking ahead at the future of its eco-friendly vehicles. The much-anticipated Ioniq all-electric is a monumental step forward for the brand, but critics are already anticipating it…

GM Abandons Hybrids to Focus on Fully Electric Vehicles

GM recently discontinued the Cadillac CT6 plug-in hybrid Photo: Cadillac Don’t expect any more hybrid vehicles from General Motors. The automaker says it’s done manufacturing cars that run on combined electric and gas power. Instead, it’s going all-in on fully electrified rides. GM has already announced plans to introduce up to 20 electric vehicles around…

Pam Fletcher Named GM's Vice President of Global Electric Vehicle Programs

General Motors has appointed Pamela Fletcher as its new vice president of Global Electric Vehicle Programs. Fletcher, who most recently was GM’s executive chief engineer for Electrified Vehicles and New Technologies, was integral in the launch of the zero-emissions Chevrolet Bolt and will by key in the automaker’s recently-announced plan to launch 20 new all-electric…

Chrysler to Reveal New Electric Vehicle at CES

Fiat Chrysler Automobiles, as the owners of Jeep, Ram, and Dodge, isn’t really known for its alternative-fuel vehicles. In fact, its only strong foray into fully-electric cars was the Fiat 500e, a teeny tiny car available in the fewest possible numbers in California which FCA boss Sergio Marchionne would actually prefer you not buy. However,…

Cadillac Set to Receive a “Disproportionate” Share of GM's Upcoming Electric Vehicles

Cadillac’s future is looking quite “shocking” A few months ago, The News Wheel reported that Buick would likely lead the charge toward GM’s electric future, receiving many of the 20 all-electric vehicles GM plans to release by 2023. Recent comments made during the North American International Auto Show now indicate anther of GM’s brands might receive…

Ford Plans to Deliver 16 Electric Vehicles by 2022 with Increased $11B Electrification Investment

Ford announced this week that it intends to more than double the amount it originally intended to invest in vehicle electrification, which will result in 16 fully-electric vehicles being launched by 2022—the first of which is expected to arrive by 2020. “We’re all in, and the only question is will the customers be there with…

Volvo is Converting to All Electric Vehicles by 2019

Volvo is taking major steps towards a greener, cleaner roadway. Volvo Cars has announced that by 2019, all of the company’s vehicles will be released with electric motors. The goal is to completely replace the production of cars with internal combustion engines (ICE) with electric motors for a more efficient, environmentally-friendly way of driving. The…

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2016 Mercedes-Benz electric vehicle

2016 Mercedes-Benz B-Class Electric Drive The News Wheel is a digital auto magazine providing readers with a fresh perspective on the latest car news. We’re located in the heart of America (Dayton, Ohio) and our goal is to deliver an entertaining and informative perspective on what’s trending in the automotive world. See more articles from…

2017 Hyundai Ioniq Electric Vehicle Overview

A newcomer to the Hyundai lineup, the Ioniq is a monumental step forward for the brand. Aimed at environmentally-conscious drivers, Hyundai’s Ioniq is actually a groundbreaking trio of vehicles–Hybrid, Electric, or Plug-in versions–all available based on the same model. The all-electric version of the Ioniq forgoes gasoline and uses a battery-powered electric engine for a…

Study Ranks Major US Cities by How Friendly They Are to Electric Vehicles

Where can you live that loves electric vehicles? Well, according to researchers at the Indiana University School of Public and Environmental Affairs, the answer to that question is Portland, at least according to a study titled “Plug-in electric vehicle readiness: Rating cities in the United States,” where researchers looked at 36 cities, including 25 of…

What Does Dieselgate Mean for Electric Vehicles?

Among concerns that have come up as a result of Volkswagen’s emissions-test-cheating software—what will happen to VW? Will there be charges? What will happen with the cars already sold?—one additional concern is starting to sweep through other auto makers: What does this mean for us? Well, if you ask Tesla CEO Elon Musk, it means…

Honda and Hitachi Partner to Create Electric Vehicle Motors

Hitachi Automotive Systems and Honda Motor Company today announced the February 3rd signing of a Memorandum of Understanding (“MoU”) to establish a joint venture company for the development, manufacture and sales of motors for electric vehicles. The two companies now will now enter the stage of formal discussions as they work to establish the new…

Electric Vehicle Sales Set Records in Norway

Photo: Audi For the first time ever, electric vehicles have outsold their fossil fuel-burning counterparts in Norway. In March, 58.4 percent of new cars sold in the country were electrified. However, when you average it out for 2019, the figure becomes 48.4 percent. Experts predict that the number will hover around 50 percent for the…

Autotrader Names Chrysler Pacifica Hybrid as One of the Best Electric Vehicles of 2019

Photo: Chrysler The award-winning, innovative, and industry standard-setting Chrysler Pacifica Hybrid has earned yet another accolade. This time, the nod comes from the experts at Autotrader, who named the family-friendly and well-equipped minivan to its list of the 12 Best Electric Vehicles. The Chrysler Pacifica Hybrid is the first and only electrified minivan to secure…

Hyundai SUVs and Electric Vehicles Thrive While Overall Sales Continue Their Decline in April

Hyundai is still struggling to maintain steady growth with yet another overall decline in sales for April 2018. Down 11% compared to April of last year, Hyundai sold a total of 56,063 units last month, including Genesis-branded vehicles. Its saving grace lies in its SUV lineup, which set a record high last month, selling 25,618 units. “Even…

Electric Vehicles Make the World More Resilient, Says Nissan

Pictured is the interior of the 2017 Nissan Leaf. The Nissan Leaf is America’s best-selling electric vehicle A new video released by Nissan is showing the world that electric vehicles (EVs) are more than just cars; they are lifelines in an emergency. When disaster strikes, people become stranded without essential services. And, although electricity is…

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Honda Opens Europe’s Most Advanced Public Electric Vehicle Charging Station

Honda has just opened Europe’s most advanced public charging station for plug-in vehicles at its R&D facility in Offenbach, Germany. Using state-of-the-art 940V technology, the station enables up to four vehicles to charge simultaneously with different types of connectors. The public charging station receives its power from renewable energy sources, including a photovoltaic carport canopy….