LEVC (London Electric Vehicle Company) is launching the VN5, its new electric light commercial van. Available to order now, first VN5 deliveries will commence in RHD form in Q4, with LHD models available from March 2021. Based on the same architecture and proven eCity range-extender technology as LEVC’s TX electric... Read more →

Rheinmetall Automotive AG, part of technology group Rheinmetall AG, has received a major order from an international OEM for electrical vacuum pumps. The order extends to a lifetime volume of €250 million. The components will be manufactured by Pierburg Huayu Pump Technology (PHP), a Shanghai-based joint venture company of Rheinmetall... Read more →

Buick is adding the VELITE 6 plug-in hybrid electric vehicle (PHEV) to its new energy vehicle (NEV) portfolio in China. The model is expected to be launched this month. The VELITE 6 PHEV will be powered by Buick eMotion electric drive technology that leverages GM’s global electrification expertise. It will... Read more →

Volkswagen has premiered the new Tiguan, now available with a plug-in hybrid drive option for select markets (not including the US), the Tiguan eHybrid. (Earlier post.) Tiguan eHybrid The Volkswagen Tiguan is Europe’s most successful Sports Utility Vehicle and one of the top-selling SUVs in the world. More than six... Read more →

Volkswagen will offer a plug-in hybrid drive generating 160 kW (218 PS) for the updated Arteon product line for the first time, in addition to offering TSI (gasoline) and (in some markets) TDI (diesel) options. The Arteon has been the Volkswagen Gran Turismo since 2017. Volkswagen is now unveiling a... Read more →

BMW has launched the second-generation plug-in hybrid X5 Sports Activity Vehicle, the X5 xDrive45e, in the US. (Earlier post.) The US X5 xDrive45e arrives with a SULEV Super ultra-low emissions vehicle rating which can bring additional benefits in states which offer special consideration to drivers of electrified vehicles, such as... Read more →

Toyota has launched the new model RAV4 plug-in hybrid electric vehicle (PHEV) (earlier post) through dealerships in Japan. Since its debut in 1994, RAV4 has pioneered the crossover SUV market, and remains the market leader. The fifth generation RAV4 was released in April 2019. It has been popular with many... Read more →

The new Ford Escape Plug-In Hybrid, with a fourth-generation technology system, offers a best-in-class EPA-estimated economy rating of 100 MPGe combined and an EPA-estimated 37 miles of all-electric driving range. The original Ford Escape was the world’s first hybrid SUV and the all-new Ford Escape Plug-in Hybrid represents how far... Read more →

Groupe PSA and Punch Powertrain have signed an agreement to establish a second Joint Venture and to expand their strategic partnership in the field of electrification. Punch Powertrain holds majority control in the new Joint 61/39 Venture, which will design, manufacture, and supply Punch Powertrain’s DT2 dual clutch transmission for... Read more →

From 2015 to 2019, the market share of plug-in vehicles in China more than quadrupled, reaching 5.1% in 2019, according to figures presented by the US DOE. During that same period, Europe saw its plug-in vehicle sales share reach 3.0%. In the US, plug-in vehicle market share in the United... Read more →

BMW will launch the new X2 xDrive25e SAC (“Sport Activity Coupé”) PHEV, announced in January (earlier post), in Europe in July 2020 with pricing from €47,250 (US$51,800). The new BMW X2 xDrive25e features the fourth and latest generation of BMW eDrive technology developed for the plug-in hybrid models. An electric... Read more →

BMW announced the updated, 2021 7th generation 5 Series Sedan. The MY2021 models feature improvements in exterior and interior design, aerodynamics and technology, plus the introduction of a new 48-volt mild hybrid system and a new plug-in hybrid drivetrain. The 2021 BMW 5 Series lineup includes the: 248 hp 530i... Read more →

Volvo Cars sold 31,760 cars in April, down 43.8% compared with the same month last year, as demand in Europe and the US continued to be affected by the coronavirus pandemic. China, meanwhile, returned to growth in April as showroom traffic began to return to normal levels. In the January... Read more →

Karma Automotive announced its E-Flex utility van platform with extended range electric vehicle (EREV) architecture. The new platform is one of five demonstration projects designed to illustrate Karma’s technical direction and capabilities through the use of highly versatile EREV and battery electric (BEV) chassis systems. (Earlier post.) Karma’s new EREV... Read more →

Audi is offering its successful full-size station wagon A6 Avant as a plug-in hybrid: The new A6 Avant 55 TFSI e quattro has a system output of 270 kW (367 PS) (combined fuel consumption 2.1–1.9 l/100 km (112.0–123.8 US mpg); combined electric power consumption of 18.1–17.6 kWh/100 km; and combined... Read more →

The new Range Rover Evoque and Land Rover Discovery Sport premium compact SUVs are now available with plug-in hybrid electric vehicle (PHEV) technology, with an electric-only range of up to 66 km (41 miles) and CO2 emissions as low as 32 g/km. Range Rover Evoque PHEV Badged P300e, both the... Read more →

Volkswagen will unveil a refreshed Tiguan SUV later in 2020, featuring new front and rear styling, a redesigned interior and new powertrains, including a plug-in hybrid version for the European market. As far back as 2016, Volkswagen unveiled a Tiguan PHEV concept, based on the second-generation Tiguan. (Earlier post.) Design... Read more →

In the first quarter 30,692 (+13.9%) electrified vehicles of the BMW and MINI brands (BMW i, BMW iPerformance, MINI Electric) were sold worldwide. This means we are also on track to meet the EU’s CO2 targets. We do not see any necessity to defer climate protection goals. —Pieter Nota, member... Read more →

Karma Automotive introduced the Karma E-Flex Platform a highly versatile chassis that will offer new electric vehicle mobility solutions ranging from autonomously-driven utility vans, to daily-driver vehicles, to high-performance supercars. Karma, the Southern California-based creator of luxury electric vehicles and high-tech incubator, said the first showcase of the highly-flexible platform... Read more →

Volkswagen reports that, even before the launch of the new ID.3 EV this summer, demand for electrified Volkswagen products has increased in Germany. Every second order for the up! model series is for the fully electric version, with around 20,000 orders received over the first three months of this year.... Read more →

The all-new SEAT Leon offers five different powertrain technologies: gasoline (TSI); diesel (TDI); mild-hybrid (eTSI); plug-in hybrid (eHybrid); and compressed natural gas (TGI). SEAT is a member of the Volkswagen Group. In total, there are eleven different mechanical variants, with power outputs ranging from 90 PS with the 1.0 TSI... Read more →

BMW is introducing the BMW 330e and 330e xDrive PHEV sedans (earlier post) in the US with an MSRP of $44,550 for 330e and $46,550 for 330e xDrive sedan plus $995 Dest. The new BMW 330e and 330e xDrive Sedans utilize an intelligently controlled powertrain consisting of an electric motor,... Read more →

The decline of the European new car market has continued throughout February. According to JATO Dynamics data, 1,063,264 units were registered last month, compared to 1,143,852 in February 2019. This equates to a decline of 7.0%, as last month saw the lowest number of registrations since 2015, when only 955,113... Read more →

Power Integrations, a provider of gate-driver technology for medium- and high-voltage inverter applications, announced that its SIC118xKQ SCALE-iDriver, a high-efficiency, single-channel gate driver for silicon carbide (SiC) MOSFETs, is now certified to AEC-Q100 for automotive use. Fast-switching gate driver ICs are ideal motor inverter switches for electric vehicles (EV) or... Read more →

BMW eDrive Zones trigger an automatic shift to all-electric operating mode as soon as the vehicle enters a designated area, such as a low emission zone. BMW eDrive Zones are now available in various BMW plug-in hybrid models. In addition, the BMW Points loyalty program will be introduced later in... Read more →

Following a year of rapid growth in 2018, in which sales nearly doubled from the previous year, sales of plug-in electric vehicles in the US declined in 2019, due to lower sales of plug-in hybrid electric vehicles. Sales of all-electric vehicles remained steady with a slight increase of about 3,000... Read more →

Volkswagen’s top-of-the-range model Touareg now also features a plug-in hybrid drive. The Touareg R—the first R-Line model to be available as a hybrid—delivers total power output of 340 kW (462 PS) and 700 N·m of torque. The Touareg R can be driven at up to 140 km/h using electric power;... Read more →

Volkswagen unveiled the new eight-generation Golf GTI, the Golf GTD and the Golf GTE plug-in hybrid via a live stream event, in place of the cancelled Geneva International Motor Show. GTI. The new Golf GTI is powered by a 180 kW (245 PS) 2.0-liter turbocharged direct injection engine (EA888 evo4).... Read more →

Mercedes‑Benz Cars continues to increase its range of plug-in hybrids under the EQ Power label, with he latest additions being to the compact-car range. With the CLA 250 e Coupé (combined fuel consumption 1.5-1.4 l/100 km, combined CO2 emissions 35-31 g/km, combined electrical consumption 15.1-15.0 kWh/100 km); CLA 250 e... Read more →

Mercedes-Benz Cars has begun production of the first Mercedes-Benz compact vehicles with plug-in hybrid drive (earlier post) at the Mercedes-Benz Rastatt plant in southern Germany. Supported by a systematic digitization of production processes, Mercedes-Benz Rastatt plant and its workers have implemented the simultaneous ramp up of two body variants: The... Read more →

Volkswagen will introduce the new Touareg R with a plug-in hybrid drive at the Geneva Motor Show (5 to 15 March 2020). The hybrid drive of the Touareg R essentially consists of a 2,995 cm3 V6 turbocharged gasoline engine (250 kW/340 PS), the electric drive motor (100kW/136 PS) and a... Read more →

As part of California’s AB 32 climate change program, Executive Order B-48-18 administratively created a goal of 5 million zero-emission vehicles (ZEVs) on California roads by 2030. This action expands on the prior Executive Order B-16-2012, which set a goal of 1.5 million by 2025. While these goals were set... Read more →

Registrations of new electrified light-duty vehicles (HEVS, PHEVs and EVs) in California rose 3.6% to 250,566 units in 2019, up from 241,970 units, according to the California New Car Dealers Association (CNCDA), using data from IHS. Overall, the California new light-duty vehicle market declined 5.5% from 2018 to 2019 (2,002,047... Read more →

At the upcoming 2020 Geneva International Motor Show, BMW will present three new plug-in hybrid models for the premium mid-range—all in the 3 Series. The debuts include the new BMW 330e Touring (combined fuel consumption: from 1.7 l/100 km; combined power consumption: from 15.7 kWh/100 km; combined CO2 emissions: from... Read more →

In Germany (the largest car market in Europe), the 2020 registration year started with 246,300 newly registered passenger cars—7.3% less than in January 2019, according to figures from the German KBA (Kraftfahrt-Bundesamt). However, alternative drive types increased significantly in the reporting month. Source: KBA. With 7,492 new vehicles, the number... Read more →

Charging network ChargePoint and NATSO, which represents America’s travel plazas and truckstops, are creating a National Highway Charging Collaborative to extend access to EV charging. Over the next decade, the Collaborative will leverage $1 billion in capital to deploy charging at more than 4,000 travel plazas and fuel stops that... Read more →

The Orange County Transportation Authority (OCTA) unveiled ten new hydrogen fuel-cell-electric Xcelsior CHARGE H2 heavy-duty transit buses in Santa Ana, California. The order was previously announced in April 2018, at that time becoming the US’ largest procurement and deployment of fuel cell-electric buses. The hydrogen-fueled buses will be strategically integrated... Read more →

In order to advance its fleet electrification and emissions reduction goals, the Sewerage and Water Board of New Orleans (SWBNO) has deployed six new XL plug-in hybrid electric Ford F-150 pickup trucks to its fleet. The trucks were unveiled during a ceremony at the SWBNO Central Yard on 28 January... Read more →

SEAT presented at its Martorell facilities the all-new SEAT Leon compact. The company, a member of the Volkswagen Group, has invested more than €1.1 billion in fourth generation of the Leon to bring it to market with more efficient engines, next levels of connectivity and driving assistance, dynamism and eye-catching... Read more →

Audi is pricing its 2020 A8 TFSI e plug-in hybrid with a MSRP of $94,000 in the US. Joining the flagship sedan model line, the Audi A8 TFSI e serves as the first plug-in hybrid variant of the A8. (Earlier post.) By comparison, the starting MSRP for a 2020 Audi... Read more →

Audi is working to electrify one in ten parking spaces at its German plants by mid-2022; most of these charging spaces will be accessible to the public. This independent concept is the largest charging infrastructure project carried out by a German employer. The ~€100-million investment provides Audi with a head... Read more →

New Jersey Governor Phil Murphy signed legislation (S2252) that establishes goals and incentives for the increased use of plug-in electric vehicles (BEV and PHEV) and infrastructure in New Jersey. (Earlier post.) The bill also codifies the Murphy Administration’s goal of 330,000 registered light-duty electric vehicles by 2025 and directs state-owned... Read more →

Audi of America is introducing its first plug-in hybrid (PHEV) variant of its bestselling SUV, the Audi Q5. The Audi Q5 TFSI e (earlier post) will be joined by the A8 TFSI e and the Audi A7 TFSI e in the coming months. The Audi Q5 TFSI e is equipped... Read more →

Both houses of the New Jersey Legislature (Senate and Assembly) have passed a bill (S2252/A4819) that establishes goals and incentives for increased use of plug-in electric vehicles in NJ. The Governor is expected to sign it. Specifically, the bill sets a goal of at least 330,000 of the total number... Read more →

The BMW Group is introducing new plug-in hybrid models: the new BMW X1 xDrive25e and the new BMW X2 xDrive25e. The electric drive and a latest-generation lithium-ion battery enable an electrically powered range of up to 57 kilometers (35 miles) in the two new plug-in hybrid models. The new BMW... Read more →

FCA’s Jeep brand is utilizing CES to showcase three plug-in hybrid electric vehicles (PHEVs), the first step in the brand’s plan to offer electrification options on all models by 2022. All Jeep electrified vehicles will carry a new “Jeep 4xe badge.” Additional information about the Jeep Wrangler, Compass and Renegade... Read more →

The BMW Group has delivered half a million electrified cars to customers worldwide so far. The company aims to have one million electrified vehicles on the road within two years, said Oliver Zipse, Chairman of the Board of Management of BMW AG. Next year, the BMW X3 will become the... Read more →

GKN Automotive launched the next phase in its electrification strategy. The leading supplier of all-wheel drive and electric driveline technology and systems is standardizing a range of intelligent highly integrated “3-in-1” P4 electric drive systems for pure electric and plug-in hybrid vehicles, in a move to decrease cost and increase... Read more →

Vitesco Technologies, the Powertrain business area of Continental, presented at the CTI Symposium in Berlin (9-12 December 2019) a cost-effective and compact dedicated hybrid transmission solution with integrated electric machines, designed for use in applications such as plug-in hybrid electric vehicles (PHEVs). At the heart of Vitesco Technologies’ solution is... Read more →

Presales of the Audi Q7 TFSI e quattro (combined fuel consumption 3.0–2.8 l/100km; combined electric power consumption 22.9–21.9 kWh/100 km; combined CO2 emissions 69–64 g/km) have just started in Germany and other European countries. The SUV, the plug-in hybrid drive of which combines a three-liter V6 gasoline engine with a... Read more →