Fisker Lays Off Workers, Attempts To Renegotiate DoE Loans

Extended-range-electric-luxury-sedan builder Fisker appears to have hit a speed bump on the road to success. Faced with back-to-back recalls on its Karma sedan and running short of funding, the start-up automaker was forced to lay off employees and contractors in both California and Delaware. Fisker would also like to renegotiate the terms of loans from the U.S. Department of Energy (DoE), in order to access additional funding previously committed. Read more…

California To ‘Require’ Sales Of Electric And Plug-In-Hybrid Vehicles

Just when you thought that legislators in the Golden State had come to their senses, something happens to reaffirm our opinion that California may be the least-car-enthusiast-friendly state in the country. After showing some degree of sanity by agreeing to adopt the proposed EPA mileage standard of 54.5 mpg by 2025, California has announced that, by 2025, a minimum of 15.4 percent of sales must be of electric, plug-in-hybrid or hydrogen powered vehicles. Read more…

Jay Leno Looks At The Fisker Karma

Chances are good that you’ve heard of the Fisker Karma. Recently launched, the car has made appearances on CBS’s “Two And A Half Men,” but it’s already been the subject of two voluntary safety recalls by Fisker. Like the Chevrolet Volt, the Fisker Karma is an extended range electric vehicle, but unlike the Volt is aimed at the luxury market. It’s not a sport sedan, but it is a legitimate grand touring car, with a price tag (north of $100k) to match. Read more…

Tesla Prices The Model S Sedan: Video

If you prefer your electric cars with a bit more luxury and style than the Nissan Leaf, there’s good news on the horizon: Tesla has announced pricing on its upcoming Model S sedan, and it looks like the car will span quite a price range. On the low side, the Model S with a 40 kilowatt hour battery pack (good for a projected 160 mile range) will start at $57,400, presumably without options. If you qualify for the $7,500 electric car tax incentive, you can (theoretically) get the car for $49,900, even if that’s not what you’ll pay the dealer. Read more…

Coolant Likely The Source Of Chevy Volt Fires

Turn on the news these days, and it seems like every media outlet is alerting you to the dangers of the Chevy Volt extended range EV. If you believe the far right, the Volt is a ticking time bomb, waiting to spontaneously combust in the garages of unsuspecting owners. It’s also part of a secret coverup, since GM (allegedly) conspired with the NHTSA to delay notification of the Volt’s fire danger. Read more…

2012 Chevrolet Volt Review & Test Drive

The all-new 2012 Chevrolet Volt has entered into its second year of production remaining mostly unchanged with the exception of a few tweaks. Having been on American roads for a year now, the new Volt continues to be among the most fuel efficient cars on the market.

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Video: Is The World Ready For BMW’s Electric Cars?

BMW has gotten a fair amount of exposure over its i-Series electric cars since originally debuting the Concept Vision Efficient Dynamics prototype in 2009. Unlike brands that show a concept and then abandon the idea as too complex or too expensive, BMW will put both the i3 and the i8 into production, with expected availability in late 2013. The i3 is designed to be an urban commuter car, with a limited range and modest performance. The i8 exists at the opposite end of the spectrum, as a no-holes-barred performance coupe that happens to be be fuel-efficient and green, too. Read more…

Could Honda’s EV-STER Concept Become A Tesla For The Masses?

One of the highlights of this week’s Tokyo Motor Show is the debut of the Honda EV-STER electric roadster concept. Bold styling sets the EV-STER apart from the rest of the Honda lineup, and it may be an indication that Honda is listening to critics who find its current product line boring and uninspired. Read more…