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FROM THE ARCHIVES

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The 20 Year Journey of Plug-In Hybrids

Plug-in hybrids generated interest two decades ago as we faced the same energy, climate, and political issues as today. Here’s perspective from our archives.

Most Recent

Toyota’s Roomier Grand Highlander

Brand-new for 2024, Toyota’s Grand Highlander mid-size SUV delivers tons of space and a pair of hybrid options.

Chevrolet Trax: The Affordable Crossover Option

Redesigned for 2024, the entry level Chevrolet Trax is positioned as an exciting and affordable option for prospective compact crossover buyers.

Fueling a Low-Net Carbon Future

Alternative fuels like hydrogen, propane, alcohol, compressed natural gas, and other drop-in fuels have an important role to play in lowering carbon emissions.

The 20 Year Journey of Plug-In Hybrids

Plug-in hybrids generated interest two decades ago as we faced the same energy, climate, and political issues as today. Here’s perspective from our archives.

Hydrogen an Option for U.S. Trucking

Is Hydrogen Too Expensive For Trucks? Europe’s second biggest truck manufacturer thinks so, but American experts disagree.

Ron Cogan behind the wheel

Is Our Electrified Future Coming Too Fast?

There’s good reason to question the regulatory tunnel vision at play as we move toward an electrified future. Do we have the means to power it?

Don't Miss

Aston Martin's Rapide Transit

Aston Martin debuted its production-ready Rapide E at the Shanghai Auto Show, put on a demonstration ahead of the Formula E Monaco ePrix, and showed it at Fully Charged Live in the UK. This exotic electric is on its way.

Rivian's Cool Electric Pickup

Launching a new car company is no easy thing. Doing so while focusing on the fiercely-competitive truck and SUV segment of the industry against entrenched legacy automakers seems nuts and fraught with peril. But upstart Rivian knows what it’s doing.

A Redesign Good for the Soul

The iconic, box-like Kia Soul gets a redesign for 2020, sporting styling changes that include a more aggressive front end with horizontal strips containing daytime running lights. Headlamps are integrated in the bumper while taillights now practically encircle the rear window. The third-generation model rides on a 1.2-inch-longer wheelbase and is 2.2 inches longer, and […]

Ferrari SF90 Stradale Plug-In

The SF90 Stradale represents many firsts for Ferrari. It’s the legendary automaker’s first plug-in hybrid electric model, the marque’s first all-wheel-drive supercar, and the most powerful Ferrari production car ever sold. The SF90 boasts the highest output ever for a Ferrari V-8 and, in fact, this is the first time a V-8 has powered a […]

2020 Range Rover Evoque

It’s a new day for Ranger Rover’s Evoque. The stylish crossover joins competitors by offering buyers an efficient, 48 volt mild-hybrid version as an option to increase fuel efficiency and decrease carbon emissions while also boosting overall acceleration and performance.

Road Trip: Monterey Car Week

Monterey, with its epic automotive events like The Quail Motorsports Gathering and the Pebble Beach Concours d’Elegance, was calling us. It’s calling you, too.

All-New Explorer Hybrid

Better in so many ways with improved off-road capabilities and greater towing capacity, the ever-popular Explorer presents yet another choice for SUV buyers. Plus, a pair of EcoBoost engines and a new hybrid variant deliver desired performance and efficiency.

Hyundai Kona Two Ways

The Kona offers crossover buyers a bunch of functionality for the money. There's also the choice of electric or gasoline models.

Honda Clarity Electric

Part of Honda’s Clarity triple-play – along with the hydrogen-powered Clarity Fuel Cell and more mainstream Clarity Plug-In Hybrid – the Clarity Electric is a model that clearly cuts its own path. It does not aim to be part of the ‘200 mile club,’ the latest generation of uber-electrics that claim a battery electric driving […]

Enduring Internal Combustion

Many consider the internal combustion engine a thing of the past. After all, we have zero-emission electric cars and a growing number of hybrids. But conventional engines keep getting better and will power most cars and trucks for some time.

Pininfarina's Karma GT

Karma Automotive continues to evolve as it works to expand its product line and build on the success of its Revero plug-in. What’s next? How about a Grand Touring version with exceptional styling touches by the renowned designers at Pininfarina?

Subaru Crosstrek Hybrid

Subaru’s Crosstrek Hybrid – actually a plug-in hybrid – is what fans of the marque have been waiting for. It features all the functionality expected of a Subaru along with 17 miles of all-electric driving and a total 480 mile driving range.

How RAM eTorque Works

Mild hybrid engines have been tried in various models over the past decade, without really gaining traction. Now they’re making a resurgence as fuel economy becomes a more pressing need for automakers. RAM aims to make it a success story.

Ford’s Mid-Size Ranger

The compact Ford Ranger disappeared from the scene many years ago, for reasons unknown. Now it’s back in grown-up form, ready to compete in an expanding pickup market where mid-size appears to have a strong and growing appeal. About time.

Fisker's Coming Electric

There’s huge interest in electric SUVs and that’s not lost on automakers. Many see this as a huge opportunity, but not just the legacy giants. Newcomers also want in on the game, plus some recognizable names returning for another shot.

V-8 Can Run on One Cylinder

Not long ago, engineers created engines that could run on half their cylinders under low load conditions to save fuel. Great trick, right? Now GM has upped the ante with a V-8 and V-6 that run on just one. Well...that's pretty cool.

Driving The Jaguar I-PACE

We all knew that Tesla wouldn’t remain the sole player in the luxury electric car game. But how do you complete with the popular Model S and Model X? Jaguar has that figured out with its aggressively stylish, high-performing E-PACE.

Longer Range Nissan LEAF+

Is 100 miles of range enough in an electric vehicle? Is 150 desirable? Who knows…it really depends on your needs. But in the ever-competitive world of EVs, breaking the 200 mile range barrier has become increasingly important. Behold Nissan’s LEAF-PLUS.