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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

Audi e-Tron Sportback

The Audi e-tron electric car broke new ground when it was introduced two years ago. Now there’s an e-tron Sportback model with sleeker fastback styling.

Toyota Sienna Hybrid

Toyota’s new 2021 Sienna hybrid minivan targets sales leaders Chrysler Pacifica, Honda Odyssey, and Kia Sedona with a fresh and dynamic design, much improved drive characteristics and cabin environment, an array of important technology innovations, and arguably best-in-segment convenience features.

Four-by-Fun! Jeep's Electrified Wrangler 4xe

Electrification is spreading rapidly across the automotive spectrum in ways that are, if not surprising, pleasantly quicker than expected. One example is Jeep’s Wrangler 4xe plug-in hybrid, a model that enables zero-emission on- and off-roading as part of everyday life.

Kia Seltos: A ‘Right Sized’ CUV

‘Right-sized’ crossover SUVs are clearly a hot trend these days, as evidenced by the many downsized models that proliferate on our highways. Happily, gone are the days when legions of massive SUVs with single drivers jammed roadways and parking lots.

BMW’s Impressive 330e PHEV

BMW’s second-generation 330e plug-in hybrid sport sedan is better, faster, and goes farther on battery power than its predecessor of just a few years back, delivering the benefits of electrification while remaining true to the racing heritage of the brand.

Stylish 2021 Hyundai Elantra

Hyundai’s Elantra sedan has been an important model for the automaker since its introduction. Now, an all-new generation is poised to hit the streets featuring Hyundai’s ‘Sensuous Sportiness’ Parametric Design directive, which comes screaming through with a compelling coupe-like profile.

Polestar 2 Makes a Statement

Polestar 2 features an excellent combination of high-performance horsepower and torque without carbon emissions. This electric hatchback brings mainstream good looks, Swedish engineering sensibilities, and Volvo style to a segment crying for quality, choice, and a broadened vehicle service network.

2021 Ford F-150 Adds a Hybrid

Ford has redesigned its F-150 pickup for the 2021 model year and it will be easy to spot thanks to a tougher, bolder look. Among its new design features are a power dome hood, higher front fenders, and wrap-around bumpers.

Toyota's All-New Venza Hybrid

The crossover SUV market is hot, to the point where these highly-functional vehicles have become one of the most desired of all models on the highway. Joining the ranks is Toyota’s stylish and new Venza Hybrid that definitely rates consideration.

Czinger's 3D Printed Hypercar

Can you build cars with advanced 3D printing? A demonstration 3D printed car was created at the SEMA Show, then students at NTU in Singapore created a race car. Now a California company is building a production hybrid supercar. Wow!

Electric Ford Ecostar

Many exotic electric vehicle battery technologies were tried over the years, including the ’hot’ sodium-sulfur battery in the Ford Ecostar.

A New Day for Electric Pickups

Pickups and electric vehicles are top of mind these days. So why not put the two together? That’s exactly what Ford, GM, and a growing list of startup companies are focusing on today, promising great choices for pickup buyers ahead.

The Cost of Public Charging

Free charging has been offered at retail locations and parking garages for some time. Now, pay-per-use chargers are increasingly the norm. But at what cost?

How Mitsubishi’s PHEV Works

Featuring an innovative series-parallel hybrid system, the plug-in Mitsubishi PHEV brings a host of advanced technologies to bear that distinguish the model amid its peers. It’s all-wheel drive, features Level 1, 2, and 3 charging, and offers seamless electric operation.

The Real Cost of Charging EVs

Driving electric is cheaper than driving on gas, but how much cheaper? Calculating the cost of charging up is not a simple thing. Let's crunch the numbers.

What About Alternative Fuels?

Alternative fuels like biodiesel, ethanol, methanol, compressed natural gas, and propane autogas once shared equal billing with electric vehicles. What changed?

The Hydrogen Highway

Many feel that a ‘hydrogen economy’ is likely in our future. Whether it will include cars, SUVs, and light trucks remains an open question, since most automakers are focusing future efforts on EVs with longer driving range, rather than hydrogen.

Fisker’s Electric Ocean SUV

Noted designer and entrepreneur Henrik Fisker’s first effort at being an automaker focused on a stunning electric car. That didn’t pan out as planned, but provided important insights into how to successfully bring a new brand and vehicle to market.