After three field reports and eight warranty claims, Toyota has decided to ask owners of certain 2012-2014 Toyota RAV4 EV’s to return to their dealership for a problem affecting the hybrid propulsion system. Due to a software issue, the drive inverter electronic control unit may not be able to determine the rotational position of the motor. This will cause a speed sensor error code which will trigger a “Check EV System” warning message on the instrument panel, turn on the malfunction indicator lamp, and cause the electric motor to shift into “neutral”. This complete loss of drive power may increase the risk of an accident. Continue reading
Category Archives: Electric Cars
Does California Need A Per Mile Road Tax?
As the use of electric and hybrid vehicles increase, and the fuel efficiency of newer vehicles becomes better, states are finding that the per-gallon fuel tax is no longer generating enough income to fund road maintenance and operations. In response to the declining revenue, late last year California legislature approved a Bill to examine the implementation of a road usage charge.
2014 Nissan Leaf Missing Structural Welds
Nissan is conducting a safety campaign on a small number of 2014 Nissan Leaf EV’s after a routine quality inspection found a vehicle that was missing several front member welds. Vehicles with several structure welds out of specification fail to comply with Federal Motor Vehicle Safety Standards (FMVSS) No. 208; Occupant Crash Protection, and FMVSS No. 305; Electric-powered vehicles: electrolyte spillage and electrical shock protection. Continue reading
2014 Toyota Prius Hybrid – Reduced Power And Stalling
Toyota has identified a hybrid propulsion system problem in certain 2010-2014 Prius vehicles and will be asking owners to have the software updated for both the motor/generator control electronic control unit (ECU) and the hybrid control ECU. The NHTSA Campaign Number is14V-053. Continue reading
Tesla Model S Charging Adapter Could Overheat
Tesla has acknowledged a problem affecting certain Universal Mobile Connectors (“UMC”) NEMA 14-50 adapters used to charge Tesla Model S vehicles. According to the recall report, a variety of factors such as corrosion, physical damage to receptacles, or inappropriate installation of electrical outlets can cause higher than normal electrical resistance. Electrical resistance heating in the adapter or at the wall socket could lead to melting of the adapter, cord or wall receptacle. There is also the possibility of electrical arcing that could lead to fire. Continue reading
Ford Repairs Focus Electric Vehicles For Stalling
After a short investigation into stalling Ford Focus electric vehicles, the automobile manufacturer has identified a problem that will have 2,456 owners taking their cars in for repairs. The investigation began last month after drivers complained about vehicles unexpectedly shutting down at speeds of 30 mph or more. Continue reading
2012 Rav 4 EV Dead Battery? Lemon Law Buyback
With only 5,000 miles on his new 2012 Toyota Rav 4 EV, a Manhattan Beach, CA resident started noticing problems related to the charging system of his vehicle. He would receive messages that the charging process had been interrupted or that the vehicle could not charge because of a malfunction. After six months of repeated repair attempts at a manufacturer approved repair facility, the RAV owner was told that there was no current fix for the problem. Frustrated with the lack of help in getting his vehicle repaired, he decided to contact the Law Offices of Delsack & Associates. Continue reading
Tesla Model S Fire Hurts Shares
As Tesla prepares to increase production of their Model S sports car as well as introduce other electric vehicles, a fire that destroyed a Model S on Tuesday outside Seattle, has Tesla Motors chairman, CEO and co-founder Elon Musk defending the safety of electric cars. Continue reading
