Toyota is recalling certain 2010 Toyota Prius and 2010 Lexus HS hybrid vehicles because of a problem with the braking system that could lead to contamination and increased stopping distances. Continue reading
Category Archives: Electric Cars
Auto Lender Practices Questioned
Last month, U.S. automobile lenders received subpoenas from the Consumer Financial Protection Bureau (CFPB) over the sale of extended warranties, add-ons and other financial products. Regulators are probing whether the terms and prices of these products are adequately disclosed to consumers and are questioning if some lenders may be using them as a way of boosting profits. Continue reading
Tesla Pays Off Millions In Government Loans
Electric car maker Tesla has paid off $465 million back to the Energy Department for loans they received in 2010. The company was able to pay back the loan nine years early due to money raised in the markets, and revenue from selling green energy credits to other automakers. Continue reading
Powering The Grid With Electric Cars
The University of Delaware is experimenting with a fleet of electric vehicles (EV) that they say are not only good for the environment, but can be used by consumers to make money by supplying power back to the power grid. Continue reading
GM Sedans with eAssist Experience Trunk Fires
General Motors have announced a recall for over 38,000 Chevrolet and Buick sedans equipped with its “eAssist” mild hybrid system. According to GM overheating of the circuit boards in the Generator Control Module (GCM) could result in loss of battery charge, the illumination of the engine malfunction indicator light, and in extreme cases, a fire in the trunk. Two trunk fires have already been reported as a result of the issue. Continue reading
Fisker Auto Forced Into Bankruptcy
Additional financing and the transferring of executives could not save Fisker and the fact that consumers are reluctant to purchase electric vehicles (EV). With a $104,000 price tag, the Fisker Karma lost out to other auto makers like Ford and Nissan who offer a more affordable EV. At the 2012 New York auto show, Fisker unveiled a smaller, less expensive concept model it hoped to build in an abandoned G.M. plant in Delaware, but production never started because of lack of funds. Continue reading
Overstated Auto Fuel Economy Ratings
Disputes regarding overstated fuel economy and driving range on fuel efficient and electric vehicles have consumer watchdogs disputing the Environmental Protection Agency’s (EPA) tests. Consumers have always questioned the ratings posted on window stickers Continue reading
Auto Fuel Economy Ratings To Be Monitored More Closely
The Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) is warning automobile manufacturers that they will begin monitoring fuel economy ratings more closely after complaints of overstated mileage claims. An investigation last November into inaccurate vehicle mileages Continue reading
