Subaru and Toyota have reached an agreement to rollout additional Subaru models featuring Toyota’s hybrid system. The partnership debuted with the Subaru Crosstrek Hybrid, and following the vehicle’s success, the two automakers will release additional vehicles. Toyota and Subaru will “jointly develop the next-generation Toyota 86 and Subaru BRZ,” and jointly develop a “platform dedicated to battery-electric vehicles.” Green Car…
Hyundai has developed a new technology for debut in its upcoming Sonata hybrid. The technology is an Active Shift Control (“ASC”) transmission technology, which “optimizes transmission efficiency by monitoring gear shifts 500 times per second, precisely adjusting the transmission rotation speed to for faster shift times,” according to a report from Green Car Congress. The ASC technology “allows the hybrid’s…
According to a new report from Emissions Analytics, an independent group known for the scientific measurement of real-world emissions, the mass adoption of hybrids is more effective for cutting CO2 emissions and meeting 2030 emissions targets than the mass adoption of battery electric vehicles would be. Green Car Congress breaks down the report’s findings, saying, “of all electrification strategies, full…
Auto Guide has released a list of the top ten hybrids with all-wheel drive (AWD). In the top spot is the Toyota Prius AWD-e, which is also the cheapest model in the top ten. The vehicle was updated in 2019 and the AWD version carries an electric motor on the rear axle to give the AWD version “extra grip.” The…
Volvo has announced it will electrify in part each of its new vehicles released from 2019 onward and has created a new marketing campaign to bring this message to the public. The Swedish automaker is centering its new marketing around the slogan, “and it shouldn’t take an act of Congress to make cars sustainable,” referencing its 1973 advertisement “it shouldn’t…
Toyota Motor Europe’s first quarter results showed a not-unexpected climb in hybrid sales. The automaker has reported that 45% of its total sales on the continent were for hybrid vehicles, and in Western Europe, the rate climbs to 55%. In other words, for Europe, hybrid vehicles are quickly becoming the norm. For Toyota’s Lexus division, hybrids represent an even greater…
Edmunds has released its list of top hybrid cars for 2018. The automotive industry research group rates each car after putting it through an in-depth testing process. For standard sedan hybrids, the 2018 Toyota Camry, Honda Accord and Ford Fusion hybrids took the top spots with each receiving four out of five stars. The 2018 Lexus RX 450h received the…
For those consumers interested in an electrified vehicle, the question has become whether to go full electric or to purchase a plug-in hybrid. In a new piece for Green Car Reports, John Briggs answers the question: there’s room for consumers to have both. For short rides, such as commutes to work or errands around the block, both a plug-in hybrid…
Jim Travers broke down the difference between hybrids and plug-ins in a new piece at Cars.com. He notes that it is relatively simple: plug-in hybrids have the capability to charge their batteries through an outside electrical source. Regular hybrids do not have this option, and recharge their batteries through a combination of braking, ICE use, and other mechanisms. PHEVs also…
BMW is set to release its wireless charging option for its 530e PHEV. Production of the charging pad begins in July, with rolling release to Germany, the UK, and then the US, followed by Asia. The charging pad will charge the 530e’s battery in 3.5 hours with an efficiency rate of 85%, according to Green Car Congress. The charging pad,…