EV Review: A Game-Changing Electric Small Car

TopSpeed, Kirby Garlitos published on Greentechmedia The Chevrolet Spark EV appears to be a game-changer in the all-electric small car market. At least that might be the case if you’re living in Oregon or California, the only states that Chevrolet will be selling the Spark EV in for now. No mention of any expansion has been made, and we probably shouldn’t expect a decision to be made anytime soon. For one, there still aren’t a lot of these models around and it can be argued that sales of the Spark EV will be on a limited basis. If the model proves to be a hit, like Chevrolet is banking on, then we might see more states get their hands on the all-electric Spark. For now, it’s Oregon and California, two states that look to be perfect markets for the Spark EV. One of these places is a blessing to drive, with gorgeous scenic routes everywhere you look, while the other is -- well, let’s just say if you want to make the most out of an EV, California’s the place to be. …
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8 Rules of Electric Vehicle Charging Etiquette

By Brad Berman · July 14, 2013 A fresh article on electric vehicle etiquette for electric vehicle drivers recently got our attention. Simply because one drives an electric car, does not make one a master of “pure energy.” However, it is a starting place, and with a little care, one can follow through on all levels. Applying social graces at charging spots is one nice way to ensure using clean energy vehicles remains positive on all levels — personal, family, and in community. 1. EV Spots for EVs It’s absolutely never acceptable for an internal combustion car to park in a spot designated for a plug-in car. That’s a firm rule, no matter how crowded a parking lot is, and no matter how infrequently the charging location is used. 2. No Nasty Notes Electric car drivers should never leave nasty notes. If the charging spot you counted on using is ICEd—the term referring to a charging spot occupied by an internal combustion engine car—by all means, the plug-in driver should …
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New Ford Focus EV Discounted $4,000

by James R. Healey, USA TODAY Story Highlights -Ford says it must keep Focus electric price-competitive -Nissan Leaf, Chevrolet Volt have sliced prices recently due to slow sales -Ford says it didn't eliminate standard features to achieve lower price Ford Motor is slicing $4,000 from the base price of its Focus electric car, beginning with 2014 models that arrive at dealers within a few weeks. That cuts the Focus EV's base price to $35,995 including shipping. Some buyers qualify for a $7,500 credit on federal income taxes, and states often have their own incentives for buying battery cars. Ford says it hasn't taken away any features as part of the cut. The automaker describes the lower-price 2014 Focus electric as "fully contented," and says the cut was important to keep the car competitive. Main electrified rivals have cut prices, and it's apparently not a sign that healthy competition is doing what it's supposed to -- making things cheaper fo…
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14 Best Links to Latest EV and Hybrid News

Aching for some more electric vehicle (EV) and hybrid news? Aching for more Tesla news, Toyota Prius news, Fiat 500e news,… Tesla news? Scroll through the links below: Electric Vehicles & Hybrids Mobile Apps For Electric Cars On The Rise Tesla Wins In New Hampshire & North Carolina Forget The Prius Effect — Here Comes The Matrix Effect Cadillac PHEV Targeting Driving Dynamics Lighting Motorcycles Beat Out Gas-Powered Competitors At Pikes Peak Monster Tajima Sets New EV Record At Pikes Peak Toyota 2015 Fuel Cell Car Aims For 300-Mile Range Whodunnit? Did Tata’s Nano Kill Jag’s Hybrid Supercar? Free Tesla Model S Lease When You Buy This $1.3 Million Home 2013 Fiat 500e First Impression EV Lease Scheme Launched In London With 50 Leafs Tesla Motors Opens More Superchargers For 4th Of July Interview With Lightning Motorcycle’s Richard Hatfield, Winner At Pikes Peak 2013 Breaking: 2014 Honda Fit Hybrid Leaked In JDM Brochure Other Clean T…
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Chevy Volt Team Announces: Order Yours Today

By Tony DiSalle Chevrolet Volt Marketing Director Starting today, you can take part in history by placing your order for the 2011 Chevrolet Volt. This moment is the culmination of several years of around-the-clock, steadfast work and I know I speak for the entire Volt team when I say we couldn’t be more excited! For those of you looking to be among the first to own a Volt, simply locate and contact a participating Chevrolet dealer in Volt launch markets at GetMyVolt.com. Once your order is placed, a Volt customer advisor will contact you to answer questions and keep you updated on the progress of your order. We’ve also pulled together a team of Volt advisors who, beginning today, will be available at 1-888-VOLT4YOU (1-888-865-8496) to answer general questions. The Volt will initially be available to customers in California, New York, Washington, D.C., Texas, Michigan Connecticut and New Jersey, but will be available nationwide in about 12-18 months from start of produ…
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Tesla Motors Confident in an Electrifying IPO

With only ONE operable prototype of it's new sedan, 12 dealerships and NO final design or manufacturing process, Tesla Motors still has high hopes as it offers public shares for the first time tomorrow. more from CNNMoney.com staff writer David Goldman: Tesla Motors will offer up its shares to the public for the first time on Tuesday, testing investors' faith in a company that has proven it can make functional and stunning electric cars but has never had a profitable quarter. PayPal founder Elon Musk's seven-year old auto company lost $55.7 million last year and $260.7 million since its inception. The company has performed so poorly from a financial standpoint that Musk recently said he lost his entire personal fortune on Tesla. But investors are giddy about the Palo Alto, Calif.-based automaker's initial public offering, prompting Tesla on Monday to increase the number of shares it plans to offer by nearly a fifth to 13.3 million. (more…)
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