An electric car is an automobile that is propelled by one or more electric motors, using electrical energy stored in rechargeable batteries or another energy storage device. Electric motors give electric cars instant torque, creating strong and smooth acceleration. They are also around three times as efficient as cars with an internal combustion engine. The first electric cars were produced in the 1880s. Since 2008, a renaissance in electric vehicle manufacturing has occurred due to advances in batteries and energy management, concerns about increasing oil prices, and the need to reduce greenhouse gas emissions. Several national and local governments have established tax credits, subsidies, and other incentives to promote the introduction and adoption in the mass market of new electric vehicles depending on battery size and their all-electric range. Electric cars are significantly quieter than conventional internal combustion engine automobiles. They do not emit tailpipe pollutants, giving a large reduction of local air pollution, and, can give a significant reduction in total greenhouse gas and other emissions (dependent on the method used for electricity generation). As of September 2015, there are over 30 models of highway legal all-electric passenger cars and utility vans available for retail sales, mainly in the United States, China, Japan, Western European countries. By mid-September 2015, about 620,000 light-duty electric vehicles have been sold worldwide out of total global sales of one million plug-in electric cars sold since 2008. The world's top selling highway-capable electric car is the Nissan Leaf, released in December 2010 and sold in 46 countries. Global Leaf sales passed the 200,000 unit milestone in December 2015, and the Tesla Model S, released in June 2012, ranks second with over 107,000 units sold worldwide. In this series, we cover stories covering the development of electric vehicles around the world.
Electric Vehicle Series
Why are the tech giants struggling to build their own driverless cars?
Oct 24, 2016 04:42 am UTC|
Technology
We may have just seen a major player in the drive towards autonomous cars apply screeching brakes. Apple has reportedly abandoned its plans to build its own self-driving electric vehicle and is instead going to focus on...
Electric Vehicle Series
All Tesla Vehicles In Production Will Be Capable Of Fully Autonomous Driving
Oct 20, 2016 10:12 am UTC|
Technology
Despite the many setbacks that Tesla has faced over the last few months, most notably the deaths attributed to its Autopilot system, the company is still moving ahead with its plans for a fully autonomous future. Tesla...
Electric Vehicle Series
Future Of Apple Car Uncertain, Hundreds Of Job Cuts And No Car Partner
Oct 18, 2016 09:37 am UTC|
Technology
In an industry that is increasingly focusing on autonomous driving, one would think that Apples expertise as a tech giant would be highly valued. However, the maker of the iPhone seems to be having some trouble actually...
Electric Vehicle Series
Germany Is Warning Owners Of Tesla Vehicles About Autopilot Feature
Oct 17, 2016 05:39 am UTC|
Technology
With all the excitement over self-driving vehicles and autopilot features, it was only to be expected that something would be lost in translation. This is exactly what is happening with Tesla vehicles where owners think...
Electric Vehicle Series
Maserati Plans To Build Electric Supercars, Avoids Rivalry With Tesla
Oct 11, 2016 07:59 am UTC|
Technology
Right now, Tesla is the undisputed king in the upscale electric vehicle market thanks to its Model S, Model X, and upcoming Model 3 units. With the increasing interest in EVs, it was only a matter of time before luxury car...
Electric Vehicle Series
Germany To Ban Gas And Diesel Cars In Hardline Stance Against Carbon Emission
Oct 10, 2016 07:31 am UTC|
Technology
Germany just laid down the hammer on gas and diesel cars. By 2030, the country wants to start getting rid of all cars that are not using clean energy sources, with a clear preference for electric vehicles. Evidently, the...
Electric Vehicle Series
US Finally Moves On Self-Driving Technology, President Obama Writes Op-Ed
Sep 20, 2016 04:43 am UTC|
Technology
Its been a long time coming but the U.S. government finally decided to act on self-driving technology by introducing new regulations and guidelines. Companies that had a stake in the emerging industry have been lobbying...
Politics 
Germany Warns of Daily Hybrid Warfare Threats
Germany is facing foreign hybrid warfare operations on a daily basis, Interior Minister Alexander Dobrindt has warned after authorities discovered an explosive-carrying drone at Leipzig/Halle Airport. Dobrindt said hostile...
Technology 
OpenAI Restricts Astra AI Over Cyberattack Risks
OpenAI has reportedly restricted parts of the development of its next-generation AI model, code-named Astra, after early evaluations indicated the system could potentially carry out sophisticated cyberattacks with limited...
Nintendo Shares Jump as Switch 2 Sales Boost Earnings
Nintendo shares surged nearly 5% on Friday after the Japanese gaming giant reported stronger-than-expected first-quarter earnings and upgraded its full-year financial outlook, supported by robust demand for the new Switch...