Report: GM CEO stands up for Chevy Volt in D.C. hearing; Issa tells NHTSA: "I don’t believe you"

Filed under: Hybrid , Government/Legal , Safety , Hatchback , Chevrolet , Electric What a surprise. Today’s Congressional hearing over the Chevrolet Volt fire and the resulting investigation by the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration turned out to be contentious. The hearing took place in the Committee on Oversight and Government Reform’s Subcommittee on Regulatory Affairs, Stimulus Oversight and Government Spending. Just from the title of the event – “Volt Vehicle Fire: What did NHTSA Know and When Did They Know It?” – it was plain to see that chairman Darrell Issa was not looking to mess around

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Report: GM CEO stands up for Chevy Volt in D.C. hearing; Issa tells NHTSA: "I don’t believe you"

PG Elektrus is yet another crack at electrifying a Lotus Elise

Filed under: Coupe , Performance , Etc. , Europe , Technology , Specialty , Electric , Luxury We have good news for you if you’re missing the Tesla Roadster already. German manufacturer PG has unveiled the company’s new Elektrus, a Lotus-based sports EV with some very wild styling.

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PG Elektrus is yet another crack at electrifying a Lotus Elise

Official: NHTSA concludes investigation into Chevrolet Volt fires, no defect found

Filed under: Hybrid , Sedan , Government/Legal , Safety , Chevrolet The National Higway Traffic Safety Administration has officially closed the book on its investigation into the Chevrolet Volt . The result finds that “no discernible defect trend exists” and “Based on the available data, NHTSA does not believe that Chevy Volts or other electric vehicles pose a greater risk of fire than gasoline-powered vehicles.” NHTSA supports the modifications developed by General Motors to address “specific attributes” particular to electric vehicles in the event of a crash. GM is retrofitting the nearly 8,000 Volts sold with additional side reinforcements and a sensor to detect coolant leaks, which was found to be the cause of the short-circuiting battery and resulting fires . The agency also issued guidelines for first responders and auto shops coming who encounter Volts that have been involved in accidents

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Official: NHTSA concludes investigation into Chevrolet Volt fires, no defect found

Video: Classic Toyota 2000GT turned into solar-powered EV

Filed under: Aftermarket , Classics , Coupe , Performance , Japan , Technology , Toyota , Tokyo Auto Salon , Electric Saying the Toyota 2000GT holds a special place in our hearts is akin to calling oxygen and water kind of important to our survival. The long-nose two-door was envisioned as a suitable competitor to the likes of the European sports cars rolling out Italy and the UK at the time, and in many ways, the Toyota was far superior. Built at a time when Japan Inc.

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Video: Classic Toyota 2000GT turned into solar-powered EV

Lithium-air batteries set to make EVs useful – report

According to a recent report, BM is developing an advanced lithium-air battery which could enable electric vehicles to travel up to 800 km (497 miles) on a single charge.

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Lithium-air batteries set to make EVs useful – report

Official: Mopar to go full boat with 150 Dodge Dart accessories

Filed under: Aftermarket , Budget , Sedan , Etc. , Dodge Chrysler is serving up an impressive smattering of Mopar accessories for the 2013 Dodge Dart , including a host of performance parts. All told, buyers will be able to chose from a total of 150 accessories that range from an integrated Wi-Fi system to aerodynamic additions. Chrysler says the Dart will feature the industry’s first wireless charging system for phones and other battery-powered gadgets.

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Official: Mopar to go full boat with 150 Dodge Dart accessories