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Ford brings new plug-in hybrid powertrains to 2020 Escape, with 30-mile all-electric range

Loz Blain April 3, 2019

While the world waits for electrics to improve their range and charge time figures, the plug-in hybrid is a terrific compromise. Ford has released a plug-in hybrid version of its new Escape SUV that allows fully electric city driving and extended range gasoline touring when necessary.

The 2020 Ford Escape now comes with 30-plus miles of all-electric driving thanks to a new ...

Automotive

Mitsubishi heads for the Swiss Alps with plug-in Engelberg Tourer concept

Aaron Turpen March 7, 2019

Mitsubishi is going plug-crazy at Geneva, with the new Engelberg Tourer next-generation sport utility concept. The vehicle incorporates the Dendo Drive House System, which creates an energy ecosystem between a home and an electric vehicle.

The Mitsubishi Engelberg Tourer is named after the famous ski resort in central Switzerland

Automotive

BMW i launches wireless charging for plug-in hybrids

Aaron Turpen May 28, 2018

BMW’s i division has launched a wireless charging system for plug-in hybrids. The factory-fitted, fully-integrated inductive charging system is a world-first. BMW says that production for BMW Wireless Charging will begin in July and is available for order now, for the 530e iPerformance model.

A base pad is placed on the parking space and plugged into the power source – ...

Automotive

Peugeot splits the difference between two and four wheels with tilting PHEV scooter

Nick Lavars December 6, 2017

Electric three-wheeled scooters that tilt into turns occupy one of the more interesting spaces when it comes to futuristic vehicle design. Peugeot's new hybrid scooter is no exception, built to weave its way through urban centers and hum along at freeway speeds when the time is right.

Peugeot's PHEV tilting scooter is based on the architecture of a tricycle

Automotive Review

Review: 2018 BMW MINI Countryman hybrid – the MINI gets a plug

Aaron Turpen November 30, 2017

BMW is busy electricking all kinds of things. The latest is the MINI Countryman hybrid, the first of the British brand’s line to get a power cord and go mainstream. Unlike MINI EV experiments of the past, the Countryman PHEV retains all of the good qualities of the (wait for it) biggest MINI.

Winner, winner chicken dinner? That depends on what you expect out of a MINI Countryman

Automotive

Chinese companies team up for world's first PHEV cement mixer truck

Darren Quick October 12, 2017

In an effort to bring the fuel consumption and emissions benefits of plug-in hybrid technologies to heavy duty vehicles in the construction industry, Chinese companies Efficient Drivetrains, Inc. (EDI) and Shannxi Automotive have teamed up to develop the world's first PHEV cement mixer truck.

Automotive

Plug-in hybrid Transit delivers 50 km of zero-emissions range

Scott Collie September 6, 2017

Plug-in hybrids promise serious benefits for anyone who spends lots of time sitting in traffic, but the technology hasn't taken hold in the world of commercial vehicles just yet. Ford is hoping to change that with its new Transit PHEV, which will be put to the test in London this year.

A fleet of 20 Ford Transit PHEVs will be trialed in London this year

Automotive

Nature inspires 30% more efficient Hybrids

Darren Quick January 10, 2017

Taking inspiration from nature, engineers at the UC Riverside have found a way to cut the fuel consumption of many PHEVs by over 30 percent, just by changing the way the split between combustion engine and battery power is handled.

Combining evolutionary algorithms with connected vehicle technology has the potential to significantly improve the fuel economy ...

Automotive

BMW to introduce iPerformance sub-brand at Geneva, debuting on 7 Series Plug-in this year

Aaron Turpen February 19, 2016

Starting in July 2016, BMW will begin using the iPerformance designation on all of its plug-in hybrid vehicles. The iPerformance sub-brand will be debuted at the Geneva Motor Show on the BMW 7 Series plug-in hybrid, which will be called the 740e iPerformance.

The new BMW 7 Series plug in hybrid electric vehicle (PHEV) begins with the innovative 7 ...

Automotive

Mercedes-Benz publishes lifecycle analysis of the GLE 500 e Plug-in

Aaron Turpen December 26, 2015

The plug-in hybrid electric vehicle Mercedes-Benz introduced earlier this year has undergone a lifecycle analysis of energy consumption starting from manufacture through to daily use.

The plug-in hybrid electric powertrain in the 500 e is about 42 percent more efficient than ...