Plug-In Hybrids

  • Toyota Prius plug-in hybrid test vehicle

    With figures that equal the proposed Chevrolet Volt without the wait and with the familiarity of the highly successful Toyota Prius platform, California outfit Jungle Motors may have a winner on their hands with their plug-in hybrid conversion kit. The company has been in the business of converting all sorts of cars to pure-electric vehicles and building lead-acid Prius plug-in hybrids for some time. The new Prius plug-ins feature lithium-ion phosphate, or 'LifePO4' batteries, which promise greater power density and expanded range in comparison to the lead-acid models. In fact, Jungle Motors...

  • Volkswagen Mark VI Golf TwinDrive
    Volkswagen shows off new Mark VI Golf 'TwinDrive'

    A few months back Volkswagen revealed its intentions to enter the race to build and market ultra-efficient plug-in hybrid vehicles with the unveiling of the original Golf TwinDrive. The concept car, based on the Mark V Golf, featured a twin powerplant design with an electric motor designed for city...

  • 2010 chevrolet volt 014
    Volt moves onto next step in development, adopts global compact platform

    Even as General Motors is caught in a desperate bid to secure loans in Washington, the Detroit based manufacturer is keen to continue development of a range of plug-in hybrid vehicles, focusing primarily on the Volt. Bob Lutz recently spent some time in the latest development vehicle and felt like...

  • Fisker Karma plug-in hybrid
    Fisker picks GM Ecotec engine for Karma plug-in hybrid

    The Fisker plug-in hybrid saloon has officially been revealed. Click here for all the details and images. Fisker announced today that it will be using General Motors' engines in its upcoming Karma plug-in hybrid vehicle, which will have a 50-mile electric-only range before the internal combustion...

  • 2010 chevrolet volt 005
    Expert says electric grid ready for plug-in hybrids

    Plug-in hybrid cars, like the Chevrolet Volt or the upcoming Toyota Prius plug-in, are viewed by many as the way of the future. Offering the possibility of exclusively electric transport to the bulk of drivers, but with the possibility for the extended range afforded by a reserve of combustible...

  • Fisker Karma plug-in hybrid
    Valmet confirmed to build Fisker Karma in Finland next year

    The Fisker plug-in hybrid saloon has officially been revealed at the 2009 Detroit Auto Show. Click here for all the details and images. Fisker Automotive has confirmed today that Finnish independent vehicle manufacturer Valmet will build the upcoming Karma plug-in hybrid saloon, having first...

  • Fisker Karma Sedan

    Tesla's lawsuit, filed against rival hybrid-electric carmaker Fisker in April for design theft and 'poor work', has come to an end in arbitration. Unfortunately for Tesla, which sought to stop Fisker from proceeding with its Karma luxury plug-in hybrid sedan, Fisker has come out on top, with the arbitrator calling the evidence "overwhelming." Tesla is unhappy with the result, but continues to focus on building its cars and meeting production goals, says vice president of marketing Darryl Siry. The tussle over design rights hasn't impaired either company's ability to keep forging ahead with...

  • Volvo ReCharge plug-in hybrid concept
    Volvo's green future to be driven by hybrids, turbos

    The flotilla of cars and concepts unleashed at the Paris Motor Show this week has largely been about vehicles that we'd seen coming for some time or design concepts that won't be seen for years, if at all. Seeking the middle ground, Volvo has taken the opportunity to reveal its plans for a...

  • 2009 Renault Megane Coupe
    Renault announces new Fluence sedan for 2009, electric plug-in expected by 2011

    Just yesterday Renault hinted at its intention to build a mass-produced electric vehicle with its Z.E. concept, and now the French manufacturer has confirmed that they will launch a lower-medium sedan next year with an electric variant arriving in 2011. The new sedan will go by the name 'Fluence'...

  • 2011 Chevrolet Volt
    Chevy Volt could be first mass-produced vehicle rated at 100mpg or more

    The Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) is considering altering the way it determines mileage figures for hybrid vehicles, which could ultimately result in much higher mileage figures being awarded to hybrids. Currently, the EPA test cycle involves city and highway driving, as well as high speed...

  • 2010 chevy volt up close motorauthority 009
    First impressions: 2010 Chevy Volt

    The 2010 Chevy Volt was just unveiled ten days ago at GM's 100th Anniversary celebrations in Detroit, but it's already beginning to tour the country. Its first stop after Detroit was GM's 2009 Collection event at the Texas Motor Speedway in Dallas, Texas, to which MotorAuthority was invited. While...

  • 2010 Chevrolet Volt
    GM working on family of Volt-like cars

    General Motors' 100th anniversary celebrations were capped with what the company thinks is the crowning achievement of its first century in business, and the guiding light for the start of the second. But that's not stopping them from moving right past it to the next new thing - a family of...

Follow Us on Instagram @motorauthority

News First Drives Auto Shows Photos Videos Spy Shots