Month: August 2018

Byton M-Byte electric SUV prototype

Dyson plans to invest in a new test track for its electric-car program. Chinese startup Byton begins testing its electric crossover SUV in the real world. We provide tips on how to save fuel on a Labor Day road trip. And did you know internal-combustion engines still waste up to 88 percent of the energy they produce? All of this and more on Green Car Reports.

Dyson’s is expanding its electric-car program with a new automotive test track, the company Continue reading “Dyson electric car track, Byton electric SUV testing, and Labor Day gas saving tips: Today’s Car News”

Byton M-Byte electric SUV prototype

Chinese electric-car startup automaker Byton has begun testing its upcoming M-Byte electric car in China, the company said Tuesday.

The company introduced the car at the Consumer Electronics Show in Las Vegas in January, and gave reporters rides to demonstrate its self-driving and electronics capabilities.

Byton said Tuesday that it had begun real-world tests, driving a prototype of the car on public roads in Nanjing, China.

DON’T MISS: Byton Continue reading “Byton begins road testing its electric car in China”

Dyson Hullavington campus for electric car development

In another step to show it’s serious about building an electric car, Dyson, the British vacuum-cleaner maker, has laid out plans to build a test track in Britain.

Reuters reported Thursday that Dyson plans to build a vehicle test track at a former World War II airfield in Wiltshire, England, to go along with previously announced plans for an office building that can accommodate 2,000 employees to work on the company’s electric-car Continue reading “Dyson plans to build electric-car test track in Britain”

Energy losses from internal combustion car [Source: DOE]

Conventional cars manage better fuel economy every year.

According to the latest Department of Energy “Fact of the Week,” though, their efficiency ranges from a-little-better-than-before to still-abysmal.

This week, the DOE noted that of all the energy splashed into a conventional car’s gas tank, only 12 to 30 percent actually goes to move the car down the road.

Everything else is lost to engine inefficiencies, heat, or used Continue reading “Fact of the week: Internal combustion cars still waste 70 to 88 percent of energy”

Overloaded Subaru Legacy with stuff on roof

Labor Day is one of the biggest travel weekends for all year, as Americans close out the summer and enjoy a last excursion before heading back to school.

That makes it one of the biggest weekends for gas sales too, though nobody wants to spend more than they need to on fuel.

If you’re making a trip longer than you can comfortably take your electric car, we won’t judge, but here are some tips to minimize the gas you’ll need. (Hint: most of Continue reading “How to save gas on Labor Day trips”

Mercedes-EQ logo

Drivers around the world will need more information and education on electric cars if automakers are to realize zero-emissions goals. Mercedes-Benz has taken a creative step to show drivers that they may be ideal candidates for a switch to the electric lifestyle.

The German luxury brand is testing the waters with its “EQ Ready” smartphone app in Australia and New Zealand, which is designed to analyze driving habits and show users how an electric car could benefit them. A Continue reading “Drive with Mercedes EQ app to check whether electric cars suit you”

Tesla Model 3 dashboard in Autopilot testing with IIHS [CREDIT: IIHS]

The turn signal is one of the most essential passive safety measures onboard every single new car. Yet, millions of drivers choose to ignore the ability, and let’s face it, the decision puts other drivers at risk. Tesla appears ready to flick the indicators whether a driver likes it or not.

The Silicon Valley-based electric car manufacturer has filed for a patent that flashes the left or right turn signal when drivers Continue reading “Tesla works on tech to flash indicators when drivers forget”

Rolls-Royce Extended Wheelbase Phantom Privacy Suite

Elites will have no need to wait until their destination to discuss pressing matters, at least not when they’re in the back seat of Rolls-Royce’s Phantom.

On Friday, the British ultra-luxury marque debuted its new “privacy suite” for the extended-wheelbase Phantom at the Chengdu auto show currently on in China.

Rolls-Royce Extended Wheelbase Phantom Privacy Suite

The rear cockpit features Electrochromatic Glass, a Continue reading “Total seclusion: Rolls-Royce Privacy Suite turns Phantom into rolling meeting space”