The Volkswagen diesel emission scandal has now largely vanished from U.S. media coverage, much to VW's relief. Tens of thousands of bought-back TDI diesel vehicles still sit in fields awaiting modification and resale, or some other disposition. But among the thousands of pages of legal documents to settle dozens of civil and criminal charges in the case within the U.S., there's an interesting provision. DON'T MISS: In pictures: Volkswagen TDI diesels await their fate in Pike's Peak shadow That's the one that requires VW Group to offer two new battery-electric vehicles for sale in California before December 31, 2019—in addition to the Volkswagen e-Golf already on sale. The language of the requirement can be found in the Proposed Order for Second Partial Consent Decree, dated December 2016, between VW Group and the powerful California Air Resources Board. The relevant language is found in Section IV (11) starting on page 7, as follows (with the vehicle requirements specified in a, … [Read more...] about VW committed to sell 2 new electric cars in California by Dec 2019: what are they?
California
Here’s how California’s carpool (HOV-lane) stickers work now: updated
I-95/395 reversible HOV lanes, located in the middle of the freeway (pic by Mariordo at Wikimedia)Enlarge PhotoFor years, green-car buyers in California have enjoyed a special perk: access to high-occupancy vehicle lanes that can whiz past gridlock, even with just a single occupant. Now, updates to the rules signed into law in October by Governor Jerry Brown will likely change the way owners and shoppers view the coveted carpool-lane stickers and how they seek to retain the coveted privilege. In less than a decade, officials in California want to increase the number of zero-emission vehicles on the road by five-fold, to 1.5 million by the end of 2025, according to a January report by local station KQED. DON'T MISS: California Extends Electric-Car HOV Lane Access To 2019 One way to do that: extend the popular HOV-lane access program. But there's a catch—or actually a few. The California bill signed into law October 10 (AB 544) extends by three years the program that opens HOV … [Read more...] about Here’s how California’s carpool (HOV-lane) stickers work now: updated
Nvidia halts self-driving tests; Uber drops test permit in California
Chipmaker Nvidia Corp said on Tuesday it has suspended self-driving tests across the globe, a week after an Uber Technologies Inc autonomous vehicle struck and killed a woman crossing a street in Arizona. Uber is one of Nvidia's partners and uses some of its self-driving technology. Nvidia's shares closed down 7.8 percent at $225.52, wiping out more than $11 billion in market value. Nvidia shares have more than doubled in value in the past 12 months on bets that the company will become a leader in chips for driverless cars, data centers and artificial intelligence. Uber suspended North American tests of its autonomous vehicles after the fatal collision on March 18 in Tempe, Arizona. And Arizona on Monday suspended permission for Uber to test self-driving vehicles on public streets. The California Department of Motor Vehicles said on Tuesday that Uber indicated it would not renew its current permit to test autonomous vehicles in California. Under current terms, Uber is allowed to test … [Read more...] about Nvidia halts self-driving tests; Uber drops test permit in California
California Executive Order Doubles Down on EV Mandate
Following the signing of a new executive order by California Governor Jerry Brown, the official target for all-electric vehicle sales in the state is now 5 million electric cars on California’s roads by 2030. That target builds on the earlier target of 1.5 zero emissions vehicles by 2025 by quite a bit. The move demonstrates that Governor Brown’s previous comments about pursuing further actions to support clean tech regardless of federal policies weren’t just glib talk. The recently signed executive order states that it will function, “to curb carbon pollution from cars and trucks and boost the number of zero-emission vehicles driven in California.” Over at CleanTechnica, Steve Hanley reports more details: “To reach the goal, California will spend $2.5 billion between now and 2025 to install more charging stations and hydrogen fueling stations throughout the state. It will also beef up its incentives and rebate programs for people who buy zero … [Read more...] about California Executive Order Doubles Down on EV Mandate
Ford Mustang GT received special version of California Special
The coupe and cabriolet Ford Mustang GT received a modification of the California Special, dedicated to the model of the 1968 model. Outside, the Ford Mustang California Special Edition differs from the standard performance with a unique decor. In particular, the coupe and cabriolet received a darkened radiator grille, a splitter, strips on the sides of the body, side air intakes and two-tone wheel disks. Seats in the Mustang Show in the California version are trimmed with a combination of black leather and suede with contrasting red stitching. As for the technical stuffing, it did not touch her. It is known that the circulation of the special series is limited, but it is not yet known how many such cars will be produced. The cost of the performance of the California Special is also not disclosed. … [Read more...] about Ford Mustang GT received special version of California Special