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Car makers are worried tougher emission tests will kill diesel sales
If you guessed that the ever-expanding Volkswagen diesel scandal would make other automakers nervous... you guessed well. In a statement, the European Automobile Manufacturers' Association (ACEA) worries that regulators will demand overly strict emissions tests and standards. Extra-tough requirements would supposedly make some diesel-based vehicles (which are popular in Europe) "effectively unaffordable," leaving vendors with no choice but to axe those models. The industry is in favor of better tests, the ACEA insists -- it just wants more "realistic" goals.
Audi, GM, others unite on 20-minute EV charging standard for green drivers in a rush
Fast-charging an EV isn't new in itself, but deciding on a standard for it is. Which is why we're glad to hear that Audi, BMW, Chrysler, Daimler, Ford, GM, Porsche and Volkswagen have all agreed to a common format for their EV charging ports, the not-very-elegantly-titled DC Fast Charging with a Combined Charging System. Together, the automakers are promising a consistent way to power up a car within 15 to 20 minutes, all without breaking a current Type 1 AC charging implementation. The new format will be demoed at the Electric Vehicle Symposium 26 in Los Angeles starting May 6. Just be aware that your first-generation Focus Electric won't be certain to use the newly universal technology: the first cars to tout the new plug won't be at dealerships until 2013, and the European vehicle association ACEA is only guaranteeing that charging stations on the continent will be using the DC Fast Charging system by 2017. Check after the break for a further look at the port.
