2023 Tesla Model 3 on 2040-cars

Auto blog

Recharge Wrap-up: Tesla Model 3 reservation priorities, Opel builds Ampera-e in US?

Opel will build the Ampera-e EV in the US. According to a report from German magazine Automobil Produktion, the electric Opel will be built alongside its sibling, the Chevrolet Bolt, at GM's Orion Assembly plant near Detroit, Michigan. GM CEO Mary Barra did not disclose the location of the Ampera-e's assembly, and Opel declined to comment on the report. A Vauxhall spokesman in the UK declined to comment on whether the car would be sold there as a right-hand-drive model. Read more from Automotive News Europe. How will Tesla prioritize reservations for the Model 3? While some folks argue that orders should be prioritized according to time zone, others think all the Tesla stores should open at the same exact time, regardless of time zone. What is more likely, however, is that places where more deliveries take place will get their cars before locations with fewer buyers, for the sake of efficiency. Elon Musk has also said that the cars ordered with the most options will be built first. Read more at Teslarati. The Zoleco is an attempt at ultimate aerodynamic car design. Built by Zoltan Bod in British Columbia, it is a body concept that will potentially be sold as a kit meant for various propulsion systems. The idea is to reduce aerodynamic drag as much as possible, while saving weight wherever possible, in order to get the greatest efficiency out of the powerplant - be it gas, electric or some other form of energy. Bod says the car can achieve 151 mpg at 45 mph, or 91 mpg at 65 mph using a turbocharged, three-cylinder gasoline engine. Learn more at the Zoleco website. Featured Gallery Opel Ampera-e View 12 Photos News Source: Automotive News Europe, Teslarati, ZolecoImage Credit: Opel Design/Style Green Plants/Manufacturing GM Automakers Tesla Opel Fuel Efficiency Green Automakers Electric recharge wrapup

Recharge Wrap-up: Ford Fusion and Toyota Highlander named Best Hybrids for Families; Funky Prius motorhome

Tesla Model S customers in China will receive a "Universal Mobile Charger" with their vehicle. The charger will allow drivers to charge their Tesla anywhere, without having to search out a Supercharger when out in the wild. It allows Model S drivers a bit more freedom and helps alleviate worries about traveling too far from home. It could also help sway potential customers who suffer from range anxiety. The charger will be free to new and existing customers when it becomes available this summer. Read more at Car News China. US News & World Reports' list of Best Cars for Families includes two hybrids. The 2015 Ford Fusion Hybrid was chosen as the Best Hybrid Car for Families, while the 2015 Toyota Highlander Hybrid was picked as the Best Hybrid SUV for Families. The Fusion hybrid was chosen for its roomy, comfortable cabin, as well as the MyKey system's features for new drivers. The Highlander Hybrid offers eight seats - good for carpooling - as well as good mileage and a quality infotainment system. Read more at US News & World Reports or at Hybrid Cars. Audi plans to give its electric vehicles looks that differentiate them from the rest of the lineup. "In early 2018, we will launch a battery-powered sports activity vehicle in the large premium segment with a range of more than 500 kilometers," says Audi's head of development, Ulrich Hackenberg. "It will have a new, very attractive design, which we are developing especially for the E-Tron range and for battery-electric vehicles." According to analysts, part of the reason the Toyota Prius was so successful was because it was easy to distinguish from other Toyota models with conventional powertrains. Read more at Automotive News Europe. An Australian man turned his Toyota Prius into a miniature motorhome. James Lawler used mostly scraps to build the tiny house – complete with tin roof, chimney, and stained glass window – for just $150 Australian. It took him about a week to finish. Lawler made use of his creation at the Meredith Music Festival so he didn't have to sleep in a tent. He was, however, fined by police for driving the makeshift motorhome. See pictures and read more at the Herald Sun.

Dealers in Georgia latest to oppose Tesla showrooms

Tesla has been fighting challenges from dealer groups in several states for years due to the company's decision to sell directly to customers at stores rather than through franchise dealers. The business has won some of these battles like its recent compromise in Pennsylvania, which allows the company to open five stores there. Now, Tesla has another legal struggle ahead of it because the Georgia Automobile Dealers Association is hoping to shut down the brand's boutiques.
The Georgia dealers recently filed a petition to revoke Tesla's dealer license in the state and prevent it from reapplying for another one, according to Automotive News. The company currently operates just one store in Marietta, GA, but it reportedly has two more locations planned around Atlanta in the future. The association claims that Tesla's license limits it to direct sales of a maximum of 150 vehicles a year. It's now selling more than that, but attempting to increase the restriction.
If Tesla wants to keep selling cars in the state, which boasts high incentives and strong popularity around Atlanta for EVs, it needs to switch to franchises, according to the dealers. "No one should be allowed to act as if they are above the law, especially when there is a simple path to compliance that everyone else has agreed to follow," said Bill Morie, president of the association, to Automotive News.