2021 Tesla Model S on 2040-cars

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Tesla Supercharger wins AOL Autos Tech of the Year award

The votes are in, the ballots have been counted and the envelope is open. Together with our partners at AOL Autos, we're proud to announce the winner of our second annual Technology of the Year award. After having awarded the inaugural prize last year to Chrysler for its UConnect infotainment system, this year we've selected the Tesla Supercharger network as the top technological advancement in the automotive industry.
While enthusiasts will likely associate the name "supercharger" with forced induction, Tesla has successfully redefined the term to apply to its increasingly sprawling network of charging stations across the country. Drive your Model S up to one of the 54 such stations in the United States, and you can be on your way with a full charge in just 20 minutes, instead of the full eight hours it usually takes. With much of the industry and government still wringing its hands over a lack of infrastructure for alternative fuels, Tesla has taken the reins and is working to fix the problem itself.
The winner was selected from a compelling list of candidates by a jury including editors from AOL Autos, Autoblog, AutoblogGreen, Translogic and even Engadget. The Tesla Supercharger beat out such contenders as Chevy's MyLink Valet Mode, Infiniti Backup Collision Intervention, Volvo Pedestrian and Cyclist Detection, Mopar In-Vehicle Wireless Charging and Mercedes-Benz Intelligent Drive to claim the hardware, which was presented at this week's CES show in Las Vegas.

Recharge Wrap-up: Will.i.am's custom Tesla, Mahindra's Formula E livery

Take a look at Will.i.am's custom Tesla Model S caught on video in the wild in Beverly Hills. The over-the-top body kit comes from Black Eyed Peas member's own so-called car company, IAMAUTO. The deep-dish wheels appear to recede into nothingness, and the placement of the handles gives away the car's suicide rear doors, which a valet opens slightly at one point in the video. Overall, the custom job gives the EV a wide, low, and extremely chunky look. The man behind the camera gets a good view from a variety of angles, though whether there is actually a good angle for this particular Tesla is up for debate. Check it out in the video above, and read more at Teslarati. 1,635 Smart cars traveled in a parade through Hamburg, Germany as part of Smart Times 2016. At the 16th such gathering of Smart enthusiasts and their vehicles, the group beat the former world record of 1,427 parading cars at Smart Times 2014 in Cascais, Portugal. In addition to meeting with like-minded fans and showing off their fuel-sipping and electric runabouts, Smart Times attendees had the opportunity to test drive new models, talk to designers and tuners, enjoy live music, and meet beach volleyball players Laura Ludwig and Kira Walkenhorst, who arrived in a golden Smart Fortwo Cabriolet. There will be yet another opportunity to set a new record next year, when the Smart community will descend upon Salou, Spain. Read more from Daimler. ChargePoint is offering 10 percent off its ChargePoint Home EV charger. In honor of National Drive Electric Week, the deal on the 32-amp charging station is good until September 18, 2016. ChargePoint Home comes in hardwired and plug-in versions with either an 18- or 25-foot cable, and is for sale on Amazon. Read more from ChargePoint. Mahindra Racing has new livery for the third season of Formula E. The livery for the team's M3Electro racecar debuted at Donington Park for the first round of preseason testing. Mahindra held an online contest called #DrivenByDesign to choose its new look, with the winning design created by Spanish artist Adria Haro Jorba. Pininfarina Chief Designer Fabio Filippini chose Haro Jorba's design, which visualizes the car's aerodynamics and makes use of India's national colors. Learn more in the press release from Mahindra Racing.

Recharge Wrap-up: Volvo's efficient truck concept, Tesla's updated mobile charger is cheaper

Mercedes-Benz plans to equip its gasoline-powered cars with particulate emissions filters, just like its diesel vehicles. Claiming to be the first automaker to apply the technology to gasoline motors, successful testing in the S500 led to the decision to expand the use of these filters. This announcement coincides with a $3.35 billion investment in clean diesel technology, including a new four-cylinder engine that adheres to strict emissions guidelines. It's not clear when Mercedes will begin including the filters on its gasoline vehicles, or if it intends to use them outside of Europe. Read more at Green Car Reports. Tesla has updated its mobile charger and given it a lower price. The 40-amp "Mobile Connector Bundle" – which used to sell for $650 – is now priced at $550 with two adapters and a storage bag, with an available $520 version offered without the adapters. Tesla's product description reads, "The Corded Mobile Connector has an integrated 240 volt 50 amp rated plug for high power output. A seamless design provides a low profile connection, allowing for use with covered outdoor outlets." Read more at Electrek. Volvo has developed a new truck concept that reduces fuel consumption by more than 30 percent. The modified Volvo FH 420 long-haul truck, simply called the Volvo Concept Truck, features 40 percent better aerodynamic efficiency, a weight reduction of about 4,400 pounds, and tires with lower rolling resistance. The truck's rear view mirrors have been replaced by cameras, which, in addition to reducing drag, also improve safety through better visibility. While the research vehicle won't reach market as-is, some of its aerodynamic features have already been included in real-world applications, with more to come as Volvo aims to improve the efficiency of its trucks by 50 percent. Read more at Green Car Congress, and in the press release below. Volvo Trucks' new concept truck cuts fuel consumption by more than 30% Almost one-third lower fuel consumption. Volvo Trucks' new concept vehicle shows how it is possible to drastically boost productivity in long-haul operations. Among the secrets behind these remarkable fuel savings are aerodynamic design and lower kerb weight. With support from the Swedish Energy Agency, Volvo Trucks has developed a new concept vehicle, the Volvo Concept Truck. It is the result of a five year long research project aimed at creating more energy-efficient vehicles.