2022 Tesla Model X Plaid 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.

Jay Leno burns rubber in Tesla Model S

Jay Leno has a pretty big soft spot for alternative-fuel vehicles. From his steam-powered relics to his beloved Chevrolet Volt, the comedian's automotive interests are nothing if not varied. In the latest episode of Jay Leno's Garage, Tesla Chief Designer Franz von Holzhausen stops by the Big Dog Garage to show off his company's new Model S. Jay gets a closer look at the five-door EV's interesting touchscreen controls, expansive moonroof and yes, even the third-row jump seats, before taking to the road. The clip explains why Tesla eschewed the chunky standardized EV charger for a more svelte unit and how the company managed to serve up impressive aerodynamics without sacrificing styling.
Leno takes the time to whir the Model S around the greater Los Angeles area before hopping on the freeway for a quick spin. This particular model features the largest battery pack available, which gives the Model S a total range of around 300 miles. Check out the clip below for a closer look.

Recharge Wrap-up: Tow-charging a Tesla, Hyundai Tucson Fuel Cell taxis in Paris

Watch a Tesla charge another Tesla by towing it. Bjorn Nyland has found yet another way to explore what Teslas can do, this time by towing a Model S behind a Model X to recharge the sedan's battery. While it's not the most efficient method of charging, it's definitely one way you could help out a stranded electric motorist in a time of desperation. The single-motor S was couldn't quite hit its regen capacity of 60 kW because of the towing speed. Nyland suggests a dual-motor Tesla in tow might be able to capture more energy. Check out the video above, and read more at Teslarati. Paris-based taxi startup STEP (Societe du Taxi Electrique Parisien) will use 60 Hyundai Tucson Fuel Cells in its fleet. These will replace internal combustion taxis on Paris roads. Hyundai says that its Tucson Fuel Cell taxi fleet presence in Paris will increase from five vehicles to up to several hundred in coming years. Read more from Hyundai. Montreal is installing 50 new EV chargers, with a goal of 1,000 by 2020. The new chargers are in addition to 50 built downtown in August. "Our administration has bet on the electrification of transportation, with a view to being the first electric metropolis in North America," says Montreal Mayor Denis Coderre. The 50 new stations are spread out throughout seven boroughs of the city. Read more at Green Car Congress, or from the City of Montreal (in French). Denver will add 200 electric vehicles to its city fleet by 2020. The city plans to save $800,000 over the next decade due to the switch, as it starts to replace aging vehicles with electric ones starting in 2018. "Both financially and from the environmental perspective, it puts the city in a leadership position," says Denver Energy and Transportation Administrator Tyler Svitak. The city currently employs three EVs in its fleet. Read more at Hybrid Cars, or from The Denver Post. Related Gallery Hyundai Tucson Fuel Cell STEP Taxi Service News Source: Teslarati, YouTube: Bjorn Nyland, Hyundai, Green Car Congress, City of Montreal, Hybrid Cars, Denver Post Government/Legal Green Hyundai Tesla Green Automakers Electric Videos recharge wrapup