Author: Green Car Online News

Ford C-Max Energi, Fusion Energi owners still waiting for cooler charge cords

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Ford Fusion Energi charging.
Six months after Ford issued a recall over a fire risk and its charge cords, some drivers of Ford plug-in vehicles still don’t have the peace of mind of a new charge cord.

The recall, issued last August, affected or the 120V AC “convenience charge cord” that Ford supplies with more than 49,000 U.S.-market vehicles—including specific build dates that cover the 2012-2015 Ford Focus Electric, 2013-2015 Ford C-Max Energi, and 2013-2015 Ford Fusion Energi.

Beginning on March 14, 2015, Ford began shipping an updated 120V charge cord that included a thermistor that can temporarily stop charging if the unit gets too hot where it’s plugged into the wall outlet. The affected charge cords don’t have that, and Ford says that it “identified an elevated rate of allegations of melting and fire” involving those earlier cords.

DON’T MISS: Ford recalls 2019 Fusion Energi over high-voltage shock risk

Incomplete or slow charge cycles can be an early indication of the issue, according to Ford—as well as the obvious signs, such as “visible melting damage of the area surrounding the charge cord plug and/or odor.”

In January, Ford notified owners of the Focus Electric that new charge cords were available. But the replacement cords for Ford’s Energi plug-in hybrids haven’t yet arrived.

When asked for an update by Green Car Reports Ford only said: “For affected C-Max and Fusion Energi vehicles, we are working with our suppliers to receive parts as quickly as possible. Owners will be notified when parts are available.”

CHECK OUT: 2019 Ford Fusion Energi gets longer electric range

Adding to the confusion, Ford had advised several owners (GCR has been contacted at least twice) of affected vehicles that the cords needed to be inspected, with some told by the dealership they still needed to test the old cord.

Charging cord for 2012 Ford Focus Electric

Ford now uses more precise language that it will replace the cord for all vehicles that fall within those build dates—and what will happen to the old one. “Dealers will replace the factory-equipped 120 volt convenience charge cord with the latest version of the 120-volt convenience cord that includes a thermistor. The old cord will be destroyed,” said Ford spokeswoman Monique Brentley.

All owners are advised to visit their Ford dealership, bringing their old charge cord, as soon as they’re notified the new ones are available.

READ MORE: 2021 Ford Mach E: What we know about 300-mile electric SUV

Ford advises that the cord remains safe to use on its own, and that the safety mechanism only pertains to improper use. Examples of what Ford sees as improper use include:

– a loose, worn or damaged AC wall outlet
– an extension cord
– a two-prong adapter
– a surge protector
– a timer
– any other adapter

Whether they have the updated cord or not, owners of the Ford vehicles are advised not to use extension cords.

Owners can call Ford customer service is at 866-436-7332, and the Ford recall number is 18S24. We’ll keep an eye on the situation, but if you drive a C-Max or Fusion Energi we strongly recommend that you check back with them—frequently—for updates.

Mercedes-Benz EQ Silver Arrow Formula E electric racing car debuts in special livery

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Mercedes-Benz EQ Silver Arrow 01 concept
Mercedes-Benz is formally entering Formula E electric-car racing for the upcoming 2019-2020 season, and for the upcoming Geneva Motor Show it has revealed what it terms a “teaser” version of the racing car, called the EQ Silver Arrow 01.

Mercedes says that it “provides an idea of the team’s Formula E campaign to come.” The vehicle won’t be shown in its final livery, according to a release “at a later stage ahead of the season opener.”

DON’T MISS: 11 things you need to know about Formula E electric-car racing

“The blue touches and the subtle contrast between matte and gloss in conjunction with the star motif at the rear of the vehicle convey the concept of progressive luxury in electric motorsport,” said chief design officer Gordon Wagener of this version, in a company press release, with notes that the horizontal blue line symbolizes Mercedes’ electrification-focused EQ brand and is in contrast to the green hue of its Formula 1 car, the Mercedes-AMG F1 W10 EQ Power+.

“Formula E is going to be a completely new playing field for us,” said Toto Wolff, the head of Mercedes-Benz Motorsport. “But we are looking forward to the challenge of demonstrating the performance of our intelligent battery-electric drives in motorsport and of giving a positive boost to the EQ brand.”

CHECK OUT: Formula E signs on to complete battery recycling

Mercedes-Benz EQ Silver Arrow 01 concept

The upcoming 2019-2020 racing season will be the first one in which Mercedes will compete in both Formula 1 and Formula E.

Season 6 of Formula E, slated to start in December 2019, will also include Porsche for the first time. With the current Season 5, BMW entered as a manufacturer team, and Nissan entered Formula E, replacing its Renault affiliate.

Mercedes lists the top speed of its car as 174 mph, with an acceleration time of 0-60 mph in about 2.7 seconds.

READ MORE: New York race closes out Formula E season and multi-car strategy

The current season is the first with an all-new Gen2 racing car, with “halo” cockpit protection for the driver, higher power and top speeds, and no full-car swaps mid-race. At 52-kwh and 849 pounds, the battery that needs to power all Formula E cars for the entire 45-minute races is a product of McLaren Applied Technologies and Lucid Motors (Atieva), with Sony cells.

Three of 13 Season 5 races have already been held, with the next one on March 10 in Hong Kong and the season ending with two Brooklyn street circuit races on July 13-14, 2019.

Tesla cuts more than $10,000 off price of Model S and X

2018 Tesla Model S and 2018 Tesla Model X
Along with its announcement of a new base Model 3 Standard Range last week, Tesla also announced that it would cut prices across the board, including on its more expensive Model S and Model X vehicles.

In addition to introducing new standard range Model S and X vehicles in late January, when it also dropped prices on the luxury cars by $1,000, Tesla cut prices on the Model S and X by at least $6,000 last week.

Model S

– The base, Standard Range Model S, with 270 miles of range, now sells for $80,200, down from $86,200 last month (after counting the mandatory destination and documentation fee of $1,200.)

– The Long Range Model S, with 335 miles of range, dropped $10,000, from $94,200 to $84,200.

– The Performance model, with a 0-60 mph time of 3.0 seconds and a 315 mile range, dropped $13,000, from $113,200 to $100,200 with delivery.

MUST READ: Tesla revamps Model S and X lineups without battery size numbers

With January's changes, Tesla also separated Ludicrous Mode, with its 2.4-second acceleration from 0-60, into a stand-alone option. It now sells for $18,000, down $2,000 for the option.

Model X

Model X prices dropped even more. There is no Short Range Model X.

DON'T MISS: Tesla Model 3 Standard Range arrives soon at $35,000 and 220 miles. Really.

– The base Long Range Model X sells for $89,200, down $8,000 from before. With the same battery as the Long Range Model S in a bigger SUV, it delivers 295 miles of range.

– The Model X Performance sells for $105,200, down $13,000. Ludicrous Mode adds the same $18,000 as it does on the Model S.

Autopilot, which adds adaptive cruise control and active lane control, adds $3,000 to both models, and Tesla has reintroduced the prepayment option for Full Self Driving mode, which CEO Elon Musk does not expect to activate until the end of the year. It adds $5,000 and requires Autopilot.

The company has cut prices to stimulate demand after the available federal Plug-In Vehicle Tax Credit on its cars dropped by half in January. it is scheduled to drop again in July and to be eliminated in 2020. Tesla was the first automaker in the U.S. to reach its electric-vehicle tax credit cap last July after it sold 200,000 electric cars.

$35,000 Tesla Model 3, “Full Self-Driving” returns, BMW-Mercedes car sharing: Today’s Car News

Smart Forease+ concept
Tesla announced it will sell the base $35,000 Model 3 this month, and will only sell cars online going forward. At the same time, CEO Elon Musk announced plans for the company's long-awaited Full Self-Driving system. The U.S. Senate confirmed Andrew Wheeler as permanent EPA Administrator. Daimler teamed up with BMW to develop car- and ride-sharing programs, as well as full-self-driving systems. And we take a closer look at the battery cooling system that NIO plans to use on its upcoming Tesla fighter. All this and more on Green Car Reports.

After a year of delay, Tesla CEO Elon Musk announced Thursday that the company will begin building the long-awaited base version of the Tesla Model 3, perhaps finally selling the car that hundreds of thousands gave Tesla a deposit to buy two years ago. At the same time, Musk announced that the company will close many of its stores and begin selling entirely online and revealed details of Tesla's upcoming Full Self-Driving system.

The Senate confirmed Acting EPA Administrator Andrew Wheeler, who has rolled back emissions regulations, to permanently head the agency.

Mercedes-Benz's parent company Daimler teamed with rival BMW to develop ride- and car-sharing programs around the world, as well as a full self-driving system.

We get a first look at the battery cooling system that Chinese luxury electric carmaker NIO will use in its upcoming luxury electric cars.

Daimler's existing electric city-car brand, Smart, has developed a new concept for next week's Geneva auto show with a removable, hard-shelled fabric roof.

Finally, in sunny Sacramento, California, Uber's Jump bikes are proving more popular than its cars.

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Nissan Leaf progress, fast electric motorcycle charging, Audi plug-ins: Today’s Car News

BMW and Mercedes-Benz self-driving car concepts
Audi plans to introduce four new plug-in hybrids at next week's Geneva auto show. A drive in the Nissan Leaf Plus reveals how far electric cars have come in nine years. Electric motorcycle maker Zero has a novel way to get faster charging and longer trips on an electric bike. And German prosecutors fined BMW for its diesel emissions—but it may not be what you think. All this and more on Green Car Reports.

A look back at the first modern production electric car, compared with its latest versions shows the progress electric cars have made in nine years. Range has tripled for a little more than a 20 percent price increase.

Electric motorcycles are becoming a lot more useful for long trips with longer ranges and available fast charging. California electric bike-maker Zero has a novel way to recharge them: using two Level 2 chargers on the road simultaneously.

Audi announced some details on four new plug-in hybrids it plans to reveal at the Geneva auto show next month: the Q5, A6, A7, and A8.

German prosecutors announced a $9.6 million fine against BMW for violating emissions standards with some of its diesel cars. The sum is a tiny fraction of that levied against Volkswagen, because prosecutors traced the problem to a mistake rather than intentional cheating.

Meanwhile, the German company is pairing up with rival Daimler to work on self-driving cars.

Finally, after a driver dozed off behind the wheel of a speeding Tesla Model S driving on Autopilot, police are pleading with automakers who make self-driving systems to make the cars recognize when they're trying to pull one over.

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Ford fuel economy, EPA ends talks, better hybrids, Audi ad: Today’s Car News

Mitsubishi Engelberg Tourer concept teaser
Ford opened an investigation into the way it conducts fuel economy tests. The EPA quit speaking to California in their dispute over emissions rules. Half of Consumer Reports top picks for 2019 include hybrids or plug-in cars. And Audi makes good on advertising the performance benefits of an electric car. All this and more on Green Car Reports.

After employees expressed concern in an internal tip-line, Ford opened an investigation into the way it conducts a key portion of federally mandated fuel-economy tests. If it finds problems, it could lead to revising fuel economy numbers of some of its models—or more.

After months of dispute over its proposal to rollback scheduled increases in emissions and fuel economy standards, the EPA ended its talks with California, which has already sued the agency over the change. “This is not a two-way negotiation,” Acting Administrator Andrew Wheeler said earlier this month.

Of the 10 cars on Consumer Reports' list of Top Picks for 2019, three are hybrids, and two come as plug-in or electric models. To have so many “electrified” models on the list shows how far hybrids have come. The large, luxurious Toyota Avalon Hybrid even gets better gas mileage than the tiny original Prius.

After its Super Bowl ad last month, Audi made a new commercial for its upcoming e-tron quattro SUV touting its performance climbing a ski slope.

Finally, with yet another electric concept scheduled to debut next month, the Geneva auto show is taking shape. The latest concept, from Mitsubishi, is an electric SUV that could be a new iteration of the e-Evolution concept it showed in Los Angeles last fall (and in Tokyo 18 months before), or an updated concept for the Outlander.

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Ford investigates its own fuel-economy testing methods

2019 Ford Ranger
Ford announced on Thursday that it opened an investigation into the fuel economy testing it does to receive official EPA ratings and federal certification to sell its vehicles in the U.S.

The company plans to start by retesting its 2019 Ranger midsize pickup, after employees raised concerns through Ford's internal reporting channel called Speak Up.

The concerns involve how Ford measures the energy required to drive a car down the road, called “road load,” which then becomes a factor in further fuel economy measurements.

MUST READ: Ford Cuts Gas Mileage On 6 Models: What You Need To Know, And Open Questions (2014)

Under EPA fuel-economy testing regulations, automakers test road load by letting a car coast from 60 mph to a stop and measuring the time and distance required to stop. This gives an indication of how much wind and road resistance and friction a vehicle generates going down the road and various speeds.

The results of the coast-down test are then fed into a dynamometer, a kind of treadmill for cars used in emissions and horsepower testing to mimic that load as the car drives a simulated road loop in lab for emissions and fuel-economy testing. It is designed to make the engine work as if the car were actually driving on the road.

But multiple factors can affect the road load, such as exact tire pressures, ride height and various aerodynamic parameters—and can affect the resulting fuel economy and emissions numbers. (In an equivalent European test, now outdated, engineers have even been known to tape doors closed in the coast-down test to cover the gap between the door and body to improve aerodynamics and increase fuel economy ratings.)

READ MORE: EPA Wants Carmakers To Verify Gas Mileage With Road Testing Too (2014)

Automakers are required to achieve certain emissions targets to sell cars in the U.S., and can face big fines if they don't meet fuel economy targets across their whole model lineups.

As a result of the employees' reports, Ford has hired an outside investigation team to examine the specifications it uses in testing road load and retained independent technical experts in the industry as part of its investigation team. The company has also hired an outside laboratory to conduct independent coast-down tests on its vehicles, starting with the Ranger.

2019 Ford Ranger

Ford spokesman Said Deep said the company is starting by retesting the 2019 Ranger, but “if we need to expand our investigation beyond that, we will.” The Ranger is currently rated at 21 mpg city, 26 highway, and 23 combined for 2-wheel-drive models, and 20/24/22 for 4WD models.

Other automakers, such as Hyundai, have had to restate fuel economy numbers and pay consumers for extra fuel costs above what some of their cars' fuel-economy labels indicated. Subaru and Nissan have faced similar concerns in Japan, in some cases also flagged by employees.

In 2013 and 2014, Ford had to lower fuel economy labels on its Fusion and C-Max Hybrids and its Ford Fiesta and offered gas rebates to buyers to compensate for additional fuel the cars used above what their EPA ratings indicated. Deep says the current investigation involves separate issues from those instances.

CHECK OUT: Hyundai, Kia Rapped By EPA Over Misstated MPG Stickers (2012)

Since those concerns, along with the VW diesel emissions-cheating scandal, came to light, the EPA has been conducting more of its own tests and has insisted that automakers do more real-world testing on the road.

Deep said the current question over Ford's road-load testing does not involve an emissions cheat device, such as those used in Volkswagen and Fiat Chrysler diesels, that restricted emissions controls to fully function only in testing, and allowed those cars to emit far more pollution when driven on the road than federal standards allow.

He said he expects the investigation to take several months.