GM's electric Chevy Volt has been declared safe after months of testing into the risk of post-crash fires posed by its lithium-ion battery. The National Highway Traffic Safety Administration tests have concluded that no "discernible defect trend exists" with the battery. In December, GM offered to buy back Volts from any consumer concerned about the fire risk.
Fisker has recalled its extended-range pug-in hybrid Karma vehicle for the second time in less than a month, reports Autoblog. The problem, which comes just weeks after the cars' battery packs were subject to a voluntary recall, stems from a software issue in the vehicle's entertainment system.
GM and Google are showcasing a new function of the OnStar auto-communications system that allows drivers to recharge electric vehicles using only renewable energy. Google's "Gfleet," based at the company’s headquarters in Mountain View, Calif., is being used to demonstrate the technology.
Mercedes-Benz is planning to release an extended-range plug-in B-Class E-Cell electric vehicle that it premiered in September, reports Autoblog.
Honda has begun deliveries of the Fit EV battery-electric vehicle. The City of Torrance, Calif., received the first vehicle in a prelude to to the car's retail market launch planned for California and Oregon this summer.
