article thumbnail

IHS Automotive sees Google leading technology, testing, software development for autonomous driving

Green Car Congress

Google is the current technology leader in this arena, according to a report from industry analysts IHS Automotive: “Google Self-Driving Car Strategy and Implications”. IHS estimates suggest Google has invested nearly $60 million so far in autonomous vehicle research and development, at a run rate of nearly $30 million per year.

Google 150
article thumbnail

Volvo Cars says early demand for fully electric Volvo XC40 Recharge P8 AWD is strong

Green Car Congress

The Recharge car line is the name for all Volvos with a fully electric and plug-in hybrid powertrain. The company aims to make all-electric cars 50% of global sales by 2025, with the rest hybrids. During the fourth quarter of 2019, plug-in hybrids represented more than 20% of all Volvos sold in Europe.

Volvo 352
article thumbnail

Report: Uber to invest $500M in global mapping project

Green Car Congress

The Financial Times reports that Uber will invest $500 million into a global mapping project in an effort to decrease its dependence on Google Maps and to prepare for autonomous driving. Uber has already hired Brian McClendon, formerly the head of Google Maps for more than a decade. Earlier post.). Earlier post.).

Global 150
article thumbnail

Google Unveils Faster, Cheaper Mechanism To Track Worldwide Deforestation Online; Support for Land Use Change Measurement, Verification and Reporting

Green Car Congress

Landsat images via Google Earth. Through its philanthropic arm, Google.org, Google introduced an online suite of beta software that leverages cloud computing to track worldwide land-use changes such as deforestation. Google Earth, as analyzed by Carnegie Landsat Analysis System. Sources: USGS. Click to enlarge. Click to enlarge.

Google 294
article thumbnail

2016 Chevrolet Malibu Hybrid to start at $28,645; 47 mpg combined

Green Car Congress

The 2016 Chevrolet Malibu Hybrid LT ( earlier post ) will be available this spring with a starting price of $28,645. With an all-new, hybrid powertrain that uses a slightly modified drive unit and electric motors used in the 2016 Chevrolet Volt, the Malibu Hybrid offers a GM-estimated 48 mpg city, 45 mpg highway, and 47 mpg combined (4.9,

article thumbnail

Toyota was the most searched auto brand in 2023, but Tesla still dominates EV queries

Baua Electric

What should come as no surprise to most people is that American automaker Tesla dominated Google Trends search data for EVs last year. Still, gas and hybrid specialist Toyota remained the most searched auto brand, not by any specific state. Here’s how it was gathered. Hyundai 18.6 Mercedes-Benz 15.1 million 10.

Toyota 52
article thumbnail

Polestar unveils Polestar 2 electric fastback; targeting Tesla Model 3

Green Car Congress

Polestar launched in 2017 with the Polestar 1—a low-volume Electric Performance Hybrid GT with 600 hp, 1,000 N·m and an electric-only range of 150 km (93 miles). Production of Polestar 2 begins in early 2020 in China for global markets in both left- and right-hand drive. Pre-ordering is open.

Google 199