Jaguar Oem 02-08 X-type-side Marker Light Lamp Left C2s3046 on 2040-parts.com

SAE approves new fast-charging standard for EVs, plug-ins

SAE International said it has approved a new technical standard that will dramatically reduce charging times for plug-in hybrid electric vehicles and electric vehicles. The global engineering group said the new charging standard, developed with the cooperation of more than 190 automakers, utilities and equipment builders, will allow charging times to be reduced from as long as eight hours to as short as 20 minutes. Automakers want DC direct charging to take less than 10 minutes, or roughly the time it takes to fill a tank with gasoline.The goal is to accommodate currents as high as 500 volts distributed from public charging stations.

Driven: BMW 335i Cabriolet

The 3 series has come a long way. While the original 1975 E21 was initially only available as a two-door sedan, it was soon transformed into a cabriolet thanks to an aftermarket conversion kit by Baur. In 1982, the E30 was a two or four-door sedan until several years later, when BMW offered the "Touring" wagon and the full factory-produced cabriolet.

Ford's EcoBoost 1.0-liter finds home in Formula Ford

On Wednesday Ford won the 2013 International Engine of the Year for the second-consecutive time. The three-cylinder EcoBoost 1.0-liter in production trim delivers 123 hp and 148 lb-ft of twist. Here at the office we opined on what the best car would be to put the mighty mite in; we eventually settled on a Formula Ford open-wheeler.