Nissan Leaf Electric Car Charger Model No. 29690 3nf0e on 2040-parts.com

Seven automakers agree on standardized fast-charge system for EVs

Seven automakers have agreed to use a common single-port fast-charging system for electric cars in the United States and Europe. The goal is to reduce development costs and make it easier for consumers to adopt electric vehicles. Audi, BMW, Daimler, Ford, General Motors, Porsche and Volkswagen will use identical charge plugs and the same system for communication between the charger and the car in their electric vehicles.

Alfa Romeo 8C Spider at Geneva

By Mark Walton Motor Shows 07 March 2008 17:11 What’s new on the Alfa Romeo Geneva Motor Show stand?Alfa’s youthful new CEO Luca De Meo swept into Geneva like the heir-apparent he no doubt is, to unveil the Alfa Romeo 8C Spider. Even though this is now a well-known car that’s been previewed a dozen times at events around the world (including the 2006 Goodwood Festival of Speed and 2005 Pebble Beach) it still drew a big crowd for the official launch; and when the silky red cover was drawn off, there were still an audible gasp from audience, despite the familiarity. Shown in white with dark grey alloys and a deep tan interior, the Spider is an achingly beautiful car – a stunning, proper, drop-dead drop-top, arguably even more sensuous and dramatic than the 8C Competizione coupe that preceded it.

Carroll Shelby tribute draws 1,200 people

At approximately 6:55 p.m. Pacific Standard Time on Wednesday, May 30, around the world, the engines of several thousand Shelby Mustangs, Cobras, GT40s and even a few Series 1s cranked to life and roared their terrible roars in tribute to their fallen maker, Carroll Shelby. “I've got friends in South Africa who are firing theirs up right now,” said a Shelby Mustang owner, standing amidst a sea of the barking beasts parked on the roof of the Petersen Automotive Museum in Los Angeles.