Scott Usa Hustle Snowcross Goggles Prism/rose Lens on 2040-parts.com

Better Place EV Battery Swap business goes bust

It seemed like a good idea: take the cost of batteries out of the cost of buying an electric car and instead charge EV owners to use ‘Battery Swap’ stations where depleted batteries could be swapped for fully charged ones in the time it takes to fill an ICE car with petrol. But it’s all gone a bit Pete Tong. Better Place – which partnered with Renault in 2009 to make the battery swap technology viable – has failed to find anyone to add to the $750 million already involved in the project and has filed for bankruptcy.

Nissan Esflow concept - first photos

These are the first photos of Nissan's all-new Esflow concept, snapped in Germany weeks before the car takes the stage at the Geneva motor show.  Billed as a fun electric car, the Esflow surprises by also being a delectable design with sports car cues that would appeal to even the hardened enthusiast. Check out the gallery below for a these exclusive photos. We'll bring you a full spread of high resolution images live from the Esflow's debut on March 1.

Cadillac ELR comes with free home-charging station

The Chevrolet Volt-based Cadillac ELR has never been associated with a low price of entry, but Cadillac is now offering an extra incentive to those looking to buy one. The company will provide a 240-Volt Level 2 home-charging station including installation with a new ELR. Cadillac hopes this incentive just might sway some buyers who have been thinking about buying the luxury gas-electric hybrid, or those who have been cross-shopping the ELR with the Tesla Model S.