Delphi Automotive is developing an advanced HVAC system that could be used to extend the range of electric vehicles by up to 10 percent. Delphi aims to commercialize its range-extending HVAC system by 2015.

In a recent demonstration at the 2011 Tokyo Motor Show, Nissan showed how its LEAF could power an entire home by being connected to a power control system that's hooked up to the home's electrical system. Nissan says that this system could power a typical home for two full days using the LEAF's battery pack.

One method for determining an automaker's electric vehicle intentions is to examine its electric mobility-related patent filings. But when a potential breakthrough emerges, the big companies are going to file a patent. So, which automakers lead in electric-drive patent filings?

The Volt isn't a vertically integrated GM package--components big and small come from at least 60 suppliers. Here's a look at some of them.

German automaker BMW and Japanese rival Toyota Motor are reportedly working on a deal to cooperate on research and development of lithium-ion batteries for plug-in vehicles.

It’s hard to keep track of the long line of plug-in car concepts from Audi. While other car companies (most notably Nissan) made a firm decision to make and sell an electric car three or four years ago—and now sells EVs by the thousands—Audi continues to study the issue. At the 2011 Los Angeles Auto Show, running through Nov. 27, Audi is now showing its all-electric A3 e-tron—what it calls a "technology study."

German automaker Audi has given its lightweight electric Urban Concept the low-volume production green light.

Japanese automaker Nissan has taken its LEAF-to-grid scheme to new heights. For the next four days, a lone Nissan LEAF will be utilized to illuminate the Marine Tower near Nissan's global headquarters in Yokohama, Japan. The stunt—a clever bit of plug-in vehicle advertising—commemorates the Marine Tower's 50th anniversary and the Port of Yokohama's 100 years of continuous operation.

Rumors continue to swirl regarding the possible production of the 261-mpg Volkswagen XL1. This time around, Martin Winterkorn, chief executive officer of VW, has confirmed that Volkswagen will officially launch the ultra-lightweight diesel plug-in XL1 in 2013.

Elon Musk, chief executive officer of electric automaker Tesla Motors (and SpaceX) received the Wall Street Journal Magazine's first-ever Innovator of the Year Award in Technology. The oft-outspoken and sometimes over-the-top Musk is largely responsible for bringing ground- breaking electric vehicles to market. Musk describes the upcoming Model S not only as the finest electric automobile to ever hit the streets, but as the "best car of any kind," regardless of means of propulsion.