Dave Nichols

Senior Editor and GreenCars Contributor

Dave Nichols has been involved in many forms of media both in front and behind the camera since 1978. He has written and produced over 1,200 TV commercials with Shadoe Stevens, Inc., a series of television comedy specials for HBO/Cinemax, and American Top 40 for ABC Watermark. He has created live events for Jani International, developed early-learning software for Microsoft, and written ad campaigns for radio, TV, and feature film trailers for New World Pictures. Dave was the editor-in-chief of Easyriders and V-Twin motorcycle magazines from 1998-2019 and the host of V-Twin TV on SPEED Channel. He is also the author of five best-selling motorsports titles for Motorbooks and created the online auto enthusiast’s hub Drive Drive with Jeremy Clarkson, James May, and Richard Hammond of Top Gear fame. Dave is currently a marketing copywriter for Lithia Motors and the host of Lithia Motors’ “Cruisin’” video road tests on YouTube. Dave lives in Ashland, Oregon.

Articles by

Dave Nichols

blue 2025 Kia EV9

2025 Kia EV9 Road Test

Kia’s huge three-row electric SUV combines distinctive style, impressive features, a spacious interior, and the latest tech in a very appealing package. So appealing it seems to be winning every award there is to win.

Mercedes-Benz AMG C63 driving on the highway

2024 Mercedes-Benz AMG C63 PHEV Road Test

Not ready to step up to an all-electric luxury sedan? Then the Mercedes-Benz AMG C63 may be the right performance plug-in hybrid for you.

woman on phone in charging car

Recommendations

Most Fuel-Efficient Plug-In Hybrids

Yes, gasoline is expensive. In fact, fuel-efficiency is priority for consumers looking at buying a new vehicle. GreenCars has researched gas-saving plug-in hybrids and found the most fuel-efficient cars that fall into the popular crossover SUV segment. Let's take a look at the top five PHEVs.

close up of EV tire

How Long Do EV Tires Last?

When considering the purchase of an electric vehicle (EV), one crucial aspect that often gets overlooked is the need for specialized tires. These high-tech vehicles require tires designed to handle their increased performance and additional weight.

Red hybrid SUV for families

Recommendations

Best Hybrid SUVs for Families

On the hunt for the fuel-efficient hybrid SUV for your family? Look no further than our list of five fantastic household haulers, some of which have three rows and up to eight seats for the whole family!

Plug-In Hybrid Sedan charging

Recommendations

Most Affordable Plug-In Hybrids

Plug-in hybrid technology gives you the best of both worlds – zero emissions and cheap running costs from electric and the flexibility and long-haul ability of gasoline. Learn more about the most affordable plug-in hybrids around.

a blue ID.Buzz next to an orange, classic Volkswagen buss parked at an ocean viewpoint next to a grass-covered hillside

More EV Myths and Misconceptions

The world of all-electric cars continues to rocket along and registrations for EVs are at a record high with 1.2 million sold in American in 2023. Yet anti-EV propaganda and misinformation continues to flow online and across the cable networks. Here you'll find EV Myths debunked by the GreenCars team.

close up shot of a bmw 3-series ev driving down an empty road

Coming soon: 2026 BMW 3-Series EV

BMW proves that the electric future doesn’t have to be boring. The retro-yet-futuristic Vision Neue Klasse gives us a glimpse of the next 3-Series, due in 2026 in electric form.

Silver Lexus ES300h parked outside of a large gray building in the background

Road Test: Lexus ES300h Hybrid

In the ever-expanding hybrid car market, the 2024 Lexus ES300h may be the best midsize luxury sedan you can buy for under $50,000.

‍Kia Niro Plug-In Hybrid front view

Recommendations

The Best Used Plug-In Hybrids

If you're looking for a plug-in hybrid on a budget, we have good news for you. There are some great choices from both mainstream and luxury brands that fit all budgets and family needs. Read on for our recommendations.

Woman on the phone sitting next to her EV charging

Do EVs Cost More to Repair?

It’s now common knowledge that electric cars generally cost less to maintain than gasoline-powered vehicles thanks to fewer moving parts. But what about the cost for collision repair after an accident?

Aerial view of Volkswagen ID.4 driving on the road

Recommendations

Best-Selling Electric Vehicles

2023 was a great year for electric car sales, with over a million new EVs being sold in the U.S. for the first time. The best-sellers list contains many familiar names – and also a few surprises.

Car Safety Tech of the Future

In the next 10 years, we’ll be seeing an amazing and transformative array of new safety technologies in cars that will greatly reduce traffic accidents and improve our safety and security on the road. Here’s a look at what’s coming.

Industry Updates

The Tesla Model Y Is The Best-Selling Car In The World

For the first time in history, the best-selling vehicle in the world is electric. Tesla's Model Y just beat out the Toyota Corolla on the global sales charts. The Tesla Model 3 also ranked in the top 10.

Industry Updates

2025 Chrysler Airflow

Chrysler has been talking about an entire new line of all-electric vehicles to come. But will the long-awaited Airflow model be the first EV crossover for Chrysler, or will it be something else entirely?

Your Leased Hybrid or EV Could Be Worth More

If you leased a hybrid, plug-in hybrid, or all-electric car back in 2019 or 2020, you might be able to make some significant money when you turn it in at the end of the lease. Find out how.

Industry Updates

The Mercedes-Benz EQE Lights the Way

With all the clever prowess and elegance of its big brother EQS, the new Mercedes-Benz EQE luxury sedan arrives to outshine Tesla and BMW in the electrified battle for a better EV and silent supremacy.

Volkswagen Announces 2024 ID.7 Sedan

Interested in an all-electric sedan with over 400 miles of range and a zero to 60 mph time of around five seconds? The Volkswagen ID.7 is capable of that and more. It can even charge 143 miles in just ten minutes. When can you get one? Read on.

Honda's Prologue EV Slated to Hit Showrooms in 2024

Honda's Prologue EV will be the first all-electric Honda built in partnership with General Motors. We can guarantee it will be the first in a long line of new models designed in partnership with American auto giant General Motors including electric versions of the Civic, Accord and CR-V to follow.

Is Red Hydrogen the Breakthrough Technology We've Been Waiting For?

When everyone is driving a green car, we’ll need abundant sources of clean electricity and hydrogen to power future EVs. Japan may have an answer in the form of nuclear energy-powered red hydrogen.

Industry Updates

GM Launches New Energy Business

General Motors' new GM Energy could set up your home as a solar-powered energy station to power your house and EV. You might even get money back from your electric company.

Would You Buy an Electric Corvette?

The Chevrolet Corvette, one of America's iconic sports cars, has always been closely associated with powerful V-8 engines. But the brand recently previewed a Corvette with an electric twist - and all-wheel drive. Read on to find out more.

What's Next: Solar-Powered Electric Cars

If solar power can help reduce your electricity costs at home, or keep your watch running, could it help improve the range of your electric car? Read on to find out more about some of the solar innovations coming to EVs.

Volvo Switches to Online EV Sales

By 2030, Volvo plans for its entire lineup to be fully-electric. In addition to transitioning to emissions-free driving, the automaker also envisions the sales process changing. Customers will not just do more buying online, they will also choose more vehicle subscriptions.

Subaru and Toyota Join Forces on EVs

Subaru and Toyota have collaborated on gasoline vehicles in the past, and they are expanding their cooperation as the world transitions to electric driving. The first products from the partnership will be compact crossover vehicles.

Scout Announces EV Pickup and SUV

The Volkswagen group will be re-launching the Scout brand, which was last sold by International Harvester. The first two vehicles from the brand will be an adventure-focused pickup and a spacious SUV.

Rivian Electric Trucks are Coming

Rivian, a new American start-up focused on electric vehicles, has previewed two impressive new models: the R1T pickup truck and the R1S SUV. They combine a dedicated architecture with impressive performance and many unique features.

Electric BMW iX and BMW i4 Now Available for Pre-Order

BMW's all-electric i4 sports sedan and iX SUV are now available in the U.S. Now available for pre-order, you can read more about them here right here on GreenCars and learn how you can order one today.

Mercedes-Benz Goes Electric

Mercedes-Benz has unveiled a comprehensive plan which includes spending 40 billion Euro to significantly accelerate research and development into electric vehicles. At the same time, it will reduces its investment in combustion engines by 80 percent by 2026.

GMC Sells Out of Hummer EVs

GMC sold out of its all-electric mega-wagon Hummer EVs in just ten minutes. The company opened reservations for its new zero emission Godzilla-sized SUV on October 20 as part of the vehicle’s global debut and several thousand buyers were put on the waiting list.

Industry Updates

Electric Vehicle Sales are Surging in the U.S.

While the U.S. car market shrunk overall in the first quarter of 2022, sales of electric vehicles rose by almost 60 per cent. This despite semiconductor shortages, high prices, and a generally tough car market. Why? Going electric has never made more sense.

Build Your Dream EV!

In today's market, if you want a new electric car, you'll likely have to order one. But that means you can have some fun and specify exactly the vehicle you want – from the paint color to the choice of wheels, interior trim, and specific options.

Industry Updates

The Future of Fast Charge Electric Car Batteries

Many supporters believe that super-fast battery charging is key to an all-electric car future and that we’ll see them coming soon. Here are some recent developments in battery technology to watch.

Industry Updates

Solid-State Batteries "Game Changer" for Electric Cars

Right now, all-electric and plug-in hybrid cars rely on lithium-ion battery packs, which have technical limits. Solid-state batteries may be the "next big thing" in electric car technology. Here's what you need to know.

Solid Power's Solid-State Batteries

A company called Solid Power out of Colorado is introducing a whole new breed of solid state electric car batteries that promise lower cost, longer range and safer electric vehicles.

Next Gen EV Batteries Will Deliver 500-Mile Range

One of the things that people are concerned about is EV range. Well, that’s about to change, as there is a lot going on with battery pack design. In fact, new technology is on the way that could deliver batteries that can take you 500 miles or more on a charge.

2022 Chevy Bolt Gets $5,500 Price Cut

The Chevrolet Bolt has been a huge success story for the automaker, selling over 100,000 units worldwide since 2017. The 2022 model has been improved based on customer feedback - and also comes with a lower starting MSRP!

America's Expanding EV Charging Network

As the reality of an all-electric future continues to evolve, today’s electric car owners have found that any initial “range anxiety” they had experienced has vanished. This has come about for several reasons discussed in this article.

First EV Fire Truck

The all new Rosenbauer RTX fire truck is debuting in Los Angeles as America's first electric fire truck. Could it also be America’s first electric family RV? Let’s find out.

Behind the Scenes at Rivian

Electric vehicle startup Rivian has become the second most valuable automaker on Wall Street. From Rivian's R1T, R1S to Amazon delivery vans, the fast-growing electric car company has big plans. Learn more about Rivian here as we go behind the scenes.

Volkswagen to Overtake Tesla

Volkswagen plans to overtake Tesla in terms of global electric car sales by 2025. Learn what Volkswagen Group’s CEO Herbert Diess has to share about the company's vision right here on GreenCars.

Electric Boats by General Motors

GM is investing big in electric vehicles, including electric boats. Using their technology for watercraft is aimed at boosting boat performance, reducing pollution and lowering operating costs of the vehicle including fuel and maintenance. Learn more about electric boats here on GreenCars.com

Industry Updates

The World’s Third Most Valuable Automaker: Rivian

All-electric truck manufacturer Rivian has become the third most valuable automobile company in the world right behind Toyota and Tesla. Why? It's attracted major funding, and launched an impressive new electric pickup truck.

Industry Updates

Lucid Share Price Overtakes Ford's

Lucid Motors became the latest EV startup to top auto industry icon Ford Motor Company on November 16th when it burned rubber past Ford’s market value, jumping nearly 24 percent in a day to close at $55.52 a share.

Honda Goes All in for EVs

Honda Motor Co. is the first Japanese automaker to publicly promise that it will phase out its sales of gasoline-powered cars completely and transition to all electric by 2040.

GreenCars Celebrates Oregon

GreenCars teamed up with the Oregon Cultural Trust to celebrate Oregon and the Trust's 20th anniversary. A new license plate design was released in 2021 alongside four physical murals you can find in Oregon's main airports, all designed and created by the artist Liza Burns of Eugene.

GMC Confirms New EV Pickup Truck

The battle for EV truck supremacy is heating up with GMC announcing the development of a new, full size, all-electric pickup truck following the wake of its mighty Hummer EV.

General Motors Launches Fleet Charging Service

General Motors (GM) recently announced that it will continue to accelerate its transition to electric vehicles with the unveiling of its Ultium Charge 360 service for fleet customers.

Ford Doubles EV Production

Ford Motor Company is setting its sights on becoming the largest U.S. manufacturer of electric vehicles. To achieve this target, Ford's CEO Jim Farley has announced their plan to double the production capacity of its all-electric vehicle lines in just two years.

Industry Updates

Ford Beats Tesla for Top EV

Each year, Consumer Reports announces its "Top Pick" for all-electric vehicle. For 2022, Ford Motor Company has taken the top spot for its Mustang Mach-E, edging out Tesla's Model 3 after two years as number one. Here's why.

Fiat Going All-Electric by 2030

Italian automaker Fiat recently announced that it will go all-electric by 2030. According to Fiat’s CEO Olivier Francois, there are big changes coming. The first product in this electric onslaught will be a new Fiat 500 EV.

Daymak EV Mines Cryptocurrency While Charging

A Canadian company called Daymak, known for building EV scooters and e-bikes, is aiming to build the first electric vehicle capable of mining cryptocurrency.

Industry Updates

Commodity Costs Push Electric Vehicle Prices Higher

Automakers across the board are raising the prices on electric vehicles due to changing market conditions and rising commodity costs. Prices for some EVs have risen by thousands of dollars as the prices for everything from semiconductors to sheet metal have increased.

Solid Power Goes Public with Backing from Ford and BMW

The biggest revolution in the electric vehicle world is without a doubt the coming of solid-state batteries. These high-tech wonders will dramatically speed up the adoption of EVs by providing the auto industry with a safer, cheaper alternative to lithium-ion batteries.

Red Hydrogen: How It Works

Scientists in Japan are pushing forward with a new technology called red hydrogen. The process generates both nuclear-powered electricity as well as clean hydrogen - opening the door for even more zero-emissions vehicle options. But many challenges still remain.

The Future of EV Batteries

Imagine electric car batteries that could take you 500 miles on a charge. How about 1,100 miles on a charge! Incredible new technology is coming soon, from batteries as structural components to batteries extracted from seawater. All this and more is be researched as we speak.

Environmental Impact of EV Batteries

Are electric car batteries bad for the environment? While all-electric cars are seen as a great solution to turn the tide of global warming, the fact is, the mining of the components for EV batteries has a major impact on the environment.

Recycling EV Batteries

Just as EV battery technology is quickly improving in order to offer consumers longer range, faster charging, and lower battery costs; the technology behind recycling those batteries is moving forward at lightning speed. Check out a few companies that are leading the charge (pun intended).

EV Battery Warranties and Exclusions

Replacing the battery packs in today’s hybrid, plug-in hybrid, and all-electric vehicles can be expensive. Luckily, the batteries in EVs are built to outlast the cars they are in. Still, car manufacturers have stepped up with excellent warranties on EV batteries. Here's what you need to know.

Cost to Replace an EV Battery

If you own a plug-in hybrid or all-electric car, chances are you’ll never have to replace the battery pack. That’s a good thing, as the lithium-ion battery packs in EVs are not cheap. Here's what you need to know about real-world battery replacement costs.

EV Battery Degradation and How to Prevent It

Battery packs in hybrid, plug-in hybrid and all-electric vehicles are built to last but they can degrade over time. From keeping your car at the right temperature to limiting DC Fast Charging, here are a few helpful tips on how to get the most from your EV battery.

EV Battery Maintenance Best Practices

An EV is actually a lot like your laptop computer or smartphone when it comes to battery best practices. Your electric car has a battery pack that needs maintenance in order to maximize its lifespan. From battery degradation to the do's and don't of charging, here’s what you need to know.

How EV Batteries Are Made

It is estimated that by 2030, 150 million electric cars will be on the roads and the global demand for EV batteries will soar. How are EV batteries made and where will all that lithium come from? Let’s find out.

How EV Batteries Work

The driving force behind powering an electric vehicle is its battery pack. Battery technology is leading the way to a greener transportation future. But what types of EV batteries are currently being used and how do they work?

Different Types of EV Batteries

There’s more to electric car batteries than meets the eye. Aren't they all made from lithium? Nope. And the future holds many amazing technologies for new batteries that are greener and will get rid of the dreaded "range anxiety." Here’s what you should know.

Overview of EV Batteries

Today's all-electric cars, hybrids, and plug-in hybrids use lithium-ion battery packs to get them down the road. How long to they last? How do you keep your battery healthy for the long haul? From battery degradation to warranties, here’s what you should know.

States with the Best EV Incentives

The amount you can save by buying a new EV depends on where you live. Here’s a list of the states that offer the best incentives for driving green as of this writing. Keep your eyes on GreenCars for the latest news on EV incentives.

Financial Benefits of EV Incentives

Driving an electric vehicle doesn't have to be expensive. In fact, many financial benefits exist in the form of EV incentives that make the cost of a new electric vehicle more affordable. Here's what you need to know before you buy.

How EV Incentives Work

Besides the federal credit for new electric vehicles, there are also many supporting benefits from state and local government. Want to learn how EV incentives work? Here’s what you need to know.

Different Types of EV Incentives

Many rebates, incentives and tax credits exist to make driving sustainably more affordable. To take advantage of these potential savings, let's explore how the different EV incentives work and how much you can save when buying a new electric vehicle. Here’s what you need to know.

Overview of EV Incentives

Electric vehicle incentives are saving many buyer's thousands of dollars on the purchase of a plug-in hybrid or all-electric vehicle. To learn more about them, here’s how EV incentives work.

Fuel-Efficient Vehicle Best Practices

Looking for ways to improve your fuel economy and performance? If you're driving a fuel-efficient vehicle, here are some best-practice guidelines for getting the most out of your new ride and maximizing your efficiency.

Maintaining a Fuel-Efficient Vehicle

If you own a fuel-efficient vehicle, there are some things you should know about keeping it as fuel-efficient as possible. Regular maintenance will help you ensure it's running at its very best.

Owning a Fuel-Efficient Vehicle

We all want to save money on fuel, but what’s it like to own a fuel-efficient vehicle? From cost of ownership to maintenance costs and lifetime savings, let’s explore all of the ways you can possibly save with a fuel-efficient car.

Buying a Fuel-Efficient Vehicle

Save on gasoline and money when you buy a fuel-efficient vehicle. These tips will help you when you are looking for a car that give you more smiles for the miles.

Popular Fuel-Efficient Vehicle Options

If you aren’t ready to make the leap from gasoline-power to all-electric transportation, there are a number of options available that will help get you into a fuel-efficient vehicle.

Benefits of Fuel-Efficient Vehicles

Here’s how you can save money on gasoline and reduce your carbon footprint by driving a vehicle that is more fuel-efficient, offering more miles per gallon.

How Fuel-Efficient Gas Vehicles Work

How do automakers create ever more fuel-efficient vehicles? There are a number of technologies that have helped gasoline engines continue to become more efficient. How do they work? Let’s find out.

Fuel-Efficient Vehicle Overview

What defines a fuel-efficient car? From speed and weight, to engine efficiency and aerodynamics, a number of factors contribute to a vehicle's ability to get great MPG efficiency. Let's take a look at each right here on GreenCars.

Plug-In Hybrids

Plug-In Hybrid Best Practices

Plug-in hybrids are popular for their ability to drive you around town on electric-only power and take you on long road tips with their gasoline hybrid drivetrains. How do you keep them in tip top shape? Let’s find out.

Plug-In Hybrids

Charging a Plug-In Hybrid

Plug-in hybrids offer the fuel-efficiency of a hybrid but with all-electric power to get around town. Charging your PHEV is easy. Here’s what you need to know.

Plug-In Hybrids

Maintaining a Plug-In Hybrid

Thinking about buying a plug-in hybrid vehicle? If so, there are some things you should know about keeping it as fuel-efficient as possible with regular maintenance.

Plug-In Hybrids

Plug-In Hybrid Ownership Costs

Despite some additional complexity, driving a plug-in hybrid could actually reduce your costs over years. You'll save on fuel, and even in some cases on maintenance.

Plug-In Hybrids

Buying a Plug-In Hybrid Vehicle

Plug-in hybrid vehicles offer the best of all worlds. You can drive around town on all-electric power but also get all the advantages of a fuel-efficient hybrid drivetrain. Read on to find out if a plug-in hybrid is right for you.

Plug-In Hybrids

Popular Plug-In Hybrid Vehicles

Americans have fallen in love with plug-in hybrid vehicles. From the Hyundai Ioniq to the Ford Escape, here are the most popular PHEVs on the market today. Some even start under $30,000!

Plug-In Hybrids

Benefits of Plug-In Hybrid Cars

Plug-in hybrid vehicles save you money on gasoline, are more environmentally friendly, and eliminate the “range anxiety” some feel with all-electric cars. For some drivers, that means they combine the best of many worlds.

Plug-In Hybrids

How Plug-In Hybrids Work

It will drive you around town on electricity alone but also has a fuel-efficient gasoline engine married to an electric motor. So, how does a plug-in hybrid actually work? Read on to find out.

Plug-In Hybrids

Plug-In Hybrid Car Overview

Plug-in hybrid vehicles (PHEV) are popular for their ability to drive you around town on electric-only power and also take you on long trips with their hybrid drivetrains. Here’s what you need to know.

Electric Car Battery Basics

Electric car batteries store chemical energy that is converted into electricity. In this article, we’ll explore how electric car batteries work and how to keep them running optimally.

EV Incentives Overview

Great new technology and performance are just two reasons to get an electric car. There are also financial incentives - beyond what you will save in fuel, you may also be eligible for federal, state, and local rebates.

Electric Car Charging Basics

We all know how to fuel a gasoline-powered car, but how do you charge an electric car? Is it as simple as plugging in a toaster, smartphone or laptop? Well, the short answer is, “yes, pretty much.”

Intro to Green Car Tech

All-electric vehicles are very different from conventional gasoline-powered vehicles. To illustrate the differences, let’s break down the individual parts of an EV.

Benefits of Driving Green Cars

Whether fuel-efficient gas or diesel, hybrid, plug-in hybrid, all-electric, hydrogen or solar powered, there’s a green car out there that’s right for you. Here, we explore the different categories of green cars and discuss the benefits of each vehicle type.

Different Types of Green Cars

There are many kinds of green vehicles available if you're looking to reduce your carbon footprint. We help you sort out the options, from fuel-efficient to hybrid to plug-in to full-electric.

What Are Green Cars?

What exactly are green cars and what do they mean to the future of personal transportation? We explore a brief history of green cars, where the industry stands, and look ahead to the future of electric vehicles.

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