AutoblogGreen

REPORT: Toyota will launch series production PHEV Prius in 2012

Sam Abuelsamid — Sun, 05 Jul 2009 11:24:00 EST

Toyota Prius PHEV prototype - click above for high-res image gallery

According to Japan's Nikkei news agency, Toyota has decided to start series production of a plug-in version of the Prius hybrid in 2012. At launch, the automaker plans to build about 20,000-30,000 units a year of the plug-in hybrid. The report indicates that the model will be priced comparably to the Mitsubishi i-MiEV at about $48,000. That's a pretty steep price and quite a bit higher than the $40,000 pricetag expected to be applied to the Chevrolet Volt when it arrives late next year, and it also puts the PHEV Prius at about twice the price of a conventional model.

The PHEV Prius will likely be the first product to use lithium ion batteries produced by Panasonic EV Energy Co. The battery is expected to provide about 12-18 miles of range, although it's not clear how much of that will be possible without running the engine. We'll probably have a better idea of that next year after the 500 or so prototypes go into test fleets starting late this year.

Gallery: EDTA 2008: Toyota Plug-in Prius

[Source: Reuters]

REPORT: Toyota will launch series production PHEV Prius in 2012 originally appeared on AutoblogGreen on Sun, 05 Jul 2009 11:24:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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Former IBM engineer wins award, funding for hybrid retrofit kit

Jeremy Korzeniewski — Sun, 05 Jul 2009 08:39:00 EST

Filed under: EV/Plug-in, Hybrid

Dr. Charles Perry, a former electrical engineer at IBM, believes his hybrid retrofit kit can transform nearly any vehicle into a fuel-saver at a cost of between $3,000 and $5,000. The idea is at least sound enough to have taken the top prize at the green energy competition from the Tennessee Technology Development Corp., which came with a $50,000 grant along with a matching investment and a hopeful deal to put the invention into commercial production within three years from Palmer Labs LLC.

Perry's patent-pending hybrid retrofit kit features one hub-mounted electric motor with 10-15 horsepower powering each wheel. The needed electrons to power the system would come from an appropriately-sized battery mounted securely in the trunk. According to the inventor, this system could potentially double fuel mileage in urban settings. Work is currently underway on a functional prototype that's being developed with assistance from the Tennessee Technological University.

[Source: Popular Science]

Former IBM engineer wins award, funding for hybrid retrofit kit originally appeared on AutoblogGreen on Sun, 05 Jul 2009 08:39:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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CEO Winterkorn: expect first VW electric vehicle in 2013

Sam Abuelsamid — Sat, 04 Jul 2009 19:20:00 EST

Filed under: EV/Plug-in, Volkswagen

2007 Volkswagen Space up! Blue concept - click above for high res image gallery

Volkswagen CEO Dr. Martin Winterkorn delivered a speech in Münich on Friday where he announced that the German giant would release its first electric car in 2013. Among the points that Winterkorn emphasized was the race to electrification would be a marathon not a sprint. He also acknowledged that electrics alone won't be enough to meet all needs so VW is following a number of different technology paths. Winterkorn also warns against "electro-hype" which could raise unreasonably high expectations among consumers. Even in Germany, where consumers are considered to be better informed than in the U.S., surveys indicate that one in eight buyers think EVs are already here.

Winterkorn says that current battery technology is inadequate for the task. Referring to the 150 lb, 1.7 kWh NiMH battery for the upcoming Touareg hybrid, it has the energy equivalent of just 1.86 fl.oz of gasoline. Even lithium batteries still need work to get the cost and weight to a production viable point.

The first VW EV that arrives in 2013 will be based on the "New Small Family" derived from the up! concepts of 2007. As the decade wears on, VW plans to have a range of affordable EVs in its lineup. In addition to the EVs, Volkswagen will be introducing hybrids with and without plugs and Winterkorn expects gas and diesel engines to continue to be developed for another 15-20 years. Read Winterkorn's Google-translated speech after the jump.

Gallery: LA 2007: Volkswagen space up! blue

[Source: Volkswagen]

Continue reading CEO Winterkorn: expect first VW electric vehicle in 2013

CEO Winterkorn: expect first VW electric vehicle in 2013 originally appeared on AutoblogGreen on Sat, 04 Jul 2009 19:20:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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Renault-Nissan will lead charge to bring electric vehicles to Netherlands

Sebastian Blanco — Sat, 04 Jul 2009 13:29:00 EST

Filed under: EV/Plug-in, Nissan, Europe/EU

Nissan EV-02 prototype - click above for high res image gallery

The widespread electric vehicle work done by the Renault-Nissan Alliance will make its way to the Netherlands soon now that the Dutch government has requested the Alliance join the government in its attempt to use electric vehicles to reduce CO₂ emissions in the country. Renault-Nissan says that they, "will fill the roles of front-runner and development partner in the introduction of electric vehicles to the Netherlands." The alliance now has "nearly 30 agreements worldwide" with partners like local and state governments that will help it launch its first electric vehicle next year. Vehicle and charging testing is happening with municipalities and the like around the world, while two fleet companies are helping Renault-Nissan determine pricing and costs.

Gallery: Quick Drive: Nissan EV-02 prototype

Photos Copyright (C)2009 Sam Abuelsamid / Weblogs, Inc.

[Source: Renault-Nissan Alliance]

Continue reading Renault-Nissan will lead charge to bring electric vehicles to Netherlands

Renault-Nissan will lead charge to bring electric vehicles to Netherlands originally appeared on AutoblogGreen on Sat, 04 Jul 2009 13:29:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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Barefoot Motors officially opens doors for business

Jeremy Korzeniewski — Sat, 04 Jul 2009 08:28:00 EST

Filed under: EV/Plug-in, USA

Having just recently returned home from the TTXGP at the Isle of Man, where its race bike managed a very respectable second-place finish in its class, Barefoot Motors has officially opened its doors. The event, complete with a ceremonial ribbon-cutting ceremony, took place June 25th in Ashland, Oregon.

Barefoot Motors' new $12,000 Model One electric Earth Utility Vehicle was present and accounted for, and initial ride reports have been highly favorable. According to the company, its machine makes 40 horsepower and can hit speeds of up to 30 miles per hour.

With enough capacity from its lithium iron phosphate batteries to travel for up to 40 miles, which translates into roughly four hours of constant use or eight hours of intermittent use, the Columbia Daily Tribune reports that Barefoot Motors believes its new EUV should be a hit with farmers and vineyard growers.

[Source: Barefoot Motors]

Barefoot Motors officially opens doors for business originally appeared on AutoblogGreen on Sat, 04 Jul 2009 08:28:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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Henrik Fisker distances his company from Tesla, GM

Jeremy Korzeniewski — Fri, 03 Jul 2009 19:47:00 EST

Filed under: EV/Plug-in, Hybrid

Fisker Karma - Click above for high-res image gallery

Considering the two fledgling automaker's past history, it's not terribly surprising that Henrik Fisker would want to distance his company from Tesla Motors. Recall that Fisker had originally been tasked with penning the design for the Tesla S electric sedan but later unveiled the Karma after being dismissed by the Silicon Valley automaker. There was a lawsuit, which was ruled in Fisker's favor by an arbitration court.

Speaking at a meeting of the Western Automotive Journalists Association, Fisker said, "The full-electric car [like the Tesla Roadster] is a niche market. Plug-in hybrids have a much bigger market." Of course, not everyone agrees that PHEVs are the way to go. Fisker goes on to say that his company's latest business plan will lead to profits at just 5,000 annual sales, though the goal remains 15,000 sales per year.

What about the Chevy Volt, which uses a similar range-extended electric architecture as the Fisker Karma? Somewhat disparagingly, Fisker suggests that GM's future EV won't really be competition for the Fisker, saying only, "It's a Chevy." He's got a point, though, as the Volt is likely to cost about half what Fisker plans to ask for the Karma and surely won't fit into the same luxury category as Fisker's green machine.

Gallery: Fisker Karma

[Source: Hybrid Cars]

Henrik Fisker distances his company from Tesla, GM originally appeared on AutoblogGreen on Fri, 03 Jul 2009 19:47:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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BMW building more MINI Es for European testing

Sam Abuelsamid — Fri, 03 Jul 2009 18:36:00 EST

Filed under: EV/Plug-in, BMW, MINI

MINI E - click above for high-res image gallery

The popularity of BMW's MINI E test program in the United States has evidently prompted the company to expand production beyond the original 500 cars and add a smaller test fleet in Europe. The original plan, as announced last fall, was for 500 of the battery-powered MINIs to be made available in the U.S. and split between Southern California and the New York/New Jersey area. According to MINI USA spokeswoman Nathalie Bauters, there will be 450 of the cars in the U.S. with an additional 105 cars in Europe. Of the European fleet, 50 will go to the German capitol of Berlin, 40 to the British capitol in London and the last 15 will be used in and around Münich, hometown to BMW. That makes a total of 555 electric MINIs in a year-long (and controversial) field test. In all likelihood we will be hearing something about the next phase of BMW's electrification plans within the next 12 months, possibly at the LA Auto Show this fall where we first saw the MINI E last year.

Gallery: MINI E

[Source: BMW, Bigblogg.Motoring]

BMW building more MINI Es for European testing originally appeared on AutoblogGreen on Fri, 03 Jul 2009 18:36:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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Quicc! Diva wins "Car of the Future"

Domenick Yoney — Fri, 03 Jul 2009 14:11:00 EST

Filed under: EV/Plug-in, Manufacturing/Plants, Lightweight, Europe/EU

DuraCar Quicc! Diva - Click above for high-res image gallery

The Dutch website dedicated to electric and hybrid automobiles, ZERAuto, has been conducting a poll, asking its visitors to rank their favorite ride and offering 12 very nice entrants to choose from. Perhaps not surprisingly, the Netherlands-based DuraCar Quicc! Diva grabbed the top spot and now proudly sports the "Car of the Future" crown, even though it had competitors like the Tesla Roadster and the Pininfarina B0 BlueCar. Putting aside possible nationalistic motivations, it seems likely that the practical Dutch see the Quicc! Diva as a stylish yet pragmatic way of moving themselves and their stuff around the narrow streets of their city centers. The Chevy Volt, which had occupied the top spot, was deposed to 2nd place; the Th!nk City was also a bridegroom.

The honor did not go unnoticed by certain politicians and yesterday the Minister of Economic Affairs, Maria van der Hoeven, presented DuraCar CEO Steen Wim Bakker with a certificate denoting the accolade. Although the company recently declared bankruptcy, as did their intended builder Karmann, they plan on making a comeback and begin producing 25 cars a day in Q3 of 2010, more than a year behind schedule. For their part, Karmann may also be a ~~zombie~~ phoenix. It's been reported that they've landed a £10 million ($14 million) model-development contract from Volkswagen which will help them restructure and allow them to focus on electric cars. Hit the break for a Google translated press release as well as a bonus video of the Diva struttin' her stuff.

Gallery: DuraCar Quicc DiVa

[Source: ZERAuto / Bloomberg]

Continue reading Quicc! Diva wins "Car of the Future"

Quicc! Diva wins "Car of the Future" originally appeared on AutoblogGreen on Fri, 03 Jul 2009 14:11:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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Chrysler pushing to dramatically cut GEM dealer network

Sebastian Blanco — Fri, 03 Jul 2009 12:44:00 EST

Filed under: EV/Plug-in, Chrysler, GEM, Green Daily, NEV (Neighborhood Electric Vehicle)

GEM Peapod - Click above for high-res image gallery

Chrysler has made a big deal in the past about its long history selling GEM electric cars, and there are tens of thousands of them on the roads today. Of course, the EVs that Chrysler has been selling since 2000 (when DaimlerChrysler purchased GEM) are all NEVs - expensive, slow electric vehicles that aren't selling well these days. With Chrysler's recent emergence from bankruptcy, the company is still looking to cut losses wherever possible. Letting some GEM dealers go is one option.

Last month, Chrysler axed almost 800 Chrysler dealerships. According to a U.S. Bankruptcy Court filing, the company now wants to eliminate 64 of 150 low-performing GEM dealers as well. Chrysler attorney Corinne Ball wrote in the filing that Chrysler has "determined that the GEM dealership agreements are neither necessary nor valuable to their estates and should be rejected."

The newest addition to the GEM lineup was to be the Peapod (pictured), but Chrysler announced recently that it would release this car under its own brand name, Peapod Mobility.

Gallery: GEM Peapod

[Source: Detroit Free Press]

Chrysler pushing to dramatically cut GEM dealer network originally appeared on AutoblogGreen on Fri, 03 Jul 2009 12:44:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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Elektrobay charging stations will power EVs at Goodwood Festival of Speed

Sam Abuelsamid — Fri, 03 Jul 2009 11:04:00 EST

Filed under: EV/Plug-in, UK

The Goodwood Festival of Speed is taking place this weekend in the UK and electric vehicles will again be represented. Last year, a Tesla Roadster made its debut in the hillclimb race and this year there will be 13 electrics on hand. Elektromotive will be trying to ensure that they stay in running order by supplying four of its Elektrobay charging stations. The Elektrobays are the most commonly used public charging stations in the UK.

The chargers will be set up near the Elektromotive display along with the booths for the EVs. Among the battery-powered vehicles at Goodwood will be the Brabus Tesla Roadster, the Frazer Nash Namir and the eRuf Greenster. The ElektroBay provides a 13 amp, 240V charge to help keep the batteries juiced. Many more Elektrobays are expected to be installed over the next year as part of a new EV test program announced by the Technology Strategy Board last week.

Gallery: BRABUS Tesla Roadster

[Source: Elektromotive]

Continue reading Elektrobay charging stations will power EVs at Goodwood Festival of Speed

Elektrobay charging stations will power EVs at Goodwood Festival of Speed originally appeared on AutoblogGreen on Fri, 03 Jul 2009 11:04:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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Lightning Car Company plans three more electric cars

Jeremy Korzeniewski — Fri, 03 Jul 2009 09:31:00 EST

Filed under: EV/Plug-in, UK

Lightning Car Company GT - Click above for high-res image gallery

Back in February, the UK-based Lightning Car Company announced that it still intends to begin building and selling its Lightning GT by 2010. The £120,000 electric sportscar will be powered by one 120kW electric motor per wheel - assuming the fledgling automaker is still able to use hub motors from bankrupt PML Flightlink - that will get their electrons from 36kW of Altairnano NanoSafe lithium titanite batteries. According to its maker, the car should be able to accelerate its carbon fiber and Kevlar self to 60 mph in just four seconds and sport a range of up to 180 miles.

Despite the fact that the company has yet to ship its first automobile, Lightning Car Company chairman Ian Sanderson has said the company intends to also offer "a high-end chauffeur-driven car with electric power." Also on the menu will be an SUV and a smaller sportscar, all powered by variations of the GT's electric drivetrain. Ambitious, no?

Gallery: Lightning Car Company GT

[Source: Autocar]

Lightning Car Company plans three more electric cars originally appeared on AutoblogGreen on Fri, 03 Jul 2009 09:31:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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Grid Manager: Plug-in autos are OK if charged overnight or else

Xavier Navarro — Thu, 02 Jul 2009 18:02:00 EST

Filed under: EV/Plug-in, Legislation and Policy

Plug-in hybrids are a hot topic right now. But there are many who question if our electric grid will be able to support a massive influx of EVs and plug-in hybrids? Those who know often say "yes," "yes" and "yes" again. We can now add Stephen Whitley, president of the New York Independent System Operator, to the list of those who say plug ins are a good idea. Whitley has published a report saying that the grids are ready for cars with cords as long as they're recharged overnight. The report focuses on the benefits of using usually wasted off-peak hour electricity to recharge those cars. Whitley notes, like others before him, that the batteries in plug-in cars can also be used to store electricity made from wind power, lessening the need for increased generation from fossil fuel power plants. Whitley's report also estimates that EVs and plug-ins are expected to increase power demand in New York state by two percent by 2030, with 2.5 million such vehicles on the streets then.

[Source: Automotive News (subs. req'd)]

Grid Manager: Plug-in autos are OK if charged overnight or else originally appeared on AutoblogGreen on Thu, 02 Jul 2009 18:02:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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Korean e-Zone electric car to be manufactured in Southeast U.S.?

Sebastian Blanco — Thu, 02 Jul 2009 14:12:00 EST

Filed under: EV/Plug-in, NEV (Neighborhood Electric Vehicle)

e-Zone Electric Vehicle - Click above to enlarge

If any car screams "Alabama!" it's the e-Zone electric car pictured above, right? The quirky low speed vehicle is a project of CT&T Co. Ltd, a South Korean company, and might be built in the Heart of Dixie in the next few years. CT&T wants to build a variety of vehicles for the U.S. market, including "City Drive Electrical Vehicles (EVs), Mid-speed Electric Vehicles, High-speed Electric Vehicles, Utility Electric Vehicles." The vehicles will use lead acid, advanced lead acid, lithium polymer and lithium ion chemistries and will cost between $8,000 and $16,000. The company says that, "By the fourth quarter of 2009, the company expects to begin selling c-Zone utility EVs for commercial and government applications as well the e-Zone City Drive EVs." Nothing like an ambitious goal.

CT&T is looking at building a North American headquarters, a research and development center and several manufacturing facilities in America, likely in the Southeast. CT&T is looking at Alabama, Georgia, South Carolina, North Carolina and California as potential locations for its operations, which it says will employ 2,600 people. The company's U.S. subsidiary is called CT&T United. Thanks to Mart for the tip!

[Source: CT&T, Birmingham News]

Continue reading Korean e-Zone electric car to be manufactured in Southeast U.S.?

Korean e-Zone electric car to be manufactured in Southeast U.S.? originally appeared on AutoblogGreen on Thu, 02 Jul 2009 14:12:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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Plug In America criticizes CARB loophole that could help BMW with its MINI E

Sebastian Blanco — Wed, 01 Jul 2009 19:46:00 EST

Filed under: EV/Plug-in, BMW, MINI, Legislation and Policy

MINI E - click above for high-res image gallery

BMW has gotten a lot of press (some bad) for their MINI E project. Even though the all-electric car comes with a plug, the plug-in advocacy group Plug In America (PIA) has a problem with the way that the Bavarians might be able to get a lot of legislative good will without really putting EVs on the road for good.

PIA released a statement (read it after the jump) that criticizes CARB's loophole that could allow BMW to get as many Zero Emission Vehicle credits for the one-year lease of the electric cars as it would for a standard vehicle production program. PIA's legislative director, Jay Friedland, said that, "CARB is allowing BMW to game the system by accruing the maximum number of ZEV credits with the least amount of effort." Friedland said that lease-only programs are what led to the EV crush-fest in the 1990s, something that long-time PIA members still remember as a real slap in the face. PIA wants BMW to only get the credits if the MINI Es are also offered for sale.

Another criticism of the lease program is that, according to PIA, when the June 30 deadline got closer and closer, BMW began:

dumping dozens of cars into municipal fleets to be leased for only $10 a month, most recently pulling some of those vehicles from retail consumers who had been willing to pay full price and complied with the nearly 8-month process required to get one of the cars.

Not long ago, we heard that the Los Angeles County Sheriff's Department got a good deal on some MINI Es.

CARB's response was to say that it will look at its regulations next year and that "we've urged BMW to consider extending that one-year lease." Undoubtedly, there will be more to come on this.

Gallery: MINI E

[Source: PIA, Reuters]

UPDATE: typo fixed.

Continue reading Plug In America criticizes CARB loophole that could help BMW with its MINI E

Plug In America criticizes CARB loophole that could help BMW with its MINI E originally appeared on AutoblogGreen on Wed, 01 Jul 2009 19:46:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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Tomberlin releases Anvil NEV [w/VIDEO]

Jeremy Korzeniewski — Wed, 01 Jul 2009 18:54:00 EST

Filed under: EV/Plug-in, NEV (Neighborhood Electric Vehicle)

Tomberlin Anvil NEV - Click above for image gallery

Tomberlin, a manufacturing and distribution company based in Georgia, recently unveiled the Anvil, its latest low-speed electric vehicle, on the CBS News Early Show. As a neighborhood electric vehicle, the Anvil is capped at a top speed of 25 miles per hour and is legal on roads in the U.S. with a speed limit of 35 mph or less. Base price for the Anvil will be $16K.

Tomberlin is claiming a 40-mile range from the aptly named 1,797-pound (with six 12-volt batteries installed) Anvil, which reportedly features a powerful 50-horsepower motor, front disc and rear drum brakes and an on-board charger that can plug into any standard wall outlet.

What probably sets the Anvil apart from most other NEVs is its interesting appearance. Looking something like a mashup between a Jeep Wranger, a Hummer H2 and a golf cart, the Anvil doesn't really look like any other low-speed electric vehicle in recent memory - for better or for worse. Click past the break for two short videos of the Tomberlin Anvil in action.

Gallery: Tomberlin Anvil

[Source: Tomberlin, Dealernews]

Continue reading Tomberlin releases Anvil NEV [w/VIDEO]

Tomberlin releases Anvil NEV [w/VIDEO] originally appeared on AutoblogGreen on Wed, 01 Jul 2009 18:54:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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Renault shows off the Kangoo Be Bop Z. E. in three new videos

Xavier Navarro — Wed, 01 Jul 2009 16:33:00 EST

Filed under: EV/Plug-in, Renault, Europe/EU

Kangoo be bop Z.E. - Click above for high-res image gallery

If you count yourself as a fan of the shortened Kangoo that will become the be bod Z.E., Renault's first widely available electric vehicle, this post is for you. On the other side of the jump you'll find three videos that show the car in motion, the interior and undergoing the recharging process. That last video shows the three options that owners of the Renault EV will be able to choose from to recharge their batteries: a regular slow charge at home (takes 6 hours), fast charging (30 minutes) or battery swap (3 minutes). The swapping video is quite similar to what Better Place showed us in this video.

Gallery: Renault Kangoo be bop Z.E.

[Source: Renault via YouTube]

Continue reading Renault shows off the Kangoo Be Bop Z. E. in three new videos

Renault shows off the Kangoo Be Bop Z. E. in three new videos originally appeared on AutoblogGreen on Wed, 01 Jul 2009 16:33:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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Columnist: Plug-in cars are the new ethanol-style boondoggle

Sebastian Blanco — Wed, 01 Jul 2009 14:56:00 EST

Filed under: EV/Plug-in, Legislation and Policy, USA

Peapod - click above for high-res image gallery

The amount of money that the U.S. federal government poured into corn ethanol is legendary. Today, we're left with a floundering ethanol economy and a few happy corn farmers but not an abundance of the biofuel powering the nation's cars. A columnist for the Washington Examiner thinks that we're headed down a similar path with plug-in vehicles. This time, though, "the feds may foster addiction to a fuel concentrated in a socialist-run South American country."

Those are the words of Timothy Carney, who writes that the government's rush to EVs is troubling because all those electric cars will need a bunch of lithium - some of which might come from Bolivia - to move them (Editorially, the controversial Examiner is right-learning, so the scary s-word in Carney's piece shouldn't be too surprising). Carney names some of the lithium lobbyists who worked hard in D.C. to promote plug-in vehicles to Congress. He writes that, "If the electric car lobby succeeds, brace for another harsh lesson in unintended consequences."

Carney also brings up the long tailpipe. While Carney is right that the GAO did warn against all of the coal that could be used to power the EVs of the future, he forgot to mention the GAO's finding that "Research we reviewed indicated that plug-ins could shift air pollutant emissions away from population centers even if there was no change in the fuel used to generate electricity."

Gallery: GEMs Peapod

[Source: Washington Examiner]

Columnist: Plug-in cars are the new ethanol-style boondoggle originally appeared on AutoblogGreen on Wed, 01 Jul 2009 14:56:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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T3 Motion introduces three-wheeled CT3 personal commuter, plans to enter Auto X Prize

Jeremy Korzeniewski — Wed, 01 Jul 2009 14:05:00 EST

Filed under: EV/Plug-in, On Two Wheels, Automotive X-Prize, USA

T3 Motion CT3 - Click above to enlarge

T3 Motion, creators of the Segway-esque non-balancing T3 Series Electric Stand-up Vehicle for police and security use, has just issued a press release detailing its plans to launch a new three-wheeled electric vehicle called the CT3. The new vehicle is the first machine from T3 that was specifically designed for personal commuter use and is based on the company's CT low-speed electric four-wheeled vehicle.

Using a three-wheeled design should allow T3 Motion to classify the CT3 as a motorcycle in most states, which means it won't necessarily need to be restricted to low-speed use as a Neighborhood Electric Vehicle, though the machine will be capped at a 45 mph top speed regardless. All three of the CT3's wheels are powered by electric motors that get their electrons from T3's proprietary Power Management System and lithium polymer batteries.

At this time, the vehicle exists only in rendered form (pay close attention to the wheels and tires in the above image), but T3 plans to enter a special CT-S version of the machine in the Auto X Prize that will reportedly be capable of 80 miles per hour and an equivalent mpg rating of over 100 miles per gallon. Click past the break for the official press release. Thanks for the tip, Deepa!

[Source: T3 Motion via Green Launches]

Continue reading T3 Motion introduces three-wheeled CT3 personal commuter, plans to enter Auto X Prize

T3 Motion introduces three-wheeled CT3 personal commuter, plans to enter Auto X Prize originally appeared on AutoblogGreen on Wed, 01 Jul 2009 14:05:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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Toyota will continue focusing on "clean halo" hybrids, not EVs or diesels

Jeremy Korzeniewski — Wed, 01 Jul 2009 11:54:00 EST

Filed under: Diesel, EV/Plug-in, Hybrid, Toyota

Toyota FT-EV concept - Click above for high-res image gallery

It's not terribly surprising that Toyota - the automaker often credited for creating the first modern mainstream hybrid automobile - would seek to continue establishing its marketplace dominance in hybrid automobiles. The Prius alone has sold well over a million units since its inception in 1997 and is undoubtedly the vehicle that defines the eco-friendly automobile market. With that in mind, don't expect the Japanese automaker to make any wholesale changes to its plans for world hybrid domination in favor of electric cars or diesels. Toyota spokesman Curt McAllister said:

One of the obstacles of the diesel is the aged perception that the diesel is smoky and stinky. It's hard to change the mind-set of consumers. Hybrid technology has such a clean halo to it.

In a separate interview, incoming President Akio Toyoda added:

Electric cars' battery life is limited, and that has not been solved. We would like to utilize our hybrid technology because we have accumulated quite a bit of knowledge about battery usage for hybrid cars. Depending on how electric cars are used or how they are found to be valuable, for the time being Toyota would like to focus on hybrid technology.

Gallery: 2009 Toyota FT-EV Concept

[Sources: AutoWeek, GM-Volt.com]

Toyota will continue focusing on "clean halo" hybrids, not EVs or diesels originally appeared on AutoblogGreen on Wed, 01 Jul 2009 11:54:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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Elon Musk: Daimler's "golden handcuffs" mean I'll stay with Tesla through Model S launch

Sebastian Blanco — Wed, 01 Jul 2009 11:07:00 EST

Filed under: EV/Plug-in, Tesla Motors, Green Daily

For a guy who allegedly wants a lot of the credit for creating Tesla Motors, Elon Musk certainly doesn't seem to like the job of being its CEO. As part of Daimler's investment deal with Tesla, Musk needed to commit to staying on as Tesla's CEO at least until the Model S launches in 2011. Musk told Reuters:

I didn't really have a choice. This was a requirement of Daimler that I remain CEO of Tesla through the Model S launch and then continue to be part of Tesla in a chairman role beyond that. It's flattering, but at the same time it's golden handcuffs.

Well, that sure makes it sound like fun, doesn't it? It's clear that Musk has always been interested in projects other than EVs (e.g.: electric planes and SpaceX), but does he have to make running one of the hippest electric car companies around sound like a drag?

Another nugget from the article: one of the reasons the price on the Roadster was raised was to help qualify Tesla Motors for the DOE loan it later received. Musk said, "We did the minimum we needed to do to make the business work."

Gallery: Tesla Model S

[Source: Reuters]

Elon Musk: Daimler's "golden handcuffs" mean I'll stay with Tesla through Model S launch originally appeared on AutoblogGreen on Wed, 01 Jul 2009 11:07:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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