Reports of sudden acceleration in the Toyota Prius have spiked across the country. But that doesn't mean there's an epidemic of bad gas pedals in the popular hybrid. Experts on consumer psychology...

[[ This is a content summary only. Visit my website for full links, other content, and more! ]]

Filed under: EV/Plug-in, Hybrid, Green Daily, Fisker

Fisker Karma - Click above for high-res image gallery
Fisker Automotive CEO Henrik Fisker gave a presentation at the New Castle County Chamber of Commerce's annual dinner Monday night about his compnay's plans to build plug-in vehicles (PHEVs) in Delaware. Over 450 people from the community where Fisker's new plant (and General Motors' old plant) is located heard Fisker speak about the Karma and the upcoming Project Nina vehicle. Nina, of course, is the lower-cost ($50,000?) plug-in hybrid that Fisker wants to build in and export from Delaware.

Based on local news reports, work on the plant is progressing smoothly, with "no major problems" discovered during an environmental assessment. Prototypes could be made there as early as next year, with full production - an estimated 100,000 cars a year - scheduled for 2014. As for vehicle sales, Fisker said that Europe and China could be big markets for the PHEVs, and he reminded the crowd that Fisker has announced 45 dealerships in the U.S., including Union Park in Wilmington, DE.

One bonus bit of information Fisker said during his speech: the prototype Karma that ran around the track at Laguna Seca cost $1.5 million. You can watch a video of part of Fisker's talk after the jump. The videographer apparently just discovered panning, so listening without watching is recommended. Thanks to Roy B. for the tip!

Gallery: Fisker Karma

[Source: Delaware Business Ledger, Delaware Online]

Continue reading Fisker says 100,000 plug-in hybrids a year could be built at Delaware plant

Fisker says 100,000 plug-in hybrids a year could be built at Delaware plant originally appeared on Autoblog Green on Wed, 10 Mar 2010 18:53:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Read | Permalink | Email this | Comments

Filed under: EV/Plug-in

Chevrolet Volt home charging - Click above for high-res image gallery
If electric cars are ever to make a serious dent in the new vehicle market, owners will have to be prepared to charge their vehicles at home on an almost nightly basis. But, as some early drivers of the Mini E and Tesla Roadster learned it is HIGHLY recommended that you have a high voltage-high current outlet available for charging. Otherwise you could be waiting a very long time - up to 23 hours - to fill up from a standard outlet.

California-based home builder KB homes is angling to take advantage of what could be a strong demand for home chargers by offering a new entry on its options list. People who buy from KB will now be able to check a box that will see their homes pre-wired for electric vehicle charging. Running the wiring will only cost buyers an extra $250, but this likely only brings the circuit out to a junction box. Homeowners will probably still have to add a charging box of some kind. Still, semper paratus and all that.

Gallery: Chevy Volt Home Charging Units

[Source: BusinessWeek]

California homebuilder offers to pre-wire homes for electric vehicle charging originally appeared on Autoblog Green on Wed, 10 Mar 2010 17:56:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Read | Permalink | Email this | Comments

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

This October, the center of the zero-carbon racing universe would appear to be Spain following the announcement by the eGrandPrix that the inaugural EMXGP will, with apologies to Paris, be held in Barcelona on the 16th and 17th of that month. Of course, one race does not a center-of-universe make and so we remind you, gentle reader, that the TTXGP Grand Final takes place the following weekend down the road in Albacete. The competitions will bookend a Zero Carbon Transport Conference in sunny seaside Barcelona that will be a "unique global gathering of experts, enthusiasts and industry to share ideas, explore solutions and make new partners."

With lots of details about the race yet to be announced, there is still lots of time for speculation about what vehicles will enter. While there has already been mention made of Tesla Roadsters and even the Ruf Greenster, the photo accompanying this latest news reminds us of another contender who had already stated their intentions to join the fray; Saba Motors. Their Marlin 5EXi-based Carbon Zero roadster wouldn't appear to have the numbers (0-60 is a leisurely five seconds) to out-duel their Californian competitor, but they have over six months to get their game face on. Let us know who you would like to see beating the pack on Spanish streets in the comments section after the break.

[Source: eGrandPrix | Source image: Tango7174 - C.C. License 2.0]

EMXGP inaugural race will be held in Barcelona this October originally appeared on Autoblog Green on Wed, 10 Mar 2010 17:02:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Read | Permalink | Email this | Comments

Filed under: EV/Plug-in

Modec electric truck - Click above for high-res image gallery
The joint venture that was formed last year between Navistar and Modec has selected A123 Systems to develop and produce lithium ion battery packs for its trucks. Modec is a British company that has developed a dedicated electric drive medium duty truck chassis. Navistar will be building the Modec trucks in Wakarusa, IN for the North and South American markets.

A123 Systems will be building the packs at its new factory in Livonia, MI that is scheduled to open this month. The goal is to give the Navistar-Modec trucks a 100 mile range on a single charge. A123's battery technology is capable of absorbing energy at high rate so that it can be fast charged without degrading the lifespan. This could be very beneficial to the commercial users of such vehicles because they don't want them sitting idle while waiting for a charge.

Gallery: MODEC - Electric Delivery Van

Gallery: EVS23: Modec electric delivery truck

[Source: A123 Systems]

Continue reading A123 Systems gets battery supply contract for Navistar-Modec JV

A123 Systems gets battery supply contract for Navistar-Modec JV originally appeared on Autoblog Green on Wed, 10 Mar 2010 16:04:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments

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

Duracar Quicc! Diva - Click above for high-res image gallery
It's been a long and difficult road for the the Dutch Duracar. From its origins as the Innovan in 2007 to a name change to Quicc DiVa from Duracar in 2008 and then to a bankruptcy filing in 2009, there's been good and bad news to report as the electric van has tried to make it in the real world. For 2010, the story has taken a positive turn thanks to news that Duracar's bankruptcy procedure has been canceled.

Reportedly, Flemish shareholder Carl Pauwels stepped in and paid off all creditors and Duracar is now looking for new investors. CEO Wim Steenbakkers is optimistic that the story will continue to get better, telling ADP News that he expects to start producting electric cars by the end of the year.

The Quicc DiVa a lightweight, battery-powered van made using recyclable plastic and designed for delivering goods in an urban environment. In the past, we've heard that a potential lithium ion iron phosphate battery could move the van for 90 miles between charges and deliver a top speed of 75 miles per hour. The Amsterdam City Council recently unveiled a new Electric Transport Project subsidy will cover up to 50 percent of the additional electric vehicle cost that entrepreneurs and companies in the city will spend to exchange standard ICE vehicles with all-electric ones. Thanks to Peter for the tip!

Gallery: DuraCar Quicc DiVa

[Source: ADP News]

Report: Duracar's Quicc DiVa saved from bankruptcy, production could start soon originally appeared on Autoblog Green on Wed, 10 Mar 2010 13:57:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Read | Permalink | Email this | Comments

Filed under: EV/Plug-in, Nissan

Nissan Light Commercial Electric Vehicle sketch - Click above to enlarge
At the Work Truck 2010 show in St. Louis today, Nissan Americas president Carlos Tavares announced that the company is working to bring its recently launched NV200 compact van to the U.S. market. The NV200 would join the new full-size NV vans in Nissan's commercial vehicle lineup as a competitor to Ford's new Transit Connect. Tavares didn't provide any indication about possible timing for an American introduction for the smaller van.

In another parallel to Ford's small commercial vehicle program, Tavares indicated that an electric version of the NV200 could join the Leaf in Nissan's American zero emissions lineup. The electric NV200 was initially announced by CEO Carlos Ghosn at the Tokyo Motor Show. So far, Nissan has only released a single sketch of an electric NV200 although we would expect a concept to appear in the coming months.

[Source: Nissan]

Work Truck 2010: Nissan working to bring NV200 to U.S., electric version possible, too originally appeared on Autoblog Green on Wed, 10 Mar 2010 12:55:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments

Filed under: EV/Plug-in, Hybrid, Porsche, Geneva Motor Show

Porsche 918 Spyder concept - Click above for high-res image gallery
With all the leaks ahead of auto shows these days, it's not often that we get a real surprise anymore. There was one such event at this year's Geneva Motor Show, though: the Porsche 918 concept. The compact and powerful plug-in hybrid roadster was also the biggest hit of this year's show. There's even better news, though. Porsche CEO Michael Macht told Autocar magazine that the company is intent on producing the 918.

The key is that the car has to be profitable. Porsche won't build the 918 as a loss leader just to get it out there. It's not clear if Porsche would build the 918 with the same powertrain shown on the concept or a more conventional system. In all likelihood the hybrid system will be retained in order to demonstrate that a supercar can be built that meets modern emissions and fuel consumption demands. If the 918 happens, it could appear within five years.



[Source: Autocar]

Report: Porsche intent on building 918, if it's profitable originally appeared on Autoblog Green on Wed, 10 Mar 2010 08:57:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments

Filed under: EV/Plug-in, Automotive X-Prize

As the Automotive X-Prize program slowly proceeds toward its conclusion, only one European team remains in the competition. Delta Motorsport is a British engineering consultancy born out of competition, specifically motorsports. The car it has been developing for the X-Prize is one of the few going for the big prize in the mainstream class. The X-Prize mainstream class requires vehicles with four wheels and seating for at least four. These vehicles must be designed to meet safety regulations and be able to be sold in profitably in high volumes.

Interestingly, Delta Motorsport refers to its E-4 coupe as an ultra-low energy vehicle, which is totally in keeping with the point of the contest. A large vehicle converted to electric or hybrid vehicle still uses a lot of energy although the energy generation and emissions happen remotely from the vehicle. Delta has developed its vehicle to minimize its total energy use.

The E-4 is claimed to get 250 miles on a charge and the prototype is going through final preparations before the evaluation begins in Michigan at the end of April. The E-4 is not Delta's only electric project. The firm also worked with Westfield on its iRacer that was shown in Geneva. Check out Delta's E-4 blog to follow the progress.

[Source: Delta Motorsport]

Continue reading Delta Motorsport's E-4 Coupe concept racing for Automotive X-Prize

Delta Motorsport's E-4 Coupe concept racing for Automotive X-Prize originally appeared on Autoblog Green on Wed, 10 Mar 2010 08:00:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Read | Permalink | Email this | Comments

Azure Dynamics Corporation today announced AT&T has agreed to purchase two of the first Ford Transit Connect Electric vans, the latest addition to AT&T’s growing fleet of alternative-fuel...

[[ This is a content summary only. Visit my website for full links, other content, and more! ]]

Fresh off its official unveiling at the Chicago Auto Show a couple weeks ago, Azure Dynamics, Ford and AT&T have just announced that AT&T will be the first company to own some Ford Transit Connect Electric commercial fleet vans. With an order of just 2, it certainly is a small start, but the list will surely grow from here.

(more…)

Filed under: EV/Plug-in, Asia

In September, the Korea Advanced Institute of Technology (KAIST) demonstrated the technical concept for the On Line Electric Vehicle (OLEV) using individual cars (which were really kind of cute - see them here). Today, the KAIST launched an actual prototype electric train that draws energy through non-contact magnetic charging from power strips embedded in the road. The train, with three cars, is now in use at an amusement park in Gwacheon, south of Seoul. The power strips are only required in 400 meters of the 2.2-kilometer (1.4-mile) route, or about 18-20 percent of the total distance. KAIST will build a larger system in Seoul for buses if the technology in the train proves successful.

Why is all this important? Because, by drawing energy from the road as it moves along, the train can use a battery that is only 20 percent as large and powerful as would otherwise be required. There's a serious cost reduction as well - with the cost shifted to installing the power strips into the road. Overall, the total cost for electric vehicles is about a third of what standalone electric vehicles cost. KAIST president Suh Nam-Pyo had high praise for the technology:
The potential for application (of this technology to public transport systems) is limitless. I dare say this is one of the most significant technical gains in the 21st century. Thanks to Roy B. for the tip!

[Source: Physorg]

KAIST's On Line Electric Vehicle draws energy from the road, now in use in S. Korea originally appeared on Autoblog Green on Tue, 09 Mar 2010 17:24:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Read | Permalink | Email this | Comments

KB Home, one of the largest homebuilders in the U.S., has announced that they will be providing the option to homebuyers to pre-wire their new construction homes so that they are ready for the high voltage, high amperage electrical lines required to charge electric cars quickly and properly.

The company views this new option as an extension of their already existing “My Home. My Earth.” campaign to make their homes more energy efficient and load them with features and equipment that both save money and have a lowered environmental impact.

(more…)

One of the biggest barriers to the adoption of electric cars, plug-in hybrids and extended range electric vehicles is cost. The biggest part of that added cost is the battery. In the past, estimates of roughly $1000 per kWh of battery capacity have been thrown around as a way to gauge how much of a premium consumers can expect to pay. Given that it takes roughly 25 kWh to go 100 miles, you can see how this would quickly add up.

Recently, however, the cost of lithium-ion batteries has been dropping more steeply than expected; indicating that the potential in the market to reduce the premium of owning a battery-powered car has been greatly underestimated.

(more…)

Filed under: Etc., EV/Plug-in, UK

Ever wonder what it is really like to own an electric car? Before rushing out to buy that new Nissan Leaf or Mitsubishi i MiEV (or what have you) it might be a good idea to know what to expect. And what better way to learn about the advantages and drawbacks of living with a battery-powered vehicle than to read a book written by someone who not only has a couple, but who has spoken with many other owners about the experience as well as manufacturers. Owning an Electric Car by Michael Boxwell is that book.

In just under 200 pages, Mr. Boxwell covers everything from dealing with range fixation to exactly how "green" an electric is when it's charged from a coal-powered grid. You can also learn which new vehicles are coming to market or what to look for when if your potential purchase is previously owned. To get a sneak peek at the first chapter, learn a bit about the electric vehicles and even ask him a question directly, check out the book's website. Bonus video of the author conducting an environmental efficiency test with his two electrics awaits you after the break.

[Source: Owning an Electric Car]

Continue reading Owning an Electric Car prepares and enlightens

Owning an Electric Car prepares and enlightens originally appeared on Autoblog Green on Tue, 09 Mar 2010 14:55:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Read | Permalink | Email this | Comments

In a recent interview with Business Week, Renault-Nissan CEO Carlos Ghosn was cited as saying that Nissan has collected 56,000 orders for the LEAF already. What this actually means, I’m not sure… especially considering that just last month Nissan said they had more than 50,000 people signed up on their Nissan LEAF interest list (which requires no deposit) and that actual pre-orders requiring a small refundable deposit of $100 will begin in April.

(more…)

Filed under: EV/Plug-in, Ford

Ford Transit Connect Electric - Click above for high-res image gallery
The all-electric Ford Transit Connect Electric utility van became available for ordering during the recent Chicago Auto Show and Azure Dynamics, the company in charge of converting and selling the trucks, has announced that AT&T will be the vehicle's "Lead Customer" with an order for two units.

AT&T announced about a year ago that it would spend up to $565 million to introduce 15,000 alternative fuel vehicles to the company's fleet over the next decade, starting with CNG vehicles. AT&T's first electric vehicle, a Smith Electric Vehicles Newton, joined the fleet last November. For the run-down on the Transit Connect Electric, including our first drive report, read this.

Gallery: Ford Transit Connect Eletric at Chicago Auto Show

[Source: Azure Dynamics]

Continue reading AT&T agrees to buy at least two Ford Transit Connect Electric vans

AT&T agrees to buy at least two Ford Transit Connect Electric vans originally appeared on Autoblog Green on Tue, 09 Mar 2010 14:03:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments

The EPA has been using Pi Shurlok's OpenECU M460 and G850 modules for the past year to support technology development programs in the areas of Advanced Engine Control and Hybrid Vehicle Powertrain Control. As part of Pi Shurlok's collaboration with the EPA, an API (Application Programming Interface) for C code was added to the OpenECU toolchain that enabled EPA engineers to continue to benefit from their investment in control applications that had already been developed using C code.

OpenECU provides a bridge between the advanced technologies that the EPA is developing for greener vehicles and the vehicle companies, along with their suppliers, that ultimately need a production ECU to bring that technology to the market. Over the last year, OpenECU modules have supported gasoline HCCI engine, optimized alcohol engine, and series hydraulic hybrid vehicle technologies. Using the embedded OpenECU controllers and toolchain is helping EPA engineers develop vehicle functionality quickly and easily using rugged electronics that are suitable for use on real vehicles, and similar to the modules that might eventually end up in production.

Further to the story in our December 7, 2009 edition, Peugeot-Citroen and Mitsubishi reached a final agreement on their EV development and supply plans. Mitsubishi will supply 100,000 EVs, based on the iMiEV, to be sold under the Peugeot and Citroen marques. European sales will launch by year's end.

(Source: Mitsubishi, March 8, 2010)

As part of $27.6 million in new US DOT ARRA grants, Sarasota County Transportation Authority will be awarded $4.6 million to purchase two 35-foot hybrid buses, ITS equipment and a transfer facility. "Investing in modern, efficient transit systems will mean safe, reliable travel and clean air in our communities," says FTA Administrator Peter Rogoff. Several other transit agencies received smaller amounts to partially fund hybrid bus purchases, including agencies in Michigan, Massachusetts, Wisconsin and California.

(Source: US Department of Transportation, March 5, 2010)