Autoblog

AutoblogGreen for 11.23.09

Sebastian Blanco — Mon, 23 Nov 2009 00:00:00 EST

	Aptera Update: Backstory uglier than we knew? Unanswered questions run deep, by the looks of it.		POLL: Is the Tesla IPO for you? Money maker or bad idea?
	Long-Term Thinking: "Cost to Own" mindset grabs hold More ways to think about cost now that we have options to gasoline.	Other news: STUDY: Air cars not worth it Toyota starts discussions on who will get PHEV Priuses Journo experiences Volt's electric-to-hybrid transition, says it needs improvement

AutoblogGreen for 11.23.09 originally appeared on Autoblog on Mon, 23 Nov 2009 00:00:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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Long-Term Thinking: "Cost to Own" mindset grabs hold?

Sebastian Blanco — Sat, 21 Nov 2009 10:51:00 EST

2011 Chevy Volt - Click above for high-res image gallery

So many things are changing in the new automotive reality, it's hard to know where to start. Everything from the kind of hose we connect to our cars (liquid filled? electric?) to the sounds the vehicles make is different now than it used to be. What else needs to change? How about how we think about the costs to own and operate a car.

Naturally, it's always been possible to estimate this cost, but NADAguides.com has just released a "Cost To Own" calculator for new cars, so you can factor in fuel prices in your region into the cost of the car. It's entirely useful. For example, to own a 2010 Prius in Michigan for five years will cost an estimated $33,232. On top of the cost of the car, NADA tells us that the car's depreciation will make up 39 percent of the ownership costs, while fuel equals just 12 percent. A pie chart of the cost breakdown is pictured at right.

On a similar thread, Edmunds recommends a shift away from MPG and towards a cost-of-energy window sticker on a new car. With all of those electric plugs being added to cars, MPG is becoming less valuable and relevant to our understanding how much it costs to get around. Two quick examples: per month, Edmunds estimates it'll cost $53.55 to drive the forthcoming Chevrolet Volt, but $66.78 to operate a Prius. Check out their chart here, and remember that according to a recent study, more efficient vehicles can (and often do) cost less.

[Source: NADAguides.com, Edmunds]

Continue reading Long-Term Thinking: "Cost to Own" mindset grabs hold?

Long-Term Thinking: "Cost to Own" mindset grabs hold? originally appeared on Autoblog on Sat, 21 Nov 2009 10:51:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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REPORT: Tesla Motors planning IPO "soon"

Sebastian Blanco — Fri, 20 Nov 2009 15:30:00 EST

Filed under: Earnings/Financials, Tesla, Electric

Tesla Roadster - Click above for high-res image gallery

Rumors about Tesla's plan to go public have been circulating since 2008, but a down stock market seemed to put a damper on the start-up's IPO. Now, the word ~~on the street~~ from Reuters is that Tesla is planning to go public "soon." When might that be, exactly? Who knows. A source told Reuters it could happen "any day," but Stephan Dolezalek, managing director of VantagePoint Venture Partners and a Tesla investor, said in September that it's unlikely to happen in 2009.

For its part, Tesla continues to offer little guidance on the report other than to dismiss it as "rumor or speculation." We shall see...

Gallery: First Drive: Tesla Roadster

[Source: Reuters]

REPORT: Tesla Motors planning IPO "soon" originally appeared on Autoblog on Fri, 20 Nov 2009 15:30:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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AutoblogGreen for 11.20.09

Sebastian Blanco — Fri, 20 Nov 2009 05:55:00 EST

	Greenlings: What's the difference between kW and kWh? The h makes all the difference.		Japan EV Club creams Tesla range record with Tokyo to Osaka run How long will this one stand?
	Government bailout does not = EV mandates for GM, Chrysler Obama defers to management for product choices.	Other news: Smart ED production kicks off at Hambach plant Electric Rolls-Royce Phantom could arrive within a year Ecos Motors Harbinger debuts in Vegas, now taking orders

AutoblogGreen for 11.20.09 originally appeared on Autoblog on Fri, 20 Nov 2009 05:55:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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AutoblogGreen for 11.19.09

Sebastian Blanco — Thu, 19 Nov 2009 05:54:00 EST

	Officially Official: Aptera production pushed back to 2010 Not a surprise, but not good news, either.		Tesla Roadster donates tire squeal sounds to two new video games Vroom.
	Solar Shelf concept protects your car while charging up Not the craziest thing we've ever seen, but getting there.	Other news: REPORT: Think will build U.S. plant in Indiana, appoints two new execs Forget biodiesel, algae could produce hydrogen New Fiat Doblo may be first Chrysler BEV

AutoblogGreen for 11.19.09 originally appeared on Autoblog on Thu, 19 Nov 2009 05:54:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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John Surtees pilots electric Ginetta G50EV through Channel Tunnel

Sebastian Blanco — Wed, 18 Nov 2009 19:29:00 EST

Filed under: Coupe, Performance, Etc., UK, Celebrities, Electric

Ginetta G50EV and John Surtees at the Channel Tunnel - click above for high-res gallery

Electric cars have been around for over 100 years, and Britain's Beaujolais Burlington Run has been going on for 37. The Channel Tunnel between the UK and France (a.k.a. "The Chunnel") turns 15 this year. On Tuesday, motor racing legend John Surtees added a bit of history to all three items by being the first person to drive a production car through the tunnel (usually, it's just trains and service vehicles down there). The F1 World Champion's vehicle of choice was an all-electric, all-sexy Ginetta G50EV.

Ginetta Cars has been making vehicles for 51 years, but the G50EV is something new. It's Ginetta's first EV, and is really the company's first entry into the "low carbon vehicle arena" full-stop. The car's three battery packs drive the rear wheels with a brushless DC motor in honor of Ginetta's sports car heritage. Officials say that the G50EV can go up to 120 mph and has a 250-mile range - plenty to cover the Chunnel's 31 miles.

Gallery: Ginetta G50EV and John Surtees at the Channel Tunnel

[Source: Telegraph | Images: Adrian Dennis/Getty]

John Surtees pilots electric Ginetta G50EV through Channel Tunnel originally appeared on Autoblog on Wed, 18 Nov 2009 19:29:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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Five Axis offers up Aerius body kit for 2010 Toyota Prius

Sebastian Blanco — Wed, 18 Nov 2009 07:59:00 EST

Filed under: Aftermarket, Hybrid, Hatchback, Toyota

Five Axis Aerius Prius - Click above for high-res image gallery

If you don't win the charity auction for the Aemulus-modified Prius, but want something flashy for your 2010 model, take a look at the Aerius Prius that made its debut at SEMA this year (they're practically the same vehicle). The kit designed by Five Axis will, according to Gas 2.0, be available to purchase in the coming months, although it hasn't released how much the mods will cost.

Five Axis, known more for their Scion-modding, used recycled polyester for the seats, resins made from post-industrial recycled wood in the interior and fitted ultra-low rolling resistance tires. Blending a changed appearance and efficiency, the Aerius gets side skirts and see-through wheel covers which contribute to a drag coefficient of 0.25. Tommi Kaira just got some competition.

Gallery: SEMA 2009: Toyota Prius Aerius Concept

[Source: Gas 2.0]

Five Axis offers up Aerius body kit for 2010 Toyota Prius originally appeared on Autoblog on Wed, 18 Nov 2009 07:59:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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AutoblogGreen for 11.18.09

Sebastian Blanco — Wed, 18 Nov 2009 06:10:00 EST

	A.U.T.O. lobbyist Veronica Moss visits, hates the new Times Square [w/VIDEO] Me-ow.		Jay Leno does the electric Tango [w/VIDEO] He likes it, he really likes it.
	REPORT: Nissan may offer optional higher-capacity batteries at premium Pay for what you need/want.	Other news: Toyota FCHV-adv cruises in California, wind-powered hydrogen on the horizon Aptera update: Vacation instead of ousters? First 25 production i-MiEVs roll into the UK

AutoblogGreen for 11.18.09 originally appeared on Autoblog on Wed, 18 Nov 2009 06:10:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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Forget Zipcar - Smart reportedly readying car2go car-sharing program in Texas

Sebastian Blanco — Tue, 17 Nov 2009 07:58:00 EST

Filed under: Etc., Hatchback, Smart

Steers and Smarts - Click above for a high-res image gallery

Daimler announced in March it would bring the tiny Smart car to the big state of Texas through its car-sharing service car2go. At the time, the German automaker declared that entering the Austin market with 200 ForTwos was "the next logical step." Daimler CEO Dieter Zetsche now thinks that the car share program is also a good way to boost sales numbers, which have dropped recently.

Smart's U.S. sales were down 70.4 percent last month compared to October 2008, and only 661 ForTwos were sold in the U.S. last month. In Austin, as in the first car2go location of Ulm, Germany, the shared cars will initially only be available to city employees. Expansion to other residents - and then to other cities - is expected once the demand is there. Make that if demand is there.

Gallery: smart fortwo in Texas and Germany

[Source: Automotive News - Sub. Req.]

Forget Zipcar - Smart reportedly readying car2go car-sharing program in Texas originally appeared on Autoblog on Tue, 17 Nov 2009 07:58:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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AutoblogGreen for 11.17.09

Sebastian Blanco — Tue, 17 Nov 2009 05:56:00 EST

	Fuel cell vehicles finish 707-mile demonstration run in Japan Vehicles get 73+ mpg over two days.		3-Euro-cent-per-km mileage tax might become law in the Netherlands Amount will rise to about 10 cents/km in 2018.
	More on the trouble at Aptera, cash may be running out Reality sets in for futuristic vehicle maker.	Other news: Six UK teens rushed to hospital after drinking ethanol Chevy Volt comes to Main Street Michigan Electrification Coalition sees plug-ins making up 25 percent of market by 2020

AutoblogGreen for 11.17.09 originally appeared on Autoblog on Tue, 17 Nov 2009 05:56:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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REPORT: Toyota Prius wagon, SUV in the works

Sebastian Blanco — Mon, 16 Nov 2009 09:01:00 EST

Filed under: Hybrid, SUV, Wagon, Toyota

Toyota Hybrid X Concept - Click above for high-res image gallery

Exactly how the Prius name might shift from defining the world's most famous hybrid to its own sub-brand - "Not!" - or moniker for other Toyota hybirds - "Yes!" - has been a source of interest for quite some time. The latest bit of speculation comes from the Yomiuri newspaper in Japan (via Green Car Advisor) and says that Toyota is considering building a Prius sport wagon or a Prius SUV about 12 months from now, maybe using lithium-ion batteries (despite Toyota's public pronouncements). Toyota officials, however, would not comment to the Yomiuri about the report.

As we saw with the Hybrid X (above) unveiled at the Geneva Motor Show in 2007, Toyota has been thinking about a Prius wagon for a while. Green Car Advisor speculates that the the Venza could be a good candidate for the production wagon, while any of Toyota's JDM wagons could also make the transition to hybrids here. As for a Prius SUV? Tone down the Lexus RX 400h and there you go.

Gallery: Geneva Motor Show: Toyota Hybrid-X concept

[Source: Yomiuri via Green Car Advisor]

REPORT: Toyota Prius wagon, SUV in the works originally appeared on Autoblog on Mon, 16 Nov 2009 09:01:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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AutoblogGreen for 11.16.09

Sebastian Blanco — Mon, 16 Nov 2009 06:01:00 EST

	Caveat Emptor: Columbus, Ohio dealer taking deposits on Volt Here's an idea.		Nissan CEO is bullish for Leaf's success, says million plug-ins by 2015 is an easy goal Charging the same price as a gasoline powered car and leasing the batteries is what Ghosn sees as the right path.
	Oh, come on: columnist compares driving efficiency with teaching religion Manny Lopez strikes (out) again.	Other news: Buick Regal likely to be launch platform for next GM hybrid system RUMORMILL: Aptera co-founders booted, staff slashed!l REPORT: Toyota Prius wagon, SUV in the works

AutoblogGreen for 11.16.09 originally appeared on Autoblog on Mon, 16 Nov 2009 06:01:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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AutoblogGreen for 11.13.09

Sebastian Blanco — Fri, 13 Nov 2009 06:01:00 EST

	Greenlings: Why does mileage drop in winter? You've got questions, we've got answers.		BMW mull lengthening Mini E lease times Early problems might mean extra time for the EV drivers.
	Reva partners with Northern Lights Energy to bring NXR electric car to Iceland Renewable energy will meet Indian electric car about a year from now.	Other news: REPORT: SAIC stole hybrid technology, says Ssangyong SEMA 2009: Toyota auctioning Aemulus Prius for charity Win $1,000 for creating the coolest (and maybe greenest) Kia online

AutoblogGreen for 11.13.09 originally appeared on Autoblog on Fri, 13 Nov 2009 06:01:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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AutoblogGreen for 11.12.09

Sebastian Blanco — Thu, 12 Nov 2009 05:54:00 EST

	First Drive: 2010 BMW X6 ActiveHybrid is technologically impressive... but to what end? Tell me why we'd want to own one of these, again.		GM fuel cell boss explains that the technology needs to pass final cost hurdle to production GM's multi-pronged approach continues.
	ETA says plug-in cars could "speed climate change" unless we get off coal Unless coal goes by the wayside, hybrids are better than cars with plugs, ETA says.	Other news: Renault-Nissan-Bajaj's Ultra-Low-Cost car project still alive UNO now transforms to two wheeler, may transform world Citroën C-Zero ready to be tested [w/VIDEO]

AutoblogGreen for 11.12.09 originally appeared on Autoblog on Thu, 12 Nov 2009 05:54:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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First Drive: 2010 BMW X6 ActiveHybrid is technologically impressive... but to what end?

Sebastian Blanco — Wed, 11 Nov 2009 11:58:00 EST

Filed under: Hybrid, Crossover, BMW, First Drive, Luxury

2010 BMW X6 ActiveHybrid - Click above for high-res image gallery

BMW's pitch on how great the X6 ActiveHybrid is goes like this: it's the world's most powerful hybrid vehicle, fuel consumption is reduced about 20 percent compared to a similar vehicle without a hybrid drivetrain, and no matter what speed you're going, the incredibly complicated powertrain is performing at the most efficient level possible. All of this power means that the X6 hybrid is no sluggish Toyota Prius, offering frugal but unexciting performance. On the other hand, the size and weight of BMW's luxury hybrid crossover means that, well, the X6 hybrid is no Prius in the mileage department, either.

Let's start by congratulating BMW for bringing its first batch of hybrids to market (the 7 Series ActiveHybrid is launching alongside the X6). In everyday traffic, the hybrid system helps keep fuel consumption down - to a still-lame 18 mpg combined (estimated) - and, since the engine can shut down at stops, the ultra-quiet interior made sitting in Miami traffic during our preview drive almost a pleasure. Nevertheless, there's still a lot of vehicle here that hampers any attempt at real fuel efficiency gains. The X6 ActiveHybrid weighs 5,688 pounds for crying out loud - 400 pounds more than the non-hybrid. This vehicle simply doesn't makes a lot of sense for anyone actually interested in fuel efficiency. Who does it make sense for? Follow us past the break as we try to find out.

Gallery: First Drive: 2010 BMW ActiveHybrid X6

Continue reading First Drive: 2010 BMW X6 ActiveHybrid is technologically impressive... but to what end?

First Drive: 2010 BMW X6 ActiveHybrid is technologically impressive... but to what end? originally appeared on Autoblog on Wed, 11 Nov 2009 11:58:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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AutoblogGreen for 11.11.09

Sebastian Blanco — Wed, 11 Nov 2009 05:56:00 EST

	Lutz: High-performance Chevy Volt SS a "possibility" Could the Volt become a high-performance vehicle?		Brammo cuts Enertia price to $7,995 2k down, $249 a month and you're good to go.
	Mitsubishi iMiEV earns its chevrons - bring on the Citroën C-Zero The next French brother to the MItsubishi i-MiEV (and the Renault iOn) makes an appearance.	Other news: Merrill Lynch goes out on a limb, says electric vehicles need to be sexy Project Sartre uses road trains to save fuel on the highway China turns to methanol for flex-fuel cars

AutoblogGreen for 11.11.09 originally appeared on Autoblog on Wed, 11 Nov 2009 05:56:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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AutoblogGreen for 11.10.09

Sebastian Blanco — Tue, 10 Nov 2009 05:58:00 EST

	At Witz' End: Notes from "The Business of Plugging In" A sampling of thoughts from PEV 2009.		SEMA 2009: eVARO plug-in hybrid three-wheeler debuts, returns The golden squid is back.
	Peugeot BB1 heads to London for a visit The automaker is even offering free rickshaw rides to see the crazy concept.	Other news: Pay-per-mile car insurance might come to California Oklahomans battling over the cost of NEVs. Should they be free?l REPORT: GM will build Cadillac Converj

AutoblogGreen for 11.10.09 originally appeared on Autoblog on Tue, 10 Nov 2009 05:58:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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AutoblogGreen for 11.09.09

Sebastian Blanco — Mon, 09 Nov 2009 05:54:00 EST

	REPORT: Chrysler disbands ENVI group, EV development will continue Electric vehicle R&D will be integrated into Chrysler's overall organization.		REPORT: Elon Musk says Fisker is "very far" from overcoming EV hurdles Nothing like a little dismissal to stir the pot.
	Greenlings: How do I plug my electric vehicle in at home? Q&A about the EV-ready garages of the future.	Other news: Fisker: Leonardo DiCaprio's Prius inspired the Karma GM: Volt won't become a brand name l It's Friday: Swedish automatic PHEV charging prod gets a big WTF? from us [w/VIDEO]

AutoblogGreen for 11.09.09 originally appeared on Autoblog on Mon, 09 Nov 2009 05:54:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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AutoblogGreen for 11.06.09

Sebastian Blanco — Fri, 06 Nov 2009 06:06:00 EST

	LA Auto Show Design Challenge entrants reveal Youthmobile 2030 designs And you thought the Aptera looks futuristic...		CAFE credits for EVs - will we repeat the E85 system? It's not a rule yet, but people are already calling shenanigans.
	BP prepares output of new biofuels - algae diesel and butanol - starting in 2010 Remember, it's all about the energy not the oil.	Other news: Plug-in vehicles will get special license plate in Ontario next year Toyota's long hybrid patent fight with Paice continues in court Renault partnering with L'Oréal on Zoe Z.E electric spa concept [w/VIDEO]

AutoblogGreen for 11.06.09 originally appeared on Autoblog on Fri, 06 Nov 2009 06:06:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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AutoblogGreen for 11.05.09

Sebastian Blanco — Thu, 05 Nov 2009 05:56:00 EST

	Smart Fortwo: World's Most Fuel Efficient Drift Car? The iconic city car will get tested in a scene in Night and Day, starring Tom Cruise and Cameron Diaz.		SAM begins rebirth as Re-Volt in Poland Funny-looking doesn't begin to describe.
	Chrysler to outfit Fiat 500-approved dealers with specific showroom "salons" Do they think they'll need that much help selling this thing to Americans?	Other news: Perennial wishes: Auto industry execs calling for higher gas tax yet again BusinessWeek: Prius one of the 50 Ugliest Cars of the Past 50 Years l Rendered racing fantasy: 1-Liter Racing surfs to the future

AutoblogGreen for 11.05.09 originally appeared on Autoblog on Thu, 05 Nov 2009 05:56:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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