Autoblog

LA 2009: Toyota debuts its plug-in Prius for North America

Frank Filipponio — Fri, 04 Dec 2009 08:29:00 EST

Filed under: LA Auto Show, Hybrid, Sedan, Technology, Hatchback, Toyota, Electric

Toyota Prius plug-in hybrid - Click above for high-res image gallery

Toyota rather unceremoniously parked their plug-in Prius hybrid prototype at its North American market debut during the LA Auto Show, while their new Sienna minivan got a royal welcome at its coming out party. At a show that saw the production-ish Chevrolet Volt appearing in public for the first time, it might have seemed likely that Toyota would have made a bigger deal of this model, but we just sort of stumbled upon it while checking out its big brother, the Lexus LFA.

The company did issue a press release, which you can read in its entirety after the jump. In it, they announce that a global demonstration program will start this month in Japan and that the first batch of 500 Lithium-Ion batteries for those vehicles is moving down the assembly line as we speak. The 2010 Toyota Prius Plug-in Hybrid (PHV) uses Toyota's Hybrid Synergy Drive package but adds their first generation lithium-ion battery so it can go all-electric further and more quickly than a traditional hybrid. The electric-only range is just 13 miles, but the Prius PHEV will be able to run all the way up to 60 mph in electric-only mode.

Beyond that, the plug-in Prius reverts to regular hybrid mode with the gas engine and electric motor trading off depending on load and demand. The gas engine is important on this Prius PHEV and cars like the Volt because it lessens the "range anxiety" drivers might feel in a pure electric - That uneasiness that comes from thinking you could be stranded when the batteries run down.

Japan and Europe split the first batch of 350 vehicles, but early next year, the next 150 examples are coming Stateside. These first PHEV vehicles will serve as a test program for real world driving needs, kind of like the MINI E program going on right now. Toyota has already announced that Boulder, CO is going to be the first community to get some of these plug-in hybrids - a surefire way for Toyota to see how cold temps affect battery performance. You can read the rest of the presser after the jump and there's a gallery available by clicking any image below.

Gallery: LA 2009: The plug-in Prius

Photos copyright (C)2009 Frank Filipponio/Weblogs, Inc.
[Source: Toyota]

Continue reading LA 2009: Toyota debuts its plug-in Prius for North America

LA 2009: Toyota debuts its plug-in Prius for North America originally appeared on Autoblog on Fri, 04 Dec 2009 08:29:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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Buick Regal likely to be launch platform for next GM hybrid system

Sam Abuelsamid — Fri, 13 Nov 2009 18:59:00 EST

Filed under: Hybrid, Sedan, Buick

2011 Buick Regal - Click above for high-res image gallery

Last night, General Motors publicly unveiled the 2011 Buick Regal that goes on sale in North America in the first half of next year. The Regal will be Buick's new mid-sized sedan entry and is essentially just a re-grilled version of the Opel Insignia that went on sale in Europe last year. The North American Regal will be built at the Oshawa Ontario assembly plant in Canada beginning in calendar 2011 and will only be offered with a choice of direct-injected four-cylinder engines. However, the Regal is actually slated to go on sale in calendar 2010, and some are suggesting that the sedan will be sourced from Germany for 12 to 15 months.

The base engine will be the 2.4-liter normally aspirated unit that debuted earlier this year in the Chevrolet Equinox, among other models. With a six-speed automatic transmission, the Regal should hit 30+ mpg on the highway. The optional unit will be a 220-hp version of the 2.0-liter turbo, but that powertrain likely won't come on-line right away.

Earlier this year, documents were leaked that listed the Oshawa plant as building a new mid-size hybrid sedan in 2011. It looks like the Regal will be that car with GM's new second generation mild hybrid system that was announced in 2008. The new system uses a more powerful motor/generator and a lithium ion battery. According to Ward's Auto World, the Regal could also get GM's plug-in two mode hybrid system, but that likely won't appear before late 2011 at the earliest.

Gallery: 2011 Buick Regal

[Sources: Ward's Auto World - sub req'd | GM-Volt.com]

Buick Regal likely to be launch platform for next GM hybrid system originally appeared on Autoblog on Fri, 13 Nov 2009 18:59:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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GM's Lauckner wishes for bigger incentives to get drivers out of gas-powered vehicles

Sam Abuelsamid — Wed, 21 Oct 2009 17:41:00 EST

Filed under: Government/Legal, GM, Electric

At this point, it's no secret that the Chevy Volt and other plug-in vehicles are not going to come cheap. About the least pricey full-speed electric vehicle may very well be the Nissan Leaf, which after incentives may be in the $27-28,000 range before the extra cost of leasing the battery. While the operational costs of these cars should be substantially less than any internal combustion vehicle, customers rarely think that far ahead when signing up for a car loan. That's especially true when gas remains well under $3 a gallon here in the US.

Speaking at the Business of Plugging In Conference in Dearborn, Michigan this week, GM's VP of Global Program Management told the audience that incentives will need to be increased for plug-in vehicles to start gaining a real foothold in the US market.

Although GM won't announce pricing until its launch a year from now, most observers expect the Volt to run about $40,000. With a $7,500 federal tax credit, it will still be well over $30,000, which is very expensive for a compact car. Unless gas prices get significantly higher or incentives are increased, most buyers are unlikely to find this or other plug-ins to be a good economic proposition.

[Source: Detroit News]

GM's Lauckner wishes for bigger incentives to get drivers out of gas-powered vehicles originally appeared on Autoblog on Wed, 21 Oct 2009 17:41:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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REPORT: Mitsubishi Evo XI could get plug-in tech in 2013

Chris Shunk — Mon, 19 Oct 2009 13:32:00 EST

Filed under: Crossover, Hatchback, Mitsubishi

Mitsubishi Concept PX-MiEV - Click above for high-res image gallery

The Mitsubishi PX-MiEV, scheduled for an official debut at the Tokyo Motor Show later this week, is jam packed with the best technology Mitsubishi has to offer. It's a series hybrid. It's a parallel hybrid. It has a 30 mile EV range. It will reportedly net 140 MPG. It has the same AWD system as the Lancer EVO X, enabling the crossover concept to switch modes based on how the 'ute is being driven. Why throw the technology sink at the PX-MiEV? Because it's a concept, of course, and concepts are supposed to be fanciful. But why the AWD?

For starters, AWD and hybrid tech don't usually mix, because driving all four wheels at the same time typically decreases fuel economy. So why add AWD to the PX-MiEV concept? The folks over at Autocar feel it could signal Mitsubishi's intent to offer plug-in tech in the Lancer Evolution XI. The Brits reportedly talked to Mitsubishi insiders who say the next-gen Evo could receive the plug-in tech showcased in the PX-MiEV.

While there's an up side to including plug-in tech on the next generation Evo, there are plenty of negatives as well. The high price point could better justify the added cost of hybrid tech, and the powertrain setup in the PX-MiEV, if fitted to the next Evo, would give torquetastic electric twist strictly to the rear wheels. Then there is the emissions issue, which would undoubtedly improve with a few battery packs equipped to Mitsubishi's road-going rally sedan.

Unfortunately, adding lithium battery packs and electric motors would also add significant weight to a vehicle that already tips the scales at over 3,500 pounds. Mitsubishi could shave some tonnage to offset some of the gains, but light weight materials would only add cost to an already pricey proposition. Mitsubishi is already having a bit of trouble trying to find enough customers to justify a $40,000 vehicle based off the spartan Lancer platform, so we're thinking that a plug-in Evo may not be such a great idea after all.

Gallery: Mitsubishi Concept PX-MiEV

[Source: Autocar]

REPORT: Mitsubishi Evo XI could get plug-in tech in 2013 originally appeared on Autoblog on Mon, 19 Oct 2009 13:32:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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Tokyo 2009 Preview: Suzuki Swift hybrid plug-in concept

Xavier Navarro — Fri, 02 Oct 2009 19:28:00 EST

_{2010 Suzuki Swift hybrid plug-in concept - Click for high-res image gallery}

The Suzuki Swift is a competent subcompact that the Japanese marque sells both in Japan and Europe. In the latter, the little hatchback is available with a solid 1.3-liter diesel dubbed DDIS. To make things even cleaner, Suzuki has announced that it will introduce a plug-in series hybrid version of the Swift at the upcoming Tokyo Motor Show, and the powertrain reminds us of nothing less than a smaller Chevrolet Volt.

The model, which is just a concept at this point, uses a 660 cc engine, probably sourced from a kei car. The engine charges the lithium-ion batteries, which are placed between the front seats - we suspect they extend into the middle of the rear seat as well. The batteries power a 54 kW motor that moves the front wheels.

We'll learn more when we get to Tokyo, but for now, check out our high-res gallery below.

Gallery: Suzuki Swift plug-in hybrid

[Source: Suzuki]

Tokyo 2009 Preview: Suzuki Swift hybrid plug-in concept originally appeared on Autoblog on Fri, 02 Oct 2009 19:28:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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Frankfurt Preview: More on Toyota's new lithium-ion Plug-in Prius

Sam Abuelsamid — Thu, 10 Sep 2009 16:31:00 EST

Filed under: Frankfurt Motor Show, Hybrid, Hatchback, Toyota

Toyota Prius PHEV - Click above for high-res image gallery

Toyota's new generation plug-in hybrid Prius will be shown for the first time next week at the Frankfurt Motor Show, and now we've got some new images and details. As expected, the PHEV Prius will be equipped with a lithium-ion battery pack. The hybrid synergy drive system has been upgraded for the PHEV allowing the Prius to operate in EV mode at speeds up to 62 mph for up to 12.5 miles. The car can apparently accelerate all the way from a standing start in EV mode, although it's not clear how quick it will be. While doing this, the Prius apparently emits about 60 g/km of carbon dioxide. The range and emissions estimates are all based on the EU driving cycle, so the numbers should be a bit more realistic than the absurd Japanese 10/15 cycle.

The battery capacity has not been announced yet, but it can be fully charged from a 230 V supply in just over 1.5 hours. Toyota plans to build 500 of these lithium-batteried Priuses starting late this year for leasing to fleets in Japan, the United States and Europe. Retail customers won't get their turn until about 2012.

Gallery: Toyota Prius PHEV concept

[Source: Toyota]

Continue reading Frankfurt Preview: More on Toyota's new lithium-ion Plug-in Prius

Frankfurt Preview: More on Toyota's new lithium-ion Plug-in Prius originally appeared on Autoblog on Thu, 10 Sep 2009 16:31:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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BREAKING: GM cancels Buick crossover before birth, will add PHEV drivetrain to another vehicle

Jeremy Korzeniewski — Wed, 19 Aug 2009 12:40:00 EST

Filed under: Hybrid, Crossover, Buick, GM, Electric

Surprising news comes by way of General Motors today as the automaker has already canceled its recently announced Buick crossover, which in reality was little more than an ex-Saturn Vue emblazoned with Buick's trademark chrome waterfall grille. And therein lies the rub. As confirmed to Autoblog by Michelle Bunker, Manager of Buick Communications, initial feedback from the media, employees and dealerships regarding the upcoming vehicle was almost universally negative, as the product just didn't seem to fit with the direction the automaker said it was taking the Buick brand. As a result, GM has apparently canceled the program.

Thankfully, though, the Vue's plug-in hybrid powertrain, which we sampled in 2-mode hybrid prototype, will reportedly be transferred to another vehicle and will hit the market with no delay from the previously announced 2011 sale date. While some might say (and with good reason) that GM should have known the Vue didn't belong in Buick showrooms in the first place, the automaker cites this quick action as evidence that things really are changing at New GM, and it's hard to argue with that assessment - there's little doubt it would have taken countless meetings leading to numerous delays to make such a decision just a few months back.

In any case, GM promises to discuss the replacement for the PHEV in the very near future. Watch this space for more.

Gallery: First Drive: Saturn VUE 2 Mode Hybrid

[Source: General Motors]

BREAKING: GM cancels Buick crossover before birth, will add PHEV drivetrain to another vehicle originally appeared on Autoblog on Wed, 19 Aug 2009 12:40:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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REPORT: Hyundai planning Blue-Will based sporty plug-in hybrid by 2012

Jeremy Korzeniewski — Tue, 07 Jul 2009 08:59:00 EST

Filed under: Hybrid, Green, Hyundai

Hyundai Blue-Will Concept - Click above for high-res image gallery

Hyundai's first-ever hybrid automobile for the U.S. market will be based on the redesigned 2011 Sonata midsize sedan, but it certainly isn't the only fuel-saver the Korean automaker has in store. According to Automotive News, Yang Woong-chul, president of R&D for Hyundai-Kia Motors, has reiterated his company's plans to aggressively (if belatedly) enter the increasingly crowded hybrid market.

To that end, Hyundai plans to launch a new sporty plug-in electric car based on the striking Blue-Will concept from Seoul Motor Show earlier this year. Powered by a 1.6-liter gasoline direct-injected powerplant and 100kw electric motor mated up with a continuously variable transmission, the Blue-Will reportedly has a range of 38 miles in EV mode and an overall rating of 55 mpg when the gas engine is in operation.

Expect a similar drivetrain for the production car when it hits the market in 2012 to go up against the upcoming Chevrolet Volt and the plug-in version of Toyota's standard-bearing Prius hybrid. So far, there's no word on expected pricing for the PHEV, but Hyundai says the goal is to 'show its technology and improve its image,' not to make money. Consider our interest piqued.

Gallery: Hyundai BLUE-WILL hybrid concept

[Source: Automotive News - sub. req'd]

REPORT: Hyundai planning Blue-Will based sporty plug-in hybrid by 2012 originally appeared on Autoblog on Tue, 07 Jul 2009 08:59:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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REPORT: 115 Plug-in Toyota Prius test cars fail to crack 50 mpg average in year-long test

Sebastian Blanco — Mon, 15 Jun 2009 19:29:00 EST

When Consumer Reports tested out the Hymotion L5 plug-in Toyota Prius conversion earlier this year, they weren't overwhelmed with the results. Sure, the mileage they observed was boosted to about 67 mpg over the first 35 miles of the drive, but that didn't match the claims of 100 mpg (or more) that Hymotion and A123 Systems make about their product.

To be fair to Hymotion, their qualifies mileage talk about their plug-in Prius MPG "that can achieve up to 100 mpg for 30-40 miles" this way:

Hymotion PHEV fuel economy is based on independent testing performed at Argonne National Labs and Idaho National Labs. Actual mileage will vary based on each individual's driving style, route, traffic, climate conditions, terrain and other factors.

Unfortunately for Hymotion, there are new results of tests done at the Idaho National Laboratory now available and they might make the company a little less eager to promote the work done by INL. The lab drove two groups of Prius test vehicles (one 40-car fleet and another 75-car fleet) from early 2008 until March 2009 for almost 500,000 miles and found that the average fuel economy tallied 46 and 49 mpg, respectively. As you might expect, driving style and the battery mode (charge sustaining vs. charge depeleting) had a big impact on the figures. You can view the result data in these PDFs: 1, 2. Add it all up, and it sounds like PHEV proponents might want to take former Tesla marketing boss Darryl Siry's advice to electric vehicle manufacturers to heart.

What do you think - are plug-in hybrids the next big thing, an overhyped solution, or something in between? Drop us a line in the comments.

[Sources: Idaho National Laboratory; Hydrogen Car Revolution]

REPORT: 115 Plug-in Toyota Prius test cars fail to crack 50 mpg average in year-long test originally appeared on Autoblog on Mon, 15 Jun 2009 19:29:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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Volvo announces diesel plug-in hybrid for 2012 [w/video]

Domenick Yoney — Mon, 01 Jun 2009 16:55:00 EST

Filed under: Hybrid, Green, Technology, Videos, Volvo, Diesel

Volvo plug-in hybrid - click above for a hi-res gallery

Volvo and Vattenfall have just made an announcement that should hurry the Swedish car maker along the hybrid highway. The two companies have partnered to develop a plug-in diesel hybrid that is expected to begin series production in 2012 with the first three demonstration vehicles to be completed this summer. Volvo, of course, will supply the cars, while the energy giant will bring charging units and the actual carbon-free electricity to the plug-in hybrid (PHEV) equation. Other hybrids being baked by the Ford-owned brand include a "micro-hybrid" for 2011 as well as the ReCharge concept.

Technologically, this PHEV is quite interesting. It will use 71% of its 11.3 kWh pack of lithium ion batteries to power the back wheels for about 30 miles (50 km). After that, the diesel engine takes over and will then drive the front wheels. The charging time for the battery is about five hours through a household type outlet and the car, which will use the body of the Volvo V70, will feature regenerative braking. Hit the jump for the official press release as well as a video outlining the program.

Gallery: Volvo and Vattenfall Plug-in hybrid

Continue reading Volvo announces diesel plug-in hybrid for 2012 [w/video]

Volvo announces diesel plug-in hybrid for 2012 [w/video] originally appeared on Autoblog on Mon, 01 Jun 2009 16:55:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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REPORT: Fisker planning third Karma variant, low-cost hybrid

Chris Shunk — Thu, 14 May 2009 10:29:00 EST

Filed under: Hybrid, Green

Fisker CEO Henrik Fisker feels like the automotive world is at the beginning of a renaissance, and he believes now is the first time in 40 years that start-up automakers can compete and even thrive against the established OEMs. Fisker has already began to rage against the machine with the Karma. It looks great, promises terrific performance, and it plugs into a standard socket. The tree-hugging, tarmac-punishing Karma won't even be on the road until 2010, but that isn't stopping Fisker from dreaming big.

According to The Oakland Press, Fisker is looking to produce a lower cost, high volume plug-in that would likely thrust the Fisker brand into the mainstream. Fisker has already applied for federal loans with the Department of Energy, and if the request goes through, the vehicle could be on the road in 29 months. If the high volume Fisker sees the light of day, it could well be developed at the company's new technical center in Pontiac, Michigan, an area in desperate need of new jobs.

[Source: The Oakland Press]

REPORT: Fisker planning third Karma variant, low-cost hybrid originally appeared on Autoblog on Thu, 14 May 2009 10:29:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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Early Chevy Volt mule drives reveal surprisingly good stuff in Cruze bodies [w/VIDEO]

Sebastian Blanco — Tue, 14 Apr 2009 13:40:00 EST

Filed under: Budget, Hybrid, Sedan, Green, Technology, Chevrolet, GM

Click above to watch videos test drives of Chevrolet's Volt prototype

General Motors has begun doling out test drives of its Chevrolet Volt prototypes to the salivating media. AutoblogGreen is scheduled for some time behind the wheel in short order, but some bigger names have already written up their first impressions of the car. CNN's short version: Promising, but not perfect.

Unlike the Mali-Volts of the recent past, CNN was able to test out the Volt technology as it fits inside the bodywork of a Chevy Cruze. The vehicle looks nearly identical to the Cruze that will go on sale in the U.S. soon, but the powertrain is reportedly 80 percent Voltec. Reporters haven't yet gotten the true Volt driving experience, though, since, as CNN's Peter Valdes-Dapena reports, the Cruze vehicles operate in EV-only mode because "GM engineers are still tweaking the car's performance under gasoline power." Considering that EV-only mode is how most Volt drivers will experience the car most days, this is a fair initial test, with Valdes-Dapena calling the acceleration "particularly muscular." One big question that needs to be answered is how GM will deal with the weight of the Voltec system. Valdes-Dapena writes:

The first time I drove the front wheel drive test vehicle into a turn, the weight came as a surprise. It felt almost like the small Cruze had turned into something more like a Cadillac the moment I turned the steering wheel.

That's going to take some getting used to, or perhaps some additional tuning.

Valdes-Dapena wasn't the only reporter to test out the Cruze Volt mule. Detroit radio staple Jeff Gilbert was there for WWJ and he put up a video on Facebook. GM made their own video of the media drives, and you can see that and the CNN show after the jump.

Gallery: 2011 Chevy Volt

[Source: CNN, WWJ, General Motors]

Continue reading Early Chevy Volt mule drives reveal surprisingly good stuff in Cruze bodies [w/VIDEO]

Early Chevy Volt mule drives reveal surprisingly good stuff in Cruze bodies [w/VIDEO] originally appeared on Autoblog on Tue, 14 Apr 2009 13:40:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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Good Karma: Fisker investors reportedly bring in $85 million in capital

Noah Joseph — Mon, 13 Apr 2009 16:59:00 EST

Filed under: Convertible, Hybrid, Sedan, Performance, Earnings/Financials

Fisker Karma - Click above for a hi-res gallery

Hybrid propulsion or not, wunder-designer Henrik Fisker couldn't have picked a worse time be to starting a new car company...especially in the United States. Fisker has been adamant that his company will get off the ground and begin production of its much-hyped Karma electric sedan and S convertible, but without the capital invested, speculation was that his efforts could run out of steam prematurely. However, Automotive News is reporting that the upstart automaker has received a healthy cash injection of $85 million to help get production started.

The funds come from two investors: Kleiner Perkins Caufield & Byers, which was one of the first financial firms to invest in Fisker's enterprise, and a new investor Eco-Drive Capital Partners LLC. Will it be enough to get the Karma out on the street? Eighty-five mil is a big hunk of cash, but as any Detroit veteran could tell you, big money has a habit of running out fast in this business, and it generally takes hundreds of millions of dollars to launch new models.

Gallery: Detroit 2009: 2010 Fisker Karma

Gallery: Detroit 2009: Fisker Karma S Concept

[Source: Automotive News - subs. req'd]

Good Karma: Fisker investors reportedly bring in $85 million in capital originally appeared on Autoblog on Mon, 13 Apr 2009 16:59:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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Fisker plans lower-cost model, may compete with Chevy Volt and Tesla Model S

Jeremy Korzeniewski — Thu, 09 Apr 2009 17:28:00 EST

Filed under: Hybrid, Green

Click above for a high-res gallery of the Fisker Karma

It's probably a bit premature to be talking about future models from Fisker, considering the automaker's plug-in Karma and Karma S have yet to hit the market, but that's never stopped us before, right? According to Russell Datz, head PR man at Fisker Automotive, "One of the future products we have is something that is significantly less than what will be on the market first," though it may still "be a step above" the Chevy Volt and Tesla Model S.

That's not a ton of information to go by, unfortunately. The Chevy Volt is expected to come in around $40K or so in late 2010 when it's finally released (hopefully), and the Tesla Model S will cost at least $10K more than that. For comparison, the Fisker Karma will carry a starting sticker of $87,900. In other words, there's plenty of room between the base price of a Volt and the base price of a Karma. Where the lower-cost model from Fisker would fall in that range is anybody's guess.

Gallery: Fisker Karma

[Source: Inside Line]

Fisker plans lower-cost model, may compete with Chevy Volt and Tesla Model S originally appeared on Autoblog on Thu, 09 Apr 2009 17:28:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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REPORT: Hyundai to offer plug-in hybrid in U.S. for 2012

Jeremy Korzeniewski — Thu, 02 Apr 2009 13:58:00 EST

Filed under: Hybrid, Green, Hyundai

Click above for high-res gallery of the Hyundai BLUE-WILL concept

Hyundai reportedly plans to put a plug-in hybrid into production for the U.S. by late 2012 that will be based on the oddly-styled BLUE-WILL concept that's currently being shown off at the Seoul Motor Show. We're not sure if features like the rooftop solar panels and headlamp bezels made from recycled drink bottles will make it to the sales floor, but a variant on the concept's plug-in parallel hybrid drivetrain sounds like a lock.

The BLUE-WILL is said to be capable of traveling about 38 miles on battery power before a 1.6-liter gasoline direct-injected powerplant kicks in to keep the party going. Hyundai says it expects the hybrid to earn an equivalent rating of 106 miles per gallon when running in EV mode and an overall rating of 55 mpg when the gas engine is in operation.

Though the Korean automaker isn't ready to talk price, Yang Woong-chul, Hyundai's president of R&D, says, "We want to show our technological image to get people to the dealerships to drive our cars. We are not necessarily trying to make money on hybrids." Based on Hyundai's recent success in entering new markets and taking on new competitors, Toyota, General Motors and Honda may have good reason to be worried.

Gallery: Hyundai BLUE-WILL hybrid concept

[Source: AutoWeek]

REPORT: Hyundai to offer plug-in hybrid in U.S. for 2012 originally appeared on Autoblog on Thu, 02 Apr 2009 13:58:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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Fisker Automotive signs up 32 dealers in 17 states

Sebastian Blanco — Tue, 24 Mar 2009 18:57:00 EST

Filed under: Car Buying, Hybrid, Sedan, Green

Fisker Karma - Click above for high-res image gallery

Running television ads. Taking orders. And now, setting up a network of dealerships. Fisker Automotive is starting to act like a real car company.

The company announced today that it has signed up its first group of 32 retailers. These outlets will be located in 17 states - Alabama, California, Colorado, Florida, Illinois, Maryland, Michigan, Minnesota, New Jersey, New York, Ohio, Oregon, Pennsylvania, Texas, Washington, Virginia, and Wisconsin - and one Canadian Province, British Columbia (see the full list after the jump). But Fisker isn't stopping there - the company hopes to have at least 40 dealers in the U.S. signed up by June. Deliveries of the $87,900 plug-in hybrid Karma should begin at the end of this year, and Fisker hopes to sell 15,000 units a year once they get up to full production.

Like the luxury PHEVs themselves, Fisker vows that their showrooms will make efforts to be eco-friendly, with natural and sustainable materials used throughout, and a solar-powered carport available.

Gallery: Fisker Karma

[Source: Fisker]

Continue reading Fisker Automotive signs up 32 dealers in 17 states

Fisker Automotive signs up 32 dealers in 17 states originally appeared on Autoblog on Tue, 24 Mar 2009 18:57:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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GM rebuts Carnegie Mellon Chevrolet Volt slight

Jeremy Korzeniewski — Wed, 04 Mar 2009 18:57:00 EST

Filed under: Hybrid, Green, Chevrolet, GM

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

Time to get out the popcorn and sit back for a good argument. Remember Carnegie Mellon's recent study on the merits of plug-in hybrids like the Chevy Volt? According to the University, a PHEV with a 3kWh battery pack would provide the best compromise between price, performance and environmental benefits by allowing for an electric-only range of around 7 miles. The Volt will use a 16kWh lithium ion battery pack and be able to travel 40 miles on electricity before its gas engine kicks in to keep the party moving. If General Motors' calculations are correct, nearly 80% of all American drivers could drive the Volt to work and back without ever using a drop of gasoline, recharging every night using off-peak electricity from the grid.

In response to CMU's report, Jon Lauckner, GM's Vice President Global Program Management, has published a post on GM's Fastlane Blog offering a few good reasons why CMU's data may be skewed. For starters, GM says the cost of its battery pack is quite a bit less than CMU is estimating. Plus, the Volt will be eligible for a $7,500 federal tax credit due to its high energy storage capacity that the study fails to recognize.

According to Lauckner, GM is not about to make the mistake of delaying the introduction of plug-in hybrid vehicles after missing the boat on conventional hybrids a few years back, and we agree that they should definitely move ahead with the car's introduction. The idea of offering smaller capacity packs for drivers who don't often drive 40 miles in a day, though, could have merit. We'll see how it all plays out in late 2010 when the Volt is scheduled to go on sale.

Gallery: 2011 Chevy Volt

[Source: GM Fastlane]

GM rebuts Carnegie Mellon Chevrolet Volt slight originally appeared on Autoblog on Wed, 04 Mar 2009 18:57:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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Carnegie Mellon study says Chevy Volt may not be such a hot value

Jeremy Korzeniewski — Mon, 02 Mar 2009 16:59:00 EST

Filed under: Hybrid, Green

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

A new study by Carnegie Mellon University has found that the cost to create an automotive battery pack capable of providing a range of 40 miles per charge is prohibitively expensive. Coincidentally (or not), that's exactly the range that General Motors is aiming for with its upcoming Chevy Volt extended-range electric vehicle.

GM's not offering any specifics about how much the Volt's lithium-ion battery pack will cost, but current estimates place the figure over $15,000. If the car's going to have mass market appeal, that battery pack may represent nearly half the car's total cost to the consumer, which would be an unsustainable situation without the assistance of federal tax credits and incentives.

Even if the government subsidizes the cost of the Volt's initial purchase, questions remain about the replacement cost of the battery pack despite GM's assertion that it will last the life of the car. GM has until late 2010 to get it all worked out, and we remain excited about the prospect of gas-free motoring that plug-ins like the Volt will provide. Still, studies like the one from CMU cannot be dismissed and cast doubt over any automaker's ability to bring electric or extended-range electric vehicles to market in a cost effective manner.

Gallery: 2011 Chevy Volt

[Sources: Bloomberg, Carnegie-Mellon University]

Carnegie Mellon study says Chevy Volt may not be such a hot value originally appeared on Autoblog on Mon, 02 Mar 2009 16:59:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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Mitsubishi focuses development on 'green' cars, plug-in hybrid coming in 2013

Jeremy Korzeniewski — Mon, 02 Feb 2009 18:02:00 EST

Filed under: Hybrid, SUV, Green, Mitsubishi

Click above for a hi-res gallery of i MiEV Sport Air renderings

When the average enthusiast thinks of Mitsubishi, the first thing that jumps to mind is likely the Evolution, but the Japanese automaker's bread is buttered by the sales of large SUVs. This means that profits are pretty tough to come by these days as anything that guzzles gas has rapidly seen itself falling out of favor. In light of this fact, Mitsubishi now says that it has halted development of everything that isn't eco-friendly. SUVs and large cars are out; electric cars, plug-in hybrids and small cars are in. What does this mean for future developments for the Evo platform? We don't know, but it doesn't sound promising.

According to CEO Osamu Masuko, the automaker can't abandon its SUV roots entirely, so the future strategy will be two-fold: continue to offer larger cars like the Lancer and Galant and four-wheel drive SUVs in hybrid form, while focusing on fully electric machines on the smaller end. The first fruits of Mitsubishi's new green plans may be production versions of the i MiEV electric car, but plug-in hybrid versions of its larger cars and SUVs are likely by 2013.

Gallery: Mitsubishi i MIEV Sport Air

[Source: Automotive News - sub. req'd]

Mitsubishi focuses development on 'green' cars, plug-in hybrid coming in 2013 originally appeared on Autoblog on Mon, 02 Feb 2009 18:02:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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Toyota Prius plug-in tops 65 mpg

Jeremy Korzeniewski — Mon, 02 Feb 2009 12:32:00 EST

Filed under: Hybrid, Green, Hatchback, Toyota

Toyota says that plug-in hybrid versions of its Prius hatchback are averaging 65 miles per gallon in real-world testing. For those keeping track, that's a 15 mpg improvement over the upcoming 2010 Prius. As with today's hybrids, the actual mileage figure is highly dependent on the driver's right foot and these machines are likely based on the second-gen Prius that's currently roaming the streets, modified with a lithium ion battery pack that's capable of storing much more energy that the nickel metal hydride pack of the standard car.

A new Prius was debuted at the Detroit Auto Show last month and should go on sale sometime later this year, but it's still equipped with the older battery technology. So far, Toyota has yet to announce any specific plans regarding the future sale date of a plug-in Prius to regular consumers, and the automaker is now suggesting that any of its hybrids would be good candidates for PHEV technology, including the Prius, which seems like the most logical choice. In any case, it appears that Toyota is content to let GM push forward with the series hybrid Volt technology while its engineers remain in the PHEV data capturing stage.

[Source: Automotive News - Sub. Req.]

Toyota Prius plug-in tops 65 mpg originally appeared on Autoblog on Mon, 02 Feb 2009 12:32:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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