Autoblog

Detroit Preview: BMW Concept ActiveE set to amp up 1 Series

Sam Abuelsamid — Wed, 16 Dec 2009 18:00:00 EST

Filed under: Concept Cars, Detroit Auto Show, Coupe, BMW, Electric

BMW Concept ActiveE - Click above for high-res image gallery

Six months into its Mini E field test program, BMW is getting ready for phase two of its electric vehicle development. At the Detroit Auto Show next month, the Bavarian automaker will introduce its Concept ActiveE which brings electric drive to the Roundel. This time, instead of the diminutive Mini, these new teaser images suggest that a 1 Series coupe is set to go the plug-in route.

With the Mini E, BMW rushed to get the cars out into the field, recruiting AC Propulsion to produce the powertrains and battery packs comprised of laptop cells - a setup not unlike the Tesla Roadster. This time around, the car is much closer to what might be expected of a mass-produced electric car. BMW plans to build another fleet of EVs based on this concept, and once again, it will again put cars into the hands of ordinary drivers and fleets for more field testing. Read on after the jump for more details and the official press release.

Gallery: BMW Concept ActiveE

[Source: BMW]

Continue reading Detroit Preview: BMW Concept ActiveE set to amp up 1 Series

Detroit Preview: BMW Concept ActiveE set to amp up 1 Series originally appeared on Autoblog on Wed, 16 Dec 2009 18:00:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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Geneva Preview: Rinspeed to unveil the UC? electric city car

Sam Abuelsamid — Wed, 16 Dec 2009 10:58:00 EST

Filed under: Concept Cars, Geneva Motor Show, Hatchback, Electric

Rinspeed UC? - click above for high-res image gallery

When we get to Geneva next March, eccentric Swiss design house Rinspeed will be showing off a design for a new electric commuter vehicle called the "UC?" The design of the car itself doesn't appear to be particularly novel with styling that looks like a cross between the Smart ForTwo and Fiat 500 (not to mention the Aston Martin Cygnet from earlier today).

However, Rinspeed is proposing an interesting approach to extending the range of the EV. Because the UC? is only 2.5 meters long, it could theoretically take advantage of the same kind of perpendicular parking that many Smart drivers use. With that in mind, Rinspeed is proposing that railroads build special train cars that would allow the UC? to be driven straight on and off for travel between cities where the 75 mile nominal plug range would make travel impractical. Since most European trains are electric, it's even conceivable that drivers could plug in their UC? models during the train trip. Rinspeed hopes to offer up the UC? to outside manufacturers who may want to build it.

Gallery: Rinspeed UC?

[Source: Rinspeed]

Continue reading Geneva Preview: Rinspeed to unveil the UC? electric city car

Geneva Preview: Rinspeed to unveil the UC? electric city car originally appeared on Autoblog on Wed, 16 Dec 2009 10:58:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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VIDEO: Chevrolet Volt tests driver-controlled audio warning system with the blind

Sam Abuelsamid — Wed, 25 Nov 2009 15:13:00 EST

Filed under: Hybrid, Technology, Videos, Chevrolet, Electric

As the popularity of hybrids has grown over the last few years, advocates for the blind have been raising a red flag about noise, or -- more to the point -- the lack of it. Because electric-drive vehicles emit much lower levels of sound on the street, blind pedestrians who've relied on the noise emitted from traditional vehicles lose a major source of information when navigating the streets and sidewalks.

There have been movements in various legislatures to mandate some minimum sound level from electric vehicles to ensure that blind pedestrians can tell when they're approaching, and General Motors recently conducted a test session at its Milford Proving Grounds with a group of the visually-challenged to assess the audible warning systems on the Chevrolet Volt.

The engineers have employed the car's horn to emit a series of warning chirps when a pedestrian is in proximity to GM's gas-electric hybrid, evaluating the nature and level of the warnings to alert pedestrians rather than startle them. GM spokesman Rob Peterson tells us that on the first generation Volt the warnings will be manually activated by the driver, although future iterations are likely to incorporate some sort of active system. Currently, the biggest hurdle is developing an active system that can distinguish a pedestrian from another vehicle. Otherwise, without a reliable detection system, the horns would be going off at all times, increasing noise levels and making it largely useless.

[Source: ChevroletVoltage.com]

Continue reading VIDEO: Chevrolet Volt tests driver-controlled audio warning system with the blind

VIDEO: Chevrolet Volt tests driver-controlled audio warning system with the blind originally appeared on Autoblog on Wed, 25 Nov 2009 15:13:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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REPORT: Nissan may offer optional higher-capacity batteries at premium

Sam Abuelsamid — Tue, 17 Nov 2009 15:31:00 EST

Filed under: Car Buying, Technology, Hatchback, Nissan, Electric, Electric

2010 Nissan Leaf EV - Click above for high-res image gallery

It looks like Tesla probably won't be alone in offering different-sized battery packs in its future electric vehicles. At a U.S. launch event for the Leaf electric car on Friday, Nissan product planner Mark Perry told Paul Eisenstein of the Detroit Bureau that the Japanese automaker is investigating a similar idea.

Lithium ion batteries are likely to remain expensive for the foreseeable future, so in a bid to make EVs more affordable, they could be offered with different battery capacities. Tesla is planning to offer three sizes for the Model S with ranges from 160 to 300 miles. The Leaf doesn't have room for a pack larger than the initial 100-mile range, but future models may be designed to accommodate larger packs while the base versions could come with a smaller unit.

Gallery: 2010 Nissan LEAF

[Source: The Detroit Bureau]

REPORT: Nissan may offer optional higher-capacity batteries at premium originally appeared on Autoblog on Tue, 17 Nov 2009 15:31:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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Lotus shopping Evora chassis to other automakers?

Sam Abuelsamid — Wed, 28 Oct 2009 17:59:00 EST

Filed under: Technology, Lotus

Back in the Nineties, shortly after Lotus introduced the original Elise, the company made it known that its new sportscar platform was designed to be easily adapted to different applications - including different powertrains. Companies that were interested in a platform for a niche products using their own powertrains were welcome to contract with Lotus for use of the Elise's underpinnings. Over the years, it spawned several race and concept cars, to say nothing of the production Opel GT, Vauxhall VX220, and of course, the Tesla Roadster.

Now that Lotus finally has its first all-new car in 14 years and several hundred Evoras have been delivered to customers, the same offer is again on the table. In fact, this time the presentation from Lotus Engineering even shows the Evora chassis carrying an electric powertrain.

The versatile vehicle architecture is made largely from aluminum extrusions which can be cut off in different sizes, allowing the chassis to readily be adjusted for length and width as needed. To date, no company that we're aware of has adopted the Evora's architecture. However, given Tesla's relative success in using the Elise as a starting point - and the increased size of the Evora - it should be even more attractive to potential customers. You can check out the full presentation after the jump.

Gallery: LA 2008: Lotus Evora

[Source: LotusEnthusiast]

Continue reading Lotus shopping Evora chassis to other automakers?

Lotus shopping Evora chassis to other automakers? originally appeared on Autoblog on Wed, 28 Oct 2009 17:59:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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REPORT: Nissan's Ghosn rules out hybrid-only models like Toyota Prius, Honda Insight

Jeremy Korzeniewski — Thu, 22 Oct 2009 18:31:00 EST

Filed under: Hybrid, Nissan, Electric

Nissan CEO Carlos Ghosn with Leaf EV - Click above for high-res image gallery

Quick, think of a hybrid automobile. Got it? Are you thinking of the Toyota Prius? Pretty much everyone instantly recognizes the well-known profile of the Prius, and it's by far the most popular fuel miser on the market. A good bit of Toyota's success with the Prius has been attributed to its unique look - some owners want everyone to know that they care about their environmental footprint, and the Prius currently accomplishes that better than any of its competitors.

Honda followed a similar path with the second-generation Insight hatchback, which some believe follows the form of the Prius a little too closely. According to Nissan head Carlos Ghosn, though, there's no chance that Japan's number three automaker will join that club. Speaking to Automotive News at the Tokyo Motor Show, Ghosn said:

We are not intending to play a leadership role in hybrids. One company already assumed leadership in the technology. We want leadership on EVs.

Obviously, the company that leads in hybrids is Toyota, and Nissan's intention is to score a similar position in the world of pure electric automobiles. The opening salvo on that front will be the upcoming Nissan Leaf, which is slated to hit the market about a year from now, and the company has ambitious plans for its following act. We'll know if Ghosn's plan is successful or not about five years from now. Stay tuned.

Gallery: 2010 Nissan Leaf EV

[Source: Automotive News - Sub. Req'd]

REPORT: Nissan's Ghosn rules out hybrid-only models like Toyota Prius, Honda Insight originally appeared on Autoblog on Thu, 22 Oct 2009 18:31:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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REPORT: Honda warming up to idea of electric vehicles

Noah Joseph — Tue, 20 Oct 2009 13:31:00 EST

Filed under: Hybrid, Europe, Japan, Honda, Electric

2010 Honda Insight EX - Click above for high-res image gallery

With offerings like the FCX Clarity and the Insight, it's been clear what technologies Honda favors for environmentally-friendly transportation. But a change in strategy conceded by CEO Takanobu Ito could see Honda focusing more energy on plug-in electric vehicles in the near future.

Although Honda takes the standpoint that battery technology has not progressed enough for widespread implementation in passenger vehicles, difficulty setting up hydrogen fueling stations have forced Japan's second largest automaker to reconsider its strategy. With regulations constricting, especially in California, Honda will reportedly be shifting its focus to electric vehicles for the American market as well as for Europe and its own home turf in Japan.

Gallery: Review: 2010 Honda Insight EX

[Source: Reuters]

REPORT: Honda warming up to idea of electric vehicles originally appeared on Autoblog on Tue, 20 Oct 2009 13:31:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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REPORT: Energy Secretary Chu - "I would put every cent into electric cars"

Sebastian Blanco — Wed, 14 Oct 2009 11:29:00 EST

U.S. Secretary of Energy Steven Chu has a penchant for making some straightforward statements about energy policy. He's said that electric vehicles are inevitable, for example, and that all American cars should be E85-capable. Recently, he apparently said that "if it were up to me, I would put every cent into electric cars."

This quote, which was relayed by unnamed alternative energy developers who were at a recent meeting on alternative fuels, is sure to stir up the whole hydrogen vs. plug-in cars debate that's been going on since the DOE slashed H₂ funding in May. The Senate Energy and Water Development Appropriations Subcommittee responded by marking up the FY 2010 DOE budget and restoring the hydrogen vehicle funding.

If Chu did say what it's reported that he said, then it should be clear that it isn't an official reversal of the Senate's work. It just shows that there are some serious disagreements in Washington about how to best fund the future - and what that future should be. But the DOE is in charge of some big things and, this year, it has handed out billions in loan guarantees for plug-in vehicles, including money for Ford ($5.9 billion), Nissan ($1.6 billion), Tesla Motors ($465 million) and Fisker ($528 million).

[Source: Biofuels Digest]

REPORT: Energy Secretary Chu - "I would put every cent into electric cars" originally appeared on Autoblog on Wed, 14 Oct 2009 11:29:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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Renault launches new site dedicated to its upcoming EV lineup [w/VIDEO]

Sam Abuelsamid — Tue, 13 Oct 2009 17:31:00 EST

Filed under: Marketing/Advertising, Renault, Electric

Renault Fluence Zero Emissions Concept - Click above for high-res image gallery

Renault has created a new website that is dedicated to promoting its upcoming model range of battery powered cars. The site is actually about more than just the Fluence, Kangoo, Zoe and Twizzy. It also offers explanations of how Renault hopes to make these cars mainstream and affordable. It appears from the information provided that Renault plans to sell all of its EVs without a battery pack. The energy storage system will all be leased separately with payments going to a chosen energy supplier. There will be the three options for replenishing the charge.

Europeans can use their standard 220V / 10-16A outlet to charge in 6-8 hours. A standardized fast charge connector is currently being developed among multiple automakers and utilities, and it should facilitate 20-30 minute charges with a 400 V / 36 A, three-phase source. Finally, Renault appears set to implement battery swap capabilities across its full lineup for three minute battery changes. Along with the main site there, Renault has also added a video blog that thus far contains a series of videos shot at the Frankfurt Motor Show debut of the ZEV lineup. You can check out one the videos after the jump. Thanks to Shadowcast for the tip!

Gallery: Renault Fluence Zero Emissions Concept

[Source: Renault-ZE.com]

Continue reading Renault launches new site dedicated to its upcoming EV lineup [w/VIDEO]

Renault launches new site dedicated to its upcoming EV lineup [w/VIDEO] originally appeared on Autoblog on Tue, 13 Oct 2009 17:31:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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REPORT: Chrysler, Fiat partnering on electric car

Jonathon Ramsey — Mon, 12 Oct 2009 17:58:00 EST

Filed under: Chrysler, Dodge, Fiat, Electric

Dodge Circuit EV - Click above for high-res image gallery

In a little more than three weeks, Sergio Marchionne will reveal his 5-year plan for Chrysler. According to information revealed by a Fiat exec and Chrysler board member Alfredo Altavilla last week, at least one electric car will be part of it. While visiting a gearbox factory in Italy, Altavilla confirmed that the presumed-dead electric car program is in progress and being worked on by Chrysler and Fiat. He gave no further comment on the matter.

Chrysler, through its ENVI in-house electric propulsion division, currently has four electric vehicles: the Dodge Circuit EV (shown), Jeep Patriot EV, Jeep Wrangler Unlimited EV, and Chrysler Town & Country EV. The ENVI site claims that you'll be able to own at least one electric model by 2010, and there will be "at least three more models available by 2013." Those claims could be outdated, however; we'll have to wait until November 4 to get clarity on the future. But if there's an electric Fiat 500 in there, well, let's just say we won't be disappointed...

Gallery: Dodge Circuit EV

[Source: Wall Street Journal]

REPORT: Chrysler, Fiat partnering on electric car originally appeared on Autoblog on Mon, 12 Oct 2009 17:58:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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e-Wolf channels inner Italian with planned e2 electric car

Jeremy Korzeniewski — Tue, 29 Sep 2009 16:58:00 EST

Filed under: Concept Cars, Coupe, Performance, Electric

e-Wolf e2 - Click above for high-res image gallery

Shortly after debuting its Lotus Seven-esque e1 electric sportscar at the Frankfurt Motor Show, e-Wolf has just released images and details of its next model, the e2. Unlike the open-topped e1, the German firm's e2 followup will feature a shape clearly inspired by any number of supercars from Italy, particularly the Lamborghini Reventón and Ferrari Enzo. If you're going to borrow heavily, might as well go for the gold, no?

Powering the theoretical electric supercar will be one 134-horsepower electric motor per wheel for a total of 536 squeaky-clean horses and an impressive 738 lb-ft of torque (1,000 Nm). The run to 60 mph is expected to be dispatched in well under four seconds, though the top speed may be capped at 155 mph.

Energy storage will be by way of a lithium ion battery pack composed of 84 flat cells from CERIO. Although no details have been released on the pack's stated capacity, e-Wolf suggests that range could be as high as 187 miles (300 kilometers) per charge after a recharge of just 30 minutes - of course it would take a powerful specialized charger to achieve that result. Production is currently planned for 2011. Click past the break for the official press release.

Gallery: e-Wolf E2 electric supercar

[Source: e-Wolf via SpeedLux]

Continue reading e-Wolf channels inner Italian with planned e2 electric car

e-Wolf channels inner Italian with planned e2 electric car originally appeared on Autoblog on Tue, 29 Sep 2009 16:58:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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Debate rages over whether to extend HOV-lane exemptions for hybrids in CA

Frank Filipponio — Mon, 28 Sep 2009 17:59:00 EST

Filed under: Hybrid, Government/Legal, Electric

Besides the potential feeling of environmental superiority, one of the great benefits to having a hybrid in California has been the availability of a magic little sticker set for a vehicle's rear bumper and fender. The "Access OK" tags have allowed its possessors to cruise in the carpool lanes even while driving solo. The special lanes - alternatively known as HOV lanes (High Occupancy Vehicle) or diamond lanes - have proven to be a great time saver on California's clogged freeway system, but not everyone can find a ride-share partner to grant them access. Thus, getting a hybrid with one of the highly prized yellow (or white) decals is like getting yourself a free passenger - without the annoying banter.

As a result of their rarity and ultility, used cars with those decals usually command a premium. Heck, we've even reported on sticker thefts. The problem is that the benefits of those stickers were originally set to run out by 2009. The government intervened and extended those limits through January 1, 2011, but some would like to see them extended further - like through 2016.

Naturally, as more people move towards more efficient vehicles, some think the program should be halted altogether, while others (especially those with stickers themselves) continue to think that hybrids and other "clean" vehicles deserve the added benefit of solo access.You can be sure that this debate will continue right up until the deadline - unless California's legislature steps in to extend the program before then.

[Sources: The Los Angeles Times; California DMV | Image: David McNew/Getty]

Debate rages over whether to extend HOV-lane exemptions for hybrids in CA originally appeared on Autoblog on Mon, 28 Sep 2009 17:59:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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Arcimoto Pulse is the latest tiny three-wheeled electric vehicle to be unveiled

Sebastian Blanco — Mon, 28 Sep 2009 17:29:00 EST

Arcimoto Pulse- Click above for high-res image gallery

Hey, look! It's another quirky three-wheeled electric vehicle. This time, we're talking about the recently-revealed Arcimoto Pulse, a tandem two-seat electric car that looks something like a Zap Alias that's been through a compressor, or perhaps a Toyota Yaris that's gone through a chef's mandolin.

The company's website says that the trike uses a 96-volt power system and a DC electric motor that puts out 80 ft. lb. torque. The vehicle has a top speed of 55 mph and a range somewhere between 50 and 100 miles (the number has an unexplained asterisk on the company's website). Arcimoto, based in Eugene, Oregon, says the Pulse gets an estimates 190+ mpg, but how they arrived at that number is anyone's guess.

Price? Not set yet, but it will be "under $20,000" and an example of your very own can be reserved with a $500 fee ($450 of which is refundable). The first 300 Pulses are due late next year.

Gallery: Arcimoto Pulse

[Source: Arcimoto]

Continue reading Arcimoto Pulse is the latest tiny three-wheeled electric vehicle to be unveiled

Arcimoto Pulse is the latest tiny three-wheeled electric vehicle to be unveiled originally appeared on Autoblog on Mon, 28 Sep 2009 17:29:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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Production Aptera 2e rendering leaked online?

Jeremy Korzeniewski — Fri, 25 Sep 2009 17:58:00 EST

Filed under: Spy Photos, Coupe, Electric

Aptera 2e final design rendering - Click above to enlarge

As Aptera continues to push forward with the development of its futuristic-looking and innovative 2e electric three-wheeler, it almost seems inevitable that details of the vehicle's official specifications will leak out... this is the internet age after all. True to form, today we get what appears to be a sneak peek at the wingless airplane's final production shape.

At first glance, not much appears all that different from previous iterations of the 2e, but a closer look offers a few important changes. For instance, the vehicle now appears to have fully operational windows for both the driver and passenger that will roll all the way up and down. We also note larger rear side glass and new front wheel spats and rear wheel housings that offer more clearance and flow better with the rest of the body shape.

If this rendering has you interest piqued, you may also be interested in the rumor that Best Buy is planning to carry the three-wheeled electric vehicle once it's ready for sale, which is currently scheduled to take place before the end of 2009. Stay tuned.

[Source: Aptera Forum]

Production Aptera 2e rendering leaked online? originally appeared on Autoblog on Fri, 25 Sep 2009 17:58:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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Officially Official: Reva to help GM India develop EVs

Sam Abuelsamid — Fri, 25 Sep 2009 08:00:00 EST

Filed under: GM, Electric

2011 Chevy Spark - Click above for a high res image gallery

General Motors officially announced a deal with India's Reva that had been rumored for several weeks. The maker of Jeremy Clarkson's "favorite" car -- the G-Wiz -- will be partnering with GM India to co-develop electric vehicles for the Indian market. The plan is to evaluate GM's small car platforms with the intent of applying Reva's electric powertrains to create a low cost electric vehicle.

The plan will target these small, low cost EVs at emerging markets as an alternative to more expensive technologies like the extended range EV Voltec system. GM hasn't announced any time frame for when the first products of this new collaboration will appear, but it seems likely that the new Spark will form the basis of whatever is produced.

Gallery: 2010 Chevy Spark

[Source: General Motors]

Continue reading Officially Official: Reva to help GM India develop EVs

Officially Official: Reva to help GM India develop EVs originally appeared on Autoblog on Fri, 25 Sep 2009 08:00:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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Rumormill: Electric Rolls-Royce Phantom cometh?

Jeremy Korzeniewski — Tue, 22 Sep 2009 17:01:00 EST

Filed under: Hybrid, Sedan, Rolls-Royce, Rumormill, Electric, Luxury

2009 Rolls-Royce Phantom - Click above for high-res image gallery

Yes, an electric Rolls-Royce. And why not? The torque curve of an electric motor - making maximum pulling power right at zero RPM - would seem to suit the R-R mission perfectly, as would the distinct lack of noise, vibration and harshness. Sounds like a match made in heaven, no?

Naturally, there are issues to overcome, not the least of which is sourcing a suitably large battery for the three-ton Phantom sedan. According to Auto Express, that battery pack would feature lithium ion cells, which happens to be the same technology used by parent company BMW in its electric Mini E.

These rumors aren't exactly new - we last heard of an electric Roller about a year ago - but this time the addition of a possible range extender is mentioned for the first time. Such a configuration is featured in both the upcoming Chevy Volt and the Vision EfficientDynamics Concept BMW showed off at the Frankfurt Motor Show.

The unnamed spokesperson cited by Auto Express doesn't offer any sort of timetable as to when we might see an electric Phantom, but we're not exactly holding our breath.

Gallery: 2009 Rolls-Royce Phantom

[Source: Auto Express]

Rumormill: Electric Rolls-Royce Phantom cometh? originally appeared on Autoblog on Tue, 22 Sep 2009 17:01:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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Nissan wants LEAF EV to sound like Blade Runner car for safety

Sam Abuelsamid — Fri, 18 Sep 2009 10:58:00 EST

Filed under: Safety, Hatchback, Nissan, Electric

2010 Nissan Leaf EV - Click above for high-res image gallery

While advocates have long heralded a reduction in noise pollution in addition to air pollution as advantages of electric vehicles, not everyone is convinced that silent cars are a good thing.

We use our senses to navigate through life and when one or more of them are diminished, we rely on the others. Such is the case for blind people who must use their hearing to make up for some visual deficit. Every automaker working on electrified vehicles is aware of this and researching what sorts of sounds those vehicles should make for safety reasons.

For instance, Nissan engineer Toshiyuki Tabata has spent his career making cars quieter, but is now working on the LEAF to have it create sound. No final decision has been made, but reports tell us that Nissan is currently leaning toward making the LEAF sound like the whining flying cars in the film Blade Runner.

Gallery: 2010 Nissan Leaf EV

[Source: Bloomberg]

Nissan wants LEAF EV to sound like Blade Runner car for safety originally appeared on Autoblog on Fri, 18 Sep 2009 10:58:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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Frankfurt Preview: Audi e-Tron electric supercar gets early web unveil

Jeremy Korzeniewski — Mon, 14 Sep 2009 10:49:00 EST

Filed under: Concept Cars, Frankfurt Motor Show, Coupe, Performance, Audi, Electric

Audi e-Tron renderings - Click above for high-res image gallery

Apparently, electric cars aren't such a bad idea after all. Just days after Audi of America President Johan de Nysschen proclaimed that diesels were the future in lieu of electrons, Audi's own electric supercar concept will be officially debuted at the Frankfurt Motor Show. While we're anxiously awaiting Audi's scheduled press conference, a slew of renderings managed to make their way to the internet this morning that show some of the car's interesting visual details.

Called the e-Tron, Audi's eco-friendly supercar concept is based heavily on the underpinnings of the German automaker's awesome R8. Major differences include a closed-off front grille, revised front and rear fascias with C-shaped LED head lamps and a unique set of multispoke wheels. Perhaps the most obvious change is the deletion of the standard R8's trademark side blades. We sorta miss 'em, though it's understandable that aerodynamics are the name of the game for this concept car.

We're still not sure what exactly will power the e-Tron, but the smart money is on a fully electric drivetrain. Check out our gallery of official-looking renderings below.

Gallery: Audi e-Tron renderings

[Source: World Car Fans]

Frankfurt Preview: Audi e-Tron electric supercar gets early web unveil originally appeared on Autoblog on Mon, 14 Sep 2009 10:49:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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Audi U.S. president Johan de Nysschen addresses Chevrolet Volt is for idiots firestorm via Facebook

Sam Abuelsamid — Fri, 04 Sep 2009 08:58:00 EST

Filed under: Etc., Technology, Audi, Electric, Diesel

Audi of America president Johan de Nysschen has issued a public response to the firestorm he created yesterday when he reportedly told a member of the media that the Chevrolet Volt is "a car for idiots." Anyone who has met de Nysschen in person knows he is not one to mince words. He (and Audi) has been a strong proponent of diesel technology as an important near-to-mid-term method to reduce petroleum consumption, but given that Audi is planning electric vehicles of their own - at least in concept form - the remark caught many offguard.

In his new statement released on Audi's Facebook page, de Nysschen declares that he doesn't specifically remember using the words attributed to him, although he doesn't deny the sentiment behind them. Essentially, he, along with many others, is highly dubious of the viability of General Motors' ER-EV concept, particularly from an economic standpoint. de Nysschen also highlights the fact that government policies are one of the driving forces behind electrification.

While noting that in the long-term, electrified propulsion systems will be a major part of the transportation system, he points out that many questions remain unresolved including the readiness of the power grid and generation systems to support large quantities of EVs.

Just as de Nysschen questions these elements, many will make precisely the opposite argument. The reality is likely to fall somewhere in between, with a number of these technologies playing an important part for the foreseeable future. The grid is probably more ready than most doubters think, but the time frame for driving down the cost of batteries may not be so easy to tackle. Increasingly efficient internal combustion engines will be critical, especially for long distance travel. While history sorts out what technologies will be winners over the long haul, you can read de Nysschen's statement right now after the jump. What do you think? Drop your fellow reader a line in 'Comments.'

[Source: Aud i | Image: Saul Loeb/AFP/Getty]

Continue reading Audi U.S. president Johan de Nysschen addresses Chevrolet Volt is for idiots firestorm via Facebook

Audi U.S. president Johan de Nysschen addresses Chevrolet Volt is for idiots firestorm via Facebook originally appeared on Autoblog on Fri, 04 Sep 2009 08:58:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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VIDEO: They Might Be Giants ask "How can you deny an electric car?"

Sebastian Blanco — Fri, 28 Aug 2009 19:30:00 EST

Filed under: Etc., Videos, Electric

They Might Be Giants "Electric Car" - Click above to watch the video after the break

They Might Be Giants are proving that Neil Young isn't the only musician who can sing about cleaner transportation. The quirky band is releasing a CD/DVD album Tuesday called Here Comes Science that is geared towards kids and teaching about things like the periodic table and Roy G. Biv, a mnemonic device for colors in the visible spectrum.

The song "Electric Car" is sung by Robin Goldwasser, so if you're hoping to hear the duo ofJohn Flansburgh and John Linnell belt our lyrics like "No diesel, steam, or gasoline, Let's take a ride in an electric car, Happiness resides in an electric car" you're out of luck. We ought to be able to trust the Johns to get their car info right, though: Jamie Kitman, who's been managing TMBG for over 20 years, writes car review articles for Automobile Magazine and he's a columnist for BBC's Top Gear magazine.

Here Comes Science is the third educational children's album from TMBG, following 2005's Here Come The ABCs and 2008's Here Come The 123s. One of the band's early hits was "Why Does The Sun Shine?" and a song of the same title - as well as one called "Why Does the Sun Really Shine?" - is included on the new record. Bill Nye would be proud. Watch and listen to "Electric Car" with your kids after the jump. Thanks to Megan for the tip!

[Source: TMBG]

Continue reading VIDEO: They Might Be Giants ask "How can you deny an electric car?"

VIDEO: They Might Be Giants ask "How can you deny an electric car?" originally appeared on Autoblog on Fri, 28 Aug 2009 19:30:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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