Autoblog

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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Quick Spin: Nissan Leaf the tip of mass market EV spear

Sebastian Blanco — Tue, 24 Nov 2009 14:58:00 EST

Filed under: Hatchback, Nissan, Electric, Quick Spin

Nissan Leaf - Click above for high-res image gallery

Nissan has gone into a back room, pulled out its Ouija board and decided that the time is right to make a huge bet. The Japanese automaker, along with its partner Renault, wants to be the world leader in pure electric vehicles. Even though you can go buy an Altima hybrid right now, the company didn't develop its own gas-electric technology (the sedan uses Toyota tech). This time around, Nissan believes the future belongs to vehicles without an internal combustion engine (ICE) and is preparing to put its own foot forward. It's way too early to know for sure, but Nissan's gamble could pay off handsomely. Toyota leads the hybrid race, General Motors and others are adding plugs to vehicles with liquid-fueled engines, but no major automaker has claimed the pure EV pole position. If everything goes right, Nissan will be that automaker.

The flagship vehicle for the automaker is, of course, the Leaf EV hatchback, which was unveiled in August and recently made its North American debut in Los Angeles. We were on hand to take a Leaf mule out for a short (very short) spin and heard directly from Nissan how this unique-looking EV will secure Nissan's place in the auto industry as tremendous changes take place in the coming years. Follow us after the jump to learn about Nissan's wager and find out if the Leaf has got the potential to (silently) propel the company to the top.

Gallery: Quick Spin: Nissan Leaf Test Mule

Continue reading Quick Spin: Nissan Leaf the tip of mass market EV spear

Quick Spin: Nissan Leaf the tip of mass market EV spear originally appeared on Autoblog on Tue, 24 Nov 2009 14:58:00 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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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: 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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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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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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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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Nissan to begin retail sales of Leaf EV next year in five major U.S. markets

Jeremy Korzeniewski — Thu, 06 Aug 2009 16:31:00 EST

Filed under: Hatchback, Nissan, Electric

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

Nissan is wasting little time planning for the release of its Leaf electric car. Perhaps the details of the car's U.S. launch were so slim at launch is because Nissan was waiting for the official announcement of the Obama administration's $2.4 billion investment into electric vehicles and the infrastructure needed to support them, $99.8 million of which has been awarded to eTec, a division of ECOtality that specializes in electric vehicle charging systems.

That sum of money (to be matched by "regional project participants") will allow eTec to install 2,500 EV charging stations in the states of Tennessee and Oregon, along with San Diego, CA; Seattle, WA; and the Phoenix/Tucson region in Arizona. Of course, chargers aren't any good without any vehicles to use them, so Nissan has pledged to support the project with up to 1,000 new Leaf EVs in each of these selected markets.

This announcement puts retail sales of the upcoming Leaf two years ahead of the previously planned schedule. Nissan hopes to gather information on the charging patterns of these initial 5,000 Leaf owners, so buyers will need to agree to carry an on-board data logger that will be monitored by the automaker and the U.S. Department of Energy. Click past the break for the official press release.

Gallery: 2010 Nissan Leaf EV

Continue reading Nissan to begin retail sales of Leaf EV next year in five major U.S. markets

Nissan to begin retail sales of Leaf EV next year in five major U.S. markets originally appeared on Autoblog on Thu, 06 Aug 2009 16:31:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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Nissan shows off new Versa-based electric vehicle prototype

Sam Abuelsamid — Mon, 27 Jul 2009 13:28:00 EST

Filed under: Japan, Technology, Hatchback, Nissan, Electric

Nissan EV-11 prototype - Click above for high-res image gallery

A week before it shows the world what its new dedicated electric vehicle will look like, Nissan is showing off its latest-generation prototype. The company's previous iteration was based on the original Cube, but the new test units are based on the Versa/Tiida. A 108-horsepower / 206 pound-feet electric motor designed in-house at Nissan drives the front wheels, while a lithium ion battery pack created by Automotive Energy Supply Corp. stores electricity. The 24 kWh pack is fitted under the floor and is expected to yield a 100-mile range.

Nissan is aiming to make life as stress-free as possible for its EV drivers. To that end, the navigation system will automatically display the driving radius that the current battery state of charge will support. It can also download information about currently available charging stations. Drivers can also access the charging status of their cars remotely via a cell phone, so no doubt an iPhone app will be on the way. More details after the jump.

Gallery: Nissan EV-11 prototype

[Source: Nissan]

Continue reading Nissan shows off new Versa-based electric vehicle prototype

Nissan shows off new Versa-based electric vehicle prototype originally appeared on Autoblog on Mon, 27 Jul 2009 13:28:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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Toyota NA President Inaba: Hopes for profit in 2011, NUMMI could be dissolved

Sam Abuelsamid — Thu, 23 Jul 2009 13:31:00 EST

Filed under: Toyota

Three weeks into his new assignment as president and chief operating officer of Toyota North America, Yoshimi Inaba came to Detroit to talk about the state of the business. This is Inaba-san's third stint working for Toyota in North America after returning to Japan in 2003. This spring the senior management in Japan asked Inaba-san to return to North America and help turn the suddenly ailing giant around.

Those who have been watching Toyota in the past decade have observed the company grow at a tremendous and seemingly inexorable rate. When the big crash hit in 2007-8, Toyota proved to be no more immune than any other automaker and recently recorded the first full-year loss in 71 years. As one of the biggest markets for the company, the North American operations clearly played up part in that loss and will play a part in returning the company to profitability. Read more after the jump.

[Source: Toyota]

Continue reading Toyota NA President Inaba: Hopes for profit in 2011, NUMMI could be dissolved

Toyota NA President Inaba: Hopes for profit in 2011, NUMMI could be dissolved originally appeared on Autoblog on Thu, 23 Jul 2009 13:31:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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Automotive Engineer commissions Lotus to design tiny city EV [w/VIDEO]

Sam Abuelsamid — Tue, 21 Jul 2009 13:00:00 EST

Filed under: Concept Cars, Budget, Hybrid, Lotus, Electric

Lotus city car design - click above to watch video after the jump

Developing cars quickly is nothing new to the designers and engineers at Lotus - the British firm does contract development for automakers around the world on a regular basis. With that in mind - and knowing that Lotus has been actively involved in many electric and hybrid vehicle projects in recent years - the editors at Automotive Engineer magazine naturally chose to approach Lotus with a project idea: design a brief on what a new city car might look like five years from now.

After two weeks of work, Lotus design chief Russell Carr produced a concept that defined a car 3.74 inches shorter than a Smart ForTwo and nearly 16 inches shorter than the new Toyota iQ. Somehow, in that tiny space, Carr has managed to squeeze in space for four adults. The sketches show two different iterations of the vehicle, both with two sliding doors on its flanks and electrically-driven by a liquid-cooled 37 kW motor and a 10 kWh lithium ion battery pack under the floor. See more in the video after the jump.

[Source: Automotive Engineer]

Continue reading Automotive Engineer commissions Lotus to design tiny city EV [w/VIDEO]

Automotive Engineer commissions Lotus to design tiny city EV [w/VIDEO] originally appeared on Autoblog on Tue, 21 Jul 2009 13:00:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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Officially Official: Mercedes to produce electric SLS gullwing

Sam Abuelsamid — Thu, 16 Jul 2009 10:57:00 EST

Filed under: Coupe, Performance, Green, Technology, Supercars, Mercedes-Benz, AMG

Mercedes-Benz has officially confirmed the rumors that have been floating around in recent days - it will build an electrically powered version of its upcoming SLS gullwing coupe. The EV version of the SLS will drive all four wheels by means of an individual motor for each corner. It will not however use wheel hub motors, since those add too much unsprung mass. The motors will be mounted just inboard of the suspension components.

Energy will be stored in a 48 kWh liquid cooled lithium ion battery pack running down the central tunnel. The combined output of the electric drive system is 392 kW (526 hp) and 880 Nm (649 lb-ft), which compares to 420 kW (563 hp) and 649 Nm (479 lb-ft) for the 6.3-liter V8 in the conventional SLS. Mercedes claims it will accelerate to 62 mph in four seconds. No range is being quoted at this time, but given that the battery capacity is lower than the Tesla Roadster and the car is larger, it will likely be well under 200 miles. No timeline for the electric version is being quoted, although earlier rumors placed it at 2015.

One of the reasons that Daimler said it was investing $50 million in Tesla Motors was the upstart's ability to move quickly and develop systems faster than could be done at Daimler. Given that, we may well see the electric SLS sooner rather than later. Check out our high-res gallery of (internal combustion) Mercedes SLS prototypes below and the official press release after the jump.

Gallery: Mercedes-Benz SLS AMG

[Source: Daimler]

Continue reading Officially Official: Mercedes to produce electric SLS gullwing

Officially Official: Mercedes to produce electric SLS gullwing originally appeared on Autoblog on Thu, 16 Jul 2009 10:57:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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REPORT: Karmann saved by VW's multi-million euro order for electric vehicles

Sebastian Blanco — Wed, 08 Jul 2009 17:58:00 EST

Filed under: Green, Plants/Manufacturing, Volkswagen, Earnings/Financials

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

Volkswagen has struck a deal worth "at least 10 million euros" with Wilhelm Karmann GmbH to keep the insolvent coachworks and specialty builder alive so it can reorganize a new company and "focus on building electric-powered cars." That's according to an unsourced report in the Neue Osnabruecker Zeitung that can be found on Bloomberg. A separate report on HLN.be says that the EV deal is worth 20 million euros, the fruits of which are expected to go on sale in 2011.

Earlier this year, Karmann showed off an EV concept called the E3 Limosine, co-developed with utility company Oldenburg Energy Group (EWE). Last October, Karmann said it would help build some of DuraCar's Quicc! DiVas EVs. Thanks to Frederik for the tip!

Gallery: eBay Find of the Day: electric 1974 Karmann Ghia

[Source: Bloomberg, HLN.be]

REPORT: Karmann saved by VW's multi-million euro order for electric vehicles originally appeared on Autoblog on Wed, 08 Jul 2009 17:58:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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UK government unveils £5,000 electric car incentive program

John Neff — Thu, 16 Apr 2009 10:02:00 EST

Filed under: Government/Legal, Green

The UK government has announced a £250 million ($372M USD) incentive program designed to get more plug-in and electric vehicles on British roads. The heart of the program is rebates of up to £5,000 (nearly $7,500) for purchases of full electric or plug-in hybrid vehicles. This could be good news for companies like Mitsubishi, Nissan and General Motors. The Japanese automakers are planning to introduce battery electric cars over the next two years and General Motors plans to launch the Vauxhall Ampera (a rebadged Chevy Volt) in 2011. The program is aimed primarily at next generation full function electric vehicles like the Ampera and Mitsubishi iMiEV rather than the existing crop of low speed vehicles like the Indian-made G-Wiz.

In addition to subsidizing car purchases, the government wants to make life a little easier for EV drivers by putting in more public charging outlets. £20 million (about $30M) of the project is set aside for building out the country's infrastructure of charge points. Thanks to Brother_Will for the Tip!

[Source: BBC, Photo by Oli Scarff/Getty]

UK government unveils £5,000 electric car incentive program originally appeared on Autoblog on Thu, 16 Apr 2009 10:02:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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Mazda to offer hybrids and EVs by 2015, bring new engine tech to Tokyo Auto Show

Damon Lavrinc — Mon, 13 Apr 2009 10:01:00 EST

Filed under: Hybrid, Green, Tokyo Motor Show, Mazda

As late as last year, Mazda declared it wouldn't offer alternative powertrains in order to meet its goal of reducing the fuel economy of its vehicles by 30% by 2015. Now, Mazda CEO Takashi Yamanouchi has announced the automaker will begin offering both hybrids and electric vehicles in the future, but would only say that the vehicles would be in the Mazda line-up come 2015.

However, Mazda's goal of creating more fuel efficient vehicles won't stop at hybrids and EVs. According to Yamanouchi, "Our new gasoline engines will achieve the same fuel economy as current diesel engines, and our diesel engines will achieve similar fuel economy as existing hybrids." This new engine tech will be unveiled at the Tokyo Motor Show this October.

Yamanouchi said that Mazda "will be able to offer affordable eco-friendly vehicles to 90 percent of the car-buying public, not to just a limited segment of the market." This line of eco models will feature reduced weight, improved aerodynamics, start-stop engine technology and lower rolling resistances. Mazda hasn't decided to begin offering a diesel engine in the States, but it could be in the cards, and Yamanouchi made it clear that the new engines and their corresponding technology wouldn't be shared with Ford, although Mazda is open to selling the technology to the Blue Oval.

[Source: Automotive News - Sub. Req.]

Mazda to offer hybrids and EVs by 2015, bring new engine tech to Tokyo Auto Show originally appeared on Autoblog on Mon, 13 Apr 2009 10:01:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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