Autoblog http://www.autoblog.com Autoblog http://www.blogsmithmedia.com/www.autoblog.com/media/feedlogo.gif Autoblog http://www.autoblog.com en-us Copyright 2013 Weblogs, Inc. The contents of this feed are available for non-commercial use only. Blogsmith http://www.blogsmith.com/<![CDATA[Tesla to earn $250 million from sales of California environmental credits]]>http://www.autoblog.com/2013/05/06/tesla-to-earn-250-million-from-sales-of-california-environmenta/http://www.autoblog.com/2013/05/06/tesla-to-earn-250-million-from-sales-of-california-environmenta/http://www.autoblog.com/2013/05/06/tesla-to-earn-250-million-from-sales-of-california-environmenta/#commentsFiled under: , , , ,

Tesla Model S

Tesla Motors is expected to release quarterly earnings figures within the next few days, and the Silicon Valley automaker is thought to have attained profitability for the first time ever. As it turns out, a good bit of that profit will reportedly come from the State of California.

According to an article from the LA Times, Tesla, which is reportedly on pace to sell 20,000 vehicles in 2013, receives as much as $35,000 in environmental credits from California for each Model S it sells. These credits can then be sold to other automakers that do business in the state but don't sell zero-emission vehicles of their own. Some experts believe Tesla could earn up to $250 million from such ZEV credits.

While profits from ZEV credits equals good news for Tesla, some experts and rival automakers aren't very pleased with California's strong-arm tactics when it comes to the sales of electric vehicles. "At the end of the day, other carmakers are subsidizing Tesla," said Thilo Koslowski, an analyst at Gartner Inc.

Mary Nichols, chairwoman of the California Air Resources Board, counters by saying, "We are in the air pollution business, not the car business... There is some jealously of Tesla going on here." Check out the entire article from the LA Times here, it's an interesting look into the inner-workings of the business side of the eco-friendly automotive marketplace.

Tesla to earn $250 million from sales of California environmental credits originally appeared on Autoblog on Mon, 06 May 2013 19:15:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>californiacarbelectric carteslatesla model szero emissions vehiclezev creditsMon, 06 May 2013 19:15:00 EST http://www.autoblog.com/feed/20559798/article-comments.xml http://www.autoblog.com/feed/2013/05/06/tesla-to-earn-250-million-from-sales-of-california-environmenta/20559798/article-detail.xml 20559798 http://www.blogcdn.com/green.autoblog.com/media/2013/04/tesla-model-s-sunset-628l_thumbnail.jpg http://www.blogcdn.com/green.autoblog.com/media/2013/04/tesla-model-s-sunset-628l.jpg <![CDATA[Detroit Electric SP:01 picks up where the Tesla Roadster left off]]>http://www.autoblog.com/2013/04/03/detroit-electric-sp-01-picks-up-where-the-tesla-roadster-left-of/http://www.autoblog.com/2013/04/03/detroit-electric-sp-01-picks-up-where-the-tesla-roadster-left-of/http://www.autoblog.com/2013/04/03/detroit-electric-sp-01-picks-up-where-the-tesla-roadster-left-of/#commentsFiled under: , , ,

Detroit Electric SP:01

We won't fault you if the name Detroit Electric has fallen off your radar. After all, the company is best known for producing around 13,000 electric vehicles in the early 1900s, not to mention a revival from the Zap brand that, well, faded away. But the company is back in action, and today showed off its first product that is set to go on sale later this year, the sweet little SP:01 that you see above.

By the end of 2014, Detroit Electric will produce a range of all-electric cars.

It's no secret that the company is relying on body patterned on the Lotus Exige's shell for its new electric car, and that's largely thanks to the fact that the brand was revived by former Group CEO of the Lotus Engineering Group and executive director of Lotus Cars of England, Albert Lam. As its name suggests, Detroit Electric has set up shop in the city's historic Fisher Building, and will produce cars at a facility somewhere in the metropolitan Detroit area. The company states that this dedicated production shop will have an annual capacity of building 2,500 cars and will create over 180 jobs in the process.

By the end of 2014, Detroit Electric will produce a range of all-electric cars, with two more machines scheduled to launch sometime next year. The SP:01 - the first product to wear the Detroit Electric name since 1939 - starts production this August, and pay attention, because it looks to have all the chops of a serious high-performance EV. Scroll down to read on.

Continue reading Detroit Electric SP:01 picks up where the Tesla Roadster left off

Detroit Electric SP:01 picks up where the Tesla Roadster left off originally appeared on Autoblog on Wed, 03 Apr 2013 20:30:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>detroit electricdetroit electric sp:01electric carWed, 03 Apr 2013 20:30:00 EST http://www.autoblog.com/feed/20528445/article-comments.xml http://www.autoblog.com/feed/2013/04/03/detroit-electric-sp-01-picks-up-where-the-tesla-roadster-left-of/20528445/article-detail.xml 20528445 http://www.blogcdn.com/www.autoblog.com/media/2013/04/001-detroit-electric-sp01-live628opt_thumbnail.jpg http://www.blogcdn.com/www.autoblog.com/media/2013/04/001-detroit-electric-sp01-live628opt.jpg <![CDATA[2014 Mercedes-Benz B-Class Electric Drive is headed for US]]>http://www.autoblog.com/2013/03/27/2014-mercedes-benz-b-class-electric-drive-new-york/http://www.autoblog.com/2013/03/27/2014-mercedes-benz-b-class-electric-drive-new-york/http://www.autoblog.com/2013/03/27/2014-mercedes-benz-b-class-electric-drive-new-york/#commentsFiled under: , , ,

2014 Mercedes-Benz B-Class Electric Drive

Despite the fact that Daimler's press release doesn't mention this company by name, we have to assume that the 28-kWh lithium-ion battery in the upcoming 2014 Mercedes-Benz B-Class Electric Drive comes from Tesla Motors. What Daimler is being much more clear about is that the B-Class EV is coming to the US earlier than you might expect, in early 2014. The car has a range of "around 115 miles" and is being unveiled today at the New York Auto Show.

Last year, there was a hint that the electrified small Mercedes-Benz would have a range extender, but the information released today is all electric, all the time. We've got mention of "completely emission-free driving" and "electric driving at the premium level." With a motor that offers up 134 horsepower and 228 pound-feet of torque, the B-Class Electric Drive (we like the naming convention here, just like the Smart ED) can scoot from zero to 60 miles an hour in "less than ten seconds." The top speed has been limited to 100 miles an hour, "in the interests of operating range." Even if Tesla is providing the battery here, there is no Supercharging in sight: the recharge time for 60 miles worth of range is two hours from a 240-volt, Level 2 charger.

While B-Class models with liquid-fuel powertrains are available in other markets, the car will only be sold as an EV in the US and will also be available in Europe. The Smart Fortwo Electric Drive hits these shores May 1.

Continue reading 2014 Mercedes-Benz B-Class Electric Drive is headed for US

2014 Mercedes-Benz B-Class Electric Drive is headed for US originally appeared on Autoblog on Wed, 27 Mar 2013 17:58:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>2013 new york auto showdaimlerelectric carelectric vehiclemercedesmercedes b-classmercedes b-class electric drivemercedes-benz b-classnew yorknew york auto showWed, 27 Mar 2013 17:58:00 EST http://www.autoblog.com/feed/20517731/article-comments.xml http://www.autoblog.com/feed/2013/03/27/2014-mercedes-benz-b-class-electric-drive-new-york/20517731/article-detail.xml 20517731 http://www.blogcdn.com/www.autoblog.com/media/2013/03/2014-mercedes-b-class-ed-ny_thumbnail.jpg http://www.blogcdn.com/www.autoblog.com/media/2013/03/2014-mercedes-b-class-ed-ny.jpg <![CDATA[Rod Millen to face Monster Tajima in Electric Division of Pikes Peak Hill Climb]]>http://www.autoblog.com/2013/02/11/rod-millen-to-face-monster-tajima-in-electric-division-of-pikes/http://www.autoblog.com/2013/02/11/rod-millen-to-face-monster-tajima-in-electric-division-of-pikes/http://www.autoblog.com/2013/02/11/rod-millen-to-face-monster-tajima-in-electric-division-of-pikes/#commentsFiled under: , , , ,

Toyota TMG EV P002 on Pikes Peak

The 91st running of the Pike's Peak International Hill Climb is scheduled to begin on June 30. Like last year's event, the 12.42 mile course - fully paved these days - starts at 9,390 feet elevation and doesn't stop climbing until it reaches an impressive 14,110 feet (the air is so thin up there that the FAA requires pilots to use oxygen at that altitude).

There will be an assortment of internal combustion machines racing to the summit, entries from France, Italy, Japan, Latvia, Sweden, Brazil, Canada, Great Britain, Hungary, Czech Republic, Poland and Belgium, but all eyes will be on the electric showdown between Rod Millen and Nobuhiro "Monster" Tajima, from Japan. 61-year-old Millen is a familiar name to Toyota racing fans, and he will be driving the Toyota TMG EV P002 (it won the Electric title last year), while Tajima will be again piloting the Monster Sport E-Runner (which was forced out of the field last year after a fire broke out).

Other entrants include Rhys Millen driving a 2013 Hyundai PM58OT and Paul Dallenbach, who will be driving Millen's Hyundai Genesis Coupe (it set the all-time speed mark last year).

Tickets and camping permits may be purchased online at the PPIHC official site, and the official press release announcing Millen's run is available below.

Continue reading Rod Millen to face Monster Tajima in Electric Division of Pikes Peak Hill Climb

Rod Millen to face Monster Tajima in Electric Division of Pikes Peak Hill Climb originally appeared on Autoblog on Mon, 11 Feb 2013 18:27:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>electric carhill climbpikes peakpikes peak international hill climbrhys millenrod millentmg ev p002toyotaMon, 11 Feb 2013 18:27:00 EST http://www.autoblog.com/feed/20457134/article-comments.xml http://www.autoblog.com/feed/2013/02/11/rod-millen-to-face-monster-tajima-in-electric-division-of-pikes/20457134/article-detail.xml 20457134 http://www.blogcdn.com/www.autoblog.com/media/2013/02/toyota-ev-p002_thumbnail.jpg http://www.blogcdn.com/www.autoblog.com/media/2013/02/toyota-ev-p002.jpg <![CDATA[BMW, Toyota outline new tech joint venture, new sports car]]>http://www.autoblog.com/2013/01/25/bmw-toyota-outline-new-tech-joint-venture-new-sports-car/http://www.autoblog.com/2013/01/25/bmw-toyota-outline-new-tech-joint-venture-new-sports-car/http://www.autoblog.com/2013/01/25/bmw-toyota-outline-new-tech-joint-venture-new-sports-car/#commentsFiled under: , , , ,

Toyota and BMW execs sign tech joint venture

Back in June, Toyota and BMW announced a "memorandum of understanding" outlining plans for the two companies to join forces on future products and technology development. On Thursday, they signed a more formal and binding agreement that goes further into detail about the partnership, and it all sounds pretty exciting. The two announced they will work together in four main areas:
  1. Joint development of a fuel cell system
  2. "Set up a feasibility study to define a joint platform concept for a mid-size sports vehicle"
  3. Focus on lightweight technology - the agreement mentions reinforced composites that could be used in the aforementioned sports vehicle
  4. Better batteries - the companies will work to develop a lithium-air battery with a much greater energy density than today's cells.
The most intriguing item is the mention of a "mid-size sports vehicle." The vague term had us wondering what, exactly, is meant by "sports vehicle," but we're being assured this feasibility study is centered on a sports car. Is this the first step toward a Supra revival?

Despite our fervor for all things sports car, however, fuel cell research could prove to be the pact's most important point. Both companies have built advanced fuel research vehicles, with Toyota favoring fuel cells and BMW leaning toward hydrogen-powered, internal combustion. The press release specifically lists fuel cell stacks, hydrogen tanks, motors and batteries as areas of interest. If the two can eventually bring a fuel-cell vehicle to market at an affordable price point, it would be huge news, although there's always the problem of infrastructure to support such cars. BMW and Toyota's new deal can't solve everything though, right? Read the full press release below for more information.

Continue reading BMW, Toyota outline new tech joint venture, new sports car

BMW, Toyota outline new tech joint venture, new sports car originally appeared on Autoblog on Fri, 25 Jan 2013 10:00:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>alternative fuelbmwelectric carevfuel cellhydrogenlithium ion batteriessoprts carsports vehicletoyotaFri, 25 Jan 2013 10:00:00 EST http://www.autoblog.com/feed/20437895/article-comments.xml http://www.autoblog.com/feed/2013/01/25/bmw-toyota-outline-new-tech-joint-venture-new-sports-car/20437895/article-detail.xml 20437895 http://www.blogcdn.com/www.autoblog.com/media/2013/01/toyota-bmw-partner-opt_thumbnail.jpg http://www.blogcdn.com/www.autoblog.com/media/2013/01/toyota-bmw-partner-opt.jpg <![CDATA[Tesla Model S finally has its date with a dyno]]>http://www.autoblog.com/2013/01/17/tesla-model-s-finally-has-its-date-with-a-dyno/http://www.autoblog.com/2013/01/17/tesla-model-s-finally-has-its-date-with-a-dyno/http://www.autoblog.com/2013/01/17/tesla-model-s-finally-has-its-date-with-a-dyno/#commentsFiled under: , , , , ,

Tesla Model S on dyno

The performance abilities - and even the burnout potential - of the Tesla Model S has already been well documented, but, surprisingly, we haven't yet seen the all-electric luxury hatchback strapped to a dyno. Fortunately, the crew over at Dragtimes has posted a video that finally gave us some real-world numbers for the family- and environmentally friendly Tesla.

As the article points out, the results might be off a little (on the low side) due to the run not starting from a dead stop, but the numbers are impressive nonetheless. Immediately upon throttle application, the dyno records almost 300 horsepower at zero miles per hour, and power peaks at 368 hp at around 55 mph (we imagine the "386HP" quoted on the video title is a typo) before trailing off to around 220 hp closer to the car's limited 130-mph top speed. This compares quite favorably to the power numbers provided by Tesla putting max output at 416 hp; the dyno provided no torque figures for the car. Dragtimes also believes this number bodes well for the car on the track, too, quoting a quarter-mile time of 12.2 seconds at 112 mph.

The video of the quiet, zero-emission dyno session is posted below, so check it out.

Continue reading Tesla Model S finally has its date with a dyno

Tesla Model S finally has its date with a dyno originally appeared on Autoblog on Thu, 17 Jan 2013 14:58:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>2013 tesla model sdynodyno videoelectric carevmodel steslavideoThu, 17 Jan 2013 14:58:00 EST http://www.autoblog.com/feed/20430684/article-comments.xml http://www.autoblog.com/feed/2013/01/17/tesla-model-s-finally-has-its-date-with-a-dyno/20430684/article-detail.xml 20430684 http://www.blogcdn.com/www.autoblog.com/media/2013/01/tesla-model-s-dyno_thumbnail.jpg http://www.blogcdn.com/www.autoblog.com/media/2013/01/tesla-model-s-dyno.jpg <![CDATA[Audi scuttles A2 plans]]>http://www.autoblog.com/2013/01/02/audi-scuttles-a2-plans/http://www.autoblog.com/2013/01/02/audi-scuttles-a2-plans/http://www.autoblog.com/2013/01/02/audi-scuttles-a2-plans/#commentsFiled under: , , , ,

2011 Audi A2 concept - rear three-quarter view

Wave goodbye to the Audi A2, as the electric car concept first shown at the 2011 Frankfurt Motor Show apparently won't be making it into production. Sources have told Britain's Autocar that the lightweight Audi vehicle - originally destined to compete against the BMW i3 and the new Mercedes-Benz A-Class - was a good engineering study, but today's lackluster global EV sales are at least partially to blame for its demise.

Like its production predecessor, the original A2, the four-door concept shown above was constructed mostly of aluminum. The Audi concept also incorporated carbon-fiber-reinforced polymer and other lightweight materials to minimize mass - the four-passenger hatchback weighed just over 2,500 pounds. The 2011 A2 concept was engineered with a "sandwich floor" construction not entirely dissimilar to that of the original A-Class. The construction method allowed the A2's lithium-ion battery pack to reside beneath the passenger compartment, while its 114 horsepower motor drove a single-speed transmission sending power to the front wheels. After a reasonably quick four-hour charge, it was expected to deliver a range of about 125 miles.

Had the program received the green light, the A2 was expected to be released in 2014 as both a pure EV and as a plug-in hybrid.

Audi scuttles A2 plans originally appeared on Autoblog on Wed, 02 Jan 2013 15:45:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>2014 audi a2a2a2 conceptaudiaudi evelectric carevWed, 02 Jan 2013 15:45:00 EST http://www.autoblog.com/feed/20414936/article-comments.xml http://www.autoblog.com/feed/2013/01/02/audi-scuttles-a2-plans/20414936/article-detail.xml 20414936 http://www.blogcdn.com/www.autoblog.com/media/2013/01/audi-a2628_thumbnail.jpg http://www.blogcdn.com/www.autoblog.com/media/2013/01/audi-a2628.jpg <![CDATA[This electric car spells the end of parking dings, self esteem]]>http://www.autoblog.com/2012/12/25/this-electric-car-spells-the-end-of-parking-dings-self-esteem/http://www.autoblog.com/2012/12/25/this-electric-car-spells-the-end-of-parking-dings-self-esteem/http://www.autoblog.com/2012/12/25/this-electric-car-spells-the-end-of-parking-dings-self-esteem/#commentsFiled under: , , , ,



Humanix is a group of students at Japan's Hiroshima University who want to build a car that is kind to humans. What they've done, at least with this car, the iSAVE-SC1, is build an EV that is kind to the Earth and mankind, though a nemesis to self-respect. The body of the three-wheeled electric vehicle is covered in strong, air-filled cushions that can absorb the impact of collisions. The unlikely combination of build materials and this being a university project, that fact that it looks like a casting leftover from Cars 2 isn't surprising.

We don't read Japanese and the trike can get up to 50 kilometers per hour, so we aren't sure if the cushions can keep everything damage-free at top speed. Were it manufactured, the suggested retail price is estimated to be about $9,300, but if you bought it, parking lot fender-benders would never be a concern of yours again. Neither would a date. You can watch it fulfill it's mission of being kind to humans in the video below.

Continue reading This electric car spells the end of parking dings, self esteem

This electric car spells the end of parking dings, self esteem originally appeared on Autoblog on Tue, 25 Dec 2012 16:55:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>electric carhiroshima universityhumanixisave-sc1safetyvideovideosyoutubeTue, 25 Dec 2012 16:55:00 EST http://www.autoblog.com/feed/20410263/article-comments.xml http://www.autoblog.com/feed/2012/12/25/this-electric-car-spells-the-end-of-parking-dings-self-esteem/20410263/article-detail.xml 20410263 http://www.blogcdn.com/www.autoblog.com/media/2012/12/paddedev_thumbnail.jpg http://www.blogcdn.com/www.autoblog.com/media/2012/12/paddedev.jpg <![CDATA[Audi R8 E-Tron program on hold, facing cancellation? [UPDATE]]]>http://www.autoblog.com/2012/10/25/audi-r8-e-tron-program-on-hold-facing-cancellation/http://www.autoblog.com/2012/10/25/audi-r8-e-tron-program-on-hold-facing-cancellation/http://www.autoblog.com/2012/10/25/audi-r8-e-tron-program-on-hold-facing-cancellation/#commentsFiled under: , , , ,

Audi R8 E-Tron in red on auto show floor

Throughout its brief history - from concept car at the 2009 Frankfurt Motor Show, to production-bound prototype - the Audi R8 E-Tron has promised supercar levels of entertainment in a sexy German wrapper. A prospective range of 150 miles with acceleration on the order of 0-60 in under five seconds suggested a more luxurious rival for the Tesla Roadster, and a challenger for the upcoming Mercedes-Benz SLS AMG Electric Drive at the E-Tron's expected launch in early 2013.

Now it seems like Audi may have slammed on the regenerative brakes, as it were.

Car and Driver reports that the R8 E-Tron plan is on hold, pending a project review ordered by new research and development head, Wolfgang Dürheimer. Concerns about the project include a lack of sufficiently advanced and reasonably inexpensive batteries with which to power the car, as well as a buyer pool sufficiently rich and reasonably motivated to drop big sums on the R8 EV.

The Car and Driver report indicates that the expected launch in the first part of next year is now off the table, and that the entire project faces existential jeopardy.

UPDATE: We were able to speak with a member of Audi's team regarding the fate of the R8 E-Tron, who basically corroborated the earlier Car and Driver report, with a few clarifications. Audi claims that the "initial" run of R8 E-Trons was always meant to be very limited (ten cars), and that those cars were essentially meant to serve as evaluation models for the project as a whole. The discrepancy seems to be in what eventually happens to this first run; first plans indicated that they would end up in public hands, while now Audi states that they are "primarily intended for internal purposes."

On a positive note: While the future of the R8 E-Tron looks pretty cloudy (at least in the pure-EV form), we're told that the A3 E-Tron is still on track for arrival in 2014.

Audi R8 E-Tron program on hold, facing cancellation? [UPDATE] originally appeared on Autoblog on Thu, 25 Oct 2012 15:45:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>2014 audi r8 e-tronaudie-tronelectric caretronevr8Thu, 25 Oct 2012 15:45:00 EST http://www.autoblog.com/feed/20361073/article-comments.xml http://www.autoblog.com/feed/2012/10/25/audi-r8-e-tron-program-on-hold-facing-cancellation/20361073/article-detail.xml 20361073 http://www.blogcdn.com/www.autoblog.com/media/2012/10/01-audi-r8-e-tron-frankfurt-628_thumbnail.jpg http://www.blogcdn.com/www.autoblog.com/media/2012/10/01-audi-r8-e-tron-frankfurt-628.jpg <![CDATA[Battery maker A123 systems defaults on loan, files for bankruptcy]]>http://www.autoblog.com/2012/10/16/battery-maker-a123-systems-defaults-on-loan-files-for-bankruptc/http://www.autoblog.com/2012/10/16/battery-maker-a123-systems-defaults-on-loan-files-for-bankruptc/http://www.autoblog.com/2012/10/16/battery-maker-a123-systems-defaults-on-loan-files-for-bankruptc/#commentsFiled under: , , , , , , ,



After a long and bumpy road, battery-producer A123 Systems has officially filed for bankruptcy. This news comes immediately after word that the Waltham, Massachusetts-based company may not have enough cash to fund operations, or even seek bankruptcy protection. This news has ramifications elsewhere in the industry, as A123 had contracts with Fisker Automotive as well as with BMW.

In a press release issued this morning, A123 announced that it will sell off all automotive assets to Johnson Controls. A123 will file Chapter 11, while Johnson Controls will provide $72.5 million in debtor-in-possession financing. The aim of the financing is to support A123 while it attempts to pursue alternative business operations.

To anyone following the battery maker closely, this news should not come as a shock. It was estimated that A123 lost about $67 million dealing with a battery recall for the Fisker Karma. In May of this year, the company posted a $125 million net loss. Shares for A123 have fallen 85 percent this year as the company has posted 14 straight quarterly losses.

With news of the bankruptcy, it wouldn't be surprising if A123 were be brought up in tonight's presidential debate. A123 received $249 million in federal grant money in 2009. The company also received $100,000 in 2006 under the Bush Administration, and additional tax exemptions and credits during Mitt Romney's time as a Massachusetts governor, so this issue has many sides.

For Fisker, the issue at hand is finding a new battery supplier. Johnson Controls has had previous hybrid ventures and continues to explore lithium-ion batteries. This could be an opportunity for the Milwaukee-based company to expand that part of its business, perhaps replacing A123 as Fisker's battery supplier.

Continue reading Battery maker A123 systems defaults on loan, files for bankruptcy

Battery maker A123 systems defaults on loan, files for bankruptcy originally appeared on Autoblog on Tue, 16 Oct 2012 13:29:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>a123a123 systemsbatterybmwelectric carevfiskerfisker karmahybridlithium-ionTue, 16 Oct 2012 13:29:00 EST http://www.autoblog.com/feed/20351549/article-comments.xml http://www.autoblog.com/feed/2012/10/16/battery-maker-a123-systems-defaults-on-loan-files-for-bankruptc/20351549/article-detail.xml 20351549 http://www.blogcdn.com/www.autoblog.com/media/2012/10/a123systems-issue-idusl3e8i62zm20120706_thumbnail.jpeg http://www.blogcdn.com/www.autoblog.com/media/2012/10/a123systems-issue-idusl3e8i62zm20120706.jpeg <![CDATA[Tesla curbs forecast due to Model S issues, losses total $864.9M]]>http://www.autoblog.com/2012/09/25/tesla-curbs-forecast-due-to-model-s-issues-losses-total-864-9m/http://www.autoblog.com/2012/09/25/tesla-curbs-forecast-due-to-model-s-issues-losses-total-864-9m/http://www.autoblog.com/2012/09/25/tesla-curbs-forecast-due-to-model-s-issues-losses-total-864-9m/#commentsFiled under: , , , , ,

2013 Tesla Model S - black - front three-quarter view

It ain't easy creating a brand-new automaker from scratch. The fact that Elon Musk and Tesla have actually been able to bring not one, but two cars to market is in itself quite impressive. That said, the road has not been without its bumps, and Tesla is feeling some of the setbacks that come with being a fledgling automaker.

To that end, Tesla has revealed that it expects $400 million to $440 million in full-year revenue, or roughly $160 million less than its prior 2012 revenue forecasts. In a Securities and Exchange Commission filing on Monday, the electric carmaker said "We have methodically increased our Model S production at a slower rate than we had earlier anticipated," leading to the company figuring they'll fall short of the $560 million to $600 million they originally forecasted. Tesla also revealed a net cumulative loss of $864.9 million through June 30 of this year - Tesla has yet to break even as an automaking entity, but it remains something of a startup, so the fact that it has lost money to this point shouldn't be a major surprise - building cars is expensive, and learning how to do so is even more expensive. Following the disclosure, Tesla shares fell about 8.5 percent this morning in trading.

Tesla cites delays in suppliers for its Model S production shortcomings. The California automaker says it is working with suppliers to speed up deliveries and internally, it is adding shifts and automation to its manufacturing processes. With little more than half of the 5,000-vehicle target expected to be built by year's end, Tesla says it is four to five weeks behind its delivery goals.

Meanwhile, reservations are on the rise. 11,500 Model S units were spoken for at the end of June, and that number has risen to 13,000 as of September 23 (not counting vehicles already delivered). While reservations increased, so did cancelations.

The first several thousand reserved customers were asked to configure their vehicles for delivery, lest they lose their places in line.

Tesla curbs forecast due to Model S issues, losses total $864.9M originally appeared on Autoblog on Tue, 25 Sep 2012 19:15:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>2013 tesla model selectric carelon muskmodel splug-insecsec filingsecurities and exchange commissionsedanteslaTue, 25 Sep 2012 19:15:00 EST http://www.autoblog.com/feed/20332984/article-comments.xml http://www.autoblog.com/feed/2012/09/25/tesla-curbs-forecast-due-to-model-s-issues-losses-total-864-9m/20332984/article-detail.xml 20332984 http://www.blogcdn.com/www.autoblog.com/media/2012/09/2012-tesla-model-s-fd_thumbnail.jpeg http://www.blogcdn.com/www.autoblog.com/media/2012/09/2012-tesla-model-s-fd.jpeg <![CDATA[Saab to be saved by mystery Swedish electric car company]]>http://www.autoblog.com/2012/05/24/saab-to-be-saved-by-mystery-swedish-electric-car-company/http://www.autoblog.com/2012/05/24/saab-to-be-saved-by-mystery-swedish-electric-car-company/http://www.autoblog.com/2012/05/24/saab-to-be-saved-by-mystery-swedish-electric-car-company/#commentsFiled under: , , , ,

2011 Saab 9-4X - white - front three-quarter view

The all-but-lifeless corpse of Saab continues to stagger forward in hopes of finding a juicy investor to sink its teeth into. Autocar reports that National Electric Vehicle Sweden is currently close to buying the brand's remaining assets. The freshly minted electric car consortium is helmed by none other than Karl-Erling Trogen, the former head of Volvo Trucks. Beyond that, few details are known about the company or its plans for Saab. National Electric Sweden is owned by two bodies, Sun Investment and Mikael Kubu, the president of law firm Ac-Gruppen.

We can only speculate about what the consortium wants with Saab, though fan site SaabsUnited reports the company may have its eyes on an electric rear axle program developed with in conjunction with eAAM. Whether that means we'll see electric or hybrid Saab models whirring around in the future is still uncertain. If we did, it would probably take quite a while. As SaabsUnited notes, "Saab, the company, right now has nothing in it, no dealership network, no finance structure, no personnel-structure, no communications network, nothing... everything needs to be completely rebuilt from scratch, which will take a huge amount of time."

At this point, we'll just be pleasantly surprised if the Griffin brand gets a new owner at all.

Saab to be saved by mystery Swedish electric car company originally appeared on Autoblog on Thu, 24 May 2012 13:02:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>9-4x9-5ac-gruppenelectricelectric carelectric saabhybridhybrid saabnational electric vehicle swedensaabsaab evsun investmentThu, 24 May 2012 13:02:00 EST http://www.autoblog.com/feed/20244277/article-comments.xml http://www.autoblog.com/feed/2012/05/24/saab-to-be-saved-by-mystery-swedish-electric-car-company/20244277/article-detail.xml 20244277 http://www.blogcdn.com/www.autoblog.com/media/2012/05/saab-9-4x-628_thumbnail.jpg http://www.blogcdn.com/www.autoblog.com/media/2012/05/saab-9-4x-628.jpg <![CDATA[BMW Isetta gets reimagined as the eSetta]]>http://www.autoblog.com/2012/04/25/bmw-isetta-gets-reimagined-as-the-esetta/http://www.autoblog.com/2012/04/25/bmw-isetta-gets-reimagined-as-the-esetta/http://www.autoblog.com/2012/04/25/bmw-isetta-gets-reimagined-as-the-esetta/#commentsFiled under: , , ,

eSetta

The venerable Isetta was tiny, cheap and nimble transportation in post-World-War-II Europe. In this day of $4-a-gallon gas, could a similar car be an attractive alternative? That's the question University of Applied Arts graduate Tony Weichselbraun asked as he endeavored to imagine a modern Isetta.

Tony calls his interpretation the eSetta, with the "e" indicating an electric motor in place of the original Isetta's gasoline-powered motorcycle engine. Such a small package couldn't hold much of a battery pack, but it doesn't need to in Tony's plan. The eSetta would be part of a car sharing system where the little cars would be charged via induction stations where the eSetta could be borrowed and returned.

For now, the eSetta is only a concept, but its familiar retro look and frugal philosophy could do well for short trips in a compact urban center.

BMW Isetta gets reimagined as the eSetta originally appeared on Autoblog on Wed, 25 Apr 2012 08:29:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>conceptdesign studyelectric carelectric isettaesettainductive chargingisettaTony WeichselbraunWed, 25 Apr 2012 08:29:00 EST http://www.autoblog.com/feed/20217449/article-comments.xml http://www.autoblog.com/feed/2012/04/25/bmw-isetta-gets-reimagined-as-the-esetta/20217449/article-detail.xml 20217449 http://www.blogcdn.com/www.autoblog.com/media/2012/04/esetta-opt_thumbnail.jpg http://www.blogcdn.com/www.autoblog.com/media/2012/04/esetta-opt.jpg <![CDATA[Ford prepared for slow sales with Focus Electric]]>http://www.autoblog.com/2012/04/19/ford-prepared-for-slow-sales-with-focus-electric/http://www.autoblog.com/2012/04/19/ford-prepared-for-slow-sales-with-focus-electric/http://www.autoblog.com/2012/04/19/ford-prepared-for-slow-sales-with-focus-electric/#commentsFiled under: , , ,



Along with Renault-Nissan CEO Carlos Ghosn, Ford CEO Alan Mulally is confident in the growth of the electric car segment. It's a long-term play, though, so Mulally isn't committing the electric Ford Focus EV to making a strong sales statement. For now, Ford's chief says he'd be fine moving fewer than 5,000 Focus EVs in the model's first full year. And even that would mean a steep rise in uptake based on just 12 having been sold in December and January.

The Wall Street Journal reports that Mulally has also let slip the cost for the battery pack in the all-electric Focus: "around $12,000 to $15,000," which makes the Focus Electric's starting cost of $39,200 a bit more understandable. Given that price range and the EV's 23-kWh battery, that means Ford's cost is between $522 and $650 per kWh, which is lower than the estimated $689-per-kWh industry average so far this year.

Reportage on the current sales of EVs is a bit schizophrenic - for example, bullish here, bearish here, but the commentators and the numbers seem to support Mulally's confidence. If the Focus EV did manage 5,000 sales this year, that would be a little more than half of the 2011 tally for the Nissan Leaf, yet according to Bloomberg, EV market share grew more quickly than any other segment in Q1: Nissan is still working through its Leaf pre-order list, Chevrolet Volt sales were up 277 percent to 2,129 units vs. March 2011, the Opel Ampera has exceeded sales expectations, and other electric vehicles and their marketing pushes will come online later this year. Oh, and gas prices are still climbing.

There were no Focus EVs sold in February or March, but the retail push is gearing up now for the Spring season.

Ford prepared for slow sales with Focus Electric originally appeared on Autoblog on Thu, 19 Apr 2012 13:29:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>2012 ford focus2012 ford focus evalan mulallyelectric carfocusfocus electricfocus evfordford focus electricford focus evmulallyThu, 19 Apr 2012 13:29:00 EST http://www.autoblog.com/feed/20217791/article-comments.xml http://www.autoblog.com/feed/2012/04/19/ford-prepared-for-slow-sales-with-focus-electric/20217791/article-detail.xml 20217791 http://www.blogcdn.com/www.autoblog.com/media/2012/04/focuselectricsales_thumbnail.jpg http://www.blogcdn.com/www.autoblog.com/media/2012/04/focuselectricsales.jpg <![CDATA[Mystery EV sportscar spotted testing]]>http://www.autoblog.com/2012/02/17/mystery-ev-sportscar-spotted-testing/http://www.autoblog.com/2012/02/17/mystery-ev-sportscar-spotted-testing/http://www.autoblog.com/2012/02/17/mystery-ev-sportscar-spotted-testing/#commentsFiled under: , , , ,

Mystery EV

It's been a good long while since we visited the Whiskey Tango Foxtrot spy photography department. Our favorite snappers at CarPix were busily watching over a supplier test facility when the curiosity you see above inched its way out of hiding to perform one quick lap of the snow-covered track before retreating back from whence it came. The sign on the door clearly marks the vehicle as electric (well, "clearly" if you speak German), though details beyond that are conspicuously scarce. From the looks of things, the car has a significantly wider track up front than it does out back, though it's difficult to say exactly what that means.

Which manufacturer is behind this machine? What kind of drivetrain does it boast? Is it actually headed for production? Is it from a major automaker or a niche proposition? The short answer is we haven't the faintest idea. Place your bets in Comments.

Mystery EV sportscar spotted testing originally appeared on Autoblog on Fri, 17 Feb 2012 12:59:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>electric carelectric vehicleeuropeevmystery carmystery machinemystery vehiclespy photosspy shotspy shotsFri, 17 Feb 2012 12:59:00 EST http://www.autoblog.com/feed/20174171/article-comments.xml http://www.autoblog.com/feed/2012/02/17/mystery-ev-sportscar-spotted-testing/20174171/article-detail.xml 20174171 http://www.blogcdn.com/www.autoblog.com/media/2012/02/01-mystery-ev-628_thumbnail.jpg http://www.blogcdn.com/www.autoblog.com/media/2012/02/01-mystery-ev-628.jpg <![CDATA[Hiriko folding electric car headed for production]]>http://www.autoblog.com/2012/01/25/hiriko-folding-electric-car-headed-for-production/http://www.autoblog.com/2012/01/25/hiriko-folding-electric-car-headed-for-production/http://www.autoblog.com/2012/01/25/hiriko-folding-electric-car-headed-for-production/#commentsFiled under: , , , , , ,

Hiriko

One very unusual electric car has debuted in Brussels. The Hiriko EV uses a hub-mounted electric motor at each wheel, though that's not the most interesting aspect of the vehicle. According to The Telegraph, the Hiriko uses an interesting rear suspension design that allows the vehicle to fold up, rotating the cabin vertically, to take up less space while parking. The partnership behind the vehicle say the car consumes approximately one third the parking space of a Smart ForTwo. Occupants enter from a single front door, and the Hiriko ditches the traditional steering wheel in favor of a joystick.

The vehicle is set to begin production in Spain next year, and the partnership behind the vehicle's development aims to use several European and American cities as testbeds for the bubble machine. The two-seater has been co-developed by a collection of Basque businesses, the Spanish government and the MIT media lab (you may remember the concept, from 2007). A total of 20 test vehicles are currently being built, and each vehicle is said to cost $16,253 to manufacture. No final price tag has been set, nor are there solid details on range, power or charge times.

Hiriko folding electric car headed for production originally appeared on Autoblog on Wed, 25 Jan 2012 08:00:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>electric carEVhirikohiriko citycarhiriko electric carhiriko evMITspainWed, 25 Jan 2012 08:00:00 EST http://www.autoblog.com/feed/20155348/article-comments.xml http://www.autoblog.com/feed/2012/01/25/hiriko-folding-electric-car-headed-for-production/20155348/article-detail.xml 20155348 http://www.blogcdn.com/www.autoblog.com/media/2012/01/01-hiriko-628_thumbnail.jpg http://www.blogcdn.com/www.autoblog.com/media/2012/01/01-hiriko-628.jpg <![CDATA[Translogic takes DeLorean DMC-EV for a spin]]>http://www.autoblog.com/2012/01/23/translogic-takes-delorean-dmc-ev-for-a-spin/http://www.autoblog.com/2012/01/23/translogic-takes-delorean-dmc-ev-for-a-spin/http://www.autoblog.com/2012/01/23/translogic-takes-delorean-dmc-ev-for-a-spin/#commentsFiled under: , ,



This electric DeLorean is just a prototype, but our sister publication, Translogic got to take it for a spin and found that a 260-horsepower electric motor finally makes the DMC-12 the sports car everyone has always wanted it to be. While we get to see plenty of footage of the car lapping Houston Motorsports Park, this episode also includes an interview with DeLorean Motor Company CEO Stephen Wynne.

While we don't want to give too much away, Wynne discusses future plans for the Texas-based DeLorean restorer and remanufacturer, which include bringing the electric DeLorean to market. Wynne tells Translogic that the car is expected to sell for between $95,000-$100,000. The car is said to have a 100-mile range, which would make it roughly equivalent to the Nissan Leaf, but with far more performance - not to mention its iconic time machine looks.

With all the negative publicity some pundits have heaped upon electric vehicles as of late, we wonder if perhaps this is the car to change their minds about EVs? See Translogic's full experience with the electric DeLorean in the video after the jump.

Continue reading Translogic takes DeLorean DMC-EV for a spin

Translogic takes DeLorean DMC-EV for a spin originally appeared on Autoblog on Mon, 23 Jan 2012 11:30:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>aol autosdeloreandelorean dmc-12delorean dmc-12 evdelorean evdelorean motor companyelectric carelectric deloreanevstephen wynnetranslogicvideoMon, 23 Jan 2012 11:30:00 EST http://www.autoblog.com/feed/20153117/article-comments.xml http://www.autoblog.com/feed/2012/01/23/translogic-takes-delorean-dmc-ev-for-a-spin/20153117/article-detail.xml 20153117 http://www.blogcdn.com/www.autoblog.com/media/2012/01/electricdelorean-opt_thumbnail.jpg http://www.blogcdn.com/www.autoblog.com/media/2012/01/electricdelorean-opt.jpg <![CDATA[Audi e-tron Spyder struts its stuff in Malibu]]>http://www.autoblog.com/2011/10/21/audi-e-tron-spyder-struts-its-stuff-in-malibu/http://www.autoblog.com/2011/10/21/audi-e-tron-spyder-struts-its-stuff-in-malibu/http://www.autoblog.com/2011/10/21/audi-e-tron-spyder-struts-its-stuff-in-malibu/#commentsFiled under: , , , , , ,

e-tron spyder video

There is a lot to love about the 2014 Audi e-tron Spyder. It's a compact roadster with a torque-happy, twin-turbo diesel V6 mated to two electric motors capable of more instant twist. When we recently took the e-tron Spyder for a spin, we were limited to just 40 miles per hour, but the Four-Ringed automaker tells us that a trip to 62 takes only 4.4 seconds.

And because this Spyder is a green monster, it can travel up to 30 miles on electric power alone. Using a mixture of the diesel and its lithium ion battery, it will consume on average a scant 2.2 liters of fuel per 100 kilometers.

That sounds like a lot of "too good to be true," but Audi promises to be the leader in luxury electric cars by 2020, and a production version of this vehicle is expected for 2014. Hit the jump to watch new footage of the e-tron Spyder in motion. It might not be ready to go on sale, but it at least looks mighty fine on the roads of Malibu, California, near where we drove it.

Continue reading Audi e-tron Spyder struts its stuff in Malibu

Audi e-tron Spyder struts its stuff in Malibu originally appeared on Autoblog on Fri, 21 Oct 2011 19:17:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>audidiesele-trone-tron spyderelectric caretronspydertditwin-turboFri, 21 Oct 2011 19:17:00 EST http://www.autoblog.com/feed/20086753/article-comments.xml http://www.autoblog.com/feed/2011/10/21/audi-e-tron-spyder-struts-its-stuff-in-malibu/20086753/article-detail.xml 20086753 http://www.blogcdn.com/www.autoblog.com/media/2011/10/e-tron-spyder-audi_thumbnail.jpg http://www.blogcdn.com/www.autoblog.com/media/2011/10/e-tron-spyder-audi.jpg <![CDATA[What good is an electric vehicle if there's no electricity?]]>http://www.autoblog.com/2011/09/28/what-good-is-an-electric-vehicle-if-theres-no-electricity/http://www.autoblog.com/2011/09/28/what-good-is-an-electric-vehicle-if-theres-no-electricity/http://www.autoblog.com/2011/09/28/what-good-is-an-electric-vehicle-if-theres-no-electricity/#commentsFiled under: , ,

A Glut Of EVs Could Make America's Shoddy Power Grid Even Worse

Power Outage

The increasingly rickety American power grid seems to short out for all sorts of reasons.
It took just one worker in Yuma, Arizona to plunge millions of people into the dark in the Southwest U.S. and Mexico, a few weeks back. A fluke, perhaps, but not a rarity.

If anything, major power outages are becoming an increasingly serious problem and at precisely the worst time possible - at least if you're an advocate of electric propulsion. Utility officials concede that it will be increasingly difficult to win over potential battery-car customers if they can't be certain of a steady supply of electric power.

Yet, that's precisely what American consumers are facing. In the Detroit suburbs, two months back, a heat wave popped the circuits at a number of sub-stations around the city. It plunged much of my own little community of Pleasant Ridge into the dark for as much as three days. We were lucky. The hurricane and tropical storms that struck the East Coast, from the Carolinas to Maine, just days later, cut power to millions more utility customers, some for weeks.

Paul EisensteinPaul A. Eisenstein is Publisher of TheDetroitBureau.com, and a 30-year veteran of the automotive beat. His editorials bring his unique perspective and deep understanding of the auto world to Autoblog readers on a regular basis.

Continue reading What good is an electric vehicle if there's no electricity?

What good is an electric vehicle if there's no electricity? originally appeared on Autoblog on Wed, 28 Sep 2011 17:28:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>eisenstein on autoblogelectric carelectric car power outageelectricityev power outagePaul Eisensteinpower gridpower outageWed, 28 Sep 2011 17:28:00 EST http://www.autoblog.com/feed/20068133/article-comments.xml http://www.autoblog.com/feed/2011/09/28/what-good-is-an-electric-vehicle-if-theres-no-electricity/20068133/article-detail.xml 20068133 http://www.blogcdn.com/www.autoblog.com/media/2011/09/power-outage_thumbnail.jpg http://www.blogcdn.com/www.autoblog.com/media/2011/09/power-outage.jpg <![CDATA[Volkswagen Nils Concept is a new take on urban transport]]>http://www.autoblog.com/2011/09/13/volkswagen-nils-concept-frankfurt-2011-vw/http://www.autoblog.com/2011/09/13/volkswagen-nils-concept-frankfurt-2011-vw/http://www.autoblog.com/2011/09/13/volkswagen-nils-concept-frankfurt-2011-vw/#commentsFiled under: , , , , ,



Small, lightweight, electric and seats just one. That pretty much sums up the new Volkswagen Nils concept which was introduced at the Frankfurt Motor Show today.

The sole occupant sits inside an ultra-light all-aluminum chassis with aluminum skin and polycarbonate door panels. According to the automaker, overall length is just 120 inches (for reference, the Smart Fortwo is just over 98 inches long) and the weight has been kept below 1,000 pounds. Motivation comes from a 33-horsepower electric motor that weighs just 42 pounds, pulling power from a 5.3 kWh lithium-ion battery pack. The range is about 40 miles and charging takes just two hours.

Facing the driver is a seven-inch TFT display with digital instrumentation. The Nils is also fitted with a portable infotainment unit to controls navigation, radio, phone and Internet access. With multi-link suspension, drilled disc brakes at all four corners and a wide stance, the Nils looks fun to drive. Designed with short-commute Europeans in mind (the project is supported by the German Federal Ministry of Transport, Building and Urban Development) the concept probing the feasibility of micromobility probably won't look very practical to Americans, even if it does appear pretty cool.

Volkswagen Nils Concept is a new take on urban transport originally appeared on Autoblog on Tue, 13 Sep 2011 10:00:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>city carelectric carnilsnils conceptvolkswagenvolkswagen nils conceptvwTue, 13 Sep 2011 10:00:00 EST http://www.autoblog.com/feed/20041368/article-comments.xml http://www.autoblog.com/feed/2011/09/13/volkswagen-nils-concept-frankfurt-2011-vw/20041368/article-detail.xml 20041368 http://www.blogcdn.com/www.autoblog.com/media/2011/09/nilsconcept33_thumbnail.jpg http://www.blogcdn.com/www.autoblog.com/media/2011/09/nilsconcept33.jpg -1 2