Autoblog

Can inductive charging save the EV?

Matt DeLorenzo — Wed, 06 Feb 2013 15:59:00 EST

Filed under: Car Buying, Hybrid, Technology, Electric

Let's Face It, We're Just Plain Lazy

Recent news about the price cuts on the Ford Focus EV and Nissan Leaf are proof positive that despite all their eco-goodness, pure electrics as well as plug-in hybrids remain a tough sell to the American mass market.

There's no doubt automakers are committed to electrifying an increasing portion of their product offerings. The problem is that no one needs to buy an EV or plug-in hybrid. But with CAFE standards doubling to 54.5 miles per gallon by 2025 and California's mandate that major manufacturers sell zero-emission vehicles as a percentage of their overall fleets (a measure also adopted by 13 other states), carmakers have to sell EVs and plug-in hybrids to avoid costly penalties or face caps on the number of vehicles they are allowed to sell.

Matt DeLorenzo is the former editor-in-chief of Road & Track and has covered the auto industry for 35 years, including stints at Automotive News and AutoWeek. He has authored books including VW's New Beetle, Chrysler's Modern Concept Cars, and Corvette Dynasty.

Continue reading Can inductive charging save the EV?

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Residual prices of used electric cars lag behind their gas counterparts

Zach Bowman — Wed, 19 Dec 2012 08:27:00 EST

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

The Detroit Free Press reports electric vehicles like the Nissan Leaf and Chevrolet Volt aren't maintaining the same residual values as their internal combustion counterparts.

Kelly Blue Book says the 2012 Nissan Leaf will hold around 20 percent of its value after five years while the Nissan Sentra will retain around 30 percent of its value. KBB predicts the Volt, meanwhile, will be worth 30 percent of its MSRP after the same amount of time, which is a full eight percent less than the 2013 Chevrolet Cruze. On average, a used car is expected to hold 36.6 percent of its value after five years, according to ALG.

Of course, those figures shift a bit when the $7,500 federal tax credit on EVs is taken into account. Since the cash lowers the new-car price for the Leaf and the Volt, the credit can actually make the vehicles worth less as a used car on a percentage of original value basis.

Residual prices of used electric cars lag behind their gas counterparts originally appeared on Autoblog on Wed, 19 Dec 2012 08:27:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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Are battery-powered cars losing their charge?

Paul Eisenstein — Thu, 06 Dec 2012 14:15:00 EST

Filed under: Car Buying, Hybrid, Technology, Electric

Sales of plug-in hybrids tumbled to nearly half their level from September and October.

The optimist would be likely to note that sales of the Chevrolet Volt were up 30 percent in November, at least when compared with year-ago numbers. But pessimists, of which there are many, would be more likely to point out that sales of the plug-in hybrid tumbled to nearly half their level from September and October.

The Volt was toppled from its throne as the nation's top-selling electric car by both the Nissan Leaf and Toyota Prius Plug-In. But even those vehicles slipped a bit during what was otherwise the best month the US auto industry has had, overall, since March of 2008.

There's no question that demand for battery-based vehicles has increased this year, but here again it's a case of half-empty or half-full. Most products have fallen well short of expectations. Nissan CEO Carlos Ghosn has already acknowledged Leaf will miss its 2012 target and Volt will be lucky to get halfway to its original US goal of 45,000. For its part, Mitsubishi had hoped to nail down 20,000 units of its tiny i electric car this year, but it has only sold in the hundreds, not thousands.

Paul 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 Are battery-powered cars losing their charge?

Are battery-powered cars losing their charge? originally appeared on Autoblog on Thu, 06 Dec 2012 14:15:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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Did A123 Systems get $1M federal check the same day it declared bankruptcy?

Zach Bowman — Mon, 19 Nov 2012 11:29:00 EST

Filed under: Government/Legal, Technology

Automotive News reports A123 Systems, an electric vehicle battery manufacturer, received a disbursement check from the federal government on the same day the company filed for bankruptcy. On Oct. 16, A123 received $946,830 as the latest portion of a clean energy grant from the US Department of Energy. That was the same day A123 Systems filed for Chapter 11 bankruptcy protection following a failed attempt to secure funding from Chinese parts supplier Wanxiang Group. Of the original grant, $115.8 million is still outstanding, and despite the company's monetary woes, A123 Systems says it may still need the grant to update or expand its manufacturing capacity.

Republican Senators John Thune and Chuck Grassley wasted no time blasting the disbursement check as careless spending. The two issued a statement saying, "The Department of Energy needs to answer for why it appears to put federal grants on auto-pilot to the detriment of US taxpayers. This can't stand."

The Department of Energy, meanwhile, responded by saying the grant program requires companies to submit invoices detailing their progress toward predetermined goals before any funds can be issued.

Did A123 Systems get $1M federal check the same day it declared bankruptcy? originally appeared on Autoblog on Mon, 19 Nov 2012 11:29:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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Study says EV battery pricing could plunge by 70% by 2025

Zach Bowman — Fri, 13 Jul 2012 17:44:00 EST

Filed under: Plants/Manufacturing, Technology, Hatchback, Ford, Earnings/Financials, Electric

Reuters is reporting on a new study that suggests the cost of lithium-ion batteries used in electric vehicles could plummet dramatically by 2025. Consulting firm McKinsey & Co. conducted the study, which indicated increasing oil prices and tougher fuel economy standards could force automakers to build more electric cars, thereby increasing the scale of lithium-ion battery manufacturing by significant margins. In addition, the research predicts consumer electronics companies like Apple may lend some technology advancements to reduce costs associated with producing the battery packs themselves. All told, the study expects to see prices fall from $500-$600 per kilowatt hour to $200 by 2020 and $160 by 2025.

For example, Reuters points out that the 23 kilowatt hour battery in the 2013 Ford Focus Electric is estimated to cost between $12,000 and $15,000. The McKinsey study claims that if fuel prices hold steady at $3.50 per gallon and batteries fall to the projected levels, automakers could begin to offer price-competitive electric vehicles.

The study also indicates battery manufacturers may begin to standardize cell construction and production, further reducing the cost of equipment needed to produce the packs.

Study says EV battery pricing could plunge by 70% by 2025 originally appeared on Autoblog on Fri, 13 Jul 2012 17:44:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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Global auto execs don't see electric cars making big inroads for at least a decade

Jeff Sabatini — Thu, 05 Jan 2012 19:01:00 EST

Filed under: Car Buying, Hybrid, Marketing/Advertising, Technology, Electric

A new survey by audit powerhouse KPMG suggests auto executives don't see electrified car sales passing 15 percent of global sales until at least 2025. Yet despite the slowly developing market, these same execs foresee substantial increased investment in electric and hybrid car production along with research and development. Given very limited consumer acceptance of hybrid cars since their U.S. introduction back in late 1999 (gas-electric new car sales are still around two percent), cautious sales estimates seem like par for the course.

Among the many highlights of the survey that polled 200 executives is word that 83 percent expect an increase in electric motor production, 81 percent think automakers will increase investment in battery technology, 76 percent see more power electronics investment, and 65 percent see increased investment in fuel cells. The survey results didn't show any conclusive winner as to which sort of alternative fuel technology might win out, with 20 percent choosing fuel cell vehicles, 16 percent picking battery-powered electrics, 22 percent choosing hybrids, 21 percent weighing in on plug-in hybrids, and 18 percent opting for battery-powered electrics with range extenders.

Perhaps the most interesting nugget we see is that 61 percent of the executives surveyed agreed that "the optimization (so-called downsizing) of internal combustion engines (ICE) still offers greater efficiency and CO2 reduction potential than any electric vehicle technology based on the current energy mix."

Click past the jump to read the full press release results.

Continue reading Global auto execs don't see electric cars making big inroads for at least a decade

Global auto execs don't see electric cars making big inroads for at least a decade originally appeared on Autoblog on Thu, 05 Jan 2012 19:01:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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Rolls-Royce discusses its potential future in electric cars

Autoblog Staff — Tue, 12 Jul 2011 07:58:00 EST

Filed under: Concept Cars, Sedan, Rolls-Royce, Electric, Luxury

Rolls-Royce 102EX Concept - Click above for high-res image gallery

At the grand opening of the Rolls-Royce dealership in Chicago's Gold Coast area, Kicking Tires got the chance to sit down with David Archibald, president of Rolls-Royce North America. On discussion was the general business strategy of the ultra luxury brand and how electrics play into that.

Since its debut at the 2011 Geneva Motor Show, the 102EX Concept electric vehicle has been making the rounds at various events and dealerships. The automaker is even letting customers drive the concept back-to-back against the Phantom (on which it is based) to get an idea if it has market potential. According to Automotive News initial feedback has been a bit lackluster, with the 100-mile range being the biggest hurdle.

However, Archibald pointed out, "If you'd have come here 12 months ago and asked our customers, 'What do you think about alternative fuels,' they would have said, 'What are you talking about.'" Now, that's starting to change as new electric vehicles are pretty much popping up weekly.

Still, no decision has been made regarding a production electric or hybrid. With alternative fuels now on the minds of even a luxury car buyer, it sounds to us like it's not a matter of if but when.

Rolls-Royce discusses its potential future in electric cars originally appeared on Autoblog on Tue, 12 Jul 2011 07:58:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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Top Gear EV eco special lampooned even before it airs

Jeremy Korzeniewski — Fri, 03 Jun 2011 18:44:00 EST

Filed under: Videos, UK, Celebrities, Humor, Electric

Top Gear Eco Challenge spoof - Click above to watch the video after the break

Facts are facts, right? When you're talking electric vehicles, a few salient details can completely make or break your experience with the machine; two of the most important being the time it takes to achieve a full charge and how much distance the car can go at a certain speed on that charge.

Of course, a creative person (or television series) can wreak havoc with such facts and do it all in the name of entertainment. Take, for instance, the review Top Gear made of the Tesla Roadster, the result of which - a not-really-dead dead battery and a push to the garage - led to a legal battle. And if that wasn't enough to get EV fans in a tizzy, we know that the TG crew has shot another electric vehicle spot that also ended up with pushing, presumably due to dead batteries. We're expecting controversy...

Whether more Top Gear reviews of electric cars are a good or bad thing depends largely on your point of view - do you trust a show like Top Gear enough that it would influence your purchasing decisions or do you merely watch to get a good laugh and witness automotive hijinks?

If the latter is true of you, we'd like to direct you to one particularly hilarious spoof of Jeremy Clarkson and James May, two of the three stars of the hit UK show. Two electric cars are put to the test (well, sort of... actually, not at all, but that's hardly the point) by two young Brits who have rather spot-on interpretations of their characters.

Keep in mind that the real version of the Top Gear episode in question is scheduled to air sometime on the BBC in the coming months, and we're really looking forward to it. In the meantime, kill 10 minutes of your life by watching the spoof video after the break, it's worth it.

Continue reading Top Gear EV eco special lampooned even before it airs

Top Gear EV eco special lampooned even before it airs originally appeared on Autoblog on Fri, 03 Jun 2011 18:44:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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Secretary LaHood says plug-in vehicle point-of-purchase rebates could replace tax credits in 2012

Autoblog Staff — Thu, 19 May 2011 09:30:00 EST

Filed under: Hybrid, Government/Legal, Earnings/Financials, Electric

Back in February, President Obama proposed changing the credit for plug-in vehicles over to a point-of-purchase rebate, a move that would likely speed up the $7,500 payment. Under the proposal, dealers would reduce the sticker price of eligible plug-in vehicles and apply for reimbursement from the government.

Well, according to U.S. Transportation Secretary Ray LaHood, Congress will consider the proposed plug-in point-of-purchase rebate as part of changes to U.S. tax and energy policy for 2012. LaHood, who was touring Nissan's Smyrna, TN facility on Tuesday, told those in attendance:

We're doing a lot of talking about it. When you give people that incentive to buy a battery-powered car, they'll do it. We know these incentives help.

Under current policy, consumers who buy qualifying vehicles like the Nissan Leaf or the Chevrolet Volt receive a $7,500 credit when they file their federal income tax returns. LaHood says that the Obama Administration firmly believes that allowing dealers to handle the incentive as an immediate rebate will entice consumers and, hopefully, convince them to buy plug-in vehicles.

Secretary LaHood says plug-in vehicle point-of-purchase rebates could replace tax credits in 2012 originally appeared on Autoblog on Thu, 19 May 2011 09:30:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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Top Gear crew makes pit stop, has trouble charging electric cars [w/video]

Zach Bowman — Thu, 12 May 2011 20:25:00 EST

Filed under: Nissan, Peugeot, Celebrities, Humor, Electric

Top Gear's Jeremy Clarkson gets a push in a Nissan Leaf - Click above to watch the video after the break

It would seem that the guys from Top Gear are back to giving electric vehicles the what-for. According to The Lincolnite, James May and Jeremy Clarkson were respectively spotted piloting a Peugeot iOn and a Nissan Leaf through England during a cross-country trek (which is exactly what electric cars are for, right?).

The duo stopped by Lincolnshire County to ask about the nearest place to charge their alternative-fuel steeds, only to find that the entire municipality is bereft of chargers. Apparently May and Clarkson then set about driving around the city until their vehicles died and they were forced to get a tow.

If this all sounds familiar, that's because Top Gear rustled up a mess of snakes the last time Clarkson jumped behind the wheel of an EV. After depicting the Tesla Roadster as suffering a brake failure and running out of power, Tesla shot back refuting what happened as pure fiction. That little dust-up has yet to settle.

The truth is that the vast majority of people come to Top Gear to be entertained, and most viewers probably realize that there's plenty of editing that goes into each segment. We seriously doubt that most EV buyers use the UK show as a go-to resource, but that doesn't stop the constant ragging on alternative fuels from growing trite.

Check out the video after the break.

Continue reading Top Gear crew makes pit stop, has trouble charging electric cars [w/video]

Top Gear crew makes pit stop, has trouble charging electric cars [w/video] originally appeared on Autoblog on Thu, 12 May 2011 20:25:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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Video: Drifting BMW i3 proves rear-wheel drive cars have more fun

Aaron Richardson — Wed, 16 Mar 2011 19:24:00 EST

Filed under: Europe, Videos, Hatchback, BMW, Electric

2013 BMW i3 - Click above to watch the video after the jump

Footage from cold-weather testing of the BMW i3 in Sweden has surfaced, showcasing the all-electric city car's rear-wheel-drive platform and penchant for getting sideways. These are still early tests, as the full production i3 isn't expected to be ready until 2013.

Still, with 150 horsepower on tap from a rear-mounted electric lump, the little BMW could well be a barrel of laughs, as well as an environmentally-responsible mode of transportation. Of course, we wouldn't expect much range with these kinds of antics...

The BMW i3 sports an aluminum body around a carbon fiber-reinforced plastic passenger compartment, and will be considered a premium micro car when it hits showrooms. How premium? Expect the price tag to creep past $40,000. See how much fun electric drifting can be in the video after the break.

[Source: YouTube via GMotors]

Continue reading Video: Drifting BMW i3 proves rear-wheel drive cars have more fun

Video: Drifting BMW i3 proves rear-wheel drive cars have more fun originally appeared on Autoblog on Wed, 16 Mar 2011 19:24:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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Smart ForTwo Electric Drive to go on sale in early 2012

Jeff Glucker — Fri, 04 Mar 2011 17:32:00 EST

Filed under: Car Buying, Coupe, Hatchback, Smart, Electric

Smart ED - Click above for high-res image gallery

The second-generation Smart Fortwo Electric Drive (ED) is a limited (250 units available in the U.S.) test program model that Daimler will use to gauge consumer interest in battery-powered vehicles. Leasing the electrified Fortwo is costly, with payments ringing in at $599 a month for 48 months, plus $2,500 due at signing. Technically, the 2011 Smart ED is offered under the lease-only plan detailed above, but the automaker has listed its MSRP at $44,387.

Truth be told, we're not shocked by the Smart ED's lofty sticker price, nor are we put off by its astronomical lease rate. You see, this Fortwo ED is a limited run model and not a production electric vehicle.

But come January of 2012, the third-generation Fortwo electric, a production model, should hit the streets. By then, we'd hope that the automaker adjusts its pricing structure and offers the pint-sized electric at a more reasonable rate and, according to a report on Kicking Tires, a price drop seems to be part of Smart's plans.

Lessees of the second-gen Fortwo ED will be eligible to upgrade to Smart's electrified third-gen Fortwo when it hits the market and, unlike the automaker's current battery-powered hatch, the upcoming model will be offered for both lease and purchase.

Gallery: Smart ED

Photos copyright (C)2010 Sebastian Blanco / AOL

[Source: Kicking Tires]

Smart ForTwo Electric Drive to go on sale in early 2012 originally appeared on Autoblog on Fri, 04 Mar 2011 17:32:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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Portugal Prime Minister Socrates first world leader to take delivery of Nissan Leaf

Autoblog Staff — Wed, 29 Dec 2010 08:59:00 EST

Filed under: Europe, Government/Legal, Hatchback, Nissan, Electric

Nissan's Leaf is really getting around. On December 11th, Nissan forked over a Leaf to its first non-celebrity U.S. buyer. Nine days later, the automaker shipped 10 of its electric hatches to the offices of the Kanagawa Prefectural Government in Japan. Then, on December 22nd, Portugal took delivery of its first batch of Leafs, with the Portuguese electric mobility consortium MOBI.E getting nine of the automaker's electric vehicles, becoming Nissan's first commercial Leaf customer in all of Europe.

Additionally, Carlos Tavares, executive vice president of Nissan, handed off one Leaf to the Portuguese government, which it intends to use for test drives. Prime Minister José Sócrates, who accepted Nissan's electric car on behalf of the nation's government, stated:

We are extremely pleased to be introducing the electric vehicle in Portugal. After three years of collaborative work between the Government, public entities, the corporate consortium which developed the MOBI.E solution and Nissan, we have achieved the first smart, built-in charging network on a national scope, therefore we are the first country to welcome electric vehicles. By combining in a pioneer manner our commitment to renewable energies, the implementation of the smart charging network and the introduction of electric vehicles, Portugal will be in the lead of the transition to a more sustainable future.

Additional European Leaf deliveries are scheduled to occur in Ireland, the UK and the Netherlands in early 2011. Check out the entire press release after the break.

[Source: Nissan]

Continue reading Portugal Prime Minister Socrates first world leader to take delivery of Nissan Leaf

Portugal Prime Minister Socrates first world leader to take delivery of Nissan Leaf originally appeared on Autoblog on Wed, 29 Dec 2010 08:59:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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Senate unanimously rules in favor of noisy hybrids, electric cars

Autoblog Staff — Mon, 13 Dec 2010 15:33:00 EST

Filed under: Hybrid, Government/Legal, Safety, Electric

Regardless of whether or not there's an actual need for pedestrian warning systems for hybrid and electric vehicles, the U.S. Senate has voted unanimously to approve a measure that would make the noise-adding setup standard on all vehicles that can operate - even if just momentarily - without the burble of an engine.

The measure, called the Pedestrian Safety Enhancement Act of 2010 and backed by Democratic Sen. John Kerry of Massachusetts, aims to establish standards for alerting pedestrians of the possible danger of an approaching vehicle that moves in near silence. With the Senate voting in favor of the bill, it will now head off to the House of Representatives, where it's expected to pass with ease.

[Source: Green Car Advisor]

Senate unanimously rules in favor of noisy hybrids, electric cars originally appeared on Autoblog on Mon, 13 Dec 2010 15:33:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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Chevy Volts ready to ship, just need official EPA mileage stickers

Autoblog Staff — Wed, 17 Nov 2010 18:01:00 EST

Filed under: Hybrid, Sedan, Government/Legal, Chevrolet, GM, Electric

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

The first batch of production Chevy Volts are ready to ship, they're just waiting on the EPA to issue an official mileage label. General Motors global product chief Tom Stephens told Automotive News that the required sticker certifying the Volt's miles per gallon rating is expected "any day," and that's a requirement before the vehicles can head out the door.

As we reported a few weeks ago, when the 2011 Fuel Economy Guide was released by the EPA and DOE, the Volt just missed being included in the publication because, as the EPA stated, "no 2011 model year electric or plug-in hybrid electric vehicles have completed testing as of publication of this list." The Toyota Prius was again listed as the most fuel efficient available in the U.S., but we'll soon be able to see where the Volt stands in terms of official fuel economy.

The Volt, named the Motor Trend 2011 Car of the Year, can run 25 to 50 miles on battery only and an additional 310 miles when assisted by the gasoline engine. GM is pushing through with its plans of producing 10,000 Volts through 2011 and 45,000 in 2012.

Gallery: 2011 Chevrolet Volt

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

Chevy Volts ready to ship, just need official EPA mileage stickers originally appeared on Autoblog on Wed, 17 Nov 2010 18:01:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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GM to fill Detroit, RenCen headquarters, with electric vehicle chargers

Jonathon Ramsey — Fri, 15 Oct 2010 08:28:00 EST

Filed under: Hybrid, GM, Electric

2011 Chevrolet Volt plugs in at the RenCen - Click above for high-res image gallery

It's a good idea, General Motors placing EV charging outlets ~~free to the public~~ outside its Renaissance Center Headquarters. Two stations are already operable in front of the RenCen, and there are over 100 more already installed in other properties owned by the automaker. By the end of next week, the RenCen will sport 18 stations. The RenCen charging station, from ChargePoint, will be able to handle any modern electric vehicle.

The automaker used the 2010 Business of Plugging In expo to announce that more than 5,300 home and workplace charging stations will be installed in Michigan in the coming years. We certainly think this is a good way to take advantage of the 2011 Chevrolet Volt's arrival.

The plant the builds the Volt, Detroit Hamtramck, will get ten solar-powered charging stations. Those will be available to employees only, and since the UAW doesn't allow imports on its lots there won't be any risk of Leafs trying to bogart some electrons. Check out the full press release after the break.

Gallery: Chevy Volt Charging at the RenCen

[Source: General Motors]

Continue reading GM to fill Detroit, RenCen headquarters, with electric vehicle chargers

GM to fill Detroit, RenCen headquarters, with electric vehicle chargers originally appeared on Autoblog on Fri, 15 Oct 2010 08:28:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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Kia releases more pics of bubbly Pop electric city car concept

Autoblog Staff — Tue, 28 Sep 2010 08:32:00 EST

Filed under: Concept Cars, Paris Motor Show, Kia, Electric

Kia Pop concept - Click above for high-res image gallery

Though details are sparse, we know that Kia's wedge-shaped, battery-powered, three-seat Pop concept, will roll onto the stage in Paris any day now. According to Kia, the sub-10 foot long Pop brings, "innovative design chic and dramatic styling to the city car segment." We agree, but you could also say that the Pop adds some fizz to the vehicles that ordinarily fall into the city car class, no?

Kia promises that, "further information will be released in due course" but the automaker has provided us with a group of new images of its striking Pop concept. So, hit up the high-res gallery and check this door-stop concept out. What's your response? Positive? Negative? We're split on this one. Just give it a look and then drop us a comment below. We're sure to have more on the Pop concept, including some live shots from Paris, so check back soon.

Gallery: Kia Pop concept

[Source: Kia]

Continue reading Kia releases more pics of bubbly Pop electric city car concept

Kia releases more pics of bubbly Pop electric city car concept originally appeared on Autoblog on Tue, 28 Sep 2010 08:32:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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German OEMs pick one electrical charging connector to rule them all

Jeremy Korzeniewski — Thu, 16 Sep 2010 16:31:00 EST

Filed under: Hybrid, Europe, Government/Legal, Technology, Electric

One massive sticking point with electric cars is the lack of standards when it comes to plugging in the vehicle. In the 90s, the General Motors EV1 didn't use the same kind of plug as the Toyota RAV4 EV, and that meant electric vehicle charging stations had to keep multiple adapters on hand if they wanted to service to multiple machinery.

If there's any hope that EVs will take off in popularity over the next few decades, some standardization is in order. To that end, German manufacturers Audi, BMW, Daimler (Mercedes-Benz and Smart), Porsche and Volkswagen have banded together banded together in support of a modular connector system for electric vehicle charging.

The consortium's connector system has been submitted for standardization under the designation IEC 62196-2 Type 2 for single- and three-phase charging with alternating current, and a DC extension is currently under development. If all goes according to plan, this new plug system will be ready for use by 2013.

It's important to note that there are other plug designs and standards in the works as well, most notably the IEC 62196-2 Type 1 (which is favored by Japanese automakers and is the same as the SAE J1772 proposal in the U.S.). In other words, there could be one standard plug in Japan and the States, and another one in Europe. Sounds familiar, no?

Not surprisingly, the SAE has issued something of a response to this new development from Germany, highlighting that its plug and receptacle are ready to go and available now. Read more here. Thanks for the tip, Roy!

[Source: Audi]

Continue reading German OEMs pick one electrical charging connector to rule them all

German OEMs pick one electrical charging connector to rule them all originally appeared on Autoblog on Thu, 16 Sep 2010 16:31:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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Kia adding fizz to Paris Motor Show with Pop Concept

Autoblog Staff — Wed, 18 Aug 2010 09:29:00 EST

Filed under: Concept Cars, Budget, Europe, Paris Motor Show, Hatchback, Kia, Design/Style, Electric

Kia Pop Concept - Click above for high-res image gallery

When the Paris Motor Show opens up next month, Kia will roll out a new battery powered commuter concept.

Thus far, Kia has only released a few details about its door-stop-shaped Pop Concept, including its sub-10-foot length and its three-seat layout. Interestingly, Kia has gone with a bench with the driver on the left rather than a central driver layout like the Gordon Murray-designed T.25. For a tiny car like this, it would seem like putting the driver in the middle would be more space efficient, allowing the driver to be shifted forward between the front wheels for better legroom. Perhaps Kia is going for a more traditional motoring experience, however, or they may have some other spacial tricks up their sleeves.

Either way, it's too early to tell if the Pop EV concept is a precursor of Kia's future styling, but this is certainly a different look. Check out the images in our high-res gallery below and visit the jump for the Korean automaker's official press release.

Gallery: Paris 2010: Kia Pop concept

[Source: Kia]

Continue reading Kia adding fizz to Paris Motor Show with Pop Concept

Kia adding fizz to Paris Motor Show with Pop Concept originally appeared on Autoblog on Wed, 18 Aug 2010 09:29:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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Poll: Chevrolet Volt takes on Nissan Leaf

Jeremy Korzeniewski — Tue, 27 Jul 2010 19:58:00 EST

Filed under: Sedan, Hatchback, Chevrolet, GM, Nissan, Electric

Proving once again the old adage that there's more than one way to skin a ~~cat~~ battery, Chevrolet and Nissan have each designed new eco-friendly vehicles that are set to go head-to-head for sales supremacy starting at the end of this year. Though both automakers arrive at the same basic anti-gasoline (at least to a large extent) result, the Volt and the Leaf differ in more ways than they are alike.

We'll start with the drivetrain. While the Volt and Leaf are both technically electric cars, Chevrolet's solution to the range problem includes the addition of a small gasoline-fueled engine capable of recharging the Volt's onboard battery pack. There's enough battery capacity to travel at least 40 miles before the generator kicks in, but there's no limit to the range after the engine takes over.

Nissan's Leaf, on the other hand, has a somewhat larger battery that the automaker claims will allow for 100 miles of range per charge. After that, there is simply no more forward progress to be had until the Leaf is plugged into an outlet for a few hours - at least. But if going 100-percent gasoline free is your goal, this is your ride.

And then we have the body styles and shapes. Both cars spent plenty of time in the wind tunnel, with extremely different results. The Volt sports a more traditional sedan-like shape and offers seating for four. The Leaf, on the other hand, has a bit of an out-there look to its basic hatchback design and boasts seating for five.

Pricing too is a bit divergent. Nissan has affixed a $32,780 sticker to its electric car, before federal or state incentives. That price will drop to the mid-$20s when a $7,500 tax credit is applied. The General is making its Volt a bit more dear with a $41,000 asking price that drops to $33,500 after the credit. Interestingly, both automakers will offer leases for $350 per month for 36 months.

So, the big question is: Which electric car do you think is the better buy? Make yourself heard in our (totally unscientific) poll below.

View Poll

Poll: Chevrolet Volt takes on Nissan Leaf originally appeared on Autoblog on Tue, 27 Jul 2010 19:58:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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