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[EV owners in WA to pay extra $100 annual fee]]>http://www.autoblog.com/2012/12/30/ev-owners-in-wa-to-pay-extra-100-annual-fee/http://www.autoblog.com/2012/12/30/ev-owners-in-wa-to-pay-extra-100-annual-fee/http://www.autoblog.com/2012/12/30/ev-owners-in-wa-to-pay-extra-100-annual-fee/#commentsFiled under: , ,



Anyone purchasing an EV in the state of Washington will have to pay an extra $100 with their registration - a bit counter-intuitive, considering that the government generally promotes EV purchases with incentives. You see, owners of gasoline-powered vehicles in WA pay an annual gasoline tax, and this new EV fee ensures that all drivers pay for the annual upkeep of roads.

According to the new rule, vehicles powered by electricity and capable of speeds in excess of 35 miles per hour will have to pay $100 with their registration, starting on or after February 1, 2013. "$100 isn't that big of a deal, but it's not well-balanced policy," says Jay Friedland, legislative director of Plug In America. "EV drivers really want to pay their fair share," he continued,"but it seems ridiculous from a policy standpoint."

It does seem incongruous due to the fact that the state offers tax exemptions for the purchase of EVs. It should also be noted that the new fee provides for "evaluating the feasibility of transitioning from a revenue collection system based on fuel taxes to a road user assessment system." For us, it might be a moment of bureaucratic irony, but for EV drivers in Washington state, its $100 more out of their pocket.

EV owners in WA to pay extra $100 annual fee originally appeared on Autoblog on Sun, 30 Dec 2012 13:00:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>electric vehiclesev taxevsgasoline taxhybridcars.comwawashingtonwashington ev taxSun, 30 Dec 2012 13:00:00 EST http://www.autoblog.com/feed/20411337/article-comments.xml http://www.autoblog.com/feed/2012/12/30/ev-owners-in-wa-to-pay-extra-100-annual-fee/20411337/article-detail.xml 20411337 http://www.blogcdn.com/www.autoblog.com/media/2012/12/2011-nissan-leaf-first-drive_thumbnail.jpeg http://www.blogcdn.com/www.autoblog.com/media/2012/12/2011-nissan-leaf-first-drive.jpeg <![CDATA[Smart ForTwo Electric Drive will be cheapest EV at $25,000*]]>http://www.autoblog.com/2012/10/03/smart-fortwo-electric-drive-will-be-cheapest-ev-at-25-000/http://www.autoblog.com/2012/10/03/smart-fortwo-electric-drive-will-be-cheapest-ev-at-25-000/http://www.autoblog.com/2012/10/03/smart-fortwo-electric-drive-will-be-cheapest-ev-at-25-000/#commentsFiled under: , , ,

2013 Smart ForTwo Electric Drive with sculpture

We're getting our first drive in the 2013 Smart ForTwo Electric Drive today, and Smart just announced pricing for the latest version of its all-electric minicar. The starting price for the ForTwo ED Coupe will be $25,000 (*plus delivery fees), making it the lowest price electric vehicle in the U.S. from a mainstream automaker - and that doesn't even include the available $7,500 federal tax credit.

With the tax credit figured in, the starting price works out to $17,500. Add in the required $825 destination charge and up to $2,200 for a home charger, and the 2013 ForTwo ED Coupe will essentially start at just $20,525 - $1,100 cheaper than the Mitsubishi i-MiEV. Of course, customers who already have home charging stations can save even more. Smart has said that it will offer two different home chargers that range in price from $1,300 to $1,700, and it is estimating installation will cost somewhere in the $300 to $500 range.

While we do know the starting prices for the new ForTwo ED, options and lease prices have not been announced. For comparison, the previous-generation ForTwo ED had a lease price of $599 a month.

Scroll down for more information on the 2013 Smart ForTwo ED, and look for it in dealers this spring.

Continue reading Smart ForTwo Electric Drive will be cheapest EV at $25,000*

Smart ForTwo Electric Drive will be cheapest EV at $25,000* originally appeared on Autoblog on Wed, 03 Oct 2012 14:15:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>2013 smart fortwo ed2013 smart fortwo electric driveelectric smartelectric vehiclesfortwofortwo edfortwo electricfortwo electric drivesmartsmart electricWed, 03 Oct 2012 14:15:00 EST http://www.autoblog.com/feed/20340457/article-comments.xml http://www.autoblog.com/feed/2012/10/03/smart-fortwo-electric-drive-will-be-cheapest-ev-at-25-000/20340457/article-detail.xml 20340457 http://www.blogcdn.com/www.autoblog.com/media/2012/10/2013-smart-fortwo-ed-1349280198_thumbnail.jpg http://www.blogcdn.com/www.autoblog.com/media/2012/10/2013-smart-fortwo-ed-1349280198.jpg <![CDATA[Tesla's Elon Musk calls Fisker Karma 'a mediocre product at a high price']]>http://www.autoblog.com/2012/08/18/teslas-elon-musk-calls-fisker-karma-a-mediocre-product-at-a-hi/http://www.autoblog.com/2012/08/18/teslas-elon-musk-calls-fisker-karma-a-mediocre-product-at-a-hi/http://www.autoblog.com/2012/08/18/teslas-elon-musk-calls-fisker-karma-a-mediocre-product-at-a-hi/#commentsTesla Model S

It is official: the gloves are off in the war of words between Tesla Motors CEO Elon Musk and Fisker Automotive chief Henrik Fisker.

Most of the verbal barbs came from Musk, who sat down to gossip with Automobile Magazine about archrival Fisker. The bad blood goes back a few years to when Tesla unsuccessfully sued Henrik Fisker for developing the Karma while under contract for the design of the Model S - basically paying someone to design his own car.

Another, more newsworthy zinger was when Musk called out Fisker as a smart designer but one who does not understand the underlying technology problem. Musk said:

The fundamental problem with Henrik Fisker - he is a designer or stylist... he thinks the reason we don't have electric cars is for lack of styling. This is not the reason. It's fundamentally a technology problem. At the same time, you need to make it look good and feel good, because otherwise you're going to have an impaired product. But just making something look like an electric car does not make it an electric car.

Fisker has been scrambling to deal with fires and recalls connected to its A123 Systems partnership. Musk's biggest jab was directed at the flagship Karma: "It's a mediocre product at a high price."

So what did Henrik Fisker have to say? In a written response to Automobile Magazine, Fisker stayed friendly, but did throw down the competitive gauntlet: range anxiety. "Obviously, Tesla and Fisker are appealing to two different customer bases with two totally different technologies. Tesla has pure EV and Fisker has a range-extended offering with no compromise on range," he wrote. Zing!

Fisker thanked Musk for giving a nod to the good-looking Karma, which won Automobile's 2012 Design of the Year. He also made a statement to clear up the legal wrangle: Fisker won in court. A judge threw out the case and awarded costs to Fisker.

Both companies have borrowed existing tech to bring their plug-ins to market. Karma needed Quantum Technologies to provide the plug-in hybrid drivetrain and used a General Motors-sourced 2.0 liter turbo four-cylinder engine. Tesla used the Lotus Elise to develop its first car, the Roadster. That said, the sparring judges would probably send more points to Tesla Motors, which sells its battery system and EV powertrain technology to companies like Toyota.

Tesla's Elon Musk calls Fisker Karma 'a mediocre product at a high price' originally appeared on Autoblog on Sat, 18 Aug 2012 18:28:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>electric vehicleselon muskevfiskerfisker karmshenrik fiskermodel splug inteslaSat, 18 Aug 2012 18:28:00 EST http://www.autoblog.com/feed/20303527/article-comments.xml http://www.autoblog.com/feed/2012/08/18/teslas-elon-musk-calls-fisker-karma-a-mediocre-product-at-a-hi/20303527/article-detail.xml 20303527 http://www.blogcdn.com/green.autoblog.com/media/2012/08/building-tesla-model-s_thumbnail.jpg http://www.blogcdn.com/green.autoblog.com/media/2012/08/building-tesla-model-s.jpg <![CDATA[MIT students develop liquid fuel for electric cars]]>http://www.autoblog.com/2011/06/08/mit-students-develop-liquid-fuel-for-electric-cars/http://www.autoblog.com/2011/06/08/mit-students-develop-liquid-fuel-for-electric-cars/http://www.autoblog.com/2011/06/08/mit-students-develop-liquid-fuel-for-electric-cars/#commentsFiled under: ,

Chevrolet Volt Charger

A group of Massachusetts Institute of Technology students may have come up with the perfect solution to our electric vehicle charging woes. Instead of relying on lithium or nickel, the new battery design stores its electrons in semi-solid flow cells. Charged particles are suspended in an electrolyte solution and pumped between compartments used for storing or releasing energy. The tech supposedly makes the batteries up to ten times more efficient than their traditional counterparts, and even more importantly, the new tech is cheaper to produce. Estimates say that the design could cut the size and expense of current batteries by as much as 50 percent.

That's all well and good, but the really cool part is that charging the cells is as simple as pumping the drained fluid out and pumping fresh charged fluid in. That means that getting on your way could take as little time as a standard gasoline fill-up, greatly reducing the inconvenience and range woes associated with modern EVs. An operational prototype is expected to be completed in the next 18 months or so.

MIT students develop liquid fuel for electric cars originally appeared on Autoblog on Wed, 08 Jun 2011 11:29:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>batteriesbatterybattery technologyelectric vehicleelectric vehiclesevev technologyliquid fuelmassachusetts institute of technologyMITsemi-solid flow cell batteryWed, 08 Jun 2011 11:29:00 EST http://www.autoblog.com/feed/19960652/article-comments.xml http://www.autoblog.com/feed/2011/06/08/mit-students-develop-liquid-fuel-for-electric-cars/19960652/article-detail.xml 19960652 http://www.blogcdn.com/www.autoblog.com/media/2011/06/volt-charger-630_thumbnail.jpg http://www.blogcdn.com/www.autoblog.com/media/2011/06/volt-charger-630.jpg <![CDATA[Will Japan's nuclear woes dampen electric vehicle enthusiasm?]]>http://www.autoblog.com/2011/03/26/will-japans-nuclear-woes-dampen-electric-vehicle-enthusiasm/http://www.autoblog.com/2011/03/26/will-japans-nuclear-woes-dampen-electric-vehicle-enthusiasm/http://www.autoblog.com/2011/03/26/will-japans-nuclear-woes-dampen-electric-vehicle-enthusiasm/#commentsFiled under: , ,

2011 Nissan Leaf
2011 Nissan Leaf - Click above for high-res image gallery

We've already seen the panic here in the U.S. as activists and analysts question our nuclear infrastructure, and Congress considers a re-examination of our existing facilities. These new fears about nuclear power have everything to do with the events unfolding at Japan's Fukushima power plant, and Automotive News wonders if that trepidation could dampen the prospects of electric vehicles as well.

Plans in Europe call for about 1 million EVs on the road by 2020, and a lot that push centers around increasing the number of nuclear power plants to feed these vehicles. Let's face it, an EV that's charged via electricity generated at an oil or coal-burning plant doesn't do much to decrease our reliance on fossil fuels, so nuclear makes a lot of sense. And as costly and time-consuming as it is to erect a nuclear facility, it's likely easier and less expensive than relying on solar, wind or hydro-electric energy sources.

So what does all this have to do with electric vehicles? If the events unfolding in Japan lead governments to question the safety and viability of nuclear power, then new plants will be slow to come online. If car buyers know that their EV is likely burning the same CO2-emitting fossil fuels as their neighbor's internal combustion engine, what's the point of paying more for something that's just as dirty, more expensive and not as easy to fuel up?

Right now the situation at the Fukushima power plant is dire, but if the situation gets worse, the future of nuclear power, and possibly even EVs, could be just as bleak.

[Source: Automotive News sub. req.]

Will Japan's nuclear woes dampen electric vehicle enthusiasm? originally appeared on Autoblog on Sat, 26 Mar 2011 14:04:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Read | Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>electric vehiclesEVjapan earthquakenuclear concernsnuclear powerSat, 26 Mar 2011 14:04:00 EST http://www.autoblog.com/feed/19889562/article-comments.xml http://www.autoblog.com/feed/2011/03/26/will-japans-nuclear-woes-dampen-electric-vehicle-enthusiasm/19889562/article-detail.xml 19889562 http://www.blogcdn.com/www.autoblog.com/media/2010/07/lead1nissanleaf2011fd_thumbnail.jpg http://www.blogcdn.com/www.autoblog.com/media/2010/07/lead1nissanleaf2011fd.jpg <![CDATA[Will you have to pay for returning half-charged rental EVs?]]>http://www.autoblog.com/2011/01/20/will-you-have-to-pay-for-returning-half-charged-rental-evs/http://www.autoblog.com/2011/01/20/will-you-have-to-pay-for-returning-half-charged-rental-evs/http://www.autoblog.com/2011/01/20/will-you-have-to-pay-for-returning-half-charged-rental-evs/#commentsFiled under: , , , ,

Enterprise Rent-a-car

Enterprise Rent-A-Car will soon offer customers a variety of electric vehicle options, from the Coda sedan and Nissan Leaf to the Chevrolet Volt. Which begs an interesting question posed by our brothers-from-another-mother at Engadget - If an electric car or plug-in hybrid is returned without a full charge, are we going to be charged?

At the present time, Enterprise (the largest rental car company in North America) has no plans to charge for EVs needing a juice boost. Enterprise is going to install charging stations on site and the vehicles will get a fresh batch of electrons upon being returned. Hopefully we'll see other rental companies adopt the same policy, but time will tell.

[Source: Engadget | Image: Enterprise]

Will you have to pay for returning half-charged rental EVs? originally appeared on Autoblog on Thu, 20 Jan 2011 10:00:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Read | Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>chevrolet voltcodacoda ev sedanelectric rental carelectric vehiclesenterpriseenterprise car rentalenterprise rent-a-carnissannissan leafvoltThu, 20 Jan 2011 10:00:00 EST http://www.autoblog.com/feed/19803985/article-comments.xml http://www.autoblog.com/feed/2011/01/20/will-you-have-to-pay-for-returning-half-charged-rental-evs/19803985/article-detail.xml 19803985 http://www.blogcdn.com/www.autoblog.com/media/2010/11/airport5_thumbnail.jpg http://www.blogcdn.com/www.autoblog.com/media/2010/11/airport5.jpg <![CDATA[Ford reveals initial markets for Focus EV]]>http://www.autoblog.com/2010/11/15/ford-reveals-initial-markets-for-focus-ev/http://www.autoblog.com/2010/11/15/ford-reveals-initial-markets-for-focus-ev/http://www.autoblog.com/2010/11/15/ford-reveals-initial-markets-for-focus-ev/#commentsFiled under: , , , , ,

Ford Focus Electric
2012 Ford Focus EV - Click above for high-res image gallery

Ford is gearing up to launch the 2012 Ford Focus EV, and the automaker has selected 19 target markets for its first-ever all-electric passenger car. A press release can only reveal so much emotion, but we would like to believe the copywriters had a Howard Dean-like moment as they rattled off the markets that include 14 states and Washington, D.C.

Ford is working with local government agencies and utilities in the selected markets to help prepare for the launch of the EVs. Its efforts are focused on consumer outreach, education programs and providing information on charging needs. Ford also wants to make sure the local power grid will be able to support the increased demand caused by the vehicles.

The Focus Electric, which will reportedly have a 100-mile driving range, will go on sale towards the end of 2011. It will be produced on the same assembly line as the traditional Focus, allowing Ford to alter production based on demand. Click through to the jump to see if your state is on Ford's initial markets list.


Gallery: Jay Leno's Green Car Challenge Ford Focus


Gallery: 2012 Ford Focus

2012 Ford Focus hatchback2012 Ford Focus hatchback2012 Ford Focus hatchback2012 Ford Focus hatchback2012 Ford Focus hatchback

[Source: Ford]

Continue reading Ford reveals initial markets for Focus EV

Ford reveals initial markets for Focus EV originally appeared on Autoblog on Mon, 15 Nov 2010 10:58:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>2012 ford focus2012 ford focus evelectric focuselectric vehicleelectric vehiclesevfocusfocus electricfocus evfordford evford focusford focus evMon, 15 Nov 2010 10:58:00 EST http://www.autoblog.com/feed/19716974/article-comments.xml http://www.autoblog.com/feed/2010/11/15/ford-reveals-initial-markets-for-focus-ev/19716974/article-detail.xml 19716974 http://www.blogcdn.com/www.autoblog.com/media/2010/11/ford-focus-ev-leno-630_thumbnail.jpg http://www.blogcdn.com/www.autoblog.com/media/2010/11/ford-focus-ev-leno-630.jpg <![CDATA[Saab to debut ePower EV prototype in Paris]]>http://www.autoblog.com/2010/09/17/saab-9-3-epower-to-make-paris-debut/http://www.autoblog.com/2010/09/17/saab-9-3-epower-to-make-paris-debut/http://www.autoblog.com/2010/09/17/saab-9-3-epower-to-make-paris-debut/#commentsFiled under: , , , , ,


Saab ePower EV Prototype - Click above for high-res image gallery

Saab is planning to introduce its first real foray into the EV world at this year's Paris Motor Show. Called the ePower, the long-roof Swede is the prototype for a test fleet of 70 vehicles set to be launched next year. The company is shooting for a range of around 124 miles thanks to a 35.5-kWh lithium-ion battery pack, though the range figure number is somewhat fluid due to the fact that it will be largely dependent on driving habits. Power is supplied by a 184-horsepower electric motor mated to a single-speed transmission.

With all of that grunt on tap, Saab says the ePower will be able to get to 60 miles per hour in around 8.5 seconds. That's not exactly slow by anyone's measure. Top speed is a more than capable 93 mph, too.

The company says that its battery tech should allow the cells to survive up to 10 years of regular charge and discharge cycles, and that the ePower can be fully charged in as little as six hours using a "domestic mains" supply. Don't worry - we aren't exactly sure what that means, either. Stay tuned for more information from the Paris Motor Show later this month. For now, click past the jump for a look at the full press release.


Gallery: Saab ePower EV Prototype


[Source: Saab]

Continue reading Saab to debut ePower EV prototype in Paris

Saab to debut ePower EV prototype in Paris originally appeared on Autoblog on Fri, 17 Sep 2010 13:29:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>electric vehicleelectric vehiclesparisparis 2010paris motor showparis motor show 2010saabsaab 9-3saab epowersaab epower prototypeSaab9-3Fri, 17 Sep 2010 13:29:00 EST http://www.autoblog.com/feed/19638062/article-comments.xml http://www.autoblog.com/feed/2010/09/17/saab-9-3-epower-to-make-paris-debut/19638062/article-detail.xml 19638062 http://www.blogcdn.com/www.autoblog.com/media/2010/09/93-epower_thumbnail.jpg http://www.blogcdn.com/www.autoblog.com/media/2010/09/93-epower.jpg <![CDATA[All-electric Saab 9-3 test fleet reportedly to launch in early 2011]]>http://www.autoblog.com/2010/08/02/all-electric-saab-9-3-test-fleet-reportedly-to-launch-in-early-2/http://www.autoblog.com/2010/08/02/all-electric-saab-9-3-test-fleet-reportedly-to-launch-in-early-2/http://www.autoblog.com/2010/08/02/all-electric-saab-9-3-test-fleet-reportedly-to-launch-in-early-2/#commentsFiled under: , ,



During a media launch for the 2011 Saab 9-5, company executives revealed plans to introduce a test fleet of electric vehicles based on the upcoming 9-3. As Inside Line reports, Saab execs confirmed that the test fleet of EVs will roll out in early 2011 and will be deployed at various locations across the globe, including Saab's hometown of Trollhattan, Sweden.

Saab's "100 percent electric vehicle" test fleet is a joint effort between the automaker, lithium ion battery producer Boston-Power, electric propulsion systems manufacturer Electroengine and the Swedish Energy Authority. Saab Automobile AB managing director Jan Ake Jonsson said:
The main purpose is to draw technology from this test fleet, technology that we can then incorporate quickly. The key target short-term is to drive fuel consumption down. You can electrify certain portions of the vehicle.
When prodded about a target release date for a mass-production EV, Jonsson ducked out by stating:
Everybody is looking at that question. Nobody has an answer. It will take some time.
Without official word from Jonsson, we'll have to fall back on the previous comments of Saab's chief executive officer Victor Muller, who suggested that 2016 is the year the company will go for electrification.
[Source: Inside Line]

All-electric Saab 9-3 test fleet reportedly to launch in early 2011 originally appeared on Autoblog on Mon, 02 Aug 2010 18:32:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Read | Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>9-3 electric9-3 ev9-3Electric9-3EvElectric carelectric vehicleelectric vehiclesElectricCarElectricVehicleElectricVehiclessaabsaab 9-3saab 9-3 bevsaab 9-3 electricsaab electric carsaab electric test fleetsaab electric vehicleSaab9-3Saab9-3BevSaab9-3ElectricSaabElectricCarSaabElectricTestFleetSaabElectricVehicleMon, 02 Aug 2010 18:32:00 EST http://www.autoblog.com/feed/19576760/article-comments.xml http://www.autoblog.com/feed/2010/08/02/all-electric-saab-9-3-test-fleet-reportedly-to-launch-in-early-2/19576760/article-detail.xml 19576760 http://www.blogcdn.com/www.autoblog.com/media/2010/06/1202478_thumbnail.jpg http://www.blogcdn.com/www.autoblog.com/media/2010/06/1202478.jpg <![CDATA[Isn't it Ironic? Ex-Hummer builder AM General handling final assembly of Transit Connect Electric]]>http://www.autoblog.com/2010/05/19/isnt-it-ironic-ex-hummer-builder-am-general-handling-final-ass/http://www.autoblog.com/2010/05/19/isnt-it-ironic-ex-hummer-builder-am-general-handling-final-ass/http://www.autoblog.com/2010/05/19/isnt-it-ironic-ex-hummer-builder-am-general-handling-final-ass/#commentsFiled under: , , ,

Ford Transit Connect Electric - Click above for high-res image gallery

When Ford and Azure Dynamics unveiled the Transit Connect Electric van earlier this year, Azure announced that the electric drive systems would be installed at a facility in Michigan. Today, Azure let it be known that the installation work will be done by AM General, a company that's best known for producing the military-spec Humvee, at its engineering and product development facility in Livonia, MI.

Ford will be shipping Transit Connect gliders (vehicles without any fuel or powertrain components installed) from its plant in Turkey to the AM General plant. Azure will ship the motors, power electronics and batteries to the plant where AM General will do the final assembly. The first units will be produced late this year with full production ramping up by April of 2011. The Transit Connect Electric will have a range of about 80 miles and be targeted at commercial customers, although Ford will apparently sell the van to any customer who wants one. Official press release available after the jump.


Gallery: Ford Transit Connect Eletric at Chicago Auto Show

Photos by Drew Phillips, Sebastian Blanco / Copyright (C)2010 Weblogs, Inc.

[Source: Azure Dynamics]

Continue reading Isn't it Ironic? Ex-Hummer builder AM General handling final assembly of Transit Connect Electric

Isn't it Ironic? Ex-Hummer builder AM General handling final assembly of Transit Connect Electric originally appeared on Autoblog on Wed, 19 May 2010 14:41:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>2011 ford2011 ford transit connect2011 transit connect2011Ford2011FordTransitConnect2011TransitConnectAM GeneralAmGeneralazure dynamicsAzureDynamicsBEVblue ovalBlueOvalelectric vehicleelectric vehicle productionelectric vehiclesElectricVehicleElectricVehicleProductionElectricVehiclesfordford transit connectFord Transit Connect Electricford transit connect evFordTransitConnectFordTransitConnectElectricFordTransitConnectEvtransittransit connecttransit connect electricTransitConnectTransitConnectElectricWed, 19 May 2010 14:41:00 EST http://www.autoblog.com/feed/19483300/article-comments.xml http://www.autoblog.com/feed/2010/05/19/isnt-it-ironic-ex-hummer-builder-am-general-handling-final-ass/19483300/article-detail.xml 19483300 http://www.blogcdn.com/www.autoblog.com/media/2010/05/transitelectricchicago01opt_thumbnail.jpg http://www.blogcdn.com/www.autoblog.com/media/2010/05/transitelectricchicago01opt.jpg <![CDATA[Report: Industry facing shortage of EV engineers]]>http://www.autoblog.com/2010/05/12/report-industry-facing-shortage-of-ev-engineers/http://www.autoblog.com/2010/05/12/report-industry-facing-shortage-of-ev-engineers/http://www.autoblog.com/2010/05/12/report-industry-facing-shortage-of-ev-engineers/#commentsFiled under: ,



It was to be expected, but the rapidly changing auto industry is experiencing a shortage of mechatronic engineers to assist with the development of EV cars and systems. As it is, there are plenty of electrical engineers and mechanical engineers, but those who are adept at integrating mechanics and electronics - in areas like battery management and algorithms - are desperately needed.

Several universities, especially in the Detroit area, have inaugurated or will soon begin programs to graduate these kinds of engineers, but in the meantime it's every EV company for itself when it comes to finding talent. Larger players like Chrysler don't appear to be worried, saying that programs will only be pushed back by a couple of years or so and that's only in the worst cases. Smaller EV companies with exceptional talent are a little more nervous, knowing what a big company can offer when it wants to poach. If you're a skilled electromechanical engineer, it might be time to ask for a raise no matter who you work for...

[Source: Ward's Auto]

Report: Industry facing shortage of EV engineers originally appeared on Autoblog on Wed, 12 May 2010 08:39:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Read | Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>Electric carelectric carselectric vehicleelectric vehicleselectrical engineerElectricalEngineerElectricCarElectricCarsElectricVehicleElectricVehiclesengineeringevWed, 12 May 2010 08:39:00 EST http://www.autoblog.com/feed/19470526/article-comments.xml http://www.autoblog.com/feed/2010/05/12/report-industry-facing-shortage-of-ev-engineers/19470526/article-detail.xml 19470526 http://www.blogcdn.com/www.autoblog.com/media/2010/05/evengineershort_thumbnail.jpg http://www.blogcdn.com/www.autoblog.com/media/2010/05/evengineershort.jpg <![CDATA[Geneva 2010: Kia Venga EV, sorry we missed you the first time around]]>http://www.autoblog.com/2010/03/08/geneva-2010-kia-venga-ev-sorry-we-missed-you-the-first-time-ar/http://www.autoblog.com/2010/03/08/geneva-2010-kia-venga-ev-sorry-we-missed-you-the-first-time-ar/http://www.autoblog.com/2010/03/08/geneva-2010-kia-venga-ev-sorry-we-missed-you-the-first-time-ar/#commentsFiled under: , , , , ,

Kia Venga EV concept - Click above for high-res image gallery

Apparently, we we missed at least one interesting machine from the recently concluded press days at the Geneva Motor Show. Kia showed off a battery electric version of its new Venga B-segment hatchback. Like the rest of Kia and Hyundai's hybrids and plug-in concepts either in production or recently shown, the Venga EV uses lithium polymer batteries, likely sourced from LG Chem. The battery pack is stored under the floorpan of the electric vehicle (EV).

The Venga EV contains 24 kilowatt-hours of battery capacity. The front wheels are driven by an 80-kilowatt motor packing a stout 206 pound-feet of torque. Kia says that the concept has about 112 miles of driving range and a 50-kW fast charge can provide an 80-percent recharge in as little as 20 minutes, while a full charge at normal power levels takes about eight hours. The rest of the details can be found in the press release after the break.


Gallery: Kia Venga EV


[Source: Kia]

Continue reading Geneva 2010: Kia Venga EV, sorry we missed you the first time around

Geneva 2010: Kia Venga EV, sorry we missed you the first time around originally appeared on Autoblog on Mon, 08 Mar 2010 13:59:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>BEVelectric carelectric vehicleelectric vehiclesElectricCarElectricVehicleElectricVehiclesgenevageneva 2010Geneva Motor ShowGeneva2010GenevaMotorShowkiakia vengakia venga evKiaVengaKiaVengaEvLG ChemLgChemVengaMon, 08 Mar 2010 13:59:00 EST http://www.autoblog.com/feed/19387032/article-comments.xml http://www.autoblog.com/feed/2010/03/08/geneva-2010-kia-venga-ev-sorry-we-missed-you-the-first-time-ar/19387032/article-detail.xml 19387032 http://www.blogcdn.com/www.autoblog.com/media/2010/03/kiavengaxtra000opt_thumbnail.jpg http://www.blogcdn.com/www.autoblog.com/media/2010/03/kiavengaxtra000opt.jpg <![CDATA[Silent electric vehicles to cause new problems for NVH engineers?]]>http://www.autoblog.com/2010/02/16/silent-electric-vehicles-to-cause-new-problems-for-nvh-engineers/http://www.autoblog.com/2010/02/16/silent-electric-vehicles-to-cause-new-problems-for-nvh-engineers/http://www.autoblog.com/2010/02/16/silent-electric-vehicles-to-cause-new-problems-for-nvh-engineers/#commentsFiled under: , , ,



A researcher at Renault said customers surveyed last year about what they want in an electric car responded, "silence, peace of mind and comfortable riding, a windy sound quality, a fluid driving experience like a skipper enjoying a sailboat." That sounds dreamy, until you realize how loud a car really is underneath all of the regular drivetrain noises we've come to expect from an ICE-powered ride. For instance, when we drove the Rolls-Royce Phantom Coupe two years ago, we heard nothing - and that's absolutely nothing - of the world outside, but that meant we could hear the windshield wiper motors mounted on the bulkhead.

Electric cars are going to bring many more and much greater challenges than that, and engineers are beginning to discuss how to overcome them. The noise, vibration and harshness culprits in an electric vehicle include battery cooling systems, HVAC fans and ducts, coils for the power electronics, and switching on range-extending engines on vehicles so-equipped. These are the kinds of noises covered up easily by engine and other low-frequency noises, but in an electric car, they can make one feel strapped into a curious contraption.

Of course, there is also the question of what to do for others who depend on the sounds of cars, such as blind pedestrians and cyclists. Sound engineering is the most talked about approach right now, but no one knows what shape this will take. Lotus Engineering created a Safe & Sound system that used a waterproof speaker to emit an make engine noise - but wasn't part of the promise of electric cars meant to be quieter cities? It's all still to play for when it comes to the future of NVH, but please please, no ringtones...

[Source: Ward's Auto | Image: Lotus Engineering]

Silent electric vehicles to cause new problems for NVH engineers? originally appeared on Autoblog on Tue, 16 Feb 2010 08:00:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Read | Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>electric car soundselectric vehiclesElectricCarSoundsElectricVehiclesEVEvsnvhroad safetyRoadSafetysound engineeringSoundEngineeringtechtraffic safetyTrafficSafetyTue, 16 Feb 2010 08:00:00 EST http://www.autoblog.com/feed/19357593/article-comments.xml http://www.autoblog.com/feed/2010/02/16/silent-electric-vehicles-to-cause-new-problems-for-nvh-engineers/19357593/article-detail.xml 19357593 http://www.blogcdn.com/www.autoblog.com/media/2010/02/electriccarnvh_thumbnail.jpg http://www.blogcdn.com/www.autoblog.com/media/2010/02/electriccarnvh.jpg <![CDATA[Don't Be Duped by the EV Hype - Autoline on Autoblog with John McElroy]]>http://www.autoblog.com/2010/01/20/autoline-on-autoblog-with-john-mcelroy/http://www.autoblog.com/2010/01/20/autoline-on-autoblog-with-john-mcelroy/http://www.autoblog.com/2010/01/20/autoline-on-autoblog-with-john-mcelroy/#commentsFiled under: ,


With all the attention being lavished on electric cars, you'd think the salvation of the planet is nigh at hand. But don't be duped by all the EV hype. It's going to take decades before they catch on - if ever.

I'm not anti-EV. Just the opposite. I am completely in favor of pursuing electric car technology. In fact, I'd even like to buy an electric.

But I don't let my enthusiasm for EVs cloud my analysis on how long it's going to take for them to sell in large numbers. And I would caution any automaker or supplier or dealer that wants to invest in the EV business to take all those enthusiastic sales projections with a grain of salt.

Why these words of caution? Because EV's face a mountain of problems: technical, social, economi, and environmental. And there are other emerging alternatives that could kill the electric car before it ever catches on. That's exactly what happened 100 years ago.

John McElroy is host of the TV program "Autoline Detroit" and daily web video "Autoline Daily". Every week he brings his unique insights as an auto industry insider to Autoblog readers.

Continue reading Don't Be Duped by the EV Hype - Autoline on Autoblog with John McElroy

Don't Be Duped by the EV Hype - Autoline on Autoblog with John McElroy originally appeared on Autoblog on Wed, 20 Jan 2010 17:56:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>autolineAutoline DetroitAutoline on Autoblogautoline-detroitAutolineDailyAutolineDetroitAutolineOnAutoblogelectric vehiclesElectricVehiclesevevsfeaturedjohn mcelroyjohn mcelroy autoblogJohnMcelroyJohnMcelroyAutoblogWed, 20 Jan 2010 17:56:00 EST http://www.autoblog.com/feed/19324489/article-comments.xml http://www.autoblog.com/feed/2010/01/20/autoline-on-autoblog-with-john-mcelroy/19324489/article-detail.xml 19324489 http://www.blogcdn.com/www.autoblog.com/media/2010/01/john-media-photo-3-opta_thumbnail.jpg http://www.blogcdn.com/www.autoblog.com/media/2010/01/john-media-photo-3-opta.jpg <![CDATA[Report: Power companies need to upgrade grid to prepare for electric cars]]>http://www.autoblog.com/2010/01/20/report-power-companies-need-to-upgrade-grid-to-prepare-for-elec/http://www.autoblog.com/2010/01/20/report-power-companies-need-to-upgrade-grid-to-prepare-for-elec/http://www.autoblog.com/2010/01/20/report-power-companies-need-to-upgrade-grid-to-prepare-for-elec/#commentsFiled under: , , ,

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

The onslaught of electric vehicles expected to hit the market over the next five years, such as the Chevrolet Volt (pictured above), is keeping many local power utilities up at night. The dilemma has to do with the power supply - more specifically, how to feed the increased demand on the grid down to the household level.

There isn't really a shortage of power, experts say. However, while your electric company has built the infrastructure to keep your microwave, HDTV and computer all running simultaneously without dimming the kitchen lights, an anticipated flood of innovative all-electric cars concurrently guzzling electrons off the system in private garages may lead to household circuit breakers tripping and street corner transformers burning out.

Not to worry, say the utilities. While it is a challenge that they must address, there is something working in their favor... cost. As is often the case with new technologies, the high selling price of the early all-electric cars (expected to hit $40,000 or more... or less) allows the power companies to anticipate which neighborhoods need upgrading first - now, that's electrifying insight.


Gallery: 2011 Chevrolet Volt


[Source: Detroit Free Press]

Report: Power companies need to upgrade grid to prepare for electric cars originally appeared on Autoblog on Wed, 20 Jan 2010 08:28:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>20112011 Chevrolet Volt2011ChevroletVoltchevroletChevrolet VoltChevroletVoltchevychevy voltChevyVoltCircuti BreakerCircutiBreakerElectric vehiclesElectrical issuesElectricalIssuesElectricityElectricVehiclesinfrastructurePower Gridpower supplyPowerGridPowerSupplytransformersvoltWed, 20 Jan 2010 08:28:00 EST http://www.autoblog.com/feed/19316981/article-comments.xml http://www.autoblog.com/feed/2010/01/20/report-power-companies-need-to-upgrade-grid-to-prepare-for-elec/19316981/article-detail.xml 19316981 http://www.blogcdn.com/www.autoblog.com/media/2010/01/volt630_thumbnail.jpg http://www.blogcdn.com/www.autoblog.com/media/2010/01/volt630.jpg <![CDATA[Will curbside EV charging fall prey to vandals and miscreants?]]>http://www.autoblog.com/2009/12/26/will-curbside-ev-charging-fall-prey-to-vandals-and-miscreants/http://www.autoblog.com/2009/12/26/will-curbside-ev-charging-fall-prey-to-vandals-and-miscreants/http://www.autoblog.com/2009/12/26/will-curbside-ev-charging-fall-prey-to-vandals-and-miscreants/#commentsAs we were discussing the Chevy Volt with some colleagues the other day, a potentially serious problem for EVs came up during the conversation. For the foreseeable future, the primary market for plug-ins and EVs will be urban areas where the range limitations of battery-powered cars figure to be less of an issue. However, if you look at the older residential areas in many cities, you'll find that many homes don't have garages, and people have to park on the street.

As we know, street parking carries along its own unique set of risks. Break-ins and thefts are not uncommon, as is vandalism like dragging keys along the paint. Now, imagine the type of miscreant who would commit such an act when he's faced with a fun new target: several blocks and dozens of cars plugged into curbside chargers. Such an individual would likely be inclined to simply unplug all the cars as they walk by. Or worse.

You can put a locking fuel cap on an conventionally-powered prevent gas from being siphoned out, but the proposed locking mechanisms on some charging couplers don't totally eliminate the possibility of someone simply disconnecting the cord. We're not sure what the solution is, but if this sort of thing were to happen on a wide scale, it's just another potential impediment to getting drivers to consider plug-in vehicles.

Will curbside EV charging fall prey to vandals and miscreants? originally appeared on Autoblog on Sat, 26 Dec 2009 11:27:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>electric vehicleelectric vehicle chargingelectric vehicle charging stationselectric vehiclesElectricVehicleElectricVehicleChargingElectricVehicleChargingStationsElectricVehiclesev chargerev chargingev charging feasibilityev charging networksev charging pointev charging stationev charging stationsEvChargerEvChargingEvChargingFeasibilityEvChargingNetworksEvChargingPointEvChargingStationEvChargingStationsSat, 26 Dec 2009 11:27:00 EST http://www.autoblog.com/feed/19289325/article-comments.xml http://www.autoblog.com/feed/2009/12/26/will-curbside-ev-charging-fall-prey-to-vandals-and-miscreants/19289325/article-detail.xml 19289325 http://www.blogcdn.com/www.autoblog.com/media/2009/12/volt-plug_300_thumbnail.jpg http://www.blogcdn.com/www.autoblog.com/media/2009/12/volt-plug_300.jpg <![CDATA[Debate rages over whether to extend HOV-lane exemptions for hybrids in CA]]>http://www.autoblog.com/2009/09/28/debate-rages-over-whether-to-extend-hov-lane-exemptions-for-hybr/http://www.autoblog.com/2009/09/28/debate-rages-over-whether-to-extend-hov-lane-exemptions-for-hybr/http://www.autoblog.com/2009/09/28/debate-rages-over-whether-to-extend-hov-lane-exemptions-for-hybr/#commentsFiled under: , ,



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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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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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.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>electric carelectric car noiseelectric carselectric vehicleelectric vehicle soundselectric vehiclesElectricCarElectricCarNoiseElectricCarsElectricVehicleElectricVehiclesElectricVehicleSoundsev soundsEvSoundsnoisesoundsFri, 18 Sep 2009 10:58:00 EST http://www.autoblog.com/feed/19166137/article-comments.xml http://www.autoblog.com/feed/2009/09/18/nissan-wants-leaf-ev-to-sound-like-em-blade-runner-em-car-for/19166137/article-detail.xml 19166137 http://www.blogcdn.com/green.autoblog.com/media/2009/08/nissan-leaf_thumbnail.jpg http://www.blogcdn.com/green.autoblog.com/media/2009/08/nissan-leaf.jpg <![CDATA[Nissan to begin retail sales of Leaf EV next year in five major U.S. markets]]>http://www.autoblog.com/2009/08/06/nissan-to-begin-retail-sales-of-leaf-ev-next-year-in-five-major/http://www.autoblog.com/2009/08/06/nissan-to-begin-retail-sales-of-leaf-ev-next-year-in-five-major/http://www.autoblog.com/2009/08/06/nissan-to-begin-retail-sales-of-leaf-ev-next-year-in-five-major/#commentsFiled under: , ,


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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