Autoblog http://www.autoblog.com Autoblog http://www.blogsmithmedia.com/www.autoblog.com/media/feedlogo.gif Autoblog http://www.autoblog.com en-us Copyright 2012 Weblogs, Inc. The contents of this feed are available for non-commercial use only. Blogsmith http://www.blogsmith.com/<![CDATA[California breaks rank again, demands over 15% of cars sold be non-polluting by 2025]]>http://www.autoblog.com/2012/01/27/california-breaks-rank-again-demands-over-15-of-cars-sold-be-n/http://www.autoblog.com/2012/01/27/california-breaks-rank-again-demands-over-15-of-cars-sold-be-n/http://www.autoblog.com/2012/01/27/california-breaks-rank-again-demands-over-15-of-cars-sold-be-n/#commentsFiled under: , ,

California Air Resources Board

Less than a year after everyone with any sort of say in the matter seemed to agree that 54.5 miles per gallon by the year 2025 was a properly attainable goal, the California Air Resources Board has decided to change things up a bit.

In addition to CAFE requirements of a 54.5-mpg fleet average (using the government's formula, not what you see on window stickers), at least 15.4 percent of all cars sold by any major automaker doing business in California will have to be either fully electric, a plug-in hybrid or be powered by a hydrogen fuel cell by 2025. There are questions about the "over-compliance" section of the bill, which we'll be investigating further.

According to Mary Nichols, chair of the California Air Resources Board, 15.4 percent is "actually a relatively modest goal, but that's all that we're mandating." Most automakers are on board, says Nichols. "Probably the most heartening aspect of this whole rulemaking was the level of cooperation that we received from the industry... Overall, the degree of support for the package was just extraordinary."

Even if automakers are on board, though, there's still a question of who will actually buy the vehicles. While everyone wants better fuel efficiency, not everyone is willing to pay for it, counters the California New Car Dealers Association, estimating that the plan would add about $3,200 to the average price of a new car or truck. Perhaps to help dissuade such fears, Nichols added that "direct incentives to people who buy these cars (like) rebates and credits" are also in the works.

At least 10 more states are likely to follow California's lead, reports Automotive News. That would put the total number of advanced green vehicles (either with a plug or powered by hydrogen) at around three million total units by 2025, 1.4 million of which would be in California.

California breaks rank again, demands over 15% of cars sold be non-polluting by 2025 originally appeared on Autoblog on Fri, 27 Jan 2012 19:29:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>cafecaliforniacalifornia air resources boardcarbevfuel economyfuel mileagemary nicholsphevzero emissionsFri, 27 Jan 2012 19:29:00 EST http://www.autoblog.com/feed/20158865/article-comments.xml http://www.autoblog.com/feed/2012/01/27/california-breaks-rank-again-demands-over-15-of-cars-sold-be-n/20158865/article-detail.xml 20158865 http://www.blogcdn.com/www.autoblog.com/media/2012/01/carb-meeting_thumbnail.jpg http://www.blogcdn.com/www.autoblog.com/media/2012/01/carb-meeting.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[PG Elektrus is yet another crack at electrifying a Lotus Elise]]>http://www.autoblog.com/2012/01/24/pg-elektrus-is-yet-another-crack-at-electrifying-a-lotus-elise/http://www.autoblog.com/2012/01/24/pg-elektrus-is-yet-another-crack-at-electrifying-a-lotus-elise/http://www.autoblog.com/2012/01/24/pg-elektrus-is-yet-another-crack-at-electrifying-a-lotus-elise/#commentsFiled under: , , , , , , ,

PG Elektrus - front view

We have good news for you if you're missing the Tesla Roadster already. German manufacturer PG has unveiled the company's new Elektrus, a Lotus-based sports EV with some very wild styling. While the company has made a name for itself producing carbon-fiber electric bicycles, the Elektrus is its first crack at the automotive market. The Randall Boggs-inspired coupe uses a Lotus Elise chassis with bodywork comprised of carbon fiber and composite, though the company is keeping powertrain details to itself for the time being. We do know the vehicle's battery pack will afford Elektrus buyers a claimed range of around 215 miles and the whole package is said to weigh under 2,000 pounds.

The company also says the cells can be topped off in around eight hours from of a standard household outlet. With around 270 horsepower and 258 pound-feet of torque, the Elektrus should be very quick on its feet. PG claims the vehicle can dash to 62 mph in under three seconds on its way to a top speed of 155 mph. Look for the vehicle to land with a gasp-inducing price tag of $367,700 at current conversion rates (including VAT) when it hits the market in Germany. Hit the jump for the press release.

Continue reading PG Elektrus is yet another crack at electrifying a Lotus Elise

PG Elektrus is yet another crack at electrifying a Lotus Elise originally appeared on Autoblog on Tue, 24 Jan 2012 09:58:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>electricelectric sports carelektruseliseevlotuslotus elisepgpg elektrusTue, 24 Jan 2012 09:58:00 EST http://www.autoblog.com/feed/20155293/article-comments.xml http://www.autoblog.com/feed/2012/01/24/pg-elektrus-is-yet-another-crack-at-electrifying-a-lotus-elise/20155293/article-detail.xml 20155293 http://www.blogcdn.com/www.autoblog.com/media/2012/01/pg-elektrus-front-628_thumbnail.jpg http://www.blogcdn.com/www.autoblog.com/media/2012/01/pg-elektrus-front-628.jpg <![CDATA[BMW ActiveE enrollment process now open in test markets]]>http://www.autoblog.com/2012/01/23/bmw-activee-enrollment-process-now-open-in-test-markets/http://www.autoblog.com/2012/01/23/bmw-activee-enrollment-process-now-open-in-test-markets/http://www.autoblog.com/2012/01/23/bmw-activee-enrollment-process-now-open-in-test-markets/#commentsFiled under: , , ,

bmw activee

It isn't every day that BMW offers an electric vehicle, but the ActiveE is just that. The German luxury car maker is now accepting applications for 700 ActiveE "Electronauts" in the test markets of Boston, Hartford, New York, Los Angeles, Sacramento, San Diego and San Francisco.

The hand-raisers will need to complete a charging station consultation with BMW Partner AeroVironment to make sure the house of the perspective lessee can handle a charger. The meeting will also serve as a teaching session to make sure the user understands the charging and maintenance of an electric vehicle.

Once the perspective lessee meets those criteria, they will be given the opportunity to lease the
4,000-pound, electrified 1 Series Coupe for 24 months at $499 per month, plus $2,250 down. Hit the jump to look over the BMW press release, and head over to BMWActivateTheFuture.com if you're interested in learning more about the ActiveE.

Continue reading BMW ActiveE enrollment process now open in test markets

BMW ActiveE enrollment process now open in test markets originally appeared on Autoblog on Mon, 23 Jan 2012 18:15:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>1 series1 series ev1-seriesactive eactiveebmwbmw activeebmw evbmw ielectricEVMon, 23 Jan 2012 18:15:00 EST http://www.autoblog.com/feed/20153759/article-comments.xml http://www.autoblog.com/feed/2012/01/23/bmw-activee-enrollment-process-now-open-in-test-markets/20153759/article-detail.xml 20153759 http://www.blogcdn.com/www.autoblog.com/media/2011/10/0000-bmw-activee-opt_thumbnail.jpg http://www.blogcdn.com/www.autoblog.com/media/2011/10/0000-bmw-activee-opt.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[Global auto execs don't see electric cars making big inroads for at least a decade]]>http://www.autoblog.com/2012/01/05/global-auto-execs-dont-see-electric-cars-making-big-inroads-for/http://www.autoblog.com/2012/01/05/global-auto-execs-dont-see-electric-cars-making-big-inroads-for/http://www.autoblog.com/2012/01/05/global-auto-execs-dont-see-electric-cars-making-big-inroads-for/#commentsFiled under: , , , ,

2012 Nissan Leaf

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.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>alternative fuelauto executivebatteryelectric carselectric vehicleevevsfuel cellhybridkpmgplug-in hybridThu, 05 Jan 2012 19:01:00 EST http://www.autoblog.com/feed/20141274/article-comments.xml http://www.autoblog.com/feed/2012/01/05/global-auto-execs-dont-see-electric-cars-making-big-inroads-for/20141274/article-detail.xml 20141274 http://www.blogcdn.com/www.autoblog.com/media/2012/01/2012nissanleaf-opt_thumbnail.jpg http://www.blogcdn.com/www.autoblog.com/media/2012/01/2012nissanleaf-opt.jpg <![CDATA[New Kia Ray is Korea's first production EV]]>http://www.autoblog.com/2011/12/22/new-kia-ray-is-koreas-first-production-ev/http://www.autoblog.com/2011/12/22/new-kia-ray-is-koreas-first-production-ev/http://www.autoblog.com/2011/12/22/new-kia-ray-is-koreas-first-production-ev/#commentsFiled under: , , , , ,

Kia Ray EV

Kia has unveiled the automaker's very first production electric vehicle. The Kia Ray EV will offer buyers a range of around 86 miles depending on driving conditions and will include a fast-charge option that should top off the cells in around 25 minutes. Otherwise, expect the 16.4 kWh lithium-ion battery pack to take around six hours to charge on a 220-volt circuit. A 50 kW electric motor provides power to the front wheels, which is good enough to get the EV to 62 mph in 15.9 seconds. That may seems slow by most standards, but its worth noting that the internal combustion Ray with its 1.0-liter gas engine makes due with significantly less torque.

Kia says that Ray EV boasts 123 pound-feet of torque, which is 77 percent more than the 1.0-liter machine. The boxy EV also uses a new type of regenerative braking system in which the electric motor generates boost for the hydraulic brake assist - just like on an internal combustion vehicle. The automaker says that the result is a linear brake that still manages to recuperate energy that would otherwise be lost during deceleration. As wonky brake feel is one of our chief sticking points with all EVs, this comes as welcome news.

Kia will manufacture 2,500 Ray EVs for government agency use in Korea, so don't expect to be able to get your hands on one anytime soon. Click past the jump for the full press release.

Continue reading New Kia Ray is Korea's first production EV

New Kia Ray is Korea's first production EV originally appeared on Autoblog on Thu, 22 Dec 2011 11:30:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>electric vehicleevfast chargekiakia evkia raykia ray evlithium ionlithium-ion batteryrayray evThu, 22 Dec 2011 11:30:00 EST http://www.autoblog.com/feed/20133653/article-comments.xml http://www.autoblog.com/feed/2011/12/22/new-kia-ray-is-koreas-first-production-ev/20133653/article-detail.xml 20133653 http://www.blogcdn.com/www.autoblog.com/media/2011/12/kia-ray-ev-628_thumbnail.jpg http://www.blogcdn.com/www.autoblog.com/media/2011/12/kia-ray-ev-628.jpg <![CDATA[Mazda planning EV for U.S. market by 2018]]>http://www.autoblog.com/2011/12/14/mazda-planning-ev-for-u-s-market-by-2018/http://www.autoblog.com/2011/12/14/mazda-planning-ev-for-u-s-market-by-2018/http://www.autoblog.com/2011/12/14/mazda-planning-ev-for-u-s-market-by-2018/#commentsFiled under: , , ,



We don't have a clue what 2018 has in store for us, but automakers' product plans extend well into the future, giving us a glimpse of what may or may not come. Automotive News reports that Mazda is planning to offer an electric vehicle in the United States by 2018, in part to satisfy California's zero-emissions vehicle requirements.

Mazda engineer Mitsuru Fujinaka reportedly told AN that the regulations make a U.S.-bound EV a near certainty, adding, "otherwise, we can't sell in California." And since California has the highest population of any state in the Union, we're thinking Mazda doesn't want to lose such a huge market. Of course, 2018 is more of a deadline than a target, so it's possible that Mazda could offer an EV in the U.S. before then.

The U.S.-bound Mazda EV may be a long way away, but that doesn't mean the automaker doesn't already have electrification plans underway in its home country. In the spring, Mazda will begin leasing an all-electric version of the Demio (the Mazda2 in the U.S.), which offers a range of 124 miles and a top speed of 87 miles per hour. The Demio will be a lease-only affair with a planned monthly take rate in the three-digit territory. The Demio EV can fast charge in 30 minutes, and a full charge takes about eight hours.

Mazda planning EV for U.S. market by 2018 originally appeared on Autoblog on Wed, 14 Dec 2011 14:29:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>demioelectric vehicleevmazdaWed, 14 Dec 2011 14:29:00 EST http://www.autoblog.com/feed/20127432/article-comments.xml http://www.autoblog.com/feed/2011/12/14/mazda-planning-ev-for-u-s-market-by-2018/20127432/article-detail.xml 20127432 http://www.blogcdn.com/www.autoblog.com/media/2011/12/09mazda2fd2011_thumbnail.jpg http://www.blogcdn.com/www.autoblog.com/media/2011/12/09mazda2fd2011.jpg <![CDATA[AMP to bring electrified American SUV to Detroit]]>http://www.autoblog.com/2011/12/09/amp-to-bring-electrified-american-suv-to-detroit/http://www.autoblog.com/2011/12/09/amp-to-bring-electrified-american-suv-to-detroit/http://www.autoblog.com/2011/12/09/amp-to-bring-electrified-american-suv-to-detroit/#commentsFiled under: , , ,

Amp Electric Vehicles

Amp Electric Vehicles is headed to the Detroit Auto Show next month with a new electric vehicle. The company is keeping the specifics of the model to itself at the moment, but we do know that the next battery-operated offering from the company will make use of an "iconic American SUV" as its platform. If we were the betting types, we'd put our hardly-earned dollars on the company pulling the sheets back on a Jeep Grand Cherokee EV. Amp has already unveiled an electrified Mercedes-Benz ML, and the two heavyweight bruisers share a common ancestry.

AutoblogGreen recently sat down with Amp CEO Jim Taylor, who said that the move to create another SUV stemmed from the fact that some fleet managers simply couldn't afford the more expensive Mercedes-Benz. In addition, the company wanted to be able to offer a domestic vehicle after abandoning plans for a Chevrolet Equinox conversion.

The company says that the final product will offer 100 miles of electric range or more while delivering buyers the same aesthetics and capability as its internal combustion sibling. Visitors to the 2012 Detroit Auto Show will be able to hop in and go for a ride as part of the show's Ride & Drive track. Hit the jump to see the full press release for yourself.

Continue reading AMP to bring electrified American SUV to Detroit

AMP to bring electrified American SUV to Detroit originally appeared on Autoblog on Fri, 09 Dec 2011 15:47:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>2012 detroit auto showampamp electric vehiclesdetroitdetroit auto showelectric suvelectric vehicleevFri, 09 Dec 2011 15:47:00 EST http://www.autoblog.com/feed/20124425/article-comments.xml http://www.autoblog.com/feed/2011/12/09/amp-to-bring-electrified-american-suv-to-detroit/20124425/article-detail.xml 20124425 http://www.blogcdn.com/www.autoblog.com/media/2011/12/amp-electric-vehicles-628_thumbnail.jpg http://www.blogcdn.com/www.autoblog.com/media/2011/12/amp-electric-vehicles-628.jpg <![CDATA[EV-STER rear-wheel drive electric sports car looks to recapture Honda's sporting spirit]]>http://www.autoblog.com/2011/11/30/honda-ev-ster-evster-concept-ev-tokyo/http://www.autoblog.com/2011/11/30/honda-ev-ster-evster-concept-ev-tokyo/http://www.autoblog.com/2011/11/30/honda-ev-ster-evster-concept-ev-tokyo/#commentsFiled under: , , , , , ,

Honda EV-Ster concept live in Tokyo

Honda has whipped the sheets off of its EV-STER, a rear-wheel drive electric roadster not dissimilar in size and scope to the late, lamented Beat kei car. If you're looking for a successor to Honda's S2000 or a Mazda MX-5 Miata rival, this isn't it - the EV-STER is significantly smaller than those cars, and with a pure electric drivetrain, this showcar is more suited to top-down fun in the city than the open road.

Purely a concept for the moment, the EV-STER offers a 160-kilometer range, a 0-37 mph (60kph) time of 5.0 seconds and a top speed of 99 mph, though Honda isn't offering much in the way of hardware specifications.

Attractive in both general form and detail, we could admittedly do without the yoke-style steering interface employed here and in Honda's other Tokyo Motor Show concepts. Steering wheel aside, we hope Honda finds a way to bring something like the EV-STER to market... and we wouldn't mind if it weren't a EV, either.

Continue reading EV-STER rear-wheel drive electric sports car looks to recapture Honda's sporting spirit

EV-STER rear-wheel drive electric sports car looks to recapture Honda's sporting spirit originally appeared on Autoblog on Wed, 30 Nov 2011 09:01:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>evev-sterevsterhondahonda beatkeiminicartokyotokyo 2011tokyo motor showWed, 30 Nov 2011 09:01:00 EST http://www.autoblog.com/feed/20117254/article-comments.xml http://www.autoblog.com/feed/2011/11/30/honda-ev-ster-evster-concept-ev-tokyo/20117254/article-detail.xml 20117254 http://www.blogcdn.com/www.autoblog.com/media/2011/11/lead-honda-evster-live_thumbnail.jpg http://www.blogcdn.com/www.autoblog.com/media/2011/11/lead-honda-evster-live.jpg <![CDATA[Honda Fit EV available in 2012 for lease only, $399 per month *UPDATE]]>http://www.autoblog.com/2011/11/17/2013-honda-fit-ev-la-2011/http://www.autoblog.com/2011/11/17/2013-honda-fit-ev-la-2011/http://www.autoblog.com/2011/11/17/2013-honda-fit-ev-la-2011/#commentsFiled under: , , ,



The idea of a all-electric Honda Fit is nothing new, but the details of the production version that will come to the United States next summer are, well, also nothing new. As announced today, the all-electric Fit will only be available through a lease program, probably for $399 per month. What's interesting is that the car does have an MSRP of $36,625, and multiple Honda reps milling around the stand after the official unveiling said that the lease-only deal is what's being announced today but that Honda listens to its customers. So, anyone who likes the idea of driving a Fit EV for a long time without having to give it back should let Honda know.

Hand raising starts today at the new Fit EV website. Honda spokesperson Jessica Fini told AutoblogGreen that the go-slow method is just how Honda likes to do things:

"Because of our experience in the '90s, we're taking a slow and steady approach and that's kind of been the Honda way, whether you're happy with it or not. Every foray into advanced technology, whether we've been the leader or second or third, we've taken that slow and steady approach. ... It's not to say that we can't, in the future, modify the program."

Technologically, the Fit EV has good numbers. For starters, how about a city range of 123 miles (this is a "preliminary estimate determined by Honda using EPA methods"). Combined, the Fit should be rated at 76 miles. Aside from some modifications to the dash and a special bio-fabric, the Fit EV is almost identical to a standard Fit on the interior. When folded down, the rear seats don't get quite as flat as they do on the gas-powered Fit because of the 20-kWh lithium-ion battery pack. As reported before, the Fit EV's motor is a 92-kW unit that was derived from the motor in the hydrogen fuel cell-powered FCX Clarity. Technology from the CR-Z Sport Hybrid also makes the jump to the Fit EV in the case of the three-mode electric drive system. With an onboard 6.6-kW 32 amp charger, the battery can fill up in three hours on a Level 2 EVSE.

What does "summer" of 2012 mean? We kept hearing that the Fit EV program is 10 months away from launch, so that would place the first deliveries in August. "Select California and Oregon markets" will be the first to get the car, followed by six areas of the East Coast in 2013. Over the three-year program, Honda plans on making 1,100 Fit EVs available here (the company is also testing the car in Japan and China. The Fit EV will only be available in one color: Reflection Blue Pearl.

*UPDATE: Fini wanted to clarify and expand on her quote, and so sent Autoblog the following:

Honda has always taken a slow and steady approach when it comes to introducing new technologies. Sometimes that means taking a different path then what the rest of the industry is doing. Honda is taking a portfolio approach when it comes to alternative fueled vehicles - introducing a variety of technologies (EV, P-HEV, FCEV, Hybrid, Natural Gas and fuel-efficient ICE) and letting the customer decide which best meets their needs.

Whether we are first or second to market with a new technology, Honda strives to exceed the customer ownership experience. With the Fit EV, we want to make sure Honda's return to the battery electric market is matched to customer's expectations of a Honda vehicle (exceptional reliability and quality). We felt leasing the Fit EV at this stage was the best way to both meet the high standards customers have come to expect from Honda and manage the customer ownership experience.

With that said, Honda is a flexible company that listens to its customers. We will be carefully monitoring customer feedback and continuously evaluating the Fit EV program when it launches next summer.

Continue reading Honda Fit EV available in 2012 for lease only, $399 per month *UPDATE

Honda Fit EV available in 2012 for lease only, $399 per month *UPDATE originally appeared on Autoblog on Thu, 17 Nov 2011 11:01:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>2011 la auto show2013 honda fit evelectric vehicleevfitfit evhondalala 2011la auto showThu, 17 Nov 2011 11:01:00 EST http://www.autoblog.com/feed/20108336/article-comments.xml http://www.autoblog.com/feed/2011/11/17/2013-honda-fit-ev-la-2011/20108336/article-detail.xml 20108336 http://www.blogcdn.com/green.autoblog.com/media/2011/11/01-2012-honda-fit-ev-live628_thumbnail.jpg http://www.blogcdn.com/green.autoblog.com/media/2011/11/01-2012-honda-fit-ev-live628.jpg <![CDATA[Could bamboo resin be a good alternative to carbon fiber for cars?]]>http://www.autoblog.com/2011/10/06/could-bamboo-resin-be-a-good-alternative-to-carbon-fiber-for-car/http://www.autoblog.com/2011/10/06/could-bamboo-resin-be-a-good-alternative-to-carbon-fiber-for-car/http://www.autoblog.com/2011/10/06/could-bamboo-resin-be-a-good-alternative-to-carbon-fiber-for-car/#commentsFiled under: , ,

2002 Ford MA Concept

The quest for ever-better lightweight manufacturing materials has led one electric vehicle builder to consider using woven bamboo fiber and vegetable resin in the place of costly carbon fiber or heavy fiberglass. The material is already being put to use in the surfboard industry, and Greg Abbott, a guy who spends his days converting internal-combustion vehicles to EVs, says that in the future, EV kits may have bodies that use bamboo for their body structure. Abbott says the material is strong enough to fall somewhere between fiberglass and carbon fiber on the strength-to-width ratio scale.

Bamboo has a number of fairly obvious appealing traits as a manufacturing material. The crop is quick-growing, stout and easily replenished, which makes it inexpensive as well. The plant is used in everything from flooring to textiles, paper and water processing, so the thought of turning to bamboo for car bodies isn't that far fetched.

Could bamboo resin be a good alternative to carbon fiber for cars? originally appeared on Autoblog on Thu, 06 Oct 2011 08:59:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>bamboobamboo fibercarbon fiberelectric vehicleevfiberglassgreg abbottresinvegetable resinThu, 06 Oct 2011 08:59:00 EST http://www.autoblog.com/feed/20072663/article-comments.xml http://www.autoblog.com/feed/2011/10/06/could-bamboo-resin-be-a-good-alternative-to-carbon-fiber-for-car/20072663/article-detail.xml 20072663 http://www.blogcdn.com/www.autoblog.com/media/2011/10/2002fordmaconcept1_thumbnail.jpg http://www.blogcdn.com/www.autoblog.com/media/2011/10/2002fordmaconcept1.jpg <![CDATA[Kia bringing EV to market this year]]>http://www.autoblog.com/2011/10/02/kia-bringing-ev-to-market-this-year/http://www.autoblog.com/2011/10/02/kia-bringing-ev-to-market-this-year/http://www.autoblog.com/2011/10/02/kia-bringing-ev-to-market-this-year/#commentsFiled under: , , , ,

Hyundai Blue Drive Badge

Automotive News reports that Kia will launch a small electric vehicle by the end of this year, and that it will be the first car in a wave of forthcoming Korean EVs. It's not known if or when the new electric cars will eventually arrive in the U.S., though it would hardly be surprising if they did. Hyundai Motor Group calls this EV initiative the TAM project, and that the first vehicle to come out of it will ride on the subcompact Hyundai i10 platform.

All told, Automotive News says that Kia will produce 2,000EVs for 2012. A small group of BlueOn Hyundai i10 EVs has been ongoing in South Korea, and it's thought that the lessons learned will be applied to the upcoming Kia vehicle.

This is Hyundai's first real push into the electric vehicle segment. While Japanese and domestic automakers have already brought production EVs to market, Hyundai and Kia have contented themselves with offerings like the Sonata Hybrid and Optima Hybrid.

Kia bringing EV to market this year originally appeared on Autoblog on Sun, 02 Oct 2011 14:02:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>electric vehicleevhyundai evhyundai i10hyundai i10 evhyundai motor grouphyundai tam projectkiakia evkia tam projecttamtam projectSun, 02 Oct 2011 14:02:00 EST http://www.autoblog.com/feed/20071389/article-comments.xml http://www.autoblog.com/feed/2011/10/02/kia-bringing-ev-to-market-this-year/20071389/article-detail.xml 20071389 http://www.blogcdn.com/www.autoblog.com/media/2011/10/hyundai-blue-drive-badge-628_thumbnail.jpg http://www.blogcdn.com/www.autoblog.com/media/2011/10/hyundai-blue-drive-badge-628.jpg <![CDATA[GM and Chinese automaker SAIC sign EV deal]]>http://www.autoblog.com/2011/09/20/gm-and-chinese-automaker-saic-sign-ev-deal/http://www.autoblog.com/2011/09/20/gm-and-chinese-automaker-saic-sign-ev-deal/http://www.autoblog.com/2011/09/20/gm-and-chinese-automaker-saic-sign-ev-deal/#commentsFiled under: , , ,



General Motors has announced that it will partner with China's SAIC Motor Corporation on the development of an all-new electric vehicle. The final product will be sold in China under the SAIC brand, but GM will benefit from the deal by having a new electric vehicle platform which can be used to spawn new vehicles in other global markets.

The new EV will be developed at SAIC and GM's Pan Asia Technical Automotive Center in Shanghai, where teams from both companies will work together to develop key components of the vehicle's structure. Of course, it's still unclear exactly what type of vehicle will come from this partnership, though GM notes that this partnership's work was previewed by the Sail concept that debuted late last year. Hit the jump for the official press release.

Continue reading GM and Chinese automaker SAIC sign EV deal

GM and Chinese automaker SAIC sign EV deal originally appeared on Autoblog on Tue, 20 Sep 2011 14:01:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>electric vehicleevgeneral motorsgmgm chinasaicsail conceptshanghaiTue, 20 Sep 2011 14:01:00 EST http://www.autoblog.com/feed/20047369/article-comments.xml http://www.autoblog.com/feed/2011/09/20/gm-and-chinese-automaker-saic-sign-ev-deal/20047369/article-detail.xml 20047369 http://www.blogcdn.com/www.autoblog.com/media/2011/09/0920_thumbnail.jpg http://www.blogcdn.com/www.autoblog.com/media/2011/09/0920.jpg <![CDATA[Infiniti releases sketch of upcoming EV sedan]]>http://www.autoblog.com/2011/09/13/infiniti-releases-sketch-of-upcoming-ev-sedan/http://www.autoblog.com/2011/09/13/infiniti-releases-sketch-of-upcoming-ev-sedan/http://www.autoblog.com/2011/09/13/infiniti-releases-sketch-of-upcoming-ev-sedan/#commentsFiled under: , , ,



Infiniti is using its presence here at the Frankfurt Motor Show to not only show off its newest goodness (more on that later today), but to give us a glimpse of what's to come. The Japanese automaker released this sketch of what we're told is a five-seat zero-emissions vehicle set to launch sometime in 2014.

Those are the only details we have about the EV sedan as of this writing, but Infiniti promises us that it will stand true to the brand's promise of "inspired performance." Infiniti's incredibly brief, official statement is yours for the reading after the jump.

Continue reading Infiniti releases sketch of upcoming EV sedan

Infiniti releases sketch of upcoming EV sedan originally appeared on Autoblog on Tue, 13 Sep 2011 08:32:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>2011 frankfurtconceptevfrankfurtfrankfurt motor showinfinitisedanTue, 13 Sep 2011 08:32:00 EST http://www.autoblog.com/feed/20041331/article-comments.xml http://www.autoblog.com/feed/2011/09/13/infiniti-releases-sketch-of-upcoming-ev-sedan/20041331/article-detail.xml 20041331 http://www.blogcdn.com/www.autoblog.com/media/2011/09/infiniti628_thumbnail.jpg http://www.blogcdn.com/www.autoblog.com/media/2011/09/infiniti628.jpg <![CDATA[Fiat bringing three new 500s to the U.S.]]>http://www.autoblog.com/2011/08/13/fiat-bringing-three-new-500s-to-the-u-s/http://www.autoblog.com/2011/08/13/fiat-bringing-three-new-500s-to-the-u-s/http://www.autoblog.com/2011/08/13/fiat-bringing-three-new-500s-to-the-u-s/#commentsFiled under: , , , ,

Fiat 500 and 500C

We already know that Fiat plans to bring a hotter version of the 500 sometime next year, with the 175-horsepower Abarth variant likely to come in both coupe and cabrio flavors. Now comes word that two other 500-branded models are on their way and one of them will be squarely aimed at families.

According to AutoWeek, we can expect to see a fully electric version of the 500 next year, packing a lithium-ion battery pack and carrying a sticker of around $30,000. Development mules are currently testing at Chrysler's Technical Center in Auburn Hills, Michigan, and it's assumed that the 500 EV will have a range of around 100 miles.

More interestingly, the previously confirmed Fiat crossover will be branded as a 500 and will come equipped with four doors, five seats and a new four-cylinder. The platform, however, will not be based on the current 500's underpinnings and instead use a new compact architecture that will underpin the Compass replacement, two other Jeeps and a new pint-sized crossover from Chrysler. Expect the mini 'ute to debut at next year's Geneva Motor Show, with sales beginning in Europe late next year with the U.S. version arriving in 2013.

Fiat bringing three new 500s to the U.S. originally appeared on Autoblog on Sat, 13 Aug 2011 09:58:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>500electricevfiatfiat 500fiat 500 abarthfiat 500 electricfiat 500 evfiat 500c abarthSat, 13 Aug 2011 09:58:00 EST http://www.autoblog.com/feed/20016577/article-comments.xml http://www.autoblog.com/feed/2011/08/13/fiat-bringing-three-new-500s-to-the-u-s/20016577/article-detail.xml 20016577 http://www.blogcdn.com/www.autoblog.com/media/2011/08/35-2012-fiat-500c-630op_thumbnail.jpg http://www.blogcdn.com/www.autoblog.com/media/2011/08/35-2012-fiat-500c-630op.jpg <![CDATA[Fed launching $8.75M study into fire risks from EV batteries]]>http://www.autoblog.com/2011/06/10/fed-launching-8-75m-study-into-fire-risks-from-ev-batteries/http://www.autoblog.com/2011/06/10/fed-launching-8-75m-study-into-fire-risks-from-ev-batteries/http://www.autoblog.com/2011/06/10/fed-launching-8-75m-study-into-fire-risks-from-ev-batteries/#commentsFiled under: , , , , ,

2011 Chevrolet Volt Charger

The National Highway Traffic Safety Administration has launched an extended investigation into any possible fire risk associated with the lithium-ion batteries in electric vehicles. The $8.75 million study will last through 2014 and will specifically focus on whether or not the cells can catch fire while being charged at home or when in an accident. Automotive News reports that the study was spurred by a recall initiated by computer maker Dell for potentially faulty laptop cells. In certain rare circumstances, the Sony-manufactured cells could overheat and cause a fire.

As Automotive News points out, most electric vehicle batteries are only in danger of overheating during an over-charge situation.

Despite the fact that the vast majority of hybrids on the road today use a nickel-metal hydride battery, the study will focus solely on the danger posed by lithium-ion technology. That's because those cells are forecasted to power up to 70 percent of all hybrids and EVs on the road within the next 10 years.

Fed launching $8.75M study into fire risks from EV batteries originally appeared on Autoblog on Fri, 10 Jun 2011 12:59:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>electric vehicleevlithium ionlithium ion batteriesnational highway traffic safety administrationnhtsaFri, 10 Jun 2011 12:59:00 EST http://www.autoblog.com/feed/19963703/article-comments.xml http://www.autoblog.com/feed/2011/06/10/fed-launching-8-75m-study-into-fire-risks-from-ev-batteries/19963703/article-detail.xml 19963703 http://www.blogcdn.com/www.autoblog.com/media/2011/06/volt-charger-630-1307709053_thumbnail.jpg http://www.blogcdn.com/www.autoblog.com/media/2011/06/volt-charger-630-1307709053.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[<i>Top Gear</i> crew makes pit stop, has trouble charging electric cars [w/video]]]>http://www.autoblog.com/2011/05/12/top-gear-crew-makes-pit-stop-has-trouble-charging-electr/http://www.autoblog.com/2011/05/12/top-gear-crew-makes-pit-stop-has-trouble-charging-electr/http://www.autoblog.com/2011/05/12/top-gear-crew-makes-pit-stop-has-trouble-charging-electr/#commentsFiled under: , , , ,

Jeremy Clarkson gets a push in a Nissan Leaf
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.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>bbcelectric carsevionjames mayjeremy clarksonleafnissannissan leafpeugeot iontop gearThu, 12 May 2011 20:25:00 EST http://www.autoblog.com/feed/19939099/article-comments.xml http://www.autoblog.com/feed/2011/05/12/top-gear-crew-makes-pit-stop-has-trouble-charging-electr/19939099/article-detail.xml 19939099 http://www.blogcdn.com/www.autoblog.com/media/2011/05/top-gear-nissan-leaf_thumbnail.jpg http://www.blogcdn.com/www.autoblog.com/media/2011/05/top-gear-nissan-leaf.jpg <![CDATA[How Ford is using Google's Prediction API to increase efficiency]]>http://www.autoblog.com/2011/05/11/how-ford-is-using-googles-prediction-api-to-increase-efficiency/http://www.autoblog.com/2011/05/11/how-ford-is-using-googles-prediction-api-to-increase-efficiency/http://www.autoblog.com/2011/05/11/how-ford-is-using-googles-prediction-api-to-increase-efficiency/#commentsFiled under: , , ,

Ford uses Google's Prediction API to increase efficiency
Ford uses Google's Prediction API to increase efficiency - Click above to watch the video after the break

Yesterday we got word that Ford was tapping Google's new Prediction API to provide location and routing services for its fleet of plug-in hybrids and full EVs. Today, Ford's engineers are speaking at the Google I/O developers summit and they've released a video explaining how the system works and how they plan to implement it.

You can get the full details in our previous post, but the short-and-sweet version is this: Ford drivers can opt-in for the service, which tracks their daily driving routine, and, after building a database of destinations and waypoints, the system provides drivers with more efficient routing to optimize their powertrain, reduce range anxiety and decrease commute times. We've snagged a handful of slides from Ford's presentation and you can check out the full video after the jump.

Continue reading How Ford is using Google's Prediction API to increase efficiency

How Ford is using Google's Prediction API to increase efficiency originally appeared on Autoblog on Wed, 11 May 2011 18:28:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>androidelectric vehicleevfordford plug-inford plug-in hybridgooglegoogle prediction apihybridWed, 11 May 2011 18:28:00 EST http://www.autoblog.com/feed/19938181/article-comments.xml http://www.autoblog.com/feed/2011/05/11/how-ford-is-using-googles-prediction-api-to-increase-efficiency/19938181/article-detail.xml 19938181 http://www.blogcdn.com/www.autoblog.com/media/2011/05/15-ford-google-prediciton-slides-630op_thumbnail.jpg http://www.blogcdn.com/www.autoblog.com/media/2011/05/15-ford-google-prediciton-slides-630op.jpg -1 2