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[Audi A3 E-Tron is a look at battery-operated things to come]]>http://www.autoblog.com/2013/03/05/audi-a3-e-tron-geneva-2013/http://www.autoblog.com/2013/03/05/audi-a3-e-tron-geneva-2013/http://www.autoblog.com/2013/03/05/audi-a3-e-tron-geneva-2013/#commentsFiled under: , , , , , , ,

Audi A3 e-tron

Audi officially unveiled the A3 Sportback E-Tron at the 2013 Geneva Motor Show. While not a production model, the plug-in hybrid gives us a good glimpse at what the German automaker has in store for future products. The five-door gets around thanks to parallel hybrid drivetrain comprised of a turbocharged 1.4-liter four-cylinder engine and a small electric motor integrated into the vehicle's six-speed dual-clutch transmission. While the four-cylinder churns up 150 horsepower and 184 pound-feet of torque, the motor contributes 100 horsepower and 242 lb-ft of twist. All told, the design allows the E-Tron to serve up its full power from just 1,750 rpm.

An 8.8-kWh lithium-ion battery sits under the floor beneath the rear seat, complete with a liquid cooling system designed to keep the pack in its optimum temperature range. The A3 Sportback E-Tron can be charged in as little as 2.5 hours with a 3.6-kW charger, yielding an EV range of up to 31 miles. The machine can also travel using the electric motor, ICE or a combination of the two for a total range of 584 miles. Check out the full press release below.

Continue reading Audi A3 E-Tron is a look at battery-operated things to come

Audi A3 E-Tron is a look at battery-operated things to come originally appeared on Autoblog on Tue, 05 Mar 2013 16:22:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>a3a3 e-tronaudiaudi a3 e-trone-trongenevageneva 2013geneva motor showhybridplug-inplug-in hybridTue, 05 Mar 2013 16:22:00 EST http://www.autoblog.com/feed/20488588/article-comments.xml http://www.autoblog.com/feed/2013/03/05/audi-a3-e-tron-geneva-2013/20488588/article-detail.xml 20488588 http://www.blogcdn.com/www.autoblog.com/media/2013/03/audi-a3-e-tron-geneva_thumbnail.jpg http://www.blogcdn.com/www.autoblog.com/media/2013/03/audi-a3-e-tron-geneva.jpg <![CDATA[Toyota i-Road is no less strange in the flesh]]>http://www.autoblog.com/2013/03/05/toyota-i-road-concept-geneva-2013/http://www.autoblog.com/2013/03/05/toyota-i-road-concept-geneva-2013/http://www.autoblog.com/2013/03/05/toyota-i-road-concept-geneva-2013/#commentsFiled under: , , , , , ,

Toyota i-Road Concept

We've seen plenty of three-wheeled creations in our day, but none quite like the Toyota i-Road Concept. The "personal mobility vehicle" offers seating for two with driver and passenger positioned in a tandem position. While that may sound more like a motorcycle than a car, the closed cockpit means riders don't need a helmet. The design also takes a page from the 2008 Peugeot HyMotion3 Concept with an articulating front suspension that allows the driver to lean through corners thanks to "Active Lean" self-balancing technology. Unlike the funky Pug, however, the i-Road is a fully electric plug-in vehicle.

While there are just five-horsepower on hand from an electric motor, the i-Road should serve up a range of around 30 miles thanks to its lithium-ion battery, and Toyota claims the cells can be topped off in three hours with a "conventional domestic power supply." Sounds majestic. Take in the full press release below.

Continue reading Toyota i-Road is no less strange in the flesh

Toyota i-Road is no less strange in the flesh originally appeared on Autoblog on Tue, 05 Mar 2013 15:01:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>conceptelectric vehicleevgenevageneva 2013geneva motor showi-roadi-road conceptplug-intoyotatoyota i-road conceptTue, 05 Mar 2013 15:01:00 EST http://www.autoblog.com/feed/20488559/article-comments.xml http://www.autoblog.com/feed/2013/03/05/toyota-i-road-concept-geneva-2013/20488559/article-detail.xml 20488559 http://www.blogcdn.com/www.autoblog.com/media/2013/03/003-toyota-i-road-concept628opt_thumbnail.jpg http://www.blogcdn.com/www.autoblog.com/media/2013/03/003-toyota-i-road-concept628opt.jpg <![CDATA[Tesla curbs forecast due to Model S issues, losses total $864.9M]]>http://www.autoblog.com/2012/09/25/tesla-curbs-forecast-due-to-model-s-issues-losses-total-864-9m/http://www.autoblog.com/2012/09/25/tesla-curbs-forecast-due-to-model-s-issues-losses-total-864-9m/http://www.autoblog.com/2012/09/25/tesla-curbs-forecast-due-to-model-s-issues-losses-total-864-9m/#commentsFiled under: , , , , ,

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>2013 tesla model selectric carelon muskmodel splug-insecsec filingsecurities and exchange commissionsedanteslaTue, 25 Sep 2012 19:15:00 EST http://www.autoblog.com/feed/20332984/article-comments.xml http://www.autoblog.com/feed/2012/09/25/tesla-curbs-forecast-due-to-model-s-issues-losses-total-864-9m/20332984/article-detail.xml 20332984 http://www.blogcdn.com/www.autoblog.com/media/2012/09/2012-tesla-model-s-fd_thumbnail.jpeg http://www.blogcdn.com/www.autoblog.com/media/2012/09/2012-tesla-model-s-fd.jpeg <![CDATA[2013 Honda Accord Plug-in Hybrid snapped almost completely exposed]]>http://www.autoblog.com/2012/06/07/2013-honda-accord-plug-in-hybrid-snapped-almost-completely-expos/http://www.autoblog.com/2012/06/07/2013-honda-accord-plug-in-hybrid-snapped-almost-completely-expos/http://www.autoblog.com/2012/06/07/2013-honda-accord-plug-in-hybrid-snapped-almost-completely-expos/#commentsFiled under: , , , , , ,

2013 Honda Accord Plug-In Hybrid - spy shot - night - front three-quarter view

Look what our spies stumbled upon the other evening in Los Angeles: It's the 2013 Honda Accord Plug-In Hybrid, sans cladding. While these night shots aren't the best quality, we have yet to see any more revealing images of the next-generation Honda family sedan.

Forget for a minute that this Accord is clearly the plug-in hybrid variant - you can tell by the extra fuel filler door on the front fender - and just check out the grille and those headlights. Look familiar? It should, unless you missed the Honda Concept C at the recent Beijing Motor Show.

We're glad to see that its more aggressive front fascia has been applied nearly lock, stock, and smoking barrel to the Accord. (Is there any Honda that more needs this shot in the arm?) But it does raise some questions about the first set of 2013 Accord spy shots we saw last week, which show the car wearing a different nose. Will Honda have two different looks for the new Accord, one for the Plain Jane sedan and another, more exciting front fascia for its green model? It's a strategy that Hyundai employs on the Sonata, but we certainly can't confirm such a theory yet.

We do, however, have some evidence of what Honda will be doing to the rear end of the Accord, which is making it more aerodynamic via those squared-off bumper edges on either side of the car. The car snapped in the pictures also appears to have a little spoiler on the lip of the trunk, though again, we can't say whether these details are exclusive to the Accord Plug-In Hybrid or might make their way into all the Accord models.

Either way, these images look promising, as they show a car that's both more attractive and dynamic than the eighth-generation Accord we've been living with since 2008.

2013 Honda Accord Plug-in Hybrid snapped almost completely exposed originally appeared on Autoblog on Thu, 07 Jun 2012 13:00:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>2013 honda accord2013 honda accord plug-in hybridaccordaccord hybridaccord phevaccord plug-inhondahybridphevplug-inplug-in hybridspy photosspy shotsThu, 07 Jun 2012 13:00:00 EST http://www.autoblog.com/feed/20253645/article-comments.xml http://www.autoblog.com/feed/2012/06/07/2013-honda-accord-plug-in-hybrid-snapped-almost-completely-expos/20253645/article-detail.xml 20253645 http://www.blogcdn.com/www.autoblog.com/media/2012/06/2013-honda-accord-plug-in-hybrid-01-1339081096_thumbnail.jpg http://www.blogcdn.com/www.autoblog.com/media/2012/06/2013-honda-accord-plug-in-hybrid-01-1339081096.jpg <![CDATA[Translogic examines the power of plug-in hybrids for commercial fleets]]>http://www.autoblog.com/2012/05/17/translogic-examines-the-power-of-plug-in-hybrids-for-commercial/http://www.autoblog.com/2012/05/17/translogic-examines-the-power-of-plug-in-hybrids-for-commercial/http://www.autoblog.com/2012/05/17/translogic-examines-the-power-of-plug-in-hybrids-for-commercial/#commentsFiled under: , , , , ,

ALTe Ford F-150

The crew at Translogic took the time to stop by and see the the team at ALTe Powertrain Technologies recently. Founded by a group of former Tesla Motors executives, the company focuses on building plug-in hybrid conversions for fleet vehicles. From creations like a Ford F-150 with a 2.0-liter gasoline engine and two 60-kilowatt electric motors to full-size delivery trucks, buses and vans, the company is focused on reducing fuel consumption on some of the largest and hardest-working machinery out there. ALTe says the F-150 conversion supplies up to 465 pound-feet of torque, which is more than the old 4.6-liter V8.

Most of the truck conversions come with 22-kWh lithium-ion battery packs, which yield 25-40 miles of all-electric range. From there, the four-cylinder kicks in to keep the batteries charged and the motors spinning.

ALTe says the company has focused on Ford conversions first, since the F-Series is the largest-selling pickup in the country. While E-Series and Panther-based creations are also on the docket, ALTe is also focusing on partnering with OEMs in China. Scroll down to check out the video for yourself.

Continue reading Translogic examines the power of plug-in hybrids for commercial fleets

Translogic examines the power of plug-in hybrids for commercial fleets originally appeared on Autoblog on Thu, 17 May 2012 16:59:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>altealte powertrain technologiesf-150fordford f-150hybridplug-inplug-in hybridThu, 17 May 2012 16:59:00 EST http://www.autoblog.com/feed/20239129/article-comments.xml http://www.autoblog.com/feed/2012/05/17/translogic-examines-the-power-of-plug-in-hybrids-for-commercial/20239129/article-detail.xml 20239129 http://www.blogcdn.com/www.autoblog.com/media/2012/05/alte-ford-f-150_thumbnail.jpg http://www.blogcdn.com/www.autoblog.com/media/2012/05/alte-ford-f-150.jpg <![CDATA[Toyota Prius Plug-In third fastest-selling car in America]]>http://www.autoblog.com/2012/05/10/toyota-prius-plug-in-third-fastest-selling-car-in-america/http://www.autoblog.com/2012/05/10/toyota-prius-plug-in-third-fastest-selling-car-in-america/http://www.autoblog.com/2012/05/10/toyota-prius-plug-in-third-fastest-selling-car-in-america/#commentsFiled under: , , , , ,

Toyota Prius Plug-In

The good people at Cars.com have slogged their way through sales data from April and found something interesting. The Toyota Prius Plug-In managed to walk away as the third quickest-selling car in the U.S., spending just five days on dealer lots. That figure was good enough to land it behind the BMW X3 and X5, both of which take four days to find a new homes. The plug-in hybrid has only been on sale for two months, and took the honor of being the second-quickest selling vehicle in March, according to Cars.com.

The report also took the time to look at the slowest-selling models around. Surprisingly, the Porsche Boxster sits at the top of that list, taking a whopping 250 days to turn. The 2012 BMW 6 Series isn't doing much better. The 650i Convertible took fourth place with an average of 128 days on the lot while the 640i Coupe rounds out the top 10 with 111 days. Perhaps even more shocking is the news that there are four vehicles selling slower than the Nissan Murano Cross Cabriolet at 120 days on dealer lots. Head over to Cars.com for the full report.

Toyota Prius Plug-In third fastest-selling car in America originally appeared on Autoblog on Thu, 10 May 2012 11:00:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>2012 toyota prius plug-inaprilbest-selling carsfastest selling carsplug-inprius plug-inslowest selling carstoyotatoyota prius plug-inThu, 10 May 2012 11:00:00 EST http://www.autoblog.com/feed/20233908/article-comments.xml http://www.autoblog.com/feed/2012/05/10/toyota-prius-plug-in-third-fastest-selling-car-in-america/20233908/article-detail.xml 20233908 http://www.blogcdn.com/www.autoblog.com/media/2012/05/toyota-prius-plug-in-628_thumbnail.jpg http://www.blogcdn.com/www.autoblog.com/media/2012/05/toyota-prius-plug-in-628.jpg <![CDATA[Audi tries hand at luxury PHEVs with A6 L e-tron concept]]>http://www.autoblog.com/2012/04/23/audi-tries-hand-at-luxury-phevs-with-a6-l-e-tron-concept/http://www.autoblog.com/2012/04/23/audi-tries-hand-at-luxury-phevs-with-a6-l-e-tron-concept/http://www.autoblog.com/2012/04/23/audi-tries-hand-at-luxury-phevs-with-a6-l-e-tron-concept/#commentsFiled under: , , , , , , , , ,

Audi A6 L e-tron Concept - tight three-quarter view

Audi has finally spread its plug-in hybrid technology to the A6 L. The German automaker unveiled the A6 L e-Tron technology study on Monday at the 2012 Beijing Motor Show, complete with an all-electric driving range of nearly 50 miles at 37 mph. Liquid-cooled lithium-ion batteries power the 95-horsepower electric motor, though a 211-hp turbocharged 2.0-liter four-cylinder can step in at any time for more acceleration or additional range. The A6 L e-tron can operate in fully-electric, hybrid or gasoline mode as needed. While the A6 L e-tron concept is technically an engineering study at the moment, Audi does admit the sedan could indicate what a Chinese-built A6 hybrid could look like in the future.

The cabin offers buyers the same level of space and comfort as the internal-combustion A6 L, though a new instrument panel and vehicle information display conveys data on battery charge status, range and available drive system power. Audi's engineers have have also specifically calibrated the sedan's MMI touch system to recognize 29,000 Chinese characters, which we can only imagine was no mean feat. Scroll below for the full press release.

Continue reading Audi tries hand at luxury PHEVs with A6 L e-tron concept

Audi tries hand at luxury PHEVs with A6 L e-tron concept originally appeared on Autoblog on Mon, 23 Apr 2012 18:00:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>a6a6 l e-tronaudiaudi a6audi a6 l e-tronbeijingbeijing 2012beijing motor showe-tronhybridplug-inplug-in hybridMon, 23 Apr 2012 18:00:00 EST http://www.autoblog.com/feed/20221981/article-comments.xml http://www.autoblog.com/feed/2012/04/23/audi-tries-hand-at-luxury-phevs-with-a6-l-e-tron-concept/20221981/article-detail.xml 20221981 http://www.blogcdn.com/www.autoblog.com/media/2012/04/01-audi-a6-e-tron-concept-628_thumbnail.jpg http://www.blogcdn.com/www.autoblog.com/media/2012/04/01-audi-a6-e-tron-concept-628.jpg <![CDATA[Porsche Panamera to get plug-in model for 2014?]]>http://www.autoblog.com/2012/03/21/porsche-panamera-to-get-plug-in-model-for-2014/http://www.autoblog.com/2012/03/21/porsche-panamera-to-get-plug-in-model-for-2014/http://www.autoblog.com/2012/03/21/porsche-panamera-to-get-plug-in-model-for-2014/#commentsFiled under: , , , , , ,

Porsche Panamera

Automotive News reports Porsche is hard at work on a plug-in hybrid version of its Panamera. According to unnamed sources, the vehicle is likely to begin production in 2014 and will be destined for the U.S. market. The move is part of a larger plug-in offensive from Volkswagen. VW owns 49.9 percent of Porsche and plans to debut electrified versions of its Audi Q7 and A3 as well as the European Passat. Those vehicles will reportedly trickle to market between 2014 and 2015. An all-electric Golf is also due in 2013.

Volkswagen has already made it clear the company believes the future of green driving lies in diesels and plug-in hybrids, saying the latter combines the best elements of electric propulsion and internal combustion without the compromises of a hybrid. So, why introduce plug-ins in the automaker's luxury brands? Volkswagen claims high-end buyers are more likely to take long trips, and thus need the range-extending capability of an internal combustion engine as well. Us? We think it's easier for well-heeled buyers to absorb the technology's cost premium in their already higher MSRPs.

Porsche Panamera to get plug-in model for 2014? originally appeared on Autoblog on Wed, 21 Mar 2012 08:30:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>2014 porsche panamerapanamerapanamera plug-in hybridphevplug-inporscheporsche panameraporsche panamera plug-in hybridWed, 21 Mar 2012 08:30:00 EST http://www.autoblog.com/feed/20196332/article-comments.xml http://www.autoblog.com/feed/2012/03/21/porsche-panamera-to-get-plug-in-model-for-2014/20196332/article-detail.xml 20196332 http://www.blogcdn.com/www.autoblog.com/media/2012/03/porsche-panamera-628_thumbnail.jpg http://www.blogcdn.com/www.autoblog.com/media/2012/03/porsche-panamera-628.jpg <![CDATA[Obama's proposed budget calls for upping plug-in vehicle tax credit to $10,000]]>http://www.autoblog.com/2012/02/15/obamas-new-energy-policy-calls-for-upping-plug-in-vehicle-tax-c/http://www.autoblog.com/2012/02/15/obamas-new-energy-policy-calls-for-upping-plug-in-vehicle-tax-c/http://www.autoblog.com/2012/02/15/obamas-new-energy-policy-calls-for-upping-plug-in-vehicle-tax-c/#commentsFiled under: , ,



As a candidate, Barack Obama promised to try and get a million plug-in vehicles on U.S. roads by 2015. In his State of the Union address in 2011, he repeated that number and proposed turning the $7,500 tax credit into a point-of-purchase rebate. That hasn't yet happened, but in the President's proposed budget that was released this week, Obama took another stab at promoting plug-ins: upping the maximum credit to $10,000.

To go along with pushing PHEVs, the budget calls for cutting more subsidies that Big Oil currently enjoys. Of course, the President's political opponents quickly called the proposal nothing more than a "campaign document" that would divide America. Others are proposing that the PHEV tax credit be eliminated entirely.

Getting to a million plug-ins in four years will be tough. Last year, the top two plug-ins, the Chevrolet Volt and the Nissan Leaf, sold just 17,345 units, combined. Add in sales of the Tesla Roadster and the new Mitsubishi i, and that leaves 980,000 or so to go. Do you think an extra $2,500 off the price of the car - plus more models to choose from - will do the trick?

Obama's proposed budget calls for upping plug-in vehicle tax credit to $10,000 originally appeared on Autoblog on Wed, 15 Feb 2012 15:59:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>electric vehicleenergy policyobamaphevplug-inplug-in hybridtax creditWed, 15 Feb 2012 15:59:00 EST http://www.autoblog.com/feed/20172640/article-comments.xml http://www.autoblog.com/feed/2012/02/15/obamas-new-energy-policy-calls-for-upping-plug-in-vehicle-tax-c/20172640/article-detail.xml 20172640 http://www.blogcdn.com/www.autoblog.com/media/2012/02/obama.7b6af5587fce43618f1980e9e96e8440-opt_thumbnail.jpg http://www.blogcdn.com/www.autoblog.com/media/2012/02/obama.7b6af5587fce43618f1980e9e96e8440-opt.jpg <![CDATA[Honda AC-X Concept PHEV is ready to move you]]>http://www.autoblog.com/2011/11/30/honda-ac-x-acx-concept-tokyo-2011/http://www.autoblog.com/2011/11/30/honda-ac-x-acx-concept-tokyo-2011/http://www.autoblog.com/2011/11/30/honda-ac-x-acx-concept-tokyo-2011/#commentsFiled under: , , , , , , ,



Honda is bringing a whole range of transportation solutions to the Tokyo Motor Show, from this plug-in hybrid sedan concept to folding scooters and pod cars. Dubbed AC-X for Advanced Cruiser eXperience, this streamlined sedan draws heavily from the FCX Clarity fuel cell sedan's aesthetics, applying its design language to a plug-in hybrid electric showcar.

Powered by a 1.6-liter four-cylinder and a pair of electric motors, the four-seat AC-X features a super-slippery .21 cD thanks to active aero bits (front bumper, side skirts and rear diffuser) and transparent full wheel covers that remain stationary when the car is in motion.

Just as interestingly, the AC-X explores autonomous control, with "Automatic Drive Mode Support," which folds the control yoke 'wheel' into the dashboard, reclines the front seat and presents an ottoman for the driver's legs, all while safely delivering its passengers to their destination.

Despite such future-think technologies, the AC-X's powertrain seems remarkably near-term, with a realistic EV-only cruising range of 50 kilometers and a maximum electric-only top speed of 100 kph (62 mph). Check out more in our gallery live from the show floor.

Honda AC-X Concept PHEV is ready to move you originally appeared on Autoblog on Wed, 30 Nov 2011 08:00:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>ac-xacxautomatic drive mode supportautonomousautonomyhondaphevplug-intokyotokyo 2011tokyo motor showWed, 30 Nov 2011 08:00:00 EST http://www.autoblog.com/feed/20117218/article-comments.xml http://www.autoblog.com/feed/2011/11/30/honda-ac-x-acx-concept-tokyo-2011/20117218/article-detail.xml 20117218 http://www.blogcdn.com/www.autoblog.com/media/2011/11/honda-acx-1-concept-lead_thumbnail.jpg http://www.blogcdn.com/www.autoblog.com/media/2011/11/honda-acx-1-concept-lead.jpg <![CDATA[Honda previews Small Sports EV and AC-X plug-in concepts for Tokyo]]>http://www.autoblog.com/2011/11/10/honda-previews-small-sports-ev-and-ac-x-plug-in-concepts-for-tok/http://www.autoblog.com/2011/11/10/honda-previews-small-sports-ev-and-ac-x-plug-in-concepts-for-tok/http://www.autoblog.com/2011/11/10/honda-previews-small-sports-ev-and-ac-x-plug-in-concepts-for-tok/#commentsFiled under: , , , , , , , , ,

Honda Small Sports EV concept

Honda plans to take to the Tokyo Motor Show this December with the largest display of any automaker in attendance. The company will show off a range of production and concept vehicles, including a slew of motorcycles.

Honda RC-E electric motorcycle concept
The car side of the line will offer visitors the chance to get cozy with a new plug-in hybrid concept as well as an EV. The ACX offers plug-in enthusiasts a vehicle that can function equally as well in urban environs or on the open highway thanks to a two-mode drive system with an engine drive mode for a sportier experience and an automatic drive mode for everything else.

Meanwhile, Honda says that the Small Sport EV Concept "maximizes the fun of driving while achieving excellent environmental performance." Details are markedly absent other than that brief description, so we're hoping Honda will shed more light on the model once it debuts in Tokyo.

The company is also planning to pull the sheets off of a new electric motorcycle based on a 250cc chassis. The RC-E is meant to show off the kind of riding enjoyment that can come from an all-electric drivetrain on two wheels. Hit the jump for the full press release.

Continue reading Honda previews Small Sports EV and AC-X plug-in concepts for Tokyo

Honda previews Small Sports EV and AC-X plug-in concepts for Tokyo originally appeared on Autoblog on Thu, 10 Nov 2011 11:02:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>2011 tokyoacx conceptelectric motorcyclehondamotorcycleplug-inrc-etokyo motor showThu, 10 Nov 2011 11:02:00 EST http://www.autoblog.com/feed/20103268/article-comments.xml http://www.autoblog.com/feed/2011/11/10/honda-previews-small-sports-ev-and-ac-x-plug-in-concepts-for-tok/20103268/article-detail.xml 20103268 http://www.blogcdn.com/www.autoblog.com/media/2011/11/honda-small-sports-ev-628_thumbnail.jpg http://www.blogcdn.com/www.autoblog.com/media/2011/11/honda-small-sports-ev-628.jpg <![CDATA[2012 Toyota Prius Plug-In]]>http://www.autoblog.com/2011/09/28/2012-toyota-prius-plug-in-first-drive-review/http://www.autoblog.com/2011/09/28/2012-toyota-prius-plug-in-first-drive-review/http://www.autoblog.com/2011/09/28/2012-toyota-prius-plug-in-first-drive-review/#commentsFiled under: , , , ,

You Say You Want An Evolution?

2012 Toyota Prius Plug-In

Here's a game that the first people who buy the 2012 Toyota Prius Plug-in Hybrid should play with their other Prius-driving friends: Let them slide behind the wheel and see if they can even tell that it isn't a standard, third-generation Prius. Very few will be able to tell. That's how subtle the changes are between the two vehicles, at least, to someone who isn't looking too closely. After driving the corded Prius in California recently, we can confidently say that from both the outside and behind the wheel, the Prius Plug-in Hybrid looks, drives and feels pretty much like any other example of the world's most popular hybrid. Of course, this Prius does receive some important advances - ones that hardcore fans will notice them right away - but it's more than obvious that Toyota's strategy with its new model is evolution, not revolution.

The changes start with the plug-in's new lithium-ion battery pack. Much smaller than the packs used in the two most popular plug-in vehicles on the market, the Prius Plug-in's 176-pound, 4.4-kWh battery pack offers just enough juice, Toyota says, for an "electric-only driving range of up to 15 miles at a maximum speed of 62 mile-per-hour" (More on how this isn't exactly true after the jump).

Continue reading 2012 Toyota Prius Plug-In

2012 Toyota Prius Plug-In originally appeared on Autoblog on Wed, 28 Sep 2011 11:57:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>2012 toyota prius2012 toyota prius plug-infeaturedfirst driveFirstDriveplug-inpriusprius phevprius plug-intoyotaWed, 28 Sep 2011 11:57:00 EST http://www.autoblog.com/feed/20067887/article-comments.xml http://www.autoblog.com/feed/2011/09/28/2012-toyota-prius-plug-in-first-drive-review/20067887/article-detail.xml 20067887 http://www.blogcdn.com/www.autoblog.com/media/2011/09/2012-toyota-prius-plug-in-fd_thumbnail.jpg http://www.blogcdn.com/www.autoblog.com/media/2011/09/2012-toyota-prius-plug-in-fd.jpg <![CDATA[Fisker Surf concept is plug-in family-minded luxury]]>http://www.autoblog.com/2011/09/13/fisker-surf-concept-frankfurt-2011/http://www.autoblog.com/2011/09/13/fisker-surf-concept-frankfurt-2011/http://www.autoblog.com/2011/09/13/fisker-surf-concept-frankfurt-2011/#commentsFiled under: , , ,

Fisker Surf live at Frankfurt

Combining performance, luxury, style, utility and economy with an enduring concern for the sustainable use of resources, the Fisker Surf is a treehugger's dream machine. That basically sums up the Fisker's station wagon, which was unveiled today at the 2011 Frankfurt Motor Show.

The Surf is Fisker's vision of a plug-in hybrid that slots in between a sedan and crossover and shows how Fisker is expected to expand on it its Karma platform with additional models that fill a niche.

If you see a bit of Ferrari FF in the Surf, that's apparently intentional, as Fisker execs have already been quoted as saying, "The shape is a bit like a Ferrari FF. But with four doors!" And, as Fisker says, the Surf will check in at around one-third the price of Ferrari's shooting brake. Neat as it is, we don't see a lot of cross-shopping going on here, do you?

Despite increased quantities of glass and bodywork, Fisker says the Surf weighs just 66 pounds more than the Karma sedan, but the real bonus comes in terms of cargo space, which grows from inadequate to almost acceptable. Fisker says the Surf will launch in 2013 and we're guessing that its price tag will be a bit above $100,000.

In other news, Fisker has confirmed a new partner in wheelmakers Claus Ettensberger Corporation, who will provide various alloy wheel patterns and "aerodynamic components" as optional extras for the Karma's newly formed Reserve program.

Check out live pics of the Surf in our high-res gallery as well as the press release after the jump, then let us know what you think of Fisker's latest in Comments.

Continue reading Fisker Surf concept is plug-in family-minded luxury

Fisker Surf concept is plug-in family-minded luxury originally appeared on Autoblog on Tue, 13 Sep 2011 16:40:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>2011 frankfurtfiskerfisker conceptfisker surffisker surf conceptfrankfurtfrankfurt motor showkarmaphevplug-insurfTue, 13 Sep 2011 16:40:00 EST http://www.autoblog.com/feed/20041540/article-comments.xml http://www.autoblog.com/feed/2011/09/13/fisker-surf-concept-frankfurt-2011/20041540/article-detail.xml 20041540 http://www.blogcdn.com/www.autoblog.com/media/2011/09/surf_thumbnail.jpg http://www.blogcdn.com/www.autoblog.com/media/2011/09/surf.jpg <![CDATA[Toyota says Prius plug-in is "27-percent better than an equivalent diesel"]]>http://www.autoblog.com/2011/07/26/toyota-says-prius-plug-in-is-27-percent-better-than-an-equivale/http://www.autoblog.com/2011/07/26/toyota-says-prius-plug-in-is-27-percent-better-than-an-equivale/http://www.autoblog.com/2011/07/26/toyota-says-prius-plug-in-is-27-percent-better-than-an-equivale/#commentsFiled under: , , , , ,

Toyota Prius Plug-in

With the Toyota Prius plug-in set to launch in early 2012, now's the perfect time to dive into the interim results from the cars' trials in London. Here are some details straight from Toyota:
  • Average journey distance has been 7.3 miles, with 59 percent of all journeys covering between 3.1 and 12.4 miles
  • Average speed has been 17.7 miles per hour, with 69 percent of journeys at speeds less than 18.6 mph
  • Initial fuel consumption data indicates performance is 27 percent better than an equivalent diesel
  • Average recharging time is 72 minutes
  • Where drivers have access to a domestic charge point, more frequent recharging occurs
  • Twenty-two percent of drivers have even been able to drive further than the official 12.5-mile range in EV mode.
  • Electric-powered driving so far has accounted for one third of all miles driven in the PHEV demonstration.
Working in partnership with EDF Energy, Toyota leased 20 third-generation Prius plug-ins to London-based businesses and organizations to monitor vehicle performance and recharging patterns. Details of journey times, speeds, distances, fuel usage and recharging habits have been logged and analyzed to compile useable data. The three-year trial kicked off last summer, meaning that these interim results are from less than one year of real-world use.

Continue reading Toyota says Prius plug-in is "27-percent better than an equivalent diesel"

Toyota says Prius plug-in is "27-percent better than an equivalent diesel" originally appeared on Autoblog on Tue, 26 Jul 2011 10:31:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>phevplug-inplug-in hybridpriusprius plug-inprius plug-in hybridtoyota priusTue, 26 Jul 2011 10:31:00 EST http://www.autoblog.com/feed/20000684/article-comments.xml http://www.autoblog.com/feed/2011/07/26/toyota-says-prius-plug-in-is-27-percent-better-than-an-equivale/20000684/article-detail.xml 20000684 http://www.blogcdn.com/green.autoblog.com/media/2011/07/t8069_thumbnail.jpg http://www.blogcdn.com/green.autoblog.com/media/2011/07/t8069.jpg <![CDATA[Report: Cadillac working on plug-in hybrid version of SRX]]>http://www.autoblog.com/2010/12/20/report-cadillac-working-on-plug-in-hybird-version-of-srx-crosso/http://www.autoblog.com/2010/12/20/report-cadillac-working-on-plug-in-hybird-version-of-srx-crosso/http://www.autoblog.com/2010/12/20/report-cadillac-working-on-plug-in-hybird-version-of-srx-crosso/#comments2010 cadillac srx
2010 Cadillac SRX 2.8T - Click above for high-res image gallery

Remember the Cadillac Converj, the beautiful plug-in hybrid concept that General Motors was going to build but then decided against bringing to market? That program is still as dead as ever (at least as far as we know), but Reuters is reporting that the luxury marque is still interested in putting a PHEV powertrain into one of its vehicles, in this case a version of the Cadillac SRX crossover. Sources say the PHEV SRX would share some of the technology from the Chevrolet Volt and from the plug-in hybrid SUV programs that Buick and Saturn worked on.

This is not the first time the SRX has been targeted for a greening. Back in April 2009, we heard that the Cadillac SRX was supposed to get GM's two-mode hybrid powertrain installed, but that never happened. Our own sources say that no plug-in SRX will be shown at the Detroit Auto Show in January, but we might see it in 2011. Maybe.

[Source: Reuters]

Report: Cadillac working on plug-in hybrid version of SRX originally appeared on Autoblog on Mon, 20 Dec 2010 07:55:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Read | Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>cadillac plug-in hybridcadillac srxcadillac voltconverjgeneral motorshybrid cuvplug-inplug-in hybridsrxMon, 20 Dec 2010 07:55:00 EST http://www.autoblog.com/feed/19769221/article-comments.xml http://www.autoblog.com/feed/2010/12/20/report-cadillac-working-on-plug-in-hybird-version-of-srx-crosso/19769221/article-detail.xml 19769221 http://www.blogcdn.com/www.autoblog.com/media/2010/03/2010-cadillac-srx_thumbnail.jpg http://www.blogcdn.com/www.autoblog.com/media/2010/03/2010-cadillac-srx.jpg <![CDATA[Over 6,000 people test drive the Chevy Volt during Unplugged Tour]]>http://www.autoblog.com/2010/11/29/over-6-000-people-test-drive-the-chevy-volt-during-their-unplugg/http://www.autoblog.com/2010/11/29/over-6-000-people-test-drive-the-chevy-volt-during-their-unplugg/http://www.autoblog.com/2010/11/29/over-6-000-people-test-drive-the-chevy-volt-during-their-unplugg/#commentsFiled under: , , , ,

Chevy Volt

The Chevy Volt Unplugged Tour is officially over after traveling to 12 cities across the country. Chevy is calling it a success with a total of 6,384 lucky participants spending time behind the wheel. The tour traveled 4,124 miles and made sure to stop in San Francisco, Los Angeles, and San Diego, which are part of the initial launch markets.

After driving the Volt in Tacoma, Washington, professional test pilot Normal Howell remarked that "It is very well sorted out... very, very mature in all aspects of vehicle dynamics and driver interface, and I'm very impressed." Chevy created a Driver Scrapbook section on the Volt's website allowing people to share their driving impressions of the Volt at ChevroletVoltAge.com.

[Source: Chevrolet]

Over 6,000 people test drive the Chevy Volt during Unplugged Tour originally appeared on Autoblog on Mon, 29 Nov 2010 08:00:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>chevychevy unplugged tourchevy voltgm voltplug-inplug-in hybridunplugged tourvoltMon, 29 Nov 2010 08:00:00 EST http://www.autoblog.com/feed/19735179/article-comments.xml http://www.autoblog.com/feed/2010/11/29/over-6-000-people-test-drive-the-chevy-volt-during-their-unplugg/19735179/article-detail.xml 19735179 http://www.blogcdn.com/green.autoblog.com/media/2010/11/2011chevroletvoltopt1opt-1290646847_thumbnail.jpg http://www.blogcdn.com/green.autoblog.com/media/2010/11/2011chevroletvoltopt1opt-1290646847.jpg <![CDATA[Report: Mitsubishi plug-in hybrid coming in 2013]]>http://www.autoblog.com/2010/11/22/report-mitsubishi-plug-in-hybrid-coming-in-2013/http://www.autoblog.com/2010/11/22/report-mitsubishi-plug-in-hybrid-coming-in-2013/http://www.autoblog.com/2010/11/22/report-mitsubishi-plug-in-hybrid-coming-in-2013/#commentsFiled under: , , , ,

Mitsubish PX-MiEV plug-in hybrid
Mitsubish PX-MiEV plug-in hybrid concept - Click above for high-res image gallery

AutoWeek reports that Mitsubishi will wade into plug-in electric waters in 2013. The automaker's head of electric vehicles, Yoshikazu Nakamura, said the vehicle will be an SUV similar to the 2009 Px-MiEV Concept and that the production version is already nearing the final stages of development. The concept got its pep from a tiny 1.6-liter four-cylinder engine working in coordination with two electric motors and a battery pack. Mitsubishi pegged the Px-MiEV as being able to travel for up to 30 miles one pure electric go-go, so there must be some pretty hefty battery technology onboard as well.

Whether or not the production SUV will use a similar drivetrain remains to be seen. We can say with some certainty that Mitsubishi is likely to simplify the vehicle's name considerably. The automaker has already scrapped the i-MiEV moniker for the somewhat more palatable name of "i powered by MiEV" in the States. We can't wait to explain that one to the fine people of the DMV.


Gallery: Tokyo 2009: Mitsubishi Concept PX-MiEV


Photos by Jonathan Ramsey / Copyright (C)2009 AOL

[Source: AutoWeek]

Report: Mitsubishi plug-in hybrid coming in 2013 originally appeared on Autoblog on Mon, 22 Nov 2010 14:32:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>hybridmitsubhishi px-mievmitsubishiplug-inplug-in hybridpx-mievMon, 22 Nov 2010 14:32:00 EST http://www.autoblog.com/feed/19729069/article-comments.xml http://www.autoblog.com/feed/2010/11/22/report-mitsubishi-plug-in-hybrid-coming-in-2013/19729069/article-detail.xml 19729069 http://www.blogcdn.com/www.autoblog.com/media/2010/11/px_thumbnail.jpg http://www.blogcdn.com/www.autoblog.com/media/2010/11/px.jpg <![CDATA[Fisker Automotive hoping to raise an additional $75 - $150 million]]>http://www.autoblog.com/2010/11/06/fisker-automotive-hoping-to-raise-an-additional-75-150-milli/http://www.autoblog.com/2010/11/06/fisker-automotive-hoping-to-raise-an-additional-75-150-milli/http://www.autoblog.com/2010/11/06/fisker-automotive-hoping-to-raise-an-additional-75-150-milli/#commentsFiled under: , , , , , ,

Fisker Karma
Fisker Automotive plans to raise another $75 to $150 million to add to the $300 million it has already raised privately, the $529 million awarded from the U.S. Department of Energy, and the $21.5 million in grants and loans it has received from the state of Delaware. If you think there's a lot of money going in, but not much coming out, company CEO Henrik Fisker says not to worry. Investors will most likely to be paid back once Fisker stock eventually goes public, like Tesla Motors.

Fisker told Reuters:
"We have to launch the Karma first, that is clear. You have to get the revenue and launch the Karma, but we already are making sure our company is prepared for this possibility of an IPO."
The first factory-produced version of the $88,000 Karma sports sedan was displayed at the Paris Motor Show in October. CEO Fisker, the designer of the Aston Martin DB9, V8 Vantage and BMW Z8, said at the event that the company has more than 3,000 pre-orders for the Karma and expects to start deliveries in March (we'll see).

In late 2012, Fisker intends to launch Project Nina in Delaware, where the company purchased the Boxwood Road Plant previously owned by General Motors. The plan is to employ 2,500 people in Delaware and produce the Nina SUV and a two-door version. Then, if things go well, three iterations of the Karma will be built: the sports sedan, a convertible, and a sports wagon. The plans are big, and will apparently cost another $150 million or so.

[Source: Delaware Online]

Fisker Automotive hoping to raise an additional $75 - $150 million originally appeared on Autoblog on Sat, 06 Nov 2010 12:02:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Read | Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>fiskerfisker karmakarmaplug-inplug-in hybridSat, 06 Nov 2010 12:02:00 EST http://www.autoblog.com/feed/19705580/article-comments.xml http://www.autoblog.com/feed/2010/11/06/fisker-automotive-hoping-to-raise-an-additional-75-150-milli/19705580/article-detail.xml 19705580 http://www.blogcdn.com/green.autoblog.com/media/2010/11/image003-karma-630_thumbnail.jpg http://www.blogcdn.com/green.autoblog.com/media/2010/11/image003-karma-630.jpg <![CDATA[2011 Chevrolet Volt priced at $41,000* or $350/month for three-year lease]]>http://www.autoblog.com/2010/07/27/2011-chevrolet-volt-priced-at-41-000-or-350-month-for-3-year-lease/http://www.autoblog.com/2010/07/27/2011-chevrolet-volt-priced-at-41-000-or-350-month-for-3-year-lease/http://www.autoblog.com/2010/07/27/2011-chevrolet-volt-priced-at-41-000-or-350-month-for-3-year-lease/#commentsFiled under: , , ,


Chevrolet Volt - Click above for high-res image gallery

General Motors' recently hired vice-president for sales and marketing Joel Ewanick took the stage at the Plug-In 2010 conference in San Jose, CA today and finally revealed that the 2011 Chevrolet Volt will have a base price of $41,000 (including a $720 destination charge) before federal and state tax incentives. While GM hasn't gone as aggressive as most people had hoped on the sticker price, the real deal appears to be the $350 per month for 36 months lease. That matches the monthly payment that Nissan is charging for the Leaf EV.

The effective purchase price of the Volt will be cut to $33,500 with a $7,500 federal tax credit (hence the asterisk in the title), but buyers will have to finance the $41,000 and get the credit back on their next tax return. Lease customers will have the credit factored in to their payment. The Volt lease requires a $2,500 down payment (vs $2,000 for the Leaf), but GM is including a clause in the lease contract that allows leasers to buy the car at the end of their term so that the automaker don't have another standoff with customers like it did with the all-electric EV1. Follow the jump to learn more about the Volt's price and how the order process will go, but first take our informal poll below.

View Poll




Gallery: 2011 Chevrolet Volt

Continue reading 2011 Chevrolet Volt priced at $41,000* or $350/month for three-year lease

2011 Chevrolet Volt priced at $41,000* or $350/month for three-year lease originally appeared on Autoblog on Tue, 27 Jul 2010 12:00:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>2011 volt2011Voltbreakingbreaking newsbreaking+newsBreakingNewschevroletChevrolet Voltchevrolet volt pricechevrolet volt pricingChevroletVoltChevroletVoltPriceChevroletVoltPricingchevychevy voltchevy volt priceChevy-VoltChevyVoltChevyVoltPricejoel ewanickJoelEwanickplug-inpluginvoltvolt costvolt msrpvolt pricevolt pricingVoltCostVoltMsrpVoltPriceVoltPricingTue, 27 Jul 2010 12:00:00 EST http://www.autoblog.com/feed/19569413/article-comments.xml http://www.autoblog.com/feed/2010/07/27/2011-chevrolet-volt-priced-at-41-000-or-350-month-for-3-year-lease/19569413/article-detail.xml 19569413 http://www.blogcdn.com/www.autoblog.com/media/2010/07/2011chevyvoltnew000opt_thumbnail.jpg http://www.blogcdn.com/www.autoblog.com/media/2010/07/2011chevyvoltnew000opt.jpg <![CDATA[Senate panel approves $3.6B for electric vehicles and chargers]]>http://www.autoblog.com/2010/07/21/senate-panel-approves-3-6b-for-electric-vehicles/http://www.autoblog.com/2010/07/21/senate-panel-approves-3-6b-for-electric-vehicles/http://www.autoblog.com/2010/07/21/senate-panel-approves-3-6b-for-electric-vehicles/#commentsFiled under: ,



A United States Senate bill that would provide a further $3.6 billion in funding for plug-in vehicles has made it past the first of many hurdles toward passage. The Senate Energy Committee approved the legislation, put forward by Senator Byron Dorgan, (D-ND) that would create so-called deployment communities around the country and subsidize the purchase of electric vehicles (EVs) and the installation of infrastructure.

By focusing on specific areas for deployment of EVs and charging stations, the bill would take care of the well-known chicken/egg issue of which is needed first, EV chargers or the vehicles that need them. It would also allow for the evaluation of what happens when you have large numbers of EVs in a concentrated area. Of course, there are already regions around the country that are planning for large numbers of EVs - like southern California and New York - and it's not clear if the bill would support these regions or move to get other areas plug-in ready.

There is no guarantee that the Dorgan bill will be passed by the full Senate or even the House of Representatives, but it is one more step on the way to setting the stage for electric vehicles. Dorgan rather enthusiastically hopes that the results of the legislation will ultimately lead to half of the U.S. vehicle fleet being electrified by 2030.

[Source: Detroit News]

Senate panel approves $3.6B for electric vehicles and chargers originally appeared on Autoblog on Wed, 21 Jul 2010 18:30:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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