Autoblog

Senate panel approves $3.6B for electric vehicles and chargers

Autoblog Staff — Wed, 21 Jul 2010 18:30:00 EST

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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Honda announces plans to sell plug-in hybrid and electric vehicle by 2012

Autoblog Staff — Wed, 21 Jul 2010 16:29:00 EST

Filed under: Hybrid, Japan, Honda, Electric

At a news conference yesterday in Japan, Honda chief executive officer Takanobu Ito outlined the company's future plans to roll out advanced technology vehicles. Among the highlights: Ito revealed Honda will introduce both a mid-size plug-in hybrid and an electric commuter vehicle in the U.S. and Japan by the end of 2012. As part of the company's global push to develop more-efficient vehicles, Honda will also introduce a small diesel-powered car in Europe around the same time that its battery-powered vehicles hit our shores.

Honda will also begin testing "next-generation electric personal mobility products, including electric vehicles, plug-in hybrid vehicles, electric scooters and electric carts" in the Kumamoto and Saitama regions in Japan before the end of 2010. The purpose of the tests is to verify "the effectiveness of next-generation personal mobility products with electromotive technologies," i.e., plug-in vehicles and how to best use renewable energy (solar) with these vehicles. Honda will test all-electric and plug-in hybrid vehicles in the U.S. once the Japan tests are underway. U.S.-based participants include Stanford University, Google Inc. and the City of Torrance, CA. Torrance will get a plug-in hybrid electric test vehicle by the end of this year. Honda said its first hybrid to get a lithium-ion battery will be the next-generation Civic Hybrid, coming in 2011. More details are available in the press releases after the jump.

[Source: Honda, Reuters]

Continue reading Honda announces plans to sell plug-in hybrid and electric vehicle by 2012

Honda announces plans to sell plug-in hybrid and electric vehicle by 2012 originally appeared on Autoblog on Wed, 21 Jul 2010 16:29:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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Honda R&D President says automaker "lacks confidence" in viability of EVs

Zach Bowman — Wed, 19 May 2010 14:20:00 EST

Filed under: Hybrid, Japan, Technology, Honda, Electric

Honda EV-N Concept - Click above for high-res image gallery

Carlos Ghosn and Nissan may be plowing head first into the EV world, but Honda isn't so certain buyers are going to be willing to accept the range and charging woes that go along with driving an all-electric car. Tomohiko Kawanabe, president of research and development for Honda, has been quoted as saying that while his company is currently researching the possibility of an EV, he isn't going so far as to recommend them. We're not sure whether that means he won't recommend his company produce an electric car of its own, or if he just wouldn't tell his mother to cruise on over to the Nissan dealer to pick up a Leaf.

Either way, we'll probably see some form of plug-in hybrid or EV from Honda within a few short years. California has mandated that a certain percentage of vehicle sales must be either plug-in hybrid or EV starting in 2012. Given Kawanabe's chilly assessment of the EV game, though, odds are we won't be seeing anything like the adorable all-electric EV-N Concept on our streets. Chances are cars like the CR-Z, Civic Hybrid and Insight will come with a plug-in option and larger batteries instead.

Gallery: Tokyo 2009: Honda EV-N concept

Gallery: 2009 Honda EV-N Concept

[Source: Bloomberg]

Honda R&D President says automaker "lacks confidence" in viability of EVs originally appeared on Autoblog on Wed, 19 May 2010 14:20:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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Ford confirms hybrid and PHEV C-Max will be built in Spain

Sam Abuelsamid — Mon, 10 May 2010 16:01:00 EST

Filed under: Hybrid, Minivan/Van, Europe, Hatchback, Ford

2011 Ford C-Max - Click above for high-res image gallery

Ford has just provided more details about its first European market hybrid models. The company's plant in Valencia, Spain will be building both regular and plug-in hybrid versions of the new five-seat C-Max MPV starting in 2013. The plant will receive $36 million in upgrades to accommodate hybrid vehicle production of the C-Max, which will be exclusively for the European market.

The new C-Max is the first vehicle being launched this year off of Ford's new global compact car platform that will also spawn the new 2012 Focus. The C-Max is essentially a tall wagon version of the Focus. The hybrid version will use Ford's next-generation hybrid system that will launch in North America in 2012, though no other details about the powertrain are available at this time. The C-Max is also the first application of Ford's new 1.6-liter EcoBoost four-cylinder engine, which could be paired with the hybrid system.

The new C-Segment platform has been designed to support the installation of conventional, hybrid and full battery electric powertrains. A BEV version of the C-Max is also possible, though Ford has only confirmed plans for the Focus Electric at this time.

Gallery: 2011 Ford C-Max

[Source: Ford]

Continue reading Ford confirms hybrid and PHEV C-Max will be built in Spain

Ford confirms hybrid and PHEV C-Max will be built in Spain originally appeared on Autoblog on Mon, 10 May 2010 16:01:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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Beijing 2010: Geely Emgrand GE plug-in hybrid limo

Sam Abuelsamid — Sun, 25 Apr 2010 14:07:00 EST

Filed under: Concept Cars, Hybrid, China, Geely, Beijing Motor Show, Luxury

Geely Emgrand GE - Click above for high-res image gallery

Another entry that Geely has planned for its new Emgrand premium sub-brand is the GE limousine. Like many of Geely's new models, the GE has a very prominent grille but the rest of the design looks otherwise well-proportioned and attractive. With a 214-inch body sitting on a 124-inch wheelbase, the GE is a big car targeted at executives who prefer to be driven rather than get behind the wheel. The Geely Emgrand GE can be equipped with either a rear bench contoured for two passengers or a single large seat flanked by extra storage compartments.

Underneath, the GE has the same plug-in hybrid powertrain featured in the GT coupe. That means it gets a 2.4-liter inline-four that producing 160 horsepower and 165 pound-feet of torque. The electric drive consists of a pair of 27.5 kilowatt, 132 pound-foot hub-motors for all-wheel-drive capability. The GE is targeted for 2015 introduction.

Gallery: Beijing 2010: Geely Emgrand GE

Beijing 2010: Geely Emgrand GE plug-in hybrid limo originally appeared on Autoblog on Sun, 25 Apr 2010 14:07:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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Beijing 2010: Geely Emgrand GT plug-in hybrid coupe

Sam Abuelsamid — Sun, 25 Apr 2010 13:34:00 EST

Filed under: Concept Cars, Coupe, Hybrid, China, Geely, Beijing Motor Show, Electric

Geely Emgrand GT - Click above for high-res image gallery

The Geely Emgrand GT is another example of the automaker's apparent seriousness about being considered a top-flight player in the industry. This coupe features classic sports car proportions and aside from the overdone grille, it looks quite attractive. The GT comes from Geely's new top-level Emgrand sub-brand and boasts some impressive specs. It's reportedly a plug-in hybrid with a 2.4-liter inline-four that churns out 160 horsepower and 165 pound-feet on its own.

That output is supplemented by a pair of 27.5-kilowatt hub motors that give the GT all-wheel-drive capability. Those motors each add 132 foot-pounds of torque as well. It's not clear, however, which axle is being driven by the combustion engine and which gets the motors. The Emgrand GT is targeted for a 2014 introduction.

Gallery: Beijing 2010: Geely Emgrand GT

Beijing 2010: Geely Emgrand GT plug-in hybrid coupe originally appeared on Autoblog on Sun, 25 Apr 2010 13:34:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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Quick Spin: 2010 Plug-in Prius prototype is just like your mother's Toyota hybrid, but better

Sebastian Blanco — Tue, 13 Apr 2010 14:58:00 EST

Filed under: Hybrid, Hatchback, Toyota, Electric, Quick Spins

2010 Plug-in Prius Prototypes - Click above for high-res image gallery

It's been two-and-a-half years since we last got behind the wheel of a plug-in Toyota Prius. The name is the same, but today's plug-in Prius is a totally different vehicle, and it was high time to see what changes Toyota has made to their plug-in hybrid (PHEV) in its ongoing effort to slowly get the car ready for the U.S. market.

Back in late 2007, the prototype had a NiMH battery pack and the converted vehicle was based on the second-generation model. The new fleet of PHEV Priuses in San Diego this week as part of Toyota's Sustainable Mobility Seminar are converted 2010 third-generation models, featuring upgraded lithium-ion packs.

Toyota has brought the PHEV Prius fleet to the U.S. to begin a two-year test and monitoring period. The vehicles are equipped with transmitters from Qualcomm that record not only driver behavior, but also how often the car is plugged in. We'll have more information soon with technical details about the mules and an explanation of Toyota's plans to test and sell the long-awaited plug-in hatchback for 2012. But before then, we wanted to grab some seat time.

The short version is that driving a plug-in Prius is almost exactly like driving a standard one, except that it remains quieter for a longer period as the engine is off more often (during short distances) thanks to a larger battery pack and improved all-electric performance. Acceleration, handling, braking - everything feels awfully familiar. Make the jump to find out more, including how you can now go up to 64 mph without using a single drop of fuel.

Gallery: Quick Spin: 2010 Plug-in Prius

Continue reading Quick Spin: 2010 Plug-in Prius prototype is just like your mother's Toyota hybrid, but better

Quick Spin: 2010 Plug-in Prius prototype is just like your mother's Toyota hybrid, but better originally appeared on Autoblog on Tue, 13 Apr 2010 14:58:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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Report: U.S. government to purchase first 100 Chevy Volts and thousands of hybrids *UPDATE

Eric Loveday — Thu, 01 Apr 2010 11:21:00 EST

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

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

In an effort to make the government's fleet of vehicles more green, the Obama administration has reportedly announced plans to add more hybrids this year followed by plug-in hybrids next year. The plan should double the number of hybrids in the government's fleet, a step towards achieving its goal of reducing fleet petroleum use by 30 percent by 2020.

The new plan involves purchasing 100 plug-in vehicles by the end of next year, and the front-runner is the Chevrolet Volt. According to Ward's Auto, the White House has announced that the government will purchase the first 100 Chevy Volts to roll off the assembly line later this year. The government is also considering adding the plug-in hybrid electric Dodge Ram to its fleet, though how many units it's considering has not been released.

Whether or not the Volt and PHEV Ram are being considered because the government just happens to be part owner of their parent companies remains to be seen, but we haven't heard mention of the excellent Ford Fusion Hybrid.

UPDATE: GM has officially responded to the government suggesting that the first 100 Volts will end up in government fleets by stating,

We are pleased to see that the Federal government is interested in the greening of their vehicle fleet. Media speculation has led to reports that the GSA and DOE will be buying the first 100 Chevrolet Volt's because we will meet this criteria. At this time we have no further details regarding these purchases.

Gallery: 2011 Chevy Volt

[Source: Ward's Auto]

Report: U.S. government to purchase first 100 Chevy Volts and thousands of hybrids *UPDATE originally appeared on Autoblog on Thu, 01 Apr 2010 11:21:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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U.S. Annual Energy Outlook predicts "alternative vehicles" won't top 50% market share in 2035

Sebastian Blanco — Mon, 08 Mar 2010 09:01:00 EST

Filed under: Hybrid, Etc., Electric, Diesel

Just because it's difficult to predict the future doesn't mean people won't try. See, for example, the CEO of Shell, who said last week that he expects plug-in vehicles to make up 40 percent of the new car market in 2050. The U.S. Energy Information Administration isn't looking that far ahead with its latest prediction - and it isn't trying to convince stockholders of one thing or another - but it sees "alternative vehicles" (which includes flex fuel, hybrids and diesel) making up 49 percent of new vehicle sales by 2035. In 2008, this category only made up 13 percent. Why should we expect the increase? Higher CAFE standards and climbing fuel prices will force the issue.

The breakdown of this "alternative vehicles" category is interesting, too. In 2008, flex fuel vehicles made up around 80 percent of the total, with hybrid electrics making up most of the rest. By the time we get to 2035, the EIA says flex fuel vehicles will make up less than half of the category, with hybrids and diesels all growing to fill the gap. Plug-ins? Well, the EIA thinks they'll reach around five percent of the total market in 25 years. Thanks to Roy B. for the tip!

[Source: U.S. Energy Information Administration]

U.S. Annual Energy Outlook predicts "alternative vehicles" won't top 50% market share in 2035 originally appeared on Autoblog on Mon, 08 Mar 2010 09:01:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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Ford to expand electric and hybrid offerings to Europe from 2011

Sam Abuelsamid — Tue, 02 Mar 2010 13:50:00 EST

Filed under: Hybrid, Geneva Motor Show, Technology, Ford, Electric

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

Ford has big plans for electrification of its fleet over the next decade, and while most of the emphasis has been on North America so far, Europe will be joining in on the party starting in 2011. Nancy Gioia has announced that between 2011 and 2013, Ford of Europe will get five new hybrid and battery electric models added to its lineup. About six to nine months after each of the new models rolls out in North America, they will be introduced in Europe.

Ford's first new battery-powered vehicle, the Transit Connect Electric goes on sale this fall in North America followed by a European launch in the middle of 2011. The battery powered van is just the beginning of Ford's global electrification plan. Read more about it after the jump.

Gallery: Ford Transit Connect Eletric at Chicago Auto Show

Photos by Drew Phillips, Sebastian Blanco / Copyright (C)2010 Weblogs, Inc.
[Source: Ford]

Continue reading Ford to expand electric and hybrid offerings to Europe from 2011

Ford to expand electric and hybrid offerings to Europe from 2011 originally appeared on Autoblog on Tue, 02 Mar 2010 13:50:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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Fisker Karma's aluminum space frame digitally revealed

Sebastian Blanco — Mon, 01 Mar 2010 10:59:00 EST

Filed under: Hybrid, Geneva Motor Show, Fisker, Electric, Luxury

Fisker Karma Aluminum Space Frame - Click above for high-res image

Fisker Automotive has finally taken the digital wraps off the advanced aluminum space frame around which the Karma plug-in hybrid (PHEV) will be built. In lieu of enjoying a new concept vehicle at the Geneva Motor Show this week, Fisker fans will have to make due with this peek at the bones of the Karma, the part that gives the luxury car its "new levels of rigidity and strength that will give the world's first premium plug-in hybrid electric vehicle world-class ride and handling characteristics."

The frame is made with 5,000- and 6,000-series aluminum alloys. The all-knowing Wiki says the 5,000-series are "suitable for cryogenic applications and low temperature work" but are susceptible to corrosion above 60°C. The 6,000-series are made with magnesium and silicon alloys and "are easy to machine, and can be precipitation hardened, but not to the high strengths that 2000, and 7000 can reach. Now you know.

You can read the original press release announcing the aluminum space frame here.

[Source: Fisker]

Fisker Karma's aluminum space frame digitally revealed originally appeared on Autoblog on Mon, 01 Mar 2010 10:59:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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Video: Volvo helping to develop new material that could be both battery and bodywork

Sebastian Blanco — Fri, 05 Feb 2010 19:00:00 EST

Filed under: Hybrid, Technology, Volvo, Electric

Battery bodywork prototype material - Click above to watch the video after the jump

How much will a plug-in vehicle's battery weigh in 2020? How much will the same car's bodywork weigh? If a new prototype material developed by researchers in the Imperial College London in the UK turns out to be as good as it sounds, the answer to both of these questions, whatever the value is, might one day be the same.

The reason for this is that the material is a new type of battery that could be strong and light enough to pull double duty as body components and can store and discharge electrical energy. It is being developed for use in cars, where it could bring about a weight reduction of about 15 percent, as well as for other things like cell phones and computers. There is a video of project coordinator Emile Greenhalgh, from the Department of Aeronautics at Imperial College London, describing the material after the jump.

Sure, any vehicle powered by this material is a long way away, but it's always fun to imagine what's possible some day in the future. Considering that the Volvo Car Corporation is partnering with the Imperial College on this project, we can imagine that the 2020 S80 DRIVe might be made out of this stuff, right? Thanks to Jon for the tip!

[Source: PhysOrg]

Continue reading Video: Volvo helping to develop new material that could be both battery and bodywork

Video: Volvo helping to develop new material that could be both battery and bodywork originally appeared on Autoblog on Fri, 05 Feb 2010 19:00:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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Detroit 2010: Hyundai Blue-Will PHEV concept

Sam Abuelsamid — Tue, 05 Jan 2010 09:58:00 EST

Filed under: Concept Cars, Detroit Auto Show, Hybrid, Hatchback, Hyundai, Electric

Hyundai Blue-Will PHEV concept - click above for high res image gallery

The Hyundai Blue-Will concept isn't entirely new; it first appeared last April at the Seoul Motor Show. However, it is making its North American debut next week in Detroit. What makes the Blue-Will special is that it is Hyundai's first ever plug-in hybrid (PHEV). The hybrid powertrain is based on the same Blue Drive architecture that Hyundai unveiled at the 2008 Los Angeles Auto Show. This is a strong parallel hybrid system, meaning it's capable of driving the vehicle under electric power alone, use the internal combustion or a combination of both. The first production applications will find their way into the Korean market Elantra LPI hybrid and the Sonata hybrid that debuts late this year.

For the PHEV version, the electric motor/generator is increased in size from 30 kW on the Sonata to 100 kW, which should allow it to operate under electric power pretty much throughout its operating range. Hyundai doesn't say how big the lithium ion polymer battery pack is, however, the automaker claims the Blue-Will can go 40 miles on an single electric charge.

In addition to the hybrid hardware, which can provide start-stop capability for the engine and regenerative braking, the concept also features a thermal electric generator. This is designed to convert the heat energy of the exhaust gases into electrical energy to be stored in the battery. The engine is a direct injected version of Hyundai's 1.6-liter Gamma inline-four with 152 horsepower.

The concept has the same 106.3 inch wheelbase as the current Elantra Touring, but the overall length is seven inches shorter. According to Hyundai this concept "may" also provide a preview of a future dedicated hybrid to compete with the Toyota Prius, and if that happens, expect it to arrive sometime late next year.

Gallery: Hyundai BLUE-WILL concept

[Source: Hyundai]

Continue reading Detroit 2010: Hyundai Blue-Will PHEV concept

Detroit 2010: Hyundai Blue-Will PHEV concept originally appeared on Autoblog on Tue, 05 Jan 2010 09:58:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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Detroit Preview: BMW Concept ActiveE set to amp up 1 Series

Sam Abuelsamid — Wed, 16 Dec 2009 18:00:00 EST

Filed under: Concept Cars, Detroit Auto Show, Coupe, BMW, Electric

BMW Concept ActiveE - Click above for high-res image gallery

Six months into its Mini E field test program, BMW is getting ready for phase two of its electric vehicle development. At the Detroit Auto Show next month, the Bavarian automaker will introduce its Concept ActiveE which brings electric drive to the Roundel. This time, instead of the diminutive Mini, these new teaser images suggest that a 1 Series coupe is set to go the plug-in route.

With the Mini E, BMW rushed to get the cars out into the field, recruiting AC Propulsion to produce the powertrains and battery packs comprised of laptop cells - a setup not unlike the Tesla Roadster. This time around, the car is much closer to what might be expected of a mass-produced electric car. BMW plans to build another fleet of EVs based on this concept, and once again, it will again put cars into the hands of ordinary drivers and fleets for more field testing. Read on after the jump for more details and the official press release.

Gallery: BMW Concept ActiveE

[Source: BMW]

Continue reading Detroit Preview: BMW Concept ActiveE set to amp up 1 Series

Detroit Preview: BMW Concept ActiveE set to amp up 1 Series originally appeared on Autoblog on Wed, 16 Dec 2009 18:00:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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Toyota officially launches plug-in Prius program, retail sales in 2011

Sam Abuelsamid — Mon, 14 Dec 2009 10:30:00 EST

Filed under: Hybrid, Hatchback, Toyota, Electric

Toyota Prius PHEV - click above for high-res image gallery

In Japan today, Toyota officially launched its Prius Plug-in Hybrid (PHEV) lease program. Over the next six months, Toyota will be building and deploying 600 examples of the plug-in Prius for testing primarilly in Japan, United States and Europe. The Japanese market will get 230 units, with 150 coming to the States and 200 going to Europe. The cars will be leased to government, commercial, and university fleets for field testing that help to gather more data on how PHEVs are used in the real world.

To accommodate plug-in charging the Prius gets a 5.2 kWh lithium ion battery pack in place of the standard nickel metal hydride unit. The battery and associated charging hardware appear to be the only significant mechanical changes to the PHEV. The motor and other hybrid hardware are apparently carried over intact. Even with the standard motor, Toyota claims a maximum EV speed of 62 mph.

On the Japanese JC08 cycle, the Prius can run about 14.5 miles before depleting the battery. It's not clear what the performance level will be in EV mode and what sort of driving will trigger the engine to start up while the battery still has available power. Based on that driving cycle, the PHEV is rated at 72 mpg (U.S.) in post-EV hybrid mode which compares with the 50 mpg or so that we typically see in real use. Since the hybrid system is essentially unchanged, the 14 mile range is probably a bit optimistic. The combined efficiency based on a utility factor of .436 (43.6 percent of driving in EV mode) the Prius is rated at 134 mpg (U.S.). The PHEV Prius will undoubtedly get very good mileage, but we suspect that triple digits are unlikely for most people. During the presentation, Toyota also announced a target of retail sales for the PHEV of late 2011 at an "affordable" price. Video of the presentation and the press release are after the jump.

Presentations:

Gallery: Toyota Prius PHEV concept

[Source: Toyota]

Continue reading Toyota officially launches plug-in Prius program, retail sales in 2011

Toyota officially launches plug-in Prius program, retail sales in 2011 originally appeared on Autoblog on Mon, 14 Dec 2009 10:30:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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LA 2009: Toyota debuts its plug-in Prius for North America

Frank Filipponio — Fri, 04 Dec 2009 08:29:00 EST

Filed under: LA Auto Show, Hybrid, Sedan, Technology, Hatchback, Toyota, Electric

Toyota Prius plug-in hybrid - Click above for high-res image gallery

Toyota rather unceremoniously parked their plug-in Prius hybrid prototype at its North American market debut during the LA Auto Show, while their new Sienna minivan got a royal welcome at its coming out party. At a show that saw the production-ish Chevrolet Volt appearing in public for the first time, it might have seemed likely that Toyota would have made a bigger deal of this model, but we just sort of stumbled upon it while checking out its big brother, the Lexus LFA.

The company did issue a press release, which you can read in its entirety after the jump. In it, they announce that a global demonstration program will start this month in Japan and that the first batch of 500 Lithium-Ion batteries for those vehicles is moving down the assembly line as we speak. The 2010 Toyota Prius Plug-in Hybrid (PHV) uses Toyota's Hybrid Synergy Drive package but adds their first generation lithium-ion battery so it can go all-electric further and more quickly than a traditional hybrid. The electric-only range is just 13 miles, but the Prius PHEV will be able to run all the way up to 60 mph in electric-only mode.

Beyond that, the plug-in Prius reverts to regular hybrid mode with the gas engine and electric motor trading off depending on load and demand. The gas engine is important on this Prius PHEV and cars like the Volt because it lessens the "range anxiety" drivers might feel in a pure electric - That uneasiness that comes from thinking you could be stranded when the batteries run down.

Japan and Europe split the first batch of 350 vehicles, but early next year, the next 150 examples are coming Stateside. These first PHEV vehicles will serve as a test program for real world driving needs, kind of like the MINI E program going on right now. Toyota has already announced that Boulder, CO is going to be the first community to get some of these plug-in hybrids - a surefire way for Toyota to see how cold temps affect battery performance. You can read the rest of the presser after the jump and there's a gallery available by clicking any image below.

Gallery: LA 2009: The plug-in Prius

Continue reading LA 2009: Toyota debuts its plug-in Prius for North America

LA 2009: Toyota debuts its plug-in Prius for North America originally appeared on Autoblog on Fri, 04 Dec 2009 08:29:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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Buick Regal likely to be launch platform for next GM hybrid system

Sam Abuelsamid — Fri, 13 Nov 2009 18:59:00 EST

Filed under: Hybrid, Sedan, Buick

2011 Buick Regal - Click above for high-res image gallery

Last night, General Motors publicly unveiled the 2011 Buick Regal that goes on sale in North America in the first half of next year. The Regal will be Buick's new mid-sized sedan entry and is essentially just a re-grilled version of the Opel Insignia that went on sale in Europe last year. The North American Regal will be built at the Oshawa Ontario assembly plant in Canada beginning in calendar 2011 and will only be offered with a choice of direct-injected four-cylinder engines. However, the Regal is actually slated to go on sale in calendar 2010, and some are suggesting that the sedan will be sourced from Germany for 12 to 15 months.

The base engine will be the 2.4-liter normally aspirated unit that debuted earlier this year in the Chevrolet Equinox, among other models. With a six-speed automatic transmission, the Regal should hit 30+ mpg on the highway. The optional unit will be a 220-hp version of the 2.0-liter turbo, but that powertrain likely won't come on-line right away.

Earlier this year, documents were leaked that listed the Oshawa plant as building a new mid-size hybrid sedan in 2011. It looks like the Regal will be that car with GM's new second generation mild hybrid system that was announced in 2008. The new system uses a more powerful motor/generator and a lithium ion battery. According to Ward's Auto World, the Regal could also get GM's plug-in two mode hybrid system, but that likely won't appear before late 2011 at the earliest.

Gallery: 2011 Buick Regal

[Sources: Ward's Auto World - sub req'd | GM-Volt.com]

Buick Regal likely to be launch platform for next GM hybrid system originally appeared on Autoblog on Fri, 13 Nov 2009 18:59:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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GM's Lauckner wishes for bigger incentives to get drivers out of gas-powered vehicles

Sam Abuelsamid — Wed, 21 Oct 2009 17:41:00 EST

Filed under: Government/Legal, GM, Electric

At this point, it's no secret that the Chevy Volt and other plug-in vehicles are not going to come cheap. About the least pricey full-speed electric vehicle may very well be the Nissan Leaf, which after incentives may be in the $27-28,000 range before the extra cost of leasing the battery. While the operational costs of these cars should be substantially less than any internal combustion vehicle, customers rarely think that far ahead when signing up for a car loan. That's especially true when gas remains well under $3 a gallon here in the US.

Speaking at the Business of Plugging In Conference in Dearborn, Michigan this week, GM's VP of Global Program Management told the audience that incentives will need to be increased for plug-in vehicles to start gaining a real foothold in the US market.

Although GM won't announce pricing until its launch a year from now, most observers expect the Volt to run about $40,000. With a $7,500 federal tax credit, it will still be well over $30,000, which is very expensive for a compact car. Unless gas prices get significantly higher or incentives are increased, most buyers are unlikely to find this or other plug-ins to be a good economic proposition.

[Source: Detroit News]

GM's Lauckner wishes for bigger incentives to get drivers out of gas-powered vehicles originally appeared on Autoblog on Wed, 21 Oct 2009 17:41:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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REPORT: Mitsubishi Evo XI could get plug-in tech in 2013

Chris Shunk — Mon, 19 Oct 2009 13:32:00 EST

Filed under: Crossover, Hatchback, Mitsubishi

Mitsubishi Concept PX-MiEV - Click above for high-res image gallery

The Mitsubishi PX-MiEV, scheduled for an official debut at the Tokyo Motor Show later this week, is jam packed with the best technology Mitsubishi has to offer. It's a series hybrid. It's a parallel hybrid. It has a 30 mile EV range. It will reportedly net 140 MPG. It has the same AWD system as the Lancer EVO X, enabling the crossover concept to switch modes based on how the 'ute is being driven. Why throw the technology sink at the PX-MiEV? Because it's a concept, of course, and concepts are supposed to be fanciful. But why the AWD?

For starters, AWD and hybrid tech don't usually mix, because driving all four wheels at the same time typically decreases fuel economy. So why add AWD to the PX-MiEV concept? The folks over at Autocar feel it could signal Mitsubishi's intent to offer plug-in tech in the Lancer Evolution XI. The Brits reportedly talked to Mitsubishi insiders who say the next-gen Evo could receive the plug-in tech showcased in the PX-MiEV.

While there's an up side to including plug-in tech on the next generation Evo, there are plenty of negatives as well. The high price point could better justify the added cost of hybrid tech, and the powertrain setup in the PX-MiEV, if fitted to the next Evo, would give torquetastic electric twist strictly to the rear wheels. Then there is the emissions issue, which would undoubtedly improve with a few battery packs equipped to Mitsubishi's road-going rally sedan.

Unfortunately, adding lithium battery packs and electric motors would also add significant weight to a vehicle that already tips the scales at over 3,500 pounds. Mitsubishi could shave some tonnage to offset some of the gains, but light weight materials would only add cost to an already pricey proposition. Mitsubishi is already having a bit of trouble trying to find enough customers to justify a $40,000 vehicle based off the spartan Lancer platform, so we're thinking that a plug-in Evo may not be such a great idea after all.

Gallery: Mitsubishi Concept PX-MiEV

[Source: Autocar]

REPORT: Mitsubishi Evo XI could get plug-in tech in 2013 originally appeared on Autoblog on Mon, 19 Oct 2009 13:32:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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Tokyo 2009 Preview: Suzuki Swift hybrid plug-in concept

Xavier Navarro — Fri, 02 Oct 2009 19:28:00 EST

_{2010 Suzuki Swift hybrid plug-in concept - Click for high-res image gallery}

The Suzuki Swift is a competent subcompact that the Japanese marque sells both in Japan and Europe. In the latter, the little hatchback is available with a solid 1.3-liter diesel dubbed DDIS. To make things even cleaner, Suzuki has announced that it will introduce a plug-in series hybrid version of the Swift at the upcoming Tokyo Motor Show, and the powertrain reminds us of nothing less than a smaller Chevrolet Volt.

The model, which is just a concept at this point, uses a 660 cc engine, probably sourced from a kei car. The engine charges the lithium-ion batteries, which are placed between the front seats - we suspect they extend into the middle of the rear seat as well. The batteries power a 54 kW motor that moves the front wheels.

We'll learn more when we get to Tokyo, but for now, check out our high-res gallery below.

Gallery: Suzuki Swift plug-in hybrid

[Source: Suzuki]

Tokyo 2009 Preview: Suzuki Swift hybrid plug-in concept originally appeared on Autoblog on Fri, 02 Oct 2009 19:28:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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