AutoblogGreen http://green.autoblog.com AutoblogGreen http://www.blogsmithmedia.com/green.autoblog.com/media/feedlogo.gif AutoblogGreen http://green.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[Memorial Day weekend gas tab likely to hit $1.44 billion in US]]>http://green.autoblog.com/2013/05/24/memorial-day-weekend-gas-tab-likely-to-hit-1-44-billion-in-us/http://green.autoblog.com/2013/05/24/memorial-day-weekend-gas-tab-likely-to-hit-1-44-billion-in-us/http://green.autoblog.com/2013/05/24/memorial-day-weekend-gas-tab-likely-to-hit-1-44-billion-in-us/#commentsFiled under: , ,

gas station in the fog

Americans are about to spend a lot of money on gasoline. If the number crunchers at the Union of Concerned Scientists (UCS) are correct, US drivers will spend a tidy $1.44 billion filling up for their Memorial Day travels as 31.2 million people use the long weekend to participate in the time-honored tradition of a road trip.

Almost nine out of 10 Americans (89 percent, by UCS estimates) who will travel this weekend are expected to do so by passenger car or truck and therefore will spend the equivalent of 77 million bottles of sunscreen or 300 million cones of ice cream on petroleum. That gas tab will theoretically go up a tad after that ice cream's polished off and the collective weight's put on, of course.

The holiday spending number would be cut in half if we had tomorrow's cars today. The UCS says that if we were driving the average new vehicle from 2025 - which will have an average fuel economy that's roughly twice as high today - we would be paying about $619 million less on gasoline this weekend. Which means more ice cream and sunscreen for all of us.

Check out the UCS press release below.

Continue reading Memorial Day weekend gas tab likely to hit $1.44 billion in US

Memorial Day weekend gas tab likely to hit $1.44 billion in US originally appeared on Autoblog Green on Fri, 24 May 2013 19:57:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>gas pricesholidaymemorial daympgucsunion of concerned scientistsFri, 24 May 2013 19:57:00 EST http://green.autoblog.com/feed/20583030/article-comments.xml http://green.autoblog.com/feed/20583030/article-comments.html http://green.autoblog.com/feed/2013/05/24/memorial-day-weekend-gas-tab-likely-to-hit-1-44-billion-in-us/20583030/article-detail.xml 20583030 http://www.blogcdn.com/green.autoblog.com/media/2013/05/gas-station-fog_thumbnail.jpg http://www.blogcdn.com/green.autoblog.com/media/2013/05/gas-station-fog.jpg <![CDATA[Official: 2014 BMW 5 Series diesel costs $4,800 less than ActiveHybrid in US]]>http://green.autoblog.com/2013/05/24/2014-bmw-5-series-diesel-costs-4-800-less-than-hybrid-in-us/http://green.autoblog.com/2013/05/24/2014-bmw-5-series-diesel-costs-4-800-less-than-hybrid-in-us/http://green.autoblog.com/2013/05/24/2014-bmw-5-series-diesel-costs-4-800-less-than-hybrid-in-us/#commentsFiled under: , ,

2014 bmw 5 series

Hey, for some, $4,800 is the price of their next car. For the Ultimate Driving Machine, it's the price difference between a diesel and a hybrid.

BMW has released pricing specs for its 2014 model-year 5 Series sedans, and it turns out that the German automaker appears to view diesel as a superior way to hit stricter fuel-economy standards compared to hybrids. How do we know? Bimmer is pricing its 535d sedan at $57,525. Not only does the oil burner deliver 255 horsepower and 413 pound-feet of torque, but it's less expensive than the ActiveHybrid 5, which checks in at $62,325.

Of course, one could scrap any pretense of fuel economy and go for the V8 with TwinPower Turbo, which delivers a whopping 445 horsepower and 480 pound-feet of torque - and a fuel economy rating that will likely displease the treehuggers of the world. Check out BMW's really long press release below.

Continue reading 2014 BMW 5 Series diesel costs $4,800 less than ActiveHybrid in US

2014 BMW 5 Series diesel costs $4,800 less than ActiveHybrid in US originally appeared on Autoblog Green on Fri, 24 May 2013 18:02:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>5-seriesbmwdieselhybridFri, 24 May 2013 18:02:00 EST http://green.autoblog.com/feed/20583131/article-comments.xml http://green.autoblog.com/feed/20583131/article-comments.html http://green.autoblog.com/feed/2013/05/24/2014-bmw-5-series-diesel-costs-4-800-less-than-hybrid-in-us/20583131/article-detail.xml 20583131 http://www.blogcdn.com/green.autoblog.com/media/2013/05/bimmer_thumbnail.jpg http://www.blogcdn.com/green.autoblog.com/media/2013/05/bimmer.jpg <![CDATA[Official: Last year's high gas prices stopping people from spending like they used to]]>http://green.autoblog.com/2013/05/24/last-years-high-gas-prices-stopping-people-from-spending/http://green.autoblog.com/2013/05/24/last-years-high-gas-prices-stopping-people-from-spending/http://green.autoblog.com/2013/05/24/last-years-high-gas-prices-stopping-people-from-spending/#commentsFiled under:

traffic on wet road

Old habits die hard, and when it comes to changing our spending habits to account for gas price increases, newer ones do as well. About four in five Americans have held steady with their lower discretionary spending levels from last year - a time when gas prices spiked - despite the fact that the cost to fill up a tank has dropped since then. And those habits are consistent across age and income brackets.

The takeaway point, according Bankrate, which issued a press release on the numbers, is that high gas prices hurt the economy far more than lower gas prices help.

Some of that apparent paranoia may be attributed to the fact that, while prices are down from their $4-plus average from last spring, there have been a couple "S" curves worth of fluctuations. Average gas prices tumbled to about $3.45 a gallon last July, rose about 40 cents by September, dropped again to about $3.30 around the new year and have since settled at about $3.60 a gallon, according to AAA. See Bankrate's press release below.

Continue reading Last year's high gas prices stopping people from spending like they used to

Last year's high gas prices stopping people from spending like they used to originally appeared on Autoblog Green on Fri, 24 May 2013 08:04:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>bankrateeconomyfuelgas pricesspendingFri, 24 May 2013 08:04:00 EST http://green.autoblog.com/feed/20579854/article-comments.xml http://green.autoblog.com/feed/20579854/article-comments.html http://green.autoblog.com/feed/2013/05/24/last-years-high-gas-prices-stopping-people-from-spending/20579854/article-detail.xml 20579854 http://www.blogcdn.com/green.autoblog.com/media/2012/11/traffic-on-wet-road_thumbnail.jpg http://www.blogcdn.com/green.autoblog.com/media/2012/11/traffic-on-wet-road.jpg <![CDATA[Two Wheels: Zero gets electric motorcycles ready for police duty in Hong Kong]]>http://green.autoblog.com/2013/05/23/zero-gets-electric-motorcycles-ready-for-police-duty-in-hong-kon/http://green.autoblog.com/2013/05/23/zero-gets-electric-motorcycles-ready-for-police-duty-in-hong-kon/http://green.autoblog.com/2013/05/23/zero-gets-electric-motorcycles-ready-for-police-duty-in-hong-kon/#commentsFiled under: , ,

Zero S electric motorcycle

Zero officially became many as the maker of electric motorcycles had its largest single-fleet sale to the city of Hong Kong.

The company, Zero Motorcycles, is distributing its bikes in eastern Asia through Yuen Ho Trading Co. (you didn't expect the Tesla Motors sales model, did you?) and sold 59 Zero S e-motorcycles to Hong Kong, most of which will be used by the police department. The Hong Kong Agricultural, Fisheries and Conservation Department will also be using some of the really quiet two-wheelers.

The model-year 2012 motorcycles, which have an 89-mile single-charge range and a top speed of 88 miles per hour, "have been up fitted with a series of components developed exclusively for traffic enforcement, "were also retrofitted especially for law-enforcement purposes" but did not disclose the details of the upgrades. We do know that, compared to MY 2012, the 2013 models are about 10 percent faster and have about a 10-percent longer single-charge range. Check out Zero Motorcycles' press release below.

Continue reading Zero gets electric motorcycles ready for police duty in Hong Kong

Zero gets electric motorcycles ready for police duty in Hong Kong originally appeared on Autoblog Green on Thu, 23 May 2013 18:00:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>electric motorcycleelectric vehiclehong kongpolicezero motorcycleszero sThu, 23 May 2013 18:00:00 EST http://green.autoblog.com/feed/20580343/article-comments.xml http://green.autoblog.com/feed/20580343/article-comments.html http://green.autoblog.com/feed/2013/05/23/zero-gets-electric-motorcycles-ready-for-police-duty-in-hong-kon/20580343/article-detail.xml 20580343 http://www.blogcdn.com/green.autoblog.com/media/2013/05/zeros_thumbnail.jpg http://www.blogcdn.com/green.autoblog.com/media/2013/05/zeros.jpg <![CDATA[Report: RelayRides buys car-sharing competitor Wheelz for keyless technology]]>http://green.autoblog.com/2013/05/23/relayrides-buys-car-sharing-competitor-wheelz-for-keyless-techno/http://green.autoblog.com/2013/05/23/relayrides-buys-car-sharing-competitor-wheelz-for-keyless-techno/http://green.autoblog.com/2013/05/23/relayrides-buys-car-sharing-competitor-wheelz-for-keyless-techno/#commentsFiled under: ,

RelayRides peer-to-peer car-sharing network

Think of this as a rare occasion where a General Motors collaborator is providing Ford with a little cash. A GM partner, peer-to-peer car-sharing operator RelayRides, is buying competitor Wheelz for an undisclosed amount, GigaOM reports. It's a bit of a stretch, but Ford is connected to Wheelz.

The draw for RelayRides is Wheelz's so-called DriveBox technology, which facilitates car entry without owner and renter having to go through the trouble of swapping keys. An additional wrinkle is that one of the investors of Wheelz, which had tried to corner the car-sharing market at universities, is Fontinalis Partners, an investment vehicle for automaker scion Bill Ford.

In 2011, RelayRides reached an agreement with GM that involved GM car owners with OnStar systems being able to car-share through RelayRides. That collaboration went into effect last summer. More recently, RelayRides caught heat from New York State for what the state government says is false advertising. The issue involves whether car-owners sharing their vehicles through RelayRides are liable for expenses if their cars are wrecked or stolen, or if the cars are covered by insurance.

RelayRides buys car-sharing competitor Wheelz for keyless technology originally appeared on Autoblog Green on Thu, 23 May 2013 16:03:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>bill fordcar sharingfontinalisfordgeneral motorspeer to peerrelayrideswheelzThu, 23 May 2013 16:03:00 EST http://green.autoblog.com/feed/20580772/article-comments.xml http://green.autoblog.com/feed/20580772/article-comments.html http://green.autoblog.com/feed/2013/05/23/relayrides-buys-car-sharing-competitor-wheelz-for-keyless-techno/20580772/article-detail.xml 20580772 http://www.blogcdn.com/green.autoblog.com/media/2013/05/relayrides_thumbnail.jpg http://www.blogcdn.com/green.autoblog.com/media/2013/05/relayrides.jpg <![CDATA[Report: Nissan, CarCharging Group collaborate on quick-charger deployment]]>http://green.autoblog.com/2013/05/23/nissan-carcharging-group-collaborate-on-quick-charger-deploymen/http://green.autoblog.com/2013/05/23/nissan-carcharging-group-collaborate-on-quick-charger-deploymen/http://green.autoblog.com/2013/05/23/nissan-carcharging-group-collaborate-on-quick-charger-deploymen/#commentsFiled under: ,

While Nissan is expanding the single-charge range on its all-electric Leaf, the Japanese automaker is also working on shortening the distance between publicly accessible quick-charging stations. Nissan is collaborating with CarCharging Group at deploying more quick chargers t

While Nissan is expanding the single-charge range on its all-electric Leaf, the Japanese automaker is also working on shortening the distance between publicly accessible quick-charge stations.

Nissan is collaborating with CarCharging Group to deploy more quick chargers throughout the most Leaf-heavy parts of the country. Specifically, about 48 Nissan-branded quick chargers will soon be offered in California and on the East Coast. Such chargers can provide energy to fill 80 percent of the Leaf's battery capacity in about 30 minutes. CarCharging Group is also developing a mobile app that will give users real-time information on charging-station locations.

Earlier this month, Nissan said it has exceeded 25,000 Leaf sale in the US. Through the first four months of the year, the company more than doubled sales (compared to 2012) to 5,476 vehicles and is coming off two of its best sales months ever for the little EV. Check out Nissan's press release below.

Continue reading Nissan, CarCharging Group collaborate on quick-charger deployment

Nissan, CarCharging Group collaborate on quick-charger deployment originally appeared on Autoblog Green on Thu, 23 May 2013 13:59:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>carchargingdc fast chargeelectric vehiclefast chargingleafnissanquick chargersstationsThu, 23 May 2013 13:59:00 EST http://green.autoblog.com/feed/20580759/article-comments.xml http://green.autoblog.com/feed/20580759/article-comments.html http://green.autoblog.com/feed/2013/05/23/nissan-carcharging-group-collaborate-on-quick-charger-deploymen/20580759/article-detail.xml 20580759 http://www.blogcdn.com/green.autoblog.com/media/2013/05/nissanleaf-1369285894_thumbnail.jpg http://www.blogcdn.com/green.autoblog.com/media/2013/05/nissanleaf-1369285894.jpg <![CDATA[Read This: Volvo S60 F-1 KERS system adds some noise, increases efficiency up to 20%]]>http://green.autoblog.com/2013/05/23/volvo-s60-f-1-kers-system-tested-out/http://green.autoblog.com/2013/05/23/volvo-s60-f-1-kers-system-tested-out/http://green.autoblog.com/2013/05/23/volvo-s60-f-1-kers-system-tested-out/#commentsFiled under: ,

Volvo's KERS system

You can sign us up for this one. Volvo is testing a prototype S60 sedan equipped with a Formula One-type Kinetic Energy Recovery System (KERS) at its Sweden headquarters and recently took some folks from Green Car Reports for a test drive.

While noting that the KERS' rear-axle mounted flywheel that stores braking energy and transfers it to the drivetrain could be loud, Green Car Reports unmistakably enjoyed the experience of the extra kick the system provided to the car's 2.5-liter turbocharged engine. In short, the S60's KERS system adds 80 horsepower to the car's 254 and, as a result, cut about a second and a half off of the car's usual 0-100 km (62 miles per hour) acceleration time of about seven seconds.

Three years ago, Volvo was awarded a $1 million Swedish government grant to develop such a system and, early on, said KERS could cut fuel use by as much as 20 percent. Volvo said last month that it had a prototype in the works.

Volvo S60 F-1 KERS system adds some noise, increases efficiency up to 20% originally appeared on Autoblog Green on Thu, 23 May 2013 10:02:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>kerskinetic energy recovery systems60swedenvolvoThu, 23 May 2013 10:02:00 EST http://green.autoblog.com/feed/20580655/article-comments.xml http://green.autoblog.com/feed/20580655/article-comments.html http://green.autoblog.com/feed/2013/05/23/volvo-s60-f-1-kers-system-tested-out/20580655/article-detail.xml 20580655 http://www.blogcdn.com/green.autoblog.com/media/2013/05/volvokers_thumbnail.jpg http://www.blogcdn.com/green.autoblog.com/media/2013/05/volvokers.jpg <![CDATA[Official: Mysterious Hybrid Support Solutions arises to support Fisker Karma, charges $4k for membership]]>http://green.autoblog.com/2013/05/20/fisker-support-team-company-pops-up-charges-4k-for-membershi/http://green.autoblog.com/2013/05/20/fisker-support-team-company-pops-up-charges-4k-for-membershi/http://green.autoblog.com/2013/05/20/fisker-support-team-company-pops-up-charges-4k-for-membershi/#commentsFiled under: ,

Fisker Karma

It's hard to get sympathy when you have the funds to lay out north of $100,000 for a car, but for those Fisker Karma owners feeling blue, Hybrid Support Solutions (HSS) is there for you. For $3,995, of course.

Karma owners can pay $3,995 for a subscription that gives them a chance to get service consulting for a car whose maker is a little too busy with Congressional hearings (and, likely, a looming bankruptcy). This fee will allow personal repair help from HSS staff, up to and including battery replacement. Or, at least, information on battery replacement. "Parts and special operations are not covered but our time, advice, recommendations; access to our knowledge library and catalogs is available 24/7," HSS says on its website. HSS is also working on an "inexpensive tool" that will allow drivers to figure out what their Karmas are telling them via trouble codes and check engine lights. HSS says, "This will be an improved and more functional (and far less expensive) tool than the $4000.00 original manufacturer specified tool of which is no longer available."

We're not sure who's behind HSS, but we do know it's based in Long Beach, CA (Fisker Automotive is based in nearby Anaheim) and the website says it's the "original and only Karma support team" and boasts 10 "members that have the knowledge on the inner workings of the Karma" who "have been there since the beginning." So, perhaps, that knowledge library runs deep. We've included the HSS FAQ below.

Of course, Leo and the rest of the Karma owners, who are likely feeling the pinch of a crashing used-car market for the vehicles, could save themselves any plug-in trouble by ditching their electric powertrain altogether in favor of a VL Productions Destino, which pulls the powertrail out of the Karma and replaces it from a General Motors-made 556-horsepower V8.

Continue reading Mysterious Hybrid Support Solutions arises to support Fisker Karma, charges $4k for membership

Mysterious Hybrid Support Solutions arises to support Fisker Karma, charges $4k for membership originally appeared on Autoblog Green on Mon, 20 May 2013 08:00:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>californiafiskerfisker karmahsshybrid support solutionslong beachMon, 20 May 2013 08:00:00 EST http://green.autoblog.com/feed/20574572/article-comments.xml http://green.autoblog.com/feed/20574572/article-comments.html http://green.autoblog.com/feed/2013/05/20/fisker-support-team-company-pops-up-charges-4k-for-membershi/20574572/article-detail.xml 20574572 http://www.blogcdn.com/green.autoblog.com/media/2013/05/fisker_thumbnail.jpg http://www.blogcdn.com/green.autoblog.com/media/2013/05/fisker.jpg <![CDATA[Report: High schooler electrifies Honda S2000]]>http://green.autoblog.com/2013/05/17/high-schooler-electrifies-honda-s2000/http://green.autoblog.com/2013/05/17/high-schooler-electrifies-honda-s2000/http://green.autoblog.com/2013/05/17/high-schooler-electrifies-honda-s2000/#commentsFiled under: ,

Juan Ehringeras's Honda S2000 EV

Any old codger wondering if our future's in good hands should check out what Juan Ehringeras is doing with his Honda S2000. The high school senior is rebuilding the two-seater as an all-electric vehicle, and seems to be having fun with the process, according to Motor Authority.

Ehringeras, who chose the car because it was cheap (hey, it was damaged) and lightweight, has built his own battery packs and has gone genius on a bunch of other little features for his new ride. Ehringeras didn't talk single-charge range but did say the electric motor will be able to deliver about 780 horsepower. You read that right. For a kid in a two-seater.

The student appears to be continuing a tradition of young gearheads putting their own spin on the modern EV. West Philadelphia High School made news a couple of years back with its entrees in the Automotive X-Prize alt-fuel vehicle competition. And way back in early 2008, we reported on then-high schooler Andrew Angellotti turning his 1988 Mazda B2200 pickup truck into an all-electric green machine. Check out a short video of the S2000's test drive below. Yes, youth is served.

Continue reading High schooler electrifies Honda S2000

High schooler electrifies Honda S2000 originally appeared on Autoblog Green on Fri, 17 May 2013 16:01:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>electric vehicleevhigh schoolhondajuan ehringerass2000Fri, 17 May 2013 16:01:00 EST http://green.autoblog.com/feed/20572827/article-comments.xml http://green.autoblog.com/feed/20572827/article-comments.html http://green.autoblog.com/feed/2013/05/17/high-schooler-electrifies-honda-s2000/20572827/article-detail.xml 20572827 http://www.blogcdn.com/green.autoblog.com/media/2013/05/hondas2000_thumbnail.png http://www.blogcdn.com/green.autoblog.com/media/2013/05/hondas2000.png <![CDATA[Report: BMW exec: Germans should shrug off 'angst' and just buy electric vehicles]]>http://green.autoblog.com/2013/05/17/bmw-exec-germans-should-shrug-off-angst-buy-electric-vehicles/http://green.autoblog.com/2013/05/17/bmw-exec-germans-should-shrug-off-angst-buy-electric-vehicles/http://green.autoblog.com/2013/05/17/bmw-exec-germans-should-shrug-off-angst-buy-electric-vehicles/#commentsFiled under: , ,

BMW i3 EV

Honda once told Americans to "respect the van" in its effort to sell its Odyssey minivans. Now, BMW CEO Norbert Reithofer is telling his fellow Germans to "embrace the plug."

Reithofer cited "German angst" to explain a potential sales roadblock for the German automaker's new "i" sub-brand, which officially debuts later this year with the i3 battery-electric vehicle, Bloomberg News reports. Reithofer says Bimmer has taken a leap of faith of sorts by investing in plug-in drivetrain technology, and now needs to encourage the German public to do the same. BMW will also start selling its i8 plug-in hybrid next year.

Whether Germans will follow suit remains in question. Stefan Bratzel, director of the Center of Automotive Management at Germany's University of Applied Sciences, tells Bloomberg that plug-ins may account for as much as three percent of Germany's new-vehicle market by the end of the decade, and says Germans remain in a "phase of disenchantment" when it comes to plug-in technology.

Reithofer has previously made a different type of appeal, recently calling European emissions standards for 2020 "impossible to meet" and lobbying for funding from the German government to help with the necessary technological improvements.

BMW exec: Germans should shrug off 'angst' and just buy electric vehicles originally appeared on Autoblog Green on Fri, 17 May 2013 11:58:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>angstbmwelectric vehiclei3norbert reithoferplug-inFri, 17 May 2013 11:58:00 EST http://green.autoblog.com/feed/20571456/article-comments.xml http://green.autoblog.com/feed/20571456/article-comments.html http://green.autoblog.com/feed/2013/05/17/bmw-exec-germans-should-shrug-off-angst-buy-electric-vehicles/20571456/article-detail.xml 20571456 http://www.blogcdn.com/green.autoblog.com/media/2013/05/bmwi3-1368730610_thumbnail.jpg http://www.blogcdn.com/green.autoblog.com/media/2013/05/bmwi3-1368730610.jpg <![CDATA[Read This: Little car, big arguments: Honda Fit EV review divides C&D readers for our entertainment]]>http://green.autoblog.com/2013/05/16/honda-fit-ev-review-divides-candd-readers/http://green.autoblog.com/2013/05/16/honda-fit-ev-review-divides-candd-readers/http://green.autoblog.com/2013/05/16/honda-fit-ev-review-divides-candd-readers/#commentsFiled under: ,

Honda Fit EV

For anyone wanting to get a clearer view of the "us vs. them" environment dividing electric-vehicle advocates and everyone else, Plug In Cars' take on Car and Driver's recent review of the Honda Fit EV is instructive.

The innocuous-looking Honda triggered some "anti-EV vitriol" Car and Driver readers. It's not a huge surprise that C&D bashed the model for its high price, tight quarters, limited (compared to the gas model) range and, of course, sub-par road performance. It's one writer's opinion, and that's that. What's more illuminating, though, are the comments from Car and Driver readers, which get into politics, elitism and, yes, Leonardo De Caprio. Oh, what fun. It's a bit of a rabbit hole, but here are a few examples:
  • "[EVs] are for self-hating RICH people who the liberals have made ASHAMED to flaunt their wealth. If I had that kind of money, I'd drive around in a Lamborghini or Veyron. Even now, when people hear my engine and ask how many miles do I get per gallon, I proudly say "10.1"."
  • "EVs are NOT improvements over gas powere vehicles. You have a very short leash on the car and have an extremely long recharge time. You can quick charge the batteries but at the cost of killing their longevity. You may not be spewing fumes outside a tail pipe but you are adding to the energy consumed by power plants. Don't even start with the ridiculous solar panel chargers since it would literally take you a week to get a full charge from the solar panels on tops of an average family home. God help you if you are in an apartment."
In the end, as Plug In Cars says, "anti-EV vitriol is alive and well," and you can read the rest here. For those curious, the Car and Driver review and comments are here. Our own Fit review is here.

Little car, big arguments: Honda Fit EV review divides C&D readers for our entertainment originally appeared on Autoblog Green on Thu, 16 May 2013 19:48:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>car and driverelectric vehiclefitfit evhondahonda fit electrichonda fit evreviewThu, 16 May 2013 19:48:00 EST http://green.autoblog.com/feed/20572593/article-comments.xml http://green.autoblog.com/feed/20572593/article-comments.html http://green.autoblog.com/feed/2013/05/16/honda-fit-ev-review-divides-candd-readers/20572593/article-detail.xml 20572593 http://www.blogcdn.com/green.autoblog.com/media/2013/05/hondafitev_thumbnail.jpg http://www.blogcdn.com/green.autoblog.com/media/2013/05/hondafitev.jpg <![CDATA[Official: Nissan Leaf sales hit 25,000 in US]]>http://green.autoblog.com/2013/05/16/nissan-leaf-sales-hit-25000-in-us/http://green.autoblog.com/2013/05/16/nissan-leaf-sales-hit-25000-in-us/http://green.autoblog.com/2013/05/16/nissan-leaf-sales-hit-25000-in-us/#commentsFiled under: , ,



We'll forgive Nissan for gloating a bit, now that the Japanese automaker has surpassed the 25,000- sales threshold for the Leaf EV in the US.

Coming off two of its best months domestically, the all-electric Leaf has complemented its sales on the West Coast with more recent demand increases in markets such as Atlanta, Dallas and Chicago. All told, Nissan, which recently started producing US Leafs at its Tennessee plant, has sold 62,000 Leafs globally.

With production moving stateside, Nissan was able to cut the price of the 2013 Leaf by $6,400 to a base of $28,800, and that's before the $7,500 federal tax credit kicks in. Through April, Nissan more than doubled year-earlier Leaf sales to 5,476 units. And the model recently received an additional boost when the US Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) confirmed its new fuel economy rating for the Leaf at 115 miles per gallon equivalent, up from 99 MPGe. Check out Nissan's press release below.

Continue reading Nissan Leaf sales hit 25,000 in US

Nissan Leaf sales hit 25,000 in US originally appeared on Autoblog Green on Thu, 16 May 2013 09:57:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>25000electric vehicleEVev salesleaf salesnissannissan leafThu, 16 May 2013 09:57:00 EST http://green.autoblog.com/feed/20570651/article-comments.xml http://green.autoblog.com/feed/20570651/article-comments.html http://green.autoblog.com/feed/2013/05/16/nissan-leaf-sales-hit-25000-in-us/20570651/article-detail.xml 20570651 http://www.blogcdn.com/green.autoblog.com/media/2013/05/nissan-leaf-25000-sales_thumbnail.jpg http://www.blogcdn.com/green.autoblog.com/media/2013/05/nissan-leaf-25000-sales.jpg <![CDATA[Study: Idaho has highest percentage of transportation-related emissions]]>http://green.autoblog.com/2013/05/16/idaho-has-highest-percentage-of-transportation-related-emissions/http://green.autoblog.com/2013/05/16/idaho-has-highest-percentage-of-transportation-related-emissions/http://green.autoblog.com/2013/05/16/idaho-has-highest-percentage-of-transportation-related-emissions/#commentsFiled under:



Is there a plethora of big rigs in the Gem State? Results of a US Energy Information Administration (EIA) report tracking state-by-state energy-related carbon dioxide emission makes that question worth asking, as Idaho was the state with the highest percentage of emissions stemming from the transportation sector.

A whopping 58 percent of the Spud State's energy-related emissions in 2010 (the most recent year tracked) came solely from transportation, narrowly beating out California, New Jersey and Oregon in that department. On the other end of the spectrum, just 13 percent of North Dakota's energy-related emissions came from transportation, while Indiana checked in at 19 percent. Click here (PDF) for the 21-page EIA report.

Naturally (or not so naturally, in this case), California in 2010 had both the largest amount of transportation-related emissions (Texas was a close second) and most total energy-related emissions, belching 370 million metric tons of CO2 into the golden sky. Optimists will point out that that figure is down 11 percent from a decade earlier. So we have that going for us.

Idaho has highest percentage of transportation-related emissions originally appeared on Autoblog Green on Thu, 16 May 2013 08:02:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>californiaco2emissionsenergy information administrationidahoThu, 16 May 2013 08:02:00 EST http://green.autoblog.com/feed/20569285/article-comments.xml http://green.autoblog.com/feed/20569285/article-comments.html http://green.autoblog.com/feed/2013/05/16/idaho-has-highest-percentage-of-transportation-related-emissions/20569285/article-detail.xml 20569285 http://www.blogcdn.com/green.autoblog.com/media/2013/05/welcome-to-idaho-sign_thumbnail.jpg http://www.blogcdn.com/green.autoblog.com/media/2013/05/welcome-to-idaho-sign.jpg <![CDATA[Official: 2013 Nissan Leaf officially rated at 115 MPGe, with 75 miles* of range]]>http://green.autoblog.com/2013/05/15/2013-nissan-leaf-officially-rated-at-115-mpge-75-mile-range/http://green.autoblog.com/2013/05/15/2013-nissan-leaf-officially-rated-at-115-mpge-75-mile-range/http://green.autoblog.com/2013/05/15/2013-nissan-leaf-officially-rated-at-115-mpge-75-mile-range/#commentsFiled under: , ,

Nissan Leaf

The news keeps getting better for Nissan and its efforts to boost sales of its all-electric Leaf: the Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) ahs confirmed that the EV's range is about 15 percent better than it used to be.

The EPA finalized its 2013 Leaf numbers, confirming a miles per gallon-equivalent rating of 115, up from 99 MPGe. And while the single-charge range distance is only up two miles - to 75 - it's apples to oranges because the current number stems from about a 90 percent charge whereas the old number is from a full charge (details here). The new Leaf also gets 129 city mpge and 102 mpge on the highway.

Nissan estimated the EPA numbers back in February, but the confirmation is the latest bit of good news for the Leaf, whose sales through the first four months of the year more than doubled from a year earlier to 5,476 units. Additionally, the Leaf was given the top safety rating by the Insurance Institute for Highway Safety (IIHS) earlier this month.

2013 Nissan Leaf officially rated at 115 MPGe, with 75 miles* of range originally appeared on Autoblog Green on Wed, 15 May 2013 19:48:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>environmental protection agencyepampgmpgenissannissan leafWed, 15 May 2013 19:48:00 EST http://green.autoblog.com/feed/20570607/article-comments.xml http://green.autoblog.com/feed/20570607/article-comments.html http://green.autoblog.com/feed/2013/05/15/2013-nissan-leaf-officially-rated-at-115-mpge-75-mile-range/20570607/article-detail.xml 20570607 http://www.blogcdn.com/green.autoblog.com/media/2013/05/nissanleaf-1368642814_thumbnail.jpg http://www.blogcdn.com/green.autoblog.com/media/2013/05/nissanleaf-1368642814.jpg <![CDATA[Report: North Carolina targets Tesla, considers banning direct-to-consumer sales]]>http://green.autoblog.com/2013/05/15/north-carolina-targets-tesla-banning-direct-to-consumer-sales/http://green.autoblog.com/2013/05/15/north-carolina-targets-tesla-banning-direct-to-consumer-sales/http://green.autoblog.com/2013/05/15/north-carolina-targets-tesla-banning-direct-to-consumer-sales/#commentsFiled under: , ,

Tesla Model S at sunset

North Carolina is the latest state to line up against Tesla Motors by proposing a bill that would bar direct automaker-to-customer sales within the state, the Raleigh News & Observer reports. Still, Tesla says plans to open a showroom there and has sold about 80 cars to North Carolina residents, with reservations for about 60 more.

According to Slate, a bill pushed by the state's Senate Commerce Committee - and backed, of course, by the North Carolina Automobile Dealers Association (NCADA) - would not only prevent Tesla from opening a showroom in North Carolina, it would go as far as banning Internet vehicle sales in the Tar Heel state. We're not sure how that would be enforced, but it would certainly crimp the success Tesla has had without using the traditional industry dealer distribution model. The bill is sponsored by state Sen. Tom Apodaca (R), who claims the goal is to stop unfair competition between manufacturers and dealers (as Slate notes, Apodaca also received $8,000 from the NCADA last year, the most allowed by law). Tesla's vice president for corporate and business development, Diarmuid O'Connell, argues that the bill is "a protectionist move to lock down the market so we have to go through the middleman - the dealer - to sell our cars."

Texas, Massachusetts, Minnesota and New York are among states that have so far taken issue with Tesla's dealer-free distribution model, prompting Musk to say last month that he'd consider going to Congress to try and get factory-to-customer sales legalized throughout the country. Musk is likely emboldened by the fact that Tesla earned its first quarterly profit this year and sold more of its Model S electric vehicles than General Motors and Nissan did of their Chevrolet Volt extended-range plug-in and Leaf EV, respectively.

North Carolina targets Tesla, considers banning direct-to-consumer sales originally appeared on Autoblog Green on Wed, 15 May 2013 13:29:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>car dealersdealerselectric vehicleelon muskncnorth carolinateslatesla motorstesla storetom apodacaWed, 15 May 2013 13:29:00 EST http://green.autoblog.com/feed/20568421/article-comments.xml http://green.autoblog.com/feed/20568421/article-comments.html http://green.autoblog.com/feed/2013/05/15/north-carolina-targets-tesla-banning-direct-to-consumer-sales/20568421/article-detail.xml 20568421 http://www.blogcdn.com/green.autoblog.com/media/2013/05/teslamodels-1368580419_thumbnail.jpg http://www.blogcdn.com/green.autoblog.com/media/2013/05/teslamodels-1368580419.jpg <![CDATA[Official: Toyota Auris Hybrid manages just 84 grams of CO2 per kilometer, beating Prius]]>http://green.autoblog.com/2013/05/15/toyota-auris-hybrid-manages-just-84-grams-of-co2-per-kilometer/http://green.autoblog.com/2013/05/15/toyota-auris-hybrid-manages-just-84-grams-of-co2-per-kilometer/http://green.autoblog.com/2013/05/15/toyota-auris-hybrid-manages-just-84-grams-of-co2-per-kilometer/#commentsFiled under: , ,

Toyota Auris Hybrid
For Toyota and the new version of its Auris Hybrid that goes on sale starting next month, less is more. In this case, the Auris Hybrid will get an engine that cuts emissions by more than three percent from the current version.

The Auris Hybrid that goes on sale next month will emit just 84 grams of CO2 per kilometer, down from 87 in the previous model. The Touring Sports version of the Auris Hybrid, which was first shown off in Geneva earlier this year was, in Toyota's words, the "first full hybrid estate car," and emits 85 g/km. For comparison, the European Prius emits 91 g/km in combined driving conditions.

First-quarter Auris Hybrid sales in Europe surged 69 percent from a year earlier. There are no plans to bring the model stateside. Read Toyota's press release below.

Continue reading Toyota Auris Hybrid manages just 84 grams of CO2 per kilometer, beating Prius

Toyota Auris Hybrid manages just 84 grams of CO2 per kilometer, beating Prius originally appeared on Autoblog Green on Wed, 15 May 2013 11:54:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>auris hybridco2emissionseuropetoyotaWed, 15 May 2013 11:54:00 EST http://green.autoblog.com/feed/20569259/article-comments.xml http://green.autoblog.com/feed/20569259/article-comments.html http://green.autoblog.com/feed/2013/05/15/toyota-auris-hybrid-manages-just-84-grams-of-co2-per-kilometer/20569259/article-detail.xml 20569259 http://www.blogcdn.com/green.autoblog.com/media/2013/05/auris_thumbnail.jpg http://www.blogcdn.com/green.autoblog.com/media/2013/05/auris.jpg <![CDATA[Official: Ford taps AeroVironment for home-charging systems]]>http://green.autoblog.com/2013/05/15/ford-taps-aerovironment-for-home-charging-systems/http://green.autoblog.com/2013/05/15/ford-taps-aerovironment-for-home-charging-systems/http://green.autoblog.com/2013/05/15/ford-taps-aerovironment-for-home-charging-systems/#commentsFiled under: ,

AeroVironment EV chargers

Ford figures that 11,000 electric-vehicle driving homeowners can't be wrong. The US automaker has tapped AeroVironment as its official vendor for Level 2 home-charging systems.

AeroVironment is offering one-day installations of 240-volt systems at the homes of Ford C-Max, Fusion plug-in and Focus Electric drivers. With the Level 2 systems, the plug-in hybrids can be fully recharged in under three hours, while the Focus EV can be juiced up in less than four hours.

Through April, Ford sold almost 3,000 plug-ins vehicles, more than half of which are C-Max Energi PHEVs. By comparison, Nissan has sold almost 5,500 Leafs, while General Motors has moved 5,550 Chevrolet Volt extended-range plug-ins.

Last fall, AeroVironment crossed the 10,000-station installation threshold in North America. The company was named the preferred home-charger-installation vendor of Nissan way back in 2010. Check out AeroVironment's press release below.

Continue reading Ford taps AeroVironment for home-charging systems

Ford taps AeroVironment for home-charging systems originally appeared on Autoblog Green on Wed, 15 May 2013 08:01:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>240-voltaerovironmentchargerscharging stationselectric vehiclefordlevel 2level 2 charging stationplug-in hybridWed, 15 May 2013 08:01:00 EST http://green.autoblog.com/feed/20567293/article-comments.xml http://green.autoblog.com/feed/20567293/article-comments.html http://green.autoblog.com/feed/2013/05/15/ford-taps-aerovironment-for-home-charging-systems/20567293/article-detail.xml 20567293 http://www.blogcdn.com/green.autoblog.com/media/2013/05/aerovironment-charger-evse-628_thumbnail.jpg http://www.blogcdn.com/green.autoblog.com/media/2013/05/aerovironment-charger-evse-628.jpg <![CDATA[Official: e0 getting new PP01 electric supercar ready for Pikes Peak challenge]]>http://green.autoblog.com/2013/05/14/e0-getting-secret-ev-ready-for-pikes-peak/http://green.autoblog.com/2013/05/14/e0-getting-secret-ev-ready-for-pikes-peak/http://green.autoblog.com/2013/05/14/e0-getting-secret-ev-ready-for-pikes-peak/#commentsFiled under:

OSCar's eO PP01 electric vehicle

After sending the all-electric eO beast to the Dakar Rally - where it became the first electric vehicle to finish that event - Latvia's OSCar is readying a new racer for the Pikes Pike International Hill Climb in Colorado next month.

The eO PP01 supercar boasts a lightweight, tubular carbon-fiber frame with an electric engine that peaks at 536 horsepower. The company says an EV is at an advantage at the 14,000-foot altitude of the race because, unlike conventional gas engines, electric engines don't lose power at high altitudes. OSCar admits, "so far no electric car has won [Pikes Peak] outright," but EV's "are becoming a force to be reckoned with." Other electric entrants this year include Toyota's TMG EV P002 and the Monster Sport E-Runner.

The eO has raced more than 11,000 miles worth of competitions across three continents. OSCar first made news on the green-car front when it entered a plug-in hybrid in the 2011 Dakar Rally. That model, which included a Nissan-built gas-powered range-extender, had 422 horsepower as well as a 190-mile single-charge range. eO hasn't put up any videos of the PP01 yet, but you can see a video of the Electric OSCar eO in the AutoEuro 6h Cup in 2012 below and check out eO's blog on the Pikes Peak car here.

Continue reading e0 getting new PP01 electric supercar ready for Pikes Peak challenge

e0 getting new PP01 electric supercar ready for Pikes Peak challenge originally appeared on Autoblog Green on Tue, 14 May 2013 19:25:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>coloradodakarelectric vehicleeOevlatviaOSCarpikes peakTue, 14 May 2013 19:25:00 EST http://green.autoblog.com/feed/20567495/article-comments.xml http://green.autoblog.com/feed/20567495/article-comments.html http://green.autoblog.com/feed/2013/05/14/e0-getting-secret-ev-ready-for-pikes-peak/20567495/article-detail.xml 20567495 http://www.blogcdn.com/green.autoblog.com/media/2013/05/eomotors_thumbnail.jpg http://www.blogcdn.com/green.autoblog.com/media/2013/05/eomotors.jpg <![CDATA[Video: Chevy engineer squeezes 900 miles from one tank in 2014 Cruze Diesel]]>http://green.autoblog.com/2013/05/14/chevy-engineer-squeezes-900-miles-one-tank-2014-cruze-diesel/http://green.autoblog.com/2013/05/14/chevy-engineer-squeezes-900-miles-one-tank-2014-cruze-diesel/http://green.autoblog.com/2013/05/14/chevy-engineer-squeezes-900-miles-one-tank-2014-cruze-diesel/#commentsFiled under: , ,

Chevrolet Cruze Diesel

Tessa Baughman didn't exactly set any speed records on a recent visit to her Arkansas family from Michigan, unless you factor in the time saved on not filling up a few times.

The energy engineer for the Chevy Cruze Diesel, interviewed in a short General Motors video (available below), said she was able to go 900 miles on a single tank during the first leg of the drive. The catch is that she drove "five below speed limit" the whole way down, but she certainly more than backed up the EPA's Cruze Diesel fuel-economy rating of 46 miles per gallon, the best of any non-hybrid vehicle. Heck, that's a well-north-of-50 mpg pace for the model, which comes equipped with low rolling-resistance tires, a six-speed automatic transmission, tire deflectors and other fuel-saving features.

Baughman went at a slightly brisker pace on the way back, i.e. with the flow of traffic, but was still able to wring 800 miles between fill-ups. We're guessing there were no speeding tickets involved, either.

Continue reading Chevy engineer squeezes 900 miles from one tank in 2014 Cruze Diesel

Chevy engineer squeezes 900 miles from one tank in 2014 Cruze Diesel originally appeared on Autoblog Green on Tue, 14 May 2013 07:56:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>arkansaschevrolet cruzechevrolet cruze dieseldieselfull tankmpgtessa baughmanTue, 14 May 2013 07:56:00 EST http://green.autoblog.com/feed/20567242/article-comments.xml http://green.autoblog.com/feed/20567242/article-comments.html http://green.autoblog.com/feed/2013/05/14/chevy-engineer-squeezes-900-miles-one-tank-2014-cruze-diesel/20567242/article-detail.xml 20567242 http://www.blogcdn.com/green.autoblog.com/media/2013/05/cruzediesel-1368480064_thumbnail.jpg http://www.blogcdn.com/green.autoblog.com/media/2013/05/cruzediesel-1368480064.jpg <![CDATA[Report: Mitsubishi brings back $10,000 rebate on i-MiEV electric vehicle *UPDATE]]>http://green.autoblog.com/2013/05/13/mitsubishi-brings-back-10-000-rebate-on-i-miev-electric-vehicle/http://green.autoblog.com/2013/05/13/mitsubishi-brings-back-10-000-rebate-on-i-miev-electric-vehicle/http://green.autoblog.com/2013/05/13/mitsubishi-brings-back-10-000-rebate-on-i-miev-electric-vehicle/#commentsFiled under: ,

Mitsubishi i

With US monthly sale figures headed back towards the double-digit range, Mitsubishi is once again trying to goose sales of its i electric vehicle (also known as the i-MiEV) with some heavy-duty rebates. The Japanese automaker enacted a $10,000 rebate towards the end of last month and is apparently doing so again, this time offering the rebate until the end of July. That means folks can get an i - dealer willing - for a smidgen under $20,000 before the $7,500 federal tax rebate kicks in.

Mitsubishi sold 588 units of the all-electric model last year and appeared to get a little momentum earlier this year, moving 594 i EVs through February. That may have been helped by lease deals for as low as $69 a month, and sales plummeted to 31 units in March and 127 vehicles in April.

We've asked Mitsubishi for more details on the new $10,000 promotion, but have not yet heard back. We will update this post if we get any more information.

*UPDATE: We heard back from Mitsubishi's Dan Irvin, who said there is no such national deal available (and the original source has taken the information down). Irvin wrote, "The fact is MMNA has no national rebate or i-MiEV price discount, however, some individual Mitsubishi dealers across the country are currently offering extremely attractive incentives to customers to buy or lease an
i-MiEV. Customers should check with their local dealer to see what they're offering."

Mitsubishi brings back $10,000 rebate on i-MiEV electric vehicle *UPDATE originally appeared on Autoblog Green on Mon, 13 May 2013 08:05:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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