AutoblogGreen http://green.autoblog.com AutoblogGreen http://www.blogsmithmedia.com/green.autoblog.com/media/feedlogo.gif AutoblogGreen http://green.autoblog.com en-us Copyright 2012 Weblogs, Inc. The contents of this feed are available for non-commercial use only. Blogsmith http://www.blogsmith.com/<![CDATA[Light towing now possible with your Nissan Leaf]]>http://green.autoblog.com/2012/01/07/light-towing-now-possible-with-your-nissan-leaf/http://green.autoblog.com/2012/01/07/light-towing-now-possible-with-your-nissan-leaf/http://green.autoblog.com/2012/01/07/light-towing-now-possible-with-your-nissan-leaf/#commentsFiled under: ,



Careful Nissan Leaf drivers should never see the unwelcome little yellow icon that signals "turtle mode" or have to deal with what comes next - rock mode and a phone call to roadside assistance. In general, towing and electric cars are an unhappy combination. That is, unless it's the electric car doing the towing.

Torklift Central has developed an ECO-Stealth tow hitch for the Leaf that hides neatly below the vehicle's rear bumper and handles either a 1.25" or 2" receiver. Since the Leaf isn't officially sanctioned for towing, any damage caused from this activity could cause Nissan to void the car's warranty; so it's probably not advisable to try dragging the Queen Mary to the lake. Besides, towing a heavy load would seriously degrade the vehicle's battery range.

However, the torque delivered by the Leaf's electric motors makes it more than capable of light towing duties. Many Leaf owners are likely also to be users of kayaks, bikes, or other gear, and a trailer hitch provides a range of additional options for bringing outdoor toys to the outdoors.

Torklift Central also offers the ECO-Stealth hitch for the 2012 Toyota Prius and 2012 Chevy Volt, and even plans to offer a version for the diminutive 2012 Mitsubishi i.

Light towing now possible with your Nissan Leaf originally appeared on AutoblogGreen on Sat, 07 Jan 2012 08:26:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>electric vehicleleafnissannissan leaftowingSat, 07 Jan 2012 08:26:00 EST http://green.autoblog.com/feed/20141210/article-comments.xml http://green.autoblog.com/feed/20141210/article-comments.html http://green.autoblog.com/feed/2012/01/07/light-towing-now-possible-with-your-nissan-leaf/20141210/article-detail.xml 20141210 http://www.blogcdn.com/green.autoblog.com/media/2012/01/leaftowhitch_thumbnail.jpg http://www.blogcdn.com/green.autoblog.com/media/2012/01/leaftowhitch.jpg <![CDATA[Why alternative energy has a hard time: fossil fuels get 250 subsidies]]>http://green.autoblog.com/2012/01/06/why-alternative-energy-has-a-hard-time-fossil-fuels-get-250-sub/http://green.autoblog.com/2012/01/06/why-alternative-energy-has-a-hard-time-fossil-fuels-get-250-sub/http://green.autoblog.com/2012/01/06/why-alternative-energy-has-a-hard-time-fossil-fuels-get-250-sub/#commentsFiled under: ,

Oil pump on the edge of a dry cornfield

If you think ending the ethanol subsidy puts all fuel sources on an equal footing, think again. While there has been a great deal of vitriol directed toward subsidies for alternative energy and plug-in vehicles, very little has been heard about the ways in which fossil fuels are given a huge advantage - and there are many. In fact, compared to the help fossil fuels are given, tax breaks for alternative energy are decidedly modest.

A new report from the Organisation for Economic Co-operation and Development shows that fossil fuels are awarded at least 250 different subsidies. From tax breaks on exploration to development credits to tax abatements on infrastructure, the ticket for fossil fuel subsidies runs much, much higher than the oft-scrutinized funds directed at alternatives. The oil industry alone receives tens of billions each year in tax subsidies, and that's only a fraction of the total break they are given. The subsidies for fossil fuels stretch back more than a century, and are pervasive in programs at federal, state, and local levels.

More than just ethanol subsidies expired with the beginning of 2012. The whole program of grants to clean energy programs was allowed to end. Meanwhile, subsidies that help fossil fuels are increasing annually, with almost no comment.

The many different kinds of subsidies provided to fossil fuels, the different ways they are inserted into various federal and state codes, and the vast amount of lobbying carried out by these industries makes it very difficult for alternatives to get a fair shake. By ending funds for clean energy, fossil fuel supporters have kept the field as uneven as possible, protecting their own interests at a cost to both government and consumers.
The oilTeThe oil

Why alternative energy has a hard time: fossil fuels get 250 subsidies originally appeared on AutoblogGreen on Fri, 06 Jan 2012 18:06:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>alternative energycoalfossil fuelsgasoilsubsidiestax subsidies for oilFri, 06 Jan 2012 18:06:00 EST http://green.autoblog.com/feed/20141607/article-comments.xml http://green.autoblog.com/feed/20141607/article-comments.html http://green.autoblog.com/feed/2012/01/06/why-alternative-energy-has-a-hard-time-fossil-fuels-get-250-sub/20141607/article-detail.xml 20141607 http://www.blogcdn.com/green.autoblog.com/media/2011/02/corn-ethanol-oil-well-630_thumbnail.jpg http://www.blogcdn.com/green.autoblog.com/media/2011/02/corn-ethanol-oil-well-630.jpg <![CDATA[Call to end $7,500 plug-in vehicle tax credit spreads to WaPo]]>http://green.autoblog.com/2012/01/05/call-to-end-7-500-plug-in-vehicle-tax-credit-spreads-to-wapo/http://green.autoblog.com/2012/01/05/call-to-end-7-500-plug-in-vehicle-tax-credit-spreads-to-wapo/http://green.autoblog.com/2012/01/05/call-to-end-7-500-plug-in-vehicle-tax-credit-spreads-to-wapo/#commentsFiled under: , , , ,

A Road Test, According to the Washington Post

First Congressman Mike Kelly (R-PA) introduced legislation calling for an end to the tax credit given to purchasers of electric vehicles, now the Washington Post editorial board has joined in the call.

The Post board applauds the expiration of tax breaks for installing charging stations at home or commercial locations, then complains that since electric vehicles are expensive, providing tax breaks on their purchase amounts to a give away to the "well-to-do." As an example, the Washington Post editorial lists the $100,000 Fisker Karma as an eligible vehicle, but then refers to other "high priced" EVs without mentioning their cost.

However, though it doesn't mention the actual price of a Chevy Volt, the Washington Post editorial board grossly distorts the truth about problems with the Volt. It says:

In addition to its high price, the Volt brand is suffering from news that some of its batteries burst into flames after government road tests.

For the WaPo editorial board to come out against electric vehicle tax credits as a giveaway to the wealthy is laughably hypocritical given the publication's record of supporting tax breaks explicitly aimed at the rich. However, the presentation the Volt as a rolling hazard is not just twisting the facts. The Post is engaging in straight up fear mongering designed to harm both General Motors and the Volt.

Call to end $7,500 plug-in vehicle tax credit spreads to WaPo originally appeared on AutoblogGreen on Thu, 05 Jan 2012 19:48:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>editorialfisker karmaplug-in vehicle taxtax incentivesvoltwashington postThu, 05 Jan 2012 19:48:00 EST http://green.autoblog.com/feed/20140558/article-comments.xml http://green.autoblog.com/feed/20140558/article-comments.html http://green.autoblog.com/feed/2012/01/05/call-to-end-7-500-plug-in-vehicle-tax-credit-spreads-to-wapo/20140558/article-detail.xml 20140558 http://www.blogcdn.com/green.autoblog.com/media/2011/12/voltcrashtest_thumbnail.jpg http://www.blogcdn.com/green.autoblog.com/media/2011/12/voltcrashtest.jpg <![CDATA[MIT: U.S. could have much better MPG, but our cars got fat]]>http://green.autoblog.com/2012/01/05/mit-u-s-could-have-much-better-mpg-but-our-cars-got-fat/http://green.autoblog.com/2012/01/05/mit-u-s-could-have-much-better-mpg-but-our-cars-got-fat/http://green.autoblog.com/2012/01/05/mit-u-s-could-have-much-better-mpg-but-our-cars-got-fat/#commentsFiled under: , ,



Americans have gained weight over the last thirty years, and not just around the midsection. American garages and driveways have also put on pounds as cars have become larger and more powerful. A new study from MIT says that, if not for the increase in vehicle weight, we could already be exceeding vehicle mileage targets still years away.

Since 1980, gas mileage is up by 15 percent, an improvement of only about half a percent a year. However, the weight of vehicles has gone up by 26 percent at the same time. Not only that, but horsepower over the period is up by an astounding 107 percent. While safety improvements are often fingered as the cause of rising vehicle weight, the contribution of these systems is minor. The truth is that we're just driving cars that are significantly larger, and far more powerful, than Americans did a generation ago.

According to MIT economist Christopher Knittel, the increase in fuel economy could have been four times as great - fully 60 percent - if we had not gone toward bigger cars with beefier engines. Automakers have actually made terrific improvements in engine efficiency, but those gains have gone to moving more weight and delivering more power. If Americans today were driving cars of similar weight and performance to those we had in 1980, we would have a national fuel economy average closer to 37 mpg instead of the 23-mpg average that we currently do.

What's the solution? Knittel has doubts about the ability of the CAFE standards to deliver sufficient change, and instead calls for a gas tax. The full press article from MIT is after the break.

Continue reading MIT: U.S. could have much better MPG, but our cars got fat

MIT: U.S. could have much better MPG, but our cars got fat originally appeared on AutoblogGreen on Thu, 05 Jan 2012 16:36:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>christopher knittelefficiencymitmpgvehicle weightweightThu, 05 Jan 2012 16:36:00 EST http://green.autoblog.com/feed/20140618/article-comments.xml http://green.autoblog.com/feed/20140618/article-comments.html http://green.autoblog.com/feed/2012/01/05/mit-u-s-could-have-much-better-mpg-but-our-cars-got-fat/20140618/article-detail.xml 20140618 http://www.blogcdn.com/green.autoblog.com/media/2012/01/escalade_thumbnail.jpg http://www.blogcdn.com/green.autoblog.com/media/2012/01/escalade.jpg <![CDATA[Replacing Prius batteries can be good for the environment... and sales]]>http://green.autoblog.com/2012/01/05/replacing-prius-batteries-can-be-good-for-the-environment-and/http://green.autoblog.com/2012/01/05/replacing-prius-batteries-can-be-good-for-the-environment-and/http://green.autoblog.com/2012/01/05/replacing-prius-batteries-can-be-good-for-the-environment-and/#commentsFiled under: , ,

Toyota Prius battery pack

It hasn't happened for most Totoya Prius drivers, but one day - perhaps 150,000 or so miles down the road - it will. An indicator light will appear on the dash to signal that the battery pack is past its prime and needs to be replaced.

Some critics of hybrids and electric vehicles have pointed to this moment as proof that these vehicles actually have more environmental impact than conventional autos, as battery packs potentially clutter up landfills with toxic materials. Only, that's not what's happening at Toyota.

When a Prius battery pack reaches end of life, Toyota provides a UPS shipping container so the battery can be sent to a recycling center. For U.S. cars, that center is in California. The batteries are shorted out to prevent accidents with any remaining charge, then all of the components are disassembled. The plastic case is shredded and recycled. The electrolyte is decanted and the rare earth elements recovered. The nickel plates are sent to a smelter where they are used in making steel. All the components of the pack are recycled or reused, leaving nothing to go to the landfill. The same recycler is already equipped to deal with the lithium batteries found on the Chevy Volt, Nissan Leaf, and plug-in Prius.

Of course, there is the problem of cost. Toyota has lowered the price over the years, but a new Prius battery pack still rings up at $2,589. And while some Prius batteries are fine up to 300,000 miles, facing a potential bill that large can make Prius owners decide that seeing 150k miles on the odometer makes a good time to trade. It can also make buying a used Prius with mileage in 6-digits unattractive. That's why some dealers have instituted a policy of replacing batteries on high mileage trade-ins before they're put up for sale.

Having a fresh battery on board assures purchasers that they'll drive for years without worrying about that little light, and helps assure dealers that a used Prius won't spend too long on the sales lot.

Replacing Prius batteries can be good for the environment... and sales originally appeared on AutoblogGreen on Thu, 05 Jan 2012 13:50:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>batterypriusrecyclingtoyota priusThu, 05 Jan 2012 13:50:00 EST http://green.autoblog.com/feed/20140232/article-comments.xml http://green.autoblog.com/feed/20140232/article-comments.html http://green.autoblog.com/feed/2012/01/05/replacing-prius-batteries-can-be-good-for-the-environment-and/20140232/article-detail.xml 20140232 http://www.blogcdn.com/green.autoblog.com/media/2012/01/priusbattery_thumbnail.jpg http://www.blogcdn.com/green.autoblog.com/media/2012/01/priusbattery.jpg <![CDATA[When it comes to infrastructure, EVs are easier to charge than E85 is to pump]]>http://green.autoblog.com/2012/01/05/when-it-comes-to-infrastructure-evs-are-easier-to-charge-than-e/http://green.autoblog.com/2012/01/05/when-it-comes-to-infrastructure-evs-are-easier-to-charge-than-e/http://green.autoblog.com/2012/01/05/when-it-comes-to-infrastructure-evs-are-easier-to-charge-than-e/#commentsFiled under: , , ,


Ready Kilowatt vs Green Giant

Quick, which is easier to find: a public charging station for an electric vehicle or a station that offers E85? Despite the much larger number of flex-fuel vehicles on the road, it turns out that when you bring the fight down to electricity vs. ethanol, EV drivers have nearly a 2-1 edge.

Based on data from the Department of Energy, the U.S. is studded with 4,448 public charging stations. That makes for about one charging slot for every four EVs on the road. On the other hand, despite there being over 7 million ethanol-capable vehicles on our highways, there only 2,468 stations offering E85, meaning that over 3,000 flex-fuel drivers are fighting over each available hose. Theoretically, of course.

Why are flex-fuel drivers going thirsty? Well, mostly it's because they're not. Since nearly all of those 7 million ethanol-capable vehicles can also run on plain vanilla E10 gasoline, there have to be specific incentives in place to make installing E-85 pumps worthwhile.

And why do EV drivers have it so relatively plush? As it turns out, the numbers are a bit deceiving. The ratio between electric vehicles and charging stations may seem rather low, but when you consider that an EV is likely to spend much longer attached to its charging cable than an internal combustion vehicle spends drinking from a fuel hose, the ratio seems far more equitable. Considering the limited range of many EVs and the number of new models coming on the market, the number of charging stations will likely continue to grow rapidly.

On the other hand, with the end of ethanol subsidies, the cost of E85 is likely to see a sharp bump. This may cause a decrease in the number of sites offering this fuel.

When it comes to infrastructure, EVs are easier to charge than E85 is to pump originally appeared on AutoblogGreen on Thu, 05 Jan 2012 08:01:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>charging stationse10e85electric vehicleelectricityethanolflex-fuelplug-in hybridThu, 05 Jan 2012 08:01:00 EST http://green.autoblog.com/feed/20139623/article-comments.xml http://green.autoblog.com/feed/20139623/article-comments.html http://green.autoblog.com/feed/2012/01/05/when-it-comes-to-infrastructure-evs-are-easier-to-charge-than-e/20139623/article-detail.xml 20139623 http://www.blogcdn.com/green.autoblog.com/media/2012/01/kilowatt-vs-giant_thumbnail.jpg http://www.blogcdn.com/green.autoblog.com/media/2012/01/kilowatt-vs-giant.jpg <![CDATA[eBay Find of the Day: Fisker Karma for just $100* UPDATE]]>http://green.autoblog.com/2012/01/04/ebay-find-of-the-day-fisker-karma-for-just-100/http://green.autoblog.com/2012/01/04/ebay-find-of-the-day-fisker-karma-for-just-100/http://green.autoblog.com/2012/01/04/ebay-find-of-the-day-fisker-karma-for-just-100/#commentsFiled under: ,

Fisker Karma

Want a super-sleek plug-in hybrid 2 1/2 ton subcompact sports sedan capable of going 0-60 in under six seconds while still managing at least 32 miles on pure electrons... before it starts slurping up gasoline at 20 mpg? Of course you do. Want to pay $95,000 for the base model? Maybe not so much.

Good news! If you hurry, you can get your bid in on a 2012 Fisker Karma in refreshing Silver Wind shiny paint, and you'll barely have to crack three digits to take the lead in the bidding. What makes this one so cheap? Well, it is used, and you know how prices drop as soon as a vehicle leaves the dealer's lot. Besides, with all of 475 miles on it, this car will probably lose that new car smell in another twelve months or so.

*Just ignore that little "reserve not met" statement and dream of bringing this baby to your garage for the cost of a '73 Pinto.

*UPDATE: In between writing and publishing this post, the bids reached a somewhat reasonable level of over $50,000. That's still under the reserve, but it's not the $100 we saw earlier.

eBay Find of the Day: Fisker Karma for just $100* UPDATE originally appeared on AutoblogGreen on Wed, 04 Jan 2012 12:48:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>eBayfiskerkarmaused fisker karmaWed, 04 Jan 2012 12:48:00 EST http://green.autoblog.com/feed/20139570/article-comments.xml http://green.autoblog.com/feed/20139570/article-comments.html http://green.autoblog.com/feed/2012/01/04/ebay-find-of-the-day-fisker-karma-for-just-100/20139570/article-detail.xml 20139570 http://www.blogcdn.com/green.autoblog.com/media/2009/08/devonfiskerontrack_630_thumbnail.png http://www.blogcdn.com/green.autoblog.com/media/2009/08/devonfiskerontrack_630.png <![CDATA[Canceling ethanol subsidy likely to raise the price of gas at the pump]]>http://green.autoblog.com/2012/01/03/canceling-ethanol-subsidy-likely-to-raise-the-price-of-gas-at-th/http://green.autoblog.com/2012/01/03/canceling-ethanol-subsidy-likely-to-raise-the-price-of-gas-at-th/http://green.autoblog.com/2012/01/03/canceling-ethanol-subsidy-likely-to-raise-the-price-of-gas-at-th/#commentsFiled under: , ,



That falling ball in Times Square didn't just signal the end of 2011, it was also the death knell for thirty years of ethanol subsidies. That in turn could signal an abrupt rise in prices at the pump.

By failing to vote in an extension, Congress allowed the $0.45 per gallon production subsidy to expire with the start of 2012. With an annual payout of $6 billion, the subsidy was a popular target for politicians looking to show their dedication to reducing the deficit.

However, just because the subsidy is going away doesn't mean that ethanol is going away. Most gasoline sold in the United States contains at least 10 percent ethanol, and that's not changing. In fact, targets for both corn-based and next-generation biofuels have been increased. Still, removing the 45-cent subsidy could mean a 4.5-cent increase in cost for gasoline suppliers, and perhaps an even sharper rise for what consumers pay at the pump. Logically, price increases are expected to be even higher for fuels that contain larger percentages of ethanol, like E85.

In addition to allowing subsidies on U.S.-made ethanol to lapse, Congress has dropped barriers to imported ethanol. Previously, ethanol from Brazil faced a tariff of $0.54 per gallon. Eliminating this charge could mean that some corn-based ethanol used in U.S. gas ends up being replaced by sugarcane-based ethanol from Brazil. What this will ultimately mean to consumers is not yet clear.

Canceling ethanol subsidy likely to raise the price of gas at the pump originally appeared on AutoblogGreen on Tue, 03 Jan 2012 19:54:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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Mitsubishi's i-MiEV first rolled out for Japanese fleet sales in 2009, and it's been on sale to the general public in Japan for 18 months. Since then, the car has become available in several European markets and even picked up a 500-unit order from the government of Estonia. Overall sales have been reported to top 11,000 units. Not a bad start for a little five-door jellybean, and Mitsubishi has stated that they expect the i-MiEV (or just 'i' for the upcoming U.S. model) to become profitable within two years.

Still, it's a long way from there to turning Mitsubishi into a company where over half of its sales come from electric vehicles and plug-in hybrids. Mitsu's plans for expanding its electric line-up are nothing if not ambitious. In addition to rolling out the i in more countries, with nationwide U.S. sales pushed up to the middle of 2012, there are several more electric vehicles in the works.

Coming for 2013 is an plug-in version of the Outlander Sport to be followed by an electric model based on the Evolution XI concept. Mitsubishi then plans to add another small electric vehicle based on the Mirage, and eventually to create a plug-in Evo sedan. The timeframe for all these electric vehicles is aggressive when compared with the slow pace of EV introductions to date. However, since Mitsubishi sells over a million vehicles a year (54,000 in the U.S.), aggressive moves are what it will take to hit the 50 percent EV target in the next eight years.

The Mitsubishi i has been priced at $29,125 for the U.S. market ($21,625 after federal tax credit). Its specifications are considerably different from either the Japanese or Euro-spec i-MiEV. The vehicle is larger and faster while getting around 85 miles to a charge. At 112 mpg equivalent, the Mitsubishi i will top the charts for fuel economy among 2012 vehicles.

Say what? Mitsubishi looking to plug-ins to make up 50% of sales by 2020 originally appeared on AutoblogGreen on Thu, 08 Dec 2011 11:53:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>asxelectric vehicleevolution ximirage evmitsubishimitsubishi evmitsubishi ioutlander sport evplug-in hybridsales targetsThu, 08 Dec 2011 11:53:00 EST http://green.autoblog.com/feed/20122829/article-comments.xml http://green.autoblog.com/feed/20122829/article-comments.html http://green.autoblog.com/feed/2011/12/08/say-what-mitsubishi-looking-to-plug-ins-to-make-up-50-of-sales/20122829/article-detail.xml 20122829 http://www.blogcdn.com/green.autoblog.com/media/2011/12/mitsubishii_thumbnail.jpg http://www.blogcdn.com/green.autoblog.com/media/2011/12/mitsubishii.jpg <![CDATA[Nissan on coal-powered EVs being dirtier than gas cars: Bullsh*t]]>http://green.autoblog.com/2011/12/07/nissan-on-coal-powered-evs-being-dirtier-than-gas-cars-bullsh-t/http://green.autoblog.com/2011/12/07/nissan-on-coal-powered-evs-being-dirtier-than-gas-cars-bullsh-t/http://green.autoblog.com/2011/12/07/nissan-on-coal-powered-evs-being-dirtier-than-gas-cars-bullsh-t/#commentsFiled under: ,


Nissan Leaf

Few electric vehicles are actually "zero emissions," but calculating the exact carbon footprint of an EV can be daunting. Not only do different utilities each use a different mix of coal, nuclear, hydro, wind, and solar, many areas also offer individuals the opportunity to buy "greener" power. These deals don't actually guarantee the source of the electrons arriving at your home, but they can help ensure that your utility expands or purchases power from sources that are more environmentally friendly. Thus, determining just how much pollution results from a kilowatt of electricity in most markets includes a good deal of wiggle room.

The complexity of determining what really goes out of the virtual tailpipe of an electric car has led some to speculate that electric vehicles may actually be worse for the environment than cars that use an internal combustion engine, especially when half of the electricity in the United States is generated by burning coal. It's not true, by and large, and Nissan executive vice president Andy Palmer has a simple reply to the idea that electric cars generate as much or more pollution than their gas equivalents: "I think it's complete bullshit."

In a talk at the 2011 Tokyo Motor Show, Palmer channeled his anti-Lutz and pointed out that those people cranking out numbers unfavorable to electric vehicles are often scrupulous in counting the carbon on the electrical side, but overlook the true cost of gasoline which includes obtaining, refining, and transporting oil. Palmer admits that if a Nissan Leaf were to be charged in an area where 100 percent of the power came from burning coal, its emissions would equal to what comes from a gas-powered car, but according to Palmer there is no country were coal carries the entire electric load. Palmer stated that Nissan was talking with governments to encourage them to clean up electrical generation.

In the United States, coal currently accounts for 46 percent of electrical generation, which is down about five percent from a decade ago. While no area gets 100 percent of its power from coal, some come very close. In West Virginia, 97 percent of the power generation is from burning coal. Kentucky and Indiana both top 90 percent. On the other hand, California gets less than one percent of its power from coal, and other West Coast states are below ten percent.

Vermont gets none of its power from coal. It also doesn't use natural gas. All electricity in the state comes from either nuclear power or renewables. So, if you're really looking to have a zero-emission vehicle, consider the Green Mountain State.

Nissan on coal-powered EVs being dirtier than gas cars: Bullsh*t originally appeared on AutoblogGreen on Wed, 07 Dec 2011 19:58:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>andrew palmerandy palmercarbon footprintcoalelectric vehicleelectricityleafnissannissan leafpollutionWed, 07 Dec 2011 19:58:00 EST http://green.autoblog.com/feed/20122759/article-comments.xml http://green.autoblog.com/feed/20122759/article-comments.html http://green.autoblog.com/feed/2011/12/07/nissan-on-coal-powered-evs-being-dirtier-than-gas-cars-bullsh-t/20122759/article-detail.xml 20122759 http://www.blogcdn.com/www.autobloggreen.com/media/2009/08/nissan-leaf_thumbnail.jpg http://www.blogcdn.com/www.autobloggreen.com/media/2009/08/nissan-leaf.jpg <![CDATA[Coda partners with GE Wattstation on Level 2 charging station]]>http://green.autoblog.com/2011/12/06/coda-partner-ge-wattstation-charger/http://green.autoblog.com/2011/12/06/coda-partner-ge-wattstation-charger/http://green.autoblog.com/2011/12/06/coda-partner-ge-wattstation-charger/#commentsFiled under: ,



A Level 2 home charging solution is a critical bit of kit for any electric vehicle manufacturer. GM offers the Voltec home charger to pair with the Chevy Volt. Nissan offers the somewhat pricey AeroVironment charging station for the Nissan Leaf. And Coda has signed on General Electric to provide electron-pushing duties for the upcoming Coda Sedan.

GE's Wattstation is a wall-mounted Level 2 charger that is designed to recharge an EV using 220V power. This will help to refill the the Coda's capacious 36-kWh battery (compared to the 24-kWh pack in the Nissan Leaf and the 16-kWh battery in the Chevy Volt) in under eight hours.

Though the Coda itself is larger than a Leaf, the larger battery should help the sedan hit a real-world range of around 150 miles. Coda recently announced a price drop in their sedan, with the base price now set at $39,900 (before any applicable adjustments). Coda has stated that production of the 2012 sedan has started, and that the car is "sold our" until next spring.

Continue reading Coda partners with GE Wattstation on Level 2 charging station

Coda partners with GE Wattstation on Level 2 charging station originally appeared on AutoblogGreen on Tue, 06 Dec 2011 17:53:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>codacoda sedanelectric vehiclege wattstationgeneral electricTue, 06 Dec 2011 17:53:00 EST http://green.autoblog.com/feed/20121337/article-comments.xml http://green.autoblog.com/feed/20121337/article-comments.html http://green.autoblog.com/feed/2011/12/06/coda-partner-ge-wattstation-charger/20121337/article-detail.xml 20121337 http://www.blogcdn.com/green.autoblog.com/media/2011/12/coda-sedan_thumbnail.jpg http://www.blogcdn.com/green.autoblog.com/media/2011/12/coda-sedan.jpg <![CDATA[Chevy Volt battery may be redesigned for improved safety]]>http://green.autoblog.com/2011/12/06/chevy-volt-battery-may-be-redesigned-for-improved-safety/http://green.autoblog.com/2011/12/06/chevy-volt-battery-may-be-redesigned-for-improved-safety/http://green.autoblog.com/2011/12/06/chevy-volt-battery-may-be-redesigned-for-improved-safety/#commentsFiled under: , , ,

chevy volt crash test

In the wake of a post-accident fire at a National Highway Traffic Safety Administration facility and with a safety probe underway, GM is considering a redesign of the battery used in the plug-in hybrid Chevy Volt.

GM Chief Executive Dan Akerson has said he is open the possibility of redesigning the battery, while insisting that the vehicle is safe to operate and presents no danger immediately following a crash. The company is also working with the NHTSA on proper post-crash safety procedures. GM will delay the introduction of the Opel Ampera (which uses the same battery) in Europe until investigation of this incident is complete. GM recently reported that they had 6,000 pre-orders for the Ampera.

Where many EV manufacturers source their batteries from other companies, GM builds their own battery packs at their Brownstown, MI plant. The liquid-cooled 16-kWh lithium units have been a critical component of the Volt design from the outset. The individual cells in the battery are provided by LG Chem Ltd. of South Korea.

The original incident involved a Volt that was damaged in a side impact, and which caught fire three weeks later. Further testing has confirmed a risk of fire following an accident if the liquid coolant is allowed to escape from the battery packs and the electricity stored in the batteries is not discharged.

Continue reading Chevy Volt battery may be redesigned for improved safety

Chevy Volt battery may be redesigned for improved safety originally appeared on AutoblogGreen on Tue, 06 Dec 2011 11:47:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>chevy voltcrash testelectric vehicleNHTSAplug-in hybridsafetyvoltTue, 06 Dec 2011 11:47:00 EST http://green.autoblog.com/feed/20121669/article-comments.xml http://green.autoblog.com/feed/20121669/article-comments.html http://green.autoblog.com/feed/2011/12/06/chevy-volt-battery-may-be-redesigned-for-improved-safety/20121669/article-detail.xml 20121669 http://www.blogcdn.com/green.autoblog.com/media/2011/12/voltcrashtest_thumbnail.jpg http://www.blogcdn.com/green.autoblog.com/media/2011/12/voltcrashtest.jpg <![CDATA[FTA awards $117 million for projects to reduce oil dependence]]>http://green.autoblog.com/2011/12/06/fta-awards-117-million-for-projects-to-reduce-oil-dependence/http://green.autoblog.com/2011/12/06/fta-awards-117-million-for-projects-to-reduce-oil-dependence/http://green.autoblog.com/2011/12/06/fta-awards-117-million-for-projects-to-reduce-oil-dependence/#commentsFiled under: , ,

The Federal Transit Authority has awarded $117 million to 46 transit projects across the nation. The projects were selected from 266 applications to the competitive 2011 Sustainability Initiative. Criteria for choosing these projects included their ability to reduce U.S. dependence on oil and to promote green technologies.

"These grants will put thousands of Americans back to work building sustainable, energy-efficient transit vehicles and facilities across the country," said U.S. Transportation Secretary Ray LaHood.

Projects will include new solar-powered rail stations in South Florida, solar panels installed over rail lines in Phoenix, AZ, a dynamic scheduling system in Virginia that allows buses to be utilized more effectively, hybrid buses in several locations and a large fuel cell for storing electricity at a transit facility in Connecticut.

Continue reading FTA awards $117 million for projects to reduce oil dependence

FTA awards $117 million for projects to reduce oil dependence originally appeared on AutoblogGreen on Tue, 06 Dec 2011 09:54:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>federal transit administrationFTAlahoodrailsolarTue, 06 Dec 2011 09:54:00 EST http://green.autoblog.com/feed/20121185/article-comments.xml http://green.autoblog.com/feed/20121185/article-comments.html http://green.autoblog.com/feed/2011/12/06/fta-awards-117-million-for-projects-to-reduce-oil-dependence/20121185/article-detail.xml 20121185 http://www.blogcdn.com/green.autoblog.com/media/2011/12/raylahoodofficialportrait_thumbnail.jpg http://www.blogcdn.com/green.autoblog.com/media/2011/12/raylahoodofficialportrait.jpg <![CDATA[Chevy demos Beat EV in India]]>http://green.autoblog.com/2011/12/06/chevy-demos-beat-ev-in-india/http://green.autoblog.com/2011/12/06/chevy-demos-beat-ev-in-india/http://green.autoblog.com/2011/12/06/chevy-demos-beat-ev-in-india/#commentsFiled under: ,



U.S. drivers may have to wait another year before they can take home a five-door Chevy Spark, but Chevy's new world car has already started to appear elsewhere around the globe. In India, the Chevy Beat has been available for almost a year, with both gas and diesel versions on offer.

For most of that year, GM has been showing off all-electric versions of the car around India. In November, GM brought the latest version of the Beat EV to Bangalore. The Beat EV comes packed with a 300-cell, 20-kWh lithium battery pack (larger than the Chevy Volt's 17-kWh pack) giving the little hatch a range of 130 kilometers (81 miles).

Chevy has already announced an electric version of the Chevy Spark for the U.S., with availability set for 2013. Some of the information gathered from trials of the Beat EV will be used to refine the production version of the Spark EV, but GM hasn't yet provided details on the battery size, range, or pricing of the production vehicle. The electric version of the Spark / Beat will also be available in some global markets, but GM hasn't confirmed if India will be one of these markets.

The diesel variant of the Beat carries a three-cylinder turbodiesel engine based on Fiat multijet technology. It's rated at around 56 mpg.

Chevy demos Beat EV in India originally appeared on AutoblogGreen on Tue, 06 Dec 2011 08:06:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>beat bevbeat electricbeat evchevy beatchevy sparkchevy spart evelectric vehicleIndiaTue, 06 Dec 2011 08:06:00 EST http://green.autoblog.com/feed/20121111/article-comments.xml http://green.autoblog.com/feed/20121111/article-comments.html http://green.autoblog.com/feed/2011/12/06/chevy-demos-beat-ev-in-india/20121111/article-detail.xml 20121111 http://www.blogcdn.com/green.autoblog.com/media/2011/12/chevrolet-beat_thumbnail.jpg http://www.blogcdn.com/green.autoblog.com/media/2011/12/chevrolet-beat.jpg <![CDATA[Nome, Alaska facing possiblity of $9 gallons of gas this winter]]>http://green.autoblog.com/2011/12/03/nome-alaska-facing-possiblity-of-9-gallons-of-gas-this-winter/http://green.autoblog.com/2011/12/03/nome-alaska-facing-possiblity-of-9-gallons-of-gas-this-winter/http://green.autoblog.com/2011/12/03/nome-alaska-facing-possiblity-of-9-gallons-of-gas-this-winter/#commentsFiled under: ,



Alaska contributes a sizable percentage of the oil produced in the United States, but that doesn't mean that gas there is cheap. Not only are most refineries located half a continent away, some towns in Alaska are so isolated that transportation costs make up a large part of the overall price for everything available, including gas.

Nome, a town of around 3,500 people located on the coast of the Bering Sea, usually gets its supply of winter fuel in the form of a late-season barge carrying 1.6 million gallons of gas. This year, however, powerful storms hammered the town and stopped the progress of the fuel delivery. It's now unclear if there will be any additional fuel supplies over the winter. It's enough to make the Alaska high school student who carried out an electric conversion on his VW Beetle look very smart.

The only remaining way to deliver gas to the town is the same way that items are delivered in many isolated spots: by plane. As you would expect, flying in fuel adds considerably to its cost. The largest planes that can land in Nome over the winter could deliver 4,000 to 6,000 gallons per trip. Gas in Nome is already selling for $5.98 a gallon, and delivering more gas by plane could bring that price to $9 to $10 a gallon.

Cars are something of a rarity in Nome. The town is only about 5 miles from one end to the other and there is no highway access in winter. The major concern is the availability of fuel for emergency vehicles and for local taxi and bus services. With winter temperatures hovering at thirty below, sending kids on a five-mile walk to school isn't recommended.

Some residents of Nome may have to resort to the town's most famous form of transportation. Nome is the finish line for the annual Iditarod sled dog race, and people there also use snowmobiles and ATVs. The residents might have other options if crews get busy on that proposed tunnel linking the U.S. and Russia.

Nome, Alaska facing possiblity of $9 gallons of gas this winter originally appeared on AutoblogGreen on Sat, 03 Dec 2011 16:25:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>alaskagas pricesnomenome alaskaSat, 03 Dec 2011 16:25:00 EST http://green.autoblog.com/feed/20119419/article-comments.xml http://green.autoblog.com/feed/20119419/article-comments.html http://green.autoblog.com/feed/2011/12/03/nome-alaska-facing-possiblity-of-9-gallons-of-gas-this-winter/20119419/article-detail.xml 20119419 http://www.blogcdn.com/green.autoblog.com/media/2011/12/no-place-like-nome_thumbnail.jpg http://www.blogcdn.com/green.autoblog.com/media/2011/12/no-place-like-nome.jpg <![CDATA[Medium-duty truck fuel regulations under legal fire]]>http://green.autoblog.com/2011/12/03/medium-duty-truck-fuel-regulations-under-legal-fire/http://green.autoblog.com/2011/12/03/medium-duty-truck-fuel-regulations-under-legal-fire/http://green.autoblog.com/2011/12/03/medium-duty-truck-fuel-regulations-under-legal-fire/#commentsFiled under: , ,

Peterbuilt Medium Duty Hybrid

A legal firm representing a small group of construction companies, dump truck operators, and contractors has filed suit to block new fuel economy standards for medium-duty trucks.

In August, the EPA and NHTSA jointly announced the first fuel economy standards that affect both medium and heavy duty trucks. Those standards didn't include specific MPG targets, like the standards for passenger vehicles do. Instead, the truck standards are intended to reduce both fuel efficiency and greenhouse gas production, with truck operators given a wide leeway in determining the best way to achieve those savings.

For large over-the-road trucks, the savings target is a 20 percent reduction by 2018. Medium duty vehicles, including dump trucks and local delivery vehicles, have a target reduction of 10 reduction by 2018. For most medium duty trucks, this should save about one gallon for every 100 miles traveled. In other words, for the average new truck they're being asked to take their efficiency from a bit under 10 mpg and turn it up to 11. Looking at the medium duty requirements last year, a panel of experts projected that rather than costing money for the operators, the changes required would actually be more than paid for in decreased fuel use. (This is why.)

The Pacific Legal Foundation, which filed the lawsuit, did so on the basis that the EPA didn't follow protocol in issuing the new rules, and that the federal government wanted to "dictate the design" of trucks and tractors. PLF's language suggests that the changes would cost "thousands of dollars" for every truck. One of those listed in the suit objected that the new regulation could force his existing fleet of vehicles off the road, even though the regulations only affect new vehicles.

Some vehicles now being introduced, such as the Peterbuilt medium-duty hybrid pictured above, exceed the new regulations and reach 30 to 50 percent reduction.

Medium-duty truck fuel regulations under legal fire originally appeared on AutoblogGreen on Sat, 03 Dec 2011 08:26:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>cafe standardsdump trucklawsuitmedium duty mpgmedium duty truckmpgobamapacific legal foundationtrucking industrySat, 03 Dec 2011 08:26:00 EST http://green.autoblog.com/feed/20119447/article-comments.xml http://green.autoblog.com/feed/20119447/article-comments.html http://green.autoblog.com/feed/2011/12/03/medium-duty-truck-fuel-regulations-under-legal-fire/20119447/article-detail.xml 20119447 http://www.blogcdn.com/green.autoblog.com/media/2011/12/peterbuiltmediumdutyhybrid_thumbnail.jpg http://www.blogcdn.com/green.autoblog.com/media/2011/12/peterbuiltmediumdutyhybrid.jpg <![CDATA[Toyota counting on Prius sales increase in 2012]]>http://green.autoblog.com/2011/11/27/toyota-counting-on-prius-sales-increase-in-2012/http://green.autoblog.com/2011/11/27/toyota-counting-on-prius-sales-increase-in-2012/http://green.autoblog.com/2011/11/27/toyota-counting-on-prius-sales-increase-in-2012/#commentsFiled under: ,

Prius V

There's no doubt that the Toyota Prius has been a hit. A year ago, worldwide sales of the hybrid hatchback passed two million and, with annual sales of over 400,000 units, the Prius practically defines the idea of a green car for many people. Toyota is expanding the Prius from a model into a family with the larger Prius V, a plug-in model coming next spring and a smaller model on the way. Toyota had projected that 2011 would be another banner year, with record sales of the Prius leading the way.

However, sales of the Prius in 2011 haven't kept pace with expectations. Sales of the Prius actually dropped 9.4 percent from October 2010 to October 2011.

Part of the reason could be demand. Since the car's introduction, sales have gone up and down with gas prices, and while prices at the pump are considerably above where they were a few years ago, consumers have become accustomed to $3 a gallon gas. With the worldwide economic slowdown depressing the demand for oil, gas prices have failed to reach the stratospheric heights some had predicted. Other hybrids, such as Honda's Insight and Ford's Fusion Hybrid saw even greater declines.

Still, Toyota lays the blame for declining Prius sales on a lack of supply, not demand. The Japan earthquake closed down Prius production for nearly 90 days and put a big crimp in the delivery pipeline. With that issue behind them, Toyota is counting on increasing Prius sales in 2012 to power the lineup. In addition to record numbers for the existing Prius and the new Prius V crossover, Toyota is expected to sell over 16,000 of the plug-in model in its first year of availability.

Toyota counting on Prius sales increase in 2012 originally appeared on AutoblogGreen on Sun, 27 Nov 2011 16:44:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>priusprius plug-intoyotatoyota priusSun, 27 Nov 2011 16:44:00 EST http://green.autoblog.com/feed/20114424/article-comments.xml http://green.autoblog.com/feed/20114424/article-comments.html http://green.autoblog.com/feed/2011/11/27/toyota-counting-on-prius-sales-increase-in-2012/20114424/article-detail.xml 20114424 http://www.blogcdn.com/green.autoblog.com/media/2011/03/toyota-prius-v--on-road-630_thumbnail.jpg http://www.blogcdn.com/green.autoblog.com/media/2011/03/toyota-prius-v--on-road-630.jpg <![CDATA[Fisker says Karma will meet 15,000 production target for 2012]]>http://green.autoblog.com/2011/11/26/fisker-says-karma-will-meet-15-000-production-target-for-2012/http://green.autoblog.com/2011/11/26/fisker-says-karma-will-meet-15-000-production-target-for-2012/http://green.autoblog.com/2011/11/26/fisker-says-karma-will-meet-15-000-production-target-for-2012/#commentsFiled under: ,

Fisker Karma

A raft of production delays slowed the arrival of the first Fisker Karma. Though the initial round of vehicles were finally delivered, the delays mean that Fisker will only ship 1,500 of the four door plug-in hybrids in 2011, well short of the original target of 7,000.

There has been an effort to turn Fisker into a scandal and these lower production numbers are enough to fan the flames. Fisker has received loans totaling $529 million from the Department of Energy, a number that puts the company within $6 million of the assistance lent to failed solar-panel maker Solyndra. Fisker's partners at A123 Systems have been forced to chop their earnings estimates for 2011, since fewer Karmas out the door means fewer A123 batteries sold. To some, it all has the look of failure.

However, Fisker Chairman Ray Lane says that the issues in 2011 were a combination of difficulties faced by any start up - such as problems with the electrical system that didn't appear until production was underway - and some one-off disasters. For example, a flood soaked the initial shipment of leather delivered for the car's interior, leaving Fisker with 250 vehicles that were ready to go, except for seats, dashboards, steering wheels and every other surface that needed to be covered in cowhide.

With the Freshman year drawing to a close, Lane is convinced that Fisker will hit its mark in 2012. According to Lane, Fisker still plans to meet projections of 15,000 Karmas delivered in 2012. A123 is taking a more cautious approach, projecting around 7,000 vehicles. Either number would actually be very good for a car that has a base price of $96,000. Even the 7,000-unit sales number would exceed the annual sales of such well-known $100k sedans as the Maserati Quattroporte or Audi R8. Those cars don't have any green chic, though, and that might make all the difference.

Fisker says Karma will meet 15,000 production target for 2012 originally appeared on AutoblogGreen on Sat, 26 Nov 2011 08:17:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>a123fiskerfisker karmakarmaSat, 26 Nov 2011 08:17:00 EST http://green.autoblog.com/feed/20114400/article-comments.xml http://green.autoblog.com/feed/20114400/article-comments.html http://green.autoblog.com/feed/2011/11/26/fisker-says-karma-will-meet-15-000-production-target-for-2012/20114400/article-detail.xml 20114400 http://www.blogcdn.com/green.autoblog.com/media/2011/10/2012-fisker-karma-628_thumbnail.jpg http://www.blogcdn.com/green.autoblog.com/media/2011/10/2012-fisker-karma-628.jpg <![CDATA[Nissan's $9,900 quick charger a game changer?]]>http://green.autoblog.com/2011/11/17/nissans-9-900-quick-charger-a-game-changer/http://green.autoblog.com/2011/11/17/nissans-9-900-quick-charger-a-game-changer/http://green.autoblog.com/2011/11/17/nissans-9-900-quick-charger-a-game-changer/#commentsFiled under: ,

Nissan leaf with cable attached to TERPCO port

Electric vehicles typically come with a home charging cord, and additional stations for 120v or 240v connections are relatively inexpensive. However, when you start trying to cram electrons into a battery in a hurry, the cost can rise steeply. In particular, "Level 3" quick charging stations can be a significant investment, with costs starting around $20,000.

Still, there are companies and organizations working on bringing these sorts of EVSE stations to market. After all, having the infrastructure to easily charge an electric car to 80 percent in only 30 minutes can have a profound impact on the practicality of EVs. Imagine doing it for less than $10,000.

This is Nissan's new hope. The automaker's new station halfs the price of the previous quick charge unit for the Nissan Leaf, reduces the size, and makes installation easier on both the bottom line and garage space. The $9,900 unit will be available for pre-order in the United States by January. Delivery of the units is expected in spring of 2012.

Based around the CHAdeMO protocol and operating on 480 volts, Nissan's new station can not only fill an empty battery in a hurry, it could potentially charge a Leaf from half empty to nearly full in the same five minutes it takes most cars to add a few gallons of gas. At a price point of just under $10k and with the requirement for 480V service, it might not find its way into too many residences. However, for public charging stations or companies that have multiple Leafs, this kind of charger could mean the difference between having vehicles hogging a charging spot for hours and being able to juice up the fleet. It also considerably lessens the consequences of having to pull your vehicle in for a charge if you should run low on electrons during a journey. Nissan anticipates selling "thousands" of units.

The CHAdeMO level 3 standard charges batteries quickly by using high voltage DC current (up to 500v and 125 amps). In the U.S., only the Leaf provides the TERPCO connector and associated hardware needed for CHAdeMO charging. Nissan's new station was developed in conjuction with Sumitomo Corporation. The Chevy Volt uses the SAE J1772 standard, with Level 2 charging that tops out at 240V and 80 amps AC current. A full recharge using currently available charging stations recommended by Chevy takes over three hours. The level 3 charging standard from SAE is still in the works.

Nissan's $9,900 quick charger a game changer? originally appeared on AutoblogGreen on Thu, 17 Nov 2011 19:55:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>chademocharging stationelectric vehicleevsefast chargingleaflevel 3 chargingnissannissan evsenissan fast chargernissan leafThu, 17 Nov 2011 19:55:00 EST http://green.autoblog.com/feed/20107844/article-comments.xml http://green.autoblog.com/feed/20107844/article-comments.html http://green.autoblog.com/feed/2011/11/17/nissans-9-900-quick-charger-a-game-changer/20107844/article-detail.xml 20107844 http://www.blogcdn.com/green.autoblog.com/media/2011/11/leafchargingports_thumbnail.jpg http://www.blogcdn.com/green.autoblog.com/media/2011/11/leafchargingports.jpg <![CDATA[Bright IDEA van coming in 2014]]>http://green.autoblog.com/2011/11/17/bright-idea-van-coming-in-2014/http://green.autoblog.com/2011/11/17/bright-idea-van-coming-in-2014/http://green.autoblog.com/2011/11/17/bright-idea-van-coming-in-2014/#commentsFiled under: ,

Bright IDEA Van

The van that Bright Automotive is building at AM General's former Hummer-producing plant has an arrival date. Government and fleet purchases of the curve-topped IDEA van are now slated to begin some time in 2014. The van will use a unique form of plug-in hybrid drive, with a gas engine optionally driving the front wheels, electricity to the rear and a system that optimizes for the best combination of power and efficiency. Bright indicates that the IDEA will return provide around 40 miles of electric-only driving and net 100 mpge.

Bright Automotive is a spinoff from the hypercar efforts at Rocky Moutain Institute. A combination of lightweight materials, battery technology, and aerodynamic design is key to achieving what the company hopes will be chart-topping performance. Bright has also received a $5 million injection from GM. The van will compete in the EV hauling market against Ford's Transit Connect EV.

Bright IDEA van coming in 2014 originally appeared on AutoblogGreen on Thu, 17 Nov 2011 17:56:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>brightideaplug-in hybridvanThu, 17 Nov 2011 17:56:00 EST http://green.autoblog.com/feed/20105148/article-comments.xml http://green.autoblog.com/feed/20105148/article-comments.html http://green.autoblog.com/feed/2011/11/17/bright-idea-van-coming-in-2014/20105148/article-detail.xml 20105148 http://www.blogcdn.com/green.autoblog.com/media/2011/11/bright-idea-side-580_thumbnail.jpg http://www.blogcdn.com/green.autoblog.com/media/2011/11/bright-idea-side-580.jpg -1 2