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[Video: Chevy Volt ad 'Silent Anthem' brings back friendly deer, robot dogs]]>http://green.autoblog.com/2013/05/22/chevy-volt-ad-silent-anthem-brings-back-friendly-deer-robot-d/http://green.autoblog.com/2013/05/22/chevy-volt-ad-silent-anthem-brings-back-friendly-deer-robot-d/http://green.autoblog.com/2013/05/22/chevy-volt-ad-silent-anthem-brings-back-friendly-deer-robot-d/#commentsFiled under: , , ,



With a great soundtrack - Patty Griffin's Heavenly Day - Chevy is once again using robot dogs and real deer to tell us how eco-friendly the Volt is. The new Volt commercial, called "Silent Anthem," is basically an expanded version of the Volt's snippets from the Find New Roads commercial from February, but this time we see how wind power is the new gasoline (as you can see in the fictional "Instant History" iPad app used in the spot). NIce.

Sure, the ad doesn't really say anything new about the Volt, but it certainly gives off an idealized vibe, and is a far cry from the way most automakers try to sell most of their cars. Just compare this spot (of Nissan's polar bear ad for the Leaf a few years ago) with most of the car-alone-on-the-highway ads that are apparently filmed after the apocalypse. What's the real message here?

Continue reading Chevy Volt ad 'Silent Anthem' brings back friendly deer, robot dogs

Chevy Volt ad 'Silent Anthem' brings back friendly deer, robot dogs originally appeared on Autoblog Green on Wed, 22 May 2013 12:27:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>chevychevy voltchevy volt advertisingelectric vehicleplug-in hybridsilent anthemWed, 22 May 2013 12:27:00 EST http://green.autoblog.com/feed/20579884/article-comments.xml http://green.autoblog.com/feed/20579884/article-comments.html http://green.autoblog.com/feed/2013/05/22/chevy-volt-ad-silent-anthem-brings-back-friendly-deer-robot-d/20579884/article-detail.xml 20579884 http://www.blogcdn.com/green.autoblog.com/media/2013/05/chevy-volt-silent-anthem-1_thumbnail.png http://www.blogcdn.com/green.autoblog.com/media/2013/05/chevy-volt-silent-anthem-1.png <![CDATA[Report: Bob Lutz and VL Automotive, Wanxiang trying to buy Fisker]]>http://green.autoblog.com/2013/05/21/fisker-vl-automotive-destino-bob-lutz-wanxiang-buyout/http://green.autoblog.com/2013/05/21/fisker-vl-automotive-destino-bob-lutz-wanxiang-buyout/http://green.autoblog.com/2013/05/21/fisker-vl-automotive-destino-bob-lutz-wanxiang-buyout/#commentsFiled under: , ,

VL Automotive's Destino live at Detroit Auto Show

Chinese company Wanxiang was in the news earlier this year, as it moved to acquire bankrupt automotive battery company A123. Turns out, while that was taking place in the public eye, Wanxiang was also working with VL Automotive - of Bob Lutz and Destino fame - to try and buy out Fisker Automotive.

According to unnamed sources speaking to Reuters, VL and Wanxiang made Fisker an offer earlier in May to buy the troubled plug-in hybrid automaker through a "prepackaged bankruptcy deal." The talks are apparently ongoing and could well fall through, but it certainly makes sense for both Wanxiang and VL to want Fisker to survive in some manner. A123 supplied the Karma's battery cells and VL needs Karma bodies if it's going to build more than a small number of V8-powered Destinos.

At the end of April, Lutz wrote an article about Fisker's DOE Loan in which he called the Karma, "quite possibly the most beautiful four-door sedan ever." In that article, he also wrote, "The green craze is, frankly, ebbing, and interest in conventional cars remains strong." He's also called his gasoline-powered Destino the Karma that people will actually want to buy.

Reuters also notes there is another deal in the works from European and Hong Kong investors that would buy Fisker's $171-million debt that it owes the US DOE.

Bob Lutz and VL Automotive, Wanxiang trying to buy Fisker originally appeared on Autoblog Green on Tue, 21 May 2013 17:27:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>bankruptcybob lutzdestinoelectric vehiclefiskerfisker automotivefisker karmaplug-in hybridvl automotiveTue, 21 May 2013 17:27:00 EST http://green.autoblog.com/feed/20578590/article-comments.xml http://green.autoblog.com/feed/20578590/article-comments.html http://green.autoblog.com/feed/2013/05/21/fisker-vl-automotive-destino-bob-lutz-wanxiang-buyout/20578590/article-detail.xml 20578590 http://www.blogcdn.com/www.autoblog.com/media/2013/01/000-vl-automotive-destino-opt_thumbnail.jpg http://www.blogcdn.com/www.autoblog.com/media/2013/01/000-vl-automotive-destino-opt.jpg <![CDATA[Rumormill: Kia Soul EV might cost $35,000, have a range of 120 miles]]>http://green.autoblog.com/2013/05/21/kia-soul-ev-might-cost-35-000-have-a-range-of-120-miles/http://green.autoblog.com/2013/05/21/kia-soul-ev-might-cost-35-000-have-a-range-of-120-miles/http://green.autoblog.com/2013/05/21/kia-soul-ev-might-cost-35-000-have-a-range-of-120-miles/#commentsFiled under: ,

Kia Ray EV

With company cousin Hyundai busy working on hydrogen fuel cell vehicles, Kia has said it will bring a battery-powered EV to market some time in 2014. We've seen the Ray EV (above), but that was a limited-run production vehicle destined for fleets in Korea. The follow-up is the electrified Soul, and if you're looking for some completely unverified rumors about what the Soul EV will be packing under the hood, Kia World has got you covered.

Kia World says the "mass produced" Soul EV is due in the first half of 2014 for around $35,000 and will be "the very-first electic vehicle to be sold in the global market, including the US, Europe and China." Nissan might take offense at that, but technically, the Leaf will be reworked as the Fengshen E30. As for performance, the Soul EV is supposed to have a range of about 120 miles and a top speed of 87 miles per hours. The 0-60 time will be nothing that impresses ("under 12 seconds" is the rumor) but at least it beats the Ray's time by four seconds.

We've asked Kia for confirmation or denial on these figures, and will let you know if we hear anything substantial.

Kia Soul EV might cost $35,000, have a range of 120 miles originally appeared on Autoblog Green on Tue, 21 May 2013 16:16:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>electric vehicleevkia soulrumorsoul evTue, 21 May 2013 16:16:00 EST http://green.autoblog.com/feed/20578504/article-comments.xml http://green.autoblog.com/feed/20578504/article-comments.html http://green.autoblog.com/feed/2013/05/21/kia-soul-ev-might-cost-35-000-have-a-range-of-120-miles/20578504/article-detail.xml 20578504 http://www.blogcdn.com/www.autoblog.com/media/2011/12/kia-ray-ev-628_thumbnail.jpg http://www.blogcdn.com/www.autoblog.com/media/2011/12/kia-ray-ev-628.jpg <![CDATA[Read This: Is peak oil never going to happen?]]>http://green.autoblog.com/2013/05/21/is-peak-oil-never-going-to-happen/http://green.autoblog.com/2013/05/21/is-peak-oil-never-going-to-happen/http://green.autoblog.com/2013/05/21/is-peak-oil-never-going-to-happen/#commentsFiled under: ,



You can make a coherent, logical argument for cars that don't burn gasoline without once mentioning global petroleum supply. You can talk about international relations and the power of gasoline exporters (just read the first three paragraphs of this for a bit of history). You can talk about climate change. You can talk about the health effects of CO2 in the air. But the fact remains that gasoline (or diesel) remains the go-to fuel for almost every passenger vehicle on the planet, so the question of how much black gold is out there is an important one. The answer, though is not so clear.

Despite some claims that peak out has already happened, a new study (PDF) by the International Energy Agency (IEA) predicts that increased energy production in North America means that, between now and 2018, global oil production capacity will increase by 8.4 million barrels a day. Since this is "significantly faster than demand," Time says peak oil is dead, with perilous consequences. As the chart above shows, the IEA's predictions are that OPEC will have spare capacity for years to come.

On top of North American production, crazy new energy sources are being investigated (like methane hydrate, or crystalline natural gas. See video below). These require incredibly expensive research and exploration efforts, but the end result could be, as The Atlantic so provocatively puts it, "infinite fossil fuel?" The magazine has a detailed debate on the subject between Charles Mann and Amory Lovins here, here and here. Well worth reading.

Continue reading Is peak oil never going to happen?

Is peak oil never going to happen? originally appeared on Autoblog Green on Tue, 21 May 2013 12:33:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>gasolinemethane hydratespeak oilpetroleumTue, 21 May 2013 12:33:00 EST http://green.autoblog.com/feed/20578124/article-comments.xml http://green.autoblog.com/feed/20578124/article-comments.html http://green.autoblog.com/feed/2013/05/21/is-peak-oil-never-going-to-happen/20578124/article-detail.xml 20578124 http://www.blogcdn.com/green.autoblog.com/media/2013/05/medium-term-oil-market-balance_thumbnail.png http://www.blogcdn.com/green.autoblog.com/media/2013/05/medium-term-oil-market-balance.png <![CDATA[Report: Tesla raises $1 billion as stock climbs; predictions have it at $200 (or $37) *UPDATE]]>http://green.autoblog.com/2013/05/21/tesla-raises-one-billion-stock-could-reach-200/http://green.autoblog.com/2013/05/21/tesla-raises-one-billion-stock-could-reach-200/http://green.autoblog.com/2013/05/21/tesla-raises-one-billion-stock-could-reach-200/#commentsFiled under: ,

tesla model s logo

Despite the company's recent string of successes, there's still a lot of skepticism about Tesla out there. Some of the negativity focuses on the lack of recharging infrastructure, some on the company's expensive cars and how it'll be difficult to make a mass-market car. And when it comes to the company's stock price - TSLA is currently at around $90 - the predictions are all over the map. Some say it's still worth shorting (that is, predicting it will drop). Some say it could reach $200 before too long; others warn it will fall to somewhere in the $20-$40 range.

"There is a fundamental view of a scenario where Tesla becomes the next GM or Ford."

Still, the big news - that is, something that's actually happened, not just bloviations about the future - is that Tesla raised more than a billion dollars in cash last week by increasing the amount of debt and equity it was offering. Instead of selling a total 2.7 million common shares, CEO Elon Musk put up 3.39 million, and bought $100 million himself. This showed confidence, which was admittedly already there, and Tesla raised far more than the $830 million originally expected. The money will be used, in part, to pay back the US government for the $465-million Department of Energy loan.

The good news prompted an unnamed banker to tell IFR what it looks like on the other side of the skepticism spectrum: "[CEO Elon] Musk has a vision of creating a $50 billion-plus company in five years," adding, "There is a fundamental view of a scenario where Tesla becomes the next GM or Ford."

*UPDATE: Musk just Tweeted that Tesla will likely pay back the DOE loan Wednesday.

Tesla raises $1 billion as stock climbs; predictions have it at $200 (or $37) *UPDATE originally appeared on Autoblog Green on Tue, 21 May 2013 08:45:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>doe loanelectric vehicleelon muskteslatesla model stesla stocktslaTue, 21 May 2013 08:45:00 EST http://green.autoblog.com/feed/20576793/article-comments.xml http://green.autoblog.com/feed/20576793/article-comments.html http://green.autoblog.com/feed/2013/05/21/tesla-raises-one-billion-stock-could-reach-200/20576793/article-detail.xml 20576793 http://www.blogcdn.com/green.autoblog.com/media/2013/05/2012-tesla-model-s-logo-628_thumbnail.jpg http://www.blogcdn.com/green.autoblog.com/media/2013/05/2012-tesla-model-s-logo-628.jpg <![CDATA[Official: Audi says 'not so fast,' Tesla lovers, attacks Model S success story *UPDATE]]>http://green.autoblog.com/2013/05/20/audi-starts-tesla-rivalry-attacks-models-success/http://green.autoblog.com/2013/05/20/audi-starts-tesla-rivalry-attacks-models-success/http://green.autoblog.com/2013/05/20/audi-starts-tesla-rivalry-attacks-models-success/#commentsFiled under: , ,

Audi A8 / Tesla Model S

The automotive industry is full of rivalries, from Ferrari versus Lamborghini to Ford's recent war on the Toyota Prius. Audi must be feeling the electric heat of Tesla's recent success, because the German automaker has put out a press release with one single message: Hey, let's not love on Tesla too much, mmmkay?

Audi's press release is titled, "Not so fast to put Tesla on that particular pedestal" and it's full of Audi making sure we all know that "some reports are giving Tesla too much credit." What's extra funny is that Audi compares its April US sales (13,157 units) to Tesla's 4,750 Model S sales, mistakenly claiming they, too, were from April. But Tesla doesn't report monthly sales, and the 4,750 number is for the total deliveries for the first quarter of 2013. That fact makes Audi look even better by comparison but even worse for making a stink about the whole thing. You can read the whole thing below.

While Audi's points are accurate, we see this headed into the realm political consultants talk about where if you need to clarify the details, you've already lost. And whatever the mood inside Audi HQ is, the reality is that Tesla has figured out how to sell a good number of luxury electric vehicles, while Audi is still just teasing.

One final bit of rival hilarity that takes on a new light today: Iron Man Tony Stark might sometimes drive an R8, but he is, in fact, based on Tesla CEO Elon Musk (in the movies, anyway).

*UPDATE: Looks like Audi has pulled the press release off its site. Interesting.

Continue reading Audi says 'not so fast,' Tesla lovers, attacks Model S success story *UPDATE

Audi says 'not so fast,' Tesla lovers, attacks Model S success story *UPDATE originally appeared on Autoblog Green on Mon, 20 May 2013 17:44:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>audiaudi a8electric vehicleev salesrivalryteslatesla model sMon, 20 May 2013 17:44:00 EST http://green.autoblog.com/feed/20576518/article-comments.xml http://green.autoblog.com/feed/20576518/article-comments.html http://green.autoblog.com/feed/2013/05/20/audi-starts-tesla-rivalry-attacks-models-success/20576518/article-detail.xml 20576518 http://www.blogcdn.com/green.autoblog.com/media/2013/05/tesla-audi_thumbnail.jpg http://www.blogcdn.com/green.autoblog.com/media/2013/05/tesla-audi.jpg <![CDATA[Official: In bankruptcy, Coda asking for permission to conduct airbag recall]]>http://green.autoblog.com/2013/05/20/bankrupt-coda-asking-permission-to-conduct-airbag-recall/http://green.autoblog.com/2013/05/20/bankrupt-coda-asking-permission-to-conduct-airbag-recall/http://green.autoblog.com/2013/05/20/bankrupt-coda-asking-permission-to-conduct-airbag-recall/#commentsFiled under: ,

coda sedan

Following its official bankruptcy filing, Coda Automotive is back with more not-so-good news. In Delaware bankruptcy court, the automaker has filed a motion to "conduct a voluntary recall of Coda Sedans to replace roof-mounted side curtain airbags."

Last August, Coda recalled 78 vehicles for improper installation of side-curtain airbags. The new filing doesn't specify a number of vehicles affected - but it does say Coda sold less than 100 vehicles, total - just that it expects the recall will not cost more than $40,000.

Coda is not undertaking the recall just for the safety of Coda drivers (though that is a prominent reason). The filing says, "the Coda name is an asset in which the Debtors have invested heavily and is likely to represent a valuable asset to a buyer" and that "the Debtors submit that taking appropriate steps to avoid negative associations with the Coda name that may arrive from failure to address a known potential safety issue in a Coda product makes good business sense."

You can read the court documents below.

Continue reading In bankruptcy, Coda asking for permission to conduct airbag recall

In bankruptcy, Coda asking for permission to conduct airbag recall originally appeared on Autoblog Green on Mon, 20 May 2013 16:27:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>airbagbankruptcycodacoda sedanelectric vehiclerecallMon, 20 May 2013 16:27:00 EST http://green.autoblog.com/feed/20576691/article-comments.xml http://green.autoblog.com/feed/20576691/article-comments.html http://green.autoblog.com/feed/2013/05/20/bankrupt-coda-asking-permission-to-conduct-airbag-recall/20576691/article-detail.xml 20576691 http://www.blogcdn.com/green.autoblog.com/media/2013/05/2012-coda-sedan-628_thumbnail.jpg http://www.blogcdn.com/green.autoblog.com/media/2013/05/2012-coda-sedan-628.jpg <![CDATA[Report: Japan may subsidize, deregulate 100 new hydrogen fuel stations]]>http://green.autoblog.com/2013/05/20/japan-may-subsidize-deregulate-100-new-hydrogen-fuel-stations/http://green.autoblog.com/2013/05/20/japan-may-subsidize-deregulate-100-new-hydrogen-fuel-stations/http://green.autoblog.com/2013/05/20/japan-may-subsidize-deregulate-100-new-hydrogen-fuel-stations/#commentsFiled under: ,

honda fcx clarity

Here's a story that certainly plays to stereotypes: a new network of hydrogen refueling stations being built in Japan are the work of, surprise, oil companies. As The Japan Times reports, JX Nippon Oil & Energy Corp. and 12 other companies - including automakers - are working together to establish about 100 new H2 stations, mostly in major cities.

For its part, the government is ready to "provide financial assistance and is considering deregulation," The Japan Times writes, in part because it can cost up to six times as much to build a hydrogen station as it does a gas station. JX Nippon Oil installed the first of its planned 13 stations in Ebina, Kanagawa Prefecture, last month.

Two Japanese automakers, Honda and Toyota, have long been bigger fans of hydrogen than pure electric vehicles. Honda has been leasing the FCX Clarity (pictured) for years and Toyota is working on a hydrogen fuel cell vehicle for 2015. Hyundai, BMW, Daimler, Nissan and General Motors are among the automakers also publicly active in readying H2 vehicles for the near future.

Japan may subsidize, deregulate 100 new hydrogen fuel stations originally appeared on Autoblog Green on Mon, 20 May 2013 14:15:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>h2hydrogenjapanjx nippon oilMon, 20 May 2013 14:15:00 EST http://green.autoblog.com/feed/20576535/article-comments.xml http://green.autoblog.com/feed/20576535/article-comments.html http://green.autoblog.com/feed/2013/05/20/japan-may-subsidize-deregulate-100-new-hydrogen-fuel-stations/20576535/article-detail.xml 20576535 http://www.blogcdn.com/green.autoblog.com/media/2013/05/honda-fcx-clarity-628_thumbnail.jpg http://www.blogcdn.com/green.autoblog.com/media/2013/05/honda-fcx-clarity-628.jpg <![CDATA[Official: Kartelec 2013 brings electric go-cart racing back to France]]>http://green.autoblog.com/2013/05/20/kartelec-2013-brings-electric-go-cart-racing-back-to-france/http://green.autoblog.com/2013/05/20/kartelec-2013-brings-electric-go-cart-racing-back-to-france/http://green.autoblog.com/2013/05/20/kartelec-2013-brings-electric-go-cart-racing-back-to-france/#commentsFiled under: , , ,

kartelec 2012 electric go-kart racing

If you've always wanted to whip a low-slung go-kart around a corner without the noisy rumble of a gas engine behind you - or at least watch - Kartelec 2013 awaits you. For the eighth time, Kartelec will bring students and their battery-powered go-karts the track in Vierzon, France later this month.

The international educational event will bring together more than 40 e-karts that were all designed and built by students from high schools, universities and engineering schools. The competition will take place on a 300-meter track, where the students will participate in a variety of challenges, things like a 50-meter drag race, race for the fastest lap and two endurance runs, of two and four hours.

As you might suspect, Kartelec 2013 is about more than the on-track events, it's about the students actually learning something (see also: the Eco-Marathons). There are the decisions that go into building the karts, of course, but the e-Kart Association is also interested in training students to work on the "electric and hybrid vehicles of the future."

Kartelec 2013 takes place May 23-25. Admission is free. There's a video of the 2012 event below.

Continue reading Kartelec 2013 brings electric go-cart racing back to France

Kartelec 2013 brings electric go-cart racing back to France originally appeared on Autoblog Green on Mon, 20 May 2013 12:22:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>Mon, 20 May 2013 12:22:00 EST http://green.autoblog.com/feed/20576328/article-comments.xml http://green.autoblog.com/feed/20576328/article-comments.html http://green.autoblog.com/feed/2013/05/20/kartelec-2013-brings-electric-go-cart-racing-back-to-france/20576328/article-detail.xml 20576328 http://www.blogcdn.com/green.autoblog.com/media/2013/05/ekart-2011-628_thumbnail.jpg http://www.blogcdn.com/green.autoblog.com/media/2013/05/ekart-2011-628.jpg <![CDATA[Report: Toyota upping lithium-ion battery production 6x for introduction to Prius family]]>http://green.autoblog.com/2013/05/20/toyota-upping-lithium-ion-battery-production-6x-for-introduction/http://green.autoblog.com/2013/05/20/toyota-upping-lithium-ion-battery-production-6x-for-introduction/http://green.autoblog.com/2013/05/20/toyota-upping-lithium-ion-battery-production-6x-for-introduction/#comments

There are already lithium-ion batteries in some Toyota vehicles (the Prius Plug-in Hybrid, the RAV4 EV and the European Prius+, for example), but the company's standard bearer - the non-plug Prius hybrid - still relies on nickel metal hydride (NiMH) cells. But, the future belongs to li-ion, and that's why Toyota will soon increase its production of the higher-energy-density batteries sixfold with an eye to putting them into the Prius at an unspecified point in the future, according to the Nikkei.

The plan, the Nikkei says, is for Toyota and production partner Panasonic to build a new production line that will be able to make 200,000 li-ion batteries a year (why does that number sound so familiar?). The companies will spend about 20 billion yen (US $194 million) on the project. There's no way Toyota can put li-ion cells in all of its hybrids from that one line, though, since the company sells over a million hybrids a year.

Lithium-ion batteries are smaller, lighter and more energy dense than NiMH ones, but they're also more expensive. They are in widespread use in plug-in electric vehicles from a variety of auto manufacturers. Toyota is also working on future battery technologies, like solid state packs.

Toyota upping lithium-ion battery production 6x for introduction to Prius family originally appeared on Autoblog Green on Mon, 20 May 2013 10:22:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>batteriesli-ionlithium-ionpanasonictoyotatoyota priusMon, 20 May 2013 10:22:00 EST http://green.autoblog.com/feed/20576044/article-comments.xml http://green.autoblog.com/feed/20576044/article-comments.html http://green.autoblog.com/feed/2013/05/20/toyota-upping-lithium-ion-battery-production-6x-for-introduction/20576044/article-detail.xml 20576044 http://www.blogcdn.com/green.autoblog.com/media/2013/05/prius-nmh-battery-pack_thumbnail.jpg http://www.blogcdn.com/green.autoblog.com/media/2013/05/prius-nmh-battery-pack.jpg <![CDATA[This weekend, someone just might buy the 100,000th electric car in the US]]>http://green.autoblog.com/2013/05/17/buy-100000th-electric-car-in-us/http://green.autoblog.com/2013/05/17/buy-100000th-electric-car-in-us/http://green.autoblog.com/2013/05/17/buy-100000th-electric-car-in-us/#commentsFiled under: , ,

national plug in day 2011 santa monica

It's tough to know for sure how many plug-in vehicles have been sold throughout the US, but if anyone has been keeping count, it's the fine folks at Plug In America. And, according to them, somewhere in America this weekend, maybe, someone will buy the 100,000th electric car. PIA says it expects the "historic milestone" to happen by Monday, May 20, 2013.

This isn't counting golf carts or GEMs or any of the old-school EVs, things like the EV1 or the first-generation RAV4 EVs. No, PIA is only tracking vehicles like the Nissan Leaf, Chevy Volt and Tesla Model S that have come along in the last two years or so. We know Nissan has sold over 25,000 Leafs in the US and the Volt has sold more than 36,000 as of the end of April. That leaves 40,000 more from the likes of Tesla, Fisker, Ford and all the others we write about all day. PIA is promoting the event with the #PIA100K hashtag and notes that plug-in vehicles are approaching 48 percent annual growth, so the next 100,000 can't be too far away.

Continue reading This weekend, someone just might buy the 100,000th electric car in the US

This weekend, someone just might buy the 100,000th electric car in the US originally appeared on Autoblog Green on Fri, 17 May 2013 19:51:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>piapia100kplug in americaFri, 17 May 2013 19:51:00 EST http://green.autoblog.com/feed/20574223/article-comments.xml http://green.autoblog.com/feed/20574223/article-comments.html http://green.autoblog.com/feed/2013/05/17/buy-100000th-electric-car-in-us/20574223/article-detail.xml 20574223 http://www.blogcdn.com/green.autoblog.com/media/2012/09/national-plug-in-day-2011_thumbnail.jpg http://www.blogcdn.com/green.autoblog.com/media/2012/09/national-plug-in-day-2011.jpg <![CDATA[Report: Tesla selling new stock, debt worth $830m in order to pay off DOE loan]]>http://green.autoblog.com/2013/05/16/tesla-selling-new-stock-debt-worth-830m-to-pay-off-doe-loan/http://green.autoblog.com/2013/05/16/tesla-selling-new-stock-debt-worth-830m-to-pay-off-doe-loan/http://green.autoblog.com/2013/05/16/tesla-selling-new-stock-debt-worth-830m-to-pay-off-doe-loan/#commentsFiled under: ,



Anyone paying attention to the electric vehicle scene for the last few weeks knows that the stock value of Tesla Motors has been climbing faster than a SpaceX rocket. As of this writing, TSLA is sitting pretty at $92 a share. Three weeks ago, it was at a then-record-high of $53.

In light of all the commotion, Tesla is going to make some money and pay back the government. The company announced yesterday it will sell 2.7 million shares (with a value of $229 million given the closing price of $84.84 yesterday) and $450 million in convertible senior notes. All told, Tesla will sell up to $830 million in shares and debt and use the money to pay back its $465-million Department of Energy loan. The DOE has agreed to let Tesla modify the terms of its loan and repay the money early., but the exact timeline of the repayment was not specified. As Tesla CEO Elon Musk put it to Bloomberg earlier this month, "Of all the car companies that got government funding, we got the least, and we're going to pay it off first. That's not bad." Musk will also buy $100 million worth of shares, $45 million in common stock and $55 million to be be "purchased directly from Tesla in a subsequent private placement."

The DOE handed out four loans through the Advanced Technology Vehicles Manufacturing Loan Program: along with Tesla, Ford got $5.9 billion, Nissan got $1.6 billion and Fisker got $529 million. Tesla's press release is available below.

Continue reading Tesla selling new stock, debt worth $830m in order to pay off DOE loan

Tesla selling new stock, debt worth $830m in order to pay off DOE loan originally appeared on Autoblog Green on Thu, 16 May 2013 13:57:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>atvmpdoe loanelectric vehicleteslatesla model stesla stocktslaThu, 16 May 2013 13:57:00 EST http://green.autoblog.com/feed/20572154/article-comments.xml http://green.autoblog.com/feed/20572154/article-comments.html http://green.autoblog.com/feed/2013/05/16/tesla-selling-new-stock-debt-worth-830m-to-pay-off-doe-loan/20572154/article-detail.xml 20572154 http://www.blogcdn.com/green.autoblog.com/media/2013/04/teslalogo_thumbnail.jpg http://www.blogcdn.com/green.autoblog.com/media/2013/04/teslalogo.jpg <![CDATA[Rumormill: Tesla Model S battery swap announcement coming soon?]]>http://green.autoblog.com/2013/05/14/tesla-model-s-battery-swap-announcement-coming-soon/http://green.autoblog.com/2013/05/14/tesla-model-s-battery-swap-announcement-coming-soon/http://green.autoblog.com/2013/05/14/tesla-model-s-battery-swap-announcement-coming-soon/#commentsFiled under: , ,



Sure, your first response to the idea of Tesla introducing a battery swap system might be, "what, this again?" After all, we heard in 2009 that the Model S was built with battery swaps in mind and, in 2011, Tesla CEO Elon Musk explained the Model S battery swap idea this way: "When people take an occasional two-way long distance trip, they'll get a replacement pack and then pick up their original one on the way back. The issue of giving up your one-year old pack for a three-year old one goes away." The Supercharger network, too, was at one point supposed to feature battery swapping robots that could get the job done in as little as one minute.

But the Supercharger stations - as they exist today - don't have that feature. And Musk has recently been much more excited about the benefits of quick charging than battery swaps. Which is why we forgive any ongoing skepticism that Tesla will introduce batter swaps to the Model S.

Except that the other day, Musk Tweeted, "There is a way for the Tesla Model S to be recharged throughout the country faster than you could fill a gas tank." And our friends at Green Car Reports noticed this line from Tesla's latest quarterly report (PDF):

Other factors that may influence the adoption of alternative fuel vehicles, and specifically electric vehicles, include ... our capability to rapidly swap out the Model S battery pack and the development of specialized public facilities to perform such swapping, which do not currently exist but which we plan to introduce in the near future.


So, yeah. Now what? We asked Tesla directly, and Sarah Meron, VP of communications for Tesla Motors, told AutoblogGreen, "We don't have any comment on battery swapping right now or timing of further announcements. But we'll let you know when we do!"

Tesla has already announced replacement costs for its battery packs ($10,000 for the 60-kWh and $12,000 for the 85-kWh pack), but that's if you need an entirely new pack and you purchased the warranty. This is something else entirely. Is Tesla going to make actual battery swaps available soon?

Tesla Model S battery swap announcement coming soon? originally appeared on Autoblog Green on Tue, 14 May 2013 16:27:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>battery swappingelectric vehicleelon muskswapteslatesla model sTue, 14 May 2013 16:27:00 EST http://green.autoblog.com/feed/20568189/article-comments.xml http://green.autoblog.com/feed/20568189/article-comments.html http://green.autoblog.com/feed/2013/05/14/tesla-model-s-battery-swap-announcement-coming-soon/20568189/article-detail.xml 20568189 http://www.blogcdn.com/green.autoblog.com/media/2013/05/model-s-signature-red-628_thumbnail.jpg http://www.blogcdn.com/green.autoblog.com/media/2013/05/model-s-signature-red-628.jpg <![CDATA[Report: Despite selling almost 90,000 electric vehicles, Renault-Nissan will not hit 2016 sales target]]>http://green.autoblog.com/2013/05/13/despite-selling-almost-90000-electric-vehicles-renault-nissan/http://green.autoblog.com/2013/05/13/despite-selling-almost-90000-electric-vehicles-renault-nissan/http://green.autoblog.com/2013/05/13/despite-selling-almost-90000-electric-vehicles-renault-nissan/#commentsFiled under: , ,

nissan leaf taxi mexico city

When you're in the lead, everyone can see the target on your back. When you're in front and talking about how much faster you could go, then it can seem like you're setting up your own stumbling blocks.

That's one way to look at the electric vehicle work that Renault and Nissan are doing as they handily outsell their competitors when it comes to pure EVs. In February, Nissan announced it had sold well over 50,000 Leafs around the world and that number has grown to 62,000 by now. Automotive News Europe recently tallied up Renault's all-electric vehicle sales from the launch of the various models through April 2013 and found the company has sold 24,688 in total (Twizy: 9,911; Kangoo Z.E.: 8,760; Fluence Z.E.: 3,487; Zoe: 2,530). So, let's call it almost 90,000 EVs by now for both companies. That's a lot, but Renault-Nissan chief Carlos Ghosn - and here's where the self-inflicted wounds come in - had to admit to the press recently that his companies probably won't hit the original target of selling a combined 1.5 million EVs by 2016.

Ghosn remains confident as ever in the long term potential for EVs, saying earlier this year that, "we know this is a breakthrough technology, we know [the Leaf] is a breakthrough car, and we're just going to have to be extremely patient and resilient and remove the obstacles one after another."

One of those obstacles is getting people used to EVs, and that means getting butts in seats. This is why the company is working on an electric vehicle taxi project in Mexico City, where a huge charging warehouse can charge 50 Leafs at once, the most in all of Latin America. The Mexico City Leaf taxi project has been in the works since 2010, and the first EVs were delivered in October 2011. There are two Nissan-supplied videos about the Mexico City trials available below.

Continue reading Despite selling almost 90,000 electric vehicles, Renault-Nissan will not hit 2016 sales target

Despite selling almost 90,000 electric vehicles, Renault-Nissan will not hit 2016 sales target originally appeared on Autoblog Green on Mon, 13 May 2013 17:03:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>electric vehicleev salesleaf salesleaf taximexico citynissannissan leafrenaultMon, 13 May 2013 17:03:00 EST http://green.autoblog.com/feed/20567143/article-comments.xml http://green.autoblog.com/feed/20567143/article-comments.html http://green.autoblog.com/feed/2013/05/13/despite-selling-almost-90000-electric-vehicles-renault-nissan/20567143/article-detail.xml 20567143 http://www.blogcdn.com/green.autoblog.com/media/2013/05/mexico-city-taxi-628_thumbnail.jpg http://www.blogcdn.com/green.autoblog.com/media/2013/05/mexico-city-taxi-628.jpg <![CDATA[Report: Coda hit by WARN Act lawsuit after bankruptcy]]>http://green.autoblog.com/2013/05/13/coda-hit-by-warn-act-lawsuit-after-bankruptcy/http://green.autoblog.com/2013/05/13/coda-hit-by-warn-act-lawsuit-after-bankruptcy/http://green.autoblog.com/2013/05/13/coda-hit-by-warn-act-lawsuit-after-bankruptcy/#commentsFiled under: ,

coda automotive store

Following bankruptcy proceedings over at Coda Automotive, we can't say we're surprised by talk of a WARN Act lawsuit. After all, US Worker Adjustment Retraining Notification (WARN) Act proceedings were taken against Fisker Automotive in April. So we kind of know the drill.

The WARN Act's purpose is to give workers and their families "some transition time to adjust to the prospective loss of employment, to seek and obtain other jobs, and, if necessary, to enter skill training or retraining that will allow these workers to compete successfully in the job market."

In Coda's case, a lawsuit was filed by former employee Tony Bulchack, and alleges that the mass layoffs that took place in December 2012 happened without giving the 125 workers laid off then the required 60-day notices. Discussions of a WARN act lawsuit against Coda has been in the works for a while over at Girard Gibbs law firm as well. Bulchack's complaint is embedded below.

Coda announced two weeks ago that it will no longer sell electric vehicles and will instead restructure as an energy storage business.

Continue reading Coda hit by WARN Act lawsuit after bankruptcy

Coda hit by WARN Act lawsuit after bankruptcy originally appeared on Autoblog Green on Mon, 13 May 2013 14:36:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>codaelectric vehiclewarn actMon, 13 May 2013 14:36:00 EST http://green.autoblog.com/feed/20567016/article-comments.xml http://green.autoblog.com/feed/20567016/article-comments.html http://green.autoblog.com/feed/2013/05/13/coda-hit-by-warn-act-lawsuit-after-bankruptcy/20567016/article-detail.xml 20567016 http://www.blogcdn.com/green.autoblog.com/media/2013/03/coda-sedan-electric-vehicle-628-river_thumbnail.jpg http://www.blogcdn.com/green.autoblog.com/media/2013/03/coda-sedan-electric-vehicle-628-river.jpg <![CDATA[Tesla stock breaks $83; CEO Elon Musk steps way from Facebook founder's immigration group]]>http://green.autoblog.com/2013/05/13/tesla-stock-breaks-83-ceo-elon-musk-steps-way-from-fwd-us/http://green.autoblog.com/2013/05/13/tesla-stock-breaks-83-ceo-elon-musk-steps-way-from-fwd-us/http://green.autoblog.com/2013/05/13/tesla-stock-breaks-83-ceo-elon-musk-steps-way-from-fwd-us/#commentsFiled under: ,

tesla model s driving

As A. Whitney Brown once said, "There's really no use in beating a dead horse. I mean, except for the pure joy of it." Well, if Tesla's recent string of successes is said horse, then we hope you enjoy the rest of this post.

Let's start with politics, and Tesla CEO Elon Musk's step back from Facebook founder Mark Zuckerberg's new immigration reform political action group, Fwd.us. Musk is one of the big names that is taking his name off the supporter list because Fwd.us gave money for ads that supported US senators who also supported the Keystone XL pipeline and Alaskan oil drilling.

Then we have Tesla stock, TSLA, which has more than doubled so far this year. It was news when it crossed the $50 mark a few weeks ago but right now it's sitting at $83.75, up almost $7 from Friday. The reason for the rapid rise is clear to anyone who's paying attention, as you can see in the interactive widget below, but there is a trading history here that involves a lot of people betting against Tesla. There's a good rundown on the history of TSLA stock shorting here, and it includes these words of warning: there are a number of factors that "could drive the stock down in time. Probably will, say some analysts" and "If you own Tesla stock, enjoy the ride." We recommend the same if you own an actual Tesla.

Continue reading Tesla stock breaks $83; CEO Elon Musk steps way from Facebook founder's immigration group

Tesla stock breaks $83; CEO Elon Musk steps way from Facebook founder's immigration group originally appeared on Autoblog Green on Mon, 13 May 2013 12:22:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>electric vehicleelon muskkeystoneteslatesla model stslaMon, 13 May 2013 12:22:00 EST http://green.autoblog.com/feed/20566783/article-comments.xml http://green.autoblog.com/feed/20566783/article-comments.html http://green.autoblog.com/feed/2013/05/13/tesla-stock-breaks-83-ceo-elon-musk-steps-way-from-fwd-us/20566783/article-detail.xml 20566783 http://www.blogcdn.com/green.autoblog.com/media/2013/04/tesla-model-s-driving_thumbnail.jpg http://www.blogcdn.com/green.autoblog.com/media/2013/04/tesla-model-s-driving.jpg <![CDATA[Carlos Ghosn: it makes sense to focus on electric vehicles, cooperate on fuel cells]]>http://green.autoblog.com/2013/05/10/carlos-ghosn-makes-sense-to-focus-on-electric-vehicles/http://green.autoblog.com/2013/05/10/carlos-ghosn-makes-sense-to-focus-on-electric-vehicles/http://green.autoblog.com/2013/05/10/carlos-ghosn-makes-sense-to-focus-on-electric-vehicles/#commentsFiled under: , , , , ,



The last time we spoke with Renault-Nissan head Carlos Ghosn, at the Geneva Motor Show, he spoke about the 70,000 all-electric vehicles his company's have sold to happy customers and how these vehicles are just the beginning of the EV era. Speaking at the New York Auto Show a little over a month ago, Ghosn went into detail about how building electric cars around the world will make them cheaper - and thus more prevalent - for just about everyone. He said:

When we started this effort on electric cars, the first challenge for us was to build credibility for the car itself. Because in the minds of many consumers, the electric car was a golf cart. Zero emission, yes, but everything else was wrong. This first challenge is over today. People driving the Leaf today know it's a real car. Acceleration, driving performance, silence - everything - it's a real car. They still complain. So, all the people who bought the Leaf are very happy. But a lot of people are testing the Leaf and not buying it. We asked them, why are you not buying the car?

There were two main answers: high price and worries about charging infrastructure. In the US, Nissan dropped the base price of the 2013 Leaf by $6,400 earlier this year and Ghosn said Nissan will "continue to reduce the price as a function of the cost." This will happen not just because of reduced shipping costs and less reliance on currency fluctuations, but because there are still efficiency gains to be had in the new production locations, Ghosn said. "It's not finished."

Continue reading Carlos Ghosn: it makes sense to focus on electric vehicles, cooperate on fuel cells

Carlos Ghosn: it makes sense to focus on electric vehicles, cooperate on fuel cells originally appeared on Autoblog Green on Fri, 10 May 2013 11:52:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>carlos ghosnelectric vehiclenissannissan leafFri, 10 May 2013 11:52:00 EST http://green.autoblog.com/feed/20525470/article-comments.xml http://green.autoblog.com/feed/20525470/article-comments.html http://green.autoblog.com/feed/2013/05/10/carlos-ghosn-makes-sense-to-focus-on-electric-vehicles/20525470/article-detail.xml 20525470 http://www.blogcdn.com/green.autoblog.com/media/2013/04/carlos-ghosn-nyc-628-_thumbnail.jpg http://www.blogcdn.com/green.autoblog.com/media/2013/04/carlos-ghosn-nyc-628-.jpg <![CDATA[Official: Tesla posts first quarterly profit; Model S becomes best-selling plug-in car in US (probably)]]>http://green.autoblog.com/2013/05/08/tesla-posts-first-quarterly-profit-model-s-best-selling-ev/http://green.autoblog.com/2013/05/08/tesla-posts-first-quarterly-profit-model-s-best-selling-ev/http://green.autoblog.com/2013/05/08/tesla-posts-first-quarterly-profit-model-s-best-selling-ev/#commentsFiled under: ,



Julie Christie, the rumors are true. After plenty of hint-dropping over the past few months, Tesla officially released 2013 first quarter (Q1) financial details today, and it was the first quarter in which the ten-year-old company was actually profitable. CEO Elon Musk, speaking on a conference call to investors today, made it clear that the numbers are good, but behind-the-scenes factors make them even better.

Take, for example, Tesla's capital expenditures. The automaker was profitable in Q1 despite spending a lot of money on things like new stores and Supercharger stations, things that won't require as much money moving forward. Tesla says it plans to spend about $200 million on capital expenditures in 2013. Or how about the Tesla's gross margin, which grew from eight percent to 17 percent from Q4 2012 to Q1 2013. That's the average for the whole quarter, Musk said, and "the gross margin at the end of Q1 was much better than at the beginning."

The call wasn't all about money-rolling-in news. We knew Tesla would make money selling zero emission vehicle (ZEV) credits to other automakers, and it did, to the tune of approximately $68 million (12 percent of revenues). Musk said Tesla expects ZEV credit revenue to decline throughout the year, going to zero in Q4. The shareholder letter reads, "We expect this to decline significantly in future quarters, as ZEV credits will only apply to about 1/6 of worldwide deliveries, versus roughly half of US deliveries, and the price per credit has declined." Some estimates put Tesla's annual ZEV credit income at $250 million.

More numbers and tidbits from the announcement can be seen below.

Continue reading Tesla posts first quarterly profit; Model S becomes best-selling plug-in car in US (probably)

Tesla posts first quarterly profit; Model S becomes best-selling plug-in car in US (probably) originally appeared on Autoblog Green on Wed, 08 May 2013 19:14:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>electric vehicleelon muskprofitteslatesla model stslazev creditsWed, 08 May 2013 19:14:00 EST http://green.autoblog.com/feed/20562822/article-comments.xml http://green.autoblog.com/feed/20562822/article-comments.html http://green.autoblog.com/feed/2013/05/08/tesla-posts-first-quarterly-profit-model-s-best-selling-ev/20562822/article-detail.xml 20562822 http://www.blogcdn.com/green.autoblog.com/media/2013/04/teslalogo_thumbnail.jpg http://www.blogcdn.com/green.autoblog.com/media/2013/04/teslalogo.jpg <![CDATA[Tesla Model S Coupe rendered, looks like a winner [w/poll]]]>http://green.autoblog.com/2013/05/08/tesla-model-s-coupe-rendered-looks-like-a-winner/http://green.autoblog.com/2013/05/08/tesla-model-s-coupe-rendered-looks-like-a-winner/http://green.autoblog.com/2013/05/08/tesla-model-s-coupe-rendered-looks-like-a-winner/#commentsFiled under: ,

Tesla Model S Coupe

Our friend Theophilus Chin has a thing for creating Tesla vehicles that we can't have. Earlier this year, he made a digital Model ST wagon appear and he's now back with a sleek Tesla Model S Coupe. The rendered results, which you can see in the gallery, are an elegant, smaller take on the nearly universally praised Model S design from Franz von Holzhausen. Chin writes, "There's a huge market for an electric 2+2 GT. And I feel Tesla has the right product for that niche."

As he did with the ST, the front end is left intact, with all of the changes happening in the rear. At its core, this is just a Model S with the second set of doors removed and Chin has so smoothly meshed the lines so that you almost don't notice anything's missing at first glance. We can only speculate what the smaller size would mean for reduced battery pack capacity, and if the new style would make up for the expected range loss. Which leads us to this important question: does the Model S coupe still have a frunk? Also, does the car appeal to you?


View Poll

Tesla Model S Coupe rendered, looks like a winner [w/poll] originally appeared on Autoblog Green on Wed, 08 May 2013 11:28:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>electric vehiclefranz von holzhausenrenderingteslatesla model stesla model s coupetesla model sctheophilus chinWed, 08 May 2013 11:28:00 EST http://green.autoblog.com/feed/20562094/article-comments.xml http://green.autoblog.com/feed/20562094/article-comments.html http://green.autoblog.com/feed/2013/05/08/tesla-model-s-coupe-rendered-looks-like-a-winner/20562094/article-detail.xml 20562094 http://www.blogcdn.com/green.autoblog.com/media/2013/05/tesla-model-s-coupe-render-628_thumbnail.jpg http://www.blogcdn.com/green.autoblog.com/media/2013/05/tesla-model-s-coupe-render-628.jpg <![CDATA[Report: Tesla CEO Elon Musk likes autonomous driving cars, but prefers term 'autopilot']]>http://green.autoblog.com/2013/05/07/tesla-ceo-elon-muck-like-autonomous-driving-cars-but-prefers-te/http://green.autoblog.com/2013/05/07/tesla-ceo-elon-muck-like-autonomous-driving-cars-but-prefers-te/http://green.autoblog.com/2013/05/07/tesla-ceo-elon-muck-like-autonomous-driving-cars-but-prefers-te/#commentsFiled under: , ,

tesla model s

Looks like Tesla might be hiding more in its software than blind spot detection and adaptive cruise control. According to Bloomberg, Tesla CEO Elon Musk is "discussing" autonomous cars with Google, specifically the Lidar laser tracking system. Oh, and if you're going to have a self-driving future Tesla vehicle, then you shouldn't call it autonomous. Instead, Musk prefers the term autopilot. As he told Bloomberg, "Self-driving sounds like it's going to do something you don't want it to do. Autopilot is a good thing to have in planes, and we should have it in cars."

Any Tesla robot chauffeur is a ways away - Musk Tweeted it is "still a few years from production," but Google has been working hard on driverless cars (with green cred, too, since the test mules are mostly Toyota Prius hybrids). In fact, the search company says the technology could be ready for prime time in as little as three to five years - though safety regulations and other logistical questions will likely push that back, perhaps a decade. The government's work on self-driving vehicles is mostly the purview of DARPA and its Urban Challenge and Grand Challenge test courses.

Musk says - surprise - that Tesla's system is better than what's come before, telling Bloomberg, "The problem with Google's current approach is that the sensor system is too expensive. Its better to have an optical system, basically cameras with software that is able to figure out what's going on just by looking at things." He did try to quell excitement about the idea of a driverless Telsa by Tweeting, "Am a fan of Larry, Sergey & Google in general, but self-driving cars comments to Bloomberg were just off-the-cuff. No big announcement here."

Continue reading Tesla CEO Elon Musk likes autonomous driving cars, but prefers term 'autopilot'

Tesla CEO Elon Musk likes autonomous driving cars, but prefers term 'autopilot' originally appeared on Autoblog Green on Tue, 07 May 2013 14:17:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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