AutoblogGreen http://green.autoblog.com AutoblogGreen http://www.blogsmithmedia.com/%SiteURL%/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/Chris Shunk, Sam Abuelsamid and Dan RothThe podcast by the people who obsessively cover the auto industry.<![CDATA[Safety outweighs emissions benefits of new A/C refrigerant for BMW]]>http://green.autoblog.com/2013/02/11/safety-outweighs-emissions-benefits-of-new-a-c-refrigerant-for-b/http://green.autoblog.com/2013/02/11/safety-outweighs-emissions-benefits-of-new-a-c-refrigerant-for-b/http://green.autoblog.com/2013/02/11/safety-outweighs-emissions-benefits-of-new-a-c-refrigerant-for-b/#commentsFiled under: , , ,



BMW has joined Daimler and, potentially, Audi in quitting an automotive industry research program studying a proposed new air conditioning refrigerant, the simply named HFO-1234yf. BMW disagrees with the test methods being used. "We do not want to say the test results are wrong, but we are not convinced the methods applied are sufficient to achieve a definitive conclusion that guarantees our high safety standards," a spokesman for BMW told Reuters.

European regulators want to see the new refrigerant adopted to cut atmospheric emissions which could cause global warming, and it's been researched for years. Daimler expressed safety concerns last year after conducting its own flammability tests, which caused the formation of a working group, the Cooperative Research Program, under the guidance of the International Society of Automotive Engineers (SAE). Daimler confirmed it has left the working group, while Audi could not be reached for comment.

HFO-1234yf may lead to a billion-dollar monopoly beginning in 2017.

The HFO-1234yf refrigerant is being developed by Honeywell and Dupont. It may lead to a billion-dollar monopoly beginning in 2017 when a previously scheduled phase-out of current refrigerants is completed.

In September, Daimler made its decision to recall all 1,300 of its Mercedes cars that were using HFO-1234yf. The German carmaker had been testing simulated frontal crashes causing leakage of the refrigerant from its air conditioning system. Researchers were finding that when the surface of the turbocharged gasoline engine reached higher operating temperatures, it could spontaneously ignite.

The latest working group was formed in November with Daimler and 12 other major global automakers. In December, the group released a statement that none of these 12 automakers had expressed concern over the safety of HFO-1234yf. Since then, BMW and possibly Audi have joined up with Daimler.

The European Commission had no comment, and has been lobbying for adoption of the new refrigerant to scale back on carbon emissions. The US Environmental Protection Agency also supports the reduction of global warming over the HFC-134a currently in use. The National Highway Traffic Safety Administration may play a role in safety concerns outweighing the environmental benefits.

Safety outweighs emissions benefits of new A/C refrigerant for BMW originally appeared on AutoblogGreen on Mon, 11 Feb 2013 14:14:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>acair conditioningcarbon emissionseuropean unionglobal warminghfo-1234yfrefrigerantsaevehicle safetyMon, 11 Feb 2013 14:14:00 EST http://green.autoblog.com/feed/20454085/article-comments.xml http://green.autoblog.com/feed/20454085/article-comments.html http://green.autoblog.com/feed/2013/02/11/safety-outweighs-emissions-benefits-of-new-a-c-refrigerant-for-b/20454085/article-detail.xml 20454085 http://www.blogcdn.com/green.autoblog.com/media/2013/02/air-conditioning-system_thumbnail.jpg http://www.blogcdn.com/green.autoblog.com/media/2013/02/air-conditioning-system.jpg <![CDATA[Daimler, Ford and Nissan to collaborate on fuel cell tech]]>http://green.autoblog.com/2013/01/28/daimler-ford-and-nissan-to-collaborate-on-fuel-cell-tech/http://green.autoblog.com/2013/01/28/daimler-ford-and-nissan-to-collaborate-on-fuel-cell-tech/http://green.autoblog.com/2013/01/28/daimler-ford-and-nissan-to-collaborate-on-fuel-cell-tech/#commentsFiled under: , , , ,

Daimler, Ford and Nissan collaborate fuel cell tech

Team efforts to bring hydrogen fuel cell vehicles to market have gone truly worldwide. An announcement today from Daimler, Ford, and Nissan reveals that the three companies are going to work together on a "common fuel cell system" that should "speed up availability" of H2 vehicles at lower costs. The target is 2017, which is two years later than fuel cell vehicles should be arriving from Toyota, Hyundai and, yes, Nissan. Still, the positive spin on today's announcement is that the collaboration should "lead to launch of world's first affordable, mass-market fuel cell electric vehicles." We shall see. After all, the long-running joke is that hydrogen is the fuel of tomorrow, and always will be - the press release even notes that "together, Daimler, Ford and Nissan have more than 60 years of cumulative experience developing FCEVs [fuel cell electric vehicles]."

Still, among the three companies involved in the deal, Daimler has the most advanced (public) hydrogen fuel cell vehicle program, sending out lots of F-Cell vehicles for pilot programs as well as testing H2 technologies in things like buses for Davos delegates.

The agreement announced today involves both sharing technology, as well as "help[ing to] define global specifications and component standards." The shared tech will be a fuel cell stack, fuel cell system and "other FCEV components" that each company could use in its own vehicles.

Continue reading Daimler, Ford and Nissan to collaborate on fuel cell tech

Daimler, Ford and Nissan to collaborate on fuel cell tech originally appeared on AutoblogGreen on Mon, 28 Jan 2013 13:58:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>daimlerfcevfordfuel cellh2hydrogennissanzero-emissionMon, 28 Jan 2013 13:58:00 EST http://green.autoblog.com/feed/20440632/article-comments.xml http://green.autoblog.com/feed/20440632/article-comments.html http://green.autoblog.com/feed/2013/01/28/daimler-ford-and-nissan-to-collaborate-on-fuel-cell-tech/20440632/article-detail.xml 20440632 http://www.blogcdn.com/green.autoblog.com/media/2013/01/daimler-ford-nissan-fuel-cell_thumbnail.jpg http://www.blogcdn.com/green.autoblog.com/media/2013/01/daimler-ford-nissan-fuel-cell.jpg <![CDATA[German automakers renew push for clean-diesel sales in US]]>http://green.autoblog.com/2012/12/13/german-automakers-renew-push-for-clean-diesel-sales-in-us/http://green.autoblog.com/2012/12/13/german-automakers-renew-push-for-clean-diesel-sales-in-us/http://green.autoblog.com/2012/12/13/german-automakers-renew-push-for-clean-diesel-sales-in-us/#commentsFiled under: , , , , , , , ,

Audi clean-diesel SUV

Germany's largest automakers are renewing their pitch for their clean-diesel vehicles in the US as a way for consumers to combat high gas prices without having to resort to the (often) even pricier hybrid and plug-in hybrid options.

Audi, BMW, Mercedes-Benz parent Daimler, Porsche and Volkswagen, along with auto-component supplier Bosch, have joined together in a campaign titled: "Clean Diesel. Clearly Better." The project, developed with the German Association of the Automobile Industry (VDA), includes the website Clearly Better Diesel, which outlines the advantages of diesel powertrains in light-duty vehicles, and will be fully unveiled at Detroit's North American International Auto Show next month.

While clean-diesel sales have more than doubled in the US since 2009, they still account for less than three percent of new-car sales in the US. In Western Europe, more than half of the new cars sold are oil burners. In the US, through November of this year, Volkswagen's clean-diesel sales have jumped 32 percent from 2011 to 82,981 units, while Audi's diesel sales are actually down slightly to 6,555 vehicles. Last month, Audi said it will add a clean-diesel option to its A6, A7, A8 sedans as well as its Q5 crossover. Those models are getting a 3.0-liter V6 turbocharged diesel that will deliver 240 horsepower. The A8 diesel will start sales in the US next spring, while the others will debut by the end of 2013. The VDA's press release is available below.

Continue reading German automakers renew push for clean-diesel sales in US

German automakers renew push for clean-diesel sales in US originally appeared on AutoblogGreen on Thu, 13 Dec 2012 15:59:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>audibmwboschcampaignclean dieseldaimlerdieselmercedes-benzvolkswagenThu, 13 Dec 2012 15:59:00 EST http://green.autoblog.com/feed/20401484/article-comments.xml http://green.autoblog.com/feed/20401484/article-comments.html http://green.autoblog.com/feed/2012/12/13/german-automakers-renew-push-for-clean-diesel-sales-in-us/20401484/article-detail.xml 20401484 http://www.blogcdn.com/green.autoblog.com/media/2012/12/audidiesel-1355346600_thumbnail.jpg http://www.blogcdn.com/green.autoblog.com/media/2012/12/audidiesel-1355346600.jpg <![CDATA[Daimler ramping up Smart Fortwo Electric Drive prodution to meet "high" demand]]>http://green.autoblog.com/2012/12/12/daimler-ramp-up-smart-fortwo-electric-drive-prodution-demand/http://green.autoblog.com/2012/12/12/daimler-ramp-up-smart-fortwo-electric-drive-prodution-demand/http://green.autoblog.com/2012/12/12/daimler-ramp-up-smart-fortwo-electric-drive-prodution-demand/#commentsFiled under: , , ,

Smart Fortwo Electric Drive Production

Like Ford in the US, Daimler makes vehicles with different kinds of powertrains in one plant. Over in Hambach, France, around 750 Daimler elves workers put out all the Smart Fortwos in the world, over 1.4 million and counting. Daimler now also makes the Fortwo Electric Drive there, the first series production EV made in Europe. Daimler invested over 200 million euros to expand the plant for the EV model and future products. So far, over 1,000 electric Smarts have been built and Smart head Annette Winkler said that "production is now being continuously ramped up to meet the high customer demand worldwide."

It's not that surprising that people want this EV, since Daimler is making sure the Smart Fortwo Electric Drive will be crazy affordable (for an electric vehicle) when it goes on sale. The car will start at just $25,000 before any federal tax credits when it comes to the US in the spring, and it is available at a low cost with a battery lease in Europe (details below). We like this tiny EV - as you can read here, it's a big improvement over the previous generation - and if you can live with the size limitations, it's a good way to get your EV toes wet.

Continue reading Daimler ramping up Smart Fortwo Electric Drive prodution to meet "high" demand

Daimler ramping up Smart Fortwo Electric Drive prodution to meet "high" demand originally appeared on AutoblogGreen on Wed, 12 Dec 2012 14:26:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>fortwofortwo electric drivehambachsmartsmartvilleWed, 12 Dec 2012 14:26:00 EST http://green.autoblog.com/feed/20401010/article-comments.xml http://green.autoblog.com/feed/20401010/article-comments.html http://green.autoblog.com/feed/2012/12/12/daimler-ramp-up-smart-fortwo-electric-drive-prodution-demand/20401010/article-detail.xml 20401010 http://www.blogcdn.com/green.autoblog.com/media/2012/12/smart-fortwo-electric-drive-production-628_thumbnail.jpg http://www.blogcdn.com/green.autoblog.com/media/2012/12/smart-fortwo-electric-drive-production-628.jpg <![CDATA[Car2go comes to Seattle; now operating in eight North American cities]]>http://green.autoblog.com/2012/12/10/car2go-seattle/http://green.autoblog.com/2012/12/10/car2go-seattle/http://green.autoblog.com/2012/12/10/car2go-seattle/#commentsFiled under: , ,



Car2go North America is continuing to roll out across the US, this time in Seattle, with a network of 330 Smart Fortwo cars available for shared use 24 hours a day, seven days a week. Registration for membership is open now here.

Car2go, a wholly-owned subsidiary of Daimler, bases its carsharing concept on technologies that allow an entire community to use and share cars collaboratively. Members can just swipe a card on any available vehicle - even without having previously made a reservation - then drive the car as long as they choose to, and drop it off somewhere in the local "Home Area," making it instantly ready for the next member to use. Seattle will make the 18th global city to see introduction of Car2go's services. The cost? 38 cents a minute.

For a limited time, all new members who use the promotion code SOUND will receive 30 free minutes of driving time and, for now, the one-time $35 membership fee is being waived.

The Seattle venture is a little bit different than the San Diego Car2go project, which just celebrated a year in operation. San Diego offers an all-electric carsharing fleet, which is getting a lot of interest in the market. The Seattle operation is offering traditional (if that word applies at all) non-electric Smart Fortwo mini-cars.

Continue reading Car2go comes to Seattle; now operating in eight North American cities

Car2go comes to Seattle; now operating in eight North American cities originally appeared on AutoblogGreen on Mon, 10 Dec 2012 13:48:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>car2gocarsharingdaimlerfortwoseattlesmarttransportation alternativesMon, 10 Dec 2012 13:48:00 EST http://green.autoblog.com/feed/20396673/article-comments.xml http://green.autoblog.com/feed/20396673/article-comments.html http://green.autoblog.com/feed/2012/12/10/car2go-seattle/20396673/article-detail.xml 20396673 http://www.blogcdn.com/green.autoblog.com/media/2012/12/car2go-seattle-628_thumbnail.jpg http://www.blogcdn.com/green.autoblog.com/media/2012/12/car2go-seattle-628.jpg <![CDATA[Car2go lights up London with carsharing Smart Fortwos]]>http://green.autoblog.com/2012/12/04/car2go-lights-up-london-with-carsharing-smart-fortwos/http://green.autoblog.com/2012/12/04/car2go-lights-up-london-with-carsharing-smart-fortwos/http://green.autoblog.com/2012/12/04/car2go-lights-up-london-with-carsharing-smart-fortwos/#commentsFiled under: , , ,

car2go london

Londoners are learning that good things come in small packages, from Kate Middleton's recently bloomed baby bump, to newly rentable Smart ForTwo vehicles on the streets of the city.

Starting today, Londoners who want to drive but not own a car can sign up for Daimler's Car2go. The free-floating carsharing service is already in operation in the 17th city worldwide and prices in London will be a bit higher than other places: 35 pence (about 56 US cents) a minute. In the US, the blue-and-white Smart Fortwo mhd coupés cost 38 cents a minute to drive. Through the end of the year, though, people can register for free online, at BOXPARK Shoreditch or Europcar stores within London. New users will also get 30 minutes of free driving.

Car2go says other cities and towns in Great Britain will get carsharing fleets soon. It's no surprise that expansion is in the works, since the current rental rate is one every four seconds, Car2go says, averaged from all locations around the world. Details on how the system work can be found below.

Continue reading Car2go lights up London with carsharing Smart Fortwos

Car2go lights up London with carsharing Smart Fortwos originally appeared on AutoblogGreen on Tue, 04 Dec 2012 14:17:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>car-sharingcar2gocarsharinglondonTue, 04 Dec 2012 14:17:00 EST http://green.autoblog.com/feed/20393967/article-comments.xml http://green.autoblog.com/feed/20393967/article-comments.html http://green.autoblog.com/feed/2012/12/04/car2go-lights-up-london-with-carsharing-smart-fortwos/20393967/article-detail.xml 20393967 http://www.blogcdn.com/green.autoblog.com/media/2012/12/car2go-london-bridge_thumbnail.jpg http://www.blogcdn.com/green.autoblog.com/media/2012/12/car2go-london-bridge.jpg <![CDATA[Hubject wants to expand EV-charging payment system across Europe]]>http://green.autoblog.com/2012/12/03/hubject-wants-to-expand-ev-charging-payment-system-across-europe/http://green.autoblog.com/2012/12/03/hubject-wants-to-expand-ev-charging-payment-system-across-europe/http://green.autoblog.com/2012/12/03/hubject-wants-to-expand-ev-charging-payment-system-across-europe/#commentsFiled under: , , , ,

hubject

Hubject, the collaboration between a half-dozen German companies that earlier this year proposed a standardized electric-vehicle charging payment infrastructure for Germany, is now thinking even bigger. BMW, Mercedes-Benz parent Daimler, Bosch and the other companies in the collective are looking to broaden Hubject's efforts across Europe, according to Hybrid Cars.

In fact, Hubject is looking to go even further on the technology front, delivering a system that would allow smartphone-toting electric vehicle owners to exchange QR codes with the charging stations so that they can be charged effectively, wirelessly and credit-card-lessly across the continent with its so-called eRoaming service.

Granted, such a system doesn't address the issue of European automakers favoring one type of charging system and the Japanese favoring another. And now, even the Europeans themselves are fractured on compatibility standards, with the Germans pushing for the Type-2 system and the French lobbying for the Type-3 standards. But at least Hubject could clear up the payment situation once all that is worked out, so we have that going for us.

Hubject wants to expand EV-charging payment system across Europe originally appeared on AutoblogGreen on Mon, 03 Dec 2012 07:45:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>bmwchargingdaimlerelectric vehicleeuropegermanyhubjectmercedesMon, 03 Dec 2012 07:45:00 EST http://green.autoblog.com/feed/20392565/article-comments.xml http://green.autoblog.com/feed/20392565/article-comments.html http://green.autoblog.com/feed/2012/12/03/hubject-wants-to-expand-ev-charging-payment-system-across-europe/20392565/article-detail.xml 20392565 http://www.blogcdn.com/green.autoblog.com/media/2012/12/hubject-screen-grab_thumbnail.png http://www.blogcdn.com/green.autoblog.com/media/2012/12/hubject-screen-grab.png <![CDATA[Car2go cuts long-term reservations; Miami service proves popular]]>http://green.autoblog.com/2012/11/11/car2go-cuts-long-term-reservations-miami-service-proves-popular/http://green.autoblog.com/2012/11/11/car2go-cuts-long-term-reservations-miami-service-proves-popular/http://green.autoblog.com/2012/11/11/car2go-cuts-long-term-reservations-miami-service-proves-popular/#commentsFiled under: , ,

Car2go Miami

Car2go seems to have discovered the equivalent of a seller's market.

The Daimler-owned car-sharing service, in an e-mail to customers, said it'll stop long-term reservation availability for its cars starting November 12. Given that the average trip in a vehicle is less than a half-hour and most reservations are made pretty close to rental time, car2go is reasoning that it's better to keep more of its cars available by making sure none of them stay out for too long.

The company made the policy change as it disclosed that Car2go Miami attracted more than 6,000 members within its first 100 days of operations, with users making more than 35,000 trips.

Car2go debuted its Miami service in late June with 240 Smart ForTwo minivehicles. Rental rates were set at 38 cents a minute and $13.99 an hour. The company raised prices at the rest of its US operations to those rates in September.

Check out Car2go's press release below.

Continue reading Car2go cuts long-term reservations; Miami service proves popular

Car2go cuts long-term reservations; Miami service proves popular originally appeared on AutoblogGreen on Sun, 11 Nov 2012 08:31:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>car sharingcar2gocarsharingdaimlerfortwomiamismartSun, 11 Nov 2012 08:31:00 EST http://green.autoblog.com/feed/20375245/article-comments.xml http://green.autoblog.com/feed/20375245/article-comments.html http://green.autoblog.com/feed/2012/11/11/car2go-cuts-long-term-reservations-miami-service-proves-popular/20375245/article-detail.xml 20375245 http://www.blogcdn.com/green.autoblog.com/media/2012/11/car2go_thumbnail.jpg http://www.blogcdn.com/green.autoblog.com/media/2012/11/car2go.jpg <![CDATA[Mercedes debuts battery-electric 'Crewbus,' Sprinter EV prototype]]>http://green.autoblog.com/2012/09/23/mercedes-debuts-battery-electric-crewbus-sprinter-ev-prototyp/http://green.autoblog.com/2012/09/23/mercedes-debuts-battery-electric-crewbus-sprinter-ev-prototyp/http://green.autoblog.com/2012/09/23/mercedes-debuts-battery-electric-crewbus-sprinter-ev-prototyp/#commentsFiled under: , , , ,



Mercedes-Benz will start selling a passenger version of its Vito E-CELL utility vehicles in Europe after unveiling a battery-electric Sprinter van at the International Motor Show in Hanover, Germany.
The Vito E-CELL Crewbus, which the Daimler AG division calls the world's first seven-seat mass-produced battery-electric vehicle, has a single-charge range of about 80 miles and top speed of about 55 miles per hour. The vehicle will be available for four-year, 50,000-mile leases in more than 15 countries throughout Europe, including Finland, Spain and the UK.
The original Vito E-CELL utility vehicle started sales two years ago. Mercedes-Benz says the 230 Vito E-CELLS sold in Germany have been collectively driven more than 400,000 miles.
The battery-electric Sprinter van prototype at the Hanover show will be able to deliver 94 horsepower, with 134 horsepower in short spurts. The vehicle's two lithium-ion batteries provide 35.2 kilowatt hours combined. The Sprinter E-CELL prototype will have a 50-mile-per-hour top speed and a payload capacity of more than 2,600 pounds.
Check out Mercedes-Benz's quite lengthy press release below.

Continue reading Mercedes debuts battery-electric 'Crewbus,' Sprinter EV prototype

Mercedes debuts battery-electric 'Crewbus,' Sprinter EV prototype originally appeared on AutoblogGreen on Sun, 23 Sep 2012 09:18:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>crewbusdaimlere-cellelectric vehiclehanovermercedes-benzsprintervitoSun, 23 Sep 2012 09:18:00 EST http://green.autoblog.com/feed/20329494/article-comments.xml http://green.autoblog.com/feed/20329494/article-comments.html http://green.autoblog.com/feed/2012/09/23/mercedes-debuts-battery-electric-crewbus-sprinter-ev-prototyp/20329494/article-detail.xml 20329494 http://www.blogcdn.com/green.autoblog.com/media/2012/09/mb1-1348243567_thumbnail.jpg http://www.blogcdn.com/green.autoblog.com/media/2012/09/mb1-1348243567.jpg <![CDATA[Car2go raises prices for U.S. carsharing network]]>http://green.autoblog.com/2012/09/17/car2go-raises-prices-for-u-s-carsharing-network/http://green.autoblog.com/2012/09/17/car2go-raises-prices-for-u-s-carsharing-network/http://green.autoblog.com/2012/09/17/car2go-raises-prices-for-u-s-carsharing-network/#commentsFiled under: , , ,



Starting today, the cost to rent a Car2go vehicle in the U.S. goes up, just a tiny bit. The carsharing prices will go from 35 cents an hour to 38, from $12.99 an hour to $13.99 and from $64.99 to $72.99 per day. These new prices are in effect in all Car2go cities in North America and still include the traditional Car2go benefits of parking, fuel, maintenance and insurance.

We asked why Car2go is raising prices now, and Car2go North America communications manager Katie Stafford said this is the first time Car2go has raised its rates "in existing Car2go cities, since we launched in North America nearly thee years ago." She continued:

The price increase comes as a result of the rising costs associated with fuel, parking, insurance, and in the case of San Diego - we have invested in building up the EV charging infrastructure so that we can keep the cars charged and ready for members to use. In all cities, new parking solutions have been created to allow members even more convenient parking options.

Speaking of electric vehicles, 30 new Car2go EVs are now operational in Portland, OR and more are coming soon to Austin, TX.

The higher rates have been in effect in Washington, D.C. and Miami, FL since Car2go started in those cities. At the very least, since Car2go membership cards now work nationwide, you'll now always know how much you're paying per minute. The cost just happens to be a little more than before, in some cases.

Continue reading Car2go raises prices for U.S. carsharing network

Car2go raises prices for U.S. carsharing network originally appeared on AutoblogGreen on Mon, 17 Sep 2012 18:00:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>car sharingcar2gocarsharingdaimlersmart fortwoMon, 17 Sep 2012 18:00:00 EST http://green.autoblog.com/feed/20325336/article-comments.xml http://green.autoblog.com/feed/20325336/article-comments.html http://green.autoblog.com/feed/2012/09/17/car2go-raises-prices-for-u-s-carsharing-network/20325336/article-detail.xml 20325336 http://www.blogcdn.com/green.autoblog.com/media/2012/07/car2go-portland-oregon_thumbnail.png http://www.blogcdn.com/green.autoblog.com/media/2012/07/car2go-portland-oregon.png <![CDATA[Elon Musk: 'The credit for saving Tesla should go to Daimler']]>http://green.autoblog.com/2012/09/04/elon-musk-the-credit-for-saving-tesla-should-go-to-daimler/http://green.autoblog.com/2012/09/04/elon-musk-the-credit-for-saving-tesla-should-go-to-daimler/http://green.autoblog.com/2012/09/04/elon-musk-the-credit-for-saving-tesla-should-go-to-daimler/#commentsFiled under: , , ,

tesla daimler deal

Back in 2009, the plug-in vehicle world was surprised to learn that Daimler had invested $50 million in Tesla Motors. What we didn't know at the time was that the money came deus ex machina style just before the EV startup reaper was about to knock. Turns out, Tesla's financial situation was much worse back then than anyone realized.

We recently spent an hour interviewing Tesla CEO Elon Musk, and when we asked about the money, Musk said, "The credit for saving Tesla should go to Daimler. It was the Daimler investment that saved Tesla in early 2009. ... 2007 and 2008 were especially bad for us. ... There were a couple of near-death situations."

Those near-death situations include the time Musk needed to funnel a lot of his personal capital into Tesla - "I literally had to borrow money for rent" - in order to get through 2008 and early 2009. Having run through a lot of his own money, he appreciated Daimler was investing in Tesla even though Daimler itself was cash strapped. "When someone is hungry themselves and they give you a bit of food, you've got to be grateful for that."

Musk added that Tesla's financial situation today is "pretty good," and that the company has "a couple hundred million dollars" in reserve. As long as there aren't a "bunch of screw-ups," then the automaker should be in good financial shape, he said.

Stay tuned for more from our one-on-one interview, including the full transcript, later this week.

Elon Musk: 'The credit for saving Tesla should go to Daimler' originally appeared on AutoblogGreen on Tue, 04 Sep 2012 19:46:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>electric vehicleelon muskmodel steslatesla daimlerTue, 04 Sep 2012 19:46:00 EST http://green.autoblog.com/feed/20315824/article-comments.xml http://green.autoblog.com/feed/20315824/article-comments.html http://green.autoblog.com/feed/2012/09/04/elon-musk-the-credit-for-saving-tesla-should-go-to-daimler/20315824/article-detail.xml 20315824 http://www.blogcdn.com/green.autoblog.com/media/2012/09/daimler-tesla-deal-628_thumbnail.jpg http://www.blogcdn.com/green.autoblog.com/media/2012/09/daimler-tesla-deal-628.jpg <![CDATA[Mercedes B-Class E-Cell will get Tesla powertrain]]>http://green.autoblog.com/2012/06/29/mercedes-b-class-e-cell-will-get-tesla-powertrain/http://green.autoblog.com/2012/06/29/mercedes-b-class-e-cell-will-get-tesla-powertrain/http://green.autoblog.com/2012/06/29/mercedes-b-class-e-cell-will-get-tesla-powertrain/#commentsFiled under: , , ,

Mercedes-Benz B-Class E-Cell

Unveiled at last year's Frankfurt Motor Show, the Mercedes-Benz Concept B-Class E-Cell Plus was meant to be a preview of the German automaker's first range-extended electric vehicle. Along with a battery pack to power it for 100 kilometers (62 miles), it was also to feature a 1.0-liter three-cylinder turbocharged gasoline-burning engine to give it an additional 400 kilometers (248.5 miles). Indeed, a production version was to be shown this past April at the New York Auto Show.

Well, scratch all that. Maybe. If a report over at Automobilwoche is correct, the E-Cell Plus is losing the dino-juice burner and going all-electric. Not only that, they say that the entire powertrain will be supplied by the Tesla Motors.

The reason for pulling the plug on the engine? According to an unnamed spokesperson, zero-emissions vehicles get better ratings and higher incentives than vehicles with a range extender. As the B-Class E-Cell is supposed to be sold in the U.S., this is an important point.

News of a deal with Daimler to supply an entire powertrain for an upcoming vehicle came to light last November, but there have been rumors it might be for an A-Class. One thing we do know: Tesla expects this program to be much larger than its previous Smart ED arrangement or it supply agreement for the Toyota Rav4 EV.

While we wait for an official announcement from Daimler to clear up the situation, let us know in the comments if you'd prefer a Mercedes E-Cell or a Tesla Model S with similar range.

Mercedes B-Class E-Cell will get Tesla powertrain originally appeared on AutoblogGreen on Fri, 29 Jun 2012 13:53:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>b-class e-celldaimlerelectric mercedes-benztesla benztesla drivetraintesla mercedestesla powertrainFri, 29 Jun 2012 13:53:00 EST http://green.autoblog.com/feed/20268871/article-comments.xml http://green.autoblog.com/feed/20268871/article-comments.html http://green.autoblog.com/feed/2012/06/29/mercedes-b-class-e-cell-will-get-tesla-powertrain/20268871/article-detail.xml 20268871 http://www.blogcdn.com/green.autoblog.com/media/2012/06/mercedes-b-class-e-cell-plus-628_thumbnail.jpg http://www.blogcdn.com/green.autoblog.com/media/2012/06/mercedes-b-class-e-cell-plus-628.jpg <![CDATA[Germany will have 50 hydrogen stations by 2015]]>http://green.autoblog.com/2012/06/21/germany-will-have-50-hydrogen-stations-by-2015/http://green.autoblog.com/2012/06/21/germany-will-have-50-hydrogen-stations-by-2015/http://green.autoblog.com/2012/06/21/germany-will-have-50-hydrogen-stations-by-2015/#commentsFiled under: , , ,



That the German automakers are not at the forefront of plug-in vehicle technology should not be a surprise to anyone. This doesn't mean that they're not participating with plug-ins - they are - just that they are more interested in alternative fuels like wasserstoff (hydrogen).

Thus Daimler has announced it is one of many organizations - including the German Federal Ministry of Transportation, Air Liquide, Air Products, Linde and Total Germany - that has signed a Letter of Intent to spend over 40 million euros ($50.8 million U.S. at today's exchange rates) to increase the number of public hydrogen stations in Germany from 15 today to "at least 50" by 2015. That may not sound like a lot, but given Germany's smaller physical size and vehicle fleet, it's substantial. Last fall, Daimler said that a major city needs around ten hydrogen stations to adequately support fuel cell vehicles, at the beginning, at least. Hyundai has found that the hydrogen infrastructure as it exists in Europe today is already quite sufficient to drive from Norway to Monaco. Germany has the most robust H2 infrastructure in Europe, with the first public station going online in mid-2009. Daimler and Linde have been working together for a while on public H2 stations.

Continue reading Germany will have 50 hydrogen stations by 2015

Germany will have 50 hydrogen stations by 2015 originally appeared on AutoblogGreen on Thu, 21 Jun 2012 09:57:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>air liquidedaimlerh2hydrogenhydrogen stationlindeThu, 21 Jun 2012 09:57:00 EST http://green.autoblog.com/feed/20262473/article-comments.xml http://green.autoblog.com/feed/20262473/article-comments.html http://green.autoblog.com/feed/2012/06/21/germany-will-have-50-hydrogen-stations-by-2015/20262473/article-detail.xml 20262473 http://www.blogcdn.com/green.autoblog.com/media/2012/06/daimler-fuel-cell-vehicle_thumbnail.jpg http://www.blogcdn.com/green.autoblog.com/media/2012/06/daimler-fuel-cell-vehicle.jpg <![CDATA[Daimler says third-gen Smart Fortwo electric is the EV drivers asked for]]>http://green.autoblog.com/2012/06/18/third-gen-smart-fortwo-electric-ev-drivers-asked-for/http://green.autoblog.com/2012/06/18/third-gen-smart-fortwo-electric-ev-drivers-asked-for/http://green.autoblog.com/2012/06/18/third-gen-smart-fortwo-electric-ev-drivers-asked-for/#commentsFiled under: , ,

Smart Fortwo ED Electric Vehicle Third Generation

Daimler talked about the start of production for the next-generation Smart Fortwo ED last week, but waited until today to give more details on the electric-drive city car (standard details here or below). With a bigger motor from EM-motive, higher top speed (75 miles per hour) and more range (90 miles), the new Fortwo ED has been upgraded with input from "extensive experience and customer feedback from various electric mobility projects," Daimler says in a statement. Smart head Annette Winkler says, "We have taken their feedback and wishes very seriously. The new smart fortwo electric drive represents a completely new dimension of zero-emission driving pleasure at a price that is really attractive."

The new 17.6-kWh lithium-ion battery (the second-gen one was 16.5) can be charged in seven hours from completely empty "at a household socket or charging station on the electricity systems of most countries i.e. overnight" (in Europe, anyway, where home current is often over 200 volts, or similar to Level Two charging). A 22-kW (!) on-board charger allows a "completely empty battery to be fully charged in less than an hour" from a quick-charging station. Smart and SPX will offer two home- (or work-) charging boxes - a basic and connected version - that both offer this fast charging. The only difference is that the connected version can get online.

The new Smart ED also looks different. LED daytime driving lights sit beneath headlamps that frame a larger grille. The doors are wider, too. Most interesting, the E-Smart can now be ordered in any of the colors that normal Fortwos are available in, but there is still the EV-exclusive green model. This upgraded package now comes with a brighter "electric" green mixed among the "crystal white bodypanels and white alloy rims." You can see all you like in the gallery and read more - about the new Smart Drive app (we hope in-car installation isn't still $300) - in the press release below.

Continue reading Daimler says third-gen Smart Fortwo electric is the EV drivers asked for

Daimler says third-gen Smart Fortwo electric is the EV drivers asked for originally appeared on AutoblogGreen on Mon, 18 Jun 2012 17:49:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>electric vehiclefortwofortwo evsmart edsmart electric vehiclesmart evsmart fortwoMon, 18 Jun 2012 17:49:00 EST http://green.autoblog.com/feed/20260806/article-comments.xml http://green.autoblog.com/feed/20260806/article-comments.html http://green.autoblog.com/feed/2012/06/18/third-gen-smart-fortwo-electric-ev-drivers-asked-for/20260806/article-detail.xml 20260806 http://www.blogcdn.com/green.autoblog.com/media/2012/06/smart-ed-electric-vehicle-third-gen-coupe-cabriolet_thumbnail.jpg http://www.blogcdn.com/green.autoblog.com/media/2012/06/smart-ed-electric-vehicle-third-gen-coupe-cabriolet.jpg <![CDATA[Car2go expands; coming soon to Miami, Toronto, Calgary; more chargers in Amsterdam]]>http://green.autoblog.com/2012/06/14/car2go-expands-north-america-miami-toronto-calgary-amsterdam/http://green.autoblog.com/2012/06/14/car2go-expands-north-america-miami-toronto-calgary-amsterdam/http://green.autoblog.com/2012/06/14/car2go-expands-north-america-miami-toronto-calgary-amsterdam/#commentsFiled under: , , ,

Car2go Miami

Car2go is expanding in various ways in various countries. In North America, three new cities are getting in on the car-sharing action: Miami, Toronto and Calgary (guess which one is pictured above). In Europe, the already-existing program in Amsterdam, the electric Smart Fortwo models now have new places to charge up.

Daimler's car-sharing program will get rolling in the three North American cities this summer - Toronto on June 30, Calgary on July 21 and Miami on July 28 - and people can sign up now. Early hand-raisers will get the membership fee (usually $35) waived as well as get 30 minutes worth of free driving added to their account. The promotional codes are TDOT for Toronto, ONWARD for Calgary and HEAT for Miami. Even if you don't live in one of these cities, if you're thinking of going there on vacation there any time soon, it's probably worth taking the few minutes to sign up if you like the idea of getting a little something for nothing. You can sign up at the Car2go website.

At three Amsterdam Q-Park garages, 18 new Car2go charging stations have been installed and the official Car2go app has been translated into Dutch. The program has been running since November 2011, so it's high time to have that language barrier ironed out. Find more details below.

Daimler says that over 4,000 Smart Fortwos (625 of them electric) are in use at Car2go's 11 cities around the world. These 4,000 vehicles service over 100,000 members and have been used for over two million short trips. For more details on the free-floating, by the minute Car2go service, read this.

Continue reading Car2go expands; coming soon to Miami, Toronto, Calgary; more chargers in Amsterdam

Car2go expands; coming soon to Miami, Toronto, Calgary; more chargers in Amsterdam originally appeared on AutoblogGreen on Thu, 14 Jun 2012 11:54:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>car sharingcar2gocar2go amsterdamcar2go calgarycar2go electriccar2go miamicar2go torontoelectric vehicleThu, 14 Jun 2012 11:54:00 EST http://green.autoblog.com/feed/20258362/article-comments.xml http://green.autoblog.com/feed/20258362/article-comments.html http://green.autoblog.com/feed/2012/06/14/car2go-expands-north-america-miami-toronto-calgary-amsterdam/20258362/article-detail.xml 20258362 http://www.blogcdn.com/green.autoblog.com/media/2012/06/car2gomiamibeach-628_thumbnail.jpg http://www.blogcdn.com/green.autoblog.com/media/2012/06/car2gomiamibeach-628.jpg <![CDATA[Next-gen electric Smart ED goes on sale in Germany for as low as $23,625* UPDATE]]>http://green.autoblog.com/2012/06/12/next-gen-electric-smart-ed-goes-on-sale-in-germany-battery-lease/http://green.autoblog.com/2012/06/12/next-gen-electric-smart-ed-goes-on-sale-in-germany-battery-lease/http://green.autoblog.com/2012/06/12/next-gen-electric-smart-ed-goes-on-sale-in-germany-battery-lease/#commentsFiled under: , , ,



As of today, buyers in Germany will be able to order the new, third-generation Smart Fortwo Electric Drive in either coupe or cabriolet versions. The all-electric models started production in late 2009. What's interesting is that the all-electric coupe will be available for either 18,910 euros ($23,625 U.S. at today's exchange rates) plus a 65-euro-a-month ($81) battery lease or you can flat out buy the car for 23,680 euros ($29,586). The cabrio models cost 22,000 euros ($27,486) with the lease or 26,770 euros ($33,446) outright. The car will go on sale in over 30 other markets later.

Readers with good memories will note that these numbers are higher than expected. Originally, after all, Smart head Annette Winkler said the car would cost a lot less. Last September, she said, "We are offering the new electric smart within our sale&care model for considerably less than EUR 16,000 before tax - plus less than EUR 60 per month for battery rental." That would be $19,990 and $75, respectively. Even with the 19 percent VAT factored in, that would have come to 19,040 euros ($23,788). Along with the higher price, some of the performance numbers have gone up as well, compared to what was previously announced. The third-gen electric Smart has a 30-kW (55-kW peak) electric motor that can now push the little car to above 120 kilometers an hour (75 miles per hour) and deliver a 0-60 time of just 4.8 seconds. The 17.6-kWh battery offers a range estimated at 90 miles. Also, we had heard that he launch of the third version of the ED had been pushed back to the fall of 2012, so today's announcement that the car is now available is welcome news.

*UPDATE: Hybrid Cars is reporting that the Smart ED will cost $26,990 (coupe) or $29,990 (cabriolet) in Canada. There is no mention of battery leasing.

Continue reading Next-gen electric Smart ED goes on sale in Germany for as low as $23,625* UPDATE

Next-gen electric Smart ED goes on sale in Germany for as low as $23,625* UPDATE originally appeared on AutoblogGreen on Tue, 12 Jun 2012 18:03:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>electric smartelectric vehiclefortwohambachsmart edsmart fortwoTue, 12 Jun 2012 18:03:00 EST http://green.autoblog.com/feed/20256849/article-comments.xml http://green.autoblog.com/feed/20256849/article-comments.html http://green.autoblog.com/feed/2012/06/12/next-gen-electric-smart-ed-goes-on-sale-in-germany-battery-lease/20256849/article-detail.xml 20256849 http://www.blogcdn.com/green.autoblog.com/media/2012/06/electric-smart-ed-production-hambach-628_thumbnail.jpg http://www.blogcdn.com/green.autoblog.com/media/2012/06/electric-smart-ed-production-hambach-628.jpg <![CDATA[BMW, Daimler compete in by-the-minute car-sharing service]]>http://green.autoblog.com/2012/06/03/bmw-daimler-compete-in-by-the-minute-car-sharing-service/http://green.autoblog.com/2012/06/03/bmw-daimler-compete-in-by-the-minute-car-sharing-service/http://green.autoblog.com/2012/06/03/bmw-daimler-compete-in-by-the-minute-car-sharing-service/#commentsFiled under: , , , , , ,



So if you see a Smart ForTwo and a Mini racing down the streets of Berlin, here's why.

Parent companies Daimler AG and BMW are competing for car-sharing customers in the German capital and now offer car-sharing by the minute, Bloomberg News reports. When you're being charged in 60-second increments, that's enough to make most anyone hit the pedal a little harder.

Daimler's Car2Go and BMW's DriveNow charge 29 cents a minute (or about $17 an hour) to rent their SmartForTwos, BMW 1-series sedans and Minis. Daimler has 1,000 ForTwos to share in Berlin, while BMW has 500 vehicles as part of its service. The two German automakers are competing in a car-sharing market that's expected to surge during the next few years. The number of European car-sharing users will jump to 15 million in 2020 from 700,000 last year, according to Frost & Sullivan.

BMW launched DriveNow last year with Sixt AG, and the service has 9,500 subscribers in Berlin, Bloomberg said. Daimler launched its 1,000-vehicle car-sharing fleet - the world's largest - in Berlin in April.

BMW, Daimler compete in by-the-minute car-sharing service originally appeared on AutoblogGreen on Sun, 03 Jun 2012 09:04:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>bmwby-the-minutecar-sharingcar2godaimlereuropeSun, 03 Jun 2012 09:04:00 EST http://green.autoblog.com/feed/20248894/article-comments.xml http://green.autoblog.com/feed/20248894/article-comments.html http://green.autoblog.com/feed/2012/06/03/bmw-daimler-compete-in-by-the-minute-car-sharing-service/20248894/article-detail.xml 20248894 http://www.blogcdn.com/green.autoblog.com/media/2012/05/car2goberlin_thumbnail.jpg http://www.blogcdn.com/green.autoblog.com/media/2012/05/car2goberlin.jpg <![CDATA[Smart electric scooter going on sale in 2014]]>http://green.autoblog.com/2012/05/12/smart-will-start-selling-its-electric-scooter-in-2014/http://green.autoblog.com/2012/05/12/smart-will-start-selling-its-electric-scooter-in-2014/http://green.autoblog.com/2012/05/12/smart-will-start-selling-its-electric-scooter-in-2014/#commentsFiled under: , , ,



The ForTwo company is giving us two ForOnes.

After releasing details on its ebike, Daimler's Smart division has announced it will start selling a battery-electric scooter in 2014.

Smart first unveiled the escooter along side its electric-powered bike at the Paris Motor Show in September 2010 and said the scooter would have a single-charge range of 62 miles. The scooter's four-kilowatt electric motor is mounted on the rear wheel and provides a top speed of 28 miles per hour.

The escooter was part of a broader electric-mobility plan Smart outlined at that Paris show. That plan also included an electric-powered bike as well as a battery-electric version of the ForTwo. Earlier this week, Smart said it would start selling its ebikes in the UK this month. The bike has a 250-watt electric motor and a battery pack that offers around 62 miles of single-charge range.

Continue reading Smart electric scooter going on sale in 2014

Smart electric scooter going on sale in 2014 originally appeared on AutoblogGreen on Sat, 12 May 2012 17:05:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>daimlerebikeelectric scooterelectric vehicleescooterscootersmartsmart ebikeSat, 12 May 2012 17:05:00 EST http://green.autoblog.com/feed/20235938/article-comments.xml http://green.autoblog.com/feed/20235938/article-comments.html http://green.autoblog.com/feed/2012/05/12/smart-will-start-selling-its-electric-scooter-in-2014/20235938/article-detail.xml 20235938 http://www.blogcdn.com/green.autoblog.com/media/2012/05/smart-escooter-ebike_thumbnail.jpg http://www.blogcdn.com/green.autoblog.com/media/2012/05/smart-escooter-ebike.jpg <![CDATA[Is it the ForOne? Smart will start e-bike deliveries in UK this month]]>http://green.autoblog.com/2012/05/08/is-it-the-forone-smart-will-start-e-bike-deliveries-in-uk-this/http://green.autoblog.com/2012/05/08/is-it-the-forone-smart-will-start-e-bike-deliveries-in-uk-this/http://green.autoblog.com/2012/05/08/is-it-the-forone-smart-will-start-e-bike-deliveries-in-uk-this/#commentsFiled under: , , , ,



Daimler's Smart division, best known for its ForTwo two-seat vehicles, will start deliveries of its battery-electric bikes in the UK this month after winning a Red Dot Design Award.

The bike, which was unveiled last year, has a 250-watt electric motor and a battery that can provide as many as 62 miles of range. The Smart will be available in two color schemes - the white with "electric green" trim that we've seen many times now and grey with orange trim, Smart UK said.

Last year, Smart estimated that e-bike sales in Germany alone almost tripled to 200,000 units in 2010 from 70,000 bikes in 2007. European e-bike sales reached 700,000 units in 2010. Smart also said in March that it would start selling its special-edition Brabus e-bike by the end of the year. That bike will have a 25-mile-per-hour top speed and an electric motor delivering 500 watts of power.

Is it the ForOne? Smart will start e-bike deliveries in UK this month originally appeared on AutoblogGreen on Tue, 08 May 2012 16:02:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>daimlere-bikeelectric bikeelectric vehiclered dotred dot designsmartukTue, 08 May 2012 16:02:00 EST http://green.autoblog.com/feed/20233300/article-comments.xml http://green.autoblog.com/feed/20233300/article-comments.html http://green.autoblog.com/feed/2012/05/08/is-it-the-forone-smart-will-start-e-bike-deliveries-in-uk-this/20233300/article-detail.xml 20233300 http://www.blogcdn.com/green.autoblog.com/media/2012/05/smartebike_thumbnail.jpg http://www.blogcdn.com/green.autoblog.com/media/2012/05/smartebike.jpg <![CDATA[BMW, Daimler will work together on Visio.M urban EV project]]>http://green.autoblog.com/2012/05/04/bmw-daimler-will-work-together-on-visio-m-urban-ev-project/http://green.autoblog.com/2012/05/04/bmw-daimler-will-work-together-on-visio-m-urban-ev-project/http://green.autoblog.com/2012/05/04/bmw-daimler-will-work-together-on-visio-m-urban-ev-project/#commentsFiled under: , , , , ,



BMW and Mercedes-Benz parent Daimler AG are among a group of more than a dozen private and public entities that are working together on a project designed to speed up the development of urban electric vehicles.

The German Federal Ministry for Education and Research (BMBF) is providing 10.8 million euros ($14.2 million U.S. at today's exchange rates) in funding for what's being called the Visio.M project. Scientists at the Technische Universitaet Muenchen (TUM) will work with automotive engineers to develop small, city-oriented EVs that have a maximum power of about 15 kW (20 horsepower) and a maximum weight of about 900 pounds (without battery) which would make the car about 45 percent lighter than a Smart ForTwo.

The overall goal here is to develop a car that's light enough to provide a sufficient single-charge urban driving range but strong enough to be as safe as a conventional vehicle.

Of course, the automakers involved already have advanced EV programs. BMW is planning to start selling its battery-electric i3 four-door next year and, earlier this year, started delivering the battery-electric ActiveE, the i3's precursor, to West Coast and East Coast leasing customers. Mercedes-Benz's alt-fuel development has been focused more on diesels and hydrogen fuel-cell electric vehicles, but is also has its E-Cell models.

Continue reading BMW, Daimler will work together on Visio.M urban EV project

BMW, Daimler will work together on Visio.M urban EV project originally appeared on AutoblogGreen on Fri, 04 May 2012 11:57:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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