Autoblog Green http://www.autobloggreen.com Autoblog Green http://www.blogsmithmedia.com/%SiteURL%/media/feedlogo.gif Autoblog Green http://www.autobloggreen.com en-us Copyright 2009 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[Live Video: Plug-in ready panel discussion from Los Angeles 6:30pm PST]]>http://www.autobloggreen.com/2009/11/30/live-video-plug-in-ready-panel-discussion-from-los-angeles-6-30/http://www.autobloggreen.com/2009/11/30/live-video-plug-in-ready-panel-discussion-from-los-angeles-6-30/http://www.autobloggreen.com/2009/11/30/live-video-plug-in-ready-panel-discussion-from-los-angeles-6-30/#commentsFiled under: , ,



At 6:30 pm PST (9:30 pm EST) this evening General Motors is hosting a panel discussion on the importance of consumer incentives in order to stimulate demand for plug-in vehicles. Andrew L. Shapiro, President & Founder of GreenOrder will be moderating the discussion that will discuss issues like HOV lane access for plug-in vehicles, tax incentives and public charging stations. The panel will consist of Andy Campbell, Senior Energy Advisor, California Public Utilities Commission, State Senator Leland Yee (SF 8th District, author of legislation for CA HOV lane access for plug-ins),
Mark Duvall, Electric Power Research Institute, and Brent Dewar, Vice President of Chevrolet. You can watch a live video webcast of the event after the jump.

[Source: Chevrolet]

Continue reading Live Video: Plug-in ready panel discussion from Los Angeles 6:30pm PST

Live Video: Plug-in ready panel discussion from Los Angeles 6:30pm PST originally appeared on Autoblog Green on Mon, 30 Nov 2009 19:58:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>chevy voltChevyVoltla auto showLA Auto Show 2009LaAutoShowLaAutoShow2009mark duvallMarkDuvallvoltMon, 30 Nov 2009 19:58:00 EST<![CDATA[Not-so-shocking admission: Zap kills Xebra, slows development of Alias]]>http://www.autobloggreen.com/2009/11/30/not-so-shocking-admission-zap-kills-xebra-slows-development-of/http://www.autobloggreen.com/2009/11/30/not-so-shocking-admission-zap-kills-xebra-slows-development-of/http://www.autobloggreen.com/2009/11/30/not-so-shocking-admission-zap-kills-xebra-slows-development-of/#commentsFiled under: , ,



Our sleuthing colleagues over at The Truth About Cars have dissected electric car maker Zap's latest 10-Q filing, and they unearthed the following little tidbit: "The decrease of $1.5 million (in revenue) is primarily due to the phase out of our three wheeled Xebra vehicle with reduced selling prices."

We can't say that we're particularly shocked that Zap has found it difficult to continue moving its little three-wheeled Xebra contraption, especially with discretionary spending money in such short supply these days and reasonably-priced hybrids flooding the used car market. Perhaps even more damning for Zap, though, is the admission that it is doing "less work on the development of the Alias prototype vehicle."

Whatever the future has in store for Zap in 2010 and beyond, one thing is for sure: there will be no shortage of press releases to let us all know what's (supposedly) going on behind closed doors.

[Source: TTAC]

Not-so-shocking admission: Zap kills Xebra, slows development of Alias originally appeared on Autoblog Green on Mon, 30 Nov 2009 19:01:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Read | Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>ZAPzap aliaszap electric carszap electric vehiclezap evzap filingzap stockzap xebraZapAliasZapElectricCarsZapElectricVehicleZapEvZapFilingZapStockZapXebraMon, 30 Nov 2009 19:01:00 EST<![CDATA[Will hydrogen breakthrough come in the form of a better battery? Maybe YESS!]]>http://www.autobloggreen.com/2009/11/30/will-hydrogen-breakthrough-come-in-the-form-of-a-better-battery/http://www.autobloggreen.com/2009/11/30/will-hydrogen-breakthrough-come-in-the-form-of-a-better-battery/http://www.autobloggreen.com/2009/11/30/will-hydrogen-breakthrough-come-in-the-form-of-a-better-battery/#commentsFiled under: , ,

Wouldn't it be ironic if hydrogen's role in future transportation is not derived from its use in a fuel cell but rather, in a battery. If a recent press release is to be believed then the forthcoming YESS battery (that's "Your Energy Storage Solution") from an outfit called ERRA Incorporated may provide that humorous twist of H2 fate.

It appears the company is planning on launching its own electric car and has decided to re-invent the battery, specifically the nickel hydrogen (NiH2) cell similar to those used in satellites for the past 40 years. They say they have "acquired all rights and patents to a breakthrough battery technology" whose properties are said to include the ability to charge in 15 minutes, be cycled thousands of times and require no maintenance. With a cost said to be similar to lead acid and an energy density equivalent to lithium ion, ERRA believes it has a battery that will "largely displace" other chemistries. If it does manage to successfully maneuver the path from press statement to actual product, be prepared to see the YESS debut in the chassis of a refurbished Solectria Sunrise (specifically, this one). Company CEO Jim Hogarth played a part in the development of that car through his role at Boston Edison in the '90s and has never forgotten its promise of better efficiency through the use of lightweight materials. That presentation may be sooner rather than later as it is being reported that the company could be ready for production within nine months. Hit the break for the press release in its entirety.


[Source: ERRA Inc./ VentureBeat / CleanTech / EV World]

Continue reading Will hydrogen breakthrough come in the form of a better battery? Maybe YESS!

Will hydrogen breakthrough come in the form of a better battery? Maybe YESS! originally appeared on Autoblog Green on Mon, 30 Nov 2009 16:03:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>ERRA IncorporatedErraIncorporatedhydrogenJim HogarthJimHogarthnickel hydrogen batterynickel hydrogen NiH2NickelHydrogenBatteryNickelHydrogenNih2NiH2 batteryNih2BatterySolectria SunriseSolectriaSunriseMon, 30 Nov 2009 16:03:00 EST<![CDATA[Quick Spin: 2011 Chevrolet Volt charges toward production]]>http://www.autobloggreen.com/2009/11/30/2011-chevrolet-volt-quick-spin/http://www.autobloggreen.com/2009/11/30/2011-chevrolet-volt-quick-spin/http://www.autobloggreen.com/2009/11/30/2011-chevrolet-volt-quick-spin/#commentsFiled under: , , ,

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

Three years ago this December we first walked into a Manhattan conference room for a background briefing on a new concept being developed by General Motors for the upcoming Detroit Auto Show. Earlier that year, the release of a documentary called Who Killed the Electric Car made the then largest automaker in the world the subject of some well deserved criticism for its handling of the end of the EV1 program. The movie and announcement of the all-electric Tesla Roadster lit a fire under GM to get back into the plug-in electric vehicle game.

What we saw that day in NYC was a description of a new powertrain architecture then dubbed E-Flex. GM folk on hand that day included vehicle line executive Tony Posawatz and former VP for environmental affairs Beth Lowery. They explained that among the biggest lessons learned from the EV1 program were that range anxiety and lack of practicality would make a car like EV1 nearly impossible to sell in the mass market. The engineers went back to the drawing board to address those issues and came up with the extended range electric vehicle, or ER-EV. The Volt concept was approved for production mere months after it was revealed at the 2007 Detroit Auto Show. At this week's LA Auto Show, GM is publicly showing the production intent version of the Volt. Before that, however, we were among the first to drive a Volt with its range extender running. Read all about it after the jump.



Photos Copyright (C)2009 Sam Abuelsamid / Weblogs, Inc.

Continue reading Quick Spin: 2011 Chevrolet Volt charges toward production

Quick Spin: 2011 Chevrolet Volt charges toward production originally appeared on Autoblog Green on Mon, 30 Nov 2009 12:58:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>2011 chevrolet volt2011ChevroletVoltchevroletchevrolet voltChevroletVoltchevychevy voltChevyVoltfeaturedquick spinQuickSpinvoltMon, 30 Nov 2009 12:58:00 EST<![CDATA[Nissan expects to double battery energy capacity by 2015]]>http://www.autobloggreen.com/2009/11/30/nissan-expects-to-double-energy-capacity-of-battery-by-2015/http://www.autobloggreen.com/2009/11/30/nissan-expects-to-double-energy-capacity-of-battery-by-2015/http://www.autobloggreen.com/2009/11/30/nissan-expects-to-double-energy-capacity-of-battery-by-2015/#commentsFiled under: , ,

2010 Nissan Leaf - Click above for high-res image gallery

If the ranges offered by the upcoming Nissan and Renault electric cars aren't as long as you'd like, you'll be pleased to learn they should double by 2015. Nissan is just about done developing an energy storage cell that has twice the capacity of their current batteries. Focusing their research efforts on the positive electrode, they have added cobalt and nickel to the manganese they already use which yields them a (breathe) lithium nickel manganese cobalt oxide cathode battery or, if you like, NMC for short. This would only be marginally good news if the cost of the new power pack also doubled but we're assured that this is not the case. The manufacturing process is quite similar and the expensive cobalt is used quite sparingly so the outlay should be close to that of their current chemistry. This all fits in with Nissan's electric vehicle introduction strategy.

Nissan isn't the only company developing NMC either. Other battery-makers working with the same materials are said to include Panasonic, Sanyo, Hitachi, GS Yuasa, Samsung, EnerDel, Kokam, Evonik/Litarion, Enax, and Imara. With such a dramatic increase only a few short years away, we can't help but wonder how this may effect attitudes towards battery leasing models in the near term. Relieve our curiosity with your comments after the break.


Gallery: 2010 Nissan LEAF


Gallery: Renault Fluence ZE concept


[Source: Green Car Congress]

Nissan expects to double battery energy capacity by 2015 originally appeared on Autoblog Green on Mon, 30 Nov 2009 11:55:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>batterybetter batteriesBetterBatteriesNissanrange anxietyRangeAnxietyMon, 30 Nov 2009 11:55:00 EST<![CDATA[Monaco gets four Mitsubishi i-MiEVs]]>http://www.autobloggreen.com/2009/11/30/monaco-gets-four-mitsubishi-i-mievs/http://www.autobloggreen.com/2009/11/30/monaco-gets-four-mitsubishi-i-mievs/http://www.autobloggreen.com/2009/11/30/monaco-gets-four-mitsubishi-i-mievs/#commentsFiled under: ,



The Principality of Monaco is best known for Formula One cars screaming through the streets every spring and a harbor full of mega-dollar yachts filled with the beautiful people. When those people head ashore, there's a good chance they will be motoring in something very fast and very expensive. This week, however, instead of high-powered race cars, the area around the Prince's palace was silent as four new cars were delivered by Mitsubishi. Prince Albert II was on hand as officials from the automaker turned over the battery-powered i-MiEVs for a test program. The i-MiEVs will be used by the local post office, electric utility, parking services and the Prince Albert II foundation. The goal is to promote low emissions transportation on the sunny Riviera.

[Source: Mitsubishi]

Continue reading Monaco gets four Mitsubishi i-MiEVs

Monaco gets four Mitsubishi i-MiEVs originally appeared on Autoblog Green on Mon, 30 Nov 2009 09:03:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>mitsubishiMitsubishi i Mievmitsubishi imievMitsubishiIMievmonacomonaco i-mievmonaco imievMonacoI-mievMonacoImievMon, 30 Nov 2009 09:03:00 EST<![CDATA[Zero-emission sowing: farming goes better than carbon neutral in OZ [w/VIDEO]]]>http://www.autobloggreen.com/2009/11/29/zero-emission-sowing-farming-goes-better-than-carbon-neutral-in/http://www.autobloggreen.com/2009/11/29/zero-emission-sowing-farming-goes-better-than-carbon-neutral-in/http://www.autobloggreen.com/2009/11/29/zero-emission-sowing-farming-goes-better-than-carbon-neutral-in/#commentsFiled under: , , ,



Click above to watch the video after the break

Let's see an i-MiEV do this.

Michael Inwood, a farmer in New South Wales, Australia, has converted a Mitsubishi truck to plant crops using nothing but electric power. It gets better. The car is charged using renewable energy (wind and sun) and the farming method he uses, called Pasture Cropping and No Kill Cropping, doesn't use fertilizers or chemicals. It also returns biomass to the earth, sequestering the carbon trapped within, and is therefore better than carbon neutral. The truck uses 45 lead acid batteries (we think) to generate 200 hp, 150 kW, and 100 nm of torque. Plenty to pull the farm equipment. The truck cost $40,000 AUS to convert, but Inwood thinks that it makes sense for his family wool and grain farm. After all, he says that, "You could arguably say this is the most environmentally friendly vehicle in the world."
Watch a video on the project here and another one after the jump. Thanks to Michael I. for the tip!

[Source: YouTube, AgrowPlow]

Continue reading Zero-emission sowing: farming goes better than carbon neutral in OZ [w/VIDEO]

Zero-emission sowing: farming goes better than carbon neutral in OZ [w/VIDEO] originally appeared on Autoblog Green on Sun, 29 Nov 2009 18:17:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Read | Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>carbon neutral farmingcarbon sequestrationcarbon sequestration farmingCarbonNeutralFarmingCarbonSequestrationCarbonSequestrationFarmingSun, 29 Nov 2009 18:17:00 EST<![CDATA[EnerDel gets ready for the smart grid with one-megawatt systems in Oregon]]>http://www.autobloggreen.com/2009/11/29/enerdel-gets-ready-for-the-smart-grid-with-one-megawatt-systems/http://www.autobloggreen.com/2009/11/29/enerdel-gets-ready-for-the-smart-grid-with-one-megawatt-systems/http://www.autobloggreen.com/2009/11/29/enerdel-gets-ready-for-the-smart-grid-with-one-megawatt-systems/#commentsFiled under:

EnerDel Th!nk City - Click above for high-res image gallery

Indianapolis-based battery maker EnerDel is tied closely to the Th!nk electric car company - which has yet to bring the car to the U.S. market - but they're also looking beyond the next generation of plug-in electric vehicles. EnerDel has announced a new partnership with Smart Grid Leader and the U.S. Department of Energy to use EnerDel batteries in five separate one-megawatt power system out in Portland, Oregon that can supply energy to up to 400 homes for an hour during peak load times. The batteries in the system will use the same core chemistry that is used the EnerDel's batteries "designed for the emerging new generation of plug-in hybrid electric vehicles." This is the second time we're hearing about this PHEV system (first mentioned here), but we still don't know details about which company EnerDel is working with. We like that EnerDel is testing the same chemistry in cars and home power storage, since it's almost a given that the big packs from plug-in cars will be used to stabilize the grid once they've served their vehicular purpose.

Gallery: EDTA 2008: Ener1 Th!nk City


[Source: EnerDel]

Continue reading EnerDel gets ready for the smart grid with one-megawatt systems in Oregon

EnerDel gets ready for the smart grid with one-megawatt systems in Oregon originally appeared on Autoblog Green on Sun, 29 Nov 2009 15:27:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>ener1Ener1 Incener1 thinkEner1IncEner1Thinkenerdel batteryEnerdelBatteryenerdellSun, 29 Nov 2009 15:27:00 EST<![CDATA[Speak No Evil: Latest Aptera newsletter stays mum about company turmoil]]>http://www.autobloggreen.com/2009/11/28/speak-no-evil-latest-aptera-newsletter-stays-mum-about-company/http://www.autobloggreen.com/2009/11/28/speak-no-evil-latest-aptera-newsletter-stays-mum-about-company/http://www.autobloggreen.com/2009/11/28/speak-no-evil-latest-aptera-newsletter-stays-mum-about-company/#commentsFiled under: , ,

Aptera 2e final design rendering - Click above to enlarge

Aptera Motors has been in the news recently because there's been a lot of trouble behind the scenes, with company founder Steve Fambro being let go and the vehicle being pushed back to 2010. The latest company email newsletter is out and it mentions three items:
  1. An Aptera 2e that was on display at the Reliant Football Stadium in Houston, Texas for the Texan/Titans game five days ago.
  2. That the company is resubmitting its application to the DOE, now that three-wheelers can be considered.
  3. Some information on "Aptera's Beach Body" and the evolution of the 2-series composite body.
Can you see what's missing? The official website, too, doesn't mention the trouble. We can understand that the company doesn't want to spend all of its communication bandwidth on problems it is having, but to not acknowledge them in any way gives off a bad feeling. Combine this with what we've heard (but haven't proved) about the Aptera website's RSS news feed being recoded to reduce the number of stories that show up about the troubles, and it's not exactly looking transparent over at there. Here's hoping for a bit more sunlight. Thanks to Richard H. for the tip!

[Source: Aptera]

Speak No Evil: Latest Aptera newsletter stays mum about company turmoil originally appeared on Autoblog Green on Sat, 28 Nov 2009 18:09:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>apteraaptera 2eaptera motorsAptera2eApteraMotorsSat, 28 Nov 2009 18:09:00 EST<![CDATA[Vectrix lives again, has lithium future]]>http://www.autobloggreen.com/2009/11/28/vectrix-lives-again-has-lithium-future/http://www.autobloggreen.com/2009/11/28/vectrix-lives-again-has-lithium-future/http://www.autobloggreen.com/2009/11/28/vectrix-lives-again-has-lithium-future/#commentsFiled under: ,


Vectrix VX-1 - Click above for high-res image gallery

It appears that Vectrix has just about sorted itself out and could soon officially declare itself out of bankruptcy and on the straight and narrow lithium-lined path. According to a press release we found reproduced on the V is for Voltage forum (but could not find on the websites of the companies involved) GoldPeak Batteries has scooped up "New Vectrix" and changed its name to back to its original Vectrix Corporation. The new owners had a partial stake in the company previously and were, indeed, the supplier of their nickel-metal hydride (NiMH) battery. If things proceed as hoped, the new company should have a bright, lithium-powered future.

If you haven't figured it out yet (dude, you're slow!), the Vectrixes of the future will come will a lithium iron phosphate (LiFePo4) battery that should improve range and eliminate some of the problems buyers have had with the original chemistry. There have been reports of problems balancing voltages within the cells and shortened range and battery life due to operation in high ambient temperatures. Not only will the new machines be packing lithium power but the company hopes to offer an upgrade kit for existing bikes. Product lineup plans for 2010 have also been clarified with the VX-1 getting something of a makeover and two smaller models in the works. Like their larger sibling, the new runabouts will also have lithium batteries and be the electric equivalents of a 50 cc and 150 cc scooter. We now await the official announcement from Vectrix and will also seek to learn whether there is any truth to a rumor about a possible TTXGP appearance from the re-born company. Purported press release after the break.


Gallery: Vectrix Electric Scooter


[Source: V is For Voltage]

Continue reading Vectrix lives again, has lithium future

Vectrix lives again, has lithium future originally appeared on Autoblog Green on Sat, 28 Nov 2009 09:06:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>electric scooterElectricScooterEVB TechnologyEvbTechnologyGoldPeak BatteriesGoldpeakBatteriesGP BatteriesGpBatteriesmaxi scooterMaxiScooterVectrixSat, 28 Nov 2009 09:06:00 EST<![CDATA[Mazda2 to be basis of electric vehicle test fleet]]>http://www.autobloggreen.com/2009/11/27/mazda2-to-be-basis-of-electric-vehicle-test-fleet/http://www.autobloggreen.com/2009/11/27/mazda2-to-be-basis-of-electric-vehicle-test-fleet/http://www.autobloggreen.com/2009/11/27/mazda2-to-be-basis-of-electric-vehicle-test-fleet/#commentsFiled under: ,


2010 Mazda2 (Thailand-spec) - Click above for high-res image gallery

Until now, Mazda's most notable alternative fuel programs have been the hydrogen-powered Wankel rotaries currently being used in an RX-8 test fleet. The "Zoom-Zoom" automaker has acknowledged plans to build new hybrid-powered vehicles in the coming years, but to date has avoided the battery electric vehicle arena.

That is about to change thanks to a newly-announced partnership with Itochu Corporation and Tsukuba City. Mazda and Itochu will convert three Demios (known as the Mazda2 outside of Japan) to plug-in battery power. Besides just testing the electric drives, the program will also test car sharing services using the EVs as well as using renewable energy to charge the vehicles. The program will also evaluate battery reuse programs that put used EV energy systems into use in fixed applications. The test program will launch in March 2010.



[Source: Mazda]

Continue reading Mazda2 to be basis of electric vehicle test fleet

Mazda2 to be basis of electric vehicle test fleet originally appeared on Autoblog Green on Fri, 27 Nov 2009 16:13:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>mazdaMazda 2Mazda Demiomazda demio evmazda evmazda2MazdaDemioMazdaDemioEvMazdaEvFri, 27 Nov 2009 16:13:00 EST<![CDATA[VIDEO: Watch live as ABG goes for a first drive in the Chevy Volt this Sunday!]]>http://www.autobloggreen.com/2009/11/27/video-watch-live-as-abg-goes-for-a-first-drive-in-the-chevy-vol/http://www.autobloggreen.com/2009/11/27/video-watch-live-as-abg-goes-for-a-first-drive-in-the-chevy-vol/http://www.autobloggreen.com/2009/11/27/video-watch-live-as-abg-goes-for-a-first-drive-in-the-chevy-vol/#commentsFiled under: , , ,

Chevy Volts on 1,200 mile drive - Click above for high-res image gallery

Here at ABG, we've been tracking the progress of the Chevrolet Volt since before the concept debuted in January 2007. Along the way we've spent plenty of time with various members of the Volt team and last spring we were among the first to drive the Cruze-based powertrain development mule. Later in August, we got take a ride in one of the pre-production prototypes with global chief engineer Frank Weber. As we head into next week's Los Angeles Auto Show, GM has crossed another threshold by allowing selected members of the media actually drive the IVER prototypes with the range extender mode enabled. We will get our own chance to drive on Sunday afternoon at 3 p.m. PST and we'll be doing some live streaming of the event thanks to Ustream and our snazzy new Droid phone. Join us on Sunday and ride along. Watch my twitter feed @samabuelsamid for updates on what's happening.

Gallery: Chevrolet Volt 65% drive

Continue reading VIDEO: Watch live as ABG goes for a first drive in the Chevy Volt this Sunday!

VIDEO: Watch live as ABG goes for a first drive in the Chevy Volt this Sunday! originally appeared on Autoblog Green on Fri, 27 Nov 2009 14:12:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>chevroletChevrolet VoltChevroletVoltchevychevy voltChevy-VoltChevyVoltfeaturefeaturedfeaturedvideofirst driveFirstDrivelive streamlive streaminglive streaming videoLiveStreamLiveStreamingLiveStreamingVideoustreamFri, 27 Nov 2009 14:12:00 EST<![CDATA[VIDEO: Wet Liberal rants about Top Gear, electric cars and hydrogen]]>http://www.autobloggreen.com/2009/11/27/video-wet-liberal-rants-about-top-gear-electric-cars-and-hydro/http://www.autobloggreen.com/2009/11/27/video-wet-liberal-rants-about-top-gear-electric-cars-and-hydro/http://www.autobloggreen.com/2009/11/27/video-wet-liberal-rants-about-top-gear-electric-cars-and-hydro/#commentsFiled under: , ,


Wet Liberal rants - Click above to watch the video after the break

Most of the time, Robert Llewellyn is a seemingly well-adjusted comedic actor with a concern for environmental issues who currently hosts a web-based show called Carpool, where he drives about in a hybrid or electric car whilst talking with a very interesting person. Occasionally though, the pressures of life bear down on him and to remove certain issues from off his chest, he becomes the "Wet Liberal" (defined by Llewellyn a someone who "inhabits the flippy floppy central area" between the political left and right, where he reckons most people actually reside) and speaks his truth directly to the camera sans car and sans guest.

This latest episode begins with the disclosure that he has been given a car. Well, several cars apparently, but the most recent and pertinent one being an i MiEV which Mitsubishi has agreed to let him have for a year, ostensibly for the purposes of an upcoming project. (Dear Mitsubishi, We are anxiously awaiting an i MiEV for an extended stay in the AutoblogGreen Garage. Specifically, the garage of our southeastern branch office. In left-hand-drive please.) From there, the soliloquy turns to the latest electric-car edition of Top Gear which, naturally, leads to a discussion of hydrogen and why its promotion as the fuel of the future is an oil company ploy. While we can't speak to veracity of all his claims, we can recommend sitting back for nine and a half minutes of the Wet Liberal amusement that awaits you after the jump.


[Source: YouTube via Tesla Motors Club]

Continue reading VIDEO: Wet Liberal rants about Top Gear, electric cars and hydrogen

VIDEO: Wet Liberal rants about Top Gear, electric cars and hydrogen originally appeared on Autoblog Green on Fri, 27 Nov 2009 11:07:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>conspiracyhydrogenhydrogen conspiracyHydrogenConspiracyRobert LlewellynRobertLlewellynWet LiberalWetLiberalFri, 27 Nov 2009 11:07:00 EST<![CDATA[Mainland Chinese automakers look to Taiwan for EV expertise]]>http://www.autobloggreen.com/2009/11/26/mainland-chinese-automakers-look-to-taiwan-for-ev-expertise/http://www.autobloggreen.com/2009/11/26/mainland-chinese-automakers-look-to-taiwan-for-ev-expertise/http://www.autobloggreen.com/2009/11/26/mainland-chinese-automakers-look-to-taiwan-for-ev-expertise/#commentsFiled under: , , ,



More electric car news from Taiwan. Two Chinese automakers are ready to develop and sell electric cars there. Chery, for instance, has announced the creation of an R&D center in the upcoming "Green Energy Intelligent Vehicle Innovation Park (EV Park)" in central Taiwan. This would give Chery access to Taiwan's EV technology. Geely Auto has announced sales in Taiwan of the electric version of the Panda model (pictured above) thanks to Yulon Motor Co, which would develop the EV with lithium-ion batteries. The model, to be ready for 2011, will be sold under Yulon Motor's Tobe brand.

[Source: Gasgoo and Gasgoo]

Mainland Chinese automakers look to Taiwan for EV expertise originally appeared on Autoblog Green on Thu, 26 Nov 2009 15:24:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Read | Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>cherychina-taiwangeelytaiwantobeyulonThu, 26 Nov 2009 15:24:00 EST<![CDATA[Chinese government sets ambitious battery production goals]]>http://www.autobloggreen.com/2009/11/26/chinese-government-sets-ambitious-battery-production-goals/http://www.autobloggreen.com/2009/11/26/chinese-government-sets-ambitious-battery-production-goals/http://www.autobloggreen.com/2009/11/26/chinese-government-sets-ambitious-battery-production-goals/#commentsFiled under: , ,


2009 BYD F3DM - Click above for high-res image gallery

New regulations for the production of batteries, both nickel-hydrogen and lithium-ion, have been submitted to China's State Council, according to Wang Shulin, a National Development and Reform Commission (NDRC)'s expert. China's current production figures for batteries are expected to exceed 140,000 kWh (nickel) and 900,000 kWh (lithium) by the end of this year. These figures are expected to reach 360,000 kWh and 4 million kWh, respectively, for 2010. Bearing in mind that an average EV might use a 30 kWh battery (see some examples here), up to 150,000 EVs could be powered by these new packs. Still, the NDRC predicts there will be 100,000 electric cars by 2012 and 4 million in 2020.

Gallery: 2009 BYD F3DM plug-in hybrid


[Source: Gasgoo]

Chinese government sets ambitious battery production goals originally appeared on Autoblog Green on Thu, 26 Nov 2009 12:02:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Read | Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>battery productionBatteryProductionchina battery production figureschina battery production previsionsChinaBatteryProductionFiguresChinaBatteryProductionPrevisionsNational Development and Reform CommissionNationalDevelopmentAndReformCommissionnrdcThu, 26 Nov 2009 12:02:00 EST<![CDATA[Renault-Nissan creates partnership for deploying EVs in China]]>http://www.autobloggreen.com/2009/11/26/renault-nissan-creates-partnership-for-deploying-evs-in-china/http://www.autobloggreen.com/2009/11/26/renault-nissan-creates-partnership-for-deploying-evs-in-china/http://www.autobloggreen.com/2009/11/26/renault-nissan-creates-partnership-for-deploying-evs-in-china/#commentsFiled under: , , ,


2010 Nissan Leaf - Click above for high-res image gallery

The latest city to join the long list of more than 30 cities and governments that have signed an agreement with Renault-Nissan is Guangzhou, a large city formerly known as Canton. Nissan's partner in China, Dongfeng, will work with the municipality to have electric cars available to customers and to create a charging network for these vehicles to use. The first cars are expected to be delivered as soon as 2011. Nothing was mentioned as to which electric model would be produced for the local market, although it's almost guaranteed to be one of the electric concepts shown at Frankfurt or the Nissan Leaf.

Gallery: 2010 Nissan LEAF


[Source: Gasgoo]

Renault-Nissan creates partnership for deploying EVs in China originally appeared on Autoblog Green on Thu, 26 Nov 2009 08:46:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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The next-generation Smart Ed, which just started production in France this week, is out and about on the streets of Berlin being filmed for some sort of promotional video, we think. Treehugger spotted the little all-electric city car zipping around the famous Siegessäule (victory column) landmark with a lens pointed at it. Berlin is home to other electric vehicles, including the Mini E and the first-gen Smart Ed.

In other Smart news, the Visionaire 57 plug-in calendar is now available. Designed to promote the Smart Ed, the calendar is limited to 4,000 copies and sells for $295.

[Source: Treehugger]


Continue reading Electric Smart Fortwo gets shot in Berlin

Electric Smart Fortwo gets shot in Berlin originally appeared on Autoblog Green on Wed, 25 Nov 2009 19:05:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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Venturi and PSA Peugeot Citroën teamed up to build an electric version of the Berlingo a while back and, as they move to finally commercialize the vehicle early next year, they are sending a special version out on a little Shanghai to Paris roadtrip. The 8,326 mile (13,400 km) course was chosen as a homage to André Citroën, who completed the reverse route back in 1932. Last weekend, Venturi presented its car and team to Prince Albert II of Monaco, whose Foundation is one of the trip sponsors and whose personal collection is home to a Citroën Kégresse that completed the original "Croisiere Jaune" (Yellow Cruise).

As well as demonstrating the reliability and energy effectiveness of the platform, the voyage is also being seen as a record-setting attempt of the longest distance traveled in a production electric vehicle. The Berlingo First is not exactly "spec" though as its Zebra (NaNiCl) battery can store 70.5 kWh. That's three times as much juice as the ones currently being tested by La Poste, France's national mail service. The bolstered battery is expected to get the small van 220 to 250 miles (350 to 400 Km) on a charge and is said to be able to charge to 80 percent of its capacity in 5 hours with 200V / 16 amp service. From when it leaves the Pavilion of Monaco at the Shanghai China 2010 Expo until it arrives it Paris around the end of July, the expedition will be filmed for our eventual viewing pleasure. With the passage of time and the development of infrastructure and technology, this junket is bound to be vastly different from the original, a short bonus clip of which awaits you after the break. Thanks to EV31 for the tip!


[Source: Venturi]

Continue reading Venturi to send electric Berlingo First on Shanghai to Paris record-setting roadtrip

Venturi to send electric Berlingo First on Shanghai to Paris record-setting roadtrip originally appeared on Autoblog Green on Wed, 25 Nov 2009 16:03:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>Berlingo FirstBerlingoFirstCitroën BerlingoCitroënBerlingoCroisiere JauneCroisiereJaunePSA Peugeot CitroënPsaPeugeotCitroënShanghai to ParisShanghaiToParisVenturiWed, 25 Nov 2009 16:03:00 EST<![CDATA[VIDEO: Chevrolet Volt tests driver controlled audio warning system with the blind]]>http://www.autobloggreen.com/2009/11/25/video-chevrolet-volt-tests-driver-controlled-audio-warning-syst/http://www.autobloggreen.com/2009/11/25/video-chevrolet-volt-tests-driver-controlled-audio-warning-syst/http://www.autobloggreen.com/2009/11/25/video-chevrolet-volt-tests-driver-controlled-audio-warning-syst/#commentsFiled under: , ,



As the popularity of hybrids has grown over the last few years, advocates for the blind have been raising a red flag about noise, or - more to the point - the lack of it. Because electric-drive vehicles emit much lower levels of sound on the street, blind pedestrians who've relied on the noise emitted from traditional vehicles lose a major source of information when navigating the streets and sidewalks.

There have been movements in various legislatures to mandate some minimum sound level from electric vehicles to ensure that blind pedestrians can tell when they're approaching, and General Motors recently conducted a test session at its Milford Proving Grounds with a group of the visually-challenged to assess the audible warning systems on the Chevrolet Volt.

The engineers have employed the car's horn to emit a series of warning chirps when a pedestrian is in proximity to GM's gas-electric hybrid, evaluating the nature and level of the warnings to alert pedestrians rather than startle them. GM spokesman Rob Peterson tells us that on the first generation Volt the warnings will be manually activated by the driver, although future iterations are likely to incorporate some sort of active system. Currently, the biggest hurdle is developing an active system that can distinguish a pedestrian from another vehicle. Otherwise, without a reliable detection system, the horns would be going off at all times, increasing noise levels and making it largely useless. Watch a video of the system after the jump.

[Source: ChevroletVoltage.com]

Continue reading VIDEO: Chevrolet Volt tests driver controlled audio warning system with the blind

VIDEO: Chevrolet Volt tests driver controlled audio warning system with the blind originally appeared on Autoblog Green on Wed, 25 Nov 2009 14:59:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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Tesla Roadster - Click above for high-res image gallery

We recently asked if the Tesla IPO is for you, and the results of that poll are about even. Just over half of you (51.4 percent as of this writing) think that investing in the electric car start-up is a good idea. Over at Businessweek, our friend Josie Garthwaite looks at how a Tesla IPO fits into the venture capital and green scenes. If it happens, it'll be the first automaker to go public since Ford did so a half-century ago, and it comes at an interesting time in the markets. The short version is that "public offerings now serve more as "financing events" for alternative energy and other cleantech startups, rather than as a way for investors and founders to cash in on equity." After more than $200 million in financing and $465 million in DOE low-interest loans, raising money from an IPO is a logical step.

To compare, A123's recent IPO had a great opening but then came back down. Garthwaite says that A123's venture capital investors averaged a four-fold return on their money, which isn't at all bad in today's economy, but doesn't come close to the returns of the dot com era (isn't this sort of a good thing, given "irrational exuberance" and all that?).

As for what the Tesla shares might be worth or how many there are, read this, and do some research before investing anything.

[Source: Businessweek]

REPORT: Tesla IPO could be more a financing event than a way to cash out originally appeared on Autoblog Green on Wed, 25 Nov 2009 11:58:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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